#i had a visceral reaction to this specific ship prompt combo i'll have you know lol

[akirakirxaa]

shielding the other one with their body (Akira/Haurchefant)

[Touch Prompts here! *trying very hard not to get Vault flashbacks* So we're going cute today, yes? Yes. As ever, Haurch Lives AU.]

Akira curled in on herself, the aches and pains from that last fight in Ultima Thule flaring up as she moved, ensuring she knew without doubt that everything hadn't just been a dream. The sun seared the backs of her eyelids, and she yanked the covers up over her head to block it out. She heard a quiet chuckle nearby before extra weight sank the mattress down a little more, uncovering her head but pulling her into a warm chest, blocking the sun much more effectively. She settled more comfortably against him, eyes still closed.

"When did you get here?" her voice was a raspy rumble, throat still raw from her battle cries.

"Last night, while you were sleeping," Haurchefant gently rubbed his hand up and down her back, paying extra care not to press on the worst of her wounds. "I didn't want to wake you."

"I wish you would've," she mumbled, still too exhausted to do more than speak quietly and lean into his touch. She did have one worry though. "Amelie?"

"Between Ameliance and all of the Scions, we're not wanting for babysitters," he chuckled. "The twins set up their old room for her to sleep in and I think Tataru's already making her new clothes."

"Good." One hand searched blindly for a moment before settling on his cheek. Akira cracked her eyes open, his body still shielding them from the sun streaming through the window and lighting her room in the Annex, and met his. "I'm glad you're here." He pulled her closer and pressed his lips to her forehead, and she thought she felt his hands shake, just a little.

"Not as glad as I am that you're safe at home," he whispered. She hummed, half of a mind to keep speaking but fatigue and pains dragging her rapidly back down into her pillow, fighting the urge to close her eyes. "Sleep, I'll still be here when you wake."

She needed no further encouragement.