[As Akaza inspects the wound, Kyojuro helpfully pulls his hair over one shoulder, then idly cards his fingers through the soaked strands. It feels a little odd, being inspected in such a way. He's probably had a number of bathhouse experiences up until this point, but never anything like this.
One those fingers make content, Kyojuro does flinch in the slightest. It isn't the pain — that's so much more manageable now. Rather, there's a jolt of electricity that moves through him at such a touch. He and Akaza have never been in a position like this, and certainly not since they established their relationship. It feels... more intimate than he would have expected.
But he's still well aware of what Akaza has asked of him. Gentle though this moment is, it will not go further. He'll just have to continue to remind himself of that much.]
Less than usual, considering. [He exhales slowly, then tips his head back to study Akaza's face.] It was rather tight this morning, though. I figure the extra attention would not hurt.
[kyojuro flinches, but... still encourages akaza, so he doesn't retract his hand. as usual, he's terrified of breaking the man with so much as a touch, so he keeps the eventual motions of his thumb at the edge of the scar careful and controlled, stretching the skin only just.
when kyojuro strains to look at him, akaza meets his eyes -- eyes -- from beneath his own pale lashes.]
[The skin shifts, and with it there does come a bit of a sting. Undoubtedly, Akaza will feel the way it twinges. It isn't terrible by any means, but it still is present. Still, Kyojuro doesn't flinch. It's minor, in both in the grand scheme of things and considering how his wounds have felt previously.]
It's fine, Hakuji.
[He keeps his voice soft and gentle. And really, it is fine. There are pleasantries that come from that touch. It's Akaza's own fingers against a very tender and vulnerable spot. To say that it stirs up a fluttering in his stomach would be putting it mildly.]
[gods, every time kyojuro uses that name, it catches him off guard. though, he's finding that with time, it's becoming less unpleasant and more touching. it helps him relax, even if just a little.
even in sharing the scar and the pain it brings kyojuro, akaza didn't expect to feel what is likely the very same sensations. his brows furrow as he focuses on the ache in his own back and tests it with the movements of his fingers on kyojuro.]
... Tell me if you feel this?
[his free hand drifts to his own chest, and a finger prods carefully once, twice, at the new scar there. the steady ache briefly becomes sharper in time with each touch.]
[Surprise flares across Kyojuro's features, barely visible though they might be. His jaw tightens for just a moment. He is used to the pain, but only as it naturally comes. Instinctively, he lays his hand over the starburst on his chest, trying to assuage a pain that is, in many ways, not his own.]
I do - [His voice is a little staggered as he glances back once more.] Is that... how is is meant to work?
[even from behind him, akaza catches how the muscles of kyojuro's jaw flex. he doesn't press again, having his answer and feeling guilt for it.]
I -- didn't intend for it to... [this is definitely not something he should have done without discussing it with kyojuro first. fuck. the first thing that runs through his head is how goddamn reckless he is in battle. he can't let any harm come to these spots ever again, lest kyojuro suffer as well...]
I'm sorry, Kyojuro. I was a fucking idiot for doing this.
[Without so much as a thought, Kyojuro turns to Akaza. Hopefully the water is just murky enough to not see beneath it, because otherwise there may be some issues there. But that's the furthest thing from his mind right now. He reaches out, hands gingerly coming to rest on either side of his face.]
You thought you could help. Do not forget that at the core of your actions, you were doing something out of love. [He thumbs along one of his tattoos, the very same one that he'd only just complimented.] Do I think you should have discussed the matter with me first? Absolutely. But I can still see where your intent was.
Besides... [One hand shifts downward, then carefully sweeps overthe mark on his torso.] We now carry with us a bond that transcends distance. It is rather romantic, when you think about it!
[akaza thinks kyojuro is far too generous, to accuse him of "love." he's a demon, an upper rank. obsession, certainly. guilt, sure. but love...? it's questionable whether or not he's even capable of that anymore, especially given so little time.
but once more, kyojuro leads him away from those thoughts, perhaps without even meaning to. akaza focuses on the sensation, and the way it sends a shiver up his spine.]
... Maybe it is. [maybe it would be more so if they had agreed upon it, but nothing can be done about that now. his hand traces the edge of the mark on kyojuro's chest, just barely close enough to feel it himself. then his fingers slide across skin, to the next nearest bit of raised, discolored skin.]
Do you remember each one? [like akaza recalls every worthy opponent? or were there small fry to kyojuro in a similar way there were for him?]
[Despite the warmth of the waters they've settled into, Kyojuro feels gooseflesh rise across his form. He suppresses the urge to shudder, to push into Akaza's hands, and instead allows him to wander as he sees fit. Still, it's hard not to wonder if Akaza feels every shiver as it grazes over that sensitive spot, or if he is spared from such sensations.
The question, at least, brings a welcome distraction. Though his expression shifts, he doesn't look bothered. More than anything, he feels thoughtful.]
Most of them. Some were minor nicks compared to more grievous injuries. Others happened so quick that I did not realize they had happened until far later, when the threat had been addressed.
[The one Akaza happens to touch is the remnant of a burn.]
Another one of Lower Two's gifts for me. For a time, it was the most difficult battle I had fought in. Yet I look back on those days and know that, as I am now, it would have been a swift victory on my part.
[he nods along, then allows his gaze to travel farther over kyojuro's body. he doesn't stray too far down; this isn't anything untoward, so much as an attempt to truly appreciate kyojuro's words earlier. like this, he thinks he actually can begin to understand.]
I'm certain it would have been, as well. Your body is a testament to all your efforts. [that's ultimately what he'd meant, right?]
[The nod Kyojuro gives is nothing less than enthusiastic. There's certainly no hiding his grin, either. That Akaza finally seems to be understanding his perspective is progress. It's one step toward understanding humanity — both as a whole, and as his own now too.
(That's one step out of ten thousand, of course.)]
I admit, there are things that hold me back. Sometimes, in the cold weather, my knee twinges from the time I twisted wrong in a fight. And sometimes my ears ring terribly from the damage I once did to them.
[Well, twice now, if you count what happened in Roseroot.]
But any surviving slayer will tell you the same. My understanding is that the last Thunder Hashira lost a limb, yet still he trained those under him as diligently as ever. He, too, despite having retired.
I would even say that those wounds of his formed the story for his trainees. They have seen how their beloved master has been marred by demons, and yet has pushed onward. For this reason, they too will fight despite facing insurmountable odds, knowing that they would honor his legacy.
[the irony of reality would be amusing, or perhaps depressing, had akaza taken even a passing interest in the newer upper ranks. he's aware that kokushibo had turned a slayer, but he's never cared enough about those lower than himself to bother with them -- rightfully so, he assumed, since that spirit was snuffed out very quickly in the grand scheme of things.
it's likely for the best; akaza is already weary of giving kyojuro disheartening news.]
... I don't know why I assumed that the wounds I gave you were the only ones that bothered you, still. [well, he knows why -- he's still a self-absorbed, prideful demon at the core. but kyojuro continues to open his eyes.] I would take all of them, just to spare you the pain, but... [he knows better now.]
It has been a long time since you had to deal with scars, has it not?
[Akaza might think himself selfish, but the thought does not so much as cross Kyojuro's mind. Demons are immortal, near instantly healing creatures. After centuries of living in such a way, it only made sense that he might forget the more bothersome aspects.]
I do not begrudge you for not knowing better. In fact, I do not even feel angry, knowing that you would. [Shifting the hand still anchored to Akaza's face, he presses the man's chin upward, making certain that their eyes meet.] It is only natural to want to spare someone you love from harm, Akaza. Despite my initial misgivings, I must ask that you not forget that part.
[he doesn't resist the movement of his head, but his eyes dart away at some point while kyojuro speaks. as much as he tries to resist it, he feels his face warm somewhat.]
[despite his own embarrassment, akaza is quick to correct.]
No. No, you don't have to do that. It's... one of those things that make you human, I think.
[their conversation in which kyojuro mentioned muzan allowing no room for love in demons continues to weigh on his mind. and making room to accept it means akaza is still working toward that whole being human thing.
his hand leaves kyojuro's torso in favor of his arm. fingers trace up from his elbow to his shoulder, following and pausing for a time at the scars along the way. his gazes drifts up to meet kyojuro's before darting away again.]
[For once in his damn life, Kyojuro remains quiet. It's mostly because he's busy savoring the slide of Akaza's hands over his skin. They've shared a fair few intimate moments with one another, but nothing so overt. And these are vulnerable areas, a least as far as Kyojuro is concerned.
Maybe that's why he sounds a touch breathless when he speaks again.]
Then - I shall keep that in mind for the future. Anything to help you continue to acclimate.
[And as Akaza's hand drifts up toward his shoulder, Kyojuro tilts his head just far enough to rub his cheek against the back of it.]
[akaza can't quite put it into words, but... he appreciates that kyojuro uses that word to describe akaza's own actions. even if he can't see it in himself, kyojuro can. maybe he'll work on figuring out how to translate the confusing feelings in his heart into something they can both understand. kyojuro deserves as much.]
You can share them any time. I'd be glad to listen.
[and so long as kyojuro is leaning into his hand, akaza will indulge him. he cups the man's cheek so he doesn't have to stretch his neck, thumb tracing small circles against his cheek and stopping short of the scarring around the odd eye.]
[Kyojuro hums his response, presently distracted by the hand on his face. He knows the man before him is capable of great feats of strength and destruction. That he tempers his touch so drastically in the face of Kyojuro's own presence never fails to send a thrill through him.]
Tales of heroics from your favorite slayer? I suspect you would like nothing more.
[And maybe Kyojuro wouldn't either. It isn't just for Akaza, though. He's seen so much in the course of his ventures, and unsurprisingly, a great deal of it had been unpleasant. Maybe it's a way to work through it all, and to make sure the stories of those lost would live on, too.
Distracted as he is by the thought, he almost misses Akaza's question. He quirks a brow briefly, but then is quick to shake his head and all but shove his face into that hand. More pets. Retriever behavior.]
It feels nice. It has been some time since that particular area has had any attention.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 05:04 am (UTC)One those fingers make content, Kyojuro does flinch in the slightest. It isn't the pain — that's so much more manageable now. Rather, there's a jolt of electricity that moves through him at such a touch. He and Akaza have never been in a position like this, and certainly not since they established their relationship. It feels... more intimate than he would have expected.
But he's still well aware of what Akaza has asked of him. Gentle though this moment is, it will not go further. He'll just have to continue to remind himself of that much.]
Less than usual, considering. [He exhales slowly, then tips his head back to study Akaza's face.] It was rather tight this morning, though. I figure the extra attention would not hurt.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 05:30 am (UTC)when kyojuro strains to look at him, akaza meets his eyes -- eyes -- from beneath his own pale lashes.]
Is this alright...?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 05:36 am (UTC)It's fine, Hakuji.
[He keeps his voice soft and gentle. And really, it is fine. There are pleasantries that come from that touch. It's Akaza's own fingers against a very tender and vulnerable spot. To say that it stirs up a fluttering in his stomach would be putting it mildly.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 05:54 am (UTC)even in sharing the scar and the pain it brings kyojuro, akaza didn't expect to feel what is likely the very same sensations. his brows furrow as he focuses on the ache in his own back and tests it with the movements of his fingers on kyojuro.]
... Tell me if you feel this?
[his free hand drifts to his own chest, and a finger prods carefully once, twice, at the new scar there. the steady ache briefly becomes sharper in time with each touch.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 05:57 am (UTC)I do - [His voice is a little staggered as he glances back once more.] Is that... how is is meant to work?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:09 am (UTC)I -- didn't intend for it to... [this is definitely not something he should have done without discussing it with kyojuro first. fuck. the first thing that runs through his head is how goddamn reckless he is in battle. he can't let any harm come to these spots ever again, lest kyojuro suffer as well...]
I'm sorry, Kyojuro. I was a fucking idiot for doing this.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:15 am (UTC)You thought you could help. Do not forget that at the core of your actions, you were doing something out of love. [He thumbs along one of his tattoos, the very same one that he'd only just complimented.] Do I think you should have discussed the matter with me first? Absolutely. But I can still see where your intent was.
Besides... [One hand shifts downward, then carefully sweeps overthe mark on his torso.] We now carry with us a bond that transcends distance. It is rather romantic, when you think about it!
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:28 am (UTC)but once more, kyojuro leads him away from those thoughts, perhaps without even meaning to. akaza focuses on the sensation, and the way it sends a shiver up his spine.]
... Maybe it is. [maybe it would be more so if they had agreed upon it, but nothing can be done about that now. his hand traces the edge of the mark on kyojuro's chest, just barely close enough to feel it himself. then his fingers slide across skin, to the next nearest bit of raised, discolored skin.]
Do you remember each one? [like akaza recalls every worthy opponent? or were there small fry to kyojuro in a similar way there were for him?]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:35 am (UTC)The question, at least, brings a welcome distraction. Though his expression shifts, he doesn't look bothered. More than anything, he feels thoughtful.]
Most of them. Some were minor nicks compared to more grievous injuries. Others happened so quick that I did not realize they had happened until far later, when the threat had been addressed.
[The one Akaza happens to touch is the remnant of a burn.]
Another one of Lower Two's gifts for me. For a time, it was the most difficult battle I had fought in. Yet I look back on those days and know that, as I am now, it would have been a swift victory on my part.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:45 am (UTC)I'm certain it would have been, as well. Your body is a testament to all your efforts. [that's ultimately what he'd meant, right?]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-18 06:56 am (UTC)(That's one step out of ten thousand, of course.)]
I admit, there are things that hold me back. Sometimes, in the cold weather, my knee twinges from the time I twisted wrong in a fight. And sometimes my ears ring terribly from the damage I once did to them.
[Well, twice now, if you count what happened in Roseroot.]
But any surviving slayer will tell you the same. My understanding is that the last Thunder Hashira lost a limb, yet still he trained those under him as diligently as ever. He, too, despite having retired.
I would even say that those wounds of his formed the story for his trainees. They have seen how their beloved master has been marred by demons, and yet has pushed onward. For this reason, they too will fight despite facing insurmountable odds, knowing that they would honor his legacy.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 04:30 am (UTC)it's likely for the best; akaza is already weary of giving kyojuro disheartening news.]
... I don't know why I assumed that the wounds I gave you were the only ones that bothered you, still. [well, he knows why -- he's still a self-absorbed, prideful demon at the core. but kyojuro continues to open his eyes.] I would take all of them, just to spare you the pain, but... [he knows better now.]
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 04:47 am (UTC)[Akaza might think himself selfish, but the thought does not so much as cross Kyojuro's mind. Demons are immortal, near instantly healing creatures. After centuries of living in such a way, it only made sense that he might forget the more bothersome aspects.]
I do not begrudge you for not knowing better. In fact, I do not even feel angry, knowing that you would. [Shifting the hand still anchored to Akaza's face, he presses the man's chin upward, making certain that their eyes meet.] It is only natural to want to spare someone you love from harm, Akaza. Despite my initial misgivings, I must ask that you not forget that part.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 05:02 am (UTC)[he doesn't resist the movement of his head, but his eyes dart away at some point while kyojuro speaks. as much as he tries to resist it, he feels his face warm somewhat.]
You keep saying that word...
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 05:20 am (UTC)[The laugh that follows is soft, almost sheepish sounding.]
Perhaps I use it too easily. But working so closely with the Love Hashira will do that, I think.
If it makes you uncomfortable, I can find a different word.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 05:39 am (UTC)No. No, you don't have to do that. It's... one of those things that make you human, I think.
[their conversation in which kyojuro mentioned muzan allowing no room for love in demons continues to weigh on his mind. and making room to accept it means akaza is still working toward that whole being human thing.
his hand leaves kyojuro's torso in favor of his arm. fingers trace up from his elbow to his shoulder, following and pausing for a time at the scars along the way. his gazes drifts up to meet kyojuro's before darting away again.]
I like it.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 05:48 am (UTC)Maybe that's why he sounds a touch breathless when he speaks again.]
Then - I shall keep that in mind for the future. Anything to help you continue to acclimate.
[And as Akaza's hand drifts up toward his shoulder, Kyojuro tilts his head just far enough to rub his cheek against the back of it.]
Thank you for listening to my stories.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 06:09 am (UTC)You can share them any time. I'd be glad to listen.
[and so long as kyojuro is leaning into his hand, akaza will indulge him. he cups the man's cheek so he doesn't have to stretch his neck, thumb tracing small circles against his cheek and stopping short of the scarring around the odd eye.]
Is this uncomfortable...?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-19 06:26 am (UTC)Tales of heroics from your favorite slayer? I suspect you would like nothing more.
[And maybe Kyojuro wouldn't either. It isn't just for Akaza, though. He's seen so much in the course of his ventures, and unsurprisingly, a great deal of it had been unpleasant. Maybe it's a way to work through it all, and to make sure the stories of those lost would live on, too.
Distracted as he is by the thought, he almost misses Akaza's question. He quirks a brow briefly, but then is quick to shake his head and all but shove his face into that hand. More pets. Retriever behavior.]
It feels nice. It has been some time since that particular area has had any attention.