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Who: Sousei and Kratos aka the Deadpan Dad Duo and then Sousei and Souji aka Stop Making People Bleed On the Floor and a bonus Sousei and Tenka Make Bad Life Choices
When: IC: 1/13 | OOC: 6/1
Where: The Dojo
What: this is how bonding works
Rating/Warning: Just dummies being dumb here

kratos;

[Sousei spends the majority of his time at the dojo (even more so now that there's so much noise and activity in his apartment) so it's really no surprise that he's generally there when other people come in to check it out.

Case in point: Kratos.

Even wrapped up in his basic sword exercises, Sousei couldn't miss that red hair, and so when he finally finishes his repetitions, he lowers his sword and tilts his head towards the visitor. He's not even quite out of breath yet, but then--he practices a lot.]

... I don't believe we ever exchanged names, though the circumstances probably explain enough about that.

souji;

[On the other hand, someone Sousei is always down to spar with these days is Okita Souji. The Shinsengumi captains are all wickedly skilled, and he has to fight hard to hold his own--which means that by the time they're finished beating on each other with those wooden practice swords, the both of them are black and blue.

Good job, guys.

Either way, Sousei seems satisfied, even as he pauses and frowns at his bokutou--there's some blood on it, and so he reaches for a cloth to clean it. They may go a little harder than is intended when it comes to this sort of thing.

And, quite frank and deadpan--]

Did we get blood on the floor? [wow he has so much concern for Souji's well-being]

tenka;

[It's...admittedly been really nice to be able to spar with Tenka again. It's been a really long time, but even so, they fell right back into the pattern easily. So they've gotten back into the swing of sparring, and of pushing each other to be better and better and better and--

Well, maybe that's why their spars are getting more and more intense.

Sousei doesn't want to lose to Tenka, after all, and he knows Tenka is the same way; they've always been like that, even as children, and now it's even worse if anything.

So this spar in particular has been incredibly intense, and Sousei knows immediately when he's overstepped--he doesn't have the time to correct it, and he knows Tenka's going to score a hit no matter what he does.]

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[One thing that he can give this place, at least, is that he can actually find people who are willing to spar with him here. Even back home, that has never exactly been an easy task to accomplish.

Even more so when his body had grown more frail, and he hadn't been able to bring himself to strain his body in such a way, not when he'd thought about the kind of worry he might cause.

But here... well, his sickness isn't exactly gone, but it's much better, isn't it? And in a place like this, he can't afford not to practice, to allow himself to weaken. So personally he can see no downside to him and Sousei beating each other black and blue with sticks.

Now he smiles, still a bit sharp and dangerous, as he comes back to himself and the person he is outside of battle.]

I don't think I'm bleeding? I think I might have split your lip a bit, though? [Taking a hard thumping in the ribs as payment for that little stunt, but it had definitely been fun.]

[A lift of his fingers does indeed reveal blood on his lips--well then, he'd been too caught up in things to be too concerned at the time--and his only response to that is a vague 'hm'. Bleeding doesn't really bother him, though he does fetch a cloth to at least clean it up so he doesn't make a mess.

It's not a big deal if he bleeds, but he'd rather not mess up the dojo, okay.... it's the closest thing to something from home that he has here.]

It seems so. We don't appear to have made a mess, however, so that's fine.

[Doesn't matter that they've beaten each other up pretty good and look like they've gotten into a legitimate brawl... at least they're both satisfied.]

[coming to the dojo every once in a while to refine artes and general sword skills never hurts. only a fool allows their skills to grow rusty in times of peace, if these could even be considered that, and kratos isn't a fool when it comes to fighting.

today's dojo venture results in spotting a familiar face. despite the details of the night of their meeting being somewhat hazy, sousei's face is something not easily forgotten. the guy spared him from hangover hell (more or less...), hard to forget that.

kratos stands a distance away and silently watches the man's motions. not bad. not bad at all. they're definitely not that of an amateur. only once addressed does he approach, giving a small nod in greeting]

The circumstances were unusual ones. [and ones filled with a lot of booze.] Kratos Aurion.

[Unusual is one way to put it, though Sousei really doesn't see the need to rub it in. The party wasn't a disaster (though there were some dangerous fish and trees), so he's willing to say that they were both right about it, in the end.]

Abe no Sousei. [He's familiar enough with Western-esque names to be able to pick apart Kratos', he thinks...or at least he hopes so, because trying to pick out the last name is always a struggle (as if Sousei has room to talk with his name as it is).]

I assume you are here to practice. If that is the case, do not let me keep you from it. [And admittedly he's curious about Kratos' skills.]

[For the past ten years, Tenka was never really matched in Otsu. Calling himself the 'strongest of Shiga' wasn't much of a bluff when he never had an issue taking down anyone that was in his way.

Sparring with Sousei again is something else entirely. Somehow they're as evenly matched as they ever were, if only because Sousei kept up a strict training regimen whereas Tenka grew complacent. Each day, he feels himself tested more and more as he tries to combat Sousei's speed with his own monstrous strength and today is no different. However this second, this instant, this fleeting moment is very different because Tenka didn't expect Sousei to make a mistake.

His exacting partner very rarely makes mistakes.

So the hit that was meant to carry Tenka's momentum, that carries far more strength than he ever intended, actually manages to connect with Sousei's abdomen and rather than a look of triumph, Tenka's expression quickly becomes one of concern.

(What is a guy who can break steel shackles to do?)

Wait. He didn't mean it.]

[Sousei was also not expecting to make a mistake, but even for someone as precise as him, it happens on occasion. When it used to happen, he'd have some bruises, but they'd laugh it off, Tenka would poke fun at him for his mistake, and Sousei would be fine. Koyuki would fuss, but in her loving way ("If you're going to have the boys beat each other black and blue with sticks, at least have ice on hand!") and everything would be fine.

This time, everything is not quite so easily fine.

That hit connects, but it connects with far more strength than Tenka ever used to have; Sousei can hear the crack of his ribs in response before the pain hits. The force of the blow throws him a good foot or two to the side before he manages to catch himself, keeping his feet by some miracle--

It hurts, but he doesn't drop his weapon, that much drilled into his head over and over and over again. It's just too bad that his legs can't quite keep supporting him either; he remains standing for another brief moment, and then he topples.]

[For a second, Tenka's shocked. Did he do that? Without a doubt, there were initial struggles where he was never entirely sure how strong he was but he also never cared to test it. He's hot-blooded and enjoys a good fight but he's soft on the inside in a way that the Yamainu aren't -- he'd rather spend his days holding kids and playing around than getting into fights.

So he never really realized how strong he could be -- how he could manage to really hurt someone completely on accident.

He's running forward in the next moment though - Sousei being hurt takes precedent over his guilt - and he's careful to catch Sousei with an arm around his shoulders, taking his weight and carefully holding him up.]

Sousei--! Are you okay?! I--

[He's sorry. He really didn't mean it.

Not for the first time, Tenka curses the Orochi.]

[Ah.

He's caught before he can hit the ground, that's a good thing. Tenka catching him with an arm around his shoulders allows him the extra moment he needs to properly put his feet under him again, taking a slow breath and trying to stand again. His legs are a little shaky (distantly, Sousei notes that to probably just be a bit of shock from the injury), but he thinks they can bear his weight.

He'll try standing on his own, maybe.

Another breath, and he breathes in too deeply, ribs protesting the movement. Ah. Ribs.

He coughs.]

I'm fine. [That's not very believable, Sousei... but ragged as his breathing is, his voice is surprisingly steady. He knows he's injured--Tenka knows he's injured too--but in response to that panic, he can at least be calm and convince Tenka that it's nothing incredibly serious.

Probably. He's pretty sure, anyway. Who knew that Tenka's strength had gotten legitimately so monstrous?]

And you're stupid, too.

[They both know he's injured and yet Sousei's insisting that he's fine. So Tenka just puts both of his hands on Sousei's shoulders instead then, his practice sword long since discarded, and trying to keep Sousei upright even as he insists on trying to stand on his own two legs.]

The hospital isn't too far from here, is it? We're going.

[As much as Tenka hates hospitals and doctors -- but this isn't for him, this is for his partner.]

[...hospital... It's incredibly unfair that that's Tenka's first thought when Tenka himself refuses to go to the hospital whenever possible, Sousei thinks. Not that he's entirely against going (proper treatment will make him heal faster which is very necessary) but.... he also doesn't really want Tenka to start feeling too terribly guilty about this.

Which he will.

Sousei knows he probably already is. But this sort of thing--this is the fault of the experiments, the Orochi cells, and everything that was never Tenka's fault, even if Tenka did strike that blow.

Sousei hardly blames him for that.]

Don't be ridiculous... you're overreacting. [He says, as he proves that he is, in fact, a very stupid man and tries to walk over towards the sword holders so he can put his practice sword away properly. The Sousei being stupid in his natural habitat, truly..... he's swaying with the first step.]

[Stupid and Tenka's immediately moving to catch Sousei's arm with a firm grip -- and then he blinks and wonders if it's too firm, if he's not paying attention enough -- and loosens his hold a fraction. Hasn't he done enough damage already?]

You're underreacting, idiot!

[As if he's not suffering from a far worse injury than they've ever sustained in their spars before. There's still undoubtedly pain and while it's not rare for them to tussle, this is more than Tenka intended to inflict.

So the chances of him just letting Sousei walk away with it?

Slim to none.]

[He feels Tenka's grip go from steady to light, and he knows what's happening here. Tenka's being careful. His partner is being careful with him.

That's something Sousei can't accept. He understands why, of course he does, but they're partners. They've always pushed each other to be better and stronger. Tenka has never, ever been careful with him.

So if Tenka's grasp is going to loosen, then Sousei will pull out of it. He's a little dizzy, and the pain is pretty sharp and stark now, but if for nothing else but the point, he does so, striding over towards the sword holder to put his practice sword away.]

[It's annoying to have Sousei pull out of his grip but at this point -- Tenka's not sure how to estimate his strength anymore. He didn't think that it was even possible for him to hurt someone that badly, especially considering the fact that this is Sousei. The one person that he's always considered his equal.

So for a second, he's staring at his own hand before moving forward and putting his hand on Sousei's shoulder then. Firmly.]

Hey. Now's not the time for your dumb pride!

Now is also not the time for your insecurities.

[It's said sharply, but quietly, and honestly he's grateful for the hand on his shoulder (he thinks he could make it on his own, but he doesn't really like the chances that he might fall and make it worse). So he turns to inspect Tenka somewhat, eyes narrowing as he fights back a wince at the movement, and holds out the practice sword to him.

Fine.

You put it away.]

Don't hold yourself back around me. [Not now. Not ever. He won't tolerate that in any form.

Whether it's hard for him to breathe like this or not matters less, he thinks, than nipping this issue in the bud.]

[Tenka takes the practice sword but he says just as seriously:]

I think we've seen what happens when I don't.

[When he puts too much force into something.... so he just makes sure that Sousei stays steady on his feet before he does move forward to put the practice sword away, otherwise not touching the subject on his insecurities. He doesn't know how to fix this problem, not right now -- but he doesn't think that telling Sousei that he won't hold back around him will help anything.

He has to. He can't hurt the people around him, not even on accident.]

[Yeah, maybe they have. Or maybe, as is more likely--]

I made a mistake. [He's talking too much; he can feel the sharp pain in his ribs with every breath he takes, and talking just makes it worse.

He keeps talking, watching Tenka put that practice sword away, hand slowly creeping up to press against his side--the only outward acknowledgement he's made to the fact that it really does hurt quite a bit.]

I overextended myself, and wasn't able to block in time because of it. That is what happened.

[Tenka does put the practice sword away and when he turns, he's about to grab his own that he discarded some time ago in their match -- he always fights better with his fists these days, he's gotten rusty with the sword -- when he notices the hand pressed against Sousei's side.

You know what, cleaning up is so very Extra.

So he's walking forward again and ignoring what Sousei says yet again:]

Stop talking, it's making it worse. We're going to the hospital.

[Cleaning up is not Extra at all, excuse you!!! Not that Sousei's entirely in a state to fuss too much about it at this point, but it's the principle of the matter. He's always telling people to clean up after themselves. Now they're the ones leaving the mess behind? It's just not right.

He frowns, mostly because Tenka ignored everything he said.]

Don't ignore me. You-- [He draws in a sharper breath in response to his own sharper tone and--anything he had planned to say (and truly it was going to be an incredible argument, without a doubt) is lost as he does wince, a short cough escaping him as he presses his hand to his side a little more firmly.

Okay, that was a mistake.]

[It was a mistake and seeing Sousei in this level of pain only manages to bring another wave of guilt. It's bad, it's really bad -- and Tenka is quick to put his hands on Sousei's shoulders again, keeping him steady if nothing else. Then he tries to find Sousei's eyes, his own filled with nothing but concern.]

I get it. You're mad at me for this or that -- but you can tell me when it doesn't hurt for you to get worked up, alright? Don't be dumb about this.

It's bad already. [And that's his fault.] Stop making it worse.

[Admittedly he can tell it's not good, but he still thinks Tenka's overreacting. He'll tell him so when he can catch his breath, which is...harder than it should be, so for now, Tenka gets some blessed moments of silence as Sousei focuses on breathing.

At least with Tenka's hands on his shoulders he's not in any danger of falling.

At least there's that, because admittedly the lack of oxygen made him a little dizzy. Okay, Tenka. Okay.

And finally, more quietly and only a little raspy--] It's not that bad. [he'll argue this to his deathbed apparently.]

It's not good and that's problem enough.

[But Tenka's just accepting that they're probably not going to have many other options for quick transportation, considering how light-headed Sousei looks. So he's sighing and warns:]

I'm going to pick you up. It'll be the easiest way to get you to the hospital.

[At least he's right. But with that, he's bending his knees to pick up Sousei carefully, keeping from jostling him too much and--

Not strained by the weight at all. Why is this strength so helpful right after it's hurtful?]

[It's only because Tenka warned him that he doesn't flail too much or make it worse. But honestly, even that little bit of jostling is enough to leave him wincing, teeth grit together, so there's not near as much of a fuss being offered up as there usually would be.

So instead he's left grimacing from the position (and a little bit the pain) even as he awkwardly grabs onto Tenka's arm with a hand, if only to have some point of contact. He knows Tenka would never drop him, but it's just feels too awkward and bizarre otherwise.

So yeah, for now he's got nothing, Tenka properly rendered him wordless, even if maybe not in the way he would've hoped.]

[Tenka would probably take Sousei yelling at him for a good hour over having him speechless over pain that Tenka inflicted so -- definitely not in any way that he would've hoped, no. So he's just frowning and trying not to look too guilty, though the actual success in that in arguable.

It's the problem of Tenka wearing his heart on his sleeve and becoming less and less skilled at hiding things from Sousei.

So he shakes his head once before he walks forward to exit the building, for once glad that each set of doors opens automatically to make it easier.]

Just bear with it for a bit....

[Yeah, even in this state Sousei can see the guilt. He can see it, and hear it, and he doesn't much enjoy it. By the time they've exited the building, Sousei has managed to catch his breath, and then he just narrows his eyes.]

I don't like your tone.

[Said so tartly. For the record, he doesn't enjoy hearing all of that guilt and those empty platitudes. Naturally he's going to bear with it.]

I can handle this fine.

[And Tenka honestly grumbles.]

Just for once, let it go.

[Don't take everything he says as an insult when he doesn't mean it as one!! He's worried, it's gonna happen, get over it! But of course, in true Tenka fashion, of course he's not actually going to say it right now.]

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