neverplaysfair | Game 013 [Voice/Action]

Why, thank you... [ But he trails off a bit weakly, and wonder of wonders, takes Sanae's advice and lies down on the bed. ]

Lemme fix the bandages and then you can sleep.

[ He tugs away those bloodied bandages and starts to wrap Josh's arms with fresh, lending little boosts of power every time their skin touches. ]

[ And each touch sends a feeling straight through Joshua's body, so every few touches he jumps a little, more of a startle reflex than anything else. ]

[ He gets the arms done and struggles a bit to bind Joshua's chest, silent. It takes a minute, but then Hanekoma sits back, and that thrum of power if off like a switch. Back to human. ]

There. Think you'll be alright like that, for a bit?

I wouldn't know. Probably. [ He practically spits the words. He can't even remember the last time he was injured to blood, really injured, not just pretending for the sake of Neku's Game. This sort of thing doesn't happen to him. It shouldn't. ]

Josh, this isn't Shibuya. These things happen.

[ That smile turns sad, maybe faintly impatient. He rubs at his chin, remembers the blood on his hands, and makes a faint noise of disgust. ]

Just let me take care of you 'til you're better, and get back at 'em in the next round. You took a hit. Everyone does. Even the ones who run cities.

This is the second time I've lost to them, Sanae.

They're practically Composers of this place, and you're knocked down closer to Reaper. They've got the edge and you know it.

I won that fight before. It wouldn't be this difficult if it were that simple.

[ In his head he's drawing parallels between Higher Plane Angels and Players, but saying it out loud would be admitting that he has absolutely no chance. He's proud, but he's not blind. ]

Alright, then I take it back. They're closer to Angels.

[ He gets up, rummages through the dresser again and throws an oversized shirt and pair of boxers to Joshua. Just looking for something to do with his hands. ]

[ Joshua looks at Sanae, then down at the clothes, then back again. ] There's a joke to be made here, you know.

I bet.

[ Sanae throws a raised eyebrow and a grin back over his shoulder, and Joshua you are just asking him to torment you. ]

Shame you're not older, Josh, or I might be givin' you a kiss right about now. Just to shut you up, but hey -- kissing you, undressed, in my bed. Wonder what that could lead to.

[ He snaps the dresser drawer shut all too cheerfully. ]

Guess we'll never know.

Do you want me to pass out? [ It's said quickly, simply, flat. ]

Be my guest. Sleep would be the best thing, right about now. [ He doesn't mean it. Doesn't wanna see Josh hurt himself trying. ]

Sanae, come over here. [ His tone is less commanding, more just serious. ]

[ A raised eyebrow, but he doesn't hesitate. Just returns to the bed. ]

[ Reaching up and trying to pull him into a kiss, then. Just because. ]

[ Oh, he was expecting that, for once -- but you know what? Hanekoma goes along with it. Doesn't pull away. He kisses Joshua back, just for a moment, and then he breaks it. Amused, faintly smug. ]

I don't like kissing kids. Get back to me when you're older.

[ Joshua makes a soft sound in his throat. ]

I was right. It didn't really do anything, anyway.

Good.

[ And he steps away from the bed, wipes at his mouth with the back of a hand. ]

Didn't do a thing for me, that's for sure. Now put some clothes on.

...

[ Without any warning, Joshua pulls off the underwear he's wearing and starts pulling on the boxers. ]

[ Sanae makes a little exasperated sound and finds something else to look at. No. Comment. ]

[ Oh, come on, it's not like there's much there, and he did say to change. Once Josh finally gets the boxers on, he pulls on the shirt, and... yeah, it's kinda big. He looks a bit ridiculous. ]

[ EXASPERATION. It's the principle of the thing, man. ...and he knows that if he looks, Josh will use that against him forever. Either way, the too-big clothes make him grin a little. ] Lookin' sharp, Josh.

And this is my fault, Sanae?

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