Withering winter, sudden spring

As it happened, Takeji didn't need to wander and wonder for very long. Foliage crunching under paw alerted him in time to see his elder brother emerge from the nearby brush. Keji dipped his head, nodding a greeting as well as a show of respect. Adopted or not he was younger than Akito and, whether he would admit it out loud or even to himself, a tad overeager to please. It was clear that Akito had something on his mind and it just so happened that Takeji's schedule was open. "Hello, brother." He scrambled. Should he mention how pleasant this turn in the season was? Ask how his day had been? No stupid, just get to the point.

He cleared his throat. "Is there anything I can assist you with? I was just on my way to sort out something productive to do with the day." His words died out. Between being stumbled upon by Akito or ambushed by Hattori, he'd gladly pick the sibling but it still didn't stop him from beginning a bit of a spiral. He was on his way to do something useful, he just didn't know what it was yet. He worried he would have appeared lazy or at loose ends, and perhaps the latter bit was true but not by choice. With half-held breath Takeji waited to hear whatever had come to Akito's mind, eager for the guidance even if it was only so he'd have a task to complete. Preferably something to wear him out, so he could sleep more soundly tonight than he'd managed last.
"Talk" "Listen" Think