Work Text:
In a world with the constant threat of devil attacks, one would think it would be hard to shamble about life as if it were normal. But in Tokyo, Japan, the citizens did exactly that. Treated the attacks of living nightmares as just regular violent acts. They watched in shock and horror, counted the bodies, mourned, and then moved on. Such wanton death and destruction are treated as just another headline. Hundreds of thousands of civilians with dreams, lives, and hopes are relegated to mere numbers. The many faces reduced to mere John's and Janes.
But all these civilians had lives and identities. They had names. One such name was Asa Mikata. The war devil. Ex-poster girl for the Chainsaw Man Church. A smart and accomplished young woman who, in her short life, has battled devils and defeated the living embodiment of war through not only her own effort, but the backing of the most idiotic, crazy, and annoyingly endearing boy to have ever walked the earth. Through acceptance and sheer will, Asa had taken back what was rightfully hers. Her body belonged to her, and her alone. And it was this fighting spirit that helped her rebuild and regain control of her autonomy.
"Asa," A voice groaned beside her like a 12-year-old forced to do his chores, "Come on. Hurry back home already. I'm hungry. Denji probably finished cooking by now."
Asa withheld a sigh, rolled her eyes in annoyance at her unwanted shadow.
Yoru, the concept of war, now lived rent-free inside her mind. Powerless but still very much alive. Asa had wanted her gone. To kick her out of her body and never see it be used for atrocities ever again. But Yoru, in sheer desperation, had pointed out that she was half of Asa's brain. A brain that had been sliced open months ago and had been repaired by the Horseman. If she were to be expelled from her mind, what would happen to Asa? Would she go back to being dead?
Asa knew it was selfish. Knew that anyone with a reasonable moral compass would tell her what she did was wrong. But she didn't care. Neither did Denji. She wanted to live. And despite it all, and everything Yoru had done, part of her still cared for her. Almost like a bratty little sister, one would be forced to put up with by their parents. One whom you would sigh and cringe with embarrassment at, but remember that night with fondness. Of course, what Yoru's done could not be forgiven, nor could she be allowed to wreak havoc. Then, Denji came up with a plan. A Devil's contract.
The conditions were simple. Asa now had complete ownership of her body, and Yoru was not allowed to take over unless Asa herself had willed it. She still kept all the abilities of the War Devil. Now one of the four members of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She was perhaps the most powerful being on the plant barring Death and Denji. But Yoru still resided, occupying one half of her brain. As Asa massaged her temple, breathing sharply through her nose, the devil continued to complain.
Today had been rough for Asa. Her body was heavy with the exhaustion of hard labor. Mental labor. It truly tested her patience dealing with greedy government officials trying to pull one over on her. She worked tirelessly to keep corruption out of the rebuilt government and Public safety. Both had nearly been destroyed by Yoru, Chainsaw, and whatever hairbrained scheme they had made, which backfired horribly. It had taken a lot of effort on their end, but they had a strong hold on Public Safety now. She and her girlfriend had made it clear that they were in charge now. Denji and his heart belonged to them.
But she sometimes wondered if maybe this work was something she just couldn't do. The smell of perfumes that those overworked office ladies used assaulted her nose on the regular. The sound of keyboards clicking made her want to grind her teeth. She hated being the breadwinner. But Denji had insisted she was capable of it. It had not been something she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to go to college and study abroad. She didn't know for what, but she felt as if maybe it was something to discover in there.
But she had found a reason to stay. She had found love and was determined to make it last. Even with all the stress in entailed.
The clicking of her feet sounded in her ears like a pleasant hum, and she observed her shadow as she walked down the street. There was still sunlight, but soon it would be replaced by an all-encompassing night. The days in the office were long, and Asa was looking forward to engaging in her nightly routine. Finally, between the snapping sounds of Yoru's whining and the satisfying clack of shoe heels, their apartment came into view.
"Finally," Yoru sighed in irritating relief. Asa withheld another massive sigh that would have bordered on a groan.
"Can you just shut up, for like five minutes?" Asa politely requested her inner devil. The devilish counterpart snorted.
"You're stuck with me, Asa. I'm with you until death. If I have to put up with that, so do you."
Bitch.
With legs moaning in protest, she walked up the stairs, slowly. Meditativly. Finding small enjoyment in the simple act of climbing higher and higher to her destination. Standing before her apartment door, she took a small breath before turning the handle and pushing forward. The door gave a familiar screech, and she smiled at the smell of fresh curry.
"I'm home!"
A voice called from the kitchen, which was shared with the living room. From the corner of the hallway that stretched from the entrance, Denji poked his head out with an easygoing, happy grin.
"Asa! Welcome home!"
He walked fully out of the corner, wiping his hands on his apron that read 'Kiss The Cook'. His favorite apron that Asa and her girlfriend had gotten him as their first holiday together. Asa gave him a tired smile.
"Denji, how was your day?"
Denji shrugged, "It went by slowly," Which was his way of saying it was boring and uneventful. "How was yours? You're back later than usual," He asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
Asa sighed, taking off her shoes to replace them with her slippers.
"It was annoying. I swear, people get dumber every day. They try to snake their way through the rules. I caught at least five people trying to slack off. It's like they don't even remember the precarious situation we're still in. Not to mention the-" She paused, taking in the faces of both Denji and Yoru. "I'm ranting again."
"You're ranting again," Denji repeated with a small grin. Asa looked away to hide the red hue.
"Sorry..."
"Eh," Denji waved off her apology, "It's alright. I like hearing you talk," He said while planting a chaste kiss on her forehead. Asa felt her cheeks brighten further. A pleasant feeling unlocked in her chest, and already the stress of the day was melting away. She had been so scared of this for so long. But now these simple acts were something she looked forward to every day. The feeling of Denji's warm lips pressed against her. Her face, her body, her own lips. She loved the feeling of their loving touches.
But something was missing from this. Asa cleared her throat.
"Where's-"
"Right here," A voice answered before she could finish. Another smile blossomed on her face. She looked around Denji to spot her wife standing by the kitchen, wearing her own apron of much simpler design. A basic shade of black clashed perfectly with her purple-tinted hair and white shirt underneath. The ex-Soviet was looking at the two with fondness, her hands placed on her hips. She had come into their lives not long after the debacle of the prophecy. Where Asa had learned something surprising about herself. She swung both ways.
"Welcome home, Asa. I guess today was tough for you." She noted with empathy, clearly noticing Asa's haggard and exhausted posture. She walked closer, past Denji, to plant her own kiss onto Asa's right cheek, which was once again aflame.
"You have no idea." Asa bemoaned, the touch of Reze's plump lips grounded her. She always loved the different sensations Denji and Reze's lips gave her. Denji placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Why don't you get washed up. I'll make you some tea." Asa chuckled, leaning into his touch.
"You mean Reze will?" Denji and Reze both laughed, though Denji was a touch embarrassed. He was awful at making tea. The best he could make was the standard green tea or coffee. Reze, on the other hand, made amazing remedies, the recipes from her homeland. One of the few good things she learned from that country.
"Yeah, yeah." He gave a light, playful shove. "Go wash up. We're making Katsu curry for dinner." Asa's face brightened. She loved Katsu curry.
"Alright then." She said excitedly, stepping past to the living room. Looking around, she noticed someone else was missing from the household. "Where's Nayuta?"
"She's staying with a friend tonight. She actually made plans for the entire weekend." Denji answered with a proud smile. Asa knew he wanted his surrogate little sister to live a happy life. Seeing her make friends must make the blond incredibly happy. Asa couldn't say she shared the sentiment. She knew Reze felt the same way. The reincarnation of the Control devil still held a grudge for all they did for Denji. Not to mention how possessive she was. At best, they were civil with eachother. For Denji's sake, more than anything.
Well, she was thankful the young devil wasn't here. She didn't think she could handle the glares that wanted to burn holes through her.
Stepping into the washroom, she turned on the faucet, where steam quickly fogged the mirrors, and she felt her sinuses clear. After making sure the temperature was appropriately hot, she stepped in, sighing in relief as the warm water soothed her sore muscles and the stress of her mind faded away. She removed her pigtails, allowing her hair to flow free, feeling instant relief from the unrestrained locks. She set aside the hair ties and allowed herself to sink deeper into the water, causing it to shift and spill over.
She set her head back, enjoying the quiet moment. At least until she heard Yoru groan in front of her. Asa opened a baeful eye to glare across from her.
"What?" She groaned back at the devil. Yoru sneered at her, though it was way less effective when her cheeks were flushed from the heat.
"Tch, your weak sensivity continues to gnaw at me," The devil complained. Asa gave a half-hearted scoff.
"Hot baths feel good. Nothing is better after a long, stressful day," She stated, shifting her posture to get more comfortable. Though she had to be careful. The last thing she wanted was to fall asleep in the bath like last week. She heard Yoru snicker, smirking devilishly.
"Well, you and I both know that's a lie." Asa face steamed, her mind assaulted by nights of passion she, Reze, and Denji shared.
"Sh-shut up!" Her voice rose while Yoru cackled.
"You present yourself like such a prude, but we share a mind, Asa! I feel and know everything you-"
"Alright, I get it!" She shouted, her face so red that she feared the combination of the steam and her shame would overheat her. Asa fumed, her mood now ruined by the immense awkwardness of her conversation and memories. She took some shampoo and started to wash her hair. The suds of soap tickled her hair follicles, and she heard Yoru sigh in pleasure.
"Hah," She moaned, "There is an advantage to sharing senses with you. I can give myself a massage." Asa snorted, but didn't bother responding. After she was satisfied with the amount of shampoo in her hair, she grabbed the detachable shower head and sprayed the spuds off her hair, relishing the feeling of the low-powered jet. Next, she began to lather her body with the bar of soap. She heavily detested liquid soup. The bars always left her skin feeling moisturized and smooth, unlike the generic liquid that she was sure was dish soap. She leisurely spread it through her whole body, ignoring the jeers from her inner devil.
After a few minutes of soaking in the tub, she forced herself to stand, rising above the comforting temperatures and shivering from the sudden shift. With great reluctance, she stepped out, wasting no time in grabbing a towel to dry herself and get rid of the sudden chill. The soft texture scraped and rubbed against her wet body, and the feeling reminded her of an itchy blanket from her youth. The feeling made her teeth tingle, and she hurried at double time to get the process of drying herself over with.
After thoroughly wiping away every last drop of water, she exited the room. Steam immediately left the contours of the room, and she instantly felt the change out of the steamy confines of the washroom. An icy cool hit her, chilling her bones and causing a shiver to shoot up her spine. She hated the moments after bathing.
"Asa, are you out?" She heard Denji call out from the kitchen, the smell of chicken wafting throughout the apartment.
"Yeah!"
"Dinner is almost ready! Don't take too long or it will get cold!"
"Okay," she responded, nearly salivating at the thought of Denji's cooking. Despite what you would think about the hybrid, he was a surprisingly good cook. He had apparently been taught by an old friend of his. She wondered how good a cook he was at times. Whenever she asked about him, Denji would always become despondent, his answers always vague, as if he was trying to recall a distant memory.
Stepping into their shared bedroom, she was quick to replace her towel with her comfy pajamas, feeling the texture wrap around her damp skin, and took the towel to finish drying out her hair. She sighed, feeling immense relief from bathing. Folding the towel in on itself, she made sure to discard it into the basket on her way to the kitchen. The aroma of cooked curry was enough to make her levitate off the floor.
The Kotatsu in the center of the living room was already set. Reze was placing tea cups that had a small wave of steam, a serene smile on her face. Asa smiled as well. So close to the food, it was all she could do not to rush into her spot and devour it with the hunger of a starving ravenous animal.
"It smells great." She complimented both Denji and Reze. They returned it to her with flattered chuckles.
"Thanks, Asa. Let's dig in, shall we?" Reze suggested with a teasing grin. Asa didn't need to be told twice. Taking her seat, she quickly put her hands together in grace.
"Thanks for the food." With a smile, she grabbed her spoon, taking a heap of rice and chicken. As soon as her mouth enclosed around it, and her tongue tasted the clashing flavors, she moaned in delight. This was what she needed. A warm meal made by her cute husband, a hot tea made by her hot russian wife. Sitting between the two people she loved best of all in the world. She paid no mind to the mocking retching sounds Yoru made. She knew she liked it too.
"I do not," The devil grumbled unconvincingly. Asa smirked, taking up the tea Reze made her with delicate precision. The tangy smell wafted into her nostrils, and the heavenly scent sparked the dopamine in her mind. She tilted the cup, and the hint of cinnamon drew a pleased sigh from Yoru. She placed the cup down slowly, enjoying the aftertaste of the amazing beverage. She looked up and flinched when she noticed both her partners gazing at her with loving smiles.
"W-what?" She asked self-consciously, feeling her cheeks heat up once more. Denji chuckled softly, placing a hand to his chin.
"I just like seeing you enjoy what I make. It makes me happy," He answered, with Reze nodding in agreement. Asa lifted her chin in a vain attempt to appear more casual.
"Well, your cooking is good. I don't see a reason to pretend otherwise." Denji beamed, taking hold of his own utensil.
"I love you, Asa. Never change." Asa knew her face was as red as the American flag, and tried desperately to look down at her plate to hide it away. She hated this feeling in her chest. She knew she didn't deserve it. She may have been a good person, but she was selfish to her core. She's done so many horrible things, made mistakes that haunted her dreams. She felt her eyes burn with swelling tears. Shit, she was getting emotional.
"Asa, I swear if you start crying..." Yoru warned her, her voice coming out thin from their shared emotions.
She felt a hand caress the top of her head and looked up to see a Reze gazing at her with adoration and understanding. Her brimming tears turned it into empathy.
"Asa, don't feel guilty for feeling happiness. We love you, and seeing you happy makes us happy." She hugged her into a warm hug, and Asa instinctively buried her head into her shoulder. "Don't think for a second you don't deserve this."
Denji's voice echoed their wife's; it was surprisingly gentle. "Exactly. If anyone says otherwise, I'll punch their teeth in." Asa gave a choked laugh. She knew she was making a mess of Reze's shirt, but she held on. She could always count on these two to say the right things. She slowly separated from Reze, brushing away her tears. She looked between her two lovers with gratitude.
"Thank you." She sniffed
"Come on, let's eat. We don't want it to get cold." Asa nodded, picking up her spoon to resume the feast. The atmosphere turned pleasantly silent, all three of them basking in the warmth of their bond. She savored every bite. The crunch of the breaded chicken feels enjoyable. All too soon, she had eaten every last crumb off her plate and had begun the process of cleaning up the dining area. Denji had taken to washing the dishes, while Asa and Reze began wiping down the wooden table. Asa yawned while patting her belly. Soon, drowsiness began to set in, and she knew that sleep would claim her soon. Reze took notice of this and smiled.
"Why don't all three of us sleep under the Kotatsu tonight?" Asa perked up, a smile blossoming on her face.
"Okay. I'll get the weighted blanket." She stood, nearly skipping to their bedroom. Asa loved that blanket. Not only because it was one of the few things that survived the destruction of her apartment, but also because it was one of the only things that she still owned that she shared with her mom.
She spotted the fluffy material on their bed, and with a small grunt, lifted it in her arms. It was still heavy for her. Especially after a long, stressful day when her muscles ached. Asa put a few pillows for all three of them on top, moved quickly out of the room, excitement making the weight in her arms feel less oppressive. Stepping into the living room, she saw that Denji and Reze had already set up the heater underneath the low table, and they looked back at her with uncomplicated love.
Denji turned off the light, and they all squeezed in under the Kotatsu, the heater providing a toasty warmth, and the weighted blanket giving her the comfort it has always provided. The added weight, especially during the winter, always gave her something that she couldn't describe. She just liked the feeling of something pressing her further down. Both hybrids curled up beside her, arms wrapped around her like a second blanket. She closed her eyes, taking in the heat from the kotatsu and her partner's bodies. She could hear both their breathing slow down as they traveled more and more to the realm of sleep.
"I love you both," She blurted, and she felt them both stiffen at her arms. Asa heard the smile in both their voices.
"And we love you, Asa," Reze whispered, pressing herself further against Asa's body. Denji hummed.
"Me too." He wrapped an arm around her and Reze, effectively trapping Asa between them. She basked in their touches. As her eyelids started to close shut, the sound of two's gentle breathing lulling her into sleep, she was thankful once again to Yoru. Because of that devil, she was still alive to experience the joys of loving companionship and new memories she would cherish forever. Yoru scoffed beside her.
"Tch, stupid girl." But she could hear the affection in her voice. It brought one last smile to her face as she felt herself drift away into the land of dreams. Now she was definitely relieved that Nayuta wasn't here. If she were, she knew that the girl would pitch a fit seeing her and Reze cuddle next to her brother.
She fell asleep, dreaming of kisses and the taste of cinnamon.