[enma]

Enma discovered that he was, in fact, human. Not a machine, not a demon, not a gorilla even. As Masao's arms wrapped around him, he felt bliss and the want to continue the night's activities well into the new day and across new surfaces. He had to withhold, as discipline was as necessary as respect for another's space. Surely, he was ready to be respectfully disrespectful to Masao...but this apartment was not her own.

What summoned such sinful thoughts? It was a new alignment of instincts. The movement, the thoughts, the raw emotion. Deposits of humanity showed its beautiful imperfections that encompassed the very nature of someone allowed to feel. Masao let him feel everything from love to lust and all the in-between callosum that made it come together. That's why he needed to make the omurice. It was a beautiful gesture, but it was his discipline manifested.

"Don't you dare, my love." He put a finger to her lips before breaking their embrace for breakfast. Seeing her light up in appreciation for the extra detail made the work all the more worth it. The sincerity was proven by the marveling of the dish, the tenderness she showed it to savor the moment, the flavor, the art. That's why he cooked for those he loved. "I've been cooking since I was young as Papa Arashi was not...skilled. He had shaky hands in the kitchen."

There was a lot he had to learn on his own. It began to brew bitterness, the kind made inevitable by such an imbalance of teaching and ignorance. Neglect for the heart was as illness-inducing as neglect for the mind or body. Eating gently and trying to enjoy breakfast for as long as he could so they'd be together just a moment more than they should, the omurice became even tastier in the company of his love. "Fitness club is enough for me, this is a secret haven for the both of us."

Hearing her talk about what her day was looking like, he wondered if it was too much to want to come home to her now or for her to come home to him. Aspirations that should be felt, but the eagerness must be tempered. Confessing was a lot, so was the physical connection that followed soon after. If he...got carried away with his new freedom, the flame might die out too soon. "Training of course, which is very routine and typical. I also have a shift at my father's store."

The way he cut his omurice, letting it drape over was so precise and clean. Almost clinically, he would take each bite in equal portions. Chewing slow was good for the metabolism and hunger levels, also for appreciating the flavors. Creamy, fluffy egg cradled the ingredients within and the rice was merely secondary for him. "I don't need to work for several hours, I can take that hour to train. Would you have me for a bit longer?"

Like a puppy, he asked for a treat. That being her presence, as he'd soak up what he could. That was love.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

She wished she could bottle up this feeling and it keep it with her everywhere she went, especially when Enma had to go to work or classes. Holding him like this immediately made her relax in a way she never had before. Somehow, she had found love and somehow, it wasn't hindering her career, if anything, Enma was making her more confident, stronger, and more caring than she thought she could be. His voice, his eyes, his hand on her lower back, everything about him was mesmerizing. She wanted to immortalize his presence in her life. Would it be too weird or needy if she started looking for apartments in Tokyo they could move into together?

No, what was she even thinking, they were still a recent couple, she couldn't be jumping the gun like that.

The way he called her 'my love' made her heart soar, happy feelings fluttering all over again as she took the first bite of her breakfast with a full heart. Maybe that was why she felt so happy when she was around him, even if they weren't really doing anything together. ''I see, your skill is certainly apparent even to someone like me who is a novice in the kitchen.'' Her face was still red from his earlier comment as she wiped some food from her lips using a handkerchief.

''I feel honored.'' She put her spoon down and closed her eyes, taking it all in as she leaned on him gently. ''Getting to share this secret haven with you.'' She looked at him, brushing stray strands of her hair behind her ear. ''You're working today too? I suppose you only have time off from school on the weekends...'' She trailed off. She couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that they had to split up and go about their day separately. Still, the disappointment wasn't a great one. She mustn't get too clingy, and they had the rest of the day after work to meet up too. Besides, the flavors of the omurice whisked all her worries away, flavors dancing across her tongue and carrying her to cloud nine with every bite.

''R-Really? If you have more time then...'' Her face turned beet red again as she turned her attention down to her omurice and took a few more bites, much faster this time. ''Let's finish up breakfast first.'' She felt like she was going to faint. At least there was a good chance she would fall into him if that was the case, but it didn't make processing her feelings any easier, or what she was going to suggest next. ''You haven't showered yet, have you?'' She couldn't look at him while she asked him, choosing instead to poke timidly at her omurice. ''Maybe we could... I mean, we don't have to, but I need to shower before I think about heading out.''

enma

[enma]

Life wasn't simple, as much as Enma would like to simplify. They both had their responsibilities, routines and disciplines that needed to be upheld. If he didn't maintain his training, he would not be able to protect Masao. There was also university life, especially with their university not being a normal academic one. As for the job...he knew that would have to change as true internship was around the corner and a new element was added to his life.

Masao needed to meet his father. There was no doubt in his mind that his father would welcome her into the Arashi fold, as her family was of far greater renown and respect. It still frightened him as he knew that Masao wanted to protect him just as much as the other way around. While they enjoyed their time and their breakfast, Enma thought about how they could have more of these sweet moments. Not just moments, of some kind of permanency to their time together.

"It makes me happy to know you can appreciate it. Your work requires such focus, so it's good to be properly fed." He said it with a smile as they finished their food. As she seemed disappointed in the limited time they'd have, it made him want to renegotiate even more with his father. "Thankfully, I only need to work when he needs me. It's...part of our agreement."

If their agreement fell through, what could his father even do? Enma was an accomplished student at this point. His potential was undeniable and soon, agencies were going to want him. As they finished and Masao began to offer that they shower together, he nearly spit out his water and immediately cleared the plates. "Masao. Get the water running." Never did he so vigilantly begin cleaning the kitchen and everything used to make breakfast.

By the time he was done, he would find himself meeting Masao in full preparation for the shower. Grabbing her waist, he would pull her close and feel her tall, strong, beautiful figure. "I promise it's not the only thing on my mind, but..." Gripping her hip and sweeping his thumb along her abs, he looked up with renewed desire. "The shower is going to be necessary."

Something about this new element to their relationship invited the most boldness Enma could muster. Everything was easy with her, so like a pair of love-ridden university students...he prompted to continue their activities from the previous night.

Masao Ando

[Masao Ando]

''To know that you have spent time cooking this for me personally, I will cherish every bite like the most precious gift.'' She smiled back, enjoying living in the present, in their present, sharing memories she would be able to think back on fondly. All her worries about how her family would react to Enma got pushed to the back of her mind, none of that mattered until they actually confronted them and besides, if she had to pick between Enma or her family, she would pick him every time. As much good as her parents had done for her, raising her to be independent, she also couldn't deny that they had done a lot of harm, even if it was an uncomfortable truth to swallow. ''Your father sounds very reasonable. I imagine he wants you to get practical experience, but not work so much that it becomes a detriment to your studies.''

She was shocked at how he reacted to her proposal and let out a quiet. ''E-Enma?'' Before blushing when he told her to get the water running. She couldn't help but let out a delicate chuckle, covering the mouth with the back of her hand as he started cleaning their dishes. ''I take that as a yes?'' She was happy that he seemed to love her as much as she did him. She had always felt insecure about her figure, about her height especially, but to know that he loved her despite her own perceived insecurities made her feel a new kind of confidence she had never felt in her own gender expression. As she stood up she pushed in both of their chairs. ''Next time, if you're cooking let me do the dishes.'' She offered with a smile, before turning to the bathroom.

She squinted at herself in the bathroom mirror, her hands unable to resist the urge to correct some of her bedhead then and there, but rather than get distracted for hours, she turned to the shower and started getting the water running as he had requested. Was he the kind of person who liked a scalding hot shower, or a more mild one? She held her hand under the water, making sure it was good before taking off her gown. When Enma joined her she wrapped her arms around him in turn. ''You seem to have read my mind.'' She whispered back, planting a kiss on his cheek before she pulled him in under the hot water with her.

---

As she turned off the hairdryer she shook her head gently, making sure her hair was nice and dry before she started her day. Looking at her phone's display she checked the time. ''Goodness, my mornings have gotten a lot slower than I'm used to.'' She was sat on her bed, smiling over at Enma as he was getting ready too. ''Not that I mind it at all.'' Her heart and soul was so bursting with love she felt like she could accomplish anything, even if she was a little bit behind schedule. ''I have to head out now, I'm expecting a delivery of goods for my next batch of weapons and I need to be there to receive them.'' She let her fingers dance up his arms before she pulled him in for a quick kiss on the lips. Keeping her face close to his, she slipped him her dorm keys. ''Here, lock up using my keys when you leave. You can give them back to me after work.'' Smooth. Maybe she wasn't as awkward as she thought she was? Grabbing her handbag from her desk she put it on and was just about to leave when she paused in the doorframe. ''Enma-kun.'' She stopped and looked over her shoulder. She wanted to tell him something, but now that she was there in the moment she felt her heart beat faster and faster, making her fumble her delivery. ''I-I love you!'' She added with a beaming smile before hurrying out the door, embarrassed at her own exit.

enma

[enma]

[attr="class","body"]

Masao was an angel. Pure to a fault, which is why she was perfect for him. They had their own issues that made socializing hard, but to find someone it was easy with meant everything. They've gone beyond that, the two having shared their bodies, their minds, their souls. Enma could do things like make breakfast for her, clean the dishes, make her life easy before she engaged in her duties as a smithing genius.

As he moved like lightning, he would not give her the opportunity to lift a finger. She needed to know just how much she vitalized him. With that vitality, they needed to make use of it before it was wasted. "Of course it's a yes. I'll let you do the dishes when I die!" He giggled as she did, making sure everything was spotless and dry before meeting her once more. As clothes removed, as embraces were had, he squeezed her waist and felt the soft, beautiful flesh that made him know this was real.

Pulled into the shower, he'd scoop her up and carry her along. The shower wasn't just for hygiene.

=

Some time after the shower, Masao was getting ready to go receive an order. They both had this...glow about them. It made him forget that she was only recently in danger. Only recently they would have their first hurdle as a couple, overcoming the psychotic cyborg that was sent to assassinate her and anyone she was with. Enma forgot that he was someone who struggled with the world and the loneliness that captivated him.

Masao eliminated that loneliness and helped him be confident in befriending others. The advice of those that taught him was one thing, but she was his hope. As she gave him her keys, they kissed for the last time and she ran away saying she loved him. It happened so fast, that she saw a blushing Enma stunned by it. "I...love you too, Masao!" Holding the keys with a fluttering heart, he felt like they took a big step in their relationship.

This was love. Love was accepting that they could trust each other and plan for a brighter future. Could they eventually live together? Would their relationship become something more...than boyfriend-girlfriend? Shaking himself free of the fantasies, he needed to grab something from his apartment in preparation for work. Making his way there, he'd absent-mindedly leave her dorm keys in his own as he grabbed his uniform and credentials.

It was time to put his foot down. His father couldn't use him anymore, he had to accept that Enma's life was going to become a lot more dedicated and he needed time for hero work and all that entails along with his support of Masao.

Entering Tokyo, he would make some distance between the university and him. Captivated by the fact that he had a true love and that their relationship was truly beautiful and blossoming, his senses weren't so keen. Mumbling under his breath and caught up in his fantasies, his vision went blurry. Something struck him. It wasn't enough, he was stronger than this. Turning, he saw a set of laser-red eyes.

Something else struck him. More eyes, then another piercing feeling. Everything dulled until everything went dark. Whoever captured Enma and dragged him into the van knew that he wouldn't go down easily. The uniform and credentials were left behind. A note was left in front of Masao's dorm.

We will contact you. We have him. Come quietly, come alone. Don't and he suffers.

---

Masao Ando

[newclass=.body b]color:#e04d4d[/newclass]

[Masao Ando]

She breathed a sigh of relief as she came to a stop. Hopefully he didn't notice how much she had embarrassed herself. Not that it really mattered since he accepted her for who she was. Still, she had taken off running anyway. She felt like she was acting out of character lately, but in a good way. Her stoic facade had melted away around him, she could be herself, and free to figure out who the real Masao Ando even was in his company. Free of the fear of judgement she was intoxicated on his love and acceptance. Doing silly things like running off, smiling and laughing more often. Where had these little joys been all her life?

She smiled to herself as she walked up to the workshop. She should get him a gift while she was out, sneak into Tokyo and buy something for him as thanks for yesterday. Pushing the door open to her workshop she didn't pay the fact that it was unlocked any mind. However, she froze in the doorframe when she noticed her father Akari Ando standing inside, inspecting the equipment she had been working on and the condition of her workspace. ''You still keep your workspace tidy, Masao. Good, I would expect as much from my son.'' While his hair was blond it was long like hers, cold, green eyes staring back at her. ''Come in.'' He indicated for her to walk inside.

''Father... Your message did not indicate what time you would be here.''

''You know me, I'm a busy person. Besides, I needed to make sure you didn't have time to prepare in case you were turning into a slob.'' He picked up one of her training swords and inspected it closely as he continued talking. ''Masao, what is the purpose of my visit?'' She hesitated, slowly but surely putting herself back together and putting on the stoic facade she had worn her entire life. ''Because of the attempt on my life?''

Rather than answer her directly he continued. ''If you are going to drag the Ando name through the mud with your own incompetence, I suggest you do it in a way that garners sympathy from the public.'' She took a step forward. She wasn't just some puppet to be ordered around. ''I couldn't possibly have known that someone would try to kill me-''

''I heard that someone saved your life. A boy from this school?''

''Enma Arashi, he's my-''

''Yes that would be the one. I want to meet him.'' Akari put the training sword down and reached into his inner pocket to take out a sealed envelope. ''You are both invited to the Ando Estate for a formal dinner.'' He handed her the letter as he walked past her, giving her one more stare down. ''Masao, if you are going to waste your time on fooling around with a boy, then you must convince me you are skilled enough in your studies to do so. That means no more public tantrums, like letting that ice girl get on your nerves.'' Leaving the workshop he took one last look at her. ''Your mother and I will be expecting you and Arashi-san soon.''

She watched as he left and kept looking for a little while before she looked down at the envelope in her hand. A formal invitation to the estate, this was worse, this was so much worse than just having Enma meet her dad at school first. Taking a moment to get her bearings she continued about her day, stashing the envelope away as she did what she needed to. Her and Enma were going to open it and read it later and... He was going to put her mind at ease. He always did.

Just as planned she dipped into Tokyo for a quick shopping trip, keeping her sword Rosaria on her person just in case things went awry. Thankfully since the blade was concealed it was hard to tell that she was actually armed and so avoided being stopped by any officers. Heading into a local bakery she bought some pastries for her and Enma, something to enjoy after dinner.

She shivered as she returned back to the dorms, realizing she might need to start wearing her warmer jacket for the changing season. She smiled as she walked down the hallway to her dorm, ready to throw herself into Enma's embrace and see the surprise on his face when she brought home snacks. That was when she noticed the note. Odd, Misaki and Ylva were still out and... That wasn't Enma's handwriting. As she approached her door she was finally able to make out what the note said. She felt her blood run cold and her head spin, fear pumping through her body.

Someone had taken Enma.

Dropping the bag of pastries, Masao collapsed and sat on the floor for what felt like days. At some point she managed to pick herself up and walk outside, determined to follow the instructions of whoever had taken away Enma to minimize all harm done to him.

enma

[Jinx]

☆ MISSION SUCCESS ☆

You- Come on- Just let them be happy for a while!
Great thread you two!

+ 5,000 EXP!!

Masao: 60,500 // 65,500 EXP
Enma: 0 // 5,000 EXP

tag: Masao Ando,enma