Guarded

by WeAreNotFunny

Summary:

Kobeni Higashiyama was terrified of Ms. Makima. This statement should elicit a feeling much like the experience of a blue sky, or green grass. The warmth of a big, bright Sun, perhaps. That is to say, all of the constants in the world exactly as one would expect to find them. As Kobeni was terrified of most anyone, and most anyone with sense was terrified of Makima, this was, to reiterate, perfectly natural.

Notes:

***Manga Spoilers***

Hey, thank you for checking this out! I literally haven't meaningfully posted anything on the internet before, so we're here for the first time for whatever reason. I threw this together in a couple of days and posted it in the middle of the night before I could think better of it. I promise nothing but gratitude.

***Manga Spoilers***

Chapter 1: Prodromal

Having already broken a sweat in her best outfit, Kobeni cursed herself as she ran, frantic and late, swearing in between breaths that she’ll never let the time get away from her like that again. More than likely, she would. She had spent the better part of an hour fretting over her appearance, not out of vanity, but rather a determination to have nothing out of place that would make a fool of her. Add getting lost along the way and now here we were, outside a nice restaurant with hair disheveled and dress in disarray. Taking a deep breath, Kobeni did what she could to salvage her appearance and pushed herself through the doorway.

The smell of delicious foods and the low hum of enthusiastic conversation that struck her as she entered was promptly cut through by a bark of unrestrained laughter that for a moment drew the room’s attention to Power (the one doubled over laughing) and the undoubted instigator Denji. It really bears no revisitation, but Kobeni couldn’t help but agonize over their last encounter:

Did I even go a full day before trying to sacrifice Denji to save myself? Not that a “day” meant much of anything in that nightmare the Eternity Demon created, and I’m definitely not about to lay my life on the line! But that’s not at all normal, right? Trying to kill someone you just met? And now I have to come up with an apology for that but honestly how do you even begin ‘oh I’m sorry I tried to murder you let’s get along’ like he couldn’t just tear me to shreds and he looks like he doesn’t even care but n—

“Kobe! Kobe, come sit over here!”

For now, the spiral into panic is interrupted by a warm welcome from the woman with boyish looks at the end of the table, Ms… something of another— really how terrible is that, pulling a blank on her name at a time like this!

“S-sorry I’m late… I got lost…”

A chorus of hello’s rose from the table before returning to an low clamor, while Kobeni gave a shy bow and shuffled down to sit by the woman who had called out to her. She grasped Kobeni’s shoulder in something of an embrace as she swiped a plate of food across the table from Madoka.

“C’mon and eat something before that fiend of yours clears us out!”

Kobeni glances at Power who has already laid claim to the plate of fried chicken that was in front of her a moment before. Their eyes meet and Power pulls the plate closer with a territorial look in her eyes. Kobeni snapped her gaze away.

“Ah! Thank you, it looks delicious…!”

It truly did. Devil hunting paid quite generously, but with most of her funds going towards supporting her family, Kobeni would never be so frivolous as to spend her money at a place like this. Even if she did, it’s hard to enjoy an indulgent meal with the weight on the bill on your mind. So, Kobeni plucked a dumpling from the plate and bit into it with slow appreciation, even closing her eyes for a moment to devote to it her whole attention. It really might have been the best thing she’s ever eaten. Between a quality meal and a cold drink that brought just a little warmth to her cheeks, Kobeni felt herself relax for the first time in a long while…

“I’m Denji! I think I’m 16 years old!”

… A child. That’s a literal child you tried to kill with a knife this week! You really have to get out of this messed-up line of work bef—

“Your turn, Kobe!” The boyish woman again.

Kobeni chokes down the rest of her bite and stands, smoothing out her skirt idly as she spoke, “I’m Kobeni Higashiyama. I’m 20… My Devil is… a secret. My hobby is eating tasty things.”

Most of the people in Division 4 seem trustworthy enough, but Aki (Oh god I did actually stab Aki, huh?) said the safest thing to do is keep your contract to yourself and Kobeni had a vested interest in staying safe.

“Isn’t her dress cute?”

“This is my big sister’s hand-me-down.”

“Kobeni is one of nine sisters. Isn’t that amazing?” Again, the boyish woman dotes.

It’s honestly a nice change of pace to have someone fussing over her like this, so different from feeling invisible like when she’s back home with her family. Himeno, too, had been very kind to her, despite being rather handsy and knocking her out a couple of times at the hotel. Thinking now, it might actually be a bit too much attention for her tastes, but it’s a safe feeling.

“Hwuh...? Fushi, where’s your newbie?” Himeno slurred.

“Unfortunately, they died yesterday.” Spoken with the gravity one might give an accident on the news.

That one seemed to shake Arai just as much. As the boyish woman (Come on Kobeni, think of her name!) recounts how the rest of her cohort either quit or died, the cozy feeling that had welled up in Kobeni’s chest lost its form and sank heavily to her feet. Really, what a terrible decision, having to pick between losing this taste of belonging or getting killed in the field.

In stark contrast, from the right side of the table, an awestruck exclamation from Denji, “Today... I’m gonna get my first kiss!”

As Kobeni ruminated, her attention was drawn to the sound of footsteps behind her, unusually heavy and confident for their owner’s stature. Looking up, she saw a red-haired woman with piercing yellow eyes was hanging her overcoat on the rack at the entrance.

“What’s this about a kiss?”

———————————————————————

 

Kobeni Higashiyama was terrified of Ms. Makima. This statement should elicit a feeling much like the experience of a blue sky, or green grass. The warmth of a big, bright Sun, perhaps. That is to say, all of the constants in the world exactly as one would expect to find them. As Kobeni was terrified of most anyone, and most anyone with sense was terrified of Makima, this was, to reiterate, perfectly natural.

But her feelings towards the division leader were a bit more complicated than that. Kobeni had no trouble admitting that Makima was everything she wasn’t: confident, collected, beautiful, always wearing a gentle smile. Not to mention she’s rumored to be incredibly strong; someone like that must not be scared of anything. She really commands so much respect from those around her. In short, Kobeni felt respect for Makima.

Discretely peeking to her right, she’s met by at least a dozen emptied glasses with three more clattering to the table behind them. Himeno and Aki were having some kind of competition with Makima and, from the looks of if, had lost quite badly. The former let their heads fall the table --and their faces were flushed a concerning shade of red-- all while the latter was perfectly poised and making pleasant conversation.

In what appears to be a final stand, Himeno pulls herself up again to finish off the drink in front of her and— Oh!

… Well, they did say that Himeno had kissed just about everyone else in the squad, so I guess this was bound to happen. But wait wait wait that wouldn’t include me, would it? I… don’t know what to feel about that. But I guess Denji sure looks pleased with himself…

Through an unprecedented force of will, Kobeni refused to remember how exactly that affair ended. But, shortly afterwards, everyone sitting between herself and Makima had dispersed. The remaining division members were laughing hysterically amongst themselves over something or another and she found herself relatively exposed before the yellow-eyed woman. Mercifully, however, their attention wasn’t upon her at the moment.

Though likely not the first word that comes to mind, Kobeni is, if anything, vigilant. In a dangerous world such as this, in a temperamental family such as hers, there’s security in watching people for hints of what they’re actually thinking. The way her father would always clench his hands again and again before having an outburst, or the way that Aki belittled Denji’s unconcealed fantasizing while he himself kept his jacket and tie on in this stuffy room to meet Ms. Makima.

He also drank with his left hand even though he’s right-handed, probably because of where I stabbed him before…
Denji makes people around him laugh often but never really laughs himself, and Himeno gets this scary look in her eye when either of them mentions Ms. Makima.

And as for the woman herself…
Kobeni takes a careful glance out of the corner of her eyes before ascertaining that piercing gaze is fixated elsewhere.

Hasn’t even loosened her tie after all that. Did she come here directly from work this late at night? She’s smiling the same as ever though.

But looking at her now, sitting by herself at the far end of the table, she almost seems… well no that’s ridiculous.
… But still, maybe I should—

She tried to stamp out the thought as soon as it arose.

No no no no. No! That’s such a stupid idea! It’s none of your business, and you’re gonna quit this job anyways and she could probably kill you in an instant but honestly so could everyone else here and you screwed up with most of them already so the last thing you need is t-

“M-Ms. M-Makima…?”

Those dreaded yellow eyes lock on hers in an instant, and it takes a painfully long moment for Kobeni to realize that the voice that broke her internal ramblings was, treacherously, her own. She swallows hard and fails a few attempts at forming words. Makima says nothing but tilts her head slightly as if to invite her to continue. Her gaze is unfaltering.

“Ah! Right um! I just wanted… to… to thank you for b-buying us dinner tonight, it was all really delicious…”

At some point Kobeni’s eyes fell to her lap, where her clenched fists had bunched up her skirt again. She peeks up to touch the landing on the last syllable, lest her avoidance come off as rude.

Makima’s words are as warm and steady as her expression, “Kobeni, is it? You’re of course welcome. It’s the least I could do for everyone’s hard work, after all.”

Kobeni nodded hurriedly and, if she had any sense, should have left it at that and turned away as quick as she could. Yet, there she remained, sweat beginning to condense on her face as she was locked in another stalemate. Bringing her sleeve up to wipe her face, it comes back a bit damp. Ugh, I hope I don’t smell …

After another agonizing silence, “Kobeni, was there something else?”

“No! No it’s nothing really, you really shouldn’t worry about it…” As she spoke, her voice got shrunk smaller and smaller until it finally slipped below audible range.

“You’re going to have to come closer for me to hear you,” Makima coaxed, motioning for her to inch closer and closer until eventually they were close enough to touch if one or the other fully extended.

Kobeni’s heart beat against the walls of her chest as if it would abandon her given the chance. “—and I really shouldn’t be bothering you like this it’s just…”

One deep, shuddering breath,

“… are you okay?”

————————————————————————

Makima’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly, looking at Kobeni as if she just now realized she was there. Kobeni was pretty accustomed to that reaction, generally overlooked as she was, but most people at least had the charity to have that expression the first time she speaks rather than four lines of dialogue in.

Really now, how surprising.

Makima sifted through everything she knew about the girl (which was a great deal, naturally).

Kobeni Higashiyama. Aged 20, one of Division 4’s new recruits. Working to put her brother through college. Exceptional innate ability and an unusual Devil Contract, but also weak-willed, prone to breaking under pressure, and painfully anxious. Aki noted in his report that she had experienced some “emotional disturbance” at the hands of the Eternity Demon and required “de-escalation”. In short, a coward.

Makima was more than willing to lead, be it by respect or adoration, bribery or blackmail, or oftentimes fear. Though the latter is hardly her favorite. Fear was easy to inspire, but it also caused people to act erratically, unpredictable. And based on the smell of sweat coming from her, Kobeni Higashiyama was very, very afraid.

Now what would inspire a skittish little pup like you to try and cozy up to me? What’s your game, Little Kobeni?

“Yes, I’m doing quite well. You’re such a sweet girl for asking. But why do you ask?” Spoken gently, but with clasped hands under almost interrogative eyes.

“Ah! Well it’s j-just that you seemed… kinda lo-- um, kinda like you weren’t feeling well… or something…”

Unlikely I’d let my expression slip like that. A lie? She doesn’t seem the cunning type.

“Is that so? My, I must have let that last drink get the best of me. Really though, thank you for checking on me.”

Kobeni made a vague sound resembling an affirmation and motioned to shuffle back to her original seat, her reserve of courage long since depleted.

“Right! I’ll let you get to it then...! Sorry to disturb you- “

“You’re not abandoning me so soon, now are you, Konebi? I still wanted to talk to you.
I know— Waiter, could the young lady here please get another drink? Thank you so much!”

One could almost hear the slow creak of protest as the young lady’s head turned to face the drink set in front of her. She was starting to feel very much like a prey animal that overextended and found herself snared.

“So tell me, how has work been going for you? I heard that last operation got a bit tense, so I hope you didn’t get hurt.”

Oh god oh god oh god, does she know? Maybe she was waiting for me to dig my own grave this whole time and now I’m right where she wants me!

“Um y-yeah no it was— um, I’m perfectly fine! Denji really…” Kobeni shifted uncomfortably, “really saved all of us back there…”

Makima leaned forward slightly to that, “So I heard! Quite the remarkable ability that one has, don’t you think?”
She continued, raising a hand to her cheek in something that would resemble melodrama if her expression had shown real concern, “Poor Aki though; that devil left such a painful-looking wound on him!”

“Right…”

“How lucky you are to have such a reliable team looking out for you! He really cares for you recruits more than he lets on, you know. They say having people around you that you can trust is the b— “

“It was me!” Kobeni cried, standing abruptly, and the room fell silent as every head in the room turned to stare at her. And now, between the guilt of what had happened, the dozen or so pairs of eyes bearing down on her, and her upcoming execution at the hands of Makima, the only fitting capstone was hot tears blurring her vision as she shrunk back down to the table.

Makima made a small wave of apology and a reassuring smile to the remainder of Division 4 loitering opposite them.

In a smaller voice interspersed with sniffles and eyes squeezed tightly shut, Kobeni continued, “I-I-I thought we were all gonna d-die and that devil said it’d let us all go if we— if we… gave up Denji… and…”

Makima watched her tearful confession for a moment, droning out the actual content of the words. She could get an honest answer any time she wanted it, of course, but it’s nice to know what someone defaults to under pressure. For Kobeni, it was the truth, with a sunken head and choked out through tears. Truly her inferior in every way.

Poor Little Kobeni. That’s enough cat and mouse for one night.

A gentle hand rests on one of Kobeni’s own. She nearly jumps in place and snaps her head up to find the napkin that was sitting under her drink held out.

With the same practiced smile as ever, “That must have been hard. It sounds like you have quite the apology to put together.”

Kobeni takes the napkin uneasily and dabs at the mix of tears and snot that had accumulated. “Thank you… Sorry…
So you’re not… mad?”

“Everyone’s ultimately looking out for themselves. And I know you're not going to make that mistake again.  For now, I’m just glad I can trust you to tell the truth.” Makima says with an easy shrug.

“And speaking of the truth,” her grip on Kobeni’s hand tightens, and she leans forward until their faces are close enough to whisper. At this distance she even can feel the heat radiating from the anxious woman’s body.

“I want you to tell me what it is exactly you want from me. That’s an order.”

———————————————————————-

Denji trudges out of the bathroom, supported somewhat by Arai, and out the front entrance. He must have felt sick at some point in the night, poor kid. By now, the festivities were long over, and the restaurant was preparing to close. Kobeni is startled to attention again by a holler of laughter, Power most likely. She scans the room as if disoriented for a moment, but lands on Makima who had gotten up without her noticing and was in the process of putting back on her overcoat.

“Well, thank you for the company tonight, Kobeni; you’re an unusual young lady. I need to get going, so you’ll have to finish that drink without me. Get home safe!”

And with that she left, into the uncertainty of night. Kobeni could only nod vaguely (and wonder if that was really a compliment) as she tried to retrace when exactly she had zoned out; she must have drunken more than she thought. Peering down at the drink in her hands, she hummed tunelessly.

That was the first I’d seen her avoid eye contact like that— usually she just stares right into your soul…
She was a whole lot nicer than I expected though!

She takes a small sip from her glass.

It really does taste so much better when someone else buys it for you…

Chapter 2: Cost Evaluation

Notes:

This is not the direction I anticipated this going. I added content warnings I was not expecting to add, and stayed up to an hour I didn't expect to see.
I told myself I was ditching the canon because it was too much tragedy, yet here are.
I am going to sleep, will do the editing in the morning because finals drafts are for those with self control.

***Depiction of domestic abuse, please don't read if that's a difficult topic for you-- it might not all be elegantly handled***

“- that concludes our report on the Burial Devil extermination.”  Aki closes the file with a soft clap and passes it across the desk to Makima.  

 

“Thank you, Aki.  I knew I could entrust you with this.  The 4th Division has shown a lot of promise over these last few operations.”  She takes the file to add it to carefully indexed but growing pile.  

 

“Thank you for your confidence in us, Ms. Makima,” Aki answered stiffly with a slight bow, “we’ve come a long way.”

 

She offered a wry smile at that.  “I’m glad to hear.  I have to deliver an expense report tomorrow morning at the main office and justify a lot of collateral damages.”  

 

“Yes…  Our apologies.” 

 

“I’ll take care of it.  Just remind that blood fiend to make sure that if she gets thrown through a wall again it’s not into a museum.”  Probably a joke, but sometimes it’s hard to tell.  

“That aside, do you feel your team is working together well?”  

 

Aki winced as he exchanged one headache for another.  “Their attitudes haven’t improved a bit.  If anything, Power and Denji are more insufferable than ever; I think they’re intentionally riling up Arai at this point.  As for Kobeni…” He planned his words for a moment. “She was inconsolable after being buried alive earlier today.  But at least otherwise seems to be on speaking terms with everyone.”

 

Makima brought her hands together as if she had just remembered something.  She hadn’t, but it seems more organic that way.  “Oh!  I nearly forgot I had a favor to ask of you.  

Can I borrow Ms. Kobeni tomorrow?”

 

————————————————————————

 

Rather belatedly, Aki checked his reflection in the window, if only to verify that nothing was obviously out of place.  Satisfied, he lit a cigarette as he stepped outside and breathed in deep as he could muster.  

 

I’m still not sure Kobeni is dependable enough for this assignment; it seems reckless to leave Makima’s protection up to someone so temperamental.  

 

Makima, in truth, required no such protection.  But that rarely factored into the decision.  

 

He pulled out his phone and scrolled to Kobeni’s number.  Aki took a photo for everyone’s contact if he could help it.  

 

The girl’s going to be mortified, too….  Well, as long as she doesn’t vent her anxiety on me again. 

 

 

“Benii~!  Beni your boss is on the phone!  The twins are talking to him!”

 

Kobeni nearly slipped on the tile floor in her hurry to fling open the door, “What?!  Don’t say anything, got it?  I’ll be right there!”  

 

Haphazardly, she threw on her pajama shirt, her still-wet hair immediately starting to leech its moisture in a ring around the top.  Under normal circumstances it’s a cute set, with little ice cream cones patterning the legs.

But it had taken her half an hour to get all the dirt out of her hair, nose, ears; the rest of the hour to recover emotionally from her early grave.  The bathroom was rather cramped and messy, containing the combined toiletries of the 4 sisters who lived there.  

 

“Hey, Mr. Ponytail, did you fight any devils today?”

 

“It’s not called a ponytail.”

 

“Mr. Ponytail you should come play with us again!“

 

“That was only because Kobeni was on an assignment.”

 

“Beni’s in the bath right now!  

Sometimes Beni sings in the bath but she’s not very good at it and it sounds like a —“

 

“Give me that!”  The landline phone is snatched away and held out of six-year-old range.  Panting a couple of times to steady her breath, Kobeni brings the phone to her ear.  

“Aki I am so sorry…” 

 

The faint sound of a lighter clicking.  “It’s fine.  Listen, you have a new assignment tomorrow morning: you are to meet Ms. Makima at 8 o’clock to escort her to and from her meeting at the Head Office.”

 

Kobeni took a moment to grasp the words, then physically recoiled.  She would almost rather fight devils.  “M-me?!  Make Arai do it; he’s super responsible!” Her tone was just shy of a screech.  

 

“Makima requested you specifically.”

 

Aki listened patiently to the faint buzz of static for a while, knowing that, with Kobeni, it’s best to just wait it out.  

 

“… Did she seem mad?” 

 

“Can you ever really tell?”  Aki says with a shrug to no one in particular.  But, his tone softens a bit to ask, “Are you gonna be okay?  I’ll make an excuse for you if you need it.”

 

Kobeni’s initial thoughts were something like: Yes.  Please.  I’m begging you to make an excuse.  She’s decided to lead me away and dispose of me after all.  

But, looking back, yes her conversation with Ms. Makima last week was terrifying, but that’s most conversations.  And with her it was maybe a little… 

 

“Yes… I mean no!  I mean… yes I can do it— no, no excuse.”  She still owed Aki anyhow.  

 

“… Alright.  Call if you need anything.”  And with that, a prompt end to the call.  

 

Kobeni sighed loudly and returned the phone to the receiver, sliding her back down the wall.  

 

“Beni~ii, you didn’t tell Mr. Ponytail to play with us!”

“Who’s Ma-ki-ma?  Is she a devil?”

 

Kobeni had an emotional breakdown to process, but managed to put it aside with a weak smile.  “His name is Aki, not Mr. Ponytail.  And no, Makima’s our boss.”

 

The sister with her hair tied up high and missing her left front tooth, Mio, crossed her arms in indignation, “Nu-uh, Mr. Ponytail is your boss!”

 

The sister with a braid and missing her right front tooth, Miyu, nodded in agreement and added sagely, “Bosses don’t have bosses, just like Teacher doesn’t have a teacher.”

 

Kobeni wasn’t sure where to begin with that one. 

 

“Mio, Miyu, it’s time for bed.  Go brush your teeth.”  Koharu spoke that time, 12 years old and such a calm, collected demeanor.  

 

“Okaaaay.”

“O-Kay!”

 

As the two rushed past, the eldest of the 3 little sisters crouched next to Kobeni, still perfectly content sitting on the floor for now.  Her big sister doesn’t always inspire much confidence, but Koharu has the sense to know she works hard for their sake.  

“Is it something dangerous?”

 

So serious for a little girl.  

 

“No, nothing like that…  thankfully.  Just a little scary, is all…”

 

Koharu tilted her head at that, “Wow, is she that mean?”  

 

She pauses thoughtfully, “No, she’s actually quite nice.  Just… a bit...  Intimidating.”  

 

The younger sister stands up.  As she does, stretches her arms over her head.  “Must be pretty bad if she’s scarier than the devils.”

 

Kobeni chuckled, some nerves and some humor.  “The devils are pretty scary too, y’know.”  

She reluctantly pushes off the ground and returns to the bathroom, escorting her dirtied clothes to the laundry room.  Reaching up, she pulls down on a hanging string to ignite the exposed lightbulb overhead.  The suit jacket is the only one she owns, so she takes especial care brushing out as much dirt as she can before turning it inside out, stuffing it in a mesh laundry bag, and putting it all in the washer.  

“You should sleep too.  I’ll need to take you to school early… if that’s okay.” 

 

The twins’ school is within walking distance, so  luckily it doesn’t change much in their world.  There’s a good deal of security these days, so it’s as safe as one can reasonably hope to be. 

 

Koharu smiled admonishingly.  “It’s fine of course,”  waving goodnight, she added, 

“just don’t make so much noise when you go to bed.  And tell your scary boss we said hi!”

 

Waving her off, she returned to her laundry duties.  After filling and starting the washing machine, Kobeni sat on top of the dryer.  She decided that now would be a good time to have that emotional breakdown she was saving up. 

 

Aaaaaagh!  Why?!  Why would Makima ask for me specifically for something like that?  Is she gonna order me around make me carry all of her things like a donkey?  Or maybe she’ll pin the blame on me for all the damages this week but Power was the one who told me it was okay to throw that sculpture from the museum and I told her I wasn’t so sure about that it looks really expensive and then she thr—

 

—————————————————————

 

Kobeni awoke, alert and lucid as if she hadn’t even slept.  It had been a blissfully long time since this had happened.  

 

“-ke up!  Beni, please wake up!”  Koharu was shaking her shoulder, eyes wide and voice hushed.  

 

Through the wall, the sound of an argument peaks, followed by something shattering.  It was usually a beer glass.  

 

Looking her over, the young girl looks frightened, (perhaps smaller, somehow) but unhurt.  Kobeni pushes off her covers and sits up, hands secure on her sister’s shoulders.  

“We’re going to the twins’ room, okay?  Stay with me and stay quiet.”

 

She nods exaggeratedly, as if it to jostle herself out of a daze.  With both hands clamped tightly around her sister’s, she follows her down the hall towards the opposite bedroom.  Between them, a doorway to their left, from which the only light in the room poured.  Their father’s voice was dark, their mother’s nearly a roar.  Their shadows reach out towards the open doorway as if ready to snatch her away.  At a silent 1…2…3!  they clear the gap with only a momentary glance at their parents’ contorted faces.  

 

Within the next room, Miyu is sitting bundled in her blanket, and jumps in terrible fright when two figures enter the room.  Mio, by some miracle, has managed to sleep through it all so far.  Koharu runs across the room to embrace and comfort her trembling sister.  

 

“Sorry, Miyu, we’re here.”  Kobeni whispers, crouching before the bed and taking one of each girl’s hands.  Thankfully, they didn’t grow up with this as much as she had.  They were heartbreakingly scared, but this wasn’t their normal.  They sit together for a paradoxically tranquil moment, given the yelling that threatened to break through the walls.  When it  becomes physical and can be ignored no longer, she stands calmly and speaks evenly.

“Lock the door behind me and don’t open it until I tell you, okay?  I’m going to take care it.”

 

———————————————————————-

 

Makima arrived at the train station at precisely their designated meeting time.  From a distance, she could see Kobeni sitting on a bench at their platform, manifestly distraught.  As is typical.  

 

“Oh, I must have gotten in a hurry.”  she mused out loud.  

Scanning her surrounding, she spots a coffee vendor and leisurely reads their menu.  Deciding on something simple, she places her order, pays for the drink, and takes a seat while she waits.  

 

So, Little Kobeni, what’s your price going to be?

 

If you follow the trail far enough— tear down the curtains, break the facades— you find that every kind-hearted human interaction is self-serving.  They donate to charity to ingratiate themselves to their gods.  They provide for the next generation to feel as though their will might live on in some way.  Love, to in turn secure love for themselves; reach out to a stranger to…  well, that is the question, isn’t it?  

 

Her coffee arrives, and she takes a long, appreciating sip, focusing on the warm feeling as it spreads through her core.  At last, she checks the time:  7 minutes late, 3 until the train arrives.  Much better. 

 

 

“I’m sorry for being so late, Kobeni, I hope I didn’t make you wait too long!”

 

Kobeni, whose attention oscillated between the clock and the direction of the oncoming train, failed to notice her approach and jumped in considerable shock.  

 

“Ma- Ms. Makima!  N-no worries!  I was just scared we were going to miss the train!”

 

Makima tugged at her collar and sighed audibly in relief. “I was a bit frightened of that, myself.  Made it just in time!”

 

 

————————————————————————

 

“- and Aki even let Koharu paint his nails!  Power told me later that he left him that way all week.”

 

Makima tilted her head and hummed a single note of amusement, which Kobeni had learned to take as laughter.  

“And he pretends to be so cold!  It sounds like you’re all getting along well.”

 

In a lot of ways, talking shoulder-to-shoulder was a lot easier than face-to-face; you don’t see the little ways that people automatically react to your words.  Though with Makima there wasn’t much opportunity for that anyways.  Rather it felt like you couldn’t hide your thoughts deep enough to escape her digging them out.  

 

She’s surprisingly easy to talk to like this.  Although… 

A bump on the track causes their shoulders to touch again, sending a shock of heat across Kobeni’s body.  

Why didn’t she sit by the window if she wanted to look out?!  The way it is now she’s sitting so close and I’m totally cornered in here!

 

Makima was aware of this.  

 

“Something the matter, Kobeni?”

 

“Oh wha- me?  No nothing—nothing wrong here…  just a little nervous I guess…”  

 

“Nervous, really?”  Makima readjusted her seating position to face her slightly, somehow in the process making 3 full seconds of contact.  “I didn’t take you to be the nervous type.” 

 

Kobeni turned to stare incredulously, wondering how such a fundamental miscommunication might have occurred, only to retreat from the sudden eye contact.  “You never give any hint whether or not you’re joking…” she responds, with something of a pout.  

 

“I’m sorry”, Makima says, with no indication of whether she was.   

“As an apology, I’ll tell you: I’m a bit nervous about this meeting too.” 

 

It takes Kobeni a moment to remember that there was a meeting, a moment more to process the implication that she’s expected to attend the meeting as well, and a final fraction of a second to swivel her head in disbelief a second time.  

“You’re nervous?  But you- I mean… I didn’t- y’know…”

 

“Speak, Kobeni.”

 

“Ah!  I just… I didn’t think there’d be anything that could scare you…?” 

 

Makima watched Kobeni wince at every word, as if still expecting her to detonate if she didn’t choose them exactly right.  How can one possibly be so timid?  

 

She brought her finger to her lips with a bemused hum, “Keep it our little secret, okay?  It’s true there’s not much a bunch of decrepit old men in suits could do to me.  I am pretty tough.”    

 

“But then…?”

 

“Do you know what the most common fear in the world is?  Putting aside those primal fears instilled in you ages ago.  In a world full of war, diseases, tyrants, and death, the most common thing people say?  Public speaking.  It would make for quite the fearsome devil if it wasn’t so abstract.  It’s as if we’d rather suffer all the ails in the world before we let ourselves be exposed, vulnerabilities on display.”

Like a wounded animal, cornered and waiting to see which one is going to strike first. 

 

“You care what other people think.”  Kobeni smiles, for a few seconds unwaveringly holding her gaze.  Then, her resolve breaks and she elects to instead stare intently at her shoes.  

“I think we all do… at least a little bit. 

It’s a really scary feeling, but it can also be really… kind.” 

 

The response was so automatic, so matter-of-fact, Makima was pulled out of her musings and back into the present.  She thinks for a long while as Kobeni squirms, ultimately deciding to sit back and let silence prevail.  

 

“Kind”, huh?  How very…

… Naive.  The world’s going to eat you alive, thinking like that, pup— no matter how sympathetic you are to its hunger.  

 

Much to each of their surprise, it was sort of a comfortable silence.  

 

 

———————————————————————-

 

As the last stop approached, an automated voice crackled over the intercom, “Devil activity reported near Kyoto station.  Train will stop to extract civilians at the station and proceed immediately to the next secure location.  All passengers, please remain seated and make accommodations for over-capacity seating.”

 

“Oh, we made it to Kyoto,” Makima says simply, as she stands.  “Come on, Kobeni.”  

 

“Ms. Makima…?  They said there’s a devil there… shouldn’t we—“

 

It felt redundant to note that she was smiling, but Makima did smile— almost conspiratorially, as though she was sharing a private joke.  “How lucky then that I have a devil hunter with me!”  

 

 

A siren surfaces over the rumble of confused shouting: desperate self-preservation and families ensuring their loved ones are accounted for.  A moderate crowd had gathered at the platform, anxiously awaiting their rescue.  Those at the front were shocked to find a red-haired woman standing in the doorway, even more so when she asked them to make a path.  Politely, but with unquestioned authority.  She and the smaller woman behind her (looking terribly apologetic) walk freely as the stream parts for them, and funnels into the train after they pass.  

 

The escape vessel departs, and the two exit the platform.  Over the intercom, the automated voice warns, “Devil activity reported within Kyoto Station.  Please evacuate via the emergency exits or take shelter in the designated areas indicated by the…”

 

Makima removes the lid of her emptied coffee cup and puts the two pieces in the paper and plastic recycling bins, respectively.  That settled, they descend the steps into the main building.  A man at the bottom of the stairs is sprinting up, naked fear in his eyes.  Kobeni squeaks out an “excuse us” as their paths cross.  The sound of faint cries become clear when they reach the ground floor.  Turning the corner, they find the entryway dark, lit only by spinning red sirens lights and through the crumbled wall where main entrance doors had stood.  

 

On the floor lies several dozen people, some trembling in a fetal position, some lying on their backs staring vacantly at the ceiling.  Others are upright, stumbling about as if tormented by some unseen threat.  All of them are crying profusely.  In their midst kneels a tall figure.  In a basic sense, it was shaped like a human, though even on its knees it loomed over those standing around it.  Arms cradling someone’s thrashing form.  A plain white dress layered under a blue veil outlines a feminine frame, and covering the face is a silvery death mask with a serene, close-eyed expression.  

 

From a profile, they see that the back of the ribcage is torn open in a macabre imitation of wings, and from the bloody wound protrudes a second, grey and emancipated form that hangs almost limply.  It is the second form that notices the pair and emits a raspy wail.  Signaled by this, the main body sets down the captive person, rises from its kneeling position,  and orients itself towards them.  For now, the devil waits.  

 

What is that thing?!  I’m not going near that, no way no way no way!  My hands are so sweaty right now if Aki were here he would probably say something like ‘get it together, deeps breaths and start moving’ but Aki’s not here it’s just me protecting Ms. Makima so someone’s gotta be on the way their way, right? 

 

Kobeni wanted to run.  Even with that said, she didn’t trust her legs to carry her away.  

 

“W-we need to go— go get—“

 

“The meeting is in 15 minutes.  You’d best work fast, Ms. Kobeni.”  

 

The absurdity of the statement was like a shock of cold water, energizing her to whirl around and yell, 

“Are you kidding?!  I can’t fight that— that thing!”  

 

Makima shrugged, hands in her coat pockets.   “It did catch quite a few people.  Then, want to run?”

 

Of course I want to run!  I wanted to run the moment I saw that horrible thing!  There’s really no choice when it’s just me here who do anything and…

 

The boy on the floor nearby looked to be about Mio and Miyu’s age.  Curled up in a ball and breathing in shaky, shallow breaths. 

There’s really no choice.  

 

Kobeni takes off her suit jacket and, after drawing her knife, drops the jacket to the floor.    “Please s-stand back Ms. Makima.  I don’t want you to get hurt.”

 

Makima takes an few steps back.  Not especially far.  

 

The spinning red lights of the sirens cause Kobeni’s shadow to revolve about her as she steps towards the devil.   Even from a distance,  it reached out with pale, slender arms as if inviting her into an embrace…  

They extend forth, in an instant spanning the 30 or so meters between them.  She crouches below the first one head-on, then drops her shoulder back to pivot around the next as it crashes into the wall behind her.  Putting the momentum of the rotation behind her, Kobeni cuts a deep gash into the closest arm and sent it recoiling back.  

 

She starts to approach the main body, stationary as it is, but is forced to spring back again as the damaged arm sweeps across the ground towards her, spraying debris in its wake.  This time, she managed to sever the better half of a hand as it passed beneath her.   The devil howls in pain, the voice again coming from the frail-looking body in the back.  

 

Kobeni splits the distance between them, taking advantage of the opening.  This time, however, the devil raised its hand far overhead, its shadow hanging over the crumpled form of the young boy she noticed earlier.  

 

Oh, no fair… 

 

With a high-pitched laugh, the hand came slamming down towards the boy, instead catching Kobeni on the back as she bridged over him on her elbows and knees.  She gasps in pain as the force causes her forehead to contact the tile floor, disorienting her in the process.  

 

Both of the devil’s spindly hands wrap around Kobeni’s torso and drag her up off the ground until she is face-to-face with the statuesque woman— hunched, as it was, over its victim.  Up close, the peaceful expression carved into its death mask is almost beautiful.  As Kobeni hazily chastises such a pointless thought, the mask split down the middle.  Creaking, it opens.  And from it, a thick, black smoke pours out, rolling down its arms until her entire body is enveloped in darkness.  

 

 

————————————————————————

 

 

Kobeni’s vision came back slowly, latching on at first to the long row of yellowish lights overhead.  She was sitting on the ground.  Her hands seemed… warm, somehow.  

 

That’s strange, I was just…

 

Swaying, her eyes travel down to find a tan-ish hallway lined with doors on each side and, looking down, Denji lying on the ground.  Chest torn open as if with a knife, and a great pool of blood soaking into the carpet.  

 

She screams and scrambles backwards, leaving wine-red handprints on she touches.  Slipping, her head hits the ground, locking eyes with Aki as he stares vacantly.  Another yelp of terror, and Kobeni braces herself against the wall, finally looking at her stained hands that were now re-dyed in Aki’s blood.  

 

NO!! No!  I didn’t!  Th-this.  This didn’t happen!  It didn’t ha- hah!  …happen like this…! 

 

She shook her head as if to wake herself up, in doing so only catching a glance at the unresponsive forms of Himeno, Power, Arai.  

 

So sad.  Poor Kobeni left all alone.  

 

Kobeni looked frantically up and down the hall but couldn't find the source.  She covered her ears, but it did nothing to muffle the voices, discordantly compassionate and mocking.  

 

There was no choice.  You did what you had to.

 

“Shut up!  Shut up shut up!  I would never— I mean… I didn’t!  I won’t!” 

 

Her knife lies beside her, as far as she could tell through the tears.  With a bit of hesitation at the sight of it, she snatches it off the floor and holds it tightly with both hands, slick with some combination of sweat and blood.  

 

But you already did.  You have it in you.  You always have.

 

With that, the floor beneath her gives way. Kobeni’s heart lurches painfully as she falls into the dark, while the rush of wind is a deafening roar. 

 Suddenly, she is seated comfortably, somewhere safe and familiar.  A safe and familiar voice.  

 

“- ‘where have you been?’ says mother mouse as she scurries to her little pup.  ‘I’ve been looking all over for you!’”

 

Dad always gave all the characters little voices, though they were rarely any good and always sounded an awful lot like him.  His hands on each side of the book were so big, too.  Kobeni could fit the entirety of her child-like hand into the palm of his.  

 

When Kobeni’s hair was long, Mom would always brush and brush it, then put it up in bows, braids, clips, anything really.  She was always good at that sort of thing.  And on her good days she could really move mountains— make any scary thing out there go away. 

 

“The mother mouse droops her head sadly, ‘I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.  Can you ever forgive me?’”

 

She always thought the sound was so relaxing when this chair creaked back and forth— something consistent and dependable.  

 

“- and she hugged her little mouse and squeezed her as tight as can be!”

 

At this part, Dad would always wrap his arm around her in a big hug, just like the book.

 

“And she squeezed and she squeezed and squeezed and squeezed and squeezed tighter and tighter until she couldn’t possibly squeeze any tighter-“

 

With each word, the hand around Konebi’s neck got tighter and tighter until she was red in the face, kicking wildly.  On the floor, again, was her knife.  But as she reached for it, the hand running through her hair gripped a fistful and wrenched her head back painfully.  

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever ever ever let you out of my sight again!” 

“Kobeni”

 

She tried to pry away at the hand on her neck but it was too big, too strong.  

 

“How could I let you go when you’re needed here so much!  No never never never!”

“This is an order, Kobeni.”

 

The edges of her vision darkened, and her hands started to slack.

 

“That’s enough playing dead.  Get up.”

 

 

In an instant, Kobeni felt as though she had opened her eyes for the first time since this nightmare began.  With an effortless tug, the hand around her neck tore away like paper.  Then, methodically reaching down and taking the knife, she brought it behind her head to cut off the long hair her mother loved so much.  Standing up off the couch, she towered over them.  And she was angry.  So so so angry for everything they had put her through, how unfair it all was. 

 

They betrayed your trust.  No one deserves to suffer what you did.  No one deserves forgiveness for what they did.  

 

She tests the weight of the knife in her hand, seeing briefly her reflection, the look on her face in its pristine blade.  She was strong now.  Strong enough that neither of them could hurt her ever again— not with their hands and not with their words.  It never has to happen again, 

and yet… and yet…! 

 

Her parents were deathly still, sitting now on the couch as if they were just a photograph of a normal day.  

 

Their hands are so frail now.  They’re old, and they’re pitiful.  And all these years not once did they lay their hands on Koharu, or Mio, or Miyu.  They’re not the people they used to be.  They’ve tried to do better by them.  

 

They did betray her— Kobeni doesn’t think she’ll ever forgive them for that.  And she can’t trust them either; she’ll take her sisters and leave if she has to.  But this…? 

 

She turns the knife over in her hand.

 

You were so scared You can’t forgive traitors Hurt so you can’t be h-

 

She won’t be defined by this.  

 

She turns and thrusts the knife up, tearing the sleeve of her shirt as she barely passes in between the long, needling claws of the shriveled creature.  Up under the chin and through the top of its malformed head.  It shudders and the arms cradling beneath her falter, causing her to drop (fortunately less than a meter at this point, but nonetheless to the ground).  Following her lead, the devil's body falls forward, the metallic mask clanging loudly as it shatters the tile beneath it. 

 

Shaking, and with a face covered in tears, sweat, snot, spit, and blood in varying amounts, she reaches out and wipes most of it off on the cleanest-looking part of the white robes, which come back rather sullied.  Taking one last look at the devil, she noticed with some confusion that one of the frail one’s arms was missing, a clean semi-circle blown out where the shoulder used to be.  

 

Don’t know how I managed that one… 

 

 

Makima stood a short distance behind the floored Kobeni, holding her jacket to her chest.  

3 minutes late to the meeting.  We might could make a good lap-dog out of you after all.  

 

Approaching, she called out,

“Kobeni.” 

Honestly though, you really made that one more complicated than it had to be.  It would have been just as easy to fin—

 

Makima’s thoughts freeze in place as Kobeni turns to face her.  There’s a lot to focus on, really.  Firstly, she was a bit of a mess:  an open cut across her forehead, eyes a bit puffy, left sleeve torn to ribbons.  Second, she had expected Kobeni to be an emotional mess to boot.  And that wasn’t entirely wrong, her lips quivering and her eyebrows already starting to arch as the gravity of her near-death experience sets in.  But looking past that, it seemed as though she stood taller than usual. 

 

Third, and the thing that had truly caught Makima’s attention, was her bare arm beneath her torn sleeve.  And on it, 4 purplish bruises from where someone, a person, had grabbed unacceptably tight, at least several hours old, by their color.  Seeing Kobeni get thrown around by a devil had hardly registered to Makima.  Devil Hunters fights devils and get hurt doing it; that was the agreement.  Further, she was there to take control of the situation if it went too far, as she had by confiscating that devil’s arm. 

 

But this...

I don't suspect most people could get a hold of you like that you’re capable of taking down devils like this. 

From someone close to you, perhaps? 

 

A low hum of emotion, unbidden, worked its way up into Makima’s chest.  For something like this to happen, for something like this to have escaped her control…

 

“Ms. Makima…?” 

Kobeni looked at her with concern before following her gaze.  With sudden realization, she clamped her hand over the bruises.

“Oh, this?  I was just- um, it’s not really-“

 

“That devil must have had a pretty hard grip; that looks painful.  Here, put out your arm.”

 

Kobeni nearly corrected her, but seized the opportunity at the last second, “No, the devil didn’t- no it doesn’t hurt too bad, thank you… But, um, my arm…?”

Perplexed, she raises it up stiffly. 

 

Unfolding the jacket, Makima guides Kobeni’s right arm through the sleeve, before walking behind her, lighting touching the petrified woman’s opposite wrist to prompt her to bring it back.  Slipping the second hand through, she then pulls up the collar, hand lightly tracing the back of her neck as she ensures it’s lined up.  Lastly, she comes back to the front, standing a touch closer than strictly necessary, and straightens out her tie that had come loose.  Her hand lingers at the collarbone for a second more. 

“This will have to do for now.  And as for this,” she hovers just over the cut on Kobeni’s forehead.  “we’ll wash it off when we get there.  I’ll have to fix your hair to hide it.”

 

 

The parts of her neck where Makima had touched now tingled with an almost painful warmth.  She was so lightheaded that, even including having been buried alive, Kobeni was convinced this was the closest she had come to dying this week.  

 

————————————————————————

 

After everything that had happened today, the meeting ended up being the easiest part.  They had arrived a full 20 minutes late, which goes a bit past Makima’s preferred window for reminding someone on whose time they’re on.  But they had a strong excuse, as far as excuses go.  Kobeni took the blame for the damages to the art museum and agreed to write an apology letter to the sculptor whose work she threw. 

 

They take an intermission, and the pair take the opportunity to sit on a bench outside, sighing out loud in exhaustion. 

“I didn’t think I had the energy to be nervous again today… But some of them really do look mean…”

 

“Even with your promise to be more mindful of treasured art pieces, they’re still hesitant to invest in an experiment like Division 4.” 

Makima turn to Kobeni, head resting on her hand, “But you’re attentive.  Tell me, was there anything you noticed about the Board that could help sway them?”

In the worst case Makima could get the answer she wanted, but that’s in rather poor taste in the business world. 

 

And there’s no fun in winning like that.

 

Kobeni stops to think back, “Hmm…  The young guy mentioned that his kid was a fan of Den- um, Chainsaw Man.  The one with really thick glasses looked at his watch… 6 times, and the one at the far end look at your… your chest 8 times.” 

 

Makima nodded thoughtfully.  “I can work with that.  Ready, then?”

 

Kobeni popped up with a small clap.  “Oh, can I go get a drink first…?  I’m feeling a bit worn out.” 

 

 

She makes her way to a nearby vending machine.  

It wasn’t a total lie that speaking in public unnerved Makima.  She certainly found it draining, though the explanation for that was likely not as charitable as Kobeni would project. 

 

As for caring what people think…

 

A tall drink can is thrust in front of her.  The label depicted some brightly colored character that she didn’t recognize.  “I-I didn’t know what to get you so- um, I just got you the s-same as me.” 

 

There is a brief silence, after which Makima reaches up and accepts the drink.

She looked at the ingredients list with some concern before eventually opening the top. 

“Thank you," with what could be mistaken for sincerity. 

She takes a small sip to confirm her suspicions before downing about a third of it at once.  Kobeni gives a nervous smile. 

 

It’s an awful taste.  But it could worth the trouble. 

 

 

————————————————————————

 

The train ride back was another quiet trip.  After the meeting, the two were obliged to return to the train station and help finalize the devil extermination report.  Makima was familiar with the Betrayal Devil from a previous encounter, long ago.  It’s a small fish in the dreary sea that is Hell, but out of curiosity once she had decided to find out what sort of visions it would send to assail her.  She took a deep breath of the black cottony smoke and waited.  Yet, nothing had come of it; there was never any chance of a betrayal.  Nobody can ever stab you in the back if you've already tied their hands. 

 

The additional stop caused them to return home quite late.  Kobeni bobbed in and out of consciousness as the last-ditch boost from her energy drink at last forsook her. 

 

“You can rest your head here, if you like.”  Makima pats her shoulder.

 

“Mm, no… no that’s okay, I can sleep like this just fine…”  She braces the top of her head against the seat in front of her. 

This position lasts for about half an hour, after which she migrates to lean against the comforting warmth of her fellow passenger. 

 

Makima wished she had just done this when asked in the first place, so she could have gotten her book out.  Now she’s stuck in this position the rest of the way. 

 

Eventually though, the train comes to a stop.  Kobeni, upon awakening, is mortified to find that she had drooled on Makima's shoulder.  They exit the station, the entire journey pepped by Kobeni's frantic apologies.  Finally, they arrive at their crossroads for the night. 

 

“It’s late out.  Can you get home okay?” 

 

Kobeni yawn, “Yes, I don’t live too far…”  There was nearly a clear line-of-sight from the intersection at which they were parting.  Even so, she’s a bit reluctant.

 

“Very well.  Goodnight then.” Makima nods in assent and watches Kobeni for a while as she walks home.  She knew where she lived, of course—she didn’t need to watch to know that.  Nonetheless, she frowns slightly as Kobeni goes back to that house. 

Notes:

Maybe I can show Kobeni thinking things over at home > No wait, her parents probably wouldn't pay for housing so she probs lives at home > well her parents probably aren't great to live with > domestic abuse then

How do we get Makima to see the bruise > Kobeni's sleeve gets torn > how does the sleeve get torn > a devil does it > what would be a story-relevant fear > cue psychological horror sequence that Kobeni really didn't deserve, girl I am so sorry

Thanks all, hope you do something new and exciting today!

Chapter 3: Volition

Summary:

Acquiring admiration, respect, love.  It takes a more delicate touch than it does to instill fear, but the results are far more gratifying.  Makima could, with a few words, command someone’s unconditional devotion.  But if it runs too contrary to their natural inclinations, they’re going to notice the discrepancy eventually.  What’s most important is…

 She opens the door, a pretty woman with brown, shifty eyes stands at attention.

… they believe they’ve come to you of their own volition. 

Notes:

Hey all! Same drill, editing is overrated.
I think this chapter's going to need some cleaning up tomorrow, as it gets a bit long-winded, but I got the bits I wanted in there.

I've really enjoyed everyone's comments, thanks for reading and feedback!

Makima allowed her thumb to drag lightly across trembling lips, as her fingers traced the lines of the cheekbone as if to memorize their shape.  Finally, her hand settled in the cradle of the neck, feeling the nervous warmth just below the skin.

“You’ve done so well,  thank you for your hard work.”  

 

Denji managed to sputter out a, “no problem”, but his thoughts were a bit preoccupied.  The alluring, red-haired woman sat casually on top of her desk, retracting her hand to scoot herself forward and lean in with a conspiratorial whisper.  

 

“To be honest I’m not very good with rats, so it’s kind of a relief to know that devil is off the streets.”

 

Let them feel as though they know a side to you that no one else does.  But don’t show everything.  

 

“Keep that our little secret though.” she says with a wink. 

 

“Then you can count on me to squash any devils giving you trouble!” Denji puffs up his chest theatrically and grins with exaggerated bravado.  

 

Playing along, Makima applauds.  “My hero.  Thank you, I will.”

 

Give them a little taste of what they desperately want,

 

“Hey listen, Makima, I was hoping maybe we could-“

 

And, before they’ve had their fill, cut them off.

 

A knock on the door shatters the insular moment, and Makima pushes off her desk. 

 

“Oh, sorry, Denji!  I forgot I had an errand this morning.” 

She crosses the room, taking her long overcoat off the rack.

 

Acquiring admiration, respect, love.  It takes a more delicate touch than it does to instill fear, but the results are far more gratifying.  Makima could, with a few words, command someone’s unconditional devotion.  But if it runs too contrary to their natural inclinations, they’re going to notice the discrepancy eventually.  What’s most important is…

 

 She opens the door, a pretty woman with brown, shifty eyes stands at attention.

 

… they believe they’ve come to you of their own volition. 

 

“Kobeni, good morning.”

 

“Good morning, Ms. Makima…”

Kobeni peeks past her,

“Oh, Denji!  G-good morning...!”

 

“Uh… yeah.  Hey!” Denji waves sheepishly.  

 

Makima pulls her coat over her shoulders and looks back with the shape of an apologetic smile, “We’ll have to continue later on.  Good work today!”

 

————————————————————————

 

“That dent is new, what happened this time?” 

Makima asks as she ducks down into the passenger seat.  

 

“Ah, that…”  Kobeni closes the car door and jogs around to her own side.  

“Power wanted to prove she could drift the car like they did in the movie yesterday.”

And, to her credit, she could.  But learning to exit the drift is going to take more practice.  

 

Makima hums in bemusement, “I’ll be sure to decline her driving me anywhere until she gets that particular skill down.

Still, It seems you all have fun together.” 

 

Despite the note of frustration in her voice on behalf of her injured car, Kobeni smiled shyly at that, 

“We do.  Aki, Himeno, Arai, Power, Denji… they’re all my friends.” 

 

Makima responds with an ambiguous, “Hm...”

 

There’s silence for a while.  Kobeni tightens and relaxes her grip on the steeling wheel a few times before breaching.

 

“Hey um… Ms. Makima…?”

 

“Yes, Kobeni?”

 

“You're not really... interested in Denji— like that.  Are you…?”  

 

Makima turns to face her, but Kobeni is suddenly very diligently watching the road.  It doesn’t matter though.  Regardless, her eyes bore down on the woman who, given that she was squirming in her seat, no doubt notices this in her periphery.  

 

“He’s a very honest boy.  Certainly entertaining.”  

 

“But you’re not -um...  You're not serious about him, Right?”

 

Makima considers lying.  Lying just to see what kind of expression she would make.  She could even order her to forget it happened, effectively obliterating the words from existence.  No harm done.  Typically Makima picked them carefully enough that it was never necessary, but she’s done it before.  Still, somehow it felt like that expression shouldn’t exist even for a moment.  

 

“No.  No I’m not.”

 

“Then… why do you do that…?”

Kobeni wipes her palms off on her pants.  

Like, act so- um… close?” 

 

“I’ll stop if you tell me to.”

 

That one got a jump out of her.  The car even lurched slightly as she pushed too hard on the gas.  

 

“W-what?!  That’s really not my place or anything— I was just thinking-“

 

“I trust you bring it up for a good reason.  If you think it’s best I stop, then I will.”  Still staring right through her.

 

Silence reigns once more.  

 

Seriously, is she teasing me or something?!  She still doesn’t show it on her face at all.  I just thought…  Well now it doesn’t matter I’ve already dug my grave and really Beni what are you thinking telling your boss what to do like that and what will-

 

Bound by some sense of sincerity, Kobeni wills herself to tolerate a brief moment’s eye contact.  “I want you to stop…”  she looks back to the road.  “… please?”  

 

Kobeni stops at a red light.  There’s no real reason it should, but the space feels tighter than it had when they were moving.  

Resting her elbow on the console, Makima further intrudes on that space.  

 

“Tell me why.”

 

Couldn’t get off that easily, huh?  Oh god is she mad?  It’s really not my place to say but I can't just…

 

“I just think… that- um…” 

 

“Kobeni, I simply want to know what you think.”  The words were placating, but everything else about the situation only heightened her stress.  

 

She brings her head down on the steering wheel as she raises her voice, “I…!  I think it’s wrong to mess with his head like that!  He's just a k-kid and what you're doing is hurting him!”

 

“…”

 

Makima’s expression fell instantly to one of frustrated disappointment.

 

“Okay.  Here’s an order for you, Kobeni.”

 

At once, Kobeni’s clenched fists relaxed, and her eyes took on an absent gleam.  Her head, however, continued to rest on top of the steering wheel.  

 

“Sit up and look.” 

 

And she did.

 

Makima rubbed her temple in a small circle.  

“That was honestly why you asked?”

 

Nodding, Kobeni answered in a usual tone, but without that cadence that made it her voice.  “Yes, that was the truth.”

 

Makima chastises herself.  

Why are you playing this game?  You’re being ridiculous.  If there’s something else you wanted to hear, something you want her to feel, then just make her.  Just a few words, sew her back together, and there’s none of this ambiguity!  You’re close enough already that it’d be believable; it’d stick as long as you want.  It’s just…

 

She wanted to ask more, but the traffic light turned green.

 

Frustratedly, “Put your head back down.”

 

When Kobeni’s head touches the wheel, the control ends. 

 

“Oh, Kobeni, the light’s green.”

 

With a start, she sits up, “Ah!  S-sorry, I didn’t notice!”

And at that, their drive continues.

 

Makima returned to her own space, back of her head against the seat.  

She really is too earnest for her own good.  I wouldn't have to go to all this trouble if she'd take more self-interest.  Then maybe she'd...

Well, whatever she'd think, she would probably rather say it on her own anyways...

 

“Okay, if you say it’s important, then it’ll stop.” 

 

Kobeni’s smile is mostly nervous, but there’s a warmth to it as well, “Oh, um!  T-Thank you, Ms. Makima…for... taking me seriously...”

 

————————————————————————

 

Makima had received a request from the police station to evaluate recent disappearances in the Jinbōchō district, determining whether they were the work of devil activity.  Truly, it wasn’t always: in troubled times such as these, where the police force was stretched thin, the rate of mundane crimes was higher, if anything.  

 

Kobeni always felt out-of-place at the station.  The atmosphere was intensely militant, but that was a thin veneer hiding a profound discouragement.  Increasingly often, devil attacks were of such a scale that the police had no choice but to defer to Public Safety.  And Kobeni could tell that many, especially the older officers, didn’t appreciate the city’s protection being taken off their hands.  But, on the rare occasion that she accompanied Aki to have a drink with his police friends, she’s found that plenty are content with running damage control on the more large-scale threats.

 

Makima, however, fit right in: Calm, pragmatic, to the point.  Not everyone liked her, but none doubted that she was an expert.  

 

“As you know, single-victim devil attacks tend to target individuals prone to psychological distress.  While a mundane criminal may choose physically weaker targets, and there is a considerable overlap, we see an elevated proportion of…”

 

It was honestly kind of a marvel to watch her work.  In normal conversation, it could be unnerving how she always seemed to know what you were thinking, or how nothing you could say would ever really throw her off.  But here, that uncanny confidence invoked a sense of utter dependability.  A feeling that everything was under control. 

 

As devils, and the source of their power, came to be better understood, many societal changes were made.  Of these, mandated psychological assessments were commonplace in schools and places of employment.  In fact, a stable mental state was as important as a resume in high-stress careers.  With Kobeni’s particular… disposition, she struggled for a long time to find a job that would take her.

 

I really do owe Ms. Makima so much for giving me a chance.  Without her, I wouldn’t have all the friends I do today, I wouldn’t have the stability to provide for my family.  (Now, I wouldn’t be out there risking my life to fight devils either, so there’s room for improvement).  

But I also wouldn’t have… 

 

Makima leans back in her chair while the police chief is signing off the transfer of jurisdiction, and she locks eyes with Kobeni.  She smiles, with a tilt of her head.  Not communicating anything in particular; just affirming that she’s there.  

 

… well, her.  

 

 

The negotiations come to a close with little time spent on idle conversation.  They shake hands and Makima leaves with the case file, Kobeni in tow.

 

“I’m assigning Himeno to lead this investigation.  You and Arai will go with her.”  Perfectly professional, business-like.  But, in an almost-imperceptibly softer tone: 

“Is that alright with you?”

 

Kobeni nods.  It would take a lot more than that for her to ever happily dive into a devil’s domain, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit emboldened.  

 

————————————————————————

 

“Seriously, what’s that slave-driver thinking, calling us out here so last minute?  I was just about to go home for the day!”  Himeno rubbed the back of her neck as she groaned in annoyance.  

 

They crept through the old library with flashlights clearing the path before them.  It was fairly light out, but the interior was large enough to cut them off from the outside.  

 

“If it was a request from the police department, we ought to do all we can to maintain a friendly relationship with them.”  Arai was always a bit uptight like that, but he has a good heart. 

 

“And Ms. Makima’s not… that bad… This really doesn’t happen all that often…”

 

Himeno, leading the charge, spun around to shine her light in Kobeni’s face as if it were an interrogation.

“I don’t want to hear that from you, Miss Chauffeur! 

I don’t know how it is she got her claws in you, but you’ve been real buddy-buddy ever since you started carting her around!”

 

Arai interjects, “Ms. Himeno, we should probably pay attention to what w-“

 

“Fine, fine!  I’m watching!”  Himeno relents and points her light down a stairwell, leaving Kobeni to rub her eyes as she tries to re-adjust to the dark.  They descend the steps, each footfall echoing in the otherwise silent space.  

 

“Honestly though, how is it that none of you lot see she’s just playing around with you?  I thought you’d at least be more resistant to her charms than the boys are, Kobeni.”  

 

Kobeni doesn’t respond for a time, instead checking the corners of the room when they reach the bottom of the steps.  This place definitely hasn’t had any visitors for a long time, based on the state of decay, but the disappearances all happened around this area.

 

Himeno sure does get fired up over this.  I wonder if they had a fight once or something?  It’s even worse when it comes to Aki, so I figured she was just being jealous, but what’s that have to do with me?  

 

“It… it takes me a long time to- well, warm up to people…  And there’s not a lot of places where I can- like… where I’ve felt at home.  So I’m not being reckless or anything…”

 

Himeno huffs and turns around again, sparing Kobeni the interrogation light this time, though she still flinches.  Instead, she rests a hand on the young woman’s head and ruffles her hair.  

“I know, kiddo.  I’m glad you have a place here.  I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Her tone brightens to its usual candor, “workplace relationships can be pretty risky, especially if it’s your boss!”

 

In this darkness, Kobeni’s red face very well could have been a light source of its own.  The beam of her flashlight bounced all over the walls as her hands trembled.  

“Re- rel- No!  No it’s not anything l-like that!  I just really r-respect her and- um- well we work close together so- well it’s like- well it’s normal we’d get along and-“

 

Himeno was so entirely joking.  And now she was even more worried.  She would have liked to time how long Kobeni would continue to flounder, but the count is interrupted by a large crack as Arai’s leg pushes through the floor.  With a yell, he falls to one knee as the other goes entirely into the ground.  

 

Groaning, and with Kobeni’s help, he begins to work his way free.  He’s about halfway up when, a ways ahead of them, the light catches a pair of massive red eyes.  

 

Arai redoubles his efforts, and the pitch of his voice.  Aaaagh!  Ms. Himeno, I‘ve located the devil!”

 

———————————————————————-

 

Makima closes and locks the door to her office with a weary sigh.  It was well into the night when she received confirmation from Himeno that the operation was a success, and it took a couple hours’ more to finalize the report for tomorrow morning.  All the power in the world wouldn’t make long nights at work any easier. 

 

She was the last one at the office, so she shut off all the lights, checked the rest of the doors to see that they were locked, and stopped to clean a bit of trash that had escaped the cleaning crew.  Satisfied, she made her way towards the exit. 

 

It happened a few times today, as it did now, that she found herself thinking back to her conversation with Kobeni this morning.  She’d never considered her word to have any especial value; promises were largely a tool to convey a sense of solidarity.  If keeping the promise was the most effective way to maintain trust, fine.  If a more valuable opportunity presented itself later, that was also acceptable. 

 

She steps out into the cold night, pulling the folds of her coat inward to block out the wind.  

 

It was useful to say she would leave Denji alone, and that in of itself was not too tall an order.  Her plans for Chainsaw Man, however, were much too grand to give up on behalf of her word.  It was a mission to which she had devoted years— for which she had made a great many enemies.  And with his power, maybe she could finally, finally have what’s she’s wanted all this time…

 

Kobeni is standing not too far from the door, shivering a bit as that last gust of wind cut straight through her suit jacket.  At the sound of the door opening, she jolts her head up and offers an awkward wave.  

 

“Good evening, Ms. M-Makima… Need a ride?”

 

Having been rather deep in her thoughts and having not expected to meet anyone (least of all Kobeni herself) at this hour, Makima is a bit stunned, failing at first to even register the offer.  

 

“Kobeni?  What on earth are you doing out here so late?  It’s freezing out too, why didn’t you just come inside?”

 

She shrugs sheepishly, “Forgot my key card…”, noticeably dodging the first question.  

 

Makima realizes she was still holding the door open, and at last closes it behind her.  

“Okay, why are you here?”

 

Kobeni looked away, obviously putting a great deal of effort into forming the words, “I… didn’t- um, I didn’t want to go home tonight…”

 

If she were looking, Kobeni would have seen Makima’s eyes go wider than she’d ever seen them.  

That’s.  That’s an awfully.  Bold thing to say.  I wasn’t prepared for this.  Did I really underestim-“

 

Makima walks around to see Kobeni’s face, and in that moment her thoughts derail once more.  

Kobeni looked tired.  Seemed stable enough, but her eyes were a bit red, too.  

 

“Kobeni, what is it?”  Her tone was perfectly level.  

 

This time she offered a big, dishonest smile, “Just a pretty long night…  though I’d come see how you’re doing.”

 

“How’d you even know I was still here?” Makima asked, crossing her arms.

 

“I didn’t.”

 

“And what would you have done if I wasn’t?”

 

She shrugs.  “Was just lucky I guess…”

 

Makima couldn’t fathom that kind of reckless action.  Yes the lights were on, but there was still no guarantee it was even her inside.  She could have just as easily been waiting out here in the cold for no reason.  What a senseless risk.  

 

For the second time today, Kobeni had her rubbing her temple in frustration.  

“Fine.  Next time just message me instead; I’ll give you my personal number.”

 

Give them a little taste of what they desperately want. 

 

“Oh!  Um, next time.  Okay…”  She looks down shyly.  

 

“Since you came all this way, I’ll accept your kind offer.  And then…”

 

before they’ve had their fill, cut them off.

 

“… I suppose you could stay over, if you’d like.”  

 

—————————————————————

 

*earlier that evening*

 

“Kobeni, go find something to brace the door with!”  Himeno barked the order as she pressed her back against the heavy double doors.  From the other side, a large body crashes into them, causing the three hunters to lurch forward.   

 

“R-right!”  Kobeni pushes off the door and looks around frantically, eventually spying a janitor’s closet.  

“Uhh!  What do I do, what do I do…?!” 

She grabs what she can find, a wrench and a mop, and scurries back, nearly tripping on a raised board along the way.  

“Alright, got it!”  She shouts, after slipping the two in between the door handles.  The wrench barely covers the gap, but it’s enough for now.

 

Panting, they all slide to the floor, still leaning against their barricade but secure enough to take a breather.  

“You two alright?”  Himeno asks in between breaths.  “Arai, how’s that leg?”

 

They both nod, and Arai rolls up his pant leg.  It’s scratched up, hurried as they were to get out of that precarious position.  But, nothing life-threatening. 

 

The doors buck inwards again and the mop starts to crack.  Himeno is quick to recuperate.  

“Alright team, here’s the plan:  on my count, we’re gonna get out of the way of the door.  When that thing crashes through, Kobeni you….

Kobeni what is that ringing?”

 

With all the excitement, she hadn’t even noticed.  But there was, in fact, a ringing coming from Kobeni’s jacket pocket.

Oh…

“I-I’ve got to take this!” 

 

Himeno stared incredulously, “Now?!” 

 

“It’s only for emergencies!”  She was already wide-eyed with worry. 

 

“Geez, alright, just hurry!”

 

She rummages through her pocket and brings the phone to her ear.

“Hello? … ‘Haru, what’s wrong?  … Alright, are your sisters with you?  … And you’ve locked the door?  …” 

Kobeni looks up at her leader desperately, holding her hand over the microphone.  

“Himeno, I need to go.” 

 

Himeno stares at the her intently.  

“Arai, do you think we can manage with the two of us?”  

 

Arai answers with a wide, toothy grin, clenching his fists in some display of confidence.  

“Easy as can be, you run along!”

 

Reaching over, Himeno grabs Kobeni’s hand and gives a reassuring squeeze.  

“We’ll take care of this guy, kiddo, you go take care of your girls.”  

They all stand up, and prepare to leap out of the way of the doors. 

“You’re buying all of us drinks this weekend though!”  

 

“Right.  Thank you both.”

 

As mostly-planned, on Himeno’s count they leap out of the way before the doors come crashing down in a cloud of dust and debris.  A large, frog-like creature with bulbous, red eyes and slimy skin fills the hallway almost in its entirety.  Acting fact, Kobeni leaps through the dust cloud to thrust her knife into one of those big eyes, deep enough that her hand comes back covered in thick fluid.  

 

With a sharp jerk, she pulls the knife through the flesh surrounding the eye and springs past the devil.  It bellowed in pain and attempted to pursue, but its frame was too wide to turn around in this hallway.  

 

Taking her phone in her clean hand, she speaks again, “I finished up at work, I’m on my way to get you.”

 

 

————————————————————————

 

By now, the Sun has given just about everything it had for today, and was settling in for a busy tomorrow.  Emotionally exhausted, the four sisters make their way up the steps to the apartment, one of Kobeni’s hands holding Miyu’s and the other securing a pair of matching overnight bags slung over her shoulder.  Koharu is carrying her own bag, and takes the responsibility of knocking on the door.  

 

Almost immediately, the door opens to Aki, actually making a great show of wearing a welcoming expression.  

“Kobeni, good evening.”

He nods, “Hello, Koharu.”

He crouches down to eye-level, “Mio, Miyu, welcome.” 

 

“Mr. Ponytail~!”  Mio and Miyu, their stresses forgotten for now, charge forward into a tackling hug that pushes Aki (who clearly has his hair down) to his backside.  He grumbles as if he’s annoyed, but makes no attempt to free himself for some time.  

 

From the next room trails in Denji and Power.  The latter of whom immediately draws the twin’s attention, as they’ve so far managed to avoid crossing paths before now.  

“Yo.”  Says Denji.

“Who dares?”  Queries Power.  

The twins release Aki to investigate.  Koharu offers a quiet, “excuse me” before going in to mediate for her little sisters.  

 

“Sorry, Aki, I didn’t know where else to take them…”

 

I considered Ms. Makima, but somehow… she doesn’t seem like she’d be good with kids.

 

Aki gets up off the ground without complaint.  “Don’t worry about it.  I’m babysitting every day as it is; maybe they’ll even keep each other busy.”  

His lighthearted tone wasn’t much different from his serious one, but he continued with, “How is everything, Kobeni?”

 

She hands off the two overnight bags, rolling her shoulders after they come off.  “I’m heading back to take our mother to the mental hospital— she had another episode and isn’t coming down so well.  The girls seem okay...  The twins are just a bit spooked, but keep an eye on Haru for me, okay?” 

 

Matching orange and yellow polka-dotted bags on each shoulder, “Understood.  I’ll leave the door unlocked for you.”

 

“Oh, don’t do that,” Kobeni waves assuredly, “the hospital’s all the way over by the office; I’ll just get a motel or something.”

 

Behind them, Power had both Mio and Miyu off the ground, each holding on by one of her horns.  Koharu is fussing at each of them to get down while Power only makes a greater spectacle of it.  

 

“I… have headphones in the car…?”

 

“I bought some earplugs weeks ago, thanks.  

We’ve got this covered, you go take care of you mother.”  With that, a rare smile from Aki.

 

“Thank you so much… I’ll be back in the morning.”

 

————————————————————————

 

Kobeni pulls the car into the driveway, parks, and shuts of the engine.  Getting out, she strains her ear, but all seems quiet for now.  She reached out to open the door, but finds her hand to be trembling more than she’d like. 

 

Thought we’d been over this…

 

Nonetheless, she pushes through the doorway.   Her father is sitting in the living room, watching television without the volume.  Sitting on the same couch they had in her nightmare, and seeming very… deflated.  

 

“Where’s mom?” To her relief, her voice didn’t waver. 

 

Wordless, he makes a vague gesture to their bedroom, never taking his eyes off the screen.  

She knocks gently on the door as she opens it, finding her mother curled up in the middle of the bed.  She initially seemed asleep, but her breathing was heavy and her eyes were wide open, darting.  

 

Her voice comes out guttural, “What do you want…?” 

 

“We’re going to the doctor, Mom.”

 

Kobeni puts together some of her mother’s belongings and, with relatively little assistance provided, props her up to walk to the car.

They pass the living room again, her father still impassive.  

 

I didn’t expect to change overnight or anything, but this feels like I’m doing the same thing as ever.  I didn’t fight that devil for nothing… 

 

She opens the front door and stop, eyes fixated outside.

“I love you both, but I’m not doing this again.  My sisters are never going to do this.  I’m keeping them with me until this is sorted out, so get your damn act together.”

 

She looks back to find that her father finally looked away from the screen, some complicated emotion written on his face.  She had no especial interest in reading it.

She buckles her mother in the car and sets down the road.  It’s thankfully quiet for a long while, the wiry, greying brunette woman seemingly absorbed in some thought of another.  However, something clicks as the hospital draws near, and she begins to writhe back and forth in moderate distress.  Her eyes seem somewhere far away.  

 

“Where are you taking me?!”

 

“We’re going to the doctor, mom.”

 

“No!  I’m not sick!  Who do you think you are telling me what to do?”

 

“I’m not.”

 

“Your brother would never do this to me!  Why couldn’t you be even a little like him?  Instead you’re just like me!  Too neurotic to get anywhere in life!”

 

“I have a job.”

 

“You think it was easy taking care of all of you?  Especially you, always so sickly!  You think that was cheap?”

 

“…”

 

“Do you know what that man said to me today?  He told me I was…”

———————————————————————-

 

“I wasn’t impressed with any of the motels in the area so… here I am…!” Kobeni finishes her story with a futile joke.  

 

  “Take a left at this next road”, Makima responds.  Otherwise quite quiet.

 

Kobeni scans her face for some sort of reaction, but she’s not giving much away there.  

 

She is bouncing her leg like she does when she’s upset though.  I don’t think at me, exactly, but… 

 

“Ms. Makima… you haven’t said anything the whole ride… I don’t know what you’re thinking.” 

 

In truth, Makima had a lot on her mind.  Firstly, she was far too solution-focused to be especially good at consoling people.  Second, she was put-off that, between the two of them, she herself seemed the most upset over what happened.  And finally, this would be the first time she’s had a guest at her house for more than just a quick visit.  

 

When in doubt, fall back to what you know.

Let them feel as though they know a side to you that no one else does…

 

“Oh. I was just wondering  whether I had cleaned the house lately; I can actually be quite messy.”

 

A safe topic, but serviceable.

 

“N-no I’m sorry…!  I really kinda sprung this on you out of nowhere, huh…?” She ducked her head a little in embarrassment. 

 

Well, that was no good.  

…

 

“I’m glad you did.  It sounds like you had a really long night.”  And the question that had been burning in the back of her mind this whole time:  “But, Arai doesn’t live too far from here, and Himeno is by the hospital.”

 

The implicit question was clear enough.   

“Arai would probably faint if he had a girl stay over.  And Himeno… she was planning on drinking tonight.  I don’t really trust her when she’s drunk…”

 

The implicit statement was clear as well.

“But you trust me?”

 

They had vigilantly faced the front for most of the drive, but Kobeni risks another glance and finds piercing yellow eyes, almost glowing in the dark.  

“Well yeah, you’re… my friend, too…” 

 

Tonight was just full of surprises, wasn’t it? 

 

“… I see…”

 

After what felt like an incredibly long drive, they finally arrive at the apartment complex.  It was fancy-looking place, which supposedly could be expected.  The events of the day had weighed too heavily on her Kobeni’s mind to really grasp the gravity of the present situation, but the immense pressure she felt standing outside here outclassed it all.  

 

“Well,”

Let them feel as though they know a side to you that no one else does.  But don’t show everything.  

“- welcome to my home.”

 

————————————————————————

 

Kobeni was more of a cat person, to be honest.  

Dogs were loud, slobbery, and had a poor sense of personal space.  Seven dogs were louder, slobbery-er, and actively rejected the notion of personal space.  Once one of them (the exact culprit she failed to identify) managed to knock her over, her face came back thoroughly licked “clean”.  

 

As for Makima… where to even begin?  

 

At first she seemed the same as ever, calmly introducing each of her pets to their guest as if it was just another meeting.  However, the dogs weren’t too intent on keeping up the facade, and against their amassed forces her resolve quickly melted away.  She was… well, at home.  There was no question this was the most Kobeni had seen her smile, — genuinely, brilliantly smile — and absolutely the first she’d heard her laugh like this.  

 

There’d been little moments where she laughed politely at a joke, or maybe a small huff sometimes when they were alone.  But this was special.  

 

I was expecting maybe a couch and a blanket for the night; I didn’t realize she was entrusting me with so much… more. 

 

These heartfelt musing were soon interrupted as the some of the herd makes their rounds again, trouncing over that so-called “personal space” she was worrying about.  

 

Finally noticing Kobeni being overwhelmed, Makima interjects, “Oh, sorry Kobeni.  Tiramisu, Cream Puff, down!”

The dogs obeyed immediately.  

 

So there is still normalcy in the world.  

If her dogs didn’t even listen to her, Kobeni would have believed Makima was living a total double-life.  

 

Seeing her guest wipe a layer of drool and dog hair off her face, Makima continues, impossibly upbeat, “they almost never have new people in the house, so this is a pretty big deal for them.”  

 

“Oh, not even like… Aki, or Denji…?”

 

“Aki’s been here to deliver reports, but I keep the dogs in their room.”  

 

“Or… your family or something?”

 

Makima imagines for a moment such a reunion and decides with certainty that would be a disaster, in the global sense.  

“Absolutely not.”

 

Just me then… why would she do that…?  

An sudden explanation occurs to her.

Wait.  Did she think I was just inviting myself over by showing up like that?!  I just wanted to talk to her for a while, I promise!  Of course no one else has been here no one else would have the audacity to show up out of nowhere and ask to s-

 

“Can I get you some tea, Kobeni?”  Makima was making her way to the kitchen.  

 

“What?  Oh!  N-no thank you, I’m not much of a tea drinker...  Could I just have some water?”

It was bizarre to accept her hospitality, but it would be even more brazen to scour the cabinets for a cup.  

 

Makima brings the glass soon enough and Kobeni makes a small, “thank you”.  She then disappears again to make herself tea.  

 

Taking the chance to take in the details of her surrounding, Makima’s room was, in a lot of ways, very her.  She said she wasn’t sure if it would be clean, but it looks rather spotless (no small feat with so many animals in the house).  Kobeni couldn’t imagine how long it must have taken to collect this many books, not to mention ever reading them all.  She’d seen Makima in casual clothes a few times — usually just a cardigan over a v-neck, and almost always in black and white — but there were more shoes than she expected.

 

I’d just kinda assumed she didn’t care much about fashion.  And this painting…

 

She stands up to look more closely, a small entourage tailing her as she goes.  It depicts a winged man falling down to Earth, his arms raised as if to shield himself.  It’s a work that she’d seen prints of before- must be popular enough, but it never really caught her eye until now.  

 

"What a dreary thing to hang in your home!  It’s almost…

 

In any case, Makima returned with her tea and took a seat on the couch.  Instantly she is swarmed again.  Kobeni retrieves her glass and elects to stand for now.  

As they sip their drinks, the solid white dog with dark eyes hops up into Makima’s lap, eliciting another burst of laughter from the typically stone-faced woman.  

 

Setting her drink down and grabbing ahold of their front paws, Makima performed a short ventriloquism act in husky voice, “Oh I just must have a treat, please please please?”  

This riled up the rest of them, and Makima had no recourse but to wade through the sea of fur to bestow the promised treats.  

 

Kobeni was of course flabbergasted.  She would have assumed the performance was for her benefit if it didn’t happen like it was the most natural thing in the world.  

 

Once the beasts were satiated, Makima finally managed to sit and relax.  She looks up at Kobeni.  

 

“Why don’t you take the first bath?  The bathroom’s there on the right, and I’ll find you a change of clothes.”

————————————————————————

 

She looked down again at the ill-fitting sleepwear Makima had provided her.  Kobeni herself tends to wear pajamas with cute patterns on them, but Makima was more practical— just an old t-shirt and shorts.  She didn’t have the heart to mention she had a change of clothes in the car, lest she rebuke the already very generous hospitality.  At least, that was the explanation she was running with.

 

Waiting for her on the couch was a blanket (folded perfectly) and pillow.  It was terribly late into the night at this point, but sleep was the furthest thing from her mind.  She thought upon her sisters, and wondered if they were sleeping alright.  Koharu had texted a picture of Denji giving an entire tub of ice cream to the twins, so there was a conversation to be had about that later.  But it seemed like they were okay for tonight.

 

She thought about how much everyone helped her out today, and how she could never have dealt with it all just a few months ago.  She definitely could never have talked to her parents like that before.  

And she thought about Makima, and how crazy it was that she was sitting here in her home, how she had such a wonderfully uninhibited side to her.  

A big, black and white dog comes and sits in front of Kobeni, looking up with friendly eyes.   She pats their head softly, careful to avoid getting licked again in the process.

 

“You really love her a lot, don’t you…?”

 

 

The bathroom door opened and Makima emerged, hair down for the first Kobeni had ever seen it.  It was longer than she’d realized.  Her sleepwear, however, was a similarly uninspired outfit consisting of sweatpants and a shirt with the face of a cat printed across the front.  Guess it was a joke, of sorts.  

 

“I thought you’d be asleep by now.  It’s rather late you know.”   She seemed a bit more like her typical self now, but somehow more relaxed.  Comfortable, perhaps.  

 

Kobeni brought her feet up on the couch and hugged her knees.  “Not real sleepy yet, I guess…”

 

Makima rested her arms over the back of the couch.  Not directly above Kobeni, but fairly close.  “Well is there anything you’d like to do?”

 

“Huh?!  Don’t let me- just, keep you up— you’ve got work in the morning, right?”  Kobeni brings the top of her head to the couch, looking up in worry.  It wasn’t as big a deal for her, as she at least was able to get the next couple of days off to figure out her family situation.  It helps to know people high up.  

 

“I do, but I don’t sleep very much anyways.  What kind of movies do you like?”

 

Kobeni thought for a moment.  

“Well… if you say so…  

I like most kinds really… though as a kid I really liked scary movies.”  

 

Even Makima’s reactions were less reserved.  Which was fitting, as that answer certainly warranted a look of incredulousness.  It was shocking enough given her excitable nature, but it went beyond that.  The genre as a whole was functionally discontinued when it was discovered that the widespread (even if temporary) fear they generated was empowering the associated devils.  

 

She continued, with a sheepish grin, “I even have a few stashed away, but those are at home…”  To think she had such a deviant side. 

 

“You’re not very brave though.  How do you even make it through a horror movie?”

 

Geez, that was honest!  That’s not a bad thing though. 

“It gets my mind off other stuff… And besides, it’s not so bad when it’s something that you can control…  If ever I feel like- well um, if I’ve had enough, I can turn it off… No harm done.” 

 

“Huh.  Very well, follow me.”  

She leads Kobeni to her bedroom, holding the door for her to close it after she enters.  The dogs know they’re not allowed in here, but no point in taunting them.  This room is incredibly tidy, with a light wooden dresser, a nightstand supporting a pile of even more books, an ornate lamp, and the bed.  

Just a single-person bed, Kobeni noted with mixed feelings.  

 

Opening a closet, Makima reaches up to pull out a big cardboard box and sets it on the ground to reveal that it’s filled to the brim with movies. 

“They’re all a bit old, but I should have a pretty wide selection here.”

Sifting through the pile, she lands on one with a ghostly figure on the cover. 

“I haven’t watched most of these in a long time, but I think I remember this one was decent.”

 

“Then… let’s give it a shot…!” 

 

 

Kobeni talked big, but the moment the movie started she was wrapped up in the blanket with her head barely peeking out.  Having only the one couch, Makima sat beside her, declining any offer to share the blanket on account of the seven additional warm bodies littering the area around her. 

 

To its credit, as it needed all the credit it could get, the movie did cause Kobeni to jump a few times, though mostly just through loud, startling noises.  If she did gradually find herself sitting closer to Makima—enough to touch shoulders on the occasions she did jump—well that was only because that black and white dog was in her space. 

 

 

The movie came to a close, and they shared a small silence.

 

“That was…”

 

“Maybe…”

 

“Rather awful.”

“Not the best…”

 

Kobeni laughs with some embarrassment at their shared conclusion and looks over to Makima.  There’s a really strange look on her face now.  Not strange in the sense that it was especially dramatic, or difficult to discern.  Rather, it was strange in that she had never imaged Makima would feel inclined to make such an expression. 

 

Makima stared forward with an uncertain look on her face.  “None of this was really what you expected, was it?”

 

Uncertain what to say to that, Kobeni tilted her head in confusion.

 

“I can tell you’re not a fan of dogs, and the movie was a disappointment.  Not to mention I usually conduct myself more… professionally. 

It’s not what you imagined.”  Now her head turns, and there’s more of the usual coldness in her eyes. 

“Am I wrong?”

 

Not fully understanding why this conversation was happening, Kobeni gave herself a long time to come up with an answer. 

What does she need me to say…?

 

“You’re right.  I think dogs are too high maintenance, their hair gets on- well, it gets everywhere, and they try to lick your face way too much.”  She scratches one’s neck (partially to get the sweat off her hands) and gets a handful of drool as a reward.  Fair, she supposes.  “But… ‘Misu and I have a bit of an understanding already...  We’ll figure out our differences just fine.”

 

Looking to the television screen, one of those old DVD menu screens is playing on a loop. 

“And that movie was ancient!  The effects were ridiculous, and I don’t think there was even a plot.  But horror movies are sometimes…- no.  They’re usually pretty bad.  But then the fun’s in being able to laugh at it together.

 

Kobeni swallows hard, pausing for a deep breath before the difficult part. 

What kind of expression is she making now? 

She didn’t think she could look, but somehow managed a glance out of the corner of her eyes.

 

“And… you.  The voices you give your dogs are t-t-too much, and- and you must obsess over cleaning this place.”

She was saving one last bit of willpower to look at Makima directly.  But.  As soon as she did, somehow she felt perfectly calm.

“And I’m so happy you let me in today.  I could never be disappointed with that.”

 

The calm Kobeni felt, in retrospect, was more aptly described as being on the verge of passing out from fright.  As she finished, and considered her words more, her breathing graduated from deathly still to hyperventilation. 

“Ah!  Ah, I mean- I just- just!  I’m sorry! That was really kind of pres- presumptuous and not like a-“

 

A slender finger pressed against her mouth, stopping her typical backpedaling. 

“Quit while you’re ahead, Kobeni.  That was…  a good answer.”

Her words were conservative.  Everything else about her was radiant. 

 

 Kobeni’s other hand was clenching onto the blanket for life itself, and Makima’s own wrapped around it tightly.  The last time she had, it was completely dishonestly. 

 

“You know…  You told me earlier tonight that I was your friend.  No one’s ever said that before.”

 

The surprise at that statement was not quite enough to distract Kobeni from the extremely noticeable hand holding her own, but she still manages a “What?  Really?”

 

“Many people respect me.  But not one.” 

 

Kobeni felt the first part was unneeded, but she nonetheless offered, “All the others in Division 4 could be your friend (though perhaps not Himeno), if you let them…  Before I met them, I didn’t really have any friends.  I was usually too busy taking care of my mother while my father… worked late.  And I… couldn’t exactly have anyone over.”

Really, why are you talking about this?  Is now the time to bring up your parents? 

“S-sorry, I don’t know why it- why I brought that up—you were saying something important…”

 

Makima, having had a lot to process tonight, nearly forgot why Kobeni had come to her in the first place. 

 

Which one of them was it that left those marks on her arm?  Her mother sounds unstable enough.  Her father, more the sort to let it all bubble up until he explodes.

It doesn’t really matter which.  All I’ve ever heard about either of them is the trouble they cause Kobeni.  What a worthless existence.  Theirs and every other evil with no place on this earth. 

 

“Kobeni.  What are your parents’ names?”

 

She looked up, confused at the change in tone. “Their names?  Why do you ask?”

 

Her voice was casual.  Perfectly conversational, even.  “The surname Higashiyama sounded familiar to me, is all.  I was wondering if knew them from somewhere.”  She was lying. 

 

Kobeni stares at Makima, her expression closed off once again.  But whatever thoughts or feelings she was hiding, they must have been too dangerous to show. 

 

“… They’re not always so bad you know…  I have good memories with them, and my sisters don’t remember them the way they used to be at all…”

She laughs somewhat bitterly, “You know what my mother said to me?  When I dropped her off at the hospital? 

She was still shouting like she was in the car, all the way to her room and up until I turned to leave.”

Her eyes tear up despite her best efforts, and she pretends to occupy herself petting Tiramisu.  Honestly, why now?

“She called my n-name, and suddenly she was- she was back—just her usual self again.  And she says…”

Kobeni sniffles, then coughs to cover it up.

 

The fire in Makima’s chest hadn’t gone down much, but watching her spiral made it sting worse.

 

“… she told me ‘I’m so sorry, Kobeni...  I didn’t mean to say all those things.  I love you too.’”

 

In a way, the cruelest thing she could’ve said.

 

The day’s emotions and exhaustion finally broke through in the form of hot tears.  Makima recoiled as if she had caused them, but Kobeni caught her by the waist and pressed herself to the woman’s stomach, surrendering to the choked sobs she had been holding back.  Frozen in place, Makima’s arms hovered at shoulder height.  But, in a surrender of her own, she settles her hands on Kobeni’s back, rubbing in awkward, unpracticed circles. 

 

You’ve done enough today.  I’ll take care of it from here. 

 

————————————————————————

 

Based on her breathing, Kobeni probably fell asleep about 15 minutes ago.  There wasn’t much point in going to bed now, almost light out, as it was.  Looking back down, she sees the tear stains on her shirt have been re-hydrated by drool.  So, at least’s there’s that.  With a defeated sigh, she runs her hands through brown hair, tangled slightly from sleeping in such an awkward position. 

 

A lot of surprises out of you tonight, Kobeni.   

‘Make them believe they came to you of their own volition’, huh?  

 

She recalls yesterday morning, (had it only been so long?) when she contemplated putting words in her mouth like the ones she said last night.  It… wasn’t exactly a guilty feeling.

 

If anything, it’s even more logical to take control of the situation now.  She’s come all this way on her own, so it would just be a security measure.  Making sure she doesn’t drift farther… or closer than she needs to.  No damage done. 

 

Something causes Kobeni to move about in her sleep, and she clings on tighter to Makima’s waist, a relaxed sigh muffled against her shirt.  It really was everything. 

 

… But what harm could a scared little thing like you do anyways? 

Still, she couldn’t help a little harm of her own. 

 

“Hey, Kobeni, do me a favor and don’t wake up.”

 

With that, Makima dipped her head down to brush her lips lightly against her sleeping face. 

Thanks for today, “friend”.

Notes:

Bit of a slower chapter today. Everyone ended up a bit more chatty and sappy than I intended but honestly something good needed to happen- Kobeni I am so sorry as always.

I think next time I’d be better off not cramming so much into a single chapter, give more time to the moment-to-moment. But then it might be too slow… Tough to say!

Thank you, do something fun today!

Chapter 4: Peace of Mind

Summary:

It was quite pretty out. A clear sky and bright moon suspended over a city that was winding down for the night. Makima and Kobeni already used to get off at the same train stop, and to keep the kids in the same school district the new apartment was in the same general area. Maybe a little closer to Makima’s place.

Notes:

Hey all!
Chapter's a bit later and a bit shorter this time, but pacing myself more. Which is nice.
Will make some edits tomorrow as usual, so feedback is always appreciated!

*EDIT* Oh right, after some feedback on last chapter, Kobeni's reaction to Makima being creepy with Denji was revised. Nothing story-changing (or well-written), but did that a bit more justice, I hope.

Kishibe understood well that in this line of work, one doesn’t get the pleasures of turning grey and bitter unless they follow a strict set of rules— hold themselves to some kind of standards. One such rule: Never go after married women. The payoff is usually better, but far more trouble in the long run.

Take the bartender, for example. Looks to be late 30’s, dark silky hair, takes really good care of herself. Her eyes linger meaningfully as she sets down his drink but, just his luck, a ring on her finger. An expensive-looking one, at that. With a sigh, he raises the glass and takes a sizable gulp, distracting himself with the burning sensation in his throat.

A second rule: Never value anyone or anything more than your own life. The moment you consider making a noble sacrifice, you’ve given up on finding a real solution.

“Hey, old man, long time no see!”

An enthusiastic clap on the back breaks his meditation, and the culprit, a one-eyed woman with a mischievous smile, plops in the stool next to him.
“I heard you were back in town! Still all in one piece then?” 

He sets his drink down with surprising delicacy, not even making a sound as it comes to a rest against the table.
“Hm, no more pieces than there were when I left, at least.”

Another rule, less for self-preservation, more to avoid getting screwed over: No favors. Not when people come and go as quick as they do.

“So listen,” Himeno continues, unabashed as ever, “I’ve got a favor to ask you.”

————————————————————————

“Congrats, Kobeni!” A room full of voices cheer and a dozen or so cheap plastic cups clatter together before they’re drained in unison.

There wasn’t a race, but if there were Himeno would have won, because her voice is the first to resurface.
“Y’know when I said you owe me a drink I had something a bit stronger in mind, Kobeni!” It’s accompanied by a good-natured cackle.

Kobeni actually appreciated the jab, as the levity made all of this attention somewhat less oppressive. Not that there was any chance she’d serve alcohol in the same room as her sisters; sparkling cider would have to do for this evening. 
“Sorry it’s so late, too… Things have been so busy with the move and all. I promise I’ll b-buy you a real drink soon…!”

“That’s right, cheapskate! Next time I shall demand of you proper recompense!” Who but Power would be so bold, demanding such things while pouring herself seconds? It’s not a big apartment— shouting is unnecessary.

Denji, having already started prowling the buffet (more a semicircle of plates set on the kitchen counters), shouts back,
“Moron! Who did you help, exactly? I didn’t see you carrying a box once!”

If they keep yelling like that, I’m probably going to need to get some apology gifts for the neighbors… 

Kobeni scans the room again, this time without the pressure of everyone looking back. Thought technically this was a housewarming party, it was taken as an opportunity to get all of Division 4 in the same place. Fushi, Madoka, and the boyish woman (Tomoko was her name! Can’t believe I forgot it last time!) staked their claim on the living room couch and were laughing freely at some joke shared between them.

Arai came to the rescue by trying to bring down the shouting competition in the kitchen. Denji and Power, however, managed to rile him up with relentless “What?”s, or “I can’t understand you!”s until he himself was yelling to get his point across. Koharu watched from a safe distance, making a good show of maturity for a room full of adults but unable to stop herself laughing entirely. So apology gifts, it is.

Finally, her eyes settle on who see was looking for. She stood near the entryway (has she not come any further in this whole time?) occupying herself with the newly-hung artworks. There was a definite need for personal touch when Kobeni and her sisters moved here, so many of them were pictures Mio and Miyu had drawn. Makima was out of her work clothes, at least, instead opting for a cream, puffy sweater and black capris. When not at work she tends to cycle through the same few outfits, Kobeni has noticed. But this one is pretty nice.

As if feeling eyes upon her, Makima is quick to turn and look back. Kobeni had been busy entertaining her rowdier guests when Makima came in, so they take the chance now to exchange small waves across the room. Things have been… really comfortable, all considered.

To her right, she hears the sound of the twins finishing up Aki and Himeno’s grand tour of their rooms. There are only the two, so Koharu and Kobeni were sharing again, but the twins were just fine with the arrangement. 

“-and we decorated the whole~ room all by ourselves!” boasts Mio.
“-Koharu put our names on the door because we couldn’t reach though...” clarified Miyu.

As reported, “Mio and Miyu’s Room” was on the door in bright cut-out letters, orange and yellow, respectively.

Seizing the opportunity, Kobeni waved down Makima again and flashed a thumbs-up with a questioning look. You ready?
Makima, who evidently hadn’t looked away in the first place, nodded in assent.
She looks alright so far… 

“Hey, can I borrow the girls for a sec…?” Kobeni peeked in to find that they had already made a break for the game/toy closet to lock in their captive audience. Himeno, already scoping out an exit strategy, was clearly relieved by the interruption. Aki seemed like he could go either way.

 

“So: Koharu, Mio, Miyu,” Kobeni taps each of their heads as she says their names, “I want you to meet Ms. Makima!”

Makima smiles brightly and leans down, bringing herself about eye-level to Koharu and looming slightly above the younger two. For most people this would be fine. Inviting, even. Coming from such an oppressive figure as her, unrelenting yellow eyes bearing down on them, it was closer to terrifying.
“Why hello, everyone. My name is Makima and I’m the Head of the Tokyo Special Division 4 Devil Hunters. It’s so nice to meet you all.”

“…”

Koharu and Mio were visibly a bit uncomfortable, but nonetheless polite.
Miyu clutched to Kobeni’s leg in dead silence.
A poor start.

Makima has not spent much time around children. To say she was nervous would be a gross exaggeration of course, but it was unfamiliar.
The fact that these ones in particular were Kobeni’s family adds… an extra layer of complexity. Children are thankfully quite honest, but their unpredictability is vexing. 
The trick, then, is to take the reins of the conversation before they get the chance to derail anything.

She pulls out her phone, holding it out, and continues flatly, “Do you want to see pictures of my dogs?”

 

At first, Kobeni hovered over the conversation like it was a house of cards, certain that it was going to spectacularly collapse at any minute. Either her sisters would come up with something wildly inappropriate to say or Makima would scare them half to death. So far though…

“- This one is Danish, and he is 4 years old; the one next to him is Macaron and I actually got her from-“ 
She was at least now crouching down in a less threatening posture, and all three of the sisters were clamoring to ask questions about each one (Especially Mio. She’s been wanting a dog for ever now). 
It was stiff. And it was awkward. But somehow she managed to have them all enraptured.

Deciding to let things play out on their own, Kobeni distances herself, finding a relatively quiet corner to have a drink (cider, still) and settle her nerves.
Not sure why I was so nervous about this— they’d already met all my other friends. I guess I just really wanted them to get along, and Makima makes a… strong first impression.
She hears Miyu break out in laughter and looks up again. Makima must have told a funny story, but you’d never know it from the impassive look on her face.
… It’s nice to have them all in one place like this.

“What’re you smiling at, Kobe?” Tomoko asks as she leans her back against the wall beside her. It’s mostly rhetorical, as she could follow Kobeni’s gaze easy enough, so she continues with, “That’s a pretty surprising sight, huh? Who knew she had the patience for that sort of thing?”

Kobeni wanted to say something like, “Once you get to know her she’s surprisingly reasonable”, but she had as many doubts about this meeting as anyone else might have. So instead she opted for a nervous laugh and a, “I’m just happy it wasn’t a disaster…!”

“So she really hadn’t met them yet?” Tomoko asks with a raised eyebrow. She turns to prop her shoulder against the wall instead, facing Kobeni.
“I’m surprised! Ever since you went full-time being Makima’s little body guard (and such a cute one at that!) you two have been joined at the hip.”

Kobeni turned her head away shyly, both at Tomoko’s flippant compliment and the allegations of closeness.
“W-what? We mostly just work together now… I wouldn’t- um, call that… joined at the hip or anything…”

Tomoko leans in inquisitively, “Himeno was complaining just last week that you skipped out on bowling night to ‘run an errand with Makima’ and how they never see you anymore.”

“That was just because something urgent came up at the police station though…” 
And the drinks they had afterwards were just because the girls were at their friends’ houses anyways.

“Speaking of which,” Tomoko continues with a sly grin, “let me put my number in your phone so we can actually keep in touch!”

“Oh! Um, right…!” Kobeni surrenders her phone and returns her attention to the situation with Makima.

 

Makima ends her presentation with a small clap. “And that’s all seven of them! I can take some more pictures when I get home if you-“

Mio has an even better idea: “You have to let us come see your doggies!” 

Immediately, Koharu has Mio by the top of her head and lowers it into a bow. Not forcefully, of course, but with the sternness of a dutiful big sister in her own right.
“Mio, it’s rude to invite yourself to other people’s houses, apologize to Ms. Makima!”

Makima waves dismissively, “No need for that! No harm done, honest.”
Honestly, the idea of letting children roam around touching everything in her home made Makima ill. She’d probably find things out-of-place for the next week.
On the other hand, Kobeni would be happy I won them over, and the dogs would probably love the company… 
“It… should be fine if you meet them sometime.” 

All three of the sisters’ jaw drop in unison, two in surprise, one in overwhelming enthusiasm.
“YEAH! Really?! Do you promise?!”

“Yeah. I promise.”

Mamika wonders when the last time was that she made a promise she intended to keep.
Really a long time ago. And I can’t say I kept it all that well, either.

Idly, her eyes find Kobeni, and she sees Tomoko handing back her phone. And standing quite close. She vaguely remembered the two of them being friendly, the boyish woman paying her a lot of attention, actually.

“Okay thanks for showing us your doggies we’re gonna play now!”
“Okay thank you… bye bye…!”

Their attention spans having reached their limits, the twins spin to leave. However, Koharu gives them another half-turn and holds them still again.
“Mio, Miyu! Ms. Makima has been a big help in finding us a place to stay— tell her thank you!”

“Thanks Ms. Maki!”
“Thank you very much…”

“Maki”, huh?

With their civil duties fulfilled, the pair run off to find a new source of entertainment. Makima watches them go with a sense of exhaustion.
Looking back to the older sister, “You’re a very polite young lady. They didn’t have to do that, but thank you, Koharu. I suspect you’ve been a big help around here.”

Koharu gives a low bow of her own. She still found Makima unnerving, but she was never one to be ungrateful. “Thank you, but they did. Kobeni works super hard to take care of us, yet she’s been happy lately and talks about you a ton.”
Ever diligent, she looks Makima in the eyes with all the weight of a promise in fewer words. 
“Please take care of her too.”

————————————————————————

“Hey, Makima, mind if I borrow Kobeni here this Sunday?” Himeno slung her arm over said woman’s shoulder as she spoke,
“That’s fine with you, right Kobeni?”

She jumps at the sudden contact, but stammers out, “Oh! Um, n-no I guess not…?”

“Why exactly are you asking my permission, Himeno? It’s not as though I own her.” Makima smiles sweetly, eyeing the arm around Kobeni’s shoulder.

Himeno laughed as if they had shared some private joke, “No, of course you don’t! You two just been so busy lately, I thought I should schedule in advance.”

“Well that’s very thoughtful of you, concerning yourself with the affairs of others.”

“Oh it’s nothing so noble; just making sure my team isn’t too tied up at work.”

Each of their words were spoken with infinite courtesy. Yet…
Why is there this weird hostility…? It’s been like this a lot lately between these two. 
She’d asked before about why they were like this, and Makima said it was something about Himeno trying to get Aki into the private sector.
Looks like they found a new topic though…

“So! Um. What are we doing Sunday…?”
For now, the question is enough to cut the tension between them and Himeno release her shoulder to face her.

“I was thinking we hit up a karaoke bar (Miyu tells me you’re quite the singer), you buy me that drink you owe me, and we have a little girl talk!” She gives Kobeni a couple friendly elbows to the ribs to emphasize her last words.

Kobeni nods in hesitant agreement, but still catches herself looking to Makima before saying, “Well… yeah that sounds like fun…! Can’t be too late though because- well, that’s a school night.”

Thankfully, tonight was a Friday— no school tomorrow morning—, but the hosts were especially worn out after a busy week. So, the party was coming to a close at a responsible hour. Fushi, Madoka, and Tomoko had called it an early night and snuck out some time ago. Denji and Power made clean-up easy by devouring as much food as they could muster, and Aki sent the girls to bed after finally finishing and (as he claims) losing the board game they had wrapped him into. Kobeni wasn’t sure how Himeno got out of that one.

Having secured a time and place with Kobeni, however, Himeno makes her escape as well.
“Alright great, I’ll see you there. Goodnight, Kobeni! Goodnight, Makima!”
With a wave and what must have been a wink —though really it’s hard to say given the eyepatch— she departs, leaving the pair alone. 

 

The door clicks shut, and at last the festivities were over. Kobeni takes a deep, relieved breath, and is about to let herself collapse on the couch before she notices Makima, who was already bringing stray dishes to the sink.
“Ah! Ms. Makima, you really don’t have to do that…!” She frets as she follows her into the kitchen.

She looks up from her task with an easy shrug. “I’ll feel better when this is done, at least.” 

Now is that you being kind or just a clean freak?
Kobeni considers the answer for a moment before ultimately deciding the distinction didn’t matter all that much. It was in that perfect little space between “for you” and “for me”.
“I’ll dry and put away if you wash then.”

Makima nods in assent, and they get to work. For a few minutes, they pass the time wordlessly, the irregular clatter of plates and the rumble of running water filling the space plenty. There’s a peace to it— the closeness of their shoulders, or of their hands when a dish passes from one to the other. And there’s a low hum of uncertainty in never quite knowing when it’s okay to close the distance.

Kobeni leans on the counter, waiting for Makima to finish scrubbing a poor plate into oblivion.
“Hey… I know I’ve said it a lot already but… 
Thank you. For today and- just, well, everything.”

“You did most of it.” Finished now, Makima shuts the water off and continues while she dries her hands, “And today was nice.” 

“But, I didn’t exactly get this job on merit… Besides, I don’t know if I would have ever had the… courage, I guess… to tell my brother I was cutting him off if you hadn’t found him that internship.”

The aftermath of the party sufficiently repaired, they gradually make their way towards the door. There really wasn’t much to offer Makima by way of somewhere to sleep, so that option was off the table. She had an errand to run anyways, so it worked out just fine.

“How did he handle that, by the way?” She stops, prolonging the moment just a little.

Kobeni shrugs, “He was… understandably frustrated, but I gave him until the end of this semester. And with what’s- well, everything going on at home he understood…”
In a neutral tone, she continued, “Speaking of which, my mother got out of the hospital today.”

Makima knew this already.

She could tell Makima still wasn’t too pleased by their arrangement with her brother, so she adds, “He’s not a bad guy either, just a lot of expectation on him.”

“I still think you’re too easy on him.”

Winter was here in earnest now, so she grabs her coat and bundles up tightly. As she opens the door, she’s met by a rush of cold that was patiently waiting to come in. Facing away, however, she is taken by surprise as two slim arms wrap suddenly around her from behind.

The voice behind her is muffled, but crackling with nervous energy, “And…! You- um! You did great getting along with the girls today… I know they’re really gonna like you…”

Hesitantly, Makima’s hand rest upon hers, gently holding them in place. The embrace ends as quickly as it began, and, looking back, Makima sees that Kobeni had retreated several paces away.
I didn’t know her face could turn quite that red.

Something on the floor must had her undivided attention, too, because she couldn’t quite look up. “So yeah… G-goodnight, Ms. Makima…” 

“Yeah. Goodnight Kobeni, see you soon.”

 

It was quite pretty out. A clear sky and bright moon suspended over a city that was winding down for the night. Makima and Kobeni already used to get off at the same train stop, and to keep the kids in the same school district the new apartment was in the same general area. Maybe a little closer to Makima’s place.

Despite the chill, there was a phantom warmth where before she had been held.
She always hides her face when she does that— how timid.
Not that Makima herself had been so forward as to initiate anything.
I had been dreading meeting those pups of hers, but it ended up being… tolerable. Still going to regret telling the yappy one she could come over though. Perhaps she’ll forget.

There’s a store in between Kobeni’s home and her own that stays open fairly late. The unnatural fluorescents inside clash harshly against the otherwise pleasant moonlight.
Strolling down the aisles, she considers her options carefully before settling on a couple boxes of her favorite teas and an enticing-looking cake. Finally, a gift bag on the way to the register.

Himeno was particularly combative today. Not many have the audacity to antagonize me like that.
Makima didn’t necessarily dislike that about the woman though. Loyal to her team to a fault.

She paid the cashier for the items (usually in exact change if she could help it) and sat outside on a bench to transfer them into the gift bag. Satisfied, she stood and continued down the road. Until recently, this upcoming intersection was where she and Kobeni would part for the night— Kobeni to the left, herself to the right. These days she can instead walk her most of the way home.
Probably for the best; this city can be dangerous at night.

Reaching the intersection she turns, walking in the opposite direction of home.

 

It’s late to be receiving guests, but not so late as to be asleep already. Makima knocks on the door and waits patiently, gift in hand, smile frozen in place. Kobeni’s father opens the door warily. A stout man, likely not much taller than Kobeni herself. Dressed for bed already.

He seems confused at the sight of her. “Can I… help you?”

“Good evening, Mr. Higashiyama. Please forgive me coming by so late. I’m Kobeni’s employer, Makima. She had told me that your wife returned home today, so I thought I’d bring a gift while I was passing by.” She holds the bag aloft as proof.
“Ask me to come in.”

The man blinked a few times as if to ward off a dizzy spell. “Oh. Well, I… guess you better come in then.”

She bows politely as she enters, and takes her shoes off at the door. The house wasn’t much bigger than where Kobeni lived now, honestly. It might have only looked that way on account of how empty it was.

“Who’s this you’ve let in?” A woman’s voice demands. Almost hobbling, the speaker resembles Kobeni in a sense, but more thin, wiry. Tired eyes.

Kobeni’s father handles the introduction this time. “Yes um. This is Kobeni’s employer, Ms. Makima.”

“I wanted to congratulate you on your return home. I’m glad to see you in good health.” Perfectly cordial.

She resembled Kobeni more when nervous. “I s-see. That is very kind of you. Please excuse our presentation— we weren’t expecting guests so late.”

Still, the two bow deeply. Surprise or not, both of Kobeni’s parents understood quite well that Public Safety provided a considerable portion of their family’s income. They rightly believed it would be reckless to upset their guest. Not that it could be avoided now.
“Thank you very much for taking care of our daughter.”

Makima paces around the room, her eyes never leaving the pair.
“It’s my pleasure, truly. She’s been a delight to work with.”

The couple exchange a glance. Relief, surprise perhaps.
“Y-yes of course. We are very proud she’s come s-“

“It’s strange though, isn’t it? Strange that a timid young woman such as herself would choose a profession such as this.” Her pacing halts and now faces them directly.

“Erm, yes, there were so few options tha-“

A step forward, “I wonder what she would have wanted to do, rather than put that brother of hers through college.”

Her mother speaks this time, eyes taking on an anxious sort of stare, “Well she- she really had such a hard time finding anywh-“

Another step, “It’s dangerous work, you know. Devils are such dangerous creatures. Most parents would be worried sick.” Her tone is conversational, even friendly.

Despite himself, her father looks heated now, clenching his fists over and again. Maybe he looked like that on the nights he came home angry. “N-now wait, Ms. Makima, what are you-“

They stand now only an arm’s length apart. Close enough to smell the sweat coming off of them.
“But you didn’t have to worry about that, did you? You taught her how to take a hit.”

His voice raises to a proper yell as he takes an aggressive step forward, “You don’t understand! You don’t know-“

“Sit, mongrel.”

At once, they both fall to their hands and knees, heads hung low. Trapping frightened minds in obedient bodies.

“What…? What is this?!”
“Ah! Agh No no why…?!”

Makima looms over them, no longer deeming it necessary to look while speaking.
“You’re right, I don’t understand. It must be frustrating when someone doesn’t do as you say. When they aren’t who you demand them to be.
But truly I can’t relate. When I give an order, they obey.”

The two are shaking with fear now, hopelessly fighting to move even a finger. One might be crying.

She looks around the house as if noticing it for the first time, little pieces of Kobeni’s life etched into the foundation.
“Despite everything, Kobeni would cry if anything happened to you two. So here’s what we’re going to:”
She raises a hand, shaping it into a finger gun. It’s almost a comedically childish gesture in this circumstance.
“If you hurt her again, or if you hurt those sisters she’s so fond of…”

The captives shriek in panic as a great crash and the sound of splintered wood erupts behind them. The wall opened up to the outside, the otherwise circular hole made irregular by the frame collapsing inward without its supports.

“They won’t remember you ever existed.”

Their business concluded, she releases their restraints. Even so they remain still, both certainly crying now. Though neither are inclined to move, they risk a glance at the wreckage behind them.

“Don’t mention I was here. And have someone clean this up. You’ll tell them a drunk driver crashed through your wall.”

She begins to leave, but stops after a few paces.
Oh, I nearly forgot.
Returning to the couple, who have now fallen more completely to the floor, she crouches down to set before them the gift that she had been carrying.

“Welcome home.”

————————————————————————

 

“You told them what?!” Kobeni asks incredulously. “Ms. Makima, is… that going to be okay…?”

“Would you rather I didn’t?” 

She waved her hands dismissively, as if the mere suggestion risked it being undone, “No no, I think it’s wonderful but… Ms. Makima you never let people come to your house. I’ll make sure they’re on their best behavior but I’m- sorta just, worried you’re pushing yourself…”

Today was easy enough, for a Monday. There was a meeting with the Public Safety Division Heads, mostly to discuss devil activity statistics, compare the efficacy of new devil contracts, and evaluate team compositions. Meeting the Board of Directors was intimidating because of their status, but being there with the Division Heads was terrifying on account of the very real power concentrated in that room.

It was honestly quite the sight to see Makima interacting with equals, sorta like she behaved at the police station. Still very direct and business-like, but not calculating her every move like she normally does.

“I’m not pushing myself very much. I’ll put away the things I don’t want anyone to touch and it will be fine.” Makima reassures as she stands up out of her seat, the train coming to a stop.

There were a few hours left of the work day, so they were returning to the office for now. These days, when Makima didn’t have anywhere to be, Kobeni’s work largely consisted of processing devil extermination reports and documenting requests for Public Safety intervention. It certainly wasn’t exciting, but it was safe and (when on guard duty) paid enough to provide for her sisters.

 

Kobeni wasn’t a fan of the cold, and today was certainly that. Normally the two would take their time heading back to the office, but today they walked with urgency. Still, time alone was time alone, even in inclement weather.

“How is your family doing?” 

Kobeni furrows her brow thoughtfully, and shivers convulsively. “The girls are about the same… Didn’t want to go to school this morning, but that’s normal. My parents still pretty shaken from that drunk driver coming through their wall, but they’ve got it almost fixed up.”

Makima nods as if with consideration. “That must have been frightening.”

“I’ve been wondering when it’d be okay to let them see the girls again… It’s not like I have any- like, real legal claim to them, but thankfully they don’t seem to want to go that far…”

Her anxious thoughts are interrupted as something warm and heavy wraps around her shoulders. “Um! Oh, Ms. M-Makima this is…!”

Makima’s long, black coat nearly touched the ground due to the difference in their height, causing it to surround her body almost in its entirety. It was hard to say whether the heat she felt had more to do with the extra layer, or her heart beating at double-time.
It smells like her too…

“Whatever you decide to do, I’ll help to make it work. You won’t make the wrong decision if you’re doing it out of love for your sisters.”

That’s… a pretty big declaration… 
Kobeni just knew her face was brilliantly red.
Looking back at the woman braving the weather in a button-up, she manages in a small voice, “You’re going to get cold…”

This was another rare case where Makima actively avoided eye contact while speaking. “I prefer the cold anyways. I’ll need that back when we get close to the office.”
She truly didn’t seem especially bothered by it. 

With a slight frown, Kobeni pulls the ends of the coat inward, practically cocooning herself in its embrace.
You liar… thank you.

—————————————————————

 

“-and h-here are the reports for this week as well as a- um, a summary of today’s meeting.” Kobeni plops the pile on documents at the end of Makima’s desk.

“Thank you very much, Kobeni. Good work today.” She’d be another hour or so, based on her own stack of paperwork to get through, but that was still less than usual.

“It’s kind of a shame that Tomoko is getting t-transferred though… Looks like she’ll be a long way out for a while…” Kobeni’s voice trembled a bit. It must be sad news.

“Yes, I’m sorry for that. Division 2 requested I lend some extra operatives for an ongoing investigation.”
 She closes the file in front of her and looks up. “Do you two keep in touch?”

“Don’t be sorry! It’s what you had to do…! 
And um, N-no not really… but she gave me her number the other day, so- um, that way, we can…” Kobeni shifts her weight awkwardly.

She seems embarrassed about that. 

Makima stands up and walks around to the front of her desk, leaning in slightly. “Well, it’s about time for school to get out; you’d best hurry along.”

Kobeni nods wide-eyed, as if just realizing the time. “O-oh right! Yes I need to go...!”
She spins on her heel and makes way for the door. “Have a good night, Ms. Makima!”

“Oh, and Kobeni?” Catching her right before the door.

She looks over her shoulder, “yes?”

“Delete that girl’s phone number, will you?”

Kobeni freezes in place, eyes somehow distant. Moving stiffly, she pulls out her phone, finds Tomoko’s contact, and deletes it before returning the phone to her pocket. With that, she’s back to normal.

Makima continues from where Kobeni remembered last, “Tomorrow’s an early start, would you like to come over for breakfast in the morning?”

A disoriented expression flashes across Kobeni’s face, but she was quick to recover, “Um… yeah! Yeah I’d like that… see you then.”

And with that, she leaves, the room silent in her wake. Makima walks slowly back to her desk, and falls loosely into her seat with a sigh. 

That… didn’t feel strictly necessary.

Staring at the ceiling, she wonders what would have happened if she had just asked Kobeni what she talked to Tomoko about. Or told her about the way it made her feel uneasy. But the way that girl looks at Kobeni…

It very well might have disturbed her, putting those sort of expectations upon her. It’s not as though we agreed to anything more than this… friendship of ours.
This was easier. Less uncertainty.

She didn’t want to consider what Kobeni would think if she ever knew.

 

Kobeni’s heart races as she hurries down the hallway, footsteps loud against the vinyl flooring. She ducks suddenly into the bathroom and, ensuring the place is empty, locks herself in a stall.

Hands trembling, she pulls out her phone, still recording a voice memo. With a slow, shuddering breath she stops it. She thinks she might cry.
I hate to doubt Ms. Makima like this but… I just couldn’t ignore it…

—————————————————————

*Yesterday, Sunday Evening*

“Kobeni~! Kobeni, over here!” Himeno waves her down wildly, already seated at the bar.

The karaoke bar was a well-kept place, with the private rooms far back enough and sound-proofed enough to not carry much noise into the main foyer.

“G-good afternoon, Himeno, I hope I wasn’t- I didn’t make you wait too long! I didn’t think I arrived late…” She loosens the brown-and-black scarf she wore over her tan-ish 3/4 length jacket, another one of her sister’s hand-me-downs.

Himeno pats the seat next to her, urging Kobeni to sit. “No not at all, I just got us a room! First things first though, you owe me a drink!”

Sighing, nonetheless smiling, Kobeni joins her. “Of course, I’ve been meaning to pay you back for a while now… It’s late, but thank you again for all your help…”

“Ah, don’t make such a big deal of it, you know I’ve got your back. Besides, you’re thanking me right now!” With that, she gets the bartender’s attention and orders herself something expensive. No better way to alleviate all that guilt than rewarding yourself handsomely.

Kobeni idly finds the drink on the menu with a pained look, but the weight on her conscience was indeed lessened. Said drink arrives, and they rise from their seats.

“I’m looking forward to hearing you sing, Kobeni,” Himeno teases as they transition to their reserved room. “I hear rumor it’s quite something to behold!”

She pouts a little, making a mental note to have a talk with Miyu about keeping secrets when she gets home. “I r-really don’t do it that- all that often…”

She’s still fretting over what all her sisters might have told everyone when they enter the room and find Captain Kishibe sitting somberly on a couch. His grim appearance and demeanor seem ridiculously out-of-place beneath the bright neon lights dancing overhead.

“C-Captain- um! Captain Kishibe?!” 
Kobeni whirls around to look at Himeno, who now has dropped her cheery facade. She doesn’t seem surprised.
Her attention returns to the man, abundantly tense as she hugged her shoulders. As if to shield herself from his hard stare. They’d met only once before, and made strong first impressions.

“Hello Kobeni. Nice to see you again.”
He raises an arm slowly to gesture to the seat across from him.
“Have a seat. I want to talk to you about your new friend Makima.”

Notes:

When I was deciding how Kobeni was gonna catch on to Makima's Control stuff, the first scenario that came to mind was, "ah-ha, I was wearing earplugs and learned to read lips, and now I'm onto you!". I couldn't quite pin down why that was an incredibly silly idea, but it was.

But yeah, eventful couple of days for these two. Sure nothing will come of it.

Thanks for reading!
Hope you do something you enjoy today!

Chapter 5: Communion

Notes:

Welcome back! Short-ish chapter this time, but it'd be silly to try and fit more in there.
I'm going to bed, and will spell check in the morning!
I'm vaguely expecting 2-3 chapters after this one, but nothing certain.

“Himeno, put some music on.  We don’t want any eavesdroppers.”  

 

“On it!”  She replies, with a cheer that belies the tension in the room.  

Scrolling through her options, she selects a song that Kobeni doesn’t recognize.  There are no vocals, given that it’s the karaoke version, but the peppy guitar riffs and optimistic melody were terribly out-of-place when juxtaposed with Captain Kishibe’s unsmiling face.  The drumbeat wasn’t so bad though, if the goal was to match Kobeni’s racing heart.  

 

Being around Makima as much as she had, Kobeni had started to pride herself on growing more comfortable around scary people.  She would still prefer to crawl under the table and hide, mind you, but she at least left most interactions without having sweat through her button-up.  Yet lately, she hasn’t had much exposure to Kishibe’s particular strain of terrifying.  

 

Makima is scary because of the way she seems to know everything about you while showing so little of herself.  But Kobeni’s learned to find a sort of kindness in that.  Kishibe, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to want to know a thing about her.  Rather, every shred of information he’s forced to learn was just a mounting annoyance.  Sitting across from him now, Kobeni wished the table between them was wider.  

 

“You should be grateful, you know.”  His voice now at a speaking level, covered somewhat by the music.  

“Himeno’s put her own neck on the line, asking me to help you.  Just knowing what I’m going to tell you puts her in danger.”  He doesn’t sound concerned as much as disapproving.

 

Kobeni’s thoughts pinballed around from one wild conclusion to the other. 

What does he mean ‘danger’?! ‘Help me’?!  Why am I even in a karaoke room with Captain Kishibe right now?  Did I- like, do something wrong or is some kind of- is Makima okay?  What does this have to do with her?

 

“I… what?  I-I don’t understand wh-“

 

“Quiet and you just might.”  Kishibe interrupts coldly.   

Kobeni manages a small yelp before closing her mouth.  

 

Himeno slides into the seat next to Kobeni, clapping a hand on her shoulder.  Her smile seems meant to be comforting.  

“What Captain is trying to say is that what he’s going to tell you might be confusing or scary, but it’s important that you listen.”

 

Oh man oh man oh man that sounds even worse!  What could even be that serious?!

 

Kishibe ponders to himself for a moment.  Even he has to tact to realize this could be a difficult to hear.  How to ease into this then…? 

 

“New plan,” he announces, picking his glass off the table, “you do get a turn to speak.

So tell me, what do you feel towards Makima?”

 

“. . .”

 

Kobeni feels the gears in her head come to a screech halt as they lock together all wrong.  

With great effort, she manages to squeak out,

“How… I… how I feel ab-about her?”

 

“I don’t often repeat myself, kid.”  Kishibe takes a sizable gulp of his drink.  True to his word, no repetitions.  

 

“Ah… well she’s um-… very nice…” Kobeni stumbles along, trying to look anywhere but forward. 

 

“And?” 

 

‘And’?!  What do you mean ‘and’?!  Is this supposed to be what Himeno meant by ‘girl talk’?  

Even looking away, she could feel Kishibe’s hard stare.

 

Kobeni was certain her eyes were spinning as she rambled, hands clamped tight at the end of her jacket.  

“W-well I mean… I used to feel like she was really really scary but she- actually she has some… really s-sweet sides and she’s done so much to help me and my sisters and she’s so cool and confident and- and- and she’s my… friend…” 

 

The last word is barely audible as she trails off.    Her head, light as it felt, had drifted downward at some point while she spoke.  She wasn’t certain what kind of reaction to expect for pouring her heart out there, but it wasn’t the grim expressions she got.  

 

“Those feelings,” Kishibe explains bluntly, “were likely fabricated.”  

 

The meaning of the words scarcely registers to Kobeni.  

“… what?  I- I don’t…?”  

 

He continues without hesitation, leaning back in his seat, “Makima is capable of more than you realize, even so far as controlling people without their knowing.  It’s likely that she manipulated you into thinking or feeling that way.”

 

Koneni’s head was shaking before she’d even fully grasped what he way saying.  

That’s… wrong.  No, that’s ridiculous.  

Kishibe was basically a stranger anyways, so she looks to Himeno instead, imploring her to help.  The one-eyed woman has a brow raised at Kishibe, incredulity at his lack of delicacy, perhaps.  Regardless, when Kobeni looks to her, she can only give an apologetic nod.  

 

“You’re not…- that doesn’t make any sense!  Why… would she even d-do something like that?”  Kobeni demanded.  Her voice comes out a little shrill.  

 

A shrug, as if it were merely a philosophical question.  

“She’s a devil, and a real monstrous one at that.  Hard to say what exactly’s going through her mind.”  

 

Kobeni stands abruptly and opens her mouth as if to say something but can’t find the words.  

This is too much.  This is all too much and it’s all too fast.  Now she’s a devil too?!  

She was unconvinced, but the idea made her shiver.  

But if Makima were a devil, that would mean… mean what, exactly…?  That she’s evil?  What do I do with that, even?  

 

The first of many tears falls, plotting a course for those to come.  

“Why… why are you telling me this…?”

 

Himeno stands to meet Kobeni, taking her hand in both of hers as if to ground the rising emotions.  It’s genuinely comforting, but…

“I know this is hard, but we think you’re in danger.  You can’t trust Makima.”  

 

“Well I do trust her!”  Kobeni shouts, wrenching away her hand and backing away.  

“I d-don’t know why you would- why you’re saying these things— this is crazy!  She’s… we’re…  I trust her…”

 

Kishibe, sitting undisturbed, silently brings a finger to his lips.  Somehow, it’s more sobering than any comforting words out there.  

“Listen, kid, I don’t have anything to gain from you believing me.  In fact, it’d be more convenient if you just stayed Makima’s new toy and kept her occupied.”

 

This was too much.  The lights, the pounding music, this awful conversation.  It was all too much.

“I’m-… I’m leaving…!  I can’t do this…”

She takes a few more steps towards the exit, attention bouncing between them both.  

 

“Kobeni, please-!”  Himeno began. 

 

“If you trust her without a doubt— trust her with those sisters of yours— then feel free.  It saves me trouble.” Kishibe offers with a casual wave of the hand.  “But if you think it’s at all possible that she hasn’t told you everything…”

He takes a napkin and a pen, scribbling out a few numbers before extending it out to her.

 

Kobeni stands frozen in place, a mess of sweat and tears, staring at the piece of paper as if it might bite.  Meeting Kishibe’s eyes, she finds that, despite everything, they weren’t cruel.  

I do trust her.  I do, but… 

Reaching out slowly, she accepts the offending paper, reluctantly putting it in her pocket.  

 

With a bow, “Thank you both for your time… Goodnight.”

That said, she flings open the door and leaves in a great hurry. 

 

Himeno slumps to the couch with a groan.  She knew this would be tough on her, but it sure spiraled quick.  

“Couldn’t manage to do that more gently?” 

 

Kishibe finishes his drink with a decisive up-tilt of his head.  There, his gaze lingers on the garish dancing lights.  

 “It wasn’t going to be easy news no matter how much you dress it up.  This way, at least for a little while, she’s mad at a mean old man instead of herself.”  

 

————————————————————————

 

Knock knock knock

 

“Oh, Beni’s back!  Quick, clean this up!”  Koharu’s voice passes through the door more easily than she likely realizes.  A concerning series of clangs and crashes follow as footsteps scatter about the room.  After what is probably an inappropriate length of time to leave someone outside waiting in the cold, the door creeps open to Mio, her face and clothes splotched with… something.  

 

“Hi, Beni!  We’re making cakes!”  She grins widely, revealing what looks to be food coloring staining her mouth blue.  

 

Kobeni’s eyebrows steeple in concern, but ultimately, she decides on a weary smile.  

I’d rather just worry over this mess right now.

 

Opening the door in its entirety, the question that immediately comes to mind is: On what exactly did they spend all that time cleaning? 

Aki’s kitchen was a disaster.  As could could expected with cake-baking, there’s a thin layer of flour coating most surfaces, along with each culprit— Mio, Miyu, Koharu, Denji, and Power— in varying amounts.  More surprising were the clearly experimental ingredients littered about: chocolates, candies, oranges, syrup.  Hopefully they weren’t all going in the same place.  

 

Most people would have the decency to look embarrassed for the mess they’ve orchestrated, but Denji and Power weren’t big on shame.  Instead, they eagerly watched the oven.  

Power is sort of a devil I guess… Used to be one?  And Denji’s a weird mix.  And yet I trust them with— well, no I don’t trust them with the kids if Aki’s not in earshot, but that’s because they’re irresponsible.  Nothing devil-related even factored in.  

Speaking of which…

 

“Where is Aki, by the way?”  

 

Power popped up, hands on her hips as if with pride.  “His puny human mind couldn’t withstand the mere sight of our creative prowess!” 

 

“He said watching us cook was giving him a headache, so he’s lying down right now.”  Koharu was kind enough to translate.  

 

A timer goes off, and an enthusiastic cheer fills the room.  Denji, thank goodness, had at least the sense to handle all of the oven operations, using Aki’s oven mitts to bring out a far-too-large, lopsided cake.  

 

And not a blue one, Kobeni notes with concern, wondering what food-coloring-related accident Mio got involved in.  

 

Kobeni takes the initiative to start cleaning the kitchen while the rest focus their energies on decorating the cake.  Koharu joins in soon after, though notably with a glob of icing now in her hair.  According to all sources, the cake ended up tasting pretty good, but Kobeni wasn’t feeling quite that brave tonight.  

 

With the kitchen in working order and entirety too much cake eaten, all of the kids are corralled into the car.  

 

“Bye Denji, bye Pow Pow!”

“Bye bye, thank you for the cake!”

The twins wave enthusiastically to their fellow troublemakers.  

 

The car ride back spoke ill of the sugar rush the kids were bringing home.  That, and the cloud of flour they emitted anytime they moved too fast.  Once inside, first stop was an immediate trip to the bath, the twins taking the first turn.  Now in fresh pajamas and considerably less cake on their face, the twins are escorted to bed. 

 

Eating cake for dinner on a school night… 

Kobeni lamented at the questionable child rearing.  

I’ll have to make sure breakfast this week is something healthy. 

 

“-but Denji told me I could use the whole bottle!”

“-and then the first cake fell on the floor and made a huge mess!”

Usually the twins’ storytelling was better coordinated, but they were still pretty wired.  

 

Mio helped lay out her futon, then Miyu brought her own to the opposite side of the room.  Inseparable though they are, they can’t stand sleeping next to one another— too much tossing around in the night.  Shutting off the lights, Kobeni sits on the ground between them for a while.  They’re only pretending to be asleep in order to chat later, so it’s best to wait them out. 

 

Even if everything Captain Kishibe said was true— and it’s not— I need the job to keep this place for them.  

 

Once the youngest are asleep, Kobeni sneaks out, leaving the door open just a crack.  Her legs protesting from sitting on the floor so long, she limps to the living room and falls on the couch.  

I could fall asleep right here… 

Despite herself, she rummages through her pocket and finds the napkin with Kishibe’s number, terribly crumpled now.  Just looking at it fill her with a wild anger.  She wants to tear it to shreds, or maybe even call the number just to yell at him.  

 

Instead, she punches the number into her phone and types out a short message.  Rather than send it though, Kobeni finds herself sitting up again, staring at the words on the screen.  She tosses the phone on the seat and heaves a weary sigh.  

 

“Kobeni?”  

 

She jumps at the sudden voice as Koharu creeps in, towel wrapped around her hair.  She, too, sits on the couch, knees pulled up to her chest and head resting against her big sister’s shoulder.  

“Is there something wrong?  You seem really tired.”

 

Awfully mature sounding for someone who had icing in her hair just a few minutes ago. 

Kobeni wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulder and squeezed tight.  

“Thanks, Haru, I’m alright.  Just gonna be a crazy day at work tomorrow.”

 

“You can depend on us a little more you know…”  Koharu’s voice was soft but indignant.  

“Never tell them I said this, but the twins wanted to learn how to make a cake for your birthday.  Even if we can’t help with a lot of things, we don’t want to just be a responsibility…”

 

Kobeni looks at the girl in surprise.  It makes sense that Koharu would worry about things like that, kindhearted kid that she is, but that's a rare showing of thoughtfulness from the twins.  Sighing, she rests her head on top of her little sister's.  

Maybe I’ve underestimated them a bit…

Or maybe it’s just been an emotional day, for her to be getting teary-eyed like this again.

 

They sit together comfortably for some time before Koharu finally turns in for the night.  Kobeni stays sitting on the couch with her thoughts.  There are a great many of them to sort through tonight, but not just bad ones.  Finally, she picks up the phone and, before she can talk herself out of it, sends the offending message.  

 

“How would I prove it?”

 

 

———————————————————————

 

*Tuesday morning*

 

In a rare change of pace, Kobeni woke up before her alarm, granting her a few blissful minutes of hazy relaxation before she had to start the day.  The peace is short-lived, however, as the events from yesterday force their way back into awareness.  She remembers holding it together until she got in her car and hearing the recording of Makima’s voice.  Her voice in a strange, multi-tone melody that Kobeni couldn’t recall ever hearing before but sounded so familiar.  

 

She remembers scouring her thoughts for any other explanation.  And she remembers crying a lot.  

 

Mercifully, the alarm sounds, jolting her back into the present.  Usually, Koharu has to wake her up to turn it off, but this morning Kobeni managed to catch it before it could rouse her.  Eager to distance herself, she got up quickly enough.  

 

On her desk set an envelope, still lying unsealed.  She had written a letter last night, but she didn’t feel as confident in it now.  Still, if her yesterday-self had the courage to write it, the least she could do today was deliver it.  She closed the seal and set it under her keys so that she didn’t forget.  

 

Careful not to wake anyone, Kobeni now made her way into the kitchen.  It was another 20 minutes before the twins had to be up, so there was time to get a head start on breakfast.  

 

An arbitrary amount of butter melts in the pan on low heat while Kobeni rinses the rice.  That done, she transfers it to the rice cooker, half-way fills the pot with water, and starts the timer.  Six eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mixed.  The butter has been sitting for a little too long now, but it’s serviceable— a third of the eggs goes in the pan.  

 

Koharu stumbles in, rubbing her eyes, as Kobeni tops the omelette with cheese and spinach (because on god those kids are going to eat a vegetable).  

“Morning…”  she mumbles.  Crossing the kitchen, she pulls the strawberries out of the fridge to begin washing them.  

 

“Good morning.”  Kobeni instinctually started to say she didn’t have to help but, remembering their conversation the other night, settles for a “thank you”.  

 

The twins, no doubt lured by the smell of food, come in dressed for school and fired up as ever.  Somehow.  Even at this hour in the morning.  Today’s conversation topic was pets:  Mio still wanted a dog (a big dog “like Ms. Maki’s”) while Miyu was more in the camp of frogs, lizards, snakes, the like.  Kobeni couldn’t particularly relate.  

 

Regardless, they’re just in time for breakfast.  The four gather around the dinner table, an omelette, a small bowls of rice, and yogurt with strawberries set before each child.  The twins eat ravenously, while Koharu looks up at her sister.  

“You’re not going to eat?” 

 

Kobeni shakes her head, speaking easily, “No, I’m having breakfast with Ms. Makima this morning.”  

 

————————————————————————

 

23 milliliters of milk and 2 milliliters vanilla extract mixed with the egg yolks and stirred until thickened.

 

Makima checked the clock for the umpteenth time this morning.  

Still 30 minutes out. 

This would be the first time she’s cooked for Kobeni, so it might as well be done correctly.  

 

Take eggs whites out of freezer and beat until opaque.  Measure out 26 grams sugar…

Makima pauses, then tips the bag to add a little extra.  

 

A few months ago, she would have laughed at herself, going to such lengths.  And for what, a thank you?  To see a smile on some girl’s face?   Makima had grander ambitions than this— a peaceful world where one could toil their days away making all the pancakes they wanted.  If someone did so choose.  

 

Add an additional spoonful of batter on top of each stack, 15 milliliters water to the pan, cover and cook for 6 minutes.  

She’ll be here in 15. 

 

… That plan hasn’t really been on her mind in a while.  

 

While the pancakes finish up, she herds her great many dogs into their room (with breakfast of their own, of course), and wipes the table clean for the second time.  Coming back to rescue her pancakes, she transfers them to their plates and adorns both with whipped cream, strawberries, and syrup.  

 

As expected, there was a knock at the door.  Kobeni stands on the other side, looking a little out of breath— as if she had run up the stairs.  

“S-sorry I’m late Ms. Makima…!”  

 

“No problem at all,” Makima reassures, dipping into the kitchen to retrieve the plates, “I just finished myself.” 

 

Kobeni seemed taken aback, wide-eyed as she takes her shoes off at the door.  “Wait you-… I didn’t know you were actually cooking…!” 

 

The plates clatter gently against the table.  It’s smaller than the one at Kobeni’s house, only meant to fit a couple of people.  

“I usually cook things like this for myself anyways, so it wasn’t any trouble.”  

 

Each taking their seats, Kobeni marveled at the tall, fluffy pancakes that were truly a work of culinary art.  The sweets piled on top were far too indulgent, but she felt she could make an exception for this.

“I… thank you so much… it looks really delicious…”

 

It seemed terribly redundant to say, but Kobeni seemed on-edge when she came in.  

More than usual, I suppose.

But the first couple of bites went a long way towards quelling whatever was on her mind.  

 

A thought occurred to Kobeni, as she savored another ridiculously sugary bite.  

“You… actually eat a ton of sweets, huh?”

 

Makima raised a hand to her chin thoughtfully as she chewed.  “Hm… I do eat this pretty often.  And I made éclairs yesterday.  So, yes, I suppose I do.  Is that bad?”

 

 Kobeni stares hard at the woman.

How on earth does she keep her figure eating stuff like this all the time?!  

Her voice takes on a tone of false severity.  “It’s not healthy!  I’ll have to cook for you next time, because even my sisters eat better than this!” 

It would, however, be a closer call if they do learn to bake. 

 

Makima laughed at that.  The sort of laugh that she reserved for when they were in the safety of her home.  

“I see!  I’ll have to come visit again soon then.”

 

“Speaking of which,” Kobeni began carefully, “Mio was asking again about coming to see your dogs… Are you still okay with that?”

 

A weight settles in Makima’s stomach. She’s gone back and forth on this dozens of times over already.  After a scan of the room and one last bout of mental deliberation, she finally nodded. 

“I could have this place ready by Saturday morning.”

 

The mental image of that meeting brought a smile to her face. 

I really, really want to see that happen…

But...  

 

“Have you been controlling me?”

 

 

The words are out of Kobeni’s mouth before she realizes she was going to say them.  The temperature in the room drops in an instant, and the two are frozen in place.  Makima is quick to recover, a look of concern on her face, genuine or no.  

 

“What do you mean by that, Kobeni?  Is there something wrong?”

 

Kobeni's voice comes out calmer than either of them expected, “I already recorded our conversation yesterday.  I just wanted to hear what you had to say.”

 

A long, terrible silence fills the room like a vapor, causing the air to feel thick and choking.  Slowly, Makima sets her fork down on her plate.  This was unexpected, but she was always quick to put the pieces together. She doesn’t look back up when she speaks.  

 

“Whatever Kishibe told you was likely accurate.  I am the Control Devil, and I’ve used that power on you multiple times.”  

 

Kobeni’s hands, balled up on the table, trembled with scarcely contained emotion.  

“Why?  To-... to do what?”  

 

Makima responded as if she were reading from a book, “I’ve asked you questions:  Your motivations for first approaching me, your opinions on things I’d said or done, your worries when you declined to elaborate.  … Whether or not you liked pancakes.”  

 

All of this in that same matter-of-fact voice. 

Shaking her head in bewilderment, “And Tomoko?  Why would you make me delete her number?  What’s the point of that?!”  

 

“I disliked her closeness to you.  Similarly, I’ve been isolating you from your friends.  Some inadvertently, some intentionally.”  There was something more resembling guilt in that one.

 

This conversation wasn’t altogether unfamiliar to Makima.  Others have discovered her manipulation before.  She didn’t have to look to know the sort of expression that comes next.  The fear… the anger… 

 

She meets Kobeni’s eyes.

 

The betrayal.  

 

“You’re a coward…”  

It was scarcely a whisper at first, but then it was a shout that brought Kobeni to her feet and knocked her chair down behind her.  

 

“You’re a coward!  You’re-… you-….”  

She struggled for a moment to find a trickle of words before the dam breaks entirely, 

“Life is full of- of risks and uncertainty and- and everybody else on the damn planet just has to deal with that!  We have to talk things out like it’s a- like we’re adults, and even then we’re left guessing if that’s w-what they really think!  We’re all terrified of each other and you’re a coward for running away from that!”  

 

Suddenly deflated, Kobeni stumbled back, sweat and tears streaming.  

“… sorry for yelling…”

She brings her chair upright and sits down again.  Weakly, she sips from her water glass to try and steady herself.  

 

'Coward' is a new one...

Throughout this, Makima had been completely silent.  It had always seemed as though she didn’t felt her emotions as strongly as others did.  She felt frustrated when things didn’t go her way, sad when she was alone.  But hardly anything caused her to fly into a rage or break down in tears.  She laughed when she held her dogs, but it took a long time to find that.  Regardless, no pain was intolerable, no pleasure irresistible.  

 

Whatever she felt now, however, had to be locked away, lest it burn through her.  

 

When Kobeni speaks again, the anger from earlier has mostly subsided.  In its place is a solemn apprehension. 

“Is our friendship made-up?  Or the way I… feel about you.  Is that even real?”

 

“You’re the first friend I ever had.  I never changed how you felt.”  

 

Maybe it was the hint of emotion that colored her words, but Kobeni believed them wholeheartedly.  She knew that was foolish.  

“How could I know that for sure…?  How could I ever…- “

 

Makima knew this question— and its answer— well.  

“- how could you trust anything I say, knowing that I can make you think or feel anything I want?”  

 

“… yeah.”  

 

Kobeni rubs her eyes, elbows leaning on the table.  Makima sits upright with her hands clasped in her lap.  Silence returns, now a welcome reprieve. 

 

Kobeni stands, speaking in a low voice.  

“I’ll take your plate…”

 

Makima nods appreciatively and hands it to her.  She continues to sit there for a time, listening to the sink run and looking across the room to her painting of poor Lucifer as he plummets to Earth.  

Victim of your own making.  

 

She follows Kobeni into the kitchen, picking up the plate that had already been cleaned.  Taking a clean washcloth from the drawer, she dries and puts away while Kobeni washes.  Where before their shoulders hovered near, they brushed lightly.  When a dish passed from one hand to the other, they touched deliberately.  

 

It doesn’t last very long— there weren’t many to wash.  They lean now against the kitchen counter, waiting for the next move.  With a sigh and near-paralyzing reluctance, Makima turned to face Kobeni. 

“Well, I trust you have something to give me.”

 

Kobeni is surprised at first but, well of course she figured this part out, too.  Reaching into her jacket pocket, she surrenders the letter of resignation she had written last night.  

 

Accepting it formally, Makima opens the letter and reads with care.  Staring at it longer, perhaps, than it takes to read several times over.  

“This isn’t formatted correctly.”

 

“. . .”

That’s so… like her.

She laughs aloud, if only for a breath or two before it crumples.  She instead wipes her eyes again. 

“Mind fixing it for me…?”

 

Makima folds the letter and returns it to its case, setting it on the counter for now.  

“Yes, I’ll take care of it.”  

 

With a quiet “thank you”, Kobeni walks to the door, puts on her shoes and coat.  Then, turning back to look only briefly, she leaves. 

 

It was snowing today, with the high temperature well below freezing.  Ice crystals collected on the windows in beautiful lattices.  As for the people that pass by outside, their breath came out in billowing, fleeting clouds.  

Somehow, it’s even colder in here. 

 

 

 

Notes:

"Hey," one might ask, "there are some heavy conversations this chapter and all, but what's the deal with there being 3 whole cooking scenes in there?"
And listen, I was making dinner while I was storyboard-ing and It's love, okay? Cooking for people is like, fundamentally "I love you".

Also a PSA: Don't date your boss, people. It's super power dynamic-y.

Chapter 6: Normalcy

Notes:

One might ask, "Didn't you do the whole 'start the chapter with a flash-forward and then explain how we got there' last chapter, too?" And that'd be fair to ask, but besides the point.
More to the point: hi all, welcome back! Hope the holidays were nice if you celebrate, and the new year treats you well.
Today we recall that Makima is, indeed, a bit of a villain (for better or worse fashioning some backstory in there) and ask if she's really gonna drop all that for a cute girl.
( and of course I'll do my editing later, thanks for your patience! ^^; )

God I really need a drink.

 

Himeno’s stride was irregular, trying not to put too much pressure on her left leg.  It was the last (and long) day of the work week, and the first day bringing new recruits out into the field.  She used to really like meeting new people; it was exciting, learning what all they’ve done, where they’re going.  These days, however, new faces just mean more lives she’s responsible for.  

 

On that note, Arai gave her a real scare today, pushing one of the newbies out of harm’s way like he did.  He was lucky to walk away from that, self-sacrificing idiot that he is.  Heroics aside, he really has risen to the occasion, training them so much.  Far more suited for a gentler line of work, most like.  

 

For the last couple of months, she had been taking the bus home, as it had been rather wintery.  But after a day like today Himeno decided that a walk home would help cool her head (though she ended up regretting the decision).  Her keys spun on their ring with a faint jingle as she approached her home.  Unlocking the door and pushing through, she had finally put a long week behind her.  

 

First order of business:  out of these filthy clothes.  Another factor that had swayed her from riding the bus was the extremely visible blood stains— both from the devil and her own— that sullied her suit.  Next up:  find where all that blood is coming from and cover it up, then ice on that big bruise-to-be.  Pull a tank top and shorts over it and it’s good as new.  Finally, and the part she’d been really looking forward to: a straightaway to the fridge for a beer.  

 

Tragically, the fridge was mostly empty, and despite looking desperately behind each item, there was not a drink in sight.  

And I’m really not feeling like going out to get more at this point.  

With a sigh, Himeno revised her earlier statement:

Changed my mind.  I either need a drink, or for somebody to just put me down.

 

It’s just her luck then that Makima had stopped by this evening, a gift-wrapped bottle of scotch in hand and a cryptic smile on her face.   

 

“So, I understand that you and Kobeni had a little talk about me before she left.”  

 

 

———————————————————————-

 

*Yesterday, Thursday morning*

 

 

“- and who do you think is to blame for this?  The devils feed on mankind’s fear, and we have cultivated a society that tolerates weakness and degeneracy!”  The man spits the words like venom, his voice crackling as it passes through the radio.  

 

Makima brings her palms together with all the solemnity of a prayer, though inverted in a strange distortion.  Then, guided by some intuition— an inexorable part of her that she couldn’t blame on their teachings, or the isolation, or a sense of justice— her hands press and twist against one another as if to crush into a paste.  

 

“- We have to cut out the fat of society!  Cast out the shameless beneficiaries of our work who would— who… would…”

 

There’s no sound quite like what came through the radio after that.  Or the horrified wails that followed their stunned silence.  Yet neither compared to the sickening sound of bone cracking against hard floor as behind her…-

 

 

She awoke not with a start, nor in a cold sweat, but with a laugh of self-derision.  

Still getting worked up over something like that.  

 

It was a few minutes before time to get up, but it’s nice to not have to hurry in the morning.  Pushing up out of bed with minimal protest, she gathers her clothes for today (a work day, so the usual) and brings them to the bathroom.  The t-shirt with the picture of a cat (and stains where someone drooled on it that haven’t come out in the wash) is exchanged for a fitted undershirt and sent straight to the laundry basket.  

 

She then brushes her teeth (30 seconds each quadrant), braids her hair (3 up, 1 over, 2 over— 1 over, 3 over, 2 over), and puts on her pants and dress shirt, (right sleeve, left sleeve, button top-to-bottom).  Taking a preparatory breath, Makima opens the door to face the herd of animals that had been eagerly awaiting.  For a while, she had saved getting dressed for the end of her routine to avoid getting dog hair on her clothes, but that was found to be a futile effort.  

 

They writhe ecstatically but never crossing the boundary into the bedroom, instead waiting until she comes into the living room to descend upon her.  Makima smiles fondly at them all, hands bouncing from one dog to the other to ensure none feel neglected.  

 

“Good morning, Tiramisu, Cream Puff.”  A short rub on the head for each. 

“Good morning, Danish, Eclair, Kolache.  Good morning, Macaron, Strudel.”

 

Next up was some exercise.  Retrieving the seven leashes, she fixes them all to a coupler that latches onto her belt.  

It’d be less work to leave them all attached, but they’d end up tangled if I did.  

Then, she connects the other ends to each dog’s collar.  Getting the eight of them (herself included) down the narrow stairs unscathed would be a logistical nightmare, so they all cram into the elevator together and ride down.

 

There were several regulars on their morning walks: mostly fellow dog-owners but shocking many elders and one young mother with two children below school age.  Just acquaintances, all of them, but over the last few months some of them had actually learned her dogs’ names.  Only the mother’s oldest son had the diligence to greet each of them by name every morning.  It was a break in her otherwise tranquil routine, but not strictly an unpleasant one.  

 

After a modest 20 minute loop, they return home.  The dogs don’t seem particularly worn out, still frolicking about the room with boundless energy.  Having done her due diligences, she wades through the masses into the kitchen: the other safe zone of the house.  It almost escaped her notice, but on the calendar today’s date was marked with a big red circle.

Not especially hungry this morning, coffee will suffice.  

17 grams of finely-ground beans, 250 grams 96 °C water, steep for 75 seconds.

 

As that is underway, she peers over the sea of lively creatures to inspect the living room.  She had vacuumed yesterday, so the floors were passable, and the dinner table was wiped clean.  The blanket that a guest had used a month ago lay in a bundled heap on the couch.  …And the book she had finished last night was back in its place.  All in working order then.  

 

Survey complete, she finishes her coffee and, while it cools, replaces the dogs’ food and water.  There’s no especial point in arriving at the train station early, so she takes the next few minutes to enjoy her drink in as much peace as this home can offer.  When she decides she’s stalled as long as she can, the jacket goes on and, despite the truly mournful protests, she departs.  

 

“Don’t worry, I’ll come straight home after work.”  She reassures her devastated pets.  

Nowhere else to be anyways.  

 

 

The train ride affords too much time to think.  Despite the myriad of things to occupy her mind, Makima finds her mind drifting towards her dream last night.  

 

It’d be somewhat inaccurate to say that Makima was ever really a “child”, but Public Safety happened upon the Control Devil’s latest incarnation at a young age.  Of course, they didn’t know her specific identity for a few years, or else they would have gone straight to Plan B.  Plan A, while it lasted, was to foster “a good devil”— This meant at least having the decency to not raise me in a containment cell, like how most of our captive devils end up.  

 

So, when they weren’t running their tests or collecting samples, most of my days were spent in relative seclusion with Emi.  “Emi” because she wasn’t actually my mother, just a government agent assigned to monitor me.  

Even so, what she felt for her was probably something similar to a familial love.  Makima found those days to be mostly… pleasant.  Emi was a pastry chef once upon a time, so there were often sweets in the house— their house with coloring books and stuffed animals living in harmony with the surveillance cameras and electric fence.  

 

The first time she manifested her powers was an accident, of sorts.  The leader of some political extremist group she heard over the radio.  Public Safety made the connection quickly enough, and Makima was relocated to a high-security facility in Tokyo (as home wasn’t really a viable option anymore).  

By now they had a better idea of what I could do, and they were quite pleased.  Crime leaders, terrorist organizations; conveniently taken care of at the low cost of one death row inmate.   

 

When The Board— quickly asserting themselves to the child as an unquestionable authority — came to understand her powers of manipulation, they were ecstatic.  A “good devil” didn’t have the same ring as a loyal, powerful weapon.  A necessary evil.  Makima found her first assignments disturbing, in her own way, but a child doesn’t understand that what is happening to them is wrong— not really, anyways.  They know they’re lonely, or scared, or guilt-ridden, or totally out-of-control of their life; but not that it shouldn’t be that way.  It simply was.

 

 

The memory is ejected from her mind as the train comes to a stop with a small lurch.  Time to switch platforms and meet with her bodyguard.  

 

“Good morning, Ms. Makima!  Good to see you!”  

The new girl stood at attention, all but saluting as she barked out her usual greeting.  Makima wasn’t particularly interested in a replacement, but this one was appointed by the Board of Directors after their typically-well-behaved dog started showing some unusual behavior.  All the same, New Girl’s pleasant, effective at her job.  Nothing to complain about. 

 

They ride the train in silence. 

All the better to get my reading done anyways.  

And no distractions from work, either.  Today was a Public Safety conference, running elections for leadership, drafting legislative proposals to the National Diet.  Deeply important and riveting.  The conference building is close enough to the station to avoid a long walk where one might be expected to talk.  

 

An older man stops them on their way in, a politician’s smile plastered on his face.  

“Ms. Makima, we’re so glad you could make it today!”  They shake hands and he wraps an arm around her shoulder.  Makima bristles at the touch but plays her part.

In a lower, yet still animated voice he continues, “I trust I can rely on your continued support today?”  

 

At the behest of the Board of Directors, Makima had indeed swayed an election or two in his favor.  Not that he was aware of her exact identity, but he’s been in the game long enough to know she represented the will of the Board.  

Sad to say, today you’re the useful idiot who’s taking the fall for last week’s PR disaster.  

 

Early on, many of Makima’s interactions were like this— everyone has an angle.  Though even back then, she recognized that government officials weren’t exactly a representative sample of society.  Once she had some successes in the field, she earned herself a longer leash and the chance to interact with “regular people”.  

 

Most aren’t as shameless as this mutt.  Many could be called kind.  But even they are using one another for something.  

Some tried to draw close to Makima for her power— usually just her position of authority.  Some wanted her love, beautiful and mysterious woman that she was (Those were always the most entertaining).  It wasn’t evil, just transactional; it was the basis of all human interaction. 

 

All but one.  

 

Makima freed herself from the embrace and smiled with a quite convincing act of non-hostility. 

“I have high hopes for your success today, sir.” 

 

 

The morning drags by without much excitement.  Speeches, elections, thank you’s, the works.  Breaking for lunch, Makima and New Girl find a table at the conference building’s restaurant.  Nothing sounds too appealing, so just a glass of water to pass the time.  New Girl doesn’t comment, instead just making idle chatter while she eats.  

So much less hassle without anybody fussing over a healthy diet.  

 

After lunch comes a review of national defense strategies, where they really think they’re gonna change the world.  

 

“- but this new training regimen has shown to reduce collateral damages, increase public confidence, and even change the way- “ 

 

‘Persuade’ a dictator to resign, squash a revolutionary into a sticky red splatter; neither changed much in the long run.  Another may come to take their place, or some new crisis will arise.  Nothing would cure the corrosive fear that infects the hearts of all humankind.  

 

“-disturbing increase in activity by Chinese and Russian criminal organizations despite sending additional- “

 

It was around that time in her life that Makima’s attention was drawn to Chainsaw Man.  Memories always started out fuzzy in between reincarnations, but there was no forgetting that engine’s metallic growl or the feeling of a spinning blade as it passes through your neck.  

 

Any devils he consumed were erased from history, their associated fear purged from all hearts.  And there it was!  This was the solution she was looking for all along— one last, great, necessary evil to uproot all the rest from the source.

And if I’m the one holding the leash— the one who uses that power to make a perfect world— then finally, finally I’d have- 

 

“Thank you everyone for joining us today.  These may feel like small steps, but they’re among the many to follow down the path to peace.  This meeting is adjourned.” 

 

Just like that, the day was over.  Somehow it really managed to pass her by.  A commotion breaks out as the conference-goers mingle amongst themselves, complaining about their sore backs or making plans for drinks this evening.  The older gentleman from earlier this morning looked rather pale, so at some point he must have gotten the news that he will be voluntarily resigning.  

 

New Girl stands up out of her seat with a stretch and an exaggerated groan.  

“Well, that was fascinating!  Ready to head on back then?”  

 

This one can at least get through a sentence without stuttering over every word.  

 

 

 

The train ride back was much the same.   The soothing, rhythmic rumble like a thunderstorm brewing.  The buzz of chatter as strangers you’ll never meet go about their day.  Makima and New Girl respect one another’s personal space without complaint. 

No risk of anyone falling asleep on my shoulder and forcing me to hold perfectly still for an hour.  

 

When they do speak, it’s cordial.  Safe, nonintrusive conversation.

No one meddling in other people’s business by asking how you’re doing.  

 

This next stop is where they part ways.  New Girl sat on the outside so she could get off first.  She shifts awkwardly in her seat to face Makima more directly.  

 

“Well, that’s me.  It’s been fun working with you today!  Have a good night, Ms. Makima!”  

 

Looking now, Makima notices that there’s a glimmer of something in her eyes.  New Girl clearly holds her in high regard.

She does stare a lot, thinking back on it.  Probably just respect, but it wouldn’t take much of a push to make it something more.  

If Makima truly wanted that.  

 

She’s a kind, pretty, young lady.  Probably wouldn’t dare call me a coward to my face.  

 

 

Makima heads straight home, as promised, and much to the delight of her loving dogs.  Despite being a rather uneventful day, it was somehow really exhausting.  Nothing heals that quite like insatiable adoration, so she sits against the door as soon as she comes in and wraps one of them (Danish, it looks to be from this angle) in an inescapable hug.  As one would expect, the rest vie rapturously for her attention.  Coming up for air with a gasp, Makima emerges from the vast ocean of dogs.  

 

Alright, all better.

 

Their evening walks had less consistent company than their morning’s— the best-laid plans don’t always survive to the end of the day.  Some of the same people that were out with their dogs this morning, some new faces.  Either way, her pack was always thrilled to meet people.  

I should take them to the park this weekend.

In a futile effort to expend their inexhaustible energy, the animals run back and forth to the fullest extent of their leashes, the entire system undulating wildly like the limbs of an octopus.  It was nice to see them having fun. 

 

Makima looks up to find the sun dozing off, and the stars peeking out to see if the coast is clear.  As she stares, the sight of them is briefly obscured by her breath coming out as a thin cloud.  Winter’s reign wasn’t quite over yet, but the evenings were more tolerable than they used to be.  

Especially when you aren’t handing your coat over to some girl that keeps forgetting hers.  

 

They return home soon enough, and the animals are set loose to roam free once again.  

Makima pauses to consider her options: first make dinner or take a bath now?  Seeing as how the clothes she had on were thoroughly covered in slobber, and that slobber made the perfect adhesive on which to affix more hair, a bath seemed in order.  

 

She runs the bath a touch above what could be considered pleasant.  Then, she undoes her braid, carefully taking apart the strands before tying it all up over her head in a neat bun.  By the time she’s rinsed off, the bath’s at a perfect temperature.  Settling in with a sigh, it became apparent just how tense her muscles had been.  The still-quite-hot water was a deeply pleasant embrace, sapping away all the stress and tension that might have accumulated.

If I had to wait my turn (after someone who takes an awfully long time, for that matter), I wouldn’t get to enjoy this properly.  

 

Now cleaned, dried, and pajama-ed, she shuffles through the densely populated living room and escapes into the kitchen.  The initial plan was dinner, but it could wait.  She hasn’t really been in the mood for eating lately.  Or working, or talking, or doing much anything.  But not all of those are optional.  For now, she fills her kettle with water.  

 

Bring the water up to 70°C for white tea and steep for two and a half minutes.  

 

Tea in hand, Makima sits on the living room couch with the crumpled blanket.  She makes a point of looking straight ahead.  

This was better.  It’s better this way.  I can focus on my real goals.  

 

The cup she’s holding trembles.  

When I create the perfect world, it’ll make up for everything I had to do along the way.  And with that, I’ll have finally done enough.  

 

Setting her spilt drink on the table, Makima reaches over and grabs the blanket, bringing it tightly to her chest.  

There’d be no uncertainty— no other option.  I’ll have done enough to deserve their acceptance.  Their friendship.  Their love.  

 

On the table before her, there was a box meticulously bound up in ribbon.  Today was Kobeni’s birthday.  It was so stupid to go out and get a gift after everything that happened.  Especially if she wasn’t even going to be there.  

 

Makima leaned back in her seat, laughing at herself again.  Eyes maybe a little red, the taste of salt on her lips.  

 

————————————————————————

 

Well, we knew we probably couldn’t keep it hidden for long.  

 

Himeno positions herself on the opposite side of the kitchen counter, cross-armed and leaning against the back wall.  A futile effort to put distance between the two of them and conceal the shake in her legs.  

If I had any sense, I wouldn’t have even let her in.  Not that it would have changed much anyways.  Best I can hope for now is that Ghost can grab her by the throat if she tries anything. 

 

“So, Himeno,” Makima begins, articulating the syllables slowly.  She stands in the middle of the room, letting the woman keep her distance if it makes her feel better.

“How did you enjoy the party last night?”

 

Himeno raised a quizzical eyebrow.  

We drawing this out then?  Ms. Makima, what bad manners to play with your food! 

 

She grins, speaking with a cheery lilt, “Oh it was a great time!  Aki helped the kiddos bake a cake and (with permission from the little chefs, of course) Power dunked poor Kobeni’s face into it!”

Despite the tension she felt, Himeno genuinely chuckles at the memory, “She was a really good sport about it though, and the cake still tasted just as good after.”

 

“I see.  Too bad I couldn’t make it.”  

Makima’s expression of course gave nothing away, but that was always part of the fun in trying to rile her up.  Precarious situation notwithstanding.  

 

With an exaggerated shrug, “It is a shame, but you don’t have to worry— no one seemed too upset.”  

Was that tilt of her head annoyance, maybe?  Hopefully.  

 

“You always know just what to say.”  

 

Himeno waits to see if she would continue, but there was nothing else forthcoming.  No choice but to cut to the chase then.

“Anyways, what brings you here tonight unannounced?  And what’s with the bottle?”

 

There was a strange hesitation to Makima’s response.  Himeno would have assumed she was deliberately drawing out the tension just to toy with her if it wasn’t for the uncharacteristic apprehension written in her body language.  

“Since you already understand the situation— and what I am— I’m…” 

Another pause.  “I’m asking for your help.”

 

Stunned, Himeno stares at the devil, mouth slightly agape.  

Whatever game she’s playing, it has some weird rules… 

“You’re… asking for help.”  

What else was there to even say but repeating the words back dumbly? 

 

Negotiations now underway, Makima brings the large bottle of alcohol down on the table with a loud clatter, as if to emphasize its weight.  

“This is a bribe.”

 

Well, since the cat’s out of the bag anyways…

Himeno changes posture to instead lean forward over the table, looking over the bottle appraisingly.  It’s imported.  Had a couple decades to mature, too.  Not that Himeno was going to sell anybody out for it, but as far as bribes go, pretty luxurious.  

“Couldn’t you just make me do it?” 

 

“I could.”  Not a threat.  Just a simple statement of fact.  

 

“But instead this is a request.”  

 

“It is.”

 

“Huh.”

This was… unexpected.  And terribly out-of-character.  Himeno stands upright and crosses her arms again, this time more in contemplation than defensiveness.  

Though to be fair, her word doesn’t prove anything.  She could have already influenced me to go along this far, for all I know.  

 

“In that case, no.”

 

“No?” Makima repeats incredulously.  She’d anticipated resistance, but outright refusal?  

 

Himeno’s nods confidently.  “That’s right.  Making a request means accepting that sometimes the answer is no.”  

She had tried to keep a solemn expression on her face, but honestly how could she not crack a little at the sheer audacity of it? 

If they’re going to kill you, might as well piss them off along the way. 

“Is that a problem?”  

 

This insolent…!  I show up with a gift in hand and embarrass myself asking her —of all people— for help, and she says “no”?!  I really should have just made her-

Makima cuts that line of thought short.  It would defeat the whole point if she tried to fix this the same way she broke it.  

 

It was obviously a test of some kind, but what did she want from her?

Am I supposed to persuade her or roll over and beg?

With a deep breath and untroubled smile, she bows as deeply as her ego allows.  

 

“No.  That’s okay.  Thank you for your time.  Enjoy the drink.”

 

She stands there uncertainly for a moment.  Then, much to both of their surprises, she puts her shoes back on, opens the door, and leaves with no more than a “goodnight”.  

 

She’s really going…

Initially frozen in disbelief, Himeno is spurred to action by the sound of footsteps going downstairs.  She flings open the kitchen drawer in front of her and roots around until she finds a folded note.  Opening it up and flattening it against the counter, she pours over the words.  

 

Makima is the Control Devil - She is able to influence your thought and memories - You do not trust Makima - You and Kishibe helped Kobeni leave Public Safety - Your goal is to do the same for Aki one day

 

Comparing the text to her current memories, everything seemed to line up.  

Not a guarantee, but…

 

She walks around the table to inspect Makima’s offering.  Taking a knife from the block, she cuts open the seal and peels it off in an irregular spiral.  Next, she cranks a corkscrew into the top and pulls it off with a satisfying pop.  It has a smell like cut wood and caramel.  Pouring herself a tiny splash, she gives it a taste as she looks out the window over the balcony.  

 

Sure enough, Makima was down below, walking away.  

She’s… actually serious about this, isn’t she?  

 

After some deliberation (both whether it was a good idea and the quality of the bribe), Himeno takes out a second glass, filling both it and her own halfway.  She then opens the balcony door and sets the drinks on the table outside.  Taking a seat, she watches Makima get further and further away until she could only just barely be in earshot.  

 

Taking a deep breath and cupping her hands over her mouth, she shouts, “Heeey, Ms. Makimaa~!  Come have a drink with me!”  

 

 

Himeno still had her doubts, but among those doubts was not whether Makima was mad.  No amount of polite language and cheery faces could hide the anger that radiated off her like a furnace.  

Maybe I pushed my luck a bit too far…  Might be a good time to start talking before she tries a different approach.  

“Now!  What could little old me to do help?”

 

It was worth noting that Makima indignantly faced the edge of the balcony rather than look at Himeno directly.  She sat cross-legged and downed her glass quite quickly.  Fuming or not, her voice was calm and steady as ever.  

“I want to regain Kobeni’s trust.”

 

So this was about Kobeni, of course.  But that’s less menacing than I thought it’d be.  Not to say you have my full trust either, though I guess it’d be more suspicious if you did…

It was a complicated position to be in.  

“Then, what’s your plan so far?”

 

Setting down her emptied glass, Makima reaches into her coat pocket.  Despite feeling so emboldened by the absurd situation, Himeno, mistaking the motion as reaching for a weapon, jumps in surprise.  Half-expecting Makima to simply shoot her on the spot.  She had tried to play it off, but Makima’s eyes locked on hers with a knowing glint.  

 

“Why, Himeno, how suspicious!”  Makima pulls out an apparently harmless sheet of paper with a sly smile.

“If I intended to kill you, I would have done it right away and spared the both of us all this trouble.”

 

Himeno chooses to take that as a joke, of sorts.  

“So, what is that?”

 

“I’ve drafted a devil contract I want you to look over.  I’m going to offer it to Kobeni.  So far, it would prohibit the use of motor, cognitive, or emotive manipulation except in the case of emergency or explicit request for- “

 

Oh girl, no.  

 

Himeno ruffles her hair in consternation.  On one hand, that could technically work.  And it was shocking that Makima was willing to go so far.  And yet…

“Okay listen, a prenup is like, the least sexy solution possible.”

 

Narrowing her eyes, Makima taps the paper for emphasis.  

“This contract,” drawing out the word pointedly, “is the only way to ascertain that I can’t ever… hurt her again.”  

The sentence trails off without the same fire it had when it began.  

 

“Nobody comes with that guarantee!”  Himeno pours herself another glass as her voice takes on a nagging tone.  

“And you don’t put a muzzle on the dog you trust.”  

 

“Well, what do you suggest then?”  Makima asks flatly, folding the contract back up and stowing it away.  

 

“This might be a foreign concept to you, but have you tried saying how you feel?”  Heartfelt advice sometimes sounds a lot like an altercation.  

 

Rolling her eyes, Makima turned her palms up in a loose approximation of throwing her hands in the air.  

“That’s your solution?  It doesn’t exactly fix the real problem here.”

 

Himeno stands up to pace about the balcony, alcohol intake rapidly increasing.  She makes it to the far opposite side before spinning around, backing her words with the momentum of her approach. 

““The real problem isn’t that you’re capable of freaky mind-control shit (though that would totally be a deal-breaker for me).  It’s that you’d rather do the freaky mind-control shit than have a real conversation with someone!”

 

And heartfelt advice tends to land a lot easier when it’s not shouted.  

“I’m talking now, am I not?  What’s that supposed to change— we talked all the time.” 

 

“And no one ever has any clue what you’re feeling!  You just smile that creepy smile and say what people want to hear!”  

 

Makima drummed her fingers on the table impatiently.  “You think it’d be better if I trounce about shouting my thoughts out like you then?” 

There’s no telling what someone’s going to think if you don’t censor yourself a little. 

 

“It’d be an improvement!  How are you supposed to care about someone if they don’t open up enough to even know who they are?”

 

Himeno takes a few breaths to steady herself, then grins as a better idea comes to mind.   She plants a hand on the table between them.

“So tell me, when I let you walk all the way down to the corner before calling you back, how did you feel?”

 

Between the two of them, the bottle was running low staggeringly fast.  

I don’t care much for her attitude, but I guess I can see in the value in what she’s saying. 

After some soul searching to find the words, Makima settles for a measured, “I was angry.” 

 

Himeno’s posture crumpled in exasperation before reasserting itself.  “Oh, come on, you hated it!  Give me more than that!”  

 

The revision comes almost immediately.  “I was thinking you were… a bitch.  And that I could reduce you to dust from that distance.”  

 

I’m sorry, why was she more bashful about calling me a bitch than about the death threat?  

Himeno makes another mental note to reel it in.  Still not the right person to push too far…

“Hahah… yeah, that was great…  If I were inclined to make you happy, I’d be glad to know what to avoid in the future.  Now what about Little Miss Kobeni?  Tell me how you feel about her.” 

 

A flood of words came to mind all at once, a hopeless attempt to encapsulate everything the woman had become in her life after such a short time.  She’d felt contentment, frustration, worry, fear, safety.  In her absence, nothing seemed to shine like it did before.  No single word could say it all, but the one that won out was, 

“Irreplaceable.” 

Makima sat with the word for a time. 

 

 

Himeno was not drunk enough for this.  

Annoying!!  I’d rather she just tried to kill me— I can’t believe I let myself get wrapped up in this again.  

She answers with a huff, “Should’ve just led with that, seriously.”

 

Makima, for her part, was very much unaware of Himeno’s frustration.  

She had a better idea of what she had to do.  It wasn’t a guarantee, but she couldn’t ever have what she wanted without risk.

 

“I see.”  

She stands abruptly, taking both emptied glasses along the way. 

“You’ve been a great help. And… thank you.”

Not wanting to linger on the awkward atmosphere, Makima heads inside to wash the cups.  

 

In shock, Himeno stays on the balcony, watching her retreat. 

Huh, maybe Kobeni was right she had a side like that after all.  

 

Not one to dwell on goodbyes (for most people), Makima is already putting her shoes on when Himeno comes back inside.

“Oh, okay.  You’re welcome, bye.”  She strings the words together curtly.  

 

“One more thing, now I think about it.”

Makima looks up with a dangerous look in her eyes.  With all the absurdity of this evening, Himeno almost let herself forget how that stare brings the whole room down to a chill.  It seemed to suit her best, somehow.  

“You have a bit of a reputation for being ‘overly friendly’ with your teammates.  But I trust you’ve never forced a kiss on Kobeni.”

 

There’s the devil I know.  

Despite the rampant pushing of luck that had already occurred tonight, Himeno found it in her for one more push. 

 

“Dunno, hard to say when I’m drunk!  Guess you’ll have to ask her yourself!” 

 

Notes:

Because I'm sorry, why is the President of the United States of America on a name basis with Makima and have any idea of her plans? Only logical explanation is her meddling in foreign affairs. And how does Chainsaw Man eating devils to erase them line up with *Spoilers I guess?* the Control Devil just reincarnating as a kid? Why didn't that happen to the WWII devil? Dunno, not my business apparently!

Honestly this chapter had a lot of vague allusion to Makima committing unjust deeds, but I sure write her attending a lot of business meetings, buying people gifts, and playing with her dogs a lot instead. Yes there's been some interpersonal scrapes, but she hasn't really been a global threat this fic. Oh well!

That aside, I'm really enjoying Makima and Himeno just hating each other's guts. Hope they can be ill-tempered friends.

Thank you for your time and have a great day / new year! ^^

Chapter 7: Tether

Notes:

Hello again, welcome to the new year!
The previous chapters were completed during my winter break, but now it's back to work and school for me. This particular story will likely be getting an ending in the next couple of chapters (though I will probs do more with these two for a while), but the point is that I'll be slower!
Thank you all for your patience and your comments-- they make my day much more exciting.

After having met so many new and unusual people in these last months, Kobeni had discovered that, no matter how scary someone might seem at first, there’s often kindness to be found in them.  

A powerful kick slams into her side, like someone had swung at her with a metal bat.  She feels her ribs shift uncomfortably in her chest, and she belatedly curls in on herself to shield that side from further harm.  

This newfound optimism didn’t apply quite as strongly to Kishibe.  

 

Her undershirt really didn’t offer much padding, but presumably that was the point.  Kobeni coughs, gasping out, “H-hey Captain Kish-“

 

A knife thrust barely misses her head and she shrinks down in an inelegant dodge.  

“That’s Master Kishibe.”  

He doesn’t even sound out of breath after half an hour of this.  

 

“Master!”  She corrects herself frantically.  “M-Master Kishibe!  You said this was just training, but that was- that felt kinda real…” 

She’s cut short by a horizontal slash that threatens her midline (way too close!), causing her to spring back.  She lands lightly on the rubber flooring, keeping on the defense.  

 

“This is training.  If it were real, those ribs would be broken.”  

His next swing is aimed at Kobeni’s dominant hand, meant to sever the muscles and tendons used to grip her own knife.  Can’t fight if you can’t hold your weapon.  She snaps her hand away before countering with the coiled tension of a snake bite.  A near miss on both counts. 

 

This facility was owned by Public Safety, who were more than capable of properly lighting the place, but Kishibe had insisted she “wouldn’t always have the luxury of clear vision”.  So it was just dim enough to blur the outline of his imposing form.  

Don’t know if it’d be better if I could see his face clearly or not…

 

“You also said that I- that private devil hunters would be after less d-dangerous targets…” 

She hops over another kick meant to take her legs out from under her.  The landing causes a strand of sweat-drenched hair to fall and cling to her face.  

“Why is this training harder than ever?”  

 

“Two reasons.”  Kishibe begins, raising two fingers with his free hand as he steps back and begins circling.  The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, showing off taut forearms.  

“First.  Himeno feels bad when she hurts her trainees.”  Kishibe must have managed to work through that guilt.  

“Second.  Before, you had a team that was looking out for you.  It was actually that Aki kid who had asked me to do this as a favor, as much as I hate favors.  You know what your buddies in the private sector are going to do if you die out there?”

 

Kobeni’s bare shoulders rise in what may have been a shrug, but it would be hard to tell through her ragged breathing. 

He usually doesn’t actually want my opinion. 

 

“Get a bigger cut of the bounty.”  He twirls the knife around and points in at her in emphasis.  

One can sometimes hear the sounds of other agents training in adjacent rooms, but for now there’s only the low rumble of Kishibe’s dispassionate voice.  

 

Suddenly, he’s on the attack again, closing the distance between them with a speed that belies his size.  In a panic, Kobeni brings her knife forward to intercept, only for that arm to be knocked aside.  

 

“Wait wai wai- ack!”  Kishibe’s weapon finds purchase in her chest with a heavy thump. Had it not been a practice knife, it would have slipped between her ribs effortlessly.  She staggers back, rubbing her “stab wound” with self-pity.  

Still feels an awful lot like getting hit in the chest though… 

 

“Dead again.”  Kishibe puts his back to Kobeni as he returns to his starting position.  He spins around to face her again, standing casually.  

“How about you try fighting back?”

 

Something about his tone irked her.  

You make it sound so simple.

Reluctantly making her way back into a low stance, Kobeni reversed the grip on her knife.  Pulling her attention away from her body’s many complaints, she approaches slowly.  He has a much larger reach, so she’ll have to approach carefully.  

 

“I figured you had the survival instincts to make it on your own,”  He brings his elbow down to block a deceptively weighty punch.  “But then you ran on back to your owner for a heartfelt goodbye and I wasn’t so sure.” 

 

Kobeni feints a thrust before jerking back with a high roundhouse.  It comes close enough for Kishibe to hear the rush of air in its wake.  Falling back, she stammers out, “No, that wasn’t- she didn’t…-“

 

“She didn’t what?  Didn’t mean to doll you up and pull you around by your strings?”  Following her retreat, Kishibe advances, parrying a strike aimed for his leg.  

“It’s great that you had fun playing house, but that devil bit-“

 

The rubber blade catches Kishibe by the cheek with a slash that would have otherwise cut open the other side of his scarred mouth.  There was a violent look in Kobeni’s wide eyes that gave him pause.  An eerie quiet that seemed so out-of-place from such a timid thing.  But, she was over-extended.  Grabbing a fistful of hair, Kishibe wrenches her head down and brings his knee up into her stomach, hard enough to lift her feet off the ground.  With a pained gasp, Kobeni drops her knife and falls to the ground loosely.  

 

Kishibe stands over her as he speaks.  Not out of any sense of triumph, or condescension.  Just carrying on their conversation.  

“You’re emotional.  They’re right that you’ve got talent, but you’re too easily frightened or upset.  And the moment something sets you off, you stop thinking.” 

 

The groan Kobeni makes could be either understanding, denial, or maybe just pain.  She feels like she could throw up, but honestly it’d hurt too much to even bother.  Instead, she settles for crossing her arms over her stomach. 

It was ridiculous to get angry over something like that, but he can’t just-

 

“And don’t think you’re the only one affected by it.  Your little confrontation may have also implicated Himeno.  No telling what Makima is gonna put her through, but that stupid girl was willing to take the risk.”  Stepping over the body on the floor, Kishibe crosses the room to flip the light back on.  

 

I didn’t mean to get Himeno involved, I just…

Fighting off a new wave of nausea, Kobeni rolls over to shield her eyes from the light.  And her face from the captain’s oppressive stare.  

“Do… do you think it’s s-stupid that I… still want to trust her…?”

 

“Incredibly stupid.”

 

Kishibe drags the chair his coat is resting on to the center of the room, making an awful squeaking sound as it bounces off the flooring.  He fishes his flask out of the coat pocket, then settles behind Kobeni, staring ahead rather than at her in particular.  

“I’ve been in love with the same wrong woman for years now.  That’s stupid too.”

 

Kobeni furrows her brow at the sudden self-disclosure. 

Are we bonding now?  Not sure I'm in the mood after that last hit...

Even so, curiosity won out. 

“You couldn’t move on…?”

 

Behind her, the metallic scape of a lid unscrewing and liquid draining.  “I could.  Maybe not so much back then, but now?  I could snuff it out in an instant.”  

Passion alone can’t keep the feeling going for that long. 

 

“Then why haven’t you?  Wouldn’t that be more- um, be easier?”

Vocalizing her body’s protests, Kobeni sits up and faces the man.  He seems distant, as if barely even talking to her.  

 

“Stability.  I’ll keep chasing after her, she’ll  keep shooting me down, I’ll feel like shit.  None of that will ever change, so I can depend on it.”  

What more could you ask for? 

 

That’s pretty depressing-sounding…!  Not sure I really get his point, but it’s best not to interrupt him when he’s lecturing.

Thinking on it now, Kishibe goes off on these grave sort of speeches a lot.  

 

Apparently, the uncertainty showed on her face, because he continues, rolling his sleeves back down and standing to pull on his coat.  “What I mean is, I don’t care what’s best for you.  Just don’t get other people wrapped up in your mess.  And don’t waste my efforts keeping you alive.”  

The last sentence was worded about as severely as possible, but if he wasn’t careful it would have resembled genuine care.  

 

He goes on about ‘never do favors’ a lot, but I’ve never actually seen him turn one down.  

Weakly, Kobeni offers an approximation of a salute.  Her hands trembling and coming back damp just from touching her brow.  “Got it, Ca- Master Kishibe!”  

 

He raises an eyebrow accusingly at the near mis-step but continues nonetheless, “You get a passing grade for today.  Get your act together, because next time we’re using real knives.” 

 

————————————————————————

 

The crowds jostle Kobeni as an unified, irresistible current carrying her off the train.  A great many tired people eager to get home after a long day.  Despite being pushed along at their pace, Kobeni didn’t find herself to be in quite as much of a hurry.  Not to say she wasn’t worn out from this morning’s beatdown and this afternoon’s surprise devil hunt.  

It just seems like the work’s not done even when I do get home.

 

Miyu is sick today.  And though Aki was able to stop by this morning (I really need to get him a gift basket or something), no one else was available to watch the kids, so Koharu had to be left in charge for a few hours.  Private work is profitable but inconsistent— there’s days you wait around for nothing and days you’re after two or three devils.  

And Kishibe’s been helpful but god he stresses me out!

 

She makes her way up the stairs.  The crowds are too big, the roar of their collectives voices too loud.  All so much scarier than they had seemed before.  Kobeni feels her breath hasten.  

Doesn’t help that my parents having been asking to see their kids soon.  

It’s uncertain how much longer she can reasonably refuse, but the thought of letting them go brings up a feeling of being so out-of-control… 

Was all of it always so overwhelming?  

 

“Stability,” huh? 

He’s not much of a role model, but Kishibe might have been onto something there. 

 

Stepping out into the evening sunlight, Kobeni finds the world coated in a gentle orange glow.  It’s hard to really tell in the moment, but the days have steadily gotten longer.  Winter was at last repelled, even if only a temporary reprieve.  And there, eclipsing the sun in all its radiance, stood Makima, as naturally as if she was never gone.  

 

“Hello, Kobeni.  Can I walk you home?” 

 

All the weight that had been bearing down on her seemed so small, suddenly.  The tension in her body and mind relax as if to say, “Oh, it’s going to be okay now.”  It’s so so good to see her for about five seconds.  

 

“Ms. Makima…?!  Why are-“

She approaches quickly at first, but abruptly comes to a stop.  Only then do Kobeni’s thoughts catch up to remind her why Makima was gone in the first place.  

“- how… did you know I’d be here?”  

 

Makima pushes herself off the post on which she was leaning, her hands clasped behind her back.  She was dressed nicely— a light jacket over a slip dress— and even had her hair down.  

“I asked Himeno.”

 

Himeno told her?!  Why would Himeno tell her after all the trouble she went through to get me away?  Is that supposed to mean she has her blessing or something…?  That is… unless-

“You asked Himeno or- like, you… asked Himeno…?”

Kobeni wasn’t quite sure how to intone the distinction between the two.  But her meaning seemed to carry, because Makima nods in understanding.

 

In an inflection that hinted at a surprising frustration, she elaborates, “She charged me an extra bottle of alcohol for the information.”

 

That sounds like Himeno.  Doesn’t sound like Ms. Makima to be giving in to demands though.  

Despite her lingering worries, the mental image makes Kobeni laugh inwardly.  When she speaks again, it’s still shy, but a little friendly too.  

“I didn’t know you two were so close…!”

 

“We are not close.”  Makima insisted with narrowed eyes.  

 

It was a little jarring to be in public and see unconcealed emotion on her face.  Unusual, but not unpleasant.  It’d be stupid to think it changed anything, but-

I really want to give this a chance…

 

 

“So, how are your sisters doing?”

 

The walk home had been a little quiet.  So many things demanding to be said and all of them deftly avoided.  Leaping at the opportunity to fill the awkward void of conversation, Kobeni rattles off, 

“They’re all doing- um, yeah really well!  Koharu got straight A’s this- no uh, last semester, and Mio had a friend come over for the first time the other night.  Miyu’s kept more to herself… b-but she’s been really into her art lately!” 

 

There was more to it than that, in reality.  Koharu has been pushing herself pretty hard.  It’s good that she’s taking school seriously, of course, but she’s trying to take on a lot of responsibility at home too.  Mio’s the same as ever, but her friend’s parents seemed really uncomfortable leaving their kid with just me running the place.  And I don’t know if Miyu has any friends.  

 

But this wasn’t the time to bring all that up.  Wouldn’t want her to…

-to what, worry?  To know things have been a mess ever since we… last spoke?  

 

“I see.  That’s good to hear.”  

Hard to say if any secret was safe from Makima, but for now she accepts that answer with an easy smile.  It wasn’t really the topic that was looming between them anyways.  

“And work?”

 

“The people seem nice, and we’re usually going after lower-level devils, so it’s not quite as scary….”  

Probably shouldn’t mention Master Kishibe’s aggressive teaching style… somehow I think that would go poorly…  

“Oh!”  Kobeni starts suddenly, waving her hands as if to dispel the last thing she said, “not- not that I like it b-better than working with you— it’s just fine!”

 

Makima gives a small chuckle, with a look that could be called fondness.  “I’d hope not.  I bet they don’t even make you breakfast.”  

There’s still a distance between them that wasn’t there before, but there are tiny moments where it seems like they could close it at all once.  

“I have a new hire.  But since you left, things have been rather dull.”  

 

Kobeni smiles back, hers tinged with a little more melancholy.  

When she says stuff like that out of nowhere, you’d never guess what she’s actually capable of.  

Normally they’d be at her apartment by now but, accidentally or no, they had ended up walking far slower than usual.  Stretching the moment to its very limits.

“I was… surprised to see you.  It’s been sort of a long time…”

 

3 weeks, 4 days.  

“It has.  I had a lot to think about.”

 

At the precipice now, there was the anxious, dizzy feeling of teetering over the edge.  Kobeni could practically hear her heartbeat pounding in her head, but she couldn’t tell what it was trying to convey.  Anticipation, apprehension, fear?  

 

“Listen, Kobeni…”

Makima had slowed to a stop and takes Kobeni by the hand.

“I’m so-“

 

Smack!

 

“. . .”

 

In an instant, Kobeni is several stumbling steps away, her chest heaving.  Desperately wishing she could take it back.  She had slapped Makima’s hand away before she could even process what she was doing, and now they can only stare at one another in horrible realization.  

 

Kobeni tears up, practically shrinking to half her height.  

“I’m- I’m sorry!  I didn’t- that’s n-not what I- I didn’t mean to…-“

Makima’s face is too blurry to make out clearly,  but her hand was still outstretched, having not moved even an inch.  

 

“Kobeni, it’s-“ Maybe it was just too late, or maybe it didn’t matter either way.  Regardless, Kobeni was running away before Makima could finish the sentence.  Finally letting her arm fall slack, she watches the fleeing woman disappear around the corner.  

“… She’s scared of me…”

 

It was an absurdly self-evident thing to say.  From the day they met, Kobeni was painfully anxious.  Even at their most comfortable, she was usually a little on-edge.  But in those times, whenever they happened to touch —and Kobeni would always jump a little— it was endearing in a way.  Almost exciting.  So, in that sense, this wasn’t new.  Kobeni was terrified of most anyone, and most anyone with sense was terrified of Makima.  

But it’s never felt so monstrous.  

 

————————————————————————

 

Okay, Beni, deep breaths— deep breaths...  

None of them were quite as deep as she was going for, but eventually the trembling stops and the tears dry enough to put on a good face.  She was late enough as it was to waste even more time crying on the doorstep.  That settled, she unlocks and opens the door.  

“I’m home…”  

Not terribly loud in case Miyu is still asleep. 

 

The apartment was mostly dark, only her bedroom light and a lamp in the living room still on.  The night light in the twins’ room, technically.  Koharu peeks out from her little sisters’ room, evidently having been supervising up until now.  

“Hey, Beni, welcome back.”  

She closes the door to a crack behind her and approaches, close enough to whisper. 

“You’re back pretty late today.”

 

Kobeni places a hand on Koharu’s head, which seems a bit higher up than she’d last checked. 

She’d also recently cut her hair in more of a bob, so it was easier to ruffle into a mess.  

“Hey Haru, thanks for watching the house.  Sorry I’m so late.”

She was smiling, but the crack in her voice gave her away quickly enough.  

 

“Is there someth-“

 

“How’s Miyu doing?  Guess Mio’s already asleep too?”

Sorry, Haru, can’t talk about it right now.  

 

Koharu furrows her brow.  She probably noticed Kobeni intentionally avoiding the question, but has the tact to let it go for now.  

“She’s a bit feverish still, but sleeping soundly now.”  

 

Nodding in some relief, “Okay, that’s alright, thanks…”

But she can’t any further neglect her sisterly duties for the oldest either.  “Have you eaten dinner?  I can make you something.”

 

“We had leftovers from last night, you’re fine.”   

Haru smiles assuredly.  Kobeni is going to feel badly for letting them fend for themselves so much, but after everything today she was just grateful.  

“Also… Dad called again today.”

 

Oh I don’t have it in me to deal with that right now…

Kobeni walks past her sister into their bedroom with no response, removing her jacket hastily and tossing it on the bed.  

 

Koharu follows, closing the door behind her so as to not disturb anyone.  “I know you have a bad relationship, but I don’t know how to explain to the twins that they still can’t see their parents.” 

 

Still no answer.  The shirt comes off to reveal the new bruises she had collected today.  Mostly from training, but the devil she hunted got a good hit in too.  The sight of them hurts Haru’s heart.  

“And you’ve been stretching yourself really thin lately.  Between work and taking care of us, I don’t know if-“

 

Kobeni’s hand slams loudly on the desk as she finally spins around.  “You think I don’t know that?!  That I don’t realize I’m totally out of my depth and- and-….” 

 

Koharu looks petrified.  No one likes being yelled at, but she had always been especially sensitive to it.  As quickly as it came, whatever frustration she felt was replaced with instant remorse.  

A lot of things I’d rather take back today… 

“I’m so sorry, Haru, you didn’t deserve that…   Can I have the room for a minute?”  

 

Her small, balled up fists and teary eyes are a reminder just how young the girl is.  It’s easy to forget when she’s so dependable.  

“Yeah whatever…”  

Despite clearly wanting to slam it shut, Koharu closes the door quietly behind her. 

 

The task of dressing temporarily abandoned, Kobeni falls back on her bed with a long sigh, shielding her eyes in the crook of her elbow.  She’s snapped at Denji like that over something trivial just this week.  

And you were was worried about them being okay around Mom, but you’re starting to sound just like her.  

 

In truth, it would be really helpful if they could go back once in a while.  

Can’t be a great environment if the only adult in the house doesn’t always get home before bedtime… 

And their parents really have been trying their best this last month.  But how is she supposed to know whether it’s truly okay now? 

 

It wasn’t as if each of these stressful things had happened all at once.  Work was always dangerous, kids always needed taking care of.   And it used to be, months ago, that she did always feel like this.  Overwhelmed, incapable. 

But it just seemed like everything was gonna work out somehow, as long as Ms. Makima was around.  

 

And yet there she went: running away, crying.   A mix of frustration and embarrassment escapes her lips as a low grown, and she rolls over to embrace her pillow in consolation.

… I really was happy to see her, despite everything. 

 

But, how am I supposed to know it’s okay now?  

Some of Kishibe’s words from this morning float up from the tangle of her thoughts.  

I know she wouldn’t hurt anybo- well, wouldn’t hurt me on purpose.  But… if I’m wrong to trust her again, it’s not just me who gets hurt.  

 

————————————————————————

 

“Do you realize how expensive these are?”

 

“Do you realize what time it is?”

 

It was, in fact, quite early.  A work day, no less.  Not having a hand free, Makima taps one of the bottles against her coat pocket.  

“I already gave you the morning off.”  

The gesture, then, indicating that pocket contained the signed paperwork.  

 

Hanging her head in resignation, “Fine.  But the big one’s mine.”  Himeno sighs as she takes her pick of this morning’s offering.

These visits haven’t occurred frequently enough to be reasonably called a “routine”, but there was no further exchange of words needed.  Himeno broke out the bottle opener, Makima took a single glass from the cabinet (knowing already that her drinking partner wasn’t going to bother with one), and both find their places on the patio. 

 

“So, what’d you do this time?”  

An inelegant approach, but neither expected any different.  

 

Pouring out a modest first round, Makima takes a slow sip before stating her case.  

Whatever distress she had felt was put aside. With her fingers steepled under her chin, this had more the air of a strategy meeting.  

“Kobeni is scared of me.”

 

Well.  Yeah. 

The gravity of the situation doesn’t seem to come down on Himeno as heavily as anticipated. 

“Always kinda assumed that was, y’know, part of it for you.”  

 

Giving nothing away, Makima continues, “She ran before I could say what I wanted.  The next day, she fled the moment she saw me.”  

 

Pointlessly raising her covered eyebrow, “What, and you just watched?  Awfully passive of you.”  

Not a criticism, just out-of-character.  

 

“It might have been a little traumatic if I had sprinted after her.”

A bit difficult for Himeno to conjure the mental image of Makima in any kind of hurry, much less chasing.  

 

“I’m saying,” Himeno clarified in an already-aggravated tone, “you’re usually more… assertive.”

 

“Last time the words you used were…”  Makima raises her pointer finger to her cheek in a facsimile of deep thought, “Oh, what were they…?  ‘Creepy’ and ‘manipulative’?  Wasn’t respecting her boundaries the big moral you came up with last time?”  

 

This is going to be so frustrating.  

Himeno tilts her head back and inverts the bottle.  The plan for today was not to deal with this attitude first thing.  

Neither was getting drunk this early, but apparently I’ve got all morning to sort that out.

 

Pointing accusingly with the same hand that held her bottle, Himeno starts the strategizing.

“Okay don’t take this and go all psycho control freak, but you may have to be yourself.”

No particular offense seemed to be taken by that.

“if you’re waiting around for Kobeni to have a stroke of bravery nothing’s ever going to happen.  You might need to corner her a bit.”

 

Makima lets her head loll to the side condescendingly.  She usually walks away from these talks with something to think about, but in the moment it’s always such a fight to get her to acknowledge the value of any suggestion. 

“How exactly is that less creepy?  And ‘be myself’ isn’t very inspired.”

 

“Ugh, I don’t know!  When did we decide I was on the expert on this stuff anyways?”  Himeno rests her forehead on the table.  She hasn’t drunk enough for that to be the cause of her headache. 

 

Makima keeps her line of sight level, waiting for Himeno to raise her own gaze back up rather than lower her own.  

“The moment you accepted advance payment.  Unless you’d rather compensate me for that drink, of course.”  

 

From this position, she can see the miniaturized shapes of people starting their mornings.  Off to do things far more productive than day drinking with their psychotic boss.  

We both know you don’t pay me enough for that.

Pushing herself up with exaggerated effort, Himeno does indeed relent and meet Makima’s gaze as expected.  She takes a moment to pick her words more carefully.  

 

“I’d just rather Kobeni actually get the chance to say yes or no.”  

For her sake because she’s kinda been in a bad way.  And for your sake because it seems dangerous for your first attempt at genuine connection to go badly.  

“And I’d rather you stop showing up at any time you please.”  

 

Makima brings her palm to her chest in mock offense.  “And here I thought we were bonding.” 

Her tone gave no clues as to whether she was especially serious.  

 

Himeno stares back incredulously. 

Really wish she’d be more clear when she’s joking… 

 

With a decisive clap, Makima rises from her seat.  

‘Corner her’ it is, then.  I think I can manage that.  

“Alright.  Where is Kobeni now?”  

 

————————————————————————

 

“Kobeni’s coming around the corner, get ready you two!” 

A man’s urgent voice suddenly bursts from the radio, startling both devil hunters to attention.  

 

Sure enough, a small, frantic woman comes scurrying into view, sliding on the white linoleum floors but managing to catch herself on and push off the opposite wall.  Between gasps for breaths she manages to shout,

“Guys!!  Guys it’s not- it’s way b-bigger than we thought!”  

 

The thunder of heavy footsteps and pulverized ceiling tiles heralds the Wolf Devil’s approach before it ever comes into view.  Only a few seconds behind Kobeni, its dark grey snout is the first thing to show— just over head-height and a row of fangs that runs further back than is natural.  Its uncanny smile is only exacerbated by the severed muscles on one side causing the jaw the hang half-slack.  

 

Oversized claws scrape against polished floor, and the devil drifts clear through the wall Kobeni had bounced off of.  The adjacent office wall bursts open in a hail of splintered chairs and desks as it hones back in on her.

 

The moment she clears the doorway into the conference room, Kobeni is yelling “Now!  Now— Do it Now!”  

 

At the cue, the devil hunters flanking the entrance— a brother and sister duo— extend their arms towards one another. 

“Razor!” 

“Now, Razor!”

A sharp metal cord extends from each of their hands, meeting and interlocking in the middle to form a continuous blade.  

 

Only a moment later, the devil howls in agony as the metal slices through the flesh of its forelegs and embeds into the bone.  It was meant to sever the legs completely, but that was a plan made for a smaller quarry.  Instead, the pair of hunters are dragged through a couple rows of theatre seats before they have the wherewithal to disconnect.  

 

 Between the gash on its front legs, various scorch marks, and knife wounds, it was a small wonder the beast wasn’t slowing down.  Bloodied and disoriented, the brother fumbles around for the radio at his collar.  

“That was no good either-,“ interrupted by a pained cough.  “This one’s a bust!”

 

One of the other two hunters curses furiously over the line.  They were already pretty banged up as well.  “Alright, fine, get out of there for now!”

 

For the pair that had fallen off behind the wolf, that was a feasible enough task.  But whether it was because Kobeni had most upset the devil or the universe itself, she was the sole recipient of its ravenous attention.  

“How are we s-supposed to get away, exactly…?”

 

The siblings, limping as they were, shared an uneasy glance.  Really not much they could do at this point except survive.  As quietly as they could, they began to shuffle back.  

 

 “H-hey that’s- where are you going…?”

Kobeni took a few backwards steps towards the front of the room, the wolf snarling as it stalked after her.  

“O-oh you’re- you’re gonna call for help… right…?  I’m not sure I can…-“  

 

Her heart sank as, adverting their eyes, the two reach the entryway and run as quickly as their battered bodies could manage.  

“Wait wait WAIT, n-no you can’t…!”

Not too long ago, Kobeni probably would have broken down right there and gotten eaten up.  That still wasn’t entirely off the table, but she manages to wrestle down her wayward thoughts for now.  

 

Deep breaths, deep breaths...

With a humorless chuckle, “Well, bigger cut for me I guess…”

The devil was clearly losing its patience as it corralled her further back.  No time to waste then. 

 

Taking the initiative, Kobeni broke to the right, jumping over a wild swing of its claw.

First things first, cut the muscles holding the other side of the jaw.

Bracing the handle with both hands, she tears through the corner of its mouth, hand slipping just between the jagged teeth along the through-line.  Doesn’t fix all of her problems, but it’s one less way to get killed.  

 

Its howl of pain is now more a gurgling wail, the creature’s bottom jaw dragging on the ground beneath it.  Undiscouraged, or perhaps just blind with rage, it swipes clean through the front row seats, close enough to sever the tie around Kobeni’s neck.  She didn’t have to wear her old uniform but nothing else seemed right for the occasion.  

 

An eye is next to go, gouged as she anchored herself onto its back by holding on the the knife desperately.  The wolf, however, slams itself against the wall, dislodging its rider in the process.  Kobeni has a second or two of air time before landing hard and rolling the rest of the way.  

 

This also would have been a decent stopping point, once upon a time.  Before she got her own apartment for her sisters, before she really had friends, before Kishibe beat her to an inch of her life.  Before she grew so close to Makima.

It’s actually rather troublesome, the way connections force you to grow.

 

Kobeni brings herself up with the momentum of her last rotation and blinks away the tears that had gathered.  Before, she had sprung off the devil’s shoulder onto its back.  She’d like to repeat the process for the other eye.

But it’s not gonna fall for that again.  Will have to feint high and go low.  

 

Flipping her knife around, she found her target in the exposed back of the wolf’s bloody throat.  Straight up to the brain stem, with any luck.  What she lacked in luck, patience will have to do.  Finally, the wolf was starting to look worse for wear, but it still had one last fight in it.   Crouching low, Kobeni lay perfectly still as it broke out into a run, crushing everything in its path.  Tightening her grip on her bladed lifeline, she waited until the very moment it brought its feet together for a pounce to-

 

 

“Down, boy.”

 

At once, the devil’s legs buckled, its grotesque face skidding across the ground some distance.  Kobeni was halfway into the motion of a dodge before she realized the attack wasn’t coming.  Behind the mass of the devil’s crumpled form was one of the few scarier things Kobeni could imagine.  

 

Wordless, Makima strolled alongside the fallen beast.  Neither wrathful not remorseful, seeming simply to appraise it as she went.  

Reaching the head, and a few paces before Kobeni, she pivots.  

Wrong place, wrong time, wrong girl. 

She then extends her hand out in the shape of a gun.

 

“Bang.”

 

A perfectly circular hole where its thoughts used to be.   Apparently satisfied with the result, she turns back to stare down Kobeni.  

 

Over the course of this time, Kobeni had already scanned the room for an escape.  Unfortunately, between the walls to her back and sides, and the giant wolf to her front, she was feeling quite trapped.  

“Ms. Makim-…”

 

“I noticed this, last we spoke,”  Her voice held a cold, unquestionable authority that it hadn’t seemed to in some time.   

“I am no longer your employer; just ‘Makima’ will do.”

 

Swallowing hard, Kobeni lost track of whatever she was going to say in light of that proclamation.  She had anticipated it to be strange or uncomfortable, but the word stood on its own just fine.

“… Makima…”

 

Much better. 

“Yes, Kobeni?”

 

The next words were a greater struggle, as though she hadn’t fully decided what they were going to be until it was time for them to tumble out.  Whether she was going to push or pull.  That would actually be a fairly accurate assessment.  

“I… I had it handled…”

 

Makima looks the woman over.  Definitely a few scrapes, a little shaky, suit a bit torn up.

Still wearing that oversized jacket that makes her seem so small.

Overall though…

“You did.  But if I didn’t step in to help, a conscientious girl like you wouldn’t feel obligated to hear me out.”

 

Kobeni would accuse her of being funny if she didn’t know Makima was being absolutely sincere.  She would, in fact, feel a little wrong running away at this point.  But even then, 

“I really d-don’t know if I can-“

 

Makima’s footsteps fall heavier than the Wolf Devil’s ever could.  Her approach more predatory.  

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.  Something I have to say before you go.”

In the dim light, her yellow, spiraled eyes seemed to glow, ablaze with conviction.  In the sense of certainty, yes, but also judgement.

 

She doesn’t have very far to go, but Kobeni is nonetheless backing up, stammering incomprehensibly.  

“W-wai- I-I mean- right n-now really isn’t- I don’t-“

 

“Please.”  

 

“. . .”

 

Was that a word Kobeni had ever heard Makima say?  To anyone?  It did little to quell her nerves, but no objection Kobeni could tell herself was going to win out against it.  Instead, she is silent.  Wide eyes, cold sweat, her back hitting the desk behind her.

 

“I thought I could ignore it; keep it hidden.”  

Even with Kobeni’s retreat halted, Makima’s pace forward didn’t slow.

“But you were right.  That was just cowardice.” 

 

With nowhere else to go, Kobeni scoots back, onto the table.  Makima’s hands land on either side of her trembling legs.  

“So I think it’s time to be honest.”

 

Makima’s leaning towards her now, so very close.  Kobeni’s hands are white from gripping the table so hard, and her breath is coming out in small gasps.  But not leaning back as far as she perhaps could.  

 

“What I feel.  What I’m going to do.”  

The words are whispered into her ear, and she can feel Makima’s breath tickling her face.  The warmth of someone’s body— Makima’s, her own, maybe both.   A smell like the sweet desserts she’s so fond of. 

Kobeni’s pretty sure she’s about to combust.  

 

They didn’t touch at all.  Just maddeningly, excruciating close.  Close enough to feel the phantom of a touch.  In the back of her mind, Kobeni wonders if she should have tried to run after all.  Further back still, she wonders why she would ever want to. 

 

“I…”

 

Kobeni squeezes her eyes shut.  Apprehension or anticipation. 

 

 

“… don’t want your sisters in my apartment.”  

 

It wasn’t her commanding voice anymore, just the comfortable tone Konebi had at some point gotten more used to.  

She was still, of course, utterly dumbstruck.

“… what?”

 

Makima quickly lifts her hands from the desk and paces back and forth, arms crossed in deep deliberation.  

“I promised Mio that I’d let her come see my dogs, but you were right: The idea of having children running around touching my things makes me feel sick to my stomach.”

Despite the theatrics, her voice turns a little more gentle.  

“You seemed so happy about it that I didn’t want to disappoint you by breaking that promise.”

 

It was around this time that Kobeni regained the ability to form sentences. “That’s.  That’s what you wanted to say?!  What was with all….” She pops up abruptly, making a series of inarticulate hand motions, 

“…that?!  What does this have to do with anything right now?!”

 

In an act of mercy, Makima stops her pacing and faces Kobeni directly.  Smile warm and gentle.  

“There’s a park three blocks from my apartment.  I’m going to be taking my dogs there this Saturday morning.  It would make me… very happy if you happened to be there.”

 

Oh god there’s more…

Her legs suddenly less stable, Kobeni sits back on the table for support, shaking her head as if to rearrange the words in a way that makes sense.   

“I… this is a lot- I don’t know what to say…”

 

“You don’t have to.  You just show up, or don’t.  The dogs will have fun one way or the other.”  She reassures.  

Looking back to the body of the Wolf Devil (in retrospect, not the most tasteful backdrop), she continues,

 “For now, i suggest you get your bounty before someone else tries to take credit.”

 

The bounty was the last thing on Kobeni’s mind, but something related did arise, 

“Oh right, the hunters I was with!”  

It was her first (and most certainly last) time working with that group but,

Seriously, I can’t believe those jerks just left me like that!  … Still I hope everyone made it out okay.

“Did you see them?”

 

Makima nods casually.  “They’re prostrating themselves outside, waiting to apologize for leaving you.”

A long, bewildered look from Kobeni conveyed some apprehension to that plan.  Makima looks back at the wolf corpse, if only to advert her gaze. 

“I was… angry at them.”

 

Concerned stare persisting, Kobeni picks her words carefully.  “That’s… sweet of you… but being apologized to like that would be kinda mortifying..."

 

Would have rather just be rid of them anyways.  

Nonetheless, Makima concedes the point.

“I see.  I guess I can cut them loose then.”

The brunt of their business concluded, Makima  sets off to do just that.  

 

Wait, she’s just…? 

Struck by the sudden departure, Kobeni stops her with a small voice, “Makima… We have a lot to talk about…”

 

With a quarter turn, Makima looks over her shoulder, “We do.  I hope I run into you Saturday then.”

 

The mention of weekend plans brings a blush to Kobeni’s face.  In all reality, it had likely been there for the last five minutes, but there was too much going on to really say. 

“That was- You did that on purpose, didn’t you…?”

 

“Did what on purpose, Kobeni?”  Innocent as can be. 

Another series of vague hand gestures in response, similar to the ones she produces earlier. 

The consistency indicates there’s a coherent meaning in there somewhere.  

 

“You know!  All the- when you- you acted like you were gonna say… something different…”

The fire behind her words sputtered out quickly enough.  

 

With no effort to hide the wry smile on her face, Makima gives a non-committal shrug. 

Even I can learn a few new tricks.

 

“I don’t know.  Maybe I did have more to say.  Guess you’ll have to find out.”  

 

 

Notes:

This chapter took more time than usual-- not even considering going back to work and all. The little confession anti-climax was originally a couple of separate ideas: "Aw it would be sweet if they compromised to take the kids to the dog park" and "Big grandstand to get Kobeni back" and "Makima finding a happy medium between total transparency and her Controlling nature". And it became a rather comedic combination of the three. Hope that wasn't a terrible decision, but it's like 4 in the morning.
Thanks again, had fun writing it!

Chapter 8: Collision

Notes:

Hello hello~ Welcome back! Kept you waiting a bit longer for this chapter-- it ended up going through a lot of revision along the way.
Somewhat related, I spent more time picking out Kobeni's date outfit than I would ever for myself! I don't know what the implications of that are.

“Beni, hurry up!  You’ve been in there forever!”  

“Come on!  We’re gonna be late to see the doggies!”

 

An ensemble of small hands knocks urgently on the bathroom door.  To their credit, it wasn’t unwarranted.  Kobeni taps her phone with a mutely painted nail; the time 8:50 shines back in admonishment.  

 

“Oh geez- okay yeah we gotta go…!”

 

After the first half-hour, Kobeni gave up on trying out new hairstyles, opting instead for her usual look.  After having been fussed over for so long, however, her hair now didn’t even want to go back in place.  

 Aargh, why’s this happening’s today?  

 

Getting something satisfactory, she steps back to inspect her appearance on last time.  The dark orange skirt fastens just above her waist, while delicate floral patterns are sewn into the shoulders of her white sweater.  Having some spending money left over from the Wolf Devil bounty, she was able to buy herself and her sisters a new set of clothes each.  It felt a little frivolous, but they were so accustomed to hand-me-downs that it was actually pretty exciting.

 

Picking something for the occasion, though, was a bit daunting, so Kobeni outsourced the task.  Despite Power’s abrasive personality, she has a good intuition for fashion.  And upon hearing that she was buying clothes for an “outing” with Makima, Power volunteered to help on the premise, “Denji is gonna be so mad.” 

Wasn’t quite what I was going for, but it was kind of her… I suppose? 

 

But that was plenty staring at oneself in the mirror— too late to change anything now.  With once last glance to verify her eyeliner wasn’t a complete disaster, she turns the doorknob with a loud click (giving the twins a second or two to step away) and flings the door open.  

 

Each have their hands on their hips impatiently.  Standing still-quite-close to the door, they groan, 

“Finally!”

“You’re so slow!” 

 

“Sorry, sorry, I’m ready now!”

They had wanted to wear their new clothes as well, but it seemed a waste to roll around in the grass with them day one— just plain old play clothes for today.  That doesn’t stop Kobeni from taking the time to straighten them out and make sure their hair smells like they washed it.  Mio was a maybe, but that wasn’t a battle for this morning. 

 

“Okay, good enough, let’s get going!” 

Grabbing her car keys, Kobeni starts making her way towards the door.  

“Haru, are you ready?”  

 

Koharu, less inclined as she was to get grass stains on herself, chose to wear her new dress.   She flags Kobeni down as she flies past the kitchen. 

“All se- Hey, wait, don’t forget about the lunchboxes!” 

 

“Oh!  Thanks, I- Right right okay on it- “

Practically skidding to a stop, she spins on her heels and changes course for the fridge.  Inside are the five meticulously made meals they had prepared last night.  Shoving them into the bag on the counter with the drinks and a blanket, Kobeni’s eyes dart around the room to see if they were forgetting anything else.  

 

Deciding that anything left behind, they can go without, she takes the whole assembly and resumes takeoff.  

“Alright, go go go— in the car!”

The twins leading the charge, the four sisters scurry down the two flights of stairs, Koharu remembering to lock the door behind them.  

 

“YEAH!  We’re gonna go see Cream Puff, and Danish, and Eclaire, and- “

“I’m gonna play with Tiramisu!”  

 

If only they spent as much energy on their schoolwork as they did to memorize the dogs’ names.   

But that would be a rather absurd expectation.  

Entrusting the basket to Mio and Miyu, Kobeni ensures their seatbelts are secure before dashing back to her seat and getting on the road.  They were going to be a little late, but it was nonetheless a speedy operation.  

 

“We’re going to be on our best behavior today, okay you two?” 

 

The twins respond with something resembling agreement, but they’re already off in their own world back there.  She considers insisting, but soon drops the issue.  No need to drag them into her whirlwind anyways.  

With a sigh, Kobeni lets her head rest against the seat.  

 

“You’re quite dressed up.”  Koharu comments, the implication clear.  Awfully lavish for a trip to the park.  

 

Kobeni watches the road intently.  “Um.  Yes, I wanted to give m-my new outfit a try, so…”

 

“The outfit you suddenly bought for no particular reason?” 

There wasn’t much to be said in defense to that.  Kobeni could only nod, slight blush rising up her face. 

 

Leaning across the console, with a conspiratorial whisper, “I’ll keep those two busy.  You just enjoy your date.”  

 

There had been a valiant effort all week long to keep that particular word out-of-mind.  

“D-da- it’s not a…!  No one ever said this was a- that that’s what this is…”

It reality it was actually way more complicated than that.  But of all the things it could be, that was one of the more daunting options.  

 

Koharu’s smile had been a little teasing, but it morphs into one of more genuine encouragement.  She extends out to rest her head against her sister’s shoulder. 

“Hey, you’re gonna do great, Beni.  Don’t worry so much.”

 

All that after I shouted at you, too… You’re so quick to forgive.  

It’s a trait that can get someone is trouble at times, but Kobeni would never say it was a bad thing about her.  As much she could manage while driving, she leans her head to bump lightly against Koharu’s.  

“Thanks, Haru…”

 

“There’s the park!  We’re here, we’re here!”

“Oh, where are the doggies?!”

 

As the lookouts reported —bouncing in their seats as they were— the park had come into view before long.  Excellent news for someone running late.  Disquieting news for someone on their way to a date with the devil.  

 

————————————————————————

 

“Danish, it’s your turn now; get in the bath.”

 

Barking in —presumably— response, the black-and-white dog trots into the walk-in tub, sitting dutifully beneath the handheld shower head.  

 

“Good boy.”

Makima ruffles Strudel’s fur with a fresh towel, the dog’s low hum of pleasure almost matching the sound of the nearby space heater.  

“And you’re all done.  Good girl, Strudel.”  

With a nuzzle on the forehead, she’s sent to lie on the electric blanket along with the other five.  

 

Okay, last one.  We should still be good on time.

Testing the temperature of the water with her hand (ideally 38 °C), Makima nods in satisfaction and begins hosing down Danish, much to his delight.  

“You’re going to be all so nice and clean~

And you’re going to look oh so handsome~”

 

After running the water over his face (careful to avoid his eyes), she cups a hand under his chin, suddenly very stern, “And you’re going to be on your very best behavior, do you understand?”

 

She gives Danish’s head a little bounce and a deep, goofy voice, “Yes ma’am, of course, of course~” 

 

“That’s good,” speaking again in mock severity, “First impressions are absolutely crucial.”  

 

Going through the same steps as before and a second bottle of dog shampoo (non-fragrant to avoid irritants), Makima scrubs and rinses him off with meticulous care.  Danish comes out looking a good deal smaller than usual.  Taking yet another clean towel, the final dog is dried and, after shaking himself off, joins the rest to warm up.  

 

For her part, Makima was still dressed in her sleep wear— no hope in coming out unscathed after spending over an hour bathing seven dogs.  Between that, making and eating breakfast, and knocking out a load of laundry, it had been a productive morning.  

 

I imagine Kobeni’s been completely frantic all morning. 

The mental image of her fretting about, rushing to get ready brings a fond smile to Makima’s face.  

That is provided, of course, that she intends to be there at all. 

But that was basically a certainty.  No point nor reason to dwell on that all.  None in the slightest.  

 

Wholly unconcerned, then, Makima proceeds to get changed.  Nothing too extravagant, but she lands on an emerald-green blouse, dark, high-waisted pants, and a grey shawl in case she (or someone else) gets cold.  And with that, everything should be ready.  

 

It should also be about time to leave.  

After a final wholly unconcerned look in the mirror, she returns to the living room to retrieve the leashes.  As she bends down to hook the first one on Eclaire, Makima catches a glance at the clock.  

 

6:50 A.M.

 

Ah.   

 

—————————————————————

 

After managing to occupy herself at home for one hour and 45 minutes, Makima led her pack out the door and to the park, where she found a relatively quiet corner in which to wait.  This portion of the park was enclosed, so she was able to set her dogs free to roam and socialize within boundaries.  

 

From her seat on the bench, she could see families strolling around the park together, hear friends joking amongst themselves, smell the fruity sweet fragrance of plum blossom heralding the coming of spring.  She takes a deep, contented breath as she rests back against the bench.  

 

This is agony.

Makima had been tempted to scope out whether Kobeni was on her way 12 times— twice she made a compromise and commandeered an overhead bird just to make sure she wasn’t already here and they just had missed each other.  

Koneni is typically five to seven minutes late to any engagement, and it’s only 9:02 A.M.  

 

Logically, that should be a relief.  But somehow, knowing that makes the waiting worse.  It makes one wonder how or why anyone tolerates so much ambiguity in life.  

I’m basically leaving everything to chance here— She could have gotten lost.  There could have been an accident and she’s hurt.  There’s nothing to prevent her from not showing up at all and deciding she never wants to see m—

 

“There’s SO many doggies!” 

“Woah~ they’re so BIG!”

 

Mio scarcely has time to slow her sprint before her path is intercepted by Cream Puff and Macaron.  She collides into one with a ferocious hug, and a cacophony of laughter erupts as this strange, noisy newcomer is thoroughly sniffed over by all present.  

Miyu is a bit more cautious, slowing to a stop and meeting the pack from the perimeter.  

 

Koharu is the next to show, having chased after the girls, scolding, “Mio, Miyu, don’t run off!” 

 

And then at last Kobeni comes into view, panting and abundantly in distress as she lugs along a big canvas tote— ostensibly a picnic basket.  She clearly had put a lot of time into getting dressed up, and clearly had run at least part of the way here, judging by the way it was all just a bit disheveled.  

She looks so…

Well, Makima would still prefer knowing ahead of time that she’d be here, but she could see some of the appeal of this: the feeling of pleasant surprises, of being chosen.  

 

Koharu snaps Makima out of her revelry, barking another order at the twins, “Hey you two!  Don’t just play with someone else’s dog without asking— and at least greet Ms. Makima first!”  

A futile effort.  By now, only the tops of their heads could be seen under the dogpile, and their squeals of delight drowned out any communication from the outside.  

 

Makima carefully watches the meeting, somewhat tense.  

They’re basically just yelling in there.  I…  suppose that’s a good sign.  

“They’re perfectly fine,” motioning for Koharu to relax, “They can get to know each other first.”  

 

Koharu straightens awkwardly, “Right, um.  It’s good to see you again, Ms. Makima.”  

She, in usual fashion, offers a polite bow.  It’s a formality that, to her surprise, Makima was becoming less accustomed to in her increasingly casual interactions.  

 

A diligent young lady.  I can see why Kobeni finds her so dependable. 

“Hello, Miss Koharu.  It’s very good to see you as well.”  From her seat, she reciprocates a small bow in turn.  

 

Having caught up and waited for Haru and Makima to exchange greetings, Kobeni approaches the bench meekly,

“Makima, s-sorry we’re late, I was just-  I wanted to- you look-“  She lowers her head in what looked like it might have been a bow, but was actually just defeat, “… Good morning…”

 

Koharu was suddenly less confident that her sister is “going to do great”.  

 

But this was about was Makima was accustomed to, if perhaps a little extra for the special occasion.  She smiles sincerely, 

“Good morning, Kobeni.  Fancy meeting you here.”

Kobeni recovers soon enough, and raises her gaze to hold Makima’s intently.  It’s faint, but she grins at their private joke, of sorts.  

 

Yeah, there’s an atmosphere here.  

“I’m going to make sure they play nice,” Koharu says as she departs with a wave.  No particular attempt to make it look natural.  

 

“Would you like sit with me?”  Makima gestures invitingly to the opposite end of the bench.  She had sat on the far end —rather than the middle, as she typically would— in hope she would have to share the seat with someone.  

 

“Ah um.  Yes…”

She could have sat closer, but there’s no need to crowd anyone.  

 

For a time, the two watch their families play together.  It was a wholly different experience from having introduced Makima to the kids, or Kobeni to the dogs— none of the pressure to get it all just right that they had anticipated.  Miyu got knocked over once or twice, Mio attempted to ride Tiramisu and was curtly informed by Koharu and Tiramisu that it was not an option.  Far from incident-free, but it felt wonderfully candid. 

 

As for the two of them, things were progressing more slowly.  Makima felt the distance between her and Kobeni distinctly— accursed and necessary as it was.  She had intended to allow Kobeni to initiate,

As it would be counterproductive to push too hard too soon.  

 

That was the explanation at least.  But after a long stretch of time without commentary, Makima relented, starting with something safe,

“You look nice today.  That outfit is new.”  

 

Kobeni blushes and resists the sudden urge to tightly grip her skirt, opting to instead self-regulate by bouncing her legs anxiously.  

“O-oh, thank you…  Yes, Power helped me pick it out.  

Her voice shrinks as she continues, “… You- um, you look really pretty too…”  

 

The natural reciprocal response.  Nothing to be pleased over, lies Makima.

After a moment’s consideration, she touches upon the outskirts of what they were actually here to talk about.

“I didn’t know if you were going to show.”

 

The comment struck Kobeni as odd, and she tilts her head questioningly,

“Don’t you have- like, ‘eyes and ears everywhere you go’…?  Or… something?”

Kishibe’s words, in part.  

 

“I thought the possibility you were being watched would just scare you more.” 

 

There have been a lot of “firsts” in Makima’s life, as of late.  Her first friend, her first time having someone stay the night, the first time she ever held someone as they cried.  More difficult was the first time she’d ever been called a coward, or the first time she’d ever truly asked for help.  

 

This was not her first apology.  She used to apologize to the people she killed “for the greater good”.  She apologized again and again on the day the woman who raised her died.  

In the business world as well, one is quick to learn the makings of a good apology.  

Clearly convey that you understand the impact of your actions, and express empathy for the pain they may have felt.  Then, establish how the problem will be rectifi-

 

“I’m sorry I slapped your hand away!”  Kobeni blurts out, a touch louder than it needed to be at this distance.  Emphasizing her point, she gingerly rests her hand on Makima’s. 

I- I didn’t mean to… react like that…”  

 

Staring at their hands in astonishment, Makima curses herself inwardly.

I’m sitting here agonizing over the details and now she feels like she has to apologize.  

With uncharacteristic abandon, Makima brings her other hand around to hold Kobeni’s in place, and locks eyes intently. 

“Why are you the one saying sorry right now?  I should be apologizing for all the ways my actions have hurt you.”

 

Kobeni shies away from the words, unsure quite what to say to that.  Instead, just squeezing Makima’s hand tightly.    

 

Makima understands herself enough to know that, if she were to stop talking now, she’d put up her defenses again— put off saying what needs to be said.  

“I can answer any questions you might have and…”

Himeno’s going to be so disappointed.

“I can make a contract with you.  Prohibiting me from using any form of manipulation on you or your sisters.”  

 

‘A contract’?  But that’s…

Despite her earlier bashfulness, Kobeni’s head is pulled back by the gravity of the declaration.  Freeing her hand, she cups her mouth in consideration.  Every Devil Hunter understands all-too-well what happens to those who violate such a contract.  

“… So, if you ever used your power on us… you’d die.”  

 

And not in a way she could confer onto a random, unfortunate soul.  

Makima, having forced herself over the highest hurdle, details the rest of the agreement dispassionately.  

“Excepting an emergency or explicit request.”  

 

In a sense, it’s exactly the sort of certainty one wants— an absolute guarantee to never be betrayed.  

If anything, it’d be stupid to choose any chance of us being hurt over a zero chance.  

It wasn’t that simple, of course.  Nor was it only question on her mind.

 

There was also,

Why would she be willing to go so far for me?  

Kobeni wasn’t presumptuous, but she was far from dense.  The way their eyes linger, their hearts beat, their hands touch.  She (and near-everyone around her) could probably put a word to what she and Makima felt.  

But Makima- just, exists on a scale so much larger than me.  And I get these glimpses into her mind sometimes, but so often it feels like there are parts of her I just don’t see or understand…

 

Taking a deep, slow breath to give herself time to think, Kobeni begins, 

“You said you’d answer any question…?”

 

“I will.”

 

Nodding solemnly, she asks a question that had been itching at her mind for a month now:  

“Did you really use your terrifying mind control powers to ask me if I enjoy pancakes...?”  

 

Whatever Makima had been bracing herself for, that wasn’t quite it. She hadn’t seemed overly tense, but her shoulders nonetheless settled subtly. 

“… I did.” 

 

A hint of a smile plays across Kobeni’s face, and a ghost of a laugh colors her voice, 

“You know that’s- like, kinda ridiculous, right?  Doesn’t- who on Earth doesn’t like pancakes?”  

 

The shift in mood starts to reach Makima as well, chuckling as she comes to her own defense, 

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” 

 

“The real surprise was how much sugar you put in everything…!”  

She pats her tote bag indicatively before bringing her hands to her hips in false bravado,

“I don’t know how devil nutrition works, but you’re going to eat something healthy today, and that’s an order!” 

 

Makima is the first to break, her somewhat dignified giggles escalating to unrestrained laughter.  Kobeni started slow, the embarrassment from her impromptu performance kicking in.  But soon enough she, too, is doubled over cackling.  They likely attract strange look from passerby’s —and certainly a knowing smirk from Koharu— but at the time it felt like a wholly insular moment.  

 

After stringing together two consecutive, steady breaths, Makima manages her reply,

“Orders are orders; how could I say no?”

 

This is better.  Any more tension and I think I would’ve burst! 

Kobeni steadies herself against the bench and resumes with the same upbeat tone, 

“And- um, as for your contract: can’t you just… make me a promise?”  

 

Makima’s still smiling a little, but her brow furrows in concern.  

“A promise doesn’t protect you from anything; I’m quite adept at breaking them.” 

 

Kobeni turns to watch her sisters orchestrate a game of fetch, made many times more complicated by the sheer number of participants and objects thrown simultaneously.   

“You kept this one.” 

 

That hardly makes me reputable. 

The objection was no doubt clear on her face, because Kobeni is quick on the follow up.

 

“Okay let’s- here, just repeat after me.”  

She raises her palm as if to swear an oath.  Or rather, it was for that exact purpose.  

“I, Makima…”

 

Wait I’m just letting her pick the words?

Despite her internal protest, she mirrors the gesture.  

“… I, Makima.”

 

Kobeni grins again.  It was a rare experience to play the lead.  

“Promise not to use my terrifying mind control powers….” 

 

“Promise not to use motor, cognitive, or emotive manipulation.”  

The aim was to bring some much-needed levity, but Makima was taking this dead serious.  Kobeni frowns in mock offense but goes on undeterred.

 

“Except for when there’s an emergency or something…”  

 

“Excepting emergencies or explicit request.” 

 

The closing line was spoken with all due solemnity.  

 “On the people that care about me…” 

 

“… On the people that care about me.”

Nothing to modify there.  

 

The words hang in the air for a time, a far cry from the shackling weight the contract had imposed on them.  Both now a little embarrassed, they smile sheepishly at one another.

 

Kobeni shrugs, not communicating anything by it in particular.  

“See…?  That was pretty easy, huh…?”

 

Makima folds her hands in her lap, sitting upright warily, as if she expected some sort of disaster that never came.  

“It… was.” 

Actually, it was incredibly easy.  

“Why would you be okay with just that?”

 

This was an easy one too. 

“Because I trust you.”  

 

This was not Makima’s first apology, but it was her first time being forgiven.  

Foolish girl, regaining your trust was supposed to be the hard part of this whole operation.  

“But, that doesn’t- “ 

 

“Beniii!”  Mio’s voice cuts through the atmosphere in one swing, heavy with exertion as she leads Cream Puff to the bench by a stick they both held.  

“We’re hungry, can we eat now?” 

 

There was more to be said, but it’s hard to argue with that.  

————————————————————————

 

“I’m so tired…!”  

Miyu’s voice comes out muffled, as she is presently lying face-down against Macaron’s belly.  It doesn’t especially look as though she can breath in that position.  

 

Kobeni lays out the blanket and distributes everyone’s boxed lunches— Miyu’s being set on the ground for when she rises, Koharu and Mio’s handed to them with a bright smile.  The dogs were accustomed to the automatic feeder doling out a small lunch, so Makima, meanwhile, distributes seven food bowls and seven water dishes (to ensure everything’s portioned fairly).  She rights herself after pouring out water from one of the canisters she brought and turns to find Kobeni holding out a box for her.  

 

“And~ for you…” She gives a nervous laugh— some recall to their joke earlier, some genuine nerves over cooking for Makima.  Even at their gatherings with Division 4, she rarely eats anything while they’re out— seeming to prefer her own cooking.  

Or maybe just hiding that she lives off junk food.  Actually, does she technically even need to eat, or is it just for the enjoyment of it? 

There was something endearing about the idea.  

 

Either way, Makima happily accepts, “Thank you, Kobeni; you didn’t have to do that.”

 

“Ms. Maki!”  Mio interjects, cupping her hand by her mouth like she has a secret.  She stands on her toes in an effort to clear the distance between their heights.  

“I have a question!”

 

Koharu was at a tolerable age but talking with children was still mostly uncharted territory for Makima.  After a moment’s hesitation, she bends down to hear the girl’s inquiry.

“What is it?”

 

“Can I give Eclaire a piece of ham?”

The whispering was to prevent the dogs from overhearing, then. 

 

Makima was typically strict with their diet, but this wouldn’t hurt anything.  Still, 

“No.  The rest will be jealous, and you only have 5.”  

 

Indeed, Mio hadn’t considered the full ramifications of such reckless action.  

“Aww, but I-… okay…”

This didn’t particularly stop her from pouting though, arms and head dropping melodramatically.  

 

That was a perfectly reasonable explanation!  Why did she still get upset?!

“But,” Makima offers quickly, hoping to circumvent a crisis, “I have treats you can give them later.”  

In her urgency, her voice must have raised enough for the dogs to overhear, because the three closest to her perked their heads up at the word “treats”.  

 

“Later, I said.”  Makima scolds, as she sits cross-legged on the blanket amongst half of the pack.  Dutifully, they lay back down in wait.  Looking back to Mio, thankfully, all is right in the world again.  

 

“Your dogs are all so well-trained!”  Koharu marvels, “My friend’s dog is always trying to steal food.”  

For her part, Koharu hadn’t been roughhousing   all that much, but there had been a lot of running back and forth between the twins trying to keep the incident count low.  

 

Makima, naturally, was quite proud of her handiwork, and her very well-behaved pups.  

“But of course.  They were told to be on their best behavior today.”

 

Opening the lunch box, she’s met with a colorful assortment of fruits, cheeses, meats, and crackers, along with sweet egg rolls (the product of Kobeni’s third try, of which she was quite proud), and octopus sausages (because how could she not?).  Selecting a small piece of egg roll, Makima pops it into her mouth, humming appraisingly. 

I definitely prefer mine sweeter, but worth eating.  

Though if she were being honest, she was going to eat and thoroughly enjoy what Kobeni made no matter what it tasted like.  

 

Covering her mouth politely, Makima continues,

“It’s simple enough once you learn their language.” 

 

“Wait you can speak doggy?” 

“I wanna talk to the doggies too!”

Metaphor being lost on the twins, apparently. 

 

Feeling much like she’s walked into another of the girls’ traps, Makima shifts uncomfortably.

“Erm, no that’s not- “

She looks over to Kobeni for aid, only to find that the woman was just beaming at her.  

Oh, there’s definitely no way out now. 

 

Accepting the grim reality of what she must do, Makima turns back to the twins and smiles a big, forced smile. 

“Why, yes, I’ll show you.”

Selecting Kolache from the hapless bystanders, she pulls the dog back into her lap and holds his front paws upright.  

 

In a over-dramatic, dopey voice, “My name is Kolache!  I’m paw-leased to meet you!”  

 

The girls squeal in absolute delight.  Between giggles, they manage, 

“Hi, Kolache~!” and,

“Do more do more!”

 

Seriously, how did it come to this?

“Howl are you two doing today?  I’ve had so much fun; I could play fur-ever!”

Makima wonders if her past self would be humiliated to see her now.  Or relieved.  

 

Well, I’d choose ‘humiliated’ right now, but-

She takes another glance at Kobeni.  Her hand was raised to her cheek —in part to poorly conceal a laugh— as she watched in admiration. 

But if it kept her looking at me like that…

She’d suffer it a hundred times over.

 

And she’d have the chance to get the next two or three times out of the way right now, because the twins weren’t letting up.  As Makima kept them entertained, Koharu leaned over towards Kobeni. 

 

“So, how’s your date going?”

Not trying especially hard to whisper.

 

Kobeni freezes in place before swiveling her head around, hissing back, “Haru, wh- She’s going to hear you…!”

And she did, of course. 

But, as the girl was unmoved by her complaints, Kobeni answers sheepishly, 

“It’s going well…  There’s a lot we have to talk about.”

 

Assessing the situation, Koharu nods thoughtfully.  

“The twins are just about spent, but I’ll buy you a few more minutes.”  

She stands up, stretching exaggeratedly.  If the intention was to act natural, it was a work in progress.  

“Hey, Mio Miyu, wanna see if the dogs will come down the slide with us?” 

 

Their attention is thus snatched away, and Makima set free.  

“YEAH!” 

“Oh oh, I’m going with Danish first!”

 

Will an unsubtle thumbs-up, Koharu leads the charge for the final stretch.  

 

 

“She’s a clever kid.”  Makima says as she repositions herself next to Kobeni.  

 

“Yeah, I’m pretty proud of her… Of all of them, really.”  Hugging her knees as she sits, Kobeni watches fondly as the children lead the dogs up the playground steps with mixed results.  Some are more than willing, while others decide they’re happier on the ground.  

 

“And knowing what I’ve done, you would trust me with them anyways?” 

 

Kobeni’s quiet for a time.  When she does speak, it starts slow and deliberate. 

“I… I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately… This whole month, but especially after your- um, invitation.”  

 

Despite the tension of the moment, Makima takes some satisfaction in knowing that made an impression.  The next words were less gratifying. 

 

“And I felt hurt by what you did.  But when it came to whether I could- or, still wanted to trust you… I realized I already did.”

Kobeni pushes herself up to her knees, hands pressed into her lap.  Her tone emboldened,

“I do trust you…!  But what I need is for you to trust me!”

 

Makima blinked a few times in confusion.  

“Wait that’s ridiculous, I already know you wouldn’t (not couldn’t?) do anything to hurt me.”  

 

Kobeni’s head bobbed in emphasis, “You’re right, I wouldn’t!  And neither would any of us: Himeno, Aki, Arai, Power, Denji… But sometimes you’re so on guard, I don’t know what it is you really want…!”

 

‘What I really want’…  

In a lot of ways, the answer to that question has changed a lot.  In other ways, the answer was the same it’s always been.  

I could still make that perfect world.  A world that’s safe for all of them, where you would have no wo-

 

“There’s no such thing as a life free of bad things…” 

For one bewildering moment, Makima thought she had spoken her thoughts out loud.  A strange coincidence. 

“-I can’t p-promise that I’m always gonna do it right— as in, always live up to your trust…” 

 

By now she is leaning forward on her hands, and Makima finds herself leaning back ever-so-slightly.  A strange warmth makes its way up to her face.  

 

Kobeni’s voice suddenly grows very gentle, a warm smile making its way back to her lips. 

“But I’m really not so scary, you know…”

 

More than you realize.  

Asking for what you want opens yourself up to the possibility of disappointment— of rejection.   For all her life, that simple truth had kept all others a safe distance back.  All except one painfully shy and anxious woman.  If Makima was really going to trust her— if she has any sense, 

“I want to know something.”  

 

Kobeni, only now realizing how far forward she had come, scrambles back to her seat awkwardly.

“Um…  yeah, anything…!” 

 

Resting her elbows on her knees, Makima 

Interlocks her fingers inquisitively, “Did Himeno ever kiss you?”  

 

Of course, nothing possibly could have mentally prepared Kobeni for that question.  

… What?!  What- what, wait why is she- why does she always do this?! 

“Aah, w-why do you ask…?”

 

“Just curious.”

Casual in word, unquestionable in practice.  

 

It’s so hot out, suddenly.  Kobeni adjusts her collar as her face breaks out in a sweat.  

Of all the things she could ask…!

“She um…- y-yeah, once when she was drinking… It was quick and all, b-but- “

With a groan, she buries her head in her hands, putting her hair in disarray,

“But it was my first…!”

 

Makima might kill Himeno.  

Why the Hell would she play coy like that if she actually did it?!  Does she actually have some kind of death wish?  

Himeno, in fact, did not remember said kiss.  

 

But that would have to be addressed later.  Sighing inwardly,

Only one thing to be done then.  

Regardless of whatever expression Makima had made a moment before, she sounds mostly unfazed as she lowers her head around Kobeni’s level.

“Now your hair’s all messed up.”  

 

A trivial distraction.  But given how much work she put into getting ready for her date, it was effective enough.  Kobeni pops up with a gasp, blindly fumbling to run damage control.  

“Oh no, what?  Aww, I spent forever getting it to stay down.”  

Reluctantly, she takes out her hair clips to replace them.

“S-sorry, what were you- “

 

Makima extends an open hand. 

“Here, let me fix it for you.”  

 

They’d gone through this pattern enough for her to know what Makima was doing.  

No point in trying to hold ground against her now… 

That was the most convenient excuse, at least.  The hair clips drop into Makima’s hand.  

 

Scooting forward, Makima sits sideways beside her, outside of her thigh against Kobeni’s knee.  Long, delicate fingers trace her forehead, sending a chill down her back as they methodically sift through her bangs.  Almost as paralyzing was Makima’s intense stare, practically tangible as she focused on the task.  

 

Splitting the bangs in half, Makima draws the left side up behind Kobeni’s ear.  It’s a little ticklish as she does.  She carefully slides the clips in and secures each with a snap.  

The task is done, but her hand lingers.  Faintly making its way down Kobeni’s face as it finally settles, cupping her cheek— feeling its intense warmth. 

 

“Now I think about it, there’s something else I want.”  

Their eyes find each other and hold firm.

 

Kobeni’s shallow, shaking gasp could scarcely be called breathing, 

“Y-yeah?  What’s that…?” 

 

“I want you to kiss me.” 

 

Having exceeded some maximum stress capacity, all rational thought crumbled away.  After stammering out her first few attempts at speech, Kobeni grasped for whatever excuse she could find, 

“K-ki- right n-now?!  But that’s- there’s…- there are people here!  My sisters are- they’re gonna see!” 

 

That’s an easy fix. 

Removing her hand from Kobeni’s scalding face, Makima brings it up to her own mouth as if to shout out.  

“Hello everyone, don’t look this way for thirty seconds, please.”

She hadn’t raised her voice, but there was no question that it had traveled to all present.  Everyone —sisters and dogs included— went about as normal, but all too focused on whatever they were doing to look at the two of them.  

 

Kobeni stared at Makima in disbelief, mouth agape, 

“Did you just-“

 

“It was an emergency.”

Unconcealed mischief danced along her face.  

 

“That’s-! We’re going to have a talk about what counts as-“

 

“Time’s half up.  Best decide quick.”

She taps her wrist indicatively, wearing an all-too-knowing smile.  

 

I can’t believe she’s timing me and being so smug after pulling a stunt like that and why’s it me doing it anyways when she’s the one who-

 

“Nine.  Eight.  Seven.  S- “

 

It’d be called a collision sooner than it’d be called a kiss.  Makima can feel Kobeni’s lips brush against her own as they shape out, ow ow ouch.  Trembling hands had a vice grip on the front of her shirt, as her own holds the back of Kobeni’s head, locking it in place.  

 

At the six second mark, Makima releases her grip.  Neither pull away until several seconds after that.  

 

————————————————————————

 

“What do we say to Ms. Makima?”

 

“Thank you!”

“Thanks, Ms. Makima!”

 

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Makima nods to them both.  

“You’re most certainly welcome.  Thank you for keeping my dogs company.”

 

“Can we play again soon…?”

In rare form, Miyu was the aggressor this time. 

 

Makima looks to Kobeni, raising her eyebrows to ask an obvious question and getting the inevitable answer.  

“I’ll be here next weekend as well.  They’d all be glad to see you.”

 

“Yay~!”  Mio shouts out gleefully.

Miyu, however, wordlessly latches on to Makima in a hug, burying her head against her blouse.  She was purportedly quite won over by the show Makima had put on earlier.  

 

On the contrary, Makima herself was completely rigid.  Wholly unprepared for acclimating herself to hug any new people, much less children.  It wasn’t a strictly unpleasant experience —reluctant as she would be to ever say— just… new.  Awkwardly, she pats the girl’s head in appreciation. 

 

Thankfully, Kobeni comes to the rescue. 

“Okay, okay, we’ve kept her long enough, you all head to the car!”

Waving goodbye enthusiastically, calling out each dog by name, the twins are led away by Koharu— ever the hero today.  

 

Once they had something like privacy, Kobeni holds her hands behind her back, shifting her weight as she spoke, 

“So hey, can I ask you for a favor…?”

 

Makima shrugs easily.

“Anything.  Of course.”

 

“I’m dropping them off at our parents’ house this week… and I’d feel a lot better if you were there too…” 

 

Ah. 

Kobeni didn’t seem to know that they’d met previously.  Much to explain there, but not this second; instead, she simply promises, 

“Then I’ll be there.”  

 

“And then…”  Kobeni continues, looking away shyly, “-I thought maybe after that we could… y’know…”

Nothing specific in mind.  Just anything. 

 

“I’ll keep my schedule open.”

 

Smiling widely, Kobeni gets up on her toes to give Makima a quick kiss.  For a moment, it seems like she’s going to say more, but she settles for a small wave goodbye and a furious blush before spinning around to catch up to her sisters.  

 

Koharu lagged to meet her, now conveniently capable of whispering. 

“You two looked like you had fun.”

 

A million different things pass through Kobeni’s head: utter shock at the casual boldness of that kiss just now, what exactly this meant for her and Makima.  And also,

When exactly did you become so mischievous?    I bet it was Denji or Power’s doing— they’re really such bad influences!

Of all the thoughts on her mind though, the only important one right now was,

“Thank you, Haru.  You were such a big help.”  

 

 

Back at the park, Makima was giving her dogs a rest before making the journey back home.  As she sets out their water bowls, she gives each of them a big hug and touches her forehead to theirs affectionately.  She would kiss them on their heads, but there is a taste on her lips that she wants to keep a while longer.

 

“You all did amazing, thank you.”

 

 

 

Notes:

These last few chapters I went on about how Makima has a sweet tooth, and totally forgot I said that in chapter 2 she thought the drink Kobeni bought her was too sweet. So whatever, gonna change the flavor of that drink later I guess lol
I also braided my hair like hers this week, which was fun.

Also I think this next chapter is it! I'll still write some stuff about these two (probably using this story as prerequisite reading) but at the moment I don't have any specific project in mind. I guess I could take requests or something? I know not if that is something people really do.
Regardless, hope your life's going well, give a friend or loved one a call sometime!
Thanks for reading!

Chapter 9: Growing Pains

Notes:

Hi friends, I am so so very late! To make up for that (or as further punishment, if you'd rather), this chapter ended up so long that now it's two regular-sized chapters split arbitrarily.

Trivial note, but honesty I've written the twins to be more 5-6 range than 8-- they're a bit too kiddish for that I think. I was hesitant to have such a big age gap when there were already so many children, it's ridiculous. So yes, might change them to be 6 or so. At the final chapter.
(Also I think it would have been very cute if people called them MiMi or something).

“It’s none of your concern anyways.  Why are you so curious lately?” 

 

Holding the phone between her head and her shoulder, Makima takes a potted plant in each free hand and transfers them to safety— the kitchen, for the time being.  

 

“You’re the one who made it my business when you showed up every other day with a new crisis!”

It sounded as though Himeno was slamming her hand on the balcony table for emphasis.  

“Then, just as soon as you get to the good stuff, suddenly it’s too personal!”

 

The living room was now secure as it was ever going to be —anything breakable having taken refuge in other rooms— and the rest has been thoroughly wiped down.  The blanket that had sat on the couch for the last month was finally back in the closet.  No especial need for mementos anymore.  

That, and in retrospect it was actually rather embarrassing.  

“We… came to an arrangement.  That’s all you need to know.”

 

Down the hall, the dryer chimes cheerfully.  Makima steps over the sleeping form of Tiramisu on her way to the laundry room as Himeno’s voice complains in her ear,

“Come on, ‘an arrangement’?  Details, girl, details!  What happened to all that gratitude you had for my help?” 

 

Setting the laundry basket before her bed, Makima answers flatly.  “That gratitude is the only reason you haven’t been investigated for workplace harassment after that stunt you pulled on Kobeni.”

 

Very much a dangerous topic still.  Himeno curses her past, drunk self for that slip-up and her past, sober self for unwittingly joking about it.

Clearing her throat, “Yes, ma’am, thank you for your generosity, ma’am.”

 

“‘Ma’am’, you say?  Thank goodness; I thought you’d tragically lost the use of formal language.”  

She, of course, didn’t have to bring her hand to her heart in mock relief, but the motion helped capture the tone she was going for.

 

Her penance paid, Himeno was quick to forgive herself and began, “So anyways, there’s a plan toda- “

 

Cutting in line for Makima’s attention was the oven, buzzing five minutes in advance.  

“Oh, one moment, let me finish here.”  

Slipping the phone into her pocket, Makima folds the last of her clothes before stepping over two dogs on the way to the kitchen.  Once there, she puts her phone on speaker and sets it on the counter.

“Okay, I’m back.  You were saying?”

 

“I was saying,” Himeno resumes with a huff, “Today we’re all gonna meet at-”

 

“Can’t make it.  I have a prior engagement.”  A rush of hot, sweet-smelling air escapes the oven as Makima pulls out a densely packed tray of cream puffs and sets them out to cool.

 

“‘A prior engagement’, she says— you’re ditching to go hang out with Kobeni right now!”

She covers up the intrigue in her voice with an exaggerated note of accusation.  

 

After a moment’s consideration, all pretenses are dropped.  “I already have a reservation at the tonkatsu restaurant near Aki’s apartment.”

With a knife, Makima cuts a slit into the pastries’ flaky crust.  Then, taking the piping bag out of the fridge, she begins filling each puff with homemade cream.

“Kobeni enjoyed their food the last time we went; it’s not typically very busy, so the crowd shouldn’t be too distressing for her; and nearby, there’s a-”

 

Himeno steps in to stem the flood of words before they can overrun the conversation in its entirety.  

“Okay okay, I get it!  It’s all very exciting for you.” 

 

The cream puff Makima is filling ruptures, as she squeezes the bag a bit too tightly.  Doing her best to conceal that reaction, Makima clarifies evenly,  

“I only mean I don’t intend to reschedule just because you asked out of the blue.”

The damaged pastry was a lost cause, so it is put out of its misery in one fell bite.  

 

“Mhm…  Well, okay, I understand.”  

Her tone doesn’t share the same sense of defeat as her words would imply.  It’s all too easy to imagine the smug expression on Himeno’s face as she adds, “You go have fun with your girlfri- “ 

 

*beep*

 

Makima had hung up practically by reflex, nearly made a bigger mess of the pastry cream in her rush.  Ever the very image of self-control, Makima sets the bag on the counter and peeks around the corner into the living room.  From the looks of it, most everyone was sleeping or otherwise occupied.  

 

The coast clear, she leans against the wall before slowly sliding down.  Hitting the floor with a soft thump.  With something of a groan, her head drops into her palms. 

Come on now, what are you doing getting worked up over something trivial like that?  

It wasn’t… inaccurate.  Just new.  

 

She’s read of people’s heart “fluttering”, but that was such a gentle-sounding word to describe the insistent banging in her own chest.  Perhaps it’s exacerbated by the pinch of anxiety mixed in.  

She touches her overheated face, only now finding with her fingers the big smile plastered on.  

I probably look quite foolish right now.  

In this private moment, Makima didn’t necessarily hate the idea.  

 

That peace is shattered as a knock at the door alerts seven very large, very loud dogs to the possibility of intruders.  Immediately, Makima corrects the look on her face and definitely does not almost half-jog to the door.  With a stern look and a wave of the hand, the cacophony of barking is silenced, and the encroaching hoard pushed back a few paces.  

 

“Hi, Ms. Maki!”

“Hello…!” 

 

Two high-pitched voices assail Makima as soon as the door cracks open, as thought they were in too big a hurry to wait any longer.  Once it’s open far enough to see anything, Makima finds the two responsible for the enthusiastic greeting, along with one extra.  To avoid having to manage both parties at once, she steps out in front of the door.  

 

Kobeni is wearing the suit jacket Makima had bought for her birthday— must have come straight here after work. The old tennis shoes weren’t going anywhere, (much to her chagrin), but this was an easier sell, given how many times it had been sewn back together.  

It was honestly a necessity, with her going around in that big, baggy jacket of hers.  Now she finally looks like a proper-…

 

With her arms clasped behind her back, the suit emphasizes Kobeni’s toned form. She smiles shyly, eyes struggling to lock on for very long.  

“Hey, you…!”

 

Well, she looks… good.  

Makima catches her gaze lingering a bit too long.  There might actually be a drawback to this plan.  

Quickly righting herself, “Hello, you three.  You seem to be missing one.” 

 

Kobeni doesn’t seem to have noticed, answering easily, “Haru’s waiting in the car.  We’re a bit behind schedule, so...”  

Koharu likes the dogs and all, but running interference for seven of them —plus the twins— really takes it out of you.  

 

Speaking of which,

“Can we say hello to the doggies now?!” 

Mio bounces in places as she speaks, hands clenched in little balls of energy.  

 

Kobeni tilts her head at Makima, communicating with a wary look,

You can still say ‘no’.  

 

It’ll be fine, Makima thinks to herself, I’m the one who insisted, after all.  

Offering a reassuring (but not wholly convincing) smile, she switches her gaze back to the twins.  Standing at full height, rather than crouching down for them as she’d learned to.  

It’ll only be for just a few minutes. 

She commands, in a tone reserved for the direst indictments, “Mio, Miyu.  Tell me the two rules.”

 

No one indicated it was needed, but the girls had apparently deemed it necessary to salute as they answered,

“Only touch the doggies and the couches!”

“Stay in the living room or the doggy room!”

It would be an impressive display, if they hadn’t looked as though they were about to double over laughing at their own wit any second now.    

 

Makima wasn’t certain if that was, at all, comforting, but she finds herself smiling a little anyways.  Wordlessly, she steps away from the door and holds it open.  With an excited cheer, the girls dart under her arm and directly to the nearest dog.  

 

Kobeni rolls her eyes as they pass,

“Did that really warrant using your scary voice?”  

Even so, she breaks out in a grin as well as she adds, “Though… you usually get more of a reaction out of people than that…!”

Something about the puppet show she gave at the park earlier this week seems to have hurt her intimidation factor.  

 

“Hm,” Makima says thoughtfully, “let me try again then.”

Stepping around to the opposite side of the door (so as to not make their big sister duck under) she brings her arm up in a welcoming gesture,

“Please come in.  I’ve missed you, Kobeni.”

 

 

There was certainly an element of stress in witnessing the controlled chaos that was her living room, 

But for now, they’re minding the rules.  

It was perhaps better not to watch, so Makima instead anchors her attention to Kobeni, 

“I made some snacks.  Would you mind helping me in the kitchen?” 

 

Kobeni, who was watching the kids with a similar worry (if only for Makima’s sake), looks back with a nod, “Y-yeah sure…!” 

As they pass through the living room, she continues,

“We’ll have to be quick though— we’re alre- “

 

As soon as they’re around the corner, Kobeni feels a hand on her shoulder just before she’s pulled up against Makima in a tight hug.  Though caught by surprise, Kobeni returns the embrace without much hesitation.  

I guess we haven’t gotten to see each other much since our date… 

Even in their brief encounters since, Kobeni has found Makima to be surprisingly… tactile.  

It’s very sweet, but…

“You’re still in trouble, you know…”

 

She felt Makima’s weight fall more heavily on her shoulders in a sort of slump.  

“Yes, understood.”  she mutters. 

In truth, Makima didn’t feel especially remorseful over her first encounter with Kobeni’s parents, 

But it’s certainly causing me trouble now.  

 

They linger on the hug for a while longer before Kobeni pulls back, sliding her hands down to hold Makima’s own. 

“I know you meant well, and I don’t actually need their approval, but I’d like to be able to have you and my family over for dinner without anyone scared for their life.” 

 

Makima gives Kobeni’s hands a squeeze before returning to what she was supposed to be doing: getting out clear plastic bags and twist ties to pack up the cream puffs.  

A disingenuous apology is simple to pull off, but,

“I still think it’d be easier if they just forgot it happened.”  

 

Stepping up to the sink, Kobeni washes her hands, extending her arms out awkwardly to prevent her sleeves from getting wet.  

“That really can’t be your- well, how you fix all of your problems…”

Drying off and turning to the pastries (I didn’t realize she’d made so many of them!), she appends,

“And we probably can’t hide that you’re an all-powerful devil forever.”  

 

Taking a handful of the cream puffs, she stuffs a bag with a modest amount before surveying the remainder, running the math, and instead adding an immodest amount.

That and… even if you went about it the wrong way… I don’t want them to forget they need to get it right this time.

 

The sound of laugher rings out from the adjacent room, along with a few ambiguous thuds.  Nothing immediately stuck out as a crisis, but,

Please don’t break anything, you two, or Makima’s not gonna have anyone over ever again.  

 

Being so absorbed in her thoughts, it takes a few seconds for Kobeni to realize Makima had been staring at her.  Simultaneous with her work, in fact, which was a little unsettling.   

“W-what..?”

 

“You said ‘forever’.”  A sly smile blooms, “I didn’t realize you were planning so far ah- “

 

“That’s-!  It’s j-just an expression!”  Kobeni stammers out.  And besides, this was off topic.

“A-anyways!  Just tell me you’ll do your best to- um, be civil…”

 

Makima ties off the last bag —setting it with the the other six on the counter— then returns her attention to Kobeni. 

Well, I can probably manage that much. 

“I’ll do my best to be civil.” 

 

Relief washes over, only to be supplanted by a wave of panic as Kobeni glances at the clock.  

“Alright, thank you, now we’re- um, we really gotta go…!” 

She had said it almost to herself, so she repeats the exclamation to the living room, 

“Girls, we’ve gotta go!”

 

“Aww!”  Is their rebuttal. 

 

Makima collects all but two bags of sweets (hers and Kobeni’s), which can go in the fridge for later.  

As for the rest…

Returning to the living room, she — despite herself— runs a quick survey of the damage.  Presently, Miyu sat on the couch with Cream Puff’s head in her lap while Mio was sprawled on top of Macaron.  

 

Indentations where one stood on top the couch (technically not a rule violation), and the table is about half a meter out-of-place.  

She had mentally prepared herself for up to three infractions, and, to her surprise, neither were actually as distressing as she had anticipated.  

 

The girls say their tragic goodbyes (even if they’re not going to away for terribly long) and make their way to the door with sunken heads.   Their self-pity is soon forgotten, however, as Makima dangles before each of them a bag filled to the brim with sweets.  They look up at her in excited disbelief.    

 

“Woah~! We get to eat the whole thing?!”

“Can we eat them now?!”  

They compromised on, “eat one now, but do it outside.”

 

Even after having a hand in it, Kobeni winces at the sheer volume of unhealthy food. 

That’ll be fun to explain…

But it’s obviously a bribe, and she doesn’t hate Makima would go to the trouble of winning their favor.  

Though honestly, they’re warming up to her just fine already.

 

Officially, the pastries were just a small gift to their parents in a display of good faith.  

But if I’m making them anyways…

She might as well pick Miyu’s favorite dessert.  And if handing a bag of sweets to a six-year-old happens to put an ecstatic smile on their face, then that’s just a fortunate side effect.  

 

————————————————————————

 

Koharu had honestly taken the news of Makima’s identity pretty well.  Now, it was a shock, for sure,

And maybe kinda scary at first… but that was just a little bit!  She always acted a little weird anyways, so actually it made sense! 

Besides, that basically just makes her kinda like Power, doesn’t it?  And Power spends an hour a day watching cat videos— usually with her cat.  Not exactly like the “dangerous monsters” she hears about at school. 

 

She looks to the front seat —where Kobeni and Makima were blithely chatting about something or another— and takes a tiny bite of the cream puff she’d been working on, buttery and rich blending seamlessly with indulgent sweetness.  

Even if she’s a devil, Beni’s been talking about her all the time this week.   

 

Not only that, but Koharu had caught her sister humming to herself, daydreaming, or just smiling at her phone on multiple occasions.  It was kind of a rare sight.  

So, if she makes Kobeni this happy… I guess Ms. Makima can’t be all that bad.  

 

 

It may be too much to tell the twins right now, Kobeni ultimately decided.  Even telling Koharu, mature as she is, felt a little soon,

But there’s a reason it was best she knew.  

 

“… and remember,” Kobeni lectures for the umpteenth time, “if you want to be picked up, you can call me anytime...”  

 Her voice more intent as she adds, 

“And if it’s a big emergency, you call Ms. Makima.” 

 

Speak of the devil, and she will appear.  

 

Mio and Miyu nod along enthusiastically,

“‘Cause if there’s bad guys, Ms. Maki can scare them away!”

“Yeah, or big monsters!” 

The boasts are accompanied by enthusiastic punches into the air.  

 

It’s probably for the best that’s the only thing that comes to mind for an emergency.  

But if Makima were to appear out of nowhere, at least Koharu would understand what’s going on.  Though… there was something a little off about the twins’ plan.  The explanation they were given was just that Makima lives closer, so,

Why do they already have it in their heads she’s the one who’s gonna fight off bad guys…?!  I literally fought a huge devil this morning!  

 

Stewing over her the slight to her pride as an older sister, Kobeni peeks over at Makima.  She seems a little abashed by their overwhelming confidence in her.  

So many new expressions on her face these days… 

 

“Oh, they’re waiting outside for us!”  Koharu announces in surprise.  

Sure enough, their father and mother are sitting on the porch, and stand quickly as the car pulls up.  It seems like it’s been a long time since any of them have seen their parents. 

 

Their father looks about the same, though more…- more present, is perhaps the way to put it  Their mother, already a thin woman, evidently lost weight while she was in the hospital.  Otherwise though, they seem healthy, if visibly anxious. 

 

And they’re about to be really anxious…

Kobeni had mentioned she was bringing someone (no, not a boy, as per their first guess) with her to drop off the girls, but the finer details didn’t seem like an over-the-phone sort of conversation.  The anticipation would probably be even worse and, again, she wasn’t asking for permission.  

 

Coming to a stop in the driveway, Kobeni swivels around to look at everyone, 

“Alright everyone, are we all- Mio!  How is your face such a mess?” 

One would assume there weren’t many opportunities for error when eating a cream puff, but Mio had indeed devised some way to get it all over her face and the front of her shirt. 

Oh, I’m gonna look so irresponsible.

 

Mio furrows her brows in completely earnest contemplation.  It was a fair question.  As she formulates her answer, Miyu, unable to contain her excitement any longer, unbuckles herself and flies out the door, 

“Mommy, Daddy!”

 

Kobeni attempts to flag her down, 

“Ah, Miyu, wait for- Um, Haru, can you go with her?”

She didn’t really have to tell her that though, as Koharu was already halfway out the car, clearly very excited, herself.

Guess she missed them more than she let on…

 

Redirecting her attention to Mio (who was evidentially planning on running up there, mess or no), Kobeni flounders, looking for something she could use to clean her face. 

“Okay, w-wait a- just a sec, Mio, I need t-“

 

A slender hand settles on top of Kobeni’s own, steadying her nerves almost immediately.  Makima tilts her head with an assuring smile, 

“You go too; I’ll get her cleaned up.”  

 

It’d probably be best if I can talk to them a little first anyways.

Nodding, Kobeni opens the car door, “Right, thanks…  Wish me luck then…!”

With that, she steps out to catch up with her sisters.  

 

Miyu, having reached her parents first, stretches her arms out as far as they can go in an attempt to wrap both of them in one big hug.  Koharu patiently regulates herself to nuzzling under her father’s free arm.  

Already in tears, their mother locks Miyu in a deceptively tight embrace,

“Oh, Miyu— Sweetie, I missed you so, so much, you have no idea…!”

 

“Bleh…!  Can’t… breath…!”  Miyu croaks out, very much still able to breathe.  

 

Seeing that Miyu was sufficiently smothered, their father devoted his attention to Koharu, who was openly sobbing at this point.  He’s not much of a cryer, but his eyes are nonetheless red by the time they land on Kobeni.  She stands several steps back, a conflicted expression on her face.  

“Kobeni, it’s… good to see you.” 

 

How strange, hearing that from him…

Almost more disorienting than pleasant.  Kobeni stares back, feeling rather disconnected from her family’s joyful reunion.  But if she’s gonna smooth out the big reveal, she should speak up now.  

“R-right… hey, listen Dad, I- “

 

“Where’d your s-sister run off to,” their mother manages, rubbing her eyes, “is she still…?”

Her question trails off.  Her face comforts in a look of horror.  From her low-to-the-ground position, she blindly fumbles around to get her husband’s attention.  

“Honey…!  Honey, that’s…”

 

Finally getting ahold of and tugging his pant leg, she can only point in the direction of the familiar, red-haired woman.  The horrifying devil who had terrorized them that night, and who now had their little daughter by the hand as the oblivious girl stepped out of the car.  

 

Seeing the situation start to spiral, Kobeni intercepts, 

“Hey, hey yeah, I-I know she’s um- it’s a bit shocking, b-but- “ 

 

Her mother shakes her head vehemently, eyes wide in fear.  

“N-no, Beni, you don’t understand…”  She sputters out, covering Miyu’s ears as she speaks, “That woman— she’s…”

 

Both parents share a helpless look before looking back to Makima.  She was sitting on the floor in front of Mio, fussing over Mio’s face and clothes with a wet wipe.  Her expression seemed a bit annoyed as she chides the girl, but Mio bursts out laughing in response— be it by design or childish flippancy.  

 

Apparently satisfied, Makima gives Mio one final brush-off and a nod before setting her loose.  To everyone’s surprise, however, Mio tackles into her instead, a big grin on her face.  As is her typical response to this situation, Makima freezes up.  Arms raised for a few seconds before she manages to bring them over Mio’s shoulders in an awkward squeeze.  

 

But Mio had places to be, too.  Wrestling free almost immediately, she latches on to Makima’s hand, pulling valiantly.  Her words more discernible as she urges,

“C’mon, c’mon!  You’ve gotta come meet Mom and Dad!” 

Ostensibly pulling Makima up to her feet, Mio walks backwards as she drags Makima up to the porch.  

 

Incredibly uncomfortable for both their parents and Makima.  Kobeni would come to adore the memory at a later, less critical date. 

 

It was no coincidence Makima had doted over Mio in front of her parents.  It conveyed the message she had already won over the children.  

Whether that will be used to garner trust or keep them on their toes— either is fine. 

 

The surprise came with Makima’s realization that it wasn’t all an act.  Mio had already accepted her, with or without the bribery, and she herself felt a sort of… fondness for the girl in turn.  Something about her display of “affection” being somewhat genuine made it feel more vulnerable than empowering.  

 

Mio pulls for a few steps further before breaking off to hug mom, who does a surprisingly good job of putting on a delighted expression to properly welcome her daughter home.  

“Oh, Mio I’m so happy to see you…!”  She takes ahold of the girl’s head —in much the same way she had to her sister— and peppers it with kisses.  Though, subtly, this time she was inspecting for any sign of harm.  

“Is everything okay?”

 

“I’m fine, I’m fine!  Stop~!”  

Squirming uncooperatively against the shower of kisses (but giggling all the same), Mio exclaims, 

“We played with Ms. Maki’s doggies today and they’re still SO big!”  

 

Their mother offers a big, excited smile, 

“That’s great, sweetie…!  How about you take your things inside, and you can tell me all about it.”  

She sends her husband an indicative look. 

 

“You two as well,” he announces, patting Koharu on the shoulder, Miyu on the head. 

“We’ll be right there.”  

 

Koharu glances between the two parties with something of a worried look, but nonetheless goes to help her sisters get their bags out of the car.  She and Kobeni share an anxious sort of smile before the three children disappear into the house. 

 

At that, their mother turns to face Makima, who had come to a stop beside (and quite close to) Kobeni.  With that same, dispassionate smile that still haunted her at times.  She begins shakily,

“S-so, Ms. Makima, we’re… surprised to see you again.”  

 

Oh, they’re so freaking out. 

Kobeni once again intercepts, “Yes- uh, I understand you’ve already… met, but I wanted to try again and properly introduce everyone…”  

She’s met with uncertain looks, but no instant objections. 

I’d psyched myself up so much, but this is still way too nerve-wracking...! 

 

 

“So, um… Mom, Dad, this is Makima…” 

She discreetly wipes the sweat off her palms and reaches out to interlock her fingers with Makima’s.  Both to steady herself and to make the message clear.  Her parents’ eyes widen with myriad emotions.  

“She’s… m-my girlfriend.” 

 

Makima feels herself sway unsteadily.  

I had it in my head that she was mine, but I suppose that necessarily applies both ways…

Her gaze catches the aghast expressions on the faces of Kobeni’s parents just in time to remember she’s supposed to say something, too.

She’s not inclined to bow especially low to these two, but manages a deep nod, 

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”  

 

Her mother fails the first couple of attempts to speak before she asks in disbelief,

“Wait, you know she…”

She looks to Makima who, to her credit, was attempting to look non-threatening.  It’s unclear what’s safe to say in front of her, but in that moment the sheer incredulity wins out over caution, 

“-what she is— what she d-did, and yet you’re dating?!”

 

But that reaction was to be expected.  It would have been more distressing if they were somehow perfectly okay with it.  

“Yes, there’s um- there’s something she wanted to say about that…”

With the hand that already held Makima’s, she raised an elbow to nudge her to action.  

 

The non-threatening facade morphs into a (much more genuine) look of reluctance.  

But, if it’s truly important…

“I apologize for the events of our last meeting.  And I’ll see to it you are recompensed for the damages to your home.”

 

It’s terribly forced, as if each word were a painful extraction.  Were it anyone else, such thinly veiled reluctance would be a grave insult.  Yet in a way, seeing it on the face of this fathomless devil, the display of real “human” emotion was almost mollifying.  

 

After a long silence, her mother clears her throat uncomfortably, “Um, that’s… very kind of you, but-“

 

“But I do not take back anything I told you.”

Makima could tolerate the apology, but the promise wasn’t going to change.  

If you ever hurt them…

 

“Makima!”  Kobeni whirls around to face her incredulously.  

 

They hadn’t agreed on the exact wording.  

Makima turns her head to meet Kobeni’s accusing gaze,

“I wasn’t wrong.”

 

Is now really the time to…-

“Okay, but how exactly was that being civil?!”

Her hands bob in emphasis, one of which was still notably entwined with Makima’s as she scolded. 

 

“No additional threats were made.”  

The words were confidently spoken, (and in truth Kobeni was more so anxious than upset) but it was obvious even to the casual observer that Makima was crumpling under the criticism.  Dropping her gaze and shying away from Kobeni’s words.  

 

“And thank you for that, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re- “

The two of them were so engrossed in the dispute, they had largely forgotten their surroundings.  It wasn’t until another couple exchanges before they are interrupted by the sound of laughter.  

 

They come to a screeching halt, turning their heads to find Kobeni’s father hunched over breathless.  He used to laugh like that all the time.  Their mother, for her part, seemed equally surprised by the reaction.  

After steadying himself, he wheezes out, 

“My word, Beni, you’re not scared of her one bit!”  

 

Kobeni recoils from the accusation, face immediately flushed.  

It’s too weird, seeing him like this— like he was before Mom got sick…

Even so, she shuffles over awkwardly, so her shoulder brushed against Makima.  

“Well, n-no…  Of course not…”

 

“And as for you,”

Despite his apparent mirth, his tone is more somber as he hesitantly redirects his attention to Makima.  Her presence here was unsettling, and she no doubt held some hostility for them, in turn.  It would be a long road towards fixing that.  

“It disturbs a foolish old man to know that someone had to protect his loved ones from him.”

 

Makima is struck by the uncomfortable realization she has had some recent experience with that.  Her grip on Kobeni’s hand tightens.

What a terrible thing to have in common.  

 

“We can’t promise perfect, but…”

He bows as deeply as his aging frame allows.  Her mother, though still looking a bit wary, soon follows suit.

“We ask that you be patient with us.”  

 

————————————————————————

 

“Bye, Beni, see you soon!”

“Bye bye, Ms. Maki!”

 

Kobeni had one arm wrapped around each twin, both of whom were waving at Ms. Makima over their sister’s shoulders.  

“- be sure to brush your teeth every morning and every night and do your homework right after school— before you go play!”

Releasing the hug, she adds gently, “And please call if you need anything…” 

 

Makima and Koharu weren’t really at the hugging stage.  The girl shifted uncomfortably as she stood next to Makima, waiting for the twins to finish their goodbyes.  Kobeni, of course, had done so much to take care of them all, 

But she’s never lived on her own before.  

 

It feels a little silly to worry, but Koharu nonetheless steps out and offers Makima a polite bow, 

“Goodbye, Ms. Makima.  Please take care of Kobeni for us.”

 

Makima didn’t seem particularly surprised by the request. With a bow to match (notably lower than what she offered her parents), 

“Of course.  Thank you for your help, Miss Koharu.”  

 

It was a little awkward for both of them, but fortunately they were just in time for Mio and Miyu to finish up and for Kobeni to grab ahold of Koharu next.  They pull apart after a short moment, and Koharu ushers the twins back towards the house.  

 

Once they’re out of range, Kobeni leans over to whisper,

“Makima, could you drive please?”

She nods easily, accepting the keys without question, and the two of them duck into their opposite seats.  

 

Her family stood on the porch, waving as the car pulls out of the driveway.  Her parents included.  There was a lot left to be said between them (and most of it unpleasant), but it felt best to leave it like this for now.  

 

When the house is out of sight, Kobeni leans back in her chair with a long sigh of relief.  

“That went… better than I thought it would…”

After a pause, she adds pointedly, “despite a few surprises.”

Makima elected to not engage.

 

With a big grin and upbeat tone, she sits up energetically and continues, 

“And it’ll be nice for me to have some alone for a change!  It’ll actually b-be the first time I’ve ever- I’ve never lived alone before…!”  

 

“Are you okay, Kobeni?”

Her voice is painfully gentle. 

 

Kobeni covers up a sniffle with an unconvincing laugh. 

“Yeah yeah I’m okay— I know it’s- they’re gonna be f-fine, I’m just… It’s something stupid…”

 

Keeping her eyes on the road, Makima persists.  Making a simple request, more compelling than any order:

“I want to know anyways.” 

 

In truth, there was a sort of humor to it.  

“It’s just that… they’re- they were so shocked my beautiful girlfriend is a devil, they didn’t even have time to realize I was dating a woman.”  

She puts on a big, brave smile as she chuckles, 

“I d-didn’t think I’d ever be able to tell them that…”

 

The laughter morphs into breathy sobs, the sound of them causing Makima’s heart to sink.  

I didn’t even know she was worried about that.  How frustrating. 

Silently, she reaches an arm out to Kobeni, who grabs on desperately with both hands and wraps herself in a side-long embrace.  Makima can feel tears land on her arm.  

 

They hold this somewhat ungainly position until Makima finds an acceptable place to park the car, after which she adjusts herself to be able to hold Kobeni more fully.   Resting her head against Makima’s collar, Kobeni tries to steady herself.  Breath warm and damp on Makima’s neck.  

 

At a feverish pace she sputters, 

“I-I know this is so- it’s super hypocritical of me to ask this after- just, everything…  And you can t-tell me no if you want to, but… please, please…- “

 

“I’ll keep an eye out for them.  I won’t let anything happen.”  

The certainty in her voice left no place for doubt.  She couldn’t possibly refuse.  

 

How do you always…?

Taking Makima’s hand in both of hers, Kobeni brings it up to her lips in a long, worshipful kiss.   A tingling sensation runs all the way up Makima’s arm and into her chest as she’s held captive.  Having said what she couldn’t with words, Kobeni settles back against Makima, letting the tension gradually leave her body.  

 

For a time, the only sound is Kobeni’s slowing breaths (and perhaps the going-on’s of whoever’s home they parked in front of).  When it seems as though the storm has passed, Makima offers, 

“We can skip the restaurant if you want to.”  

It’s been a lively-enough day for both of us already.  

 

“No, no, I’m okay,” Kobeni insists, still sniffling a little as she pushes herself back upright.  She looks at Makima with earnest.  

“I’ve been looking forward to it…” 

 

I have, too. 

Makima nods in understanding, “As you wish, then.”

With that, she backs out of the strangers’ driveway and gets back on the road.  

“You did make a good point, earlier.”  

 

Checking the mirror to see how red her eyes were, Kobeni cocked her head in question.

“Hm?  What’s that?”

 

“It will be nice to have some alone time.”

 

 

 

Notes:

Intermission! If next chapter's not up yet, you read this way too fast.

Another meandering note: Kobeni's car doesn't have a console. I had written it as having a console twice now, but I really wanted them to be able to hug while in the car and look at that! Everything I want! (Except could you really fit five people in that tiny thing?)

Anyway, thank you, see you in a bit!

Chapter 10: Vulnerable

Notes:

*End intermission*

Okay this one should be a little shorter!

From the sound of it, the tonkatsu restaurant was a bit busier than normal, so not much by way of privacy tonight.  

A pity, Makima acknowledges. 

But I can still work with this. 

 

She offers Kobeni a hand —which is gladly accepted— as she steps out of the car.  Having parked about half-a-block away from the restaurant, they are able to walk this way for a short moment in relative peace.  The smell of food frying in the distance promising reprieve from an emotionally exhausting day.  

 

When they draw near (and with some regret), Kobeni makes to take back her hand, but Makima holds on tighter in response.  Not enough to trap her in place— just enough to insist.  

Eyes darting between Makima and the approaching door, Kobeni urges, 

“H-hey, Makima…?  We should probably um… y’know…”

 

With a grin lying somewhere between encouraging and devious, Makima says evenly, 

“There’s nothing to be ashamed about.” 

Even from their small point of contact, she can feel the nervous energy coursing through Kobeni.  The way she fidgeted with the hand wrapped around her own.  Notably, not pulling away.  

 

As entertaining as that is…

Just before coming to the entryway, Makima brings them to a stop, holding their joined hands up with a loosened grip.  The question is implicit:

Is it too much? 

 

It was a kindness, truly, 

But honestly it might’ve been easier if she just dragged me along…

There was something protective in simply letting these things happen— some plausible deniability.  Taking a deep, purposeful breath, Kobeni squeezes Makima’s hand in place and strides forward with determination.  

 

Makima laughs inwardly; partially in amusement, partially in affection.  Following Kobeni’s lead, she steps into the restaurant, approaches the waiter, and… they stand at the pedestal in silence.  She had assumed Kobeni was taking the initiative, but she looks over to find her adamantly avoiding all eye contact. 

 

“We have a reservation for Makima.”  She tells the waiter, rubbing the back of Kobeni’s hand with her thumb in consolation.  

 

For her part, Kobeni hadn’t even noticed the exchange.  Not presuming for a moment she would have to talk to anyone— holding hands in public was achievement enough for today!  As the waiter leads them to their table, Kobeni (eyes still firmly stuck to the ground) tightens her grip triumphantly, 

You’re right!  I don’t have to be ashamed— it doesn’t matter if people see us! 

 

It’s about that time someone calls out to them.  

 

“Ms. Makima, Kobeni!  I thought you two weren’t going to- “

The young man’s voice, so suddenly booming out in this tiny building, comes to an equally abrupt stop.  The entire room seemed to stir, in fact.  

 

In a slow, creaking motion, both women’s heads turn in the direction of the familiar voice to find Denji frozen mid-wave.  Seated across from him, Power seems torn between staring at the two newcomers in shock or laughing at Denji in his stricken state.  Aki, Himeno, Arai, and even Kishibe —for some god-awful reason— all stopped what they were doing to stare incredulously.  

 

Far too late, Makima and Kobeni swipe their hands back.  

 

Kobeni screams internally,

AAAH!  What?!  What’s everyone doing here?!  Did they see us holding hands?  Oh, they totally saw us— of course they saw us!  We were being so obvious and here I was talking so big and-

 

Drawing upon her last hope, she looks up to Makima, only to find her distinctly red in the face as well.  So, they were well and truly doomed.  

 

One person in the room didn’t seem quite as surprised as she should.

“Look who decided to show up after all!”  Himeno taunts, prancing up and throwing an arm over each of their shoulders.  Makima’s radiating hatred was tangible.  

“Come on, we still have some room in the middle here!”

 

And so, the two prisoners are dragged to the long table (which was, in truth, just a couple of normal-sized tables pushed together), making awkward greetings to everyone as they go down the line.  Arai and Aki are perfectly polite, of course.  Power jostles Denji by the shoulder when they pass, teasing his slack-jawed stare.  

 

Himeno steers Kobeni to a spot between Arai and Kishibe (Oh god, Master Kishibe’s gonna skin me alive for this), while she cozies Makima in next to herself— across from Kobeni.  The waiter is upon them quickly enough to collect their orders (Makima making a point to choose something expensive), and at last, they accept their fate.  Looking up at each other, they share a sheepish, defeated shrug.  

 

It’s not as though we were keeping secret.  

Makima (naturally) is the first to recover, any trace of blush quickly eradicated as she directs her attention to the squad captain.  

“Good evening, Kishibe.  I’m surprised to see you here; this seems like a young crowd for you.”  

They weren’t close, per say, but there really were few people Makima would more hate to be embarrassed in front of.  

 

“I could say the same,” Kishibe answers impassively, preoccupied with maintaining the portable grill lined with pork cutlets at the center of the table.  They hit the hot surface with a hiss, releasing a cloud of savory-smelling steam.  He does, however, look up to mention, 

“But Himeno insisted I didn’t want to miss this.”

 

Is that amusement on his face?!  

A look from Makima could, in fact, kill.  so Himeno’s continued existence as Makima stared her down spoke to incredible self-restraint.  

 

Himeno raises her arms in surrender, but it was undermined by the deeply unrepentant grin on her face.  

“I was going to tell you we’d be here, but you cut me off!  And I wasn’t gonna just cancel the reservation!”  

 

As the two of them start to bicker, Arai beckons Kobeni’s attention with a low wave.  

“So, how’s the private sector treating you?”  

It wasn’t proper to pry into a lady’s romantic life, so he undertakes the Herculean task of ignoring that particular elephant in the room.  

 

“Ah!  Um, pretty well…!”  

Arai would honestly be the easiest to talk to about it, but I’m still glad they’re not hounding us…

 

She and Arai hadn’t done a great job of keeping in touch since Kobeni left Public Safety, but they easily pick up where they left off.  They swap a few stories of their latest jobs— nothing too remarkable, but lately he’s been enthusiastic about teaching the new recruits.  

 

“It’s all been a bit hectic,” Kobeni concludes.  

After having talked for a while, she finally calms down enough to properly look around the room at everybody (except for Kishibe, perhaps).  It was a surprise to run into them like this, for sure, but these were her friends.  

“I really couldn’t have done it without everyone looking after the girls for me…”

 

Aki seemed awfully spaced out, diligently nursing the drink in front of him.  But at the mention of her sisters, he snaps out of it.   

“You took them back to your parents’ house today, correct?  Did that go okay?”

 

The question makes her chest tighten somewhat, and she look over to Makima.  She was still scowling at Himeno —who was going on some tangent about holding grudges— but she must have been paying enough attention to notice Kobeni look her way.  Her expression instantly turning to a small smile, she nods in assurance,

They’re doing just fine. 

 

There’s a strained look on Aki’s face as he notices the exchange, but he self-corrects before Kobeni turns back.  

 

“Yeah, it was a little tough… b-but it seems like it’s gonna work out…!”

 

“I see.  That’s a relief.”  

And despite whatever else he might be feeling at the time, that was the absolute truth.  Taking a bite of his dinner (if only to occupy himself), Aki gives a lopsided smile.  He’s starting to say more when Himeno leans far across the table, abruptly cutting off Makima’s scolding. 

 

“Oo, so you’ve got the whole place to yourself!” 

She tilts her head down and waggles an eyebrow suggestively,

“You two gonna get up to anything- “

 

A loud clatter interrupts her, as Denji stands so abruptly as to hit the table with his knee. Everyone stops to look, and he clears his throat uncomfortably.  

“Oh, sorry, uh… Got a phone call I should take…”

Excusing himself, he quickly steps out the front.  

 

A silence hangs over the table until Power crosses her arms with a huff, leaning back in her chair.  Muttering to one in particular, 

“Idiot doesn’t even have a phone…”

 

Kobeni covers her mouth in consternation.  The cause of the outburst was clear enough. 

Guess he still feels pretty strongly about Makima…  It must have been painful to see us… together.  

She wasn’t sure how serious Aki was about her, but it was hard not to feel a little guilty when they’ve both been so kind.  

Maybe I should…

 

As she pushes herself up to follow Denji, Makima catches her hand against the table.  She was already standing. 

“You just enjoy your dinner.”  

 

Kobeni —along with the rest of the table— can only watch in awe as Makima strolls out the door.

I wouldn’t even know what to say… She’s really been trying her best.

 

—————————————————————-

 

I’m not quite sure what I’m going to say.  

Of Makima’s many talents, empathy was not a standout among them.  And even if her circle of trust was growing at an alarming rate, it hadn’t quite yet encompassed Denji.  Rather, he was a bit of a dunce for her tastes.  

 

His little heartbreak is below any concern of mine.  That’s what I would have said.

What the “Makima” who was always alone would have said.  

But I can’t always be looking down on people anymore— not when there’s someone who needs me to actually be better.  

 

 

Denji is sitting on the curb, facing away as he morosely watches crowds of people walking in the distance.  Too distracted to notice Makima’s footsteps before she steps out in front of him.  

“Ms. Makima!  You…!”

I would have expected Aki to come out here and chew me out, but what are you doing here?

 

He attempts to discretely wipe his eyes to little avail.  Conjuring a new plan then, Denji lets out a big, boisterous laugh.

“You should have seen the look on your face when you came in!  I was laughing so hard I…” 

 

Met with an uncompromising stare, the act soon fizzles out.  Denji decides he’d rather look at his shoes than in Makima’s eyes. 

“… I’ve never seen you make a face like that.  You’re always so unshakeable— like nothing I ever say really seems to reach you.” 

He laughs again, decidedly more bitter, 

“Guess I made myself look pretty dumb, huh?”

 

After careful consideration, Makima sits down on the curb as well.  Not close enough to give anyone the wrong idea, just to be down on his level.  

Where to even begin…?

“Your friend you told me about.  Pochita.  I never told you that we’ve met.”

 

Even under the circumstances, Denji looks up in surprise, “You knew him?  But how?”

There can’t be many opportunities to get to know devils— even in this line of work. 

 

In picking her words, Makima realizes there’s only one thing they’d ever been: 

“We were enemies, of sorts.  Though in truth I had a lot of respect for him.  I even thought…”

She sighs inwardly.  This was a lot of self-disclosure for one sitting.  

“I thought someday he would be able to save me.”

 

On Denji’s part, this was also a lot of information to take in all at once.  There was of course the question of how she and Pochita could have ever been enemies, but what stuck out was,

“What would you even need saving from?” 

That just doesn’t sound like Ms. Makima.  

 

“Doesn’t really matter.”  Makima cuts that line of dialogue short. 

We’re not throwing away all our pride today.  

 

Denji rests his head against his fist in confusion. 

“Then… why are you telling me this?”

 

At the horizon, the sky was just starting to take on a hazy orange hue.  The buzz of conversation coming from the restaurant was starting to die down.  

We’ve already been here longer than I planned.  By now, we would have…

 

That line of thought takes an unexpected direction, as Makima instead considers, 

What would I be doing right now if she had never called out to me? 

Certainly not sitting here trying to console some overly hormonal teenager, for starters. 

 

“The funny thing is, until the day you told me, I never knew his name.  I was so fixated, and yet in truth I didn’t even know the first thing about him.”

She looks back to Denji with a wry smile, 

“Guess I made myself look pretty dumb.”

 

Denji stares incredulously.  How bizarre it was to see Makima trying to relate to him.  Despite the circumstances, the air between them felt much easier to breathe.  

Not sure I really get her point though…

Stretching his arms over his head with a groan, Denji counters, 

“Well, it seems like everything worked out for you anyways.  With my luck, I’m just gonna die a virgin.”

 

Makima raises an eyebrow in deprecation.  Nonetheless, she shifts her body to face him, continuing,

“Since Pochita became your heart, it doesn’t just belong to you anymore.”  

She raps a knuckle against her rips in emphasis.  

“You have to value your heart enough to only give it to someone you trust.”  

 

Says the lady who took it in the first place…

It was painful, having her pay so much attention to him, now she’s…

“Pretty messed up that you’re suddenly being so nice when you’re already in love with someone else.”

 

Makima recoils as if she’d been struck.

In lo- What would this idiot know about that?!  He just throws himself at every woman he sees!

She turns her head away, trying to maintain an air of dignity.  

“You use that word far too carelessly.”

 

Not bothering a moment for discretion, Denji howls in laughter, lying back against the sidewalk.  Now truly laughing hard enough to cry.  Even after Makima glares at him in disbelief, it takes a few shaky breaths before he can steady himself enough to speak. 

“So, I can get a reaction out of you after all!”

He lies on his back for a time, to savor what small victory he could get. 

 

Then, exhaling loudly, Denji pushes himself up off the ground and stands.  It’s unclear if he really got the message he was supposed to, but this was at least cathartic. 

“Well, we best get back before Kobeni gets jealous.  She might actually stab me this time!”

 

Rolling her eyes Makima gets up as well (with only a slightly bruised pride), taking the time to brush herself off.  

He wouldn’t understand the first thing about love.  The nerve to try and tell me who I’m in love with!

A harsh judgment from a novice such as herself. 

But… It’s probably something I should tell her, isn’t it?

 

—————————————————————

  

“HAhaha, ¥2000 says she totally botches it!”

Himeno’s spasms of laughter shake the entire table as she issues her challenge to Kishibe.  The only other person here with a sense of humor is Power, and she blows her entire paycheck the moment she gets it.  

Currently, she and Arai were fervently discussing how they had spent said pay.  

 

“H-Himeno, that’s mean to say…!”  Having just taken a bite of croquette, Kobeni covers her mouth as she protests.

Though I’m… maybe a little worried myself…

Kishibe apparently didn’t like the odds either, because he only responds with a non-committal shrug.  

 

Disappointed, but not surprised, Himeno sits back in her chair.  Arms crossed and drink in-hand.  

“Well of course you would object, but she’s not exactly delicate.” 

 

“I know that, but…” Kobeni shifts uncomfortably, face starting to redden already.

“But when she tries, she can be… really thoughtful…”

 

There is a palpable change in atmosphere as the words are left to hang.  Aki, who had been mostly quiet until now, tilts his head back to take a suspiciously long drink.  

 

“Aww Aki~!  Don’t you go moping too!”  

He nearly chokes when Himeno indelicately leans back against him.  

“You’ve still got me here to console you!”

 

Whether or not there was much consolation in her teasing, the sudden contact at least jolts Aki out of his rumination. Pushing Himeno away with a growl, he denies her accusations.  

“I’m not ‘moping’.  I’m only… surprised by how different Ms. Makima seems.”

 

Himeno takes the shove in stride, this clearly being a fairly typical interaction between them.  She instead targets Kobeni once more.

“I don’t know what you did to her, but you’re all she ever talks about and it’s exhausting!”  

 

Oh, Makima, don’t subject your friends to that…!

This news was of course mortifyingly embarrassing, but there is also comfort in knowing Makima is talking to at least one person.  It felt like a lot to take credit for though.

“I d-don’t know if I did all that much… If anything, I feel like it’s- she’s the one who changed my life…!”

 

Himeno’s eye glazes over.  

Ugh, you two are too much.  This is no fun at all!

“And I changed my mind.  Happy couples are the worst— Aki, come console me!” 

 

As Aki fights to free himself from Himeno’s clutches, Kobeni sighs in relief at no longer being her mark.  It’s at that time, however, the mental barrier she had kept up to avoid looking at Kishibe is immediately shattered when he dryly addresses her. 

 

 “Now that’s awfully generous.  I seem to recall her being the cause of some of your troubles.”

He points the lip of his bottle at her indicatively before turning it towards himself.

“And I thought for sure someone else went to a lot of trouble to fix it.”  

He didn’t sound especially angry about that, but the challenge in his words was clear.

 

Scooting her chair ever-so-slightly away, Kobeni bites her lip in deep thought. 

“Getting to this p-point was definitely… a little bumpy…”

An understatement for sure, yet Kishibe didn’t interrupt.  

“But if I could change anything…- or um, if everything didn’t happen the way it did…  I don’t think I could have ever gotten this lucky again.”

 

“And that’s not just the mind control talking?”

There’s neither acceptance nor denial on Kishibe’s face. 

 

“No, it’s not.”  

She answers with utter confidence.  It’s only when Kishibe motions for her to continue that she realizes she’s going to have to explain her reasoning.

Oh, he’s gonna kill me, he’s gonna kill me…

“It’s not, because… she promised…”

 

Despite Kobeni’s best efforts, saying each word progressively quieter didn’t improve her case.  Braving a peek up at Kishibe, she’s met with a hard stare that pushes her gaze back down to her lap (Was his hand resting on his knife just now?!).  And so, she silently, tremulously awaits her execution as Kishibe —in no apparent hurry— takes a slow, savoring drink.  

 

“You’ve grown.”  He says at last.  

“Before, you would have never said something so idiotic to my face.”

Harsh words, but there was something resembling a smirk on said face.  

 

The tension leaves Kobeni’s body so quickly, it looks as though she might faint right here.  

Oh my god that was horrible…!

 

In a lot of ways, Kobeni felt she was still her old, cowardly self.  Still jumping at shadows and crying at the first sign of danger.  

But could I have moved out, taken my sisters with me?  Told off my parents and then risk trusting them again?   

 

The answer was almost certainly “no”.  Not alone, at least.  So,

“Yeah… I must have…  I really can’t thank everyone enough.  Can’t thank her enough.”

For everything she has done for her, and for the warm, safe feeling in her chest that only burns hotter when Makima comes back into the room.

 

“Denji, you survived!”  Power pops out of her seat with a care-free wave.  

“Be grateful, for I have saved some food for you!”

 

Having indeed survived (and even returning unharmed), Denji hoots enthusiastically.  

“Oh sweet!  Thanks, Pow— Oh what the hell?!”

Rushing over the table, he holds the plate up for an explanation.

“This is just the vegetables!  How’s that ‘saving me some’?”  

 

As Makima trails in behind Denji, Himeno wastes no time before picking a fight. 

“Hey, you bleeding heart!  I’ve been practicing lately— I wanna try our drinking competition again!” 

 

“That does sound fun.”

Smiling sweetly, Makima walks past her seat next to Himeno, coming around the table to stop behind Kobeni.  Hands resting on the back of her chair.  

 

“Unfortunately, Kobeni and I were in the middle of our date when we happened to run into you. So, we’ll be getting back to that now.”

Plenty of good reactions to that one.  

She leans down to Kobeni’s levels, adding more softly, “If that’s okay with you.”

 

Kobeni was glad to see her friends, but this was enough invasive questions for one lifetime.  She stands gingerly and speaks over-loudly.  

“Right um!  Goodnight, everyone…!”  

She makes especially sure to say her goodbye to Kishibe with an exaggerated bow.  

Thanks for worrying about me, Master Kishibe.

 

It was all so sudden, there was scarce little to be said to the contrary.  

 

“On a da-?”

Aki and Arai both try valiantly to maintain their incredulity, but for different reasons. 

“Erm, yes, thank you...” 

“Right.  Have a good night.”

 

“Uh, yeah.  Bye, Ms. Makima.”

“Later, Kobeni!  You owe me for your success!”

Denji was understandably distracted, but Power wasn’t going to let her heroic efforts picking out Kobeni’s outfit go forgotten.  

 

Himeno waves cheerfully to Kobeni, and cheerfully makes an obscene gesture to her partner.  Makima simply grins back,

“Thanks for buying us dinner, Himeno.”

 

———————————————————————-

  

 

There were 30 minutes until the crepe shop closed.  It seemed as though a long, hectic day was going to end on a blissfully quiet note when the bell hanging above the door chimes mercilessly. 

 

Oh god… 

The cashier, who was taking this opportunity to tidy the kitchen, lets the back of her head thump against the wall with a sigh.  

I swear, if it’s a big group or something...

“Be right there!”  she calls, in her practiced customer service voice.  

 

In the front stand a couple: one was a new face, the other was that lady who had come in the last few days, trying several different things on the menu each time.  

Figured she was a food inspector.  I’ve never seen someone eat dessert with such a serious expression.  

 

Their arms are linked as they scan the menu, and the red-haired one is giving her girlfriend casual suggestions.  

Don’t tell me she came here every day just to…

 

A laugh breaks out over the cashier’s face, which she hides by fiddling with something under the counter.  

It’s a little bit much— but seriously, how head-over-heels can you be?  

If she went to so much trouble, might as well make the last batch of the night a good one. 

 

“Okay, we’re r-ready…!”

The girlfriend says, about as timidly as she looks.  

 

Collecting herself with the forceful exhale, the cashier pops back up to take their order.  In the end, the girlfriend went with something plain and simple.  

She probably would have picked that without anyone scoping the place out for her…

But the red-haired lady didn’t seem to mind, choosing something entirety new.

“That’ll be ¥850, please!”

 

As expected, the one who put far too much effort into this operation goes for her wallet.  More surprising was that the girlfriend sprung up to the counter, practically shoving the cash into the cashier’s hand.  

She shrugs indifferently, counting out the change.  

Doesn’t change much in my wo— hey hey, why am I the one getting glared at here?!  

 

“I was planning to do that.”  In a tone that totally contradicted the look she gave the innocent cashier.  

 

“I know,” the girlfriend beams, “but it tastes so much better when someone buys it for you, I promise!”

 

And, judging by the look on her face after the first bite:  so it did.  

 

————————————————————————

 

 

“I’m glad you and Himeno are such good friends now…”

 

From her seat across the table, Makima throws an incredibly doubtful look.  

“That’s not exactly the word either of us would use.” 

She takes one final bite of her dessert (once an immensely chocolate-covered assembly) before neatly folding the wrapper.  

 

It was well past closing time, so they settled for loitering at one of the patio tables outside the shop.  In the dimness of evening, they can see dozens of taillights from cars heading who-knows-where.  These days. Makima finds herself wondering where they’re all going.  

 

But her pondering is sidetracked by a small snort of laughter coming from Kobeni’s side of the table.

“Maybe it’s early to call it that, but it’s- well, you do seem like you’re having fun…!”

 

With an expression of firm denial, Makima stands to throw away her and Kobeni’s trash.  It’s not something she’s given much thought to before, but,

Had I ever considered my life ‘fun’?  

 

She returns to the table, opting now for the chair next to Kobeni.  With weary sigh, Makima slips her arms over Kobeni’s and lets her head hang over the woman’s shoulder.  

She still jumps a little every time I touch her.  That’s certainly fun.  

Nonetheless, 

“Whether or not that’s true, it’s dreadfully tiring.”

 

Well, that’s no surprise,

“You pushed yourself really hard today…  You must be exhausted.”

From this position, there wasn’t much else Kobeni could do but run her fingers down Makima back in slow, oblong circles.  A rare chance to map out the surprisingly shallow muscles, the curve of her spine.  

“Really… why do you always go to so much trouble for just… well, me…?”

 

Because I love you.  

 

But those aren’t words to use frivolously.  Makima sinks further into Kobeni’s shoulder, exhaling deeply.

“Isn’t the fact you’re my girlfriend reason enough?”  

One basically implies the other, anyways.  

 

“But even before that,” Kobeni persists, “you’ve done so much for me that I can’t…”

How could I ever do enough?  Be enough? 

 

They’re quiet for a moment before Makima takes ahold of Kobeni’s shoulders, planting a quick kiss on the side of her head as she gets back up.  It’s a small thing, but enough to leave Kobeni speechless for a time.  

Makima offers her a hand up, and the two start their walk back to the car.  

 

Around the time they make it to the corner, Makima begins speaking without prelude.

“At that dinner party a few months back.”  

“The first time we really spoke.  You had asked me if I was okay.”  

 

Kobeni remembers it of course, though, 

That feels like so long ago.

 

Their hands lightly brush but aren’t held.  The atmosphere felt somehow too reverent for idle affections.  

“A simple question, but no one’s ever done that.  Not without an ulterior motive, at least.  So, I asked you— well, I asked you…”

 

Judging by Kobeni’s frown, not the most tactful thing to bring up.  But there was a point to it, so Makima nods apologetically and carries through.

“I didn’t know what you wanted from me.”

 

Putting aside the previously unmentioned trespass, the question still struck Kobeni as odd.  She tilts her head in scrutiny. 

“What I wanted?  I didn’t- I don’t think I really wanted anything…?”

 

They stop walking, and she looks up in Makima’s eyes —those eyes that always seem to draw everything in and let nothing out— and finds them to be so wholly vulnerable.  

 

“You didn’t; you just thought I looked lonely.   

And I was.”

She clasps her hands behind her back, if only to conceal the intensity of her grip.  Necessary to steady their treacherous shaking.  

“I was alone, and you saved me.”  

 

They hold their gazes for a long time.  Simultaneously lamenting and grateful that their eyes can’t give away everything they want to say.  With a shy smile, Makima breaks off, resuming their stroll.  

Do I say more?  We’re comfortable at this pace now.  But what if I take that extra step forward, and it’s further than she’s willing to go? Would that scare her off for good?

 

So lost in thought, Makima scarcely realizes that Kobeni had run several paces ahead and turned to stop in front of her.  

“That’s- that’s n-not fair!  Because I- now there are so many things I want from you…!” 

Her chest heaved as if she had run for hours.  Bangs clinging to her forehead in much the same way.  

 

“I want to know all about you, and I want you to m-make lot of friends…!  And-and I want you to do that ridiculous voice for the girls again!” 

 

It doesn’t take Makima very long to piece together where this was going.  Her lips tilt up in a big, knowing smile.  It was that, or cry.  

And I refuse to do that.  

Instead, she coaxes, 

“Is that so?  Are you sure there’s not anything else you’d like?”

 

Kobeni’s heartbeat was too loud to focus on much else.  The words tumbled from her lips utterly unsupervised. 

“And… I want you to s-stay with me…”

 

There wasn’t much doubt Makima’s expression was more giddy than cunning, but this was the way she knew best.  

“So forward!  You have to be careful saying stuff like that; I might even get the wrong idea.”

 

“It’s not…”  

Her words are interspersed by sniffles as she scarcely manages,

“It’s not the wrong idea… because I-… I…”

 

Makima watches her tearful confession, savoring every word as it came out.  She had crafted elaborate plans and agonized over details, all to find the way to somehow convey just what it was filling her heart.  And yet for Kobeni, it was as simple as the truth, with a sunken head and choked out through tears.  

 

“I love you!”

 

Honestly, she’s got me beat in every way.  

 

 

Notes:

And yeah that's it! As I'd said before, I'm likely not done with these two. Way way too attached still to drop it entirely. But as one may have noticed from the extremely slow final update, I'm awfully busy lately. So it'll happen eventually, but if there's something specific you want to see, let me know. I have an idea or two somewhere but nothing fancy!

In conclusion, thank you all so much for your time, comments, and just reading along! I've learned a lot from this and have come to enjoy writing way more than I expected.
Hope to run into you again! Have a good day/night/life!

Notes:

Long-term projects aren't my specialty, so I don't know if I have the resolve to update with any sort of consistency. Still, I'd love feedback, or even some sort of notion whether this ship has a chance in the world at making sense.
Thank you, hope life's going well today!