I notice you're not denying the possibility that I set the wheels in motion. [Sounding amused] ... No? You have that much confidence in me? [He didn't really know why he was pressing the issue but it did help to get his mind temporarily off his other troubles. This was the one time he wanted to keep the conversation rolling. The assessment was accurate- from his perspective.] He's just some dork with a volleyball, you engage in semi-regular combat all the time. No question... it.... what? [Not meaning to ask for clarification, it slipped out. This was getting a little too close to the feelings department and he was starting to be able to tell. She was scared? Why? I was the one writhing in pain, not her...]

[What was this sensation he was feeling, as the words wouldn't form immediately and his throat felt like it was drying out]

... I won't try to stop you.

[Making sure he was not looking at her when he uttered those words]

.. I literally couldn't right now. [Said with a bit more volume and less uneasiness. It seemed like a suitable cover.. for.. whatever that was]

Yes mother. [Having hit some limit to the coddling. Not that he knew what it was really like to have an actual mother in his life. What he could vaguely remember about his biological one was positive but even his memory had failed to fully capture an imprint of just what sort of person she was. It was likely even harder for Mokuba to recall...] Mm... [He used the available furniture to lean on as he moved over to the bed. He was planning on reclining there, but not just because she told him to. Sure, Seto]