ɪɴʙᴏx [ᴇxᴘɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ]

[chemex]

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[murderingjustice]

[Small blessings.

Anyway, Akechi once again wraps his arm around Akira's neck for the support while using the other one to lower him on the bath. It's an awkward process and he can't stop his body from tensing when he's being guided down.

The water feels nice and warm, soothing his tired body -- at least until it comes in contact with his wound and Akechi hisses audibly at the sting, body quickly jerking up.

It's ok. Nothing he can't handle.

Once fully in the tub he forces himself relax. He let's out a quiet appreciative "hm" sound at his products. Although, he's not sure how much he looks forward to introduce the soap water to his wound. So far being able to wash the dried sweat off is satisfactory enough.

A moment of heavy silence falls between them, leaving the bathroom only to be filled by the sounds of their breathing and the subtle sound of water lapping against Akechi's body.

Then, he closes his eyes and bends knees a little, folding himself as much as his body allows.]

What's in your mind?

[chemex]

[He shuffles closer and sinks to sit with his back against the edge of the tub.]

Brainless sentimentality, as you'd call it.

[murderingjustice]

Hah. [A humorless laughter leaves from him. What else would it be, indeed?

He opens his eyes just enough to see Akira's body lean against the wall of the tub. Suddenly, there's an urge to reach out and touch the other, pull him closer so that he could hide his face in that dark mop of curls, to seek comfort from his skin.

Almost like when Akira had showed up behind his door that one night. Wounded and shaken, in need for comfort and reassurance. So... This is how it feels like, huh.]

I'm sorry I'm so --- [broken.].. I didn't want you to have to deal with this.

[chemex]

[He stretches upward, leaning his head on the lip of the tub enough to bonk against Akechi's shoulder.] Shut it. I want to deal with you.

[murderingjustice]

[His body tenses up at the contact but relaxes after a quick beat. He doesn't lean in, but instead grabs a hold of his own legs under the water]

Well. I don't. Not like this. Weak and useless. A freaking...burden.

[chemex]

[He tips his head back farther, and his glasses slip off his head into the water. Twisting to look at them, he frowns and then looks up to meet Goro's eyes.]

[He grins, even if it's a worn, tired thing.] At least you don't wear fake glasses when you're insecure?

[murderingjustice]

[Really, leave it to Akira to break Akechi out of his mind with his accidentally comical antics.

The glasses drop in the water with a soft "plop"-sound, stealing his attention away completely.

Only amateurs use props. [He groans -- but there's hint of humor in his tone. Then he fishes the wet glasses from the tub and offers them back to him]

[chemex]

Hey, they serve their purpose... [He reclaims them, but makes a point of taking a gentle hold of Goro's hand in doing so.] ...I'm really glad you're mostly okay.

[murderingjustice]

[He can't stop his lower lip from quivering a bit at that sentiment, Akira's words and touch piercing through that nasty nasty shield that he holds up over his heart. He's so tired and wants nothing but to be held by his freaking partner and sleep until everything is back to normal with them --

He let's out a pained gasp as turning his body to right tugs at the skin around his scar. Yeah... No cuddling. So instead he brings Akira's hand to his cheek, nuzzling against it.]

A body and mind remembers... So, it'll be like this for a bit. Gunshot wounds can be unpredictable but I think I lucked out. [This time.] I'm-- I'm quite certain we got the whole bullet out. So, now it's just important I--, we keep the wound clean and switch bandages at least twice a day. I'm sure Diarahan will do the trick on the pain management department and-- [His voice starts to break towards the end, making him swallow around the words.] It'll be like this for a bit. I'm sorry.

[chemex]

[He sees that lip quivering-- it makes him lean forward just slightly, but he stops when Goro flinches. His thumb smooths across his skin, just under his eye, and he shakes his head.] Hey, take it easy.

[He lets him talk, lets him over analyze like he always does, and when his voice gets small he shifts, sitting up on his knees to lean over the tub and press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.] Shh. We'll take it a day at a time.

[murderingjustice]

[Laying down the facts helps him to handle the situation better. Forming a strategy makes it feel like he's in control and always one step ahead of everything -- whether during infiltration of a palace, moving in with your boyfriend or dealing with a gunshot wound. He's never really been able to just "wing it" the way Akira has.

He turns his head just enough to brush their lips against each other. Not quite a kiss but still affectionate gesture. Oh. He could tell him so much about treating a gunshot wound, the ugly details that goes behind the treatment and well.. the aftermath. According to studies almost all show signs of PTSD that takes usually form in panic attacks, sleep Issues and loss of appetite. There's of course always a chance for mobility being compromised for longer period of time and.. yeah, it's going to be a hell]

Why aren't you mad?

[chemex]

[That's because you're a nerd, Akechi.]

[Akira hums, settling back against the wall of the tub and drying his glasses off on his shirt.] Why would I be? You didn't ask to get shot. [He glances up.] Should I be? [Translation: you didn't ask to get shot, right?]

[murderingjustice]

[Look. It might have been your Everyday Akechi Moment but for once, no. He didn't instigate it.]

Because you were upset before! Because of this you're stuck here with me not even being able to bathe or dress on my own. [He groans and runs his fingers through his hair.]

[chemex]

I still am. [Gently.] Not because I have to help you bathe, or dress yourself, I don't care about that. You'll get that through your head eventually.

[He huddles up against the wall of the tub.] ...it. Scared me. That text message.

[murderingjustice]

[He doesn't answer to that. Even If he were to believe in Akira it doesn't mean that he wouldn't mind. It's so.. unnerving to be like this, helpless and at someone's mercy -- relying on another for help.]

I know.. [His voice is barely louder than a whisper. He had known that it'd hurt Akira and probably freak him out. Which is why he hadn't wanted to send the message. But there's no hiding this, not if they truly are going be together.] It scared me too.

[chemex]

[He closes his eyes and sets his head against the lip of the tub.]

...thank you, for telling me anyway.

[murderingjustice]

[He casts a gaze at Akira's direction. Eyes soft and tired, yet full of unspoken emotion.

Thank you for staying.]

If, if you don't have any further questions about what happened I'd suggest you put your money where your mouth is and help me with washing my hair. The small round bottle on the left has the most mild fragrance. Use it.

[chemex]

[He picks his head up quickly, smiling and reaching past him for the mentioned bottle.] Can I ask questions and wash your hair?

[murderingjustice]

Only if you promise not to get too emotional and tear my hair in accident.

[chemex]

[A mortified gasp as he picks up a little basin, dipping it in the water.] And risk you never letting me pet it again? Blasphemy. Close your eyes.

[murderingjustice]

I'm sure you'd find a way around it. [He mumbles and shifts in the tub to a more comfortable position, bringing his knees as close to his chest that he can and resting his cheek against them.

Go ahead, maestro.]

[chemex]

Hmm, maybe.

[He shifts again, reaching one hand to lay it over Akechi's eyes before tipping the basin to douse his head, swiping his hand away when he's done and going for the shampoo. He uses a reasonable amount, massaging it into his hair and scratching his scalp with his fingernails.]

[After a moment, he cranes himself forward to press a light kiss to the back of his shoulder. Just simple, light affection.]

[murderingjustice]

[This is, somehow, the most intimate thing they've done so far. The way Akira touches him, takes care of him, is so precise and careful as if he was handling something precious is enough to break Akechi's tiny and neglected heart.

Part of him wants to cry, another wants to scream. But for once there's a balanced quietness within him, as both Robin and Loki agree on sitting back and encouraging him to just... be. Enjoy the love given him in such seemingly simple gestures.

His entire body relaxes under Akira's ministrations. It's a small wonder he doesn't fall asleep here. The kiss is rewarded with a soft sound.]

Keep going.

bread

[chemex]

[He almost questions it-- keep going, with what? His hair, or the kisses? But he opts to decide on his own. Porque no los dos? So he moves to the round of his shoulder with his lips, threading his fingers into his hair to make sure every strand gets shampoo.]

Suddenly all the innocence was lost

[murderingjustice]

[Well! It's a good thing he's not slut like Akira. Otherwise they'd be in a trouble here. But luckily, Akechi can enjoy the light kisses peppered over his skin, tensing slightly before each one before fully going lax and loose under him.]

Akira.. [He hums against his knees, not really expecting to be heard.]