[ The past few months have been difficult, on so many new and unexpected levels. It's not all bad, of course, but in the wake of their changed dynamic, Tadashi seems dead-set on putting Ainosuke through his paces. Repent, make efforts, run Ainosuke ragged; this seems to be Tadashi's new modus operandi, but Ainosuke can't complain about the rewards of a job well-done.
Literally, Tadashi has taken to rewarding him for good behavior, like retraining a bad dog. Positive reinforcement, peppered throughout their days and nights. A stolen kiss here, a leashed collar there, and Ainosuke is suddenly so much more agreeable. Pliable. But that leniency extends to Tadashi alone.
It's not entirely self-interest either. Ainosuke seems to be slowly learning the good touches from the bad, and when Tadashi wants (or needs) each, and he's found himself surprisingly eager to give Tadashi whichever one he wants. That's slowly started bleeding out of their bedroom in unexpected ways. Like the difference between trouncing an opponent or sending them to the hospital. Or the subtle nuances of when he should show his hand during more high-stakes proceedings.
Though, thanks to Tadashi, he's always playing with a royal flush.
That was the reason for today's floral delivery, lost though that seems to be on Tadashi. Perhaps Ainosuke is trying out his own sort of positive reinforcement. He smiles, small but fondly indulgent, but doesn't look up from the bill he's been perusing. ]
Did you read the card?
[ It's easily missed, practically buried beneath the array of roses (and, if Tadashi cares to notice, quite a few red chrysanthemums). Just simple, embossed cardstock tucked beneath the ribbon at the base of the stems. A short message, in Ainosuke's tight, neat scrawl:
For my Eve <3
And just below, a tiny, adorable sketch of a snake, and an apple. ]
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🐍🍎
Literally, Tadashi has taken to rewarding him for good behavior, like retraining a bad dog. Positive reinforcement, peppered throughout their days and nights. A stolen kiss here, a leashed collar there, and Ainosuke is suddenly so much more agreeable. Pliable. But that leniency extends to Tadashi alone.
It's not entirely self-interest either. Ainosuke seems to be slowly learning the good touches from the bad, and when Tadashi wants (or needs) each, and he's found himself surprisingly eager to give Tadashi whichever one he wants. That's slowly started bleeding out of their bedroom in unexpected ways. Like the difference between trouncing an opponent or sending them to the hospital. Or the subtle nuances of when he should show his hand during more high-stakes proceedings.
Though, thanks to Tadashi, he's always playing with a royal flush.
That was the reason for today's floral delivery, lost though that seems to be on Tadashi. Perhaps Ainosuke is trying out his own sort of positive reinforcement. He smiles, small but fondly indulgent, but doesn't look up from the bill he's been perusing. ]
Did you read the card?
[ It's easily missed, practically buried beneath the array of roses (and, if Tadashi cares to notice, quite a few red chrysanthemums). Just simple, embossed cardstock tucked beneath the ribbon at the base of the stems. A short message, in Ainosuke's tight, neat scrawl:
For my Eve <3
And just below, a tiny, adorable sketch of a snake, and an apple. ]