What If Ei Cared?

A Date?...

"Okay, what are you sighing about?" Tomo sat down in the grass beside his best friend. His little cat poked its head out of his shirt and mewed at him.
Kazuha was twirling a leaf in between two of his fingers. He sighed again, "I met someone..."
Tomo rolled his eyes with a quiet groan, "here we go again."
Kazuha sat up a little straighter, "it- it isn't like that..."
"You say that every time. You're always like 'haaa, Tomo I'm in love with the most magnificent person... but I just can't bring myself to talk to them... oh, I'm so shy! Whatever shall I do?!'" Tomo did his best over-exaggerated impersonation of his friend.
Kazuha frowned, "I don't sound like that..."
"You totally do." Tomo nodded and his cat nodded with him.
Kazuha let the leaf fall from his hand, "well, then, you'll be happy to know I've gotten over my 'shyness'."
Tomo blinked, "huh?! You mean you've kissed 'em already?!"
"What?! No! Nononono!" Kazuha held his hands out, his face getting red, "I've- I've spoken to them... twice..."
"Twice?!" Tomo fell backwards into the grass in exasperation, "only twice?! Dude!"
The cat hopped out of Tomo's clothes and laid down beside him.
"I- They aren't exactly the easiest person to be around..."
"They're mean to you?!" Tomo almost sat up again.
"No! No!" Kazuha felt like slapping himself in the face, "they're really, really nice... I just... it's not like I can go see them..."
"Why not? Aren't you always stalking the person you're 'in love' with?"
"It- it's not *stalking*..." Kazuha said quietly. "Being concerned for someone's safety is a good thing... When you say it like that it sounds bad..."
"Well, that's coz stalking is technically a crime! I'm surprised you haven't gotten a restraining order yet!"
Kazuha pursed his lips.
Tomo sighed, "dude, you could literally just talk to the person you like instead of following them around like a creep."
Kazuha hesitated, "but... it's safer that way..."
"For who? You or them?" Tomo sat up.
Kazuha's eyes were somewhere far away, "both..."
Tomo sighed. He knew Kazuha had a hard time explaining things in ways people can understand and because of that he tended to scare a lot of people away, wether it's friends or the person he likes. Tomo was one of the few people who could understand him. He honestly felt bad for Kazuha...
"Ah, man- Look. Who cares if they run from you?! Obviously, they don't deserve you anyways!" Tomo clapped him on the back.
Kazuha sighed, "but I'm the one who's undeserving..."
"Oh, geez! Stop lookin so mopey! Tell me about this crush of yours! I want all the details!" He smiled. Surely this would cheer him up.
Kazuha's face was already starting to get red, "they- they're really, really beautiful..."
Tomo rolled his eyes, "something that isn't obvious?"
"Oh. Uhm..."
"Let's start with this: why can't you just go talk to them?"
"Well... they live with the Shogun..."
Tomo's eyes bulged, "they HUH?! You're in love with, like, an official?! Ew! Aren't they all old and crusty?!"
"No- no, they aren't an official!" Kazuha grew incredibly embarrassed.
"Then, what?!"
"Uh, they... you probably won't believe me and you can't tell anyone... they're the Shogun's child..." Kazuha cringed as if ready to be smacked upside the head.
". . ." He was stunned beyond words.
"Uh, Tomo?..." Kazuha opened his eyes.
"You... fell in love... with the most dangerous person possible... how..."
"They're so sweet, Tomo, not a single atom of their existence could even yell at someone!"
"That's not what I meant! The Shogun!"
"Oh... yes... she... didn't seem to like me..."
"Oh, and you just *had* to go and make her angry, too?!" Tomo felt like strangling Kazuha, "I hope you know that you will probably be torn to pieces if you even lay a finger on this lover of yours!"
Kazuha hesitated, "I've... laid hands..."
"You WHAT?!"
"It- it was just holding hands- n-nothing unseemly, I swear!"
"Kazuha..." Tomo was breathless from all the stress, "where did this sudden confidence come from?..."
"I... I decided to listen to everything you've told me..."
"Kazuha..." he groaned, "I know I give the best advice but it doesn't count when it has to do with the Shogun! You're going to get yourself killed!"
"Then... I think that would be alright..."
"WHAT?!"
Kazuha was blushing again, "there really wouldn't be a point in living if I never got to see them again..."
"You must be crazy!!!" Tomo exclaimed, running a hand down his face.
Kazuha smiled a little bit, "that'd be fine, too..."
"Okay, how is this person that worth it?! Give me a description right now! It better be justifiable!"
Kazuha blinked at him, "oh, uhm... well, their eyes are a light bluish purple color and their hair is dark purple like the Shogun's... their skin in the color of pearls and is just as smooth..." Kazuha became lost in his own mind.
"Oh brother!"
"They're only a bit taller than I am, just enough that I have to stand on my toes to see eye to eye. And their voice is soft... And they shine, Tomo... in the moonlight their whole form glistens as if they were a divine being..."
"What you're describing can't exist, man! Are you sure you aren't exaggerating?"
"I... don't think I am..."
Tomo facepalmed, "you don't even know?!"
Kazuha shook his head, "no... if it were all a dream, I wish I would have never woken up..."
"Dude..." Tomo looked at him in disbelief, "I don't think you've ever fallen this hard before... it's like you were pushed off the top of mount Yougou..."
Kazuha sighed quietly, "then maybe they were death coming to claim me... I have heard death described as being someone beautiful..."
Tomo shook his head. He couldn't bring Kazuha back from this, could he?... His cat rubbed against his arm, mewing softly. He smirked over at Kazuha, "You still haven't said one way or the other if they're a crusty old man. I mean, the Shogun's pretty old-"
"They aren't! They- they look our age..."
"But how old are they?"
Kazuha hesitated.
"Well???"
"Ahm... you wouldn't believe me if I told you..."
Tomo narrowed his eyes, "are they underage?"
"No! No! No! Nononono!" Kazuha shook his head frantically, "it's-"
There was sly giggling above them, among the branches in the trees. They both looked up.
The giggling escalated to a laugh as they saw someone's white and red robes swishing as they kicked their legs in delight.
"Oh! So sorry! Mhmhm! I just can't hold it in anymore!" She jumped down from the tree and landed softly in front of them.
Kazuha jumped to his feet immediately, bowing deeply.
It took Tomo a moment to register who was standing in front of him. "L- Lady Guuji?!"
She chuckled, "afternoon, boys."
Tomo blinked a few times. Was he seeing things?!
"Oh, you don't need to bow to me!" She waved her hand, "anyways! It's so adorable how absolutely head over heels Kazuha is for my son, isn't it?"
Tomo's eyes widened even more and he directed his next exclamation at his friend, "you said it was the Shogun's-"
Kazuha had just stood up and flinched terribly.
"He is," Lady Yae shrugged. "Is there something wrong with him being my son, too?"
Tomo shook his head, "no! I just-"
"Good." She smiled, "I figure since we're on the topic, we should go pay Kunikuzushi a visit? After all, the Shogun shouldn't be home for a while, so we won't have to worry about her!"
They both just stared at her.
She blinked, "what? Do I look extra pretty today, or something?"
Tomo tried to untie his tongue, "N-no, Lady Guuji- I mean- yes. But that's-"
She giggled, "let's get going, then. Oh, I can just imagine how surprised Kunikuzushi will be! Hehe!"
She started walking off and the other two had to sprint for a moment to catch up to her after realizing what was happening.
"Did you know she was listening?" Tomo whispered.
Kazuha shook his head, looking a little scared, actually.
Tomo cringed a little, "yeesh... you really just admitted to having a massive crush on her kid... awkward..."
"She- she already knew..." Kazuha seemed very nervous. That fact that he seemed nervous at all was shocking in and of itself. Kazuha was naturally reserved and didn't normally show any emotions other than his gentle smile.
Tomo was a little worried, lowering his voice even more, which was useless because Guuji Yae could hear everything anyways. "Did you do something to offend the Shogun?..."
"I don't think so?... She didn't want me around Kunikuzushi because she was worried I would hurt him..."
"You?! Hurt someone?!" Even Tomo's cat looked dumbfounded. "Is that even physically possible?!"
Kazuha tried to get him to be quieter, "Tomo, *please*... I-I've hurt a lot of people before..."
"Yeah, but they were *criminals*! I would drop dead if you even so much *looked* at the person you liked in a mean way!" Tomo was speaking rather loudly.
Lady Yae giggled, calling over her shoulder, "your friend here is quite hot headed. Tomo, was it?"
He went rigid, "yes, ma'am."
She smiled, "I like you. You're just what Kazuha needs in a friend. Did you teach him how to flirt or did he come up with all that on his own?"
"What?! Kaedehara Kazuha, my best friend, flirted with someone?!"
Kazuha grabbed his arm and squeezed it hard, "are you announcing it to the whole island?!"
Tomo realized they were coming up to Inazuma City. He folded his arms, "I'm just surprised... I don't think I've ever seen him so much as keep up a conversation with his crushes..."
Lady Yae giggled, covering her lips with her pink nails, "he was being quite the flirt~ It was like he just couldn't control himself~"
Kazuha's face grew red, "I..."
"Well, I guess it makes sense..." Tomo rubbed the back of his neck, "since he's a poet and all."
"Tomo!" Kazuha squeezed his arm again as he whispered harshly at him.
"What? Am I wrong?"
The Guuji stopped walking for a moment.
Kazuha's face grew a few shades darker, "Tomo..."
"Hmh," Guuji Yae shrugged, "that explains a lot. Have you ever thought about getting any of your works published?" She spoke without turning around and she continued on.
Kazuha blinked, "uh- I- I don't normally write anything down..."
"You should!" Tomo stated adamantly, "you're, like, super good at it!"
Kazuha's eyes stayed on the ground in front of him as he walked, "they're only simple Haikus... nothing special..."
Lady Yae smiled to herself, her mind cooking up ideas, "I *have* been thinking about opening up a poetry section in the paper..."
"Dude, she's offering to hook you up!" Tomo shook his shoulder, "isn't that awesome?!"
Kazuha looked up at the Guuji's back, "I... I don't know what to say..."
She laughed, "just don't go and read off a whole essay on how beautiful I am, Ei doesn't seem to like that."
Kazuha flinched a little bit, forcing a chuckle.
Tomo scratched his head in confusion, "did you..."
"It wasn't towards her..." Kazuha said quietly.
"Ah..." Tomo was starting to piece together what might have happened. "How long has it been since you've seen him? Uh- Them? Her?"
"Him," Lady Yae said.
"Ten days," Kazuha looked up at the sun, "seven hours and fourty-five minutes." Seeing the shocked look on Tomo's face he added, "... roughly..."
"Dude... how do you do that?... I can hardly remember what time it is at any given moment! The only times I ever remember are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And that's only because my stomach tells me!"
The cat had burrowed back into Tomo's shirt and was sleeping peacefully.
Kazuha hesitated, "well, when you have nothing to do, you teach yourself new things..."
"Were you really that lonely before you met me?" Tomo felt bad for him, "dang..."
Finally, they arrived at the archway leading into the Shogun's home. Up close it really wasn't so big...
The guards let them in without any questions.
"This way," Lady Yae sang as she sauntered towards the back of the building.
When they turned the corner they saw a beautiful pavilion filled with thriving plants and animals. There were birdhouses loitering the property along with ground nests for foxes and other small animals.
Kazuha took Tomo's sleeve harshly, his breath catching.
Tomo nodded in awe, "wow... that's super pretty..."
Lady Yae giggled, "he's probably in the gazebo," she pointed down the walkway, "Kunikuzushi?!"
"Yes?!" A reply came from where she had pointed.
She smiled, "we have visitors!" She gestured for her guests to follow as she started walking down the aisle.
They followed and Kazuha was sort of hiding behind Tomo.
Meanwhile, Kunikuzushi started to have a crisis. They had guests?! But he was all dirty and wasn't wearing anything nice!! But before he had the chance to do anything they had arrived. Kunikuzushi gently set the raven on his hand down on a perch before turning around and lightly dusting himself off.
He looked up to see Yae Miko and someone he didn't recognize. He tilted his head to the side and the raven beside him did the same.
Miko smiled, "this is Tomo, one of Kazuha's friends."
Tomo inclined his head, "with the way Kazuha described you, I thought he had just made you up! You really are quite pretty!"
"Oh- thank you..." Kunikuzushi said bashfully as he bowed back.
Kazuha squeezed Tomo's arm tightly and his bestie was surprised by the violence in his movement.
Kunikuzushi noticed there was a third person. He really just blended in beside his friend, who was quite a bit taller than him anyways. He felt his face getting warm already as he said quietly, "Kazuha..."
Kazuha silently cleared his throat, "Kunikuzushi..."
Tomo smiled, seeing how the two looked at each other. He thought it was very cute.
Yae Miko smiled, "anyways, I'm stealing your friend!" She took Tomo's arm and started dragging him away, "how about some tea and tofu? Maybe we can work together on this!"
"On what???"
Their footsteps receded as they faded from the other two's minds.
The raven hopped around on its legs for a minute as it was quiet.
Kazuha realized he should say something. "Your garden is beautiful..."
"Thanks..." Kunikuzushi spoke nervously. He felt like he really didn't look his best. His hair was tied back in a messy high ponytail. His clothes were made for working in, so they weren't lavish at all. And he probably had dirt stains all over himself from playing with the foxes earlier.
Kazuha smiled, "I can tell you really care for all the plants and animals."
Kunikuzushi nodded, "I don't have much else to do, so..."
"I understand..." Kazuha wasn't sure how he should talk to Kunikuzushi anymore... Last time he had poured his heart out... he wasn't sure if Kunikuzushi had sorted out his feelings yet...
Kunikuzushi smiled, laughing a little bit, "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
"Why not?" Kazuha asked.
"Well, Ei seemed pretty upset... I never expected Miko to go against her like that..."
"I'm glad she did," Kazuha gently placed his hand over his heart. He wanted to approach Kunikuzushi, to take his hand, or something! Anything to make this situation less awkward! But he couldn't will his legs to move! It were as if he were stuck in place! Rooted to the spot like a tree!
Kunikuzushi, surprisingly, was the one to move, "Uh, Kazuha, can I ask you a question?..."
"Of course. Anything."
Kunikuzushi thought he was a little quick in answering, "Uhm..."
"Kunikuzushi, I'd do anything you ask of me," Kazuha hadn't meant to say so out loud! He really couldn't control himself!
Kunikuzushi hesitated, "oh, it's- it's nothing you have to do..." He wasn't sure how to feel about that... "it's only a question..."
"Ask away," Kazuha smiled, trying to keep his face from getting too hot.
"Well, I spoke to Ei after our last... encounter... and I couldn't convince her that you wouldn't hurt me..."
Kazuha's mouth opened before he realized he was even thinking it, "does that mean you-"
Kunikuzushi took Kazuha's hands and squeezed them, shocking Kazuha into stopping his sentence. "I- I don't know. But I know you would never do anything to hurt me. Still... I... I want to ask anyways..."
Kazuha's eyes softened, "Kunikuzushi..."
"Kazuha, would you ever hurt me?..."
"Kunikuzushi, even if you commanded me to, I would be *unable*. The sheer thought of it makes me want to kill myself! Even thinking about touching you in any way that makes you uncomfortable breaks my heart!" Kazuha squeezed his hands back.
Kunikuzushi hesitated, "okay... I just... wanted to be sure... As- as long as you give your word, Ei should- she should be okay with it..."
Kazuha grew smug, "are you saying-"
"N-No!" Kunikuzushi put his hands over Kazuha's mouth, "I- I only mean that she would let me see you without trying to kill you or something! I'm still... trying to figure things out..."
Kazuha's eyes narrowed in delight as he closed his hands gently around Kunikuzushi's wrists. He sighed quietly, not daring to speak. He slid his left hand slightly down Kunikuzushi's arm and his other fingers over the back of Kunikuzushi's hands. He didn't want him to let go...
Kunikuzushi's face grew red. He didn't know what to say, but he felt like this wasn't something people normally did as a response to being forced to shut up!
Kazuha abruptly let go, coming to his senses! He wanted to throw himself off a cliff for not thinking before acting! He just couldn't seem to help it! Being around Kunikuzushi turned his mind into mush!
Kunikuzushi took back his hands, unsure how to feel... "a-anyways... Miko said your friend's name is Tomo?..."
Kazuha mentally thanked Kunikuzushi for changing the subject, "yes. I'm sure he and the Guuji will get along well... they both seem to enjoy teasing me..."
Kunikuzushi smiled, "Miko likes teasing everyone. She can be... quite relentless..."
"Then I'm certainly glad that I don't know her personally," Kazuha chuckled.
Kunikuzushi giggled, "yeah, I'm lucky she knows when she's gone too far."
"Gone too far? Has she ever..."
Kunikuzushi shook his head, "it hasn't caused any problems or anything. Just... sometimes I get so embarrassed that I just can't talk anymore..."
Kazuha smiled wider, "I understand..."
Kunikuzushi felt a little ashamed, "sorry, I've really said too much."
"No, no, say anything you want," Kazuha reassured him, "I won't repeat a word of it unless you want me to."
Kunikuzushi blinked. Then his eyes shifted down as he clasped his hands and color bled onto his cheeks, "you're always saying things like that..."
"Because it's true," Kazuha stated. "I wouldn't dream of telling anyone."
Kunikuzushi's eyes stayed on the floor, "I really... can't say anything to that..."
"You don't have to," Kazuha smiled, holding out his hands, "just know it's true."
Kunikuzushi carefully put his hands on Kazuha's, "okay... I can do that..."
Then, out of nowhere! Crashing down from the sky was an enormous thunderbolt! It struck the top of the house with a loud *crack*!
Kunikuzushi and Kazuha looked over in shock and surprise. There was no storm?! And no clouds?! Where had it come from?!
Kunikuzushi suddenly clutched at his chest, the wind getting knocked out of him as he doubled over.
Kazuha reached out and caught his shoulders on his arm, "what's-" Kazuha jolted as electricity shot through him.
Kunikuzushi skin was crackling with purple lightning. He gasped loudly, "sorry! I-" he winced, taking a sharp breath.
"Are you alright?!" Kazuha helped him stand up, ignoring his own pain.
"Yeah," he nodded, closing his eyes and breathing deeply. "I... Ei's calling me... and she doesn't seem too happy..."
"Calling you? You mean she's-"
"She isn't hurting me on purpose," Kunikuzushi said quickly. "It doesn't hurt at all, I was just worried I was going to hurt you, so I was... suppressing it..."
The raven beside Kunikuzushi shifted on its feet, it's feathers ruffling. It cawed at him, using its beak to gesture at the main building.
"I know, I know," Kunikuzushi let go of Kazuha. "I should go..."
The back door opened and they could make out Yae Miko motioning them over, "come in and have some tea with us! Ei just got back! And she's in a good mood, too!"
Kazuha and Kunikuzushi shared a worried look.
"That didn't seem like she was in a good mood," Kazuha said.
Kunikuzushi pursed his lips, taking Kazuha's hand and beginning to walk towards his home, "let's just see what happens..."
Inside, Ei was laughing with a smile on her face. Tomo sat across from her, a cup of tea in his hands, "it was hilarious!"
Yae Miko sat down beside her wifey, "now we're all here!"
Ei sighed, placing her hand over her stomach, "haa, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time..."
Kazuha carefully sat down beside Tomo and Kunikuzushi sat between Miko and Kazuha in the spot at the head of the table. Kunikuzushi nervously shifted on his knees, feeling very tense.
"Miko and Tomo tell me you're a poet?" Ei asked.
Kazuha froze, answering quietly, "that's right..."
"Well I think that's just lovely," Ei smiled over at Kunikuzushi.
Her son paused, "Ei... what happened?... just the other day you acted like you hated Kazuha..."
Miko chuckled, "is it so surprising? People's hearts change."
"Yes, but it's not normally so drastic..."
"Come on," Tomo lifted his cup towards him, "it's not so crazy! All the Shogun needed was a few more people's word! That way she can kill us all if anything happens!"
"Us all?..." Kazuha asked.
"Yeah, our whole regiment and everyone who knows us!" Tomo shrugged, "but that won't happen anyways! I have complete trust in you!" He nudged Kazuha with his elbow.
Kazuha suddenly felt sick.
Kunikuzushi whispered, "Ei..."
She smiled, "I got twenty people to give me their word. That's enough for me."
"Is that what you've been doing?" Kunikuzushi asked Yae Miko.
She nodded, "mhm! Aren't I the best mom ever?!"
Kunikuzushi's mouth hung open.
Miko closed it for him, "it's rude to gawk at the table. Have some tea." She poured him and Kazuha each a cup.
Kunikuzushi continued to stare at Ei.
She just smiled, "I will admit that I was wrong... but if he hurts you-"
Yae Miko laughed, covering Ei's mouth, "haha! Let's save those conversations for later! Kunikuzushi, stop staring." She pushed Kunikuzushi's face towards their guests, "use those eyes to look at your lover!"
"L-L-Lover?!" He exclaimed.
Kazuha almost spat out his tea, which he had just managed to tentatively take a sip of and now he was choking on it.
Tomo laughed, "woah! That escalated quickly!"
Ei seemed content as she sipped at her own cup.
"Miko," Kunikuzushi whispered harshly.
"What? Am I wrong? You guys are totally in love with each other!" She shrugged, "it's not my fault you haven't realized it yet."
Kunikuzushi's face was very red as he sat back and closed his mouth.
Kazuha slowly looked over at Kunikuzushi. Neither of them spoke.
"Uhm, *hellooo*?! This is the part where you confess your love and kiss him!" She nudged her son. "You've read plenty of books to know that!"
Kunikuzushi got more red as he refused to look up from his knees, "this isn't a book... a- and I don't... I don't know how I feel yet..."
"Then let me tell you: you're in love. Kiss him now."
"That's-"
She sighed, "finneee. Okay. Answer me this. How do you feel when you're around Kazuha?"
Kunikuzushi felt more embarrassed, "I don't know... Confused... n-nervous," he quietly cleared his throat, his eyes flicking over in Kazuha's direction for a moment. "A- and like I don't know what to say a lot..."
Miko folded her arms, "I mean in general? The way he makes you feel. Not the things he does. But the way *he* makes you feel."
"..." Kunikuzushi took a long moment to think.
"Haven't you spent the last ten days thinking about this?" Miko asked.
"Y-yes... it's just hard to put into words..." he took a deep breath, "I-"
"Oh, don't say it to me! Say it to him!" She forced his face in Kazuha's direction again.
Kazuha and Kunikuzushi both got red.
Ei was actually pleasantly enjoying herself. It had been a while since she had company over, and Kunikuzushi was just so cute.
"I- I- I-"
Miko rolled her eyes. She elbowed Ei, whispering, "he reminds me of you when you were his age."
"I wasn't like that..." Ei said in a bit of an ashamed way.
"Mhm sure~"
Tomo took a sip of his tea, pretending he wasn't there while still listening intently.
"Kazuha..." Kunikuzushi closed his eyes tight, "I feel really nervous when you're around. N-not in a bad way! I just don't know what you're going to do. And- and I never know how to respond when you compliment me. It- I feel bad when I can never be fast enough to compliment you back... because I think you're pretty, too."
Kazuha just stared. His eyes were wide and his lips trembled ever so slightly.
"Good job," Miko clapped, "I'm so proud~ now kiss!"
Kunikuzushi looked at her in exasperation, "that-"
Tomo laughed, "I think it's Kazuha's turn! You already told him pretty much everything though, huh? How about you break down your feelings about what just happened then?"
Kazuha paused, "well..."
Tomo was surprised that Kazuha wasn't reluctant to share. He nodded triumphantly to himself for getting his introverted friend to talk more.
"I don't mean to fluster you so much, Kunikuzushi. I- I feel bad that I think you're cute when you can't talk back... And you shouldn't feel like you need to compliment me back, I'm perfectly happy to sing your praises."
Kunikuzushi looked away in embarrassment.
Kazuha closed his mouth tightly, his face cherry red.
"Aw~ how cute~ Now kiss!"
Kunikuzushi shook his head, "Miko..."
"Okay, okay," she waved her hand. "There's one more thing I want to ask."
Everyone focused on her and she smiled slyly, "Kunikuzushi, Kazuha, do you mind telling everyone at the table what happened out in the gazebo? What I heard was quite interesting~"
Ei almost dropped her teacup and Tomo almost woke his cat from how loud he gasped.
"I mind," Kunikuzushi said quickly, his voice higher than normal.
Kazuha's face grew somehow even more red than it already was.
"What happened?" Both Ei and Tomo asked at the same time.
Miko giggled, "come, now, don't keep us waiting~ how about a reenactment~"
Kunikuzushi shook his head, "no, thank you." Kazuha couldn't open his mouth. He was so scared he would betray himself.
"Dude," Tomo put his hand on Kazuha's shoulder, "I'm invested. Now you *have* to tell us."
Ei nodded, "yes. I'm intrigued. Miko, what did you hear?"
"Besides their conversation, there was a moment when Kunikuzushi had exclaimed rather loudly and cut Kazuha off from talking. Then, after a moment of quiet, I heard Kunikuzushi gasp so quietly, Kazuha probably didn't even hear it."
Kazuha closed his eyes tightly, cursing his hands for having minds of their own. Kunikuzushi's face was burning up, "I- I was just surprised."
"By what? Hm?" Miko raised her brows.
"It- it was nothing..." Kunikuzushi folded his hands.
"Are you sure? Because after that the air got rather awkward between you two~"
"It was nothing like what you're thinking," Kunikuzushi stated, "Kazuha is always surprising me."
Miko turned to Kazuha with a smile, "well? What happened?"
Kunikuzushi pleaded with him through his desperate eyes. Kazuha felt like his heart was being pulled at. He couldn't speak now! That'd hurt Kunikuzushi's feelings and trust, for sure! He looked down into his cup silently.
"If he won't tell me then you have to, Kunikuzushi~" Miko wiggled her fingers.
Kazuha opened his mouth. He knew Kunikuzushi would rather die than tell what happened. He didn't want Kunikuzushi to have to feel that way, even if it meant he would hate Kazuha forever!
"He put his hands on me to keep me from talking." Kazuha said quickly and firmly.
Kunikuzushi just looked down in embarrassment, apparently not upset.
Kazuha loosed a silent breath of relief.
"And? What made Kunikuzushi so surprised, then?" She pushed for more. All but Kunikuzushi stared at him, waiting.
"I... I put my hands over his..." Kazuha said carefully. "I guess he just wasn't expecting it..." He looked over at the person he loved most.
Kunikuzushi nodded in agreement.
Miko narrowed her eyes at them, "hmm... I guess I'll believe that. If only I had super vision, too! How much easier life would be!" She leaned onto Ei's shoulder.
Ei chuckled, "you'd be too powerful, then."
Kazuha carefully held his hand out to Kunikuzushi low enough that no one else could see. Kunikuzushi took it, giving him a gentle squeeze. Kazuha smiled, whispering, "we haven't done anything wrong..."
"I know... I just feel like everything I do is wrong when it comes to you..."
Kazuha smiled deeper, "I feel the same way... like I'll never do anything acceptable... I felt like I was going to die when I realized what I was doing earlier... and I can never say anything right, either... it's like my mouth won't do want I want."
Kunikuzushi squeezed his hand, "I don't think you've said anything wrong... sometimes it's a little shocking, but you've never said anything that I hated..."
Kazuha grew more embarrassed, "even when I call you beautiful?"
Kunikuzushi grew warmer, "I- I don't hate it..."
Miko cooed and the couple realized they weren't alone in the room. "Aww~ that's adorable~~~"
The both abruptly let go of each other and blushed tremendously harder, their eyes on their teacups.
Tomo elbowed his bestie, "dude, I'm so proud of you! I didn't think you-"
Kazuha took hold of Tomo's hand and squeezed him as hard as he could, harshly whispering, "shut up."
Tomo didn't even feel the pain in his arm, he was so surprised that Kazuha had the capacity to be violent.
"I think the only objection we have left is age," Miko shrugged, "which doesn't matter anyways."
"Well..." Ei paused.
"What?" Miko asked. She looked over at Kunikuzushi and noticed some dirt smudged on his face. She licked her thumb and rubbed it off, "you and Ei are the messiest people I know..."
Tomo pulled his arm away from Kazuha, "how far apart are they?..."
Miko's eyes drifted around the room as if this were completely boring and unimportant, "Kazuha says he's twenty-one, correct?"
Tomo nodded, "as far as I know."
She chuckled, "well, why don't you take a guess at Kunikuzushi's age?"
Tomo looked over at him, "he doesn't look much younger than Kazuha? But maybe they both have baby faces, then..." he put his hand to his chin.
Miko smiled, "Kunikuzushi is 362."
Tomo looked like he might die, "th-three hundred?!"
Miko laughed, "I love it when people freak out about it!"
Tomo looked over at Kazuha, "this..."
Kazuha looked away, "I didn't know before..."
Tomo kneaded his forehead with wide eyes, "I..."
Kunikuzushi shifted on his knees, pursing his lips.
"I mean..." Tomo paused, "do either of you care?..."
Kazuha shook his head, "I don't."
Kunikuzushi shrugged, "not really..."
"See? Not a problem," Miko smiled. "I'll start planning the wedding, then!!"
"W-wedding?!?!" Kunikuzushi almost stood up.
Kazuha's face exploded in red, "is... isn't it a little soon?..."
"Hm? I don't think so?" Miko tilted her head.
"But you and Ei aren't even married yet!" Kunikuzushi exclaimed, "and it's been hundreds of years!"
Miko rolled her eyes, "that's because we can't. We've already done something stronger than marriage."
"We have?" Ei asked in confusion.
Miko frowned, "yes. You probably didn't think anything of it, though." She puffed out her cheeks, "some wife you are."
Ei paused, "something stronger than marriage..."
Miko glared at her, "if you don't remember I'm going to hit you."
Ei grew worried, "I..."
Kunikuzushi took a moment to breathe, glad the focus wasn't on him anymore.
Ei's eyes lit up, "you mean... I- I didn't think anything of it. It was only a gift..."
Miko looked offended, "it's still counts! Blood oaths are very serious, you know! Maybe you didn't mean it that way, but I did!"
Ei seemed to need to buffer, "I... Miko..." she looked down at her hands nervously as she shifted uncomfortably, "we can talk about this later..."
"Anyways, the point is we cannot get married. So I missed out on planning my own wedding." Miko folded her arms, "so let me plan yours."
"But- but we aren't even-"
"You two certainly hold each other's hands a lot for people who aren't together."
Tomo laughed, "you can say that again."
Kazuha was not happy that Miko apparently told Tomo everything. Kunikuzushi pressed his fingers together harshly, "but we- I- I don't even-"
"Oh, hush, I think ten days is plenty of time to figure yourself out. Just take my advice and kiss already." Miko nodded as if she just gave him all her wisdom.
Kazuha hated himself for it, but he wasn't against the idea... He looked over at Kunikuzushi, who was having a bit of a crisis.
"But..." his words fell short. He didn't know what to say. He hesitantly gazed over at Kazuha, "I..." He took a moment before breathing out deeply, "I apologize for my family's misbehavior." He stood.
"What?! Misbehavior?!" Miko exclaimed, "I-"
"Miko," Ei held her down, "you are going a bit far, I think."
"Please excuse me," Kunikuzushi bowed and left, his expressions gone.
Kazuha knew he hadn't done anything but he felt like this was his fault.
"What are you waiting for?" Tomo nudged him, "you're supposed to go after him."
"Exactly," Miko seemed rather upset, "I wasn't misbehaving... I was *helping*."
Ei sighed, "you probably should go after him. He's not very good at... sorting himself out on his own. He's a lot like me that way."
"Yeah, I have to tell you how you feel," Miko rolled her eyes, "you're hungry. You should eat something. It's been a few hours, hasn't it?"
"Oh." Ei blinked, "I am hungry..."
Tomo smiled, "I think you're marrying into a great family."
"I- not- not yet..." Kazuha stood up slowly.
"Hm? You aren't denying it?" Tomo asked.
"I... I've never met someone like him before... I shouldn't just... stop trying..." he hurriedly excused himself and left.
Miko pat Ei's arm, "I think they're perfect for each other."
Ei paused, "I don't know... Kazuha seems a little... off..."
Tomo shrugged, "he's always been a little weird. I don't think it's anything to worry about, though."
"What do you mean?" Ei asked.
"Oh, since you guys live here it's not like he can come see Kunikuzushi on a regular basis." He shrugged again, "some people think it's creepy that he likes to be around them. But isn't that normal?"
Miko paused, "I didn't want to tell you, Ei, because you would refuse letting him anywhere near Kunikuzushi, but I promise Kazuha has never done anything to anyone."
"Miko..." she gave her a stern look.
"Okay, so, maybe..." she tilted her head back and forth, "maybe Kazuha has a small history of minor stalking..."
"How can that be minor?!"
"Uh, well, it's not like he was spying on them while they were in their homes or anything!" Miko spoke quickly, "just around town, and it wasn't often!"
Tomo nodded, "it wasn't even really following! He'd just stare at them when they were around!"
Ei frowned, "I don't think that qualifies as stalking, then..."
"Well..." Miko and Tomo shared a look.
Tomo pursed his lips, "I think what Lady Guuji is trying to get at is how... obsessed Kazuha can be sometimes..."
"Obsessed?..." Ei looked at Miko with a worried expression.
"Uh, ahaha, let's just say Tomo's arm is probably bruised right now..."
Tomo chuckled, "yeah, some ice would be appreciated."
Ei's eyes widened, "explain. Right now."
Tomo shrugged, "he's just a little possessive, is all."
"Is ALL?!?!"
The cat in Tomo's shirt popped out with a yawn.
Ei's breath caught, "is that a cat?!" She was leaning over the table, the issue of Kazuha was gone from her mind.
Miko sighed quietly to herself.
Tomo handed over the cat, "beautiful, isn't she?"
Ei nodded, "gorgeous..."
Meanwhile, outside, Kunikuzushi was washing his face, hoping to rid himself of his confusion. He'd never felt so conflicted before... Why were emotions so hard to understand?
He sighed, taking off his outer layer and letting it fall at his waist, held in place by his waistband. Underneath, he was wearing a thinner, white layer, and under that a black, close-fitting shirt.
He heard gentle footsteps entering the garden. He turned his head from where he was sitting, leaning his hands against the faucet.
He saw Kazuha walking down the aisle. Thankfully, Kunikuzushi was by the side of the house around the corner, unnoticed.
Kazuha looked around at all the plants as he strolled. He stopped when he came to the steps that lead into the gazebo. The raven on its perch tilted its head at him.
Kazuha didn't go in. He wasn't sure where he was allowed to be. Plus, this place seemed to be Kunikuzushi's sanctuary... He didn't want to impede its purpose...
The raven stared at him with its glittering eyes. It trilled and ruffled it's feathers before gesturing rather dramatically towards Kunikuzushi.
Kunikuzushi was standing at this point. He felt like running away. But wouldn't that make things more complicated?! He wasn't sure what to do.
Kazuha looked over with a smile.
Kunikuzushi took a deep breath before making his way over. He felt like a mess.
Kazuha and Kunikuzushi seemed to realize something at the same time. They both looked away from each other in embarrassment.
Kunikuzushi thought it was absolutely horrible timing that Kazuha came out right after he shed his outer layer.
Kazuha hesitated before looking at his crush's face, "I... Kunikuzushi, I don't want you to feel pressured into anything. I assure you, I'll be perfectly fine if you choose to ignore my existence completely."
Kunikuzushi clasped his hands, "I really wish you would stop saying things like that... I'm flattered, really. But... I'm really not that special. You'd... be disappointed in how boring I am, actually."
Kazuha shook his head, "that isn't true! I-"
"Kazuha," Kunikuzushi held up his hand, "I know you'd be fine if I... chose not to be with you. That isn't the problem. I just really think that you're not seeing me for who I am. You've got this extravagant version of me in your mind and that just... isn't me..."
Kazuha searched Kunikuzushi's expression, "what do you mean?... I- I haven't made anything up? When I think of you, it's just... you..."
Kunikuzushi hesitated, "you think too highly of me... you're always complimenting me a-and saying things that aren't realistic-"
"Aren't realistic?" Kazuha asked, "everything I've said to you has been the truth. I'm only relaying what I see..." He was trying really hard to explain, but it seemed that even Kunikuzushi couldn't understand how he thought...
Kunikuzushi bit his lip, "but I'm not... as divine as you describe."
"When was the last time you looked in a mirror?"
Kunikuzushi looked up, "huh?"
Kazuha was smiling, his cheeks pink, "because I think you'd find that the face looking back at you is exactly as I describe. Fair skin with the luster of pearls. Eyes like the night sky, glittering like the stars within." As he spoke he held his hands out, "soft, pink lips just like cherry blossoms. Gentle features resembling the personality it holds."
Kunikuzushi face was growing pink, "K-Kazuha-"
"I'm not done," he smiled wider.
"But-"
"You're quiet and reserved, yet incredibly oblivious. And you have such innocence, I'm surprised Lady Guuji hasn't tainted it. You... you're so kind to me... Look at me. I've interrupted you several times and you're still willing to listen..."
Kunikuzushi had been biting the inside of his cheek. He really didn't see it. Kazuha can't really see all this in him... could he?...
"There..." Kazuha lowered his eyes, "I'm done..."
Kunikuzushi chewed on his words, "I really... don't understand how you think so highly of me. I know I'm the child of the Shogun, but you really don't have to..." He lost his voice when he saw the melancholy expression on Kazuha's face.
Was Kazuha really not exaggerating?...
Kazuha took a long breath, "Kunikuzushi... I don't know how else to explain it to you... I don't think highly of you because of your parents. From the moment I met you I could tell that I would never meet anyone like you ever again... I had already decided in the beginning..." He paused, "it's like the Guuji said, I've been in love with you since we met."
Kazuha spoke sincerely and with all his heart, praying Kunikuzushi would believe him. He didn't think there was anything else he could do. He watched Kunikuzushi's expressions carefully.
First, he seemed confused... then, slowly, he began to blush... he was avoiding looking Kazuha in the face... his hands pressed against each other tightly as he seemed to realize something. His shoulder lifted as he got progressively more nervous.
Kazuha waited for him to say something. He just hoped Kunikuzushi wouldn't deny it again...
"I..." he finally managed, "I... I don't really understand how... how you could have made your decision so quickly..."
"I don't think you understand how sparkly you are." Kazuha hadn't meant to say that out loud. Before he could stop himself, he covered his mouth.
Kunikuzushi's face got more red, "sparkly?..."
Kazuha nodded, trying to school his expression, but was failing, "yes..."
Kunikuzushi looked down at his arms. He guessed he did have a little bit of a shine....
"That- that isn't the only reason... I'm pretty good at reading a person's character. Though, I'm awful at reading the room," he chuckled nervously.
Kunikuzushi couldn't keep a smile from his face, "I'm not very good at that, either."
Kazuha smiled bashfully, "a- anyways, I was sent after you, but I'm just now realizing that I don't know what for..."
Kunikuzushi blinked, "oh..."
Kazuha looked off to the side, "but I won't force you to go back..."
Kunikuzushi was running the loose fabric of his outer layer through his fingers, "thank you..."
Kazuha nodded.
It was silent for a very, very long moment.
Kazuha opened his mouth again, "you never... gave a full answer, earlier..."
"T-to what?" He knew exactly what. He just didn't want to talk about it.
Kazuha's face grew pink as he distracted himself by looking around, "before you left... you were going to... say how you felt..."
"Oh..." Kunikuzushi looked away, "it's... complicated..."
"Then maybe I can help you?..." he asked.
"I don't know..." Kunikuzushi lifted a hand to his head, "I don't even know if I *can* feel that way towards someone."
"Well, you blush a lot..." Kazuha said slowly.
"I- I guess that is true... but! But even if I were to feel like that, what would I even do?!"
Kazuha blinked, "well, uh, I think Lady Guuji explained that pretty well..."
"What?"
Kazuha nervously cleared his throat, "you, uh, if you both like each other it'd make sense if you... kissed..."
"O-oh."
It was quiet again.
Kunikuzushi hesitated, "Miko has brought it up before..."
"She has?"
He nodded, "she was probably trying to get the idea into my head so that I might...do it without her pushing me..."
Kazuha nodded, "probably..."
"Anyways, maybe they've calmed down?"
"Maybe," Kazuha paused, "but, before we go back, can I..."
Kunikuzushi waited for him to finish.
Kazuha found himself unable to form the words. He took a step forward, "don't be scared..."
Kunikuzushi grew tense, about to ask want this was all about.
Then, Kazuha gently wrapped his arms around Kunikuzushi, sighing quietly in contentment. He laid his head against Kunikuzushi's's shoulder, breathing in his presence.
Kunikuzushi made a small sound of surprise. Then, he hesitated before slowly putting his arms loosely around Kazuha as well. It would be rude not to, right?...
Kazuha couldn't stop smiling. He was in complete bliss. He could feel the gentle curves of Kunikuzushi's sides in the crooks of his elbows, his hands carefully pressed against his shoulder blades. Or, rather, where they should be. Kazuha didn't feel anything to indicate there were bones there at all. Did Kunikuzushi have bones? Since he was a doll, maybe not. Did that mean he had super flexible joints?
Kazuha wanted to ask all his questions, but then remembered that people don't typically like being asked things like that...
Instead, Kazuha decided to get to the point of all this.
"Kunikuzushi, this is how I feel: I wish I could stay like this forever, just holding you..."
Kunikuzushi paused, "but you can't really be holding me? I mean, because I'm taller?..."
Kazuha smiled, "I don't think it matters who is taller."
"But aren't I technically holding you?" Kunikuzushi wasn't sure where to put his arms. He'd only ever hugged his parents, and they were both taller than him...
Kazuha chuckled, "if that's the way you want to look at it. But if we were sitting down, I could still hold you."
"But-"
"You aren't that much taller than me," Kazuha said quietly and in a bit of an embarrassed way. He slid his hands down to rest at the small of Kunikuzushi's back as he leaned away.
Kunikuzushi tilted his head, "well, yes, but-"
"Here," Kazuha let go, "I'll show you." He sat down and leaned against one of the gazebo's posts, patting the ground beside him.
Kunikuzushi sat down, asking curiously, "I'm still taller?"
Kazuha put his arm around Kunikuzushi's shoulder, gently pulling the doll to lean against him. Then, he wrapped his arms around him again.
Kunikuzushi blinked, then felt like an idiot. He couldn't say anything to this!
Kazuha smiled, "wouldn't you say that I'm holding you?"
Kunikuzushi nodded bashfully.
Kazuha had a bit of a mental panic. Did he really just do that?! Wasn't he making things go too quickly?! All he came out here to do was ask Kunikuzushi how he felt! He should really take Kunikuzushi back inside, but he just couldn't force himself to let him go.
Kunikuzushi was actually pretty relaxed. It wasn't like Kazuha was *uncomfortable*... He did feel a little awkward about laying against someone like this, but it wasn't... bad... He realized how warm his face was so he closed his eyes tightly.
Kazuha laid his head against Kunikuzushi's, hoping he didn't mind if they stayed like this a bit longer...
Kunikuzushi clasped his hands, "I- I understand now..."
Kazuha nodded, one of his hands at Kunikuzushi's waist, "I'm glad..."
Kunikuzushi closed his mouth, starting to feel a little weird about this... It was only occasionally that one of his moms would hold him like this... And he found it a little strange that Kazuha was hardly touching him at all. Yae Miko normally smothered Kunikuzushi. Was Kazuha afraid of touching him?...
Kunikuzushi had a realization, "oh- is the veil up?" He sat up.
Kazuha was a little reluctant to let go, but he did, "veil?"
Kunikuzushi looked down at his hands, turning them over a few times, "yes." He looked at Kazuha, "considering you are still functioning, I guess it isn't."
"What?" Kazuha grew concerned.
Kunikuzushi sighed in relief, "I thought you had seen what I really like and it had scared you."
"What you really look like? You mean this isn't-" Kazuha felt his stomach twist, "is that why you said that my description is inaccurate?..."
"Uh- not really," Kunikuzushi grew nervous, "it isn't much different at all. I just don't normally get complimented that much... I'm just not used to it..."
"Then..." Kazuha paused, "what do you really look like?..."
"It's only a few small differences," Kunikuzushi spoke carefully, "just my joints, mostly..."
Kazuha's eyes widened, "because you're a doll? What does it look like?"
Kunikuzushi chuckled nervously, "it's nothing special. But I guess it's fine if I just show you my wrist. But your brain might melt if I were to spin all the way around at the waist."
Kazuha blinked, "you can do that??"
Kunikuzushi smiled, "yeah. It's not very helpful, though. And it feels weird, so..." He rolled up his sleeves and held out his right wrist towards Kazuha. Then he waved his left hand over it.
Kazuha's vision became blurry for a moment before it went back to normal. He saw that Kunikuzushi's hand was connected to his arm by a dark purple sphere. He just stared, not sure how to take it in.
Kunikuzushi paused, "it's called a veil because it's like a semi-transparent curtain. You can't quite see through it so your mind has to make up what it thinks should be there.
Kazuha held his hand out, "can I..."
"Sure," Kunikuzushi shrugged.
Kazuha was taking this surprisingly well. He carefully took Kunikuzushi's hand, feeling the smooth porcelain surface of his skin. Or was it ceramic?... He couldn't tell and didn't really care right now. The sphere spun fluidly on its own when Kazuha turned it, as if it weren't connected at all. "Is it magic?..."
Kunikuzushi nodded, "yeah. Ei said they were just regular doll joints before I woke up. I guess they just suddenly changed..."
Kazuha gently moved Kunikuzushi's hand and there was almost no friction or resistance. He thought this was amazing.
Kunikuzushi wiggled his fingers, "it doesn't really make sense that I don't have joints in my fingers, though."
Kazuha tilted his head, "then how can you move?"
Kunikuzushi shrugged, "I have no idea. It's all just magic, I guess," he smiled.
Kazuha smiled up at Kunikuzushi, "how did the Shogun do it?"
"Ah, I'm not entirely sure. Whenever I ask she gets a far off look and brushes it off..." Kunikuzushi smiled a little bit, "but I get the idea I'm not what she was trying to create."
"Why?" Kazuha asked.
"When I woke up Ei kept asking if I was someone else," Kunikuzushi pulled his hand back.
Kazuha grasped his fingers tightly, not letting him go, "what are you made of?"
"Uh- I- I don't really know," Kunikuzushi grew nervous.
Kazuha paused, "you're so smooth... you must be polished, yes?"
"I don't know about *polished*, considering I've got dirt all over me..." Kunikuzushi said.
Kazuha smiled as he entwined their fingers, squeezing his hand, "polished or not, you still shine..."
Kunikuzushi forced a quiet laugh as his face grew warm again, "a-anyway- we should go back in. They sent you after me, right?"
Kazuha nodded, "they did."
Kunikuzushi tugged at his hand again.
Kazuha released him reluctantly.
Kunikuzushi stood up and lowered the veil again. He rolled his wrist as Kazuha stood. They returned inside to find everyone relatively calm. Tomo and Yae Miko where chatting and Ei was stroking the cat, which was napping on her lap.
Miko smiled over at the two, "that was quite the conversation."
Kunikuzushi grew red, "sometimes I really don't like that you can hear everything."
Kazuha nodded as he and Kunikuzushi sat down again.
Miko and Ei thankfully spared Kazuha and Kunikuzushi any further embarrassment and only spoke of pleasantries and other things. It was late into the evening by the time Tomo and Kazuha were about to leave.
"Even after all that," Kazuha smiled, taking Kunikuzushi's hands, "I'm still not quite sure how you feel about me."
"W- well," he looked around.
Ei handed the cat back to her owner. She didn't seem to care as she was tucked into his clothes. Ei seemed to have grown attached to her. And Miko seemed a little jealous...
Kazuha looked up at Kunikuzushi's eyes, "if you really aren't sure, then how about we go somewhere? Just the two of us?"
Kunikuzushi felt like it was rude to decline... and he did enjoy spending time with Kazuha... He didn't see any harm in it... "uh- yeah... I... I'd like that..." His face was bright pink.
Kazuha's smile grew, "I'll be in touch with the Guuji, then."
"Yeah, okay..." Kunikuzushi really didn't know what to say in these sorts of situations...
Kazuha slowly slipped his hands out of Kunikuzushi's grasp as he took a few steps back, "be safe, Kunikuzushi..."
"You too, Kazuha," Kunikuzushi folded his fingers.
Tomo was pulling at Kazuha's clothes to get him to turn around and walk faster.
Miko was suddenly beside her son, "Aw, look who has a date~"
"It- it isn't-" Kunikuzushi realized it was.
"I still think you two should have kissed before he left," she sighed.
"But-"
"I mean, it just would have been so cute~ Don't you think so, Ei?"
Ei was dejected that the cat was no longer in her arms. She stared down at her hands, "I will never again hold something so soft..."
Miko puffed out her cheeks, "I bet my fur is softer."
Kunikuzushi pressed his hands over his chest, "it's too soon for that... I- I don't even know how I feel-"
"Oh, psh," Miko waved her hand, "we all know that's a lie. You know exactly how you feel! You just don't want to accept it!"
Kunikuzushi felt his face heating up again, "I-"
"You just *really* want to kiss Kazuha, *don't you*?~~~"
"MOOOMMM!!!"
"*What*??? It's true!!!"