saucey | 八十六; 「video」

八十六; 「video」

[Sasuke can be seen trying to set up again, but this time on much stronger arms. It doesn't strain him as it did last time, nor does it hurt as bad, but still painful. But he's taking it slow.

If you're one that can read body language, you'll notice how tense he is, which probably isn't help his attempt at sitting up.

When he notices the red light of the PCD on, he sighs and flops back down on the clinic bed.]

Can someone help me out to the hot springs? [And, being Sasuke, he isn't even looking at the PCD as he asks.]

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Mm. [And he does as he's told. ~~For once.~~]

I'm ready.

[The clap and transmutation is slower than usual, Al's concentration going into moving the legs of the chair while still supporting Sasuke. Eventually, the bottom of the chair's sitting right next to the water, and Al hesitantly leans over, touching the sleeve of his shirt.]

... can you take this off yourself, or do I need to...?

[Alchemy will never cease to amaze him.

When his sleeve's tugged on, he looked up - carefully - at Al.]

I think I can. [And he'll do just that, but very very slowly. Say hi to his newly scarred over skin, Alphonse, although it's still mostly covered in bandages.]

[New scars are preferable to the old scars, scars he used to know. Some of the bandages will have to come off before he gets into the water, of course, and Al will be careful about every one of them. Rather than watch, he'll go and get two towels -- no reason to be naked. It would be much too awkward, considering who Sasuke looks like, really.

Behind Sasuke, Al's own clothes come off, and he replaces that with a towel around his waist -- which he'll just transmute on, thankyouverymuch. Those things are a bitch to keep in place underwater.]

[Shirt's off, finally, after much baby squirming he could manage. But the pants and everything else...is pretty much stuck on.]

...

[... oh god, seriously. He's only mortal. But a shaky breath later, Al kneels in front of Sasuke, and drops a towel onto his lap to cover him. This should not affect him as much as it does, but... it does. He's taken Ed's clothes off countless times, and he tells himself it was no different from then...

Really. No different.

Al settles on the edge of the hot spring, leaned forwards over Sasuke's legs, and takes hold of either side of the waistband of his pants. A deep breath, and he drags them down. He'd prefer to do it quickly, but he could hurt him if he's not careful. So... slow.

... oh dear.]

[And Sasuke'll just... look away. Blushing. God, why does this have to be so awkward?]

[SHUSH HE'S BEING PROFESSIONAL AND BROTHERLY. The pants come off, and gently, he'll inch each knee forwards until he's scooted to the edge of the hot springs, then dip his feet in up to his knees. This is the tricky part.

With a bit of a splash, he gets into the water and frowns, trying to figure out how he'll do this withou straining any of his wounds. Finally, he decides to do this sideways, with a bridal sort of carry, and ease him in.]

... this will probably hurt a litle.

[But he eases his arms behind his legs, and around his back.]

[Okay yeah that hurt like a bitch. More cringing, but this time his eyes clench shut too. Don't mind him, he's just trying to will the pain away.

But fuck that water feels fucking goooood.]

[If it had been anyone but Al moving him, it probably would have hurt more, but it didn't damage or reopen anything. Al held him as closely as he dared, giving a sigh when Sasuke relaxed in his arms. Getting him back out, he'd worry about later. Instead he sank down to his neck in the water, taking Sasuke with him.]

Better?

Much, much better.

[Being close to Sasuke is always hard, but in this context, it's a bit harder. His mind ran through everything that had happened, how many times he'd seen him hurt, fighting, tears, smiles, laughter, anger and fear to whispered secrets and affirmations of love. Al doesn't look sad, just... serious, a half-smile touching his lips, soft and thoughtful.]

... you've really grown up.

[It takes him a moment, but his eyes do open eventually and he just glances up at Al. Like he can do anything else, really.]

Have I?

Yeah, I was just remembering when you were first here, and how you were angry at everything and everyone... you didn't trust anyone, you didn't like anything about yourself, and killing Itachi was your life's goal.

But now... you're much more open about things. I can get you to smile, and even laugh. You have a real sense of humor -- you always had one, but now you're not afraid to laugh with other people here, too.

You let yourself relax... and live.

You're still you, but... you're happier. Even with everything that's happened, you're here, and you've come this far.

... I'm proud of you.

[Sasuke's eyes just avert and look elsewhere. He wants to think that he's grown, but he doesn't think so.]

Sometimes I don't think I've grown at all.

[Pause. After a minute or so, he finally looks up back at him.] But... Thanks, Al. I really needed that.

[One of these days, maybe Sasuke will learn to like himself, be proud of himself, who he is, and what he can do. Until then, Al will work towards it. He still does have a lot of growing to do... but he's done a lot to get to where he is.]

Actually, what you need is a good shampoo, not me being sentimental. Hold on.

[Splash, and Al deposits Sasuke on one of the shelfs of rock that serves as a seat, keeping his chin above the water, and goes to get soap and towels. Oh, brrr.]

Wha - H-Hey! [Mini flailing! Quite literally. Thankfully the hot water's relaxing his muscles and easing the pain. For now.]

That wasn't much of a warning!

It's not as if I tossed you!

[Giggling, and another splash as Al gets back into the water, shivering hard, goosebumps running along his arms. His hair's damp now, trailing through the water behind him. fldksjfas cold.]

[Believe it or not, Al's shivering gets him to smile a little. If his teeth chatter, he'll end up chuckling. Because lol, it's just hot water man.]

You're shivering.

[Hot water into cold air's not fun. Fff. But not quite teeth chattering. Just a shiver.]

It's not really warm out yet.

[Okay, he can't help but little chuckle. This water is relaxiiiiing.]

Heh.

[A snap of a cap, though, and fingers in Sasuke's hair. God sweetie. Bedbaths don't do much.]

[Having his hair washed like this brought back memories of when he was little and took his baths with Itachi. He recalled it being one of the highlights of his day, his bath time with Itachi.]

... This reminds me of when aniki'd wash my hair when I was little.

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八十六; 「video」

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