***3rd person Pov***

After having a new mission of helping Taiju become a better person, Takemichi decided to talk to Yuzuha to give her some enlightening words. They stepped outside the house, leaving the boys inside. Yuzuha was anxious and wanted to stay by his side but 'Akemi' assured her that their old brother won't do anything bad.

" So what is it that you wanted to talk about, Akemi?" Yuzuha first asked with Akemi leaning on the wall.

" Hakkai told me about the abuse and you protecting him, is it true?" Yuzuha stayed quiet. She doesn't know whether or not should she answer or state a question back.

" I—"

"It's fine Yuzuha-san for I am here to help you. So, please be honest with me and if you wanted to remove the burden then go ahead and tell me... I'll be here to comfort you." Akemi held out her hands and the same from Taiju's perspective reminded her of their mom.

She wondered to herself if their mom sent a guardian angel, cause there's one in front of her now.

Yuzuha opened her mouth to tell her pain and how much she misses their mother dearly. Takemichi with open arms, embraced her while listening to her ramblings. It still pains her to see them endure the pain, especially at such an early age. The ramblings continued and unbeknown to the middle Shiba are two figures watching them in the background.

Seeing their sister cry is heartbreaking for them, Taiju especially as his eyes finally opened with guilt surrounding him. Hakkai however, felt like crying again despite trying to wipe away the tears streaming on his face. Reminiscing the times she protected her from their brother's beatings, even taking double hits or when she had to comfort him after another abuse.

Hakkai wanted to be angry at his brother but stop after seeing him cry for the first time. His eyes softened and felt the urge to say something, so he did.

" Brother..." Taiju turned and was met by his scared little brother.

Fear surrounded the youngest sibling though he was able to try and compose himself and opening his mouth to speak.

" Are you going to hit us?" Hakkai couldn't take it anymore and quickly went on defence mode, waiting for a fist to come in contact but nothing happened. He opened his eyes when he felt a hand on his head, looking at his brother to see him smiling? Huh? And when was the last time he gave a genuine one too?

" No, Hakkai. I won't." He was shocked to see his brother change as he wasn't used to it but then again, this is what he wanted. A brother who's taking the role as a great older sibling, like his idols Yuzuha and Take-chan.

" Can I hug you?"

"..."

" Uh..."

Both were in shock at the sudden request, mainly Hakkai who covered his mouth in shame. He was going to apologize only to his brother embracing, sharing the warmth that felt safe...

" You don't have to be scared Hakkai."

Hakkai felt like crying again, his words were genuine too and the fact that he is hugging him tightly tells that his regretted his actions. Though he didn't want to forgive him, just yet.

" Ok..." That's all he said, accepting the embrace. With them hugging each other, two figures are watching them too.

" See. There's nothing to be scared Yu-chan." Akemi assured with a smile though she was ignored by the Middle Shiba, who continued to watch the scene in front of her.

She couldn't believe it, they're finally getting along. Is this a dream? Is she dreaming, even though part of her rejoiced?

" You can join them if you wanted to. You're part of their family too, don't get left behind there Yu-chan. Go!" Without a warning, Akemi pushed her out of their hiding spot. Soon enough, she made contact with her brothers.

" I- Uh... Do-Don't leave me behind!" She blurted out then pounced on them, making them fall. They laughed and embraced each other not bothered that they're sitting on the ground.

Akemi in the background watched with a victorious smile on her face. Finally, she was able to fix the problem without casualties. The scenario in front of her reduced the migraine she's feeling. She'll have to buy some painkillers after this.

' Another problem solved, now who's next?'

————

" Will we see each other again, Akemi-chan?" Asked Yuzuha while accompanying Akemi to their front house alongside her brothers. They all had frown expressions, obviously not wanting for her to leave them.

" You can stay if you wanted to..." Offered the youngest while grabbing her hands, never wanting to let go. Akemi gave a small laugh admiring their dork side.

' They are so adorable!' Her 26-year old mental self exclaimed.

" Don't worry, Yu-chan, We will. Thanks for the offer Akai-kun but there are some things I need to do. Next time, till we meet again." She was going to let go but Hakkai gripped her hands tighter but his brother stopped him.

" Of course Akemi, till we meet again," Taiju said while continuing restraining his little brother.

Takemichi smiled as she started to walk away, waving goodbye at the Shibas with them waving back, except Hakkai who's sulking like a puppy. Hakkai's always so adorable and it shall live in her mind rent-free.

" PLEASE MARRY ME WHEN WE MEET AGAIN!"

" HAKKAI!"

( Kakucho somewhere: There's a disturbance here... but where?)

Takemichi stopped to see Hakkai on the ground with his siblings restraining him. Shocked at what he said, mainly because it reminded her of that time with Kaku-chan.

' I, Takemichi Hanagaki, promised to marry you when we are older and shall always be by your side forever!'

She smiled bitterly for remembering that, as it was giving her deja vu.

Takemichi shooked her head, mildly embarrassed cause of how much of a dork she was back then.

' I wonder if I could find him... I do miss him.'

——Meanwhile——

Once Akemi left the Shiba residence, the siblings let go of their youngest. Yuzuha then gave a hard flick on Hakkai's forehead, making him wince in pain.

" Oww! What was that for?!"

" Idiot! The hell did you just blurt to her?! Marrying her, seriously?!" Not like Yuzuha could deny, she too wanted it but when Hakkai just blurted it out got her mind blank.

" I said what I said..." Hakkai poute still holding the pain on his forehead.

" Besides, I like her..." Declared their youngest.

" ..."

" Excuse me?"

" What do you mean by that?"

He didn't know what made his sibling act as if he said something ridiculous. Fully unaware that his siblings also love her.

" I like her. Besides, it's not like you gu—" Hakkai noticed his siblings' reaction, which confused him till it finally clicked on his mind.

" Wait... Do you... LIKE HER TOO?!" No answer to his outburst, only flustered faces.

Dinner arrived and the Shibas sat down to eat. The silence was awkward and their youngest sulked while dropping a chicken nugget.

————

" Achoo!" Takemichi sneezed out loud once she returned home. Suddenly, she felt a chill down her spine.

" What's with this constant deja vu feeling?"

*** End Of Chapter***

Kakucho's going to kill me for this...
🙃🙃

Anyways... Who knows Takemichi.

Anyways... thank you all for the 368 views and 41 votes. 🙏

May you all have a wonderful day as always and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.