(Kaito's POV)
"Ah, Maki-chan~~" Naoya said as she hugged my arm, "I heard you were back, welcome home~~"
We were standing in the middle of the hallway, facing Maki who was standing in the middle of it, still covered in her bandages.
Maki scowled, "Naoya." She said, "What do you want?"
Naoya pressed herself against me, "Well, after Kaito-kun and I finished our talk." She said with a chuckle, "I wanted to come and see my beloved cousin~"
"I'm fine, leave me be." Maki said coldly, leaning on the wall for support, "Go on and have some time with your husband."
I walked up to Maki, gently reaching for her arm, "You shouldn't be walking about." I told her, "Get some rest, Maki."
She pulled away, "Leave me alone."
"What's your problem?" Naoya asked with a scowl, "Your brother went to the trouble to go and save your life from death and you treat him this way? He should have let you burn and die."
I scowled at her, "Don't say that." I said with an angry tone, "I would never do that."
Naoya looked away dismissively, "But she's an ungrateful little shit." She muttered, "What do you want me to tell her?"
"Enough." I said with a warning tone, "I will stand here and allow a quarrel to occur. Let us be done with it."
Naoya looked at me, "Tch...." She said, "We'll speak about this later, husband."
"I don't mind." I said, "I-"
"You want to know what my problem is?" Maki cut me off, "The fact that you stand here all cocky, Naoya. Knowing very well that the only reason you stand there, wrapping your arm around this fool, is that you groomed him."
Naoya glared at her, "Watch your filthy mouth, you little-"
"Enough." I said, this time much firmer
Naoya huffed angrily, "Y-You.....Maki..." She said with an irritated tone, "I won't forget this, stupid girl."
She turned around and stomped away angrily, shooting me a glare. I only knew that this would bring trouble for me later on. She knows her limits, that wife of mine; she won't throw a tantrum like she normally does, especially if I had already spoken.
I looked at Maki, "You will apologize to her later." I said, "To make peace."
She scowled, "I will do no such thing." She said, "Don't order me around, I'm not your servant."
"You are my sister." I said, "And the last thing I need is for my wife and sister to be at each other's throat."
"Your wife? She's also your cousin, your blood." She said as she wobbled past me, "Disgusting."
I looked at her, "Maki."
She stopped and looked at me, "What?"
"...I...." I said
The words I wanted to say did not come out. I did not know why.
"Typical." She said, "Unable to speak when he needs to."
She walked away, wobbling as she leaned against the wall for support.
As she walked, I simply stood there, not knowing what to do or say.
"She'll come around." I heard a voice say
I turned to see Naobito walking up to me, holding his gourd as he had a smirk on his face.
"Uncle." I said
"As for you and my girl, kekeke...." He said, "You best be careful, she's spiteful."
"You do not have to tell me." I said, "I know that."
"Of course you do." He said, "By the way, I am expecting grandchildren soon."
I blinked, "What?"
"She's at that age, Naoya is." He said, "Make sure you do your duty and give me a couple of grandkids that are strong like you."
"Don't fail me."
*************
"Naoya has shut herself in her quarters." Mother said as she was kneeling in front of me, pouring tea into a cup, "She is rather angry about Maki's comments. That girl of mine really does not know when to keep quiet."
I stared at the cup of tea, saying nothing as she set the teapot to the side. I watched the steam rise up into the air, the serene stillness of the tea was a bit easing.
"Kaito." Mother spoke up
I looked up to her, "Yes."
"What is going on in your mind?" She asked, giving me a serious look
"Nothing." I said
She sighed and closed her eyes, "You have always been this way." She said, "A serious boy who keeps every emotion to himself."
"Hm." I said, looking back down, "If you say so."
"I don't say so. It is truth." She said
"I see." I said, my hands on my lap, "I cannot help it."
"I am aware." She said, "Your sister is angry. She is an adult already, capable of making her own choices. She is angry that despite that, she is back here, being forced to walk a path she does not wish to take."
"Hm...." I said, "So she is."
"Why did you bring her back here?" She asked, "You could have left her in the care of Satoru Gojo. She could have healed her wounds there along with Sukuna's Vessel. You could have left her there where she is comfortable."
"I..." I said, "She is my sister. What am I to do? This is her home."
"It was her home, Kaito, don't you see? Your sister hates it here." She said, "You know that. From the very start, she has hated it here. Both her and Mai have a fresh start, being able to be their own individuals. But.....here....."
"They...." I said, "They belong with their family."
She sighed, "Your Father will return soon." She said, "I cannot do much about what he does, should he see her."
"I will handle that." I said
"As for your wife." Mother said, "Please, keep her satisfied, Kaito. She is a brash and dumb woman, Naoya is."
I nodded, "I'm giving her space." I said, "I will go and see her after this."
"Make sure no problems arise." She said seriously
"I will, Mother." I said, "Don't worry."
"I have it under control."