Work Text:
The wind disturbs a cluster of leaves in the trees that surround camp, the bright sun shining through their veins as they whisper collectively. Kaze sways on his perch atop a pine near Lady Kamui’s tent as the breeze traces his hair.
His eyes dart instantly to a sudden movement near her tent’s opening. Not a moment later, her head pops out from the tent flap.
“Kaze?” She calls, craning her neck in search of him –in the completely wrong direction. “Are you there?”
He’s there as swiftly as if the wind had carried him, kneeling before her with his head bowed. “Always, my Lady.”
His eyes are trained on the dirt, but he can hear the smile in her voice. “You are too kind.” Then, the shuffling of her feet and the flop of the tent flap. “Please, will you come in?”
He obeys and follows her into her personal tent. She’s in a kimono: the obi sash, still untied, is bundled in her hands to prevent the long strip from dragging on the floor.
“Will you please help me tie this?” She asks. She crosses the room to her mirror. “I wanted to wear a kimono to the meeting with the elemental tribes today, but I realized I hardly know how to tie it. I don’t want to use a Nohrian knot and come across as rude or inconsiderate.”
He’s across the room to her within a breath. “That is very thoughtful of you, my Lady,” he says. “I would be glad to assist. May I?”
He’s able to perfectly see the reflection of her smile in the mirror. “Of course,” she beams.
She lifts her arms up, the long sleeves of her kimono draping down as he reaches his arms around her waist to take hold of the obi. He has to wrap it several times around her waist in order to get the loops right, each time his fingers brushing against her petite figure. She is so incredibly small, smaller than he would have guessed beneath her usual attire of armor. He treasures the moment of closeness.
He catches a glimpse of their image in the mirror as he finishes the bow. He’s so close to her, his arms wrapped around her waist—and she’s smiling, a content line across her lips. Her eyes are soft. And he enjoys the sight of his arms around her more than a retainer should.
“Thank you for helping me, Kaze,” she says. The sincerity in her voice makes his heart soar.
“It is my pleasure to serve you, princess” he murmurs. He’s glad that her figure in the mirror blocks the smile and blush that have crept unto his face.