She’s Holding On My Heart Like A Hand Grenade.
Chapter 3: Love forever, Love is free
Public safely had an abundance of weapons to choose from, that was obvious when Aki took me to get one. He suggested several different ones such as knives, axes, even a spear. But in the end I decided to go with a katana, it was more practical, not to mention Aki had a sword too. Meaning he could teach me how to fight with it. Speaking of Aki, I couldn’t shake the guilt I felt. How could I be so insensitive, he literally told me his family was killed and I had the gall to make a joke like that? I didn’t mean it in any kind of way, only in a joking manner. Yet, even then I should have been more conscious of my words. I sighed and shook my head, I just hoped he wasn’t mad at me. Ever since getting here Aki has been one of the few people I’ve come to trust, besides Denji and Makima. So him being upset with me, coupled with me and Denji’s current relationship in short made me panic.
“Reze.” I perked up immediately, Aki called me as he noticed me staggering behind.
“Yes Aki?” I asked, never meeting his eyes out of shame.
“I’d like to apologize for my attitude earlier.”
“Apologize? Apologize!? I should be apologizing to you!” I said in disbelief.
“Let me talk! I should be apologizing for making such an insensitive joke, that wasn’t right for me to do. And before you can say “that didn’t give me the right to act the way I did” yes it did! You had every right to act the way you did. So don’t apologize for something I did wrong.” I finally finished, finally getting all my feelings and guilt off my chest. “I’m sorry for the joke Aki, but I guess…you’re like a brother to me. I know that’s dumb, and I know I said this before but we’ve only known each other for a few days. But I feel safe around you, and I’ve never had a brother before so it’s new to me.”
I felt myself begin to shake, I felt all the frustration I’ve been bottling up finally start to burst out. Communication has always been something I valued, before when Denji and I got into arguments we would try to talk it out. And most times it helped resolve the issue, maybe that is something we should do. I actually haven’t had the talk with Denji after catching him staring at Makima. Maybe that’s what we need to talk about. That way he knows how I feel about everything, and I can know how he feels. After what felt like an eternity, Aki finally spoke.
“It’s obvious you didn’t mean it in a harmful way, so while I was upset I can’t be mad at you.” He said. “No point in beating yourself up about it.”
With that he gave me a comforting pat on the back, and I felt as if a weight had just been lifting.
“Don’t mention it, now let’s continue with our patrol.” He said. And off we went, and to be honest it was slightly uneventful. Though I once again got to sight see, it never ceased to amaze me what we would find in the city. And there were several things that amazed me, like the trains, the street markets, and even the towering buildings. And after a few hours Aki and I returned to the headquarters, and were told we had to escort Makima back from a meeting she had with some higher up. Aki allowed me to ride in the passenger seat.
“Hey Aki, when do you think you’ll teach me to drive?” I asked, learning to drive would be useful.
“Not yet, it’s best if I teach you something simple first. Would you be interested in learning to ride a bike?” Aki asked me.
“I wouldn’t mind, would we get Denji one?” I asked. While I was still worried about him being with the fiend, Aki’s words had managed to calm me down.
“I don’t think I trust that idiot with anything that has wheels.” That statement earned a chuckle from me.
“I guess you’re right.” I thought for a moment. “Aki, do you not like Denji because he’s a devil?”
“Partially yes, but it’s also because he’s selfish and ungrateful.” He said as we got closer to where we had to pick up Makina. “I understand he’s your boyfriend, but I know you’ve realized how he’s acting. Your outburst earlier and the conversation we had after the fiend said as much.”
“I have, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to love him. He can be kind, and selfless when it’s people he cares about.”
“He…does.” I paused for a moment. “Before becoming a devil, Denji sold his right eye to buy me this choker. I was mad at him obviously for doing something so dumb, but he did it for me. I know with everything going on it’s hard, but I want to work it out…I love him.” I said that last part more so to myself, even then Aki stayed silent for a moment.
“Then work things out, and knock some sense into him.” He said. And I smiled.
We then picked up Makima from an important looking building.
“Hello Reze, Aki. Thank you for picking me up.”
“Anything for you Miss Makima.” I smiled at her and she smiled back.
“Shall we return to headquarters?” Aki asked, starting the engines.
“Yes,” Makima responded. “Those higher ups sure are something, asking about our news recruits and all that.”
“They asked about me and Denji?” I asked.
“Yes, nothing to be concerned about. I do find Denji interesting.” there was a long pause, can’t say I disagree with her. But after we stopped at a red light Aki spoke.
“As far as I can tell, Denji is disgusting, not interesting.” He said and I couldn’t disagree with that entirely either, I mean just look at how he’s been acting.
“He can be at times, I’ll admit that doesn’t mean he’s not interesting.” I responded.
“You have known him for a while, Reze.” Makima mentioned.
“Reagardless, why do you have such high hopes for him?” Aki asked Makima.
The light then turned green as we started driving once again.
“Devils are born with names, and the more those names are feared the more powerful the devil is said to become. Coffee isn’t considered very frightening. So a Coffee devil would be quite weak. But what about a car devil? There’s the fear of being run over and killed, so it would probably be strong.” Makima explained.
“So if Denji can turn into chainsaws, that means he can turn into a chainsaw devil?” Meaning Pochita was the chainsaw devil.
“Exactly, seems pretty interesting to me.” Makima responded to me.
“He may be interesting but I’m not sure he’ll be of any use.” Aki said.
“Denji is a pretty good fighter, I mean you saw or more so felt what he can do.” I brought up the alley fight, which seemed to pop a nerve.
“He used dirty tactics, even still Reze. Everyone in public safety has a real goal or motivation.”
“Well.” I began before Aki cut me off.
I could hear Makima slightly giggle at our banter.
“As I was saying, he said he just wants to live the good life. He’s a bad fit for our operation. Not only that, but he thinks he can be friends with devils. He’s still a kid, a stupid brat.” Aki said and I stared at him before speaking.
“Then what does that make me?”
Once again there was a pause.
“Reze, you seem to actually be taking this seriously. You asked me to teach you, meaning you’re willing to learn like you said. So while you are trying to live a good life, at least I know you’re not selfish like him.” Aki told me plainly. And part of me wanted to defend Denji like earlier, but after these past couple of days I stayed silent.
After that we dropped Makima off at headquarters.
“Reze, follow me.” Aki told me once we dropped the car off.
“Where are we going?” I asked, following behind, katana in hand.
“We’ll be meeting with one of my coworkers and her new recruits. We will be working with them.” Aki explained, other recruits? That would be nice, means me and Denji wouldn’t be the only new ones.
“Oh? What’s your coworker like?” I asked and Aki seemed to think.
“She can be a bit much, and a bit too…personal.” He said. “You’ll know what I mean when you meet her.”
“Okay?” I got a bit nervous.
We entered into a training are I saw there were only three people there, a short woman with brown hair tied into a small ponytail and she looked nervous, a gut who was tall and relatively built who also looked slightly nervous, and lastly a woman who looked around Aki’s age if not a bit older. What stood out about her was the eye patch over her right eye, reminding me of when Denji sold his right eye. I pushed that thought to the side as they noticed us.
“Hey Aki!” the older woman called over to Aki in a cheery tone.
“Himeno.” That's her name. Said woman’s gaze moved to me and I froze out of nervousness.
“Ooh, and who is this cutie?” Himeno cooed. And I felt myself slightly blushing.
“Himeno, this is one of my new recruits. Reze, introduce yourself.” Aki said, as the other two walked up behind Himeno.
“Hello, my name is Reze. pleasure to meet you.” I bowed my head.
“Lighten up dear, I see Aki taught you to be uptight like him.” She joked.
“I’m not uptight!” Aki defended himself, and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Well you have a routine you hate breaking.” Reze I briefly mentioned.
“You stay out of this.” Aki scowled at me as I giggled more.
“I like you,” Himeno said. “It’s good you have someone who counters your stoicness.”
“Just introduce your new recruits,” Aki grumbled.
“Alright!” Himeno clapped her hands. “Introduce yourselves.”
“Hello, I am Hirokazu Arai.” The man said as he bowed.
“K-Kobeni Higashiyama.” The girl said as she looked like she was about to have a panic attack.
“It’s an honor to meet you both, I hope we work well together.” I gave a friendly smile and returned their bows.
“Good to see you taught them manners, Himeno.” Aki said.
“You say that like I don’t have great manners.” Himeno chuckled, which earned a side eye from Aki. Did they have a thing? I couldn’t help but notice it. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but if they did that would give me new ammunition to mess with Aki.
“As you all know, we will be working together for a while. As new recruits, including our other two members who aren’t here, you will get first hand experience hunting devils.” Aki explained as we all nodded. This would be great! I’ll finally be able to make some friends. I know it’s supposed to be strictly business, but Denji and I have always wanted to make friends. Now I’m sure these two, Arai and Kobeni, are older than me. Still, a friend is a friend.
“We can get to know each other once our other two members return.” Aki said. “In the meantime, we’ll have you spar.”
“Will you be teaching how to fight with a sword?” I asked excitedly, despite carrying it with me all day since getting it, I haven’t learned how to use it.
“I believe now would be a good time.” He said, and I think he could see the excitement radiating off of me.
“You really did get a lively one huh?” Himeno chuckled.
“Unfortunately.” Aki sighed. “Very well then, let’s start with”
“Hayakawa.” A man in a suit called over. “We have something regarding your other recruit and the fiend.”
“It’s better if you see for yourself.” The man said, he then started leading Aki somewhere else.
“Wait, Aki!” I called over as he turned back. “What happened to Denji? Is he okay?”
“I don’t know yet Reze, but if they are asking me to come it must be something bad.” He said, and it didn’t reassure me at all. Was I right? Did the Fiend really do something to Denji, my Denji? At first I was upset that I wouldn’t be taught to fight with a sword, now I’m worried for my boyfriend. Aki could see I was starting to worry. “I’m sure it will all be fine, in the meantime Himeno will teach you.”
“I’ll be back, I promise.” He tried to reassure me.
“O-Okay…” I watched as he left, and I felt a bad feeling in my gut. Though, for the moment I had to push that away. For right now Himeno caught my attention.
“I must say, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen Aki’s soft side.” Himeno put an arm around my shoulder. “He must really care for you.” She pinched my cheek.
“I see what Aki meant when he said you can get personal.” I told her as she continued to pinch my cheek, I didn’t mind though. Since it took my mind off the current situation.
“I get that, now how about some training?” Himeno took her arm off of my shoulder and turned to Arai and Kobeni. “Who’d like to spar with Reze first.”
Both seem slightly nervous about sparing, and if I had the guess both were new to fighting like me. I wonder how long they’ve been new recruits? If I think me and Denji have only been devil hunters for…has it really been two days? Feels like it’s been longer. Regardless, I understand their hesitation.
“Come one, I won’t bite.” A mischievous smile spreads on my face. “Unless I need to.” I teased.
Both slightly jumped, and both Himeno and I laughed.
“I’m only joking.” I said.
“I’ll spar with you.” Arai said. I nodded as we both got ready. I decided to try and use my sword, obviously I wouldn’t try to hurt him with it. But I should get used to fighting with it, see what I can do. Though, without proper practice I pretty much just had a lark knife in my hands. Regardless, I took a stance that if I’m being honest, I got it from a movie me and Denji watched on Aki’s tv. Though it seemed to make Arai go on the defensive. We both waited to see what the other would do, but after a few moments I decided to strike first.
Lunging forward I swung my sword at him but he quickly dodged, and he went to tackle me. He was sloppy though and I managed to back away in time. This time instead of charging straight forward I decided to try and circle around him. As I did so I tried a couple more swings, but he still managed to dodge. He then managed to make me drop my sword, I didn’t have time to grab it so I went to use my fists. I tried to throw some punches, some landed others were blocked. He made to go punch me, but I dodged. He was respectfully built, so I didn’t want to feel how much of a punch he was packing. Not to toot my own horn, but for only being a devil hunter for two days I was a pretty good fighter. It seemed karma heard that, for I then got caught off guard, next thing I know I’m on my ass. I was punched right in the gut, and damn did it hurt. I put my arms up in surrender.
“I hope I didn’t hit you too hard.” Arai said, concern evident in his voice as he helped me up.
“Nah, you’re good. I expect to be hit way worse than that on the field.” I said in an attempt to ease his nerves. “I have to admit though, you are strong.”
“Thank you, you’re quite skilled yourself.” He said.
“Arai, if you don’t mind me asking. How long have you been a devil hunter?” I asked.
“I believe me and Kobeni have been devil hunters for six months.” He answered.
“Six months!?” I asked in surprise.
“Two…days.” I said slightly embarrassed.
“Oh wow, you’re new new.” Himeno said as she walked to us. “Still, you show promise. Luckily you got Aki to teach you the ropes.”
“I guess so.” I said smiling.
“alright! Kobeni you're next up!” Himeno said, and Kobeni seemed to grow nervous.
“I-I don’t know if I can f-fight.” Kobeni stuttered.
“Awe, c’mon Kobeni. I’ve seen you train before, you’re better than you know.” Himeno reassured her, and while Kobeni didn’t budge it was nice seeing someone kind. I may have just met Himeno but I did like her. Aki could use someone like that in his life. Heh, look at me. I’ve only known Aki for two days and I already care for him.
“B-But Himeno!” Kobeni pleaded.
“Miss Himeno, if she doesn’t want to spar I don’t mind.” I said. Kobeni gave me a look of gratitude.
“Hmm,” Himeno hummed for a bit as she thought. “Alright, how about we get to know you Reze. I know Aki said we’d get to know each other when his other two members get back, but there’s no harm in getting to know each other a bit now.”
“I don’t mind.” I responded as we all took a seat on a nearby bench. “What do you guys want to know?”
“Let’s start with something simple, what’s your favorite food?” Himeno asked an ice breaker.
“Oh, um…” I thought for a second, I haven’t tried enough food to have a definitive favorite. “Curry.”
“Yeah, It was one of the first proper meals I’ve had when I first met Miss Makima.” I told them honestly.
“Miss Makima recruited you herself?” Arai asked.
“Me and my boyfriend, yeah.” That got several different reactions from them all. Arai looked shocked that I had a boyfriend, Kobeni was no different yet it was hard to tell with how nervous she usually is, and Himeno looked slightly shocked but intrigued.
“Ooh~ do tell girl, what’s he like?” Himeno asked as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder.
“Well, um. He can be dumb, selfish, and as of late a dick.” I said as they saw me grow increasingly frustrated. “But he can also be sweet, caring, and sometimes a dork.” I then began to smile.
“Ah, to be young and in love.” Himeno said as she leaned her entire body onto me.
“Miss Himeno, you’re squishing me.” I said as I was feeling her weight on me.
“Shh, just enjoy the moment.” She said as she continued to smother me.
“What about you guys? What’s your favorite food?” I asked, trying to get Himeno off of me.
“U-um, hamburgers.” Kobeni said in a meek tone.
“Hamburgers?” I looked at her puzzled. “What is that?”
Once again they all looked at me bewildered, it wasn’t my fault I haven’t been in the city too long. Back in the countryside with Denji we didn’t get much food, besides what we were able to afford.
“You’re joking right? There’s no way you don’t know what a burger is.” Himeno said.
“Sounds familiar but I don’t think I’ve had one before.” I told them honestly.
“T-they’re like a sandwich, but the bread is round and has beef, vegetables, and cheese.” Kobeni explained.
“Round bread?” wait til I tell Denji that, it’ll probably blow his mind.
“We have to take you to get one, I’m sure Aki wouldn’t mind if we kidnapped you for a quick burger run.” Himeno said with a mischievous smirk.
“Miss Himeno! With all due respect, wouldn’t our time be better spent preparing for a devil attack?” Arai interjected.
“C’mon Arai, no harm in some fun.” She told him.
I smiled softly, this was nice. It was kind of like what I had currently, Denji and Himeno seemed to both be carefree and looking for fun, Arai and Aki were similar though Aki was a bit more calm and level headed, and Kobeni while nervous was in my opinion good company. This is something I could get used to, and while I love Denji I also wanted to make other connections. So I gladly watched Himeno and Arai bicker about their duties and burgers, all the while Kobeni tried to step in. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Aki walking towards us, I immediately got up and rushed towards him.
“Aki! What happened!?” I asked frantically, worried etched all over my face.
“Reze, calm down.” He said as he sighed. “Your boyfriend, in short, was an idiot.”
He then turned to Himeno and the others.
“Himeno, get your recruits ready. We’re heading out, got a devil report.” He said, then he turned to me. “On the way I’ll explain something to you.”
At that I was nervous, yet curious as to what he wanted to explain to me. Aki and me took a separate car then Himeno and the others, once again I took the passenger seat and Aki started the car.
“So, what did you want to explain to me? If it’s the birds and the bees then no need to worry.” I joked, and I got the reaction I wanted with him making a choked sound.
“Hehehe, sorry had to.” Once he recollected himself he spoke.
“What I actually want to explain to you is what a devil contract is.”
“Yes, in public safety we not only kill devils but capture some. Primarily ones who cooperate with public safety.” He explained as I nodded. “In order to make a contract one must give something to the devil in exchange for their help.”
“I think Denji told me once he made a contract with Pochita back when they first met.”
“Yeah, something about him giving Pochita some blood to survive in exchange for his help killing some devils, though at some point Pochita helped because he connected with Denji.” I explained to Aki, who looked suspicious about the whole thing, like he couldn’t and wouldn’t believe a devil would help just out of the kindness of their hearts.
“Regardless, that is a contract. Many public safety agents including myself use them, typically in exchange for pieces of our skins. Sometimes, if the situation is dire, our limbs or lives.” At the mention of that the car grew quiet. “Maybe not now, but when you’re more experienced you will get your own contract, if you choose too that is.”
“Maybe, it sounds like it could be useful. But I don’t think I’m ready just yet.”
“As I said, you can make one if you choose too. I simply thought it be best if I told you about them now.”
“Oh? Mind telling me?” I said getting nosy, that was until we stopped and noticed the road was blocked off by cops and public safety officers.
“How about I show you one instead.” He said as we got out of the car.
Once we met with the cops and public safety officers we learned they had just arrived, apparently this bat devil showed up and seemed to be fighting this human looking devil with chainsaws. I immediately made the connection. It was Denji and so did Aki. They said they were probably still fighting and at this point Himeno and the others arrived. Aki and Himeno had decided it was best for a small group to scope the situation, that small group being us. So while I was itching to get to my boyfriend, Kobeni and Arai were freaking out. We traversed the mostly destroyed city block, man looks like Denji and the devil did a number here. It was all trashed, but luckily from what we could see there were no casualties. As we got closer to the center of it all the first thing we noticed was the spilled guts of the dead bat devil. It seemed like Denji came out victorious. I felt proud in a way, knowing Denji could fight and survive. Sadly, that pride died and worries emerged as I saw a site that terrified me. As a giant disgusting looking devil stood tall and in its grasp it held Denji up. So many emotions ran through my body, anger, worry, fear. And it was about to run in there and save Denji, or at least try too, until Aki stopped me.
“Aki! I have to go save him!”
“Reze, remember what I told you back in the car?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Watch.” He said as he held his arm up doing a weird dog thing with his hand as he closed an eye. “Kon”
Next thing I know this giant fox head with many eyes appeared from seemingly nowhere, it bit the other devil’s head clean off.
“Looks like she’s the leech devil. May I swallow?” The giant fox head said, all I could do was stare in awe. That was a contract?
“Do it.” At Aki’s command the devil dissolved into smoke and disappeared. Once I had recovered from my initial shock I quickly ran over to Denji.
“Denji!” I said as I kneeled down to him, Aki was ordering the others to help with search and rescue. I noticed that Denji didn’t seem to be too aware and that he had a chainsaw coming out of his head. Was that his transformation? Doesn’t seem to match the description Miss Makima told me about. Nonetheless I worried, then I noticed the fiend and what seemed to be a cat in a cage. “What did you do?” I asked with venom in my tone.
Before she could respond however I heard Denji mumble something.
“Dream battle…my dream battle…Reze…dream…Reze.” He repeated over and over again, and it put me at ease a bit to know that he was thinking of me. Even if he had a chainsaw in his head.
“Let’s get him some medical attention.” Aki said as he approached us.
“O-Okay!” I said as I hurriedly got up to help Aki lift Denji.
“Him and the Fiend need to be debriefed.” Aki said, and by now i’ve noticed Denji is missing his left hand.
“O-Oh my god!” I almost yelled out as Denji kept babbling about dream battle and me.
“And Meowy?” Me and Aki turned to look at Power and the cat, who in turn meowed at us.
“Have the cat sent to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup.” Aki said as we got into the ambulance. I didn’t care what happened to the fiend, as long as my Denji was safe.
The ride to the hospital was like hell because all I could do was hold Denji’s remaining hand, and while his babbling had stopped he was still slightly twitching. And once we got there I didn’t feel any better, mainly because we had to wait for them to fix Denji. That included reattaching his hand, which Aki managed to find much to my relief. And after several grueling hours we were finally in a hospital room waiting for Denji to wake up, all the while I kneeled by his bed never letting go of his hand.
“Reze, the doctors said he’ll be fine.” Aki tried to reassure me for the hundredth time.
“But what if he’s not? I can’t lose him, Aki. regardless of what has happened these last two days I still love him.”
“You really are too good for him.” He huffed as he was cutting some apples.
“Maybe I am, but that doesn’t change the way I feel for him.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that what he did was reckless, furthermore this could have the fiend well…” As much as I disliked the fiend and didn’t care what happened, and partially blamed her for what happened today. That didn’t mean I want her to possibly be killed, and I doubt Denji would either.
“You heard the reports Miss Himeno sent, he saved people.”
“I know, Reze.” The room got quiet. “That’s why I’ll let this slide.”
“Yes, only if he listens to me.”
“That’s fair…really fair, and nice.” I smiled at him.
“That doesn’t mean I’ll overlook his disregard for your relationship.” At the mention of that I looked down at Denji.
“When we…found him he kept saying my name…that has to mean something, he was thinking of me.” I said with some hope in my voice.
“I noticed that too, maybe his fight with the two devils knocked some sense into him before we did.”
“Maybe.” I sighed. “Please wake up Denji.”
As if hearing me Denji started waking up, he looked over at Aki who was still cutting apples before looking over at me.
“Denji!” I quickly hugged him. “You stupid stupid idiot.” I said as tears threatened to spill.
“We found your arm, a blood infusion was all it needed to be reattached.” Aki told him, in the cold tone he only talked to Denji in. “You really are a devil.”
“You seemed pretty friendly with that devil back there, I saw.” Denji said, and Aki explained to him what he told me about devil contracts. And he also explained how he had a contract with the fox devil, having offered some skin in exchange for some help back there. Aki then explained how him and the fiend were being watched, that’s how they knew where they were going and why the devil was attacking. That explained why Aki had to go, furthermore Aki told Denji that they knew the fiend was trying to kill him. That made my blood boil, but what surprised me was that Denji was playing dumb. Why is he trying to protect the fiend that tried to kill him? That was the question on my mind as Denji tried to reach for the apples, Aki pulled them away before looking down for a second and passing them to him. I knew what Aki was thinking, he was thinking about all the reports and how while Denji was reckless he still saved people. And so Aki gave Denji his ultimatum, that he’d let this slide if he listens to him from now on.
“Sure, I’ll keep it in mind.” Denji answered. “You both can relax. I may not be after some big-deal goal like you guys and I might dream small, but I’m as serious about this as you are. You can count on me.”
“Try and learn some manners in the meantime,” Aki said as he got up. “And talk with your girlfriend, I believe she has something to say.”
With that it was just me and Denji, hand in hand. For a moment neither of us spoke, and we stayed that was until.
“Denji.” We both spoke at the same time. “You first.”
“Reze, look I know that I’ve been acting like a major dick.” He started out as he looked down at our intertwined hands. “And If I’m being honest, the reason I followed her and saved her cat she’d…let me cop a feel.”
“I know, but when she knocked me out and the bat devil ate her cat I realized something. It made me think about us and Pochita, how we would have done anything for him and he would have done anything for us.” He held my hand tighter. “And reminded me too about the yakuza and how when I was dying I had realized I took every moment you, me, Pochita had for granted. And I had a moment of clearity, clare-ity?”
“Yeah that, I realized that since getting to the big city I’ve been taking you for granted. I was so busy looking at other girls, that I forgot I already have the best, prettiest, funniest girlfriend ever.” He said as he finally looked me in the eye. “I love you Reze, and I’m sorry I've been a terrible boyfriend. And I promise that from here on out I’ll be hundred, no. A thousand times better!”
I hugged him so tightly not wanting to let go.
“That’s all I wanted to hear, I was so afraid of losing you that I wasn’t good enough for you!”
“I’m sorry I made ya feel that way, but you are the greatest person ever!” He hugged me back just as tightly.
“Denji.” I looked at him. “I love you too.”
We stared at each other before we closed the small gap between us, we kissed each other gently. Obviously this wasn’t the first time we have kissed, but this meant so much more. This wasn’t just a kiss, but a promise.
“So um, can you pass me another apple?” Denji said as we laid in the hospital bed in each other's arms.
After that things improved between us, Denji seemed fully dedicated again to our relationship and I couldn't be happier. It didn’t take long for Denji to be discharged from the hospital, since blood seemed to patch him up quickly. Once back to Aki’s apartment we all got much needed rest, though I had a different plan in mind. I had put on some pajamas I had bought, they were some pants with cats on them and a T-shirt twice my size. And once I was sure Aki was asleep I snuck into Denji’s room. As I gently got into his bed I felt him stir and look over, he was shocked to see me.
“What the hell are you doing in my room? Better yet why in my bed?”
“Is it bad I want to sleep with my boyfriend?” I asked him with a smirk as he blushed. “Besides, I miss sleeping together. You, me…Pochita…”
I frowned at the memory that he wasn’t here anymore, I still haven’t come to terms with it. Seeing this Denji snuggled with me.
“Like old times huh?” He asked.
“Yeah, like old times.” I said smiling.
It wasn’t long before we both fell asleep, and originally I was planning on sneaking out before Aki woke up. But sadly, that didn’t go as planned. But can you blame me? Waking up in your boyfriend's arms all comfy makes you lazy. And I had to admit, Aki’s reaction was priceless.
“Morning top knot.” Denji said as we exited his room.
“Morning Aki.” I followed behind
“I-I.” We looked up and saw Aki’s jaw dropped as his eyes narrowed in on us, and I realized at that moment what this looked like.
“This isn’t what it looks like!” My face had gone crimson. “I just wanted to sleep with him okay! Not in that kind of way!”
Denji at this point finally caught on.
“Oh, yeah no. We didn’t fuck.”
“Yeah, but you don’t have to be blunt about it.”
“You two…just…sit down while I make breakfast.” Aki grumbled out, and Denji sat down while I quickly went to Aki.
“We were able to work things out.” I told him as a small smile appeared on my face.
“So he’s done being an idiot and taking you for granted?” He asked as he started to prepare breakfast.
“Being an idiot, no. But the second part, yes.”
“Good, now go sit while I prepare breakfast.” He said, and while he may have not shown it, I could tell he was happy for me. Even if he still doesn’t fully like Denji.
Besides that the day went by relatively alright, since it was the weekend we didn’t have work. So a majority of the day was us doing some chores, much to Denji’s protest. But also small stuff like Aki teaching me to cook some food, Denji and Me watching the Tv while acting all lovey dovey, and even convincing Aki to play some board games with us. It was nice really, it felt like we were a real family. But that peace didn’t last long, for as I was helping Aki prepare ingredients for lunch we heard loud banging at the door.
“Um, Aki, were you expecting someone?” I asked.
“No, I’m not.” He said as he walked out of the kitchen.
As we looked at the door the lock was broken off, and we all had gotten ready for an attack. But instead we heard an annoying voice.
“What a pitiful home this is!” Said the fiend Denji was with her cat. I felt my blood boil. Why was she here?
We soon found out that Power was assigned to live with us, and while I would never question Makima I just wasn’t on board with it. Especially since she tried to kill Denji, and I was still somewhat jealous of her. Regardless, it was out of our hands. That didn’t mean it wasn’t annoying, Power was like a kid. She didn’t like veggies, didn’t clean after herself, and is all in all revolting as she barely showers. Luckily I wasn’t the only one who found her disgusting. So as night came around I was cleaning her mess while Denji had to clean the toilet, since Power said she was too important to anything. But then I noticed Power going to the bathroom, was she finally going to clean her mess? No, she would never. Especially since Denji was there, so I stopped what I was doing and made my way to the now closed bathroom door and tried listening in.
From what I could hear Power was doing her part of the deal, and was going to allow Denji to touch her chest. While I did find it admirable she was keeping up her end of the deal, that didn’t mean my blood didn’t run cold. And for what felt like an eternity, Deni finally said something,
“Nah, I’m good.” He responded back.
“Huh? What is that supposed to mean?” I hear Power respond.
“It means I ain’t touching.”
“But was touch boobs not your mission?”
“Yeah it was, until I realized I got a girlfriend. And not just any girlfriend, but the best girlfriend in the world. One I made a promise to. So you don’t owe me anything alright.” He said, and my heart started beating. It made me smile, he really was trying to be better.
“Mhmp, humans are so confusing. But so be it then!” I immediately got out of the way as Power opened the door, she then looked towards me. “I don’t understand his infatuation with you, but it is of no concern to me.” She proclaimed before going to her room.
Once she had gone I went to the bathroom.
“Reze? Um, did you hear that?” He asked nervously, but I eased him with a smile.
“Yeah, but I’m not mad. In fact I’m happy, really happy.”
“Yep, you made me proud Denji.”
“Glad it did, told ya I was gonna be better.” He gave me a smile, one that made me blush.
“Hey, Denji.” I started before looking to the side. “After you're done, come to my room and wash your hands.”
I then quickly went to my room before he could respond, I needed time to mentally prepare myself. I had been contemplating on this for a long while, since the house incident. And now I was certain of my next move, all I had to do now was wait.
“Reze, why did you want me to come to your room?” Denji asked as he finally entered the room.
“Denji, um, sit with me?” I asked while patting a spot on my bed.
“Um, alright.” when he sat down we both sat in silence, but that didn’t last long.
“Denji, back at the house, when you asked to touch my boobs. I really didn’t like that.” I told him.
“Sorry about that Reze, that wasn’t right.” He said acknowledging his mistake.
“Yeah, but I gave it some thought. With our relationship, I want to go to the next level, maybe not that level. Not yet at least but,” I inhaled. “Denji, you can touch my chest.”
The world seemed to slow down as we stared at each other, and my words seemed to finally sink into Denji’s head.
“Wait wait, Reze. we don’t gotta, I don’t want to make you do something you don't wanna-”
“Denji,” I grabbed both his hands. “It’s okay, I…I want to feel your hands, I want this.”
Once again we stared at each other as we blushed.
Slowly I brought his hand to my chest, and slowly and gently he started feeling them. I slightly moaned a bit and blushed more, feeling slightly embarrassed. But at the same time it felt nice, not because of how lewd it was but because it was intimate. Like it was just me and Denji, nothing else mattered. After a few moments Denji took his hands off my chest.
“So, um, was it everything you expected to be?” I asked him shyly.
“No,” He said and I froze, scared that this would ruin our relationship until. “It was even better than I expected. Since it was with you.”
I looked at him before I started laughing.
“Oh my god, Denji. How can you say such sweet things?”
“Hey I meant it! This was incredible because it was a moment with you!”
“I’m glad you liked it Denji, I actually…kind of liked it too.” I said slightly, and to my surprise Denji blushed too.
“To a big head now Denji~” I teased as a way to feel less embarrassed, this moment was nice if only it could last forever.
“GO TO BED YOU TWO!” We heard Aki said. Oh, have we been too loud?
“I ALSO AGREE, YOUR PROCREATION IS KEEPING ME FROM MY SLUMBER!”
“OKAY JUST SHUT UP!” Denji yelled back as were both blushing crimson.
“Um, goodnight Denji.” I quickly kissed him before scurrying off.
“Good night Reze!” He said back.
As I laid in bed my face in my pillow I continued to blush, yet I couldn’t help the smile on my face.
