Under the maple tree (Kaedehara Kazuha x fem reader)

Chapter 2

1 week later

You and Kazuha both tried not to dwell on Tomo's death, as you were currently trying to help him escape, and had minimized your visits to the main city of Inazuma in case anybody spotted you. You had gathered some intel from eavesdropping on merchants that a pirate who transported goods was stopping in Inazuma soon. "Crux something or other" you thought to yourself. "I'll have to make sure to notify Kazuha of this". You and the white-haired man had been looking for a means of allowing him to escape and you thought that this might be a one in a million opportunity for him.

"I'll find out more about this 'Crux' before telling him though". You sneaked your way around the Shogun's soldiers, careful to not make any noise as you tried to follow the merchants. "Half 2 tomorrow afternoon. They're only taking a pit stop." you heard one of them say. You had decided that was enough information and quickly fled the area. 

"Kazuha!" You called as you spied him sitting under a maple tree. He got up and turned to face you before you started scolding him for his laziness. "There I was gathering information for you! Meanwhile, you're slacking off here doing nothing!". "I was merely resting" he replied. "Taking in the scenery around me one last time before I leave my home. I came up with a haiku...would you care to hear it?" His peaceful demeanor had managed to soften your icy gaze as you nodded to his suggestion.

"The winds churn and twirl

The sun dips beneath the sea

As thoughts fill my mind"

You stare in awe at the poetic boy before you. Admiration for him growing yet again. "That was beautiful" you simply stated as a light pink dusted his cheeks. Before he could even open his mouth, you changed the subject. "By the way, I think I found you a ride" "A ride?" Kazuha asked. "Yeah..well, a way out. There's some crux pirates docking tomorrow at half 2 for a short while. Apparently they transport goods and stuff. I also hear that the captain takes in run runaways." "I see" was all he replied with before thanking you very sincerely. "I shall make sure to return Y/N. That is a promise I will keep. Whether it takes months or even years, I will definitely reappear."

You smiled gently at him as you parted ways for the night and agreed on meeting up at around 2 o' clock tomorrow. "The midday sun has a way of making one yearn for a moment of sleep" You jumped, clearly startled as you turned to face your friend. "Oh..ahh sorry about that" Kazuha said as you regained your senses. "Whatever" you replied in a grumpy tone as the male stood there akwardly laughing. 

Suddenly, a horn could be heard around the dock and a ship entered my sight in the distance "Hmm. So it was legit info." You thought. You turned to face Kazuha but were met with a side of him you rarely see anymore. A sense of hope could be seen on his face as his eyes sparkled. He looked like a little kid who was about to blow out the candles on their cake. "He looks really excited..and also cute.." You said to yourself before shaking that thought out of your mind.

You felt something squeeze you hand as Kazuha dragged you closer to the docking ship and you both started thinking of a way to sneak on and talk to the captain and convince him to let Kazuha join the crew. You jumped when a firm, strong grip landed on your shoulder and you cursed to yourself for getting startled again this afternoon. You definitely needed to sharpen your senses. "You kids alright?" a loud strong voice spoke coming from the person who gripped your shoulder. "Oh yes thank you. We were just looking for the captain of this ship" you replied. "Do you know of him by chance?" "Him?! I don't know of this 'him' you're talking about but I do know the captain." the woman answered. "You do??" Kazuha's scarlet eyes lit up again as he knew freedom would finally be within his grasp. "Yep, I sure do! You're talking to her." The woman said in a cool tone flashing a warm smile. "Oh!" you audibly gasped. "I'm so sorry captain err-" "Beidou" she said as she extended a hand. "Thank you for your patience, I'm Kaedehara Kazuha and this is Y/N L/N" Kazuha said with a smile upon his lips as you both shook Beidou's hand. 

"So kids, what were you lookin' for?" "I would like to join your crew and help you on your travels in exchange for helping me escape" Kazuha said. "Easy Peasy! No problem kiddo. Helping people escape is child's play" Beidou flashed her smile again which was contagious making you smile as well. "We're setting sale in around half an hour, so bid your farewells now."