𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 | 𝐤𝐧𝐲

偕 | together

~仕始める~

I was woken up by the sound of blaring and deafening alarms, making me jump up from my slumber. I sat up and looked around the large and empty estate with adrenaline coursing through me, and heard the thumping of Yushiro's feet as he dashed downstairs to find me.

"Air raid," Yushiro said, his voice monotone as he looked at my sitting form.

I sat in a corner of the living area sitting in a ball, I couldn't seem to remember what I was doing before I had fallen asleep. I nodded at Yushiro's conclusion, we didn't use a bomb shelter but for the time being we made one to store things important to us in case our home did get destroyed. Bombs never failed to scare me, loud noises and fire, so much fire. I know Yushiro and I would be able to survive it, but it didn't make the experience any more terrifying. Now that our country's enemies have more powerful bombs and weapons as ever, I can't help but feel a lingering worry in my stomach. The entire world is at war with each other all over again and it brings fear to my senses. Yushiro sighed and started moving things to the hole outside as I tried to find peace in the blaring alarms. Slowly I crawled over to the small stereo that sat on top of one of the bookshelves and set it on the low table.

Gibberish of words, I couldn't understand it from the strong static that sounded behind it. With drowsy eyes, I blankly stared at the stereo in my hands hoping that the sound of the static and half words might help me fall asleep. I spaced out entirely, closing my eyes as I tried to block out the loud noises. I put my arms over my ears and head and put my forehead to the floor of the tatami mat. Muffled sirens pounded inside my head, discomfort filled my body.

"Hey hey, you alright? Can you hear me?" Yushiro said, rubbing my back to get my attention.

I only tensed up more and ignored his muffled voice, he huffed at my antics knowing I wasn't going to budge.

Ever since the first air raid alarm, the first blaring of deafening sirens, I'd remain in a small ball on the floor with forearms pressed against the side of my head trying to block out the loud noise. It made me want to be sent into a panic, but I couldn't seem to have an actual attack. Just always on the brink.

This was nothing new to Yushiro or I, he knew that I loathed loud noises. Even a loud bang or the loud ringing of the phone put me on edge, these alarms were an example of this case. Yushiro tried his best not to touch or interfere with me in any way possible, he knew not to from his previous cases of panic. He tried to not to make my state worse than it was, but he didn't know how to help me either. Honestly speaking, just being next to him, made everything so much less hell. He never really had a 'healing essence' or anything like that, but I was comfortable. He sat next to me on his knees, patiently waiting for the blaring alarms to stop. I rolled over, so my face was buried into the pants of his hakama.

Against what he thought, he touched the back of my head. Petting me in an attempt to soothe me, his hand probably hand splinters within them, he works so hard for Tamayo, I feel bad. Yushiro has so much talent, painting as he does, I hope he knows how much talent he has and shares it with the rest of the world.

But... Knowing him it's unlikely.

After what felt like hours the alarms had finally ceased and a pounding headache came right afterward. Sunrise peeked over the hills and taunted the humans who shuffled back and forth from their shelters and homes. Most of the time they'd just sleep in the shelters, but it's a bit hard to with the alarms pounding in your ears.

Yushiro got up, leaving my limp body to fall face flat against the rough tatami mats below me. He closed the windows and hurriedly slid the shoji screens shut, leaving us alone in our now dark home together. Slowly, I took my hands away from my ears. I stayed limp on the floor, hoping to get more sleep in as the sun rises. Yushiro's gaze lingered on my figure, he released a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was troubled but I didn't know why, and at the moment... I could care less.

My body felt numb, and an annoying pang in my stomach signalled that I was hungry. I sat upright, feeling the wild cowlicks in my hair move as the air shifted around me. Unconsciously my eyes wandered over to Yushiro's figure who was still standing by the shoji screens.

"Why're you staring at me?" He raised an eyebrow at me with a scowl, as if he wasn't consoling me less than five minutes ago.

A cocky tone came out of my mouth, "If I stare hard enough, maybe you'll explode."

He clicked his tongue, "Weirdo," his famous insult towards me.

~休憇~

A full moon, as cliche as it sounds it probably my favorite kind of night. It reminds me of my days in the sun, even though I can hardly remember anything past bleeding out and intense fevers. The only thing that stopped me from going out on a little walk and enjoying the wonderful night was the slight summer drizzle, for the fear of acid rain the entire town was instructed to stay inside until they find out if it's safe. I could just go on a walk anyways but I don't want to accidentally bring trouble to myself. So the best option was to enjoy it while sitting on the engawa.

"Let's leave here." Yushiro's voice made me jump, I turned around to see him in a black yukata.

I turned around, "And go where? Mars?" I joked, a chuckle slipping at my own joke.

Yushiro sighed and sat next to me, "No, I want to move to Kure. The town is more spread out and we have a better chance of being left alone there, it's the best place to wait out this war." I don't think I've seen him so serious without spitting at someone.

"Is that so... I'm not against the idea, but moving everything will be a pain in the ass," I winced at the thought of hauling all of our things back and forth from one city to another.

He shook his head, "We can use our demon arts, it'll be easy."

"Ehh? That's cheating!" I complained.

"No it's not. It's convenient. There's a difference dummy," He grabbed the top of my head and gave my head a slight pull as if he were some kind of parent.

A feeling of warmth came over me, I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

Acid rain or not, this is nice.

~終了~

A/N: IS IT OK????? MAYBE??????