[Masao Ando]

She was experiencing many new things lately. She had wounded her pride after losing her cool at the Sports Festival, further widening the divide between her and her family. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever be good enough for them, or whether that even mattered anymore. Arguably the biggest new thing that she was experiencing was feelings for a boy. She had been texting Enma more frequently lately, she even found herself sneaking glances at her phone during class when she normally wouldn't, just to see if he had sent a new message. Even though her emotions were all over the place and it made her quirk difficult to control, she was also happier than she had ever been. Part of her wished she could feel these feelings forever, but the everchanging nature of time presented her and Enma with a new set of challenges.

What was a good spot for a first date?

She didn't know the first thing about this stuff, her gut reaction would have been to say the training grounds that they visited so often, but then again they already did that together. Would that still make it a date, even if they didn't go somewhere special? Her friend Misaki had plenty of ideas for where her and Enma could go based on all those romance novels she read, but something told Masao that wasn't her, nor Enma's speed.

In the end they settled on a museum and dinner date. Which worked just fine for her since she was a history buff, and her and Enma could already spend hours just talking about weapons and tradition. Too embarrassed to wait for him at the campus in case someone like Ylva spotted her, Masao suggested they meet up at the museum in the city instead. She had taken out one of her best suits for the occasion, one which gave her a more androgynous look, but still accentuated and hugged her curves. At Misaki's suggestion she had also chosen to put a white rose in her hair.

Waiting outside the museum, she would smile once Enma showed up.

enma

[enma]

Emotions are difficult. Enma couldn't help but be consumed by the complex feelings he was having and while he was not shy in giving attention to Masao in their texting and training, there was something else running parallel. Fear and anxiety took a form he'd never seen before. How does a warrior slay an enemy he knows nothing about? This beast to tackle wasn't the kind fought conventionally, but more of a large puzzle that demanded so much more.

He felt like sweet honey was flooding his heart and making his breathing heavier. To work out this feeling, he would go train and push through it with adrenaline. In a way, she pushed him to be even stronger than before. He could feel so much good coming from their relationship. Mentally, he was stronger too. A muscle was being trained that had been neglected and while he had to contend with the fear that tried swallowing all who succumbed, he approached it like a warrior.

Like Van Helsing learning every bit about Dracula and his kind, or David readying his sling against the Goliath; Enma arrived early for their date prepared as ever. Masao wasn't someone to be feared, but respected. Fear was reserved for the act of boring her, disappointing her, hurting her. With a bouquet of flowers in hand, he showed up in a grey-black turtleneck that really didn't hide his muscles. He wore black dress pants and a red leather belt and gold buckle. The shoes on his feet had a light design on them with a matte finish.

Unfortunately, he tried new things and felt the chaos chew away at him. To his surprise, he was not early. Seeing Masao dressed androgynous as she was and beating him to the punch, he turned cherry-red and flattened his oral expression. This was a sign that he didn't know what to do with his face, but was absolutely captivated by her beauty. My heart is slain. Clutching his chest, it began to shine as he paused.

Stepping forward, he presented the flowers. "Masao, you are stunning and look strong." As cool as a cucumber boiling in a pot, he tried his best to keep eye contact so that he didn't show fear. "I'm excited to see some classic pieces. I have a surprise for you as well."

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

She was a little surprised that he had arrived early too. Did he think it was weird that she was here already? She couldn't help but notice his outfit too, he was dressed so smartly. Not that he didn't put effort into his every day outfits, but something about this one was different, fancier... And it made him look incredibly handsome. The way his choice of clothing not only complemented his eyes, but showed off his muscles while still remaining formal, her mind was racing. She wanted to hold his hand. Were they going to hold hands? People did that sort of thing on dates, didn't they? The closest she usually got to him was when they were sparring, but that was different from this kind of closeness. The slow, quiet... The stunning red in his eyes... Her mind was drifting again!

She felt impossibly happy when he said her name, her heart injecting with a boost of energy she didn't even know she had. ''Y-You think so? Your choice of attire suits you as well.'' She averted her gaze. His eyes were so vibrant and enchanting. Look for too long and she could get lost in them for hours. She couldn't help but get a little shy and awkward. She was never that self-conscious about her looks before she met him. Sure, she cared about looking pretty, but never to impress someone else. Not until they first met and crossed swords. She still remembered the first time she got lost in his crimson eyes. ''You got these for me, Enma?'' She could feel her face warming up again as red presumably flushed into her cheeks. ''They're beautiful.'' She happily accepted the flowers, taking a moment to sniff them and take in their fragrance. They would be the prettiest thing here if they weren't competing with the man that had stolen her heart. A competition they could never win. ''A surprise?'' She smirked, trying to lighten the mood a little bit, mostly for the sake of her own nerves. ''You're full of surprises today. You come here bringing flowers, looking so refined and handsome...'' She trailed off, feeling her heart beat a little faster. What could he possibly have planned? ''En... Enma.'' She got a little more serious. ''I feel like I should be honest with you...'' She didn't know how to put it into words, but it was best to get it out of the way now while they were heading into the museum.

''I haven't gone on a date before.'' She admitted shamefully, bowing her head at him. ''My apologies I am new to all this... H-However, I will do my utmost to make sure that you enjoy it.''

enma

[enma]

There was an undeniable heat between Masao and Enma. Fire with no friction. So many new experiences within and without for the swordsman, normally steeled and indomitable. Flashes of images took his sight momentarily, but in both illusion and reality he would see her. Flames of two suns roiling each other's cores, but not in an unwanted way. The awkwardness was feeling the disturbance, but the passion and eagerness was acceptance.

In small, massaging rotations on his palm, Enma felt his middle and ring fingers shift while hiding his hand behind his back. A fidget that demanded her hand, something undeserved but awaited for in due time. What was this feeling? It wasn't just a flutter of the heart and god forbid his quirk betray more than just his beating heart. Seeing the warmth on Masao was ever-inviting for someone so naked and unprepared emotionally.

Was there a bitter deity watching and waiting to punish him for carrying this torch? "I pale in comparison to your beauty, Masao." The corners of his mouth fluttered up before relaxing down like floating feathers. A smile that was quick, sincere, yet completely unfocused on as he was captured by the fellow student's stellar aura. As they prepared to enter, he would lead the way and even take the door.

She was a queen, he was a knave. "Don't worry, it's a journey we take together." Offering her to take his hand, there was this emptiness around the surface of his hand. Each inch of it was starved for touch, a famine that spread across as he took the first step. Was Enma touch starved all this time? All these years without intimacy or friendship even? "As long as I have you, I will be happy."

It was so sappy that it made him hurt. He meant every bit of it, though he might have pulled from romance novels. Despite the sappiness being something he wasn't used to, it still felt right. Anything was right if he was doing it for someone like Masao.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

Did he really think she was beautiful? She liked to think that she was confident in herself. Not just her abilities, but her looks too. She didn't like to dwell on her self-doubts and get caught up in despair, it was part of the reason she was such a workaholic. Still, even though she didn't think of herself as someone who had low self-worth, part of her never thought she had a chance with Enma. In many ways she wasn't the ideal women she pictured most guys being interested in. She wasn't particularly feminine. She wasn't good at putting on complex makeup, or doing her nails, or talking about her feelings, or being a woman in general. The problem was only further exacerbated by her main vocation. She was a weaponsmith, her job was viewed as masculine and her fashion sense was hardly girly either. To make matters worse, she was tall. Too tall. A lot of guys didn't like women that were taller than them, and she was taller than Enma. It was low, no, disgraceful of her to think that Enma would be so narrowminded, but the reason her doubts were so strong was because she wanted to spend more time with him. Moments like this, she didn't want them to end. She wanted to create more of them.

But now he was complimenting her beauty... She was beautiful? The crimson dreamscape that reflected in his eyes, the guy she hadn't been able to stop thinking about, he thought she was beautiful? ''I...'' She swallowed nervously, unsure of how to respond other than meeting his smile with her own. He was a genius with the sword, pen and words too. On all accounts, Enma Arashi was the true embodiment of an artist. He really was who he said he was, except he was so much more too. He was a hero on a journey. Not the professional hero kind, but the hero that vanquishes the Demon Lord. She was just a party member, but one who wanted to accompany him for the entirety of his journey and more. Someone who could only dream he would want her around for that long. ''Thank you.'' She said politely, feeling more shy than usual after his compliment.

She felt reassured by his response. A journey they took together... A beautifully apt way of putting it. She looked down at his hand for a moment longer than she would have liked, but the offer surprised her and most of all, made her heart beat louder. Would he regret making this offer in a few moments? What if he hated how her hands felt? She could be stuck doubting herself for an eternity, but she took his hand in a heartbeat. Her fingers were slender, her hand surprisingly soft. Despite how much she trained and worked at the forge, she actually took good care of her hands and had a whole routine to keep them clean and proper. She held his hand, but was careful not to squeeze it too hard in case she might accidentally hurt him, even though she wasn't strong enough to. ''If you truly mean it then... I'd like for you to remain happy.'' She smiled, her face was still burning red, but at this point she was starting to get used to that sensation when she was around him. ''Nothing brings me more joy than seeing you happy, Enma-kun.'' She looked down into his eyes, she could stand there for hours if they weren't right in the middle of the entrance.

''Sh-Shall we?'' She smirked, indicating towards the first exhibit. ''I believe we have a few artifacts to peruse.''

enma

[enma]

It almost happened then and there. Enma's urges were getting the better of him, chipping away at the discipline he had been taught and honed for years. Almost as if all of his scars had fizzled away in Masao's presence, he felt soft and elegant for the first time in his life. It wasn't because of his own personal feelings, but because of her eyes captivating him. So much was expressed in their silence, a way of communicating between two people like Masao and Enma.

Sincerity was crucial and it required one major component: trust. Feeling real trust in Masao forming, it was making the eagerness to prove his sincerity so strong. The elegant being that made Paragon a reality showed how beauty wasn't just about conventions, but an all-encompassing fact. She could have shown up dressed in full plate and he would have been captivated all the same. Taking her hand, there would come a serenity that could not have been anticipated.

Slender, soft, angelic hands that contrasted his thick, rough, demonic own. Fire and ice, but while his insecurity regarding his swordsman's hands would breathe for a moment, she would steal it. The insecurity was gone as their intertwining fingers felt so natural when woven together. Enma couldn't help but let a gasp out as they prepared to enter the art museum. They would examine the displays and he would examine her fiery face. A forge in itself, it made him get lost in thought.

Her angelic hands, working him in the molten heat of passion. Being the sword encapsulated by her forge, she would likely staunch him with sweet words and safe holding. These thoughts would burn through his mind and warm his cheeks. Eventually, they would near the surprise after seeing so many classic exhibits. Japanese art at its finest, but one piece would hold particular value to Enma. As he was from a family that used their quirk in many ways, some did become artists.

They approached a beautiful painting of a caged lady with angel wings. Dark hair, rosy lips and a porcelain body and dress. She would have closed lids, eye lashes flared and elegant. Soft but complex colors, inspired by the works of Van Gogh in texture. It was not a traditional painting in Japan, but one that was admired often by Enma. The plaque next to the painting stated Arashi Hana. "This museum holds my sister's painting and has become a mainstay. The owner is friends with my father."

The way he talked about it was light-hearted at first, but upon deeper thought it might become more apparent to Masao that there's a hidden sadness. A vulnerability even, as his hand squeezed hers. "She is no longer with us...and is part of why I decided to become a hero." Maybe making the date start with the museum trip was selfish in a way, but he had hoped that Masao could enjoy the rest of the works they would find. He hoped she would understand what it meant.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

This whole ordeal was a lot more intense than she had imagined. She had read about dates, about romance, about love, but to actually be experiencing any of these things... She had a hard time determining what it was, but surely something this strong could only be love? She was no stranger to negative emotions, but she had never experienced positive emotions on this magnitude before. Looking at Enma, being with him, it made her indescribably happy. For the first time she had something to look forward to, someone she wanted to spend all her time around, and it was intoxicating.

When their hands touched she felt her shyness come to the forefront, barely able to look directly at him after she said what she did. All she was left with in those brief moments was the feeling. Their hands had never touched like this and yet, somehow it felt like they were always meant to. His hands were rough and comforting all at the same time, much more gentle than she had imagined. She snuck a glance at him, but looked away when he let out a small gasp. What was he feeling? What was he thinking? Was a fire raging inside of him too? She wasn't good at reading people, but he looked as relaxed and confident as ever to her. Wait, how did she look to him? She felt like a mess emotionally, processing so many things that it felt like her brain was firing off signals at light speed and it kept going. When they checked out the art exhibits she did her best to take-in her surroundings, although she had to admit she was mostly sneaking glances at him when he wasn't looking at her.

As they walked the floors she gradually got used to the feeling and she could finally feel some of the adrenaline leaving her and enjoy the moment. She was holding hands with Enma Arashi, walking around a museum, and she wanted it to last forever. If she could bottle up this moment, she would put it at her bedside table and experience it again and again every night so she could whisk herself away to that magical time when the world was brighter than she ever thought possible.

She was already looking at the painting before Enma started speaking. Not only was the detail immaculate, it was hauntingly beautiful. Perhaps selfishly, she couldn't help but see herself in it. The cage around the woman reminding her of her own upbringing, how she had been raised as a boy, given a boy's name and not been allowed to engage with anything feminine. She started detesting the fact that she was a woman, but by the time she got over it and was curious about exploring her feminine side again, she was so lost on what to do. Trapped, dazed, like someone had locked her in and thrown away the key. She glanced over at Enma again, her eyes seeking his. If she spent time with him... Maybe she could get better at discovering that side of herself.

Looking at the plaque to see who made the painting she froze as the dots connected, then he started speaking. She didn't say anything, but looked over at him as he spoke and gave him all her attention. In that moment, her heart, her soul, it was all his. As he continued she felt her heart hurt for him, her eyes growing more sympathetic as she squeezed his hand back and stroked the back of his hand slowly with her thumb. ''My condolences, Enma... Your sister was very talented, this painting is a lot more captivating than anything else on display here.'' She looked back up at the painting, basking in the details one more time. ''Thank you for sharing this with me.'' She blinked her eyes to hide a couple of tears that were forming. Enma was being so vulnerable, the thought of what he had been through, his trials and tribulations and losses until now, it was enough to tug at her heart strings. ''I am positive that you will become a great hero.'' She looked back down at him, smiling as she tried her best to be reassuring. ''And... I want to help you achieve that goal.'' She felt a little self-conscious at how sappy she was getting. ''E-Even if it takes years, um... Your resolve is admirable, I want you to know if you ever need anything.'' She looked down at the floor, her face turning beet red again. ''I'm- I'm here for you.'' She finally got there even if she was incredibly awkward in the process. Still, she hoped she was able to communicate her message clearly.

As they walked and looked at more displays she gave his hand another careful squeeze. ''This is nice, Enma-kun. I feel like I understand you a little better.'' She still didn't know what a textbook good first date was supposed to be, but this? Her time with Enma? As far as she was concerned this was the perfect first date. Still, from the secret he revealed earlier she couldn't help but worry again. With the same sympathy she looked at him. ''How are you feeling?''

enma

[enma]

There were a lot of feelings every time Enma visited his sister's painting. When he was younger, he didn't understand why she would paint a woman in a birdcage and it filled him with confusion. As he spent time away from his father, only being dragged along to visit the museum begrudgingly on what would be her birthday, he began to feel it. Only half of the feeling would sink in, as his father wanted to cage his children and control their careers.

This painting almost didn't happen, but he was happy that it did. What was once confusion became acceptance. In his time at U.A.U., he slowly grew a greater appreciation for the caged lady. Now that he had someone to share it with, he could uncage his own emotions. He might not know exactly why it would hit close to home for Masao aside the frustrations between her family's expectations and her success, but he would feel it all the same.

The power behind the artistry really spoke to how he's been caged all of his life, not allowed to grow and bloom. The scars on his body buzzed in response, tingles that told him that he shouldn't have had the upbringing he did. With his mother and his sister gone, he was left with his father and brother in Tokyo and his grandfather in Kyoto. Most of his extended family were non-factors, drifting away and estranging. Standing there, feeling weakness in a way he hadn't allowed himself to feel for so long, he began to feel wet on the peaks of his face.

As rivers ran slowly and subtly down his cheeks, he would bring a hand up to them. The feeling was new, and as he looked at the equally emotional Masao, he wondered if she cried too. "I know, Masao, and I know you'll be an amazing hero and smith in your own right. I'm glad that her work could invoke emotion...but, well, this sounds silly..." His tears grew as they felt this beautiful moment.

Suddenly he would take her other hand, bringing them together and holding them firmly. "I've...never cried in front of someone. Or anyone. Or, really, at all...since I first found out." Since he first found out they died. The rest of his words collapsed back into his throat, nervous to say them as big emotions flooded in. Who was Masao becoming for him? "Let's go have dinner together. Before I look too foolish."

A laugh. Out of that stoic face. Nervous and trembling, he really was afraid of letting everything out there. The strength it took holding in the pain was incredible, surely Masao had her own pain to hold in. When they were in private, when they were clear, there was more room to let go.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

Not only were they kindred spirits in the positive things that their respective families had brought them, but in the negatives too. Looking over at him and seeing him cry, it tore at her heart and she couldn't help it as more tears made their way past her stoic facade. She looked down at the floor as he reassured her she would become a great hero too, a great smith. Hearing those words coming from him, she started believing it more and more. That she had potential, that she could become someone who was not only strong enough to protect others, but worthy of such a post.

She looked up at their hands as he brought them together, so warm and comforting. Then she looked at his face, her features softening as she let go of her stoic side completely. With Enma, she could let her guard down. ''I...'' She hadn't cried in front of anyone either. She couldn't even remember the last time something made her cry. ''To me you don't look foolish at all. Quite the contrary.'' Her throat burned, it was almost impossible to form complete sentences, to even know what to say in a situation like this, but she managed to speak from her heart regardless. She wanted to pull him in and hug him then and there, it felt right, but they were in public. Lowering her voice, she lifted one of her hands to gently wipe away his tears with her thumb. ''Are you feeling okay, Enma-kun?'' She asked him softly after his laugh. She wasn't certain, so the only way she could be sure was to just ask him. Taking his hand again, this time holding onto it more firmly, both to send a silent signal, to let him not only know, but feel that she was there, feel her presence and hopefully feel reassured by it. That, and she held onto him because he felt like her only lifeline in a storm of emotions.

''What are you feeling like having?'' She looked over at him as they exited the museum. ''After all that walking I wouldn't mind a big dinner.'' She smiled, trying to ease the tension of the emotional moment they had shared. ''But truthfully, I do not have a preference. I...'' She could feel her words failing her again. ''Any choice that you make I will be satisfied with.'' She wanted to say that it didn't matter what place they went to so long as she was with him, but somehow it felt too vulnerable to say it like that.

Was she really just thinking of Enma as a good friend, or was she really experiencing love?

enma

[enma]

When Enma was young, his grandfather made sure to numb the emotions he still had from the dysfunctional home he came from. Where his father and him could not get along, he feared and respected Papa Arashi. The toxic nature of both homes had been in two forms, one where his father did not try to understand or care properly for his child and one where his grandfather was cruel to make a warrior out of him.

It took a long time to realize what love was like, but he knew the kindling fire within was for Masao and because of Masao. He couldn't say it yet, it was too soon. He needed to let the fire grow, test it against the winds. The moment they shared for such a heavy first date was beautiful, but it helped him realize that his father and grandfather didn't show love like they should've. They didn't cultivate it, they were too busy building their masks and trimming their bonzai trees to let a child be a child.

The scars on Enma's body were not entirely real, but signs of his journey with his family that he wouldn't realize had manifested from his quirk. They were so realistic that anybody could mistake the scars on his body for healed over wounds. Some were, patterning and weaving together between real and false scars that made his body look more weathered than it should have. The mark on the side of his head from his time in Kyoto was the final symbol of him becoming a warrior in Papa Arashi's eyes.

So many big feelings from his past came to the surface when he was held by Masao. Touch so welcome that it melted the adamantine armor he wore on his skin at all times. He didn't look ridiculous. He didn't feel ridiculous. He felt like he was in the right place, being around Masao. With great admiration, he would see her accept him and show him that emotions were okay, even if it was just for him. Enma needed to return this great service to her, he needed to be a sword for her to wield.

"Yeah...I'm okay, Masao. I'm okay because you are with me." While they had known each other for a while, this would be the first time they would be in a romantic setting. This was also the first time that he dealt with such a variety of big feelings and felt safe in letting another see it. "I'm feeling...a lot. You being with me, here, seeing this painting and accepting me...it means a lot Masao."

Through teary eyes, he smiled and gestured for them to leave. "I am hungry for some dumplings. There's also something we must do, but not here." Once they finally left the museum and began walking towards a place to eat, he would stop and suddenly pull Masao into him. "Masao. I am confident because of you. I am feeling things I should have known how to feel because of you."

On one of many hills in Tokyo that overlooked the down-curve of the city, the setting sun struck both of their faces. He looked at her passionately, with deep and sincere romance on his face. "I only know how to express myself like a war spear, so I can't wait any longer. May...I kiss you?" There was heat in his breath, the rising and fall of his anxious chest even more accentuated. Trembling hands held Masao with the most soft puppy expression one could ever capture from him looking up at her.

Did she feel the same?

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

She smiled back at him, relieved to hear that he was okay despite everything. It couldn't be easy to share all this with her, and yet he still decided it was important enough that it was worth it. That she was worth relying on. This gesture hadn't gone unnoticed, his presence, his trust, she wanted to return it tenfold, but she didn't know how to. ''There is no place I would rather be than here by your side.'' She squeezed his hand softly and looked into his eyes. In this moment it didn't matter that they were in the middle of a museum, her whole world was him, and him alone. ''Dumplings sound wonderful.'' She added with a smirk, already looking forward to her first dinner with him.

Then, before she knew it, he pulled her close. ''E-Enma..'' She felt her face light up as she glanced around, was anyone looking at them? It didn't look like it, but she couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. However, all of that quickly melted as she wrapped her arms around him, leaning in to give him that hug she wanted to give him in the museum. ''This is all... A lot. You said earlier that you were feeling a lot. I am not good with words and emotions...'' She closed her eyes so she could focus on just the feeling of embracing him. Holding him close and hearing his gentle breathing. ''...But I am feeling a lot too.'' She broke away from the hug eventually and looked at him, but quickly averted her gaze again, feeling more shy than ever. She had never acted like this with anyone before.

Even on this hilltop with a gorgeous sunset ahead of them, she couldn't help but have her eyes glued to Enma. What was correct to say in a moment like this? They were looking at each other, but it didn't feel weird or intrusive at all. Maybe she should give him a compliment? But how could she avoid making it sound too sappy, or too technical. Talking about his eyes she would most definitely sound like a hopeless romantic, but reaffirming that he was a great swordsman would feel too out of place. Maybe it was just best to let this moment exist as is, enchanting and idyllic, the sort of moments she only ever dared dream could happen to her. Until he broke the silence...

''Kiss me?''

She felt something jump in her chest. As if it couldn't get any better he... He wanted to kiss her? ''I-If you insist.'' She stuttered out in her mix of nervousness and excitement, before elaborating. ''I mean- yes... Um...'' She looked down at her hands for a moment, Enma's face, his question, it was so spellbinding that she needed to look away for a moment. ''Yes you may. I want to kiss you too, but I don't know... how...'' She blurted out the last part, turning to look up at him before leaning in closer, her face, her heart, her whole body and soul burning. She noted the feeling of his trembling hands and paused for a split second. Was he scared too? But there was nothing to be worried about, right? She already liked him, she already wanted this. Every part of her was saying yes to his question, opening up to him. She smirked nervously as they got closer. This was really happening. Carefully, she put a hand up to cup his cheek, covering part of the mark on the side of his head. She accepted him for who he was, every part of him, even the scars and yet she so desperately wished she could wipe away the pain they had all brought him with a single wave of her hand.

As their noses touched she closed her eyes and let go of a small breath she didn't know she was holding. ''Sorry.'' She whispered, apologizing preemptively for being a bad kisser, then she slowly leaned in to kiss him.

enma

[enma]

Despite them being adults, the two truly led sheltered lives socially. Enma was taught to appreciate literature, nature and a warrior's spirit. Masao was taught to work hard and never let up, always trying to accomplish the proud admiration of her family. It was inevitable that they would lack in things like how to hold a person or comfort them. How to run with the moment, even. Most relevantly, how to kiss.

But Enma didn't expect Masao to be a good kisser, nor did he expect himself to. It wasn't about good or bad to him, because she was connecting on all crucial points. She accepted him, she supported him, she felt natural to talk to and be around. Her aspirations were inspiring, her work equally so. So much for Enma to idolize that he forgot about his fears and his darkness. He needed to be careful, as sooner or later he would need to contend with a lot of unknowns.

The deeper he bonded with Masao, the deeper the well of unknowns he must draw water from. Still, as they bumped noses softly, Enma didn't chuckle, he just smiled. A laugh might scare her off, despite it being nobody's fault. No, he took the kiss in full stride and let their lips dance together. With the warmth and softness of each other's pillows, he felt confirmation in his heart. The feelings, the truly big feelings he had for Masao were real.

He didn't want the kiss to end. Something was born between their kiss, be it a budding love for each other or a love for affection. Pale fire rolled from Enma's body and used the surfaces of their embrace to swirl around. His heart and his tears shined. When the embrace finally ended, he didn't let go of Masao. "That was wonderful, Masao. I won't lie and say I'm any good at it, but it felt right."

The date could not have gone any better. A share of emotions, refined and mature. An appreciation for art. Vulnerability that would invite mutual sharing. An acceptance of romance that could paint the memory so vividly and clearly that he would always remember this day. It won't last forever, but it will drive him even further into his heroic aspirations. He won't be alone, either. "You bring so much out of me that I didn't know was possible. Thank-you. Now, dumplings?"

A sweet date, the next he decided to make much more easy-going for them to enjoy. Still, he didn't know that sharing his sister's painting would be such a bonding experience. The fear regarded it as selfish and too much, but Enma knew Masao would appreciate it. He just knew.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

His smile was so reassuring, as if he was silently telling her that she could do no wrong, that this was their moment together and he was here for her. Her heart beat faster as her lips met his, her skin tingling with this warm, comforting, yet also thrilling feeling as she found herself yearning for more. It felt right, she had feelings for Enma and this moment which she had daydreamed about was so much better than she could ever have imagined. Remembering his trembling hands, one of her hands sought out his to hold it, fingers intertwining as their hearts and souls danced. She didn't want it to end either, but when it did she was practically breathless.

Suddenly holding him close felt a lot better too. Earlier when she hugged him it felt nice, but it felt as if they shared something, a deep, unspoken and invisible bond that linked them together. No one understood her like he did and for the first time in her life, she knew what it felt like to trust in someone completely. Her heart was his, but she had a feeling he would treat it with care. That was just the kind of man he was. ''It did.'' She said with a small sigh, smiling. ''It felt different. You were perfect, Enma-kun.'' She leaned into him further, embracing him and sitting there on the bench until it was time to go.

''Dumplings sound delightful.'' Once again she was hypnotized by his eyes. When she finally stood up and offered him a hand off the bench, suddenly a gauntlet appeared over it in a flash of light, like a microcosm of her quirk being used. She looked at her hand in disbelief, then it hit her. ''S-Sorry, I think my body detected an abnormal heart rate and thought I was in danger..'' She looked off to the side, her face beet red with embarrassment. However, she quickly got over it, although it took several minutes for the gauntlet to disappear from her hand. ''Thank you for this date. I had a feeling an artist like you would also be a romantic.''

As they walked to the diner she held his hand and walked a bit closer to him. ''Enma, I know it is a lot to ask, but do you think we could make visiting that hilltop part of our training routine?''

enma

[Jinx]

☆ MISSION SUCCESS ☆

And the rest is history~
Great thread you two!

+ 75 Tokens!!

Enma: 6,250 // 13,750
Masao: 8,000 // 15,500 

tag: Masao Ando,enma