Chapter Text
The evening sun came in from the window behind Denji. The shadow of the grid-like window stretched across his table. He rested one arm on the table, his other propping his head in place as he laid his cheek against it. He let out a small exhale, realizing how long he had been spacing out. Moving his eyes, Denji spotted his other half. She was dressed in the familiar outfit she put on for work. She fiddled with her apron before getting it off herself. He saw a little smile dawn on her face before she turned to face him. Denji couldn’t imagine coming to this cafe without her sparkling eyes and beautiful face here to greet him.
“Look who decided to come and grab me! Sorry to keep you waiting.” Reze’s voice held mirth, she probably wasn’t actually sorry.
Denji rolled his eyes in response, playing it cool. “Yeah, whatever. The place ain’t half bad to sit around in anyways.”
Crossroads hadn’t changed since the first time Denji walked in. At the time, he was so focused on the cute girl who would be serving him that everything else about the place was secondary. Well, that was still mostly true. Yet being here so often caused him to grow fond of the place, even if he wouldn’t admit it outloud.
The owner, who Denji couldn’t bother to remember the name of, spoke up. “The kid’s right, it’s a great place! Although I’d rather if you’d order something instead of loitering around for your girlfriend.” The man was grumbling by the second sentence. Denji knew he was all bark and no bite. The old guy liked Reze too much to kick Denji out.
Reze shook her head and then replied. “We’ll get out of your… balding hair.. C’mon Denji!” She left the cafe laughing as her boss sunk in his stool, unable to respond to the girl’s teasing.
Denji grinned as he stood up. Holding Reze’s hand in his own, the two began walking to their destination.
Reze looked over to Denji as she matched his stride. “You really don’t have to wait for me everyday. I don’t mind walking back alone. You’re plenty busy yourself.”
Denji gave her hand a squeeze. “Nah, I don’t mind. If you can handle your cafe job and school, I can handle school and some hunting.” Denji looked to his side. “It’s not even a hassle, plus the reward for coming here makes it worth it.”
“The reward being me? I didn’t take you for being so smooth Denji.”
He let out a quick laugh. “Saw some guy say it while me and Powie were watching TV.” Denji reached his hand up and scratched his cheek, averting his gaze from Reze to the other side of the street. “Do I get a reward for coming though?”
The girl being questioned was amused. She held her fingers beneath her chin, ‘hmm’ing as she tried to find an answer. “Well… you do this every day, so it’s nothing special…” Denji deflated. “But~ because you asked so nicely, I suppose you’ve earned it.”
Reze grabbed Denji’s face and brought it down to hers. She pressed her lips against his, their walk stopped as they stood on the sidewalk making out. Denji’s eyes widened as Reze slipped her tongue into his mouth, yet quickly reciprocated. His eyes closed as he sank into the feeling. The two teenagers soon disconnected, both faces flushed red. Reze couldn’t keep her smile off her face.
“Was that enough of a reward?” She questioned playfully.
Denji was a bit dazed, hitting himself on the side of his head to focus. “Oh, uh yeah. I was just thinking about the first time we kissed.” Reze froze up. “It was a hard challenge to top your devil tongue kiss, but you may have just done it.”
Reze started laughing loudly, grabbed her gut as she folded over. “D-Denji! You can’t say stuff like that in public!” She scolded the boy, but was laughing as she said it, making her words rather meaningless.
Denji began laughing as he looked at his girlfriend trying to compose herself. “Whaaat. No one is gonna think I’m Chainsaw Man and you’re some ‘Bomb Devil’ from that stupid line.”
“Well, they might think we are from that stupid line.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
“I usually am.”
The two eventually continued their walk. Idle chatter went back and forth between the two. Laughter was shared as if no one else was around them. They soon walked by the telephone box both had sought shelter in on that fateful day. Reze stopped to stare at it, bringing Denji to a halt as his body was pulled back by Reze’s lack of movement.
Denji had an easy smile on his face. “You extra sentimental today or something? We pass by this thing everyday.”
Reze scoffed at him. “You really can be so crude.” Then she let out a giggle. “It’s just funny how much can happen due to chance.” Denji shrugged his shoulders, making Reze decide to elaborate.
“Well, if you never ate that flower, we wouldn’t be where we are right now, right?”
Denji scrunched his face up. “I mean like, yeah, but wouldn’t it be better to say that if we didn’t meet in the phone booth then we wouldn’t be here now?”
The girl across from Denji slightly shook her head, wagging her finger. “Nope! That was definitely planned out by me!” Denji’s jaw dropped at her casual reveal. “But I didn’t plan for you to be such a romantic! That flower made my heart rush, I’m telling you!”
“Wait, wait, wait. You planned that shit?” Denji gaped.
“Oh yeah, I planned that shit.” Reze retorted. “That little flower trick saved your life, Romeo.”
Denji’s minimal faculties force themselves to start working again. He looked at his girlfriend up and down. “Shame I woulda beat you right there, even if you tried to kill me.”
Reze’s eye twitched. “Excuse me?”
“Oh yeah, no contest. I mean, one pull of the ripcord and you woulda been diced before you could pull that pin.” Denji imitated a yawning gesture.
Reze let out a laugh in disbelief. “Wait. You can’t seriously believe you’d beat me.”
The Chainsaw Hybrid responded instantly. “Oh, but I do.”
Reze raised an eyebrow. “You know I went easy on you because I like you, right? And that I was still kicking your ass three on one?”
“Mmmm, I dunno. I got you pretty good. I saw on the TV that one of Chainsaw Man’s accomplishments is beating the evil Bomb Devil. Trust what you see on TV, or some shit like that.”
“Pfft, only loser teenage boys think Chainsaw Man is strong and cool. If you ask any respectable member of society, they know bombs are scarier than chainsaws.”
Denji sputtered. “Hey! On the behalf of all teenage boys I demand you apologize!”
Reze taunted as reply. “Well, I know I’m right, so I guess I can take pity and apologize for saying the hurtful truth.” She winked at him, causing Denji to roll his eyes.
“Thanks.” He answered in monotone, causing Reze to laugh once more.
~~
Aki pushed open the door to the Devil Containment Facility. He held the door open, letting the figure behind him enter as well.
“You don't have to be here, you know.” Aki warned his companion. He didn’t know how fickle the devil he was about to see would be about additional visitors.
Angel gave a dismissive wave. “Well, I wanted to be, so that’s that. Just be happy that I actually want to do something for once.”
Aki let out a sigh. “I appreciate it, just stay outside the room. I don’t know how a devil on devil interaction will go for this.”
Angel let out an easy nod, already planning to take a seat in the hall.
The two walked in silence. Aki noticed that since Makima’s death, the devils being contained were rowdier than ever. Constant banging and scratching at impenetrable doors by the most animalistic ones served to make him frown and Angel wince.
“Are you alright?” Aki questioned his partner. He knew Angel got easily overwhelmed by noises.
“It’s a lot, but I’ll be fine.” Angel replied, ending the conversation.
Aki still felt concern for the devil. “If this place is reminding you of Makima, you don’t have to stay.”
Angel let out a sigh, seeming lifeless despite all the year stored within him. “I’m still not over what Makima did to me, but I’ll be okay. I don’t think I’ll ever move on. I feel all their lives within me. But I’ll hold onto them.”
Aki replied with a nod, but wanted to give his own reply. “It’s okay to move on.”
The devil kept his stride. “I know.”
The conversation was over. Aki was at the cell, one he had been to not long ago. He held no fear, but felt the suspense well up inside of him. He wasn’t the type of man to wait around though, Aki opened the door to a dark room. Staring at him was a singular eye.
“Aki Hayakawa.” The voice spoke from an indiscernible distance. “I’ve been waiting for you. Even though I knew it would take a while, a month of no contact breaks my heart!” The voice was demystified as the fearsome devil began whining.
The man’s gaze stayed straight ahead. The devil’s tree-like body shifted side to side as the darkness receded, bringing the creature into view.
“You better explain yourself now! B-But it’s not like I was worried about you or anything!” The Future Devil held themselves like a shy school girl. Aki felt his annoyance growing but responded.
“I was busy with my personal life. I’m back now to re-instate our contract. Open up your chest.”
The devil began squirming heavily. “S-So forceful, but Aki-kun… I don’t know if I’m ready!” Before Aki could tell the devil to be quiet the devil’s tone shifted. “And I have no desire to make a contract with you.”
Aki’s jaw tightened. “Why? You were eager to make one before.”
The Future Devil chuckled. “The future rules!” They did their stupid dance, forcing Aki to wait for them to stop. They took on a dark voice. “But now it doesn’t. I have no desire to view you further. Feel free to congratulate the chainsaw boy.”
Future’s six ringed eyes glared at Aki. The man looked in shock. “What do you mean, what do you want from Denji?”
The darkness spread once more, until only a glowing eye was visible. “Nothing now.”
Aki stared back at that single eye until it closed. He walked out of the cell, seeing Angel sitting against a wall.
“What is the new contract?” Angel questioned his partner.
“No contract. The devil didn’t want to make one.” Aki looked down to his feet. “This means I really am done with Public Safety.”
Both let that thought linger between them. They knew how little life Aki had left. It would be nigh-impossible to get a good contract when so little could be offered.
Aki breathed out. “I have more time on my hands at least. Watching Denji and Power is already a full-time job.”
Human and devil began their walk away from the cell. Aki felt the need to remind Angel of the upcoming event. “Don’t forget we’re going to Higashiyama’s tonight. I have to go home to pick up Power, but I’ll sign you out and pick you up as well.”
Angel gave a thumbs up.
~~
All was peaceful in the Higashiyama apartment. Well, that would be ideal. It actually wasn’t too peaceful. This being on account of the woman nearly brought to tears by stress. Kobeni grabbed her head while trying to keep the tears from flowing out. Galgali hunched next to her with his hands facing out, ready to intervene if needed.
“Kobeni, I’m sure everyone is gonna love what we’ve made, no need to panic!” Galgali reassured.
The short woman attempted to calm down. “B-But I burnt the rice, a-and the meat won’t be done for a while, and-” She was cut off by Galgali’s arms wrapping around her.
“Everyone appreciates you having them over. I’ll start fixing what I can, okay? I’m sure Denji will eat the burnt rice!”
Kobeni took deep breaths. “Alright, thanks Galgali.” She sent a smile to the Violence Fiend. Galgali clutched his chest as his heart throbbed before getting to work. Kobeni soon followed, joining Galgali by his side. The two had a well-practiced routine by this point. Time flew as the two worked in unison. Violence reassured Kobeni whenever she made a mistake, always getting a smile in return that fueled the devil.
As the cooking process had begun to draw to a close, the doorbell had been rung. Kobeni startled up from her relaxed posture before realizing who it likely was. She breathed out and spoke. “I’ll go get the door you can finish up, okay?”
Galgali’s masked head nodded, and with a small wave Kobeni opened her door to see Denji and Reze, a few minutes early. Kobeni greeted the two.
“A-Ah please come in! I’m surprised you two are here before Aki… is Power holding him up?” Kobeni thought aloud.
Denji let out a laugh. “Hah! It’s nice not having to drag Power into the car!” Denji looked around, seeing Galgali in the kitchen. “Woah, I forgot you two live together now. Hey, does that mean you two are fu-”
Reze slapped Denji in the back of the head. Hard. To the point he fell over onto all fours. “Denji! Don’t talk about them like that, they’re pure and innocent!.” She chastised. Then let out an awkward cough as she realized who he was in front of. “Err, thanks for having us Kobeni!” She smiled innocently.
Kobeni just stared.
The silence was broken as a small figure ran through the hall, jumping onto the prone Denji who could only cry out as she smacked his scalp. “Denji! Doggy! Where are the doggies?”
Nayuta demanded to see the seven huskies kept in the Hayakawa apartment, doing so by attacking the Chainsaw Hybrid. Reze smiled and lifted Nayuta over to her.
“Hey, I’m here too Nayuta! The doggies are at home, but you can come over again and see them soon if you don’t hit Denji anymore!” Reze promised the little girl before putting her down.
“Nya- Nayuta, we can’t hit people! L-Let’s help out Galglai in the kitchen, okay? Denji and Reze, feel free to sit anywhere.” Kobeni gave a polite smile before dragging Nayuta away from the two teenagers.
“Bye-bye Reze and Dog Man.” Nayuta said as she was pulled away.
Reze looked down at a groaning Denji. “Aww are you okay Denji?” The girl questioned.
Denji cried out. “No… I think you’re right about beating me in a fight. Ouch.” Denji stood up, rubbing the back of his head.
Reze winced. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.” She bit her wrist, raising it to drop blood into Denji’s mouth. Denji coughed on it before swallowing, the mark on his scalp fading away.
“Nah you’re all good, I was teasing Kobeni too hard.” Denji looked down the hall over to Nayuta’s room. “Kinda crazy the two are raising Nayuta. I mean, someone’s gotta do it I guess.”
Reze nodded. “Better them than the government,” her expression temporarily turned dark before she fixed it. “And Kishibe got it to count as bodyguard duty, meaning they get paid for it.”
The two went to sit at the table, descending into mindless chatter while waiting for the three residents of the apartment to finish the cooking in the kitchen.
“Denji, you know how to cook right? Aki’s been teaching you.” Reze questioned.
Denji nodded. “Uh, yeah. I ain’t the best at it but I’m working on it.”
“We should probably help them out then, I feel bad just sitting around.”
“Whuh- I thought they invited us?” Denji questioned.
Reze rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but they're our friends, we should help out. Especially since they’re already hosting the dinner.”
Denji let out a sigh. “Fine, I guess you’re right.”
The two went into the kitchen, seeing Nayuta trying to balance herself on a stool as she stirred a bowl. Denji and Reze shared a smile before going to help the girl.
Kobeni looked over at the three working together and let out a relieved breath. She was hoping Nayuta staying with her was the right choice for the girl. She couldn’t believe she was tasked with raising the new Control Devil. It didn’t feel wrong though, it reminded her of the times she would take care of her younger siblings while her parents were busy. Which was a lot.
As the food was placed onto the table and the plates were set, the doorbell rang once more. Kobeni opened the door and greeted the party of Aki, Angel, and Power.
“This place, the foul stench, the little Makima has made her base of operation here, I know it! I shall go and fight her for the territory…” Power’s voice dropped. “No matter what happens to me.”
Power got into a crouch and dived across the floor. She continued to roll until she reached Nayuta. Surprising the little girl, Power tackled into her and began wrestling. Nayuta yelled as the two began rolling across the floor. Denji watched the scene with amusement. He was grateful Power was dialing back her strength.
“Thank you for having us Higashiyama, we appreciate it greatly.” Aki thanked the small woman who waved it off.
“No, it’s a pleasure! U-Uhm… just make sure Power doesn’t break anything.”
Aki easily agreed to the terms, calling Power over as everyone took a seat. Denji and Reze sat next to each other with Nayuta to their right. Kobeni and Galgali were at Nayuta's side with Kobeni at the head of the table. Across from Denji and Reze was Aki and Angel, with Power at the side opposite from Kobeni.
“This food is peasant’s food! Topknot, I demand you get me some meat to eat!” Power roared. Denji kicked his buddy in the shin, causing her to cry out.
“Power, stop complaining. Denji, don’t aggravate her.” Aki commanded. Denji let out a sigh as Reze gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.
Galgali spoke next. “The Hayakawas are so cute, aren’t they Kobeni?”
Kobeni let out a little laugh. “I’d say so, yeah.”
Pink dusted Aki’s cheeks as he stayed silent. Denji coughed into his fist. Power erupted. “If we are the Hayakawas then I am the head of the household! I get the single bedroom and control of the taxes. All serfs bow to me!”
Nayuta let out a laugh. “Power is very funny, she should be our new pet!”
“Tis you who is the pet, not me, little Makima!”
Nayuta tilted her head as Kobeni ran damage control. “Okay, let’s all calm down.. Uh, Denji and Reze, how’s school?”
Aki nodded to Kobeni’s question, wanting to know himself. Angel continued to sink into his seat as he picked at his food.
“Denji and I are doing well! He’s still catching up but he’s getting closer to the class average!” Reze relayed the information cheerfully. “We’ve even joined a club!’
Denji rolled his eyes. “The club is full of a buncha nerds but… it’s fine. I’m starting to get the hang of it.”
Aki gave Denji a worried look. “You have enough time for yourself, right? You don’t have to go around being Chainsaw Man if you’re too busy with school.”
“Denji has enough time to sit around for me to finish my shift, he’s doing fine.” Reze replied, laughing as Denji’s cheeks went pink.
“I only really turn into Chainsaw Man if I see a devil attacking people. No need to do it that much. I’m not tryna turn into a devil if someone scraps their knee and I’m out with Reze or something.”
“Chainsaw Man’s pretty cool.” Nayuta’s voice spoke out, making Denji feel the sweat on his back. He was getting used to the fact Nayuta was a thing, and had to remind himself she wasn’t Makima. “He is on TV a lot.”
Galgali pat Nayuta on the back. “Well, Chainsaw Man is a bit gorey, maybe we should put on the Care Bears instead…” He said with some trepidation.
Nayuta nodded. “I like them too.”
“I too watch the Care Bears, their stupid adventures are fun to mock as I know I would have fared much better!” Power unnecessarily added, with food falling from her mouth.
Kobeni clapped her hands, wanting to change subject before Power and Nayuta began fighting. “Okay, enough about TV! Hey, Angel, how are you doing?” The woman had noticed the devil hadn't said a word yet.
“We saw the Future Devil today.”
Everyone’s eyes went to Aki and Angel. “Huh? No way, what happened?” Denji questioned, hands on the table and rising out of his seat. Reze pulled him back down.
“Nothing, really.” Aki sighed. “Just said he didn’t want another contract with me.” Aki then looked over to Denji. “He also said to congratulate you.”
Denji looked down. “Huh, creepy. The nutjob probably knows I’m famous now or something. Seeing the future is pretty OP huh.”
Reze laughed a little. “Guess so, yeah.” In the back of her mind, Reze guessed that the Future Devil was referring to something different, but was almost relieved that a devil who could see the future nearly confirmed that Denji had taken the right path.
The night continued on as the people and devils gathered around the table continued to eat. Stories and jokes were tossed around, with the peace being fragile but mostly maintained. It was chaotic, but it functioned. Eventually, Aki and Angel left with Power as she began to get too rowdy for Kobeni’s nerves. Denji and Reze waved them goodbye before heading into the living room with Kobeni, Galgali, and Nayuta. The two teenagers sat on the carpet with Nayuta with her toys. Kobeni and Galgali sat on the couch together.
Reze watched Nayuta playing, smiling as the little girl started causing a teddy bear and a train to fight. Her eyes were unfocused, as if lost in her mind. Denji elbowed Reze, startling her.
“You good?” Denji questioned. Reze nodded as she placed her hand over his.
“Yeah, I’m good. I’m just thinking about Nayuta and how she could’ve ended up if the government got her.” Reze let out a shuddery breath. “The Soviets took me when I was young. Trained me to feel nothing. Made violence the only language I could speak. Even now, I feel the need to resort to it.” Reze looked away from Denji.
“Hey, hey… I’ve never felt as loved as when I’m with you. You haven't done anything wrong to me, not since you’ve changed. I’m so lucky to have you.” Denji reassured Reze with worried eyes.
She lifted her head to look up at him, wrapping her arms around Denji and pulling herself into a hug. “Thanks Denji. I guess what I meant to say is that I’m happy Nayuta got the chance I didn’t. It almost makes me feel bad for Makima. She probably was like me in some regard.”
Denji nodded. “I mean, I didn’t really get the full story from Pochita, but I know she didn’t have it easy. Still, she did bad stuff and didn’t care about how others would feel. You’re different from her, so is Nayuta.”
Nayuta looked over to the two of them. “Was Makima my first mama?”
“Shit.” They both said in unison.
“OKAY!” Kobeni announced. “Nayuta how about you head back to your room for now, we’ll see you there soon okay? Galgali can even read you a story later.”
Nayuta nodded, dragging her teddy bear across the floor as she went to her room.
“Ahh, sorry Kobeni.” Denji apologized, rubbing the back of his head. Reze apologized as well.
Kobeni sighed. “It’s fine, she’s just already a bit of a handful so I don’t want her getting more wild.”
Denji nodded, thinking about how much of a brat Power was. That got him to smile. He looked out the window, seeing the sky turn orange and pink as the sun began to set. He thought about how much had changed for him, how quick it all felt. How much he managed to care for people he once never thought anything of. It was almost frightening, but he felt comfort.
“Hey Kobeni, could we talk in the kitchen? I got some shit I wanna ask you.” Denji was about to stand up, but felt Reze’s hand still against his. “If that’s okay with you of course.”
Reze smiled at Denji. “Of course, go ahead.” Denji smiled back and walked with the small woman around the corner, out of view. Reze looked over to Galgali, who was watching everything play out with an unknown expression. From his body language, he seemed relaxed.
“Hope you’re enjoying the nice life with Denji!” Galgali broke the ice. “I’ve always preferred the quiet life over violence, funnily enough. This kinda stuff makes me happy. Man, am I lucky to have someone so cute like Kobeni around me. Us taking care of adorable Nayuta is so wholesome, my heart can’t stand it sometimes.” He chuckled lightheartedly.
Reze began thinking. “I’m really enjoying things so far. Life here is better than I thought possible. But…” Reze looked unsure, peering around the corner to make sure Denji was out of earshot. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m actually living the life I dreamed of. I just… always imagined living in the countryside if I was free. I don’t know. Does being stuck at Public Safety bother you?” Reze ended her rant with a question, wondering how Galgali thought about his containment.
“Well, sometimes it is weird to acknowledge I don’t have human rights. At the same time, that stuff doesn’t really matter. I have the people I love beside me, and I’m feeling happy. Sometimes that’s all you need for a good life. No need to worry about it being perfect, y’know?”
Reze nodded. “Yeah, thanks. I think I’d still like to move to a quiet place with Denji when we’re older… but I’m happy here now. And we have time to figure it out. Thanks, Galgali.” Reze smiled at the fiend, with him responding with a light chuckle and a thumbs up.
~~
Denji led Kobeni into the kitchen, placing his back against the counter as he made himself comfortable. Kobeni stood across from him, waiting for him to start talking.
“Sorry about pulling you away from them. I just got a personal question is all.” Denji shyly spoke, ruffling his hand through his hair.
Kobeni shook her head. “It’s fine, what did you want to talk about?” The woman felt comfortable in the situation. She idly thought about how different her relationship was with the boy just a month ago.
“Well, uh, first I wanna ask if you’re hugging Nayuta at night. Pochita said that Makima’s next life should be full of hugs when he uh… killed her.” Denji’s voice was low, still uncomfortable with the topic but bearing it.
Kobeni nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, She is well-loved here. She sleeps between Galgali and I every night.”
The blonde boy tapped his fingers against the counter. “Okay. Good. I got another question actually…” He trailed off.
“Which is?” Kobeni prompted him, a single eyebrow raised.
“Is shit okay with your family? I know you said they were using you.” Denji looked at the woman with concerned eyes. Kobeni felt appreciation flood her.
She reassured the boy. “I’m handling them, don’t worry. Better than ever, actually. I appreciate you thinking about me.” Denji blushed, embarrassed by the praise. “Is there anything you want to talk about to do with you? Like, what do you think of your life now?”
Denji was silent, staring out the far away window. The sun was even lower. It would soon be gone from sight. Even then, he stayed entranced by the beauty of it until the end.
“My life is pretty great. I got a girlfriend, family, and friends. It’s all I ever dreamed of. Sometimes I… I wish I had more. Like steak for breakfast. Or uh- other stuff. But I remember how lucky I am, and how much I still need to help the people in my life. Like, I can’t be worried about gourmet shit when Power still barely showers twice a week.” Kobeni winced at that.
“But I don’t feel annoyed, I feel fulfilled. It’s a nice feeling. And like, I really like being Chainsaw Man. All the love from randoms is great. But Chainsaw Man isn’t what matters to all you guys. So it doesn’t really matter to me. I guess what I’m tryna say is that if the people I love are happy, I’m happy with what I got. I think that’s what Pochita woulda wanted. It’s what I want.” Denji traced his hand over his heart with a smile.
The sun was out of view, but Denji didn’t mind. His smiled stayed on his face as he and Kobeni walked back over to Reze and Galgali who had finished talking. The four of them laughed and smiled. They walked over to Nayuta's room, quietly so as to not disturb her. The little girl was already asleep, likely tired from the excitement of having guests over.
“I think it’s time for Denji and I to go now, we really appreciate you having us over.” Reze whispered. Denji nodded at her side.
“It really was great, we’ll have to do this again some time.” Galgali cheerfully replied.
Kobeni nodded. “It’d be nice for the four of us to do something together, it’s been a while, hasn't it?” The group silently agreed. A few more hushed whispers were shared between Reze, Galgali, and Kobeni as the two adults went to lay in the bed beside Nayuta. Before the two were out of ear range, Denji said one last thing.
“How about another double date?”
It was agreed upon by the four. Denji and Reze left as the two joined Nayuta. Denji walked Reze back to her apartment, sharing a goodbye kiss that made Pochita beat hard in Denji’s chest. Unknown to Denji, Reze’s heart did more than just beat to her.
“You should have grabbed him and mated right there! Why waste your urges so needlessly, the horn-dog clearly wants you to breed with him!”
“Shut up!” Reze whispered-screamed to the Bomb Devil who appeared beside her as an apparition. “I don’t need romantic advice from the actual Bomb Devil!”
The Bomb Devil let her bulbous head fall to the side. “Well, I could tell you how to really make him explode.”
“Ugh!”
Denji was greeted by a tired Aki upon his return. “I’m glad to see you’re back at a somewhat reasonable hour.” The man had a cup of tea in his hand. Denji was still getting used to seeing the man without a cigarette. It wasn’t a bad change though.
The seven dogs were all laid around the living room floor. Denji's eyes counted them before looking back up to Aki.
Denji rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I don’t try to stay at Reze’s constantly y’know. Only sometimes.” He denied Aki’s implication, feeling the need to defend himself. "You ain't having Angel stay over?" Denji teased, wiggling his eyebrows.
"No. He's back at Public Safety." Aki answered matter-of-factly, not entertaining the boy. "Power’s already sleeping. Feel free to join her.”
Denji nodded as he yawned, feeling tired after the long day he had. He forced himself into the bed he and Power shared, pulling to get some of the sheets she had wrapped around herself. He felt that everything was right. He would wake up, go to school tomorrow, have class with his girlfriend, kill some devils, pick her up from work, and have dinner with his family. It was a routine he easily accepted. He didn't desire more. It was enough. It wasn't a normal life, but it was his. That's what mattered.
.
On that night, Nayuta slept surrounded by Kobeni and Galgali. Reze conversed with Bomb while unconscious. Pochita beat steadily. Denji slept a dreamless sleep, warm under the covers in an apartment he called home.