[RL with Zechs] [Backdated to Saturday, after the Grimmjow scene]

[tyki_tock]

When Tyki had left on his little side-trip, he hadn't expected to be in pain and exhausted while returning, but he couldn't very well stay away from Switzerland until he was fully-recovered. He stepped straight from the Ark into the bathroom just off the master bedroom, stripped off all of his clothes and stepped into a very hot shower

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[thricedeadwind]

In the adjoining room, Zechs was constructing a bureau, and as reported by a friend, humming. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. He wasn't really aware he was doing it, for he was mostly in his own world, building and preparing and making things perfect. When all of the components to his security system finally arrived, he'd get started upon that. But for now, this kept him occupied.

Made their home filled. Livable. Theirs.

Hearing the shower turn on in one of the adjoining bathrooms - the 'His' bathroom, though Zechs didn't think about that - he stood and walked in, clearly pleased. He had been busy all day, and could use a bit of a shower. And, certainly, Tyki wouldn't mind sharing, would he?

But froze when he saw the very numerous welts, some of them bleeding slightly as the scabs were soaked open. Assuming Tyki had been attacked - though not by Innocence, as those wounds were not there that morning, and seemed even half-healed now - he swore, softly, face tensing. "Fuck."

[tyki_tock]

Tyki's eyes flew open at the words and he turned, his face flashing with a mixture of guilt and chagrin. He hesitated, unsure of what to say.

He didn't want to worry Zechs unnecessarily, but he also didn't want to touch off another argument. Still, being honest was all he could do at this point. In retrospect, he realized it was inevitable considering how often they saw each other naked, that Zechs would have seen the scratches. If Zechs got angry at him for this, he would apologize.

"It's not as bad as it looks," he said, and twisted the knobs to turn off the water.

[thricedeadwind]

Registering that guilt and hesitation, wariness bubbled up within Zechs, and he realized he must tread lightly here. Perhaps things weren't as they seemed, but even if Tyki was attacked as he thought, it might have been through foolishness on the Noah's part. Though why was he marked at all, as he seemed to be healing already? Confused, worried, and cautious, Zechs rummaged around in a drawer for pain pills, then walked over to Tyki, noting the torn-open furrows - they were too deep to be called scratches - were healing over again.

"I can tell you were not harmed by Innocence," Zechs said softly, calmly. He touched one of the still-scabbed over furrows gently, attempting to determine what could have made such a mark. Carefully, he asked, "What happened, my love?"

A protective anger rose within him, beaten down only by his wariness. "If anyone should have attacked you ..."

[tyki_tock]

Tyki grabbed a towel and bent, rubbing carefully at his body to dry himself without tearing open the scratches any further.

"No," he said hastily. "No, my love. I wasn't attacked." He sighed softly. Zechs wasn't going to like his response.

"I was giving some instruction to a member of the community," he said carefully. "In the manner of properly dealing with a masochist. It was consensual, though I hadn't expected this when I entered into the situation, and by the time he started in on me I was...restrained." He coughed. "I wasn't expecting that, either, frankly."

[thricedeadwind]

Tyki was correct. Zechs really, really didn't like his response. Even if Tyki wasn't expecting any of that, he knew the Noah wouldn't have allowed it if he chose. Restraints were not an issue - even assuming the man could have been actually made helpless. Consensual ... instruction ... if it was as he said, Tyki could have stopped it at any time. But he hadn't. And had become injured.

Breathe, he told himself fiercely. Tyki was injured, but he'd likely heal within a day or so. Knowing of his tastes, the man probably enjoyed it. Zechs pinched his brow a moment. Counted backwards from a high number. Bit down on the inside of his cheek. Some vulnerable, selfish part within him asked, Why can't he come to me for such things? But already knew the answer. Zechs wouldn't be able to bring himself to mark Tyki in such a way.

At last, his features tense, Zechs released his face and began to help drying Tyki, his motions firm and gentle. The bottle of pain pills rattled in one hand. Quietly, calmly, he asked, "Will your person require any