The First Swordsman of Doma

alisterslittlebrother:

How come Seto-nii an’ Mokie are here is niichan feelin’ sick he looks sad Seto-nii an’ Mokie look mad are they mad at me an’ niichan how come did we do somethin’ bad is that how come they’re here but niichan didn’t do nothin’ wrong if they’re mad how come they’re still stayin’ did they stay over the night Mokie looked happy when we woke up everyone is mad an’ sad how come niichan’s neck looked funny it had a mark ‘r somethin’ on it is he gonna be okay did he fall why did Mokie smile did Seto-nii an’ niichan get in a fight I don’t want ‘em to fight I love ‘em both a lot why can’t we all be happy tog’ther I don’t wanna fight anymore like the dark just like the dark cold an’ alone an’ dark an’ by myself no niichan no Seto-nii no Mokie just Mikey Mihael Am’lda so dark an’ scary I saw dark in Seto-nii’s eyes is he like that I wanna help but I dunno how is he lost too does he need to be woken up please help Seto-nii wake up niichan y’u gotta help wake ‘im up too I’m scared I don’t wanna be scared anymore

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

My eyes widened, and a feeling of relief came back. Seto wasn’t hiding anything from me. Actually, I was rather impressed, despite not wanting to admit. I watched Alister go, pleased he was out of my sight before laying eyes on Mikey. He looked miserable. Had we been a little too obvious in our fighting? I sighed, standing up and kneeling where he was standing so we were at eye level. Poor kid looked like he was about to cry “Hey, mikey” I tried, smiling “Come on, cheer up. It’s not everyday I get to come see you and Seto-nii” I wrinkled my nose, that just sounded stupid coming from me “Makes us a big breakfast” I picked Mikey up, balancing him on my hip like I had seen Seto do earlier and sat him down at his seat, rubbing my hip. He was actually getting pretty big, damn. I walked over, snatching Mikey’s plate from seto a little too forcefully, shooting him a glare. Nice going dumbass. We need to talk later. Walking back,I set it down in front of Mikey, sitting besides him and smiling “You wanna tell Mokie what’s wrong or do you just wanna eat pancakes with me?”

I watched Mokuba’s face as he took in the information, frowning at the pleased look he had directed towards me momentarily. ‘That’s messed up, Mokuba. Proud of me for choking Alister….’ 

But that’s family, right? Being messed up.

I glared at the cabinets for a second, and then opened them until I found the one holding plates and took four. Reconsidered and returned one for a smaller size. Mokuba came over and took the small one from me rather forcefully, accompanied with a look I knew well. I pressed my mouth together and nodded just enough for him to see.

I picked up the pancake plate and deposited it and the stack of plates on the table, swinging back into the kitchen for silverware. The toast popped up. I found silverware and brought butter and syrup and the small jar of strawberry jam I’d found along with the toast to the table as well. I cast a look at Mokuba and Mikey, frowning at how Mikey looked close to tears, but couldn’t sit yet. I crossed the kitchen to switch off the stovetop and brought Alister’s mug down at a place beside Mikey, thinking he’d rather be next to him than at the ‘head’ of the table. ‘He’ll tell me if I did it wrong, I’m sure.’  I smiled wryly at the thought and sat.

Forgot glasses. And napkins. Sighed and got up again. Hopefully Mokuba could handle Mikey.

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

I winced as seto looked over at me, frowning. He really had the audacity to look at me like that when he didn’t tell me the real reason we were coming over here! Hell, I was always going to be accepting of Seto, so why wouldn’t he tell me! Did I do something wrong? Was I too mean? I bit my tongue and rolled my eyes, taking another sip of coffee. I saw Alister shoot a look at me and grinned as his hand found his way to his neck. My grinned dropped when he looked right past me, not going to answer or even look at me. I must have hurt his precious wittle feelings. I was expecting more of a show though. I scowled, sinking down into my seat and frowning into my cup, opting to stay quiet and give Seto a piece of my mind later.

“Yeah, I found the coffee just fine,” I said, slowly, pouring myself a cup of coffee as I eye Alister’s back. I poured him a cup too, and made my way towards him. “You can… go clean up, if you want.” My eyes slid to his bruise. Breath froze. ‘No.’  Forced myself to meet his eyes again. ”Probably need to brush your teeth or something.” I let the implied meaning stand and handed him the cup.

I stepped around him slightly, and stopped suddenly for show and said, “Oh, and Mokuba, it might be best if you choked back your words this morning. Still pretty early.” I didn’t bother lingering and flipped the last pancake onto the stack. Sipped at my coffee. Cursed very quietly.

What a morning.

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

Seto you are such a liar. I heard the stirring from the living room, stiffening up. God daaaaaaammit Mikey you woke up the beast.Smile, Mokuba. Smile. I turned when they walked in doing just that and had to bite my tounge. Alister looked a hot mess, hair tousled and clothes askew, not really unlike a cheap hooker after a night of work, if I may be so bold here. Then, where his shirt collar had slipped down, I saw a nice little purple mark on his neck. oh my god they didn’t. I brought the mug Seto set infront of me to my lips, shooting Alister an awful glare, then looking to Seto, giving him the same look, holding back the urge to shout. Are you kidding me?! How could he not tell me!! And Alister! Alister of all people! Seto have some class if you’re going to fuck around and don’t take home things you find in the street! I saw Seto avert his eyes. He knows what he did. I sighed into my cup, looking back at Alister, not taking it away. I grinned, the words coming out in a hiss “Nice mark,Alister. Matches your eyes. Did you fall or something?”

Alister entered. Every muscle in my body tensed. He glanced at me, but his attention returned to Mikey. I looked at Mokuba for reassurance and he… glared. ‘What…?’ I looked back at Alister. He bent to say something to Mikey, and I noticed the dark, purpleish mark on his neck as he moved. A bruise from me. Because of me. Because I had almost strangled him. I withheld a wince, but it escaped as I fought back the sudden sense of nearly-alien satisfaction I felt.

I flipped a pancake. Mokuba had… glared. ….
It clicked what he thought of the situation just before he spoke. I hung my head over the skillet for a moment, and turned, immediately catching my little brother’s gaze and holding it fiercely.

“Mokuba.” My tone held no room for argument. I stared at him until he looked away, seemingly sheepish. I knew better. He’d bring it up later.

“‘Morning, Alister,” I said in a fake show of nonchalance. “Mikey wanted toast.”

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

I watched him go, smiling before turning back to Seto “Are you ok? You’re acting weird” I said, smile dropping. It was impossible to miss the catch in his voice. Did he and Alister have a fight? I looked back over to the loveseat, keeping my voice low for fear of having to deal with him this early in the morning, then back over at Seto, noting the look of discomfort on his face and debated asking for us to leave right now to avoid having to speak to him, but Mikey seemed so happy we were here….and Seto was presumably going to get a full meal instead of the usual small snacks… I sighed, leaning back in my chair and returning my focus to the matter at hand, “And…can you put some cream in the coffee too?”

‘Oh, fuck.’ I shared a horrified look with Mokuba, not hearing his words over the panic rising, making a whoompfwhoompf in my ears as blood rushed. “Alister’s only been napping for two hours, max.” I stared for a while longer and pivoted. Body moved as if on autopilot. I retrieved four slices of bread and deposited them in the toaster. Scooped the pancake that’d been cooking this whole time onto the waiting plate.

And then I laughed, under my breath. ‘Oh, well.’

I looked over my shoulder at Mokuba, mind helpfully snagging his words and replaying them for me.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine.” ‘Or I will be.’ “And you’ll get your cream.” I gave him that small smile he liked and turned back to the stove. Poured made more batter. Located the coffee pot and began making a fresh batch. The smile hadn’t gone yet. Coffee machines were… great.

It was dark… Warm. Not the most comfortable. But warm. I must have been at home. My little bed. Mihael’s cradle next to me. It was empty? Where was Mihael?

I called to him. I called in the darkness. No answer.

Ahead of me. A light? It was soft.

Soft green glow.

I ran to it. Hope? Mihael? It promised both.

Reach for it… Closer…

Suddenly I was torn from my dream by a weight seeming to drop out of nowhere onto my chest, taking my breath away in a swift ‘whoosh’; what the hell was that!? I forced my eyes open -the dim light was almost too much- and came face to face with my brother; he was seated on my stomach, leaning on my chest, and staring me in the face. He was smiling.

“Mornin’ niichan! Didja sleep good?” Mikey asked brightly, giving me a kiss on the cheek and snuggling down on top of me.

I resisted the urge to groan; I had slept? I thought I had just dozed off moments ago… I didn’t feel rested, not at all. I was exhausted, sore, and my throat still hurt. Ugh, and I had to put on a happy face for him, lest Mikey ask questions.

“A-ah, yeah, I slept fine, buddy.” I said, stroking his hair softly. “Say, did you see who was here?” I could hear movement from the kitchen. Movement, and voices, not to mention the light; Seto and Mokuba were still here? But if it got him off me so I could try to wake myself up before heading in there to face them…

“Yup! Seto-nii an’ Mokie are makin’ breakfast! C’mon niichan, let’s goooooo!” Mikey shimmied off me, grabbing me by the hand and trying to pull me up off the couch. Ahh… this was going to be a long morning…

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

“He’s sleeping on the couch” I said, walking over and sitting at the table, folding my arms and resting my head, a huge smile on my face. It brought back good memories to see Seto like this. Even if I was slightly jealous that Mikey was getting all the attention. But that’s probably just cause I was too big to be picked up like that.”Can you make coffee too, niisama?” I yawned, looking over to see if Alister had woken up yet

I caught a glimpse of Mokuba’s giant grin and looked away. “Yeah, he fell asleep a while after we, talked.” There was only a minute pause as I spoke, but Mokuba was likely to catch it anyway. Damn.

“Mikey, do you want to sit on the counter or go sit with Mokuba? I’ll make you some toast.” I almost gave him an option of French toast but stopped myself in time. Don’t give kids too many options. I was out of practice — again. ‘I wonder… maybe…’ I shifted Mikey on my hip a little and smiled. Big, grey eyes. “Hey, I missed you too.” I ruffled his hair just slightly and turned at Mokuba’s question, frowning a little.

‘Stark contrast between…’

“Yeah, if I can find it. It’s probably not the same as ours. Keep that in mind,” I said in warning, giving him a look. Preemptive if he complained again.

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

capsulemonstersarebetter:

Feeling the bed shift and the sudden drop in temperature, I sat up, blinking the sleep out of my eyes, looking over at the empty spot besides me, the indentation of mikey still there. How long was I asleep? And when did I even fall asleep in the first place? I yawned, stretching and lazily running a hand through my hair. Best to get Mikey back to bed, or Alister would have to deal with a cranky eight year old tomorrow. Standing up, I wandered into the living room, hand trailing against the wall to keep my balance in the dark and saw the sleeping form on the loveseat. Alister looked exhausted, curled up tight. Without really thinking, I looked around, grabbing a blanket and pulling it gently over Alister, careful not to wake him. Years of catching Seto asleep at his desk had caused this to become a rather stupid habit of brotherly affection. Besides, if Alister caught a cold, who else would give my brother hell with me. He still had a lot to learn about that though, It’s a very delicate art form. I backed away, looking around. There was a very faint light coming from the kitchen. Of course he would be working. Wandering in there I yawned again, then smiled. “Mikey, come on, back to bed.” 

I staggered and caught myself on the counter, spatula thankfully still in hand. I set it on the edge of the skillet and picked him up, resting him on my hip, letting out an exaggerated ‘oof’ for his benefit.

“Mikey, when did you get so big? Have you been growing on me?” I squinted at him playfully, and grinned some. It’d been too long since I saw those big, grey eyes. I turned as Mokuba entered.

“It’s alright, Mokuba. If he’s up, he’s up. I’m making pancakes.” I paused. “What else should I make?” I looked at both of them for an answer.

Mikey, with a sleepy grin on his face, nuzzled is face against Seto’s. After spending so much time with the Kaiba brothers, the little redhead thought of them as family, too; that always seemed to make Alister laugh. Looping his arms around Seto’s neck, Mikey gave him a small kiss on the cheek, and a gentle hug.

“Y’u can make some toast; niichan makes it, an’ keeps it in that box thingy over there.” The boy pointed to the breadbox, but his words seemed to derail his current train of thought. Mikey blinked, as though just realizing who was holding him, and who had been in bed with him when he woke up.

“Hey… Where’s niichan? Did he go away again…?”

(Source: alisterthedomaswordsman)

sextokaiba:

I turned my phone on, deciding not to use the full screen and dimmed it as much as I could, regardless. Focusing on something bright in a dark room was bad for the eyes, but, heh…

I opened my email and set to work answering clients Mokuba hadn’t. Twenty minutes into it, I remembered I hadn’t said something to Isono yet. Texted him. It was doubtful he’d reply, but at least he would see it. Returned to email. Checked inventory, the calendar, numerous things, so many things I needed to catch up on….

I sighed, and wiped at my eye. I could hear Alister breathing quietly through his nose. He was probably asleep. I leaned on the other side of the couch. yes, faint light was coming in at the bottom of the curtains.

If I knew little kids, Mikey would be awake soon…. Hmn. Better to be prepared than not. I got to my feet and went to the kitchen quietly. Socks were so much quieter than my boots on this flooring. I set my phone to full screen behind some cabinets so at least some of the light wouldn’t reach Alister and turned into to a muted flashlight mode. I turned to the fridge. Breakfast.

Meanwhile, in Alister’s room, Mikey finally began to stir. Curled up against a warm figure, the boy had believed it to be Alister; there was nobody else in the house, after all. Imagine his surpise when it was really Mokuba! He had gasped a little, almost wanting to wake his friend up, but Mokuba was still fast asleep… So Mikey untangled himself as gently as he could from the blankets and toddled out into the hall, his hair a sleep-mussed mess.

The living room was still pretty dark -he couldn’t see Alister sleeping in the loveseat- but noticed a light in the kitchen. Alister, perhaps? Mikey poked his head in and was once again met with a shocking sight.

“Seto-nii!!” the boy cried out happily, charging in and flinging his arms around Seto’s waist. “I missed y’u so much!”

sextokaiba:

I laughed, somewhat dryly. “No. Lately, I’ve gotten my share of sleep.” I moved my phone to the other knee. Hesitated, then picked up the pillows. “Here, catch,” I said in warning and tossed the pillows across to him. “You’re in more need of sleep than me.”

I slid my thumb down the side of my phone. Cool, smooth, aluminum alloy. Stainless steel covering inside. I’d made it myself. It was heavier than most phones its size, but then, my phone could do a lot more….

“If I use my phone to work, will the light bother you?”

I caught one of the tossed pillows, letting the other fall to the ground to the left of my chair with a soft ‘thump’. I was glad for the darkness; it hid my tired smile of gratitude. But it was swift to disappear behind a yawn as I adjusted the pillow behind my head.

It was soft… so soft…

Another yawn.

Was I that tired?

Maybe.

“No… I’ll be fine; do what you want.” I replied, settling back against the pillow. Wouldn’t it be rude if I fell asleep though? Did Seto even care? I doubted it. Ah, it didn’t matter. My eyes were burning faintly. Watering. Yawning again. Ugh.

sextokaiba:

I followed Alister back into the living room, pausing as he ducked into another room, and deciding to go on ahead of him. I paused again, briefly. Decision made. Sat on the couch we had been… on earlier, thinking he probably wouldn’t want to use it for a while.

Alister came into the living room shortly. He tossed two pillows on the couch — ‘what?’ — and I watched as he crossed the room and closed the curtains.

“This is fine,” I answered, voice going soft in the dark. I heard him move; sensed and heard him sit across from me.

I leaned down slowly and worked my boots’ straps and laces into a looser mold. “Are… the pillows for me?” Boots off, I set them to the side and then took off my coat, draping it over the back of the couch. I dug my phone out of a pants pocket. It spun on my knee as I pushed it around with my thumb.

I settled into the loveseat, leaning back as far as I could until my head rested on the back. I hadn’t realized just how tired I was until the light had been snuffed out, and I was left with nothing but darkness; my adrenalin high must have finally worn itself out, and my body was ready to crash.

In the darkness, I nodded in response to his question, only to remember he wouldn’t be able to see it. I sighed. “Yeah, they’re for you. You can use them if you want; I don’t know when your brother’s going to wake up, so if you want to sleep, go ahead.”

So, so tired… I blinked several times in quick succession, hoping to snap myself out of this daze I had fallen in. But my eyelids felt heavy; the moment I shut them I had to struggle to reopen them again. Alright, blinking is out of the question. I sighed again, and shifted.