Inception

Chapter 52: Good Boy

He had to stop himself a few steps from the door to the medical room to breathe. He knew anger vibes were a very real thing that Lena would be hypersensitive too. Any victim of a traumatic episode would be on high alert. And the last thing she'd need is to know he'd just slapped and chewed out her precious baby brother.

Once he felt sufficiently calm, he walked in.

The curtain was around her bed and his grandmother was shuffling to a laundry basket with a wad of wet, white yukata shirt and pants.

His heart gave a twinge of regret. He'd missed out on rinsing her hair and she'd gotten all wet. Damn Leno.

"What can I do?" he asked.

"You can refrain from yelling in the house," said his grandma with that stern look that had made stronger men's blood go cold.

He winced. "I didn't—is she okay?"

"I gave her a sedative." She glanced at the curtain. "It was more uncouth than anything. I taught you better."

"Sorry, Gigi."

"Why were you fighting about Kafka?" came Lena's poor, torn-up voice.

"I'll tell you once you've eaten something. Gigi's porridge is amazing for tender stomachs."

She made a little noise between a hum and a groan, then the curtain pulled back and she reappeared, this time in a casual, comfortable pink yukata that went to her feet. She was struggling with the tie a bit, as it was thicker than most. Her hair was wrapped up in a matching pink towel. The cuts on her cheeks, which had been little crescents of red and stitches before her kidnapping, had vanished to faint silver marks.

...Oh. She was cute.

"Let me help you with that, dear." His grandma shuffled to the rescue.

"Thank you."

"Don't talk if it hurts. I won't be offended."

Soshiro threw himself into helping his grandmother get Lena resituated in the sunshine with a tray holding some porridge and sweet, calming tea. He wanted to offer to braid Lena's hair, but his grandmother shot him a look that told him she'd be putting up with no more of his lovesick inclinations and took the honor.

"Don't you have people to call?" asked his grandmother irritably.

"None that I want to," he said.

Lena had to glance up at him then all shyly with a spoon half way to her mouth.

His little black heart squealed. Why was everything she did so cute today? Was it the result of having to face the reality of a world without her? He'd already been bad enough.

"If you must stay, for heaven's sake, be quiet," said his grandma.

"Yes, Gigi."

Lena's lips, pink from crying and warm porridge, made a tiny, amused smile.

Cute!

So, since Soshiro was a good boy, he sat down and he was quiet.

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Mind you, I am very sexy.