Soaring Conflicts(Brothers Conflict Love Story)

Jealousy Part 4

Keiko's POV
When I returned, dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a loose gold tank top with ruffles at the front, both boys were in a intense stare off. I hastily crept up behind Raiden who had himself comfortably seated backwards on a swivel chair, his legs on wither side and his arms crossed atop the back of the seat.
"Boo!" I shouted as I tickled his sides. To my utmost delight he let out a high pitched squeal and fell onto the floor in surprise. I nearly followed suit as I tried to contain my laughter. "Y-You're reaction! Priceless!"
Raiden stood with a grumble, not too happy with me whilst Iori seemed to enjoy it. Glad to have someone on my side. I turned to my welcome ally. "So...I'm ready to go when you are, Onii-chan."
"We can head out now if you'd like then." He replied.
"Works for me!" I beam and loop my arm with Iori's, not taking note of the tenth son's small blush. Grabbing my jacket off the back of a chair as I pass it. It was later December after all.
"Wait! Kei-chan!" Raiden rushed to say, standing in front of me. "You almost forgot. I brought this back for you from my last trip." He held out a simply soft cream coloured scarf to me, tag still attached.
I smirked and took it noticing it's rather long size and the details of the tag. "Oh yes you went through such an effort seeing as this is a man's scarf and bought right here in town."
Raiden paled. "Uh..."
I giggled and wrapped it around my neck. "Thank you Rai-kun. I love it."
Raiden immediately perked up puffing out his chest proudly. "Well of course you do, since your magnificent Senpai and boss bought it for you."
"Don't go pushing your luck now." I chirped and guided Iori past him, taking a moment to slide on my black coat, Iori watching me all this time.
"Is...he always like that? Your boss?" Iori managed to ask as he held open the door for me. I looked at Iori in momentary surprise.
"Mm well I guess so. Raiden has always been like that though, he's definitely eccentric and I consider him a great friend. He's helped me through a lot..." I smiled to myself thinking back. "I don't know where I'd be without him."
Iori's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded in acknowledgment. "I see, I'm glad you have a friend like that Keiko."
I grinned and turned so I faced him as I walked backwards a skip in my step. "And now I have thirteen brothers as well!"
He smiled at that. "I'm always here for you."
I smile warmly at him. "As am I-" I was cut short as I tripped over my own feet, squeezing my eyes shut instinctively as I prepared to fall backwards but find myself pulled forward by someone's hand catching my arm and jerking me forward into something warm. Opening my pale green eyes, I look up to meet the concerned gaze of Iori's soft hazel ones, my body flush against his.
"Are you alright, Keiko?" He asks, his one arm around gently encircling my waist and the other clasped around my forearm as if I still need his support, I find myself not complaining despite the uncharacteristic fast pace of my heart. Odd.
I nod quickly. "Uh yeah, I'm fine, um great even." I babble slightly, not breaking eye contact.
He slowly smiles relieved. "I'm glad, but in future perhaps you shouldn't walk backwards please."
I smile crookedly. "No promises, but uh you can let go of me Iori, I think I can manage now." He blinks at my words releasing me quickly as if he hadn't been fully aware of our proximity before, a soft blush adorns his cheeks.
"My apologies."
"It's okay!" I claps my hands behind me and start to walk again. "But thank you for catching me Onii-chan!"
"Your welcome..." He replies softly as he begins to match my pace.

A/N: Fuck it. Here's half of the next chapter. I'm facing some serious challenges, I have most of the plot laid out nicely in my head but the next few chapters will be a struggle, hopefully once those are done I can get back into a good pace.