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

[heavenlydecree]

[Congratulations, Mitsuzane. You've actually gotten Takatora to stop arguing. He simply huffs and doesn't bother retaliating, climbing back into bed. He gives Mitsuzane his space, settling in on the other half.]

[grapeeater]

[He just rolls his eyes a little.]

Why are you so upset over this?

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora pauses, then looks over at Mitsuzane as though waiting for him to realize the answer himself.]

There are more answers to that question than I believe you're willing to hear.

[grapeeater]

[He makes a show of settling down and just looks at Takatora. Well?]

[heavenlydecree]

[Really, Mitsuzane? Takatora has to fight the urge to roll his eyes.]

The consequences of us ... being involved, were anyone to ever find out. [Ryouma doesn't count...] The potential of you changing your mind once you're too far in. The implication that I'm forcing you into something you don't want by exercising my power. ... and the fact that I've been struggling with these feelings for a very long time. ... to summarize.

[grapeeater]

So we be careful. And if we change our minds... then we do. It doesn't stop you from being my brother. I'm telling you that I want it. And... well. I have been, too. Not as long as you, maybe, but... still.

[There's been dreams... but he was always afraid of saying something.]

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora takes a long, deep breath, then gives Mitsuzane a slight nudge.]

Turn the light off and go to bed, Mitsuzane.

[With that, he begins shifting the covers around to settle in.]

[grapeeater]

[He huffs in annoyance and turns off the light, before curling up a little and pressing himself against his brother's back.]

[heavenlydecree]

[... well, now he knows he has to ask.]

What is it?

[grapeeater]

Nothing. I just want to be close to you.

[And maybe press the issue a little.]

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora sighs, then turns over and adjusts his position so that he can wrap one arm around his brother's waist. He's careful at least, hoping he can keep things... calm.]

[grapeeater]

[He nuzzles into his brother's chest, smiling a bit.]

[heavenlydecree]

Nothing else?

[... he doesn't trust you, Mitsuzane.]

[grapeeater]

I love you.

[How's that for something else?]

[heavenlydecree]

[Siiiiigh.]

... I love you too, Mitsuzane.

[He still doesn't believe that's it, but he'll drop the topic for now.]

[grapeeater]

[He smiles brightly, not that it can be seen in the room, and snuggles against Takatora's chest happily. While he does want to pursue this... they both need sleep. And maybe now that he's got his brother here he can sleep without nightmares.]

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora waits for a few more minutes to see if Mitsuzane will say anything. When he doesn't, Takatora surrenders again with a sigh, settling in against his pillow. He tugs the blankets up around them more, then secures Mitsuzane against his chest before attempting to sleep again.]

[grapeeater]

[He tries to stay awake, to make sure that Takatora can sleep, but the sound of his brother's breathing and his heartbeat lull him. He curls his fingers in Takatora's shirt, holding on to him protectively, as he drifts off. Maybe it's a little childish, but it just feels nice, and he wants to hold on to this moment forever.]