[RL with Shinjiro][Backdated to the end of the shadow plot]

[akihiko_sanada]

Akihiko had gotten really good at world-hopping by using the TV world by now, but as he climbed out through his television into his apartment, he caught his foot a bit and went into a sprawl on his living room floor

Comments

[mortal_son]

"I know," Shinjiro mumbled, sounding a little dismissive. But his arms wrapped around Akihiko like vices, and he held him close, tight. Sweaty or exhausted or whatever, his friend just smelled good, and he nuzzled that short hair. Guilt continued to eat at him, and he darkly wondered when his good luck would run out. But perhaps being tired help, because it was really easy to focus on how nice and comforting this was.

Heh, course Aki was good at the whole touchy-feely shit. It was kind of silly, well, really silly, but holding him like this really did make him feel a little better. Or maybe it was the knowledge, unsaid but implied, that he didn't ever lose control and hurt one of them again in the future. That made Shinjiro feel better. He looked down at Akihiko.

Very quietly, he breathed, "... Thanks." He didn't need the help, and he deserve it, but now and then he had to thank Aki all the same. Or, at least, that's how he felt right now, tired and worn out but still supported by his friend despite every stupid thing he'd ever done

[akihiko_sanada]

Unaware of the depths of Shinji's guilt and the way his cares were so close to the surface, Akihiko just held him, enjoying the closeness and the warmth of Shinji's body just as much.

He glanced up at the soft thanks and grinned. "Anytime," he said, meaning it. He knew it was hard to pull any words from Shinji about what was bothering him, but he was just happy to be there for him when he needed it, no matter why it was this time.

"Come on, let's get in," he said. The heat from the shower water was fogging up the mirror already.

[mortal_son]

Shinjiro was unlikely to share any more, at least for now, either. He nodded and released his friend, holding back the shower curtain and then climbing in. The minute the warm water hit his muscles, he couldn't help but groan. God damn, that felt good. Amost made him wish this wasn't a western-style shower, and that he could have a good soak afterward. But with the way the hot water made him feel now, perhaps that was for the best. Wasn't good to pass out in a tub.

"Shit. Feels good."

He made room for Aki, but just enjoyed the spray for a moment, before reaching for soap. Felt really nice, like he was washing the whole week off of him. He didn't realize how relaxed he looked, and what that did for his expression. Shinjiro was smiling softly.

[akihiko_sanada]

Akihiko echoed his groan as he stepped inside the shower and pulled the curtain back, sagging a little as the hot water hit his sore muscles. He leaned a little against Shinji's hip, his knees going a bit soft.

"Really good," he agreed with a sigh, opening his eyes in time to see that soft smile. Oh yeah...that was one of the things he just loved to see the most.

He ducked past Shinji and grabbed the soap before he could get it, then reached up and began to run it gently over his friend's skin. "Let me..."

[mortal_son]

It was stupid to protest, what with the water feeling so good and Akihiko's hands would feel even better. Shinjiro nodded instead, feeling a little weak-kneed himself. He wrapped one arm loosely around Aki, if he needed more help staying upright, and braced one arm beside him on the wall. His friend's back was to the spray, now, and it seemed to be flushing it in an attractive shade of pink, slicking his entire body.

"Long as you let me do you next," Shinjiro murmured, the words coming out a little throatier than he'd meant to say them. He didn't intend anything by it. Well. They were both tired, and he didn't think they'd have the energy to start anything. Didn't think he'd be up for anything. But then again, parts of him really wanted to take notice right now. When Aki's fingers found a particular sore spot or patch of muscles, he would close his eyes and hiss, enjoying it. "Nice. 's good."