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]

"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.

[undyingcrow]

"These things aren't mutually exclusive, dear." Oh, he flashes a sharp smirk at Ren before he shuffles off.

Goro being Goro, however, means that his hygiene routine is rather meticulous. It takes quite some time for him to not only wash the filth from his flesh, but to appropriately lather his scalp with his finest shampoo, then carefully condition it.

Not to mention, he has to brush, style, and dry it once he's finally through.

But eventually he returns, fresh, fragrant, and comfortable in his pajamas, and...

Heh. Well, this is an amusing predicament.

Goro creeps closer to the couch, quietly contemplating scooping Ren up in his arms.

[wicked_plan]

Ren is wholly unaware of Goro creeping up on him, splayed out over the couch, fast asleep. He's so exhausted from the day, not even Mona's yelling would wake him up, probably.

Master Phantom Thief right here, everyone!

[undyingcrow]

Then scoop he shall, hoisting Ren off the couch and carrying him off into his room like a dragon hoarding treasure.

Down on the bed he goes, with the covers already peeled back.

[wicked_plan]

Well, being moved does the trick. Blearily, Ren blinks as he's lifted up, eys a little glazed over with sleep.

"MmmrrrGoro?" he murmurs as he's lowered into the bed, yawning. "Whu...?"

[undyingcrow]

Goro crawls into bed beside him, flashing an all too confident smirk. "Tsk. You lowered your guard, Ren." He wriggles closer, drawing the covers over them. "I suppose I win this round."

[wicked_plan]

Ren pouts a little.

"Mean to me," he mutters, but huddles closer to Goro anyway. "So mean."

[undyingcrow]

"You know you like it." Oh my, he's even... gasp, looping an arm around Ren. Scandalous.

[wicked_plan]

Ren purrs a little, leaning into Goro's embrace. Still, he buries his face into his rival's chest, huffing.

"Shuddup." His arms loosely curl around Goro. "Go sleep."

[undyingcrow]

"You have such a way with words." But it's okay, Ren. Have a little smooch before Goro closes his eyes.

They can sort out the rest of their feelings regarding the fight after some rest.