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]

[Takatora doesn't seem convinced. He pulls back, then slides out of bed before stalking off to the bathroom. Thankfully, it's connected to his bedroom and the two can continue talking if necessary. He starts digging through the cabinet for medicine, then fills up his glass with water. Being up and moving around makes him realize exactly how much his head has been hurting -- and exactly how worked up he is. The pounding in his head is not helping anything.]

[grapeeater]

[He shifts a little so he can watch his brother, and just keeps quiet while he works. He pulls his knees up to his chest, trying to think of his next move. ... Maybe he should just leave for the day. He does have things to take care of... but on the other hand he doesn't want his brother to think that he's running away.]

[heavenlydecree]

[Takatora seems to pick up well enough, though part of him does figure he should give Mitsuzane a way out, if that's what he wants. He takes his medicine and swallows a bit of water before returning to the doorway of the bathroom, leaning against the frame. He keeps his glass in one hand, sipping at it.]

Did you have plans for the day?

[grapeeater]

Not really. I have things I could do, but not concrete plans...

[Not until later... but he has the feeling that he's not going to really be needed that much today anyway.]

[heavenlydecree]

I see.

[With that, Takatora retreats back into the bathroom. He finishes the rest of his water, pours another, finishes that one as well, and then fills up the glass again before starting out of the room. He hesitates, then walks back in and grabs another cup, filling that up with water as well. Once he steps out of the bathroom, he walks over to Mitsuzane's side of the bed and sets both glasses down, the one that isn't typically his being set closer to his brother.]

You should be drinking as well.

[grapeeater]

[He looks up in confusion, and then reaches up to touch his own cheeks. Is he still red?]

Ah?

[heavenlydecree]

[The cute action makes a smile tug at Takatora's lips, before he reaches over and brushes a thumb over one of Mitsuzane's cheeks.]

Nothing. I just want to make sure you're taken care of.

[He lowers his hand and turns away, making his way over to the window to pull open the curtains.]

[grapeeater]

I'm okay...

[But he picks up the cup and takes a few slow sips out of it anyway, watching his brother.]

Ah... what do you have planned for today, nii-san?

[heavenlydecree]

[Oh. ... was that too much? Too close to treating him like a child? Takatora frowns, a bit unsure of himself. Still, he opens the curtains and then returns to bed, picking up his own glass on the way to put it on his own nightstand.]

I'm taking the day off.

[At this point... well, yes, that bruise is quite visible.]

[grapeeater]

[He looks down, curling around his drink.]

I... I see. I...

[His face pales a bit and he takes a deep breath, closing his eyes.]

I -

[Oops. There's a crack, and he yelps, eyes flying open as he sets the glass down. A hairline fracture is visible along the side of the glass, and he pulls a small shard of glass out of his hand, dropping it into the remaining water.]

Ah... please get me some antibiotic and a bandage, nii-san...