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[ saitama's secret stash...

...is something of a misnomer. there's nothing really secret about it, for one; the man doesn't have a lot of space to work with, and everything there is to see in his home is more or less in plain sight. he doesn't have much to hide, made abundantly clear every time genos performs a thorough bi-weekly sweep of their surroundings.

sensei, this flyer is from last month...
don't mind it, it doesn't expire for a while, you know?

the coupons tend to be long-expired, but genos won't say a thing. it's better to live and let live, or on those cases, not let his sensei know so he can pick up any wanted groceries in his stead. saitama doesn't need to know the real price. if he wants to keep thinking the value is worth something in the long run, so be it. frugality is one of his dozens of virtues, anyway.

what passes for the stash is typically nothing more than the latest magazines, advertisements, and other paraphernalia well-stocked by genos to ensure that sensei is continuing to thrive. originally it started out as something of a team effort (though saitama really hadn't seen the need at the time), growing into more and more of genos's side project over time. it makes sense, what with how busy sensei is these days. there's always a squabble here, a fight there, the here association pulling at their ears all the while...

lately saitama isn't even around, which leaves his young ward to his own devices, more often than not. there's no problem in it when genos has plenty of things to study, hero duties he can catch up on, plus the occasional tune-up at dr. kuseno's lab.

which leads him to wonder: what in the world is with this growing pile of discs in the living room?

video games... genos knows of them. his years spent as a cyborg of justice doesn't mean he's forgotten the past, forgotten some of the things which used to fill his spare time. but why are they filling sensei's? surely his hours could be better spent climbing the ranks of the association, just as he encouraged genos to do. not that sensei doesn't know best; he probably has a plan he hasn't told genos of yet, doing things in his own way. sensei, after all, is the strongest man the world has ever seen. what does ranking have to do with it?

at this point it's purely speculation. they could be here due to any number of things. there's no telling they belong to saitama in the first place. it's entirely possible they might have something to do with how much time he spends around the s-class's seventh best. as for why king would be influencing him to bring home piles and piles of games, it's beyond genos's reasoning. is it for training? it has to be for training.

now he's drawn a conclusion, able to proceed with no issues. a little tidying is fine, far from unwelcome, and sensei will appreciate it. if he asks, it's very possible they could play together too, like he does with the king.

if...oh.

wait.

a lot of these don't look like they're for two players at all...

and that is how the biomechanical boy has found himself sprawled out on the floor in the middle of the afternoon, transfixed by a now-empty jewel case with a scantily-clad girl on the packaging, her moans on the television screen ringing in his ears.

training. this is for training. sensei just needed a little...brushing up on how to talk to women. judging from how genos has fared in his game so far, he doesn't seem to have the same trouble. if anything, it's been all too easy to win over this virtual girl's affections and lure her into the bedroom. surely they don't act this way in the real world, too. genos's fanclub throwing themselves at them left and right is harrowing enough! ]

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... [ unexpected outbursts call for unexpected responses. which is to say he'll let it go, not pester and bother genos like he typically does, pull out information he's not ready to offer just yet. ] Okay.

[ with his gaze averting to the side, sonic takes a second to think. eventually he looks down at himself again, frowning. ] I'm a mess. [ a statement not meant to be sexually charged. he is a mess, from his shredded clothes to his still-slick rear. ]

[ better. that's better. it's an unexpected kindness he didn't account for, which helps bring him back to center, relax the squaring of his shoulders. ]

... [ from an objective point of view, calling sonic a mess is an understatement. genos doesn't remember taking things so far, so lost in the heat washing over them he hadn't registered the battle damage they actually took, either. a lot of those rips and tears don't look like they had anything to do with drilling sonic raw, too high up on his body to count.

even so... ] You look good like this, too. [ it's less of a bold admission, but it does make him turn his head to face the other fully again, features pulled into an unreadable expression that borders on something fond. ]

[ i know— is what he wants to say. again, he holds his tongue, makes a face from being so... considerate? is that the word?

if he wasn't so sated and downright tired, sonic would fight against it, probably pick some kind of fight again. there isn't any of that left in him, not right now, relaxing back into the wall once genos turns to face him again. ] Is that so. [ it's a noncommittal response, not feeling up to being boisterous or inquisitive.

usually he'd take the compliment and run with it, try to get more out of it. it's strange that he isn't, but doesn't see the point of analyzing it any further than that. ]

[ strange. he expected more posturing, a conceited remark to be brushed off and clucked at, accept this is speed of sound sonic he's dealing with here and of course he's easy on the eyes, regardless of the position he's in.

genos can't tell if he's the one being shrugged aside, now; if this is somehow a cue to give the man some breathing room and let him recover.

there's only one way to find out. a hand wrenches away, gingerly touching a trio of fingertips to the side of his face (impeccably smooth, unlike genos's current state), feather-light, ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. one hovers over the corner of the long line underneath his eye, never questioning whether it's war paint or something carried over from whatever clan he hails from. ]

[ no, geno's definitely not being tossed aside. if that were the case, surely sonic would go so far as to literally shove at him, bodily push his metal form away from his person. that's just in his nature, so used to doing what he wants without serious repercussions, not when he's so strong, so feared by many.

if he didn't know the boy better, sonic would be a little miffed that he isn't being more cautious. since that's not the case, his blood easily cools down from the minor fit, lids slipping shut once those fingers are touching him so softly. even that should ruffle this murderer's feathers, to be caressed so fondly.

what changed? is he really just that exhausted? possibly, though it wouldn't just be from the anger that buzzed between them, or the tireless fuck they're still settling down from. it's something more, something that prompts sonic to say, in a quiet voice: ] I'm tired.

[ it's been said before in so many different ways, tacked on with a variety of meanings. for now it shows on the surface, a little something more just underneath, an unspoken, hidden emotion he can't quite portray verbally. ]

[ the surface value is how it'll be interpreted. it is a feat unto itself that sonic can hold a conversation, let alone do much of anything at all, given the limits he's pushed his body to today.

genos isn't sorry for it, but it ignites a spark of consideration, of caring, inside of him. were he prone to more overt displays, he'd waste no time in scooping the guy up to smother him with needless affections, cart him away to a more restful place than the ruins they're currently relying on.

since he isn't, crowding sonic is the best he can manage to do, the tip of his nose brushing against his as his digits idly fall, not actually seeking out anything specific despite how it must look. ]

Can you stand? [ it's low, pretending to admire the fringe of hair tickling his brow instead of every contour of sonic's face, fearing it's a bit too much in the grand scheme of things. ]

No. [ an automatic response, because really, how could he even think about supporting his own weight by himself? if he'd been messing around with anyone else, sonic would stubbornly say yes, determination setting in at full force to help him move. genos, as usual, remains a mysterious exception.

for some reason he's not too keen on meeting the teen's gaze, glad that his ears are covered so that damn annoying heat that settles there won't show. embarrassment isn't very becoming of someone like him. ]

...okay. [ he doesn't interrogate him further, doesn't tease. for anyone else, genos might; for anyone else he wouldn't be caught dead in this situation, however. by this point he can't see himself be so open with anyone past sonic. the weight of that conclusion hasn't sunk in, probably won't for several more hours, maybe several days.

what he does do is shimmy out of the shirt hanging from him. this may seem peculiar until it's draped over sonic's lap, spare ends tied around his waist since there's so much room to spare. here is where he can't meet his gaze head-on any longer. hopefully he's still resting his eyes...

the taller teen remains where he is, squatted on the ground, regarding sonic in their long stretch of a pause. when nothing profound comes to mind, he frowns, fighting against the urge to touch him more for small reassurances. ] I will take you home. [ it's only fair. ]

[ a bout of confused blinking is what he'll receive first and foremost, watching with renown interest as genos goes about his business, righting the wrongs the hero can immediately fix. sonic doesn't know what to make of it, brain slow to catch up on what's happening, how he should respond. since nothing comes to him after it's all over with, he decides slumping is the most beneficial, at least for his body's sake.

swallows thickly once his friend makes his final statement. this is another thing he's perplexed over, staring straight down at his covered lap, eyebrows furrowed thickly. ]

... fine. [ as if he'd have a real choice in the matter, considering the compromising position he's still in. while sonic has no shame in running around nude if the time calls for it, there's still a lot more to it than just that. for one, he's being flat-out lazy, unwilling to move an inch without some sort of outside help. on the other side of things, it's still daytime, he has a means of getting by without resorting to streaking, and there's a blatant offer staring at him right in the face.

with a puff that closely resembles a sigh, he finally looks at genos head-on. ] Carry me. [ to emphasize his point, he raises both arms up, awaiting the obedience he's come to expect, maybe even has some kind of fondness for. ]

[ it's just plain common sense to genos. this isn't the same thing as a furious monsoon and the demon level threat to accompany it. funny, he hadn't thought much of sonic such a long time ago, past his absurd nudity and the scars adorning him, indicators of a harsh lifetime.

he was reaching for him before the command was ever given voice, halting halfway to tilt his head to the side curiously. typical. it's so like their everyday interactions, a soothing balm after what they've shared that has genos beaming in spite of himself. it feels good to be of use for someone he likes, miles above doing sensei's dishes or hanging the laundry out to dry on a sunny day. ]

As you wish. [ plus, now he gets an armful of sonic again. although it's hardly a first for them, it feels largely more intimate to do than everything else they've attempted so far. the fact it's become one of his favorite things is an extra bonus.

the animosity is gone. the black arms enfolding sonic are far lighter, more yielding than the impression they've given. genos is able to stand effortlessly, his strength never waning. in the future, they can look back on this and laugh; until that day arrives, the blond boy will keep his comments to himself.

well, most of them. ] ...you look better this way. [ he's still smiling. ]

...? [ you've lost him, genos, he hasn't the foggiest idea of what he's implying. does he mean how wrecked he is? didn't they go over this just a few moments ago? as such, he feels like it's fine to point out: ] You already told me that.

[ look who's the redundant one now. ]

Edited 2016-01-14 22:57 (UTC)

[ he doesn't care, but he can clarify: ] You look better next to me.

[ this is...his first go at anything resembling flirting, and it shows. he adjusts his hold on sonic, tucking him into him more firmly, chest plates still a little too warm to the touch. ]

[ opens his mouth, closing it shortly after. something feels... funny, and it's nothing to laugh at.

just ends up staring at him for a while. a response isn't coming to him, dumbly replying with: ] I've been next to you for a while.

[ sonic knows that's not really what genos meant. this probably shows from the glow at his ears, barely visible from mussed up locks. ]

Edited 2016-01-15 02:18 (UTC)

[ not at all—thankfully, genos will spare him the finer details of it. judging from the thermal signatures, what he's said has the intended effect, anyway.

they could keep standing here shooting the breeze all day, but genos knows they have places to be, and he's more weary than he's letting on. he could do with an hour or two of rest, and a whole buffet to himself to replenish all the fuel he's had to burn through to stay active. he isn't about to let any of it show, merely humming in agreement and making his way out of the empty building they're in.

in the interest of wanting to cut this as short as possible, they need to move quickly. a balance needs to be struck between speed and ensuring genos's hold on sonic remains as secure as possible. he knows he should be keeping his eyes peeled for any bored hero wandering the streets as they veer closer and closer to civilization, yet he can't really be bothered to act discreetly. at best he's staying away from the main foot traffic in z-city, opting for emptier roads and neighborhoods when he can take at the opportunity. he moves in relative silence, knowing this isn't the time or place to continue a conversation when he's carrying important cargo.

after familiar territory is spotted, he finally feels the need to ease back into a more relaxed pace, not keep sonic tucked away so securely against the whirring rush of his core. by now, of his own volition, he's traversed these surrounding areas near the ninja's permanent hideaway dozens of times; first just to learn the lay of the land, memorize the most direct route between here and saitama's apartment, and after that, just as a byproduct of how frequently he's come around here.

does sonic know how many times genos has been in, only to never find him? he wonders... ]

Speedy will be happy. [ it's a non-sequitur to break the eyes. even genos hasn't seen the cat in a few days. she must be starving, on the prowl for food and a friendly face she's grown accustomed to. ]

[ genos will overlook one important factor in all of this: his feline friend wasn't just an indoor cat. then again, someone—three guesses as to who this would be—could have easily shut the sliding back door, trap her from ever escaping, at least for a good few days.

that being said, sonic shrugs a shoulder, nonchalant with the comment. ]

I guess. [ looks away towards the direction of his apartment complex. ] She gets enough attention from other people in the area when I'm not around.

[ probably. there's no telling what his cute pet is up to after he departs into the shadows, almost as mysterious as her owner is. sonic has no doubt that she can take care of himself in his sporadic absences. nonetheless, another beat or two of silence graces them before he's speaking up, a little lower than before. ] ... I'll be glad to see her.

[ obviously. this deadly killer wouldn't have kept the animal around if that weren't the case. ]

[ genos knows; but he'd like to think the creature is a little more pleased to see her owner when he's rarely rooting around at home, or when a walking and talking space heater is feeding her sardines that can't compare to digging through the neighbors' trash.

his upper body shakes in what feels like his version of silent laughter. he is...endeared, choosing not to voice this observation for the time being. it still feels too early, and they'll have a lot to say at length, he's sure.

for now they've come to a crossroads: ] Can you stand now? [ truthfully, he'd rather like to keep lugging sonic around. the problem is he hasn't a clue of how well he's going to tolerate being carried over the threshold of his own apartment. it might be hilarious, he might not care, or it might be something significant and unknown to him. genos is no esper, cannot see the future, so it's beyond him. ]

[ hums in thought to his question. on one hand, he's no worse than he was before. the trip was enough to calm his trembling muscles, already adjusting to the new type of pain he tends to get used to after a while. on the other hand... ]

Yes. [ sonic's not moving, though, gazing to genos with an eyebrow raised. ] But I don't wanna.

[ here's his lazy streak coming again for an encore performance. if sonic knew the consideration that brought this on, he'd give a firm nod to it, silently appreciate that genos understands that his territory is something important to him. not that he'd expect otherwise, after all they've been through together, whether it's just a silent hangout or something more, like trying to patch up a tattered body, the rowdy yet mostly pleasurable day they've plowed through thus far.

it's all up to genos, however. for all sonic knows the cyborg just wants to drop him and get it over with. that would be fair, too, as he's still not used to being taken care of in such an adoring fashion. ]

[ that's all genos needed to hear. they'll compromise, he thinks, seeing sonic to at least the door so he can unlock it on his own terms, secure the foyer and beyond (as he's often watched him do) before finally feeling at ease in his personal shelter.

such is where many people would find the opportunity to bid their adieu, offer some parting words and a promise to catch up later on. genos is not that person, hovering over sonic's shoulder from the moment he sets him down on his feet, not wanting to crowd and overwhelm him but also not wanting to leave his side in the slightest, every inch of him the guard dog used to accuse him of being.

he tries (and fails) not to make it look so obvious, pretending to pay more attention to his wounds than to trailing after sonic, truly assessing the damage for the first time. he really shouldn't be here, as all of his supplies are stashed away at saitama's place, never having the foresight to bring any here. why would he, when he's only slept over a grand total of twice, both of those unintended on his part? but when sonic insists he stays, scooting over in the futon or keeping him trapped with well-toned legs bare to the thigh, he stays...

is he staying now? sonic isn't shooing him off, so maybe he'll see him all the way inside, too, helping him turn on lights as he goes, catching his arm when he nearly stumbles over some clutter. how could you not know that's on the floor, aren't you the one living here...? ]

[ clearly he's picked up an extra shadow on his journey into messy living quarters. that doesn't bother him as much as it should, usually not one to allow anyone crowd behind him, not liking how trapped or overwhelmed he gets. stemmed from so many years training to be the stealthiest, sonic just doesn't like not having his eyes focused sharply on another person, not trusting anyone to not stab him in the back when he's not on high alert.

no real discomfort comes from genos lingering by closely. he's faintly amused, actually, as he too remembers all of his jabs at the cyborg for being a protector of more than just justice. besides, it's kind of nice to have a follower, one that has had every chance to maim him if he really felt like it, had it in him to suddenly switch sides and remember who exactly he's courting. that could come to pass at any point, but sonic knows better than to rely on even an inkling of doubt that typically settles into his thoughts, his memories.

a kick to the clothes littering the path to his bathroom is the only flare of childishness he'll show. the urge to bathe himself overriding all of his other needs (hunger, clean clothes, a pet to his cat, if she's even wandering the apartment) is too strong to ignore, casual in the way he slips off the makeshift wrap secured around his hips, rip and tear away the remainder of his bodysuit, since it's nearly gone as it is, anyway.

his heart skips a beat when he reaches up to untie his hair, realizing too late that he's made a mistake in doing that. right. nothing is there anymore. sonic can't pretend that he isn't still upset about that, arms falling down slowly after a pause. glances over his shoulder after he's schooled his expression, a frown still pulling at his lips. ]

Are you going to help me or what? [ bathe, he means. genos might be a metal man, but he's seen him get drenched once before. no sparks will be flying here, unless he's unable to turn off certain functions, all due to sonic's rage. ]

[ genos has tried to forget what he's done. he's all too aware sonic's hair was a major point of pride for him, rightfully so. mistakes happen, but to commit one so haphazardly, and upon a beloved friend, to boot...it sits poorly with him. he still hasn't the foggiest idea of what reparations he'll have to use to set things right, if sonic wants them, feels like taking advantage of the generosity.

maybe he'll never have the chance. he stares at the midnight mop of his head mournfully for a while, shaken from the reverie when he raises his voice. ]

...? [ feigning innocence, he blinks impassively, blind to the shedding of ripped clothes, his own shirt he should be retrieving, just to have something he can slip back onto his torso after eventually taking his leave. the last thing he needs is a new sleazy photograph for the tabloids to exploit on his behalf. he'd never hear the end of it from certain heroes. ] Help you?

[ he's heading to the bathroom, or at least for a change of clothes, isn't he? why would sonic need assistance with those? his puppylike shadow assumed it'd be a time to give him some slight space while he feeds mister speedy for him, patches himself up, if possible. the thought never crossed his mind to join him, though he's heard worse suggestions in his day. ]

[ outright rolls his eyes at genos, huffing out. ] Help me bathe, duh.

[ with everything off of his person, sonic reaches for the stall, forgoing his option to rinse down out in the open. besides, his lower half is still sore. squatting down on a stool sounds like the worst idea he's ever had. ]

[ ah. yes. of course. because what else would he have been referring to...

this is a puzzling development, but far be it from genos to say no. the only issue is...how exactly...is he supposed to lend a hand?

he's no stranger to baths. he'll sit for a soak with sensei all the time and think little over it other than the heat of the water, the minor joy in squeezing a rubber duck, hearing it squeak, saitama chuckling over it—

—wait, he shouldn't be thinking of sensei right now. sonic is here, very naked, and genos had forgotten how interesting that could be, especially with all the new possibilities spread out in front of them. ]

Ah. [ he frowns. what exactly does sonic want from him here... ] What should I do?

[ sighs out. that dumb, blank expression on genos's face will be dutifully flicked, just on the tip of his nose. ]

You get in with me and scrub my back. [ a fleeting thought of him doing more, dig into a dirty mess of hair, leaves him frowning even further. no way, not in a million years, no matter how good it felt when he carded robotic fingers through it again and again— ] Or you could stand there and watch, but that won't help me at all, will it?

[ some of his bossiness is finally back, minus the command he made before they set foot inside sonic's apartment. whatever, he's still miffed about his lack of flowing locks. no matter how sweet genos is on him, it'll take a while longer for the guy to mellow out, move on to greater things. ]

[ he can take it in stride. compared to the vitriol spat at him at the start of the afternoon, this is nothing special. if anything, he expected worse now that the tension's faded and they're more or less back to their old selves. back scrubbing is something genos is more than capable of, no problem. ]

Okay. [ his eyebrows quirk up, cautious, but readily complies, peeling off what little remains of his own outfit for the day. approaching sonic after that is something he hesitates on, looking at him, looking at the languid water they're about to share.

this is fine? it seems ridiculous to consider when they've shared a countless variety of bodily fluids and beaten each other to a pulp, yer genos is young, diffident to someone who holds just the slightest bit of an edge on him. it's only when gray eyes start to glare and look particularly miffed at him that he takes the plunge, robotically stiff and blinking rapidly at the development.

yes. all right. he can cross off another item on the list of firsts they've toppled today. ]

[ that's better. proudly appeased by this new development, sonic follows through in the motions, reaches down to pop the stopper after the water's built up a bit. he doesn't plan on lingering for a soak the tub, opting to use the showerhead instead. what, does he look like the kind of person who'd sit in his own filth? preposterous.

a bit of maneuvering after sliding the stall shut puts him at the head of the tub, grateful for the warm sprinkling of water that hits his face. he looks happier, less worn down, shoulders slumping while combing down and through debris-powdered strands. sonic doesn't bother turning around to regard genos, needing nothing more than to silently hand over a washcloth and bar of soap. ]