The group has now gathered in the triplets bedroom while they search through thier drawers for something to wear. Kyou takes a peep inside the closet. Amazed at the variety of clothes the brothers possess. "It's jammed pack with stuff in here..."
"Well it does hold all three of ours combined. The winter clothes are only in there. The summer gets folded in the dressers," Toshi explains, still digging around.
Megumi snaps another quick pic before flopping down on the edge of Makashi's bed. "So do you guys dress the same often?"
"Sometimes. We do have quite a few outfits the same, but in depends on what kind of mood we're in," Yoshi replies.
"It definitely won't be today. It's time to do the laundry when we're done." Makashi looking through the lack of clothes.
Having the younger sigh setting an outfit on his bed. "That is what today's chour is. Man doing those loads take so long. We'll be right back with you after we get dressed. Well probably not Maka though. He takes so long deciding what to wear and combing his hair."
"I don't take that long!"
"It's true. I might take forever in the bath and it's nearly impossible to drag Yoshi awake, but you spend forever getting dressed in the morning." Toshi adds Kyou jotting more down in his notebook.
"Alright, we'll be waiting downstairs." Megumi says following her boyfriend out of the room.
Naturally the two do get finished first and socliaze with the others while waiting for Makashi. After another half and hour more he makes his way in the living room. Kyou is the first one to notice him. "You're finally done. That really did take forever."
"He's out already! That was much quicker than usual." Yoshi exclaims and Toshi nods.
"Must be because company is here."
"He usually takes longer than that?!" Megumi making sure to double check the time.
Just then Sojuro walks in carrying a laundry basket in hand. "Okay you three, go ahead and bring down your dirty clothes."
Nodding they all jog back to the bedroom. Toshi and Makashi are the first down with their baskets. After a minute the sound of straining followed by a loud tumble as Yoshi hits the bottom of the steps. The basket along with a large pile of clothes falling down on top of him. "Sorry I took so long."
"It's so many..." Megumi mumbles at the high stack standing before them.
Makashi runs his fingers through his hair and Toshi lets out a huff. The two already seem to be use to this scene. "That's definitely well over one load. We go through this every time..."
"Why can't you just wash when you're supposed to! You always act like you don't have anything, then weeks later this mountain is standing in front of us!"
Yoshi only hanging his head low in shame, and thier uncle starts to clean them up. "Yoshi and Makashi can go first, me and Toshi will wash ours after. Split the load evenly and if he has extra he'll have to wait until tonight."
"Understood." Makashi going ahead to the laundry room behind the staircase. The younger stuck dragging his basket so it doesn't tumble over again.
After getting the load started they all chat a bit while the washer is running. Sojuro checks the clock on the wall once more for the time. "It should be about off now. Go see and load them in the dryer."
The two detour back in and sure enough the cycle has stopped. Makashi checking out the machine before turning to his brother. "Pass them to me and I'll put them in."
"Okay." Reaching in he begins shaking out each piece handing them to him. Though the next one he drops directly on top of his head. "Oops that was an accident."
"Don't push your luck right now. Just hand me the clothes." Makashi states sternly though he only hums in reply. Again dropping another article of clothing on his head. "Yoshi, I said knock it off."
"What? I'm just handing you the clothes like you said."
"In my hands not on my head."
"You mean like this." Now tossing another pair of pants on him. That's the final straw him snatches them and off grabbing his own small pile.
"That's it! You asked for it!" Throwing a pair of shorts at him causes an all out war with the clothing.
"Take this!" Managing to hit Makashi once more. Grunting he swoops up another piece off the floor.
"Jeez, stand still!" Just as it leaves his hand the door slowly opens up.
"Hey Sojuro said to give you these new dryer she-" Yoshi ducking the jacket instead smacks the face of the person standing behind him.
"S-Sorry..." Makashi mutters as a dark aura surrounds him. Toshi slowly setting the box down, and picking up a shirt by him on the floor.
As the others continue to conversate loud noises is coming from down the hall. Pausing in their talking to stop and listen a moment. "What's going on in there?"
Tagging along with Sojuro there is clothes flying back and forth, with the triplets in the middle of the storm. Laughing all the while not one takes notice of thier presence. "Is this normal behavior too?" Kyou asks as she snaps another photo.
"Pretty much. The three of them are always productive at work. Ever since I recruited them in the agency they practiced hard for thier dreams. Not looking for me to carry their weight. They've grown so much since then, I'm really proud of them. Still when you place the boys together for anything else they're bound to get sidetracked."
"I see." Kyou smiling writing a bit more down.
Thier uncle clears his throat to get his nephews attention. "Just what is going on here? All the just cleaned clothes is all over the floor."
"Yoshi started this! He-"
"It's not my fault! It only got out of hand when Toshi joined in!"
"You're pinning this on me!"
The older male simply lets out a chuckle at thier fussing. Makashi shooting him a questionable look. "What's with you?"
"I'm just reminiscing a bit. It's fine honestly just get everything in the dryer. It's still more clothes to do."
"Yes." They answer in unison. Ending the small argument as they start cleaning up.
By the time they're done it's well after noon. Kyou and Megumi stop at the front door as the family sees them off. "That's practically it for our morning routine. After chorus are done we spend the rest of day however we want," Makashi explains.
"Well it's safe to say we collected more than enough for the magazine. I still have work to do, so I'm going to be heading to the office now."
"Thanks for choosing us. We'll see you around then," Toshi says waving.
"See ya later!" Yoshi exclaims everyone exchanging goodbyes as the couple takes off.
Toshi and Sojuro move back towards the landry room, as the other two go upstairs. Makashi rushing in their bedroom zooms over to his nightstand. Glancing around before quickly messing with his digital clock. "Whatcha doing?"
Freezing at Yoshi's question who is suddenly behind him. Eyes refusing to meet his gaze choosing not to answer. "Why are you setting an alarm?...Oh! It's so you can get up and pitch in with breakfast, isn't it?"
"Just why would I do that?"
"Because if you help out instead Toshi can sleep in. You were worried about him ealier."
His cheeks turning red as their scarlett eyes, continuing to avoid his gaze. Makashi's next words coming out as a mumble. "You talk too much."
Yoshi snickering at his correct guess before taking off out the room.
...
(Soma POV)
Meanwhile another group of five stand inside a room with many beds. All men our getting changed into costume as Soma lets out a sigh. "How did I get myself into this situation..."
In the Magicz agency conference room, Haruhisa stood in front of the table One star had gathered around. "I know this meeting is a bit sudden, but there is someone I want to introduce you all too. You have Ryuga act as your unit's management correct?"
"Yes, we couldn't have one at Rising Up so my brother plans most things."
"I see, well leaving that past behind I believe you need an actual manager to help guide you, so Ryuga can focus more on his own growth. That's why I hired someone who would be perfect for the job. You can come in now, Dear."
The familiar face that walks through the door gave them all a shock. "It's Sai!" Itsuki exclaimed.
"It's been a while One Star."
"It's true she use to play as Sai on the popular kids show, but she's also an ex member of the idol group Sweet Escape. She's very cultured in music and I think she'll work nicely guiding you all."
"I can't believe we'll be working with Ran..." The blonde mumbles and Haruhisa turned to leave.
"Well do give her a chance though if any complications arise just let me know."
He closed the door behind him and a awkward silence hung in the air. Ran turned backwards leaning against the table as Soma spoke. "Why'd you agree to do this?"
"Well after Earth Radiance came to and end I thought about continuing to act like Megumi. But my true passion still belonged to music, and I realized I don't have to be in a singer to contribute to what I love. As for choosing your unit, One Star is trying to change. If someone like Natsume can turn his character around, so can all of you."
"I understand. How much experience do you have in this field anyway?"
"Hey I have you know I had to plan everything when it came to Sweet Escape. Kinda use to this by now."
"I think it's good then. We could use another sense of direction. After we left Rising Up things haven't been smooth sailing. We've been struggling to get gigs," Kenshin explained. Causing her turn around and leaned foward on the table now.
"I'm well aware of it. The president explained the situation to me already. That's why for my first task as your manager will be restoring your image!"
"Restore our image?" The repeated curiously.
"Yes, you can see people still have different views on you guys after the incident. Even if others sympathize especially with the twins hard lifestyle growing up. But you're still held responsible for the crimes you committed back there."
Hachiro crossed his arms and sat back. "Acts like that won't just get excused because we changed agencies. It can't all be pinned on Junbei."
"Excatly. That's why my mission is to get people to see One Star in a new light. To tell you've really changed. After that we'll focus more on music."
"I suppose that plan does sound most ideal..." Ryuga agreed reluctantly.
"Let's work hard togther!" Itsuki said brightly and she nodded.
"Right, I feel pumped already. Just listen to my advice and everything will go fine."
"Listen to her huh. I could handle her other ideas but this one is upsured." Soma finishing putting on his sheep costume. They'll be doing a musical performance of a popular television show for the orphan children. They always dreamed to see the live version but given thier situation never are able to. Instead One Star will be substituting and trying their best to reenact it. A nice deed for the kids that would paint a better picture of them, or so Ran claims. They've put up with many things, but this is by far the most embarrassing.
"We'll be starting soon enough." His brother walking up to join him in a pig costume. "Where is Ran?"
"I don't know but I feel ridiculous."
"Now Soma this is for the kids, but surely we look ridiculous. Luckily the show isn't that long."
On the otherside of the room Kenshin turns around after slipping on his Rooster costume. He turns to find Itsuki already dressed as a cow. "So Shin how do I look?" Giving a small tilt of the head and Kenshin's face flushes red.
"So...cute. I-I mean you look nice."
"Hehe, you look great in yours too."
"Really? I don't think it suits me..." Without warning the red head jumps on Kenshin's back feeling his soft feathers. "I-Itsuki!"
"Of course it does! Besides I don't think anything could look bad if you're wearing it." A slight teasing tone in his voice, only having the younger male's face go even redder. The twins join them with a sigh.
"Can you two stop flirting? We have to go over this one last time before going out." Soma states and the they fall quiet after seeing them.
"Wow Ryuga, your costume fits you."
Itsuki says causing the green haired male to adjust his glasses.
"Just what is that supposed to mean?"
"Ran said she'll be here in a minute." Hachiro approaching wearing a farmer's overalls outfit.
"Looking good, Hachiro!"
"It must be nice not to have and wear this hot costume," Kenshin mumbles.
Soma frowning at the older male looking a little too comfortable. Ran is the one who decided their parts since she's familiar with the play, but two in particular could have clearly been switched around. "I still don't understand why she picked you over the actual leader to have the main role. I should've been the farmer."
Hachiro walks up giving him a little ruffle of his wool with a small smirk on his lips. "Don't worry my little lamb. I'll take good care of you."
"Enjoy this role while it last because it won't be this way forever. Just bare that in mind." He warns through gritted teeth when the person of interest suddenly runs in.
"Sorry I'm late! The minute I walked in here those kids started bombarding me with questions. Quess the hype of Earth Radiance still hasn't quite left them yet. You guys look all ready to go. Remember your lines?"
"We'll survive. Anyway Ran, we were thinking why isn't the dog in this play? There's supposed to be a Germain shephard that works as a herder for the animals." Soma interrogates and she slowly nods.
"Oh, well we don't have anyone to play that. It's perfectly fine leaving the dog out though."
"I don't feel that's fair to the children. That's why we acquired one just in your size." Ryuga declares pulling out from his belongings another costume.
"W-What now?"
They slowly approach her with an evil smile as she slowly backs in the corner. "You want the show to be a success, right?" Ryuga questions.
"You've been around at all our practices so surely you know all the moves." Soma sneers as both brothers approach her and she slowly backs away.
"N-Nooo!"
The head lady clasps her hands to gain the children's attention. Kids of different ages sitting in front of a small farm set. "Okay everyone quiet down! It's finally time for the Barnyard friends theater show! Put onto you by One Star!"
They clap as all six of them come out in front of the excited crowd. The female crawling on the fours now wearing a dog costume. Soma keeps his head low in shame as Itsuki jumps in front. "Hello kids! We're happy to be performing for you today! Let's make some magic happen!"
The girls and boys screaming loudly in approval. They all take thier proper places as the first scene starts up. The beginning running smoothly enough for them. If any lines are forgotten it's just a simple fix of improb. Going into another song they all stand in formation. Ran barking and crawling around the males as they do so. Saying their small piece adding the dance to follow along with it. "The cow goes moo!"
"The roster goes ko."
"The pig goes oink."
"The s-sheep goes ba."
"All these animals near and far." Hachiro finishes having them all chant together.
"It's the barnyard friends, it's the barnyard friends, it's barnyard friends theater!"
The kids holler and clap clearly into the act. After a long time passes they finally head back towards the bedrooms. Kenshin flops on one of the beds face first with a groan. "Who knew they want us to go through it three times? I'm so tired."
Itsuki on the floor scratches every which a way struggling to get out of costume. "Argh, it's too itchy! I can't take it anymore!"
"I can't believe you guys dragged me-your manager into this!"
"You're use to acting for children though." Soma says rather bluntly and she averts her gaze.
"That's besides the point."
"Feel free to lecture us at a later date. I'm sure none of us want nothing more right now than to head home and relax." Ryuga sluggishly removing his costume.
A small knock is heard on the other side of the door. The middle age woman head of orphanage peeping in with a smile. "I don't mean to bother you but thanks so much for doing this. The children would love for you to come back and perform again sometime. We'd even pay you next time too. Let us know when you have a free schedule."
Soma scoffs as she walks away. He wouldn't dream of ever setting himself up in this situation after today. "It'll take a lot more than money for me to lower my sense of pride like that again."
"Aww, but you were so adorable out there~" The turquoise haired male coos and he shoots him a glare.
"Knock it out, Hachiro."
"I hate to agree but I can't picture myself going through that torture again either," Kenshin mumbles.
"Is everyone ready to head out?" Ryuga questions and nodding they grab their belongings.
Walking to the entrance kids can be heard talking amongst themselves in the main room. "I'd love to see them here again." A burnette says, the boy next to her nodding.
"Yeah, they were so close to the real thing. Even if they did substitute some but it was funny."
"I liked the one playing the cow the best! He was tons of fun," A girl exclaims.
"Maybe but Sai was totally the best and she didn't have any lines!" The boy insists.
"I think the sheep was the one that stood out. He was so cute!" Another one follows up.
Soma hearing her words stops dead in his tracks, glancing back at the small children. The kids are actually praising his pefomance. Now causing the other members to look back at thier leader's hold up. "They really enjoyed the show..."
"I'm glad they were happy but it's no way we'd-" Kenshin is cut off as Soma runs a hand through his hair.
"Well I suppose we could find the time to come back here again."
"Huh?!" Everyone practically shouts minus Hachiro.
"B-But you were the main one against this in the first place!" The blonde argues and Itsuki nods.
"So I've changed my mind. You have nothing against it, do you Ran?" Soma asks.
Ran thinks it over a minute shaking her head. "Well as long as I don't have to go out then it's fine."
"You traitor!" Kenshin and Itsuki shout in unison the female waving her hands in defense.
Hachiro only shrugs at the revelation. "I have no problem with it."
The pair looking a little surprised by his usual stoic reply, before Kenshin smiles wryly. "Ah, that's only so you can tease us some more right?"
"This takes me back to my childhood growing up in a place similar to this one. We couldn't go on normal family outings, and didn't have any source of entertainment like what we're doing now."
That remark causing the five to quiet down. Hachiro grew up his whole life in a orphanage that was viewed as the single place to call home. These kids must get pretty lonely sometimes, so all the more reason for them to come back. The others seem to be on the same page as Kenshin slowly nods. "I wasn't thinking about it that way. I guess it wouldn't hurt to do it again, just hopefully not anytime soon."
"I can play the dog then too. It wouldn't be fair to take an animal from the performance. I never pictured myself singing again quite like this."
"Good, I'm sure they'll look foward to it. And I'll look foward to messing with you guys some more during the next show." He adds with a smirk taking off out the door.
"Huh? You're not suppose to admit to it! That's so mean, Hachiro!" Itsuki whines running after him. Soon everyone clears the building leaving the twins remaining.
"What did change your mind in the end?" His brother inquires and Soma's cheeks reddened ever so slightly.
"They really liked my character and said my costume nice..." He slowly admits Ryuga's glasses darkening with his reasoning.
"You're too easily brainwashed by their kindness and cheer to realize the grave mistake you might've just made."
...
(Kahaku POV)
Later on that afternoon Kahaku and Natume get ready behind the large stage step up for them. Many teenage girls await anxiously for their performance in the backyard of large mansion. "These people must have a fortune. With all of this I'd assume they were throwing a graduation party for ten kids than a birthday for one." Kahaku says fixing his hair.
"Yeah, I can see how they're able to pay us some much now."
"I hope she likes the special song we wrote for her."
"I'm sure she will." Natsume assures though his gaze doesn't leave the black haired male.
"What it is?"
"You're too cute in that outfit, you know." Moving behind him and wrapping his arms around the boy. "I'm acting as a gentlemen for now, but I wonder how long I'm going to be able to hold back," he purrs in his ear, having Kahaku blush deeply.
"Y-You can't say stuff like that to me right now! I have to stay focused."
"When you pout like this I can't help but want to tease you even more."
"Honestly..." It's not fair Natsume always seems to have the upper hand. Remembering his promise to him Kahaku turns to face his lover. "Time for you to be on the receiving side for once." Kissing him on his neck having Natsume's breath hitch.
"K-Kahaku!"
"Now ladies it's time for the one and only Treasure to perform!" The mom announces and girls scream loudly as their lungs will allow them.
Kahaku breaks away leaving a red mark where his lips had been. Looking up innocently to see a light blush on Natsume's face.
That's a look I never seen from him before since the autograph signing. Is this what it's like when teasing me?
"That was punishment for scaring me yesterday. Well we better get out there!" Running out first waving to the crowd.
Natsume is left speechless for a second before smirking while following after. "Alright ladies we have a list of songs set up by the birthday girl to perform."
"Then we'll sing a special happy birthday song we made just for you," Kahaku adds.
As it quiets down some girls point at the noticable hickey left on the blondie's neck. "Hey, what is that?"
Hearing their whispers he immediately slaps a hand to cover it. "Kahaku just got a little impatient. I thought he'd be content after giving him my full attention all night long."
"A-All night?!" Girls exclaims, having the fangirling only increase. Clearly twisting it a bit to get a reaction out of them. The two stand in formation as the music starts up, exchanging a knowing look.
I've seen a lot of new sides to Natsume now I never thought possible. I don't know what comes next, but I picture a bright future ahead for us both.
A/N This is finally the last chapter. Quite a weird one I'm sure but just wanted to include some humor and fluff. I hope you enjoyed the story, and there are many others to take a look at;)