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"Nii-san..."
"Nii-san...?"
"Nii-san?"
Takatora woke to something tapping him on the shoulder and his bed moving. He was still half-asleep as he cracked open his eyes to see the perpetrator. The person was very familiar, but also their presence was not expected in his room.
"Mitsuzane...?" Takatora rubbed his eyes and then stared at the younger boy in confusion.
"Nii-san... I'm sorry for waking you but I..." Mitsuzane looked away and then continued in a barely audible whisper, "Can I... stay with you tonight?"
That request was something Takatora hadn't heard in years. Back when Mitsuzane was a little kid and he was just barely a teenager was the last time he could ever recall his younger brother wanting to stay with him. Just what had brought this on all of a sudden?
"Why?" Takatora was a bit worried by just what could've cause Mitsuzane to need him this late at night.
Mitsuzane frowned and looked dejected, "I... sorry for bothering you I... I'll go..."
Takatora grabbed Mitsuzane by the wrist before he could retreat, "I didn't say you weren't welcome to stay. I just wanted to know why. You can stay."
"I... can?"
"Of course." Takatora shifted over and made more room for his brother.
Mitsuzane hesitantly crawled under the covers and laid beside him. They faced each other, but stayed in silence for a while. Takatora didn't want to push for an answer. Mitsuzane and him still had a very rocky relationship, though it was getting better over time. He didn't know how prying would be taken.
"Do you hate me, nii-san?"
"Why would I hate you?" That question just made him more worried. Had someone said something awful to Mitsuzane and made him relapse in the progress they had made?
Takatora had thought they got over the whole blame issue already. Mitsuzane was a kid. He hadn't known just what all those people had been doing to him until it was too late. He had been manipulated to be their pawn. And it was Takatora's own fault for not realizing Mitsuzane's feelings until it was all too late. How could anyone blame him for this?
"I caused you so much trouble... how can you forgive me for what I did?" Mitsuzane sounded close to tears.
"What brought those thoughts on now of all times?" Takatora asked, "I've told you before that I'm not mad. You didn't know better. I'll never hate you for what happened back then."
"I... I don't wanna talk about it... I'm sorry I'm bothering you, nii-san..."
Takatora sighed, "You're not bothering me at all, Mitsuzane. Do you want a hug?"
Mitsuzane hesitated, before he looked at Takatora through teary eyes and nodded. Takatora held open his arms and the younger boy quickly filled the gap. He clung to him tightly and the tears came. Takatora held him close and let him cry.
"I love you, Mitsuzane. That will never change. I'm sorry I wasn't a good enough brother to prevent you from suffering like this. If anything, you should be the one hating me."
"I could never hate you, nii-san..."
"Then why do you think I could ever hate you?"
That was enough to get him to calm a bit. Takatora half expected him to quickly retreat from the embrace, but instead Mitsuzane moved in closer. It was so strange doing this again, but he would do his best to give his brother the comfort he needed.
"Some kids at school were bullying me... they kept saying I'm probably such a disappointment and that you hate me for everything I've messed up and made you have to fix..."
Ah, so that was the issue. Takatora had guessed right that someone had placed those thoughts in Mitsuzane's head. The poor thing... why couldn't people stay out of personal business? They had no right to say those things to his brother. They knew nothing. Quite literally. Takatora could only guess the actual issue they were referring to as opposed to what issue Mitsuzane suddenly thought of at the comment.
"If they try that again, you let me know and I'll deal with them." Takatora stated, "They know nothing. They don't know the you that I do or that any of your friends do. Don't listen to them. You deserve to be loved. You don't deserve to be hated for the things you did."
"I'm sorry..."
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault."
Mitsuzane pulled away from the embrace. He was trembling. Takatora frowned. Why did he pull away when he was still so upset? Did he still worry it was bothering him to have to help with this?
"Hey, do you remember how we used to sleep together all the time when we were kids?" Takatora asked.
Mitsuzane nodded, "Dad always joked he should stop expecting to ever find us asleep in our separate beds at one point..."
"Did you ever feel like a burden to me back then?"
"No. It just made me feel loved by you."
"So why do you keep questioning that now? I've agreed to you staying, so why do think I'm not prepared to deal with whatever you throw my way?"
"Because we're older and people change..."
"Then pretend it's like those old days. Just me and you hanging out because you liked being around me."
Mitsuzane cracked a smile, "What did you think of me always wanting to follow you around, nii-san?"
"I enjoyed having your company. You made everything feel a bit less lonely when dad was busy at work." Takatora replied, smiling at the memory as well, "I was always so proud to call you my brother."
Takatora moved onto his back and looked at the ceiling. Those days were so much better. The two of them were so blissfully unaware of just what they were going to be dragged into because of their family name. If only they could go back in time and return to those days. If only there was some way to undo all the pain they had been through.
"Nii-san... are you still proud of me now?"
Takatora looked over and smiled at him, "Of course I am. You've grown so much. I'm very proud that you've made it this far. Are you proud of me or do I still have a lot of work to do to get back to that point?"
"I... I'm proud to call you my brother." Mitsuzane mumbled, "You've done so much for everyone... I wish I could've done that from the beginning..."
"I've made my fair share of mistakes. I'm not innocent either, Mitsuzane." Takatora said, "I've cost so many people their lives..."
"But now we're going to try and make up for all the wrong we've done."
"Indeed. And I don't want to do it without you by my side."
Mitsuzane smiled and moved to rest his head on Takatora's chest, "I wouldn't want it any other way either, nii-san."
Takatora wrapped an arm around him, "Any other things you wish to get out while we're here?"
There was a long pause as Mitsuzane thought over a response. Takatora waited patiently to see if he would say any more. The younger boy had a lot of secrets he was hesitant to share. That was something Takatora knew without a doubt. It would take a lot of time and effort before he would probably ever learn half of the things that had been hidden from him over the years.
"Do you think I deserve to go back to my friends and dance with them? I caused them so much hurt... so why can they forgive me so easily? I don't deserve to just get to walk back in like nothing happened..." Mitsuzane whispered.
"You know why. You were being used. Even they realize the things you did to hurt them weren't really you doing it. They all seem quite happy that you're just here with them still." Takatora replied, "You should give it a shot. And besides, I never have gotten to see you perform with them before. I think I'd like to finally see you doing what you love."
Mitsuzane chuckled, "Oh, you finally admit that dance battles are fun."
"I've had a change of heart, I suppose. Seeing the innocent kids doing things they love makes you realize the world can be a better place if you try and make it that way."
"You should try and do a dance with us one day, nii-san."
"I don't know I'd go that far-"
"Please? It'll make me really happy if you do."
Takatora sighed, "Fine. But you got to first return to the group if that is ever going to happen."
"I can talk to them after school tomorrow." Mitsuzane said, then he paused before adding, "Do you actually promise you'll dance with me?"
"I swear on it. And if I don't do it, you can get back at me however you see fit." Takatora knew he was going to regret this but it was far too late to back out now.
"Thank you, nii-san..."
"Do you feel better now that you've told someone all of those things?"
Mitsuzane nodded, "Yeah... I do."
"That's good then. You should try and get some rest. You don't want to be falling asleep during classes." Takatora prompted.
"Am I allowed to stay like this?"
"If that's how you want to sleep I won't complain."
"Goodnight, nii-san..."
"Goodnight, Mitsuzane. I love you."
There was a long pause before Takatora heard a very quiet 'I love you too' mumbled back. Mitsuzane shifted around a bit, moving to rest almost entirely on top of Takatora. He slowly relaxed his posture from how tense it had been all throughout the conversation.
Takatora placed his arms firmly around the other's body. Mitsuzane shifted a little bit more and then finally settled into a position. It surprisingly didn't take long at all before Takatora heard his breathing even out and his frame completely relax against his body.
Takatora smiled at the boy peacefully sleeping on top of him. This was a rare moment for sure. He would definitely treasure it. It had been so long since Mitsuzane had wanted his advice and especially since he had wanted any sort of comfort.
...
The alarm went off far too soon for Takatora's liking. He had never actually looked at the time that he had been woken up at. Who knew how late that had been?
As much as he would have loved to go back to sleep and just rush to get ready for the day later, there was someone on top of him who very much needed to get up and hadn't made any moves to yet.
At a quick glance, Takatora saw that Mitsuzane was at least awake, "Good morning, Mitsuzane. Did you sleep alright?"
"Yeah..."
Mitsuzane slowly rolled off of him and sat up. Takatora followed his lead. He reached over and ruffled Mitsuzane's hair. The boy tried to pull away, complaining in embarrassment.
"Time to get ready for the day."
"I know, I know, nii-san."
Mitsuzane fled from the room before Takatora could do anything else to embarrass him further. Takatora chuckled at his reaction and moved to get ready for the day as well. He had to make sure to see him off for school. It wouldn't be the first or probably the last time he would catch Mitsuzane trying to skip school if he wasn't on top of things.
It wasn't long before he was dressed presentable enough for the morning and went downstairs. Mitsuzane had yet to arrive. It was still early. He was probably taking his time getting ready for the day. Wanting time to collect his thoughts.
Takatora made a simple breakfast for the two of them while he waited. Even now they still often didn't spend much time together at home. Mitsuzane often would skip breakfast here and say he would eat at school.
Soon enough, the boy in question came downstairs. He blinked in surprise at the table being set.
"I've heard from your friends you don't actually eat at school very often. Come on." Takatora stated.
Mitsuzane looked away in shame before slowly making his way to the table. He took his seat and stared at the food on his plate. After a long moment, he slowly picked away at it. Neither of them made any attempt to hold a conversation while they ate.
"Are you always skipping school because of these bullies?" Takatora eventually asked. He had been pondering Mitsuzane's behavior for a while now and that was the first time he had any indication of what his school life entailed.
"A bit..." Mitsuzane mumbled.
"Then why don't you document everything they've done and I'll set up a meeting with the school to discuss taking action? I'm sure your friends can all vouch for you as well about that behavior."
"Why...?"
It had been asked to quietly that Takatora had almost missed it being said. Why? Why what? Why was he offering to do this? It should be obvious.
"Because I'm responsible for you and I can't just let someone get away with hurting you like that."
"Because you have to..." Mitsuzane took his words and twisted them. Did this kid always make things out the most negative way possible?
"Because I love you and I just want you to get to be happy again."
Mitsuzane stared at him for a while, his expression mostly blank. They stared at each other for a long time. He eventually looked away and stood up.
"Mitsuzane?"
"I don't deserve you..." His voice was strained as if he was holding back tears.
Takatora quickly rose from his seat and embraced him, "Of course you do. You deserve everything the world has to offer."
They stayed like that for a while. Mitsuzane had at one point returned the hug. Takatora wasn't going to let go until he was ready.
"Nii-san? Are you busy this morning?" Mitsuzane questioned quietly.
"I have a meeting in two hours. That's about it. Why?"
"Will you walk with me to school?"
"Sure." He agreed almost instantly.
Mitsuzane seemed surprised he agreed. Why did he ask if he had assumed it wouldn't happen in the first place? Did he really think that little of him still? Takatora made a mental note to try and spend more time with Mitsuzane and do the things he liked.
"Are you ready to go then? It's about the time you normally leave." Takatora asked.
"You know my schedule?" Another surprised look from Mitsuzane accompanied the question.
Did he think Takatora wouldn't have picked up on his routine by now? They saw each other every morning for the most part. Whether he really wanted to or not, Takatora would probably have gotten to this point just because of the routine. Though he knew the time more so to make sure Mitsuzane actually left for school than anything else.
"Yes? I hope I'd know when you normally leave for school."
"R-right..."
They fell into an awkward silence for a while. Mitsuzane went to grab his things for school. Takatora waited by the door. It didn't take long at all for them to head out.
The walk was quiet. Neither spoke but this silence was a lot calmer. It wasn't unbearable to keep it this way.
The walk to school was quite short. It wasn't long before the two brothers stood at the entrance gate. There were students all over, hanging out with their friends before the bell rang.
Mitsuzane hesitated actually entering. He turned back to look at Takatora.
"Thank you... nii-san."
"It's no big deal."
Mitsuzane was about to say something more, but was cut off by someone calling for him. Takatora was still struggling to get the names of all of his brother's friends down, but he did recognize the one calling for him as a friend.
"I gotta go, nii-san." Mitsuzane said.
"See you later. Text me if you're going to be late." Takatora patted him on the shoulder.
"Okay." Mitsuzane started walking away, but then turned back, "Love you, nii-san."
"Love you too. Have a good day."
...
That evening was probably the happiest he had seen Mitsuzane in a long time. He had come home late as Takatora expected. Normally Mitsuzane would retreat to his room, only coming out to eat dinner or ask Takatora a question about schoolwork.
Instead, he came home and joined Takatora in the living room. And boy did he have a lot to talk about tonight.
"They're really excited that I said I'd come back to practice! It was really fun to get to dance with everyone again. Chucky wouldn't stop pestering me to be their leader but... I don't know if I should. Rica said everyone in the group would like me to as well but that's a lot..." Mitsuzane trailed off.
"Why exactly do you not want to be their leader?" Takatora asked.
"I just... still don't think I deserve such a big role after everything I did..." Mitsuzane mumbled, "I know they think I do but I'm worried my own doubts will mess everything up."
Takatora wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Why not at least try? I'm sure they'd understand if you had to step down later on. You never know what will happen until it does. They see something in you obviously."
"But-"
Takatora cut him off, "You should stop doubting yourself so much. You're a lot better than you think."
"I... I'll try, nii-san." Mitsuzane finally agreed.
"I look forward to it."
"Will you be coming to watch us?"
"If I can, I will. You know how my job is unfortunately."
"Then this Saturday? They're doing a fundraiser at the park in the afternoon. Can you come?"
"Let me check my schedule and I'll tell you in the morning. I don't think anything is planned but I want to double check it."
"Okay."
"Anything else you want to talk about?"
"Um..." Mitsuzane paused for a while, "I... I did what you asked."
"Getting evidence against the bullies?"
"Yeah."
"I'll look it over tomorrow and set up the meeting then. Is it written or typed?"
"Both."
"Then put what you have on my desk and you can email me the rest. Or if you really want you can print the digital stuff out too."
"Okay."
They fell into silence again. Mitsuzane had gotten to talk a lot. It was rare seeing him so enthusiastic about something. Takatora hoped it would stay that way.
"Oh, there was one more thing I wanted to ask you, nii-san." Mitsuzane said.
"And that is?" Takatora prompted.
"Um... can I stay tonight too? It... was nice."
"Of course. My door is always open if you need me no matter the time of day." Takatora agreed.
"Thank you, nii-san. I... I really missed when we were close like this..."
"So do I. But, we're slowly going to get back to that point. I won't stop trying until we succeed."
"Good. I won't stop trying either."