"Mama?" Tsumugi called out to me, making me look up to see her standing in the doorway with saddened eyes. "What's wrong?" She padded over to me, resting her small hands on my knees "When is Uncle Y/n coming home?" My brow furrowed in confusion, holding her cheek lovingly "I don't know, why do you ask?" She crossed her arms with a dramatic huff "Uncle Harue is always here to play with me, but he isn't." I chuckled softly, shaking my head "Uncle Y/n is busy with being a sorcerer, I can't force him to take a day off." She only got more pouty at my statement, stomping over to sit next to me on the couch. I turned on the TV for her, hoping it would calm her down. She leaned into my side, her eyes now fixed on the TV screen.
Sunday afternoons like this were my favourite. Most clan members out for work or other business they needed to attend to. Leaving the house quiet and calm for Tsumugi and me to revel in. A chance at rest, not having to look out for Batton, as much as I loved him. I finally had the chance to read the book I've been wanting to read for ages now but just never got the chance. Tsumugi's warmth beside me as a grounding factor.
After a while in this moment of peaceful bliss, my phone rang. I jumped slightly, picking it up to check the caller ID. Y/n? I quickly picked it up, worry striking me once again "Hello?" I heard some shuffling happen on the other side before his voice came through "Hey Emi." He sounded tired. Really tired. But not the sleep-deprived kind. Lord, please tell me, when will this boy stop worrying me? "Is everything alright?" Silence again. "Can I come home?" His voice was hoarse as if he'd been crying earlier. Or he was getting sick. Could go either way with him, to be honest.
Tsumugi jumped up, leaning on me in anticipation. "Is that Uncle Y/n?" She whispered loudly, making the subject of the matter chuckle. I'd never been so relieved to hear him laugh. "Yes sweetie, give me a moment to talk to him alright?" She nodded excitedly in reponse, bouncing with a burst of energy. "But yes of course can you come home. This is your home as much as it is mine or Harue's." I heard a soft, sarcastic 'uhuh' making me roll my eyes. "I'm coming over for dinner then." He spoke dryly, along with more shuffling. He sounded as if he was getting up, ready to leave already. "Are you coming over now?" I assumed he was still in Tokyo so he'd have to take the subway to get here. "Yeah, I have to travel like an hour. Do you want anything from the store before I get on the subway?" Just like when we were kids, always looking out for us despite me being the oldest. Ever since...
"Could you get some paper towels and maybe some bread? Oh and eggs. Brown preferably." He muttered something affirmative while likely grabbing his bag and some other belongings he might need. Maybe he could stay the night if his work allows it. "I'll hopefully be there in little more than an hour." His voice grabbed my attention again along with the sound of his keys jingling. "Does the colour really matter?" He mocked, irking me. "Yes. Brown shell peels better." I could hear him click his tongue, opening his door before locking it behind him "I call bullshit but whatever..." He mumbled under his breath, still mocking me.
"What do you know, you barely cook anyway." I spoke in a defensive tone, Tsumugi eyeing me curiously but also slightly confused. "Hey! I cook plenty of times." I hummed doubtfully, not believing him in the slightest "Tell that to the empty instant ramen cups on your counter." I could hear him stop in his tracks, a slightly frightened gasp escaping him "How the hell do you know that?!" He whisper yelled before continuing his walk to the supermarket. I laughed at his reaction, shaking my head slightly "I guess you haven't changed since you moved out huh?" I could hear him mumbling some swears under his breath only making me laugh louder. "Man I'll see you soon." I finally caught my breath, wiping the tears from my eyes "See you soon, Y/n." And with that he hung up the phone. I had some cleaning to do. And I had to prepare the guest bedroom. Just in case.
While I was preparing the guest bedroom after doing a proper sweep of the whole house I could hear the front door getting unlocked. It couldn't be Y/n, that's too soon. "I'M HOMEEE!" Harue. Perfect timing actually. He can start on dinner. "Uncle Harue!" I could hear Tsumugi jump up from the couch and run towards the front door. I made my way there as well, cleaning supplies in hand. Harue looked at me, raising his eyebrow curiously with my daughter in his arms "Doing some spring cleaning or what?" I shook my head, placing the cleaning gloves on a nearby table "Y/n is coming over for dinner so I deep cleaned and I'm currently preparing the guest bedroom."
He tilted his head slightly, looking even more confused "Was he able to get a day off from work?" Tsumugi started messing with his hair but he remained indifferent. "I don't know, he just randomly called asking if he could come over." I shrugged, brushing a tentative hand over Tsumugi's head. She seemed too occupied with Harue's hair, though. "I see." He spoke softly, suddenly peppering my little girl in kisses and tickling her while she giggled uncontrolably. She'd always loved her Uncles, and to their credit, they took great care of her. Even Y/n, despite not being home often. He always made sure to send gifts and stay in contact.
"Now that you're here, you can take of dinner while I finish cleaning. I'll come help you in a bit." He sighed dramatically, putting Tsumugi down with a soft grunt before making his way to the kitchen "What am I even making?" I fixed Tsumugi's hair before looking up at him again "For Y/n's return, let's make his favourite." He nodded, grabbing the nessecary supplies from the fridge and cabinet. "Should just give him leftovers honestly..." I could hear him mumble under his breath, making me shake my head as I returned to my earlier duties "Hush you."
While Harue and I finished up dinner, cleaning dishes and setting the table, we heard the front door open down the hall. Tsumugi dropped her pencils and abondoned her drawing to run towards the door "UNCLE Y/N!" She jumped into his arms as he lifted her up with ease "I missed you too sweet pea." He hugged her tightly after lazily kicking off his shoes. I'll tell him off for that later. He joined us in the kitchen, basicly getting suffocated by her. "What's up guys, dinner already served?" He asked with a smug grin while handing me the bag of groceries I'd asked for. The bag was too heavy for just some paper towels, bread and eggs. I looked inside and found various sweets, among them Tsumugi's favourite cookies.
With Tsumugi still in his arms, he gave Harue a side hug who happily returned it. Then he looked over to me, gesturing for a hug from me as well. As much as I didn't want to, I caved. I hadn't seen him in too long and he's been worrying the lifespan out of me these past few weeks. "How've you been man?" Harue asked with a bright smile, patting our brothers back. "Ah you know, just going through the motions." Despite his energetic demeanour, he looked tired. As tired as he sounded when he called me. What could have happened to dim his fire to such an extend?
As if on queue, the front door opened again. "I'm home." Batton's dry voice sounded from down the hall as he closed the door behind him with a loud thud. I could hear him stopping fpr a moment, probably recognising Y/n's shoes. He joined us in the kitchen as well, a displeased expression painting his features. Tsumugi surprisingly enough didn't want to move from Y/n's arms. I wish Batton would try harder to bond with her.
I gave him a pleading glance, just wanting them to get allong. Even if it was just for tonight. He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms while leaning against the counter "Y/n." He turned around, eyeing my husband coldy before speaking up "Batton." At least they greeted each other by their first names. That's progress in some capacity. "So who's hungry?" Harue cut through the tension in the air with his energtic tone, easing my mind slightly. "I'm starving." Y/n laughed, putting Tsumugi back on the ground. Which she was very displeased with "I have to help set the table sweetie. You can sit with me while we eat, okay?" She nodded excitedly, running into the dining room.
After collectively setting the table, I could see Y/n eyeing his favourite dish with practically dilated pupils "No way you guys made my favourite." He muttered in disbelief, gaining a laugh from Harue "It was Emi's idea, to be fair. I planned on feeding you leftovers." Y/n shot him a glare, smacking him across the head. Harue sometimes forgets he's the youngest of us, but Y/n always makes sure to remind him any chance given "I'll feed you leftovers if you're not careful." Harue huffed in annoyance, fixing his likely messed up hair. I could see he wanted to cuss the living soul out of Y/n but I gave him a warning glance, gesturing to my daughter who sat on our brother's lap.
"How's work been man?" Harue asked, turning to Y/n with a mouthful. I shook my head in dissapointment but I knew he was used to it. There's not much that could bother Y/n at this rate. "It's...been alright I think." I could see the way he immediately tensed at the topic. What was he hiding? I don't often see him this bothered by something. I'm sure he's seen a lot in his field of work. "I'm sure the last thing he wants to talk about is his work under dinner, Harue." Batton remarked bitterly. It's like the hatred radiated of off him and poluted the air. I could see Y/n's jaw tense as he took a deep, shaky breath. "Thank you, Batton. But I can speak for myself." He turned to look at my husband with a frustrated glow about him. I could tell Batton was pushing his luck with Y/n today, something about him told me he was already at his limit.
Tsumugi shoved a spoonful of food in his face, making him chuckle breathily, his features softening emediately. "Uncle you should try this, mama made it really good." He took the bite, humming approvingly "That is really good indeed." Thank you my sweet, sweet girl. She's probably not even aware of the tension between her papa and uncle.
We managed to make it through dinner without any further altercations. And as much as I was relieved, I felt as if my heart was gonna fail me any moment. Why can't the two of them act like adults for once.
Y/n insisted on helping me with dishes while Harue and Batton kept Tsumugi amused with whatever she desired. We basked in a comfortable silence, the only sounds coming from the running water and laughter from the living room. I appreciated moments like this where we could just be. "I appreciate you for making my favourite dish, Em." He hadn't used that nickname in quite a while and I couldn't help but smile "Of course. We look out for each other, right?" He simply nodded, putting another plate in the dishrack.
He turned off the faucet, finally having finished with the dishes. I was storing everything away, eyeing him curiously. He looked anxious, if only he'd just talk to me... "I'm going outside for a bit okay?" His voice halted my train of thought, my brow furrowing at the realisation "Do you still smoke?" I couldn't help but get angry, I just wanted him to be healthy. I saw annoyance creep its way onto his face "I'm an adult, Emi. I can take care of myself." His tone was harsh, and I caught myself flinching slightly. I wasn't afraid of him, was I?
I watched him leave towards the backyard, Tsumugi tailing him the moment he set foot in the living room again. "But I want to go outside with you!" She protested, wrapping herself around his leg as she looked up at him with pleading eyes. "You'll have to ask your mom then, okay?" He looked up at me, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. I knew he had no control over what she wanted, but it still ticked me off. "Fine, just look out where you exhale." He nodded understandingly, Tsumugi was ecstatic as she ran towards the backdoor, dragging Y/n along by his hand. It was sweet how much she liked him, I had to admit.
I sat down on the couch with a deep sigh, getting a nudge from Harue who sat beside me "Everything alright? You look like you're actively aging from stress alone." I slowly turned to look at him, a dumbfounded expression finding me. He just laughed hysterically, making me shake my head. My husband sat in his chair, looking out the backdoor window with disinterest. "And you dear? You seem rather bothered." He turned to look at me, an angry aura eminating from him "It's nothing, don't worry about it." I could see Harue eyeing him doubtfully, and in his defense, I wasn't convinced either.
As if on queue, Y/n and Tsumugi came back inside. I watched Y/n sit on the opposite couch, my daughter taking place in his lap to catch her breath. She was probably showing off her bike. She'd been wanting to show him for so long. He ran a tentative hand through her hair, she leaned into him probably ready for bed at this rate. I'll let her stay for a little while, though. She needs some catch up time with her uncle.
"So Y/n, found a lover yet or are you still single and miserable?" Harue teased, doing his absolute best to get on our brothers nerves. Just like old times. And then he'd chase him around the house with Mammon's credit cards firing as revenge. What a time. "I am single, but I'm not miserable because of it." He remarked with a scoff, his hand tracing patterns on Tsumugi's back to sooth her. "Maybe it's time she went to bed." Batton spoke up, clearing his throat while he got out of his seat. Tsumugi, if half awake, protested by holding on to Y/n tighter with a soft grumble. He chuckled softly, standing up with her in his arms "He's right sweetie, you need to get some rest." He handed her over to Batton, his eyes were always filled with love when he looked at her. That's how I knew she would always be safe with both him and Harue.
I joined Batton in putting her to bed, watching him hum her back to sleep. He ran his hand through the sort strands of her hair as he sat beside her on the bed. His voice soothed me just as much as my heart warmed at the sight in front of me. Two of the most important people in my life together in such a loving way. It wasn't often Batton was affectionate, even to me. So this was a miracle day.
When she finally fell back asleep, soft snoring filling the room. We quietly closed the door behind us, standing in the hall for a moment. I looked up at him, finding his gaze already on me "What?" He just smiled, shaking his head slightly "Nothing, I just don't appreciate how beautiful you are enough." His lips gently clashes with mine, the kiss soft and warm. His hand cupped my cheek lightly, deepening the kiss. Rudely interrupted, the muffled sound of the Just Dance start up sound could be heard from the living room. I swear to the gods...
As we approached the living, we heard the oh so familiar clapping. When we re-entered the living room, we found Y/n and Harue playing Rasputin on our Wii, and doing excelently at that. They used to play this game religiously befor Y/n moved out, further into the city of Tokyo. "I thought you'd gotten rusty after all this time, old man." Harue dared, the mischief abvious in his tone. I could hear Y/n click his tongue "You wish, loser." I could sense the dissapointment from Batton, but I couldn't help but smile a little. There was a weirdly nostalgic feeling to watching them play.
We'd always play Just Dance and all sorts of other games, but this had the best memories. They were pros at the game and aparently they still are. We watched them in silence, or as much as I could. I had to resist the urge to laugh at how competetive they still were about this game.
With the final move they turned to each other with shit eating grins before seeing us in the corner of their eyes. Harue dropped to the floor in embarassment while Y/n just lost it. Laughing to the point he started coughing while holding his stomach. "How much did you see?" Harue finally spoke, looking up with a flushed face. "Quite literally all of it." Y/n just started laughing louder, rolling around trying to catch his breath. Harue held his head in his hands, a pained sob escaping him. The duality of man.
"Absolute childeren." Batton remarked bitterly, sitting down on the couch with a loud thud. Y/n mockingly frowned at him, irking him even more "You're no fun." He shook his head, his arms crossed in frustration "I honestly don't get how you survive out in the real world." My brother rolled his eyes, sitting back on his hands with a deep sigh. His expression turned serious, his prior grudge against my husband clearly rearing its head again "Look. Life isn't all about killing curses and getting paid for me. I want to enjoy life as much as anybody else." Batton scoffed, turning to look at him again "And you enjoy life by playing a childish game? I feel bad for your students, truly." His tone held a degrading tone. I started to get frustrated too. I didn't want to choose a side, they were both dear to me.
I watched Y/n stand up, his arms crossed and his anger clearly getting to a breaking point "I don't know what you're fucking problem with me is but I need you to chill out or I swear to the gods I won't leave a single bone in your body functional." I could practically hear his jaw locking, his gaze quickly changed from his earlier ease to pure rage. My voice failed me and I could tell Harue was scared too. Him and I were practically powerless in this situation. "Oh really?" Batton got up to tower over Y/n with a threatening aura to him. One that sent a familiar chill down my spine "What will a tranny like you be able to do against me?" That flipped an almost visible switch in Y/n's mind, a fire igniting in his eyes that I hadn't seen since we were kids. All I could do was take a step back in fear, my gaze staying fixed on the two men. "The fuck did you just call me...?"