[Anonymous]

[tigerpoet]

I need something to occupy me that doesn't require me having control of my body.

Split personality. There's less we have to fight here, so I take control less than I used to, and I'm bored.

I'd take offers to spar but you'd have to run it by the other half first.

Comments

[tigerpoet]

[And exhausted they will be. Atsushi sinks to the floor, covered in wounds that drip ink and still smiling.]

A better fight than I've had for a long time.

[He doesn't know who won, but that's irrelevant.]

[scarsnstripes]

[Atsushi is also sinking to the floor, dropping his transformation almost immediately with a heavy, content sigh.

That... actually felt good. Fighting someone without attempted murder being involved. It was kind of invigorating. He's smiling tiredly, pleased with the results of their fight.]

It's surprisingly nice fighting someone who isn't trying to murder me.

[...Atsushi???]

[tigerpoet]

It is.

[Taints are not exactly known for holding back, and taking over to spar with the other authors would increase the chance that they found out he existed. Even if some already know, they aren't ones he would willingly spend time around.

Given that they're both tired out, it makes sense to lean against Atsushi, resting his shoulder against his. It's only a tiny bit of moonlacing, really, but it soothes the aches.]

We should do this again.

[scarsnstripes]

[It does makes sense, and Atsushi obliges him-- even turns a bit into that lean so their sides are pressed together in places.

The warmth and comfort of moonlacing felt wonderful against his aching body, especially since he's probably healing slower than normal.]

Yeah, we should. I didn't think sparring like this could feel so... nice? Is that the right word? Do you do this often?

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi could dig the ink out of his pockets and take a swig to heal his wounds, but that seems like effort and he doesn't feel like it right now.]

I don't. Secrecy reasons. [Wouldn't want to inconvenience his other half, no matter how bored he got. He can always take out some Taints... or at least, he could always take them out when they were around.] But my other half will allow it if it's you. He's very fond of you already.

[scarsnstripes]

Oh...

[He supposes that makes sense, if they need to keep it under wraps. Was it viewed poorly, perhaps...? Or was it to protect themselves?

Either way...]

Well, in that cast, we should definitely do this again. I've been needing a sparring partner who won't kill me, actually.

[That deal with Akutagawa might be on hold while they were here, but it was still a good idea to try to train.]

[tigerpoet]

You're a good sparring partner. ...And having someone to talk to myself isn't... bad. I suppose.

[Tsun tsun, dere dere.]

[scarsnstripes]

You are too..! At least, I think you are.

[Again: not a lot of fights without attempted murder.]

And you're just nice to spend time with, too. You and him both.

[tigerpoet]

Doubtful. I'm not much of a talker.

[...having said that, he slides his hand closer to the other Atsushi. Not moonlacing, but the offer is there if he so chooses.]

[scarsnstripes]

[Oh!

He's learned enough here to recognize the offer as what it is. Amazing what a few months in affection city will do to chip away (slightly) at natural obliviousness. Atsushi will happily tuck his hand alongside his, smiling a little as he laces their fingers.]

You don't have to talk much to be good company, you know.

[tigerpoet]

...Hmmph.

[The tips of Atsushi's ears are turning pink, but he doesn't argue with that any further.]

Our usual method of healing wounds is much more efficient. If less pleasant.

[Not that he's enjoying cuddling or anything.]

[scarsnstripes]

Oh? What's usual? If it's anything like Yosano-sensei's method... I'm sorry.

[He really, really is.]

[tigerpoet]

It's this.

[With his free hand, Atsushi reaches into a pocket and pulls out an inkwell. Uncaps it. Tosses the whole thing back like he's drinking a shot.

Some of Atsushi's wounds do clear up immediately, so you can't say it isn't effective, but...]

[scarsnstripes]

[Atsushi stares for a long, long moment in horror, because the contents of that bottle was undeniably ink to his nose, and the 'blood' coming from the other's wounds smelled like it, too.

holy shit.]

Is that ink?!

[tigerpoet]

Of course it is. What else do people keep in inkwells?

[Like that was the problem here?]

[scarsnstripes]

You're drinking ink?! 'Less pleasant' is an understatement, here.

[Seriously?!]

Even when I was eating out of dumpsters I never-- I mean.... No one should have to drink stuff like that!

[tigerpoet]

It's not something you have for the taste.

[Because however bad Atsushi imagines it tastes, it's probably worse.]

I'm used to it.

[scarsnstripes]

[Probably much worse, yes.]

Well... does moonlacing help at all?

[tigerpoet]

It does.

[Just leaning against Atsushi had started to ease his aches, though it didn't heal his wounds near as quickly as just downing some ink.]

Why?

[scarsnstripes]

[Atsushi's quiet for a moment as if considering something, before--]

Well in that case, let me help you heal. I did cause those injuries, after all. I don't think I'd want to kiss you on the lips when you have ink in your mouth unless you rinse it out, but I'm happy to help with anything else.

[tigerpoet]

[Oh. Atsushi is a little more pink than he was before. How is his blushing a normal color despite him not having red blood? A mystery.]

This isn't you taking pity on me, is it?

[Because he hates that. His pride is too strong to ever accept such an offer.]

[scarsnstripes]

No, it's not. It's me caring about you... and if you like, taking responsibility for my actions.

[He's smiling a little. That blush is cute okay.]

[tigerpoet]

...I'm the one who asked you to spar with me. I should be helping you with your moonlacing, if that's your reasoning.

[And what if he just doesn't acknowledge that 'caring about you' part ever! That sounds great!

Atsushi reaches out to pet the other Atsushi on the head between his ears. He'd liked that before, if Atsushi remembers right.]

[scarsnstripes]

Then we can help each other, right?

[Telling this Atsushi not to care is futile, sorry. He's already invested, you've got a stray cat following you forever now.

As it stands, he's leaning in to that petting with a happy sigh, smiling softly.]

Mmm... that feels nice.

[He'll wrap one arm loosely around the other in response, the contact easily dislodged if it made the other uncomfortable.]

[tigerpoet]

[He could dislodge the contact, but he doesn't. He hasn't been hugged all that many times before. ...Atsushi doesn't dislike it.

Atsushi turns his head to place a kiss on the other's cheek. Even that much is strange and vulnerable for him.

His ears are absolutely burning.]