Mokuba glanced up from the computer which was settled into their lap as the sound of Seto's voice issued from the door of the dimly lit bedroom.
Of course, it was not surprising that Seto could sense that there was something amiss and that Mokuba was hiding that fact from as many people as possible. Seto was basically the only friend that the younger Kaiba had; certainly he was the person that knew them the best out of anyone in the world.
Even so, there was still a moment in which the young entrepreneur considered lying and saying that everything was fine.
Seto had been through a lot in the last few years and Mokuba tried their hardest to not add more to his plate.
But it was impossible to lie to Seto. They just did not have it in them. Mokuba set aside the laptop they had been working on and turned to look at the other and said, "Hey Seto. I ah⦠I dunno, bro. I think I just have some hardcore burnout. I mean, I get you having to take off and all of that. I'd never hold that against you. It has just been a lot of work filling your shoes and holding down the fort while you were gone and while you have been settling back in."
Mokuba quickly lifted their hands, immediately waving them dismissively and continuing, "Not that I mind. Because I don't. Take all the time you need to get your sea-legs back, you know? You don't have to rush back into the saddle. I'm just⦠I'm used to playing support. I'm not usually the tank when it comes to all this.. It's fine, bro."
Obviously, it isnāt. Seto has done enough running from his own mental problems to recognize when thereās something wrong. And out of everyone in the world, every single person on this planet, Mokuba is the one he worries about the most - the one that he cares about the most. He doesnāt want to see his little brother suffer any more than they already have.
He pushes off of the doorframe heād been leaning against and steps into the room in earnest. As the door shuts behind him, they are alone in their own space. Thereās safety here. At least - he hopes that the younger Kaiba feels that way.
Seto pads over to take up a post on the bed, half-sitting with one foot still planted on the floor. He levels a look at Mokuba.
āIf you need time, take it.ā He pauses, considering how best to phrase his words. Heās not good at this kind of thing, never really has been. But heās damn well going to try.Ā āIāll handle it.ā
When he says it, part of him is already bracing for impact. The weight of responsibility is about to hit hard again. But thatās okay - heās held it for years. Heās the older brother; heās taken care of them both since they were little, and he will continue to take care of them until he canāt any longer.
Mokuba has already gone through so much. And to add on to that with his stunt in the afterlife... He shouldnāt have done it.
āYou donāt have to fill anyoneās shoes, Mokuba.ā Theyāre barely an adult now. As Seto looks at their face, he remembers their childhood in flashes.Ā āItāll be alright; youāve done a lot. Youāre allowed to take a break.ā