heavenlydecree | (no subject)

[If there was one thing Takatora was sure he should have learned by now, it would be how to keep his life in perfect running order. He had been the head of Yggdrasill's Research and Development branch from the moment he'd left high school and even before that, his father had kept him on a tight and strict schedule, never a second unaccounted for or left out of place. Unfortunately, with all of Takatora's scheduling and trying to squeeze an extra hour into every day, he still felt as though he never had time for anything, let alone everything. Even his weekends left little time for himself, though Takatora was also painfully aware of his obsession with triple-checking everything under his command and bringing such weight onto himself. He couldn't allow for errors.

His morning routine started a bit later on the weekends, if only because Takatora knew he had to catch up on sleep at some point to make up for running himself ragged. Getting sick was something he couldn't risk. The usual morning routine went by quickly: dragging himself out of bed (he'd never become a morning person, as much as he wanted to), showering, getting dressed, checking for any news or alerts while he had been sleeping. Thankfully, nothing important had happened during the night. Takatora always lived with the fear of something awful happening while he was asleep that he would be unprepared for, but every morning brought the same temporary relief. For now.

Takatora headed out of his room after an hour or so, still checking his phone as he made his way down the hall and towards the stairs. Ryouma already wanted to talk to him about something, which was mildly surprising as Ryouma rarely (never) got out of bed so early, which meant he'd been up all night again. Stepping past one of the maids, Takatora spoke a return greeting to her as he continued on, paying more attention to typing out messages than his surroundings.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As to whether I can help him or not, for one. The rest I don't need to discuss with you at this point in time.

[Really, that's the only question he has right now. But it's better to make him think he has something than reveal that he doesn't know what he doesn't know.]

In terms of 'disregard' for him, you're wrong. But it's a family matter, and not really any of your business.

Everything is my business, Mitsuzane-kun. If you want to work for your brother, you need to learn that. No one is allowed to hide anything from me. I always find out in the end. I already know plenty of things that would destroy the precious world you've built for yourself.

[Ryouma smiles at that, holding his phone up and waving it back and forth.]

Do you want to know what Takatora said about you?

... If he chooses to share it with me, that's his business.

[... He really does want to know, but he's already destroyed so much of his credibility with his brother. Making it worse isn't something that would do him any good at this point.]

[Ryouma hums at Mitsuzane's words, clearly not believing him.]

There are so many things Takatora will never tell you. You're naive if you believe he's being completely honest. ... but you know you can ask me anything, right, Mitsuzane-kun?

I could. But I don't think you'd give me a straight answer. And of course he's hiding things from me. Everyone has secrets they keep.

[Tsk tsk, Mitsuzane's resisting well, but Ryouma knows not to give up easily.]

I have no reason to lie to you.

And I have no reason to believe you.

[Ryouma sighs heavily, seeming to ponder his next action, before he puts his phone away and starts towards the living room. He motions for Mitsuzane to follow.]

Come with me. Leave your food.

[... For a moment he's not sure if he should follow or not, but curiosity gets the better of him and he follows Ryouma.]

[Of course, there's a good reason one should never trust Ryouma too much, which is quickly illustrated when, as Mitsuzane turns the corner, Ryouma presses a hand to the middle of his chest and pushes him back to hold him against the wall.]

Now that I'm sure I have your attention...

[His eyes widen, and he presses flat against the wall. There's a flash of fear in his eyes, which he attempts to use to distract the scientist as he jerks one of his legs up in an effort to knee him in the balls.]

[That was only mildly unexpected, but Ryouma manages to sidestep the attack while grabbing at Mitsuzane's leg with his other hand, fully intent on holding under the other's thigh until someone learns his lesson.]

This is what happens when children aren't disciplined properly...

[Crap. He'd headbutt him, but the hand on his chest is a little too restrictive. He lets out a harsh breath, glaring up at the scientist.]

I'm not a child.

[Ryouma leans forward, tilting his head and blowing a quick breath of air just under Mitsuzane's ear.]

Perhaps you should prove that to me.

[He makes a motion to try and struggle again, but he freezes when the air hits his ear. His skin prickles oddly, and he takes in a sharp breath. Dammit... he needs to think of something, but his head feels fuzzy.]

[He reaches out to try to do... something... but all he can manage is to grab the arm pinning him to the wall and grip tightly.]

[Oh that makes Ryouma giggle happily. It was a much better reaction than he'd expected, but it was far too dangerous to keep going like this. He could typically control himself fairly well, but playing too much with Mitsuzane was risky. Takatora would never forgive him for even minor infractions.

So, Ryouma releases Mitsuzane easily, taking a step back and rubbing at his hands.]

You certainly are his brother...

[... Well that definitely confirms some of his suspicions, though he really wishes it hadn't. He rubs the side of his face for a moment, disgust plain on his face, before turning.]

... If you don't have anything useful to say, I'm heading out.

[Ryouma practically pouts at Mitsuzane, tilting his head to the side.]

Only if you're sure you have nothing more to ask... I was so intent on having a nice conversation with you, until you tried to attack me.

You don't generally pin people to walls when you're trying to have a 'nice conversation' with them.

I was just teasing, Mitsuzane-kun. Takatora would never forgive me if I hurt you.

[Or touched him, for that matter, but Ryouma wouldn't let that slip.]

I don't really know you. I had no idea if I was in danger or not.

[He shrugs. It was instinctive. He's hardly to blame.]

Fair. That just means we need to spend more time together. I took the day off, so I should be here whenever you return. You know where to find me.

[He smiles and gives the other a wave, heading back into the kitchen.]

Good luck at your practice, Ryugen-chan.

[... He's not going to even dignify that with a response, but he's definitely going to make sure to stay out as late as he can.]