Work Text:
“Denji-kun, may I ask you something?”
In Makima’s office, the two sat at her desk as she helped Denji fill out and stamp paperwork. It wasn’t unusual for the two to fall into a conversation per a usually.. invasive question by Makima.
Denji didn’t really understand boundaries of that sort anyway, so he was never bothered by it.
Looking up from the words he can’t even read, he met the red head’s bright swirling eyes. “Mhm, what’s up, Makima-san?”
He watched as she rested her head against her hand, the sun-set’s warm light enhancing her features beautifully. Finally, she spoke: “Denji-kun.. do you love anyone?”
He was taken aback, shock clear on his face.
He didn’t know what he was expecting, but it wasn’t that. And he’s not sure why that question feels so difficult for him.
The blonde crossed his arms, leaning back in the chair. “I mean… yeah. ‘Course, I love Pochita.”
Makima chuckled softly as she shook her head, “No.. I don’t mean that kind of love.” She whispered, smiling at him and seemingly amused.
Denji didn’t get it.
”Hah? What’dya mean?” He leaned forwards, searching her for an answer. Her physical appearance unfortunately did not provide such.
Makima raised her head from her hand, instead placing it on the boy’s shoulder, eyes never leaving his. He just continued to watch her confusedly.
“I mean romantic love.”
“I… I don’t know big words like that, Makima-san…”
By the second she was only confusing him more and more, and she knew it. She found it funny. Her index finger trailed up and down his chest ”absentmindedly”.
“As in.. the type of love where you want to kiss someone and hold them, and.. do anything for them.”
“Don’t get it confused, Denji-kun. It’s not just sexual desire, It’s when you love someone for them, ok?”
“Denji-kun, you’re smarter than what people think, you get it now, don’t you?”
The boy who had listened very intently to every word nodded slowly, finger on his chin as he processed the words. “Yeah, I get it.”
Makima smiled brighter at him, “good,” she whispered. “Who do you love, Denji-kun?” she watched him expectedly, knowing the name that’s on the tip of his tongue.
Denji felt himself falling back into deep thought.
‘I love Makima-san’ Is what he felt he should say, yet something was stopping him.
Because that’s not all, is there? There’s someone else, too.
The smell of smoke rendered in his brain, deep blue eyes staring at him and silky black hair falling over rarely relaxed shoulders flashed in his mind.
Hair ties laying neatly on the corner of the sink, black coffee brewing in the kitchen and freshly cut apple bunnies waiting on the table. The familiar black hair swaying in the wind on the balcony accompanying the strangely comforting smell of his cigarettes.
“Aki.”
“..hm?”
“I love Aki and I love Makima-san.”
After revealing his answer he stared down at her as she continued to stare up. Her index finger grew tired and instead her palm rested on his chest.
Her expression remained all the same. “Aki-kun, hm?”
He nodded.
Makima shifted, stopping her lips right next to Denji’s ear. “Who do you love more, Aki-kun or me?”
Denji had to think again.
Makima, who saved him or Aki, who also saved him.
Makima welcomed him with open arms, taking him out to eat and then promising more food and a place to stay.
Aki hadn’t welcomed him so easily, yet still since day one made sure he was fed. Made sure he was comfortable, clean, and over all ok.
Makima had given him the option to work for her or be killed.
Aki had given him the option to behave or get punched.
Makima offered things in return to Denji’s good work. Only if Denji did good.
Aki offered things. That was it.
He had never used Denji for anything.
Makima was gorgeous. She was sweet, funny, and her voice was like honey. She was soft, soft lips and soft skin, warm and plump. Beautiful red hair and stunning yellow orbs.
Aki was gorgeous. He was an asshole yet caring, surprisingly sensitive, sweet, and also funny.. in a different way. His voice was deep and often stern yet when he spoke softly it had the ability to melt Denji. He was soft as well. Also warm and cozy. Beautiful deep black hair and his eyes were like looking at the ocean, stunning. He was comforting.
Denji could never tell Makima’s intentions.
Aki’s he knew were nothing bad.
Denji tended to feel intimidated and nervous around Makima.
Denji was the purest version of himself around Aki. He never feared him.
Makima gives him orders and he follows. No room to have a say.
He and Aki fight and make up. He has all the room to speak freely.
“I love..”
Makima’s stare was intense and it made him break a sweat.
Did Denji want to kiss Aki? Feel all parts of his body and do anything for him?
Fuck yes he did.
“I love Aki more.”
Denji nervously looked down, Makima’s expression never changed—but it felt like there was something different. An invisible reaction.
Makima distance herself from him, smile never failing, “I see.”