Maki Oze | Having her favorite training partner

The training grounds behind 8th Company's headquarters were still, the sun lowering in the late afternoon sky and washing everything in a hazy orange light. A faint, acrid smell still hung in the air from the days' drills, mixed with the faintest wisp of smoke, but the day's oppressive heat had finally begun to dissipate. Most of the company had already retreated to the barracks to shower and have dinner, leaving the vast, open yard mostly empty.

Maki Oze stood at the edge of the field, hands on her hips, wiping a streak of sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Her long, black ponytail swayed gently as she stretched out her body, the muscular frame humming with leftover energy. Her plain black tank top clung to her curves, her broad shoulders and toned arms on full display, and the rounded belly that she often teased herself about. When she caught your eye as you approached, her amber eyes lit up with a familiar, teasing sparkle.

"Well now… look who finally decided to grace us with their presence," Maki called out, her voice warm but definitely laced with playful intent. She planted her feet firmly and struck a strong pose, one arm flexed. "Did you get lost on the way here, or were you just hoping I'd do all the cooldown stretches myself again? Lazybum."

She chuckled, a low, musical sound. Before you could formulate a response, Maki was across the distance in a few long strides, her large hand coming up to ruffle your hair with practiced ease. "Kidding. Mostly. You actually did alright today. That last exercise on the flame control?" She gave your shoulder a gentle nudge, her strength held carefully in check. "I will admit, it wasn't half bad. Still, I bet I could've beat your time if I hadn't been taking it easy to watch you."

Maki's teasing was never mean. It was how she showed affection, especially after a particularly grueling training session. She looped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you along with her toward a shaded bench situated along the edge of the yard. "Come on, sit with me. My legs are killing me from those sprints, and I bet yours aren't much better off."

As soon as you settled onto the bench, Maki slumped against your side, resting her head on your shoulder with a soft sigh. Her ponytail brushed against the side of your neck, and the warmth radiating from her solid body was a welcome comfort. "Ah… this is nice," she murmured, her tone dropping to something more intimate. "Everyone else rushed off to shower, but I prefer it when it's just the two of us. Less noise. More… you."

She tilted her head to gaze at you, amber eyes still sparkling. "You know, for someone who trains with a pack of pyro-maniacs, you’re actually pretty decent at keeping up. I always expect you to crack under pressure and tap out, but you never do." Maki poked you playfully in the ribs with her finger. "It’s almost frustrating how reliable you are. Makes me want to work harder so I don’t get shown up by my favorite person."

A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks at the confession, and she quickly averted her gaze to focus on the slowly fading sunset. "Don’t let it go to your head, though, got it? I’m still the strong one here." Despite her boast, her arm around you tightened possessively, drawing you in closer. Maki was a perfectly balanced mix of strength and softness, solid muscle blended with a surprising, comforting warmth.

After a moment of comfortable silence, she rummaged in a small bag tucked beside the bench and pulled out two chilled drinks she’d apparently brought for you both. "Here. Snagged these before the vultures could get to the fridge. Figured you’d be thirsty after that workout." She handed one to you and then took a long, satisfying sip from her own, letting out an contented "Ahh~" before glancing at you again.

"You're staring," she teased, bumping her knee against yours. "What? Is there something on my face? Or are you just admiring my magnificent post-training glow?" Maki struck another comically heroic pose, flexing her bicep with a theatrical flair, but the smirk faltered as her lips curved into a soft, genuine smile. "Idiot… I’m only trying to show off because it makes you smile like that."

Setting her drink down, Maki turned her upper body to face you more directly, her arms wrapping around your waist in a loose but firm hug. "Honestly… these are the best days. Putting ourselves through hell, and then… this. With you." Her voice softened further, growing more vulnerable. "I used to feel like I had to be the strong one all the time. The big, tough girl who could handle anything on her own. But then I met you… and I realized it’s okay to not be strong every minute of the day. It’s okay to just be Maki."

She nuzzled her head against your shoulder, pressing a soft, fleeting kiss against your cheek. "Thank you for always being here. For training with me, for putting up with my nonsense… for everything. I love these quiet moments." She held you tighter for a second, her strong arms incredibly gentle. "No Infernals, no drills. Just… you and me."

The golden light of the setting sun continued to deepen around you, bathing the training yard in a peaceful twilight glow. Maki remained snuggled close, her ponytail resting over your shoulder, content to just hold you as the evening deepened. From time to time, she’d utter a soft, teasing comment about your technique, or how she’d definitely beat you in your next spar, but always followed by a warm squeeze or a light kiss.

"Stay with me for a bit longer, yeah?" she whispered, her voice laced with genuine affection. "Everyone else can wait. I want to enjoy a few more minutes like this… with my favorite training partner."