A Fleeting Respite | By : Mina-chan95 Category: +S through Z > Togainu no Chi Views: 156 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: This story was made for fun and definitely NOT for making profit or money out of it. Trust me, Mina only sees writing as a hobby and her passion. More important, I do NOT own Togainu no Chi. |
A/N (From: 2023-06-27):
Okay!~
It's been really long and after long-time hiatus, I've decided to show up. Yup, lot happened, so, I didn't have much time left for writing, nor writer-block allowed me to do so...
Anyway, even if this initially was planned as a one-shot based on old twitter poll results, I've wanted to test one idea.
Also, I've wanted to see possessive Akira and seeing him taking care of wounded Shiki. However, it would be nice to see it with a small little twist, you know~ For now, I gonna keep it in secret before spilling the beans.
A-anyway, as always, I'm leaving a link for my researched stuff for this chapter: Learn How To Suture - Best Suture Techniques and Training
And the disclaimer - do NOT attempt wound suturing at home!
And as always,
Enjoy!~
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Somewhere in the middle of the ruins of Toshima. For a long time, it’s been nothing more than a ghost city where only one or two stray animals or rodents may pass by or lurk in the darker corner.
A place where no sane human wanders. At least not the ones who fear to tread too far and never to be found alive.
Even the everlasting gray clouds hide the sun, moon, and stars, making this wasteland gloomier and hopeless. As if this city is a liminal space, an endless labyrinth with no escape… Or rather - netherworld on the Earth.
However, not today. Not at the moment.
Right now, the sound of a clashing blade echoes deep inside the ruins of former Toshima. It’s another encounter between a certain two skilled swordsmen, but for them, it’s as thrilling as their first match.
While the silver-haired assassin keeps blocking his opponent’s attack after attack, he can tell that something is off.
Despite that, there is no spare second to deeply analyze, but he feels that Shiki is slower and rustier than usual.
It is not important why he does that. Be it as a taunt or provocation or merely to be an annoying prick. For now, the explanation can wait until one of them will fall. Or so Akira convinces himself while counter-attacking another strike.
However, aside from this detail, something else catches Akira’s eye. The way how the red-eyed man’s face twitches in pain and slightly shrugs upon more sudden movement, doesn’t leave him unaffected.
Despite Akira’s secret concern, he continues focusing on their fight and waits until his opponent leaves an easy opening spot.
Lastly, without having anything to lose, Shiki charges at him.
Fortunately, at the last second, Akira dodges the attack and strikes the other swordsman’s back with the handle of his sword. And thus, with a short grunt, Shiki harshly hits the cold ground.
In the end, the heavy clouds withdraw like a curtain, and the platinum moonlight illuminates the victor of a hard-fought battle.
While Akira stands still and keeps his poker face, he points the tip of his sword at his opponent’s throat, who lies on his back and stares back.
Finally, after such a long time, the same man who humiliated him by sparing his life has fallen. The same man, who let him live because it was pointless to taint his blade with weakling’s blood, now lies under his foot and at his mercy.
However, is it worth it? Why, instead of feeling excited and satisfied, the silver-haired man feels disappointed, empty, and probably upset?
As Akira lowers his head, he whispers “It’s not what I wanted…”.
Suddenly, the blue-eyed killer spits out the words “Why are you like this!”.
After a short pause, he continues scolding “Why even now do you look down on me? You even held back and went easy on me.”.
When he shakily exhales, he clenches his other hand into a fist “Why?… And look at you now, you will die.”. Lastly, he brings closely the tip of the blade until it gently touches Shiki’s neck.
A minute passes. The silver-haired swordsman takes the sword into both hands and lifts the tip of it. When Akira lowers his shoulders, he closes his blue eyes before planning to land a fatal hit.
Suddenly, the blade sinks deep into the ground.
When Akira opens his eyes, he releases the sword and shakily clenches his hands into fists.
Even on the verge of death, Shiki only studied him all this time. Perhaps, he wasn’t aware that his partner would purposely miss his target but already resigned his fate.
For sure, the blue-eyed assassin cannot understand such behavior, and it makes him anxious, frustrated, and annoyed.
After Akira sits on top of Shiki, he grasps the handle of his sunken sword and addresses him “What is wrong with you? That is just selfish to throw away your life like this and give up… You stupid fool…”.
However, when he feels how the inner side of his thigh warms up, he widens his eyes “The hell?”.
When Akira lifts his partner’s black t-shirt, he shakily remarks on the soaked-in bright red clothing attached to the side of his waist “Wait… I didn’t cut you there. I didn’t even aim there. How did you even?…Why haven't you tell this earlier?!… Shit …Fuck!”.
Meanwhile, the dark-haired man only turned his head and closed his eyes “Hmph.”.
“That’s all you have to say?!” Or so the blue-eyed man speaks up at the top of his lungs. Despite wanting to slap his partner for his reckless behavior, he deeply exhales and adds “How did you expect me to finish you off when you weren’t giving your best?”.
Yet, Shiki replies “Then, stop whining and leave if that bothers you so much.”.
Instead of arguing any further, Akira climbs off his partner, and after taking a hand and placing his arm on his shoulder, he helps him to stand up “Let’s go. If we are lucky, we may find a med kit, and where we can stay.”.
“Idiot…” Or so the red-eyed man comments.
While Akira supports him, he instantly backfires “I wonder who is the bigger one.”. And with these words, the silver-haired has to make sure that both of them safely leave the once-familiar city and check on his partner.
Some time passes. And after wandering around, this couple finds an old, cheap inn. More importantly, the luck is on their side.
According to the inn owner, if they have arrived even a minute later, they would have searched for another place to stay.
Usually, there is no issue for Akira to deal with such petite problems as no vacant rooms by drawing his blade and threatening the staff.
However, this time, it may have caused more naught than use. More so, he is not alone, and who knows if Shiki hides more wounds. So, there would be nothing to gain of.
Meanwhile, after noticing the bleeding swordsman, the shocked receptionist immediately offered to call the ambulance. Unfortunately for this person, their offer is declined, and the silver-haired man demands a room key and to leave all available first aid kits in their room.
And thus, without any second thought, the receptionist and other staff obeyed this order.
Of course, Shiki won't be himself without cracking a smile at how despite Akira's serious look, he reminded him of nothing more than a protective puppy with a lowered tail and ears.
After the blue-eyed assassin looks at him, he thinks to himself while feeling slightly relieved that if this idiot can act like a smug bastard, Shiki’s life is not in grave danger as he feared.
Lastly, when they reach their room, Akira asks the staff not to interface. And thus, upon all the workers bow and leave, this couple enters the room.
As Akira locks the door behind him, he carries Shiki into the bed and lays him down.
“It wouldn’t hurt if you help me out a bit.” Or so the silver-haired man comments as he tries to remove his partner’s long coat.
It’s impressive how Shiki behaves like a cooperative patient for once and doesn’t resist. Perhaps he is in great pain that he can silently endure any treatment. But who could have done it? Either way, all questions can wait until that reckless fool recovers. Or so Akira assumes after getting rid of this piece of clothing.
Just when he is about to lift the dark-haired man’s t-shirt, his wrist is grabbed, and he is stopped by Shiki’s voice “Leave it. You are just wasting your time.”
As Akira raises an eyebrow, he listens further “I can take care of it on my own.”
“I can see how well you managed. Listen, I won’t leave you no matter how hard you try to get rid of me. Not until you are fully recovered.” Or so the blue-eyed assassin confesses.
After a short pause, Shiki closes his eyes and exhales “...Do as you wish.”.
For a good moment, Akira remains speechless at the red-eyed swordsman's attitude, but instead of scolding him, he stands up and closes his eyes “Then, make sure that I’ll find you undressed when I return.”.
Lastly, the silver-haired man looks at Shiki before heading to the bathroom.
Several minutes pass by. Soon enough, the silver-haired man leaves the bathroom carrying a basin with fresh water and a small towel.
However, when he notices his shirtless partner sitting on the bed and his eyes follow him, he closes his eyes and sighs.
On the other hand, Shiki is still here and didn't leave. So, that’s already something new. More so, even if he only removed his t-shirt and long leather gloves, knowing him, it's quite an effort.
Therefore, Akira cannot force himself to be mad that the dark-haired man only half accomplished the given instructions.
Besides, it’s no good to feel agitated when he should be focusing on more important things. Or so the silver-haired man convinces himself while he puts down the basin next to the bed and removes his long black coat and gloves.
“It would be better if you lie down. Because you would make things easier for yourself and me.” Akira comments when he brings the first aid kit from the top of the night drawer on the bed.
Lastly, when he kneels, he opens the medkit and begins his patient’s treatment.
At first, he carefully removes the poorly attached bloody clothing attached by the plaster on the waist side. Who knows how long Shiki has used it to cover his wound? But one thing is for sure - it got stuck, and removing it by force will cause massive bleeding.
After Akira takes the spray disinfectant, he warns the red-eyed man “It may sting a bit. So, don’t try to kick me off now ‘cos we both gonna end up in a nasty mess.”.
“Hmph. Just get down to the business.” Shiki briefly replies.
As the blue-eyed assassin focuses on spraying the disinfectant on the clotted tissue, he sighs.
Finally, he disposes of the stained red clothing and examines his partner’s wound.
One thing is killing people in cold blood and being followed by death. At this point, taking one’s life and cutting it into pieces is nothing more than a gray, boring routine.
However, seeing such a deep cut on his partner’s body is something hard and painful for him. It even makes a ruthless killing machine like Akira become pale and shiver.
More importantly, if someone had cut Shiki deeper until it may reach his internal organs, Akira may only encounter his cold corpse covered in red and revealed intestines, staring at him with lifeless, dimmed eyes. For sure, such a mental image alone makes the silver-haired man have shortness of breath and freeze in the same spot.
Although, he immediately snaps himself to reality, and after he grabs a wet towel, he drains it. Just before he brings it to injury, he asks “Do you need anything to bite into? And, no, you’re not biting into yourself. You already have enough injuries to treat.”.
Meanwhile, Shiki only turns his head away without saying anything.
By far, as Akira wipes around the injured area, he has no issues. However, when the towel touches the edge of the cut, his partner’s sudden movement, he nearly startles.
“Please, endure for longer. I need to clean it well before taking care of it.” Or so he comforts the dark-haired man while focusing on the current task.
After he is done with cleaning, he puts the bloody towel into the water, which soon dyes in the same crimson color.
Without wasting time, he picks the sterile cotton and carefully dries the wound and its area by gently tapping.
However, the most challenging part is still ahead. Therefore before moving to the next stage, no matter how Akira wants to avoid it, he has to restrain Shiki.
Meanwhile, the red-eyed swordsman can see how his partner is too tense and nervous. It can’t be helped. He has to help loosen the tension in the best way he knows.
When Akira places his hand on his partner’s belt, he hears a small teasing in a suggestive tone “So, this is what you wanted?~ How impatient of you.”.
Of course, hearing such an unexpected remark widens his blue eyes and almost makes his cheeks warm up. Nevertheless, he has to remind someone of their position and place.
“Keep the thoughts of your lower brain to yourself.” Or so the silver-haired man backfires as he unbuckles the belt and removes it. Lastly, as he pins Shiki’s wrists with one hand and with another one tying him to the bed frame, he declares “You are my patient and you should focus on saving your strength now.”.
Meanwhile, it’s entertaining to observe how Akira’s reactions. More so, after such remark, his shoulders are less stiff while he prepares for the next procedure.
After Akira sits, he picks up the spray disinfectant and rustling paper package from the med kit. As he rolls out the paper, he picks up the bend surgical needle, and with one sudden move, he inserts the thread through the needle's eye.
“It might hurt a bit. So, don’t tell me that I didn’t warn you.” Or so the blue-eyed assassin reminds before spraying the disinfectant on the wound area.
Finally, when he takes a deep breath, he pierces the edge of the wound and begins to suture it. A tiny stitch after a stitch by using a 90-degree angle, and the open injury slowly narrows.
Even so, from time to time, Akira checks on his partner if he is okay. After all, it’s his first time sewing a living person’s flesh and not the practice dummy’s or dead body. And from what he learned, he needs speed and precision so that the scar would heal nicely without leaving an ugly mark.
More important, he had to learn to do it because he knew that Shiki may put his life at risk for no good reason. And it seems today he has to use his learned skills.
Yet, Akira is surprised how aside from hearing slightly shivery respiratory and noticing that narrowed gaze, his partner is doing well and not resisting at all.
Some time passes. Finally, he sews the end of the wound and carefully ties a knot a few times before cutting the thread.
“There. It’s finally over. I just need to cover it.” Or so the silver-haired man adds in a soft tone as he sprays the disinfectant on the sewn wound and dries it by gently tapping the cotton pad.
After he covers the surgical scar with the snow-white clothing, he briefly wonders whether he should use the medical bandage or rely on the plaster.
On the other hand, Shiki is not that reckless idiot to tear it apart immediately after he gets released. Perhaps the medical plaster should do for tonight. Or so Akira hopes while rolling enough plaster.
When he cuts a few short plaster lines and a couple of longer ones, he peels off the cover and firmly attaches them.
Once he tidies up the mess around the bed and closes the first aid kit, he feels it is time to loosen his partner’s restraint.
After Akira sits on the bed, he leans closer to Shiki, who gives him a tired smile and addresses him “Just do not try anything funny. Right now, even one sudden move may open your wounds. So, stay still ‘cos I don’t want to sew it again, got it?”.
“You worry too much.” The dark-haired man replies when his hands are released.
Yet, Akira quickly comments “And who’s fault for that?”. Suddenly, he widens his eyes as the pair of hands placed behind his lower back and pushes him to lie down.
Soon enough, he slightly frowns to hide his bewilderment “What did I tell you earlier?”.
“Just stay quiet for a moment.” Shiki demands as he closes his eyes and wraps his other arm around his partner’s shoulders.
For sure, it’s pointless to argue with him any further. Or Akira thinks to himself as he sighs while avoiding his body touching Shiki’s sewn wound. Lastly, when he closes his eyes, he whispers “You are truly an idiot…”.
In the end, he understands that he fell for this big feline’s trap, and now it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be released and be able to tidy the mess, which might be no different from the war field hospital.
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