Day 62: Men's Showers (4th Shift)

[forsworn]

This whole day had been quiet so far, and Kratos rather liked it that way. Aside from a mandatory therapy session, he had not been forced into talking with someone he didn't know under the pretense of making friends, nor had he been conversely accosted. There was still a report that he needed to give, if Sora would actually be around the next day for him to give it, but that was different. Reports and things of a more business-like nature agreed with him where small talk did not.

He was the first one into the showers for perhaps the first time, which meant that the often sought-after corner shower was now his for the taking. Kratos had no problem with communal showers, thanks to his time in the military, but the corner shower had this aura about it, this sort of vibe that clearly stated, "Do not bother me"--exactly what he was looking for, on a day where he'd enjoyed mostly peace and quiet.

Turning the water on, he waited for a few seconds under the spray to thoroughly soak his hair before reaching for the shampoo.

[OLD MAN CLUB MEETING NOW IN SESSION]

Comments

[stellarregions]

"Not your fault," he replied after a moment. "Sorry. I shouldn't have..."

He probably should have been grateful. So far as reactions went, Hakkai's had been pretty tame. Unfortunately, knowing that didn't particularly make him feel any better. He just needed to finish up and get out of there. Then maybe they could both forget about this.

[vinesofregret]

Hakkai laughed, a little awkwardly. It was a tension release, more than actual amusement or humor. "Aha, no need to apologize. I came in thinking I'd have the place to myself." Which, no doubt, Gren had thought as well.

[stellarregions]

"It can be a little tricky," he replied. "You have to get the timing right."

He reached for more shampoo so he could wash through his hair one last time. At times like this, he seriously considered getting a haircut.

[vinesofregret]

"Indeed." Hair clean, Hakkai reached for some soap to get the rest of himself clean. "Though next time I'll endure the company of others and give you some privacy." It was clear who needed it more, out of the two of them. And Hakkai was willing to push through his personal discomfort for a friend.

[stellarregions]

He wanted to be able to say no, that was okay, Hakkai didn't really need to worry about intruding, but the truth of it was that he was relieved. He may have worked through a lot of issues after he'd escaped prison, but this just wasn't one of them.

"Thanks," he said instead. "I appreciate it."