Kazuscara • Alongside you

Chapter 9 • Silly little Battles

Context:
Our favourite new born couple has been met with two familiars while heading out of Komore Teahouse. They get invited to a fun activity with another person they haven't met yet.
Kazuha is 14, Kunikuzushi is 16 other ages will be told throughout the story.

Kazuha pov:

"Oh, hello Kunikuzushi, you too Kaedehara Kazuha." Said a familiar blue haired friend and acquaintance of my clan. It was none other then the famous Kamisato Ayato! "Me and milord were just coming here to visit Taroumaru and do onikabuto battles with Itto and Tomo, wanna join?" Said the second voice. It was that of Ayato's inseparable, Thoma. The young boy came from mondstadt, after a long voyage over the stormy seas, he was taken in by the young master and was clothed, fed and sheltered. To pay back the Kamisato clan, he devoted his every hour to help the Kamisato clan in cleaning, cooking and being a fixer at Ritou. He was still young, but growing up, his father was often absent, letting him do most chores around the house. While accompanying his young master, he had met me and we became friends. Sometimes he helps me clean the Kaedehara Estate when father isn't there. However, I didn't know Kunikuzushi knew Ayato. I had grown close to him, regarding we were both from quite popular clans.

A/N
Ayato is 16 and Thoma is also 16~ :3

"Kuni, would you like to accompany them to this so-claimed 'beetle battle'? I'll tag along if you go." I asked, squeezing his hand slightly and flashing a smile at him. "Sure.." he murmured his response back. I squeezed his hand a bit harder and we left with Ayato and Thoma over to this so-called 'Itto''s place. I didn't know Tomo knew this guy either.

While we were walking, I asked Kunikuzushi "Where do you know Ayato from, exactly?". "My mother and his father have had... alliances.. together. They are like partners, you could say. During their meetings together, we would be left alone together to talk or play. We never played much but we did talk a lot. He always talked about this boy, Thoma, and his sister Ayaka and not to mention, his affinity for boba tea." "Yeah, that sounds like our typical Ayato!" I replied, after hearing his explanation. I never knew mr. Kamisato and Kunikuzushi's mother knew each other... actually, I never asked about his parents. I didn't know whom they were, what clan they are —except for the fact he must be from a high ranking clan, considering his outfits and etiquette— or if they hold any type of position of some sorts. I didn't know anything! Maybe one day I might ask him about it...

After a while of walking, I was getting bored and I just remembered what had happened at the tea house. I took this memoir to my advantage to tease Kuni just a bit~. "Oh, 'Kuzushi-san, how I crave a kiss!" I say dramatically, catching his attention "Would you perhaps satiate this strong need" I continue as he flinches of the rather sudden request. I seldom ask such bold request of him but I think I should, he's being so adorable. I was then startled as he tenderly grabbed my shoulder and brought me in for a small yet soft kiss. Once he pulled away, I smiled at him innocently as his face flushed and he stuttered and mumbled gibberish. I chuckled at his cute behaviour and he just ignored my teasing and started walking faster. I chuckled to myself at his utter cuteness

Once they arrived at the island

Kunikuzushi pov:
After a while, Thoma, Ayato, Kazuha and I finally arrived to the small secluded island, south from Amakane Island. The island was full of ancient pottery and a few old relics maybe. Aside from that, it had a great view. It was a bit late when we got there so the clouds were slowly turning into a light orange hue with rays of pink and red filling the skies.

"Itto, where are you, buddy?!" Screamed Ayato to try and get this Itto guy's attention, wherever he was on the small island. "Well if it isn't my two favourite compadres; Ayato and Thoma! And who's this?! New compadres?! What are their names!!" Screamed a very, very and I repeat myself VERY tall oni. Long red horns stood at the top of his long white and red hair and red marking trailed from his face all the way to his chest and hands. Despite his appearance, the boy seemed quite friendly and possibly even younger then me? And also, what was his manner of speech? It was quite confusing with all these new words... Kazuha spoke up, "Nice to meet you, Itto. My name is Kaedehara Kazuha, Tomo's friend, and this is my 'friend', Kunikuzushi" he explained to Itto, winking at me as he said 'friend'. My face grew red as I looked a bit away. "WOAH, YOU'RE THE MAPLE BOY TOMO TALKS ABOUT! Well, I'm the one and oni, almighty, legendary Arataki Itto!" He exclaimed loudly.. he was quite nice but god he was a bit too loud... after calming myself down I introduced myself, "Good afternoon, Arataki-san, I'm Kunikuzushi. Pleased to make your acquaintance" I introduce myself, bowing down respectfully "Damn, you really hold to the etiquette! Drop the honourifics, buddy, call me Itto!!" He stated out loud, wrapping his large arm around my neck in a... what would he call it?.. "manly" way, that's it.

A/N
Itto's 15 <3

After a while of Ayato and Itto setting all their "equipment " for the beetle battles (it was just some sort of tall box, some cushions and snacks), Tomo had arrived, excusing himself for arriving so late. Ayato, Itto and Tomo talked a bit together about the beetle battles or other things. Kazuha and Thoma were talking about how things were going in each other's estates and how little Ayaka was growing and learning. I was on top of the tall roc, observing them while caressing Shiroi's soft back. He was silently napping on my lap as I stood under the shade of a short otogi tree's shade, sheathing myself from the sun, as my mother taught me. I looked down at my lap, feeling Shiroi's heavy breathing, his little body moving every breath he took. I scratched his head lightly and he started purring at my soft touch. His deep sapphire eyes opened as he sat up and started rubbing his head on my stomach, showing affection. I put my hands around the small kitten and hugged him lovingly. Mother and sister Shogun didn't let me have any pets, saying they were an emotional distraction and weak point. In the end, I would often find myself in the royal gardens petting nearby bunnies or listening to the azure finches singing.

After a few minutes, Tomo, Ayato and Itto got went to find Onikabuto beetles and when they came back they all installed themselves and started fighting, doing bets like 'whomever loses buys lunch' or 'whoever wins can get the beetles of the other players', silly stuff like that.. however it was amusing. I still stayed up on the roc watching them from afar but whenever they played, they seemed so happy.. like children in front of a toy they love.. I looked down at Shiroi, sleeping on my lap, his small stomach moving upwards slowly, and going back down, soft and cute purrs escaping his tiny mouth now and then. My head still down, I hadn't noticed Kazuha had joined me. I feel a sudden soft tap on my shoulder, startling me. "Oh, sorry I didn't mean to frighten you. How are you up here? The scene is nice and you have a nice view and what the others are doing.." said Kazuha calmly, as always. Calmly.. now that I thought about it, he never seemed very mad nor excited about anything, he's always calm and composed. Not that I'm not like that, but I'm not even a real human being... I wonder what Kazuha would look like mad, or happy —I mean very happy, not his common smirk or grin—, or sad, or.... Jealous... As I thought of Kazuha's deep stern face if he would be jealous, my face turned red. Lost in my thoughts, Kazuha poked me —again— "Kuni? Kuni, are you feeling well? You seem to be spacing out a lot.. I cannot help but worry for you." He asked, concern lacing his tone. "I-I'm fine! Just.. got lost in a few thoughts.." I stutter a bit, embarrassed from my previous thoughts..

Kazuha pov:
Oh, his face is all red.. he's probably embarrassed of the kiss earlier that day or maybe something else~ I swiftly grab his soft cheeks with my hand and pull him in for a quick peck, teasing him a bit. His face flushed even more, resulting with an even cuter expression~ how I love him!

Tomo pov:
"HAHA! I WON AGAIN, ITTO!" I shout as his beetle fell over, unable to get back up, meaning I had won the match! "WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ME????" Itto shouted like a baby — not gonna lie, it was kinda funny beating Itto and these though I still feel slight pity for my bro— "Okay, okay, you'll only pay half of my lunch, 'kay?" "THANK YOU TOM-BRO" he starts crying of joy and I chuckle at his childish behaviour. I then scan the area to tell Kazuha I was leaving but he is nowhere to be found.. I raise my head and see him happily chatting with Kunikuzushi as he's staring embarrassed at Shiroi —Kuzushi's name he gave for my cat, hehe~— and petting his neck and behind his ears to try and ignore the maple eyed boy's flirts and compliments. I smile to myself and say "Hey, Ayato, tell Kaz I'm leaving and he can keep Shiroi for the night. Oh and tell him to feed him unagi, not fish!!" Waving from a distance, I make my way back to my home.

1692 words
IMPORTANT READ WHAT IS UNDER!!!
A/N
I'm sorry for taking so long making this chapter but I think I'll be taking a break from writing, I'm very busy right now and as much as I enjoy making new chapters for all my lovely readers, I'm too mentally exhausted to continue right now. Worry not, my break shouldn't be too long, around a month maybe so next chapter might take 1 month and a half or two months. I wanna thank you all for the 200 votes and 8k+ reads, I never thought it would get this far and I'm happy it did.
I love you all and see you in a few months <3
If you have any questions, Q&A is 24/7 open!