Eros. (Benimaru Shinmon)

二十二❃

My fingertips reaching up to touch my lips, knowing that Benimaru had just touched them only moments ago as I turned over to see him asleep with his arm around my waist. Sure Konro, him, and I would be put together to sleep on a single futon but usually with Benimaru and Konro sleeping one way and myself sleeping the other way. But now, Benimaru and I were all grown up and this was nothing as expected.

I looked at the peaceful man as his muscles seemed relaxed. The bags under his eyes finally could get some rest. His cute nose to his upper and lower lip that was just the right tinge of pink was fixed in a serious expression most of the time but right now at peace. He was so much at peace that his neck-long hair was pushed back from his face as the gentle breeze from outside, revealing his prominent collarbone.

Considering the heat of the night, Benimaru made it a point to take his shirt off. I hadn't seen Benimaru's upper torso since we were kids and adulthood surely made things more pronounced than before. His broad shoulders and well-built upper torso was something that couldn't be glanced at. Each curve of his muscles, especially the flexed position of his biceps was making me weak. My eyes moved further south towards his six-pack. He was a living work of art, his skin so tempting to touch; every move giving away his strength.

Overall, he was rather beautiful when he wasn't not sulking.

He soon moved his face closer towards my neck and nestled into it further while I was on my back causing me to smile. This was oddly satisfying than sleeping alone. I was enjoying the warmth radiating from his body when he was near me. Being this close to him was to die for...

Those were my last thoughts as my consciousness ebbed, my mind went into free fall, swirling with the beautiful chaos of a new dream.
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When I woke up, Benimaru was gone. I was slightly disappointed at the fact...regardless I couldn't have my mind on that. It was safe to assume that he was at the Hikeshi guardhouse back on duty. Yesterday was his day off and he chose to spend it with me so it would be best to leave him alone today.

Lying on my back, I stared at the ceiling. What should I do today? I didn't have anyone to help or any kids to watch. Konro respected my wishes to not heal any of his members. Maybe going to the hot spring was a good thing to do.

Deciding to get out of bed, I threw the blanket off of me and stood up, still a bit stiff. After stripping myself from my tank top and shorts, the clothing I usually sleep in, I took a short but refreshing shower. When I have finally dressed again in a green yukata, I left my house and went over to the carpenter. Even though Benimaru and I were together, I still wanted to install the shoji on my house.

Walking over there I couldn't get my mind off of the date yesterday. Even though he had his usually sulking expression, he managed to put on a half-smile for me and did things that were pretty sweet. He even pushed his fangirls away and focused his attention on me. It more ways than one, he really showed that he really cared. I just wished he didn't follow Asakusa's traditions so strongly and allow me to join the Hikeshi Fire Brigade. But even though our talks last night before he fell asleep, he made it clear that he didn't want me fighting infernals.

If he just loosens up and let me fight alongside them, he wouldn't be so stressed out and have those bags under his eyes.

We are equal in power so I should deserve a chance to be on the brigade. Even though I am content with the things that were happening between us...it didn't make me find solace.

"H-Hey, Inori!"

"Hi Akira," I said politely while waving.

He wasn't exactly the carpenter I wanted to speak to but his son. The same son who I had heard from my best friend before she infernalized, said had a crush on me. I didn't believe her at first but now looking at him and seeing faint blushes on his cheek...maybe her words were true.

"C-can I help you with something?" he asked.

"I was wondering if your father was around," I inquired, "I would like to install a shoji on my home."

"Um sure but i-if you like, I can do it for you," he said.

"Um, I don't want to impose," I said as I shook my hand in front of me, "You seem busy."

"I am actually done here," he said, "I was only applying the last coat of paint on this home."

"A-are you sure?" I questioned.

"Definitely!" he exclaimed. He was a bit too jovial for his character because as soon as he said that, he fell off his ladder. I quickly ran towards him and helped him up as he laughed embarrassingly.

"Be careful!" I said, "You could have gotten a concussion."

"Haha!" He laughed as he got up from the ground, "Thanks for being concerned but I'm okay, let's measure out your house frame for the shoji and get the materials for the shoji."

"Okay," I said smiling while walking beside him.

As usual the town was bustling with people setting up their stands to sell and get their business running. Children were running across the road playing tag with one another. As we got further, Akira took out his measuring tape and began measuring the frame of the door.

"Was this the only shoji you wanted to make?" he asked.

"Yeah," I answered, "How much will it cost?

"Don't worry about it!" He exclaimed, "My father would be upset if I had accepted money from the woman who helped him out when he had his physical injury three years back. This is on us."

"I couldn't do that-"

"Please, don't worry about it," he assured as he smiled and began walking off towards the market as I smiled and followed him. I guess showing kindness towards those in this town was often rewarding.