Chapter Text
The days passed slowly after her interaction with Kazuha. Her routine stayed the same, but despite attempts not to, she tended to search for him. It was embarrassing. Yoimiya met many travelers, most wanted to order her fireworks, but Kazuha’s calming nature and his reputation intrigued her. Lumine would probably tease her if she found out. She could almost hear her, with Paimon yelling in the background asking what they were talking about.
The weather was beautiful today so she decided to work outside. She sat cross legged on her front porch on top of a mat laid out in front of her worktable. Deftly she assembled all the needed components. Her current client wanted pink and purple fireworks for their child's birthday. A simple request, so she allowed her thoughts to wander. Thoughts traveled back to her time with Lumine and Paimon. The breeze tousled her hair. Her hand raised to swipe her bangs out of her eyes when she noticed a presence near her.
She let out a small yell, trying her best not to jostle her project. A firm hand gripped her before she tilted over. Kazuha looked at her apologetically and gave her a shy smile.
“Kazuha! You should have said something. How long have you been here? You almost gave me a heart attack.” She dramatically placed her hands across her chest. “I can feel it bursting right now.”
He chuckled at her, releasing his grip, as he kneeled down next to her.
“I apologize, you were so focused it didn’t feel appropriate to interrupt. It’s fascinating seeing you in your element.”
“You’re lucky I wasn’t testing anything.” She poked his side. “That would’ve ended badly for both of us.”
“I never want to be on the receiving end of your projects.” A laugh escaped her. The thought of Kazuha being subjected to her fireworks was silly. Even if they were to spar she was certain he’d blow everything back at her.
“You just gotta stay on my good side.” She turned her attention back towards her project. “I have to finish and deliver this but if you’d like to stay feel free.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
Kazuha was quiet while she worked, but she could feel him observing. The man was always so curious. Naganohara fireworks were her family’s pride, so she couldn’t tell him every secret. Though, she could tell him some. She started to walk him through the different pieces of a firework. The fuses, the charges, and the stars. They gave the fireworks the vibrant color that her family was known for. It was always satisfying at the end when the dark Inazuma sky lit up into an array of color.
He listened attentively. Eyes followed her hands as she gestured to the different components, sometimes he’s asked questions. Once finished, she wrapped the batch up for delivery.
“I thought you gave customers paper slips?” he asked.
“Oh! We do! Sometimes people want them pre-made though, which isn’t an issue. We do charge a little extra though. Manual labor and all that.”
He reached out his hand towards her. “Let me help.”
“Oh I couldn’t bother you with this, I do it all the time.”
“I understand that. But I’m here now.” He tilted his head. “Why not enjoy the help?”
“It’s really not that heavy, but who am I to say no.” She handed the bag over to Kazuha and moved past him. He seemed to be testing the weight. The sound of laughter reached her ears as she turned around. Confusion must have been evident on her face because Kazuha waved off her concerns.
“You always surprise me,” he said, “I think you underestimate your strength. This is nothing compared to your supplies on the Alcor but it still has weight to it.”
Yoimiya’s face turned a bright red. She tried to quickly reach back for the bag but he deftly dodged her attempt.
“I said I’d help you.” He smiled at her, amusement lit up his eyes. It felt like her pyro vision was acting up. Interacting with fire was her job and she believed she was skilled at fighting with it. Yet she’s never felt such a burn before. Her heartbeat rang in her ears.
“Are you alright?” he asked. His face was close to hers, observing her reactions. It was difficult to get a read on him. Quickly, she turned away.
“I-I’m fine,” she said, “I was just thinking of something, lets get these delivered.”
-
After that Kazuha would visit throughout the next couple weeks. It was never a consistent schedule but he always managed to find her. Anytime she felt a breeze her eyes would scan the area, checking for him. She was worried this fascination was going to her head. It felt foolish but anytime her eyes would land on him she could feel herself brighten.
Kazuha would say that he’d enjoy doing anything with her, but she noticed that he enjoyed going on walks with her the most. The man was always relaxed, but he seemed to be more open outside the city. Dusk was her favorite time of the day, and her strolls gave her time to think. But, being able to enjoy the sunset and the nature with Kazuha gave it a whole new feeling. Now, they sat beneath a sakura tree while Kazuha told her stories about his travels in Mondstat. They sat close enough that their hips and shoulders touched. His voice lulled her senses, here eyes drooped slightly.
“So, how drunk did you get?” she laughed.
“It’s embarrassing to keep talking about it.” Kazuha’s face turned a light shade of pink.
“I never expected you to be a lightweight. And a sleepy drunk too!” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s cute.”
The realization of her actions didn’t hit her until a moment passed. Her heart pounded against her chest, but she was afraid to lift her head. It was too late to take back how cute she thought he was. Plus, she was so comfortable. The sunset in front of her was beautiful and she felt that she couldn’t bring herself to be too embarrassed.
“Am I now?” he said quietly.
“I’d say so,” she replied, trying to keep her voice even.
She could feel the quiet hum he released vibrate through her. The desire to see what his face looked like overwhelmed her but she kept her head down.
“I’m not sure if a man would like to hear that they’re cute from a beautiful woman but I supposed I can’t complain.”
Yoimiya swore that the whole forest could hear her heart beat. Her chest felt like it was about to burst open like the fireworks she created. Pressing against the ground beneath them, she reached towards his hand. His grip was steady, but she could also feel a pounding heart beat. Maybe if they kept holding hands their heartbeats would sync. She wondered what he could be feeling.
She let out a tiny nervous laugh.
“Well, that’s not the only thing I think about you.”
“Oh? Care to enlighten me?”
“No,” she giggled, “I think it’ll be my secret for now.”
She feels his face shift and his breath fans against the crown of her head.
“That’s not very fair.” A weight replaced the breath previously felt, she realized that he’s leaning his head against her. The breeze tickled her skin.
“I suppose it isn’t,” she said quietly, as their conversation lulled into a comfortable silence. His presence took over all her senses. Kazuha was a comforting breeze personified. The sun sunk into the horizon she could feel her eyes falling shut as Kazuha gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
-
The days continue to pass with a feeling of dread increasing in the back of her mind. His visits became more consistent as the two months in Inazuma was nearing its end. He’d observe her while she worked and continued to join her on walks. Sometimes he’d join her when she played with the kids. Most things stayed the same except for a slight shift. Yoimiya wasn’t the type to look too deep into things, but Kazuha’s behavior made her head spin.
She’d be working at her desk and she’d feel his head drop against her shoulder. He always held her hand when they sat together under the their usual tree. There were lingering touches that made her skin tingle everywhere.
Returning his actions wasn’t easy, Yoimiya wouldn’t describe herself as a smooth flirt, but reaching for his hand became natural. Resting her head on his shoulder became her favorite way to relax. What would really make her heart burst was when they said their goodbyes for the night. He’d be so close to her that she couldn’t help but wonder, this is it, this is when it happens before he turned away.
This same situation was happening, though the rain pelted against the panels of her roof. Thunder cracked through the evening sky, the sound disrupting the taps of the rain. Kazuha looked out at the surroundings, while Yoimiya wrung out her kimino. He was also soaked, water dripped from his hair.
“Just our luck.” She laughed. He turned back towards her as he pushed his bangs back.
“The shogun isn’t on our side tonight.”
“Stop,” she whispered dramatically, “we might get struck.” He let out a small chuckle.
“I have something to tell you.”
“Oh?” she said. The seriousness in his voice was unusual. He looked away from her and back towards the city. She already knew what he was going to say.
“I found out I’m leaving tomorrow.” Her throat tightened. The sharp feeling in her chest wouldn’t subside. He looked back at her as if judging her reaction. She hoped that nothing showed on her face but she wasn’t good at schooling her features like he was. So she looked away, and cleared her throat.
“Time really does fly?” she said, trying to make her voice sound light. The small pocket of time became her own personal fairy tale.
“It does.” He slowly reached towards her, fingers grazed the tips of her hair, before they traveled to her cheek. His hand cupped her face gently, she couldn’t help but lean into it. It was so warm compared to how the rain felt. She looked back up to him and tried to see what he was thinking.
Kazuha’s eyes were deep in thought. The urge to pull him out of it compelled her to make her request.
“You should stay the night,” she whispered, “It’s not safe to travel in this weather.”
The fog in his eyes cleared as he focused in on what she said. He swallowed, before lowering his hand. A nod was the only response he was able to give, but he smiled at her after noticing the large smile on her face.
-
Kazuha was in her bath, while Yoimiya brewed some tea for the two of them. She felt refreshed being in dry clothes and in her warm house. Thoughts of Kazuha flickered by. The request she made surprised her. She couldn’t bring herself to regret it. The thought of keeping his company just a little longer made her giddy.
The sound of her bathroom door sliding interrupted her thoughts. He exited the room clothed in a robe she let Sakujirou use when he took refuge here before. It all felt so long ago.
“Feel free to hang your clothes,” she said, “I’m just finishing up this tea.” In her peripherals she can see Kazuha as he hung his clothes near the fire. His hair hung loose against his face, weighed down by the water. She didn’t think it was possible for him to look more handsome.
Once the tea finished she moved back towards the low table in the center of the room. She gently placed the teacups down before she tucked her legs under the table, Kazuha joined her shortly after. Her eyes followed his hands as he reached towards his cup and took a deep sip.
“Thank you,” he said.
“Of course! It’s the least I can do.” All she heard was a hum in response. She leaned against the table and rested her head against her hand. Her legs were crossed and she felt her knee knock against Kazuha’s.
“Your hair looks nice when it’s down.” She looked back at him and smiled.
“I could say the same to you.” A huff escaped him before he reached towards her. Gently he ran his fingers through her hair and her eyes fell shut. The sensation brought a tingle up her spine. She was so focused on the feeling that she didn’t notice him move closer. Suddenly, she felt a light brush against her forehead. Her eyes shot open and she looked to him. His face was the most red she’d ever seen.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted.
“Why?” she asked as she also blushed. He stuttered a response before looking away, one hand covered his mouth. Embarrassment was a cute look on him.
“There’s no need to apologize,” she said, “I mean I didn’t invite you here for nothing.” Heat rose everywhere and quickly raised her hands to cover her face. She remembered that they were both freshly bathed and alone in her house. “That sounded horrible, that is not what I meant, I mean that the past weeks have been so fun and I wanted to spend some more time with you before you lef —“ She felt hands gently lift her hands from her face.
“I get it,” he said, “I had a lot of fun too.”
“I — really?” she laughed nervously. “I’m glad.” She couldn’t look at him, the way these events progressed were electrocuting her brain. It felt like words were just going to spew out of her mouth.
“Yoimiya, can you look at me?” She obliged the request. His eyes looked so fond it made her chest ache.
“I’m leaving,” he said slowly, “but I don’t want it to be the end of this.” He gestured between them. Yoimiya swallowed her nerves down and continued to listen.
“It was only a short amount of time but I enjoyed it all. It disquiets me that I have to leave, but there’s still so much I need to learn.” He looked down at their joined hands as he gave a light squeeze.
“I don’t want to ask you of anything, but I would like to continue talking to you. Even if it’s just through letters, and if you ever want to stop we can.” The man in front of her looked so nervous. Such a contrast to his usual demeanor. She was happy she witnessed another side of him tonight.
Gently she removed her hands from his grip and cupped his face.
“I would never ask you to quit your travels,” she said, “being a wanderer is what makes you who you are.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek.
“And I would appreciate any stories you can give while you’re away.” Kazuha looked at her, eyes soft. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before cupping her face with both his hands. Slowly, he leaned towards her, as if still testing the tension between them. She felt his lips brush against hers lightly, before she kissed him fully. It was a quick kiss but Yoimiya was thrilled because it was her first and it went perfectly. Better than anything she imagined. She leaned against him, tucking her face in the crook of his neck. Strong arms wrapped around her frame and held her close as he placed more kisses along the crown of her head.
All she could think about was how perfect this was. The rain seemed to shut out the world around them, leaving just the two of them in their own secluded space.