Chaos in the Alicein household

Chapter 16

Finally, it was the day. Erina would be coming any time soon now and there was nothing they could do to avoid it. Granted, it had been Mikuni's decision to at least meet with her but he sort of regretted it. He was starting to feel nervous and was losing his previous self-confidence. Misono on the other hand didn't look like he was personally affected, but he remained serious nonetheless. This matter did concern him but he promised himself he wouldn't interfer with the meeting. That didn't mean he wouldn't pipe a word later, though. He would be quiet and let his brother deal with it, but he would also help if needed.

More minutes passed by without them receiving any sign of her. Mikuni actually began to hope she wouldn't come after all. Same for Jeje, but he wasn't saying anything as usual. He had decided to remain a snake for today since he wasn't part of the house's servants and officially not part of the family. In short, he was doing it to avoid suspicion. And because he could at least hide in Mikuni's scarf and stay close to him this way. Which felt very comforting and reassuring for the blonde. Being able to feel Jeje's presence always soothed him.  

And as for Lily, he said he would stay with the subclasses since he wasn't in a position that allowed him to give his opinion on the subject. Misono could listen to the conversation but Mikado strictly forbid him from mingling  with them. Being their father, he was a clever man too and probably suspected his sons of plotting something. Not that he was wrong but the two brothers had to keep hiding their plan from him.

Dodo came in and, as they anticipated, announced Erina's arrival.

-"Sorry for intruding, but the young lady is here. Mitsuki went to open the door but it'd be good if you two came greet her too. " He said pointing to Misono and Mikuni.

The boys got up while their servamps switched to their animal forms, Lily flying to the children's room and Jeje slithering on his eve. 

-"Of course we're coming. I suppose father is already there?" Misono asked.

His servant nodded.

-"Yeah, and he expects of you all to be examplary- especially you, Mikuni... and although it pains me to say it, he also requested of your servamp to be... well..." It was obvious he didn't want to hurt Jeje's feelings and was simply doing his job, as he couldn't finish his sentence.

Mikuni waved his hand dismissively, but the gesture wasn't directed at Dodo himself. No it meant he didn't care about his father's directives and his opinion of his partner.

-" You can tell him he doesn't have to worry about Jeje. This guy doesn't like his human form and prefers staying there most of the time." He said pointing to his shoulder. " And also..." he smirked dangerously, " I wonder who will be more examplary, my pet snake or me?"

Misono huffed, it was typically the kind of behavior Hyde was referring to when he said 'be despicable'. It seemed Mikuni perfectly understood what he had implied by that. He was glad he wasn't the one who was going to suffer from his big brother's actions today. Though that would certainly be interesting to watch.

Dodo didn't make any comment this time, he didn't favor this wedding either. There wasn't much he could do under Mikado' s command but just like Lily, he wanted to give them as much support as possible. And he still felt attached to the older boy, eventhough the latter hadn't lived here for years.

The two brothers followed him through the corridor to the living room where Erina was apparently talking with their dad. At least she had someone to keep her company. Mitsuki had even served some tea, like it was just going to be a trivial discussion and not one that could shatter their lives. This somehow managed to irritate the four newcomers who wanted nothing more than to cringe at the scene. But, manners obliged, they had to deal with it and keep quiet. And Mikado was still here, they had to behave in front of him.

Upon noticing their arrival, Erina stood up and politely greeted all of them. Well, except Jeje because he was hidden... which was for the best.

-" Good afternoon," she said, " my name is Erina Cambridge. It is a pleasure to meet you."

They were surprised, this girl was courteous and she really put some effort in her introduction. The way she talked was distinguished, too. But that didn't impress the two Aliceins, who had been raised in the same kind of environment.

-"Not at all, Ms Erina. It is in fact our pleasure to have you in our house. Please, feel free to make yourself at home." Mikuni said with his best fake and polite smile.

It was enough to convince her and his father, though, as the girl blushed and the man nodded to himself.

-"Well, it seems you won't need me here for a while, so if you will excuse me, I will go back to my office while you three learn more about each other." He declared looking at his sons and Erina. 

Before leaving, he walked towards Mikuni and whispered to him:

-"Don't disappoint me. I want you to treat her well. For our own sake, too."

The blonde held his dissatisfaction in as he answered with a simple 'I know'.

Their guest didn't notice their little exchange, Misono had taken this opportunity to introduce himself... and give a hand to his brother. Now they would have to proceed methodically...