Nyanko da! (ft Natsume): A Brothers Conflict Fanfic

Chapter 25: Rely On Your Older Siblings More

Lunch ends rather uneventfully, excluding Ema's relief that she wasn't the only one worried about change or moving out of Sunrise Residence. I'm not sure if the entire matter is resolved, but like a famous guy once said: Rome isn't built in a day. It will probably take some time for Ema to be more comfortable with all the changes happening now and to come. 

We spend the rest of lunch talking about all the changes that have changed since earlier on. 

And by that I mean Ema and Natsume talk about their family, in which Ema gives updates on all the brothers living at home, and I try to throw in a comment or two about the events I was around for.

I still feel a bit left out, but I'm not too bothered about it since I'd been reluctant to come here in the first place; I was originally only here as moral support, and later on for the food once Natsume flipped into therapy-mode.

I'm convinced that he might be the most mature of the triplets. This might owe to Natsume having lived away from his family home for many years, or his being in his mid-twenties with plenty more life experience than Ema and me.

Perhaps Azusa could give some honest advice about life, but he still lives at Sunrise Residence, surrounded by brothers who, although go through many changes, are still together under one roof. I also haven't talked to him enough to know what he's really like. 

As for Tsubaki... I don't think I need to explain my thoughts on Tsubaki.

At the end of lunch Natsume beats us to the counter and offers to pay for the meal. Ema and I spent a good couple of minutes insisting that we're okay to pay for our own meal and drinks, but Natsume stuffs his hands in his pockets and drops the best onii-san line I've ever heard:

"What kind of brother would I be if I made my little sister and her friend (who are both students) pay for their own meals?"

If Ukyo is the best pseudo-mom/husband then Natsume is the best big brother!

"If you're that sure," I say, trying not to let my frugality show. Not to boast my circumstances, but between Ema and me, I'm glad to save even a little extra to put toward rent. I'm not even paying rent at Sunrise Residence (courtesy of Masaomi, who insists that they'd do the same for everyone—he must be the best pseudo-dad!), but I feel bad about not being able to do more aside from helping with the cooking. The sooner I find a place and move out, the less guilty I'll feel about imposing on Ema and her family. They've done more than enough for me already.

Outside the cafe Ema and I wave goodbye to the cats in the window. Natsume joins us shortly after and checks his phone. He has to return to his office now that lunch is over.

"This was fun. Thanks for inviting me," he says.

"Thank you for meeting with us," Ema returns. "I'm sorry if I bothered you out of the blue."

"It's no problem at all. You're not bothering or burdening me," Natsume assures her. "Remember, you're family, and I'll always help family no matter what."

Ema smiles. "Arigatou."

I look up from the cafe window, catching a glimpse of the look that passes between them. I'm beginning to get the impression that Ema gets along with Natsume super well, possibly more so than her other brothers. 

On the surface this makes perfect sense, since he's living away from home and is thus removed from the centre of a lot of conflicts in the house. Natsume would be able to offer an outside perspective, and his own experiences align with what Ema must be feeling right now.

Saying my last goodbyes to the cats, I stand and stretch my back.

"Thank you for meeting with us, Natsume-san," I say. "And thank you so much for lunch. I'm definitely coming back here again." I pat my stomach heartily. "Next time we'll treat you."