crashout | DICK;

[ he's still petting, though there's a little wince ]

I can say it if it'll help. [ he doesn't think it will, somehow. ] Look, you think you messed up, then figure out what you did wrong and make sure it doesn't happen again. That's it. Everyone's alive. They've seen better days, but they're fine. Whatever the worst case scenario was, this wasn't it.

[In hindsight he actually shouldn't be complaining to Dick of all people but it made sense. He also knows Dick is right, but there's a nod to show he's listening even if he doesn't know what exactly to say.]

Yeah. I'm already planning for next time. [Since Dick is laying down now at this point Junpei shifts to wriggle his way up toward his shoulder.] Maybe later though. Everything still kind of fucking hurts.

[ some sort of tension leaves him at Junpei's wriggling? or maybe his words. ]

Definitely later. I was serious about that bed rest.

Yeah and I was serious about you doing the same so we're even. [He's not even being polite at this rate when he tucks his face into Dick's shoulder and neck, a displeased noise as he tries to stretch out sore muscles.] I told Shiraishi I'd try to organize us better for investigation on Friday. Can't exactly do that if I can't even move much right now.

[ dick just kinda? lets him koala cling? ]

Yeah, yeah. I'm in bed, aren't I? [ he stayed there for like an hour before being hailed by the intercom but yknow ] Got a plan of action for that yet?

Yeah, for now. [Sometimes you're a dumb sleepy bitch and sometimes you assume if your roommate really didn't want to deal they'd just push you off. Ergo. Koala.]

We know it starts at the same time each week. The idea was to flag down as many people as possible to make sure they're sent in teams that can make up for weaknesses and enhance strengths so we get as much information as possible before going into Saturday's trial. For example, we send someone with an immense amount of patience and eye for detail with people like Grune or Higekiri. We send someone with quick reflexes or strength with someone who's more or less an average civilian. Things like that.

[ dick hums, because that's very sensible, but: ]

Think they'll listen before rushing off?

Nope. But it was a solid idea and earned me some leverage with Shiraishi so it's still fine. I'll work with what I can.

[ hm? ]

Leverage for what?

He reminds me of someone I know. Smart guy, but a lot easier to talk to if you earn his respect which is hard to do in the first place. So. I pitch him my ideas so that it's easier to go back to him later and get other answers.

Yeah, he drives me nuts.

[ that wasn't the lesson here but. it's what dick settles on ]

He's not terrible once you figure him out. Snake was sometimes worse. [But he grins a little anyway.]

...you're staying here for tonight, right? [Dick has literally never slept anywhere else and yet he's asking. It's Thursday, after all.]

[ it's an incredibly dumb question but dick hums ]

'Course. You?

[ neither of them have ever slept anywhere the fuck else ]

Probably. [So that's a yes, but he sighs tiredly.] Just checking. Forget it.

[But he's firmly establishing himself against Dick's side so like. Okay.]