Eros. (Benimaru Shinmon)

八十五

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I pulled away from Benimaru, the warmth of his kiss still lingering on my lips. I didn't say anything, just turned and began to walk towards the guardhouse, my steps slow and deliberate. I could feel his eyes on me, the weight of his gaze almost tangible as I moved away from him.

When I reached the doorway, I couldn't resist the urge to glance back over my shoulder. There he was, standing where I had left him, his eyes locked on me with an expression that was both endearing and heartbreaking. He looked at me like a lost puppy, his usual stoic demeanor softened by something more vulnerable, something that made my heart clench just a little.

I gave him one last smile, something small and reassuring, before I turned back and slipped inside the guardhouse. The warmth of the building enveloped me, a stark contrast to the intensity of the emotions swirling around me outside.

Inside, I found Akira already awake, leaning against the wall as he waited for me. As soon as I entered with the food, his eyes lit up, and he practically crawled towards me, his movements surprisingly quick for someone who had been through so much.

"You didn't waste any time, did you?" I laughed, watching as he eagerly tore into the packaging, the smell of freshly grilled yakiniku filling the room.

"Not a chance," he mumbled through a mouthful of food, his eyes closing in bliss as he devoured the meal. "This is amazing."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. His happiness was contagious, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that at least for now, things were calm.

I carefully unwrapped the second package, revealing more of the grilled meat and vegetables, and set it aside as I turned my attention to Ichijiro. He was still asleep, his face peaceful, but I knew he needed to eat.

"Hey," I said softly, reaching over to gently shake him awake. "Ichijiro, are you hungry?"

His eyes fluttered open, and when he saw me, a sleepy smile spread across his face. He nodded, his eyes still heavy with sleep but filled with a quiet trust that made my heart swell.

I carefully lifted him, cradling him in my arms as I brought the food closer. "Here," I said, offering him a piece of the meat. "Eat up."

He took a bite, chewing slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. As I fed him, I couldn't help but notice how small and fragile he felt in my arms, and the instinct to protect him, to care for him, grew stronger with each passing moment.

Akira, still focused on his own meal, glanced over at us and smirked. "You'd make a good mom, Inori," he commented, his tone teasing but with a hint of genuine admiration.

I rolled my eyes and feigned a blush, though I couldn't hide the smile that crept across my face. "Stap Daddy," I shot back, my voice playful as I reached over to nudge him with my foot.

Akira just laughed, his mood lightened by the good food and the easy banter. "I'm serious. Look at you, all nurturing and stuff."

I shook my head, but the warmth in my chest remained, fueled by the sense of family that we had built, despite everything. "Yeah, well," I replied, keeping my voice light, "don't get used to it. This is a special occasion."

Ichijiro smiled sleepily, still munching on the food I fed him, his small hand resting trustingly in mine.

The warmth of the moment was abruptly shattered when Akira, mid-bite, suddenly stopped and stared down at his dish with a look of utter betrayal. He poked at a grilled shiitake mushroom with his chopsticks, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Excuse me? Why the hell are there vegetables in here?" he demanded, his voice tinged with a mix of disgust and disbelief.