Our 𝔼𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 (Kazuha x Reader)(Gender Neutral)

Part 19: ♥️A Fearful Heart♥️

Does everyone know that silly samurai?

You nod at Gorou's question. "Yes actually! He and I met briefly when my good friend had some supplies of hers transported by the Crux Fleet! He even mentioned the Resistance to me, saying you all would benefit from my healing."

"As always, Kazuha was absolutely right. He was such a big help to us when he was in my ranks, and he cared a lot about his friends and comrades. Not to mention his impeccable swordsmanship," Gorou gushed. You can tell that Gorou and Kazuha must have been very great friends.

"Well, I'm happy to help." You say. As you and Gorou continue walking in silence, you sigh inwardly.

You mind wanders. The more you hear other people talk about Kazuha, the more you wanted to see him again. To hear his poetic speech, to talk to him about his past, to spar with him once again... you wanted to ask him if the red streak in his hair was dyed, to ask about the Kaedehara clan, to ask if you could see his hair down... You wanted—

Oh

Oh no.

It's happened.

Not again, not again,
not again—

"Y/N, is there something troubling you?" Gorou asks. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"O-Oh no, it's nothing! Just tired is all." You quickly say.

Calm down, calm down!

"Ah, totally understandable. Look there, those are the camps for recruits." Gorou points to a set of small wooden buildings in the distance. "I'll assign you and the Traveler to your own quarters."

"Alright, sounds good to me." You reply. "So um, if you don't mind, I'd like to go ahead and rest."

"Understood," Gorou confirms. "And, thank you again. You and the Traveler have really boosted the soldier's morale."

You smile. "My pleasure, Gorou."

As the General walks away, his fluffy tail wagging happily, you let yourself into the small wooden structure. Inside is a set of two bunk beds, both looking quite untouched. You assume this used to belong to troops who chickened out before really going into battle.

You choose the top bunk on the left, lying down gratefully on the creaky mattress. You close your eyes and sigh deeply.

I'm in love.

You mentally smack yourself on the head. You'd only really met Kaedehara Kazuha once, but look at you! You were utterly smitten, and he almost certainly didn't feel the same. But... this scares you.

The last time you fell in love, well, it wasn't a very happy ending. It took you years to recover, and even now you weren't sure your heart was ready for another relationship.

B-But it's fine.
Kazuha probably doesn't even remember me.

That last thought hurt your heart, but you tried to swallow it down in your thoughts. You roll over on the uncomfortable bed, burying your face in the pillow.

I'm. In. Love.

Shut up brain!

Eventually, you drift off into a restless slumber, dreaming of a scarlet samurai shrouded in purple fog.

—

Tap tap tap.

My head hurtssss, just five more minutes...

Tap tap tap.

C'mon Benny, I don't wanna go adventuring today...

"Hey! Time to wake up!"

You open your eyes and yawn. "Ughhh, good morning ummm... Paimon?"

The floating thing rolls her eyes. "Hey! You should know my name by now! C'mon, the Traveler's already up!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming." You mutter, swinging yourself outta bed.

You get ready before heading outside. There, Teppei and the Traveler rush up to you.

Teppei speaks first. "Hey, good morning! Well, I guess that's whatvI would say, but we need to head to the battlefield!"

Your eyes widen, and the drowsiness clears from your mind. "B-Battle?"

"Yes. the General has been dispatched to the front line to lead forces into battle against General Sara of the Shogun's army. We need all the help we can get." The Traveler explains. "Are you ready to go?"

You swallow. "Um, y-yeah, I suppose so."

"Good, we need to go!" Teppei says quickly. You and the Traveller follow him as swiftly as you can, a strange feeling in your chest.

Why am I... excited?

—

A silent ship comes to a halt as the normally restless waves quiet.

It's time.