Until I Burn Away - Megumin x Male Reader

Chapter 3: All Together Now

A/N: The break was long and boring and I couldn't take it so here we go. My family hasn't seen me for two days. Enjoy!

The party was currently in the field of toads, having just witnessed Megumin's explosion.

Megumin: "It's so hot. Is Y/N okay?"

Kazuma: "He looks more than okay. He...looks...better? Somehow?"

Megumin: "Huh?"

You turned around and smiled at Megumin.

Y/N: "I think I figured it out."

She blushed as you looked her dead in the eyes.

Megumin: "Does he have to look at me like that?"

Y/N: "Oh, and also, Megumin, you're on the team." 

Megumin: "Wait, really?! Why all of a sudden?" 

Kazuma: "Woah, woah, woah buddy. Wait just a second!"

Kazuma unlatched Megumin from his back and dropped her on the ground.

Megumin: "Ow! Jeez, Kazuma."

Anybody's instinct would be to put their arms out and break their fall, but the girl did not move a muscle. Now she was lying motionless on the grass again. 

Kazuma: "As you can see, she can't move! After she uses explosion, she becomes completely useless and unable to do anything! Remind you of anyone?"

Y/N: "Talking about me?" 

Kazuma: "Hell yeah I'm talking about you! During an intense battle, how am I supposed to watch out for two statues and a useless healer?" 

Y/N: "I told you, I think I figured it out. I just need her to teach me how."

You pointed at the "statue". 

Megumin: "T-teach you? Teach you what?" 

Kazuma: "What can she teach you, other than tips for getting yourself killed more efficiently?" 

Y/N: "That explosion just now was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. It felt so familiar for some reason. I can't explain it...but I wanna understand it somehow. I think it would help us all out." 

Kazuma: "That's never gonna happen, because she's banned from using explosion ever again." 

Megumin: "What? I can't. Explosion is the only magic I can use!" 

Kazuma: "Huh? I thought you were an archmage and a red devil! How can you only know one spell?" 

Megumin: "It's crimson demon! And I love nothing more in this world than explosion. I devote myself fully to it! Every other magic is just insignificant when compared to explosion, and even though adventuring would probably be easier if I learned other spells, every other magic is trash! Even if I can only do explosion once per day, and I can't move after casting it, I will keep using only it until the end of time! Casting explosion is my sole reason for becoming an archmage!" 

Y/N: "If that's true, your resolve is pretty incredible."

Kazuma: "There's nothing incredible about using magic that surpasses your capabilities, all because of some weird romantic pursuit. It's dangerous! And stupid!" 

You laughed.

Y/N: "Maybe, but I think we're similar in that regard, Megumin. I admire it, to be fully honest. How can you know what you're capable of without taking risks, right? Sometimes the only way to win is by going against reason."