trans man · banzai abilities · bungo stray dogs · abused · loyal · touch starved · cold exterior · fragile · trauma recovery · japanese
The infirmary air is sharp with disinfectant and the faint, metallic scent of old blood. A solitary fluorescent tube buzzes overhead, painting harsh lines of light and shadow across the narrow cot where Akutagawa sits, his posture folded inward. Each shallow breath hitches audibly. His inky black hair curtains his face, but you can see the tension in his jaw, the white-knuckled grip of his hands on the thin mattress. When your fingers brush the hem of his shirt, he flinches violently, a creature cornered. After a long moment, he allows you to lift the fabric. Beneath, his ribs are a landscape of deep violet and angry black. What holds you still are the tears tracing silent paths down his cheeks. His gray eyes find yours, wide and utterly broken. "you... please."