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Using corruption was absolutely draining for Chuuya. Hell, he could barely remain conscious, let alone keep his eyes open on the way home as he rode piggyback on Dazai. This was normal for them though. Dazai had knew exactly where they were going even in the darkness and being guided by street lights.
Dazai had formed a certain series of habits completed while he waited for Chuuya to wake up after his long rest post-corruption. He would carry the shorter man on his back and head back to Chuuya’s apartment.
Once Dazai used the spare key that was hidden under the doormat, he laid his partner on the couch to let him rest. Dazai tended to the more intense wounds the sleeping man had gotten and simply let him sleep unbothered. Dazai would always find what he could to keep himself entertained in the meantime whether it be rummaging through drawers and closets, or snooping in other places. He never went far from his chibi when he was in this state, just in case he needed him.
Tonight, Dazai decided to pick up a novel off the bookshelf and began reading as he figured he had a few more hours until Chuuya woke up anyways. He heard mumbling and grumbling coming from the couch across from him. He looked up and saw Chuuya beginning to open his eyes and sit up while rubbing the side of his head. He looked disheveled; hair was all over the place, dried blood and dirt still caked onto his skin, clothes torn, you name it. The normally well-put-together man looked terrible but he was still too exhausted to properly take care of himself. Looking up from his book, Dazai was surprised by how soon Chuuya had woken up. It was probably close to 4 am and Chuuya had only been resting for a couple of hours.
“Chuuya?”, Dazai says gently. “What are you doing awake already?”
“I’m… not sure, but I feel disgusting… I need a bath”, Chuuya said begrudgingly.
Chuuya sits up, positioning himself to get up off the couch. He is weak and his legs almost fail him as he tries to stand, attempting to make his way to the bathroom. Dazai quickly tosses his book on the coffee table and stand from his own chair before his Chuuya stumbles anymore.
“You know, I tended to your wounds, I don't mind drawing you a bath too.” Dazai says snarkily.
“Fine. But not too hot”, Chuuya replies, too dazed to make a clever refute at his partner.
“I know Chibi, I know.”
_____
Chuuya sat patiently on the couch as he watched Dazai disappear into the bathroom. All that is heard in the quiet apartment is the sound of running water as even the city at this time of night is left unheard. After a few moments Dazai sauntered back into the living room to Chuuya and took his hand. Dazai led him into the bathroom like he was unfamiliar with the layout of his own home. Normally, Chuuya would not allow himself to be taken care of like this but he is too weak to fight or to think for himself right now. He just needed to be taken care of at this moment, and that is exactly what Dazai did. The bathroom was filled with the wafting scents of lavender and patchouli, very similar to the fancy soap Chuuya liked to use when he has been having an especially bad day.
“Is that my good soap?” He asked but already knew the answer to.
“Only the best for Chibi. Plus, I thought you would like some bubbles this time!” Dazai exclaimed.
This was such a Dazai thing to do but he was definitely going to have to buy Chuuya a new bottle later. Chuuya just shook his head with a smirk trying to fight its way out. He was too tired to mask what he really felt and it does not go left unnoticed by Dazai. He was too tired to act like his partner is not this little bit of light in his dark life. As painful as the recovery post-corruption was, Dazai knew how to make it bearable for him.
The claw foot bathtub is full of warm water, to the temperature that Chuuya preferred. There are also bubbles like the tall man had promised. The rising steam also makes Chuuya’s face and head hurt a little less, providing some much needed relief. Chuuya had never wanted to be in this bathtub so badly but his fatigue was getting the better of him. He had that look on his face where he needed help but would not dare ask for it. Dazai noticed this too, he pulled the shorter man into a tight embrace and planted a soft kiss on top of his head. He pulled back and began unbuttoning Chuuya’s shirt and then helped him with the rest of his clothes. All that could be heard were grunts of pain and discomfort coming from the ginger. As not many words were spoken between them, the gesture of helping Chuuya undress said more than a thousand could.
Once again taking Chuuya’s hand, Dazai guided him into the tub and he settled. A bit of water overflowed and splashed onto the floor but the temperature was perfect. Upon entering the bath, Chuuya seethed and released a sigh. Although it may have sounded painful, it was all in contentment. Soaking in the warm water was already loosening the dried blood and mud that dirtied his body that needed to be washed away. The sense of becoming clean was just what he needed. But he still was not all there physically or mentally. That is where Dazai continued to assist him.
“Do you want me to help with the wash?” Dazai asked while already making his way to sit on the edge of the bathtub. All he got in return was a solemn “mhm” and a nod. This sort of behavior from Chuuya was not unusual during his corruption recovery, but it made Dazai’s heart ache seeing his partner in this fatigue state. All he wanted to do is be there and baby his Chibi, even if it may seem out of character for the both of them. Chuuya deserved to be pampered like this.
Dazai grabbed a wash cloth and lathered it in soap and water and began gently scrubbing the tired man’s back and shoulders. Chuuya was still holding some tension in his shoulders but quickly deflated as he was being bathed. It was relaxing and just what he had needed. Soon all the sweat and grime was washed away and Dazai set the wash cloth down. Dazai motioned for Chuuya to lean back to submerge his hair. He put a dollop of shampoo in his hands and began to work it through the ginger hair. Chuuya leaned into Dazai’s touch as the bubbles and suds traveled through his tangles. It felt heavenly, being able to unfold in his partner’s hands like that. Chuuya really craved that sort of shared intimacy and he is sure Dazai did as well considering the lingering touches he often felt.
Dazai took his time massaging his partner’s scalp and was hesitant to help with the rinse because that marks the near end of the bath. As they go to rinse the soapy water out, Dazai surprised Chuuya by planting another kiss, but on his forehead this time. This one was softer than the first and somehow filled with more tenderness. If it were anybody else, Chuuya would not allow them to handle himself like that. The warm bath was only making him more tired than he already was and figured he should probably get into a proper bed soon. As annoying as Dazai can be, Chuuya appreciated the effort he typically put into his post-corruption routine. He really did feel cared for in a way he never has gotten to experience before he met Dazai.
The two of them sit in silence for a moment more before Chuuya began making soft grunts of discomfort as he had been sitting in the tub for too long now. They quietly agree it is time to wrap things up since Chuuya is now clean and in a more "aware" state than he was prior to this bath after waking up in a fog. Despite being awake now, his body felt beyond exhausted. Dazai stood from the edge of the bath tub and offered Chuuya his hand for the third time that night. Chuuya held onto his Dazai for support as he got out of the claw footed tub. Dazai was quick to grab a fresh white towel and gave it to his Chuuya to dry off and to wrap his damp hair. While Chuuya dried off, Dazai left the bathroom for the bedroom to retrieve Chuuya's most confortable pair of black joggers, an old t-shirt, and fluffy socks. He hands the clothes off to their owner and left the man to get dressed.
Chuuya met his partner in his bedroom, who had made his bed ready for the long sleep he is about to have. Chuuya stared at Dazai for a moment before climbing into the side of the bed he usually sleeps on. He heard Dazai speak up suddenly.
"I'll be going soon", Dazai stated with ambivalence. Chuuya could tell Dazai did not want to leave his side just yet. Quite frankly, Chuuya did not want him to leave either.
He patted the empty side of the bed once and a simple but firm "Stay" is all that left Chuuya's mouth. That was the only invitation Dazai needed to crawl into his partner's bed, once again being at the familiar place by his side.
It was now dawn and the sun was starting to rise and fill the room with the type of warmth only it can provide. The two of them laid side by side in Chuuya's bed, both of them felt safe and content in each other's presence for what felt like the first time in forever. Facing each other in bed, Chuuya felt his eye begin to close and his mind start to drift. There was not anywhere he would rather be right now and nobody he would rather be next to. This is a routine they both could get used to.