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Narumi feels numb. The rain hitting him makes no difference. He stares at the portrait of the man who's like a father figure for him. The man he's failed to protect.
Now, a daughter is crying alone. An army has lost its leader.
And Narumi has to keep moving forward. No matter how much he wishes to rest. But, he's the First Division Captain. He's the strongest soldier in the country.
He has to be strong. For his Division. For his student. And for him.
So, he trains, not caring how sore his body is. Not caring how much he wants to rest. He can't lose someone again.
It's already late at night, and Narumi is still training. He continues to swing his bayonet. He continues to picture his battles against No. 9 or any kaijus.
He's so focused on his training that he doesn't notice a presence stepping into the training room. He notices it when a pair of swords counters his bayonet.
Rubellite eyes blink to reality, his kaiju eyes throbbing in pain from continuous usage. He meets a pair of ruby eyes, looking directly at his shining kaiju eyes.
"Soushiro." Narumi rasps. His body is still tense, from what he doesn't know.
Hoshina doesn't say anything. He just gets into a battle stance, swinging his swords in his hands. Ruby eyes never leave the rubellite eyes.
Narumi exhales a shaky breath before getting into a battle stance again.
The two don't exchange countdown before they charge at each other. Surprisingly, it's Narumi who's in defence. And it doesn't take three hits for Hoshina to note how uncoordinated the Captain moves.
Hoshina takes a deep breath, inhaling the sharp pheromone in the room. He knows the Alpha is crumbling, but he also knows the older man wouldn't stop until he really breaks. So, here Hoshina is.
It doesn't take long for Hoshina to get the upper hand on the Alpha. He swings his swords, countering the bayonet. And to Narumi's surprise, but not Soushiro's, the bayonet falls from the Captain's grip.
"And from that, I know it's time for you to stop for tonight, Captain Narumi," Hoshina speaks, sheathing his swords back on their scabbards on his back.
Narumi turns to Hoshina, fully paying attention. He notes how the Vice-Captain is still wearing the black formal uniform. He then exhales, lowering his gaze to the floor. He can see Hoshina's boots stepping into his vision, but he doesn't lift his eyes.
"Gen-kun." Hoshina softly calls, cupping the Alpha's cheeks. At the same time, he can smell a sweet, tender smell, countering his sharp, overwhelming scent. Without him realising it, his body relaxes.
"Soushiro," Narumi sighs, closing his eyes.
Hoshina hums, stepping closer. He moves his hands from the taller man's cheeks to around the man's neck, pulling him close. "You've worked hard, Gen-kun." He whispers, stroking the black hair soothingly.
Narumi lifts his trembling arms to wrap them around Hoshina's waist. He then rests his forehead against the shorter man's shoulder, letting himself fall further into the sweet smell.
"Thank you for your hard work, Gen-kun. You've done so well." Hoshina speaks softly.
Narumi shivers at the genuine words. He tightens the hug, hiding further in the omega's hold. "I let him die." He grits his teeth. His pheromones spike again.
Hoshina shakes his head as his hand continue stroking the sweaty hair. He lets out more soothing scent, neutralising the unstable Alpha's pheromone. "You didn't. You did your best. You've tried your best, Gen-kun. You didn't let Isao-san die." He says, feeling his shoulder getting wet. "You ran as fast as you could, even though you're closing to overheat. You fought your best, and that's enough, Gen-kun."
"I let that kid lose the only family she has!" Narumi cries.
"You didn't let Kikoru lose her father." Hoshina counters. "No one knew what No. 9's target was. No one knew it would be this strong after only a short time since the last encounter. We definitely didn't know it would take Isao-san. So, it's not your fault, Gen-kun."
"I should've been stronger."
Hoshina pauses at that. He's reminded of himself after his battle against No. 10. How he thinks the same. How Ashiro has to knock some sense into him to snap him back.
"Then, let's get stronger, Gen-kun." He says, pulling back slightly. He moves his hand to tilt the Alpha's face to look at him. "Let's kill No. 9." He smiles softly, wiping off the tears falling from the rubellite eyes. "Together. All of us." He leans forward, resting his forehead against Narumi's.
"We're in this together. You, me, and the rest of the Force." Hoshina continues. Narumi's grip tightens on the black uniform. "This weight isn't for you alone to bear." Hoshina tilts his head up to kiss Narumi's forehead.
Narumi's eyes flutter closed, taking a deep breath. The smell of the Omega fills his nose, soothing the Alpha inside him. He repeats it a few times before finally the fire inside him dims.
"Feeling better?" Hoshina asks, pulling the black hair back.
"Mhm." Narumi hums, leaning down to rest his head back on the smaller man's shoulder. "Thank you." He murmurs, nuzzling close to the crook of the Omega's neck. He leaves light kisses on the paler neck.
Hoshina giggles at the light touches. "Ready to rest now?"
"Are you staying?" Narumi returns the question.
"Only for tonight. I have to return to Tachikawa tomorrow afternoon." Hoshina answers.
Narumi grumbles, but takes it. He always sleeps more easily whenever he's with Hoshina.
"Now, come on, let's get you back to your room. You need a bath, you reek." Hoshina pushes the Alpha away, earning a whine from the older man. "Stop that. Let's go, so we can cuddle." Hoshina pushes Narumi toward the weapon on the ground.
Narumi grunts but does as told, picking up the bayonet. They clean up the training room before leaving. Along the way to Narumi's room, they hold hands since the hallway is empty, given how late it is.
"Did you drive here this late?" Narumi asks.
"No, I stopped by at the main hospital first before coming up here. I've been here like a few hours ago, I think."
When they arrive at the Captain's room, Narumi immediately goes to take a bath. However, he's surprised when the tub is already filled with warm water.
"Ah, I also came here to tidy things up. Though, the place isn't as messy as I expected." Hoshina speaks while unbuttoning his uniform jacket.
"Hasegawa tidied it a few days ago." Narumi grunts, taking his compressed t-shirt off.
Hoshina hums, changing out of his uniform into Narumi's pyjama.
"Don't go start stealing my clothes again," Narumi remarks, catching the Omega's action.
Hoshina sends a smirk over his shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll return them once your scent disappears." He lies down on the futon.
Narumi huffs. He then closes the bathroom door and takes a relaxing bath. The smell reminds him of Hoshina's scent.
"Where did you buy this?" Narumi asks out loud.
"Not telling~~," Hoshina replies.
Narumi groans, leaning deeper into the water.
"Don't fall asleep, Gen-kun!" Hoshina yells from the other side.
"I won't!" Narumi yells back.
After half an hour, Narumi gets out of the bathroom. Hoshina is already under the blanket, focusing on his phone.
"Busy?" Narumi asks, drying his hair.
"As busy as usual," Hoshina replies, putting his phone by the futon. He then opens his arms.
Narumi chuckles, throwing the towel into the laundry bin. He then lies down, pulling Hoshina on top of him. The Omega complies, burying his nose in Narumi's neck.
The room is filled with amber wood smell, soothing Narumi even further. Narumi exhales a long breath, closing his eyes.
"Love you," Narumi whispers, kissing Hoshina's shoulder.
"Love you, too," Hoshina replies.
Narumi hums, moving so his nose is directly on Hoshina's scent gland. He teases the marked skin, letting more pheromone slip out.
"Stop that." Hoshina gasps. "You know it's sensitive there."
"But, I want more of your scent," Narumi mutters.
"Then, I'll let it out. Don't bite there. Gen-kun!" Hoshina pushes the Alpha's face away when he feels the fangs on his gland.
Narumi grumbles incoherently. Hoshina groans, rubbing his sore gland.
"If you keep biting it, I'm putting on a scarf," Hoshina warns, tilting his head to glare at the Alpha.
"No, don't put a scarf!" Narumi shakes his head. He hates it whenever his omega wears something to cover his neck. "I won't bite it, just don't block your scent." He buries his face back into the omega's neck.
Hoshina sighs, resting further on Narumi's chest. He closes his eyes, "Sleep, Gen-kun." He moves his hand to Narumi's hair, stroking it soothingly.
And yeah, that'll do. Narumi's eyes flutter closed. Every time he takes a deep breath, his omega's scent fills his lungs. With that, he succumbs to sleep in less than a minute.
The next morning, the Sun shines through the curtain, disturbing the resting Alpha. Rubellite eyes flutter open.
Narumi groans, hiding his face in the dark purple hair. He tightens his hold around Hoshina's waist, pulling the smaller man even closer.
"What time is it?" Hoshina mumbles.
"When the Sun rises," Narumi mumbles back.
Hoshina hums, rolling away from on top of Narumi. Said Alpha whine at the lost weight. "Don't get up yet."
"I'm not." Hoshina huffs, lying on his side. Narumi immediately latches onto his back, wrapping his arms back where they belong.
The two settle down again, enjoying each other's warmth. Both are usually early risers, either for training or playing a game. But, now, they decide to stay in bed.
"Can we have lunch together?" Narumi asks.
Hoshina chuckles. "We haven't even gotten up and you're already asking about lunch." He remarks. "And yeah, let's have lunch together."
It takes half an hour for Hoshina to decide to get up. "Come on, get up." He shakes the Alpha's shoulder.
"No." Narumi groans.
Hoshina huffs, going to the bathroom for a quick shower. When he's done, he's not surprised to find the Captain still in bed.
"Gen-kun, come on," Hoshina says, putting on his uniform shirt. He eyes the Alpha's jacket hanging in the wardrobe.
"Don't." Narumi grunts without even opening his eyes.
Hoshina groans, rolling his eyes. He goes to the small kitchen to make coffee. "You want one too?"
"Sure," Narumi replies, finally sitting up.
He gets up to approach the Omega and hug the shorter man from the back. He buries his nose at the crook of Hoshina's neck.
"Your smell is so intoxicating." He whispers, breathing in all the sweet smell.
"Not the first time you said that." Hoshina chuckles, raising his hand to stroke Narumi's hair. He intentionally leaves his scent there, too.
For breakfast, Narumi goes to the cafeteria to get food for the two of them to eat in his room. Their relationship is still a secret to all colleagues whose ranks are lower than theirs.
He takes the food from the chef, ignoring the confused look on any soldiers in the room. When he returns to his room, he sees Hoshina already ready for the day and is texting someone on his phone.
"Ashiro?" Narumi asks, closing the door behind him.
"Okonogi-chan," Hoshina answers. "Just daily updates." He then puts his phone into his pocket.
Time skip
A few days later
"The Third Division is coming here?"
"Captain Ashiro?"
"No, Vice-Captain Hoshina."
"Ah… It's been three years since he came here. That means…"
In the entrance of Ariake Base, the Third Division and the First Division stand across from each other. Now, Hoshina doesn't have any problem with the First Division, and he knows his Alpha also doesn't really care about their rivalry. However, the difference is that Narumi's alpha ego is as high as Mount Fuji, and Hoshina always enjoy fueling the fire.
And so with the two combined, chaotic, exaggerated quarrel. Both have the same thoughts, to lighten the tense situation they're having. What Narumi doesn't expect is Hasegawa appearing behind him to hit him with a paper fan.
"Stupid Vice-Captain," Narumi grumbles, getting up from the ground while rubbing his head. He lifts his gaze to the only man who waits for him. "You wear a patch?" He asks, frowning when he doesn't smell the sweet, tender scent.
"Of course, I do," Hoshina replies, stepping closer to the Captain. "I don't think revealing our relationship while we're in this situation is a good idea." He remarks. His hands are still clasped behind him.
"Do you wear patches too in your Base?" Narumi asks.
"Mhm." Hoshina nods his head, moving his arms to wrap around Narumi's neck. "Weren't you the one who said you don't want any alphas to know my scent?" He whispers right in the Captain's ear.
Narumi shudders at that. It's not wrong that he ever said that. However, he also knows that Hoshina wouldn't do something he doesn't want to.
"Don't do that, Soushiro." Narumi grits his teeth. His hands automatically move around Hoshina's waist.
Ruby eyes glimmer in mirth. Without saying anything else, Hoshina moves away from the Alpha. He walks ahead to the Base, sending a smirk over his shoulder.
Narumi grins, chasing his omega. There's no way he's going to let Hoshina go freely after all the teasing.
.
.
.
However, the plan is thrown out of the window when Narumi finds out what Hoshina is planning. Now, the two are sitting in the empty meeting room. Both are still in their seats. Narumi is glaring at the table, his pheromone gives away his emotions.
"When did you decide this?" He asks.
"The day I talked to No. 10 when it reawakened," Hoshina replies, voice as calm as ever.
Narumi clenches his fists. "That was almost a week ago." He grits his teeth. "We had a call during all those nights. And not once did you even say anything about this." He lifts his head, glaring at the younger man across from him.
Hoshina sighs, leaning back in his seat. He doesn't say anything, though.
"Were you even planning to tell me? Or do I have to find out from when you come here for the testing?" Narumi grins bitterly.
"Had Captain Ashiro not said anything about it, I would've told you after this," Hoshina says. He has expected his captain to snitch on him. She and Okonogi have been pushing him to tell Narumi about his decision, but he's been postponing. So, he's not surprised that Ashiro did what she did.
Narumi scoffs, rolling his eyes. "So, what? You made a deal with that kaiju? It gives you information in return for making him into a numbered weapon?"
"Yeah, that's basically it." Hoshina nods his head.
"Are you out of your mind, Soushiro?!" Narumi finally explodes. "Making a suit with an intelligent kaiju?! One that's conscious too?! That's reckless on a whole new level!" He hits the table, making the room echo with the loud bang.
Hoshina sighs. This is why he's been delaying the conversation. He knows that Narumi wouldn't agree.
"Didn't I tell you that we'll get stronger together? This is me levelling up." He says, still keeping his voice even. "If No. 10 is a prototype, that means No. 9 saw the battle to make an even stronger kaiju. That also means it knows how I fight. So, yeah, I have to be stronger. And if wearing an intelligent weaponised kaiju suit is the way, then so be it."
Narumi bristles at that. His pheromone turns sharper. "Do you even know the risk of using a numbered weapon?!" He roars.
"Of course, I do. You told me, then Captain Ashiro told me, then Okonogi-chan told me about it too. All of you mentioned it too many times already, actually." Hoshina shrugs.
"Then, why?!"
"The same reason why Isao-san pushed Weapon No. 4 to be reactivated for Kikoru. The same reason why you unsealed Weapon No. 1. And the same reason why Captain Ashiro and I pushed Reno to synchronise with Weapon No. 6," Hoshina answers. His tone becomes more serious, but still stable.
"We have to win against No. 9. No matter what the cost. If I stay with how I was when I fought against No. 10, then Gen-kun, I would, without a doubt, die in battle." He continues. He pauses when he sees the flinch coming from the Captain.
Narumi lowers his gaze, glaring at the table. He knows the Vice-Captain is right. But, still, he dislikes this. The risk of wearing a numbered weapon is high. And to add, Hoshina's case would be the first one ever. This is the worst.
Small hand lifts his face to meet the ruby eyes. Hoshina is standing across the table.
"I'll be okay. I wouldn't let that kaiju win against my body. I wouldn't die, not any time soon." Hoshina speaks, leaning over the table to kiss the Alpha's forehead.
Narumi exhales a shaky breath. His pheromone becomes calmer, mixing with the Omega's calm scent.
"Sorry for lashing out," Narumi mutters, raising his hand to hold Hoshina's.
The Omega hums. "It's alright. It's understandable." He says softly. "Okonogi-chan also scolded me about it." Narumi scoffs, closing his eyes.
And so, the two start a new routine. Hoshina comes to Ariake twice a week, and each day he visits, he stays the night. It's a good decision for the two of them. The first few times Hoshina tries to synchronise with No. 10, his body drops, resulting in a nasty fever.
"Do you need anything else?" Narumi asks while helping his omega lie back down to bed.
Hoshina shakes his head, curling further into the blanket. His pheromone is unstable, following his body condition. "This is the worst." He groans.
Narumi chuckles softly. "I know." He murmurs, leaning down to kiss the sweaty forehead. "Hate to say it, but it's normal." He moves over the Omega so he can lie down on the bed too. "Come here." He pulls Hoshina into his arms, engulfing the shorter boy under his body.
Hoshina exhales, relaxing in Narumi's hold. "Don't move. Just stay like this."
"There's no place I'd rather be." Narumi murmurs, kissing Hoshina's neck.
And so, they spend the night with Narumi takes care of the sick Omega. Using any possible excuse, and extra help from Ashiro and Hasegawa, Hoshina can stay longer than scheduled.
"I hate No.10," Hoshina remarks the next morning while nesting in Narumi's bed. Narumi hums, keeping his focus on making porridge. "He won't shut up. Keeps making up his own plans. And he even tried to get to my memories!"
Narumi can't help but be glad that No.1 is mostly quiet. And is, dare he say, tame. "You're not giving up, though, right, Soushiro?"
Hoshina grumbles incoherently. "Of course not. But, it's still annoying. Urgh, I feel like I can still hear his voice in my head." He curls further in under the blanket.
Narumi chuckles softly, taking the food tray to bed. He sits on the ground by the bed. "Time to eat, Soushiro." He says, gently lifting the blanket to see the Omega's face.
Hoshina whines, which makes Narumi's heart skip a beat. It's not every day for him to hear the Omega whine.
"Come on, Sou." He smiles, putting the tray next to him. He lifts the younger man by the armpits. "You really need to put up more weight, Sou." He moves around, so Hoshina sits in between his legs, back to chest.
"Do I need to feed you?" Narumi grins, taking the tray and putting it on Hoshina's lap.
"I can eat it myself," Hoshina mutters, taking the spoon from the Alpha.
Narumi hums, wrapping his arms around the slim waist. He rests his chin on Hoshina's shoulder.
"When will the next test be?" He whispers.
"Next week. They want me to rest first." Hoshina answers.
Narumi nods his head, satisfied.
"But, I need to check on Kafka soon," Hoshina adds, earning a groan from the Alpha. "You and I both know how much he needs it."
"But, you're sick," Narumi grumbles.
"And I can still throw you over my shoulder. What's your point?" Hoshina counters.
Narumi grunts, not saying anything to that. He knows Hoshina isn't exaggerating. The Omega can truly do that if Narumi pushes too far.
It becomes something like a routine for the two of them. Whenever Hoshina visits Ariake, he stays with Narumi overnight before returning to Tachikawa the next morning. Funnily enough, no one notices it. But, well, with the circumstances, it's not a surprise.
Then, the war happens. The two don't have the chance to meet and talk as they're in their home ground. But Narumi explicitly asks Kurusu to keep him updated about Hoshina's situation.
"Vice-Captain Hoshina clears Chofu Airport!"
Narumi sighs in relief. Of course, he knows his omega would win. "How's No.10 suit?"
"They couldn't immediately synchronise. But, the Vice-Captain were able to turned the situation around. His power output is currently in his 80s."
Not as high as his original output, but it's still something.
"According to Okonogi-san, his current strength is already on par with his normal suit."
Narumi blinks. He huffs, smirking proudly. "Of course." He murmurs. It seems his omega will soon really be on par with him.
"What's this? Water?" A soldier questions, looking down.
Narumi glances down, too. "It's coming." He announces.
.
.
.
.
.
The war finally ended after hours of fighting. Narumi is slouched on the ground, resting against a ruin. His suit already heals his heart, but he's still not out of the yellow zone. He can hear Kurusu yelling something in his ears, but he's not listening. His focus is fading as his body finally gives in to the tiredness.
He blinks when he catches a sniff of a familiar scent. Rubellite eyes gaze up and immediately meet the ruby eyes.
"Captain Narumi!" Hoshina exclaims, kneeling by his side. "You were too reckless!" He rests his hand on the Alpha's chest, where the hole was.
Narumi stares at the ruby eyes, the worry is so vivid. "Sorry." He murmurs, making those beautiful eyes look up. "Didn't mean to worry you."
"Don't talk. Keep your energy." Hoshina whispers, lifting his other hand to cup Narumi's cheek. "You have to stay awake, okay, Captain? Stay awake for me, please."
Narumis hums, leaning in on Hoshina's touch. He glances at the red kaiju eye on the Omega's chest plate.
"Don't start," Hoshina warns.
"I'm not/I'm not!" Narumi and No.10 answer at the same time.
Hoshina doesn't believe that, but he'll stay quiet for now.
"Hoshina! So, this is him?" No.10 asks.
"Yes, he is. And lower voice, you dumbass." Hoshina grits his teeth. Narumi closes his eyes, enjoying the warmth from his omega. "You better not be sleeping, Cap'n."
"'m not." Narumi mumbles. He then opens his eyes. "Don't call my omega Hoshina, you stupid kaiju. He's a Narumi, you hear me? Narumi Soushiro." He glares at the kaiju.
There's silence for a few seconds before the sounds of gasp and exclamation can be heard from the intercom. Hoshina sighs, face palming. Here he was trying to be a little discreet. But of course, Narumi would not get the cue. Probably that's due to the concussion the Alpha is having.
"You idiot." He groans, huffing. But he can't stay mad when he sees how soft the rubellite eyes look at him. "Of course you'd choose the most dramatic way to publicise our relationship." He leans forward, kissing his Alpha's on the forehead.
Narumi's smile becomes brighter. Now, he truly feels like he's won. "Love you." He murmurs, smiling brightly.
Hoshina chuckles softly. "Love you too, you stupid alpha of mine."