The Ludicrous Escapade Pt.4

Tour Time

After Gappy successfully kept his hat from the maid, who had tried to wrestle it away from him for the picture, the family had pretty much gathered together.

You and Yasuho had retreated to the corner, not wanting to intrude. The two of you talked while Norisuke kept trying to more properly organize everyone for the photo.

"Are you planning to do a DNA test for Gappy and Yoshikage?" You asked. "I... saw you take a few pieces of Yoshikage's hair."

The pinkette hesitated but eventually nodded. "Yeah. I was just wondering if they're related or something, y'know? I think I have enough saved up to pay for the test."

"Don't worry about that." It was good thing you had talked to her before she went through with it. "I already have someone comparing their DNA. I can just have them send a copy of the results to you." You didn't need her spending her hard earned money on something you could easily take care of yourself.

She was about to protest, but eventually gave in. It wasn't something worth arguing about.

"Joshu, go on the end." Ordered Norisuke, still directing everyone into their positions. "I want Josuke in the center."

"Huh? You're kidding, right?" Whined Joshu. "I'm always the one in the center when we take photoooos!"

"Starting today, he's part of our family. So Josuke is in the center of this commemorative photo." Norisuke cheerfully replied.

"Then where do I go?" Joshu hadn't exactly been paying attention the first time.

"I told you! On the end!" He snapped, annoyed that his son wouldn't just do what he was told. "Hurry and get next to Hato!"

You and Yasuho now silently observed. You were starting to get the feeling that Joshu wasn't even liked all that much by his own father.

"B-But the center's been my spot ever since I was little... I've always been next to you dad, haven't I?" The guy didn't want to be knocked any further down the totem pole. It's like he was on the verge of being replaced by this random guy who showed up out of nowhere. "Can't I just stay?"

"Geez, you're being such a pain! Just go to the end!" Norisuke then directed his attention to the maid. "Nijimura, you squeeze in, too. I'm gonna set it off to go automatically. Here... we... go-" He stopped as Josuke cut away from the group.

Josuke grabbed you and Yasuho by the hand, leading you both over without a word.

"That's okay. I don't need to be in it." Yasuho didn't want to butt in on a photo meant for the Higashikata family.

You personally didn't care much either way. It was up to Norisuke to decide. Since he wasn't complaining, you wouldn't, either.

"It's okay." Hato scooted over so there could be more room. "Just join in."

"Mmf!" Joshu was leaning forward, glaring at Josuke who was still holding onto the hands of you and Yasuho. "Shit..." Who did this guy think he was, waltzing around with two girls? Was he some kind of player?

"Okay, I'm pushing the button!" Norisuke had regained his cheery demeanor. "Here we goooo!"

"Ugh..." If he couldn't be happy, Joshu thought it best to just ruin the whole thing for everyone. "Hey... dad. Ya know, big brother isn't here."

"What? Jobin isn't here?" Norisuke looked around, only to find that his eldest son was, indeed, nowhere in sight.

"He stepped out just a little while ago." Explained the maid.

Norisuke stood there for a second before slinging the tripod over his shoulder and heading into the house. "Then forget the photo. You really can't have a photo without the eldest son."