bakerstreet | ( picture prompt meme )

[He's not about to go professing exactly how uneasy he feels about the current situation he's found himself in, but yes, it would make him feel much better.

He also appreciates the slower pace she's set. He's gotten a little used to people ignoring what he wants, so it's nice to have someone listen... well, listen the right amount. There's a such thing as listening too closely, and Natsumi knows when to stop. He wishes he could say the same of some of the other girls in his life.]

Go for it.

[He's a little excited to find out what exactly she's so bubbly about, but he tries not to let it show. There are people around, after all.]

[Of course she knows when to stop. Most of the time, anyway...she would be his amazing little sister if she could be out done by any old girl in his life, save for maybe their mom.

Launching into the explanation does have her slowing down a little more, more so she can walk beside him rather than out in front. It makes it easier to look at him while she talks.]

Well first, we need to stop at a few stores. I've got a list of things we gotta get, and don't worry, I'm buyin'. So don't start bitching about me using your money or anything, got it?

[You totally were, don't lie!]

We need to stop at the grocery store and pick up some shit there, and then another store that's a surprise so you'll just have to wait to see that one, but you're gonna love it. Not at first, but trust me on this. You'll appreciate it later.

[Her eyes move away from him as they reach a corner and she glances in all directions. It takes her only a moment before she starts moving with the crowd again, taking a right.]

And then we're leavin' the city, heading to our final destination! Which is a super, super secret. It's nice and relaxin' though, just what we both need I think.

[School has been getting a little intense recently, and even if it hasn't been as bad for him...this is Fuyuhiko we're talking about. When is he ever relaxed? Never, she's pretty sure. He needs a break!]

And that's it! See? Totally normal day out.

[Listening to Natsumi's speech gives him a brief minute of relief. He's at least able to wiggle his hand out of her hold and work some of the sore spots away (because damn she grips hard).

Going to a few stores is fine with him. He's just not entirely sure that he and Natsumi have the same definition of "a few". Last time she wanted to take "a few" minutes of his time he had to help her with her homework for an hour, and when she wanted to win "a few" prizes at the festival they came home with a sizable mountain of stuffed animals. But there are a few things he needs to pick up as well, so he's willing to take his chances.

The promise of a few surprises has him perking up a little, though. He seems equally interested in what they might be and frustrated that she's waiting to tell him.]

Why so many surprises?

[School hasn't been much better for him, honestly. Yukizome had him stay after class yesterday. At first he thought he was in trouble for something, which wouldn't have been anything new, but then she started talking about how he's been isolating himself and saying he needs to "break out of his shell"...

He doesn't need to make friends with his fellow classmates. He's fine on his own. Besides, he's got Natsumi, at least. One sister makes up for plenty of friends as far as he's concerned.]

If you're fucking with me, Natsumi, I swear...

Well the first one is because I want to get something specific, and if you know what the store is you'll bitch and whine and complain the whole way there.

[Because god forbid they go anywhere near sweets out in public, but she isn't even going to make him go in so she thinks she's fine with this, if you ask her!]

The second one really is a surprise for you though.

[If you asked her, she would absolutely agree that he doesn't need to make friends. Between the two of them, neither sibling needs any more than what they have. And if they really do? They do have the largest syndicate in Japan. They have plenty of family members to socialize with. So forget that dumb teacher of yours, Fuyuhiko. All you need is your sister!]

I even told Peko-chan what it was and she agreed that it was a good idea. Since you can't believe your little sister even once, even though she's done something really nice for you.

[He shoots a dangerous glare in her direction.]

I do not whine.

[Or bitch. Complain he does do, but only when the subject matter is worth complaining about. And to prove it to her, he's not going to say an ill word at all when they arrive at this mystery store. Just out of spite.]

...But Peko said it would be good, did she?

[He clicks his tongue, turning his head away to stare down at the cement beneath his feet. Damn, Natsumi just has to know all of his weaknesses. Well, she's his sister. He supposes that's just a given, especially considering the way they've been raised to value victory and power above all else. She really has mastered the art of getting under his skin.]

Fine. Whatever.

[He's not submitting himself to his fate just yet, but she doesn't need to know that. He'll play along for now, and keep an eye out for all of her usual tricks.]

[That glare doesn't even phase her, met only by a look that says, "bring it on." Dangerous or not, she's not scared! Plus, she's confident he'd at least wait until they were alone or at home before trying anything if he really wanted to turn it into another physical confrontation. But that expression gives way to something much more satisfied pretty quick. "Fine. Whatever," means victory in her book.

It's only another minute or so of walking before the first store she's heading to comes into view, and she quickly points at it with excitement, the large building towering over the crowd finally.]

There! Come on, we're almost there oniichan!

[Despite telling him to "come on" and reaching back to grab his hand again, she doesn't actually speed up much. She actually doesn't want to get into any fights with random strangers today, and though it's hard to ignore the temptation to just shove people out of their way, she does her best to behave. She can totally approach this trip very calmly. Definitely.]

Okay, okay, I hear you.

[He's silently thankful that Natsumi doesn't pick up the pace; his ankle still hurts a bit from when he tripped over his own feet earlier. He has to crane his neck up to stare at the tall building, which would make it intimidating if it weren't for the fact that nothing intimidates him. Clearly.]

How long is this going to take, again?

[As in, how long will they be spending at each of these places, because that's his other concern. She seems to have packed their schedule tight, and he's not sure how much time they'll have left for these surprised she has planned. Not that he's excited for them or anything. He just doesn't want to have her throwing a fit when it gets dark out.]

[Do you really think it getting dark out is going to stop her?]

Don't worry, not long! I have a list for each store, and I don't need to get anything else. I promise I won't make you suffer for too long.

[It's said with a grin as they finally enter the building, Natsumi getting herself a basket. She reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out a slip of paper, holding it up to him. There are five items on the list, and it sounds as though it may be for some kind of lunch.]

See? Super quick.

[He knows deep down that nothing will stop Natsumi, just as nothing will stop him from dragging her home kicking and screaming once the sun goes down.]

It had better be.

[He doesn't want to end up sitting outside a dressing room for an hour while she tries on what feels like seventy different outfits and asks him what he thinks of every single one. It has happened before and it will never happen ever again, so long as he has anything to say about it.]

So what's on the top of your list, then?

[He could just peek over her shoulder and look, but he has a feeling she's going to want to blab about it either way, so he might as well ask instead.]

[She just rolls her eyes, confident that he'll be fine with it this time around. (Also, excuse you, it wasn't seventy!! Just...you know...around fifty or so.]

Drinks.

[Said simply as she points to the cold beverage aisle. It's the first one they're approaching, so she may as well pick those up now, right?]

Just somethin' for you and somethin' for me.

[Easy, right?]

[He nods in thought as they head closer to the drinks. Sounds simple enough.

...Or it would, if he didn't feel the innate need to stress over what drink is most suited for a mature, soon-to-be Yakuza leader such as himself. His eyes dart around once they reach the aisle, until finally they stop, landing on what he knows he really wants.

He worries his bottom lip between his teeth. Maybe he could just...]

This is definitely for you.

[That's what he says as he reaches out and drops the strawberry soda into their basket, with a tone of voice that strongly suggests it is not, but she should pretend that it is for the sake of his dignity.]

[She knows this song and dance and gives him that sweet smile that only a little sister could possess. Message received, bro.]

I was just about to say I wanted somethin' sweet. You're always looking out for me, oniichan.

[And then a second strawberry soda is picked up and put in the basket.]

I'll probably want two though. I can't really have just one usually...does this mean I get to pick out a drink for you then? Or are you not thirsty? If you don't want anything' we can just go get what's next on the list.

[She'll easily go along with it, knowing his problem with sweets and his image.]

[He's immensely grateful, even if she'll never hear him say it out loud. See? This is why he doesn't need anyone else. No friend he could ever make would really understand him in the same way Natsumi does.]

I think I'll be fine.

[He does offer her a small smile, though, and he's sure that says everything that his words do not. It's hard enough to convince him to genuinely smile in the first place, so when he does it himself it's usually a welcome treat.]

Let's just move on, then.

[He waits for her to lead the way, because no matter how humiliating it is being pulled around by his baby sister, it's not like he's the one with the fucking list.]

[That smile definitely says everything, turning her own into a broad and happy grin as she eagerly grabs for his hand as she leads the way.]

What're you hungry for, huh? That's next on the list. I figured maybe we could just get some of that prepackaged shit, you know...some kinda noodle dish already made up? We won't be able to cook anything, so you better pick out something you can eat out of the package.

[Are you catching on to her plan yet, Fuyuhiko?]

[His face falls as everything starts to click into place.]

Don't tell me we're having a goddamn picnic.

[If they are, that's fine... so long as they're reasonably far away from the eyes of others. But he's seriously beginning to wonder why she didn't just tell him what she was scheming in the first place. Does watching him put all the pieces together fill her with some sort of sick amusement? He wouldn't put it past her.]

[Well if watching him work it out makes her happy, her pout sure doesn't express that.]

Dammit. You're too smart oniichan.

[Not surprising. He's pretty much the smartest person she knows?? Oniichan is definitely smarter than anyone else, ever! But she sighs, coming to a stop off to the side of the beverage aisle.]

What's so wrong with a picnic, huh?

[He pauses for a moment, thinking about it - because what's really so bad about it, anyways? - before shrugging.]

Nothing, I guess.

[Or if anything is wrong with it, mentioning it wouldn't change a damn thing. Natsumi always finds a way to get what she wants. It's a skill she's spent many years cultivating.]

I just don't get why you didn't come out and tell me that in the first pace.

[He would really value a straightforward approach for once.]

I don't have to tell you everythin' y'know. Surprises are more fun once in a while.

[She starts walking again, heading towards the packaged food.]

You need to loosen up. I'm sure if I told you "hey I wanna go have a picnic" you'd complain about having work to do, or no time to do stupid shit like that, or how it'd just be a waste of time. You never have any fun, y'know?

[Of course, whenever they go to the beach or a festival or an amusement park, none of that really matters. But in his every day life, it's good for him to get out!]

So if I don't tell you, it's easier to get you out. Now come on, quit bitchin' and pick somethin' out!

[He reluctantly follows her into the right aisle, and if he rolls his eyes when her back is turned then surely she'll never know.]

You're only saying that because you don't have any friends to go waste your time with instead.

[Not that he would care about having those. But Natsumi... Natsumi deserves better. She deserves people who care about her, not whatever she's getting out of the reserve course. And yeah, maybe he wouldn't know if she did have friends, but it's awfully suspicious that he hasn't heard about any yet. Normally she has so much trouble shutting up, so... what's the fucking deal?

He does what she wants, though, picking a package off the shelf and throwing it into the basket with a little more aggression than is really necessary.]

There. Happy?

Like you're any better.

[She frowns as he tosses it in the basket, reacting to his aggression with equal aggression of her own. Fine! Whatever! Be an asshole!]

What the fuck would I want friends for? Did you forget people are scared of us? Maybe it's different for you in the Main Course, but the rejects in the Reserve Course are just what you'd expect from the public.

[She tries to relax, calm down some, take a deep breath. No need to start a fight in the store or ruin the afternoon. It's fine, it's whatever!]

Besides, it's way more fun hanging out with you than anyone else. I tried that whole hang out with people bullshit with the photography club and hated it, remember? Why bother trying again when I know I'll have fun with you?

[Another gesture for him to follow, but she doesn't take his hand this time. Time to go pay.]

["Why bother?" she asks, like the answer isn't obvious. Because he isn't good enough, that's fucking why. He's never been good enough for anyone in their life: his parents, who looked at him with shame the first time he introduced himself as a boy; the other clan members, who wanted Natsumi as leader instead; hell, even Peko, who he's been pushing away for years, knowing that without him she has nothing. He's never been enough for any of them, so why is Natsumi standing here saying that she doesn't need anyone else but him?

She's lying. She has to be. He doesn't want to hold her back anymore; not when everybody prattles on about how much potential she has.]

Don't even... stop saying shit like that.

[He doesn't want to start a scene in the store, but he's also never had a very good handle on his emotions. He follows her out of the aisle, but he feels more like a puppy pathetically trailing after its owner.]

You're bullshitting me. I know you are.

I'm not going to stop saying it and I'm not bullshitting you, it's the truth!

[It's taking everything in her power to continue towards the check out, free hand tightening into a fist. She's noticed the way others have treated him and looked at him. It's hard not to when half of the family is promoting you as the heir to replace your brother, and you end up sitting around wondering why. But it's just never been that way with her. He's always been her older sibling, no matter how he chose to present himself, and she's always respected that. She's never wavered, never shown uncertainty or even a little bit of disdain, so why is he asking her questions like that?]

Look, you wanna argue about this, wait until we're outside at least! Jeez...

[Oh, so she won't even let him hate himself in peace, will she? Is that how it is?]

Fine! Then I fucking will!

[His outburst is explosive, but after that he's silent, folding his arms tightly across his chest and starting resolutely at the store's white-and-beige tile floor. Closing in on himself; it's a common tactic employed by Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, one which he frequently abuses at school and most social gatherings. But not nearly as often around Natsumi. Rather, she's one of the few people he'll allow himself to be even the slightest bit open with, meaning that this sort of behavior is usually a red flag.

Still, he follows her to the checkout counter, grasping at his sleeves with white knuckles and dragging his feet the whole time.]

[It is a red flag, one that has her kicking herself and going over their conversation, trying to figure out what she said wrong. He was already upset before she asked him to save it, so surely that couldn't have lead to this, could it? Or maybe it did...dammit. She's ruining the whole afternoon before it even has a chance to start...

She's tense as she waits in line, roughly handing their basket to the cashier once it's their turn and giving him a glare that shuts him up mid sentence. She's not in the mood for small talk mister, just scan their shit so they can leave. And, once she has their bag and everything's paid for and they're finally outside,]

I'm sorry.

[She says it as soon as they're outside the doors, stepping to the side so that they don't block the walkway but not going too far. He probably doesn't want to wait until they're clear of the building completely and she did say wait until they're outside.

She's not normally one for apologies, not unless it's after a truly explosive fight and they haven't talked to each other in a few days. Natsumi is too prideful to admit that she needs to apologize for things usually. But she doesn't want this to turn into a fight like that.]

[He's deathly silent the whole way out, following Natsumi in a way that almost seems automatic. He takes a deep breath as they step out into the fresh air, and he finds it helps him calm down a little. Marginally, but just enough. Still, he doesn't speak until the apology has left Natsumi's mouth.]

No, it's... I'm just being an ass, Natsumi.

[Is it his pride or highly conditional self-worth that's stopping him from accepting the apology? He's honestly not sure, but he's leaning more towards the latter. Because no matter how much he doesn't want to have this conversation in public, he feels like, even if they were to have it in the privacy of their own home, he would try to brush it off.

There's this tiny part of him—a part that he's all too familiar with, that refuses to shut up—that keeps on telling him he doesn't deserve an apology. Isn't that what started this whole argument in the first place?]

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sorry for the delay!!

don't worry about it!!

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