Our 𝔼𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 (Kazuha x Reader)(Gender Neutral)

Part 12: The Pain of Parting💔

"So... (huff) is this... right?"

You pant, adjusting your stance for the hundredth time. Its been over an hour since you and Kazuha had begun practicing fighting techniques, and you were beginning to lose hope in your abilities.

"Well..." Kazuha says hesitantly. You sigh and drop your bamboo sword to the ground in defeat.

"Oh, just forget it."

You plop down on the grass area next to beach and lay on your back. "Maybe I should just avoid conflict altogether..."

Kazuha shakes his head as he sits down next to you and looks out at the sparkling waves. "While that would be an ideal way of life, sometimes conflict is simply unavoidable." he muses. "Though I hadn't imagined you'd be so... uncoordinated."

He chuckles softly as you punch his arm lightly. "Hey, that's for me to say, not you!"

He smiles, brushing a small piece of light hair out of his eyes. "Apologies, apologies. However, on a positive note, I do believe I saw improvement in your fighting stance during our small training session. You follow instructions well."

You blink. "Wait, really? I felt like I kept doing the opposite of what you told me."

"Ah, but I took that into account and changed my descriptions accordingly. Thus, I said the opposite of what you were supposed to do, and you did the correct thing." He says casually.

Your cheeks flush and you groan. "Awww, are you serious??? I mean, it worked, but come on!"

"No need to fret over it, for you learned what you needed to. Hmmm..." Kazuha's eyes close softly as he becomes perfectly still.

"Um, Kazuha? Something on your mind?" You ask, sitting up from the grass, curious.

Kazuha opens his eyes slowly and looks towards you with a serious gaze. "...Have you seen how the Vision Hunt Decree has affected the people of Inazuma?"

"Well... yes, I have." You say solemnly. Your mind drifts to the photos you've taken of Inazuma's citizens. It's clear on their faces which of them have had and lost their Visions.

There wasn't any shine in their eyes when they smiled for a picture. It was like a plastic doll, eyes in a daze, distant. It was as if they were always somewhere else. Their head, perhaps? Or maybe a whole different world. A world where their ambitions weren't stolen away.

Seeing your sullen expression, Kazuha's eyes soften. "Ah, I see. As a photographer, I imagine you have a keen eye for people and places. Have you by chance heard of the Watatsumi Island Ressistance?@

"Ressistance? Are they fighting the Vision Hunt Decree? That sounds like a hard battle..." You ponder aloud.

Kazuha nods, seemingly pleased. "Precisely. They were a big help to me when I fled Inazuma. However, despite the great effort of their leader, Lady Sangonomia Kokomi, they are still quite short on new recruits..."

You suddenly feel a soft touch on your head and look up. Kazuha had begun to absentmindedly pat your head. You feel your face slowly heat up as he continues.

"So I was thinking, perhaps you and I could— Oh? What's wrong?" He asks, seeing your face.

He then seems to notice his hand on top of your head and swiftly removes it with a slight flush of his own cheeks.

"Excuse me, I just noticed some stray blades of grass in your hair, so I took it upon myself to remove them." He says quickly. He then lifts his gaze to the sky and frowns.

"Hmm, the time is upon me to return to the Alcor if I wish to make it before they depart."

You feel a sinking feeling in your heart and your chest begins to tighten, but you nod your head.

"No worries! I mean, I knew you had to go soon..." you reply, gazing at the distant maple leaves in the surrounding trees.

But why does it make me so... sad?