[hot. another time he'd find it comfortable. right now, it simply sits at a temperature. bakugo slowly crouches down and braces one arm behind him, legs extending below him soon enough to sink a sit within the water. he eases his back to the sloped side, eyes lingering on his faucet across from him. leave him alone in this for more than a minute without word or action and he feels like he'll zone out into some space he shouldn't be going to.
sweat clings to his body, a few flecks of blood and plenty of smoke and dirt. he makes no effort to splash himself or sink below the water licking around his stomach. the longer he stays, the more its heat seeps into him, slowly easing his tension, but also lulling his exhausted body. weird fucking feeling. not completely back in full control of himself. completely drained, yet still pumping adrenaline...
touch. he blinks, shaken from his drifting mind, and glances to scott once more, eyes focusing again.]
[He almost rolls his eyes at the comment, but knowing all the context behind that singular word... it's hard to feel entirely irritated with him. Scott just starts to lightly scrub the sponge against Bakugo's body, the teen leaning forward and close to the tub as he solely focuses on the dirt and grime covering him. Yeah, harder for him to see than most, but he's got this. Slow, but methodical, like the mutant doesn't want to miss a spot. It's something he can at least do, a goal, and it feels good right now when Bakugo's a mess otherwise.
At some point, he quietly tells Bakugo to lean forward so that he can scrub his back. Once he does so, he'll start applying that same motion to the large expanse of skin there, rubbing and cleaning him off.
Scott really doesn't have much to say though, but maybe that's okay for now.]
[Another time, he'd pull Scott in here and taunt him about not being in already when the mutant came up sputtering and splashing. Right now, his only response is tilting or lifting his body when Scott needs him to move. Water drools down his back and front, squeezed out of the sponge with each pressing touch. Covered in thick ruby shade, he's not sure how much of his mess Scott can see. But if he focuses on glisten and glaze. at least he'll know which places he's already cleaned up. Bakugo lets his eyes close when his friend reaches his shoulders, the usual sensations slowly peeking out into his flesh in cautious permission.
Water sloshes around his arms and stomach as he tilts his body, good arm moving to catch the bathtub wall since he doesn't trust his damn core to keep himself in a half plank position. Back muscles thicken and shift under his skin when Scott rubs over them, reacting on instinct rather than demand.
He should say something... but his mouth stays shut for now.]
[Usually he's pretty good at coming up with things to fill the silence, but he's just sort of gotten himself in this routine of letting the quiet scrubbing of sponge against skin echo between them. Well, along with those occasional directions, with Scott reaching new areas when Bakugo complies and moves. The water is definitely becoming less clean by the minute, but at least it's off his friend now and soon will be drained and gone.
He thinks it's a major improvement. He thinks Bakugo is starting to feel a little more relaxed too, even if some parts of him are still tense.
There's one moment where Scott rests his free hand against Bakugo's shoulder, gripping it lightly, before he resumes working on those shifting muscles.]
How are you feeling?
[A basic question, but one that Scott wants to ask now.]
[Bakugo's never been someone to want silence filled in with mindless chatter. Hes fine sitting in quiet, focusing on something else, whether it's reading, studying, messing with his gear. One of the reasons he likes cooking for himself rather than sitting in a restaurant trying to make small talk. Then again... chatterboxes piss him off as well, so lose lose situation. Scott's quiet lets him rest, pushing through the mess in his mind, bolstered by the mutant's presence so he can't go sliding back into the darker parts all over again.
Silty water, small bits of blood dissolving within its confines, salt leaking from sweat and tears. He's been in dirtier baths after crawling out of rubble and fighting monsters made of earth, but feels like gross is rinsed off and now mires around his hips in the tub. Gonna have to scrub the fucking thing later...
A hand on his shoulder. He glances towards it despite himself, taking far too much note of all his touch's details. Fingertips, crease on his joints, the central row of palm callouses.]
Still feel like shit. [Internally. Externally, he's doing better.] Fucking hate this place.
[Fair enough. Scott isn't going to be the one to tell him otherwise, especially not right now. This place is fucking horrible even if it tries to disguise itself through gold and glamor. Doesn't erase anything that's happened, from being brought here without warning to being influenced against their will. So much for this place only encouraging 'sexual' stuff, not like that is much better either.
He continues to wash Bakugo down after that simple response, but it's not long before he'll be completely done.]
Want to sit in there for a couple of minutes? [He'll grab some towels and pajamas in the mean time.]
[Another time and his mind would be wandering on theories about how a sex-crazed resort would also enjoy fucking over people to the point of emotional or mental torment. Why the hell would it present itself as a glittering paradise and yet have a damn dungeon beneath all the gold? It's not even a threat to keep them out of the basement! It's pure sadistic enjoyment! ... Tch, there are a lot of implications to the word "perverse" if you think about it.
Bakugo's not thinking. Much. Scott's touch wanders from place to place, his mind focuses on each contact so nothing else can spend much time in his head.]
Aa. I'll drain it and rinse the tub.
[At least he's starting to come back to his usual self.]
[He lets his hands rest against Bakugo's shoulders for a few prolonged seconds, warm hands touching his wet skin and letting that comfort speak for itself. Supporting, still here, with just a subtle strengthening of that grip before he pulls his hands away. From there, Scott almost smoothly gets up from the floor, legs extending with a small crack before he nods at his friend.
Sure, he can drain the tub. He figures it might give something Bakugo to do in the mean time as he gets the stuff for his friend to slip into.]
Okay, I'll be right back.
[He'll probably take his time getting the clothes for him, figuring that he might want some time to himself after Scott's been with him constantly for the past hour or so. Of course if he hears any loud noises or shit, he'll be running straight back here.] Don't have too much fun.
[No headrush or numb legs. Scott must've kept his limbs occupied while he was washing him off. Bakugo waits for Scott to leave the room before he tries moving again. This time his arms and legs respond to his commands. He favors his injured arm for now, but uses the sponge and cloth Scott had washed him off with to silently wipe down the bathtub walls as the water ran towards its spiraling destination in the middle of the tub.
Flecks of dirt and grime gets slopped with water and wiped with cloth, pushed back down until the tub walls are pristine once more. Wet sucking noises preface a telltale gurgle as the water finally finishes its exit. Bakugo twists on the faucet and uses clean water to rinse the tub walls for good. Then shuts it off and pushes himself to his feet. They cooperate. Good for them.
Too much fun. Right. He appreciates having some time to himself. Testing his mind and thoughts. They're good now, safe from falling back into a pit his sturdy heart is working on barricading. Never able to erase it or fill it, but everyone's got their own limits. He steps out of the tub as Scott returns, rubbing water at the side of his neck and dripping all over the bathtub rug.]
Next thing I know, this place is gonna be offering fucking psyche evals.
[No noises, no shouting. He's glad. Of course he's not so naive in thinking that Bakugo is fine now, but it seems like this temporary separation between them is good. Gives Scott a chance to breathe for a second too, letting himself stare down at his hands and the way they're clenched around a towel from thinking about how much this place has fucked with his friend. It really digs at something in him, a certain feeling of just wanting to blast this place even if he can't actually destroy these walls.
Besides, getting angry won't help either of them. So, just shove emotions back, focus on what's important... the well-being of the other hero. It's a small internal chant he gives himself before picking up everything that he said he'll bring.
And returning to the bathroom with towels and clothes in hand, something almost proud beats in his chest as he sees Bakugo get up from the tub and looking far cleaner and like himself.
He's even snarking. A small snort leaves him at that.]
Don't wanna see anyone's evaluations, especially not if they're the doctors in charge.
[But he steps closer to Bakugo, one hand offering him a towel while he starts drying his face with the spare in his hand. Partly to mess with him, but mostly because he wants to just... touch him a little more like this. Nothing sexual, but intimate in its own way, his treatment almost gentle without being condescending. He doesn't view Bakugo as weak, just a small acknowledgment that things are just a bit shit right now.]
[There's no going back to "fine" after such an injury. Heroes so often say they're "fine" for many reasons. Not wanting their companions to worry about them. Not wanting to be a burden to their partners. Not wanting the people they're protecting to be afraid. Not wanting to be seen as weak or in pain. Bakugo is one of those who grumpily snarls he's "fine" when someone asks if he's okay. And the people who know him will know he's covering shit up with such a tiny simple word. But each foot he puts in front of the other is one more proof he's "fine" regardless.
He knows Scott's angry and scared beneath all his concerned focus. The adrenaline is wearing off. Personal fury over someone he cares about being wrecked. A twisting ball in his stomach over whether he did the best he could or what he'll do if it happens again. Cold weight as thoughts of "next time" crawl through his mind. Bakugo's had those very same reactions when he'd been in Scott's place.
He just... never wanted to be the one who was the cause of those thoughts in someone else. To be the reason his friend was left shivering under his skin and twisting a towel in his hands hard enough to threaten the terrycloth's life with a torquing strangle. A boiling, raging urge to blow everything down. Yeah... he's been there before.
He's glad Scott's angry about it. What was it Mountain Head's mother said to him? "Koji. Become a man who gets angry when someone laughs at those you care about." Friendship isn't sweetness and good feelings all the time. It makes him feel a little better inside.]
Che. Those shitty quacks would only tell you to go fuck someone and it'll all be better.
[Sarcasm and bitter irritation digs in his voice as he takes the offered towel and begins wiping at his shoulder and chest. A small "mph" puffs into the towel when Scott paps him in the face with it. Ugh, what is he, his mother? He doesn't need him wiping at him like he's some damn five year old! ... While he does nothing to stop said wiping. Might growl a bit, but he lets him. Because despite himself, being cared about feels good. It helps when things are a bit shit.]
[A small snort, derisive but acknowledging. Yeah, Bakugo is right about that. The shitty doctors here would just tell everyone to go fuck their sadness or grief away. Yeah, he doesn't need advice like that. Neither does his friend-- or anyone, probably. If he had trouble listening to adults at his old school, there's no chance he'll listen to the staff at a resort that kidnapped them in the first place.
He continues to dry the face in front of him with the towel in hand, not quite reaching super hard to dab every corner, but still getting most of it before pulling his hand away. Only so that he can settle his friend with a serious look once more.]
They don't need yours either.
[Even if the resort is the reason why this current trauma happened, but Scott just feels like saying it anyway. It's important.] You have me.
[And whoever else Bakugo may rely on. He's sure there are others, but the mutant is making his stance be known even if he's already fully expressed it through action alone.]
[A single sound from Scott tells him the mutant's in full agreement. For whatever reason, it strokes his pride a little and makes his chest feel a tiny bit lighter. Having someone agree with him and back up his thoughts... Who doesn't want to feel validated? He was a stubborn guy anyways. While Bakugo didn't have a problem with following authority so much as respecting said authority, he doesn't give a shit about the "law" in the resort. Especially not now.
Bakugo turns his head and presses it against the towel, wiping his face off on Scott's cloth-covered hands as much as the teen's doing it for him. Dampness clings to his hair, sticking smaller spikes to larger in a strange clump, but it'll dry off soon enough. Pats and wipes carry the other towel along his body, cleaning the water from his skin.]
They're not getting shit from me. [There's something darker in his voice, a seeded anger thick beneath the rough tone. He'd already been stolen from, violated in his core, an indisputable fact his own powerless was shoved down his throat and choked him. But... no amount of broken bones, torn muscles, or rocked spirit is going to stop him from getting up. Broken, bleeding, tearful, he's continue to rise until he achieves his victory.
Yet... for some reason... Bakugo turns his head, a quiet expression on his face strangely unreadable. Relief. Surprise. Calm. Curious. Annoyed. Who knows. He only looks at Scott for a few seconds, hearing his statement in his head several times over. You have me.
... he needed to hear those words more than he thought possible.] Thank you.
[Mostly dry now, except for small water clinging to his hair, but Scott figures that it's good enough. He almost carelessly dumps the towel on the ground-- it's not really his focus, and he'll clean it up later or whatever when he's not staring at his still recovering friend. Eyes with some spark back in them, which good, even if he also hears that slight edge in his voice, signifying the deeply rooted anger in him too.
Something to maybe keep an eye on.
He doesn't want to lose Bakugo to some... bullshit thoughts. He knows it's possible after shit like this. He never personally dealt with it, but Jean's struggled with bad nightmares and stuff before. Visions. Not the same, but. She also needed to be pulled out of her head sometimes.]
...Yeah, no problem. Why I'm here.
[Voice clear, firm. There isn't a hint of doubt anywhere in it. A part of him almost wants to turn away and just grab his clothes from behind so that he wouldn't be under that expression that is unreadable and yet filled with so much emotion, but he's taking it head on. Feels important.]
[Another time, Bakugo would snap at him for dropping his towel on the ground like that. Despite his demeanor and aggressive attitude, he cares about keeping clean and neat, both his person and his living area. He doesn't even look at the towel as he tosses his own to the side, landing it effortlessly on the back of a chair near his desk. Put it on the proper hook later. All he cares about right now is crashing into his bed beside the mutant currently anchoring him.
Injured but clean, weak but recovering, Bakugo's not going anywhere. Clawed and dragged his way out of the pit before, guided and encouraged by a crimson light and strong voice, he's in no danger of being lost at the moment. But he's not stupid enough to think this is over. Nightmares. Trauma. PTSD. Triggers. They'll be there, left scarred on his mind and psyche as much as his body's endured scars from the wars back home.
But... he has Scott. Scott's here. A call away.]
Stay with me tomorrow. [Half request, half gruff order. Willing to silently admit he isn't alright yet. He still needs someone to rely on for a bit longer. Getting dressed isn't really on his mind and he simply collapses naked on his bed, sheets and blankets rustling with the impact.] Getting in?
[He puts up no argument whatsoever about Bakugo climbing into the bed naked. It's fine. It's his room anyway, hell, even if it was Scott's room he wouldn't care right now. The mutant just hurries to shuck his own shirt over his head and lowers his jeans down, before he climbs into the bed next to his friend. Dressed only in his briefs now, but it's fine, he's comfortable with it, and the mutant only shuffles closer to his friend until warm skin touches each other.
He doesn't wrap his arms around him though, leaving that up to his choice.]
Won't say no to sleeping in a fancy ass bed for a couple of nights.
[A slightly off handed comment, mostly to make Bakugo feel better about asking that in the first place. Scott is benefitting from luxury sheets and everything! Yeah... something on the surface level, but he's putting it out there anyway.]
[Wouldn't be the first time he's slept naked in his bed, with or without company. A gentle hum breathes across the room as cool air wafts through vents on both wall and floor, another wall-mounted unit capable of even more cooling when he wants it. Admittedly that latter one is a nostalgic throwback to how U.A.'s dorm rooms were set up.
The mattress sinks beneath Scott's hands and knees, erring on the firm side for Bakugo's comfort. Ever the efficient person, he secured an adjustable mattress, capable of changing temperature, firmness, and even texture at his discretion. And on separate sides in case a bedmate wants to gripe about something.
Bakugo rolls onto his side, injured arm turned skyward as he rests his head on his pillow and kicks the sheets and blankets up with a few quick leg motions. Scott's warmth seeps into his body soon enough. He's too tired to bristle at the contact, rather instead leaning into it despite himself. A compromise without arms snaking around him. Smart of him.]
Hmph. If you wanna sleep over, let me know. [He has spare rooms and two pullout couches, plus a few futons and an above-ground cot folded up in a closet. Why? Shut up. It came with the suite. Scott's welcome to come over whenever he wants, so long a he's willing to deal with the default grump.]
[He's honestly not that picky about the mattress, the mutant fully eased on it. If it's comfortable enough with a roof over his head, it's fine. Besides, not like the mattresses on the lower floors are the epitome of high comfort and he's been sleeping on that for almost a year now. Plus, he's really not thinking about that right now, not with Bakugo still slightly tense next to him.
It's there still, he can tell-- probably after falling asleep next to him a few times in the past.]
I will, can't have you hog all this to yourself.
[An immediate retort because he has to, with Scott briefly glancing at Bakugo through his lens. He wants to stay up until Bakugo falls asleep, but if he takes too long... he's honestly not too sure how long he can last, resting by him like this in relative comfort. He's definitely going to try though.]
[Bakugo isn't going to let someone sleep over in his suite and lounge on a shitty mattress in the corner. He might hate the resort, but if he's gonna put in the work to be this rank, he'll make sure the place compensates him accordingly. He went for the rank more out of wanting to use it for others than for himself. His suite's simply one of the perks along the way. And he'll have some fun with it because he can.
Apparently that also includes blowing it the fuck up. Which he's going to blame completely on the House for its shitty suit flare crap. They better take responsibility for their bullshit!]
Hmph. They can compensate me for all the shit they put me through.
[At least he's tense more out of anger than his previous traumatic wreck. Bakugo isn't going to last too long himself. As much as his mind haunts him with threatening nightmares, Scott's presence sheds those threats in a glowing red light. It's sappy and stupid, but... he won't deny it internally this time.]
[There's a flicker of a smile hearing Bakugo's response, a flare of his normal personality peeking through and reassuring Scott that he's not gone. That's how he's seeing it anyway-- it's how he wants to see it. It'll take work, for sure, but that's fine. As long as there's hope, then it's worth keeping at it.
Of course all this sounds fucking cheesy in his head, so he doesn't say it. Instead, the mutant lets his breathing even out, trying to encourage the other teen to copy his breathing and relax and hopefully try to sleep. He's sure that nightmares are gonna happen, hell, he might get smacked in the face, but he'll deal. He'll just add that to Bakugo's debt to him--]
Great, now go to sleep.
[A small murmur, that mixture of trying to relax and trying not to fall asleep first guiding him.]
[Not gone. Broken, bleeding, injured, stained, exhausted, but neither gone, down, or defeated. Scott saw to that himself. Reaching out and clasping the hero's hand until he could pull himself to his feet again. It'll take time, he knows there's no going back to "normal" after this. But he hasn't lost. He won't lose. No matter what this fucking place throws at him or does to him. There are people he cares about who are counting on him. They're far more important than lying down and giving up.
He doesn't recognize his breath slowing to match Scott's rhythm in an unconscious effort for contact and comfort. Listening to the mutant's exhales quiet in the darkness is a rhythm he can focus on. Steady, calming. Relaxing comes later, but exhaustion comes now. Nightmares and dreams, probably gonna invade his head soon enough, hopefully tomorrow rather than tonight. There's no control over when they come... yet his eyes finally fall shut as his consciousness rapidly buckles under a weighty sleep.]
Don't...
[So much for the usual grumpy reprimand to getting ordered around. Bakugo's asleep before the words even make it to his mouth, completely caught up in Scott's warmth and comforting presence. It'll be a draining night, but... he'll make it through.]
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Date: 10/13/25 02:46 (UTC)sweat clings to his body, a few flecks of blood and plenty of smoke and dirt. he makes no effort to splash himself or sink below the water licking around his stomach. the longer he stays, the more its heat seeps into him, slowly easing his tension, but also lulling his exhausted body. weird fucking feeling. not completely back in full control of himself. completely drained, yet still pumping adrenaline...
touch. he blinks, shaken from his drifting mind, and glances to scott once more, eyes focusing again.]
Fine.
[he'll try.]
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Date: 10/14/25 20:25 (UTC)At some point, he quietly tells Bakugo to lean forward so that he can scrub his back. Once he does so, he'll start applying that same motion to the large expanse of skin there, rubbing and cleaning him off.
Scott really doesn't have much to say though, but maybe that's okay for now.]
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Date: 10/15/25 03:32 (UTC)Water sloshes around his arms and stomach as he tilts his body, good arm moving to catch the bathtub wall since he doesn't trust his damn core to keep himself in a half plank position. Back muscles thicken and shift under his skin when Scott rubs over them, reacting on instinct rather than demand.
He should say something... but his mouth stays shut for now.]
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Date: 10/16/25 17:30 (UTC)He thinks it's a major improvement. He thinks Bakugo is starting to feel a little more relaxed too, even if some parts of him are still tense.
There's one moment where Scott rests his free hand against Bakugo's shoulder, gripping it lightly, before he resumes working on those shifting muscles.]
How are you feeling?
[A basic question, but one that Scott wants to ask now.]
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Date: 10/17/25 05:20 (UTC)Silty water, small bits of blood dissolving within its confines, salt leaking from sweat and tears. He's been in dirtier baths after crawling out of rubble and fighting monsters made of earth, but feels like gross is rinsed off and now mires around his hips in the tub. Gonna have to scrub the fucking thing later...
A hand on his shoulder. He glances towards it despite himself, taking far too much note of all his touch's details. Fingertips, crease on his joints, the central row of palm callouses.]
Still feel like shit. [Internally. Externally, he's doing better.] Fucking hate this place.
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Date: 10/19/25 19:10 (UTC)[Fair enough. Scott isn't going to be the one to tell him otherwise, especially not right now. This place is fucking horrible even if it tries to disguise itself through gold and glamor. Doesn't erase anything that's happened, from being brought here without warning to being influenced against their will. So much for this place only encouraging 'sexual' stuff, not like that is much better either.
He continues to wash Bakugo down after that simple response, but it's not long before he'll be completely done.]
Want to sit in there for a couple of minutes? [He'll grab some towels and pajamas in the mean time.]
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Date: 10/20/25 01:26 (UTC)Bakugo's not thinking. Much. Scott's touch wanders from place to place, his mind focuses on each contact so nothing else can spend much time in his head.]
Aa. I'll drain it and rinse the tub.
[At least he's starting to come back to his usual self.]
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Date: 10/20/25 20:46 (UTC)Sure, he can drain the tub. He figures it might give something Bakugo to do in the mean time as he gets the stuff for his friend to slip into.]
Okay, I'll be right back.
[He'll probably take his time getting the clothes for him, figuring that he might want some time to himself after Scott's been with him constantly for the past hour or so. Of course if he hears any loud noises or shit, he'll be running straight back here.] Don't have too much fun.
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Date: 10/20/25 23:29 (UTC)Flecks of dirt and grime gets slopped with water and wiped with cloth, pushed back down until the tub walls are pristine once more. Wet sucking noises preface a telltale gurgle as the water finally finishes its exit. Bakugo twists on the faucet and uses clean water to rinse the tub walls for good. Then shuts it off and pushes himself to his feet. They cooperate. Good for them.
Too much fun. Right. He appreciates having some time to himself. Testing his mind and thoughts. They're good now, safe from falling back into a pit his sturdy heart is working on barricading. Never able to erase it or fill it, but everyone's got their own limits. He steps out of the tub as Scott returns, rubbing water at the side of his neck and dripping all over the bathtub rug.]
Next thing I know, this place is gonna be offering fucking psyche evals.
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Date: 10/21/25 17:40 (UTC)Besides, getting angry won't help either of them. So, just shove emotions back, focus on what's important... the well-being of the other hero. It's a small internal chant he gives himself before picking up everything that he said he'll bring.
And returning to the bathroom with towels and clothes in hand, something almost proud beats in his chest as he sees Bakugo get up from the tub and looking far cleaner and like himself.
He's even snarking. A small snort leaves him at that.]
Don't wanna see anyone's evaluations, especially not if they're the doctors in charge.
[But he steps closer to Bakugo, one hand offering him a towel while he starts drying his face with the spare in his hand. Partly to mess with him, but mostly because he wants to just... touch him a little more like this. Nothing sexual, but intimate in its own way, his treatment almost gentle without being condescending. He doesn't view Bakugo as weak, just a small acknowledgment that things are just a bit shit right now.]
Probably give me a piss score.
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Date: 10/22/25 02:15 (UTC)He knows Scott's angry and scared beneath all his concerned focus. The adrenaline is wearing off. Personal fury over someone he cares about being wrecked. A twisting ball in his stomach over whether he did the best he could or what he'll do if it happens again. Cold weight as thoughts of "next time" crawl through his mind. Bakugo's had those very same reactions when he'd been in Scott's place.
He just... never wanted to be the one who was the cause of those thoughts in someone else. To be the reason his friend was left shivering under his skin and twisting a towel in his hands hard enough to threaten the terrycloth's life with a torquing strangle. A boiling, raging urge to blow everything down. Yeah... he's been there before.
He's glad Scott's angry about it. What was it Mountain Head's mother said to him? "Koji. Become a man who gets angry when someone laughs at those you care about." Friendship isn't sweetness and good feelings all the time. It makes him feel a little better inside.]
Che. Those shitty quacks would only tell you to go fuck someone and it'll all be better.
[Sarcasm and bitter irritation digs in his voice as he takes the offered towel and begins wiping at his shoulder and chest. A small "mph" puffs into the towel when Scott paps him in the face with it. Ugh, what is he, his mother? He doesn't need him wiping at him like he's some damn five year old! ... While he does nothing to stop said wiping. Might growl a bit, but he lets him. Because despite himself, being cared about feels good. It helps when things are a bit shit.]
Hmph. They don't need to know your traumas.
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Date: 10/22/25 19:43 (UTC)He continues to dry the face in front of him with the towel in hand, not quite reaching super hard to dab every corner, but still getting most of it before pulling his hand away. Only so that he can settle his friend with a serious look once more.]
They don't need yours either.
[Even if the resort is the reason why this current trauma happened, but Scott just feels like saying it anyway. It's important.] You have me.
[And whoever else Bakugo may rely on. He's sure there are others, but the mutant is making his stance be known even if he's already fully expressed it through action alone.]
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Date: 10/23/25 15:22 (UTC)Bakugo turns his head and presses it against the towel, wiping his face off on Scott's cloth-covered hands as much as the teen's doing it for him. Dampness clings to his hair, sticking smaller spikes to larger in a strange clump, but it'll dry off soon enough. Pats and wipes carry the other towel along his body, cleaning the water from his skin.]
They're not getting shit from me. [There's something darker in his voice, a seeded anger thick beneath the rough tone. He'd already been stolen from, violated in his core, an indisputable fact his own powerless was shoved down his throat and choked him. But... no amount of broken bones, torn muscles, or rocked spirit is going to stop him from getting up. Broken, bleeding, tearful, he's continue to rise until he achieves his victory.
Yet... for some reason... Bakugo turns his head, a quiet expression on his face strangely unreadable. Relief. Surprise. Calm. Curious. Annoyed. Who knows. He only looks at Scott for a few seconds, hearing his statement in his head several times over. You have me.
... he needed to hear those words more than he thought possible.] Thank you.
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Date: 10/24/25 18:18 (UTC)Something to maybe keep an eye on.
He doesn't want to lose Bakugo to some... bullshit thoughts. He knows it's possible after shit like this. He never personally dealt with it, but Jean's struggled with bad nightmares and stuff before. Visions. Not the same, but. She also needed to be pulled out of her head sometimes.]
...Yeah, no problem. Why I'm here.
[Voice clear, firm. There isn't a hint of doubt anywhere in it. A part of him almost wants to turn away and just grab his clothes from behind so that he wouldn't be under that expression that is unreadable and yet filled with so much emotion, but he's taking it head on. Feels important.]
no subject
Date: 10/25/25 14:34 (UTC)Injured but clean, weak but recovering, Bakugo's not going anywhere. Clawed and dragged his way out of the pit before, guided and encouraged by a crimson light and strong voice, he's in no danger of being lost at the moment. But he's not stupid enough to think this is over. Nightmares. Trauma. PTSD. Triggers. They'll be there, left scarred on his mind and psyche as much as his body's endured scars from the wars back home.
But... he has Scott. Scott's here. A call away.]
Stay with me tomorrow. [Half request, half gruff order. Willing to silently admit he isn't alright yet. He still needs someone to rely on for a bit longer. Getting dressed isn't really on his mind and he simply collapses naked on his bed, sheets and blankets rustling with the impact.] Getting in?
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Date: 10/27/25 19:35 (UTC)[He puts up no argument whatsoever about Bakugo climbing into the bed naked. It's fine. It's his room anyway, hell, even if it was Scott's room he wouldn't care right now. The mutant just hurries to shuck his own shirt over his head and lowers his jeans down, before he climbs into the bed next to his friend. Dressed only in his briefs now, but it's fine, he's comfortable with it, and the mutant only shuffles closer to his friend until warm skin touches each other.
He doesn't wrap his arms around him though, leaving that up to his choice.]
Won't say no to sleeping in a fancy ass bed for a couple of nights.
[A slightly off handed comment, mostly to make Bakugo feel better about asking that in the first place. Scott is benefitting from luxury sheets and everything! Yeah... something on the surface level, but he's putting it out there anyway.]
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Date: 10/28/25 01:45 (UTC)The mattress sinks beneath Scott's hands and knees, erring on the firm side for Bakugo's comfort. Ever the efficient person, he secured an adjustable mattress, capable of changing temperature, firmness, and even texture at his discretion. And on separate sides in case a bedmate wants to gripe about something.
Bakugo rolls onto his side, injured arm turned skyward as he rests his head on his pillow and kicks the sheets and blankets up with a few quick leg motions. Scott's warmth seeps into his body soon enough. He's too tired to bristle at the contact, rather instead leaning into it despite himself. A compromise without arms snaking around him. Smart of him.]
Hmph. If you wanna sleep over, let me know. [He has spare rooms and two pullout couches, plus a few futons and an above-ground cot folded up in a closet. Why? Shut up. It came with the suite. Scott's welcome to come over whenever he wants, so long a he's willing to deal with the default grump.]
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Date: 10/29/25 18:27 (UTC)It's there still, he can tell-- probably after falling asleep next to him a few times in the past.]
I will, can't have you hog all this to yourself.
[An immediate retort because he has to, with Scott briefly glancing at Bakugo through his lens. He wants to stay up until Bakugo falls asleep, but if he takes too long... he's honestly not too sure how long he can last, resting by him like this in relative comfort. He's definitely going to try though.]
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Date: 10/30/25 05:19 (UTC)Apparently that also includes blowing it the fuck up. Which he's going to blame completely on the House for its shitty suit flare crap. They better take responsibility for their bullshit!]
Hmph. They can compensate me for all the shit they put me through.
[At least he's tense more out of anger than his previous traumatic wreck. Bakugo isn't going to last too long himself. As much as his mind haunts him with threatening nightmares, Scott's presence sheds those threats in a glowing red light. It's sappy and stupid, but... he won't deny it internally this time.]
wrapping up soon? :>
Date: 10/31/25 13:53 (UTC)Of course all this sounds fucking cheesy in his head, so he doesn't say it. Instead, the mutant lets his breathing even out, trying to encourage the other teen to copy his breathing and relax and hopefully try to sleep. He's sure that nightmares are gonna happen, hell, he might get smacked in the face, but he'll deal. He'll just add that to Bakugo's debt to him--]
Great, now go to sleep.
[A small murmur, that mixture of trying to relax and trying not to fall asleep first guiding him.]
🎀 good wrap for me! finish it off if ya like~
Date: 10/31/25 14:08 (UTC)He doesn't recognize his breath slowing to match Scott's rhythm in an unconscious effort for contact and comfort. Listening to the mutant's exhales quiet in the darkness is a rhythm he can focus on. Steady, calming. Relaxing comes later, but exhaustion comes now. Nightmares and dreams, probably gonna invade his head soon enough, hopefully tomorrow rather than tonight. There's no control over when they come... yet his eyes finally fall shut as his consciousness rapidly buckles under a weighty sleep.]
Don't...
[So much for the usual grumpy reprimand to getting ordered around. Bakugo's asleep before the words even make it to his mouth, completely caught up in Scott's warmth and comforting presence. It'll be a draining night, but... he'll make it through.]