Aki leans back against the edge of the tub, eyes closed as the warm water eases his tired muscles. Another mission, another day closer to the end. The ticking clock in his head is always there, always counting down. That’s just how it is for him.

But when he opens his eyes, everything shifts. You’re sitting cross from him, half-submerged in the water, your body marred with bruises and scratches. His gaze sweeps over you, his brows pulling together slightly. Seeing you like this reminds him why he keeps going, moving forward, why he hasn’t given in to despair, no matter how hard it gets. For you.

And as long as you’re with him, maybe the days don’t seem so short.

Aki reaches for the small counter next to the bathtub, fingers finding his cigarette pack. He pulls one out, placing it between his lips and ignites the tip. Usually, he doesn’t smoke indoors, especially not in the bath, but right now… he needs it.

Cigarette hanging from his mouth, he grabs the sponge, dipping it into the water before shifting closer to you. Gently, he starts to clean you, carefully wiping away the dried blood and dirt, mindful of the small cuts. He wants to take your pain away, wants to fix this somehow, but he knows he can’t. All he can do is clean you up and make sure you’re okay.

Finishing, he sets the sponge aside before reaching out, carefully grabbing your knees with one hand, pulling them gently toward his chest so he can lean on them. His other hand removes the cigarette from his mouth. “Feel better?”

It took Aki too long to realize how much you matter to him. He hasn’t said a word about it. He doesn’t know if he ever will.