Feel My Flame (Akitaru Ōbi x OC)

Chapter 17

The battle was finally over; it was time to start rebuilding. In Asakusa, after someone turns Infernal it's normal to rebuild entire houses. The fire brigade set off fireworks as if it was a festival. "Tamaya!" Someone yelled. "Kagiya!" Another yelled as they viewed the fireworks. "It really is a festival." Akitaru said as he looked up at the fireworks with Takehisa. "This must be a way of mourning that's unique to Asakusa. It's different from most proto-nationalist funerals." Takehisa said as he viewed the fireworks. Benimaru came from out of the firehouse after he was done eating some daifuku that he ended up not wanting to eat because it was too sweet. The fire brigade all stood in front of Benimaru, waiting for orders. "Let's get these repairs started quickly!" Benimaru ordered. "If I destroyed your house during Kantaro's send-off, you're welcome to stay at the guardhouse. We'll look after you until it's been fixed. I don't think it'll take too long." Benimaru yelled out to the people of Asakusa. "Hey Captain, would it be alright with you if I helped out with repairs as well?" Shinra asked as Akitaru and Hina sat down on the ground. "Good idea. Doubt they'll talk to us while they're dealing with this, so we may as well help speed things along." Akitaru said. Everyone took off their uniform coats while Hina leaned on the wall while still sitting down. "Are you okay Shinmon?" Mizuki asked as she took Hina's coat. "Something wrong Shinmon?" Akitaru asked as Hina pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm fine, just needed to sit down for a moment." Hina said as she reached her hand out, which Akitaru grabbed to help Hina get up. Mizuki put Hina's coat with the rest of Company Eight's equipment. Hina fixed the case on her back before walking away with Mizuki.

"Keeping the staff?" Mizuki asked. "Yeah, it could be useful. Hey, isn't that the Seventh's Lieutenant? What's his name?" Hina asked as she looked over to Konro talking to some civilians before carrying a toolbox. "Yeah, Lieutenant Konro Sagamiya. We should help him out." Mizuki replied before jogging over to him. "Excuse me, lieutenant!" Mizuki called out as she stopped in front of Konro, who hummed in confusion. "The Eighth would like to help out with the repairs so, please let us help you." Mizuki pleaded as Hina walked over to the two of them. "Of course. The more people helping out the better." Konro replied as Hina picked up three wood boards without breaking a sweat. She stacked them up and carried them on her left shoulder. "You can carry that by yourself?" Konro asked in shock. "I could carry more but I don't want to do all the work." Hina said as Mizuki picked up on board. "Alright then, we're supposed to take these down to the house at the end of the street." Konro said as the two from the Eight nodded before following him. "It may not seem that way if you talk to our captain, but we all really do appreciate the help." Konro said. "No problem, Lieutenant." Mizuki muttered as she walked next to Hina. Konro looked at Mizuki while she looked down at the ground. Hina nudged her side causing her to look up. "So... is your captain's power too much that not you or the fire brigade can join in?" Mizuki asked shyly. "Kind of, it's not like we don't help out afterward but most of the time Beni does the work." Konro said with a small smile on his face. "But I'm a wounded soldier, to be honest, the only thing I can do is help rebuild. I can't fight anymore." Konro sighed.

"I see." Hina muttered. "Your captain, what the hell is wrong with him?" Hina asked as Mizuki slapped her on the head. "Sorry, she's always like this. I just don't want to talk business right now." Mizuki chuckled nervously as Hina held the back of her head. "It's fine, Waka's always like the way he is too." Konro said. "What's your names?" Konro asked as he set the toolbox down near a house that was under construction. "I'm Mizuki Hinotsubasa, Second Class Fire Soldier." Mizuki said as she set down the board. Konro crouched down next to the toolbox and started rummaging through the tools. "Shinmon Hina, First Class Fire Soldier." Said Hina as she set the boards next to the house. Konro stopped rummaging through the tools and looked up at Hina. Same mismatch eyes, same silky black hair, same straight face, and he bets she still has the same smile. The resemblance was too uncanny. Konro shook his head and looked back at the toolbox. "Hina?" Konro asked in disbelief. "That is my name." Hina said as she turned around. "Where are you from Hina?" Konro asked as Hina arched a brow at him. "I don't think that's any of your business Lieutenant Konro." Hina said as she looked down at him. "Sorry, you just look really familiar." Konro sighed as he stood up. He didn't completely tower over Hina but she did have to look up to look him in the eyes. Konro had a look of sadness mixed with pity on his face. As Mizuki looked at the two staring at each other, she had no clue what to do with herself. So she held the wood plank while she had an uncomfortable expression on her face.