Disclaimer: Dekaranger is not mine
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The wound isn't serious. It won't even leave a scar. There's no reason for Hoji not to forget Ban's shot arm and go to sleep.
He's tried, but can't.
Ban's a notoriously light sleeper, so he knows he's taking a risk in letting his hand hover over the bandaged wound, but he can't help himself. He feels like a wet behind the ears rookie, getting upset over this. They're Deka, for God's sake. No matter how careful, there will be times when they fall in battle, and they will be damn lucky if they can pick themselves back up. He can't begin to remember how many times he's woken up in the med room after trying to take down an Alienizer. Compared to that, that powder burn on Ban's arm is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Except, of course, to him.
Because to him it's not a wound wrapped up neatly in white gauze, it's a reminder. That Ban wouldn't have gotten himself hurt at all if he'd just listened instead of rushing in like he always did, of the eventual fate that awaits all Deka who act like that... and that one day, most likely very soon, he'll be coming back after his battles to an empty bed.
"Partner?" Ban's awake, propping himself up on his good arm. "What're you still doing here? Don't you usually sneak back to your room by now?"
This is when he's supposed to say 'Don't call me partner' right before storming off, but doesn't have it in him tonight. "I'm tired. Move over, I'm spending the night."
"Really?" Ban grins like a moron and makes room. When Hoji lies down, he drapes the injured arm over him protectively.
"... Doesn't that hurt?"
"Eh? I guess so." And despite what he just said, he pulls him in a little closer. "To be honest, I'd forgotten all about it."
"You would."
"What's that?"
Hoji closes his eyes. "Nothing. Go to sleep."
