the moon is rising on this dangerous night //

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora had, as usual, buried himself in work all day. He'd even stayed out far later than usual due to a few back-to-back business meetings, though he'd been kind enough to spare a few moments to let Mitsuzane know. He didn't want his younger brother to worry about where he was or why he wasn't home on time. Unfortunately, he was a bit vague with saying "probably around midnight". It had been one of those nights, meetings followed by outings and social drinking. Takatora had honestly never cared for it, but it was something he did because it made business partners happy. People talked a lot more when they had alcohol in their system as well, but Takatora had been careful to be polite in his acceptance of drinks while still going slow enough to maintain his composure. There was always the sinking concern that someone would manipulate information out of him while he was vulnerable. He couldn't allow that to happen.

By the time he returns home, it's closer to twelve-thirty. His clothing and everything about him smells of smoke and alcohol. It makes him a bit self-conscious, knowing it's completely out of character for him. He'd even, on one of his rare instances, accepted a cigarette from a colleague. It was a strange and nostalgic happening, but Takatora had thoroughly washed his mouth out afterwards. Still, the smell of smoke from that and the bar itself clung to him.

Takatora rubs at the back of his neck as he walks through the home, anxious to change out of his clothes. However, in passing Mitsuzane's door, he hesitates and then doubles back. It would be best to check on him in case he'd waited up. So he knocks, careful and light.]

Mitsuzane?

Comments

[grapeeater]

[He sits up a bit, brow furrowed.]

No. Things are getting really dangerous out there... and I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. So you need to promise that you'll let me protect you. Let me be your armor, nii-san. Let me help you.

[heavenlydecree]

[Are they really going to argue about this? He wants to defuse the situation, but to refuse his brother ... well, Mitsuzane is very stubborn.]

It's my responsibility to look out for you. Lie back down.

[grapeeater]

That doesn't mean I can't look out for you, too! Unless you think I'm not capable of doing that... which I am. You know I am...

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora frowns at the escalating situation, reaching out to nudge Mitsuzane to lie back down, since he's not listening.]

I understand that. I know how strong you are. I know how capable you are. I simply don't want you involved. It's not a reflection on your abilities, it's... .... a selfish desire of mine, because I want to keep you safe.

[grapeeater]

[He very nearly slaps his brother's hand away, but doesn't. As it is he just stays as still as he can, though he's practically vibrating from anger.]

And you don't think I don't want you safe, too? Let me take a little bit of your burden, so that I can make it easier for you.

[heavenlydecree]

I understand what you want, Mitsuzane.

[This was the same thing they'd argued about last night, wasn't it? The mark on his face aches at the memory.]

I... don't know where to begin, with that sort of thing. I've done everything on my own until now. To share with someone else seems impossible.

[grapeeater]

... I know it's hard, nii-san. I just... want to help you. I don't want to see you hurting...

[heavenlydecree]

You being here is enough to help.

[He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to his brother's lips in an attempt to calm him down. He hesitates, then kisses him again, a little bit harder, before pulling back and putting more space between them.]

... please don't hate me.

[grapeeater]

[He relaxes a bit into the kiss, and strokes the back of his brother's head gently as if he were the one trying to calm down Takatora. When he pulls away he huffs in annoyance, before sliding down so that he can curl up again.]

... I don't hate you. You may frustrate me sometimes, but I could never hate you.

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora doesn't seem to believe him, but he accepts it for now. Cautiously, he reaches over and pulls the covers up over his brother's body, not saying anything more.]

[grapeeater]

[He snuggles against Takatora, putting an arm around him so that he can nuzzle against the other's chest.]

Good night, nii-san...

[heavenlydecree]

[Well, he's... not ready to sleep again just yet, but he'll stay with Mitsuzane for a bit, at least until he's out. Takatora grudgingly settles in, wrapping an arm around Mitsuzane's waist to hold him close.]

... good night, Mitsuzane.

[grapeeater]

[He does manage to fall asleep fairly quickly, though it's clear that his dreams aren't... pleasant ones. He doesn't cry out, but he shifts a lot in his sleep, clinging to Takatora. His grip becomes almost as crushing as he can make it, and he shakes.]

[heavenlydecree]

[As soon as Mitsuzane is asleep, Takatora is sitting back up and reading on his tablet. He stays close enough that his brother can grab him if needed. And... well, all of that squirming and the tight hold concerns him. He sets his tablet down, reaching over to gently pet his brother's hair, waiting to see if he needs to wake him up.]

[grapeeater]

[The touch seems to settle him for a minute or so, before it starts up again. He makes a choked noise, somewhere between a gasp and a sob, before turning over to cling to the pillow instead.]

[heavenlydecree]

[... oh no.

Takatora sets the tablet on the side table, scooting back down into bed a bit more. He tugs at Mitsuzane, wrapping an arm tightly around his waist and tugging the other back against his chest.]

Mitsuzane, it's all right...

[grapeeater]

[He cries out sharply and flails for a moment as he wakes before he realizes what's going on and he goes limp. He's not sure that this is a good idea but he's too groggy to complain or say otherwise. He closes his eyes again and tries to calm himself, but his heart is beating too fast for him to be calm just yet.]

[heavenlydecree]

Shh.

[Being so comforting nowadays is still horribly unfamiliar, but he's... trying. Takatora keeps his brother close, tilting his head down to press a kiss to the back of the other's shoulder. If he gets hit by accident with Mitsuzane's flailing, it's something he's willing to accept, though his brother seems to calm down quickly once he wakes up.]

You're all right. I'm here. You're safe.

[grapeeater]

... Sorry... it was just a nightmare...

[The fact that he was in such obvious distress bothers him. He should be able to control himself, even while asleep. But he's not complaining about his brother's touch, shivering very slightly.]

I didn't mean to disturb you...

[heavenlydecree]

I was still awake.

[Aside from that, Mitsuzane is his brother and with everything happening between them lately... well, Takatora's still feeling pretty guilty. To be able to comfort his brother means he holds some sort of power in a way where he's not abusing his position too badly. This... this is fine, right?

Takatora presses his face against Mitsuzane's shoulder, giving him another comforting squeeze.]

Was it something new, this time?

[grapeeater]

... I don't really want to talk about it, nii-san. I'm sorry.

[He can't explain the terror he feels while fighting, the idea that he might not be enough. That he might not be able to keep people safe, or that he might just simply die while fighting. It's not enough to stop him, but it's enough to creep up on him in his more vulnerable hours.]

[heavenlydecree]

... I see.

[That's... concerning. Still, Takatora knows better than to push. He sighs against Mitsuzane's shoulder, then sits up enough to pull the covers back over the other's body.]

[grapeeater]

... You should try to rest, too.

[He turns so he can look up at his brother, eyes a little red.]

I don't want to make you sick or upset because you have to take care of me.