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synflux2025-06-15 10:41 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-06-15 10:41 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #9
BEYOND THE GATES (KAIJU FIGHT #9.)
ā¶ 001. GATE OF HEROES (FIFTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
The Underworld halls and passages abruptly end in a massive cavern, filled with grinding vibrations of high tech engines and many thrusters firing in succession. Hovering in place amid the spacious chamber is a gigantic aerial stronghold primed with energized force fields above a dangerous chasm of pillars. Any Outsider who's spent time with Bakugo might recognize this as his hero academia transformed: U.A. - The Flying Fortress. The gate they need to access lies within.
Those who cannot fly or traverse the air freely must deal with the Pitfall grounds beneath U.A., a grouping of flat-topped spires linked together with ropes, wires, and cables. Trying to navigate them with the thrusters firing above is difficult enough, but some of the pillars are (visibly) booby-trapped with powerful landmines, combustive cursed energy blood, and mechanical explosives alike.
Passing through U.A.'s force field barely grazes the Outsiders who enter, as its goal isn't to keep people out but to utterly strip Outsiders of rift poisoning and debris. Like a purification filter, there will be no signs of rift poisoning within U.A.'s protective walls. Outsiders can take time to rest amid the campus' trees, dorms, pathways, and towering H-shaped school.
Don't rest too long. The sound of machines revving and metal crashing heralds an army of green-plated robots approaching. Red sensor eyes lock onto the Outsiders. U.A.'s fleet of Villain Bots are combat testing robots designed to create battle simulations, and they mean business. Wait, is that a white rabbit hopping around? Yep! Get too close, and they burst into a dark swirl of energy. And those roses blooming in the grass? Approach them and they erupt in a volley of nails.
With the chaff weeded out, the Outsiders can finally approach U.A.'s school proper and the two figures standing atop it. Explosions burst and flare, a threatening display around a hero's hands, while spectral blue flames ignite on a sorcerer's fists.
"Oi, you shitty extras! Making it all this way here just to die? Sucks to be you!"
"Hey, don't forget about me! I made a promise, didn't I?"
One of the Outsiders' strongest tag teams finally takes the stage.
Those who cannot fly or traverse the air freely must deal with the Pitfall grounds beneath U.A., a grouping of flat-topped spires linked together with ropes, wires, and cables. Trying to navigate them with the thrusters firing above is difficult enough, but some of the pillars are (visibly) booby-trapped with powerful landmines, combustive cursed energy blood, and mechanical explosives alike.
Passing through U.A.'s force field barely grazes the Outsiders who enter, as its goal isn't to keep people out but to utterly strip Outsiders of rift poisoning and debris. Like a purification filter, there will be no signs of rift poisoning within U.A.'s protective walls. Outsiders can take time to rest amid the campus' trees, dorms, pathways, and towering H-shaped school.
Don't rest too long. The sound of machines revving and metal crashing heralds an army of green-plated robots approaching. Red sensor eyes lock onto the Outsiders. U.A.'s fleet of Villain Bots are combat testing robots designed to create battle simulations, and they mean business. Wait, is that a white rabbit hopping around? Yep! Get too close, and they burst into a dark swirl of energy. And those roses blooming in the grass? Approach them and they erupt in a volley of nails.
With the chaff weeded out, the Outsiders can finally approach U.A.'s school proper and the two figures standing atop it. Explosions burst and flare, a threatening display around a hero's hands, while spectral blue flames ignite on a sorcerer's fists.
"Oi, you shitty extras! Making it all this way here just to die? Sucks to be you!"
"Hey, don't forget about me! I made a promise, didn't I?"
One of the Outsiders' strongest tag teams finally takes the stage.
ā¶ 002. GATE OF TRUTH (SIXTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
Straight to the point, just like its Guardian, it's a short passageway to the next gate. When it opens up to their next trial, the area is brighter and smoother, the floor checker-patterned with black and white stone. It's essentially a huge chess board, and the Outsiders stand on one end of it.
The gate stands just beyond the opposite side, tall and imposing and so close. It looks like it's been carved out of steel with a simple design. In the center, a large hourglass is fixed on a rotator, the sand still at the bottom. It's blue-tinted, paneled, and vaguely familiar to some. The Gallu on the opposite side of the board wear different colored uniforms. Atop the gate is the Duel Blitz, its beam rifle in hand. Perched on its shoulder is Yzak himself, twisting his precious, bone-made black bishop chess piece between his fingers. He leans forward, sharp blue eyes staring the arrivals down as if sizing up prey.
"Come on over, then, if you have the capacity not to bullshit me."
The Gallu disappear.
"You're on a timer, too. So tick-tock, or else..."
He lifts his free hand at the Outsiders in a gun cocking motion, the Duel mirroring with its beam rifle. The hourglass begins to rotate and reset.
It's a simple walk across the floor. Some squares are fine, but others? One of the spirits springs up, grabs an Outsider's throat, and Yzak's voice echoes with a question. Honesty will cause the Gallu to crumble and Yzak will seem to reel mentally, clearly affected. Lie even a little and the Gallu can tell, inflicting something (rift effect/physical/player choice) as a punishment. The answer must be spoken out loud - to the spirit, to Yzak, to those around you.
Admit some hard truths about yourself, and you'll be rewarded by the hourglass turning again, stopping halfway into the rotation to leave an opening, allowing the Outsiders to proceed through the gate and advance.
The gate stands just beyond the opposite side, tall and imposing and so close. It looks like it's been carved out of steel with a simple design. In the center, a large hourglass is fixed on a rotator, the sand still at the bottom. It's blue-tinted, paneled, and vaguely familiar to some. The Gallu on the opposite side of the board wear different colored uniforms. Atop the gate is the Duel Blitz, its beam rifle in hand. Perched on its shoulder is Yzak himself, twisting his precious, bone-made black bishop chess piece between his fingers. He leans forward, sharp blue eyes staring the arrivals down as if sizing up prey.
"Come on over, then, if you have the capacity not to bullshit me."
The Gallu disappear.
"You're on a timer, too. So tick-tock, or else..."
He lifts his free hand at the Outsiders in a gun cocking motion, the Duel mirroring with its beam rifle. The hourglass begins to rotate and reset.
It's a simple walk across the floor. Some squares are fine, but others? One of the spirits springs up, grabs an Outsider's throat, and Yzak's voice echoes with a question. Honesty will cause the Gallu to crumble and Yzak will seem to reel mentally, clearly affected. Lie even a little and the Gallu can tell, inflicting something (rift effect/physical/player choice) as a punishment. The answer must be spoken out loud - to the spirit, to Yzak, to those around you.
Admit some hard truths about yourself, and you'll be rewarded by the hourglass turning again, stopping halfway into the rotation to leave an opening, allowing the Outsiders to proceed through the gate and advance.
ā¶ 003. GATE OF BOUNDARIES (SEVENTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
(cw: suicide)
An unassuming and quaint hospital sits in your view. But it's quiet. Empty. There are no Cars and no personages on this solitary lot besides you. Should you choose to enter the double doOrs, the halls are just as still. It's as though everyone got up and left their stations exactly as they are.
This was not a drill.
Wander the rooms and you might run into your fellow "OUtsiders". You might run into a dead end. Travel up the floors and back down again. The longer you stay, the more youR nerves may fray. Look back whence the way you came and the door to the outside is gone, there's no escape.
Enjoy your sTay.
Wander and wander, wander and ponder, the flutter of a butterfly's wings over Yonder. The steady ticking of a nearby clock. The echo of your steps while you walk. For all the rooms and all the corners you might search, there's only one place that this gAtekeeper might find heR perch.
Once you riDdle out your destination, our cheerful winged friends become an infestation. Barring your path at every opportunity, poisoning your blight at a touch, from which even your gods have no immunity. The only remedy sits upon her gate—strange tail swishing, tears streaking, fangs bared, and inconsolable as of late.
"We HĢ“Ķ Ģ¢ave to diEĢµĢ½Ģ," she sighs, hoarse and cracked from an eternal cry. "It's the onLĢ“ĶĢy way. PĢµĶĶlease, let MĢ“ĢĢ¹EĢ“Ģ¾Ģ© kill you."
In a ruined white night gown, she drops from her gate and lands on all fours, succumbing to the intertwined fate. The whites of her eyes a luminescent yellow, voice shifting into a strange and distorted bellow.
With a lunge, red in her eyes, this battle for humanity has begun.
An unassuming and quaint hospital sits in your view. But it's quiet. Empty. There are no Cars and no personages on this solitary lot besides you. Should you choose to enter the double doOrs, the halls are just as still. It's as though everyone got up and left their stations exactly as they are.
This was not a drill.
Wander the rooms and you might run into your fellow "OUtsiders". You might run into a dead end. Travel up the floors and back down again. The longer you stay, the more youR nerves may fray. Look back whence the way you came and the door to the outside is gone, there's no escape.
Enjoy your sTay.
Wander and wander, wander and ponder, the flutter of a butterfly's wings over Yonder. The steady ticking of a nearby clock. The echo of your steps while you walk. For all the rooms and all the corners you might search, there's only one place that this gAtekeeper might find heR perch.
Once you riDdle out your destination, our cheerful winged friends become an infestation. Barring your path at every opportunity, poisoning your blight at a touch, from which even your gods have no immunity. The only remedy sits upon her gate—strange tail swishing, tears streaking, fangs bared, and inconsolable as of late.
"We HĢ“Ķ Ģ¢ave to diEĢµĢ½Ģ," she sighs, hoarse and cracked from an eternal cry. "It's the onLĢ“ĶĢy way. PĢµĶĶlease, let MĢ“ĢĢ¹EĢ“Ģ¾Ģ© kill you."
In a ruined white night gown, she drops from her gate and lands on all fours, succumbing to the intertwined fate. The whites of her eyes a luminescent yellow, voice shifting into a strange and distorted bellow.
With a lunge, red in her eyes, this battle for humanity has begun.
ā¶ 004. THE ABYSS (KAIJU BATTLE.)
Upon reaching the depths of Kƻr, outsiders are greeted by an empty seat made of rocks, ruined columns, and the rift where the waters of the abyss should be. Ereshkigal is already transformed and towering above the rift. Her voice is deeper than usual, colder and distant.
āI commend you for having come so far. But there is no hope for humanity. I shall put an end to your foolish hopes and keep your souls safe forevermore!ā
As seven ethereal spears appear around the corrupted goddess and shoot at the outsiders, Rin and Lucy open up the offensive — all while trying to call out to Ereshkigalās true nature. They are not alone in doing so, a number of other outsiders following them. Indeed, Hunter tries and reminds her that people care for her. It causes Ereshkigal to hesitate, allowing Kaga, Kadaj, Raleigh and Donatello to attack her.
Following sage advice, Archer takes a shot at praising Ereshkigal, which leaves her very confused — helping Yato who takes advantage of the opening to deal heavy damage. Aki summons a blizzard of cherry blossoms that lasts for the entire battle, lowering visibility. Ereshkigal is taken aback, her next attack missing Raidou as a result. Unfortunately, it also causes Asagami, Laios and Vergilius to miss some of their attacks. Furthermore, Vash, who has been corrupted, tries to stop his own comrades!
As the assault continues with Nanami, Leonardo and Yesod, Akakagiās paper shikigami leave the goddess burned, allowing for Murasama and Yuta to deal even more damage. And seeing how the praise worked once, Dearka and Gilgamesh do it again, but with a twist: they also insult her! This creates enough of an opening for Cagalli, Shinn, Harusama and Aventurine to attack. Tezcatlipocaās and Danteās words manage to get her to hesitate further, allowing Hunter to land a critical hit.
The battle takes its toll on the corrupted goddess and Outsiders alike, but suddenly a giant ethereal spear forms in her skeletal hand, twice her size and crackling with energy: her Noble Phantasm. She aims it at Geto, the blow shaking the foundation of the Underworld itself as she strikes. Anyone standing around him will be wounded or knocked out.
Ereshkigal pulls the spear back and prepares to pierce Taryon this time — but as he speaks and even apologizes for his perceived misdeed in allowing this to happen, the skeletal enemy freezes. After a moment of silence, the gigantic spear vanishes and Ereshkigalās beastly form explodes. The rift vanishes, revealing the dark waters of the abyss beneath it. Outsiders with good eyes may see Ereshkigal has returned to her normal form — unconscious, bloodied, yet no longer corrupted. Though she fell into the waters of the abyss, someone has leapt after her. But that is likely to be the least of anyoneās concerns for the ground starts trembling...
āI commend you for having come so far. But there is no hope for humanity. I shall put an end to your foolish hopes and keep your souls safe forevermore!ā
ā ā ā MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Ereshkigal
HEIGHT: 20m
WEIGHT: ???
CLASS: Evil of Humanity | Beast: Null
LOCATION: Underworld - The Abyss
ABILITIES: Can lower the atmospheric pressure. She must be quickly defeated or else the atmosphere may become unsuitable for life. She can materialize ethereal spears and attack multiple targets at once. She is capable of unleashing her Noble Phantasm - an unblockable attack directed at a small area. She can control the ground to trap or separate Outsiders and weaken their offensive abilities.
WEAKNESSES: She can become stunned or confused briefly under the following conditions: Being complimented or praised. Being reminded of her true self.
Mocking and insulting her may cause her to attack prematurely, resulting in a miss. However, her following attack will be more powerful.
EXTRA NOTES: Those already suffering from Rift poisoning and effects are warned to be careful in case effects worsen.
RIFT EFFECTS: Corruption, Sumerian Fever
ā ā ā ATTACHED PHOTO:
As seven ethereal spears appear around the corrupted goddess and shoot at the outsiders, Rin and Lucy open up the offensive — all while trying to call out to Ereshkigalās true nature. They are not alone in doing so, a number of other outsiders following them. Indeed, Hunter tries and reminds her that people care for her. It causes Ereshkigal to hesitate, allowing Kaga, Kadaj, Raleigh and Donatello to attack her.
Following sage advice, Archer takes a shot at praising Ereshkigal, which leaves her very confused — helping Yato who takes advantage of the opening to deal heavy damage. Aki summons a blizzard of cherry blossoms that lasts for the entire battle, lowering visibility. Ereshkigal is taken aback, her next attack missing Raidou as a result. Unfortunately, it also causes Asagami, Laios and Vergilius to miss some of their attacks. Furthermore, Vash, who has been corrupted, tries to stop his own comrades!
As the assault continues with Nanami, Leonardo and Yesod, Akakagiās paper shikigami leave the goddess burned, allowing for Murasama and Yuta to deal even more damage. And seeing how the praise worked once, Dearka and Gilgamesh do it again, but with a twist: they also insult her! This creates enough of an opening for Cagalli, Shinn, Harusama and Aventurine to attack. Tezcatlipocaās and Danteās words manage to get her to hesitate further, allowing Hunter to land a critical hit.
The battle takes its toll on the corrupted goddess and Outsiders alike, but suddenly a giant ethereal spear forms in her skeletal hand, twice her size and crackling with energy: her Noble Phantasm. She aims it at Geto, the blow shaking the foundation of the Underworld itself as she strikes. Anyone standing around him will be wounded or knocked out.
Ereshkigal pulls the spear back and prepares to pierce Taryon this time — but as he speaks and even apologizes for his perceived misdeed in allowing this to happen, the skeletal enemy freezes. After a moment of silence, the gigantic spear vanishes and Ereshkigalās beastly form explodes. The rift vanishes, revealing the dark waters of the abyss beneath it. Outsiders with good eyes may see Ereshkigal has returned to her normal form — unconscious, bloodied, yet no longer corrupted. Though she fell into the waters of the abyss, someone has leapt after her. But that is likely to be the least of anyoneās concerns for the ground starts trembling...
ā¶ 005. ESCAPE FROM THE UNDERWORLD.
With the riftās disappearance, the Sumerian Fever immediately ceases, though its after-effects may still be felt. Likewise the corruption no longer spreads, even though it may still take a while (or a good beating) for its effects to dissipate. Perhaps more importantly, the trembling intensifies, an earthquake rocking the entire Underworld and causing it to collapse!
Held together with magic from another world, there is nothing left to sustain it. First the cage with the souls disappear, followed by all the GallĆ» Spirits. Be careful not to miss a step while running back to the surface, or you may plummet and fall into the abyss. Collapsing platforms and paths may require jumping or finding creative ways to pass over them. Itās a bit of a rocky exit, especially while carrying the wounded and formerly corrupted outsiders, but it could be worseā¦
ā¦ Will it be worse?
On the way out, a collapsed wall reveals a previously unexplored room filled with all sorts of gems: emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and the like. Should anyone be tempted to take one (or more) of those gems, two ghouls will appear, each holding a clay tablet upon which the words āUSELESS GODDESSā are inscribed. The entities cackle and — oh, dear! The room starts collapsing on itself, better leave it immediately! And — wait, why is there a giant boulder rolling towards you now? Run! Are those arrows flying from the wall and lightning bolts striking the ground?
The escape has become a veritable adventure! Such is the fate of anyone activating the trap that was meant for this elusive āuseless goddessā Ereshkigal had been preparing for. And it is also the fate of everyone else really, since the trap doesnāt differentiate between thieves and innocent passersby just trying to escape impending doom.
Held together with magic from another world, there is nothing left to sustain it. First the cage with the souls disappear, followed by all the GallĆ» Spirits. Be careful not to miss a step while running back to the surface, or you may plummet and fall into the abyss. Collapsing platforms and paths may require jumping or finding creative ways to pass over them. Itās a bit of a rocky exit, especially while carrying the wounded and formerly corrupted outsiders, but it could be worseā¦
ā¦ Will it be worse?
On the way out, a collapsed wall reveals a previously unexplored room filled with all sorts of gems: emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and the like. Should anyone be tempted to take one (or more) of those gems, two ghouls will appear, each holding a clay tablet upon which the words āUSELESS GODDESSā are inscribed. The entities cackle and — oh, dear! The room starts collapsing on itself, better leave it immediately! And — wait, why is there a giant boulder rolling towards you now? Run! Are those arrows flying from the wall and lightning bolts striking the ground?
The escape has become a veritable adventure! Such is the fate of anyone activating the trap that was meant for this elusive āuseless goddessā Ereshkigal had been preparing for. And it is also the fate of everyone else really, since the trap doesnāt differentiate between thieves and innocent passersby just trying to escape impending doom.
ā¶ 006. AFTERMATH.
Dr. Masuda is waiting at the exit. Mere moments after the last Outsider has escaped, the tunnel crumbles and the path to the Underworld is forever sealed. Analysis tools reveal the inside of the cave has returned to the way it was before — as if the Underworld had never existed. However, any gems grabbed on the way out can be kept. The sole physical reminders of this adventure. That and any wounds that have been sustained, of course.
All of the disappeared Outsiders have been rescued and are (mostly) well, the corruption is gone and the Sumerian Fever is a distant memory. Communication has been reestablished with LILITH headquarters, and there is confirmation the staff is slowly recovering from this ordeal.
While Outsiders may be expecting a congratulations from the Commander, their oculars are oddly quiet as they had back to base. However, seemingly out of nowhere, SYNTHIA delivers a sudden message:
All of the disappeared Outsiders have been rescued and are (mostly) well, the corruption is gone and the Sumerian Fever is a distant memory. Communication has been reestablished with LILITH headquarters, and there is confirmation the staff is slowly recovering from this ordeal.
While Outsiders may be expecting a congratulations from the Commander, their oculars are oddly quiet as they had back to base. However, seemingly out of nowhere, SYNTHIA delivers a sudden message:
"Hello, my dear children. It is my misfortune to deliver to you all this message;
Commander Shiro has passed away. Captain Yamakawa will be taking the position of Commander with a heavy heart."
ā¶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Kaiju Fight #9 and the conclusion of a player plot hosted by Melodie. Thanks for everyone involved in this event! All comments in this event count for 2 points towards June AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. GATE OF HEROES: Bakugou & Yuji's gate, which consists of booby traps, pitfalls, villain robots and the corrupted teen tag team themselves, proves for a challenge to Outsiders.
2. GATE OF TRUTH: Yzak's gate is quite different, asking Outsiders a handful of questions (player's choice) that must be answered honestly to proceed.
3. GATE OF BOUNDARIES: Solve the riddle and fight the fight.
4. THE ABYSS: The results in full detail of Ereshkigal's battle.
5. ESCAPE FROM THE UNDERWORLD: An earthquake shatters the Underworld, and Outsiders must escape through an array of booby traps, ceasing opportunity to take some gems. The corruption and illness are beginning to fade away entirely.
6. AFTERMATH: The Outsiders make way back to Neo Tokyo, only to receive news that Commander Shiro has died.
ā¤ escape --> aftermath later
And yet he moves, heedless of his blood and damage. What matters now is making sure everyone-- and he means every-fucking-one --of them is here. Dull red vision sweeps from his face, one cluster of bloodied ashen bangs blocking one eye full of blood from a broken vessel, the other staring out from the half-there remains of his black mask. A steady thrum of machinery hums beneath him, one of U.A.'s robot carrying its broken and battered creator across the collapsing Underworld. Yeah, it could go faster, he could make it fly. But there's a reason he's bringing up the rear despite the small fleet of robots assisting with the evacuation.
He's not letting anyone stay behind. Even if he has to ram them into the robot itself. Even if his own body is little more than a zombie stagger, pacifying his brain when he sees Denji is here with the rest of them. Present. Good. No one... no one's getting... left behind again.
Except Denji's... still standing there. Guiding the last of them forward without any showing intention of following. Ignoring the pain of broken fingers, he pulls a lever, swinging the robot back around for a lazy loop. All to bring it back to bear and *WHUD* more or less ram Denji with the leg-like sidecar, dumping him unceremoniously into the containing compartment.
No arguments. No words. Just moving.]
no subject
he was ignored, of course. as if he could forget how stubborn that boy can be. soon after, denji hits the inside of the compartment with a grunt, limbs awkward and rattling from the impact. it's not graceful, not even close, but he's in. doesn't matter how. the whole machine shudders beneath him as it starts rolling again, carrying them deeper into the crumbling veins of the underworld.
he doesnāt move at first. just lies there, staring upward in caution, listening to the echo of collapsing gates behind them, attentive. dust and ash swirl like snow in hell, catching in his teeth when he breathes. despite all that, the ride is steady and weirdly smooth, even. slow enough that allowed him to enjoy it a bit before he'd decide to jump off. well, he's more likely enjoying the company than anything else. he lifts his head, eyes settling on bakugou nearbyā bruised, in pain, and covered in blood but alive. still here. and that... that makes something tight and heavy uncoil inside him. is it pride? he didn't know. but it felt good. so denji lets his back rest against the wall, letting the vibration of the ride hum through.
eventually, he breaks the silence- ] Don't you want me to be happy?
no subject
at the very least, the seats are soft enough denji doesn't break his teeth when he flops inside. vibrations hum in an eternal motion, steady and sure as the robot carries its passengers forward. they were created to fulfill human desires after all. now it aims away from the darkness, heading once more to the light they all should've spent the last several weeks beneath.
bakugou remains on his perch, one arm holding the controls, the other dangling by his side. a certain chainsaw chain remains wrapped around his torso like some sort of parade ribbon, never once coming off in the battle. though it unfortunately means he's got a few scratches from hitting the ground and rolling while wearing a chainsaw chain sash. what'd he think was gonna happen? nothing serious compared to his other injuries.]
Does being alone make you happy?
no subject
[ a fact he empathizes by pointing at his chest, the cord swaying during the ride. it's a direct answer with no emotions behind it, keeping it black and white without uninvited sentiments. the flow of his thoughts is clear, easy on his tongue, and consciousā a privilege he never had. a power that made him feel more in control. devils are fascinated with humanity, and some are loyal to such rare kindness, and some might even dream of intimacy, yet their minds are never obscured with treacle. denji's love for katsuki hasn't gone away, it hasn't dwindled; it's more secure. it was up to bakugou to see that, and hopefully, he will. he kept his gaze on the other, aware that the human body has reached its limit, drowning in pain, craving to give up, but driven by sheer determination to make up for his part of the whole thing.
he didn't get an answer to his question, which isn't surprising. it was a bit harsh, the devil knew. however, isn't it denji's choice in the end? isn't this his burden to fix that no one else can? the heavy weight he'd have to live with, and when he finally finds an ounce of relief, he's being told it's not the right path. he'd let that unspoken thought linger silently between them. denji then returned to regarding their surroundings, watching what he deemed his paradise collapse and break apart. if he could find a way to wake ereshkigal again, have her pull it together and fight back harder than everā he would. it's his fault for not rushing to her side a lot faster. as everyone scurried to escape, he found himself yearning to stay part of it a bit longer. denji sighed and tossed his head back āno, he would not weep over this loss; he didn't have it in him to be soppy, just a bit irritated that he was about to lose his freedom, himself, everything. back to that broken, pathetic shell that is full of potential yet chained down over a past he cannot change. ]
So, what's the plan? We feel bad for a few weeks, then pull ourselves together and pretend that next time we will do better. Is that it?
[ not bad. it's how people cope with loss. they stay close to their loved ones, seek comfort, try to heal, and move on. that's life. denji gets that, he's not delusional- ]
What if that doesn't work anymore?
no subject
bakugou answered denji's question with his own. if he didn't want his boyfriend to be happy, he would've left him in the darkness to wander around forever by himself. debris slams from ceiling to floor, blowing up chunks of underworld ground. maybe wandering would've been impossible once the entire realm collapsed onto denji's body. crunched his arms and legs off, leaving him a mangled torso with no blood left to give him his longevity, no limbs left to crawl around and attempt to put himself back together. why does denji want to stay in such a place? why does he think the underworld will make him happy? bakugou can't answer those queries, and he's too tired, too injured, too exhausted to have such a conversation right now. above all, he knows if he leaves the half-devil behind in this realm, he'll regret it forever.]
Then we've died. [the only time hope no longer "works" is when the person holding on gives up and expires.]
no subject
it's freeingā and heās about to lose it.
heāll lose all of it. the calm, the lightness, the sweet, aching stillness that cradles him like it understood everything he endured. the world he found after losing everything. the version of himself who is no longer afraid to feel nothing. and it will hurt. it doesn't hurt now, denji is still in the underworld's domain and its blessings, but even a devil can sense a loss in the making. denji sits still as the robot marches forward- ... behind them, the underworld collapses. the walls fracture and fall inward like a dying heartbeat, echoes of a place that once welcomed him; gone. he kept watching the ruins, he didnāt move, he didnāt speak. no one can see his face from this angle, only the back of his head, the messy spikes of hair matted slightly from the sweat and blood of battle. his shoulders rise and fall in an even rhythm, too calm for someone who didn't seem to want to leave. did he give up? no. but he made a promise, didn't he? to stay by bakugou's side, and he would honor that.
the journey out stretches in silence, broken only by the soft mechanical groan of the robotās joints as they finally make it out. the other outsiders spill into the surface world, dragging each other forward with scraped hands and torn clothes, the sky above them painfully real. they breathe, they help each other out, and they check on their teammates to make sure they all made it. denji finally moves, and he slides off the machine, landing on the solid ground. he then turns, walking toward the one piloting it, finally meeting bakugou's gaze again. his pace is steady yet a touch uncertain, like every motion costs more than it should. he reaches upā just enough. a silent offer to help his injured boyfriend down and escort him to get the much-needed medical treatment. ]
no subject
so no, bakugou can't understand or see where denji's coming from. what he can see is a guy who wants to basically commit suicide by vanishing into a realm which will no longer exist soon, and take him with it. that is what dynamight will prevent.
denji can damn him for it later. because he'll be alive enough to do so. he's free to hate the hero for ruining his happiness with a shackling promise they made a long time ago. not really sure how he's going to feel about that... disgusted and relieved at least.
the robots don't make it past the mouth of the cave. even as they approach the light, pieces break off. armor falls to the wayside. engines whine and whimper with their steady pace becoming lurching struggles. yet they hold on. bolts tighten, metal frames lock, wires twist, doing everything they can to keep themselves together to the very end. before finally giving out with a clatter of metal and pieces. shattering all over the ground and sending their precious cargo tumbling to the floor and into the light.
bakugou picks himself up from the mess of metal and lurches from the cave mouth, stopping at the front to make sure no one else is coming up behind him. he refuses to leave someone back. a hero to the end, despite feeling like a loathsome wretch. it's only after he's 100% sure he's the last one that he grips denji's hand and lets the half-devil pull him out of the cave before it collapses.]
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stepping in closer, he slipped bakugou arm around his shoulders, allowing his boyfriend to ease his weight onto him slowly. he adjusted to itā one hand pressed gently against bakugouās ribs to keep him steady, the other gripping tight around his waist. he glanced at the other, meeting his eye and making sure he's ready before he took a few steps forward, steady and firm, as if any sudden motion would break them apart. denji then moved his attention to their surroundings, carefully navigating through the busy crowd. he will check up on the others later, they will regroup and reassure each other ā for now, his main focus is taking bakugou to a medic who can treat his injuries, make sure everything is okay, and get him to rest.
with each staggered step, something inside denji stirred. his chest felt full in a way he hadnāt known in a while, the numbness that had wrapped around his bones finally peeling backā and as expected, it hurt. god, it hurt. everything came flooding in: the fear of losing bakugou. the anxiety of his failure to protect him. the relief that he's safe. the memory of their conversation before it all started. it came in hard and heavy, but he didnāt show it. his face stayed still, unreadable. maybe too still. maybe if he focused on the way bakugou struggled beside him, on the blood soaking into his clothes, on finding help, he could power through this, then he could ignore the sting behind his eyes. he adjusted bakugou's arm on his shoulder again, gentler this time, mindful of the wounds. every movement said "iām here." every breath promised him he would rest soon.
and maybe ... very subtly, there is an apology.
the walk was slow and dragged along by pain and exhaustion. he kept his grip firm, shifting bakugouās arm higher over his shoulder, drawing him closer to keep balance. denjiās breaths were shallow now, tight in his lungs; not from the effort, but from something else. something he couldnāt name. he was feeling too much, all at once, distorted by the pain wrapped around it. the hero was still conscious, maybe barely, his body slumped but present. so denji, without thinking, leaned in slowly. his head tilted, forehead brushing against bakugouās, staying there just long enough to steal a little warmth, eyes shut for a breath. ]
... I'm glad you're okay.
[ denji is, slowly, coming back to himself again. ]
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even as his arm's guided around strong shoulders, denji being forced to stoop some if he doesn't want to lift his boyfriend onto his toes or higher at an awkward slant, bakugou's eyes move in a bloody red-filmed search. one eye completely red from burst blood vessels, half-hidden behind matted choppy bangs. yet he looks, already forcing his exhausted brain to work the ocular and form a list of every outsider available. one by one, he grabs visually anyone around him, and slaps a check mark by their name. faces, he has to see their faces, before he checks off another as present and safe. boots drag and scrape on the ground with each step, embarrassingly hanging onto denji like a broken marionette being carted to the closet.
rest isn't on his mind. medical treatment isn't in his realm of acceptance. tents and doctors already popping up, but he can't be confined to one of those places, immobile and forced to put his thoughts on hold. all of this was his fault in the first place for not noticing one of their numbers were missing. they could have stayed in egypt and searched for her, ripped open or hunted down a rift with their research so far, and gone in after her, and none of those would have happened! fuck, he can't make the same mistake again. he refuses to. even if it costs his blood seeping down his limbs and torso, he moves in stubborn determination to see his dogged demands through. bakugou's battled with holes in his torso and shoulder, his arm, side, and face torqued and torn in garish injury, yet he forced himself to fight. this... this is no different.
a head nudges to his own, briefly pushing him from the mire of his resolve into present focus outside his tunnel vision. arms held around his waist and shoulder, keeping him close and secure. denji's warmth. still here, still present. a voice he knows so well speaking to him as if emerging from a heady fog. slowly drawing back to himself. pain and all.]
Aa... [fingers curl, briefly brushing their tips over denji's shoulder, chest, upper arm, wherever he can touch him from being slung cross his broad shoulders in a poor scarecrow imitation.] I wasn't... gonna leave you behind.
[and tilts, dragging at denji in effort to pull him to the right. towards another group of outsiders for bakugou's mental state. more people to check off and make sure are present. the half-devil is coming along for the ride if he's gonna be the hero's crutch.]
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bakugouās arm stays slung over his shoulder, too injured to stand on his own. denji keeps his grip firm around his waist, hunched forward a bit to match the other's height, careful not to jostle the damage. the crowd parts around them in wavesā still chaotic, some are tending to their wounds, some seem to be fine, and others are grieving. denji threads them through it with a steady pace, mindful as bakugou nods to someone, points in a direction with a glance or a tilt of his chin, and he follows, no questions asked. it's not something the half-devil is keen on doing, only because katsuki should be getting treatments for his own injuries instead of stressing over others, but he knew how that argument would end. he knew it would be a lot faster if he allowed the hero to tend to his anxieties first.
as for denji, he doesnāt look anyone in the eye, doesnāt say a word other than a nod of acknowledgment to his close circle, inwardly appreciative they seem to be doing well. ah, doing well physically ā he's sure they probably had a lot going on in their head. his focus stays on the next step, the next breath, on bakugouās weight against him and the subtle tremors that ripple through his body as he gets weaker by the second. his own limbs ache, but itās dulled, nothing compared to the crawl of something heavier inside him. the underworldās residue still clings to him. itās not on his skin, but somewhere deeper, something that makes the light of the sky too sharp and the crowd too loud. he tries not to think of it, fails, tries again. bakugouās presence helps, even if isnāt enough to quiet the noise in his chest entirely. at least denji is more forgiving to himself this time. he's allowed to, hmm, ponder over things. he's allowed to rest. he's allowed to give himself the time to heal. no one is expected to be okay right now.
they push through the last thinning stretch of the crowd, the voices fading into background noise, just fragments of chatter hanging in the air. denji can sense in the way the tension in bakugouās frame starts to lessen that the headcountās is coming to an end, every name is accounted for. they stop briefly, just long enough for bakugouās eyes to sweep over the faces. denji doesnāt look, he watches him instead. he waits for a bit before speaking softly- ]
... You need to see a medic now.
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even if it means dragging denji away from his soft-hearted trek towards the medical tent. yeah, he knows he'll find plenty of outsiders getting treated at the pop-up stations. strain brained as he is, weak on blood loss yet fueled by dogged stubbornness, bakugou's smart enough to know if he approaches that area, he won't be leaving it until he's bandaged, wrapped up, and treated. all of which is gonna waste his time and stop his searched. so he avoids it until last. thankfully denji doesn't fight him. in exchange, he allows the half-devil to support him throughout his bullheaded ordeal. one by one, the list in his head begins to check off. a face must go to a name before he marks their space. present. present. here. present. one after another. their numbers always tend to hover around seventy. at least it's a feasible average...
denji stays with him. fighting through his own weakness and pain as poisonous rift energy continues seeping through his body. who the hell knows what thoughts it brings to his mind, how it colors his view of other people. far too aware of his boyfriend's desire to stay within the underworld, his refusal to allow the half-devil to remain where his death would come. one step after another they drag through the milling group, a staggering zombie on three potential legs searching for validation of his worry and fatigued ire. a solid heartbeat beside him is the drum he marches to, finding himself timing his steps to each beat. something tangible to grab onto even beyond denji's broad shoulders and tall frame. slowly his list dwindles down, slowly coming to a close as his satisfaction threatens to rise and he shoves it down for celebrating too early. not until the end, not until 100% complete is achieved. until everything has been covered save for one last place...]
Not yet... not until I finish... [raspy and rough, his deep voice clawing from his throat in exhausted growl.] Go to the tents. [the medical tents. the final group. denji can wrangle him there once he's done, as they'll at least be in the location.]
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they reached the final cluster of survivors, the last group to check in (or, that's what denji thought). familiar faces nodded back, exhausted but alive. it was the unspoken confirmation bakugou neededā it seemed everyone had made it out, until he was instructed to go to the tents, not to seek medical aid, but to keep looking for the rest. denji's lashes lowered before his eyes, the tension in his frame rising a bit, just barely. then, he turned to adjust his hold before guiding him toward the tents in the distance. every step dragged at him. the rift poisoning sat like lead in his veins, slow and quiet, spreading under his skin. his vision blurred at the edges, his limbs grew heavier with each movement, but he said nothing. he wouldn't burden bakugou with that, not now. not when the other was bleeding and bruised, barely staying upright.
they reached the tentās entrance, white cloth stained with grime and blood in an ominous welcome; the scent is somewhat inviting to denji's aching body. inside, the low hum of voices and the rustle of movement filled the air. he let his boyfriend pause at the threshold, allowing him those few seconds to take it all in. some of their teammates lay on the beds, tended to by medics, bruised and bandaged but alive. he let him observe, maybe assist him to get a closer look, but he didn't plan to drag this part out.
then denji tugged gently, leading him further in. he found an empty bed and helped bakugou lower himself down slowly, supporting him until he was settled. once he was sure the hero was stable, he glanced at a passing medic, silently gesturing for help. he didnāt say anything, just rested a hand briefly on bakugouās shoulder before slowly leaning down, tilting his head and pressing their lips together in a soft kiss. usually, he'd be mindful of how his partner isn't a fan of public affection, but denji couldn't bring himself to care about that law, given the circumstances. soon after, he breaks it off, pulls away, and lets the professionals take over. his fingers trembled slightly as he turned, the poisoning gnawing deeper, unsure why it's getting worse when it's supposed to slip away. sigh. still, he found himself a spot in the corner, watching as the medics worked on the other, adamant not to leave his side until he made sure he was okay ... and finally resting. ]
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one by one, final checks link off names, until he finds the last of the outsiders. satisfied. they're all here, heedless of their state or recovery. he's dragged denji around long enough and he won't push him further. a compromise already made and seen through. feels as if his lids abruptly increase their weight a hundred fold, dropping over his eyes like garage doors. a knee buckles and he stumbles slightly before denji catches his fall. right, his body's giving out. blood loss, injury, leaking adrenaline, exhaustion creeps forward and takes a sledgehammer to his knees and hips. his boyfriend pulls at him and there's no resistance.
bakugou finds himself lying on a bed, back flat and head back, arms by his sides and everything seems to be melting. except for his mouth, which earns a warm kiss, lips to lips in a gentle promise and reminder. far too low on blood to even manage a flush to his face, far too drained of strength to snarl and growl at him for daring to kiss him in public. denji earned this one. he manages to summon enough power in his muscles to twist his neck as fingers slide from his shoulder, one eye opened halfway in seeking vision to make sure the man he loves isn't leaving. only retreating to a nearby place to rest. only then does he finally accept things and denji is his last memory before going under a mixture of sleep and unconsciousness. the medics have plenty of work to handle, but the prognosis is good. bakugou's roughed up hard, yet he'll recover with time and rest. he won't be gaining any new scars from this. at least not physical ones.]
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and then, long hours have passed. or maybe a day. god, denji didn't know anymore. the sterile hum of hospital machines is a merciful replacement to the chaos of the field tent. pale early morning light poured in through slatted blinds, casting a quiet calm over the recovery room. bakugou lay in bed, bandages wrapped across some parts of his body, his arms, one cheek bruised that had already begun to fade. his breathing was steady now, chest rising and falling in rhythm with the faint beeping of the monitor beside him. no major injuries. no new scars. this should feel like a win, but somehow, didn't.
denji sat slouched in the chair next to the bed, legs stretched out, arms loose over the sides. the faint glow from the sleek screen hovering over his lap lit up his faceā he was halfway through some old action flick, the kind with predictable endings and cheap explosions. it wasnāt about the movie. it was something to keep his eyes on, to keep the silence from getting too loud. he was nodding off, head tilting slightly to the side, only to jolt himself back awake. he didnāt want to miss it if bakugou stirred. so, yeah. guess who never got the chance to sleep until now? this idiot right here.
on the small table next to him sat a bouquet: one freshly collected, wrapped in clean paper, sharper in contrast with its bright orange marigolds, golden chrysanthemums, and a single sprig of red gladiolusā vibrant blooms, loud in color and impossible to ignore. something to brighten this dull room and its depressing vibe. it was a loud kind of beauty, and unmistakably chosen with someone like bakugou in mind. will his boyfriend snarl and growl at this? he didn't care if he did. if he wants to buy him flowers, he will buy him some damn flowers.
denji leaned his head back, letting the chair creak under him, screen still flickering faintly in his lap, watching as the final scene unfolded. ]
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he's awake, he's not well, but awake. everything feels of lead, fingers refusing to move, arms locked under a hundredfold gravity, chest rising and falling beneath some squatting stone demon refusing to move. yet he's alive and conscious, without much pain beyond a quiet ache. wait for the drugs to clear out of his system; his pain will be there, eager to meet him. a herculean effort forces sinew to pull taut, tugging his neck and jaw with latching hooks of gristle. dragging his head as if it were a fucking semi truck attached to his back with chains. slowly... slowly... and finally... drops with gravity taking hold. he knows what side denji will be on, and his eyes fall upon his boyfriend's presence in the chair. slouched like a delinquent teenager in class, watching his phone with his long legs stretched out and his arms draping over the chair. like someone dumped him there.
... what an explosion of flowers. where the hell did he even get those kinds of blooms out here in this arid region? and yet, so impressive regardless. immediately understanding his influence in their collection. denji really is too damn sweet. no, he won't snarl or growl, too weak and tired to try anything. their scent fills the room soon enough, a more pleasant aroma compared to medical sterile sheets and metal. denji shift in the chair, a lazy creak follows his motions, movie screen fluttering.]
When's the last time you slept?
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his head turned towards the other boy, eyes wide before narrowing in disbelief. was he hallucinating, or is this actually real? he didn't know anymore. it takes him a few seconds to realize bakugou is awake, barely, voice hoarse and fitted to someone who is heavily medicated. denji stared, stunned still, before fumbling to switch off the movie. the screen blinked out, and the dim light left his face bare with his exhaustion on full display. a show of messy blond curls framed heavy-lidded eyes, deep bags shadowing the skin beneath them. he looked like he hadnāt slept in days, because he hadnāt, but he smiled. it wasnāt the crooked kind he wore to deflect. it was a weary one yet full of relief.
he stood slowly, legs stiff and his back aches from sitting on his ass for too long, but he moved closer to the bedside. the blankets rustled as denji leaned down, one hand bracing the bedrail as he hovered just close enough, his eyes softened further, and without a word, he pressed a kiss to bakugouās forehead. it lingered for a moment in a silent 'welcome back'. he then pulled away just enough to look at him again. still smiling. still there. ]
I'm fine ... [ gently, he runs his fingers through bakugou's hair. ] ... how are you?
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he kills he move, almost flops from the chair like a cat jumping in shock. or a fish. who knows. eyes wide above his visible bags, exhaustion plaguing hi weary face despite a sweep of relief crossing his forehead and brows. denji's stunned stare further needles his irritation. the hell is he so surprised at? did he think he wouldn't wake up from his sleep? ugh, someone's gonna get an earful later. when he isn't looking a bedraggled mess who's run from slumber for days on end. how many muscles did it take to force his smile to his lips? and yet he can't find it in himself to be angry with someone who's heart just broke in a wet hot mess of relief and happiness. what a pure guy... damn his arm for not being able to move and smack him.]
Liar. I could fit a boulder under your eye. [saying his eyebags are huge and deep? yes he is. deep voice somewhat hoarse and thick from being locked behind sleep and strain for quite some time, it clashes slightly with denji's softer tone showing his own wear and tear from the past days. lucky guy gets his forehead kiss without being batted away. no strength for such a grump. his head lolls wherever denji wants it to go as he moves his fingers through his hair, flickers of power starting to spark in his sinew.] I'm awake.
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You literally can't fit a boulder under anyone's eyes. It's impossible.
[ what a silly thing to say, and to make it worse (or better, depending on who you asked) denji got in his space again, one hand reaching around bakugouās face, fingers pressing into his cheeks with just enough force to squish them together, puffing out his lips like a grumpy fish. then came the attack, one smooch after another, loud, messy, over-exaggerated kisses planted and switching between two cheeks randomly. he didnāt stop until bakugouās face was practically damp from affection and sheer disrespect. well, if his boyfriend wants to be mad, he will fucking give him a proper reason for it. welcome back, babe. ♥
when he finally pulled back, freeing the hero from the love assault, denji breathed out a tired sigh, like the chaos drained what little energy he had left. then, with the same blank sort of boldness, he gestured lazily at the bed, his fingers flicking once before he slumped forward, demanding the smallest slice of space for himself. ]
Can you move your cute butt to the side and make some room, or do you need my help with this one? I'm too tired to walk back ...
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Tell that to your eyebags.
[fingers invade his personal space once more, pinching into his cheeks and squeezing them into a stupid face. a split second before he's able to twist his head and bite him- oy! what the hell?! he's injured and denji's gonna rain sap all over his face?! his arms can barely move, he can't fight back, this bastard's taking advantage of him and being a sappy asshole! making a damn show of it too! ugh... he's not sure if he'd be any wetter if chainsaw man tongue slobbered all over his face. (it's not that wet.) lips peel back in a teeth-baring growl in spite of his back-from-the-dead state. tch, now all that's left is for denji to jump up on him.
luckily there's no attempt at that and he's giving some space. bakugou twitches a finger, wanting to raise his hand and wipe his face, but neither arm wants to work at the moment. made all the more troublesome when denji indicates he wants to climb into bed with him and settle down. fuck! it'd encourage him to finally sleep, but it requires moving!]
Just get in! And don't call me cute! [he will find the strength to wriggle to the side.]
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If you're worried about me, say it.
[ he then wipes at bakugouās face with the edge of his sleeve, a crooked little smirk tugging at his lips as he cleans off the trail of uninvited kisses he'd left behind. heās not sorry, not even a little. if anything, thereās something amused and fond in the way he keeps swiping at a spot heās already cleared, like he wants to savor the aftermath of the disarray he caused. when he's done, he pulls back a little, eyes tracking bakugouās slow movements. it takes effort for that boy to shift, his body stiff and pained, wrapped in gauze and dotted with bruises. stubborn as always, but denji didn't intervene, ready to jump in if it gets too much, if a wound tears, or if the other falters. bakugou did end up finishing the task, leaving a narrow space on the mattress. denji climbs in carefully, moving with the kind of quiet gentleness that doesnāt match previous times when he gets this type of invite, often he would jump in like a hooligan, but not today. he folds himself into the space beside bakugou, limbs curling inward, one arm loosely draped over his own waist. the bed creaks under the extra weight, cramped a bit, yet he finds a way to make it work. his eyes flutter shut, his body sinking into the warmth beside him. his face is a mess of exhaustionā eyelids heavy, lips parted slightly, hair in tangled loops.
oh yeah, this feels goooooood. ]
... I didn't call you cute. I called your butt cute. [ facts. ]
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Tch. [doesn't his attention to denji's current appearance and state already convey that?! a small wince crimps at his face, head twitching slightly, in response to the half-devil dabbing his face with his sleeve. seriously. couldn't have gotten a paper towel wet at the sink and used that instead? he's smearing it! and kinda wiping it, but still smearing.] Are you trying to rub a hole in my face? [that's the third time he's gone over that spot! bakugou can't even wriggle his way out of reach either, ultimately halted by a metal guardrail to keep him locked in the bed. smart nurses...
yeah, how about you not dive into the bed like a shark, denji. settling under his sheets, head half on his dual pillows, bakugo watches his boyfriend climb over his bed railing like a doting thief and drop butt-first into the bedding. not the first time he's reminded of his boyfriend's half-a-foot height difference and broader shoulders. as if such a stretch has prevented them from sharing a bed before. though a hospital bed's different from a normal bedroom bed. bakugo tenses when he hears the bed creak. shit, don't drop the damn thing! makeshift medical camp here, denji! this isn't a solid wood piece known for sturdiness! ... okay, he can move again. settling beside him and tucking in close where it's warm and he feels his boyfriend's breath and heartbeat.]
Your sleep deprivation's talking. [bakugo curls his left arm, muscles bunching and bones gliding, to notch his index finger under a few fringes of messy sandy blonde and brush tender strokes along his brow. hoping to lull him into sleep soon enough. denji's exhausted, loyalty and care taxing him to such a state. he turns his head, finds his jaw with his mouth.] Go to sleep. I'm not going anywhere.
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denji didnāt move as bakugouās fingers brushed slow and gentle across his brow, skimming under the mess of his bangs with a soothing touch. itās the kind of closeness they hadnāt had since the kidnapping. his breathing hitched once, and then it eased out of him with the heaviness of something being lifted off his chest. he let his body go lax against the bed, against the body at his side, sinking further into the space they made between each other. the slope of his forehead pressed gently into the side of bakugouās head, half draped across the injured boyās unbandaged side. for the first time in what felt like forever, the knots in his shoulders began to loosen. his eyelids slipped shut and then came silence, nothing more than the muted beeps of machines and the distant footsteps of medics filled the air as denji fully slipped beneath the surface. he couldn't even give bakugou an answer, or utter a single word. "i'm not going anywhere" ... that's all he needed to hear to finally let go. his body finally cashed in the debt of every hour heād stayed awake for their arrival to iraq; like whatever had been holding him together this whole time finally snapped, and the only thing keeping him from crumbling was this very spot, this warmth, these arms close by.
hours had passed, and he didnāt stir once. not when the door opened, not when the nurses came in and checked on bakugou, muttering low between themselves as they swapped IV lines, smoothed out wires, and rewrapped bloodstained gauze. bakugou likely had to dismiss any advice of asking denji to leave so he could rest, even when the bed isn't made to handle the extra weight. whether that conversation happened or not, or if the hero had any visitors through the rest of the day, it didn't change the fact denji slept through all of it. time dragged on, evening turned into night, only when the moon was high and the lights dimmed did he shift. a subtle twitch of a leg beneath the blankets. a small wrinkle in his brow and then his breathing tensed, shallowed for a moment. whatever dream he was having didnāt sit right.
he shifted again, slower this time. the kind of half-sleep that still held him underwater but gave him just enough air to breathe. he turned his head, heavily groggy and dazed. his eyes cracked open to the quiet, barely lit room. blinking sluggishly, he scanned the ceiling, then the dim outline of machines, trying to orient himself. still somewhere between dreams and waking. his gaze dropped, and he found the boy next to him.
bakugou is still there. still breathing. he's alive ... it's okay. his throat felt dry, his tone was terribly raspy. ] ... w-what time is it?
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repeated now as he rests beside his boyfriend's exhausted figure. who knows how many hours coiled into a day or two since denji was able to sleep. so much time spent guarding bakugou's recovery with no regard to his own. it's his turn now. let him rest, let him drape, let him cling, breathe, sleep, heal. he's got enough strength for this. denji doesn't need to hold onto those ropes and cords anymore. he's able to open his hand and slip safely to the ground. catching him and promising him respite.
doors opened, conversation came, furrowed brows of confusion or mild vexation at seeing his hospital bed shared with someone who certainly didn't "need" the room. they could've brought a cot or futon in here? shut up. he's not in any danger if denji sleeps beside him. even if he has to wriggle a bit to give them access to iv stints and bandage ends. difficult, yet they manage. able to do so without putting any undue further weight on the bed. luckily denji slept through all of it. straight to the night.
material scuffed on dragging hair, heralding his motions as denji turns his head, all sleep-mussed and waking from his rest. muscles pull, tendons strain, all for the sake of something so simple as lifting in his head enough to turn his eyes one way or another. figuring out where he is once more. bakugou remains on his back beside him, a projected screen hovering in front of his face with words floating on white. reading in his rest. once he realizes denji's awake rather than moving in his sleep, he dismisses the screen. an iv tube drags across the sheets as he reaches to the side, finger finding a packet of water with a straw stuck in it. specifically for this moment here. when someone's smacking his lips like a desert's baked in his mouth. he promptly sticks the straw in denji's mouth.] late. shut up and drink this.
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... oh, bakugou's offering him water.
denji's mouth twitches, not yet smiling, but the gratitude is evident. he tries to lean forward, just enough to catch the straw, but misses. his lips brush the side of it aaaand ... he missed again. he exhales a weak puff of air, brows faintly scrunching. the straw devil is mocking him, huh? damnit. again, he tries, as he lifts himself a little with his elbow, wasted beyond measure. this time, it's a win, and he caught the pesky little fiend. content with his victory, he suckles slowly. god, as the cool water slides down his raw throat, denji's eyes flutter closed at the relief. his head lolls back as he finishes, letting the straw fall from his lips. yeah, he drank the entire thing like a fucking whale. ]
... thanks. [ he exhales softly, shoulders easing against the bed, the tension peeling off of him. he allows himself to sink into the warmth at his side, shoulder brushing against bakugouās arm as his breathing evens out. he's sobering up, finally looking at the time, and he couldn't help but chuckle a bit. he knew his boyfriend had some company, and he had to deal with the snoring mass next to his side the entire time. that's kinda hilarious. he rubbed at his eyes before he shifted closer, carefully rolling his body to the side so he could face the other. ] ... did you get any sleep?
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and leaves behind nothing more than a desiccated juicy-drink package. bakugou swings his arm back, half rolling onto his shoulder blade, and deposits it to the bedside stand. more comfortable now. tempted to pinch his nose for snore attempt stoppage throughout the rest; alas, he cared too much and instead had to deal with wrestling with earplugs or not. at least denji's not a chainsaw in his sleep. he'd have met infamous nasal strips by now if he were. bakugou settles onto his back, one arm draped across his chest to denji can have more room to squish into his side and throw his own arm over. he knows you want to.] I've been sleeping for a fucking day and a half.
[he got plenty.]
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