[Fic] Into the Fire: Part One
Title: Into the Fire
Pairing: Junno / Koki (DenDen)
Rating: PG
Genre: AU; Fluff, Light humour
Word Count: 9,979
Summary: Taguchi can't decide if joining the Fire Department has been his best or worst decision.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Author’s Note: Written for locquiz for the Fund-Raising Project for the Habagat Victims at je_philippines. I hope this lives up to your expectations!
Into the Fire: Part One
Koki casts a glance over the list of newbies joining the fire department. As usual, there is an overwhelming amount of people clambering for a spot but Koki knows that only a few will be officially recognized into the force. Being a fire-fighter isn’t a walk in the park; weak-willed people will be sieved out during training. Koki jumps when someone taps him from behind while he is squinting to spot the name under his charge this year.
“How’s the list this year?” Ueda mumbles as he peers at the list over Koki’s shoulder. “And who’s the unlucky dude that got you as a senior?”
“None of your business,” Koki snaps. Like him, Ueda has been elected to mentor a newcomer and Koki is adamant that he’ll do a better job than that… annoying prick. There has always been some sort of unspoken rivalry between the two of them ever since that incident and Koki doesn’t intend to lose to Ueda in any aspect. Whoever his junior is, Koki is sure to give him the most hellish training; Koki has always been a believer in tough love.
“Tsk, so hostile,” Ueda clicks his tongue before snatching the list swiftly from Koki’s hand. “But all is fine ~ I’m pretty sure my Kamenashi Kazuya will triumph over your Taguchi Junnosuke and clinch the best rookie award this year.”
Taguchi Junnosuke…
Koki doesn’t even like the way this man’s name sounds on his tongue.
Somehow, I have a feeling that we won’t get along fine.
Rubbing his temples, Koki could only hope that his gut feelings are wrong (although years as a fire fighter has proved to him that his instincts are always right). However, there can be a first time for everything, right?
***
Taguchi looks sceptically at the training ground as he makes his way into the fire-fighter academy. The tracks look way more intimidating than he remembered it to be during his high school days and he wonders if he should have thought things clearly before submitting his application. He has been momentarily blinded by how glamorous the job seems to be (Taguchi blames it on the newspaper headline he read a few weeks ago whereby a fire fighter braved all odds and saved a girl trapped in a burning apartment successfully) and went ahead with the sign up despite his parents’ disapproval.
Think optimistically, Junno! I’m sure things aren’t as bad as you’re imagining it to be. Stay positive!
“Taguchi Junnosuke reporting, madam,” Taguchi greets the administrative staff as he produces his forms and personal particulars. The staff nods politely in acknowledgement and asks him to take a seat.
“The chief will be doing a briefing shortly,” the lady adds after a short pause. “You don’t have to look so tense now.”
After a short wait, other newcomers started filing into the room and Taguchi feels much more at ease (at least he isn’t alone now; he arrived too early initially). In fact, he becomes confident enough to introduce himself and befriends the person sitting next to him. Although Kamenashi Kazuya is a much shorter individual than Taguchi is, he definitely seems more prepared for the training to come; Kamenashi’s muscles are more defined and he looks way more athletic. Taguchi regrets not working out on a regular basis.
“Do you think we’ll make it through the entire training process?” Taguchi asks casually and Kamenashi throws him a questioning look. “I heard it’s incredibly tough.”
“Of course,” Kamenashi replies without a second thought. “That’s what we came here to accomplish right? To complete the training, become an official fire fighter and serve society.”
Taguchi begins to feel how shallow his reasons are for joining the fire department. ‘Serving society’ hasn’t really occurred to him; he only wanted to appear heroic while saving people in blazing buildings. However, before Taguchi is able to respond to Kamenashi’s words, the first assistant chief appears in the holding area and directs them to the conference room before starting on his briefing.
First Assistant Chief Koichi Domoto is definitely a scary man - the sort whom you just know never to offend - with high expectations for performance and strict demands for discipline. Domoto watches everyone in the room like a hawk as he conducts the talk and Taguchi reckons that even a cough might be offensive to the high-ranking officer. The talk feels like an eternity but Taguchi doesn’t have the guts to doze off for a second.
***
“Excited to meet your newbie?”
Koki frowns as Ueda magically appears by his side after the briefing on how to be an excellent mentor. Why is Ueda always disturbing his short moments of peace?
“He’ll just be like the newcomers I meet every other year before this,” Koki replies flatly. “What’s there to be excited about?”
“Well, I heard from the admin staff that there are plenty of good-looking ones this year,” Ueda whistles. “Maybe good-looking is an understatement. Megumi-chan texted on how hot your Taguchi Junnosuke looks when he turned up at the academy for his briefing before proper training commences. Just thought you might be interested to know…”
“If you are so unoccupied, why don’t you do the world a favour and jump into a lake?” Koki growled hostilely. “I know you can’t swim.”
“But Koki, aren’t you a least bit thrilled? Training a hottie is definitely better than training someone lame, like your Nakamaru last year. I bet there wasn’t a spark.”
Koki clenches his shaking fists to prevent himself from strangling Ueda. When will that annoying fly stop buzzing around him?
“I don’t know what your motive is for saying such things asshole,” Koki hisses through gritted teeth. “But I know damn well how much you like to annoy me. I will not let your words affect my relationship with my junior and he is going to clinch the rookie award. Just like how Nakamaru Yuichi did last year and got promoted to being a Super Ranger instead. It’s sad that you’re stooping to such lowly methods in an attempt to win the best mentor award I win every year.”
Ueda merely shrugs and looks nonchalant.
“You can’t blame a man for trying. I used to win the best mentor award before you came along. I really miss the cash prize that comes along with the award.”
***
Learning drills isn’t an easy task; Taguchi is always faulted for standing out of place. He is pretty sure the other newcomers hate him to the core. For every mistake made, a punishment is dealt (Taguchi swears that the crunches and push ups are killing him) and the entire squad would have to redo the drill over and over again till they nailed it. With the additional chore of having to fend off murderous glares from the other rookies, Taguchi can feel the counts of error he is committing swiftly building up.
Taguchi assumes that there will be a break after drill practices but he couldn’t be more wrong. Walking to yet another facility to meet his mentor, he is pretty sure that rest will be the last thing on his mentor’s mind. In less than half a day, Taguchi has learnt that everyone at the academy is a slave driver.
Assembling in straight lines, Taguchi begins to panic as the seniors go down the row to identify the juniors under their charge (it didn’t help that he is standing at the end of the line). His heart died a little when the weak girly-looking senior picks Kamenashi instead (he is sure that one would need to slog less under such a person). When a scary-looking man with blonde hair and thinly-shaven eyebrows approach him, Taguchi reckons his life is over.
“Tanaka Koki,” the man introduced himself before giving Taguchi a firm handshake. “I presume you’re Taguchi Junnosuke?”
Taguchi tries very hard not to look down at his senior while he is talking. He is a wee bit on the short side. However, Koki’s lack of height doesn’t diminish his overwhelming oppressive presence.
“Before we begin, I’ll lay down some rules,” Koki instructs with a stern expression (in fact, his tone sounds rather nasty). “When we train, I expect 110% concentration and devotion for you. Do not whine, bargain or protest; I will not entertain any of that. Don’t expect any sugar-coated words or encouragement from me either. After your daily team training regime, you are to report to me on time and begin your personalised workout with me. Is that understood?”
Taguchi feels a lump in his throat.
“Is that understood?” Koki repeats and Taguchi hurriedly nods. It’s probably unwise to enter Koki’s bad books.
“Great,” Koki affirms before handing out a stack of documents to Taguchi. At a quick glance, Taguchi identifies it as information about his bunk, his training details and instructions about procedures in the training academy.
Dull mundane stuff…
Taguchi yawns out of reflex which earns a disapproving stare from Koki.
“Refrain from displaying boredom in front of me. I don’t appreciate it,” Koki scoffs and Taguchi fidgets uncomfortably before whimpering a soft ‘sorry’.
Are all short people in the fire department that commanding?
“But I’m not completely inhuman so feel free to ask me any questions,” Koki mumbles as he shows Taguchi around the academy. “Life will probably be better for you if we’re on good terms.”
It takes plenty of deep breaths before Taguchi musters sufficient courage to speak to Koki.
“How long have you been in the force?”
“Six years,” Koki answers promptly. “I joined early.”
“Why did you join?”
“It has always been my dream job since young. What about you? You joined pretty late. And your employment history is pretty lengthy. You can’t hold a job, huh? Will I be seeing your resignation in three days time?”
Taguchi can’t really decide if Koki meant that as a joke or a serious statement. His expression is rather unreadable, eyebrows perpetually knitted in a scowl.
***
“Nakamaru, I miss you,” Koki laments as he finishes another mug of beer. “My new junior is impossible!”
“It’s just the first day! Surely things can’t be that bad? I was a weakling when I first joined and you transformed me into a Super Ranger. I’m sure ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist in your dictionary.”
Frankly, Koki is flattered by Nakamaru’s words. However, Taguchi Junnosuke is a different case - he lacks the drive and physical ability and looks too well off to be able to suffer during practices. And going lenient wouldn’t be beneficial for Taguchi himself in the long run.
“He held twenty jobs prior to joining the force. It just shows how fickle he is!”
“Don’t judge him that quickly… Maybe he just wants to try out a variety of job before he settles down on one.”
“I’m not done yet,” Koki continues. “The worst is yet to come. When I questioned him about his reasons for wanting to be a fire fighter, he confessed that it was only due to headlines weeks ago. When he finds out the truth about our job, I bet he’ll be a quitter. I hate how the press always blows things out of proportion and makes our job too grand to be true.”
Nakamaru pats Koki sympathetically on the back.
“You just have to inject some passion in him and all will be fine. I’m confident you can whip anything into shape,” Nakamaru encourages.
“He is far from fit!” Koki protests in annoyance. “I can’t do anything if he goes pale every time the exercises are ‘too strenuous’, which isn’t really the case in my opinion. I swear he almost fainted during the training regime I drew up for him. Even you survived, although I remembered that your legs were shaking all the way.”
Nakamaru laughs.
“Spare me from my humiliating past! But Koki, you have to remember that you’re not the best mentor for nothing! Maybe you would like to tell Taguchi that you’re the fire fighter that appeared in the headline?”
“He has read the news. Surely he knew I was the fire fighter.”
“It’s been a few weeks… He might have forgotten.”
“And why would I want to remind him?” Koki questions suspiciously. Nakamaru is definitely onto something.
“Maybe he views you as a hero. He might work harder knowing that he’s under your care now.”
Koki contemplates Nakamaru’s suggestion. It’s true that Taguchi does speak with great admiration about the fire fighter that saved the girl. But will that really push that airhead to work harder? Furthermore, if Taguchi truly starts to look up to him… Koki has always preferred to keep any personal relationships separate from work. Eventually, Koki decides that he’ll never bring up his ‘heroic act’ (Koki thinks that it was just part of his job and that the newspapers are exaggerating things) in front of Taguchi. It’s not much to talk about anyway.
“The Koki I know doesn’t give in that easily,” Nakamaru urges. “I’m sure he’ll change under your training. Persist on!”
“I can only hope that he wouldn’t be the first rookie quitting out of this new bunch,” Koki replies hesitantly before asking for another mug. "It'll be humiliating and I'm sure Ueda will throw a party."
***
Taguchi tosses miserably on his bed. It’s 4:00AM and he hasn’t had a single wink. Breakfast commences in an hour and squad training follows shortly after. Taguchi is pretty sure that fatigue or his teammates (Taguchi is sure the number of mistakes he make will increase as he gets more tired) will kill him in the process.
It’s the scratchy sheets, Taguchi whines to himself. And all the noise generated from the snorers.
Born into a rich family, Taguchi never has had to live without a heater/air conditioning, his bed is usually of top quality and his sheets are always silk. The sudden change in environment is a little too much for him to adapt. Reaching out for his mobile, Taguchi hopes that his friend will pity his plight and offer him some form of encouragement to carry on with training. He really doesn’t want to quit just after his first day (it would even break his personal record of quitting after two days of work).
Create Message (04:23AM): I think I might have insomnia. Even at this hour and how exhausted I am after Day 1, I can’t seem to sleep!
Taguchi is about to send it to his friend when he presses a button wrongly in the dark. He gulps as he checks the owner of the number he has just texted. The words ‘Tanaka Koki’ glow faintly on his mobile. Taguchi is pretty sure that Tanaka will murder him the next time they meet. He doesn’t even think he is brave enough to submit his resignation form to Tanaka anymore (if he intends to quit, which could be soon initially; now Taguchi isn’t really too sure).
Climbing back to his bed, Taguchi pulls the sheets over his head, in denial that he has just texted his senior in the wee hours of morning. When reality catches up, Taguchi sighs and adds Tanaka to the list of people that wants his blood at the training academy. However, he holds on to hope, secretly praying that Softbank is experiencing satellite issues and that his message would never reach Tanaka.
***
Koki groans as he is rudely awaken by the notification alarm on his mobile. Which bastard would have the guts to text him at this unearthly hour? Annoyed, he flicks open his mobile and is shocked by the name that greets him on his mobile.
Message from Taguchi Junnosuke (04:23AM): I think I might have insomnia. Even at this hour and how exhausted I am after Day 1, I can’t seem to sleep!
Is it really necessary to text me something like that? Koki grumbles as he reads through the message. Admittedly, he is pissed that his sleep is disturbed but a sense of responsibility quickly replaces his anger. He knows that training is tough and rest is crucial. Moreover, since caring for your junior’s welfare is part of his duty as well… Koki scrambles off his bed and heads to the kitchen.
“I wonder if it is worth it for that useless bum,” Koki complains as he ransacks his cupboards and fridge for any form of coffee or energy drink. When Koki discovers that he has ran out of coffee powder and doesn’t own any energy drink, he sighs in defeat and changes into his casual clothing without a second thought.
Grabbing his wallet and mobile, Koki heads out to the nearest 24-hour convenient shop.
***
When Taguchi finally falls asleep, some infernal alarm blares loudly throughout the room. The rest of his roommates get up without a problem and Taguchi finds himself the only one staggering out of bed. Reaching out for his toothbrush, he heads miserably to the toilet to freshen up.
“You look awful.”
Taguchi turns behind to find Kamenashi (who is unfortunately bright-eyed and very awake) talking to him the moment he steps out of the washroom.
“I didn’t sleep well,” Taguchi manages with a smile. Ruffling his hand through his hair, Taguchi expresses his uncertainties about training today.
“You can do it,” Kamenashi pats him on the back. “Good luck!”
“You’re not angry at me? I mean, I screwed up yesterday and the entire squad had to suffer the punishment with me. I’m sure all my roommates secretly hate me.”
“Why would they hate you? Extra training is always good.”
Extremely passionate people sure are funny, Taguchi thinks to himself.
“Well, I’m glad that there is still someone who wouldn’t chew my hide when I screw up,” Taguchi grins before waving goodbye to Kamenashi. “I’ll see you at the canteen soon. We don’t want to be late, do we?”
***
Koki looks uncertainly at the bag of groceries he has just bought for Taguchi.
I don’t think a senior has ever purchased that many items for his junior before, much less delivered it to him!
Sneaking into the rookie’s bunk, Koki peers around to spot that overgrown giraffe under his charge. It isn’t difficult when Koki finds his target within a split second.
“Oi, Taguchi Junnosuke!”
Koki curses. He didn’t expect to be that loud. Now all the rookies are saluting and greeting him, standing at attention as though Koki is here to inspect their room or something. Explaining himself that he is just here to speak to Taguchi, he dismisses the other juniors and yells at them to report to the canteen as soon as possible. Latecomers are never tolerated. Taguchi would just have to run (twice as hard) after the others when Koki is done talking to him.
“Ah, Tanaka-san, is there anything I can do for you?” Taguchi squeaks in a soft tone.
“Yesterday night…”
Taguchi flies into a frantic apology at how that message was accidental and he isn’t complaining or insinuating how much he hated the training academy. Koki snorts at the sight before him.
“Listen to me, will you?” Koki interrupts, trying very hard to conceal the irritation on his face (he is here to do a good deed, not to give someone a dressing down). “I just wanted to pass you some items. Since you didn’t sleep well yesterday night, I thought you needed something to get you through the day.”
Taguchi’s eyes widen in surprise as Koki hands him a flask of hot coffee and the grocery bag.
“I’ve included some energy drinks and coffee powder. Make your own coffee in the future if you didn’t get enough sleep. You need to be alert in this line of work. I’ve also included a small tin of milk powder. You can make warm milk at night if you think it aids you.”
“Well, you ought to be dashing back to your room and keeping the items,” Koki continues. “While you’re at it, please chug down the coffee. Breakfast starts in five and you don’t want to be late. You will seriously suffer if you’re late for even a second.”
Taguchi nods and gives Koki a tight embrace for being such a caring senior despite his scary exterior. Koki shoves Taguchi aside by instincts and frowns.
“Don’t be mistaken; I’m not here because I’m concerned for you. I just don’t want some inconsiderate moron disturbing my sleep again.”
***
Taguchi Junnosuke, you can’t let your senior down.
For the entire day, Taguchi has given his best with that thought in mind. Not all seniors will go the extra mile; Taguchi decides that he must reciprocate Tanaka’s concern by performing better. Although he still made mistakes during the drills and almost broke down during the rigorous training, his willpower helped him pull through (barely). All in all, squad practices were definitely better than the day before.
“Taguchi, you’re doing fine,” Kamenashi congratulates while giving him a thumbs-up. It’s break time and everyone is entitled to some rest before moving on to meet with the seniors for extra coaching (which Taguchi is strangely anticipating). “As opposed to yesterday, you didn’t finish last for laps. What’s the secret to your speedy improvement? Let me in on it, will you?”
Taguchi can’t possibly say that his senior is currently his only source of motivation; it sounds… wrong. Furthermore, Kamenashi might stop befriending him and start thinking that he is some kind of creepy bastard.
“Well, I guess having Tanaka Koki as your senior must have been great. He is an inspirational figure,” Kamenashi answers his own question (much to Taguchi’s relief).
“Why do you say that?”
“He was the fire fighter who appeared on the news a few weeks ago. Surely you knew that?” Kamenashi replies, shock showing clearly on his face. “He braved all odds to save the little girl from the burning building. Everyone thought it was impossible but he did it!”
“How can you tell it was Tanaka? The photos were blurry and the fire fighter’s face was black with soot!” Taguchi asks with a frown. If that person in question was truly Tanaka, surely Taguchi would have found some form of resemblance and join the dots together.
“The photos were grainy but the article mentioned his name…”
Taguchi mumbles ‘I see…’ softly before excusing himself to the washroom. He isn’t about to let Kamenashi knows that he is the kind of person that only browse through the newspaper looking at photos. Lengthy reports bore him to tears.
Hiding in the toilets (it’s the only way to avoid initiating a conversation with Kamenashi again), Taguchi only rushes to the parade square to meet Tanaka when break is over. With his newfound respect and admiration towards Tanaka, Taguchi requires a conscious effort to act normally around his mentor.
***
Today’s activity is to practice descending from a building and Koki can’t help but feel nauseous. He feels sicker than usual when the instructor volunteers him for a quick demonstration. Why must he be the one? He isn’t good with heights and hates this segment to the core but he isn’t about to show his weakness to anybody (Koki is just going to grit his teeth and rely on his determination to get through it). Moreover, Taguchi has been staring at him strangely since their eyes met at the parade square; Koki doesn’t intend to let Taguchi discover the inner coward in him.
As much as you dislike it, you’ve done it plenty of times. You’re a professional! Get over it!
Taking a deep breath, Koki descends swiftly down the building the moment the instructor shouts ‘go!’ He earns gasps of awe when he reaches the ground within record timing.
“You’re good at this Koki,” the instructor praises and Koki nods in acknowledgement before thanking him for the flattery.
Since I can fool the instructor, I can probably fool anybody.
“Koki, your hands trembled a little at the start…”
Koki growls in annoyance. The world’s most annoying bugger is here again.
“If you think nobody noticed it, I did,” Ueda continues smugly and Koki resists the urge to break Ueda’s nose.
“Ueda, if you’re so free, why don’t you spend more time investing in your junior?” Koki sneers. “Perhaps you’ll be able to win back your best mentor award from me.”
“Kazuya is a very self-motivated person. He doesn’t complain or whine and completes whatever I throw at him. I don’t need to breathe down his neck constantly. Your Taguchi seems like a different case, not that you’ll be complaining. You’ll get to spend more~ time with him. Aren’t you happy?”
As much as Koki wanted to punch Ueda square in the face, his rationality tells him that it isn’t a good decision when there are so many juniors and seniors around. If only he could ambush Ueda in the locker room… Koki shakes his head to clear his mind; he mustn’t let his temper obstruct his work.
Focusing on the instructor’s talk and trying his best to ignore Ueda, Koki heaves a sigh of relief when the briefing ends and all the juniors approach their senior for specialised training. Grabbing the necessary equipment, he hurriedly ushers Taguchi to the top of the building. As they climb up the flight of stairs, Koki wonders at how Taguchi manages to keep his hair in a perfect state despite the morning training.
If he possesses as much athletic talent as he has with styling his hair, life for me will be a breeze.
“The best way to learn is to experience it,” Koki lectures on the rooftop while Taguchi fumbles with the harnesses and ropes. “Fasten that hook and tighten that strap. I don’t want you to be the first fire fighter dying during descending practices! Did you even listen to the instructor on how to put the equipment properly?”
“I… Tanaka-san, I’m really sorry about it but can you show me how it is done?”
“Call me Koki. I’m not that old.”
Koki soon regrets trying to be friendlier with Taguchi when that idiotic airhead drops the “-san” in his name as well.
Running through the standard procedure of handling the equipments, Koki watches as Taguchi repeats after him. When Taguchi is finally done, Koki notes that all the other juniors have already finished their first try in descending and is already preparing for their second. Koki rubs his sore temples and questions if Taguchi is ready. Although Taguchi replies positively, it is clear that Taguchi is very hesitant when standing at the edge of the building.
“What’s wrong? Phobia of heights?”
“Not really… I have a phobia of death though.”
Koki laughs.
“In our field, death is like a shadow, following behind us closely. One tiny mistake and it’ll claim us. Now, would you like to get into position or would you like me to kick you down?”
***
Taguchi knows that he’ll get an earful from Koki when he screams throughout the entire process of descending. All the other juniors are throwing him judgemental looks as he makes his way up the building again. Taguchi can feel himself writhing with shame. However, instead of harsh words, Koki praises him for being willing to take the first step.
“You’re not scolding me?”
“What for? I don’t want to diminish your morale. Would you like to go for a second try or shall we take five?”
The prospect of resting is indeed very alluring but Taguchi chooses the former option. Koki throws him a surprised look before breaking into a smile and giving a pat on his back.
“That’s the spirit. Get into position!”
Taguchi does as he is told and attempts to descend again. Although the process isn’t smooth, at least he isn’t screaming. Climbing up the flight of stairs as swiftly as he could (he needs to catch up with the other and maximise practice time), Taguchi runs through the process repeatedly till the instructor gathers everyone again. Despite being thoroughly exhausted, Taguchi feels that everything is worth it when Koki wears an impressed look on his face.
***
Albeit training becoming harsher as the week progresses, Koki is awed that Taguchi didn’t pull out midway and leave the academy. Somehow, that weakling has managed to survive even if his performance isn’t impressive. Still, Koki decides that Taguchi probably deserves a little compliment.
“Great job, one week down and five more to go,” Koki smiles encouragingly after the trainers have dismissed everyone for the day. “It is the norm for newcomers to have some time to themselves on Friday nights. Are you going out with your pals for a drink? You should be running along; you don’t want to be left behind, do you? The rest of the juniors look like they’ll be leaving soon.”
“I don’t have any friends in the academy besides Kame, who will be busy at the gym,” Taguchi mumbles. “I was thinking of eating alone at the yakitori shop down a few streets.”
“You look like the popular sort. That was unexpected.”
“I’m talented in neither drills nor physical activities. Everyone hates a burden so I guess I’m not welcomed anywhere.”
Koki replies softly with an ‘oh’ and continues walking alongside of Taguchi. He is taken aback when Taguchi invites him for dinner.
“It has been tough on you to train such a person like me. How about I treat you to dinner, hmm? You can choose the location. I’m sure my wallet can take the beating.”
“You just don’t want to spend the night alone eh?”
“Perhaps,” Taguchi is speaking so softly that Koki has to strain his ears to hear the other man.
When Koki finally throws in the towel (there’s a limit for Koki when it comes to crestfallen faces) and hums in agreement, Taguchi immediately grins and fist-pumps the air in excitement. Koki is quizzical about Taguchi’s actions but decides not to query about it.
“I’ll meet you at the podium after a quick shower,” Taguchi beams. “See you in a bit!”
Part Two
Pairing: Junno / Koki (DenDen)
Rating: PG
Genre: AU; Fluff, Light humour
Word Count: 9,979
Summary: Taguchi can't decide if joining the Fire Department has been his best or worst decision.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Author’s Note: Written for locquiz for the Fund-Raising Project for the Habagat Victims at je_philippines. I hope this lives up to your expectations!
Into the Fire: Part One
Koki casts a glance over the list of newbies joining the fire department. As usual, there is an overwhelming amount of people clambering for a spot but Koki knows that only a few will be officially recognized into the force. Being a fire-fighter isn’t a walk in the park; weak-willed people will be sieved out during training. Koki jumps when someone taps him from behind while he is squinting to spot the name under his charge this year.
“How’s the list this year?” Ueda mumbles as he peers at the list over Koki’s shoulder. “And who’s the unlucky dude that got you as a senior?”
“None of your business,” Koki snaps. Like him, Ueda has been elected to mentor a newcomer and Koki is adamant that he’ll do a better job than that… annoying prick. There has always been some sort of unspoken rivalry between the two of them ever since that incident and Koki doesn’t intend to lose to Ueda in any aspect. Whoever his junior is, Koki is sure to give him the most hellish training; Koki has always been a believer in tough love.
“Tsk, so hostile,” Ueda clicks his tongue before snatching the list swiftly from Koki’s hand. “But all is fine ~ I’m pretty sure my Kamenashi Kazuya will triumph over your Taguchi Junnosuke and clinch the best rookie award this year.”
Taguchi Junnosuke…
Koki doesn’t even like the way this man’s name sounds on his tongue.
Somehow, I have a feeling that we won’t get along fine.
Rubbing his temples, Koki could only hope that his gut feelings are wrong (although years as a fire fighter has proved to him that his instincts are always right). However, there can be a first time for everything, right?
***
Taguchi looks sceptically at the training ground as he makes his way into the fire-fighter academy. The tracks look way more intimidating than he remembered it to be during his high school days and he wonders if he should have thought things clearly before submitting his application. He has been momentarily blinded by how glamorous the job seems to be (Taguchi blames it on the newspaper headline he read a few weeks ago whereby a fire fighter braved all odds and saved a girl trapped in a burning apartment successfully) and went ahead with the sign up despite his parents’ disapproval.
Think optimistically, Junno! I’m sure things aren’t as bad as you’re imagining it to be. Stay positive!
“Taguchi Junnosuke reporting, madam,” Taguchi greets the administrative staff as he produces his forms and personal particulars. The staff nods politely in acknowledgement and asks him to take a seat.
“The chief will be doing a briefing shortly,” the lady adds after a short pause. “You don’t have to look so tense now.”
After a short wait, other newcomers started filing into the room and Taguchi feels much more at ease (at least he isn’t alone now; he arrived too early initially). In fact, he becomes confident enough to introduce himself and befriends the person sitting next to him. Although Kamenashi Kazuya is a much shorter individual than Taguchi is, he definitely seems more prepared for the training to come; Kamenashi’s muscles are more defined and he looks way more athletic. Taguchi regrets not working out on a regular basis.
“Do you think we’ll make it through the entire training process?” Taguchi asks casually and Kamenashi throws him a questioning look. “I heard it’s incredibly tough.”
“Of course,” Kamenashi replies without a second thought. “That’s what we came here to accomplish right? To complete the training, become an official fire fighter and serve society.”
Taguchi begins to feel how shallow his reasons are for joining the fire department. ‘Serving society’ hasn’t really occurred to him; he only wanted to appear heroic while saving people in blazing buildings. However, before Taguchi is able to respond to Kamenashi’s words, the first assistant chief appears in the holding area and directs them to the conference room before starting on his briefing.
First Assistant Chief Koichi Domoto is definitely a scary man - the sort whom you just know never to offend - with high expectations for performance and strict demands for discipline. Domoto watches everyone in the room like a hawk as he conducts the talk and Taguchi reckons that even a cough might be offensive to the high-ranking officer. The talk feels like an eternity but Taguchi doesn’t have the guts to doze off for a second.
***
“Excited to meet your newbie?”
Koki frowns as Ueda magically appears by his side after the briefing on how to be an excellent mentor. Why is Ueda always disturbing his short moments of peace?
“He’ll just be like the newcomers I meet every other year before this,” Koki replies flatly. “What’s there to be excited about?”
“Well, I heard from the admin staff that there are plenty of good-looking ones this year,” Ueda whistles. “Maybe good-looking is an understatement. Megumi-chan texted on how hot your Taguchi Junnosuke looks when he turned up at the academy for his briefing before proper training commences. Just thought you might be interested to know…”
“If you are so unoccupied, why don’t you do the world a favour and jump into a lake?” Koki growled hostilely. “I know you can’t swim.”
“But Koki, aren’t you a least bit thrilled? Training a hottie is definitely better than training someone lame, like your Nakamaru last year. I bet there wasn’t a spark.”
Koki clenches his shaking fists to prevent himself from strangling Ueda. When will that annoying fly stop buzzing around him?
“I don’t know what your motive is for saying such things asshole,” Koki hisses through gritted teeth. “But I know damn well how much you like to annoy me. I will not let your words affect my relationship with my junior and he is going to clinch the rookie award. Just like how Nakamaru Yuichi did last year and got promoted to being a Super Ranger instead. It’s sad that you’re stooping to such lowly methods in an attempt to win the best mentor award I win every year.”
Ueda merely shrugs and looks nonchalant.
“You can’t blame a man for trying. I used to win the best mentor award before you came along. I really miss the cash prize that comes along with the award.”
***
Learning drills isn’t an easy task; Taguchi is always faulted for standing out of place. He is pretty sure the other newcomers hate him to the core. For every mistake made, a punishment is dealt (Taguchi swears that the crunches and push ups are killing him) and the entire squad would have to redo the drill over and over again till they nailed it. With the additional chore of having to fend off murderous glares from the other rookies, Taguchi can feel the counts of error he is committing swiftly building up.
Taguchi assumes that there will be a break after drill practices but he couldn’t be more wrong. Walking to yet another facility to meet his mentor, he is pretty sure that rest will be the last thing on his mentor’s mind. In less than half a day, Taguchi has learnt that everyone at the academy is a slave driver.
Assembling in straight lines, Taguchi begins to panic as the seniors go down the row to identify the juniors under their charge (it didn’t help that he is standing at the end of the line). His heart died a little when the weak girly-looking senior picks Kamenashi instead (he is sure that one would need to slog less under such a person). When a scary-looking man with blonde hair and thinly-shaven eyebrows approach him, Taguchi reckons his life is over.
“Tanaka Koki,” the man introduced himself before giving Taguchi a firm handshake. “I presume you’re Taguchi Junnosuke?”
Taguchi tries very hard not to look down at his senior while he is talking. He is a wee bit on the short side. However, Koki’s lack of height doesn’t diminish his overwhelming oppressive presence.
“Before we begin, I’ll lay down some rules,” Koki instructs with a stern expression (in fact, his tone sounds rather nasty). “When we train, I expect 110% concentration and devotion for you. Do not whine, bargain or protest; I will not entertain any of that. Don’t expect any sugar-coated words or encouragement from me either. After your daily team training regime, you are to report to me on time and begin your personalised workout with me. Is that understood?”
Taguchi feels a lump in his throat.
“Is that understood?” Koki repeats and Taguchi hurriedly nods. It’s probably unwise to enter Koki’s bad books.
“Great,” Koki affirms before handing out a stack of documents to Taguchi. At a quick glance, Taguchi identifies it as information about his bunk, his training details and instructions about procedures in the training academy.
Dull mundane stuff…
Taguchi yawns out of reflex which earns a disapproving stare from Koki.
“Refrain from displaying boredom in front of me. I don’t appreciate it,” Koki scoffs and Taguchi fidgets uncomfortably before whimpering a soft ‘sorry’.
Are all short people in the fire department that commanding?
“But I’m not completely inhuman so feel free to ask me any questions,” Koki mumbles as he shows Taguchi around the academy. “Life will probably be better for you if we’re on good terms.”
It takes plenty of deep breaths before Taguchi musters sufficient courage to speak to Koki.
“How long have you been in the force?”
“Six years,” Koki answers promptly. “I joined early.”
“Why did you join?”
“It has always been my dream job since young. What about you? You joined pretty late. And your employment history is pretty lengthy. You can’t hold a job, huh? Will I be seeing your resignation in three days time?”
Taguchi can’t really decide if Koki meant that as a joke or a serious statement. His expression is rather unreadable, eyebrows perpetually knitted in a scowl.
***
“Nakamaru, I miss you,” Koki laments as he finishes another mug of beer. “My new junior is impossible!”
“It’s just the first day! Surely things can’t be that bad? I was a weakling when I first joined and you transformed me into a Super Ranger. I’m sure ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist in your dictionary.”
Frankly, Koki is flattered by Nakamaru’s words. However, Taguchi Junnosuke is a different case - he lacks the drive and physical ability and looks too well off to be able to suffer during practices. And going lenient wouldn’t be beneficial for Taguchi himself in the long run.
“He held twenty jobs prior to joining the force. It just shows how fickle he is!”
“Don’t judge him that quickly… Maybe he just wants to try out a variety of job before he settles down on one.”
“I’m not done yet,” Koki continues. “The worst is yet to come. When I questioned him about his reasons for wanting to be a fire fighter, he confessed that it was only due to headlines weeks ago. When he finds out the truth about our job, I bet he’ll be a quitter. I hate how the press always blows things out of proportion and makes our job too grand to be true.”
Nakamaru pats Koki sympathetically on the back.
“You just have to inject some passion in him and all will be fine. I’m confident you can whip anything into shape,” Nakamaru encourages.
“He is far from fit!” Koki protests in annoyance. “I can’t do anything if he goes pale every time the exercises are ‘too strenuous’, which isn’t really the case in my opinion. I swear he almost fainted during the training regime I drew up for him. Even you survived, although I remembered that your legs were shaking all the way.”
Nakamaru laughs.
“Spare me from my humiliating past! But Koki, you have to remember that you’re not the best mentor for nothing! Maybe you would like to tell Taguchi that you’re the fire fighter that appeared in the headline?”
“He has read the news. Surely he knew I was the fire fighter.”
“It’s been a few weeks… He might have forgotten.”
“And why would I want to remind him?” Koki questions suspiciously. Nakamaru is definitely onto something.
“Maybe he views you as a hero. He might work harder knowing that he’s under your care now.”
Koki contemplates Nakamaru’s suggestion. It’s true that Taguchi does speak with great admiration about the fire fighter that saved the girl. But will that really push that airhead to work harder? Furthermore, if Taguchi truly starts to look up to him… Koki has always preferred to keep any personal relationships separate from work. Eventually, Koki decides that he’ll never bring up his ‘heroic act’ (Koki thinks that it was just part of his job and that the newspapers are exaggerating things) in front of Taguchi. It’s not much to talk about anyway.
“The Koki I know doesn’t give in that easily,” Nakamaru urges. “I’m sure he’ll change under your training. Persist on!”
“I can only hope that he wouldn’t be the first rookie quitting out of this new bunch,” Koki replies hesitantly before asking for another mug. "It'll be humiliating and I'm sure Ueda will throw a party."
***
Taguchi tosses miserably on his bed. It’s 4:00AM and he hasn’t had a single wink. Breakfast commences in an hour and squad training follows shortly after. Taguchi is pretty sure that fatigue or his teammates (Taguchi is sure the number of mistakes he make will increase as he gets more tired) will kill him in the process.
It’s the scratchy sheets, Taguchi whines to himself. And all the noise generated from the snorers.
Born into a rich family, Taguchi never has had to live without a heater/air conditioning, his bed is usually of top quality and his sheets are always silk. The sudden change in environment is a little too much for him to adapt. Reaching out for his mobile, Taguchi hopes that his friend will pity his plight and offer him some form of encouragement to carry on with training. He really doesn’t want to quit just after his first day (it would even break his personal record of quitting after two days of work).
Create Message (04:23AM): I think I might have insomnia. Even at this hour and how exhausted I am after Day 1, I can’t seem to sleep!
Taguchi is about to send it to his friend when he presses a button wrongly in the dark. He gulps as he checks the owner of the number he has just texted. The words ‘Tanaka Koki’ glow faintly on his mobile. Taguchi is pretty sure that Tanaka will murder him the next time they meet. He doesn’t even think he is brave enough to submit his resignation form to Tanaka anymore (if he intends to quit, which could be soon initially; now Taguchi isn’t really too sure).
Climbing back to his bed, Taguchi pulls the sheets over his head, in denial that he has just texted his senior in the wee hours of morning. When reality catches up, Taguchi sighs and adds Tanaka to the list of people that wants his blood at the training academy. However, he holds on to hope, secretly praying that Softbank is experiencing satellite issues and that his message would never reach Tanaka.
***
Koki groans as he is rudely awaken by the notification alarm on his mobile. Which bastard would have the guts to text him at this unearthly hour? Annoyed, he flicks open his mobile and is shocked by the name that greets him on his mobile.
Message from Taguchi Junnosuke (04:23AM): I think I might have insomnia. Even at this hour and how exhausted I am after Day 1, I can’t seem to sleep!
Is it really necessary to text me something like that? Koki grumbles as he reads through the message. Admittedly, he is pissed that his sleep is disturbed but a sense of responsibility quickly replaces his anger. He knows that training is tough and rest is crucial. Moreover, since caring for your junior’s welfare is part of his duty as well… Koki scrambles off his bed and heads to the kitchen.
“I wonder if it is worth it for that useless bum,” Koki complains as he ransacks his cupboards and fridge for any form of coffee or energy drink. When Koki discovers that he has ran out of coffee powder and doesn’t own any energy drink, he sighs in defeat and changes into his casual clothing without a second thought.
Grabbing his wallet and mobile, Koki heads out to the nearest 24-hour convenient shop.
***
When Taguchi finally falls asleep, some infernal alarm blares loudly throughout the room. The rest of his roommates get up without a problem and Taguchi finds himself the only one staggering out of bed. Reaching out for his toothbrush, he heads miserably to the toilet to freshen up.
“You look awful.”
Taguchi turns behind to find Kamenashi (who is unfortunately bright-eyed and very awake) talking to him the moment he steps out of the washroom.
“I didn’t sleep well,” Taguchi manages with a smile. Ruffling his hand through his hair, Taguchi expresses his uncertainties about training today.
“You can do it,” Kamenashi pats him on the back. “Good luck!”
“You’re not angry at me? I mean, I screwed up yesterday and the entire squad had to suffer the punishment with me. I’m sure all my roommates secretly hate me.”
“Why would they hate you? Extra training is always good.”
Extremely passionate people sure are funny, Taguchi thinks to himself.
“Well, I’m glad that there is still someone who wouldn’t chew my hide when I screw up,” Taguchi grins before waving goodbye to Kamenashi. “I’ll see you at the canteen soon. We don’t want to be late, do we?”
***
Koki looks uncertainly at the bag of groceries he has just bought for Taguchi.
I don’t think a senior has ever purchased that many items for his junior before, much less delivered it to him!
Sneaking into the rookie’s bunk, Koki peers around to spot that overgrown giraffe under his charge. It isn’t difficult when Koki finds his target within a split second.
“Oi, Taguchi Junnosuke!”
Koki curses. He didn’t expect to be that loud. Now all the rookies are saluting and greeting him, standing at attention as though Koki is here to inspect their room or something. Explaining himself that he is just here to speak to Taguchi, he dismisses the other juniors and yells at them to report to the canteen as soon as possible. Latecomers are never tolerated. Taguchi would just have to run (twice as hard) after the others when Koki is done talking to him.
“Ah, Tanaka-san, is there anything I can do for you?” Taguchi squeaks in a soft tone.
“Yesterday night…”
Taguchi flies into a frantic apology at how that message was accidental and he isn’t complaining or insinuating how much he hated the training academy. Koki snorts at the sight before him.
“Listen to me, will you?” Koki interrupts, trying very hard to conceal the irritation on his face (he is here to do a good deed, not to give someone a dressing down). “I just wanted to pass you some items. Since you didn’t sleep well yesterday night, I thought you needed something to get you through the day.”
Taguchi’s eyes widen in surprise as Koki hands him a flask of hot coffee and the grocery bag.
“I’ve included some energy drinks and coffee powder. Make your own coffee in the future if you didn’t get enough sleep. You need to be alert in this line of work. I’ve also included a small tin of milk powder. You can make warm milk at night if you think it aids you.”
“Well, you ought to be dashing back to your room and keeping the items,” Koki continues. “While you’re at it, please chug down the coffee. Breakfast starts in five and you don’t want to be late. You will seriously suffer if you’re late for even a second.”
Taguchi nods and gives Koki a tight embrace for being such a caring senior despite his scary exterior. Koki shoves Taguchi aside by instincts and frowns.
“Don’t be mistaken; I’m not here because I’m concerned for you. I just don’t want some inconsiderate moron disturbing my sleep again.”
***
Taguchi Junnosuke, you can’t let your senior down.
For the entire day, Taguchi has given his best with that thought in mind. Not all seniors will go the extra mile; Taguchi decides that he must reciprocate Tanaka’s concern by performing better. Although he still made mistakes during the drills and almost broke down during the rigorous training, his willpower helped him pull through (barely). All in all, squad practices were definitely better than the day before.
“Taguchi, you’re doing fine,” Kamenashi congratulates while giving him a thumbs-up. It’s break time and everyone is entitled to some rest before moving on to meet with the seniors for extra coaching (which Taguchi is strangely anticipating). “As opposed to yesterday, you didn’t finish last for laps. What’s the secret to your speedy improvement? Let me in on it, will you?”
Taguchi can’t possibly say that his senior is currently his only source of motivation; it sounds… wrong. Furthermore, Kamenashi might stop befriending him and start thinking that he is some kind of creepy bastard.
“Well, I guess having Tanaka Koki as your senior must have been great. He is an inspirational figure,” Kamenashi answers his own question (much to Taguchi’s relief).
“Why do you say that?”
“He was the fire fighter who appeared on the news a few weeks ago. Surely you knew that?” Kamenashi replies, shock showing clearly on his face. “He braved all odds to save the little girl from the burning building. Everyone thought it was impossible but he did it!”
“How can you tell it was Tanaka? The photos were blurry and the fire fighter’s face was black with soot!” Taguchi asks with a frown. If that person in question was truly Tanaka, surely Taguchi would have found some form of resemblance and join the dots together.
“The photos were grainy but the article mentioned his name…”
Taguchi mumbles ‘I see…’ softly before excusing himself to the washroom. He isn’t about to let Kamenashi knows that he is the kind of person that only browse through the newspaper looking at photos. Lengthy reports bore him to tears.
Hiding in the toilets (it’s the only way to avoid initiating a conversation with Kamenashi again), Taguchi only rushes to the parade square to meet Tanaka when break is over. With his newfound respect and admiration towards Tanaka, Taguchi requires a conscious effort to act normally around his mentor.
***
Today’s activity is to practice descending from a building and Koki can’t help but feel nauseous. He feels sicker than usual when the instructor volunteers him for a quick demonstration. Why must he be the one? He isn’t good with heights and hates this segment to the core but he isn’t about to show his weakness to anybody (Koki is just going to grit his teeth and rely on his determination to get through it). Moreover, Taguchi has been staring at him strangely since their eyes met at the parade square; Koki doesn’t intend to let Taguchi discover the inner coward in him.
As much as you dislike it, you’ve done it plenty of times. You’re a professional! Get over it!
Taking a deep breath, Koki descends swiftly down the building the moment the instructor shouts ‘go!’ He earns gasps of awe when he reaches the ground within record timing.
“You’re good at this Koki,” the instructor praises and Koki nods in acknowledgement before thanking him for the flattery.
Since I can fool the instructor, I can probably fool anybody.
“Koki, your hands trembled a little at the start…”
Koki growls in annoyance. The world’s most annoying bugger is here again.
“If you think nobody noticed it, I did,” Ueda continues smugly and Koki resists the urge to break Ueda’s nose.
“Ueda, if you’re so free, why don’t you spend more time investing in your junior?” Koki sneers. “Perhaps you’ll be able to win back your best mentor award from me.”
“Kazuya is a very self-motivated person. He doesn’t complain or whine and completes whatever I throw at him. I don’t need to breathe down his neck constantly. Your Taguchi seems like a different case, not that you’ll be complaining. You’ll get to spend more~ time with him. Aren’t you happy?”
As much as Koki wanted to punch Ueda square in the face, his rationality tells him that it isn’t a good decision when there are so many juniors and seniors around. If only he could ambush Ueda in the locker room… Koki shakes his head to clear his mind; he mustn’t let his temper obstruct his work.
Focusing on the instructor’s talk and trying his best to ignore Ueda, Koki heaves a sigh of relief when the briefing ends and all the juniors approach their senior for specialised training. Grabbing the necessary equipment, he hurriedly ushers Taguchi to the top of the building. As they climb up the flight of stairs, Koki wonders at how Taguchi manages to keep his hair in a perfect state despite the morning training.
If he possesses as much athletic talent as he has with styling his hair, life for me will be a breeze.
“The best way to learn is to experience it,” Koki lectures on the rooftop while Taguchi fumbles with the harnesses and ropes. “Fasten that hook and tighten that strap. I don’t want you to be the first fire fighter dying during descending practices! Did you even listen to the instructor on how to put the equipment properly?”
“I… Tanaka-san, I’m really sorry about it but can you show me how it is done?”
“Call me Koki. I’m not that old.”
Koki soon regrets trying to be friendlier with Taguchi when that idiotic airhead drops the “-san” in his name as well.
Running through the standard procedure of handling the equipments, Koki watches as Taguchi repeats after him. When Taguchi is finally done, Koki notes that all the other juniors have already finished their first try in descending and is already preparing for their second. Koki rubs his sore temples and questions if Taguchi is ready. Although Taguchi replies positively, it is clear that Taguchi is very hesitant when standing at the edge of the building.
“What’s wrong? Phobia of heights?”
“Not really… I have a phobia of death though.”
Koki laughs.
“In our field, death is like a shadow, following behind us closely. One tiny mistake and it’ll claim us. Now, would you like to get into position or would you like me to kick you down?”
***
Taguchi knows that he’ll get an earful from Koki when he screams throughout the entire process of descending. All the other juniors are throwing him judgemental looks as he makes his way up the building again. Taguchi can feel himself writhing with shame. However, instead of harsh words, Koki praises him for being willing to take the first step.
“You’re not scolding me?”
“What for? I don’t want to diminish your morale. Would you like to go for a second try or shall we take five?”
The prospect of resting is indeed very alluring but Taguchi chooses the former option. Koki throws him a surprised look before breaking into a smile and giving a pat on his back.
“That’s the spirit. Get into position!”
Taguchi does as he is told and attempts to descend again. Although the process isn’t smooth, at least he isn’t screaming. Climbing up the flight of stairs as swiftly as he could (he needs to catch up with the other and maximise practice time), Taguchi runs through the process repeatedly till the instructor gathers everyone again. Despite being thoroughly exhausted, Taguchi feels that everything is worth it when Koki wears an impressed look on his face.
***
Albeit training becoming harsher as the week progresses, Koki is awed that Taguchi didn’t pull out midway and leave the academy. Somehow, that weakling has managed to survive even if his performance isn’t impressive. Still, Koki decides that Taguchi probably deserves a little compliment.
“Great job, one week down and five more to go,” Koki smiles encouragingly after the trainers have dismissed everyone for the day. “It is the norm for newcomers to have some time to themselves on Friday nights. Are you going out with your pals for a drink? You should be running along; you don’t want to be left behind, do you? The rest of the juniors look like they’ll be leaving soon.”
“I don’t have any friends in the academy besides Kame, who will be busy at the gym,” Taguchi mumbles. “I was thinking of eating alone at the yakitori shop down a few streets.”
“You look like the popular sort. That was unexpected.”
“I’m talented in neither drills nor physical activities. Everyone hates a burden so I guess I’m not welcomed anywhere.”
Koki replies softly with an ‘oh’ and continues walking alongside of Taguchi. He is taken aback when Taguchi invites him for dinner.
“It has been tough on you to train such a person like me. How about I treat you to dinner, hmm? You can choose the location. I’m sure my wallet can take the beating.”
“You just don’t want to spend the night alone eh?”
“Perhaps,” Taguchi is speaking so softly that Koki has to strain his ears to hear the other man.
When Koki finally throws in the towel (there’s a limit for Koki when it comes to crestfallen faces) and hums in agreement, Taguchi immediately grins and fist-pumps the air in excitement. Koki is quizzical about Taguchi’s actions but decides not to query about it.
“I’ll meet you at the podium after a quick shower,” Taguchi beams. “See you in a bit!”
Part Two