Work Text:
Kevin had gotten used to the wounds Riko inflicted, over the years. It didn't hurt any less when he kicked him or cut lines into his chest, but Kevin knew what to do. When Riko wanted to beat him, Kevin had to shield his head and keep as still as possible, and eventually Riko would stop. When he had his knives out, Kevin had to breathe through the pain and grip onto something like a lifeline, though there was no telling when Riko would be done making him bleed.
Routine made things easier to handle, even when they hurt. Unfortunately, Riko liked to try new things.
It was after a long day of practice, when the two of them had retreated to their room. They'd been working on a new drill for the past few weeks, and the coaches weren't happy at how long it was taking them to pick it up. They made their displeasure known, and as usual, that didn't mean good things for Kevin.
He sat pressed against the wall, arms wrapped around his chest as if that would help his bruising ribs. Kevin hands shook, partly covered in his own blood, as he watched Riko pace the room.
The knife was still hanging from his fingers. Kevin couldn't look away from its shine, feeling every wound it had carved into his skin.
He tried to breathe, knowing that at least Riko was nearly done. He only had so much energy on days like today. Soon enough he'd drop his knife and rest, letting Kevin patch himself up, physically and mentally. It would be fine.
Riko halted his pacing, turning to look at Kevin. His face contorted in anger, for reasons Kevin couldn't fathom, could never understand because even though Riko was his partner he barely recognised him when he got like this-
Kevin's wrists banged against the wall, pinned there by Riko's hands. The floor around him was splattered with blood, more than he could afford to lose when they had practice tomorrow. Riko stared at it, silent for a few moments.
"You're a bit too much fun when you bleed. Guess I should call it there."
Despite the implication that Riko would stop, Kevin's heart crawled into his throat, terrified by the tone of his voice.
"Riko-"
"Shh. Stay still."
Riko released one of his wrists, creeping his hand along Kevin's side until it reached his leg, circling a finger around one of the cuts he'd made. Kevin winced at the pressure of his fingers, trying to keep still like he'd been told. Riko said he wouldn've cut him anymore, right? So what was he-
Riko dug his fingers into the wound, and Kevin choked on a cry, barely even registering what had happened. Riko moved his fingers, pushing deeper into Kevin's flesh. He caught a glimpse and jerked his head to the other side, vomiting bile onto the floor.
"Does that hurt?"
Riko pressed harder, a horrible, nauseating sensation, and Kevin could only sob in response. His skin felt torn in two, a pain different to any he'd felt before, and every horrible squelching sound dug its way into his brain.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Riko liked to try new things. If he didn't enjoy them, or they didn't cause Kevin enough pain, he probably wouldn't try it again. But sometimes, the new thing became one of Riko's favourites. It had happened with the knives, and the rope, and, well, Riko was Kevin's partner. He knew this look on his face, and understood that this too would become a regular activity.