First time writing for Fire Force & Benimaru, so I hope I did well!
Summary: Inspired by Season 2 Ep 1 (The calendar photoshoot! This will be a mini-series w/multiple characters)
Learning the Konro had secretly taken his picture for the Fire Force nude calendar, Benimaru takes his S/O, the reader, to the bathhouse with him in case someone were to snap his photo again, and the inevitable tension quickly takes their attention...
Warnings: SMUT! (18+ ONLY! MINORS & AGELESS BLOGS DNI! YOU WILL BE BLOCKED!) Swearing, foreplay, unprotected sex (wrap it before ya tap it!), Established relationship.
Word Count: 0.8k
“I still can’t believe Konro was taking those photos for the calendar behind my back.”
Typical Benimaru not wanting to take part in the yearly calendar event. I understood but took the opportunity to tease him as we entered our private section in the bathhouse.
“Did you bring me to keep watch or for something else?”
Letting my robe drop, I giggled at his eyes staring at my ass, the water steaming hot as I submerged slowly.
“You’re something else,” He groaned, dropping his towel and joining me in the water, sitting back and exhaling deeply as the hot water consumed him.
“Oh, come on. Loosen up,” I giggled, slipping behind him to rub his shoulders, whispering in his ear, “You don’t realize how appealing you are to the naked eye, do you?”
“I don’t seek attention or flattery,” He mumbled, relaxing against me as I massaged deeper, adding kisses along his neck:
“Yeah, but at least allow me to give you some attention. Hm, baby?”
“Urgh,” I swear that he enjoyed being grumpy, trying to hide the satisfaction behind his groan, subconsciously tilting his head to expose more of his neck, mumbling, “You’re lucky to be the only one to have my heart.”
“I am,” I purred, deepening my kisses, hand grazing his thigh to find his stiffening cock, stroking softly, “And so grateful.”
“Mmhm,” He hummed, slouching as I stroked his cock faster, thumb teasing his swelling tip, staring off for a moment as he was thinking.
“Something on your mind?”
“Just making sure Konro or anyone else is trying to snap photos.”
“With me here?” I laughed, reverting to my slow strokes, “They’d be signing their death certificate.”
“Yeah,” He sighed, taking my hand, “If he does, he’ll probably drop dead from what he sees. Get over here.”
“No one’s lurking, Beni,” If anyone were, I’d sense it. We were all alone, so I gladly got up and stood before him, going to kiss him.
“I’m not worried about that,” Placing a finger on my lips and then pushing me to guide me around; he made it clear he wanted me sitting on his cock, “Only worried about what you started.”
“You know I’ll take care of it,” I smiled, back facing him as I straddled over his thighs, naturally able to line myself up with his cock.
“Yeah, you better,” He toyed, tapping my ass and holding as his tip rolled through my folds, letting him feel that I was slicked and ready, the familiar stretch having a moan ooze from my lips.
“I’ll always love that,” I cooed, sitting down to enjoy how his cock always had me stuffed, gently rolling my hips forward.
“Need some motivation or something?” He was so impatient, fingers swimming to my clit to make my nerves run wild, the judders making my hips roll quicker by instinct, “You know how I like it, so c’mon.”
“There’s nothing wrong with taking our time sometimes, you know?” I gasped, shooting an audacious look back at him before picking myself up, leaving just his tip, “But if that’s what you want, baby.”
The water splashed from how hard my ass smacked against him, taking him deeper and deeper each time I rose and bounced up and down, not fighting the lewd moans that grew along with my movements, the satisfaction strong in his lingering moan:
“Ughhh. Y/N, baby- “
Taking two handfuls of my ass, every ripple and jiggle of my skin had him falling into delirium, digging into my plush, an idea in mind as his tense hand glided up my back, pushing me forward.
“Beni-“ The angle had my clutch around him strengthen, gripping to his knees as his hands found my hips.
“Stay just like that,” He cooed, thrusting upward so his tip would hit the pits of my stomach, my yelps of pleasure almost drowning out his following command, “Keep bouncing, too. If you can handle it.”
“Uh-Uh,” Bouncing into his thrusts, my walls started to throb, the friction stronger, and the way he could split always had me cock drunk and submissive to him, “I can, Beni!”
“I know you can, sweetheart,” He always knew when I was close, lost in bliss and wanting my pussy clamping his cock even harder, his hands guiding my hips into a harder, faster pace.
“Gosh-“ The steam from the bath filled my head and turned it to must, burning hotter and hotter as I got closer, babbling out pleases that mixed with my whimpers and moans, “Beni-i! Ah-ahh!”
Our skin meeting almost felt like electricity. It was heavenly, extremely potent when he pulled me back toward him, hugging my upper half and kneading my breasts as I was still whimpering, creaming his cock, and the intense throbbing from my orgasm had his cock twitching, struggling to fight the urge of cuming in me.
“That’s too good,” His warm, deep breath grazed my ear, not finished with me as he panted softly with impatience, “Let’s go to the showers so I can finish.”
“In a second?” I needed a moment for my nerves to calm before moving, smiling at the annoyance in his eyes, brushing back his dark locks, and pressing my lips to his cheek, “Don’t worry. I’ll never leave you unsatisfied, hon.”
shinmon benimaru caring for you and helping you stretch after a brutal workout（＾ν＾）18+ only, fem!reader, about 1.3k words
this is an incredibly self indulgent drabble/small fic as i love leg day and my thighs are always the sorest part of my body after the gym 🏋🏾♀️
you sorely approach him in his office after your workout that day; maybe you pushed yourself a little too hard on the cycle,
and maybe you had foolishly pridefully attempted to lift 10lbs above your max weight while doing squat presses
either way your body was annihilated :’) your thigh muscles so tight you felt you could barely walk or sit without falling over
but when you shyly and shakily waddled into beni’s office his heart lurched into worried physical therapist!boyfriend mode 😭
his brows furrow when you enter “ugh (y/n).” he huffs frustrated and immediately gets up to look you over and rub your shoulders “ive told you..you must learn to take it easier when you’re training in the gym. you know you can hurt yourself.” he shakes his head and continues attempting to provide comfort to your beck and shoulders
it wasn’t that he didn’t think you were capable, he just knew the careless extent your adrenaline could take you to. he would crumble if you were ever seriously injured while away from him. no matter how far 🥺
you were thankful for the attention to your taut body. your boyfriend is incredibly amazing. benimaru’s hands worked unthinkable miracles, always applying just enough pressure to make you feel that pleasurably painful alleviation
he knew what his hands did to your tired mind and body. he ached to always be the one to reduce you to that boneless, needy, pliable disarrayed mindset.
the relief of his strong, rough hands kneeding into your raw muscles caused a soft whimper to escape your lips. when beni catches the faint sound his gaze flits to yours instantly. so starved to draw more from you.
“do you need some relief, sweetheart?” he husks out against your ear.
“mm…pleas waka,” your hazy mind manages to murmur.
beni wouldn't want miss the chance to run you a nice hot bath to help you recover (he might as well hop in too so he can help you wash off, “you’re barely able to life up your arms, baby. just let me help.” 😌😌)
after the bath together he’d help you pat yourself dry and carry you out to the bed with his towel slung low along his bold v-line
as he sets you on the bed you breathe a sigh of muscle relief and begin to untuck your fluffy towel from around your body; dampened skin still velvet smooth and glowing. you notice his eyes fixed on your naked body; almost like he’s patiently anticipating the most euphoric part of his day
“please get into position, princess. ‘m gonna help you stretch those thighs out. ice them tomorrow after this and you’ll be able to go back to the gym by the day after.” waka loves to take care of and cutely boss around his injured loves ones. it makes him feel comforted in his own loyalty to always look out for those he cares for
and once you're sprawled out on the bed he takes his fucking time 😩 dripping sweet smelling massage oil onto your back, using this thumbs to dig softly in search of more tender knots
just the feeling of his calloused fingers gliding smoothly along your back relaxed your spine at once, and when he sensed your pliancy his hands began to rub down to your glistening ass cheeks.
“I can tell you’re holding a lot of tension here. would you like for me to focus on these pretty cheeks baby?” beni crooned to you softly as he palmed your slicked cheeks and slid your soft mounds apart; dragging his blunt nail beds into you. “..mm please waka.. ‘m thighs are killing me too,” you signed into the pillow, head just barely budging in a nod for him to please please continue again already.
“say no more.” his hands linger on your ass for a moment or two before rubbing their way down to your plush thighs and giving them each a playfully light slap. the cool breath from beni’s low chuckle swept over your back and sent chills down your spine.
“mm, whas so funny waka?” you slurred
“i just love being the one who gets to take you completely apart...”
he worked patiently n silently until every bit of tension you were holding in your exhausted body had been melded out. your eyes were closed and a blissed out smile graced your pretty lips as unnoticeable purrs escaped your chest.
he loved experiencing you like this. your cute eyes blown wide, glassy, and dark. thighs subconsciously rubbing together while every part of you was lost in bliss. you always gave so much to benimaru in these moments, and he thirsted for it all. he wanted every ounce of control and responsibly over you: his love, his light in the dark.
he had you on your back now. your sore thighs spread far apart by either of his hands while he pressed the insides of them down. your pelvis naturally began to meet his from the rising arch of the stretch the deeper he went. waka’s red eyes glowing in the dim room and not breaking contact with yours for a second. “that's it baby. go ahead and hold the pose right here for me.”
before your dopamine dazed mind could realize why he would need your hands to hold the pose you felt his slick coconut oil covered digits teasing in-between your clenching folds. his middle and index fingers teasingly ghosted feather light circles over your pulsating clit, every now and then applying the genuine combined pressure of both fingers until you whimpered and squirmed
“go ahead, precious. tell me what you need now.” the fire soldier’s rock hard member had already been waiting oiled up and so desperate to be inside you. his girthy 8′‘ cock was hanging stiff and hot. the swollen, dark purple tip weeping precum as his thick underside vein lit up with sensitivity. he feared he wouldn't last long once he finally felt your velvet smooth walls hug around his aching member.
“gi-give me all of you benimaru. i need it, please.”
and he fed you every inch of himself. the stretch of him caused your mouth to fall in a silent ‘o’ almost feeling overwhelmed but already on the brink of release. when his balls softly slapped against your warm wet center, he helped you bring your thighs in from your pose and up to your chest so you could be more comfy.
you knew your orgasm was less than 2 minutes away when he stopped for one moment to lock eyes with. an all too sweet smile tugged at his lips. he pulled back and thrusted into you with enough force to give your clit a rough, sticky smack; causing you to let out a moan at the sudden sensation as beni’s chiseled hips set a relentlessly pleasuring pace.
“you let go and cum on this cock as soon as you're ready princess, you hear me?” he knew he wouldn't last long but fuck he couldn't help it. you felt so delicious and you sounded so needy and he made you so delirious with just his hands, his cock, and his voice.
and fuck could he just fill you up with his seed already? have you blissed out and fucked to sleep, drooling, while he played with his load in your swollen pussy?
“b-beni i cant do it, m’ gonna cum,”
“there’s nothing you need to hold back baby. cum.”
your release wracked over you in waves, causing your brain to shut off and your joints to stutter.
his cock worked your insides languidly, the cum being absolutely milked out of him while he bit your nipple and tried squeezing your oiled ass cheeks. he could tell by the way your fragile chest heaved deep and lightly that your orgasm had already slipped you into that dreamlike dazed state. he chuckled deeply one last time before cleaning you up and tucking you comfortably.
“glad i could help you relax my love.”
(a/n) sorry if any part of this seemed rushed i was just so freakin excited to post
please feel free to like and reblog if you enjoyed just do not repost! 💕💕
CW: death of pregnant S/O, violence, sadness, angst, drama, and grief
Word count: 1,493
Pages: 6
Read time: ~6 minutes
A/N: Hello! I’ve been thinking about getting back into writing for a while, and I guess this is going to be the piece that does it. I’ve proofread as much as I could, writing on my phone’s notes app. I’m dabbling with the idea about making this into a longer reader insert fic. We’ll see how it plays out. Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear feedback!!!
S o l Y e a r 1 9 4
T o k o y o, A s a k u s a
The fires raged around the two men, fierce flames licking at their skin from the endless blazes of the buildings surrounding them. Too many of their friends they’d had to say goodbye to. Too many homes reduced to smoldering ash. They were spent, too much energy used trying to protect the village they loved. Their home. Konro Sagamiya was bent over, hands on his knees holding himself up. Shinmon Benimaru was weak-kneed, head thrown to the sky with his arms hanging limply at his sides. Both men were panting heavily. Where the hell was the Fire Force?
“Where is the Fire Force?! Don’t you think they should have gotten here a while ago?” As if the partners shared a mind, the younger of the two groaned to his mentor.
“Yeah, but we can’t rely on them. We’ll do this one ourselves.” Konro breathes back. The pair straighten and try to move forward with muscles and joints fighting them every step of the way, screaming for a break from this never ending hellscape. Benimaru’s knees give out beneath him and he collapses against a wood storage box.
“Beni!”
“Damnit, I can’t breath. Hard as I try, just can’t seem to get any oxygen in.” he chokes.
“You’ve reached your pyrokenetic limit. Stay here. I’ll be back.”
“Not a chance, dubmass. We both know you’re in the same boat as me-“ Benimaru was cut off, this gentle moment in the midst of battle coming to a harsh halt. A giant flame flares from the alleyway just ahead no doubt another loved citizen and friend turned infernal.
“What...” Benimaru starts, unable to finish his thought, not knowing what words to bring forth.
“What is that thing?” Konro asks. This wasn’t a normal infernal. This...was bigger. Stronger. More powerful than anything either had come up against. This was a demon infernal. It threw it’s claws back and roared at the two men, smile growing wider somehow.
They’d heard stories of them from the Great Fire, but they’d never thought they’d live to see one. Let alone fight it. Two horns blacker than night and the same color as its body protruded in wicked angles from it’s skull, holes of scorched ember where eyes once were below thin curling flames of eyebrows, mouth twisted into a wicked and devilish grin. It’s body was muscular yet feminine, looking distantly familiar to the pair, unable to pull the used to be friend from the far depths of their minds. Until something fell from the beast’s neck, tearing every fiber of Konro’s being to pieces.
It was the necklace Konro had given his wife on their wedding day.
“Damnit.” Konro sent his fist square through the center of Benimaru’s chest causing him to catapult through the box and house he was clutching to for support. He couldn’t believe it. What was is senior doing? Konro would kill himself if he fought this beast alone.
“What are you doing?! Konro!” Beni’s mind and world went black as his head connected with a support beam belonging to the crumbling house next door. As he fell to the ground unconscious the little remaining structure of building fell around him.
“I’m sorry, but with a rambunctious little brat like you, this is the only way to get you to sit still. It’s too soon Beni, I can’t let your flame go out yet,” his voice shook from the exhaustion and realization that hit him like a train, “especially knowing the fact that I’ve just lost mine. This is something I have to do alone. Rest up, kid. I’ll take care of this.”
The demon roared again, changing. The body now matched that of Konro, flames erupting from it’s back and shoulders just as Konro’s powers did. His stomach roiled at what he saw, cursing at the demon that had mangled the remainder of his wife’s form so grotesquely.
The battle was long and tiresome as tears falling from Konro’s eyes were quickly evaporating at the intense heat exuding from both himself and the demon. Sweat was whisked away as steam, barely being able to escape the struggling man’s pores before being stolen by the flame. He was already spent before the fight had begun, hoping to end his once wife’s suffering quick.
The form of his once kind, energetic, and soulful wife was berating him in a brutal onslaught, giving no space for the man to make a move. It took everything in him to defend himself let alone move to the offensive. If he hadn’t known better, he would say he was fighting himself.
He had openings. But any chance the man went for the kill her face flashed in front of his eyes, causing his motions to falter, lending the demon room to advance. The two were close now, a blow missing and putting Konro too close to the fire. The demon raised it’s head quickly, slashing Konro’s tired face with it’s sharp horns. He sucked thin, smoky air through his teeth quickly at the pain. Time was running out. He had to finish this.
He pushed the demon away from himself a final time, giving him just enough room to move. His hand brought itself up and around him in a circle, fierce flames erupting in an inferno behind him mimicking his movements.
“I love you,” Konro choked, “you’ve been brave for far too long. Don’t be scared, darling, I’m right here. Its time for you to rest. Sweet dreams my flower.”
The Crimson Moon erupted from his hand and shot straight through the demon’s chest, just as it had every time before. It never missed it’s mark. All of Konro’s energy and power erupted, sending him flying back into a building behind him as the demon was reduced to ash in the crater that laid in the battle’s aftermath.
Konro’s breath shook as his body spasmed, the stone behind him cold and welcoming to his burning flesh. He opened his hand and looked down. The half melted Sakura flower pendant was the last thing he saw as he allowed the darkness to overtake him, hoping not to wake. He wished to see his wife, and the child that was growing within her. Torn from life before even being born.
The coming months were the hardest Konro had ever faced. Though things were busy enough: rebuilding the once beautiful city now reduced to ash, building and preparing men for the official Company Seven Special Fire Station, and trying to pick up the pieces of a broken and shattered heart.
Any moment not spent discussing how things were coming along and offering guidance to Benimaru was spent in bed. The grief that raked through his very soul was insufferable. Hoping, praying that the tears ceaselessly falling from his sick eyes would drown him in their relentless waves. But no solace was granted to the sickly and broken man. He was forced to live every day with the burning reminder of the night his whole world was taken from him.
Benimaru spent his days organizing the men, taking on the leadership role he despised with every fiber of his being extremely well, despite his numerous and vocal protests. He wasn’t ready for all of this. He didn’t want it. If Konro had just let him help with the demon, he’d be fine, his tephrosis wouldn’t exist, and he’d be in his rightful position as Captain of Company Seven. It was the position Konro deserved. Not Beni. But the elder of the two was in bed healing wounds both physical and mental.
Benimaru was at his side every moment that wasn’t spent in the streets of Asakusa with his people. Giving conversation when warranted, sitting in comfortable silence when nothing was to be said, forcing Konro to eat, changing his bandages, keeping him clean, and watching every breath the man took in his sleep to make sure his chest was still rising and falling. Benimaru was not going to let Konro’s flame die yet. The people of Asakusa needed him. Beni needed him.
Slowly, time healed him as much as his ashen body would allow. Being able to walk the streets again. Chat with the loving people of Asakusa. Scold and guide Benimaru. Care for the men of the Seventh. Just as he had cared for his wife.
The pain never went away.
Every time his shoulders stung another memory of his wife raged through his mind stronger than the inferno that had taken her from him.
He knew it never would.
His wife didn’t mean the whole world to him, she was his whole world. And she was gone, life snuffed like the flame of a candle.
Slowly, he learned to smile again.
However, the brave and once strong man took a single unspoken vow:
a message from sol — ✎ˀ
my first fire force fic! and it’s for our capt ōbi✨ also, my tag list is open! happy halloween, folks~
-`,✎ synopsis! ;
when your beloved boyfriend proposes a date on the eve of halloween, you thought of a chill café date. you never thought you’d be spending the evening screaming your lungs out.
The gentle breeze of autumn caressed your skin and ruffled your hair lovingly in a welcome embrace as you stood at the entrance of Company 8. Warm coffee and cinnamon filled your senses, warmth spreading through your core as you tucked locks of your hair behind your ear. Your grip around the strap of the plastic bag you were carrying tightened in anticipation. The smile threatening to bloom on your face like a chrysanthemum in the Japanese autumn was hard to keep at bay. With a deep breath, you took a few steps forward and entered the shabby-looking building.
It wasn’t your first time at Company 8. After all, your boyfriend of four years just happened to be the captain, Several times you had come over during your free time and the other employees were no stranger to you. That day was no different as you strut down the hallway, a huge bag of drinks in your hand for not only your boyfriend but also the lovely folks working with him.
“L/N!” You saw Maki’s beautiful face pop up from around the corner. She sported an excitable smile brighter than a summer day and you couldn’t help but mirror it. “Are you here to pick up Captain Ōbi?” You nodded, still walking until the both of you met halfway. Only then did she notice the heavy bag in your hand and an exclamation sputtered from her lips.
“I got some canned drinks for everyone. This isn’t my first time coming without empty hands; why are you so surprised, Maki?” Her cheeks puffed out at your teasing tone, holding her hand out to offer a hand with the bag, which you were more than glad to oblige. “Is Akitaru in his office?”
“Nope, he’s in the main office with Lieutenant Takehisa, Shinra and Arthur. Let’s head over together,” Maki suggested. Who were you to refuse, anyway? Among the very few members of Company 8, you and Maki had always been close. After a couple of turned corners the both of you finally arrived at your destination. While you had expected it to be lively because of Shinra and Arthur’s presence, you didn’t think it was extremely lively. Especially since you were looking at your boyfriend who was laughing at the two pyrokinetics as they came at each other’s throats. However, it was definitely a sight for sore eyes. Your workplace had lively coworkers, but their dynamic never quite matched up to that of Shinra and Arthur’s.
“Oh, babe!” Akitaru called for you as soon as he noticed you. He walked towards you and greeted you with a hug, which you gratefully accepted and returned. You’ve always loved his hugs. You love the way his ginormous arms wrapped around your frame, the heat of his body spreading to yours and enveloping you with his cologne and a home-like warmth. You weren’t subtle in the way that you buried your face in his pillowy chest to drown yourself in his scent, which was why you were met with a grinning Ōbi Akitaru when you pulled away. He didn’t need to say anything to let you know that he liked it when you did that. Shyly, you averted your gaze with a roll of your eyes but did nothing to hide your smile.
“Captain and L/N are so cute together . . .” Maki sighed wistfully as she set the bag of drinks down on the table.
“Everyone better be on your best behaviour till I come back, especially you two.” Akitaru pointedly looks over at Arthur and Shinra, the former unabashedly grinning as he threw a thumbs up. “We’ll be back for dinner.” With that, the both of you strutted out of the building, his arm slung around your waist protectively. It was one of the little things that you love most about him. Another was his tendency to call for dates at least once every two weeks. Work kept the both of you busy most of the time—you, a senior editor, and he, a captain—but you loved that he tries to take time out of the day for you even if you do pay him and his crewmates a visit at least once every week.
“So what’s the objective for today’s mission, Captain?” You teased, neck craning slightly to meet his gaze. “It is the eve of Halloween after all. I’m disappointed that there were little to no decorations thrown up.” He mocked an expression of shock and offence, his free hand flying to his chest for an extra measure as you giggled at his antics.
“I’m all for the decorations, but knowing Arthur and Shinra, they’ll be nothing but fire hazards.” Your laughter—soft, vibrant, and it reminded him of church bells—filled the air and he couldn’t help but laugh along too. He loved seeing you smile and he loved it even more when you were full-on cracking up. Akitaru took your hand in his, lacing your fingers together and swung it ever so slightly as the both of you continued to walk to his tempo. “I signed us up for a haunted house at that Halloween festival in town.” Now that has grasped your attention. With an ever slight squeeze to his gigantic hand that held yours, you looked up at him with your eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“Eh? What’s wrong with the one I’m living in?” The look on his face was absolutely priceless. He was absolutely unnerved by the fact you nonchalantly just threw that comment into the conversation. You could see the flame of fear flickering in the aged honey of his eyes, waiting for you to say something.
“The one . . . that you’re living in?” You nodded. “The one that I’ve . . . visited, spent the night at, for the past four years?” You gave him the best innocent doe eyes you could offer, tilting your head ever so slightly to the side and nodding once again. All you could think of was how clearly spooked he was and oh how you wished you could take a picture of his face at that moment. It was priceless, and Company 8’s members would definitely get a good kick out of it. “Y/N, you’re kidding . . . right?”
The curtains closed and your laughter bubbled from the back of your throat. Your stunning e/c eyes formed half-crescents, tears forming as you gave your boyfriend’s hand a reassuring squeeze. He heaved a sigh of relief but even then, a smile managed to reach his face. You leaned into him, stomach hurting from laughing too hard at the reaction he had given you, and he released his grip on your hand to wrap his arm around your shoulders to pull you closer.
“Geez, you’re such a trickster, aren’t ya?” Akitaru ruffled your hair lovingly with his other hand, your giggles and his laughter eventually diffusing into the air. He pressed a gentle kiss to your hair and gave your shoulder a light squeeze.
The both of you then began to talk about each other’s day. Making conversation with him was easy. Perhaps it’s because of your mind-blowing chemistry, but you didn’t really care about it because you love to listen to him talk about his day. You love seeing the way his lips curl into a fond smile when talking about his comrades, the way he becomes animated when he talks about his line of work. You knew it was stressful, that you could one day be the receiver of news you never want to think of, but he’s so passionate about it. All you could do is be behind him to push him forward, and by his side to be his pillar. You just hope that he knows how much you love him.
Your conversation slowed to a stop when the both of you realised that the festival was right around the corner. Halloween decorations were in every single corner of the streets. Buntings in orange, purple, black and white strung across signs of stores that lined the streets, decorative pumpkins big, small and in between were snugly cuddled next to storefronts and around streetlamps. Music and lively chatter filled the air, the scent of freshly-baked pastries and drinks dancing in the atmosphere and mingling with the various chimes of ringing bells as patrons entered cafés.
The sparkle in Akitaru’s eyes were enough to take your breath away as he pulled you along with him. You slithered through the crowd of dressed up folks, laughing and giggling as he pointed out open stalls selling candy apples or cotton candy. Eventually, you found the haunted house maze that was in the heart of the festival. It didn’t take too long to join the queue.
“This is actually an escape room,” your boyfriend told you. You hummed along, nodding in response. “So I think this should make for an interesting maze.”
You noticed that the clerk was registering the maze goers in large groups. There were couples that got lumped together with a small group of high school students, and you figured you and Akitaru would be too. Not that you minded—they can be an interesting bunch sometimes.
“Asahi-san! Don’t be scared!” You heard commotion from behind you. You raised your eyebrows, surprised at such strong words and you glanced over at your boyfriend, who also had the same reaction as you did. “I have all of your backs!”
“Noya-san, don’t tell me . . .”
It was hard to listen among the voices in the crowd, but you could vaguely pick out the stomping of feet before a clamorous mix of laughter and screams of surprise (good ones, you hoped) made you jerk forward in surprise.
“Whoa! Noya-san! You’re so cool!”
They were beginning to get a little too loud so you decided to step in. You turned around and so did Akitaru, and you were met with the sight of a bunch of high school boys surrounding a smaller friend with light-up sneakers. A quick count summed nine of them up.
“Nishinoya, keep it down! We’re in public!” The one who scolded the show-off was taller, with a strong build and a short, neat crop of dark hair. He caught your eye and his stern expression immediately dissolved into an apologetic one. “I’m sorry for the commotion that we caused. We’re not from Tokyo and this is our first time going to a haunted house maze outside of our hometown.”
“Is that so?” Akitaru chuckled. “You kids sure are a lively bunch. Try not to have too much fun, yeah?”
“OSU!” The sheer force of their chorused scream—you were so sure it was practiced—threw you off-guard as you held onto his arm for dear life. They really are a lively bunch.
Both of you patiently waited in line, bumping up slowly until it was your turn. You were allowed in as did Akitaru, waiting in the lobby with another usher who stood where you figured the entrance to the maze would be. Your excitement could barely be contained, evident in the eager grin and the way you rocked your body on the balls of your feet as one arm looped around your boyfriend’s.
As you had guessed, you were grouped with the high school boys from earlier who walked into the room in boisterous excitement. It was almost contagious. The kid with the light-up sneakers, who you had guessed was Nishinoya, went up to the both of you. You watched him patiently as he stopped just about an arm’s length from where you stood. Before you could ask him what was wrong, he violently stomped his feet against the ground and they lit up.
“Don’t be afraid! The Guardian Deity is here!” His loud proclamation was paired with a rather aggressive jab of his thumb against his chest. Some of the boys in his group were laughing, most embarrassed and the rest awestruck. What a strange personality he had . . .
“That’s good to hear, kiddo,” you answered this time. Was it possible for his eyes to sparkle brighter than the LED lights on his shoes?
All eleven of you were granted access into the maze. You were engulfed in darkness, eerie music filling the atmosphere to form the sickly ambience of a cold night. The air conditioning was on full blast and it sent an involuntary chill down your spine. The boys had gone quiet too, speaking in hushed voices as they held onto each other. You would have made fun of them too if you weren’t also clinging onto your boyfriend’s arm for dear life.
You managed to navigate the hallway despite being in almost complete darkness. So far, there were no jumpscares but yet you found yourself anticipating for the first one with bated breaths. The grip you had on Akitaru’s arm was tight, knuckles growing white as the tips of your fingers began to freeze from the temperature. You weren’t a horror fanatic but who wouldn’t be easily scared in such a situation?
The forest stillness of the room was haunting. Nobody dared to make a sound in order to keep a lookout for the actors and any decoys on the way. A shrill automated scream made you jump, clinging onto your boyfriend for dear life and for his body heat.
“Don’t worry babe,” he pulled you closer to him. “I don’t have light-up sneakers but I think I can protect you.” You scowled at him and slapped his shoulder playfully. Even in the pitch blackness you knew he was smirking and snickering to himself.
Turning the corner, you were greeted with Chucky standing in the middle of the route. You were surprised, yes, but it wasn’t enough to make you scream. You heard Akitaru’s breath hitch right next to you but you were more worried about the kids behind you. A hunch told you that the Chucky standing before you wasn’t just a decoy doll. It was too dark to see the details even with the dim swampy, murky yellow-green lighting that flickered slowly. The atmosphere was straight up from a horror movie.
“T-To the couple before us, we’re ready whenever you are.” The meek voice nearly made you scream if it wasn’t for the fact that you just remembered you had an army of high school boys right in your rear.
“Hinata boke! You don’t just say that to strangers!”
Their arguing fell on deaf ears as you tugged your boyfriend with you upon taking the first meek step. You had your eyes trained on Chucky the whole time, carefully maneuvering around him. Somehow in the midst of it all, your hands had found your boyfriend’s and your fingers were intertwined with each other in a death grip. A surge of confidence pulled your socks up and you were taking light steps forward when you heard a high-pitched scream from the boys.
“IT MOVED! IT MOVED! Somebody hold my hand . . . I think I might faint.”
“Already?”
“Asahi-san, I’ll hold your hand!”
So the rest of the maze went like that. You and your boyfriend would be spooked and have sudden exclaims out of shock while the boys behind you would scream their lungs out and cause a commotion loud enough to tear the building to shreds. Regardless, it made you laugh whenever one of them ran up out of fear and bumped into either of your backs. It happened one too many times that you decided to offer them to stick with you both, which was how you ended up holding hands with not only your boyfriend but also a group of teenage boys. Akitaru was no exception—he, too, had to hold their hands to prevent separation.
You thought it was the end of the maze for you had found the exit at the end of the long, dark hallway. The whole group inched forward cautiously and carefully, wincing and letting out whimpers here and then from actors that grabbed at your ankles or brushed a feather duster along your feet. Daichi—you’d learned the reliable friend’s name when most of the boys gravitated towards him and yelped his name like a prayer countless times—heaved a sigh of relief from behind you. Everyone had their guard down and so did you and your boyfriend, briskly walking towards the exit. The grip you had on his hand was gentler as you gave him a squeeze of relief.
However, not even halfway through the corridor, zombies and tortured spirits alike came jumping out from corners and crevices you never knew existed. A couple hung from above, one crawling up from the floorboards before you and Akitaru. To say that it was chaos was an understatement. You were yelling, your boyfriend was yelling, and so were the boys. Your heart was palpitating in your chest, thrashing and kicking against your ribcage as you blindly reached behind you and grabbed one of the boy’s wrists, yanking the whole group forward. Your feet quickly carried you towards the exit, running and running with curses spilling from your throat enough to make a grandmother faint.
Fluorescent white light blinded your vision as you shoved the black curtains aside. You groaned at the sudden abundance of light after being surrounded in darkness for what felt like an eternity. A horde of hasty footsteps came bundling after you and Akitaru, your hands still holding onto him and whomever’s wrist you had grabbed in a hurry to drag the boys out before they got lost within the maze.
Bubbles of laughter erupted from Akitaru’s throat as he glanced over at you, his beautiful eyes forming half-crescents. You couldn’t help but find yourself laughing too. Was it the adrenaline pumping viciously through your veins, or the rapid beating of your petrified heart? You let go of his hand and at the same time, the wrist you were holding. When you turned back, however, you screamed the loudest that you’ve ever done that night and immediately jumped into Akitaru’s arms.
Your scream coupled with the source of terror’s made for confusion as the boys came piling out, also screaming at the zombie actor that you kidnapped unknowingly. How that happened, you did not know, but the second you calmed down, your brows furrowed and your lower lip jutted out in a pout.
“How the hell did you get here?!” You chided the actor, whose shoulders slumped.
“You grabbed my wrist thinking that I was one of them,” they pointed their thumb over their shoulder at a bunch of red-faced high school boys. “So I grabbed one of them too so you wouldn’t get separated.” A loud sigh escaped your lips, your dominant hand rising the push your hair back from your face.
“Thanks, I think . . .”
After some apologies, shared laughter and begrudging goodbyes, you had finally made it back to your apartment. Upon removing your shoes, the lights to your living room lit the space when you walked through the door. With a loud grunt, you threw yourself onto your worn couch. Your boyfriend joins you with a fond smile on his face, looking over your form before attacking you into a cuddle from above. Akitaru flipped the both of you so that he was your pillow with his thick arm draped over your back lazily.
“Shall we have takeout for dinner instead?”
“Yes, please.” Your groans were muffled as you buried your face into his warm chest. The horror maze was more than enough to drain out your energy for the rest of the evening, and it was barely even dark out. When you left the maze, the sun was barely sinking into the horizon. All that you heard last was your boyfriend’s soothing voice ringing up Company 8 to let them know that you weren’t joining them for dinner, and then black swallowed your vision as you drifted off to sleep.
Konro watched with amusement as Benimaru scanned the street for the third time. Waka was doing his best to look unbothered but Lieutenant exactly knew whose face he was looking for.
Normally [Y/N] would walk around the city a long time ago, repairing all residents' equipment, or collect orders for her father — the carpenter. However, today they won’t find her until noon.
"I heard," he started from his place by the door, "that someone challenged [Y/N] to the race."
Benimaru turned his head sharply, red eyes were full of disappointment. However, he quickly returned to his everyday appearance, but this momentary view was enough for Konro's heart to burst.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?! I didn't set up a bet! "
Konro shook his head with a slight smile. This little brat was so so in love.
*
Two streaks flashed down the street to the great amusement of passers-by. [Y/N] got around the corner on the walls of adjacent buildings, noticing that the opponent was dangerously close.
She couldn't remember the last time she had such a good rival. She was playing tag since she was a little kid. She knew every street in Asakusa, used shortcuts unknown to anyone, and knew where the easiest ways to get on the roofs were. With her speed and stamina, she was beating opponents using 2nd or 3rd generation abilities. A few times even faced Hika and Hina, breaking personal records in avoiding two blazing foxes.
The rules were simple: The runner must run to the flag without being touched by the chasing. The prize was set between the players, usually lunch at the expense of the loser. Especially for [Y/N], a ban on direct ability attacks has been added. Nobody wanted to deal with the fury of Asakusa’s King of Destruction if anything happened to his ability-less girlfriend.
The last remained street appeared ahead, as well as the feeling of her opponent’s breath on the neck.
50 meters.
His hand passed her slightly. She didn't even have to look, after so many years just like Benimaru could tell if an opponent was trying to kill him, she knew if anyone was trying to catch her. She cursed in mind, too breathless to say it out loud.
30 meters
[Y/N] dodged and forced legs to work even faster and increased the distance. The opponent became dumbfounded, disbelieving that she was able to run even faster.
20 meters.
They fell into a small square with a flag in the center. Residents cheered on their favorites.
10 meters.
[Y/N] literally tripped over the flag and staggered, the opponent collided with her and together they fall on the ground, raising the dust.
The spectators froze, uncertain of the result. An unnatural silence fell on the square, waiting for the dirt to fall, revealing a hand holding a scrap of material.
"[F/f]!" called [Y/N] and fell again on the stones without strength.
The crowd came alive again, cheering. Some more happy, some less repeated among themselves I told you so! and the money changed the owners with a clink. [Y/N]’s races have always had a large audience, composed of both those dedicated to the multiple champion and those believing in anybody else. But this time [Y/N] retained her title.
The woman looked up at the hand stretched out and gratefully accepted the help.
"You are... You are really good." She breathed out to the no less exhausted opponent. They began relatively to brush away dust and spider’s webs obtained in the narrowest passages in the city.
"Thanks," he muttered, inconsolable. However [Y/N] knew perfectly well that it would pass after eating. Food always lifts the mood.
"Still a champion, right [Y/N]!" She turned to one of the residents, who was clearly satisfied with her victory. The woman forced a nod with a smile, still trying to catch breath. Then looked at the companion, wanting to ask if they could go to lunch but suddenly paled at the sight of the black smoke rising from the corner of his mouth.
A wave of heat threw her on the pavement in the company of screams. Blood ran down her temple and arms started to burn as she only managed to protect herself by raising them right before explosion. The world swirled around, the screams mixed with the sound of alarms, and the living fire in the middle of it all turned toward her.
It was the first time she had such a close encounter with Infernal. Of the man only remained a black, impossibly twisted skeleton. Long arms with even longer claws almost reached the ground as the blazing eyes wandered down the street until they met her, ignoring the flames consuming him. Long meters separated them, and yet the heat from his core burned her skin, and the aura of fear he exuded deprived of any thoughts. A minute ago he had been a normal human just like she. Is this what self-ignition looks like? All your features disappear in an instant, leaving a burning rock? She had dreaded such a fate all her life, but only now did she realize how terrifying it really was.
And Beni deals with it every day?
"Stand up [Y/N]!" One of the female neighbors, brave enough to help, was putting her on feet. She was surprised when a firm grip felt on her wrist, and when she was chased to the side.
"Run the other way," [Y/N] ordered pushing helpful hands away. She wiped blood from blinded eye without losing a sight of the Infernal that was just resting his hands on the ground, like a predator lurking for prey. "Now," she added, barely audible, seeing the woman hesitates. In the end she ran away screaming when the monster leapt toward them.
The black figure moved toward [Y/N] with long leeks, delving deep furrows every time he touched the ground. Long claws would easily tear her apart if the sheer temperature of the flames bursting from his back and eye sockets didn't burn her first.
Infernals usually lose consciousness, but this one apparently kept the will to catch her. Only this time the stake is not lunch, but life.
[Y/N] didn't move, waiting for the neighbor to be too far away to get the opponent's attention. At least, that’s what she told herself. She never met with such a feeling. Is this how mice feel when they see a hungry cat? Helpless, uncertain whether it is worth prolonging it or end the suffering quickly? Her legs were shaking barely keeping her upright, and stomach turned to the other side and tied in knots at least stopping vomiting. She was one of the worst people possible to mess up with Infernal, but at the same time one of the best. From all the people with 0th generation she had the best chance of not getting killed until Benimaru’s arrival.
The square was empty, leaving [Y/N] and the hellfire rushing at her. Above, hikeshi’s calls began.
Waka usually needs one and a half of minute to reach Infernal from the beginning of the alarm.
What is 90 seconds for her — the fastest person in Asakusa?
[Y/N] turned on heel and did what she did best — ran.
*
She lasted so long, missing only one second.
When the clawed paw, as hot as the foundry furnace, swept her from feet, time seemed to slow down.
The skin was burning with fire, and the nerve ends seemed to melt. She flew along the destroyed street, feeling weightlessness in stomach. Just now she had to avoid the flags falling on head, while not getting caught by the nightmare that was following her. But now? She didn't have to do anything now. She couldn't even do much.
At most, she could take a good look at the Infernal, black skin, burned-out body and flames devouring him from inside, bursting from empty eye sockets. Matoi was sticking to one of his sides. Pushed by the strength of the burning tail, it will soon throw him in the opposite direction.
It will take it only a second, exactly as much as [Y/N] missed.
A little further stood another figure. With his hand still outstretched, the laps of his happi moved from gusts of warm air, but they did it strangely slowly. Fear glinted in the red eyes. This view was even more unnatural than slowed down environment. On the other hand, she knew that expression. He had it for many weeks after Great Fire in Asakusa.
She wanted to call him, say that it’s okay and that it wasn’t his fault. But she wasn’t able, time slowed down and her movements too. Only thoughts sped forward, anticipating the next days when she would have to erase that expression from his eyes.
He was only a second late, exactly as much as [Y/N] missed.
Dull pain exploded from her back and back of the head, and then everything went black.
Bonus:
"Can you not be in a life-threatening situation for five minutes?!"
A/N A short little blurb I wrote for my OC Cat Menken! Maki may be a bit occ, its been some time since I’ve written a fanfic of any sorts!
“Maki’s gonna make fun of me again,” I whined as I held a hand underwater soothing the newly acquired burn from the umpteenth coffee attempt. “How am I gonna open a coffee shop if I can’t even make it without incident,” my lamentations continued. Padding my way to my bathroom limply holding my hand before me to bandage it my eyes traveled to a clock with a smile on my face. “It’s almost time for our date,” I remarked to no one with a giggle.
Maki Oze had been my best friend since our academy days, our lives taking very different paths, her the military and fire force, and mine being teaching. We stayed close never missing a “date” with each other. She always knew the places with the best sweets that she guessed I would love, she usually is right. After the bandage was wrapped I quickly made my way from my apartment in an attempt to beat her to the coffee shop our date would be.
Huffing and puffing the shop in sight I could feel my adrenaline spike, but dear lord what was that, it couldn’t be Maki! It was, she too was sprinting, head down and focused. I knew I had no hope of beating her so my feet slowed and lungs glad to punish me with a burning. I put my head down in defeat as I shuffled forward. Apon laughter that sounded like bells to me, my eyes danced to my victor as she bounced with happiness. Her smile has always been the same I noted briefly and I picked up my pace again.
“And then his hat said,” “Maki stop I’m gonna choke!” we both sat and with our giggles filling the air with music. “How could someone be so oblivious!” she mused looking down at me, “Actually you may relate.” she teased eyes drifting to my hand. “Maki, you’re good at being strong and kind, me I’m good at burning my hand. We all have lots in life.” I mused with a shrug of my shoulders. “At least you’re pretty.” she suddenly breathed out. “Hey, I think you’re very…” my sentence never to find its end as an explosion shocked us and our fellow patrons. Her body moving on seemingly on autopilot springing up to run. “I’m sorry Cat, we’ll try again later!” “Please, Maki, be safe!” I shouted after her while wishing a silent prayer after her.
I found myself in bed later in the night, thoughts drifting to Maki as they often did. Worry and anxiety often plagued my nightly thoughts about her or old childhood memories worn with nostalgia. Her remarks of doubt over her looks often troubled me, she had always been beautiful to me with me telling her so I mean some women would give everything to look like her. Yet she didn’t see it, thinking herself “too muscular”, my opinion of course different. Her abs absolutely exquisite and her arms, oh how they looked in tank tops….hands suddenly flew up to cover my face and the increasing blush that grew with no stop. I couldn’t think of Maki as much more than my best friend, unfortunately, I’d always had a flame for her.
