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Being a bard was fun and all, but with the bad economy, hardly anyone was willing to spare a pretty penny for a song or story, no matter how good they were. It’s gotten to the point where Kaminari had to constantly camp outdoors. He hasn’t slept on a bed in months , all his showers were at the river, and all his food were wild fruits or whatever game he actually succeeded at hunting. That is to say, very rare. Kaminari missed the taste of succulent meat.
So in other words, being a bard was rapidly becoming not so fun.
He travelled across countries, hoping to strike a lucky break somewhere, but everywhere, it was the same. Times were hard. His feet led him to Alexandrite, the land of heroes. Rumours of adventurers able to slay giant dragons, to conquer the most dangerous dungeons had spread far and wide, and what better place to switch his occupation than this place, where adventurers gathered in droves and fought for the highest ranks, and the greatest treasures?
There were several guilds here, and Kaminari decided to start with the most famous one, the Guild of Dragon Slayers. The guild’s records of mission completions were one of the highest, including S rank missions involving reclaiming lands overrun by monsters. Monetary rewards grew as missions increased in difficulty, and Kaminari couldn’t wait to rise up the ranks. Bouncing a little to redistribute the weight of his rucksack, Kaminari pushed open the wide doors of the building.
Immediately, he’s hit by the bustle of the place. Conversations took places across multiple tables, filled to the brim with beer mugs despite it being in the middle of the day. Information was being traded for cash, and business transactions took place over drinks. Kaminari headed straight for the counter, surprised to see a man tending to the shop front instead of a woman.
Not that Kaminari minded. This man, with gelled up red hair, winsome smile and muscular build looked unbelievably attractive. He was dressed in a vest and baggy trousers, and it left his six-pack abs on show. He called out a friendly ‘hello’ as Kaminari approached, lips stretching into a wide smile that showed off sharp teeth.
Kaminari rested his arms on the counter, leaning in. Tipping his hat as a return greeting, he delivered his flirty pick-up line, “Wow, if I knew how hot guild receptionists were, I would have come way earlier.”
“Huh? Me?” The redhead asked, startled humour lighting up his ruby eyes. “You’re the first to react this way, everyone was disappointed to not see Yaoyorozu. She’s usually the one here dealing with administrative issues.” Kaminari had no idea who Yaoyorozu was, but thank the lords she’s away.
“Why would I be? You’re hot as fuck. What’s your name? I’m Kaminari Denki.” Kaminari didn’t see a name tag. The redhead extended his hand for a handshake and Kaminari took it readily, giving it a firm shake. The receptionist’s hand was calloused like he did a lot of rough work. Kaminari respected that. That made the redhead increasingly more attractive and interesting.
“Nice to make your acquaintance Kaminari, I’m Kirishima Eijirou. I haven’t seen your face around before, are you new to town?” There was something warm and homey about Kirishima, the way his tone was gentle and friendly. He looked eager to help, eager to share information, eager to know more about Kaminari.
“Yes, just arrived today,” Kaminari confirmed, “This was the first place I stepped foot in, and I gotta say, I’m very impressed.” He waggled his eyebrows at Kirishima, showing exactly just what, or who he was impressed by. It took a while for it to sink in, then a pretty flush covered Kirishima’s cheeks.
“Oh you, such a flatterer,” Kirishima smiled, tilting his head to the side as he regarded Kaminari warmly. His body language told Kaminari that the redhead wasn’t used to being complimented or hit on, and that was simply ridiculous. Who could let go of such a catch?
“Hey, isn’t it boring to work here? You should go adventuring with me,” Kaminari offered with a pout, giving his best puppy dog eyes. Those always worked with the ladies, even if some of them treated him more like a boy than a man.
Kirishima appeared to be charmed, laughing with a flustered wave of his hand, “It’s alright, I like talking with people. I haven’t been bored so far.” His red eyes twinkled as he regarded Kaminari, indicating that Kaminari was one of the interesting ones.
“You sure? I swear I’ll protect you with my life!” Kaminari promised earnestly, golden eyes shimmering with passion. Sure, he wasn’t so good with a sword, but he was pretty proficient with a bow. He’ll get even better with more experience.
“How are you so cute?” Kirishima gushed, leaning across the counter. That sounded like a good thing. Kaminari turned up his cutest, widest smile. Cute, he can do cute.
“Let me buy you a meal!” Kaminari offered excitedly, then remembered his current state of finances. “Uh, when I come back from a quest. It’d be my honour to use my first paycheck on you. What do you say?”
Kirishima found it hard to say no to Kaminari’s hopeful eyes. He chuckled, fanning his flushed face. It had been a long time since someone flirted with him so unabashedly. “Well, I wouldn’t turn down free food. Are you sure you want to spend it on me and not some pretty lass?”
“Nonsense! Have you looked at yourself! You’re worth more than just some pretty lass. If I had the capabilities, I’d be treating you to a candlelit dinner and then some,” Kaminari pouted, but he doesn’t stay down for long. “I’ll work hard and rise up the ranks! Then I’ll bring you to better places.”
“You’re adorable ,” Kirishima cooed, pinching Kaminari’s cheek.
“I certainly hope that’s a good thing,” Kaminari winked, and Kirishima made a dying noise at the back of his throat.
“So good, you’re just so precious?” Kirishima looked like he wanted to reach over and squeeze Kaminari in a tight hug if the counter wasn’t between them. “So! How can I help you today, sweetheart?” Kirishima loved the small talk, but he really should be doing his work, even if there was no one else in line.
“Right, I almost forgot,” Kaminari chuckled. He was too distracted by chatting Kirishima up. “I’m here to register as a new guild member.”
Kirishima paused, smile turning into a concerned frown.“You’re registering? Will you be okay?”
“I may not look it but I’ve been surviving alone for years now! Been a bard since I was 13,” Kaminari bragged, hitting his fist on his chest. “I know how to beat weaker monsters, and how to avoid stronger ones. I’m planning on fighting the tough ones from now on though since they wield higher rewards. I’ll certainly need the money to treat someone like you right. Do you know any parties that are taking in members?”
“Alone? Since you were 13?!” Kirishima gaped, pity in his eyes. “That sounds really dangerous, I’m glad you’re okay. Bards are the ones that sing songs right?”
Kaminari nodded in confirmation. “You’re right! I would love to sing a song dedicated to your eyes. If that’s alright.”
“Of course,” Kirishima grinned. He looked excited, and a little bit in love.
Kaminari breathed in deeply, then sang clearly.
“He was a man named Kirishima, his hair a fiery red. His eyes were like the magma, his gaze set my heart aflame.”
“You’re so sweet,” Kirishima sighed, “If you like my red eyes, you should meet someone else.”
Speak of the devil, and he shall arrive.
The door jingled at the sound of an adventurer entering. A sudden hush fell across the guild as the blond man stepped in.
His mere presence silenced the room as he took long strides, red cape billowing behind him magnificently. His body looked like it was sculpted by the gods, forged by years of fighting. The scars on his body made him more manly, rather than creating flaws. He looked like a battle-hardened adventurer, from the fierce set of his eyebrows to the necklace of dragon tooth against his sharp collarbones. He was fiercely handsome, an air of wildness about him in the way he watched Kaminari like a predator.
Kaminari forgot to breathe. What was with this town and their amazingly handsome men? He looked dangerous, but he was so hot Kaminari would risk his life to chat with him.
“Katsuki! You’re back!” Kirishima greeted, beaming brightly. “There’s someone I want you to meet. He’s Kaminari Denki. Denki, This is Bakugou Katsuki.”
Oh wow. This must be his lucky day.
Bakugou stepped up to the counter, staring Kaminari down with a burning gaze. Or well, maybe not so lucky if Bakugou decided to kill him. Gulping, he tried his best not to shrink back. Damn, his presence was overwhelming in its intensity.
“And?” he growled, his rough voice sending shivers through Kaminari’s body.
“Katsuki, can we take him in?” Kirishima pleaded. Those red eyes shifted to look at Kirishima, softening just the slightest bit. They must be friends, if not closer. Kaminari had no idea what ‘taking in’ meant, does it mean adding him to the guild? There were requirements for entering the guild?
Nevertheless, Bakugou didn’t look pleased. Grudgingly he asked, “What’s his rank?”
“Well, he’s entirely new, so F.”
Bakugou visibly baulked at that. “Are you fucking kidding me?” He hissed, eyes narrowing, “I’m not taking in deadweight. We’re good on our own.”
“Are you saying we’re not strong enough to defend ourselves and him?” Kirishima challenged. He leaned over the counter with a smirk. “You’ve been saying how things have been getting boring. Well, here’s a challenge.”
Kaminari felt very, very confused. “Wait, you’re an adventurer too, Kirishima? Well, you certainly look like one, in hindsight. I’ve never seen a receptionist dressed like you.”
Kirishima laughed, clapping Kaminari on the shoulder. “Yeah, I’m just standing in today because Yaoyorozu fell sick, and there are no quests for us right now.”
Bakugou frowned contemplatively, a furrow in his brows as his eyes swept up and down Kaminari’s body, judging him. His red eyes cut back to Kirishima’s determined ones, knowing this was a fight Kirishima would refuse to give in. Sighing, he scratched the back of his head. “Fine. It’ll be like taking care of a pet dog. You better keep up.”
“Don’t worry Denki, Katsuki’s got a mean mouth but he’s really soft inside. We’ll protect you,” Kirishima promised, filling in the forms for Kaminari. Biting back a smile, he regarded Kaminari warmly. “Nice to meet you again, I’m Kirishima Eijirou, S ranked adventurer, partner of Bakugou Katsuki, S ranked adventurer. Welcome to the team!”
“Wait, what?”
Kirishima’s laughter filled the room with warmth as he handed Kaminari his new guild card.