Being reincarnated as the legendary hero Achilles came with its challenges—same name, same face, and the same deep connection to his lover and best friend, Patroclus.

Achilles carried the weight of his past life's memories, the rage and unresolved emotions haunting his new existence. He had 'sensitive shoulders,' a fact known to those closest to him, though the reason remained a secret.

One day, while Patroclus slept, Achilles sought solace in a scalding hot shower, pushing the temperature to its limit. As he stood under the torrent, a sense of numbness washed over him, and he began to feel lightheaded.

Awakened by the intense heat radiating from the bathroom, Patroclus stirred. He cautiously rose from the bed and made his way to the bathroom, pushing the door open to be met by a wave of overwhelming heat. Patroclus knocked on the glass door but got no response so he opened the shower door.

Patroclus found Achilles standing motionless under the blistering water, his skin already glowing red. Alarm shot through Patroclus as he quickly shut off the water, pulling Achilles away from the scorching stream. Achilles didn't resist, his eyes unfocused, lost in a swirl of past battles and losses.

"Achilles, what are you doing to yourself?" Patroclus's voice trembled with concern as he gently checked Achilles for any burns. Achilles blinked, his gaze slowly clearing.

"I... I don't know," he whispered, his voice raspy. "It just felt like it might help." Patroclus knew exactly what he meant. The water was a futile attempt to cleanse the pain, to wash away the echoes of a life that continued to torment them. He wrapped Achilles in a soft towel, holding him close. "We'll find a way through this," Patroclus murmured, his voice filled with love and determination. "We always do, together."

He notched the burn scars. . Achilles has done this before. . Multiple times. . That’s why his skin was always tender but it’s red. . Right now.