The Silence After the Storm

[vrdr_mods]

The Ken Amada who made certain threats, whom Igor didn't bring to the Velvet Room and didn't welcome, has been permanently contained within his other-world self. Many of the Velvet Room residents mobilized in the effort to neutralize the threat he posed, and now, in the moments after the devastating battle that sealed Ken away, perhaps you have business to conclude.

Maybe you're a fighter, left in the rubble the battle made of its surroundings—or maybe you were a noncombatant this time, left behind to wonder what's happening or prepare for the aftermath. Maybe you linger around the battle site, or maybe you have other things to do.

Or maybe you didn't survive. Maybe you're one of the glowing forms slowly coalescing in front of Igor's desk in the Velvet Room over the course of the subsequent half hour. Igor presides over them gravely, with no sign of his usual smile. Near his desk sits a box of snacks, familiar to anyone who's used the operation's training room.

[[ooc: This post is a general catch-all for the aftermath of the battle! It's backdated to February 26, the day Ken got got.]]

Comments

[wicked_plan]

But what if there's more I could do? goes unsaid. A large part of him does still want to protest, to stay, but... Goro needs him too, he tells himself. He's been burning the candle at both ends for too long, today. He could keep going if needs be (of course), but maybe... just focusing on his Goro is fine too.

He lets Goro tug him into the Tokyo door, and into the apartment complex. He doesn't even realize how out of it he is until suddenly, they're in Goro's condo... oh.

[undyingcrow]

"You should rest, Ren." He brings Ren over to the couch, offering him the remote if he needs it. "I'll put a kettle on for some tea."

He may not be a great cook, but tea is easy enough. Some chamomile may help relax them both.

[wicked_plan]

"Ah, but I can-"

But Goro's already gone, in his kitchen, and Ren slumps into the couch. He shouldn't... he should be the one taking care of Goro. He was the one on the frontlines, not Ren...

... well, maybe he can relax, just for a moment, and take over for Goro afterwards.

[undyingcrow]

It doesn't take long to put the kettle on to boil, and then Goro returns, looking Ren over.

"You've doted on others for as long as I've known you. When was the last time someone returned the favor?"

[wicked_plan]

Ren blinks. Then again. It's... something he doesn't really accept from others easily. He doesn't need it, really- he's much happier doting on others than the other way around. He knows Goro won't be satisfied with that answer, though, so he shrugs.

"Uh, I'm not sure. People do me favors all the time," he says, scratching the back of his head. He also knows that's not what Goro asked, but it's the best answer he can give without making it into a whole... thing.

"Anyway- you were the one on the frontlines, why don't you sit down for a moment? Let me grab some mugs for us."

He doesn't give Goro a chance to protest, getting up and swiftly passing him by to grab mugs, and checking on the kettle. It's fine- he's tired, but he can dote on his rival.

[undyingcrow]

"Favors aren't the same thing, and you know it." So, no, he's not sitting down. he's following Ren into the kitchen and fetching the tea bags from a cupboard. "You won't win so easily."

[wicked_plan]

"Win? Goro, this isn't about-" Ren says, but cuts himself off with a sigh. "You must be tired, too. I shouldn't let you do all the work."

The kettle turns off, signaling the water has boiled, and Ren puts the mugs down, turning to Goro with a smile, hiding his tiredness.

"Just leave this to me, okay?"

[undyingcrow]

Goro does not, however, relinquish the tea bags. In fact, he rushes over, placing them in the mugs. "I am not going to yield. You should relax."

[wicked_plan]

It's not supposed to be a competition, but Ren knows a losing battle when he sees one. He heaves a sigh, but doesn't protest.

"Okay. Uh... I'll be around if you need me?"

Goro just needs to put the water in the mugs, and let the tea seep. Ren... guesses he can leave this to him. He'd like to just take care of Goro, but... alright. Okay. He can let Goro take care of this.

Still, he doesn't go back to the couch, simply leaning against a kitchen chair, and waiting for his tea. He can't wait to just... rest, together with Goro.

[undyingcrow]

"So you finally surrender." Pleased with himself, Goro grabs the kettle and pours it into the mugs, watching the steam rise. "Hmm... I suppose you'll have to borrow some of my clothes tonight, but that shouldn't be an issue."

They are roughly the same height, after all, and he hardly wants to rush back to Leblanc just to grab Ren's pajamas.

[wicked_plan]

Ren rolls his eyes.

"Indeed. I surrender," he deadpans, and bows, "I am in your capable hands, o prince of doting."

He's never too tired to tease Goro, though. He pulls himself upright again, perking up a little when Goro mentions borrowing his clothes. It's such a simple thing, but... for some reason, it makes Ren happy. He gives Goro a dopey grin, before his eyes flick to the tea.

"Sure," he says, "I guess we could use a shower too, huh."

Man, he doesn't feel like taking a shower though. He'd almost rather just pass out on the couch in a minute, but then again, if Goro's gonna lend him pajamas, he... shouldn't get into them like this, sweat from both fear and exertion still clinging to him. He'll be all crusty in the morning, too.

[undyingcrow]

While steam keeps rising from the mugs, Akechi brings one over to Ren. Briefly, he glances in the direction of the bathroom. "As the guest, you're welcome to shower first. I can gather a change of clothes once we're finished with our tea."

There. More doting. Ren will have to live with it.

[wicked_plan]

Usually, Ren would protest- it's Goro's home, after all, and he can wait a little longer, but... he's tired. He really, really is tired. And Goro's so insistent, and Ren knows exactly how stubborn he can be, and usually he'd delight in out-stubborning him, but...

He takes a sip of the mug. He should let the bag seep longer, probably but it's more about getting something warm in him, rather than pure flavor.

"I'll leave some warm water for you," he hums, "promise."

[undyingcrow]

"Good. I'd have to take drastic measures if you left me with cold water."

How serious of a threat is this? It's hard to tell with the playful edge to his words.

[wicked_plan]

"Nooo," Ren fake-whines, "don't kill me I'm too sexy."

Though he's quick to huff out a laugh, unable to keep up the facade.

[undyingcrow]

"How humble." With his mug in hand, he waves Ren back over to the couch. "And just think, you'll get to sleep in a proper bed for once."

[wicked_plan]

"Hey, don't diss the Leblanc-mobile. It's so comfy," Ren huffs out with a laugh, taking another sip. "You just can't appreciate her for what she is."

Disclaimer: the 'Leblanc mobile' is not comfortable. Ren's just being an ass for the sake of it.

[undyingcrow]

"You'll be singing an entirely different tune after tonight." But, hey, he shares in the laughter before taking a sip of his own. "Perhaps you'll even find it difficult to leave."

[wicked_plan]

"Sure." He takes another sip. "I could say the same if you'd only give the Leblanc mobile a chance."

But soon enough, his tea is finished, and Ren sighs as he puts the mug down.

"Guess I'll go take a shower, then."

[undyingcrow]

"I have standards, Ren. It's as simple as that."

Still, Ren's hygiene is more important than banter, so he waves him off. "We can continue this discussion once you're finished."

[wicked_plan]

Ren hums in agreement, before heading off to the bathroom, and... well.

It's certainly a bathroom. Ren has seen it before, but every time, he is surprised by how many beauty products Goro owns. Soaps, gels, creams, deodorants... it feels like there are an endless amount of bottles with stuff, and Ren couldn't tell what 90% of them are for even if held at gunpoint.

Oh well. He yawns as he undresses himself, leaving his clothes in a heap in the corner, before he steps in the shower. He points it away from himself briefly while it heats up, but once the water is okay, he makes quick work of getting himself wet. Now, what soap to use...

... well, he's sure they all have some sort of specific purpose, but he's too tired to figure it out. At random, he grabs a bottle of shampoo, and starts washing his hair.

[undyingcrow]

While Ren bathes, Goro makes his way into his bedroom, digging out two sets of pajamas. They're soft, freshly washed and folded with care, with simple patterns and appealing colors.

He'll grab a pair of boxers for Ren as well. Hopefully he won't mind the A patterned on them, like his attache case.

[wicked_plan]

By the time Ren is done showering, he's gotten a lot more relaxed. The twinges and aches of the fight have washed away with the soap, and he's feeling a lot looser. After toweling himself off (taking extra care to squeeze as much water from his hair as he can), he secures the towel around his hips with a knot, and steps into the bedroom. Ah- a set of pajamas and boxers, Goro said he'd leave them out for...

... Huh?

Ren blinks. Then blinks again. His lips wobble with amusement.

No way. No fucking way.

Still, he gets dressed, keeping his composure all the way- the pajamas are very soft- before he steps out, grin on his face as he looks at Goro.

"So," he says, teasing lilt in his voice, "A-patterned boxers, huh?"

[undyingcrow]

He leans back on the couch, seemingly unfazed by the teasing. "It was part of a promotional deal. One of the perks of being a celebrity."

But since Ren is clean, he peels himself off the couch and grabs his own folded pajamas off the table. "But as much as I'd love to regale you with my experiences, I'd much rather wash the sweat off my skin."

[wicked_plan]

"Right, right," he puts his hand on Goro's shoulder as he passes by, eyes shining with mirth, "and giving them to me has nothing to do with putting your mark on me, hm?"

Called the fuck out, babe.

Still, Ren's quick to let go, plopping himself down onto the couch and waving Goro off.

"Enjoy your shower, honey," he says with a grin, not quite done teasing yet.

Then, he's alone, left to entertain himself... hmm... the couch is very comfy. He's so tired, and his eyes feel heavy... surely closing his eyes while he waits for Goro won't hurt?

Not seconds later, he's out like a light.