EYE OF THE STORM | k.kazuha

04: FRIENDS

Liyue was beautiful indeed. Although the warm colors of the city did not match what you were used to in Inazuma, it wasn't less beautiful in any way.

You wanted to desperately buy new clothes, especially when yours were still in the process of drying up. The stalls selling them weren't making it any easier. Stealing just a little bit before getting a job was your first option, of course until Kazuha caught you.

"Now, was taking my hand necessary?" You questioned, gaining a small grin from the boy.

"You have one hand on your blade, and one on mine. I just had to make sure you won't run away or pickpocket anyone." He explained.

"Yet your grip is so loose? If I were you, I'd hold on to a thief a little more tightly."

"Come on now, I don't want to break your hand on our first time meeting." He teased.

🍁

Eventually, you arrived at the wharf of Liyue Harbor. It was quite a familiar place, after all, it was the first thing you saw when you arrived. Countless sailors took a peek at you, and you assumed they were from the Crux.

"Don't mind them, they're just curious is all. It's not every day I come in here with somebody new. They're probably wondering what's your deal." Kazuha gave you an affirming nod.

"Oi, oi, oi! Kazuha! Who's this?" Sea Drake asked, seemingly drunk.

"This is Y/N. I'm sure the captain will explain later."

While the two sailors had their small talk, your mind wandered off.

How was Yui back in Inazuma? Yoimiya? Did the Nobushi find out you were out of the nation? Countless questions filled your head as you dazed off.

Kazuha's gentle hand reached your shoulder this time, snapping you back to reality.

"Come on, Beidou won't be back anytime soon. Let's get you something to eat." He stated, letting go of your hand.

Walking a little more, you could see the Alcor. It was the home of the Crux Fleet, Beidou's pride and joy. There were many sailors crowding the area where Xiangling was cooking.

The renowned chef was invited by the captain for the banquet tonight.

"That's Xiangling. If you're gonna get used to being in Liyue, I'd suggest trying her food. They are quite remarkable in my opinion."

He was right, it truly was. It was your first full meal in months. Back in Inazuma, you barely ate. Only on special occasions could you ever get full meals. The food wasn't the same as Inazuman cuisine and street food, but it was just as good.

You and Kazuha settled down on a remote corner of the ship, a bit hidden from the rest of the crew. Kazuha gave you a spare quilt he borrowed, the night being cold despite the summer coming around. He was amused as he watched how you hungrily ate the food in one go.

"Hey, hey, slow down." He reached for your hand slowly. You looked up with a confused look.

"Look, it's been years since I had a full meal like this. Leave me alone." You said, wiping off any food on your face.

The both of you ate the rest of your meals silently. Some of the sailors were singing, obviously drunk. Kazuha was softly humming along, looking out at the stars while he was at it.

It was... such a comforting atmosphere. You just left your nation behind, your 'sister' behind, and even tried stealing from someone. And yet here you were. With a full meal, a blanket on your shoulders, and finally no one chasing you around.

Did you even deserve to be here?

Something in your chest bubbled up, starting to feel heavier each second. Tears eventually formed in your eyes, a drop falling on the ship's floor. The golden shrimp balls in your hands fell to the plate as you covered your eyes.

Kazuha looked at you, confused at first before his face softened. He could understand what you felt. You left Inazuma, meaning you had to go through so much within the nation, and outside as you tried to escape.

"Hey... Uh... Thanks for helping me. I'm sorry we had to meet like that... That I tried stealing." You apologized, fingers still covering most of your eyes.

Kazuha wore his usual calm smile and patted you on the shoulder.

"It's no problem at all. If anything, I should thank you for your presence. Now that you're here, Liyue feels less lonely to me. I'm glad to have your company."

"I guess that makes us friends? Is... that how it works?" You asked with a small laugh.

You two shared a look before Kazuha shook his head with a smile.

"Yes, we're friends."