Work Text:
Ichiban has a habit of bringing everyone else into his own problems and nosing his way into others’, which means that the whole party winds up trying to help every single person in Ijincho. They always turn out a little worse for wear, but nothing can ever knock them down.
They’ve created a routine for days like these. Back at Survive, they line up to be treated by Nurse Nanba. Trying to keep his crew of dumbasses from becoming deadasses is like a full-time job without the insurance. Once he’s done, the bartender will serve up traditional remedies and shots with Staminan chasers. They’ll take some time to relax together before the next chaotic morning.
As much as Nanba likes their celebrations, there’s something special about the vibe of the place after an exhausting day of work. The air is light with the flow of conversation. Words come easily, but silence feels just as natural. He’s learned that there’s a sweet spot right between wakefulness and cranky-tired where people are more true to themselves, with the added endorphins and alcohol making a dangerously honest combination.
Saeko sprawls out in a booth, covered in ice packs and band-aids as she laughs off her injuries. To Nanba, she has the effortless allure of a lounging Greek goddess, like the ones from those fancy old paintings you’d see in museums. She doesn’t bother to 'sit like a lady' or fix her messy hair. It’s even better than when she dresses up and flirts and puts on her best Kansai accent.
He’d say that she's never looked so beautiful, but he thinks that just about every time he sees her.
Still, he can’t help but be concerned. She tends to fight as if she’s invincible — fiercely throwing punches and fearlessly taking them — and his heart aches whenever he sees her scuffed up like this. He scans over her, looking for anything he can make better, and decides to get her some fresh ice. She tosses the melted packs to the side and applies the new ones with a wince. The reddish bruises scattered around her body are already starting to turn vivid shades of purple. It must hurt, but she isn’t complaining.
“C’mon, come sit with me.” She pulls her legs up to make room for him, and when he accepts, she stretches out again and rests her bandaged feet in his lap.
“You really took a beating today, huh?”
She bats her eyes at him. "Guess I did. Luckily, I have the sweetest, most handsome nurse taking care of me."
"Don't try and distract me with compliments!" He almost wonders if she flirts like that with everyone, but he won't let her flattery get to his head. He ignores the heat in his cheeks. "You scare me sometimes, with the way you fight so recklessly."
"What, you think I can't handle myself?"
A fire is burning in her eyes like she's ready to take him down at a moment's notice. She's got a sharp tongue and the strength to back up her words. If anyone is dumb enough to underestimate her, they deserve whatever comes to them.
"Nah, you could probably beat the shit out of me if you wanted to."
"Damn straight."
He knows he doesn't need to coddle her, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to hide her away in his arms so nothing can ever hurt her. The one time he saw her cry smashed his heart to pieces.
"Still, it's better to be cautious. Unlike the rest of us, you've got a good head on your shoulders — don't let these idiots encourage you to stop using it. We need all the common sense we can get 'round here."
"I'm not used to having someone fuss over me like you do… I appreciate that." Her fiery look softens to a warm glow. "But I'm not gonna sit back and let you boys have all the fun."
"I know. I just don't want you to be putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Promise me that you won't be afraid to rely on us, or even run away if you need to?"
"That's what friends are for, right? We watch out for each other... and sometimes do stupid stuff together."
She used to be the sensible one, and while she's still often the most responsible out of the bunch, they tend to bring out her wild side.
"God, we're such bad influences on you."
"You worry enough for all of us. Can you promise me something, too?" She places her hand on his. All of his anxiety melts away in an instant. "Don't stress yourself into an early grave for my sake."
She smiles at him, and he knows he has nothing to fear.