Ojiro Mashirao x Reader: A Helping Hand (SFW)
Rating: Teen
Words: 3.4k
Pairing: Ojiro x Reader
Tags: First Meetings, Fluff, Rescue, Comfort.
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Happy Valentines, my lovelies. Here's a piece I did for a zine that fell through. Mister Wonderful Tailhusband, in all his shining glory 💛🦁
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This wasn’t how your grand new life was meant to go. At the very least, you had wanted to unpack before something went belly-up. It was only your second day in Musutafu and yet here you were, running from thugs with your groceries abandoned somewhere behind you in your bid for freedom.
You had no clue where you were. The shops were long gone and the outer city streets seemed less than welcoming. You needed somewhere to lie low, but you weren’t prepared to knock on someone’s door for sanctuary if they ended up being far more terrifying than your pursuers.
Just as you started to lose your breath, you noticed a hand-written sign that pointed down an alleyway.
‘Classes from ¥1000 per session. All ages welcome.’
A dojo. Sweet humanity, it was a dojo. Fighters; men of mercy; men of conviction. If no one else could help you, they would.
You ran across the road then headed down the alleyway. Stone walls turned to hedgerows. Tarmac turned to grass and dirt, then there at the end was the dojo. It was small and well-kept – the only building in the area with no signs of vandalism.
Reaching the front door, you bowed in a hurry then wrenched the door open, unable to pause out of courtesy when the thugs were hot on your trail.
“Please help me!” you begged, expecting to run into a room full of burly fighters. To your dismay, instead of an army of confused but helpful men, there was only a single person inside. He was a young, blonde man with a long tail. If not for his martial art uniform, you would have believed him to be the janitor. He was cleaning down the training equipment with a cloth and soap. His uniform looked baggy on him, like he couldn’t possibly fill it out with what puny muscles he possessed.
Hearing your cry, he dropped his cloth in surprise.
With the thugs behind you, you didn’t take the time to remove your shoes, and instead dashed across the floor to your only chance at help – no matter how little help he would be. The surprise on his face slipped into concern when he saw the fear in your eyes.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Please, I’m being chased. We need to hide.”
You weren’t going to force him into a confrontation he couldn’t win, but he stood his ground when you tried to pull him by the sleeve towards a door at the back of the room. You had no time to warn him that he was in trouble and needed to move. Your pursuers burst through the door the next moment.
However, in the time it took you to regret coming here to be cornered like a rat, the young man stepped in front of you, shielding you with an arm.
“Can I help you, gentlemen?” he asked in a firm voice. His courage was impressive. Even as the men approached like bulls, he did not flinch.
“Get lost, tailboy. You’re in the way.”
They came closer, all glares and snarls and clenched fists. You fought the urge to run. You weren’t going to blame him if he wanted to abandon you here, either.
“Thank you, but I’m not moving.”
He snaked his tail around your waist, making you flinch in surprise. With a firm grip, he shoved you behind the closest piece of equipment – a sturdy pommel horse that blocked the thugs’ path to you.
“If you aren’t here for a class, I must ask you to leave.”
They didn’t like the sound of that. You almost couldn’t watch.
But before any irreversible damage could be done to your brave protector, he released you from his tail then jackhammered it down against the pommel horse. The sheer force of his movement split the unsuspecting piece of equipment in half.
The thugs froze, deafened by the cracking wood. Your protector's expression remained calm.
“I suggest you leave.”
He didn’t need to repeat himself. The men fled from the dojo, shoving each other towards the door in terror. You bowed the deepest bow you could manage once they were gone.
“Thank you. Truly. I’m so sorry for barging in like that.” You raised your head, hoping to catch his expression like you expected him to be ready to lecture you. “I didn’t know what else to do.”
But rather than seeming angry, your saviour’s expression turned so gentle once he looked at you.
“Are you alright? They didn’t hurt you, did they?”
You weren’t prepared to see the kindness in his eyes.
“Y-yes. No. I’m fine. But. Well. I’m glad I found you when I did. A few more minutes and…” You tapered off, feeling sick at the thought. “But I’m sorry for causing trouble. I can pay for the damage, too. I’m sorry.”
You both looked towards the splintered pommel horse. The man smiled, running his hand up the back of his neck and through his hair.
“Don’t worry. I can get it from the budget. We needed a new one anyway, and besides,” he absentmindedly swept some of the splinters into a pile with his tail. “I’d destroy all the equipment here if it stopped someone getting hurt.”
You liked that answer. It was hard to believe he had just destroyed 300 pounds of wood and metal without flinching when he seemed so sweet.
Though you enjoyed his company, now that the immediate danger was gone you thought it best to leave your saviour alone. You had taken up enough of his time, as it was.
Only, his words cut across you before you could move.
“Let me get you something to drink. You might be in shock.”
You wanted to tell him that it wasn’t necessary, that you didn’t want to give him any more bother, but stopped yourself when you saw the concern in his eyes.
“Thank you,” was all you could muster in a small voice.
He bowed with a smile then left you alone as he disappeared into a back room, then reappeared minutes later with a cup of tea in hand and a chair pulled along by the tail. He gave both to you then addressed you as you got comfortable.
“I’m Ojiro, by the way. Sorry, in all the chaos, I forgot to introduce myself.”
He hardly needed to apologise. You were the stranger who had forced yourself upon him, after all.
You took a sip of tea then told him your name, and couldn’t help but notice how his tail wagged when you did. A comfortable silence followed, but then his tail suddenly stilled.
“You don’t have to explain,” he began, sounding hesitant, “but can I ask why those men were chasing you? You… aren’t in any trouble, are you?”
It was hard not to notice the worry slipping onto his features. You smiled, appreciating the concern.
“No, no. It’s nothing like that. Actually, it’s pretty silly. I’m new here. Got lost while I was shopping and my phone died, and I asked the wrong guys for directions.”
Ojiro made an ‘ah’ sound. His relief was palpable – his whole body relaxed at once.
“I’m glad it wasn’t something more serious.”
“Well. I don’t know about that. I lost my groceries when I was running.” You laughed it off. “I’d do another shop but I think I’ve had enough of the city centre for one day.” You checked your watch. “I should probably head home, actually. You don’t happen to know where I can catch the bus to Mygeto, do you?”
That really caught his attention.
“Mygeto? You don’t live there, do you?” His tail wagged when you nodded. “I live there. Hey, if you'd like, I can give you a lift home once I’m done here? Should only take me half an hour to finish cleaning.”
His eagerness was rather sweet. It seemed like your luck was picking up.
“I mean, I'm already in your debt, but absolutely. Please. But only as long as you’re sure.”
He nodded.
“I’d rest easier knowing you were home safe after what just happened.”
His sincerity made your cheeks prickle with heat.
Having unknowingly stolen your voice for a moment, Ojiro smiled.
“I’ll be as quick as I can. Please, make yourself comfortable. And let me know if you’d like any more tea.”
You had almost forgotten about your drink, being far too engrossed by his kindness. You took a sip to show your appreciation then watched him busy himself with the cleaning.
He was so nice, you thought. Too nice. You weren’t sure you could act the same way if someone brought violent thugs to your doorstep. And instead of scolding you, he had gone out of his way to help you.
You wondered if people ever took advantage of a kind heart like that.
Setting your cup down, you rolled up your sleeves then got out of your chair. You had a debt to repay and you were going to start by cleaning up your own mess.
“Can I have that?” you asked, squatting down beside Ojiro as he swept the splintered wood up with a dustpan and brush. He clearly didn’t expect you to be so close when he turned to look at you.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. Please. You’re a guest here.”
Holding your hands out as if to tell him to stop being so gentlemanly, you tutted.
“Come on. We can get this done in half the time together.”
With a slight hint of pink in his cheeks, he considered your words. There was clearly an internal struggle going on in his head of whether or not he should forfeit the dustpan to you, like it was sacrilege to have you assist him in any way while he was hosting you, but in the end he gave up and handed you the equipment.
“Thank you,” he said, smiling so genuinely at you that your heart went into a tizzy and you had to busy yourself cleaning to calm down.
“D-don’t mention it.”
“If you need anything, just tell me,” he added, then set about wiping down the last of the equipment. He took to his work diligently.
Sneaking glances at him as you swept up the splinters, you could see how much care he gave the equipment – the attention to detail he had when making sure everything was spotless. This dojo was clearly very precious to him. It motivated you to do a good job to say thank you to him.
You swept up your mess in record time, then tried to lift one half of the broken pommel horse on your own – all 150lbs.
Luckily for your back, knees and arms, you barely managed to heave it an inch off the ground before Ojiro spotted what you were up to. He was like a gust of wind. One moment he was on the other side of the room, then he was beside you.
“Here, I’ve got it. Please don’t push yourself too hard. I’d hate for you to get injured on my account.”
His eyes were wide as his tail curled around the equipment to take the strain off you. You tried to hold on but he eased it from your grip, lifting it high with his tail like it weighed nothing. You could only stare.
“I’m… not being very useful, am I?”
Hearing the doubt in your voice, Ojiro shook his head with a reassuring smile.
“That’s not true. You’ve already cleaned up the worst of it. Besides, just offering to help is more than enough. I appreciate your company.”
His gentle heart was like a blinding ray of sunshine, and it only made you feel guiltier that you weren’t doing more to help him.
Seeming to sense your unease, Ojiro lifted the pommel horse out of reach then pointed to a door at the back of the room.
“This might be presumptuous of me but if you’re up for it, there’s a broom in the cupboard. The floors need sweeping, and I can follow behind with a wet cloth, if you’d like to help?”
“I might slow you down.”
Ojiro smiled wider.
“Then I’ll have longer to enjoy your company.”
O
Cleaning the dojo was surprisingly fun. You ran up and down the hall with your broom, and Ojiro chased you on all fours, washing the floor with a cloth as he went. You were shocked that he could keep up in that position, although his tail seemed to be keeping him balanced. It was more surprising that he kept catching up to you.
After catching up for the umpteenth time, Ojiro turned it into a game to keep you in high spirits. You loved the idea, and so you ran ahead as fast as you could, broom in hand, while he waited patiently. Once you were far enough ahead, he chased you. It was a game of cat and mouse: cleaning edition. You couldn’t help but squeal giddily as he chased you, fighting to stay ahead.
It took a little less than twenty minutes to clean the whole dojo. By the end, you were tired and out of breath, and were almost certain Ojiro had gone easy on you during the chase because he had not caught up to you once, though you felt accomplished all the same.
After putting the cleaning equipment away, Ojiro disappeared into another room to change out of his uniform, and you drank the leftover tea to cool off. You guzzled it down then wiped your brow, looking around the hall at your handiwork.
Perhaps not everything had gone well today, but this certainly made up for the thugs. It was a day you would not forget.
Once Ojiro was ready, he met you by the front door in his casual clothes with his car-keys in hand.
“Ready to go?” he asked, smiling pleasantly at you. You had to look at him twice once you were next to him. He was so different without that baggy uniform on. You couldn't ignore his chiselled arms and shoulders when he wore such a short-sleeved t-shirt.
You looked away, refusing to let the heat jump up to your cheeks.
Kind, strong, hot bod, and lived in your area. If this was the world’s way of apologising for the thug incident, you accepted.
Leaving the dojo, the two of you bowed to pay your respects then Ojiro held the door open for you, making your heart flutter. You thanked him as you passed by, then caught a delightful hint of vanilla and oranges in his cologne. Then you realised just how close you were to him.
With your knees threatening to give way, you sped out onto the dirt track and only hoped Ojiro couldn’t tell you were acting like a schoolkid crushing on their favourite senpai. You had hardly known him an hour, but it was so hard not to feel relaxed around him when he gave off such a non-threatening, welcoming aura. And the smiles. And the kindness. Of course your heart was doing giddy backflips.
You didn’t make it too far before Ojiro called to you, telling you his car was in the opposite direction with a gentle chuckle and a happy swish of his tail.
O
The car journey home was delightfully energetic. Ojiro’s taste in music was just as bright and fun as he was, and you enjoyed how he quietly sang along to every song when he wasn’t engaging you in conversation. The time went by in a flash, then before you knew it he had pulled up outside your house and the music was gone. You were happy to see your home after such a hectic day, but a part of you wished it wasn’t about to end.
“Thank you again,” you said once you were on the sidewalk, giving Ojiro a deep bow. “You were my knight in shining armour today. If I can ever repay you, please just say the word.”
He waved off your concern, strumming his fingers casually over the steering wheel.
“You helped clean up. I’d say we’re even.” Then he nodded towards your front door. “You’ve definitely got your keys?”
You tapped your pocket and heard them jingle, amused that Ojiro already had you pegged as a scatterbrain.
“Got ‘em.”
He nodded, then put the car into gear. You wanted to say more, but couldn’t find the words. You wanted to invite him in for coffee. You wanted to say see you soon. You wanted to get his number. But instead you stayed quiet, unable to be so bold as you watched his tail wag through the purpose-built hole in the back of the driver’s seat.
Finally, Ojiro broke the silence. Perhaps it was a trick of the light or an image concocted by your own hope, but he seemed full of his own hesitations to leave.
“Take care of yourself. It was really good meeting you today.”
“You too,” you agreed wholeheartedly. He waved to you, and you waved back, then with a final smile he pulled out and drove away.
You waved until he was out of sight, then sighed and berated yourself for your lack of confidence, wondering if you would see him again. Then your stomach growled, telling you to go inside to look for food.
With boxes of belongings strewn everywhere, you waded through to the kitchen to check the cupboards, but found only teabags, coffee, and wine.
A second night of takeaways it was, then.
Before settling down to order your food, you jumped through the shower to wash off the grime and sweat from today’s crazy events. You had hoped to spend your shower time deciding where to eat, but instead your thoughts seemed completely transfixed on Ojiro. As the water washed over you, you played through the memories of your time together, then left the shower feeling refreshed but saddened that you had not asked to see him again.
Another half hour later, your hair was dry and you were in your comfiest clothes, flicking through the different restaurants and takeaways around Mygeto on your phone. You didn’t want to spend too much money, as you needed to buy another round of groceries tomorrow, but everything within your budget was also greasy, vegetable-less and screamed ‘I can’t make it on my own’.
You sighed and tapped the phone against your forehead, listening to your stomach growling in protest.
You were all but ready to cave in and get a kebab when suddenly someone knocked at the front door. The noise startled you. For just a brief second, you thought hard about whether you had already ordered a takeaway whilst blinded by hunger, but when you were certain you hadn’t, you had to wonder who that could be. Only a handful of friends knew your new address.
Stopping by the entrance-hall mirror on the way, you fixed your hair then apologised to yourself for allowing anyone to see your unflattering comfy clothes, then opened the door.
No one was there.
Instead, sat on the top of the porch were three bags of shopping – and not the flimsy, single-use carriers either. Three heavy-duty shopping bags, full to bursting with groceries. You didn’t stop to look inside before leaning over them, peering into the street to see the deliverer. No one caught your eye, but a smile broke onto your lips all the same.
Picking the bags up, you brought them inside before the evening midges took their share, then set them down on the only available kitchen counter not covered in boxes.
Aside from the mounds of fresh fruit, vegetables, and assortments of tasty looking ingredients, you found your gaze pulled towards a note attached to one of the bags. You dared to let yourself get giddy before you read it:
‘Hope this makes up for the food you lost. I’m a phone call away if you’re ever in trouble. Ojiro x’
Below that was his number.
You couldn’t contain your excited squeal as you punched the air in delight.
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