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"Well, I think we have talked long enough."
It was a simple statement, but Shinya knew it had a triple meaning.
It was a sign that their discussion, at least with words alone, was over. It was warning, because the next several minutes were bound to be unpleasant. But, most importantly, it was a final chance for him to reject what Tsunagu was choosing to do.
But he had chosen, a few short minutes ago, that he already knew his answer. His stomach was twisting horribly, and being left with only a scolding would only make him feel even more guilty.
This situation was his own fault, and he wanted to be dealt with. Just promising he would be more careful would not be enough, and he knew Tsunagu was aware of this truth as well.
He was still staring at the floor, eying the intricate pattern on the rug. It was a pleasing pattern to look at, and he was lucky that once he was made to move, he would still be able to look at it.
"Yes, sir," he answered, his tone no longer stubborn and angry. If anything, it was now filled with a note of acceptance, and some regret over how he had acted that afternoon.
Maybe he was having a somewhat decent day, because Shinya did not fear he had gone too far. Tsunagu's words, while very stern, were so carefully woven that it would just make him look paranoid if he believed this was the end. He did at the beginning, admittedly, and he was going to accept his changed feelings until they were tested once again.
It also helped that he understood his actions were unacceptable, but not in a way that could be considered unfixable. Very few things were in Tsunagu's eyes, and Shinya knew he merely considered his actions just another thing he had to mend.
Others may had been offended at being considered something to fix, but Shinya knew it was just how Tsunagu saw the world. It was endearing in a way, despite the situation, that he was remaining true to himself.
Accepting that he was ready, he tore his eyes away from the floor. He looked at Tsunagu directly, proving with his expression that he was ready for whatever he had earned for what he had done less than an hour before.
He had to stop himself from looking away immediately, because Tsunagu still looked disappointed. His long collar did nothing to hide it, and he hated that he had caused such an expression to be aimed at him.
Tsunagu met his eyes for a fleeting moment, before he lifted his left hand and pulled off his two rings. He then slid them inside his jacket pocket, which he had opened with his quirk. He then slid it shut, ensuring that they would not go missing during his punishment.
At the same time, he looked over Shinya and the office door. Both of them had checked it, and the only reason they were doing this in Tsunagu's office was because most of the sidekicks were patrolling. And even if they were around, they all knew better than to barge in.
Tsunagu's actions were very simple, but it also was a moment of finality. Shinya would not have to wait much longer, which he was grateful for.
Once he was finished, Tsunagu did not pull him over immediately. He took both of his hands instead, which stopped Shinya from having to think. It was a blessing, since he was known for overthinking during an emotional situation, punishments included.
"Good," Tsunagu replied, his tone both calm and firm. "I have already informed my sidekicks that I have a personal matter to attend to, which gives me plenty of time to remind you why you must follow the rules you helped to create."
Shinya, who had removed his mask several minutes ago, was more aware of how his face reddened at the mild scolding. It was true, he was just as active in this agreement as Tsunagu was. Both of them needed to be disciplined at times, and it was embarrassing that he had disregarded the most important rule that they had.
He did not feel like a top hero as he responded meekly, knowing that the embarrassment was deserved. "I understand, sir, and I will do better."
Tsunagu squeezed his hands tightly in response. "You will, and I will do my part to ensure that you do."
Shinya's stomach dropped as he found himself finally being pulled closer. He knew exactly where he was going to end up, and he found it both comforting and exposing.
It had never felt awkward to be pulled over Tsunagu's lap, since their difference in height made it more comfortable for him. With the couch giving him extra support, he almost felt as if he fit a bit too well. This position was the most consistent part of his spankings, since Tsunagu liked keeping him close to him.
He knew that he would soon be very uncomfortable, but he accepted it as he folded his arms and rested his head on them.
He wondered, as Tsunagu moved him to optimize his aim, what exactly was going to happen. A spanking was obvious, but the severity involved wildly varied. What he had done was very dangerous and stupid, so he had a sinking feeling that he would not only be feeling his hand.
Shinya was starting to get nervous as Tsunagu rested his hand on the middle of his back. The touch was simple, but it made some of the tension disappear just as he realized he was carrying it. He could also feel the familiar pull of Tsunagu's quirk, which would also help in keeping him still.
He almost expected for his clothing to be pulled down, because he almost always got spanked bare, but Tsunagu rested his other hand on his bottom without removing his pants. Shinya knew exactly what this meant, and he knew that he would be over his knee longer this time.
"We're taking it slow," Tsunagu declared, his voice just as firm as Shinya expected. "You will be thinking of a proper explanation as to why you decided it was acceptable to endanger yourself so unnecessarily."
Shinya, if he were not already feeling humbled, might had responded rudely to the order. Their job required them to endanger themselves, but he knew that Tsunagu was not talking about their usual daily activates.
So instead of saying something stupid, he responded by lifting his head enough to be heard clearly. "I understand, sir."
Then he hid himself again, his face burning more from the embarrassment of his situation.
He had done it this time, he knew, because not a single piece of clothing was removed. If Tsunagu had the time to make a point, then he would slowly remove them until there was nothing left to protect his bottom. This almost always ended with the use of an implement, which only made him more nervous. He had agreed to several types, and he had no idea what to expect this time.
Not for the first time, he wondered why he had insisted on being left in the dark over the specifics. He was sure he thought it would make him take it more seriously, not being able to predict what was to come. But thinking it a good idea was very different than facing it directly, and he had to stop himself from squirming at the thought of the unknown.
He decided, quite abruptly, that maybe he did not care about what his past self was thinking. Because, without warning, Tsunagu suddenly smacked him right in the middle of his bottom.
Shinya gasped, the burn sharply felt despite his layers. It really did not matter if he were clothed or not, since Tsunagu could make a point no matter how harsh he was physically.
The sting quickly dulled, and Shinya would never be able to call it a spanking if that were it. But it was only the beginning, since half the point of this was that it was going to hurt. It would not be a severe pain, but it would be a reminder of this day, and how much worse it could had ended up for him.
He grunted as Tsunagu smacked him again, this time right where his left thigh met his bottom. He had expected this, since Tsunagu always struck at random locations, not wanting him to predict what he was going to receive next. He also did not leave his thighs for last, and it always hurt more the lower he went.
But he kept himself still as Tsunagu continued without speaking, smacking him once every few seconds. He had high expectations, which included not trying to block him or escape him. He did have ways he could stop the entire event, but he had to keep his body from reacting as much as he could.
Shinya did not keep track of the smacks, because Tsunagu would stop when he felt he had given him what he deserved. He did expect having to count the last of the smacks, assuming the implement would be used, but he would worry about that later if he had to.
He pushed aside his dread of the future once Tsunagu started smacking already sore areas. He was told to think of an explanation, and that was exactly what he needed to focus on.
It only took a few more smacks for him to realize that thinking critically would be easier said than done. Tsunagu was not holding back, and he could easily picture his bottom turning a light pink. He expected that his pants would be removed soon, so he needed to think now before it got more difficult.
But Shinya did not give in easily, especially with Tsunagu involved.
So he endured the punishment, sorting out his thoughts as best he could. Tsunagu did not lecture when he was actively spanking, as he once told him he found it unfair to expect him to listen over the sounds of the smacks and his own cries. Shinya was not close to crying yet, but he knew that would not last forever.
He was very much sorry for even leaving the house that morning as time dragged on, though he doubted it had truly been that long. That did not stop him from having to restrain himself from biting down on his lip, because that would only anger Tsunagu if he made himself bleed instead of letting himself make noise. He had done so once, and the mere thought of having his mouth washed out for his efforts made him keep his teeth far from his lips.
He gasped and hissed freely, realizing this was going to be one the punishments he will recall in the future, one that stood out from the rest. Tsunagu wanted him to reminder, and Shinya was sure he would even if it ended quickly.
Ironically, the smacking stopped after a sharp slap to his right cheek, and he found his mind completely blanking. It was a reprise, but he knew exactly what the pause also meant.
He expected to be questioned right away, but he was surprised when the hand resting on his back suddenly moved, rubbing up his spine. Shinya was used to affection during the punishments, but he swore he felt a slight tremble of Tsunagu's hand as he rested it on the back of his neck.
But before he could wonder about it, Tsunagu was speaking. "You are doing very well, but we have a long ways to go until I'm satisfied that you understand why we are here instead of working."
His voice was firmer now, his mind set on correcting Shinya's behavior. It was ominous, but he could respect his determination in fulfilling his current role.
He felt lucky that he was still relevantly calm, even if his bottom and thighs were already stinging. He knew that being punished at work, still in his costume, was aiding in him keeping himself under control.
Despite this, his voice still wavered as he carefully spoke, since talking was not forbidden. "...am I to explain myself now, sir?"
"You can start if you are ready," Tsunagu answered. "Remember, you must recount exactly what happened and why it has lead to me spanking you. Leave nothing out, and do not even attempt to berate yourself. This was a mistake, not the sum of your character."
Shinya felt called out, and he could not help but huff in response. Tsunagu truly knew him well, expecting him to be too critical of himself before he even had the chance to talk. He knew it to be true, especially because much of the time, his thoughts on himself sounded like a fact.
He wished he could fold into himself, because despite Tsunagu just asking him not to, he already felt angrier at himself. Having to recount the situation was going to be much more difficult than stopping a villain from destroying a train station, that he was certain of.
But he was not angry enough to disobey. Tsunagu did not like it when he stalled, and anyone who would in the position he was in was truly a fool. So he steadied himself, hoping that his explanation would end up clear and acceptable.
"Shinjuku Station was under a critical alert," he began, his mind slowly clearing as he began to explain. "We did not plan to respond together, but we both ended up there anyway."
The chaos was clear in his mind, as the station was the busiest in the entire world. Normal services had not yet resumed, but the damage could had been much worse if they and several other heroes did not work quickly to resolve the situation.
The situation involved a few different villains, but only one stood out in Shinya's mind. Mentioning him would be the beginning of his difficulties, as his actions triggered Shinya's response once he arrived on the scene.
"Right," Tsunagu replied, sounding pleased for the moment. "You arrived first, and you neglected to preform a very important task."
It was not a question, because they both knew that he did. Shinya hated that this still meant he had to answer, but he knew that he must continue.
His excuse had seemed solid at first. Adrenaline was flowing through his veins, and it had clouded his vision. It was a very common reaction for a hero, even a hero who did not care if his fights were flashy enough for the cameras.
Officially, a hero was supposed to assess the scene properly before acting. So many things could go wrong if someone with a quirk misjudged the situation, but Shinya knew that many did not care. The recklessness he showed today was not only common, but it had been rewarded. He could still remember the civilians nearby cheering for him, the other heroes praising him before Tsunagu lead him away.
Shinya did not care much about being praised, but he had felt like the anger he saw was unnecessary. Maybe he had done it quickly, but he did defeat the villain before he even realized he was there. His costume was a bit worn, but he himself was completely fine.
"...no," he admitted, almost cringing at how stupid he had been earlier. "I did not."
He took a breath before continuing, knowing that the vague explanation would only earn him extra smacks. "I did not access the villain's quirk properly. I...I focused only on neutralizing him as quickly as possible, and I did not consider what would happen if he had managed to hit me."
It took all his willpower to not curl into himself, because he could not even claim that he did not notice the quirk. He saw everything, images that would be burned into his mind for weeks to come.
That hero would be the clearest image, a young woman who he could not recall the name of. She had never worked alongside him, and he wondered if he would ever see her again. The wounds she had suffered were nauseating, terrible chemical burns that forced her to stop fighting, being only capable of withering in pain as her sidekick tried to help her.
Maybe that was why he had rushed in, having been burnt himself many times in his career. The idea of another hero being attacked so severely was unimaginable to him, even if they were also used to constant pain. And there were still civilians around, and it was even worse to imagine them being hit by the quirk.
Tsunagu's next words confirmed that his reckoning was accurate, and he felt both relief that he was doing a good job and more shame over his stupidity. "You saw that hero immediately, and I should not have to explain to someone of your stats that her state was a warning, not an invitation for you to disregard over a decade's worth of training."
His tone was sharp, and Shinya wanted to stop thinking altogether. He knew it, knew that each word Tsunagu spoke was correct. He would be angry if he had just debuted, but the fact that Shinya was a top hero only made his actions much more unacceptable.
He buried his head as deep as he could, trying to keep himself composed. He had not even had his pants removed, yet he felt that he might begin crying before the pain became too potent to ignore.
Tsunagu sighed deeply, and Shinya had no time to wonder why. As if he had read his thoughts, he felt something pulling at the waistband of his pants. It grasped at his tights as well, and both were suddenly pulled down and off his body.
Shinya shivered, his legs now fully exposed. His bottom was still protected by his underwear, but the material was so thin he might as well had been completely bared.
He had no time to adjust to the removal of most of his bottom layers when Tsunagu suddenly smacked him twice, once on each thigh. Now that he had no protection, they felt much more painful. Or maybe Tsunagu was that displeased, allowing himself to strike harder now that he could see the immediate result.
Regardless, Shinya cried out. His eyes stung with tears, but he was not ready to let them fall. He blinked them away, and willed himself not to slip up as he waited for what was coming next.
"I appreciate that you are feeling the shame you deserve, but I expect your full attention," Tsunagu scolded, resting his hand on his stinging right thigh. "Coiling into yourself will only prolong our conversation."
Shinya's head shot up, and he no longer found the need to acknowledge his embarrassment. He knew what Tsunagu said was true, and he felt ashamed that he was not acting as if he understood.
"I apologize, sir," he meekly replied. "You can continue now."
Tsunagu did, keeping his hand on him in a way that was almost comforting. "Assessing the situation before acting is one of the first lessons taught to hero students. Nothing you say or do will be helpful until you realize exactly what you are risking by intervening. I know our cohorts often disregard this guideline, but that does not mean you are allowed to be just as foolish.”
Shinya swallowed deeply, responding with a tight tone. "I understand, sir. I...I did from the start, and I am very sorry."
He was being honest, so he hoped that Tsunagu would continue on normally. He hoped that he would not have to face what happened as they returned to the office, especially since it was even more uncalled for, at least in the context of their relationship.
"You knew from the start?" Tsunagu asked, ripping apart Shinya's hopes. "What was it that you called your actions earlier?"
Expecting that mercy was foolish of him, and Shinya feared his heart might stop from just how chastised he felt. He did not want to answer, even if he knew they both remembered his words clearly.
But Tsunagu patted his thigh threateningly, so he decided to answer quickly. "I called them part of the job. I...I said you were overreacting, and that you must had better things to do than to nag at me."
He had regretted those words as soon as he said them, even if he felt so angry that he had to say something. It had felt easier, in the moment, to be angry than to face what he had done.
The shocking guilt he felt returned, especially because he knew he had hurt Tsunagu by accusing him of being an annoyance. He was never an annoyance, and the fact that he had claimed he was made Shinya want to disappear.
So much for having a good day, he thought bitterly.
None of that hurt showed as Tsunagu replied, sounding grimly satisfied. "So you did. But I'm sure you're regretting your careless words, aren't you?"
As he spoke, Shinya felt the waistband of his underwear being pulled down. His bared bottom was now entirely exposed, and so was the light redness Tsunagu had already caused.
It made Shinya wonder just how deep it would go, once Tsunagu was ready to continue.
He was in no position to beg for mercy, nor could he apologize as he wanted. He would surely speak harshly of himself, which was stupid to do when it was forbidden and you were perfectly positioned for correction.
"...I regretted it the moment I said it," he admitted softly instead. "You were only rightfully worried, and I never think of you as a bother. I...I was just..."
There was something he could admit to himself easily about his actions, but not to Tsunagu. The two of them were much more than just hero partners, which made his guilt feel all the more crushing.
This was something he would never allow anyone else to do. Nobody else could make him feel ashamed of himself, but also loved more than words could describe. Shinya was tired of forcing Tsunagu's hand, even if his corrections always made him feel better.
He refuse to talk again, not trusting himself. His eyes were already starting to burn again, but he still felt it too early to cry properly.
His stubborn act of silence only lasted a few seconds, however, because Tsunagu responded by firmly patting him right in the middle of his bottom. It was much weaker than the rest of the slaps, but it still caused him to gasp in surprise due to the sting that remained.
"You were just what?" he asked, his voice harder than before. "I expect full responses if at all possible. Are you still capable of speaking?"
His tone softened at the end, just enough for Shinya to tell he was not being sarcastic. He did sometimes find it difficult to speak while overwhelmed, but he was not shameless enough to pretend that was the case now.
He sighed deeply. "...I am capable, sir."
"Then speak," Tsunagu ordered, though Shinya was not given a chance yet before he was speaking again. "I need to know exactly what you were feeling so I can help you avoid ending up in this position the next time there is a situation that may make you lose your head."
As soon as he finished, Shinya answered. He knew Tsunagu had many creative methods to make him regret being difficult, and he did not wish to feel one now. "...I was just embarrassed. I...I knew I was being careless even as I fought, and I just did not want to face it..."
It sounded so juvenile, but it was the truth. Shinya had been reckless, and facing it would be difficult even if Tsunagu did not punish him for it.
He was not truly afraid of Tsunagu's response, but he feared he might actually coil into himself if he became more disappointed. His eyes filled with more tears at the thought, but he refused to let them fall.
Suddenly, Shinya realized that he felt much more relaxed. He had hardly noticed the tenseness in his muscles, and Tsunagu had not moved his hands. He must be using his quirk to relax him, something that used to be startling to feel.
But now, it only made him sure that Tsunagu loved him. He had always loved his quirk, and having it used on him made him feel very special. Most would not want anyone manipulating their bodily fibers, but Shinya trusted Tsunagu with more than just his soul.
Tsunagu then rubbed his bottom gently as he responded, not seeming upset by Shinya's response. "I'm relieved you have realized your mistakes. I would had preferred more detail, but you can give them to me now instead to make up for it."
It was still an order, no matter how kind Tsunagu sounded, so Shinya responded as such. "I apologize, sir. I can explain properly, I promise."
"You will, and I will help you," Tsunagu reassured him, not stopping in his motions. "Now, what is a hero supposed to do the moment they arrive during a crisis?"
The question was strikingly familiar to Shinya, who could easily recall having to answer it more than once during school exams. But he would not get the mercy an actual student might receive, considering his current standing in the industry.
It pained him, but he answered carefully. "They are supposed to carefully assess the situation. Any rash action taken by the hero could be disastrous to the people involved."
"Exactly," Tsunagu responded, his voice growing sterner. "You were anything but careful, and you knew you were supposed to assess first. You are more than capable of working safely, and seeing you battling without any sort of plan was shocking for me to witness. I know we do have to risk our lives, but this was not one of those situations that acting before thinking would be forgiven.”
When Tsunagu was finished, he took a long, deep breath. Shinya expected to be questioned again, but he began scolding him as soon as he exhaled. "I am very disappointed in your conduct today. That hero may very well die from her injuries, and if you were a bit slower..."
Shinya's blood ran cold, the words cutting deeper than one of Tsunagu's fabric cutting blades. His entire world seemed to stop, and he could not tell if Tsunagu had ever finished declaring what they both knew could had happened.
In another world, Shinya might had died. If he were not, he would be wishing he did. Caustic burns were a terrible injury, and that villain could had easily burnt most of his body effortlessly. His costume may be resistant to heat, but there was likely no material in the world that would be able to protect him from a quirk like that.
"I..." he said weakly, trying to pull himself back into the present. "I...I am so sorry. I was a pathetic excuse of a hero, and..."
He had not even realized he was disobeying until Tsunagu smacked him hard, right against his left thigh. It was the hardest hit yet, and Shinya nearly kicked out in response. The cry he let out was also the loudest yet, as he was unable to control both his voice and his body at the same time.
"I already told you not to berate yourself," Tsunagu reminded him, patting his right thigh threateningly. "Do we need to keep this going when we get home? Or will you try your hardest to be constructive about this?"
Shinya shook his head immediately, not wanting to face anymore when they went home. That was only reserved for the worst offenses, and though he may had agreed to it, that did not mean he would purposely get himself into more trouble.
"Good," Tsunagu replied, stilling his hand. "None of this is meant to torment you. This is supposed to help teach you that you must be more careful, that your life is just as worthy as the people we fight to protect."
Before Shinya could starting thinking that Tsunagu was wrong, he continued with a softer tone. "You made a mistake, but that does not erase all the good you have done for our city today. Because of you, that villain is unable to hurt anybody else. We were able to help that young woman because you went after the main threat."
It was jarring, being praised after such a harsh scolding. But Shinya knew that Tsunagu meant every word, even if he himself believed he did not deserve them.
He did not want to reply, not trusting himself to speak correctly. He could only bow his head, a slight acknowledgment that he had heard everything clearly.
Luckily for him, Tsunagu did not force him to talk. He continued instead, his lecture turning into a lengthy moment as it always did. "It was not wrong of you to act, but it was wrong for you to be so careless about it. You must be able to decide when you must give everything you have, or you will be unable to go on when it matters most."
It sounded so simple, but Shinya knew it was anything but. Not even his school had stressed this line of thinking, because heroics was much more than just a means to protect the public. It was also a form of entertainment, and a battle quickly won was not very exciting for the onlookers to watch.
He should know better, especially since he did not even like the attention he got. It was forced onto him years before, and it was just something he had to deal with if he wanted to continue being a hero.
Tsunagu may not be saying the word directly, but Shinya knew exactly what he was implying. If he continued to act as if he were a star in a movie instead of a soldier in the real world, than he was going to die. His career might kill him anyway, but he would die far sooner than anyone would like.
He was only thirty years old. He had only been with Tsunagu for twelve years, and even if it were just for his sake, that number needed to go higher and higher. They needed to be together so long that the media would not shut up about it, since heroics often made it difficult for heroes to keep a healthy relationship.
The government encouraged him to break his body. Civilians did not understand that he had limits. Unless he failed so spectacularly that it would be an embarrassment to the entire country, none of them would care if he risked his life so carelessly.
But Tsunagu, Shinya knew, cared more than anyone else could.
He was the only one he would allow to scold him, to spank him and make him regret being so stupid. He would then give him all the comfort he needed, because they did not do this just for the sake of causing discomfort.
It was a strange form of love, but maybe that was fitting for people like them, always considered odd by those who did not truly know them.
All of these realizations hit Shinya suddenly, and the tears finally escaped his eyes. He was not yet ready to truly sob, but he knew it was only a matter of time before he expressed his regret, his discomfort, and his shame out loud.
"I know..." he said, wondering just how often he had spoken that term this afternoon. "I...I do value my life now. But...sometimes..."
He trailed off, his ability to articulate itself failing him. It always did whenever he was overwhelmed, and it would usually fill him with a sense of panic. Being misunderstood terrified him, especially when he refused to be show any sort of vulnerability to most people.
But Tsunagu was not among them. He may be the only one who could see him this way, which may be the reason why he was not panicking now.
Something in his tone must had been different this time, because Tsunagu did not scold or smack him again.
Instead, he spoke very carefully. "It's just difficult when very few care enough to hold you accountable, isn't it? Everyone praises you, admires your actions, without realizing how close they were to witnessing your..."
Tsunagu's voice wavered, and Shinya only wanted to cry more. He was so upset, he knew, just from how he could not finish his sentence once again. It would make Shinya upset in return regardless, but it was almost unbearable to cope with when he was the cause of his pain.
For the first time, he tried to picture himself in the reverse situation. He remembered the hero burnt on the ground, and could easily imagine Tsunagu restraining the villain. But his focus was sometimes a weakness, slowing his reflexes which could had easily...
Shinya decided he did not want to picture it anymore, and he felt nauseous at the mental image Tsunagu must have of what almost happened to him.
The silence stretched out for a few seconds, and he took a moment to wipe at his eyes. They only filled with tears again, but what was left of his pride begged him to not break down before he even knew what was to be used on him.
He wished he could request a severe implement, but he knew that it was not his choice to make.
Instead, he did the only thing he could do now, lying over Tsunagu's knee. "I am so sorry..."
They almost felt meaningless to him, and he wondered what Tsunagu felt about his constant apologizes.
His hand left his thigh, and Shinya could easily picture him wiping at his own eyes. Tearing up doing emotional moments was not uncommon for Tsunagu, and he felt terrible that he was the reason he needed to tend to himself first.
He had to make it up to him, as soon as he was able.
For now, all he could do was wait. This reprise would not last much longer, and he would soon learn what exactly Tsunagu was going to do with him.
Tsunagu marked the end of his pause with a deep sigh. "I know, and I already forgive you. We just need to make sure you remember our time here, and how you will act the next time you must fight."
His voice was calm, and Shinya felt a bit of relief at the declaration of forgiveness. But he also felt his stomach dropping, knowing that he was going to be crying badly very soon.
It was a strange mixture of emotions, but not exactly abnormal for him in this situation.
Tsunagu spoke again, his hand never returning as his tone grew stricter. "Expecting true perfection would never be realistic, but I require that you do your very best to be the closest you can be to perfect in regards to your safety. You may not be able to avoid danger in our line of work, but you can avoid taking unnecessary risks."
Shinya was nearly squirming by the end, and his heart dropped when he heard the sound of something light being caught by Tsunagu. He knew exactly what it was, because it had to be made of fibers for it to be able to be fetched without either of them getting up.
He wondered briefly where it had been kept this entire time. Did Tsunagu take it out quietly as they talked, able to manipulate fibers to get it out? That seemed like the most likely option, and he realized at the same time that the implement could only be one kind, considering Tsunagu had not taken off one of his belts.
His realization was confirmed the moment he felt it press against his stinging bottom, the surface a smooth leather. It was the paddle they used only in these situations, and he could easily picture how simple it looked. It was small enough to be used over the knee, but much more painful than a hand could be.
The pressure nearly made Shinya flinch, and he knew that he would need all of his strength not to be struggling by the time Tsunagu started.
"That is why," Tsunagu declared, "I will paddle you until I decide we are finished. You will count each stroke, and I will start over if you fail to keep up."
Shinya knew, from one of his first punishments years ago, that Tsunagu meant what he threatened. That had been especially miserable for him, so he promised himself that he would focus only on counting.
"I understand, sir," he replied, taking a steadying breath as he waiting for the paddling to begin.
"Good," Tsunagu said, but Shinya hardly heard him over the sound of the first smack.
The burn exploded over the middle of his bottom, no longer protected by his clothing. It felt much worse than Tsunagu's hand, which he often considered more than enough whenever he had done something a little less dangerous.
His eyes almost popped out of his head, and tears escaped his eyes. He let out a cry, knowing he did not need to concern himself about being heard. Tsunagu's office was soundproof, an industry standard, and anyone who might be able to hear through it was nowhere around.
His reputation would remain untouched, even if he screamed until he lost his voice.
But losing his voice would not help him count, and the shock of the swat almost made him forget. His face reddened at this, since he could not recall ever failing so early on.
"One," he grunted out, just before he would expect Tsunagu to comment on his disobedience.
The second smack was just as painful, the size of the paddle making it feel even more potent. His skin was already irritated, so the smack felt worse than it would had if they were just starting.
"Two," he counted, managing to be quicker this time.
Tsunagu did not say a word, but he did wait a few moments before striking again. He never did smack away and expected him to rush through his counting. He always made sure he had a fair chance, which was just one of the many ways he showed him a bit of mercy in these situations.
"Three," he hissed, the paddle colliding with his left thigh.
The pattern was random, and Shinya had no idea when he would be satisfied with the state of his bottom. He personally believed he could endure being whipped bloody, but Tsunagu believed that to be a bit too much for anyone to endure.
He did not try to think of what he looked like now as the paddling continued. The room was filled with the smacking of leather against flesh, and the sounds of counting. Shinya refused to miss a single number, even though speaking through his tears was getting more difficult.
The world seemed small, with him only able to register the fire Tsunagu was spreading and the cracking of his composure. He would break completely soon, but he was too focused on not kicking his legs to care as much as he usually would.
He was amazed that he was keeping up, not forgetting a single number. He was going a few seconds longer between counts, but Tsunagu did not penalize him for being slow.
When he ended up coughing harshly after a particularly harsh smack, Tsunagu rubbed his back until they were both certain it had passed. Shinya tried to composure himself with the brief break he was given, but he found that he was too close to sobbing to be able to restrain himself.
"You're doing so well," Tsunagu praised him gently, tapping him with the paddle. "We're almost done, alright?"
Shinya did not believe he deserved the praise, nor the reassurance that they were nearly done. He was not surprised by it, but he found himself shaking his head. He was unable to explain why, and he knew that he would be forced to explain him, one way or another.
But Tsunagu was very good at surprising him, and he merely rubbed the back of his head instead. He shushed him as he spoke again, his voice somehow even more gentle. "I mean it, sweetheart. I am so proud of you for enduring all this, and for trusting me to take care of you."
Shinya's heart swelled, and despite his feelings on what he deserved, a sob finally escaped his lips.
He did not understand why Tsunagu thought so highly of him. He should be done with him, since he worried him so often.
But he was unable to ask, because once he started sobbing, he could not stop. In the back of his mind, he was aware that he needed to respond, so he unfolding his left hand and folded it into a certain shape.
He could endure the rest of the punishment. He needed to, or else he would never be able to understand why Tsunagu was being so nice to him.
"I understand," Tsunagu replied, much to Shinya's relief. "I will finish just like I planned."
He did not know how he was supposed to keep counting, but Tsunagu seemed to realize his situation, because he said maybe the best thing he could had, so close to the end. "It's alright, you don't have to count anymore."
Shinya unfolded his hand, lowering his arm as he nodded. It would be much easier for him to make it up to Tsunagu if he could speak, so he needed to conserve his energy.
Just as Tsunagu promised, he moved swiftly to smack him all over one more time. His blows were quicker, and Shinya felt even more grateful that he did not have to speak. He had to stop himself from flailing or covering himself, the pain increasing so quickly that it truly tested his willpower.
Regardless, Shinya endured. He sobbed far too loudly for someone who was supposed to be disciplined, but he remained just as still as he was supposed to.
As overwhelmed as he felt, Shinya realized immediately when it was over. Another smack did not come, and Tsunagu sighed as if he were also relieved that it was over.
Shinya surprised himself once again, finding the energy to get up on his own before Tsunagu could do anything. He practically fell against his chest a moment later, wrapping his arms tightly around him.
He felt completely exposed, his bottom burning and his tears flowing. But he did not try to soothe the sting, nor did he try and control his tears.
All he wanted was Tsunagu, who he realized wanted the exact same thing.
His long arms wrapped around him just as tightly, pulling him as close as humanly possible. Shinya responded by climbing onto his lap, not caring how the pressure caused him to flinch harshly.
It was as if they had just reunited after several days apart, the way Tsunagu was embracing him. He ran a hand down Shinya's head, whispering something he could not make out over his sobs. That familiar pull overcame his body, and he knew he was not causing him any discomfort, not when his quirk was bearing much of his weight for him.
They both fit perfectly against each other, even if Shinya felt dreadfully selfish. He could only imagine how upset Tsunagu must still feel, but he was unable to do anything but take all the comfort for himself.
But Tsunagu did not seem annoyed, or even neglected. If anything, he held him as if it were the highlight of his day, which only made Shinya feel more out of his depth.
People like him were not supposed to feel such love and care, yet here he was, feeling it and so much more.
This was very hard for Shinya to handle, which was probably why he starting sobbing even harder, his entire body shaking.
"I..." he tried to speak, his voice nearly inaudible. "I..."
Tsunagu responded with words, Shinya thought, though he could not make them out. His hold became even more protective, and he could almost imagine him encouraging him to take deep breathes, to calm down before he began to truly panic.
Shinya wanted to be able to breathe, so he decided to try, regardless of what Tsunagu was saying.
It was easier said than done, even if he knew many different techniques. His favored method would be far too difficult for him now, so he forced himself to try one of the more simple ones he knew.
In and out he breathed, rubbing his hands over Tsunagu's jacket as he did. The rough denim was grounding, and he slowly but surely began to calm down. He could not stop crying, but he knew that soon enough, he would at least not feel as if he were dying.
Shinya's effort in breathing steadily was rewarded, as he was soon able to make out what Tsunagu was saying. It was just the end of a sentence, but hearing it almost made him start sobbing louder.
"...love you, my little crane."
He was only able to respond by pressing himself closer, still too emotional to speak properly.
However, he was aware enough to hear the waver in Tsunagu's voice. It made him wonder what he had been saying, before Shinya heard that wonderful phrase they shared multiple times a day.
It was difficult to linger on the unknown, however, when Tsunagu kept talking. Shinya was sure he was just saying the first thing on his mind, the words of comfort that were ultimately unplanned. He was taking for the sake of calming him down, to reassure him that he loved him, despite everything.
Shinya may not be able to understand why, but he knew that what Tsunagu said was true.
He craved what he was receiving, the kind of love he never received before they met. He had grew up in a dangerous, unloving home, which he supposed was the reason why this still felt so unfamiliar. He spent almost two decades alone, with no hope of loving or being loved.
But then Tsunagu confessed his love to him, only a few weeks before he turned eighteen. Shinya had hardly believed it, but he could not deny that they were the words he had always hoped to here from the first person he truly admired.
They had created so much together since then, and the fact that Shinya nearly threw that away made the guilt return. Tsunagu may forgive him, but he would be unable to accept it until he consulted him properly.
Feeling a newfound determination, Shinya gave himself a few more moments to enjoy what he was getting. It was very nice to be held as if he was the most precious thing in the world, especially because Tsunagu certainly believed so. He showed no disgust over him soaking his jacket with tears, even if he hated his clothes getting wet.
He considered how he could make Tsunagu feel better, continuing to rub at his back. He managed to be more firm about it, more comforting, as he thought of how to phrase what he wanted to say.
Once he was confident enough to try, he pulled away from Tsunagu just enough to look him in the face. Neither of them let go, and Tsunagu looked startled by his sudden movement.
Shinya knew he had said it already, but he began by reiterating his promise in a firmer tone. "I will be more careful, I promise."
Tsunagu believed him, he knew, with how his eyes suddenly looked less severe. He now could only be described as looking very sad as he pushed some of Shinya's hair away from his face.
"I know, but I was so..." he replied, trailing off before he could admit to what he wanted to say.
Shinya expected this, but he was not going to allow Tsunagu to keep his feelings to himself. It would only make him miserable, and it was his job to remember that them disagreeing or being angry did not mean it was over for them.
"Please, just tell me what you were feeling," he pleaded, his voice finally sounding more confident. "I know you have forgiven me, so you can speak as freely as you need to."
Tsunagu's hand stilled, and even Shinya was surprised at how sure he felt about his encouragement. Maybe it was because he had cried so much the negative feelings were easier for him to manage, or maybe it was because someone who allowed him to sit on his lap partially naked must not be done with him.
He did not want to ponder on the answer now, not when he had to take care of Tsunagu.
Tsunagu, after a moment of silence, sighed deeply. "Alright, I will. You...you terrified me today. And I hate to admit it, but you infuriated me as well."
Shinya only nodded in acknowledge, reminding himself that this was not the end, because Tsunagu was allowed to be angry when he had acted so stupid.
It was so rare for Tsunagu to focus on his own feelings, so Shinya was proud when he continued, brushing his hair back again absently. "I don't want to be overbearing, and I know I already made it clear just how unacceptable you acted, but I..."
He steadied himself, and Shinya had to force himself not to wonder why he would have to do so.
"...I know that despite how I try to keep you safe, that this job..." Tsunagu admitted, his voice growing more and more upset as he continued. "...the moment I saw you rushing forward, I was worried you would end up torn. And once I realized what that villain did to that woman..."
He trailed off, and he did not try to finish. He did not need to, because Shinya understood him clearly.
He looked at Tsunagu, and realized that his eyes were filled with tears. The hand still steadying him pressed against him more firmly, and he knew he was trying not to break down in front of him.
Shinya decided, almost immediately, that he did not want him to hold back his tears.
He unwrapped his arms, only to reach up and pressed his hands against Tsunagu's face carefully. His fingers brushed against the skin not hidden by his collar, and the gentle touch was enough for the tears to escape his eyes.
But Shinya was not done, an he spoke just as gently as Tsunagu had. "I know, but I am still alive. And, because of your efforts, I have realized why I had been so foolish. And..."
He prepared himself to speak clearly, knowing that it may make him even more emotional. "...you did not look the other way. You held me accountable immediately, and I will remember this moment for a long time. I will remember how much you care, and how much I want to remain by your side, alive and well."
It was hard for Shinya to watch Tsunagu's eyes widen, looking even more upset as the tears did not stop. He was not crying harshly, but it was still too much for Shinya to allow to happen without offering his comfort.
He was glad that his own mask was already off, as it made it very easy for him to kiss Tsunagu's forehead. He wished he could kiss his lips, but he knew that it would only make him uncomfortable unless he initiated it.
His kiss only lasted a few moments as he pulled away, having one more thing to say. Maybe it was the most important, his words proving that everything was now okay, even if it had been unpleasant for them both.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice the steadiest it had been all day. "I hope that one day, you will never have to do this again. But until then, I trust you to do what is best for me."
He waited for Tsunagu to respond, hoping that his words were comforting. He did not mind if he cried more, but that did not mean it would be easy to see him cry.
To his surprise, Tsunagu almost laughed instead, blinking away the rest of his tears. "Never again? That's a bit too ambitious for anyone to promise, even someone as lovely as you."
Shinya felt instantly relieved, not to mentioned touched by the casual praise. He had succeeded in giving back, which was enough for him to start feeling less nauseated from stress.
"Maybe it is," he admitted, tearing his eyes away from Tsunagu's face. He felt a bit embarrassed, though not offended, as his eyes landed on the denim jacket's pocket, still buttoned tightly shut.
It gave him an idea, and his hand was undoing the clasp before he knew it.
Tsunagu did nothing to stop him as he grasped the rings, identifying them by texture. One was older than their relationship, Tsunagu having bought it with one of his first paychecks. Shinya could not remember what finger he had wore it on, and it was not the ring he was searching for anyway.
He found the second ring easily, a plain golden band that should had been too plain for Tsunagu to ever want to wear. But he wore it daily while working, and the entire country knew what it meant.
Shinya took out the simple ring before reaching for Tsunagu's left hand. His fingers wrapped around him, and he did not resist as he carefully slipped it onto his ring finger.
"When I said "I do", I meant it," he declared, seeing the matching ring on his own hand as the ring was placed where it belonged.
He glanced at Tsunagu, who was looking at their intertwined hands. Shinya could easily see him imagining their real rings, safely put away at home. Their jobs were too dangerous to risk wearing them, especially when they had spent so much time picking them for the wedding. Losing them would be devastating, so they had come up with a compromise to make their marriage known.
At the corner of his eye, Shinya noticed that Tsunagu's collar was moving. It was the only warning he got before his arms wrapped around his middle, pulling him closer.
Their lips finally met, much to Shinya's delight. He quickly forgot about how hard Tsunagu's initial contact was as he deepened the kiss. He wrapped a hand around the back of Tsunagu's neck, the discomfort he was feeling almost nonexistent in the mist of a completely different heat.
They may had kissed before they left for work, but Shinya cherished each time they could take a moment to show their love. The fact that each kiss could be their last weighted on them, even if they did not always acknowledge it openly.
His determination to remain as safe as possible was firmly in place now, because the thought of depriving Tsunagu of what he adored was too much for him to bear. Even if that thing was him, who never could had imagined being loved so deeply by anything, let alone another human being.
Tsunagu pulled away first, and sighed in what Shinya could tell was relief. "I meant it too, much more than I can ever put into words. I can't expect true perfection from you, but I can promise you that if you are ever so reckless again, I will be more thorough with you."
The warning only made Shinya feel more relaxed, as strange as that sounded. He was not sure what he would do if Tsunagu decided he had gone too far to be corrected, so he decided not to think about it at all.
"You better," he replied instead, wondering if anyone else in such an agreement would say the same immediately after being punished. Neither of them spoke of it to others, both considering the matter too private, even in anonymous spaces online.
Almost immediately after speaking, the burn in his bottom did its best to make him regret his easy agreement. He also became more aware of his partial nudity, but it did not bother him as much as it probably should. Tsunagu would notice immediately if someone was coming, even if he was recovering from his own little breakdown.
"I won't disappoint," Tsunagu promised. "I'd do just about anything if it meant you considered your safety more."
Shinya wanted to lean against him again, but he knew that would be impossible. They were both still working, even if they had taken an extended break, and Tokyo never settled down enough for them to justify leaving early without a real cause. He may be very uncomfortable, but he had fought through worse pain, so he was not worried about being restricted.
So, he decided to make it clear that he was now okay, and that they could start preparing to go back to work. He wiped at his eyes, speaking casually. "I know you will not, and I have to admit that I am a bit nervous for the future now."
He worked hard to make sure his tone sounded light, and he knew he succeeded when Tsunagu replied just as casually. "Good, because I have so many methods that you will never guess what I would decide to use."
Shinya looked to the side, finding his clothes that had been folded by Tsunagu's quirk. He slowly got off Tsunagu, wincing at the pain with each movement. He would be able to easily hide his reactions with his mask and the general mental barrier his costume gave him, but there was no need for him to hide them now while they were still alone.
He took his underwear first, sliding them on as quickly as one would rip off a bandage. Even if he were at home, he would prefer getting dressed quickly, if only to reinforce the lesson he was supposed to carry with him until the marks faded.
As he took his tights from the pile, he spoke again. "I have to admit that I am surprised that this is all you have done."
He glanced at Tsunagu, who was currently rethreading his jacket repeatedly, no doubt using his quirk to clean the tears he had almost stained it with. His old ring was already on his hand as he answered, not looking at him. "There’s not much I can do here, but if you feel unsatisfied, we can always extend it once we return home."
Shinya understood his point, since many of the additional punishments he agreed on would require either more time or supplies. Most of the time, both were a barrier unless they were home, which held anything they could ever need to take care of each other.
He thought for a moment, seeing Tsunagu's offer as genuine. "No, I believe you did a fine job with what you had."
He grabbed his pants as he spoke, carefully putting them on. He was now getting used to the pressure of his clothing, and he knew once he started moving, he would be able to live with it.
"Thank you," Tsunagu replied, standing up. "And you took it all so wonderfully, even when you were a bit stubborn."
When Shinya looked at him again, his collar was properly in place. He could not help but feel a bit embarrassed at his behavior earlier, and the apology was something he could not hold back. "I do apologize for all that..."
Tsunagu, still at his side, responded by rubbing the back of his head. Shinya's hair had maintained its shape, which was a sign that maybe he did take it well enough, not losing control of the fine manipulation of his quirk.
"I've forgiven you long ago," he reassured him. "You are very good at taking what I give, and you should be proud of it."
Shinya was not sure if he could go that far, but he just nodded as he saw the rest of his clothing where his initial pile was. Tsunagu must had brought them over as they spoke, him being too distracted to notice.
He did not acknowledge the praise as he slowly reached for his robe. He then froze, wondering if him assuming it was okay was premature on his end. "I am able to finish the day, right...?"
"I feel no need to send you home," Tsunagu answered. "But it is your choice, and I would never think negatively of you if this stretched you too thinly."
Shinya looked at Tsunagu, but decided not to point out that they both struggled with taking time off. It could not be helped, being one of the most important figures in the industry that was considered the only reason society had not collapsed again. Both of them feared others would die if they took the day off, even if they knew rationally that they could not save everyone.
But today was not the day for them to debate this, so he answered by grabbed the robe firmly. "I think I can continue on, and..."
He carefully slipped it on, smoothing it down neatly as soon as it was secured. He suddenly knew what he wanted, so he asked carefully. "...maybe we could patrol together?"
Shinya realized immediately he could not recall if Tsunagu was supposed to be elsewhere, and he found himself speaking again before he could get an answer. "But only if you have nowhere else to be, because I would never..."
He stopped, abruptly, by his mask suddenly wrapping itself around his face. It was nowhere close to restricting his speech, but he quieted down as he felt the strings tying tightly at the back of his eye.
"Shinya, we need to work on your confidence more," Tsunagu replied, sounding worried. "I know you would never be a bother, because that is just not possible for someone like you."
Shinya was able to speak, but he stayed silent. It sounded so obvious now, knowing that Tsunagu meant his words, and he had to stop himself from saying sorry again.
"As it happens, I did plan to patrol later on today," Tsunagu continued, checking his watch as he spoke. "Actually, I'm a bit late, but we can make up the time together."
"Oh," Shinya responded, slowly picking up his scarf. "Okay."
He trusted that Tsunagu meant it, and he carefully wrapped his final accessory around his neck. It was all he needed to fall into a different sort of headspace, the completion of his costume.
He looked at Tsunagu again, seeing that he also looked ready to go. He was not just the love of his life, his wife, but one of the most beloved heroes out of thousands. The people would love to see him again, especially with his husband working alongside them.
Shinya did not care about the last part. He knew that the people would love to ask him about his last battle, and he did not feel he wanted to say anything. Maybe it would be responsible of him to criticize himself, but that would only give him more attention.
He just wanted to maintain the peace that was hard to find in the city, and doing it with Tsunagu only made him more determined to be a better hero. He would not be stupid this time, even if it the next situation seemed dire.
"Are you ready?" Tsunagu asked as soon as Shinya stopped adjusting his scarf. "You look better now, and I don't think anyone would notice you had been crying."
Shinya considered his question, then nodded. "If you think so, than I believe you."
"Alright," Tsunagu replied, walking by him. "If we're lucky, maybe we'll have an uneventful afternoon."
Shinya followed after him, quickly catching up. "I think that may be too optimistic to hope for, love."
Tsunagu unlocked the door, adjusting his bangs as he opened it. "Maybe, but one is allowed to dream, even if he works in Tokyo."
Shinya decided not to give his opinion. While Tsunagu was not excessively hopeful, his own opinions would make him seem that way. He loved that his beliefs could be balanced out, and there was no need to comment on it.
They walked down the hall, Tsunagu's pace slow as Shinya adjusted to walking with such discomfort. He had faced this before, and he found himself growing more and more focused as they reached the stairs they always used instead of the elevator.
By the time they made it to the ground floor, Best Jeanist and Edgeshot were ready to work. Nobody would know what they had done, or how it helped their ninja hero, and that was for the best.
Very few would understand, and they did not need their understanding. They only needed each others, which they had unconditionally.