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Chapter Text

“So... why the fuck am I here again?"

Akane raised an eyebrow, looking at the my little pony pinkie pie cosplayer being an anxious mess while his worst enemy's brother was trying to calm him down.

"To prevent Mitsuba from dying for the fourth time!"

"Don’t phrase it like that you lame-ass traffic-safety earring!!"

Akane sighed again. It's been around thirty minutes since he arrived and they were still here, him, Minamoto junior and number 3, in front of the entrance door of the Minamoto's house.

A few hours ago, Minamoto junior came to ask him for help with what seemed to be a very stressed demeanor. In the first place, Akane thought it was because of some monsters that were complicated to exorcize, which would have been a pain in the ass because he still hasn't really recovered from saving Aoi in number 6's boundary. His wound was still painful when he was in his supernatural form, and even if he tried to act cool around Ao-chan, it was hurting like hell.

But Akane rapidly understood that it wasn't about some monster he had to exorcize. It was more about some monster he has to prevent from being exorcized.

Akane knew that number 3 and Minamoto junior had some close relationship, which he couldn't really understand because he himself hated supernaturals to the core. But he wasn't one to judge, and he knew that Kou was capable of defending himself, he saw how he fought against number 6. So he wasn't particularly worried about him getting close to some ghost friend of his.

But he surely knew someone who would freak out.

And he wasn't really surprised when Kou actually asked him to protect his friend from his older brother.

For some reason, after the severance number 3 became weak enough to be able to wander outside the school. When Kou said that to him, it wasn't difficult for Akane to guess that the one time when Kou asked in the group chat what event was suited for a date, he was with his little pink-haired ghost friend. And now, the next step was to bring him home and make him visit the Minamoto house.

Akane found this situation kind of hilariously contradictory. The Minamoto house was filled with anti-supernatural charms, so much that even him was uneasy sometimes. So bringing a full ghost here would certainly be a problem, that's why Kou had deactivated some of them for number 3 to be able to enter it.

But, the real reason why Akane has been asked to help, was to stop the entire house from being destroyed by Minamoto Teru, when he'll find out that Kou brought a ghost in their family house.

Kinda bold from Kou, he might say. Akane liked that.

Even if this situation was even more draining than fighting ghosts (for Akane, being close to the president was more draining than anything else), the clock keeper found himself surprised by how easily he was convinced to help. Well, it's true that Akane learned to really appreciate Minamoto junior, he was much more authentic and kind and sweet and bright and better than his older brother. Genetics was a real mystery, sometimes.

So if it wasn't for those eyes filled with sparkles and this hopeful smile Kou gave him, Akane would probably have refused. But for some reason he now kind of enjoyed Kou's presence, he was like a cute junior he had to watch over. So he said yes. Yes to prevent Minamoto Teru from exorcizing number 3 right away.

And now, he was regretting it all.

"Can’t we just like, enter the house already?"

"No we can't!!" Number 3 (Mitsuba, if he remembered correctly) screamed at him with teary eyes. "I know I'm just some unkind and bothersome ghost for you, but being killed by the most skilled exorcist in the area doesn't make it look like a better death than the ones I've already been through!"

"Come on Mitsuba." Kou tried to calm him down, gripping his shoulders and locking his ocean gaze in his. "I told you I'll protect you right? If we talk it through I'm sure Teru-nii will understand. He's not that bad y'know, just a little..."

"Just a little close-minded on ghost-human relationships?"

"...you could phrase it like that."

Akane prevented himself from chuckling. It's true that ghost-human relationships, like number 3 said, were a complicated subject on the table. He already knew that Yashiro had something going one with number 7 (a very bad choice, he might say) and that himself was friends with a lot of humans, but phrasing it like that was like implying some kind of... romantic relationship?

Once again, Akane wasn't one to judge. Especially in romantic matters. He was what you can call a lost cause.

Still. If Kou really was about to have some kind of romance with a ghost, Akane wasn't sure he could save him. But it wasn't to that extent anyway, yet.

"No matter how much you'll try to convince me I know your brother is some kind of freak when it comes to supernaturals." Pink-haired said, crossing his arms on his chest. "And I don't want to die again just because you want to show me your little lame-ass teenager room."

"You're the one who wanted to visit my house though..."

"I forgot it would probably cost me my life!"

"Mitsuba..." Kou's voice became a little more serious, just like his expression when he locked his cerulean gaze in his friend's pink one. "I promise you nothing will happen. No matter how much Teru-nii hates supernaturals, he won't exorcize you right away if you're with me. I'll protect you."

"Come on lame erring, you're not gonna fight your brother for me..."

"Watch me."

Mitsuba's eyes widened a little, and his cheeks took an adorable pink shade, just like his hair and eyes. Kou's palms, still on his shoulders, slid down his arms to take his hands in his and squeeze them affectionately. He gave him one of those tender (and so pretty) smiles to reassure him, and Mitsuba looked away, Kou's expression once again too bright for his poor pupils.

"...you think you're some kind of hero or something? Lame..."

"Would you just stop calling me lame for a second?"

"...lame-ass traffic-safety earring."

"That was too much to ask, I get it..."

Akane looked at the scene silently while staying behind. He could easily see (because he wasn't as blind as those two) that their relationship was something much more than just some friendly attachment. He didn't know what happened between them, but it was strong enough for Kou to go against his brother and for a ghost to go against Tsukasa. Their connection was much deeper than the clock keeper predicted.

President will have difficulties accepting that... he thought.

"Anyway lovebirds." Akane finally said while heading to them. They both starteled and turned to him with red faces, which was kind of funny to see. "Not that I don't like seeing you two saying your wedding vows, but before that you'll have to get the family approval. So can we go in already?"

The two of them became even more redder (he was actually worried for Kou) and stopped holding hands, taking two steps apart to create distance between them.

"Y-Yes we can, sorry for the wait Aoi-san..." whispered Minamoto junior. Akane smiled a little when the younger passed him without looking at him, still too embarrassed. This kid really was touching.

Then the clock keeper turned his sun-colored gaze to the little ghost, who was still as pink as his outfit.

"I hope you have no wrong intentions here, number 3."

The ghost's demeanor changed right away, his embarrassed air being replaced by an arrogant expression.

"And why, for the love of me, would I try something in going into the best exorcist of this town's house while my current power is at its lowest? You really aren't as smart as you look, you clock freak."

Oh. Akane let himself show a slight smirk at this answer. With the little times he saw and interacted with number 3, he thought he was some kind of coward ghost that got his position as a school mystery just thanks to Tsukasa. But this sudden confident demeanor and arrogant attitude showed him that he wasn't only some kind of low-ranked ghost, and that he was probably pretty confident in his strength to go against him, the number 1 mystery of the school.

Or he was just profoundly stupid.

"Sorry number 3. Wasn't against you, you're still a supernatural."

"And so are you, if I may?"

"Only half, kid."

"My name isn't number 3 or kid by the way," the pink ghost frowned. "It's Mistuba."

"Okay. Didn't ask."

"I really don't understand why Kou looks up to you that much..."

"He's easily in admiration."

"I'll grant you that..."

Akane let a little amused smile slip his lips before walking to the house entrance. Number 3- Mitsuba followed him, and it was kind of cute how he slightly stayed behind his back. As much as he tried to look confident, his arrogance wasn't hiding his fear of the people living in here.

And he was right about that...

***

Okay. Considering that the house wasn't destroyed yet, you could consider it a victory.

"And so... you thought it was a good idea to bring that home, right Kou?"

Akane slightly flinched on his seat, looking at the scene in front of him.

Of course, right in the second he and pink ghost entered the house, Minamoto Teru was right in front of them, sword in hand and expression sinister. Even if his face slightly softened when he saw Akane (for a reason he didn't quite understand), Kou had to use his whole body to go between the two ghosts and his brother to prevent him from exorcizing them right away. Mitsuba was terrified, he looked like a lost puppy about to die, still hiding behind his back, quite different from the assurance he had earlier.

Then Kou was (miraculously) able to calm his older brother and force them all to go into the living room to discuss this peacefully and pacifically. Akane saw the president sending him a look that he didn't quite understand before turning his back to him and going into the living room.

Just like Kou said, Akane's presence (strangely?) stopped Minamoto senior from exorcizing number 3 right in the spot. That really could be considered a little victory.

So now here they were, all four seated on the floor around a square table in the living room. Minamoto Teru was acting just like he would when a menace was near, smiling without any trace of friendliness and with a threatening light in his eyes, pink ghost was in front of him, probably about to die a fourth time just with the daggers the president was throwing with his eyes, Kou was trying his best to calm himself, Mitsuba and his brother down, and Akane was looking at all that with a face divided into real amusement and deep fear.

What a great way to spend his Saturday.

"Teru-nii, please..." murmured Kou, still on edge to maybe see his ghost (boy)friend disappear in the next second. "Can you calm down a little? We just wanna talk..."

"And I'm talking Kou. I asked why you thought it was a good idea to bring a ghost in an exorcist house."

"True, wasn’t your smartest move."

The president finally looked away from the poor ghost in front of him to lock his electric blue eyes in Akane's. The clock keeper was kind of embarrassed to think how beautiful those deep blue pupils were. 

"And why are you here?" Teru asked with what seemed to be interest, his smile a little more authentic (or playful, Akane still had some difficulty figuring him out).

"To prevent you from killing your little brother's friend."

"Why you of all people?"

"Guess you still need me in the student council, would be an error for you to kill me too."

"Good point."

This little interaction seemed to calm Minamoto Teru a little, his standing less tense and demeanor slightly more relaxed. So Kou tried to speak again, discreetly taking Mitsuba's hand in his under the table.

"I brought him here for you to meet him..."

This simple sentence managed to destroy all the calmness Teru was able to gather. Akane sighed when he saw the blond-haired quickly turn back to the ghost, his smile becoming immediately more threatening.

"And why on earth would I need to meet a ghost? Don't you think I see enough of them every night I go to exorcize the town?"

This sentence made both Kou and Akane relatively uneasy. Both knew how much Teru was giving of himself to go and defend their home, going on solo missions ever since his childhood. Even if Akane hated some of his antics, he was one of the first person to be grateful for Minamoto's devotion to protect the people (it was one of the only aspects he found quite respectful about him).

Seeing that his sentence probably made everyone uncomfortable, because all of them knew about his job (even Mitsuba, earring it from his best friend), Teru chose to display one of those cheerful smiles he mastered so well.

"But I guess that he's special if you want me to meet him in person, right Kou?"

The blond-haired boy raised his head and looked at Akane in front of him. This one sent him a little smile, trying to reassure and encourage him like he could. But it seemed to be enough because he himself showed a little smile in return and looked back at his brother with a determined expression.

"Yes he's special. Because he's my friend."

This was a simple sentence again. But both Mitsuba and Teru had a huge reaction.

First the little ghost became once again as pink as his hair, looking at Kou with wide open eyes and mouth slightly agape. Then he closed his mouth and looked down at his knees, trying so hard not to show the little smile that tried to slip his lips. To Akane, it was kind of cute.

And then there was Teru. He was far away from smiling, he even stopped grinning when he heard that phrase. His face was emotionless, but his eyes were angered. Very angered.

"So you became all friendly with a ghost once again I see... or maybe you were already close and you just forgot to tell me."

The president's voice was sharp and cold as ice. Mitsuba, who seemed to be very satisfied by this answer, immediately lost his smile and kept looking down, his knuckles becoming white because of how strong he was tightening his sweater. And Akane could very well understand his sudden fear because of the frightening aura Teru was now releasing.

"Teru-nii-"

"I think it would be better if we discussed of all this in the kitchen."

The two Minamoto turned their heads toward Akane. The auburn-haired boy kept a stoic expression, looking right at Teru with was seemed to be annoyance (even disappointment, maybe?). The president glared back at him, the two having a staring contest during a few seconds. It was one of those discussions they had without even talking, when looking at each other was enough for them to understand one another. And it was clear for the both of them that they were both upset with the situation, but for two whole different reasons.

Akane frowned a little more, and the exorcist rolled his eyes before looking away and getting up without even talking, taking his sword with him.

"Don't even think of getting out of here."

Still having his head lowered, Mitsuba only nodded slightly, and Akane noticed that he was slightly trembling. Kou must have noticed it too because he took one of Mitsuba's hands again and squeezed it, giving him a reassuring smile when the ghost raised his head to look at him.

"I won't be long, okay? Don't be too worried."

Mitsuba nodded again, his eyes teary and expression stressed. He squeezed back a little, seemingly reluctant in letting Kou go, but dropped his hand anyway to let his friend follow his brother.

Akane knew that it would be complicated, but he was already having a headache because of all this mess.

Really, what a wonderful Saturday...

***

Mitsuba knew. He knew it wasn't going to be easy. Even with Kou's eternal optimism, he knew that his brother wasn't going to let him enter the Minamoto's house with wide arms open and a big welcoming smile.

But still. What a terrifying aura.

For having crossed paths with him several times, Mitsuba knew that even number 7 was a little scared of him. Teru Minamoto's reputation was well known in the supernatural world, and one look was enough to know that he was powerful. Very powerful.

But Kou was powerful too (sometimes), and he wasn't as near as terrifying.

Mitsuba was close to place him as high as Tsukasa on his those-folks-are-fucking-terrifying scale...

When the three of them left the living room, the pink-haired let out a long sigh. Grumbling slightly, he let himself fall onto the floor and put one arm on his eyes, still remembering the threatening blue eyes that were piercing him a few minutes ago.

If a look could kill, he would have died a few times already.

Mitsuba was really grateful for Akane. This one probably saw how much Teru was holding himself back from just slicing Mitsuba in two with his sword, and chose to move the conversation in a place where the two brothers would be able to discuss it all without having Mitsuba on the verge of passing out every second.

Mitsuba sighed again. Kou will be forced to treat him in his favorite shop for an entire decade after this! How dare he make a cute guy like him go through all of this just for-

"Who're you?"

Mitsuba suddenly startled when hearing this new voice, quickly sitting down with wide open eyes and fight-like position. If it was Minamoto Teru coming back to slices him, he won't let this diva have his way-

But instead of a cold glare and a thunderous sword, Mitsuba saw two big blue eyes and a huge cheerful smile looking straight at him with sparkles all around.

Focusing a little more and trying to not let his fear show, Mitsuba let go of his fighting stance and looked curiously at the new being in front of him.

"Who're you? Are you a boy or a girl?"

Oh.

Looking a little more at the new person in front of his still wide open eyes, Mitsuba was able to recognize a few things.

Big blue eyes. Spiky blond hair. Sun-like face. Was able to see him.

It was a Minamoto, for sure.

"Hum..."

The face in front of him was still a little too close for him to have a clear look, so he chose to lean back a little. And he wasn't that surprised to in fact see a little girl, with long sun-colored hair, a huge and bright smile and little white dress looking expectantly at him, holding a pink plushy in her arms.

Mitsuba wasn't really fond of children. He wasn't even skilled at connecting with humans of his age, so a younger generation... And he never really had the passing-time-with-a-child experience, so he wasn't very sure about his skills. When Kou first told him he had a little sister, Mitsuba was kind of praying that he'll never have to met or stay alone with her.

Clearly, God didn't hear his prayers.

"You can't talk?"

"Yes... yes I can."

This answer alone was able to grow the already huge smile of the little girl. With that sparkly gaze, this huge grin and this idiot air, she really was looking like Kou. A little bit too much, even.

"So?? Who're you?"

"I'm Mitsuba... and I'm a boy."

"Boy? But you have pink hair..."

"Boys can't have pink hair?"

The little girl lost her smile and began to frown.

Cute.

No no no, what was he doing?? He shouldn't try to be close with the enemy. And he was the cutest of them both!

"No it's true, boys can have pink hair... but I never saw before."

"That's because you never saw someone as cute as me." answered Mitsuba with a smug expression.

The little girl looked at him for long seconds before showing a big smile again.

"It's true, you're very cute! And pretty!"

...

Okay. He's going to love her.

"You're cute too," smiled Mitsuba. Yes he quickly gave up on his plan to not show any interest or emotion, that blond girl was just too precious. "What's your name?"

"Teru-nii said I can't give my name to unknown people!"

"But you know my name, don't you?"

The little girl frowned again, and Mitsuba stated in his mind that it was the cutest of her expressions. And it's not like he didn't know her name, Kou talked about her enough for Mitsuba to know almost everything about her. But he didn't want to scare that little star.

"That's true, but he also said I can't be close to ghosts!"

Oh.

Mitsuba slightly lost his cheerful smile and looked away. Of course, she was part of the town’s most famous exorcist family, it was obvious she could sense those kinds of things. But naively, and probably unconsciously, Mitsuba thought that he would for once be able to act and be recognized as a human. Act as someone normal.

"Your brother is right, you shouldn't get close to ghosts..."

The little girl tilted her head to the side. Pink boy was looking kind of sad now, and he was prettier when he smiled.

"My name’s Tiara! And I'm five!"

Mitsuba turned his head back to look at the girl, and a tender smile slipped past his lips when he saw her showing four fingers with a very proud expression.

"Five? You sure?"

Tiara frowned again then looked at her fingers. She stared at her hand for long seconds before widening her eyes and then show five fingers. Mitsuba couldn't help but chuckle lightly, she really was adorable.

He understood better why Kou was so fond of her...

"I'm a big girl! And later I'm gonna marry Teru-nii!"

"Oh really? Good luck with that..."

"Teru-nii, he's super strong! And super super pretty! But he doesn't really like ghosts, so maybe you should go..." Tiara then came closer to Mitsuba and whispered quietly. "Don't worry, I won't say you were here because you're kind and pretty."

"Thank you very much." The ghost whispered back, an amused smile on his face. "But don't worry, I'm a friend of your brother."

"A friend of Teru-nii??" Tiara exclaimed, eyes widening.

"No no, not really... that one was about to cut me in half earlier," Mitsuba let out a long sigh. "I'm a friend of Kou."

"Oooh... You're his ghost friend he talks about all the time?"

Mitsuba felt his cheeks warm up a little upon hearing those words. He looked back and forth between the living room's door and Tiara, before bringing his face closer to the girl's.

"He... and what does he say about me?"

"I don't know, I don't really understand... He's often mad tho."

Well. Fair enough, Mitsuba knew he was a very huge source of stress for Kou, despite his numerous attempts to reassure him. The blond boy was so determined to help him he often forgot about his own well-being...

"But," Tiara came closer to Mitsuba, grinning slightly. "One day he told me his ghost friend was very important to him. Maybe he wants to marry??"

Ah-

Mitsuba once again became as pink as his outfit, looking away and slapping his blushing cheeks with his hands.

"T-Tiara! Don't say things like that, I would never marry this lame-ass- I mean an exorcist!"

Tiara chuckled cutely before leaning back, pointing a finger at Mitsuba.

"You're all pink! Just like him!"

Mitsuba swollen one of his cheeks before looking at what Tiara was holding the whole time during their talking. He thought it was a plushie, but turned out it wasn't.

"Oh, a Mokke."

"Yes! He's all pink, just like you!"

Mitsuba smiled slightly, still feeling his cheeks warm but trying to ignore it by continuing the conversation with this little devil.

"He's your friend?"

"No, he's my slave!"

Okay. She really was a Minamoto after all.

The more Mitsuba was talking with this child the more he was feeling a headache coming... She had too much energy, just like Kou, and this naive and childish side of her made her say things that probably took some of his years for all the stress he was going through...

"Well you can play with him now..." Mitsuba whispered. He had to get away from her if he wanted his heart to survive...

"...you don't want to play with Tiara?"

Oh no. Not the sad tone. Mitsuba was weak for cute things, and the girl in front of him was very cute, so if she gave him the puppy eyes he would probably do anything for her.

"I wanted to play with brothers Kou and Teru but they're not here..."

Mitsuba lost his conflicted expression for a softened air, looking at the little girl who was now holding the Mokke close to her chest.

"They're always too busy to play longer with Tiara... I know Teru-nii do that to protect us and Kou-nii is busy cooking but... Dad is never here and Mom is gone so all I have is Mokke..."

The pink-haired looked at Tiara with a saddened expression. He knew the two Minamoto sons were very busy but he wasn't really aware of how lonely this little girl could feel without her parents too. Mitsuba didn't really remember how it feels, but he knew that Sousuke lost his father too, Kou told him. So maybe that's why they were close before, thanks to that implicit but strong bond of having lost a parent...

"Do you want me to play with you?"

The child quickly raised her head to look at the ghost, who was smiling kindly at her. Her big blue eyes got their sparkles back and she looked at him with a big expecting smile.

"Really?? You’ll play with Tiara??"

"Well it's not like I have anything else to do except worry about my life so... might as well have a good time before probably being exorcized by your big bro."

"I won't let him!" She screamed with determination. "You're Tiara's new friend!"

Mitsuba smiled gently at her. At least he was going along with two Minamoto siblings on three… (just sad that he was hated by the most powerful of them all).

"Can I play with your hair??"

Even if his hair was something very important for him (pink hair, epitome of cuteness), Mitsuba already knew he wouldn't be able to refuse anything to this little star. So he nodded and took his hair tie out to let his pink locks fall on his shoulders, Tiara looking at him with stars in her ocean eyes.

"You're so pretty!"

"Thanks princess, you're very cute yourself, and believe me I don’t say that often. How about you tie my hair and then I tie yours? I know a lot of different hairstyles I could do on you!"

"Yes I want that!"

Well, everything wasn't exactly going as planned, but like he said, it's not like he had anything better to do. Seeing this little princess' smile was enough for him to have a good time. In the end, he was better with kids than he thought.

Or maybe he just had a thing for Minamoto's younger siblings...

***

What a fucking pain in the ass.

To stay polite.

Akane sighed again, looking at the two brothers staring at each other for at least a good ten minutes without saying anything. The president sat in one of the kitchen chairs in front of the table, his sword close to him, his arms crossed on his chest and expression serious, while Kou was against the kitchen counter, staring back at his brother but with less animosity and more anxiousness. Akane, he, was leaning against the wall, looking back and forth between the two brothers, waiting for one of them to start the conversation.

Why did he agree to go through all of this mess already?

Oh yeah. Because Kou asked him, and he has a soft spot. Screw him.

"Oh come on, y'all won't need me to be the mediator right?"

Teru ignored him (predictable) but Kou flinched a little before looking at him.

"Oh, sorry Aoi-san... You can go back home if you want, we'll be okay from here!"

Really, Akane will never understand why people found Minamoto Teru perfect when his brother was literally an angel. For him the older really took all the worst genesis in the family and let the rest to his siblings-

"No, Aoi stays."

The clock keeper turned a slightly astonished air to Teru, but the president kept his gaze on his little brother.

"I had no intention to go whatsoever." Akane replied while turning back to look at Kou. "I still can't guarantee that your friend will still be alive by the end of this conversation, so it's better for me to keep an eye on this idiot."

Teru (finally) let a small smile slip his lips and looked at Akane with a fake threatening air.

"Careful on what you're calling me."

"With the way you're acting right now, there's nothing else than idiot to call you."

Akane didn't even look back at him but he knew Teru was staring at him with a slight surprised air. It wasn't often that the clock keeper was really mad at him, but right now was one of those situations. Because Teru knew how much effort Kou was putting into following his steps, but the younger one just had a heart too big to ignore the suffering of others, which wasn’t a flaw at all, more a rare quality. Even when it came to supernaturals.

Not that Teru didn't have a big heart, but his kindness was almost entirely directed at his family, for whom he would go and steal the moon if they asked. But this overprotective side of him was restraining Kou and preventing him from acting freely. It was that kind of brotherly contradiction when they loved each other deeply, but wanting the best for one another often led to impose their vision and opinion on things, especially on Teru's side. That's what caused their argument in number 6's boundary.

And Akane knew this family from a long time, so he was aware that both Minamoto's sons were complicated in that communication aspect.

"Teru-nii..." Kou's voice got the president's attention back on him. "I know what you think about supernaturals and I know that they're dangerous but... but I promise you Mitsuba isn't one of those... A lot of things happen and he's still a little unstable but-"

"I don't care if you have a close relationship with this ghost, what matters is that you brought him into our house knowing well he's a devilish kind."

"He's not!" Kou stopped leaning back on the counter to stood in the middle of the kitchen. "He went through a lot and he desperately tried to get away from Tsukasa-"

"Tsukasa?" Teru frowned.

Kou bit his lips and Akane closed his eyes. He knew that mentioning this name wasn't the best move... Kou's honesty was often what harmed him.

"You mean this ghost is related to Tsukasa?"

"Not that related... But he became a school mystery because of him."

Teru sighed before passing a hand on his face.

"Teru-nii-"

"No Kou, this is enough already." Teru's voice was harsh and Akane stayed silent, looking at the president sending a cold gaze to his brother. "I trusted you with all this and let you be all friendly with school mysteries because you promised me you had all of this under control, but bringing a ghost related to Tsukasa here, in our home, is one of the dumbest things you've ever done!"

Kou flinched a little when his brother raised his voice at him. It wasn't often that Teru let his emotions get him, it was even more rare knowing that he mastered the skill of hiding and suppressing his feelings, so that outburst meant that he was really worried for his brother's sake.

"Mitsuba won't do anything to our family!"

"He's a ghost Kou. Even if he doesn't want to do something, sometimes they can't control themselves."

Kou's eyes widened upon hearing those words. In his mind, a memory of him and Mitsuba suddenly appeared, a memory showing him a distressed Mitsuba asking him to exorcize him because he wasn't able to control himself anymore. Because his hunger was sometimes so strong that he had to eat something else than ghost hearts.

Kou clenched his fists, his nails scratching his skin while he was looking at the floor, trembling slightly. Teru hated to see him like that, but he had no other choice if he wanted him to understand how dangerous his actions could be for himself and his loved ones.

"I'm not doing that just to prove you wrong Kou, you know that." Teru's voice was a little softer. "But you can't trust ghosts, for the very reason that they can't trust themselves. You really should try to stop befriending them or-"

"So I must ignore them?" Kou asked, still looking down. "So I must ignore their suffering and kill them without any thoughts? So I must act like I don't feel anything when they're scared and miserable?"

Teru's eyes darkened, remembering the old days when he was just a child and he had to exorcize monsters after monsters to be sure his family was safe. This old time when he had to ignore pain, tears and blood because he knew that he had a mission to perform.

"Yes. You must."

Kou wide opened his eyes.

"You said this ghost was unstable, will you take the responsibility if he does something he can't control? If he becomes mad all of a sudden? That ghost-"

"Mitsuba. His name is Mitsuba. And he's not like this."

Teru frowned again, feeling his anger growing a little seeing his brother being so stubborn.

"I don't care what his name is, all I care is if he's dangerous for my family, and believe me I went against enough ghosts in my life to know how manipulative and evil they can be. How can you be sure that he's not lying to you since the beginning? You can't trust them Kou, they're not humans anymore. And it's because they aren't humans, because they are not really dead but not really alive, that they should be exterminated."

"But it's cruel..."

"Yes it is, but you can't show feelings. You can't show pity or kindness to things that aren't even real. This is what being an exorcist is all about-"

"But I'm not like you!"

Kou raised his head to look directly at his brother, the older showing a slight surprised expression upon seeing his brother's teary eyes.

"I'm not like you and I'll never be! I'm not as strong as you and I'll never be! So how can I protect them if I can't fight? How would they stay if I'm not useful??"

Teru's heart broke a little hearing those words. He never knew Kou wanted to be useful that much...

"Kou..."

"Mitsuba isn’t just some empty shell, he's a person with feelings, he cried with me, he laughed with me he smiled with me, and even if it's a lost cause already I want to create a future when he'll be free and happy!"

"But you can't!" Teru finally lost his cool, rising up from his chair and looking directly at his brother. "You can't because you just said it, you're weak. Why on earth do you care so much for something that isn't even real when your own family is falling apart-"

"Teru."

A voice both brothers forgot about raised from the corner and interrupted them. Teru suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and he slowly turned his head to dive into two deep sun-colored pupils looking at him with seriousness.

"This is enough."

For some reason, Teru immediately felt his whole body calm down. Just because of the warmth against his shoulder and two little auburn irises, he was able to relax a little. Suddenly, he felt how heavy the air was around, how quick his breathing was and how strong he was clenching his fists. He turned back to look at Kou and he finally noticed how miserable his brother was looking, all teary eyes and trembling body.

So he let out a long sigh and lowered his head to look at the ground.

"...I think it's better if we talk about this later."

Kou sniffed and quickly wiped his tears with his sweater, before nodding slightly. He sent one last look to Akane and began to walk away from the kitchen, breathing quickly and head full of words he would've wanted to say and apologies he should've uttered.

When Kou left, Teru passed a hand on his face and let his body sink back on his chair, hiding his face from Akane's heavy look.

This mess really was draining...

Chapter Text

Kou chose to stay a little in the corridor before heading back to the living room. His eyes were still a little teary so he knew Mitsuba would probably make fun of him for that, and he wasn't in the right mind to go through his teasing again.

Leaning against the wall, Kou passed a hand in his blond hair and let out a trembling sigh. He wasn't really used to fighting with his older brother, even if the last time was not so long ago about some similar story. He guessed it made sens because he was becoming a teenager and Teru was the only father figure he ever had, but that didn't mean it wasn't hurting him deeply. He truly hated fighting with his brother, and right now the only thing he wanted was to go back in the kitchen and give him the biggest hug ever.

But Kou knew his older brother needed to be alone for a while. At least, alone with Akane because, for some reason, sometimes Akane was the only one Teru was listening to. Maybe it was thanks to this strong trust they shared, or this same idea they had about how to handle supernaturals. But what was rather frustrating for Kou was how Teru forced him to avoid supernaturals, but himself being close to Akane was okay.

Maybe it was because Aoi-san was half human. Or it was because they didn't consider their relationship as important as it really was.

Anyway, Kou had no time to lament about himself. He was determined to make his brother change his mind about supernaturals, and it wasn't by crying in a corner that he would succeed!

So Kou decided to wipe his tears one last time and head back to the living room. He wasn't sure his face wasn't swollen, and it was probably obvious that he cried… Well, at least Mitsuba will have something to laugh about.

But he wasn't prepared for the scene that welcomed him when he came back to the living room.

Mitsuba, sat on the floor, with two little ponytails while Tiara was putting colorful jewels in his hair.

Fuck. Mitsuba was adorable like that.

He stayed stunned and frozen by the door frame for some long seconds, staring at how brightly his friend and little sister were smiling at each other. Tiara's hair was loose, sliding in her back on her cute little white dress while she was putting barrettes and other hair jewels in Mitsuba pink locks. They looked so happy together.

Kou could cry again just with this sight.

By staying too long staring at them, Mitsuba finally caught him in the entrance and immediately lost his smile. His cheeks automatically became redder and he rapidly looked away, fidgeting with his hands.

"Y-You could say you were here Minamoto-kun! What are you doing just staring at us from afar, what are you, a stalker? I know you were a pervert-"

"Kou-nii!"

Mitsuba stopped himself before going too far, remembering that a little girl was still here. As much as he loved insulting Kou, he didn't want his sister to take on his vocabulary. Teru Minamoto would have another reason to kill him...

Kou blinked a little before coming close to his friend and sister. That didn't help Mitsuba from losing his red cheeks, he never thought Kou would come back early enough to see him with this haircut...

"Kou-nii, don't you think his hair is even prettier like this?" Suddenly asked Tiara when she saw her brother coming close to them. "Tiara did it all by herself! I didn't even need help!"

"She's actually kinda skilled for a child..." Mitsuba muttered. "I'm sure you're not the one who taught her all this stuff with how bad your own hair looks-"

The pink-haired was about to continue mocking his friend, just to help himself hide his embarrassment, but when Kou sat down close enough to him he noticed how red his eyes were and how conflicted his expression was. Immediately he knew something happened, and because Mitsuba doesn't know how to show affection other than using jokes, he dived into this coping mechanism he mastered.

"Did you cry again because you were lonely without me-"

But his sentence was quickly cut off when Kou suddenly hugged him.

If Mitsuba wasn't red enough, now he was surely close to explosion.

"W-W-What-"

"I'm not giving up on you."

This one and only sentence was enough to shut Mitsuba up. He felt his whole body tense and Kou strengthened his hold around him, hiding his face in the crook of his neck.

"I'm not giving up on you..."

After a few seconds, Mitsuba released a long sigh before raising his hand and placing it on Kou's head. Then he began to gently stroke his blond locks to calm him down.

"It didn't go well, did it?"

Kou didn't respond vocally but chose to strengthen his hug again. Mitsuba looked at him while still caressing his blond hair, feeling Kou's body trembling slightly against him.

"Come on now, calm down lame earring. I'm not going anywhere."

It took a few more seconds for Kou to finally calm down, and when Mitsuba felt him relax in his arms he quickly decided on pushing him far away from him, too embarassed to keep him in his arms. But maybe he should've calculated his strength because Kou was thrown so far away that his head hit the ground.

"Ow! You didn't need to hit that hard!"

"And you didn't need to hug the hell out of me! You really are a pervert after all!"

"Don't call me that in front of my little sister!"

The said little sister looked at them with wide interested eyes. Mitsuba didn't really pay attention to her the moment he saw Kou (because contrary to what he likes to say, when Kou is around his mind is definitely biased because of him), but knowing that she saw them hugging and heard them saying corny shit made him want to vomit.

Why is it that his mind was never functioning in the right way when this good-for-nothing exorcist was around-

"So you two really are going to marry!"

What-

Suddenly, Mitsuba's mind became blank.

She didn't really say that, did she?

"W-What are you saying Tiara??" Kou was probably redder than ever, and Mitsuba... Mitsuba wasn't even functioning right now. "N-No we can't marry- we won't marry!! He's my friend and I'm- and I-"

"Is it because he's a ghost?"

Kou calmed down a little upon hearing this phrase and looked down at his little sister. She was holding her Mokke against her and looked at Kou with what seemed to be sadness.

"What? No, not really... I mean..."

Kou was lost on what to do right now. First he saw Mitsuba with one of the cutest haircut ever, then he hugged him out of the blue just because he was emotionally drained and needed recharging, then his sister asked him if he wanted to marry his friend (when his brother just told him he doesn't even want him close to ghosts), and now his sister was looking sad because he didn't want to marry the said ghost.

What the fuck what happening today?

Kou was still feeling a little warm, his cheeks were surely pinkish again. He looked back at Mitsuba to see him staring at his hands, fidgeting slightly while seeming a little down. But his cheeks were also still pink and he still had his little ponytails so fuck, he was cute. He was so fucking cute.

"Kou-nii, y'know I really like Mitsu."

The young exorcist looked at his sister and tilted his head on the side.

"...Mitsu?"

"A nickname she gave me..."

Kou looked back at his friend and smiled gently upon seeing his embarrassed air.

"It's cute."

"I know. I wouldn't let her call me anything not cute."

Kou snorted before turning back to give his attention to his sister.

"You like him?"

"I don't care if he's a ghost. He was kind and he played with me," Tiara said while playing with the Mokke ears. "And he said one day we could go outside and take pictures together. And that he knows how to do cupcakes. I love cupcakes."

Kou felt a sweet warmth wrap his heart with how adorable and sweet his little princess was looking right now.

"So if you wanna stay with him, I don't mind. Tiara wants Mitsu to come back here and play again!"

The older brother showed a sincere smile and raised his hand to ruffle Tiara's hair affectionately. The little girl giggled before throwing herself in his brother's arms, hugging him strongly.

"Thanks for saying that princess. But you should ask Mitsuba if he wants to come back here..."

Tiara turned her little head to look at Mitsuba who was already staring at the two siblings with kind eyes. But when the attention went back on him, he lost his little smile and turned his head away.

"Mitsu! Do you want to come back here? Say yes!"

"It's not how you ask things princess..."

"Say yes!"

Mitsuba chuckled slightly.

"If you assure me that Minamoto senior won't have my head by the end of the day, I promise I'll come back."

"He won't!"

"She's right.” Kou giggled slightly and Mitsuba's heart hurt seeing how similar Tiara and Kou's laughter were. “Your head is too pretty to be sliced by an anti-supernaturals sword."

Mitsuba's cheeks blushed on their own hearing that, but he tried to keep his composure and pride by crossing his arms against his chest and sending a smug smile to the blond-haired.

"You really are bad at complimenting lame earring... That's probably why you're still single."

"Mitsuba!"

They all laughed slightly together, even if Kou looked more embarrassed than really amused, but his heart was at peace. He knew things will be complicated with Mitsuba being a ghost, but he will find a way for them to stay together. He was determined to protect both his friends and family, and he promised himself to help Mitsuba by all means. He believed in their bond enough to trust him with his life.

The pink-haired was still chuckling slightly when Tiara stopped hugging her brother. She went to her little bag and took other hair ties and jewels, looking at Kou with sparkling eyes.

"So now we can do Kou's hair!"

"That’s a good idea!"

"Wait what-"

***

Minamoto Teru wasn't someone easily affected.

He was sometimes what you can call a superhuman. Someone who sees his mission before everything else. Someone who was able to forget about every moral aspect of life to continue walking on this blood-filled path if it meant protecting what was precious in his eyes.

He was someone strong and powerful that created admiration in other people's eyes. He was someone smart and intelligent that created expectations in other students’ eyes. He was someone awesome and beautiful that created jealousy in other boys' eyes.

Akane thought it might be a very tiring way of living.

But at the end of the day, Teru Minamoto was no superhuman. Because that pain he was feeling right now was probably the most human of it all.

Akane knew perfectly how much he was putting to stay strong in others eyes, especially his siblings. How much effort he was putting to have a perfect stand, to have a perfect smile, to have a perfect speech... He knew how to be perfect because he didn't have any other choice than to learn it.

But right now, his back was bent as he was sitting on his chair, his face was hidden by his hands and his breathing was quick. Right now, in the emptiness of this little kitchen, Teru Minamoto wasn't perfect. He was worried, sad and angry, and most importantly he was tired.

All of this in front of Akane's very opened eyes.

The clock keeper didn't really know how to feel about that. He didn't really know how to react to the fact that Teru Minamoto was able to show his weaknesses in front of him. Yes, he already saw him hurt and wounded, but it was because of a fight against a powerful supernaturals, not because of emotional damage. So right now Akane didn't really know what to do and how to act.

As a friend? As a human? As a mystery? As the council vice-president? As more?

What did Teru Minamoto, the prodigy, the most skilled exorcist of his generation, need in one of these situations?

"Hey... You good?"

It wasn't them. This kind-hearted way to talk, this sincere concern, this true worry. It wasn't them. The president and vice-president were not friends, but they were not real enemies either… They hated supernaturals and fought them together, but the way Teru acted most of the time was one thing Akane would always hate about him, and the way Akane could act around the ones he loves will always annoy Teru. They were always bickering and mocking one another.

But they also trusted each other. Teru trusted Akane even if he embodied what he despised most in this world.

So yeah. Akane was a little lost on how to act. But most of all, he was worried. Because Minamoto Teru was someone he, deep down, really deep down, cared about.

"You called me by my name..."

Akane was taken out of his flow of thoughts when he heard the president's voice speak in the silence of the kitchen.

"...is it really the first thing you wanna say to me?"

He heard the president chuckling behind his hands before seeing him straightened up in his seat. He let his back fall against the chair before leaning his head back, closing his eyes.

"Weren't you supposed to be mad at me?"

"I still am."

The president slightly flinched at this answer, probably too tired to hide it, and straightened on his chair to look at Akane. The clock keeper could see how drained were his eyes and how blank was his smile. Without really knowing why, this sight was making him really uncomfortable, so he looked away and walked to the shelves to take a glass of water.

"Why are you mad, Akane?"

Aoi froze. Glass in hand and eyes glued on the water bottle he was holding, his whole body tense up upon hearing his first name in the president's voice for the first time in his life.

Fuck.

Well, that wasn't quite right. It wasn't the first time he heard this name be pronounced by Teru's voice.

"I like Akane-san."

But back in those days, the president wasn't talking about him. He was sure of that. One hundred percent sure. 

"...you know why."

"Hmm no I don't."

Akane sighed, trying to shake this whole new feeling he was experiencing just because of a fucking name and a fucking voice.

So he turned back to look at the blond-haired and gave him the glass he filed with wated. Teru smiled while taking it, like a real and sincere smile, and Akane took it as a silent “thank you”.

"You could've made him understand it in a better way."

"And what way do you suggest?" Teru answered, his supposedly calm demeanor and fake kind smile back. "You just saw how stubborn he is. Even if I acknowledge that he's not that weak, he still is if he had to fight a school mystery at full power."

"He beat one of them though. And the most powerful of them all."

Teru looked at Akane through his glass of water before placing it on the table. Akane was now in front of him, against the kitchen counter just like Kou a few moments ago. Arms crossed against his chest, he was always looking a little more mature when he didn't have his glasses on. Some of his auburn locks were falling in front of his tired eyes while his gaze stayed calm and serene. Like this whole situation wasn't that important to him, but he still wanted it to know the end of it.

Teru knew deep down that he cared about Akane. He didn't know if it was reciprocal though. He hoped it was. But when incidents like this happened, Teru thought that his emotional attachment to Akane might be a little too obvious. Like with the fact that Akane needed to say one word, one single word, to stop Teru from having an outburst. Like with the fact that Akane just needed to put his hand on his shoulder for him to sit back and calm down. Like with the fact that he was a supernatural but Teru didn't hate him.

He was so, so obvious.

Teru still hated some parts of him though. He was gross sometimes, and still a supernatural. He could be manipulative and cocky and could forget about morals when it came to the ones he cared about.

But Teru knew he himself wasn't perfect as well. Even with all the efforts he put to appear perfect, he wasn’t. He was overprotective, jealous, wanted to control everything and was too good of a liar. But Akane knew that, and he was still here, giving him water and calling him an idiot when he fucked up.

Oh dear. How much he needed this man to stay.

"You know Kou beating number 6 doesn't count."

Akane raised an eyebrow in an insolent gesture, his voice coming out strong. He wasn't able to regulate his emotions as well as the president.

"And why is that?"

"It's only luck. The power gap was huge."

"And still, he beat him."

"Because of the circumstances."

"But in the end facts are more important."

Teru sighed, losing his smile again while Akane walked slowly toward him to stop in front of his chair and stare down at him.

"You don't have anything to say about how I manage my family issues."

"Then why did you ask me to stay?"

Teru stopped breathing for a second. Not only because of the question, but also because Akane looked radiant from underneath. When those sun-colored pupils were locked in his, when those two bright eyes were looking at him like that, it was like nothing else existed around him.

Look at me. Look only at me.

"We have our reasons to hate supernaturals." Akane continued, voice and eyes a little calmer. "He doesn't."

"And your reason must be Akane-san right?"

Akane frowned. Why bringing up Ao-chan in this conversation?

"Why are you asking-"

"I just cleared what you wanted to say."

Akane's frown deepened and Teru's amused smile was back. The more this conversation was going, the more he felt like Teru's goal was to piss him off, and he didn't really understand why.

Maybe he would feel better about all this when he'll see that he was better at masking his rage than common people.

"My life doesn't only revolve around her."

"Oh really? What a scoop."

"I had my own fucking sufferings, and I thought that you of all people might understand that. Clearly, I was wrong."

Teru lost his smile again. Akane walked back to the kitchen counter, feeling his anger going up and up and up again. He knew that Teru was hurting, but still. But still.

The exorcist rose up from his chair and leaned back against the kitchen table, staring at Akane's back. His face was emotionless, but his head was a mess.

He didn't really know why he was acting like that. He didn't particularly want to hurt Akane, the clock keeper actually helped him a lot today. But Teru was tired, oh so tired to see people having fun and having a life while he was left in the corner, with all the responsibilities and all the suffering he had to hide behind that damn perfect smile.

And Akane was the same because even if he was here now, he will leave him at some point. He will leave, he will leave and go back to his calm life with caring parents and a loving childhood friend and Teru wants that, he wants that and he wants to be part of Akane's life for something else than being the president of the fucking student council.

"Do you want me to emphasize with all the sufferings in the world? Don't you think that mine are already enough?"

Akane turned to look back at him, and his saddened and angered expression made Teru want to scream his lounge out.

"I didn't say that-"

"But you thought of it right? Because I'm so strong and powerful and mighty that I have to carry the suffering of everyone, even yours right?? You’re no better than all of them, and it’s even worst because you’re not even human anymore."

Akane didn't move, even when Teru walked to him, even when he was only a few inches away from him. His sunny eyes were drowning in this tempestuous and stormy ocean, and he was okay with that. He was okay with seeing Minamoto Teru act like a teenager of his age, he was okay with seeing Minamoto Teru having a breakdown, even if it meant being the one receiving the blame.

What a strange devotion...

"Are you just like all those peoples who want to see me collapse, Aoi? Or is this just entertaining for you to see the perfect Minamoto falling apart?"

"Don't be like that. Don't be an asshole." Akane finally answered. "Don't try to hurt me because you're hurting."

This finally, finally seemed to break some sense into Teru's head. Or maybe it was those two deep amber-colored pupils staring back at him with this strength and resolution, with that implicit message saying "fuck off I'm not that easy to scare". Or maybe it was the fact that their bodies were now too close to still act like president and vice-president of the student council. Or maybe it was just Akane's harsh tone and harsh words speaking the truth.

Teru was hurting, and he wanted someone to hurt with him.

The exorcist quickly pulled away from the clock keeper, turning his gaze away and putting a hand on his mouth. Even if he was tired, even if he was sad because of his argument with his brother, even if he was worried for his sister, even if he was drained and lost and lonely, he shouldn't have talked to Akane like that. He should never talk to anyone like that.

But he did. He did, and now he was scared to lose one of the only people who was able to figure him out.

Akane said nothing. He looked at Teru, his uneasiness and anxiousness coming back to slap him. He looked at his tensed figure, at his slightly trembling hand hiding the bottom of his face, he looked at his unfocused eyes, and he found him beautiful.

Teru was the prettiest when he was human.

But Akane, even if he didn't really want to admit it, was hurting. He was hurting, but not really by Teru's words, because half of it was thrown in the fire of the conversation and the other half was true. But he was hurting because, well, Teru was right. It was entertaining to see him fall apart, and he was feeling fucking guilty about it.

Was Akane that mad? Was it normal to like seeing someone having a breakdown? Was it normal to be satisfied by seeing someone fall apart and say mean and hurting things? Or maybe it wasn’t because it was someone, just because it was Teru.

Remaining silent, the clock keeper decided he no longer needed to stay here. Teru was too lost in is own thoughts to go and exorcize Kou's little friend now, so it should be fine. They didn't need him anymore.

Or he was just a coward and wanted to leave because all of this was way too serious for them.

So he walked away, without a word, without a sound, hoping that he’ll be able to forgot that storm of emotion that was clouding his mind...

...but a hand grabbed his wrist and he was now frozen in place.

"Wait, don't leave. Please don't leave. Please. "

Akane widened his eyes. Teru's voice was so soft and little that he felt like it wasn't the exorcist talking to him right now. It was a little boy. The little boy that grew up too fast.

"I'm sorry I took my anger out on you, I didn't... I didn't want to say all that..."

"Don't lie. You wanted to say all that for a very long time."

It was silent again. Either because Teru didn't know what to say, or because he didn't want to say anything.

So Akane slowly turned back to him, his wrist still caught by this long and slim hand, before locking his gaze in Teru's. His deep blue eyes were reflecting so many emotions right now that Akane felt like it was the first time he really saw Teru. Not Minamoto Teru, just Teru.

"...I'm really sorry."

Akane smiled. Sincerely, Truly. And Teru relaxed.

"Alright, I get it. Don’t apologize too much, I'm gonna freak out." Akane's smile became more sly. "I won't forgive you just like that though. You'll have to pay compensation."

"Anything you want, number 1."

Akane chuckled a little and Teru let go of his wrist, finally showing a real smile out of all the fake ones he showed tonight. Then he let out a long sigh and passed a hand through his blond locks, ruffling them a little.

"It doesn't help the "Kou situation" that much though..."

"Your fault for going off line."

"Come on, I already apologized..."

"Shut it, you started it." Akane sighed too, crossing his arms against his chest. "I know you want to help him and I know you want to make all of this right, but you have to let him manage things on his own too."

"He's still too weak to befriend with school mysteries. I'm just worried for him..."

The clock keeper looked at Teru's conflicted expression. His tiredness was written all over his face, maybe that was the thing blocking his brain from functioning right tonight...

"Stop looking like a beaten up puppy it's actually disgusting." Akane sighed when Teru threw him a fake hurt look. "You're projecting yourself on him because you're scared that he'll go through the same things as you. But that won't happen."

Teru actually showed a serious expression after hearing those words. He leaned back against the kitchen table and looked down at the floor, seemingly deep in thoughts.

"How can you be so sure about that?"

"Because you're here."

Teru's eyes widened and he looked back at Akane. He had one of the most solemn expression he'd ever seen on him.

"Because he has you, Teru."

Akane didn't know how this poor excuse of a man didn't even notice how Kou's life was so different from his by the simple fact that Kou had an older brother to rely on. Another example showing that Teru wasn’t that perfect in the end.

"So now stop acting like a fucking child and go apologies to him. And he'll do the same, because he knows that none of you is right and none of you is wrong in all this. But you have to trust him on this one."

"I really feel like you're able to read me sometimes, it's actually scary," whispered the blond-haired. Akane dared to think that his eyes were actually reflecting real gratitude, but once again, Teru was very difficult to read. Maybe that was why it was so interesting to be around him.

"You're the scariest one between us two, mister I-know-perfectly-how-to-fake-emotions."

"You know it's a skill I'm rather proud of."

"Being fake is a skill?"

"A very useful one."

Akane threw him a cynical look and Teru chuckled lightly.

"I really can't figure you out."

"Me neither. Wanna stay for dinner?"

***

"Teru-nii, you're back!"

When the two of them came back in the living room, they weren’t really prepared for the scene they were going to see.

Well, if you were ever prepared to see two boys being all tangled up in pink hair ties with ponytails while a little blond girl was covered in horrible makeup.

"...what the hell is this?"

"Aoi, language. There are children around here."

"If you were talking about you, don't worry I already know."

Usually Akane would probably have been electrocuted by the president's sword, but he knew he was kind of exempted tonight thanks to everything he did. So he will not refrain himself from taking advantage of the situation.

"Teru-nii..." Kou whispered, and if he hadn't had three ponytails on his head, his sad puppy eyes would have melted anyone's heart. He stood up from his seated position next to his ghost friend and went in front of his brother, head low and expression guilty. "I'm sorry I lost my cool and said all those things, I... I really wanted you to understand that I'm not a kid anymore and that I can stand by my own decisions, but I guess I'm still a little childish..."

Teru smiled fondly, because he was always sincere when he smiled at his siblings, and put a hand on Kou's head to affectionately ruffle his hair.

"I'm sorry too Kou, I'm a little tired lately and I took my frustration and anger out on you. I shouldn't have talked to you like that, and I regret the things I said. How about we talk about it again another time when both of us will be calm and collected?"

Kou raised his head to look at his older brother with a huge smile and sparkling eyes. Then he nodded vehemently and Teru chuckled slightly at how adorable this sight was.

"So in the end Akane will stay for dinner, could you prepare us something quick? Not anything big, don’t worry too much."

"Yes of course Teru-nii!"

Kou was about to run into the kitchen but he stopped and looked back at Mitsuba. The pink-haired boy was still sitting on the floor, Tiara close to him, his two ponytails hanging on his long pink hair while his face showed a quite anxious expression. When his pink eyes crossed Minamoto Teru's gaze, he quickly looked down and strengthened his hold on his sweat.

"I-I'm sorry for all this, I will leave..."

Kou's expression instantly became sadder, so he tried to approach him to go by his friend's side. But he was cut off by Teru who walked past him, heading to Mitsuba with an expressionless face.

"Teru-nii-"

"Stop!"

But before Teru could get closer to Mitsuba, Tiara stood herself between the two, arms raised horizontally like she wanted to protect the ghost. Mitsuba looked at her with surprised eyes, just like her two brothers while Akane was observing the scene, smiling and leaning against the door frame.

"Teru-nii please don't cut Mitsu's head, he's very kind! He played all day with me and I like his hair!"

Teru's face became a little more lost while Akane chuckled slightly seeing Mitsuba's embarrassed face.

"You... like his hair?"

"Yes! So please don't cut his head!"

"But princess I will never do that-"

"I don't care if Mitsu's a ghost, he's sweet and he's Kou's friend so let him stay!"

Teru's face became a little more serious and Mitsuba chose this moment to rise up. He placed his hands on Tiara's shoulders, the little girl turning back to see him smiling gently at her.

"Thanks for your words Tiara, but I think it's better if I go..."

Kou's face, which was a little expectant, lost its hopeful light and looked back down upon hearing those words. But he felt a hand on his shoulder and raised his hand to see Akane smirking at him, the older making a head move implying him to continue to watch. So Kou turned back to see his big brother in front of Mitsuba, looking at him with... not that much disgust.

"Mitsuba right?"

The ghost raised his head to look at the exorcist. He was really terrified at the moment, but he used all the courage and bravery he had to not let it show.

(He failed miserably, everyone could see he was scared as hell.)

"Y-Yes sir..."

"Wanna stay for dinner?"

Mitsuba stayed frozen for some long seconds before wide opening his eyes and showing an astonished expression.

"W-Wait really? Me??"

"Do you see anyone else I could invite in this room?"

Mitsuba kept his shocked expression before feeling himself being knocked out by Kou jumping on him with the biggest smile he ever saw on his face.

"Teru-nii you're serious? He can stay??"

"Don't make me repeat myself..." smiled the older before taking Tiara in his arms.

Kou was so joyful that he hugged the life out of Mitsuba, the ghost being so happy himself that he hugged him back twice as strongly. But when they made eye contact, they both stopped smiling and separated quickly, both being a blushing mess. It was rather entertaining for Akane to witness them being so emotionally constipated again.

Come on guys, how can they be this obvious and still not notice anything...

After that, they all moved back to the kitchen to talk together while Kou was making dinner. Akane was busy refraining Teru from going close to the hotplates (he tried to "help" a few times before Akane yelled at him to stay seated in his chair), Tiara was on Teru's knees playing with her toys (and yes, she still had her horrible make up on) and Mitsuba chose to both help and bother Kou with the cooking.

Akane looked at the sight and couldn't help but smile a little. That night started complicated but ended up being quite enjoyable, even if a lot of things still needed to be talked about. But for now, the big family was just enjoying some home-cooked meals and sharing stories all together, even if there were exorcists and supernaturals at the same table.

Well, mission succeeded, he guessed.

It wasn't that bad of a Saturday, after all.

"Oh and Teru-nii, you know what? Kou and Mitsu are going to marry!!"

"...they what?"

Oh shit.