Archive of Our Own

Me:
goemon putting the business end of zantetsuken at zenigata's throat n zenigata's like [passes out bc hes an idiot w no winter clothes in the middle of the mountains]

Gf:
OOOOO YES
zenigata: I gotta.... Lupin... mnghrhhh... so cold... just gonna... sleep a while

Me:
goemon: !
goemon: Zenigata Wake Up

Gf:
zenigata: Huh?! wha?!
zenigata: but i'm... so tired..... grfgvrgmgmmnnm...
slumps into the snow

Me:
[stern scowl]
Goemon: Zenigata!
goes jostle him

Gf:
"mm... kinda warm now...."

Me:
uh oh

Gf:
hes out cold

Me:
shit
goemon SIGHS but there's no other way

Gf:
this is it, huh... the cold in the mountains got him…

Me:
no zenigata ur spirit must burn on

Gf:
but hes so warm and sleepy he doesnt care much it's as good a way to go as any, going after lupin....
lupin....
Lupin
that's the spark that keeps him from giving in all the way

Me:
OUGH
goemon: uses his chad muscles to bundle this half-snowed in man and carry him to where he n the rest agreed to regroup

Gf:
zenigata grumbles along the way but isn't much help with his cold weight…

Me:
thats as much help as goemon expected... he's a big guy but it's nothing his training hasnt prepared him for!!!!
the blizzard is new
but
he can do this too

Gf:
think of it as HARDCORE TRAINING

Me:
HE DOES!!
HE THINKS OF IT AS HARDCORE TRAINING
and saving a good man
which gets HIS spirit burning also
but jesus thats a long climb. even his clothes end up soaked from the snow by the time they get there.

Gf:
they both need to warm up by the fire once they arrive... Zenigata is pale and shivering and cold as ice, his clothes frozen stiff by now

Me:
goemon is good at not panicking but he is panicking just a little
he hurries to light a fire n get out of his kimono before getting to all of zenigata's layers
thinking abt how he can't just let him go This Way, and how upset Lupin would be if it happened
hurrying to bundle him up in a big fluffy towel n lay him near the fire even if moving his bulk around is Something
at least HE'S warming up just fine w the flurry of activity

Gf:
zenigata keeps on grumbling and moaning as Goemon is busy saving his life... the only words that make sense are the occasional "lupinnnn" or "gotta catch him"
he's definitely hanging on tho. the old man is not giving up that easily

Me:
OF COURSE.... strangely endearing
it's good to know that fighting spirit is still in there
he doesn't have a change of clothes at the place so he just lays his n zenigata's to dry by the fire while he starts boiling some water for some tea
it'll do them good
checks zenigata's temperature every now and then

Gf:
hes very cold to start but the warmth of shelter and getting those icy clothes off him is already doing good... he'll need to be monitored for a while, but he's in no danger of slipping further into the hypothermia now, thanks to Goemon's quick work

Me:
whew.... that's a relief :)
what's not a relief is the noise of the snowstorm growing stronger. damn.
he may not even be able to contact the others like this…

Gf:
d a m n
they're gonna be snowed in together…

Me:
and they were snowed in together
goemon won't stress it. they have enough stockpiled to last them a while.
he'll just meditate by zenigata's side until the man wakes up

Gf:
it will be a little while... but eventually, he breaks out of the feverish stupor of half-sleep, blinking blearily and looking around, shifting under the heavy futon atop him. "Wha... where am I...?" he sees Goemon and bolts upright, gritting his teeth in panic and pawing for his gun but the futon is heavy and he can tell his holster is gone besides. DAMNIT ALL!

Me:
Ah... of course.
It's good to know he feels better.
"Zenigata," he says, his voice level, an eye opening to Peek at the man. the inspector's clothes are still drying, and his Tools of the Trade are............. put away.

Gf:
"Where is he, huh, where's Lupin!!!" Zenigata yells, looking around... he realizes they're alone, but the others could easily be hiding outside couldn't they?
Outside... he remembers all the snow, being really cold, and then... Goemon, appearing from the blizzard, a vision in the flurry of white, like a god come to rescue a mortal from a terrible fate. His tension eases as his eyes flit over the windows and see all the snow, enough for drifts of it to be piled on the windowsills and still it falls.

Me:
"He is not here," Goemon says, looking at Zenigata in full, like he rarely ever gets to. He can see the man is in top form, including a soft middle. If he falls ill, he'll survive just fine. "And he won't be until the storm passes." A beat. "I can prepare you some tea."

Gf:
Good thing, cuz Zenigata is left feverish in the wake of the chill, and he pants, flushed and frustrated as Goemon's words sink in. "So we're stuck here ...?!" he grumbles, crossing his arms and staring down at the futon bunched around him, clutching it. "... I don't... need yer tea, I should be out there lookin' for him!" and he tries to stand, make his way toward his clothes, but he's faint and dizzy and barely makes it halfway up to his feet before he's falling back onto the futon with a grunt.

Me:
FOOLISH. Goemon gives him a look crossed between concerned and unimpressed. He gets up, just fine, because he is Not sick. He is very naked down to his fundoshi, though, but he's not concerned about nudity amongst fellow men. He goes pour a couple cups, then returns to his spot by the futon, holding one out to him. "Drink."

Gf:
Zenigata's eyes follow Goemon, wary of him drawing his sword and striking him down, but he only just notices the other man is stripped down like him, and his jaw drops at the sight... All those muscles, his masculine frame and the way his back curves, it makes his fingers twitch and his mouth water before a quick rush of shame hits him and makes him drop his eyes. He shouldn't be gawking at the enemy... even if he did rescue him from the storm. 

He stares down at his lap again, looking up only when the tea is offered. He's about to refuse again when he reconsiders.. he is feeling out of sorts, and in a state like this, he wouldn't be able to take on Lupin if he tried. "Guess I do gotta fortify myself..." he reaches out and takes the cup, trying to avoid their fingers touching as he goes. His fingers hold the warm cup close to his chest for a moment before taking a tentative sip. "... thanks." He drinks more deeply, appreciating the herbal flavor, perfectly brewed of course because the samurai would have no less, he's sure of it. "You're pretty good at making tea."

Me:
With all their rushing and fighting and scrabbling they never do get a good look at each other, do they? Especially not when Goemon is usually saddled with that baggy kimono... To assuage at least one of Zenigata's fears, Zantetsuken is laying perfectly harmlessly on the floor by where Goemon has been sitting, and the samurai's hands are now busy with the tea besides. He crosses his legs and smiles when Zenigata accepts, then, well, he wouldn't be so arrogant as to preen , but he perks up in his own way when the inspector enjoys the drink. "Thank you."

Gf:
Zenigata downs the tea pretty fast, greedy for it to warm his insides, and he sighs with satisfaction once it sits in his belly... Then he starts thinking, and the comfort gives way to an odd tension in his shoulders. He darts his eyes back up to Goemon, why must he look so damn handsome, and asks, "Hey... why didn't you just leave me out there, in the storm? After everythin'... I'm always chasin' you guys down. I don't get it. You coulda just left me, and you and Lupin and the rest would just be off scott free!" not like he ever does much good in actually catching them, but still!

Me:
Goemon goes from vaguely pleased to vaguely insulted just like that, his lips frowning into a thin line. "If I were to kill you, I would do it man to man," he says. "You may be our enemy, Zenigata, but you're honorable. An honorable death would be the least I could give you." His cadence peters out, as if that were all he has to say, and yet... "... but I would not kill you. Lupin wouldn't like it."

Gf:
Zenigata pouts at that, moved by the poetry of those simple words... then looks up with sudden interest, trying to hide it with a scowl. "What d'ya mean he wouldn't like it? Of course he would!" He huffs, sets the cup of tea back down, glares toward the fire with his heart pounding hard in his chest, hot flashes of fever following.

Me:
Goemon's vague anger turns solid. "He wouldn’t!" he snaps, hands tight fists on his lap, then forces himself to simmer down. It is not unnatural to think one's enemy would want one dead... But this isn't some petty criminal who wants all opposition gone, this is Lupin, his friend, and, as bizarrely hard to believe, a man with a certain degree of integrity. And an affection for the inspector that Goemon does not quite understand, but he respects. "If Lupin wanted you dead, Zenigata... you would be."

Gf:
Really, Zenigata knows that's the truth, so when Goemon gets stern with him he shies back like a scolded puppy, staring at him intensely and clutching at the futon atop him. His heart pounds, and he grumbles and sputters in an effort to find a suitable response, eyes darting over his face... He then deflates, looking sad and old and tired. 

"... sorry, I know he's not... 's just..." He wouldn't want Lupin dead, either, as many times as they've been close or he was even convinced he was, he knows that without that damn thief he would lose his reason to live. To imagine, Lupin might just feel the same if he lost him? It's too much, and he's not feeling good anyway, so Zenigata slides back down under the thick covers, stares at the fire again. "And, err, thanks. For saving me... without you, I would have been a goner for sure." he's not too proud to admit that!

Me:
Goemon is not into mental chess as all the others so he may not know what Zenigata does know, simply pleased the man balks away from his truly appalling thoughts. He waits patiently for him to try and find a response, but him retreating into the futon is just as well. "You are welcome," he says, his scowl finally relaxing. "How are you feeling?"

Gf:
"Like I got a fever. 'S weird, cuz I know I should be cold, but I'm just burning up," Zenigata grumbles, looking back over toward Goemon. "But what about you, huh? You were out in that storm too!"

Me:
"That's how fevers work," Goemon says so flatly it'd be impossible to tell if he was joking or not. He blinks when he's looked at. "I did not fall into the snow, and I have put my body through intense training. Some cold would not be enough to get me sick." He stands up. "I will get you some medicine and ice. Do not move." And that's Zenigata getting an eyeful of that firm ass all over again as Goemon goes get everything he'll need to tend to that fever!

Gf:
Oh by the damn kami!!!! Zenigata can't help but stare, only just barely manages to wrest his eyes away in time to avoid being caught in his gawking, he hopes. "Huh... Maybe I'll have to ask you for some tips! I can't work at my best if some snow gets me like this..." He squirms under the thick comforter, somehow restless even with the exhaustion of the fever cranking its way through him.

Me:
When's the last time you let yourself gawk like this, huh, old man? "And help our enemy?" Goemon asks, ever dry, once he returns. He refills Zenigata's cup so he may have something to down the pills with, and leaves a bowl with iced water and a rag in it. With that done, he goes light up the small stove at the back of the cabin. Zenigata will need good food, too, if he's to recover his strength.

Gf:
"Hah... guess yer right!" Zenigata barks, amused by the dryness of what he assumes is his humor. Either way, it's pretty funny. He eyes the medicine, considers Goemon might be trying to poison him for only a second. The samurai is way too honorable for anything like that.

He'd be dead already if that's what he wanted, like he said. So he downs the pills with the delicious tea, sighing in satisfaction as the warmth settles in his stomach again. He hasn't had the chance to sit back and relax like this for a while, even if it's because he's sick... So he can't help staring at Goemon as he works, in awe over how effortlessly handsome he is, even if a bit silly in the traditional fundoshi.

Me:
It does make Goemon smile, if just ever so slightly, that Zenigata catches on. He muses while he cooks; perhaps he ought to be more worried in their situation - a sick foe to tend to and no contact for however long the storm lasts - but there's truly nothing about it that's insurmountable. There's food for weeks, with only two mouths to feed, and he knows Jigen, Lupin and Fujiko can find their own way to safety. Their stockpile includes plenty brought over from Japan, so Goemon needn't even worry about having to settle for anything he dislikes. All this will take is patience, and he's got plenty of that. 

He's good and focused as he cooks, giving Zenigata plenty of time to stare, and plenty of time to look away once he makes to grab the bowls and serve the food. He's bringing them over to sit by the futon again, handing one to the inspector along with a pair of chopsticks.

Gf:
Zenigata is not a man known for his patience, that's for sure, but his body is gonna force him to have some now. He looks away from Goemon, over toward one of the windows, where the snow can be seen piling higher and higher outside, in massive drifts barely visible through the frantic flurry. When he returns to his side, Zenigata looks back over to him, and the food... it smells amazing, and his stomach growls loudly. He grabs it, greedy and eager, and barely manages a hurried, "Itadakimasu!!!" before he's shoveling it into his mouth, grumbling his delight. The Japanese food makes him nostalgic and homesick in the best of ways, tears of joy coming to his eyes, and he sniffles as he scarfs it down, thinking of his dear mother... he hopes she isn't worrying too much about him!!

Me:
Good thing Goemon has it in spades. He smiles when Zenigata's stomach announces its hunger, and just a fraction wider when the man welcomes the food. He mutters a softer itadakimasu of his own. He eats his share with quite more self-control, watching Zenigata wolf his own down. He feels a shade of concern at those tears, but he won't question Zenigata about them. He'll at least allow him the meal in peace.

Gf:
Zenigata doesn't slow down for a minute, when the bowl is almost empty and he wants to savor the last few bites. He sniffles, swallows, and says, "You know, with food like this... I bet you'd make a real good husband, if ya ever settled down! Bahahaha!" He digs in for more, clearing out the whole bowl save a few stray grains of rice.

Me:
Goemon's about to ask if he wants any seconds, but he's choking with surprise instead. He flushes and flusters and hopes there's no way that the thought of Jigen would show on his face, though it'd be strange to fluster so without anyone in mind, huh! "Is that... so..." He clears his throat. "Do you want more?"

Gf:
Jigen, who always scarfs down Goemon's cooking with enthusiasm, too... Zenigata can tell he's struck a nerve of some kind, and his heart lurches as he thinks that's cute before he can stop himself. He stares, then seems to remember himself, looks down to his empty bowl and nods, offering it back toward Goemon. "Yeah, thanks. It's, err, it's delicious."

Me:
It always fills Goemon's heart with warmth, when they get to share a meal instead of cooking individually... But that's neither here nor there! His awkward flush only grows deeper under Zenigata's stare, and he's quick to swipe the bowl and get up to bring him another serving. "... thank you." Maybe that warms his heart a little, too, and it reassures him that the inspector will make it back to good health in no time. He comes with another serving, holding it out with a small smile and most of his blushing under control.

Gf:
What a nice smile... Zenigata is finding himself transfixed by it, really, kind of amazed that any man could be this beautiful, let alone a criminal. But he is the most virtuous and honorable of them, isn't he? He accepts the second helping with a bow of his head and digs in for more, makes happy, gulping grumbles around his gobbles.

Me:
Goemon rests easy now that he needn't fear Zenigata bring the topic of marriage back up. He can instead focus on the man himself and the rare peace they find themselves in. He's never resented him, despite being their enemy - nay, he appreciates having a worthy adversary, driving them to further heights and feats of skill. There's no doubt he would keep the man alive even without the specter of Lupin's possible dismay. He tries not to stare, glancing from his food every now and then.

Gf:
Zenigata grumbles as he eats this bowl down slower than the first, looking up at Goemon in turn, curious and fascinated by him. It's not long before he finishes it off, looking drowsy and satisfied as he sets the bowl down and rubs at his belly, sighing. "Wow. Haven't had a meal that good in a while, I gotta say!"

Me:
Whenever their gazes meet, Goemon is quick to glance away, caught in the Act!! After enough times he settles for simply focusing on his food, though it's quickly empty, and Zenigata's calling his attention again, besides. He scowls. "This is why you've fallen sick," he scolds, ever the old man despite his youth!! "You cannot hope to be a match for us if you don't keep your body strong."

Gf:
"I guess yer right... But it's not like I can afford it, on the road," Zenigata muses, sighs, and sinks back down into the futon, bunching the comforter up under his chin. He shivers, looks at Goemon. "You should get into bed soon, too... Doesn't look very warm, walking around like that!"

Me:
Goemon's aura of disapproval cannot be dispelled by such a weak excuse! But at least, under his watch, Zenigata can receive the care he requires. He takes the bowls and stands up again, cocking his head as he regards Zenigata curiously. "I'll stay awake a moment longer. I want to keep watch over your condition." Still, he DOES have to sleep soon... He has to wash these bowls first, though, which he does, leaving them to dry before going to check for another futon.

... and finding none. Hm. He would imagine this to be one of Lupin's schemes to get Fujiko to lay with him, as if she wouldn't simply kick him out and leave him to sleep alone in front of the fire.

Gf:
"Alright..." Zenigata harrumphs as he settles in nice and comfy, turns his head to watch Goemon with sleepy eyes, expecting him to pull out another futon... But there's not one, and his face burns as he thinks about what that might mean... "... No other bed, huh?" he asks, and blames the burning on his fever.

Me:
It wouldn't be the first time situations have called to sleep all crammed together, but never before has he lain with an enemy, so to speak. He closes the wardrobe with an air of resignation. "Do not worry. I'll keep by the fire until my kimono dries. It shouldn't be long now."

Gf:
"Hey, it's alright, we can, err..." Zenigata bumbles over his words, sits up a bit and scooches over, holding up the edge of the futon and squirming his legs away from the cold air it brings. "Let's just share, okay? There's plenty of room, so it's, it's... fine."

Me:
Goemon's eyebrows go Up. "... I can sleep over the blanket." Anything to keep some sort of barrier between them... Just to be respectful!!

Gf:
"Then you'd still be cold!" Zenigata chides, and holds the comforter up higher, brows coming together and lower lip pouting as he insists, "Come on, we're both men!" he says it dismissively, but the statement makes his mind wander and his cock throb with interest as he thinks, yes, we are both men aren't we!

Me:
How the tables turn! Goemon is successfully chided, his head ducking down. He would let Zenigata know it matters not, he's certainly not limited by such trifling things as heterosexuality, but he would also not want the inspector to think he's attracted enough to try anything. Oh dear, this is so much to think of when all they're speaking of is a little sleep! He relents with a sigh. "Very well." He slips into the futon, making sure to stay as near the edge as he possibly can. Hm.

Gf:
Zenigata grins when Goemon relents, and as soon as the man is tucked in, his heart pounds... But he manages to settle back down, mostly because the fever does its work in making him very sleepy. "There... now we can share body heat, alla that..." he grumbles, even as his eyelids droop, head dropping back on the long pillow. He really feels safe here, in the snowy cabin with Goemon beside him, a warm meal in his stomach and a roaring fire close by to keep them warm.

Me:
Goemon is flushing so deeply he's quite sure it'll last him the night - the blanket feels overbearing already. He waits until Zenigata's breathing slows and evens down, then finally turns to look at him. He's never had him this close for this long, let alone when the man is close to anything resembling peace. He watches him for a long time, true to his word, but he supposes taking in every little detail of the inspector's face is more than he assured. His eyes trace the wrinkles and grey hairs that bespeak of the man's age and experience, the thick eyelashes that would be hard to miss even from a distance. He'd always heard Lupin's taunts about Zenigata looking handsome on some particular evening, but only now does he realize they may not have been taunts at all. 

With a sudden flush he turns away, rolling onto his side. He's a light sleeper - he'll wake up just fine should Zenigata stir.

Gf:
Zenigata sleeps pretty heavily, himself, in sore need of the rest, and protected by the vigilance of the samurai at his side... He won't stir awake for a good long while, soon snoring away as he falls into a deep, feverish sleep.

Me:
peace.......
until zenigata's fever hits hard

Gf:
O O F
comes back in the morning with a vengeance... poor guy is delusional

Me:
goemon who was ready to just Meditate these days away: oh fuck
touches zenigata's forehead and the man is Boiling
cursing himself like Vigilance could've stopped zenigata's body from going Bonkers
goemon…

Gf:
hes barely awake and just mumbling nonsense while pawing a hand up from under the futon to  grab blearily at Goemon's wrist

Me:
!
"Zenigata?"
he... Lets him grab him

Gf:
"Mmnghhgghhhhhh... 'M... don't.. feel good..." he slurs, barely able to make sense, his hand unable to get a proper grip on Goemon's wrist, ends up in more of a weak stroking at the inside of it as he rolls closer under the sweaty confines of the comforter

Me:
even his hand is Too Damn Warm. still, Goemon's so touch starved the stroking sends a shudder through him.
"Your fever is spiking. Wait here." He rolls over to the bowl with the rag and while the ice's now melted the water's cold enough to serve. "Here." he hurries to squeeze most of it out, then turns to place the cloth on Zenigata's sweaty forehead.

Gf:
Zenigata huffs, barely understands what's going on, just doesnt want Goemon to leave and he whines his protest but has no strength to pursue him when he rolls away... At least he's back soon with that cool rag that makes his confused, disoriented moaning quiet itself into softer whines. He squints blearily toward Goemon, and in his current state, he swears the man looks like an angel, all radiant and terrifying in his beauty. Zenigata's heart pounds.

Me:
Goemon uses his water-cool hands to urge Zenigata right onto his back. "You'll be alright," he says, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. He squeezes the old man's shoulders to try and emphasize he must remain still, then tugs the blanket off half-way to help cool him off. "Stay there," he orders, just in case, because he can't force Zenigata to stay in the futon and fetch him more medicine at the same time.

Gf:
Zenigata is hard to convince in a good state, but those hands are as miraculous as the rest of the man, stilling him and clearing the manic fever in his eyes for a moment. He just sits with his elbows propped on the futon and stares after Goemon in a quiet wonder, head cocked and heart pounding, cool droplets of water running down his face from the towel on his head. "Mmngh...ghgg.."

Me:
Goemon doesn't quite know what to do under such a stare, so he will simply do what he knows he can - more pills, some water for Zenigata to down them with. He chastises himself out of his urge to prepare some tea; the man ill needs more heat in his body! He brings some more rags, too, to dampen with water and place them over Zenigata's chest if he'll allow.

Gf:
If it was tea prepared by Goemon, Zenigata would have downed it in an instant. The water is welcome to his suddenly parched throat, though, and he tosses the pills back with a shaking hand followed by a few hard chugs from the glass. He feels more lucid now, though the fever is ravaging him still, and he flops onto his back, closing his eyes and shifting the futon down to get away from the overbearing heat. The cool press of the towels on his bare chest make him groan and melt with a satisfied smile, slurring out, "Oh, that feels pretty good..." in a dizzied way, arms laying splayed at either side of him.

Me:
Goemon watches like a hawk, and breathes easier once the medicine is taken. He will make sure to fetch Zenigata a pitcher so he may drink as much as he needs, and in all his hurrying back and forth he finally remembers to put his kimono back on. He must remain warm without resorting to the fire! He stands there, pensive as he ties up his obi. "... I'll draw you a bath." It'll be a challenge and a half, without any running water in the cabin, but that's fine. The water needn't go above lukewarm.

Gf:
Zenigata's eyes follow Goemon  between his slow, tired blinks, watching him get dressed again, and somehow the intimacy of it is more than when he was walking around nearly nude... "A bath?" he echoes, and his voice is very far off and tinny in his ears. It does sound nice, to soak in some water and cool off…

Me:
Almost like dressing up after a good rolling around with him in that futon, huh? Goemon wouldn't know anything about that, and even if he did, he's busy trying to keep Zenigata safe from his own immunological system. He rolls the wooden tub in from a storage room in the back, and then hurries to get bucketfuls of snow in to begin melting them down over the stove without letting too much of it get blown in by the wind. Truly a challenge, but he's dealt with worse!

Gf:
Zenigata watches Goemon move about with a glassy gaze, and as the delirium of the fever swells again he begins to feel very small and childlike, shrinking down into the futon as he stares at the cold flurries whipping in from the door. "Brrrr," he says, even though he cannot feel the chill, rubbing at his upper arms in loose, confused motions.

Me:
Perhaps the most endearing of the inspector's states yet, but Goemon hasn't the mind to marvel at it. The stove alone won't help fill the bath quickly enough, so he moves to stoke the fire to life just enough to help melt the snow in what containers he can find. He keeps glancing over at Zenigata while he works, and he refills his cup, pushes it to him. "Drink. You must keep yourself hydrated."

Gf:
The Inspector is surprised when attention is directed to him again, and he takes the cup out of sheer reflex when it is offered toward him, drinking deeply. He only half understands what's going on in his current state, but his body screams with relief as he drinks, so he'll keep on doing that.

Me:
At least the fever hasn't reached any point that the man can't even drink on his own, and that's reassuring. Goemon then hurries to check on the kettle and pot he's got on the stove, then goes just as quickly to pour them into the tub. He works like this in a reassuring rhythm - collecting snow, placing it on or in front of a fire, refilling Zenigata's cup, back to the fires... He's got the tub filled with almost cool water sooner rather than later, and he sighs with relief. He turns to Zenigata. "The bath is ready. Come now."

Gf:
The rhythm, Goemon's sturdy nature, it's reassuring, too, helping Zenigata relax even the uncomfortable aching throes of his fever. He nods blearily when Goemon tells him to come, and he wobbles to his feet, unsteady and swaying as he makes his way toward the bath. He's still got enough presence of mind to have a small measure of shame and keep on his boxers as he grabs the edge of the tub, staring down at it and then looking over to Goemon. "In here...?" he asks, uncertain.

Me:
There's something about that, about how he asks, asks him , that makes Goemon's heart lurch just how it does whenever a maiden offers him a teary gaze and a pleading request. Right now, short of helping him capture Lupin, he would be willing to do anything for the man. "Yes," he says with a nod, his voice soft... Though, while Zenigata may preserve some sense of shame, Goemon is only thinking about how he'll need to get out of those eventually. "You can take those off," he says, trying to keep his flustering away. "We're both men," he echoes, as if he were the man who has the exact same thing in his fundoshi, or had ever seen another man naked at all.

Gf:
Zenigata blinks over to Goemon, looks down to his boxers, and grins sheepishly, reaching down for the band to pull them away and let them fall around his skinny ankles. His cock is flaccid but certainly large, still, curled up sleepily in his nest of dark pubes. He looks at Goemon, his heart pounding like a drum in his ribs, then crawls up to slip into the bath without any further standing around or gawking. He gasps and grits his teeth at the cool feel, but it comforts after a moment, and he sinks down deeper inside, sighing long and low.

Me:
Goemon tries to look away, on his honor, he does - but he doesn't do it fast enough not to see, and his tell-tale flush reaches his throat (and further below) right as his eyes tear away. He waits, hands on the edge of the tub, until he hears Zenigata’s settled down proper, and turns his eyes back to him out of simple concern for his condition. Nothing to it, how his eyes travel up the man's hairy torso and up to his face. "Good." A beat, and he looks down at the discarded underwear. "... I can set them to dry, if you want to wash them." He feels a little foolish, offering to get them wet after saving them from the tub, but it'd be hard to actually wash them if they still were on Zenigata, no?

Gf:
"Haaaaahh... you really would make a good husband, even offering to do my wash for me... hhahahahaaaa.." Zenigata mumbles with a goofy smile over toward Goemon, the cool bath doing a fine job at clearing him up enough to manage clear words, but he's certainly still hazy from the fever.

Me:
That only makes Goemon fluster all the harder, his head ducking down. He acknowledges the words with a simple nod and takes the boxers with him as he goes to melt some more snow - he could wash them perfectly fine in the tub, but he needs a moment away from Zenigata, he thinks, and the way he's making his heart thrum.

Gf:
"Thanks..." Zenigata takes to the space with slight nerves, now attached to Goemon's presence, and in his feverish haze he can hardly say why, he just needs him, but... He's a grown man, he can be alone in a tub, even while thinking about Goemon washing his underthings. It's so ridiculously intimate, makes his stomach flip to think about, and he sinks lower into the tub, submerging his chin and mouth to blow bubbles in the water and stare toward Goemon's back, the flickering firefight on the side of his face. Huh…

Me:
Almost like when he used to still live with his wife, hm? Before Lupin went and made him leave it all behind... Goemon tries not to think too hard about the current state of affairs, and fails badly. He's gotten used to a certain degree of domesticity with the others, on those times they all lay low together instead of splitting and going every which way. Even comments about how useful he'd be in a marriage weren't unique, not with Lupin's cheery joking, but this is nothing of the sort, no, not with Zenigata's earnestness behind the words. At least the washing is done quickly, and Goemon can hang the underthings to dry near the fire, which he stokes up to life once more. "Are you feeling better?" he asks, without looking up.

Gf:
He will definitely think of that later once his mind is not so fevered, but as it is, he can only focus on submerging himself in the cool water that is doing a great deal of help in sucking the heat out of him. He nods, gazing at Goemon still, transfixed by his beauty that seems historic, a kind of attractiveness captured by old woodblock prints. "Yeah... 'm okay now... Was just, burning up like crazy!"

Me:
Goemon feels Zenigata's eyes on him, making the hairs on his nape raise. He stares deep at the fire to avoid gazing in return and feeds it another log, making the shadows dance as the flames lick at it. "Good... are you well enough to eat?"

Gf:
"Mmm... In a minute, I think," Zenigata replies, sitting up more in the water, his broad shoulders and hairy chest running with water, droplets getting caught in the dark forest. "Wanna stay in here a lil longer."

Me:
"Of course." He has to prepare it anyway! He gets up and finally gathers enough of his strength to look at the man again and Ah. He takes a Deep breath and tears his eyes away from the way those droplets reflect the flickering of the flames. "How does miso soup sound?"

Gf:
"Miso soup... yeah, that sounds delicious!" Zenigata replies, enthused, grinning from ear to ear, the sleepy droop of his eyes widening a bit as he thinks of the comforting flavor... It's just what he needs. "Thanks, Goemon..."

Me:
Goemon can't help the smile that tugs at his lips. It gives him a perhaps dangerous amount of joy, that he may bring more than simple relief to Zenigata, that he may make him smile like that... "You are welcome," he replies, and gets to cooking, soon filling the cabin with the smell of home.

Gf:
"Eeehehhehe.." Delirious enough in fever to let his giddy giggle slip at the sight of Goemon's smile, and he sinks forward, crossing his hairy arms over the edge of the tub and gazing sleepily at him as he cooks. So handsome, and seeing him working so dutifully at the stove gives him a clench of nostalgia, aching for married life again. Maybe he can just pretend hard enough…

Me:
Goemon will not think deeply about what that giggle means... but he looks up from the pot and catches sight of Zenigata staring at him. It does something to his stomach, something it usually only does at the sight of Jigen. He hurries back to the soup, stirring it with perhaps a bit more enthusiasm than necessary, and surely the red on his face and ears is simply the heat of the stove!

Gf:
Zenigata grins when their eyes meet, wonders about that flush... but he cant linger on the thoughts for too long in his current state, and he slumps back down into the water with a happy sigh at the cool, lapping sensation.
"Beer would be nice right now... hrmrmghh..."

Me:
It's a relief to hear Zenigata's attention moving on to anything else. "It would only worsen your condition," he says. So Responsible! After adding some ingredients and some simmering, the soup is finally done, and he's serving the bowls. He sits by the tub and offers Zenigata's his. No need to get out if it's helping him feel better.

Gf:
Zenigata grumbles in assenting reply, rolling his shoulders, and reaches out with both hands for the bowl, grinning with delight. "Itadakimasu!" he says, before lifting the bowl and gulping down a nice warm mouthful. It's good, comforting and not too hot. "Mmmmmm..." his thick eyelashes flutter as the familiar taste blooms in his mouth.

Me:
Goemon is grateful nothing else needs his attention, the better to keep an eye on Zenigata, and yet... he also wishes anything else could at least offer a momentary distraction. Even looking away from the inspector does only so much, his delight too loud to ignore, or the way it fills Goemon with more warmth than the soup or fire could. He hopes the storm will let up soon…

Gf:
Zenigata finishes the soup quickly and sighs with satisfaction as it warms his belly, his burning body cooling in the tub. His knees stick out of the water as he lounges back in it again, large and gangly and awkward as ever, but comfortable enough. "That was the stuff... delicious, Goemon!"

Me:
Goemon glances over to him, keeping his eyes firmly on his face. "I am glad you enjoyed it." It's good to see him in such spirits. Hopefully the scare of earlier won't happen again.

Gf:
He certainly seems to be feeling much better!!!
He'll be climbing out of the bath soon enough with a large, sleepy yawn, too tired to be embarrassed about his nudity now as he stands up in the tub and asks, "Is there a towel around...?"

Me:
OH NO,,,
Goemon will sputter and catch sight of that cock again and by the kami he's proportional. "Yes, I'll get it for you." He nearly trips, that flustered he is, and shuffles to bring Zenigata a towel, which he hands over at arm's length with his gaze flicked away.

Gf:
Zenigata remembers himself when Goemon has such a reaction, maybe even proud that his prick could do something like that to the stoic samurai. He gives him a sheepish smile even if he's not looking at him, reaches out to take the towel while thanking him again in a quieter voice. Their fingers touch for the first time, and the sensation is electric, making Zenigata's hair bristle and his hand linger for a moment... but he hurries to take the towel away, and climbs out of the bath to towel himself down and wrap it around his waist.

Me:
The hair on the back of Goemon's neck bristles again, and he doesn't think he quite understands anything anymore. Or simply he understands Lupin too well, now. "I'm going to clean Zantetsuken," he announces loudly and marches to where the sword's been lying this whole time, by the futon, and retreats to the darkest corner of the cabin. It always helps relax him, going through the motions of caring for it, and he needs it now more than ever.

Gf:
The Inspector watches him go with a hard surge of desire; he wants to reach out and take him, to pull his clothes back off that firm body and taste his skin with his greedy mouth... But even as he thinks it, the exhaustion overtakes him, and the twinge of his cock tapers into the promise of a heated memory for later. "Alright... I think I'm gonna, err, lay down for a while longer," he hums, slurred and sleepy. He wobbles his way toward the futon and flops down on it, over the covers, limbs splayed like a starfish to let the last of his wet skin dry off.

Me:
Oh, the fit Lupin would throw if he knew of where Zenigata's attentions have swung! Goemon lets out a grunt of acknowledgement and glances over and oh,,, dear. Hm. He's quick to focus back on Zantetsuken and ignore the inspector's very naked body splayed like that. It'll be a long few days, huh…

Gf:
YEAH IT WILL... damn storm isnt letting up

Me:
Goemon: can only clean zantetsuken so many times
he'll just... meditate a Lot........
and while he could quite literally do it All Day he's the one who has to remember to give zenigata his pills and prepare food,,,

Gf:
yeah... at least Zenigata seems to be improving. sometimes it will be a bit worse for a little but the fever is breaking consistently and being well fed and looked after is improving his strength
and giving him boners...
he wants Goemon to share the futon with him again but,

Me:
bet he does
but can he trust his Own Dick

Gf:
he knows he can't.

Me:
treasonous prick..............
[rimshot]

Gf:
it stirs just thinking about sharing a bed with goemon

Me:
push that down sir there's absolutely no privacy here! not even the snow-buried outhouse. only a bucket and the storeroom here.

Gf:
HE DOES HIS BEST. there's no other choice besides ignoring it

Me:
goemon sleeps sat down by the fire. this is Fine.

Gf:
hhh,
Zenigata just gazing longingly at him from behind..

Me:
its all about the pining

Gf:
THERE'S SO MUCH OF IT!!!

Me:
SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!
goemon's just doing his best to think about how once he's taken care of zenigata and the blizzard is gone they'll just have to go on their merry way and things will go back to normal and his heart will be able to CHILL OUT

Gf:
YEAH SURE OF COURSE

Me:
OF COURSE!!!!!!!
he doesn't feel a twinge of morose dread once the first hint of sunlight finally makes it in through the small windows
not at all!!

Gf:
they'll totally forget all about this,,,
Zenigata has actually forgotten a lot of it thanks to the fever but the feelings... the FEELINGS

Me:
crying thank u fever
goemon will forget when he's back in jigen's presence and getting leered at by lupin but it will always be there... SIMMERING......

Gf:
HEHEHEHEHE

Me:
under the surface.........

Gf:
Zenigata would give him one last earnest and almost tearful farewell once they part

Me:
GOD... MY HEART!!!
would he ask to share at least one more meal together

Gf:
yes.... hes going to miss that food so Much

Me:
😭😭😭
goemon: doesn't even wonder if going out to hunt something Fresh is a little weird cuz he wants to at least give zenigata something that hasn't been sitting in a pantry for like a year

he'll make a warm hearty stew for their trek back down the mountain

Gf:
c r i e

Me:
comes back with a couple rabbits which he gets to skinning and quartering so neatly it's almost ritualistic

Gf:
whoaaa... zenigata watches the process with fascination, never really having seen something like it before
gory but the respect with which Goemon does it is fascinating
"You're good at that!"

Me:
He killed the rabbits with a precise blow with zantetsuken's scabbard so their snow-white fur is completely unmarred... he's already thinking of preparing the pelts for fujiko to make them into some fancy gloves. not that he likes giving her gifts or anything.
the praise catches him off-guard. "Ah... thank you."

Gf:
she would Adore that, wouldn't she!!

Zenigata grins at him, and nods, rolls up the sleeves of his shirt that he's put on now that it isn't frozen stiff with snow. "Need help getting anything ready? I'm feeling a lot better now, so I can do more than just lay around waiting for you to feed me!"

Me:
he can already imagine her delighted squealing...............
but such imaginings are interrupted! he swallows down the words that'd insist he enjoys cooking for zenigata, and instructs him instead: "There's dry vegetables in the storeroom. You could get them in the pot."

Gf:
oh Goemon u are screwed

Me:
absolutely boned

Gf:
Zenigata does just that, returning quickly with the veggies and a smile
he tosses them in the pot and brushes his hands off, puffing his chest out. He Helped!!!

Me:
he did!!!!!! isnt he PROUD
did he ever help his wife with cooking, back in the day, or was he always just So Busy With Work, huh

Gf:
he did, back at the beginning
before he let that stupid family destiny of being the best detective consume him

Me:
😭
and then when lupin came into the picture.......... it was Over
but now, at least, he can watch goemon prepare the meat and dump it into the pot to simmer, adding more spices and keeping intense watch over it... like he won't forgive himself if This one is ruined
as if that had happened with any of their previous meals

Gf:
the intensity and focus with which Goemon does anything follows him right into cooking, and Zenigata's heart is warmed by the sight...
he chatters along as the food simmers, dodging around the subject of Lupin and What Happens Next like he has since he started becoming more lucid... just talking about all the snow and grumbling to himself about nothing in particular

Me:
goemon is used to staying quiet and letting the chatter happen around him, so he doesn't give more than a vague hum here and there. He doesn't want to ask about the What Nows any more than zenigata does, so he simply avoids it by saying nothing. no need to ruin what's already a precarious situation... they just need one final moment of peace to enjoy their meal.

Gf:
it will be a moment that Zenigata will make last as long as possible

Me:
Pain

Gf:
after the chaos of the fever, waiting out the storm with Goemon has been... peaceful

Me:
when was the last time u truly knew peace huh inspector

Gf:
dont ask that question

Me:
<:3

Gf:
the answer hurts because it's been way too long,,

Me:
<:3
goemon would at least be filled w so much Joy to know he has been the eye in the storm that is zenigata's life

Gf:
maybe he says something to that effect like
"It's been... kinda nice. Being trapped here with you. Getting away from… everything."

Me:
ough......... 

goemon's heart just [clench]
"... I've enjoyed it, also. Though not so much when you boiled from the inside out."

Gf:
"Hah. You helped me through that just fine, didn't ya! And it's been, peaceful, yeah? Just the two of us..." Zenigata sighs, smiling over toward the simmering pot of stew that already permeates their cabin with a delicious aroma that he'll still be thinking of, months later…

Me:
Goemon smiles despite himself. "Yes. Peace can often be found on the mountains." he wonders if he and zenigata will get to leave before the others arrive... Goemon hopes they do. he would not want to raise his blade against him so soon.

Gf:
"Maybe someday I'll come back to the mountains... With a better coat, bahahahahaha!!" he's doing his best not to think of what would happen, if Lupin and the others showed their faces here before they have the chance to leave

Me:
How that makes Goemon's heart twinge! "A better coat would certainly be the least you'd need." he stares at the bubbling of the stew as he stirs and hopes the others simply wait. They have a meal to get through! which he's serving into their bowls, handing one to Zenigata with something too close to the comfort of familiarity

Gf:
Zenigata accepts the bowl, and he stares down at it with a simpering sort of affection. "Thanks for the food," he says, for what he thinks is the last time, and he lifts the bowl to drink the hearty broth, to hide the tears pricking hotly at his eyes.

Me:
broth as salty as his tears
goemon takes his own bowl and mutters a soft thanks of his own... but he pauses.
"Let's eat outside."
there's an old log, dry enough to sit on. the mountain is beautiful right now.

Gf:
Zenigata looks up over his bowl with wide, surprised eyes... and he nods, trying to hide how the emotion bubbles inside him. He takes his bowl and goes with Goemon to sit and enjoy their stew in the brisk mountain air, gazing at the view and trying to commit every moment to memory

Me:
Goemon is better at keeping his emotions under check, but it proves difficult. He remains in silence as they eat, refusing to look at Zenigata, afraid of what the sight of him enjoying his food one last time may do to him.

Gf:
Zenigata gets as many looks in as he can, desperate to savor the last of these dreamlike moments they've found here, alone with each other... he eats his stew slower than any of the other meals Goemon has served him.

Me:
However slowly they both eat, the food will be done eventually. Still, they can stall plenty, with Goemon asking if Zenigata wants any seconds once his bowl is empty. They'll need the food for the trek down!

Gf:
"Yeah, definitely. I'm starvin'," Zenigata agrees quickly, his heart pounding, greedy for every last moment he can get before all this ends.

Me:
Goemon can't help looking at him as he takes his bowl, and his own heart lurches loudly. He doesn't hurry, for once, as he goes back in and comes back out with their fresh servings. He hands one back to Zenigata, hoping for a brush of their fingers as much as dreading it.

Gf:
Zenigata makes to grab for the bowl in a purposeful way, just for their fingers to touch as he takes it, he needs it--and he sighs, staring up at Goemon's face with a wild intensity, the emotion coursing through him. "Thanks, Goemon," he grumbles, and pulls away before the moment becomes too much and he does something he'll regret.

Me:
Goemon can do nothing to hide the goosebump the contact sends through him other than hope it looks like the cold of the mountain air got to him. It's nothing but the cold making the heat rush to his cheeks and ears, too, when his and Zenigata's eyes meet. He sits back on down, just a smidge farther away than before, tense and working hard on keeping his breathing steady. 
Enough. He is being foolish.

Gf:
Foolish, indeed... But Zenigata wishes he had sat closer, the distance is noticed and it makes him sad. "It's nice out here," he says, hoping his weak attempt at small talk isn't infuriating... But Goemon's put up with him this long, hasn't he?

Me:
The distance will grow again. It will only make it worse to try to close it right before they part. "... it is," he replies softly, looking out to the trees covered in snow, sparkling in the weak sunlight, to the other peaks in the distance. He nearly forgets he should be finishing his meal.

Gf:
Zenigata does too, for a minute. He's stuck looking at Goemon in the outside light and wondering what all this really meant.

Me:
Whatever it means, they cannot dwell on it. Goemon's bowl is empty before he knows it, and he realizes it'll soon be time. "Wait here," he says and trudges back in. A moment later, he returns with Zenigata's gun and cuffs, and holds them out. Zantetsuken sits inside the cabin, still.

Gf:
Zenigata waits, grumbling, "okay," and he sits in the deafening non-silence of the wind whistling through the mountains, his heart pounding in his ears and an odd lurching in his chest. Maybe he's just sick, still. He looks back up when Goemon returns, and he stands up, stares down at his hands. He looks back up, reaches out to take them, this time careful not to let their skin touch for more than the briefest of moments and even that is too much. 

"Goemon..." He lifts his eyes, looks down into his face, and he tucks his gun away, stuffs his cuffs in a pocket. "I guess I owe ya one. Or a hundred, eh? Hahah..." the laughter has little mirth.

Me:
Wouldn't that make things easier, still being sick, ensuring a longer stay... but Goemon's taken stellar care of him, and Zenigata's healthier and better fed than he's been all on his own. Goemon's sullen as he regards him now, his heart beating hollow, like a rattling in his ribs. It only grows more ragged when the inspector doesn't make to instantly arrest him. "I only did what you would've done," he says, with full surety of it.

Gf:
The thought doesn't even cross his mind, too busy fighting all the other confusing things that are swarming around it now. He wants to kiss Goemon. He wants to throw the cuffs into the snow along with his badge and leave everything behind and just say screw it and live in the mountains with his samurai forever.

But he can't.
Lupin III is still at large.

"Guess I better get goin' then." He turns, and makes to start the tredge down the mountain, pulling the collar of his jacket high and glancing over his shoulder to see if Goemon will be accompanying him.

Me:
Zenigata could choose to do those things... but would Goemon stay? Would he leave Lupin III and everything he entails, for him?
They're questions better left unanswered.
Goemon wishes he could at least offer Zenigata clothing better suited for the journey, but a warm belly is all he can do. His chest feels tight, like the thin mountain air's finally caught up to him. "... do you know the way?"

Gf:
"Yeah, well enough now, without the blizzard." He points in the general direction of the way down the mountain, toward the small village at the foot of it. Zenigata stops in his tracks, though, hesitating as he feels like there's one last thing he wants to say.

Me:
"Good," Goemon mutters, meaning it very little, but knowing it's better this way. He reaches for the comfort of Zantetsuken at his hip and finds it gone, leaving him gripping the air with a tight fist. He stares at Zenigata, wanting to say something too, but the words choke in his throat.

Gf:
"... Sayonara, Goemon," is what Zenigata settles for, tugging the brim of his hat down over his eyes to hide how misty they get, and he hurries off down the mountain as if he could escape his own buzzing thoughts.

Me:
Goemon says nothing, for he fears his voice will crack if he does. He watches Zenigata go until he's nothing but a speck in the distance. Only then does he pick the inspector's discarded bowl and chopsticks and return inside, where he washes them, puts them away. He opens the little windows to air out the cabin, get rid of the faint musk of cigarette smoke and sweat that still clings to the old wood. He'll wash the futon and the blanket and set them to dry in the sunlight then retreat back to the cabin, take Zantetsuken in hand, and sit down to meditate.

He'll wait a few more days before the climb down, to make sure they don't run into each other again.