Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Look, you can’t keep rejecting each new suitor I find for you.” Ei said, rubbing her temples. This was the fifth suitor Kunikuzushi had rejected and she was getting desperate, very desperate.

It was less about Kunikuzushi rejecting the suitors and more about how he was doing so. Every time Kunikuzushi met a suitor, the poor girl would be running out of his room crying within the first week of meeting him never to return.

“So?” Kunikuzushi retorted sarcastically “You didn’t have to marry anyone so why should I? I bet it's so that you can gain more power-”

“Kunikuzushi '' she cut him off “We’ve been over this, marriage isn’t for me. You will be inheriting this nation soon, and our people have always had 2 people to rule over them.” she stopped for a second “In my case I had my sister Makoto to rule alongside me, that's why I never need to marry.”

Kunikuzushi wanted to snap back but he knew better than to discuss his aunt Makoto to his mother, after all it was a painful spot for the both of them. His mother and aunt were very close, but after the sudden passing of his aunt, Kunikuzushi was now going to be given this nation much sooner than previously discussed. It didn’t help with the fact that his mothers was closing herself away from her nation (and her son) out of grief of losing Makoto.

Ei continued, “Look Kunikuzushi I wanted to let you choose who you wanted to marry but your rejection is hurting your nonexistent reputation.” she looks over at him “This marriage is to help the people trust you more and, I'm down to one suitor so I'm not going to let you reject this one and that's final.”

Kunikuzushi clicked his tongue in annoyance and stormed off to his room. It wasn’t his fault he wasn’t well known by his people, he didn’t ask to have a weak body that would get sick from the slightest temperature drop.

Ei sighed and mumbled to herself “Makoto what am I going to do. You always knew him better than I did.” She looked over at the picture of her on the counter “I know we promised we would let him choose but he is getting out of control. What should I do?”

Kunikuzushi slammed his door shut. Initially when aunt Makoto passed, Kunikuzushi shared the grief his mother felt towards his aunt’s death. However he's grown to resent his mothers grieving, sure his mother and aunt were closer than him and his aunt, but he was grieving too so how could his mother simply abandon him in favor of shutting herself away to grieve. Sure she performed her duties but whatever warmth Kunikuzushi felt from her was gone. All she is now is a puppet like a husk of herself.

Even trying to argue with her felt debilitating, it chipped away at himself. Every time she tried to push him away it would hurt more and more. He sat down on the floor, the world felt like it was spinning, he could only cradle himself while burying his face in his arms. His tears were flowing down his cheeks.

“I miss you, Aunt Makoto.” He whispered to himself “You wouldn’t abandon me if mother died... she only cares about herself, never about me. I hate her so much” He could feel his shirt getting wet, but did he care? Not really.

Chapter Text

“Kuni? Kunii?” A voice rang through the door “Kuni if you don’t answer this door then I guess i’ll just eat this entire box of sweets with your mother instead”
Kunikuzushi knew the voice, it was Yae Miko, his mothers closest friend and advisor. If she couldn’t fix his mothers mood then there was little hope in trying.

Kunikuzushi begrudgingly got up and looked in the mirror to tidy himself up. His eyes were red and puffy from crying, it was nothing a bit of makeup couldn’t fix. Before Kunikuzushi could do anything he heard a third knock from Yae

“KUNI! If you don’t open this door right now I'm telling your mother about all the times you snuck out to read in the garden instead of working on your duties.”

“OKAY!” Kunikuzushi yelled back, now annoyed, opted to ruffle his hair to cover his red eyes, finally he opened his door seeing Yae with a box that was filled with all kinds of inazuman treats.

“There you are,” Yae said, her expression seeming to soften a bit at the sight of him, brushing the hair he had hastily ruffled to cover his face she asked. “May I come in?” she asked her voice seemed to be filled with pity, at least to Kunikuzushi

Kunikuzushi tsked but not wanting to risk Yae telling his mother about his neglections of his duties he nodded and opened his door wider to let her in.

“So! How are you feeling Mr. I’ve rejected my 5th suitor because I’m in love with someone.” Yae miko questioned in her usual playful tone placing the box of sweets, waving her hands to signal Kunikuzushi to sit down. “I’ve been noticing that you’re eyeing someone”

“I’m not in love with that stupid garden boy!” Kunikuzushi exclaimed

“How are you not in love with him? All I did was simply mention him and your already so flustered” Yae teased

Kunikuzushi groaned and slumped down into his chair, clearly not willing to put up with Yae’s usual teasing
“Now now, don’t be like that. I'm sure he would be more than willing to be your lover? As for Ei though..”
Yae started but Kunikuzushi didn’t want to hear it,

“I don’t care what “Ei” thinks” he scowled “All she cares about is herself and how she feels, I don’t even want to rule this nation.”

Yae’s playful expression shifts to a contorted, frustrated one for a moment before she reminds herself why Kunikuzushi responds this way. Yae knew better than anyone how disconnected Ei was with Kunikuzushi, at first it was because politics were being problematic and Ei was better at dealing with that then interacting with her people. That interaction would be left to Makoto, who would bring young prince Kunikuzushi along with her as long as he wasn’t ill, but now Ei has essentially dropped everyone to grieve and Kunikuzushi was the one who was most affected by Ei’s decision. Without Makoto, Kunikuzushi didn’t have anyone he learned to rely on, leading to him becoming bitter towards Ei.

Taking a deep breath and muttering “Both of you are so stubborn” She paused and sighed “I understand your angry at Ei, but do your duties well. You’ll be hurting more than just Ei if you neglect them, and if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me okay.”
Yae told him with a soft smile “Now don’t eat that entire box okay? I got extras for you to share so make sure you do that next time you have a guest”

Kunikuzushi watched as Yae got up to leave, but he stopped her and tugged on her sleeve to ask her a question.
“Will Ei ever?” he cut himself off “No no no um nevermind thank you for the sweets” he whispered, praying Yae hadn’t heard the beginning, but Yae’s ears were sharper than that.

“I'm glad you liked it, I'll try talking to Ei. Okay?” Yae said and simply smiled before leaving.

Chapter Text

Garden boy Kazuha and royal guard Tomo (ft Tomo’s cat)

“Kazuha stop fidgeting, you're gonna make us both topple over!” Tomo whispered loudly, it was late at night and Kazuha was delivering one of his many night time roses to Prince Kunikuzushi’s room.

“I know” Kazuha whispered back, “The placement of the rose must be perfect. After all, the shogunate isn't one easily pleased” reiterating how the Prince and his mothers, the shogunate's voice could be heard echoing through every hall. After most every suitor, there would be an argument that not even Lady Yae could quell.

He started to gaze at Prince Kunikuzushi’s room

“Dude, cmon, just confess to him, leaving sentimental flowers isn’t going to fix the arguing,” Tomo sighed “Everybody knows you like him! He may even have a thing for you too! So what is there to lose?”

He was clearly annoyed at the endless pining Kazuha seemed to have for the prince, it wasn’t the first time he had to hear this tonight and it wouldn’t be the last.

“Tomo!” Kazuha exclaimed in a whisper “ What are you saying? I cannot fathom? He's the prince of Inazuma, I'd be killed by her Almighty for sure!”

“There will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow,” Tomo teased. ”I mean just look at me. I got into the royal guard after fighting with that Arataki guy!”

Meow. Tomo’s cat seemed to be trying to tell them both to shut up or they would be caught for sure. Thus causing the pair to quickly finish placing the flower before scurrying off to Kazuha’s garden shed.

Ever since Tomo had caught Kazuha blowing flowers towards the Prince, Tomo helped him with his little scheme.

“So what did you give his majesty this time?” Tomo questioned Kazuha as he sat down on the floor of Kazuha's shed

“Alchemilla Mollis; they represent comforting love, it’s my flower of choice wherever I hear him fighting with her Almighty.” Kazuha answered, taking a seat next to Tomo.

“Isn’t that the flower you always give him though?” He asked, raising an eyebrow
“Well someone needs to comfort him and given that I’m only a gardener I have almost no chance to talk with him directly.'' Kazuha responded “Enough about that, don’t you have to get back to your post? Last time you weren't at your post Lady Kujou forced you to spar with Arataki Itto for the entire week.”

“Shit!” Tomo exclaimed, his eyes widened in fear of what Lady Kujou had in store for him if she found that he was not at his post again.
“Shit!” Tomo exclaimed, his eyes widened in fear of what Lady Kujou had in store for him if she found that he was not at his post again. “Uhh got to go now, Bye!” Tomo (whisper-shout?????) to Kazuha and runs out of Kazuha’s shed.

Finally a moment of peace for Kazuha, walking toward his work table Kazuha pulled open a purple drawer that contained his diary entries with some haiku.
“Now… where was I?” he said to himself, flipping through the many filled pages of haiku he’d written, all dedicated to the prince.

“Oceans set us apart
But wind feels the same both sides
Will the Earth accept?”

Before Kazuha was fully entranced by his haiku there was a knock on his door.

“Hm?” Kazuha answered, annoyed by the sudden disturbance “how may I help you” the door creaked open “…Lady Kujou.”

“Ah, good evening Kaedehara, how are you? May I come in?”

“The wind told me you were coming,” Kazuha said, pouring out some tea. “May I help you?”

“There is actually much you can help me with” She shifted her gaze slightly “For example the whereabouts of your friend Tomo, he's missing from his post again and I was told he was last seen hanging out with you.” She remarked

Tomo, you imbecile Kazuha thought to himself.

“I'm sorry, Lady Kujou” he looks into her eyes, ever unwavering in his expression. “I'm afraid he’s already left. I’ll be sure to confront him before the fortnight passes.” He answers, the lie coming out all too naturally for his liking.

“Oh, well, thank you anyway Kaedehara. Don’t spend too long in the shed, it's no good to sleep in here.” Kujou Sara said waving a goodbye

“I guess spending an entire week sparring Arataki wasn’t enough to teach him a lesson” she murmured under her breath

“Goodnight to you too Lady Kujou!” Kazuha called out to her, closing the door to his shed. It was only then he realized that the tea was still waiting in his hand.

“Well I suppose I should go home tonight” Kazuha muttered to himself, putting his notebook back into his drawer, leaving the tea sitting quietly on the counter.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi took a sip from his early morning tea while writing in his private diary. “Dea-”

“Your hat. - I apologize, my highness, are you awake yet?” Mona burst into the Prince’s room looking as if she hadn’t slept in days

Jumping up slightly, Kunikuzushi hid his diary under himself while quickly putting his tea on the counter.

“What?” He responded, feigning his tiredness.

“Um, are you okay?” Mona continued. “You have a fully bac- Sorry, packed schedule starting with… um”

Kunikuzushi started tuning her out. He had already memorized the schedule, only consisting of 3 things. Review reports from the Kanjou commission, prepare for the arrival of whatever suitor his mother set him up with this time, and spend the next 5 hours of his life getting to know said suitor. Rinse and repeat, every single day.

“And finally get to know, um your Highness? Did you get all that? Your mother told me to remind you that you are not to reject Lady Akibato- no, Kamisato.” Mona squealed out.

Kunikuzushi drowned in a cesspool of angst.

He had forgotten yesterday’s argument with his mother, and how he was not to reject the next willing suitor. One that she found for him.

“Yes Mona, I got all that. Just let the sun rise please.” He grumbled, rolling back to his tea.

Mona let out audible huff. “Honestly, your highness, you're going to be leader of Inazuma soon and yet you still don’t get out of bed yourself!”

If there was one thing Kunikuzushi liked about Mona, it would be that she was unafraid to express her attitude towards him. Most servants quiver in their boots talking with Kunikuzushi.

Though he supposed his temper was, well… one can’t describe it nicely.

Kunikuzushi went through quite a few advisors, and all of them would quit within the first month of advising. That was until Mona arrived. She was able to tend to Kunikuzushi’s needs as perfectly as a hummingbird's flight.

As Mona left the room, Kunikuzushi instinctively gazed towards his window. Ever since his Aunt Makoto died, his mother shut herself away from everyone. Since then, Kunikuzushi would find a handful of flower pelts in his room. One day he would wake up to find flowers, and sometimes bouquets of flowers on his window still. Miko would still tease him about how he had a “secret admirer.”

Going over to his window still, as expected there was a flower, one that he recognized very well because many times he’s reserved them, an Alchemilla Mollis. Kazuha had helped him identify what flower it was.

While taking a moment to admire the newest flower, there was another knock on the door. Kunikuzushi was about to yell at Mona to leave him alone, but a different voice spoke this time.

“Good morning Prince Kunikuzushi. Apologies for interrupting your ’morning routine’.” Sara’s voice rang out. “However it has come to my attention that one of the guards meant to guard your room has left his post. Once again. I apologize for failing to keep the royal guards in check and will take full responsibility if you happen to be put in harm's way.”

Kunikuzushi clicked his tongue in annoyance from having his peaceful morning interrupted “It's fine Lady Kujou but I’m not the one you should apologized to for this, if my mother where to catch wind of this she’ll have that guard’s head for sure”

If there was one thing that Kunikuzushi could give his mother credit for not neglecting him, it would be how highly she held his safety over most anything. As a child whenever he had even the smallest of sore throats his mother refused to even let aunt Makoto bring him outside into the garden. After Aunt Makoto passed his mother even tried to never let Kunikuzushi leave the palace, but thanks to Yae he’d narrowly avoided that fate.Though he had to admit it felt disingenuous.

Just before Kunikuzushi could start to get lost in his thoughts, he stops himself remembering he did actually have to get ready before his advisor Mona comes to bother him again.

“Finally” Mona groaned and started turning to him “You have a packed schedule, did you forget? Which reminds me, Lady Kujou seemed really adamant on apologizing for something. Did you scare one of the soldiers again?” she sighed, “We talked about this your highness.”

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes at his advisor brushing off her lecture “That’s not important right now, what reports do i need to read instead of my mother reading them.”

She cleared her throat “You have 3 reports from the Tri-commission, 2 from the Kanjou commission, and 1 from the Yashiro commission, which regards your engagement to Lady Kamisato.” She glances over at him. “I suggest you read the one from the Yashiro commission because you will be meeting with Lady Kamisato after lunch. Both reports from the Kanjou commission are not urgent and can be dealt with later.” Mona summarizes handing him the papers.

“Alright then I'll get to it then.” Kunikuzushi responds as he shoos Mona away, taking the papers out of Mona’s hand.

The first thing Kunikuzushi noticed was the Yashiro commission seal on the top paper. It had been quite some time since he’d seen a seal other than the Kanjou commission seal so it felt refreshing. Kunikuzushi start to read

Dear Prince Kunikuzushi,

We graciously appreciate you taking the hand of Lady Kamisato

The Kamisato family is blessed to have been given the chance to personally bring glory to the Inazuma's royal family. However, Lady Kamisato is the current and only Lady of the Kamisato clan. We deeply value the livelihood of Lady Kamisato, though Lady Kamisato is a far cry from a frail flower, we do not wish to see her mistreated in any way.

The Yashiro commission swears it’s loyalty to the shogunate and Inazuma, and you the Prince are no exception, but Lady Kamisato as the face of the Yashiro commission means any harm that comes to her will be reflected in Inazuma.

Lady Kamisato has mastered many of the Kamisato clan arts and is the pride and joy of the Yashiro commission. Lady Kamisato's kindness has spread far and wide with the citizens of Inazuma and is a young woman loved by the public. We are certain that such an exceptional young woman like Lady Kamisato is fit to help bring a harmonious rule to Inazuma.

We've sent this letter as courtesy to send you our blessing to the long and prosperous marriage between the Yashiro Commision and the Shogunate.

Signed,
The Head Kamisato Clan
Yashiro Commissioner

Kamisato Ayato

“Tch, we graciously appreciate you taking the Hand of Lady Kamisato, '' Kunikuzushi said sarcastically to no one in particular. These kinds of letters were commonplace for when his mother was trying to set him up with each suitor and it annoyed him. Just like him these people probably are only doing it to make their clan or parents pride themselve in their new found power.

Tossing the letter aside, Kunikuzushi turned back to the paper on his desk, he groaned in annoyance without even needing to read past the top of both papers; Financial report of the possible crashing of the stock market

This was the 5th time the reports from the Kanjou commission revolved around this problem, as if he knew how to fix it. He’s almost never left the palace since the death of aunt Makoto 4 years ago, Hell he’s hardly had much training with handling his people's problems ( not like his mother really helped) all he knew that he just need to find a way to please the higher ups in each clan and things will run accordingly.
One issue all of the clan higher ups minus the Kamisato clans higher up who had only recently replaced his parents, were all ignorant and overconfident narcissists who believed the traditional order of Inazuma was the best way to run it. ( this might be my own political opinion leaking in might need to shift why Kunikuzushi hates them)

If Mona said it wasn’t urgent he can simply just procrastinate on finishing his response, not like he would have to change anything from his previous response. Deciding that he rather skip out on his duties again in favor of reading his favorite light novel in the royal garden, now all he has to do is slip past both his advisor and his mothers advisor.

Grabbing his book, Kunikuzushi cracked open his door and poked his head out to look around, Kunikuzushi breathed a sigh of relief that the hallways were empty, grabbing the box of sweets Lady Yae had gifted him yesterday. Quietly Kunikuzushi sprints to the royal garden where he plans to spend the rest of his time reading, or at least until someone finds him.

As Kunikuzushi successfully enters the garden he quickly goes to his peaceful hideaway spot in the garden. A giant sakura blossom blooms over a simple stone bench, it hides the blinding lights of the sun rays just enough for Kunikuzushi not to be blinded by such a light but still be able to read every word in his light novel. There were hedges surrounding the tree that he was only barely taller then ( though it did make it much harder for people to find him here.). Kunikuzushi stretches whilst taking in a deep breath of fresh air. The scent of all of the flowers filled his nose, pleasant but not overwhelming. If there was one thing Kunikuzushi wished to eat it would be whatever sweet would be birthed from these scents alone. He opens his book to the purple gold bookmark gifted to him by his aunt, Kunikuzushi begins to escape into the world of the light novel.

Hardly past the chapter he started, his reading was interrupted by a familiar soft voice,“Kuni? I didn’t expect to find you here this early in the day, if i’d known you would be arriving i would have swept away the stray petals. I sincerely hope I'm not interrupting anything?”

“Ah there the gardener boy, you spent all night tending to your flowers again didn’t you? You idiot.” He scoffed, “Your eye bags are even worse than Mona’s.” Kunikuzushi said in his usual arrogant manner. “ Also, never say that nickname in public or else” he added.

Kazuha laughed while brushing off Kunikuzushi’s usual arrogant words and gave him a light hearted smile. “Well then mind if i join you for a bit?” Kazuah asked, already taking a seat next to the prince.

“Fine” Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes “Well if you're gonna join then take a sweet or two, my mothers annoying fox advisor bought extras for some reason, said i should share it with any guest i have over. As if I would get any guest other than an overconfident suitor. A servant like you is far more deserving of these sweets because at least your useful” Kunikuzushi rantled.

If Kazuha could have 5 mora for each time Kunikuzushi ever rambled about Lady Yae, he would be the richest man in Teyvat. No matter how many times Kazuha has heard these kinds of rants he never gets sick of them.

Grabbing a maple leaf shaped momiji manju, Kazuha breaks the sweet in half and offers the other half to Kunikuzushi.

“You don't have to do that,” Kunikuzushi said, turning his face away from Kazuha. His face flushing a little “Besides i’m not hungry and you need that energy more than I do you dumbass” Kunikuzushi retorted, as he said that his stomach growled,
‘Dammit why does my body have to betray me like this, quick, find and excuse you dumbass’ he thought to himself.

“Your stomach says otherwise,” Kazuha said with a smug grin at the fact he managed to catch one of Kunikuzushi’s usal lies this morning. Kunikuzushi reluctantly took the half out of Kazuha’s hand and the pair ate their respective halves.
Afterward Kunikuzushi nudged Kazuha and motioned silently asking if he could rest his head. Before Kazuha could think it through he curtly nodded and Kunikuzushi laid his head on Kazuha's shoulder and closed his eyes.

Come to think of it, if Kazuha’s memory didn’t fail him Kunikuzushi was due to have lunch with Lady Kamisato of the Yashiro commission, what time is it he wonders, it would be bad if Kunikuzushi was late to that lunch because of him.

Before Kazuha started worrying, Tomo conveniently shows up likely in search of Kunikuzushi
“Tomo!” Kazuha exclaimed trying to get his attention

“Oh, how convenient I was looking for his highness, figured I would find him with you.” Tomo lightly teased Kazuha.

Kunikuzushi opened his eyes to figure out the source of the ruckus, spotting Tomo. “I suppose Lady Kujou sent you to find me because Lady Kamisato will be arriving soon” he asked, annoyed that even this morning he could not catch a moment of peace.

“Actually Lady Mona sent me to find you,” Tomo corrects Kunikuzushi. “She said something about you leaving without telling someone was highly irresponsible and that she can’t believe you're apparently ready to inheart Inazuma. She looked furious.” Tomo elaborated “Her word not mine” Tomo adds quickly, the last thing he needs is for the prince to complain to Lady Kujou about him and he would be doomed to dealing with Ittos antics for the rest of his life.

Rolling his eyes, Kunikuzushi reluctantly got off the bench to follow Tomo, “Honestly can i not do anything without supervision, I shouldn't have to tell people every little detail about my life.” Kunikuzushi said.

“Personally, i think those details are the most interesting of all”

“Huh? Did you say something garden boy?” Kunkuzushi asked, surely the person Kazuha was talking about couldn’t be him, he was hardly lovable

This caught Kazuha off guard who stammered “H-uh uh, i didn't say anything , you should hurry along Lady Mona can be rather scary when she is angry no?” waving his hand around to try and hide his very red face. Tomo resisted the urge to snicker, he was definitely gonna tease Kazuha about it later

“Nice talking with you your highness” Kazuha said waving goodbye

“See you later idiot” Kunikuzushi waved back, deciding to think nothing of what Kazuha might have said earlier. Kazuha, sharing romantic feelings for him? Pfft, as if.

No one other than aunt Makoto cared about him, without any strings attached, and there had to be strings attached, there just had to be. Then again what would Kazuha really get out of this?
‘No no it just can’t be possible, stop thinking about it’ He scolds himself rubbing his face in an attempt to clear his head. Right now he needed to focus and stop thinking about stupid Kazuha, he was never going to share feelings with him and he just needed to stop getting his hopes up.

“There you are!” Mona exclaims from across the hall, Tomo wasn’t kidding Mona was definitely pissed. He knew he was in for some deep shit.

“Honestly I leave you alone for one moment and you go missing, would kill you to leave a note to you wearabout at the very least.” her anger radiated off her like waves “If her Almighty found out that no one knows where the prince is she’ll kill us all” Mona begins to berate and lecture Kunikuzushi, glancing at Tomo to tell him he could go before going back to berating Kunikuzushi.

“It seems the two children have begun their arguments once more,” Yae said, smiling amusedly to herself .

“Lady Yae, what’s so funny? I need Kunikuzushi to be ready for lunch soon!” Ei told Yae. She had been pacing back and forth in her room all morning. There were many worries plaguing Ei’s mind, especially her son’s suitor.

She had forced Kunikuzushi to not reject this suitor, but given his harsh demeanor to all his previous suitors, Ei worried about Lady Kamisato’s safety Although the head of the Yashiro commission approve of the arrangement, thanks to Kunikuzushi’s already infamous reputation for being rather sadistic he made it very clear that if Lady Kamisato is harmed during the arrangement that the marriage will no longer be approved.

Yae lightly shakes her head at Ei’s demands and sighed “Yes yes i’ll get the prince, but don’t you think you're babying him too much? He’s already 19, don’t you think you should grant him the freedom to roam Inazuma city as he pleases? He is no longer the frail sickly child you remember Ei”

Ei flinched at her name, it’d been ages since someone had called her that, it was always “Her Almighty” or “ Her Excellency”. Even before her sisters passing the only 2 people who would speak her name in such a manner was her sister and Lady Yae. The memory of Makoto began to return to Ei once more.

Thoughts began to fill Ei head
‘Makoto… I wish you could see Inazuma now, without your guidance so many problems have arisen. ‘

Yae catching on that the conversation wasn’t going anywhere silently slipped out of the room. As Yae clicked the door shut, the bickering between Mona and Kunikuzushi was nowhere close to ending,

“Ah Children '' she giggled, turning to the corner to put a stop to their endless disagreement.

“JUST BECAUSE I SAID THE REPORTS AREN’T URGENT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SKIP OUT ON DOING THEM” Mona argued

Kunikuzushi rebutted
“THEY’RE LITERALLY SAYING THE SAME THING EVERY SINGLE TIME MY RESPONSE HASN’T CHANGED”

“THAT’S BESIDES THE POINT! WHAT IF IT WASN’T THE SAME AND IT WAS IMPORTANT!” Mona yelled back

“THAT’S WHY YOU TELL ME IF IT'S IMPORTANT”

“Now now children, let's all calm down, you wouldn’t want to be unsightly to Lady Kamisato now would you?” she leans in a bit “From what i hear she’ll be arriving in 20 minutes so make yourselves both look presentable.”

“Especially you Kunikuzushi” Lady Yae said tilting Kunikuzushi’s face towards her, “Honestly where did you learn your makeup? The eyeliner is uneven, come along now let me fix this. As for you Lady Mona please be prepared to greet Lady Kamisato when she gets here”

Chapter Text

“Good afternoon Lady Kamisato, welcome to the heart of Inazuma”

Mona greeted the newly arrived Lady Kamisato.

As Lady Kamisato opened her mouth into a soft sigh, one could only describe the noble’s demeanor as comparable to the beauty in the first snow of winter

Mona felt a breath of the soft breeze of winter snow laced in with the noble's words. It was rather refreshing for the very overworked Mona.

“ Ah the pleasure is truly mine, to have been selected to be the hand in marriage for the prince of Inazuma. It is an honor to be here.”

The formalities were somewhat surprising to Mona, she was far too accustomed to seeing the suitors go in ecstatic to have been selected,only to go home crying after being, as she like to put it, brutally rejected by the Prince.

Though it could be argued that since Lady Kamisato has such close ties to the Shogun as well, even the slightest slip up could mean the downfall of their clan. So perhaps the beautiful young lady had already accepted such a fate.

Maybe Mona thought to herself, just maybe Lady Kamisato could be the kind and patient person that the prince’s emotions desperately needed. However, given that she was the closest thing the prince currently had to a friend and if she couldn’t fulfill the prince's emotional needs (even with the factor of the garden boy Kazuha). She doubts lady Kamisato could handle the prince’s short temper let alone take on his mood swings.

Regardless she had little time to entertain such wishful thinking and Mona refocused herself on the tasks at hand.

“The prince is currently still getting ready. If I may, would you like it if I guided you to the room prepared for you?” Mona asked, holding her hand out to take the noble's hand.

Lady Kamisato graciously nodded, placing her hand onto Mona’s. Mona would began to guide the soon to be spouse of the prince to the room that will become Lady Kamisato’s new home.

“Hold still Kunikuzushi, your eyeliner is going to be uneven if you keep fidgeting.” Lady Yae lightly scolded the prince. Honestly Yae didn’t even know the prince tried to do any makeup other than cover ups until recently. though she has her suspicions it's for a certain boy the prince clearly has taken a liking to.

Kunikuzushi scrunched up his face in annoyance, he cared little about looking presentable to Lady Kamisato, he just wanted the whole ordeal to be over.

“Kuni” Lady Yae said sternly, her gaze threatening him with another lecture. not willing to deal with another one of Lady Yae’s lectures so soon, and Kunikuzushi reluctantly un-scrunched his face.

Lady Yae works on the prince’s makeup in silence. Kunikuzushi knew if it was anyone, conversation would be inevitable, questions that pried into his life would be used to make small talk (not like he ever answered them anyway). However he also knew Lady Yae knew when she needed to stop pushing him.

The occasional “ close your eyes for me okay?” would be the most talking the pair would have.

Though silent, it was in a strange way a welcomed one. Lady Yae let the prince enjoy the silence without her teasing.

“done” Lady Yae spoke, taking a step back to admire her hand work. In her personal opinion the prince looked breathtaking in the makeup, but she would leave how good it looked up to him.

Kunikuzushi looked up in the mirror, quickly noticing the red eyeliner that so perfectly followed his eye shape. Lady Yae even took the time to add some dark grey purple eyeshadow that complimented the red eyeliner.

“So ready to meet your future wife?” Lady Yae teased, Kunikuzushi groaned rolling his eyes at the comment

“ Now, now don’t be like that,” Lady Yae giggled, tucking Kunikuzushi’s hair behind his ear “You should hurry if my memory doesn’t fail me i do believe Lady Kamisato has arrived” shoo-ing Kunikuzushi out of his room.

Outside Kunikzushi’s advisor, Mona waited.

“Ughhh Finally, do you have no concept of time? it’s rude to make your guest wait for so long.” Mona criticized. Scanning the prince up and down, the makeup Lady Yae did was indeed breathtaking. Perhaps Mona should ask Lady Yae for some tips.

“Look, I’m here now, so can you hurry up and just guide me to where I'm supposed to go.” The prince huffed in annoyance.

Mona rolled her eyes at Kunikuzushi’s bossy tone,

“Right this way your highness, '' Mona said sarcastically, as she led the prince to the dinning room where he would be having lunch with Lady Ayaka.

Lady Kamisato was staring out the window observing the garden outside when she heard the door’s slide open and close. So this was the Prince, the rumors on his appearance were at least half true. Though he was the biological son to the shogunate so the resemblance could be assumed.

However if there was one distincting factor she could point out, it would be how the 2 differ in carrying themself. The shogunate was strict, whose determination and will was unmatched, even when compared to an oni.

The prince on the other hand seemed more distant and if rumors were to be believed he was rather harsh or unusually cruel to people who annoyed him.

Alas, Lady Kamisato had chosen to disregard the rumors, after all no one has truly met the Prince. Therefore it would be rude to assume the worst, though she would be lying if she said that the rumors didn’t at least make her a little uneasy about the marriage.

When the Yashiro commision first got the request, she practically begged her brother to let her accept it. After all it would mean she would finally be doing her part as not only the daughter of the Kamisato clan but also as the Lady of the Yashiro commission.

Her brother initially didn’t approve of it but eventually he realized what denying the request of the shogunate could mean for the Kamisato clan’s future and reluctantly agreed.

The Prince’s advisor left brisctly after delivering the prince. In fact all the servants and guards were already outside of the room to give the soon to be arranged couple some privacy.

How odd, Lady Kamisato thought to herself. She would assume that there would be guards with them at the very least, but perhaps it was something the Prince himself preferred. All the public knew about the Prince was the only child of the Shogunate.

“ Good afternoon your highness, my name is Kamisato Ayaka. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

Lady Kamisato spoke in an elegant manner just like she’d reversed in her head while being escorted.

How unsurprising, Kunikuzushi thought to himself. All of his suitors acted like this, he hated it. Just because he was the goddamn prince of inazuma, a role he never asked for. The respect and kindness everyone showed him was solely because of his mother. He hated being treated that way, the formality, the kind gestures, the lack of genuine honesty of how they thought of him.

That is why he liked having Mona as his advisor. Unlike the other advisors she was brutally honest, unafraid to call him out on his bullshit even if it meant getting her killed.

According to her, even if he were the shogun she would still be harsh and put him in his place.

As she liked to put it “Everyone needs someone to balance them out, why else would Inazuma always have 2 rulers?”

Kunikuzushi must not have been hiding his annoyance very well (not like he was even trying), because Lady Kamisato spoke up, her face full of worry and if you looked closely enough she seemed a little scared.

Her voice was far more timid now, having lost the elegance tone to it.

“Uh.. um I hope I haven’t offended you by speaking out of line, your highness. Truthfully if I said anything to offend I take-”

“Enough let's just eat okay, I really don’t care. I know you're acting this way because your clan and the shogunate have a contract.” Kunikuzushi said while sitting down.

Normally he wouldn’t be this bleak to one of his suitors, but given that he was being forced to marry Lady Kamisato. Things would only get further complicated if he treated her like his previous ones. Especially when the head of the Yashiro commision was involved.

From what he hears from what little gossip he gets whilst roaming the halls. The yashiro commission is not someone you want to cross, even if he was the Shogunates son. He was willing to bet the head of the Kamisato clan would find a way to get under his skin if he were to ever mistreat Lady Kamisato.

The soon to be couple ate their lunch in an awkward silence. To see the Prince be so bleak and self aware of his favorable treatment, Lady Kamisato could help but wonder if the prince ever had a true friend.

Although she would like to imagine that deep down she was saying these things genuinely, she knew better than to lie to herself like that.

The Prince was right, she could practically feel the loneliness the prince likely grew up with. Though she in no way had the right to compare her own suffering to the prince, in a way she understood what things he felt.

She understood that the reason many merchants give her favoritism was because of her brother. In a way the Shogunate had a similar pressure to that when it came to the prince.

However unlike the prince, Lady Kamisato knew that she was lucky enough to be able to explore Inazuma freely and she’s even made friends that care little about her name, for example Yoimiya from the naganohara Firework shop in Inazuma city. Yoimiya didn’t care if you were rich or poor, as long as you were a good person.

Eventually Kunikuzushi couldn’t take the silence anymore, even with only Lady Kamisato in the room, he could feel an invisible social pressure that was yelling at him to talk with the noble women.

“Soo, what is your stance on the whole economic debacle between Watasumi and Narakami?”

When in doubt talk about politics, rule number one in the , hopefully joke book, Lady Yae gifted him about how to hold a conversation with others.

“Well, being that the Yashiro commission is meant to be one for the people of Inazuma, we beli-”

“I said your stance, not whatever you're being forced to say to the public.”

The prince’s cold and pessimistic attitude was relentlessly taking a jab at every little thing Lady Kamisato was taught as a child. It cut through every single thing that she’d rehearsed on her way here.

*ahem* she clears her throat to try again,

“ Well in my personal belief, I see the whole conflict as disingenuous to the issues Raiden Makoto had tried to fix. I understand that there is the belief that Watasumi had a hand in the death of Raiden Makoto . However without solid proof I refuse to stand by that belief. Even still the people arguing over this conflict aren’t even being affected by the famine that looms over the civilians-.”

Ayaka stops herself, her face flushed with embarrassment of rambling in front of the prince. Idiot!!! She internally cried to herself. This was the Prince, THE PRINCE, how could she be so rude as to ramble about her ideals like that!

“ Huh so that's how you see it, fair enough.”

The casual response scared Ayaka more than had the Prince been angry. He really didn’t care, she noticed, surely there was a time when he did care? Right?

If there was one thing she would wish for the prince to have, it would be someone who genuinely saw him as a friend, as Kunikuzushi ( if she could be so bold to think of the prince by his first name). But she knew that kind of treatment to the Prince would never happen given his social status. To almost everyone in Inazuma, he would be nothing more than a stepping stone in the social ladder, so perhaps his lack of care for others could be justified in some way.

“Enough about me, your highness, I would like to ask you the same question. If I could be so bold as to ask that..?”

Towards the end of her sentence Lady Kamisato’s voice trialed into uncertainty and hesitation. She was completely baffled at how she should be treating the Prince, after all he clearly hated the formality but all she knew was to treat him with formality.

Regardless, Kunikuzushi still answered.

“To be frank most of that political stuff is meant to be dealt with by her almighty.” Kunikuzushi didn’t even bother to hide his dislike for his mother this time, his voice was full of sarcasm.

“Honestly when Inazuma’s primary Shogunate died, the secondary shogunate didn’t take it well. I mean like who would? But it’s been almost 8 years and she’s still mourning, and because she's mourning she fails to fulfill her duties, and yet she still goes on and on about me finishing mine.”

For Kunikuzushi to just vent like this was really rare, it took him almost a full year to even start telling Mona.

To be fair, he didn’t mean to vent but when it came to his mother, especially when his day had yet to catch a break, he needed to vent his frustration.

Either way the vent seemed so out of place for the two practically strangers, and there would be no conversation for the rest of the meal.

The silence was pleasant to the prince, it let him finally recollect his thoughts from this morning.

Seeing as they had been talking about his mother, naturally Kunikuzushi’s mind returned to the night that Aunt Makoto died. Well at least what he could remember and based on whatever the people told him.

He and his aunt were going on a trip to Watatsumi during the rare few times Ei allowed his weak body to travel beyond Narukami island. Aunt Makoto was there to settle some political stuff regarding the impending famine that was befalling the ocean themed island.

He remembered how he played with the children on the island. Many were reluctant at first, some even outright ignored his attempts to play with them. To be fair, given his status as the prince of Inazuma, the other kids were intimidated by him.

Well aside for 3 boys who completely disregard that, choosing to play with him as they would anyone else. The 3 being Kazuha, Tomo and Itto.

Although technically Kazuha didn’t originate from Watasumi and at the time his clan still kinda existed. The young heir was sent to Watasumi to train in becoming a samurai. This was in hopes that the kid would be able to land a heroic title and salvage what little of the clan still stood.
Only they would simply perish far too soon, at the hands of debt collectors when they failed to pay up again.

The news had yet to reach Kazuha and the boy was living in Watasumi pretty much living his best life the samurai lifestyle would allow.

Still given Kunikuzushi’s sheltered upbringing he hardly knew about the Kaedenara clan’s existence so it was a win win for. the both of them.

He and the 3 other kids quickly hit it off, Kunikuzushi got to experience many of his childhood first (and lasts) with them. Like going swimming at the shore line, and catching his first fish.

Had Aunt Makoto not died on that trip perhaps his memory of it would be clearer. However there was little point in trying, it only made his brain hurt. Still he couldn’t shake the feeling that something important happened leading up to his aunt’s death, and yet he just could not remember.

A part of him wanted to remember but another part of him rather have it be buried down. He knew the trip was longer than the first 2 days he spent with the trio. He kinda remembers the last day, that day being the day his aunt died.

He had a gut feeling that there had to be more to it but all it did was make his head hurt the more he tried.

He cursed at himself for dwelling on the subject, he could already feel a headache coming along.

“Your highness? Is everything alright? I do not mean to seem that I look down upon you. But You’ve hardly eaten at all this meal, is it something I said that made you lose your appetite perhaps?

Lady Kamisato voiced her concern, pulling him out of his thoughts. He’d forgotten she was there. At least she knew when not to disturb silence unlike some other suitors. She was definitely better than all the suitors prior so to marry her would definitely be preferable in comparison.

“I’m fine, and could you please drop the whole worrying you're going to offend me. Your older brother warned me that if I do anything to you he’ll have my head. Besides, you're at least on the more tolerable side in comparison to the other suitors I’ve had to deal with okay?”

Kunikuzushi didn’t even bother waiting for Lady Kamisato to respond, though he had a feeling he hit a weak spot at the mention of her brother. Still he could care less, her brother only said he could not directly hurt the women so technically he wasn’t breaking the agreement.

He just wanted to go back to his secret cherry blossom hiding spot in the garden. Where he knew for fact the rest of the afternoon wouldn’t be interrupted.

The thought of spending the rest of his crappy afternoon in the garden with Kazuha sounded lovely.

At least this time he will remember to bring up the Watasumi trip. He’s been meaning to ask Kazuha about it ever since the two were reunited in the garden a few months back. He still had many unanswered questions about the trip, questions that he had a feeling Kazuha had the answers to.

The memory of his Watatsumi trip made his mood become a little less scuffed. Though the trip itself had an unpleasant conclusion, it was also some of the few memories he had where he truly felt happy.

He wondered if Kazuha even still remembers that, after all they were all rather young when they last played together. Maybe Kazuha will remember what happened, though he highly doubts it. Given that Itto and Tomo not only didn’t remember him they hardly remembered each other.

Just then his plan to sneak away to the garden would be interrupted by his mother who was blocking the door to his room.

Her expression was unreadable, great just great.

“Now what” he groaned, staring at his mother in annoyance.

“Kuni, I believe we have things to discuss ”

Chapter Text

“What do you want this time? Kunikuzushi asked, he didn't even bother trying to hide his annoyance.

Ei bit her lip at her son’s tone, normally she would have gotten angry and started lecturing him about being proper. However she held her tongue, she couldn’t risk the discussion to devolve into an argument. Her son needs to know and understand these things, else Inazuma could fall to chaos.

“As you know, you will be taking over Inazuma within the next few years.” She begins trying not to show her distaste for her son’s attitude.

Kunikuzushi interrupts, “yeah? and what of it”

“Allow me to finish” she told him sternly before stopping herself right as she was about to lecture him, keep it together Ei, keep it together.

“This is not something that is to be leaked to the public and the only people other than myself who know of this information are the 3 head commissioners and Lady Yae”

That statement shut Kunikuzushi up, it was one thing for a topic only known by the commissions. However, if a piece of information was something only the 3 head commissioners (and Lady Yae) would be aware of, it would be information that could destroy Inazuma.

He begrudgingly started paying attention to his mother's words.

“ There is a ancient civilization below a Watatsumi that's been abandoned for a long time. However in the past 500 years or so a force known as the Abyss order has taken residence within. A bloody confrontation would occur and both side lost many of their people's lives.”

Ei knew what she was saying was common knowledge, but context was still important. Ei continued,

“Things got so bad that an agreement would be made to end the war. This agreement was disclosed as many harbor a burning hatred towards the Abyss Order. However this time you know what this agreement was, as if you are to take my place then you mustn’t let your emotions overtake you. For if you do that could bring the end of Inazuma.”

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes at his mothers comment on his emotions. What did she know anyway, she always acted as though she were a robot, barely expressing even basic compassion to him when he was a child.

Ei sighs at her son’s gesture, still she keeps herself together. Her thoughts chime in, just a little more you can do this Ei, you need to be mature like Makoto for him.

“It was decided that the city underneath Watatsumi would belong to the Abyss Order and Narukami island would belong to the Shogunate. There was one twist to the agreement however, if one were to step onto Abyss Order soil then one's fate will no longer be their own. For a trespasser’s fate was up to the Abyss Order to decide. This applies vice versa to Narukami island. However such actions could not be reason for war only a direct act of aggression will.”

Before she speaks again, Ei takes a moment to breathe, as to allow her son to process everything.

So… that was what the agreement was. Kunikuzushi would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious, however this was unexpected. Not the agreement itself, but rather something about it just made his head hurt more. It felt as though he was forgetting something, something that he so desperately wanted to remember but at the same time didn’t. He could only hope that the evasive memory didn’t have anything to do with his mother, he rather not give her more reason to look down on him.

He must have been making some sort of face that made him look like a weak and fragile boy as Ei's calm and professional tone changed into belittling.

“Do you understand Kuni?”

The question dragged Kunikuzushi’s out of his thoughts. He looked up at his mother, whose face simply read as disappointment. A common sight really.

“Yes' ' he responded clearly, letting out some of his built up annoyance from his mothers side comments. He wasn’t stupid or as selfish as the servants saw him to be. As much as he seemed to hate Inazuma for only seeing him as the child of the Shogunate, he would never wish to bring harm to it.

After all, Aunt Makoto loved Inazuma when she was still around, in a way Inazuma was all he had left of his beloved aunt.

“Now can I go?” he asked sarcastically, he knew she probably had more to say since she decided to take time out of her busy schedule of being a shut-in to wait for him outside his room.

“no, no you may not” Ei responded firmly, clearly not picking up on the sarcasm. “ I have more to discuss with you regarding your new duties.”

Kunikuzushi audibly groaned, not this talk again.

“ The Tri-commision will report directly to you, and you are to take the report with the utmost seriousness. Your decisions are to be objective and unbiased. Inazuma is your top priority and the clan heads should be met individually at least once a month for they are the ones who will enforce your decisions and your secondary advisors. Your will— “

“ I’m sorry you want me to do what?” Kunikuzushi wanted to hear his mother out, but he made it very clear on his hatred to many of the clan heads in commissions. They were all nothing but selfish suck ups who only care about themselves and what was convenient.

They were useless idiot who were to incompetent to pursu his aunt’s murder case. He’d humiliated himself in front of these assholes when he begged them, as their prince mind you, that they further investigate his aunt's death. That ultimately In the end didn’t change anything, the perpetrator got no punishments for their deed because even asking his mother was pointless, all she could do was mourn and try to be aunt Makoto.

“Kuni..”

“DON’T KUNI ME, and don’t call me that, you lost that right a long time ago” he was raising his voice now and Ei control finally snapped back.

“If you're going to be that way, so be it. I should have expected this, you're too emotional and weak to understand things. Regardless YOU are going to be the next shogunate whether you like it or not. I don’t care if you hate them. As the shogunate and your mother I ask of you to discard this disgraceful behavior immediately.”

“As the shogunate and your mother” Kunikuzushi mocked the statement “ As if, you HARDLY raised me. You know what fuck it, how about for once you listen to me.”

He was alway a disappointment so why the hell was he trying so hard to not be weak when she is doing the same thing. He could never win, it was rigid at the start.

“ You are NOTHING but a HYPOCRITE, I’M WEAK? SAY THAT AGAIN WHEN YOU STOP MOARNING AUNT MAKOTO’S DEATH AND ACTULLY HAVE SOMEONE FUCKING INVESTAGATE IT. OH WAIT I FORGOT, THE CLAN HEADS ARE USELESS AND YOUR TOO EGOTISTICAL TO SEE IT”

In seconds Kunikuzushi's frustration about aunt Makoto's death and his mothers shut-in behavior that followed came out, not intentionally. He never intended to express this, but he was done with trying to keep pretending things. Everyone has been getting all over his case ever since he started being forced to find a suitor, and now his new responsibilities were going to drive him insane.

“Don’t bring up Makoto,” Ei voiced threatening violence if he continued but he didn’t care he went on.

To an outsider it was becoming increasingly clear that neither mother nor son were thinking properly. Although the 2 have always had arguments similar to this, this one by far was getting worse and worse by the second.

“ I bet you think that they will stop me from being so emotional, I bet you think they are reliable, but let me remind you that most of the clans in the tri-commision are useless. They have done nothing in solving aunt Makoto’s murder. You might think they are all reall fucking nice to me but incase you’ve forgotten, Your the fucking shogunate of couse those self serving bastards are going to be nice to be. They DO NOT care, GET THAT IN YOUR HEAD”

“k-“

“DON’T, I’m not done yet. If we want to get real details, let's track your memory a bit shall we? In case you forgot multiple people from the Hiiragi clan, with high ranking positions mind you came along on that trip. For example, the right hand man of Hiiragi Shinsuke, Matsuura. Not to mention that multiple people from the Kujou clan were with us. YET DESPITE THEM KNOWING WHAT HAPPENED THEY-”

“KUNIKUZUSHI THAT’S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU.” Ei yelled, anger is a scary thing. It makes people do things they will regret. She never wanted to harm Kunikuzushi, she loved her son but even she had her breaking points.

Ei struck Kunikuzushi, hard. Hard on the face. The crackling of thunder could be heard in the background as Ei slapped her son.

He stopped, she’s never hit him before. When he looked at his mother again he felt fear blossom through his body. Her eyes glowed a sickening light purple, the same eyes that looked down upon many who fell upon the Musou no Hitotachi. He's seen this face before.

For the first time, Kunikuzushi genuinely feared what his mother might do. She wouldn’t… Would she?

There was a pause in their argument, neither of them said anything. They could only stare at each other.

Ei spoke first,

“I’ve said enough today, tomorrow first thing in the morning you will have lessons with Lady Yae regarding your duties, understand?”

Kunikuzushi, doesn’t answer. At least not immediately, on the one hand he was still angry. She still refused to listen to him. However this, this situation, this is a first. He’s seen his mother kill people, so who to say she wouldn’t kill a disappointment like him?

Ultimately he decided against it.

“ Yes, mother,” he responds. It was insincere but it was good enough for Ei.

She simply nodded and left in the direction of her room.

Kunikuzushi stood there for a bit trying to take in the full weight of what just happened. His mother, who was always overprotective, hit him. The spot stung from where she’d struck, it was definitely red.

He didn’t know how to feel about it, on the one hand it only proved his point in how selfish his mother was. On the other, something cracked inside him. He could feel a lump in his throat, a lump he always felt when he was about to cry.

His breath became short trying to push down the feeling, not here, not in public. He knew his room was right there, but his legs wouldn’t move.

He stubbles for a bit trying to move, the more he moves the more his emotions start to take over.

“Nothing makes sense anymore” he mumbles to himself. His lips quiver, and then laughter…? Laughter?

He was laughing, is this what hysteria felt like? Everything doesn’t feel right and yet they do.

He couldn’t control it, everything was clashing into one another. His legs stumbled here and there as he dug his nails into his scalp, he pressed in so hard he was almost certain it would draw blood.

Then he felt the spot his mother hit him, it still stung as he started to scratch it.

He laughed as he felt blood, his blood, drip down his cheek. It felt good in a twisted way. He could feel tears begin to swell up again, though this time he can kinda move.

Then finally, finally he stumbled into his room. He falls onto the wall and he sits down leaning on the wall. The laughter finally stopped, now it was just him and his breathing.

The cuts on his face sting as tears slowly drip down his face. His door is still wide open, anyone could see how weak he was. But he didn’t care, he was exhausted.

He faded in and out of consciousness, trying to stay awake long enough to where he could slip into the garden later. He wanted to see Kazuha, Kazuha always made things better, and besides he promised they would chat later.

Eventually his exhaustion won and as he started to fall asleep, all he could hope was that Kazuha would forgive him for not keeping to his word.

Chapter Text

“Tama!” Kazuha yells as he runs after the white cat. Tomo asked him to watch over the cat while he was out dealing with Arataki’s antic
(his punishment for yesterday’s ). Kazuha agreed not knowing that Tama was prone to getting into mischief without Tomo around.

The cat wreaked havoc in Kazuha’s garden shed and somehow managed to get into the palace.

This is bad! Kazuha thought to himself as he continued to chase Tama. If Tama entered one of the restricted areas he’d have no way of getting Tama back.

Although… He could ask Kuni, right?

Kazuha’s mind began to drift to thinking about Kuni. He couldn’t help but worry about the prince's wellbeing, afterall the argument earlier was much worse than usual.

As Kazuha let his mind drift he stopped paying attention to what was ahead of him. So it was no surprise the spaced-out Kazuha would run right into someone leaving their room.

He crashed into them, hard.

“ow…” he mumbled, rubbing his forehead. As Kazuha opened his eyes he felt his soul leave his body.

The person he’d just run into was none other than Kuni’s soon to be fiance, Lady Kamisato Ayaka. He’d never met her in person up until now, all he knew about her was just castle gossip.
From the rumors Lady Kamisato was an incredibly kind and patient person, though rumors were still rumors so Kazuha didn’t know for certain.

Regardless he really hoped they were true, the last thing he needed was for Kuni’s fiance to get fed up with him and break things off with Kuni thus leading to another argument between her almighty and her son.

As if Tama wasn’t already a menace, the albino cat jumped into the Lady’s arms and rubbed against her. Kazuha swore the cat was smirking at him.

Kazuha quickly stood up and promptly started apologizing profusely.

“Madam my dearest apologies. I failed to watch where I was running. I ask you to not fault anyone but me.” Kazuha apologized bowing multiple times.

Lady Kamisato’s reaction was very different from most other nobles Kazuha found himself in conflict with ( which wasn’t often but when he was it was normally from Kuni)

“Oh dear, hm… Raise your head, this is clearly an accident therefore no one is at fault. Furthermore I’m more worried about you, are you quite alright?”

Her voice had a feeling reminiscent of the cryo vision that glittered on her ribbon.

“Ah um… Yeah I’m alright.”

Kazuha struggled to respond without stuttering, he was unsure how to react to the noble being genuinely concerned about his well being.

The noble women introduces herself to him

“I am Kamisato Ayaka, but you can simply refer to me as Ayaka for your convenience. If I may, can I ask for your name as well?”

“ Huh? Uh yeah, I am Kadehara Kazuha. I'm a gardener here, Huh? Um surely you would want someone of a lower social standing as you to call you so casually?” Kazuha awkwardly introduces himself, his body still tense .

Lady Kamisato giggled at Kazuha’s tense way of talking to her. Ah well guess it would be to much to ask from someone who was used to the strict servant standards demanded from the royal family

“It’s alright, I insist!” Ayaka tells him

Tama meowed, seemingly discontent at being ignored by the two of them. Annoyed, Tama jumped out of Lady Kamisato’s arms, running off.

“Tama! Wait! I can’t go there!” Kazuha groaned as he called after the cat. The mischievous little thing was headed in the direction of a restricted area.

Now what? Before Kazuha had time to ponder what to do,Ayaka was already a step ahead of him.

Ayaka gracefully pranced after the cat and scooped Tama up before Tama could go any further.

“ No more running away you!” She gently scolds the cat as she hands Tama back to a very grateful Kazuha.

“Well then, come to think of it, I have been hoping to check out the royal garden. If I may, could you perhaps guide me there?”

“Yes! Of course Madam!” Kazuha enthusiastically agreed and the pair made their way to the garden together.

Finally giving himself the chance to let his mind wander Kazuha began to analyze the mysterious but caring Lady Kamisato. Based on their conversation so far he could tell Ayaka was a caring person, just the person Kuni needed. The perfect suitor, all he was to Kuni was a friend, he knew she could help Kuni and make him truly happy. Even still, he could help but feel a little jealous.

Eventually the pair started to exchange stories about their experience. At some point the 2 must have taken a wrong turn because they ended up in the hallway leading to the prince’s room. That's when Ayaka noticed something peculiar.

“ Kazuha?” She asked, her voice seemed to be one of concern.

“Yes Ma- Ayaka ?” Kazuha quickly corrects himself from calling Ayaka Madam.

“Does his Highness normally leave his door open?”

Kazuha pauses, he was unsure how to respond to such an odd question. Kuni never left his door open.

Tama seemed to notice something was up as the cat jumped out of Kazuha’s arms and wandered straight into Kuni’s room.

“Tama!” Kazuha groaned in defeat at Tama’s third escape from him. He reluctantly followed the cat into Kuni’s room.

Just past the doorway Kuni’s sleeping body lay, there was dried blood staining Kuni’s cheek and judging by Kuni’s eyebags he’d been crying again.
How long has he been sleeping here? Kazuha wonders to himself, he felt his stomach tighten and twist. It had to be the recent fight Kuni had with his mother, it sounded much worse than usual.

Regardless he tried to shake Kuni awake to no avail. Kuni’s eyes barely fluttered open before shutting again. He wanted to ask him what had happened but it was clear Kuni was exhausted.

Kazuha sighs but he wasted no time in grabbing the first aid kit in his pocket. He took out one of the clothes and handed it to Lady Kamisato.

“Wet this cloth” His words almost seemed orderly, the only thing on his mind right now was the well-being of Kuni.

“Kazuha? Oh my… um Kazuha?” Ayaka’s words fell on deaf ears, she still followed his request.

As Ayaka left the room, Kazuha stood up and stretched his body before lifting up the prince.

The prince was lighter than Kazuha expected. Well then that just made carrying him to his bed a lot easier.

The commotion must have woken up Kuni as Kazuha felt him shift in his arms.

“K-Kazuha..? love-” Kunikuzushi mumbled as he clung tighter to Kazuha.

Kazuha could feel his heart thump when Kuni buried his face into Kazuha’s neck, Love… Kazuha blushed as his mind fantasized a future where they could love, where he could love. But, Kuni was the prince, he was a servant. Kuni wasn’t stupid he only did things when they achomplish something, loving Kazuha wouldn’t benefit either of them.

Kazuha knew that Kuni only saw him as a friend and he was fine with that. He shakes off his flushing expression as he places the unconscious Prince on his bed. He brushed Kuni’s hair out of his face, he gently rubbed the scratch marks on Kuni’s cheeks. It looked self-inflicted.

*Ahem* a mellow voice clears their throat. It came from behind Kazuha.

Kazuha spun to look behind him, seeing Ayaka standing there with the cloth, it was damp just like he’d asked.

Right about now Kazuha is realizing how he just addressed his superior a few moments ago. His face flushed with embarrassment.

Before he could start apologizing, Ayaka handed over the cloth as she quietly laughed at Kazuha’s embarrassed expression.

Kazuha, still embarrassed, took wet cloth and cleaned off the dried blood on Kunikuzushi’s face. He then grabbed his first aid kit, which was still at the entrance way of the room, and grabbed a bandage/patch for Kunikuzuahi’s cuts.

Ayaka quietly watches Kazuha work. She was rather surprised how casual his actions towards the prince were, after all just moments ago he seemed terrified of her. It was also quite obvious there was something more between the two, even if Kazuha claimed he was just looking out for his master.

As Kazuha finished patching the prince up he gently kissed Kuni’s forehead, seemingly forgetting that Ayaka was still in the room with him.

“Oh? It seems my mind can be out to ease him.”

Lady Kamisato’s comment made Kazuha nearly jump out of his skin, he’d been so focused on Kuni that he forgot he was in the presence of Kuni’s soon to be fiancé.

“Ah um- Wait wait wait, don’t get the wrong idea” Kazuha frantically waved his hand trying to explain that the actions were purely platonic. However his panic only made his actions seem more questionable.

The noble opened her fan giggling, finding Kazuha’s attempts to explain himself humorous

“It seems that there is someone for his highness, I wonder how your love will blossom”

“What do you mean?” Kazuha asked, tilting his head in confusion at her statement.

“Don’t worry, you have my full approval!” Ayaka exclaimed, giving the gardener a big thumbs up with her expression filled with determination. She seemed to either completely ignore Kazuha’s question or didn’t hear him over her excitement.

This only left Kazuha in more confusion, after all why on earth would the nobel back down from such a beneficial marriage. Especially someone who he believed would truly care about Kuni, the perfect lover for Kuni.

“Wait wait- what do you mean? ” Kazuha asked, trying to get Ayaka to slow down and not be so loud. His face was getting increasingly flushed as Ayaka started to point out every little thing he said earlier on when they were talking about the prince.

If she talks any further and Kuni wakes up, I swear.. Kazuha thinks to himself, no Kuni couldn’t find out under any circumstance!

“I am more than happy to allow you and his majesty to be together, after all I’m just-”

“I’m telling you it’s not like that!” He finally blurted out, his face blushing a red that was comparable to a pyro vision.

Finally Ayaka stops herself, her face went red with embarrassment realizing she’d lost her composure thanks to her over-determined to play matchmaker, again..

“Uh umm, l-let's just” She stutters.

“Let's just discuss this further outside!’ she blurted out. Her embarrassed face was almost as red as Kazuha’s.

Kazuha nodded in agreement to her suggestion. He for one obviously didn’t want to risk waking up Kunikuzushi and two he rather not have Kunikuzushi possible learning anything regarding his feeling.

Before Kazuha leaves, he wishes Kuni to rest easy as he closes the door behind him. Though not before leaving a handful of dried cherry blossoms buds on the nightstand.

Outside the two of them stand in an awkward silence, before they both burst out into nervous laughter. Their faces were equally red and they were both very embarrassed.

After their laughing calmed down Ayaka spoke,

“ I apologize for such improper behavior,” Ayaka apologizes as she recollects herself, her face still a light pink.

“No need to apologize, though… Kazuha paused for a moment before shyly asking

“Was it really that obvious?” He asked, averting his eyes.

Ayaka nodded, making Kazuha groan in embarrassment.

Dammit…

Tomo right, he really did suck at hiding his feelings from the prince. The thought alone left a sinking feeling about whether or not Kuni knew about Kauzha’s feeling and just didn’t say anything as to not ruin their friendship.

Ayaka noticed Kazuha’s worried expression she realized that she never exactly clarified her stand point on the situation.

“I assure you I’m not mad, in actuality I'm rather happy his majesty has someone who sees him for who he is.” Ayaka told him with a smile, she really did just want the best for his majesty,

“In which case I’m more than willing to help you and him to get together.” She informs him, her matchmaker determination sparkled in her eyes

Kazuha laughs, “Okay okay, if you insist, but don’t be disappointed if things don’t work out.”

As much as Ayaka’s deal sounded appealing Kazuha still had his concerns

Even if the feelings were reciprocated Kuni’s status as the Prince of Inazuma made things… Difficult.

The feeling of guilt lingered in his mind, he was basically breaking up Kuni’s engagement by accepting this. The biggest factor of him never confessing was regarding her almighty herself.

After all, what would she say if she found out?

Just then Kuni’s advisor, Lady Mona Megistus, interrupts their conversation.

“Lady Kamisato! There you are! I need to discuss wedding prep with you…”

Lady Mona seemed more tired than usual, she didn’t even bother tying up her hair allowing it to get all in her face.

The tired advisor took notice of Kazuha and quickly turned her attention to him,

“Ah, Kazuha! Perfect, can you find me these flowers? Much thanks.” She tells him before gesturing to Lady Kamisato to follow her for wedding prep.

“Understood Lady Mona” Ayaka, now back to being Lady Kamisato, replies.

Just before heading off, Ayaka calls out to Kazuha.

“Hey! Show a little more optimism Kazuha, alright?”

“I'll try!” He answers back and the two swiftly part ways to finish their respective tasks.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi awoke with a start, the bright sun rays of the morning shined into his room. His eyes hurt, the sting from crying lingerd. As the prince sat up he noticed that he wasn’t on the floor like he remembered, moments before he passed out.

“Who..” Kunikuzushi asked himself out loud. Before he could even ponder the question further Lady Mona burst into his room, frantic as usual.

“Ugh FINALLY-” She practically yells out, her early morning frustration was easy for Kunikuzushi to tune out. After all, once you have to listen to her 3rd time lecturing you, they start to become white noise.

As Lady Mona continued to go on and on about how “ You're going to be Shogunate soon, honestly! You should be able to wake up yourself.” Kunikuzushi touched his face, noticing the fresh bandage over the spots his nails had cut.

The roughness of the bandaid had the feeling of familiarity, but why. Who’d patched him up?

He did his best to try and remember the fuzzy moments in his memory, but unsurprisingly all it did was give him another headache.. However, he didn’t get to think about it long as when he glanced at Mona, he was met with a very annoyed glare.

“ Are you even listening to me?” Mona complained

‘Yes yes I know do the paperwork”

“ I KNEW IT!” Mona exclaimed, placing her hand on her hips

“So you weren't’ listening to me, you ACTUALLY have a tutoring session with Lady Yae performing certain royal duties, then after lunch Lady Kamisato and you will begin preparing to work on your wedding” .

As Mona reached to tilt Kunikuzushi’s face to her, he flinched. The normally arrogant and not one to back down, Prince Kunikuzushi, flinched at his advisor’s movement.

As subtle as his movements were to a bystander, it was something extremely noticeable to Mona. The pair started at each other in silence, Mona's eyes seemed to fill with worry. It was no secret to anyone working in the palace that the Prince and his mother had a less than stellar relationship with each other. It was an unspoken rule to never bring it up to the prince unless instructed to.

However their arguments never got violent, and as much as Mona would love to think the band-aid on the Prince’s face was because he’d simply fallen and gotten hurt. She knew better than to cling onto wishful thinking in a place like this. Here in this part of Inazuma such thoughts come to die.

“I believe that is all I need to inform you about…” Mona’s said as she got up to see herself out.
Her voice was much softer and she was averting her gaze from the prince.

Kunikuzushi just nodded in acknowledgement, and before he knew it he was back to being alone in his room.

Normally he hated when people would give him that kind of voice. As if to pity his situation, that is actually what most of the previous advisors did. But he knew Mona just like how she knew him. He knew if there was one person he knew for a fact cared about him, it would be Mona, and well maybe Kazuha.

The thought of Kazuha made Kunikuzushi blush. The memory of what happened last night started to clear up. He recognized the sweet scent of katsura leaves from the person's clothes, oh and that hair, he could recognize it anywhere.

As per his routine Kunikuzushi checked his window stil, which was when he noticed that the flowers weren’t in their usual spot. In fact they were placed on his desk instead, last night his window was closed too. Could it have been?

No not possible, he should think someone like Kazuha actually saw him in that light. Kazuha could easily do better, why waste it on someone who could never be allowed to love you back. Kazuha was smarter than this, it must just be a coincidence. Still he could help but wonder,

“What are you playing at Kaedehana,” Kunikuzushi said out loud at no one in particular. Then the majority of what happened last night dawned on him.

Kunikuzushi felt his face turn red, if Kazuha was the one who’d found and brought him over to his bed. Then… Would that mean?

Kunikuzushi felt his face heat up as he began to blush all over. That meant Kazuha might have heard… that. Shit, if Kazuha heard everything he’s built up with Kazuha, it would all crumble to pieces. Just another thing he would end up destroying. Just like everything else in his life.

After all that was all he was really good for, his poor excuse of a mother said so herself. Even if it was in a state of pure grief and sorrow, the word still hurt. No matter how much counseling Lady Miko gave him, everything about him and his mothers relationship broke then. It would only shatter just a few years later, that being yesterday.

The day his mother said that would also be the day he’d chosen to twist his aunt’s nickname for him, Kuni, into Kunikuzushi. Destroyer of countries. The tonal shift in the names from a nickname given to him by his aunt, in a way it was one of the mainly passive aggressive ways he’d tried to get back at his mother’s abandonment of him.
.

The tingling on his cheek was starting to get unbearable, he really wanted to scratch his face again. His resolve in not wanting to waste Kazuha’s bandaging efforts was close to snapping.

Right as he finally said “ screw it” and was peeling off the band-aid. Lady Miko just had to burst into his room.

“Your Highness~, you're late for your…”

The 2 stared at each other, the sudden bargaining into his room in a moment like this. If there was one way to describe Kunikuzushi’s face, it would easily be described as mortified.

Why must you hate me? The prince found himself internally screaming.

“Oh, Oh my. Um should I-”

“Yes, Out. Now.”

His voice was stern but the embarrassment was clearly there, and Lady Miko quickly saw herself out.

“Honestly do people not know how to knock around here” he mumbles to himself as he hurriedly rubbed the band-aid back on.

The soon to be shogunate took Lady Miko’s bursting into his room to come and retrieve him as a sign he needed to hurry up and stop contemplating the events of yesterday. After he shouldn’t care about those kinds of things, he was Prince Kunikuzshi, arrogant and prideful.

He quickly ties up his usual Kimono and reaches for his brush inorder to untangle his long hair. After about 10-15 minutes Kunikuzushi exited his room, Lady Miko had been standing outside waiting for him.

“Well then, you're running rather late to my lessons these days. Surely by now you should know they only get longer the later you are to them~” Lady Miko giggled teasingly, how typical of her.

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes at her as he closed his door.

“Yeah yeah, we both know I don’t want to be here” The prince answered, already walking off into his usual direction.

“Your going the wrong way you know~”

“... i-I knew that,” Kunikuzushi stuttered, realizing he’d gotten tangled up with Lady Miko’s teasing, something he wanted to avoid before, during, and after the lesson with Lady Miko. Welp there goes that idea, his ears blushed in embarrassment and annoyance.

Lady Miko laughed, entertained that her teasing could still get under the now basically grown-up Prince.

“ Oh shut up you.”

“Oh? Is that anyway to talk to your mothers advisor, hm?”

“ Well I’m, ugh let's just go.” Kunikuzushi snapped back at the teasing fox as he stormed off, this time in the right direction.

Chapter Text

“Let's start with the basics, so tell me what you know about the Tri-commision and their functions to the shogunate.” Lady Miko quizzes the already bored looking prince.

“Ugh, I’m not a teenager of course I know this” Kunikuzushi responded with a scowl

“Well then, what are they?” It was obvious she was just messing with him, asking about the basics and whatnot. Still at least she wasn’t belittling him, unlike his mother who still thought he knew nothing about Inazuma’s politics and was far too young and incapable to properly govern it.

“Whatever lets just get this over with, the Tenryo commission is run by the Kujo clan as is the head of public safety. The Kanjou commission, run by the Hiiragi clan, it’s incharge of financial stuff and the Yashiro commission is the cultural representative of Inazuma, run by the Kamisato clan.” Kunikuzushi answered, he hardly needed to put much thought into what he was saying.

He already knew all of this by heart when his aunt died, desperate to try and find someone in one of the commissions who could help him or maybe even have had answers to the mystery. But, the answer was always the same. Raiden Makoto was killed by the Abyss order after entering Enkonomiya.

“Er er- Incorrect” The advisor giggled, crossing her arms into an X. “ The Tenryo commission is incharge of public security not public safety”

“Security safety, same thing I’m technically right.” Kunikuzushi retaliated. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing her endless teasing still got a reaction out of him.

“Now, sit up straight, would you? Bad posture won’t get you out of my lectures” Lady Miko smiled amused how her teasing could still affect the prince's subconscious, although she does prefer his little outburst of frustration at her. The Prince’s outburst made him feel present in reality with her, a reality that she felt Ei has long since left to mourn.

“Alright, let me give you an overview of what your mother needs you to learn…”

Finally, Kunikuzushi thought to himself, now he can tune-out Lady Miko. Given his mother’s track record regarding the “lessons” Lady Miko was tasked with teaching, it's likely just a regurgitation of information he’s heard before.

For example, how he needs to get along with all the clan heads in the commissions no matter how useless he thinks they are. He is not to make decisions on his own valisions, all decisions are made based on the concept of eternity. In other words follows his mothers instructions when become shogunate and he would have done a “good job” in her eyes.

Most of the time, tutoring in a subject was preferable to having to do redundant paperwork. However, if Lady Miko is tutoring him, paperwork sounds like heaven.

Not only would it likely be a lesson plan personally constructed by his mother, it’s Lady Miko, playful remarks regarding how many times he’d been taught the same this was unavoidable.

Besides he couldn’t even get out of this (unlike paperwork which he could leave half done). He huffed in annoyance when he looked at the clock, taking note of how only 45 minutes had passed in the 2 hour lecture.

According to the schedule given to him by Mona, not only would he not have time to relax he wouldn’t even be able to see Kazuha today. He’s already broken his promise to hang out with Kazuha last night after his duties. Now he couldn’t even try to make up for it because of the time constraint. That wasn’t the worst of his unresolved issues from yesterday, if his memory was anything to go by he basically confessed his feelings for Kazuha. Really Really pathetically.

The confession was something he would take to his grave, he was aware of the power dynamic they had. Even if it seemed Kazuha saw him as an equal, Kazuha wouldn’t be crazy enough to fall for a selfish bastard like him. Knowing Kazuha, he was almost certain the only reason Kazuha would indulge in his feelings for him (other than the power dynamic) was out of pity.

It’s manipulative he internally remarks to himself, I’m manipulative.
He’s already accepted that as fact. He’d been fine being seen as heartless and cruel by other people. But doing that to Kazuha?

It left a disgusting taste in his mouth. Kazuha was already a big enough weakness for him, he knew if his mother would be pissed as all hell if she knew. She would likely kill Kazuha for this, maybe she would kill him too for being nothing but a failure in her eyes. Especially given how she went as far as to hit him yesterday.

The memory of yesterday made the spot on his face itch again. He’d already been picking at the band-aid earlier, it shouldn’t be too hard for him to remove completely. The idea of hurting himself left him with a strange highness. It was twisted and almost an intoxicating or addictive feeling.

Maybe it was the irony over the fact his mother’s twisted desire to keep him safe and away from harm, left him to be unprotected from himself. Neglectful, as always. In a way it was his way of getting back at his mother, maybe. However, Kunikuzushi couldn’t deny how stupid it was. Why should he care about getting back at her? She clearly has stopped seeing him as Kunikuzushi, her son. Afterall how else can one explain why such an overprotective mother would raise her hand on the child she sought to protect?

Just as he’d almost managed to peel off the band-aid, Lady Miko had finally caught on to his inattentiveness.

“Ahem, your highness. You should pay attention, in case you didn’t know this is more than just your mothers desired version of you.” Her voice was soft but still had its playful undertone. She gently pushed his hand away from his face and patted down the edges of the band-aid.

“ Of course you don’t have to, but I’ll simply have to retrieve those unapprove novels I just so happened to have misplaced in your room~” Her tone seamlessly switches back to her more playful one as she tries to lighten the mood.

Though her threat was light hearted, Kunikuzushi knew his mother would practically kill him if she found out what he was reading. He shivered at the thought of losing his hard earned book collection.

“Well, now that I have your attention let me reiterate myself. Firstly your mother’s plans for you, she wishes you fully embody the concept of eternity within the next century. In order to prove so, she asks you to enforce and maintain the Sakoku decree with the help from the recent alliance Inazuma has made with Snezhnaya’s Fatui. This alliance MUST be maintained and that means keeping The Fatui happy.”

“So she’s not even going to let me make my own decisions, all because her plans are flawless”
Kunikuzushi sarcastically remarks, rolling his eyes.

“Well it’s a plan she spent the last decade constructing thus yes according to her logic it is indeed flawless.” Lady Miko agrees she seemed to want to say more but her voice could only trail off. she averts her gaze from Kunikuzushi. Her expression was…Distant. It was a painful reminder to Kunikuzushi that his mothers self isolation has hurt the people personally close to her just as badly as it hurts him.

As cold as he seemed, he hated the idea of being selfish enough to hurt those who try and help you. Unlike her, he was stronger than that. That's why she wants him to do what she desires because she isn’t good enough to do it herself. Unlike her, he wouldn’t be fine with hurting people trying to help him, like Kazuha and Mona for example.

“Secondly this regards the current issues the tri-commision is dealing with and will continue to deal with in the future. There is some financial instability happening in Inazuma, your mother believes the Sakoku decree will fix it after The Fatui convinced her it was a good plan.” Lady Miko’s cynical comment about The Fatui felt out of character for her. Normally any malice the kitsune held towards someone would be rather passive aggressive, sometimes sarcastic, but never cynical.

“I’m getting a feeling that you don’t want me to listen to my mother if and when I become shogunate.” Kunikuzushi jokes, attempting to mimic the teasing Lady Miko gave him whenever he was sulking away in his room.

“As selfish as you claim to be, you're still soft. Still Makoto’s Kuni” She mumbles to herself, the advisor covers one of her rare true smiles letting out a soft “heh” to the prince’s attempt to comfort her. The bad joke made her realize that even though Kunikuzushi was grown up, she still, perhaps out of habit, tries and holds strong for him. Maybe it was the promise she’d made with him and his mother when Makoto first died, how they were all in the same boat of grief and weren’t alone to mourn. A promise she latched onto when Ei started isolating herself.

“Ding Ding!” Lady Miko said, snapping her fingers to bring back their attention to the subject at hand. “Correct, you are your highness~. Now tell me what do you think is the reason why the Sakoku decree won’t help?” She asked playfully.

Kunikuzushi though for a moment wondering if she’d really just asked a question as if he should know the answer to, but in reality he didn’t know the answer to. Then it hit him, one of the many, many documents Mona has given him to view and deal with there one that was there practically daily.

“ The Sakoku decree will cause the economy to basically crash, because without outside trading many markets would lose their suppliers which will cause the closing of their shops. If the shops sold essential needs then Inazuma would lose those necessities…?” The more Kunikuzushi explained the less sure of himself he was. God dammit why did he not properly pay attention when one of his tutors explained finances to him.

“Hey, Don’t so unsure of yourself. I thought you were confident and the best” The fox eared advisor teased, “ That actually was quite accurate to what would happen, now try saying that to your mother” Lady Miko joked patting his head as praise for getting the simple question right.

“The only thing you got wrong..”

Kunikuzushi slumped down in his chair, having expected to at least be half wrong

“..Is the fact that the economy would crash because of supply and demand, which I’m sure you're familiar with so I hope I won’t need to explain it. Unless you weren’t paying attention when you were being taught basic economics~”

Lady Miko gave him a condescending smirk, knowing full well that he likely wasn’t paying attention but still somehow knew the material really well.

“As I’m sure you wanna please your mother to get her off your case, there is one way you could remedy the situation a little. It regards Watasumi though so it would be a bit complicated to get this to work. However if Raiden Makoto’s work has proven anything, it would be the fact that Inazuma’s economy gets a huge boost if trading could be established. Sanganomiya pearls are actually worth a ton if sold, and all it costs would be crops or ways to help plants grow on Watasumi. Accounting for people smuggling things in order to make ends meet and, although, it basically creates a black market, it's one that the people of Inazuma can rely on.” Lady Miko elaborated.

Kunikuzushi’s eyes lit up at the idea, it was risky but it could work and everyone would win in the end. However the prospect of a black market did not sound appealing to Kunikuzushi, if his mother found out it would definitely make things worse. Even still, it relied on the people being willing to (or desperate enough) to risk everything on a black market.

That definitely would make the plan be a complete gamble, there would be no control, the thought of losing control over something so risky made him frown and Lady Miko being Lady Miko took note.

“ You could always just make the laws against black markets a little lenient.” She playfully whispered in his ear. Without even looking at the pink haired kitsune, Kunikuzushi knew for a fact she was smirking as if it was the most obvious answer. ( As much as Kunikuzushi hated to admit when Lady Miko’s teasing was right, it was undeniable how obvious the answer was)

So, moving on from that, let's see what else I need to tell you about…” Kunikuzushi watches as Lady Miko paces back and forth. She rummages through her papers looking for her lesson plan notes, given to her by the Shogunate.

Kunikuzushi groans internally at how long his lesson has been already, at this point all he wanted to do was to go to the garden and find Kazuha. Frankly speaking he was more than willing to deal with the second hand embarrassment then be lectured further about how the clan’s that control the Tri-commissions are super important.

Kazuha… how would he even begin to explain what happened. There really wasn’t any way Kunikuzushi could lie himself out of this one, not like he would want to lie to someone who has given him so much affection and care, and trust.

Lady Miko, not one to be un-observant, noticed the prince's mind had wandered elsewhere. She smirks childishly at the rest of the lesson plan notes. The majority of the lesson was actually just a repeat of old information.

“Same old, same old, you truly are stubborn Ei” She mumbles to herself. Yae found herself giggling as she thought about how Ei really still believed the prince would learn eventually, despite it being the same lecture that the prince would tune out of.

“Are we done yet?” Kunikuzushi asked with a slouch, clearly getting impatient about being stuck in a room without anything he found interesting.

“Well.. we do still have 4 pages left” The kitsune starts

“Ugh” Kunikuzushi groaned as he plopped his head down onto the table staring at the clock again to see how much longer of this torture he had left.

“But..A little business issue came up, so I let you finish some assigned work in the royal garden.” Lady Miko told him with a wink before nudging him, “ oh and before I forget, chin up a little bird told me a Kaedehana has been spotted working around the Otogi tree’s.”

Kunikuzushi opened his mouth to say something snappy back, but all he could do was blush in embarrassment as Yae subtly hinted at his relatively obvious crush.

“Now, I have to get going. Byee~" The fox-eared advisor said, waving as she walked out of the room. Leaving a blushing Kunikuzushi alone with his thoughts.

Chapter Text

Kazuha hummed as he tended to the otogi tree sapling, his mind still preoccupied with the incident yesterday. It was all he could think about, especially the cuts on Kuni’s face. If the argument between her almighty and Kuni was anything to go by, things got out of hand. According to the place’s hearsay her almighty struck the prince.

Even if that were true it wasn’t something that could leave a cut. Kazuha found it logical to assume the cuts were self-inflicted, as much as he wished that was not the case.

Suddenly he felt the cold water splash on his feet.

“ep!” Kazuha tensed at the sudden coldness. Crap he was getting way too distracted, always worrying about Kuni’s well being. Surely it wasn’t that obvious that Kazuha wished to have something more with Kuni. However his lack of status made him an undesirable candidate in both the Shogunates eyes and likely in Kuni’s eyes.

That said, the mere fact that Kuni’s Fiancé was so willing to help him win Kuni’s love was bizarre to say the least. No Kazuha! F o c u s, the flower list Lady Mona gave you isn’t going to get done if you keep getting distracted! he internally scolded himself.

“Okay let’s see, Lotus in the Rain…Champagne Bloom…” Kazuha read to himself aloud trying to keep his mind from wandering back to Kuni.

“Oi Kazuha!” A familiar voice calls out to him. Kazuha turns around to see Kuni waving to him from the engawa (outdoor hallway) shade.

“Kuni!” Kazuha responded seemingly forgetting the task at hand and walking over to him.

“About yesterday…” They both start at the same time, “ah, you first” they say at the same time again. Kazuha and Kunikuzushi stare at each other in an awkward silence before bursting out into childish giggles.

“Wow I spend way too much time with you garden boy” Kuni finally says after they stopped laughing. As they both sit down on the edge of the engawa Kuni takes the opportunity to speak first.

“Anyway I’m just here to apologize for not showing up earlier, her almighty decided that I was to incompetent to rule over Inazuma without her help” Kuni’s sarcastic tone was hard to miss.

“No no it’s fine, I know you're busy with your own duties..” Kazuha responds with a patient smile, a smile that makes Kuni’s feel warm inside.

“That being said, do you wanna talk about it?” Kazuha asked. He knew better than anyone and he dare say better than her almighty herself, what makes the prince tick.

Almost always after one of Her Almighty and Kuni’s arguments, Kuni would always sneak into the garden and indulge himself in Kazuha’s company.

“About time you asked me,” Kuni replied arrogantly . Kazuha snickered at the prince’s arrogant tone knowing full well he was joking. Kunikuzushi always felt better after venting to Kazuha, maybe this will get his mind off things from last night.

“ Where to begin on that mess of a shogunate, she always thinks I incompetent as if she was any better. I swear the “lessons” she makes Lady Miko tutor me in is just ridiculous recycles information I already know”

Kuni always found it easy to let loose around Kazuha. Who he knew would always listen no matter how busy Kazuha was, sure it was selfish to delay Kazuha’s work but such work was never important enough that could warrant punishment. Besides Kunikuzushi was the prince, thus his orders overrides everyone’s (besides his mother’s obviously).

“Just look at her! She literally leaves all the tri-commision work to me or Lady Miko. Like I don’t wanna deal with those headless idiots. Yet she keeps insisting their decision making skills exceed mine “because I’m far too young to know any better”.

Kuni continued to ramble as Kazuha quietly listened. Kazuha knew Kuni was always one to outwardly express his frustrations in any situation, it was actually a well known fact that on occasions Kuni would end up taking his frustration out on other people. Normally snapping at them or insulting them. However when it came to Kazuha, Kuni’s never did such things.

To Kazuha it made him happy knowing that Kuni wasn’t on the defensive around him. Which is why what Kazuha did last night bugged him so much. What if Kuni thinks that Kazuha overstepped a boundary? Had he overstepped a boundary?

“Oi, are you still listening to me? I practically hear you thinking over there .”
Kuni’s demanding tone snapped Kazuha’s out of his worry. Right, he was meant to listen to Kuni’s venting.

“Ah, sorry I was just worried,” Kazuha replies, fidgeting a bit. Should he take the chance to ask about Kuni’s cuts?

“Worried about what? Wait, is it like the one time you actually have something important to get done? I know I can cover for you, or did you forget I’m the prince?” Kuni lightly poked Kazuha’s face trying to tease the albino.

Kazuha sighed before finally asking “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened here?” He asked while brushing the band-aid on Kunikuzushi’s face. Kuni had definitely tried to pick them off. Was it because it was uncomfortable? Kazuha you had one job you idiot, he mentally berates his incompetence.

“Oh these? Well to be honest I haven’t a clue where the band-aids came from. Although…” Kuni’s voice trailed off, he clearly had more to say but something was making him hesitant to say it.

Kazuha leaned in anticipation of what Kuni wanted to say. Sure it wasn’t what he meant by the question, but he can’t really blame Kuni for not knowing that he actually meant the cuts underneath. Unfortunately for Kazuha, Kuni simply left it at that. Being unable to bring himself to ask Kazuha about what happened last night.

Kunikuzushi has 2 choices in terms of confronting last night’s incident. He could either apologize and play off the extent of anything he half awake self said. OR he could simply pretend nothing happened at all, which could especially work if his little theory on Kazuha being the one to patch him up was incorrect.

This was the hard part, actually figuring out if his theory was correct. In which case Kazuha asking about the band-aids lowered the possibility it was actually Kazuha. However if it was Kazuha should he bring it up? God dammit, socializing with Kazuha wasn’t this hard until after he’d realized he had feelings for that stupid albino gardener.

Suck it up you big baby his mind yells at him, Kazuha can’t read minds learn to communicate dumbass! Since when did his internal advice become like Mona? Regardless it had a point and Kunikuzushi begrudgingly decided to bring up last night’s incident.

“So.. about last night?” Kuni asked, unsure how much he could say without blatantly telling Kazuha. Afterall in order for his little plan to work he would need some plausible deniability.

“What about last night? Did something happen?” Kazuha answers, confused at what Kuni was implying.

Crap, looks like Kunikuzushi will have to get a bit more creative about this

“You know how I was..um..” Come on Kazuha don’t make me say everything! You can’t possibly be this dense! The prince internally groaned to himself at how hard this was going to get if Kazuha wasn’t the one to patch up and take care of him.

It took a few seconds before Kazuha realized what Kuni ment. Oh, that.
Last night he’d been to Kuni’s room without permission whatsoever, while Kuni was in a vulnerable state. Kazuha began to panic at Kuni’s possible reactions.

Kazuha took a deep breath before taking the chance to ask “ About the band-aids on your face.. well I um, uh..”

“Huh? What is it? Did you know what happened?” Kunikuzushi looked at Kazuha suspiciously, he’s never seen Kazuha be so jittery before. Something was definitely up.

Kazuha was internally screaming, all he wanted to do was to curl up into a ball and perish. Kuni was suspicious crap crap crap, plausible deniability Kazuha plausible deniability!

“ no- um actually that was-“ In a panic a Kazuha blurted out a simple lie, “Lady Kamisato! um Yeah it was Lady Kamisato’s efforts that were patching you up, I was simply there to assist her!”

Kazuha’s heart was pounding as he finished his lie, he felt horrible for this. But the damage was done. Good job Kazuha, now if he finds out he’ll never trust you again. Not only have you possibly ruined what trust Kuni has in you by possibly overstepping his boundaries, now you’ve completely ruined it by lying to Kuni.

Kunikuzushi wasn’t convinced, however he had to admit seeing Kazuha panic like that was kinda endearing in a strange way. He also found it to be rather amusing too. As unconvinced as the prince was perhaps he could use Kazuha’s overconfident denial to his advantage. Besides knowing Kazuha, if that gardener ever were to lie to Kuni it was likely for good reason

“Is that so? well in which case I guess I’ll just have to thank her then.”
Kazuha was saying it is true then that means his love remained a secret. Besides, it was far more fun to just play along with Kazuha’s obvious panicked lie. It wasn’t like Kazuha’s feelings towards him have changed so maybe there was some truth to Kazuha only helping out. Now all he has to really worry about is the noble possibly asking too many questions about his cuts.

Kuni’s response put Kazuha at ease. It seemed like the lie work at least Kazuha hoped it did, now hopefully Lady Kamisato would be willing to play along.

Kunikuzushi felt his body relax once both him and Kazuha seemingly cleared up any misunderstanding. Problem evaded, even if Kazuha was lying.

The not-a-couple but everyone knows they definitely love each other, had their short moment of pure relaxation Interrupted by a very frantic Mona.

“YOUR HIGHNESS! There you are, I've been looking everywhere! My sincerest apologies for being late..” Mona paused for a moment to catch her breath, her hair was tied up in one big bun and she still had her reading glasses on. She was carrying several folders each filled with varying amounts of paperwork.

“Kazuha are the flowers I requested in place?” Mona was quick to shift her attention to the gardener.
Oh, oh no, Kazuha had been so focused on Kuni that it had completely slipped his mind on the urgency of the task. Furthermore some of the flowers he was 90% sure the garden didn’t have or haven’t blossomed like he’d hoped.

“Um well I um..” Kazuha evaded Mona’s gaze as he tried to find some excuse. He knew full well that it would only further stress Mona out if he said he’d forgotten the urgency.

“What is it? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten! Don’t you realize how far behind on schedule this makes you?” Mona groaned in frustration as she facepalmed with the stacks of paper she’d been carrying.

The atmosphere tensed as Kazuha remained unable to find an excuse. Lucky for Kazuha, Kuni was quick to intervene before Mona completely lost her mind at him.

“Look he was just spending time with me no big deal, okay, if anyone is to blame it would be me.” Kuni told the advisor, rolling his eyes at her. Bad move it only further pissed off Mona who now turned her annoyance to the prince.

“Why you,” Mona growled, she looked like she was on the verge of strangling the prince. “No, no . Deep breaths Mona, you just have to get through this week and everything will be fine” The advisor mumbles to herself as she tries her best to calm herself.

“Sigh, look I don’t care if you're the prince you can’t distract people from important work! God, this is exactly why I told you to stop bugging Kazuha! Heck I even warned you that this could end up happening.” Mona lectured Kuni and despite her deep breaths, Mona looked as though she was gonna rip out her hair in frustration.

“Okay okay, you’ve made your point.” Kuni replied, slowly backing away. Although rare, there were times where Kuni would shut up and listen to Mona. Afterall according to the stories Kuni has told Kazuha riling up and overworked Mona is “A being more terrifying than a Musou no Hitotachi”(Kuni’s words not his).

It seemed Kuni holding his tongue finally calmed Mona down. The advisor huffs and shakes her head before speaking again.

“You come with me, and you go finish up the flowers” Mona orders Kazuha before she unhesitantly nagged the prince by the ear and dragged him back inside.

Chapter Text

Ei awakens to a knock on her door. Despite having slept she doesn’t feel rested, she hasn’t for a long time.

“State your name and business” She replies as she slips out of bed.

“Pardon my intrusion Your almighty, it’s me Kujou Sara. I’ve brought some tri-commision reports” Sara answers in her usual collected manner.

Ei sighed, right that. There was work to be done for her son’s the prince’s wedding.It would be the first time in years since the people of Inazuma had seen the young prince. She had stopped letting him appear in public after the death of Makoto, it was far too risky for him.

“Take the paperwork to lady Yae or the prince, I will see to it later” Ei commands the tengu general as she picks up her hair brush and gets ready for the day.

“Understood Your almighty” Sara responds and she leaves.

Ei waits a few moments as she hears the clicking of Sara’s Geta’s get softer. From there her movement became robotic, she mindlessly began her morning routine. Not putting much thought into her attire, her attire was always the same anyway.

Begin left alone in silence, Ei allows herself to recall the events of yesterday, how she’d struck the prince. There was a lingering guilt however it was outweighed by logic, her logic.

The prince was still young and fragile, he couldn't, no wouldn’t know what was best, what was safest, for him and Inazuma. He was all she had left and she was not about to lose her only family member to something as preventable like an illness.

Ei had done everything in her power to protect him, why couldn’t he see or understand that. Her pursuit of eternity was that in the centuries that her son would rule, his life would never once be found in danger. He would be protected and well, never to face the depths of enkanomiya that took her sister's life.

That's why she formed that agreement with The Fatui. The Fatui would have the power to protect and allow Inazuma prosper under the ideals of eternity whilst symotanystly protecting the prince from harm's way. They would be what was best for Inazuma and the prince. If the prince couldn’t listen to her, then perhaps he will listen to them.

The Fatui would simply fulfill her wishes in exchange she would allow them to do as they please in Inazuma. Albeit not everything of course there were rules and restrictions they must follow but punishment for breaking those rules would be lenient.

As Ei finished off her braid and adored Makoto and her combined hairclip, she took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. It wasn’t something she would usually do, generally she avoided looking into the mirror for too long. It made her feel as though it was not her who started back but Makoto.

Perhaps it was because she was in need of guidance on her next course of action.Her lifespan would likely last a good majority of the prince’s rule, could she really trust the prince’s rule and sit back and watch as he made possibly reckless decisions.

“Makoto, if only you were here. Then perhaps my-, no our pursuit of eternity would have ended differently. He would have been given a safe and prosperous Inazuma to rule over. He would understand what was safe for him and what was not. He would listen.” Ei spoke her thoughts out loud.

On the occasions she and the prince fought, Ei would wonder. What would Makoto say to this? Who would she side with? Surely it would be her side, after all Makoto only ever wanted the best for Kuni, the prince. All Ei was doing was doing her very best to keep him safe. Was that so wrong?

Having finished getting ready for the day, Ei quietly leaves her room. She heads to Lady Yae’s room to pick up the documents that Sara wanted to give to her. I wonder if Lady Yae has fulfilled my request for tutoring the prince this morning. Ei thinks to herself as she makes her way down the hall.

As if she knew that Ei was looking for her, Lady Yae seemingly magically appeared behind Ei.

“Guess who~” The foxed eared advisor teases as she obstructs Ei’s line of sight with her hands.

“Lady Yae this is rather improper behavior, do refrain from acting immature in my presence.” Ei responded, brushing Lady Yae’s hands away as she turned around to face the kitsune.

“What do I owe your presence to, your Majesty?” Lady Yae asked, smiling cunningly as if she thought that Ei was flustered by her teasing.

“Regarding the prince's lectures for today, I assume it was no trouble given your high spirits?” Ei responds, ignoring Lady Yae’s playfulness. Her pursuit of a prosperous eternity driven Inazuma would never give Ei the time to indulge in such carefree behavior. That was always left to Makoto.

“Serious as ever your Majesty” Lady Yae says with a huff,” but yes, your planned lecture went smoothly” Ei advisor said with a sigh of what Ei could only interpret as disappointment.

“Is there something bothering you Lady Yae? If so I shall make a note of it and provide assistance in what it may be.” She asked. To an outsider one may think the shogunate was voicing her concerns for Lady Yae. However her expressionless face made it clear this was a matter of efficiency not concerns for Lady Yae’s well being.

“Hm, no nothing bothering me you’re almighty~” Lady Yae said with a giggle as she smiled in her usual cunning manner. Those who paid attention to Yae would know her giggles and cunning expressions were just a mask she adorn to hide the truth. But Ei wouldn’t know that, Ei had stopped paying attention to people she cared about.

“In that case then allow me to assign your next task. Madam Kujou Sara will be or has dropped off some tri-commision documents in your personal quarters. I would like for you to sort through which are regarding civil affairs and hand those to the prince. I will deal with the remaining documents” Ei instructs her advisor.

“Yeah yeah, I’ll deal with those your almighty.” Lady Yae acknowledges, but she doesn’t stop there. She then asks a question Ei has heard her ask many times since Makoto’s passing. “However I must simply ask, why are you so insistent on sending all the civil affair work to the prince? He has very little experience with the world outside the confines of the palace and was thrown into these tasks with no prior preparations, unlike you dear almighty shogun.”

“Lady Yae you should know my answer to that by now” Ei answers annoyed at Lady Yae’s continued persistence at questioning her rule. “You may be my advisor, however if you chose to continue to pester me regarding my methods of raising the prince, then perhaps I should find a replacement who does not question such minut things.”

There was meaning in her threat, Lady Yae knew that the Ei was now she meant what she said without second thought. In the past Ei would have never truly gone through with that, but the current Ei was…sporadic, unpredictable for Yae to gage, nothing but an emotionless husk of her former self.

“My apologies, your almighty. I step out of line, I assure you this will not happen again. Now then I will be going now” Lady Yae apologizes with a bow. There was no playful teasing tone in her voice, her expression remained her usual cunning smile.

As Lady Yae and her go their separate ways. Ei is left to think, perhaps she overreacted there. However, what she could not understand was Lady Yae’s continued questioning of her decisions regarding how she raised the prince. Her reasons for giving the prince civil affair documents to deal with was to give him the experience. Why couldn’t Lady Yae understand this?

After her sister's death Ei saw little point in trying to take Makoto’s place, after all she had her own duties as did Makoto. To be fair Makto always understood what the people needed or wanted most, what would be most beneficial to the common folk. As for her, she only understood how to fight and protect people

She needed the prince to perform Makoto’s tasks. She trusted that the prince knew what Makoto would do. After all, despite being his mother, Makoto was the one who raised the prince opposed to her. Makoto surely had passed her ideals into the prince’s hands to utilize in taking care of the people. So was it so wrong of her to give Makoto’s responsibilities to the prince?

Chapter Text

“Ow! I get it okay!” The prince exclaimed in protest as Mona continued to drag him down the hallway by his ear.

“Yeah you keep saying that but you and I both know you are going to take your own sweet time getting to the wedding planning meeting.” Mona retaliates, refusing to loosen her grip as if she was certain that the moment she did Kunikuzushi would slip away.

Once the pair had finally reached his room, Mona was quick to sit Kunikuzushi down in front of his dresser. Great, it was going to be one of those meetings.

“Oh come on, I look presentable enough” Kunikuzushi complained as he watched his advisor pick up his hair brush and start combing his hair.

“ Yeah right, let's see just how many knots I find in your hair.” Mona said, rolling her eyes as the brush easily combed through numorse knots.

“Ugh, would you at least take better care of your hair, so I don’t have to do this every time I’m trying to get you to look presentable on a short notice. Just cut it short already if you don’t plan on taking care of it” She scolded Kunikuzushi as if she was scolding a child. Annoying but expected, in typical Kunikuzushi fashion he was quick to retaliate.

“If it annoys you so much, why bother?” He said with a huff, shifting away from Mona. He knew the answer but still, if he was going to deal with a pointless meeting might as well have some fun while he can.

” As your advisor it’s my responsibility to make sure you don’t make a fool of yourself. Furthermore please try and take the meeting seriously, I’m well aware how much you don’t want to do this but again as your advisor I’d recommend you be on your best behavior. I highly doubt her majesty would be pleased if you make this arrangement fall through.” Mone’s response was as professional and serious as ever. It sounded rehearsed, which given their track record of Kunikuzushi banter with Mona, he wouldn’t put it past her.

Mona tied Kunikuzushi’s hair up into a high ponytail before tidying up his clothes a bit.

“There, it's not so bad. At the very least it’s not a meeting over a meal, so at least I don’t have to do your makeup.” His advisor said with a shrug of confidence.

“I assume you're gonna be escorting me to said meeting” Kunikuzushi asked as he stood up for a stretch.

“Yes… but no? Kinda?” Mona replied awkwardly, “Come on now you're gonna be late if we don’t get moving” she told him walking to the door gesturing for him to follow.

They both left his room in a bit of an awkward silence. She must be more tired than I thought Kuni thinks to himself. It was rare for them to walk in silence Mona didn’t seem interested in berating him about his “immature” decisions. She was definitely running on less sleep than she says she is, especially considering the stunt he pulled with Kazuha.

“Mona as my advisor I asked you be honest to me, you know that right” He asked, finally unable to deal with the unbearable silence.

“Yes Yes, I know where are you going with this. It’s rare you recognize my genius” Mona said with a huffed with confidence.

“What time did you sleep last night?” if your going to be that confident I’m going straight to the point, he adds in his head.

“10 o'clock, the most optimal time for one to rest. I do hope you have been sticking to that time as well?” His advisor answered.

“Yeah no you didn’t you hypocrite” Kunikuzushi mumbles to himself as he rolls his eyes at her statement.

“Either way, what is with these questions regarding what time I sleep. I'm an adult, same as you, and yet I still have to baby you all the same. Don’t do this your highness, don’t do that your highness.” Mona’s words seemed to lack their usual bite, but at least it wasn’t an unbearable silence. Which created a feeling of impending doom as he and Mona were approaching their destination. Speaking of which,

“Alright, here we are. Now behave yourself and make this easier for me.” Mona instructed him. She was about to open the door before Kunikuzushi stopped her.

“Hey, you don’t need to accompany me. Go get some sleep, you need it…” He paused for a moment trying to choose his next words a little more carefully. If he comes off as soft, she’ll probably use it to her advantage in their inevitable future arguments. If he is too harsh then Mona would still have the advantage of using it against him later in the future.

Great a lose lose situation, typical.

“Ugh just forget it” he groaned in defeat as Mona gave him a smug smile knowing she’d won once again.Still, she gave him an amused look before giving him a nod in exchange for his order.

“Well, haven’t you matured?” Mona said to herself as she trotted off to her room for some sleep.

Left to his own devices, Kunikuzushi takes a breath as he mentally prepares himself for the marriage organization meeting. He was less nervous, more just annoyed at the circumstance. If Kazuha’s words were to be believed, Lady Kamisato had seen him in his most vulnerable state. Something he’d rather she’d simply turned a blind eye to, again assuming Kazuha hadn’t lied.

He had reason to believe something more might have happened last night. However, seeing as Kazuha seemed to really want to ignore whatever happened, he hadn’t pressed the gardener for any details. Maybe there was some truth to his words, then again maybe there wasn’t.

Either way I should stop just standing outside the door before someone, Yae Miko, get’s the wrong idea. Kunikuzushi thinks to himself as he finally, and begrudgingly, enters the meeting room.

“Nice to see you have decided to join us, your highness” A Man greeted him, who judging by attire was someone of importance and who’s hair was a shade of blue similar to Lady Kamisato.

They're probably related if the hair is anything to go by, Kunikuzushi thinks to himself, not really paying too much attention to what was said.

Next to the, probably a Kamisato, was a blond-haired male who judging by his attire was the others retainer. The blond stared anxiously at both him and his lord before harshly whispering to his lord.

“My Lord, please mind your language. '' The blond scolded before he stood up and turned to Kunikuzushi. “Ahem, Your Highness, please do not mind him he’s…” The blond’s voice trailed off; he seemed to be trying to find the right words.

Which was when the blue-haired male decided to cut in.

“Now now, Thoma, it wouldn’t hurt for me to be a little more casual with my future brother-in-law now would it?”

Ah, so he was a Kamisato. Lord Kamisato at that, head of the Yashiro commision, and Lady Kamisato’s older brother. Speaking of which it seemed she was absent from the meeting. At least he knew the blond’s name now, Thoma. It definitely didn’t sound like Inazuman, was he a foreigner?

Well that question would need to wait as Kunikuzushi really started to regret sending Mona off. There was no way he would be able to get through this meeting without incident. Especially not with someone who seems to carry themselves in a very similar manner to a certain Kitsune he already had to deal with.

Chapter Text

To say the room atmosphere was tense would be an understatement. Despite Mona saying the meeting would be regarding the wedding for his arranged marriage. She didn’t exactly clarify what part and seeing as Lord Kamisato Ayato was present instead of Kunikuzushi’s fiance ment
1 of 2 things.

Either Lady Kamisato was running late ( the preferable possibility), or this would be a meeting discussing the political aspect of the whole ordeal (The less ideal possibility). Regardless, Kunikzushi really hoped that whatever this meeting was supposed to be about, the head of the Yashiro commission would just hurry up and tell him instead of just sitting there smiling cunningly at him.

Kunikuzushi could engage in conversation with the Lord, but he’d rather come off as a stubborn prick than someone who would waste effort trying to talk with any lord from the Tri-commision.
Maybe he’s trying to evaluate me to see if I’m good enough for his sister. Kunikuzushi speculated, vaguely recalling the letter that he’d received the day of Lady Kamisato’s arrival.
Although, said letter had made it clear to Kunikuzushi, that the man was doing this out of some egotistical obligation, perhaps it was for the sake of his clan.

Sucks to be him, Kunikuzushi smirks to himself, deciding to entertain his little theory. Regardless of what was the true reasoning behind the Lord accepting the proposal. It was a request, well more like an order, from the lovely Shogunate herself. To deny such a request would likely bring the Kamisato clan crumbling down again. A sacrifice the Kunikzusuhi knew any logical Lord would be unwilling to make, even if it was for someone else's sake.

Deciding that enough was enough. The commissioner’s retainer,Thoma, abruptly stood up and announced.

“My Lord! Aa-allow me to retrieve the trousseau that you prepared.” The poor retainer’s voice was filled with nervous anxiety as he stared at his lord, awaiting his approval.

“Yes, that is a wonderful idea Thoma, do take your time for me will you. I wish to converse privately with the prince, if that is alright with you, your highness?” Lord Kamisato responded with a similar playful teasing tone Kunikuzushi always heard from Lady Yae.

Smug bastard Kunikuzushi mentally remarks as he glares at the Lord, allowing his annoyance to be on full display.

The retainer was quick to see himself out having left the room swiftly. Leaving Kunikuzusuhi and Lord Kamisato alone with each other.

“I don’t believe I’ve properly introduced myself to you yet, your highness. I’m Lord Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato clan and Yashiro Commissioner of the Tri-commission. But please, do simply refer to me and Ayato, after all we are soon-to-be brothers-in-law.” The commissioner talked to Kunikuzushi as if he were a clueless lost child. As if he were trying to pull a reaction out of the prince. If so, he’s not gonna fall for such a childish trick.

“I’m well aware of who you are,” Kunikuzusuhi remarks, in his best impression of his mother’s serious tone. Take that! Kunikuzushi smugly thinks to himself.

As much as the Lord’s tone and attitude towards him annoyed the living hell out of Kunikuzushi. So far, “Ayato” didn’t strike him to be some useless power hungry buffoon, unlike the vast majority of the Lords in the Tri-Commision. Maybe, just maybe, this could be someone Kunikuzushi could get along with if he tried…

“From what I’ve been told I thought you would be more playful than this, it seems I was wrong” Ayato said in an obviously fake disappointed tone.

Aand nevermind that thought, he’s way too similar to Lady Yae and Kunikuzhshi only had enough energy to deal with one. He had to physically resist the urge to make a snarky come back. After all he did kinda promise not to trouble Mona any further today, a promise he was slowly starting to regret.

“Just get to the point” The prince sighs in defeat. Was dealing with personal tutoring from Lady Yae not enough torture for him. Must he continue to indulge a borderline replica of that irritating Kitsune?

“Alright ,alright. I know your highness is a very busy person so I’ll keep things brief. In terms of business I’m here to see the marriage contract formally. However, in terms of personal things, is it so hard to believe I wish to personally give my dear sister my blessing?” The statement was rather genuine, as opposed to the other thing that Lord Kamisato had said to Kunikuzushi.

The first part was unsurprising, of course he would be here regarding the marriage contract. The second part on the other hand was news to Kunikuzushi. To think the Head of the Kamisato clan would go out of his way to give his sister a wedding blessing. Someone Kunikuzhshi thought was only using his sister as an asset to gain power. Perhaps his joke theory might not have been so far off from the truth.

“Your highness? You’ve been rather quiet, something the matter” The Commissioner teased the prince.

Forcing Kunikuzushi to quickly recollect himself from his thoughts, remembering that he was supposed to respond. Instead of his usual half listening and occasionally nodding his head.

“Ahem, well if you're here to give Lady Kamisato your blessing then I’m afraid I haven't a clue as to where she might be.” Kunikuzushi admitted, might as well test the waters for his overprotective brother theory.

“Hmm, I see you 2 haven’t exactly grown close. Seeing as for one you chose not to refer to my sister by her first name, and secondly you're completely unaware of her location!” There was a threatening undertone to the last part of his sentence.

Looks like I was right, Kunikuzushi huffs amusedly. Well best he tackle the business portions of this conversation, he’d rather not see what an actual caring family member would be willing to do if one were to so much as slander someone in said family.

“Well, I guess I could help you out with finalizing and formalizing the political portion of this arrangement. Although I’m not sure why you're bringing this up to me. Should this be something dealt with by the Shogunate?” In truth Kunikuzushi could easily guess why this was being brought up to him. His “almighty” mother has probably locked herself away in her room and refuses to indulge in arrangements SHE set up. It wouldn’t hurt to ask, might as well see what kind of excuse his mother used when she pushed her work onto him.

“Oh I tried to, however my request to see her was swiftly denied. It’s a shame really as I have some requests regarding the initial arrangement. Instead I was redirected to you, your highness.” The Lord’s reply seemed more annoyed at the fact he was redirected to Kunikuzushi. Less so at the denied request. However, the tone made it clear that the Yashiro Commissioner seemed to have something against Kunikuzushi.

Whatever the reason was, the guy was really starting to piss Kunikuzushi off.

“Even so, whatever those requests are, I assure you I can make the modifications you desire” Kunikuzushi had to force himself to smile afterwards, trying to stop himself from making some sarcastic remark.

“Wonderful! I was hoping that would be the cas-”

“YOUR HIGHNESS! PLEASE EXCUSE MY TARDINESS!” Lady Kamisato exclaims as she bursts into the room. “Oh! Brother, I didn't realize.. Wait, I’m not supposed to call you that in this..huuuuh” The young woman slumped on the door frame with a sigh as she struggled to recollect herself.

“No need to apologize, I would just like to know why you were late?” Kunikuzushi tells her, rolling his eyes. As annoyed as he was at Lady Kamisato’s lateness at least the meeting would be a little less tense now that she was here, hopefully.

“ Of course, your highness! I must admit it had completely slipped my mind that this meeting would be today. Although I don’t recall it to be regarding the political portion of our arranged marriage…”

‘Just stop being so tense around me already…” Kunikuzushi grumbles quietly as he rubs his temples.” Look the meeting is already extremely off track anyway, might as well deal with the political arrangement now, seeing as Lord Kamisato is already here” Kunikuzushi continued, trying his best to stay formal.

“I already told you it’s alright to call me Ayato, your highness.” Lady Kamisato’s brother playfully chimes in.

“For the love of her almighty…” Kunikuzushi starts,unable to hold his tongue any longer against this Lady Yae personality clone. However, before Kunikuzhshi could fire off his insult. Who would have guessed that Lady Kamisato did indeed know how to play mediator.

“Brother, please do try along with my fiance.” Lady Kamisato scolds her brother, as if she were the older one of the 2 Kamisato siblings. Before turning to Kunikuzshui and apologizing. “Your highness, I must sincerely apologize… My brother is rather…” She leans in to whisper the rest into Kunikuzushi's ear, “Ahem, overprotective of me.”

I already figured out, Kunikuzushi wants to say. But instead he opts to simply nod his head as to not make the tension between him and “Ayato” boil over.

“Now! Let's begin this meeting shall we!” Lady Kamisato happily declares, in hopes her joy will keep the meeting a little more lighthearted than before.

Chapter Text

“ As I’m sure you are aware, this meeting is regarding the wedding planning of the arranged marriage between the Kamisato family and the Shogunate.” Kunikuzushi stated half heartedly. He was really only saying it for formality sake anyway, well and also to try and get the main point of this meeting back on track.

Frankly the head of the Kamisato’s clan being here had reared the meeting off course entirely. It wasn’t even Kunikuzushi’s responsibility to deal with a contract he knew practically nothing about, let alone give it any sort of priority.

“ In that case your highness. If you wouldn’t mind, I have a few suggestions regarding flower arrangements for the ceremony.” Lady Kamisato said cheerfully, looking hopeful for the prince to show interest.

“ Sure, do what you want, just take it to Lady Mona or the gardener.” The prince bluntly told her. He couldn’t bother to see what the flower arrangements she suggested were. Kunikuzushi knew all too well how little his opinion mattered in this.

“ Ah… I see, ahem. Alright your highness I’ll do just that. Although I was hoping…” Lady Kamisato’s voice trailed off, seeming dejected from the Prince’s disinterest in her suggestion.

Annoyed, Lord Kamisato passive aggressively chimed in. “ Surely you want to see what arrangement my dear sister has come up with? I assure you she is very skilled in Floral courtyards”

The remark from the older Kamisato served as a reminder to the promise Kunikuzushi made with Mona. A promise that Kunikuzushi was continuing to regret making. The only reason why he bothered keeping it was out of sheer spite, as per usual.

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Kunikuzushi took a moment to quickly glance at Lady Kamisato. She seemed to be awaiting his thoughts one her suggestions. Fine then, he told himself. He’ll give it a chance, for Mona’s sake.

“Alright, I'll take a look at your suggestions” He reluctantly told Lady Kamisato.

The noble woman beamed with enthusiasm and quickly began listing out all kinds of floral arrangements. “ There are arrangements like The purple sakura lies sparse, the clear sand is fragrant. You also have something like Silken and sturdy, the lotus in the pond. I personally enjoy The jade leaves do repose, the flowers are born in the wind.”

Although he was only half listening, the sheer amount of arrangements she knew was impressive. Someone like that could easily get along with Kazuha, Kunikuzushi thought to himself. Right, Kazuha… Great. He’d gotten so worked up over the Yashiro commissioner antics that it completely slipped his mind. Well not like he would have the guts to ask or even explain himself to Lady Kamisato with her older brother around.

“Oh and I’m certain you will find Moonlight in the winds beautiful Your highness!”

That one, that one caught his attention. Kunikuzushi heard about it before from Kazuha. He really wanted to look into it a little more, it just reminded him so much of his that dorky garden boy.

“Um.. can- can we go back to…” Kunikuzushi stutterd over his words. For some reason the thought of something Kazuha related gave him a strange sense of hopefulness. Like maybe, just maybe, his mother would let him make his own decisions for the ceremony.

Lady Kamisato's eyes practically glittered seeing him show interest. “Oh of course your highness! Here allow me to list all the flowers in that one. It uses 2 plume of wishes and 2 fox ear Tamago, as for the last…”

Just then the sound of a door sliding open and close put a halt to the conversation

“Um…My lord I hope I’m not interrupting anything?” Thoma asked nervously. The blond had an elegantly designed box in his arms, along with a few sheets of paper.

“Oh, milady greetings” Thoma greeted as he placed the box down onto the table. “Your highness, these are for you” he said as he handed Kunikuzushi the papers he’d been carrying. “From Lady Miko”

Nodding Kunikuzushi took the papers out of Thoma’s hands.

Wedding ceremony planning sheet, list of people to invite, flowers…

Kunikuzushi had to skim the text again just to double check his understanding. But as his brain slowly realized what the papers meant, any willingness to keep to his promise with Mona snapped . The meeting was nothing but a formality, absolutely useless, a complete waste of time.

”You’ve got to be kidding me! Courtesy of the shogunate, I should have expected this. Unbelievable!” he frustratedly yelled as he threw the papers down onto the table. Kunikuzushi didn’t even bother to explain his outburst before storming out of the room.

The Kamisato siblings and Thoma all awkwardly stared at each other for a moment. Before Ayaka took the initiative and picked up the paper the prince had thrown onto the table. Reading aloud the first paragraph,

“ The wedding plans have all been organized by courtesy of the Raiden Shogunate. This meeting is a formality to the Kamisato clan. Any minor changes Lady Kamisato may request are to be brought to Lady Miko. In which case the changes will be reviewed by both her and the Shogun before being rejected or allowed. However any or all plans made by the prince are to be scrapped, unless directly brought to the Shogun for review”

Ayaka frowned at the paragraph, this was far cry from the rumors that surrounded the relationship between the Shogun and the prince. It’s always been believed that the 2 became very close following the death of Raiden Makoto. Course that was before Ayaka had met the prince herself. Something about his attitude to formalities and politics along with his indifference to decisions. Heavily contrasted Her Almighty in a way where one could guess that the 2 weren’t as close as the public likes to believe.

To think she’d come in so light heartedly. Ayaka had hoped that once the prince showed interest in one of the floral designs. She could then set him and Kazuha up to have time together and slowly nudge them to get together.

However, the blatant disregard for anything the prince had to say about the arrangement, and well the prince storming out in the way he did… Did the Shogunate truly hate her son that much? Ayaka found herself pondering that question more than she’d liked to admit.

“To think his highness and her almighty had such a strained relationship. That’s quite the scandal if I do say so myself” Ayato said with a look of indifference or was he deep in thought, Ayaka couldn’t tell. Thome on the other hand certainly could and he was quick to berate her older brother for his behavior.

“ Honesty my lord, do you have a death wish or something? Please try and hold back on your teasing, his highness is still the prince” Thoma looked like he was on the verge of crying and strangling Ayato.

“Well I have nothing to worry about as long as you're here by my side to apologize. How about that Thoma~” Her older brother said as he poked their retainer’s cheeks.

“My Lord!” Thoma cried as he simply shook his head in defeat. Ayaka giggled at the display, even though it hasn’t been long since she was last in the Kamisato estate. It was nice to see that her brother and Thoma still got along even without her.

There were more important matters at hand though, as the prince seemed to have returned.

“Look, I’ll assume you’ve read the papers so I’ll keep it brief. Yes, the meeting is for formalities and as per usual I have no say. However it seems that her almighty would rather not piss off an important clan so she said. she’s willing to add whatever you wish to this but ask you not to change anything.” Kunikuzushi said sarcastically. “ As for you, Lord Kamisato, she said she’s willing to hear you out but don’t expect much.” Kunikuzushi added the last part, obviously this was not what his mother had said. However, frankly if it ruins her perfect little imge she got the public to believe, so be it. Who was he to care about a person who saw him as lesser.

If that Lord says anything stupid I’m going to punch him, he annoces to himself as he looks at the man. He was already beyond pissed at his mother, she was just like those useless nobles. Never listening and thinking she knew everything. If the Lord couldn’t shut his mouth, Kunikuzushi knew he would definitely have piss Mona off when she catches wind of what he did.

“Of course your highness, you have my thanks for this.” Lord Kamisato responded, getting up to leave. Thoma was right behind him as the 2 of them left the room.

Surprisingly it seemed that the Lord had magically matured and not poke fun at Kunikuzushi. If only Lady Miko could do that, Kunikuzushi would have so much more patients he could spend on stupid nobles. He glanced at his fiance seeing as she still have yet to leave.

Meeting his gaze, Ayaka quickly got up and nodded in apology for not leaving sooner. The young women hastily left the room, leaving Kunikuzushi alone.

Ayato made sure that no one was in ear shot before talking about the event that had just transpired. He was a bit unsure about how to feel, on the one hand he’d completely misread the prince. On the other hand, he wasn’t quite sure what think about the information, collected by the shuumatsuban, being at the very least half true.

“Hey, Thoma? Tell me, what do you think of the prince?” Ayato questioned his loyal retainer, raising an eyebrow.

“Ah, well My lord.. For one I’d say he probably wouldn’t be a threat to your sister's safety, like you’d feared.” Thoma answered honestly as the pair continued to walk.

“I mean in terms of what kind of person you think he is.”

Thoma goes quiet for a moment, thinking about his answer. “I mean, it's a little bewildering to see the true relation between Her almighty and His Highness. Although I guess he might come off as a womanizer, given how many arranged marriages he’d broken off. But I doubt the arrangements were ever his idea give-”

“Hold thought Thoma, it’s best not to discuss such a thing here” Ayato quietly interrupts,Thoma stops and nods at the request.

The pair continued to walk the halls in silence until they ran into a familiar looking albino. They seemed hard at work but Ayato could help himself but call out for the individual. “Kaedehara Kazuha? Is that really you?”

Chapter Text

“uh…Yes?” Kazuha said hesitantly unsure how to address the stranger. As he looked up, the blue haired one had a striking resemblance to Lady Kamisato. Ah, this must be Lord Kamisato Kuni mentioned earlier Kazuha recalled. As for the blond, the person was probably Lord Kamisato’s vassal. That being said, what exactly would the head of the Yashiro Commission want to do with him?

As if he knew Kazuha was a tad confused The Lord formally introduced himself, “ I Suppose I should have expected you not to remember me too well. So allow me to formally reintroduce myself to you. I am Kamisato Ayato, head of the Yashiro Commission and Kamisato clan. No need for formalities, after all I see no reason for a subordinate clan heir to address me like that.”
He paused for a second before quickly adding “ At least not one I consider a friend.”

The mention of his clan awakened a few forgotten memories from his childhood.Taking a moment to try and recall that far back. Before finally responding, although he was rather blunt, unintentionally.

“ Ah that” he responded. “Ahem, right I don’t think I ever really formally addressed anything after my clan fell. So you have my apologies there my, um.. Ayato..?”My apologies um Lord…no Ayato?” Kazuah was hesitant to address the man that way. He is still his superior in some form, even if he was no longer the Kaedehara clan heir.

Ayato chuckled lightly to himself, although seemed unshaken by Kazuha’s response. Muttering something to himself about “to think this is where the heir to the Kaedehara clan would end up.” Before he kneeled down next to Kazuha, much to his vassal’s dismay.

“”My lord, not to interrupt this… reunion? However, I do believe we have a meeting to get to” The blond informed.

However, Ayato being Ayato, was quick to retaliate in a somewhat childish manner. “ Aw, but I haven’t seen Kazuha in years. Thoma surely we have time to spare?” he pleaded.

“Ngh, alright but do make it quick my lord. Her Almighty did not take too kindly last time you were late.” Thoma said sighing in defeat at his lords childish pleading.

Turning his attention back to a completely bewildered Kazuha. Ayato decided to ask a few of the burning questions that had bugged him for the years since he’d become head of the Yashiro Commission.

“I should start with an easy question first. Where exactly were you during the time you clan faced, well it’s downfall to put it bluntly. With as many details you can recall”

It was a strange request but Kazuha saw no reason not to abide.

“I was 7 ..no I was 8 yeah” Kazuha looked up to the sky trying to recall exactly when Ayato was talking about. ” Yeah when I was 8 I was sent to Watatsumi island for sword training. That should alight to when my clan started facing the worst of their trouble.”

Ayato raised an eyebrow at Kazuha's knowledge of his clan’s ordeal and yet didn’t seem to quite remember the timing. “ So you knew and yet didn’t try to help?” Ayato questioned, still in his cheerful tone. Even if as children Ayato had a carefree friendship with Kazuha, he still had a duty to uphold. That being finding out the truth behind the clans' downfall. So much debt and yet, no one knew how such a responsible, respectable, pristine clan like the Kaedehara clan could fall so far into debt. As for those who did, Ayato had suspicion they’d long since passed with the truth now forever being buried with them.

“Of course not.” Kazuha said, defending himself, “ I actually only overheard the fate of my clan when I returned and that's all I really knew.”

“I must say you're quite different from the young 5 year old Kazuha I once knew.” Ayato said with a smile before elaborating. “ When we were kids you often came over to hang out. Although looking back, it was likely just the Kamisato clan trying to help the Kaedehara clan. Back then you would pouted with tears in your eyes whenever I teased you”

Kazuha couldn’t help but laugh at the image of him as a child, pouting. “ I assure you I’m older now, of course I’ve matured. There's little point in apologizing given that I was simply inexperienced with the world.”

“That reminds me, when exactly did you return to Narukami island. If I’m to tell you the truth, most people think you're dead. Died like the rest of the clan after having nowhere to go.”

Enough time wasting Ayato thought to himself as he glanced at Thoma who was nervously fidgeting. I better get to the point before I lose my chance to converse with her almighty he reminds himself.

“I returned around the time I was going to turn 16, with a friend who also trained under the same swordmaster. If what I remember hasn’t been warped from my own mind, something about my clan pissed my master off pretty badly. It led to me being sent away, which my friend didn’t quite agree with and in retaliation he decided to come with me back. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the reason my master was so mad was because my clan by then was in ruins. “ Kazuha explained, trying his best to recall every detail.

Given the chance to actually think about why his master kicked him out. Kazuha realized he hardly knew what kind of person his master really was. What his master taught him was to let go of such materialistic ideals in order to master Chihayaburu. However, the only logical reason Kazuha could think of was for his master to kick him out because if his clan had fallen into ruins would be the loss of payment. Maybe he was overthinking it and it was simply because he couldn't meet his masters expectations.

At least the reason behind why his master kicked him out didn’t seem to matter too much to Ayato, who seemed satisfied with Kazuha’s answers.

“Listen Kaedehara Kazuha, I have a deal for you. As the current head of the Yashiro Commission, it is my duty to support you in a way my forebears have failed for your clan. I can easily clear the debts that took down your clan and restore it anew. There was proof of some sort of foul play regarding its downfall. Although due to a lack of any solid evidence there is no case for its restoration.” The smile Ayato wore as he spoke had a sinister feel behind it. However, Kazuha knew he would never change his answer.

“ I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline Ayato.” Kazuha stated firmly as he stood up to stretch. “I’m perfectly fine with my status being gone, I’ve found joy in doing gardening work in her Almighty's bakufu. Furthermore, one thing I cannot forget my parents told me before I left for Watatsumi was to walk the path I feel truly free in.”

At the time Kazuha didn’t quite understand why his parents asked this of him. With more context he understood it was because they didn’t want him being dragged into the conflict that brought ruin to their clan. Especially not a conflict that was spawned from the actions of his ancestors.

“Well if that's the case I have no choice but to support that decision. However if you ever change your mind all you need to do is visit.” Ayato said with a nod of approval. “Now, Come Thoma. We have a meeting to get to, do we not?”

“Huh!? Yes my Lord, of course my lord!” Thoma responded with a jump before scratching his head sheepishly. He had seemed to have completely zoned out, his nerves having exhausted his energy.

Ah Kazuha had forgotten Thoma was there as well. Poor guy Kazuha couldn’t help but think as he watched the pair leave.

Going back to tend to the next batch of flowers. Kazuha reflected on the conversation a bit. Ayato, it seemed that he and Kazuha were childhood friends. At least for what little time he spent in Narukami before moving to Watatsumi. Ayato was very different when it came to Kazuha’s fallen clan.

Take for example Kujou Sara, before Kazuha could start working as a gardener the general ran a background check on him. This led to her discovering he was indeed the heir to the fallen Kaedehara clan, which led her to endlessly bombard him with questions regarding the clan’s downfall. Before “offering” to send word to Her Almighty and restoring the clan.When Kazuha declined the offer it created a massive back and forth between the 2. With Kazuha refusing and Kujou Sara continuing to pressure him. Had it not been for Kuni stepping in they would have been at it for years to come.

Kazuha let out a satisfied huff as he finally finished the last flower. Least he can finally take a break without worrying he was letting people down.

Chapter Text

completely alone. 

On the one hand he was irritated at his no Ei’s stunt. The whole situation was utterly ridiculous. Why? Just why? Why organize a meeting you already have the final results for? Are you that desperate to save face!? He wanted to yell. 

Kunikuzushi was about to destroy the papers out of frustration. However, he stops himself. For some reason the thought of going through with destroying the papers sent shivers down his spine. He was… Scared?

“Heh, right…” he mumbles to himself as he defeatedly curls up underneath the window stil. His cuts started to burn again as he closed his eyes remembering the argument he had with his mother Ei . 

“Move Yae '' Kunikuzushi said, pushing the kitsune away from the door leading to his mothers office.

“ A-a Dropping formalities are we Kunii ” Lady Yae emphasized his nickname at the end of her remark, although her tone seemed a little off compared to normal.“ Oh and the answer is no by the way, your mother is having a very important meeting right now. She asks me to stay nearby in case someone, like you, tries to barge right in.”

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes, who the hell cares if she was busy. She clearly wasn’t busy enough seeing as she still had time to micromange his life.

“I’m serious Kunikuzushi, she refused to tell me who it was, let alone what the meeting was about. Look whatever qualms you have about your mother right now i’m more than capable for dealing with it.” She told him, trying to grab Kunikuzushi by the arm in a poor attempt at stopping him

Annoyed Kunikuzushi snaps back “Yeah well she doesn’t tell me anything either, now let me go!” He said aggressively pulling away from the kitsune’s grip.

Lady Yae looked shocked when he did that. She even seemed to genuinely frown. Kunikuzushi saw her mumble something about like mother like son or something like that. Frankly he could care less about whatever it was she’d said as he slammed open the door to his mother Ei’s throne room.

Unsurprisingly Ei didn’t jump at Kunikuzushi slamming the door. Why would she? obviously she would know. She obviously knew he was here. Because she’d knowingly set up the meeting while still somehow micromanaging every little detail of its conclusive result.

“ Explain yourself, Right Now” Kunikuzushi exclaimed angrily. 

Standing before him was, well for starters Ei and also a man in strange mask and clothing . He hadn’t seen that style before, then again he hardly knew anything of the outside world. As for Ei’s reaction to him interrupting her meeting, it was rather irritating.

“ Hm? Why aren’t you at the meeting? Kunikuzushi?”. She said in the most unexpressive tone he could imagine while still asking oh so innocently. “Furthermore what on earth did you do to your face-”

Save face much? He wanted to comment as he slapped Ei's hand from his face. Well that certainly bothers her. She didn’t look surprised, more so angry. Well now you get to know how I feel when you pull this kind of bullshit Kunikuzushi thought to himself.

“ Watch yourself Kunikuzushi, I would have appreciated it if you had waited outside like Lady Yae asked.” There was a certain passive aggressiveness in her tone. Hilarious how different she acted in front of other people. If only the people of Inazuma knew how their god truly was, people would stop worshiping their family in a heartbeat.

A light crackle 

“You say you trust me yet you have so many stupid arrangements in place that make sure I run Inazuma how you want it. You seem to want to micromanage every single little thing I do. So what? Gonna hit me again? I. Dare. You '' He threatened with a smirk and eye roll. Bad move.

“ RAIDEN KUNIKUZUSHI” Ei yelled angrily and slammed the table causing Kunikuzushi to flinch a little. Only a little, he was at least half expecting some sort of violent response. After yesterday he wouldn’t put such a thing past his mothers standard.. Sure he’s heard about the violent punishment his mother had a tendency to dish out to those who defied her. However, he’d never witnessed it first hand, it seemed like she was letting her mask of perfection slip more and more around him. 

A loud booming of thunder 

Ei rubbed her temples as she tried to calm herself down from bursting into a fit of rage in front of her guest. “ I’ve said this time and time again Kunikuzushi. Do not challenge my decisions. You know nothing about these lands, from the battles fought or the protection its people need. We’ve been over this countless times. I know what is best for these lands, you are too young and sheltered to know. 

“Well MAYBE I would know more about these land if you didn’t CAGE ME IN LIKE A BIRD” 

Another loud crash of lightning could be heard outside.

“MUST WE HAVE THIS CONVERSATION AGAIN? Kunikuzushi You. are. A. weak. Child.” Ei’s words were laced with venom, but she didn’t stop there. “ Do you truly wish to know why my sist- your aunt died the way she did? IT WAS ALWAYS BECAUSE OF YOU.” Her nails dug into the table as she said that.

What she’d said surprised Kunikuzushi a little. His fault? she must be delusional…Right? Kunikuzushi felt a building sense of guilt pool in his stomach. Her words really cut deeper than Kunikuzushi would liked to admit.

On the one hand, how on earth would he be the reason Aunt Makoto died. Then again, it’s not like he could remember anything leading up to her death. What if his mother- What if Ei had a point? He wouldn’t have to dwell on the question for long because Ei seemed more than happy to tell him why.

“ If it hadn’t been for you. IF I hadn’t been so FOOLISH to want you. I would have NEVER let my guard down for her. THE REASON Inazuma survived countless battles was because I made sure my sister would not perish. I made sure she would always have a second set of eyes to watch over these lands. But then I made a mistake, I had you. So She asked me to light up. And who was I to deny my older sister such a request? A Fool. “

“Pfft you're kidding me right?” Kunikuzushi angrily laughed. So the bitch was delusional. He knew he shouldn’t have laughed but there was a strange part of him that wanted to know how far he could get his mother’s mask to crumble. In front of a guest no less. Sure he was weary of the dangers of making her so angry but at the same time it felt fair.

 If only he’d know when to stop, because what happened next was something he wish he could forget.

“BECAUSE IF SHE HADN’T INSISTED ON TAKING YOU TO WATATSUMI SHE WOULD STILL BE HERE!” Ei yelled in frustration,  “You were meant to be so much more. Instead you were a sickly weak child. Unable to handle the slightest exposure to the world. With time, yes you did indeed become better. Yes I was the fool who listened to someone who could not fight. But you, your failure to protect her from the people of Watasumi-“

Now it was Kunikuzhshi’s turn to slam the table in frustration, another mistake.   “What is her taking me beyond the confines of these walls a bad thing? The fact she let me see outside this sandbox of a world?” Kunikuzushi reasons angrily. To him it just looked like Ei was using Makoto to hid her mistakes, to use his aunt’s death like that. It really pissed him off. 

“Raiden Kunikuzushi” Ei warned glaring at him. He ignored her, which in high sight the dumbest thing he’d done in that argument, second to insulting her. He really should have known.

“And surely you are not enough of an Idiot to think-“

*CRASH* 

Kunikuzushi felt his body slam into the glass cabinet behind him. The impact of the hit caused the glass to break. .As the glass fell some of the shard dug into his skin. It hurt like hell but Kunikuzushi bit his tongue, refusing to let anyone know. There was a loud ringing sound  in his ears and his head was pounding.

Trying to process what just happened, he felt a drizzle of rain on his face. As he slowly glanced up he saw that the window behind the table had broken. Standing in front of it was Ei-, no rather The Shogunate whose hands were glowing a soft purple light. Electro. He’d just been struck with the power of electro. The electro power of an archon no less.

Kunikuzushi quickly turned his head (creating more gashes/cuts) to the mysterious man. At a glance the man didn’t seem to react to what’d just happened.However as Kunikuzushi’s vision fuzzed in he was almost certain the masked individual was smiling, seemingly having enjoyed watching them fight.

 It made Kunikuzushi feel sick to his stomach. Remembering the sharpness of the man’s teeth. Disgusting.

As he slowly got back up, dusting off the glass shard (cutting his hand in the process), Ei started talking again. However, the way she spoke was unsettling.

As she spoke her words kept getting colder, calmer, more…Calculated. “As I was saying, I do not care who was responsible, just that I know she died because I let my guard down for your sake. Because of you my heart has grown soft. and I refuse to allow you to do the same. Inazuma is a land that is ravished with conflict, and I refuse to intrust it to someone whose heart isn’t ready to take on its hardships . let alone someone as physically weak as yourself.”

She didn’t even seem to regret her actions as she spoke facing away from Kunikuzushi 

, “Leave, we will discuss this at a later date.” She instructs as she side eyed him.

Kunikzushi pointed at himself for minor confirmation,  watching in disbelief as the Shogun nodded. Things really had escalated to a point of no return. Heh, who cares? He’s become another faceless individual to her. Fine then, it wasn’t as if they had a great relationship to begin with. Still he was a stubborn prick and he wasn’t about to just leave things like this. He stopped at the doorway a bit before turning around with what one could only describe as a cruel smile.

“I said leave” The Shogunate said once more. There was a warning undertone. Yeah he really shouldn’t be pushing his luck but frankly the whole situation was already burning. Besides the guest seemed to enjoy it, might as well put on a good show..

He smirked before snakily informing her about the Kamisato situation. “ “The Yashiro commissioner wants to meet with you by the way. You should clean up a little, or don’t.” 

He was quick about leaving though he does make sure to slam the door shut as he closes it behind him.

“Some argument that was”, he mumbles to himself as he headers back to the pointless meeting. Some arguments indeed.

Chapter Text

“ Would you like to return to the topic at hand? Prior to his highness’s interruption of course.” A masculine voice asked.

“ Yes, I would like to. I do believe we were discussing the prince’s personal bodyguard, correct?” Responded a voice that was undoubtedly belonging to the Shogunate

Ayato quietly eavesdrops on the conversation beyond the Shogunate’s throne room door. Personal Bodyguard? What a strange thing to need discussion especially considering how late it seemed. If Ayato’s memory was correct, the prince “had” a personal bodyguard. Said bodyguard was dismissed after Raiden Makoto’s death. Another decision he found strange.

Regardless it was still strange to be discussing it now of all times, it had been a few years since the tragedy. Yet only now Her Almighty was getting a new bodyguard for the prince. Something felt off about the arrangement. It wasn’t like he was in any position to object though.

He’d only planned to listen for the time it took for Thoma to catch up to him. However, he had a feeling that if he were to interrupt this such information would become heavily guarded. Unfortunately he failed to account for Lady Yae, who had been quietly watching him.

“Ahem~It’s rude to eavesdrop on a person's conversation, Lord Kamisato.” She warns with her usual cunning grin. “ You haven’t even greeted me yet.” Lady Yae said, pretending to be hurt by this.

“Ahaha- You caught me Lady Yae.” He laughed, “ I must apologize, I’m simply a tad bit nervous to interrupt Her Almighty’s conversation.”

Ayato chose his word carefully, Lady Yae was the Shogunate’s personal advisor. If there was anyone he would be able to get information out of. It had to be Lady Yae. Course that’s assuming she would slip up.

“Lord Kamisato? nervous? what a surprise, I would have never guessed that to be the case.” She pretended to be shocked at the revelation. “Why is that?” The kitsune questioned, well more like interrogate him. So be it, 2 can play that game. 

“ Well you see, there has been something bothering me for a while” He started playing along. He was making a gamble here, if he messes up this could make his personal investigation much harder to continue in secret. Course that’s if he messes up, if not, this could add to the pile of evidence he's collected over the years.

“Don’t you find it rather strange that all clans that opposed trade with watasumi didn’t experience any sort of decline? It seemed as though anyone who supported such an idea, no matter how prosperous or how high ranking, their clan’s finances completely collapsed out of the blue. If anything. If my understanding of the Tenryo commission is correct, you don’t suppose Her Almighty wouldn’t punish them for failing to protect Her Majesty?”

 The question seemed to catch Lady Yae off guard as her eyes widened for a moment. She was quick in regaining her composure, the advisor gave him a warning look. Shit, he might have pushed his luck a little too far by adding that last part.

Luckily Lady Yae didn’t seem angry as she calmly leaned in close to Ayato's ear and whispered, “ Whatever you're looking into, I think it’s in your best interest to stop.” 

It didn’t sound like a threat, but it also didn’t seem like Lady Yae was saying this for his best interest.

Ayato bit his lip as he stops himself from frowning. Looks like that’s another dead lead.

“ My apologies, it seems I may have overstepped.” Ayato apologizes with his typical fake smile, damage control, damage control, damage control. “ This won’t uh… mean you’ll stop putting in a good word for the Shogunate?” He jokingly asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“sigh, yes yes of course.” Lady Yae answers back sarcastically, rolling her eyes. It seemed she too was trying to keep the mood light. “ Anyway, enough time wasting. Try not to loiter around next time.” She advises, before doing 6 quick knocks at the door behind Ayato and leaving.

Ayato watches the Kitsune walk off, unsurprised at her exit.

“ Enter ” He hears the Shogunate’s voice commands.

Right he can’t keep Her Almighty waiting.

The head of the Yahiro Commissioner bows to the Shogunate as he enters the room. “ Greetings Your Almighty, I do apologize for the sporadic meeting” He greets as he removes his shoes before sliding the door close.

“ No need to apologize,” The Shogunate said with a nod, she turned to continue her conversation, quietly, with the other individual in the room. 

Ayato took his chance to look at the source of the mysterious voice from earlier. He was rather curious about who proposed the idea of a new bodyguard for the prince.

However, he was not prepared for the immediate sense of distrust that washed over his body. Ayato was well aware there was already someone else in the room. Well prepared not to make his true demands to be known. Yet, everything about this masked individual made Ayato uneasy.

Was it the mask? The strange white suit? The blue test tubes littered through the individual's outfit like an accessory?

*Crunch*

Ayato bit his tongue, stopping himself hissing in pain. Glass? He looked behind where he’d stept and noticed the small clumps of purple hair. Some of the pieces had their end’s coated with dried blood. The Prince’s dried blood. 

“ Ah, I do apologize, Lord Kamisato. Please keep your shoes on, I’m afraid there is glass on the floor at the moment.” The Shogunate interrupts Ayato’s line of thought.

“ It’s alright, I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings” The noble says with a pained smile. Thoma is gonna be pissed when he sees what injuries the glass caused on Ayato’s foot.

Disregarding the pain, Ayato takes his chance to inform the Shogunate why he’s here. “ Before it slips my mind, I was wondering if Your Almighty would be willing to have a  discussion regarding the arrangement?”

He worries for a moment as he watches the Shogun rub her temples and mutters to herself something about the prince, in response to his question.

*Ahem* The masked indavidual interrupts. “ Pardon my interruption, however I would must prefer to finished the contract agreement as soon as possible.”

Right. Ayato almost forgot they weren’t really alone, and also the whole reason why Ayato had stepped on glass in the first place. 

“Where are my manners,” He exclaimed in a fake cheery voice “ I’m Lord Kamisato, head of the Yashiro Commission. Delighted to make your acquaintance…”

“ Doctor,”

“what?” 

“Just refer to me as Doctor.” The “Doctor’s” voice was cold that was filled with bitterness, as if the more Ayato where to converse with him the closer the “Doctor” would be to ripping him apart.

The Shogunate let out a hefty sigh, one fueled by frustration. “ Just leave me the documents” She instructs, gesturing out her hand.

“ Right of course Your Almighty” The Commission responded, reaching into his left sleeve to retrieve the requested documents.

The documents were neatly folded thanks to Thoma and Ayato handed them to The Shogun’s open hand. She’d gone back to talking in whispers with the “Doctor”.  She looks at him briefly, giving him a nod of dismissal, before returning her full attention to her quiet discussion.

Ayato made sure to take his leave quickly and quietly. There was a strange part of him that was overjoyed at the idea of getting far away from the “Doctor”. Regardless, he meet back up with Thoma short after leaving, who was leaning on one of the chairs in the hallway.

“ My lord! Did everything go okay? You seem stiff, Please tell me you didn’t do anything ill advised.” Thoma bombarded his master with his usual worrywort questions.

Ayato simply smiles warmly at his retainer, nodding at each of them as they both leave the palace. (much to Thoma’s dismay.)

…

Kunikuzushi awakens to his advisor, shaking him awake. 

“Your highness must you rest here!?” Lady Mona scolds with her hands on her hips.

“go.away…” Kunikuzushi mumbles, before burying his face into the sofa behind him.

Lady Mona groans annoyed at the prince’s antics. She try’s to get his attention by shaking him  by his neck, but just as her hand brushes over his neck Kunikuzushi stiffens.

Lady Mona made a worried frown but didn’t say anything other than “Kuni… I, let’s get you patched up.”

She offer out her hand for Kunikuzushi, and he takes its.

 His mind is foggy  when they run into Lady Ayaka, or was it Kamisato? and oh yeah the garden boy. What was his name again? 

“ C’mon Kazuha! You can do it!” Kunikuzushi hears Ayaka quietly cheering. So that’s his name… he’d really pretty Kunikuzushi thinks to himself

Kazuha continues to stare at the small bouquet of carefully selected flowers. Each meant to represent a different part of affection and hope. Such flowers he would only dare gift to Kuni in the secretive cover of the night. 

“ Are you sure this will work? I do not mean to doubt you La-.. Ayaka, Kazuha stops himself from slipping up addressing Ayaka, he still wasn’t quite used to it. Still doubt plagued his mind the more he looked at the flowers “ what if this ruins things…”

Lady Mona stared at the 2 in complete disbelief, if you're trying to be subtle maybe don’t say what you're thinking out loud! She wanted to yell. However, given that it was Lady Kamisato she opted to simply facepalm at the scuffed attempt at making the prince feel better.

Her reaction made both Kazuha and Lady Kamisato blush in embarrassment. Well at least it got things going. As Kazuha quickly shoved the flowers and note card into Kunikuzushi’s arms before running off. 

“Kazuha! wait!” Lady Kamisato called, running after the albino.

Kunikuzushi could only cling to the bouquet Kazuha had just given him. Too tired to think straight, his eyelids grew heavy as he felt himself slowly drifting off to sleep again. The last thing he hears is his advisor yelling out his name as he collapses.

Chapter Text

“ Your highness? How are you feeling?” Kunikuzushi awoke to an unfamiliar voice. As he slowly sat up his eyes quickly scanned the room trying to find the speaker. Which didn’t take long given that the person who was talking had the same light blue hair he’d seen yesterday.

That's the person he’d seen talking with his mother - Ei, it was Ei now . It was still a bit off putting for Kunikuzushi to keep referring to his mother like this. Still, he was beyond done with that self-righteousness shut in who just so happened to be the ruler of Inazuma. If he couldn’t outwardly disrespect the Shogun, he could still take comfort in this tidbit of rebellions he could indulge in.

“ Your Highness?” The Masked individual asked again, it sounded almost sing-songy..  It was irritatingly playful, yet, with the change of mask, revealing 2  blood red eyes, that stared intently waiting for Kunikuzushi’s response. Sending shivers down his spine. Whoever this person was, Kunikuzushi wanted them out of his room.

“Leav-” He hadn’t even formed the words properly, but almost immediately Kunikuzushi felt a surge of pain pierce through his skull. To make matters worse, as he recoiled in pain, he’d ended up slamming his head back into the headboard of his bed. He inhaled sharply as he felt the pain double down on being an inconvenience.

“ I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” The Masked Individual advised, tilting Kunikuzushi’s  head forward to check for a bump, presumably. “ Definitely a minor concussion..doesn’t explain his heart…” The Individual mumbled to themselves.

“What? You're my new doctor or something?” Kunikuzushi asked sarcastically. Though he kept his voice softer than usual, having at least partially made the correlation of loud noise and his head hurting.

“You could say that.” The person responded, who continued to, uncomfortably, probe at Kunikuzushi’s body.  Before finally reaching into one of their suit pockets and pulling out a tin to hand to him. “ Make sure to apply it to your forehead, chest and/or neck, if you feel any pain there” They informed him while they unscrewed the lid revealing a potent herbal scent.

There was more silent probing at Kunikuzushi’s body as the Masked Individual applied the ointment. Getting more annoyed (and uncomfortable) Kunikuzushi was the one who ended up breaking the silence for once: 

”I hope you know that I don’t know who you are. I’ll assume she told you about me but, as you should expect she told me nothing, as usual.” He sarcastically remarks.

The Masked Individual didn’t respond, instead they opted to simply ignore Kunikuzushi’s question. As a matter of fact they had placed the tin on his bed stand and had already started to leave. Kunikuzushi couldn’t tell if he should be impressed or offended by the person’s complete defiance. Regardless, that didn’t matter, his curiosity wouldn’t stop bugging him if he didn’t know who this person was.

So now, a little more annoyed and a little louder, Kunikuzushi asked again. “ I said,  '' I don't know who you are. So if you could please introduce yourself I’d-” He stops himself from finishing, already feeling the consequence of talking too loud. At least the ointment seemed to do something because it was less of a splitting headache and more of a throb then anything.

This time, this time, the Masked Individual responded  “Most would know me as The Doctor. However, you, your highness may refer to me as Il Dottore, or Dottore for short.” With that the man left the room, quietly closing the door shut. How accommodating.  

Il Dottore… Do-tto-re. Kunikuzushi sounded out the name in his head. It wasn’t Inazuman, that's for sure. Although it was already blatantly obvious, given that the mask Il Dottore wore was rather similar to some Fontain Opera masks he’d seen. At least he thinks it’s from Fontain.

Kunikuzushi finally decided to get out of bed when he noticed that the vase on his desk had a fresh bouquet of flowers in it. Almost Instinctively he went to look for a note, there was always a note when he got new flowers. 

Said note would almost always be near his window sill. In fact, that's where  it should have been, had it not been for someone (Who he assumes was Dottore) closing it. Frankly he would have tried to look for it harder, had it not been for his head starting to hurt again. Kunikuzushi clicked his tongue in annoyance at the thought of not finding the note thanks to someone else.

Ultimately, he sits down at his desk and stares at the flower vase. Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly, depends on how one looks at it) Kunikuzushi could actually recognize some of the flowers off the top of his head. You had the usual Alchemilla Mollis which he vaguely remembered meaning comfort.  But then you had ones like these white and yellow camellias, there was even two red camellias. He couldn't recall the meaning of those ones. However this was the first time where it was the primary flower in the bouquet, if that’s worth anything.

Just then he heard a light knock on his door; 

“ Your highness?” He heard Mona’s voice call, “ I heard you’ve just awoken, is it alright if I come in?” Her tone lacked her usual sass.

“Yes it’s fine for you to come in,” Kunikuzushi responded rolling his eyes at his advisor walking into his room., “why wouldn't you be?” he asked, confused at Mona’s lack of attitude. 

“Well, you did pass out yesterday. Furthermore you had cuts everywhere!” She exclaimed worriedly. She looked like she hadn’t slept at all since last night and her hair stuck out in all sorts of weird ways. Clearly her mind had been racked with worry.

Kunikuzushi winced at Mona’s sudden increase of volume. Looking up at Mona with an irritated expression.Realizing the prince’s sensitivity to loud noises, she adjusted her volume,

“Do you really expect me to lecture you harshly after that? You really do worry me, Your Highness.” Her expression was like a worried older sister who wanted the best for her younger brother. 

“ You worry too much,” Kunikuzushi told his advisor, his eyes returning to the vase on his desk as he continued to ponder where the note could be.

He knew that Mona’s worries didn’t come from a place of pity.  Still, he was prone to haphazardly brushed off her concerns. After all, to him, the only time Mona seemed to feel the need to see him was if there was work to be done.

As she likes to put it “ Well it’s not like I’m going to let you slack off so easily” or something along that line.

“Surely you don’t think I’m that cruel, your highness? That's Lady Yae’s thing, not mine. “ She says, sighing. Kunikuzushi noticed that Mona was pacing up and down his room. Even turning over a few books close to his bed stand, checking for something. 

“What did you forget? Maybe your sass?” He teases jokingly. Frankly, he could care less about what Mona was looking for. The light scent of her perfume or was it her conditioner? Mona didn’t usually wear perfume, was there some sort of special occasion? Either way it was making his head spin.

“ Yes yes, glad to see your still sharp tongue even after your conclusion” She answered, rolling her eyes and breaking Kunikuzushi line of thought.  

Suddenly the light taps of Mona’s heels came to a halt near his desk. Before she swiftly lifted up the vase of flowers Kunikuzushi had been staring at. Revealing the note Kunikuzushi had been looking for earlier. 

 “Ugh, of course! Here it is!” She quietly exclaims, face palming at her own (and indirectly Kunikuzushi’s) stupidity.

Kunikuzushi scowled at the discovery. Of course it would be under the vase, where else would his so-called “secret admirer” ( who he has yet to figure out the identity of) place the note if his window was closed.

“Here” Mona said, handing him the note. “ I was told by Lady Kamisato to make sure you read this.” 

“uh-huh” Kunikuzushi responded, only half listening to Mona as he started to skim the note.

“ Oceans set us apart

But wind feels the same both sides

Will the Earth accept?

Storm rain wind

Together a chance to start anew”

The sender’s name at the bottom was aggressively scratched out. Well most of the name anyway. The only letter that wasn’t scratched out was the letter “a” which hardly helped given that it was at the end of the name.

To think he was actually hopeful that the sender would finally give him something to work with other than no name at all. Hell the “a” being left there seemed like an accident. He practically had to hold the note to the light in order to see it.

“In which case, just take it easy today— aannd your not listening to me” His advisor said with a huff of defeat .

“yes yes, I’m listening.” Kunikuzushi answered, still not looking up from the note as he tried to deduce whose names ended with an “a”. You had Lady Kamisato’s first name, his advisor, Kazuha…. 

What a laughable idea, like hell Kazuha wanted anything like that with him.

Mona rolled her eyes, at the Prince’s innate ability to tune out the world when he wanted to focus on something. 

“Hmph,  if you're not going to listen then I guess I’ll just return to my room and take a nap.” She responded, not leaving out her sass this time. Kunikuzushi hears Mona take out a notepad and scribble something down. Before ripping out the page and placing it somewhere on his desk.

 “Look if you need anything I’ll probably be out since we both have a day off. You needn’t worry about falling behind Your Highnesses, Lady Yae is handling it for today.”  With that his advisor left the room, not really caring whether or not the prince heard her.

Kunikuzushi hardly noticed that Mona left his room. He remained at his desk for a few more minutes before finally placing the note down in defeat. Looking to his left, Kunikuzushi was surprise at not finding a pile of document but instead he found a simple note that said: 

Take it easy today, Lady Yae told me that she’s giving you (and by extension me) a day off to recover.

• Sincerely Your best advisor, Mona Magistus 

P.S. I’m going to the city later today so don’t do anything stupid while I’m out.

Kunikuzushi chuckled at Mona’s boosting. She wasn’t wrong per-say but she was his only advisor. There simply wasn’t much competition to begin with.

Wanting some fresh air, Kunikuzushi got up to open his window. Hoping that  it would fan out the potent herbal scent for Dottore’s ointment and whatever Mona had on today. 

The fresh scent of Yumermire and Maple trees were incredibly refreshing for Kunikuzushi. Probably because it reminded him of Kazuha . (He feels his cheeks heat up at that thought) Regardless of why it felt refreshing, it helped clear up the fog brain he’d been feeling since he woke up.

Crap, come to think of it, he probably should have asked Mona who Il Dottore really was. It’s not like Inazuma got many visitors from other nations. Let alone Kunikuzushi being allowed to meet them. Besides, Kunikuzushi found it rather strange that his usual well organized and well informed advisor didn't question Dottore at all. 

Maybe it was the novelty of finally seeing a new face, well a partial face, Kunikuzushi couldn’t help but feel both intrigued  and maybe a little unsettled by the man.

The light crunching of leaves alerts him to Kazuha’s presence. Who was working on trimming the garden’s only Bonsai tree. He felt his lips twitch into a small smile at the sight. Kazuha wasn’t one to actively try to shape how the  tree grew, instead only trimming it when it could affect the flowers that bloomed underneath.

Kunikuzushi rarely got the chance to watch Kazuha work, maybe it was because he always took the gardener's attention aways from such matters. Perhaps he should join Kazuha during this new found free time he had. Yes, he would do that for today.

Chapter Text

“oh! um, good morning Kuni,” Kazuha greeted the prince sheepishly. 

“how? ugh never mind, you always hear me coming anyway.” Kuni grumbled, who had obviously planned on sneaking up on the gardener.

Kazuha chuckled lightly, simply pointing to his ear and giving Kuni a knowing smile. 

“I knew that, stupid garden boy.” The prince pouted cutely ( nope nope nope! keep it together Kazuha!) cheeks flushed in embarrassment having realized he’d completely forgotten about Kazuha hearing skills. 

Kazuha felt a nervous giddiness at his thoughts, he couldn’t help it! No matter how much he tried to shove down the memory of yesterday’s bouquet incident, Kazuha just couldn’t forget Kuni’s dazed face…

Was it confusing? disgust even? no, Kuni wouldn’t do that… right? Then again the prince's eyes seemed to stare off into space, as if he was disconnected from reality. 

The fear Kazuha felt was a mix of his own feeling and his concern over Kunikuzushi’s well being. It had easily consumed all of his thoughts since last night, sending him into his old habits of overthinking he’d long since thought he’d outgrew.

The feeling would only worsen when he’d found out that the doctor treating Kuni would not allow anyone to enter the bedroom. The inability to confirm Kuni’s well-being led to Kazuha practically begging Lady Mona, later that evening, to help the prince find the haiku he’d written in order to-

“Sooo, think Mona would get pissy. if I help you out in the garden today?” Kuni’s question, despite the awkward tone, cleared all of Kazuha’s spiraling worries. 

Right. Kuni was here. Outside with him. In the garden. And overall, he seemed pretty okay.

Deep breaths Kazuha, Deep breaths.

“Well I doubt it, at least certainly not as mad as yesterday.” Kazuha managed to respond cheerfully, his thoughts now a bit more collected. He noticed that Kuni had been playfully poking his shoulder trying to get the gardener's attention.

“Finally” Kuni said with a huff,  crouching down next to him.

“ Honestly, I was beginning to think you’d zoned out completely or something.” The Prince tried to mimic Lady Mona’s demeanor by lecturing Kazuha. Emphasize on tried too

“Sorry sorry, you know how I am.” He apologized, laughing sheepishly. 

“Yeah Yeah, Did You not sleep at a reasonable time again or something?” Kuni asked, flicking him on the forehead.

“How rude of you, Your highness~” The albino sarcastically remarked, lightly elbowing the prince back.

Kuni ever so maturely stuck his tongue out at this.

“Still, are you sure you want to help out? This is quite labor intensive work. I would hate to see you exhaust yourself helping me out on my own responsibilities. I’m sure with your coronation coming up there would be a pile of paperwork” Kazuha asked, taking off his gloves.

“Of course I’m sure! God you sound like Mona sometimes. Besides I have the day off, what else am I supposed to do” Kazuha’s crush (  yes he can admit that now, as embarrassing as it was) answered defensively. 

“ Oh alright if you insist but…” He felt reluctant to let Kuni help him, he hated the idea that he was troubling the prince with his mundane and frankly irrelevant tasks. Kazuha looked the other male up and down looking for something, which is when he noticed the bandages. 

The unease was back. So many bandages…, was the first thought in Kazuha’s head.

Kunikuzushi must’ve noticed Kazuha’s staring as he would soon assure Kazuha: 

“I’m fine okay, don’t worry yourself over me..” His voice sounded unsure as he started picking at the ends of his bandages.

Gently brushing away the hair that had fallen onto Kuni’s face, Kazuha opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. 

I worry about you because I love you.

He dare not mutter such words, it would ruin everything. The kinship they had. Old habits be damned, but people do say old habits die hard so it was only natural. It truly made him question if the gods, the Shogunate, would take the visions of those they deem have lost the worthiness to possess one. Only time will tell, he supposed.

“Y-you know what, we should get started then” Kazuha said flustered. Removing his gloves, he offered his right hand to help the prince up.

“Hmph, you know it” Kuni responded confidently, with one eyebrow raised at the gesture. Regardless he still happily took the gardener's hand and pulled himself up. 

Time passes, both of them hard at work, Kuni helped with watering some plants while Kazuha trimed the more delicate ones. Together it was rather quick work with friendly banter here and there. They ended up finishing much earlier than he’d expected. Including the time spend for Kazuha to answer the many flower questions Kunikuzushi had.

~~~

“.... How do you take care of camellias? I got a bouquet of them yesterday I think.  They looked nice in my room so I’d rather not kill them so soon.” 

“You came to the right person for that. What you want to do….”

~~~

“Haven’t you heard? Thanks to the documents you signed last night, there have been new gardening shops all over the city! Too bad the things there are a bit outside my paycheck…”

“….What’s the city like anyway?”

“Oh it’s huge compared to the garden hehe~”

“Really now~? Tell me more.” 

“Yep, I even found some accessories shops I think you’d like…”

~~~

“....Alchemilla Mollis means comfort right?”

“Yep, but they also can mean…”

“...Color affects the meanings, how troublesome…..”

~~~

“...Let me help you with that,” 

“No, I got it! Woah—”

“Careful! Are you alright? I’m more worried about you than the Pot…” 

Kuni sat next to Kazuha eating his half of the rice ball with one hand, while Kazuha bandaged his other.

“You don’t have to carry such heavy items yourself, someone will always be willing to help.” The albino gently scolds Kunikuzushi as he poured some disinfectant on a piece of cloth. 

He carefully cleaned the cut, watching the prince tense up feeling the sting of hydro peroxide seep into the open wound.

“You remind me of a cat sometimes Kuni,” Kazuha commented,  gently rubbing his thumb on the Prince’s old scratch marks.

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” Kuni demanded, lightly pushing away Kazuha's hand. “ In that case you’re a… a, maple leaf! Yeah, hows that?”

He chuckled as rolled his eyes at the prince’s competitiveness, placing the bottle of disinfectant back into the first aid basket. 

Kazuha’s stomach growled, not wanting to get out another rice ball he leaned over Kuni's shoulder with his mouth open. Now it was Kuni’s turn to roll his eyes and feed Kazuha a bite.

They sat there in a warm silence, both wanting to stay that way forever. The wind smelled like the sacred sakura from the Grand Narukami Shrine. 

Like Twin Flames, 

Together they intertwined regardless of fate

the stream ( or would wisp work better?) of smoke arise raise from the ashes

Together like phoenixes 

Such lovers arise anew.

Kazuha lightly hummed as he composed his next haiku in his head. Kunikuzushi rest his head atop of Kazuha’s, burying his face into the albino’s fluffy hair.

Somehow, someway, Their lip’s brush against one another.

Wait-

Did we just? Our Lip’s….

Having both made the same realization. The prince breaks away from Kazuha, face turned facing away from him. As for Kazuha, his face remained a light pink. He sat there dazed at what had just occurred, unable to properly process what had just happened.

“H-Hey um, so uh…” Kuni’s voice trailed off. “You know what, um let’s go to Inazuma City together!” The prince blurted out seemingly randomly. 

Now Kazuha could see the redness in Kuni’s face. They were both blushing profusely; neither of them wanted to acknowledge what they just did.

“S-Sound great! Um, Where do you wanna go?” ” He managed to stutter out. The poor gardener wasn’t entirely sure what he was agreeing to but it was with Kunikuzushi so it’s probably fine. Right?

“yeah…I’ve really wanted to do this for a while… but we kinda have to sneak out. Buut, you could give me a tour of Inazuma city? Maybe take me to that gardening shop that you seem to love to ramble about...” 

The way Kuni talked, he sounded almost breathless. Kazuha felt breathless anyway. This was the closest they’ve ever gotten to each other, he could hear his heart pounding with the desire for intimacy. But now, now was not the time. They lived separate lives, even if there was a sliver of a chance Prince Kunikuzushi loved him back, social standing would alway get in the way. 

The 2 of them sit there in silence for a bit to let  the calmer mood return.

“ That sounds a little dangerous though” Kazuha commented, pointing out the flaw in the Prince’s endeavored. 

Kunikuzushi nodded with a hmm at this. Trying to think of a solution before caving and returning to his usual sarcasm,

“We could go next week, I think I should be able to sneak out if Tomo is the guard of my room. Beside Her “almighty” Kuni remarked with air quotes, “ would rather give a stranger the time of day over her own “kid” He also said that with air quotes.  Slightly concerning but alright, Kazuha supposed.

 Sighing, the albino simply shook his head but still reluctantly agreed“ I mean I won’t say I approve of your recklessness but alright.”

“I don’t think that's a good idea but if you're sure then I’m more than willing. Of course your duties come first, so you should probably head back before Madam Kujou Sara comes for Tomo’s head and the plan falls apart completely” Kazuha said with a laugh.

Kuni chuckles at the sentiment,“Well then I guess this is goodnight then,” The prince tell him with a sweet smile, Kazuha wishes it would happen more often. Regardless, as the both of them go their separate ways for the night to any passerby could notice they shared happiness 

Chapter Text

The week was going great, amazing even. Kunikuzushi was happy. Really really happy. 

Almost everyone knew something was up and it was the palace’s weekly rumor. Even Mona had gotten roped into it and she hated these kinds of things!

 Everyone seemed to want to know what had gotten the usually sharped tongue prince so joyous and carefree all of a sudden.

“You seem rather cheerful this week, your highness, did something good happen?” Mona asked while they were walking to another meeting. The entire week had been filled up with senseless meetings that Kunikuzushi would typically find irritating to attend, yet not a single noble managed to dampen his mood.

“Does it matter?” He snipped back, ignoring his advisor’s question. Kazuha remained at the forefront of his mind. Kunikuzushi could hardly wait to see the gardener later in the evening where they could slip out unnoticed.

“ Well we are quite literally heading to a meeting with…” Mona pauses for a moment as she flips through her notebook trying to figure out which meeting they were heading to. “...oh, well if you look at that, we are heading to a meeting with her almighty and you have yet to throw a tantrum over this.”

“I don’t throw tantrums,” He argued, rolling his eyes as he started to increase his pace in an attempt to avoid answering her questions.

“And yet you still act so childishly” She tells him and she too begins to increase her pace, trying to remain at least less than 5 steps behind Kunikuzushi.

“Will you drop it?” The prince groaned, as he continued walking briskly wanting to stay ahead of Mona. The more he thought about Kazuha the more his face reddened. He cursed his “mother” for giving him blush that was extremely opaque, oh and curse Kazuha for being so..so perfect! at making him blush. 

Honestly, what was it with his genes always somehow screwing him over? First he was born in the wrong body, then it was the fact he has yet to hit his growth spurt. If Mona saw his face, there was no doubt that she would put 2 and 2 together. 

He'd finally scored a date with the garden boy he was rather fond of. At least Kunikuzushi certainly hoped it was one anyway. There was no telling what could happen to Kazuha if Ei overheard, afterall he was engaged to Lady Kamisato. What a scandal that could cause. He didn’t mind it personally but given what Ei was so oh so willing to do to her “son”.  The prince would hardly put it past her to do much worse to someone that isn’t her kin...  

“Come here you!” Mona snaps, finally having enough of Kunikuzushi’s increasing pace. She runs in front of Kunikuzushi with her hands on her hips, catching a glimpse of his red face as the prince quickly tries to cover his face but to no avail. Mona had already seen the redness in his face.

“I knew it,” His advisor sighed with a look of worry “ You really are an idiot. If you’re feeling unwell then you need to tell someone. You look sickly for goodness sake.” She reprimands him by  lightly hitting him on the head with her stack of papers.

“I feel fine.” Kunikuzushi states, trying to brush away her concern. He supposed he did get what he wanted with Mona not suspecting his blushing was due to a more personal reason. It wasn’t pleasant making his definitely way too exhausted advisor to put some very obvious puzzle pieces together, worry over nothing. But that feeling was quickly replaced with annoyance as another one of their typical petty arguments broke out.

“Last time you told me you were fine” Mona put that in air quotes to emphasize her point, “ You, your highness, was covered in cuts and bruises. Do you seriously expect me to believe that you are fine after you promptly passed out”

“I’m telling you I’m fine” The prince insisted, gritting his teeth. “ Besides, that was a one time occurrence.”  

“A one time occurrence- Listen here you! Look, I'll tell Her Almighty about your condition and then we will go see Dottore.”

“How many times do I have to tell you!? I’m not sick!”

As if knowing he was needed, Il dottore made his presence known.How oddly convenient. 

 Today he was wearing his crow-like mask again. 

“My My, Lady Mona Megistus , what has gotten you so worked up this afternoon?” 

The doctor’s voice still didn’t sit right with Kunikuzushi, something about him always felt off even after a week of Dottore living at the palace.

“ Amazing timing as always, Il Dottore. You see, his highness over here” She explains pointing at the prince, “keeps insisting he isn’t sick despite his face clearing say otherwise!”

Dottore takes a few moments to look closely at Kunikuzushi’s face. Maybe a little too close, Kunikuzushi could smell what he thinks is some sort of herbal mint scent coming from the taller male’s breath. His eyebrow twitched slightly as he narrowed his eyes in suspicion (and discomfort) at the man’s closeness.

“it wouldn’t hurt to check” The Doctor concluded with a smile, much to the royal’s dismay. 

“Thank you Il Dottore,” Mona thanked the man before gesturing to her lord to follow the doctor. Unable to argue any furth, Kunikuzushi reluctantly follows Dottore to his office.

“I’m glad you’re the voice of reason” Kunikuzushi sarcastically retorts as he walks behind the still masked doctor.

Great, if his mother catches wind of this that’s going to be a one way ticket to never going outside again 

“ Yes yes, I know this displeases you, your highness. But do understand that Lady Mona is only trying to look out for you.” Dottore spoke to Kunikuzushi as if he was a child. Annoyed Kunikuzushi quickly snaps back,

“I don’t need someone who hardly knows me telling me what my…” he hesitates for a moment not knowing what to refer to Mona as. Sure he considered her a friend but then again this was Dottore he was talking to. Would the masked and still mostly a stranger to Kunikuzushi use that against him? 

“.. your advisor is thinking?” Dottore finishes his sentence as he opens the door and ushers the prince in.

The smell of medical cleaning was strong at least if there was one thing consistent about dottore it was the smell of mint. Although Kunikuzushi did interact with the new Snezhnaya guest quite frequently after his concussion. He still had a very poor read on the man. His personality was all over the place, sometimes he seemed cold and calculated while others he seemed a little too enthusiastic to do Kunikuzushi's check up.

There was a pause in conversation as Dottore went behind the room's shoji screen, likely grabbing some medicine. The prince sat down in the chair opposite of Il Dottore’s workspace.

It was always uncomfortable in the Snezhnayan’s office. Naturally the prince scanned the room for something familiar, which was when he spotted a much smaller bonsai tree, compared to the one in the garden, on Dottore’s desk. Unlike the one Kazuha cared for, this one had clearly been stylized.

The tree seemed to be planted atop a small rock with 2 bigger ones surrounding it. Its roots looked alright; they looked rather sturdy at the very least, but Kunikuzushi could hardly call himself knowledgeable on the subject. Although the roots did have a few white spots where the bark had broken off from. 

The prince was rather infatuated by the tree, so much so he didn’t notice that Dottore had returned with a bottle of liquid in hand.

“Ahem” The Doctor cleared his throat to get Kunikuzushi’s attention. The prince jumped at the sudden interruptions to his thoughts.

“ You seem rather interested in that plant, your highness. It‘s a side project of mine that is meant to truly test the limits of such a malleable plant. Would you like to see it?” He asked with an open smile, showing all of his razor/shark-like teeth. He hated when the doctor smiled like that, it always made Kunikuzushi feel like something bad was going to happen even though that feeling was always wrong.

“No…” He sounded unsure of himself, could the smell of the room be making him feel uneasy too? 

“Well I suppose that is fair enough. It would take quite some time for me to get everything set up and I do believe you are a rather busy person Your Highness. ” He placed the bottle on his desk in front of Kunikuzushi  “ Here, drink this, it should cool you off and make your face less red.”

“Huh?” He looked at the man confused at the information given. 

“Come on you cannot seriously believe I am unable to tell the difference between a fever and blush? I’m offended, your highness, do you really think I went to Sumeru academia only to feign ignorance?” Dottore was leaning on the wall with his arms crossed and his right index finger tapping on his left arm. 

“I didn’t know you went to Sumeru academia…”  Kunikuzushi frowned as he awkwardly started picking at the old gash on his hand.

“See we both know quite little about each other, I simply took advantage of the fact Mona worries about your health. Besides I am contractually your doctor now, it is a necessity that I get to know my patient is it not?” The man sounded as if he’s made the most logical statement, cold and calculated as always. 

“But then why make Mo-, Why make Lady Mona worry like that!?” He demanded ticked off by Dottore’s logic. Sure Kunikuzushi was an asshole at times but make people worry over nothing was stupid in his opinion. 

“Well you wouldn’t suppose her alrighty would see such a blush and mistake it for a high fever? I’m certain she would find that quite worrisome, don't you think? Your highness?” 

Kunikuzushi could have sworn Dottore raised one of his eyebrows but the mask he wore made it impossible to confirm. The statement alone made the prince want to laugh, he doubt the almighty shogun would actually worry about his health. The more likely reason would be that the Shogunate would see him as far too weak and place even more restriction on his every move.

“What makes you say that,” He challenges, getting increasingly annoyed. “ Or are you just so forgetful that you completely forgot she’s responsible for my concussion?”

“I’m not sure what you are referring to, your Highness.” Now it was Dottore's turn to make a confused expression. 

“ You have to be delusional if you think she actually cares that deeply about me. I’m nothing but a means to an end in her eyes, her only successor to the throne” Kunikuzushi states bitterly, as much as he may hate Ei. It wasn’t like he wouldn’t still seek her approval. But he knew better than to expect to be nothing more than a puppet for her to “guide”.

“Call me names all you want, but haven’t you considered the fact you are simply misremembering things? You did get a concussion after all, which has been known to cause memory issues.” 

Il Dottore explained with a logical tone in it made sense to Kunikuzushi. Maybe he was misremembering the events…Then again, the lighting scar told him otherwise. 

“I know what I saw” Kunikuzushi may have said this confidently but there was a hint of uncertainty. He picked open the scar in minor frustration, he hated sounding uncertain.  

“Hm, well if that’s what you believe then so be it. I won’t argue with you, for all we know neither of us are correct, memory is rather unreliable don’t you think.”

This was rather nuanced to Kunikuzushi, this was the first time someone other than Kazuha didn’t discard his thoughts or opinions. Even then, Kazuha really only listen to the prince ramble about his troubles. Perhaps he’s been too harsh towards Dottore, sure the guy  was suspicious at times, but maybe Kunikuzushi was wrong to judge him so quickly.

“So… what now? I'm clearly not sick as you’ve said, and thanks to you Lady Mona has likely canceled my meeting and now her almighty is likely going to lock me inside again.” The shorter male made sure to soften his tone a little, according to Mona people are more willing to interact with people she deemed less aggressive then he was. Who knows maybe the intrusiveness would finally stop.

“I’m surprised you don’t refer to her almighty as your mother” Dottore nonchalantly comments as he opens a drawer and takes out a branded first-aid kit. 

“Mind your own business” Nope, still intrusive as hell. Guess that's just his personality, Kunikuzushi thinks to himself.

Il Dottore gestured to Kunikuzushi's bleeding hand and he reluctantly obliged. The two of them sit in silence as Dottore cleans the cut with some HydroPeroxide. For some reason this mixture stung far more than the one Kazuha usually used, he quite literally had to bite his tongue to avoid letting out any noise that could indicate pain.

“ You needn’t worry, I will inform her myself that you are alright.”

Oh yeah Dottore could do that, rolling his eyes Kunikuzushi got up from the chair and took a stretch.

“Do whatever I don’t care” He tells the doctor, not really caring about his word choice. In hindsight that was a bad decision.

“ If you so wish, however, I will have to inform her about your actual reason on being here as per my contract” The Snezhnaya says with a slight smirk. 

“ Why the hell would you do that!? Didn’t you just give me something to fix this whole problem in the first place!? she isn’t Rex Lapis why does it matter if you stick to the…. Oh…” His emotionally charged lecture quickly cut short as he realized his mistake. 

“Keep your mouth zipped “ The prince orders his face with a light tint of embarrassment. Note to self, never play word games with Dottore.

“Oh course your highness” Dottore obliges bowing like he was some sort of butler.

With that, Kunikuzush leaves the Masked doctor’s office and heads back to his room, awaiting further instructions. The prince ends up finishing one of the horror novels Lady Yae lent to him. 

It was a nice read about a failed god reincarnated into civilian bodies in search of  vengeance to those who wronged them, over time the reason behind their vengeance was lost and people only knew to fear the angry deity. This time it led to whole families being slaughtered for suspicion of being an incarnation of the deity. In the end it turns out that the people doing all the slaughtering were the ones truly possessed by this god, and those who were killed were descendants of the people who wronged said god. The closing act showed the survivors of the slaughtered families doing the exact same thing to the descendants of the people responsible, and so the cycle continues until the world knows nothing but blood without a clue to why.  

Sure Kunikuzushi could predict the ironic twist from a mile away, but that didn’t mean he hated it.

Finally there was a light knock on his bedroom door and it was one of his mother’s attendees here to retrieve him.

Now Happiness is such a fickle thing. So easily shattered by the slightest misfortune. Kunikuzushi time and time again was cast aside for later, one could say he was used to it. Used to having his happiness shattered.

The voices were muffled from outside but he could still hear his mother talking to someone.

“ The prince is a fragile child, protect him well”

“ will do your…um…”

“I care not for what titles only that you respect me as expected”

"How about viscountess? after all I already call my homeland archon your majesty so it would be a bit odd to call you that, same goes to his princeliness.” 

Not wanting to be talked about like some helpless puppy any longer, Kunikuzushi opens the doors to the throne room. The glass had obviously been cleaned up and any sign of a physical fight was nowhere to be found. 

There is a new stranger in the room, tall with ginger hair, they smile at his arrival and give him a friendly wave. He’s geared up with weaponry, Snezhnayan weaponry.

The fragility of Kunikuzushi starts to show itself. It's bitter. 

“Greeting My name is Childe but I also go by Tartaglia. Please to meet you, child of the Shogunate ” The ginger introduces himself bowing formally. 

“ Kunikuzushi this is your new bodyguard,” Ei explains coldly 

Reality has always been a cruel thing, perhaps this could even be called fate. And it hurts.

Any sense of joy Kunikuzushi had vanishes as the reality of his situation falls upon the oasis that was being around Kazuha. 

“ Behave yourself, this is for your protection. You are to listen when Childe tells you something is a danger”

He watches as she whispers something in the ginger’s ear 

Something about lists and dangers 

 He is getting another watchdog, one that won’t abandon its post, and this time, this time the place he called his room will finally have become his cage.

…

The meeting becomes a blur, all he remembers is yelling. So much yelling once the new bodyguard has left. Their screaming match ends with Kunikuzushi slamming the doors open, running out and into his room. It always ends like this.

He refuses to cry, not again. He hates proving her right

For a second time in Kunikuzushi’s life, he feels as though he is on the verge of breaking. He’s already broken once when his aunt died, who’s to say it couldn’t happen again.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi idli picked at one of his cuts, completely tuning out his surroundings. Eyes sore from all the crying. After that meeting he’d essentially pull whatever the hell Ei was doing and shut everyone out.

Well almost everyone, excluding his Advisor and a few other people of importance (such as Il Dottore), all of his usual servants had been chased out. It seemed even his secret admirer could get in, although Kunikuzushi wasn’t entirely sure how well they would react to the withering flower. 

Not letting anyone in also meant not letting Kazuha in to take care of the flowers. Kunikuzushi supposed that was simply the consequence of banning all servants from his room.

Actually come to think of it, when was the last time he talked to someone other than Mona? –oh yeah and that Fatui-

“Good Morning your princeliness!”  his new body guard greets him as if he wasn’t just another noose around his neck. 

The prince groaned at the intrusion. 

“ What do you want, Tartaglia?” His words were irritated to say least as he reluctantly greets his new bodyguard.

“Aww, Don’t be so tense.You really should call me Childe, it's way shorter than Tartaglia. We’ve gotten to work together for the past week, surely we are past you hating me.” 

“You mean you got to be an annoying insect in my room and ramble on and on about your siblings.”

“Well it’s not like you were working on anything”

Kunikuzushi scoffs, despite Tartaglia being right about how the pile of commissioner documents remained untouched. He couldn’t be bothered to read through any of them. Besides they were probably just some annoying financial issues that had remained omnipresent in Inazuma for the last century or two

“So? Your job is to keep me safe, not be my friend. Stick to your damn contract and quit telling me what to do.” He was just about ready to punch the taller. Still he remained collected, not wanting to give the ginger what he wanted. He could prove to Ei he wasn’t some immature emotional freak. Well not like her opinion mattered anyway.

“Right right of course your princeliness” The ginger nodded, scratching his hair sheepishly. It always made it hard to tell if he was being serious or not.

“Drop the nickname” Kunikuzushi orders as he could already feel his head hurt from the annoyance that was Tartaglia.

“Oh, would princess be better?”

“SHUT IT!” Kunikuzushi snaps and (accidently) rips open the cut he was picking at. He wasn’t sure if Tartaglia was just trying to tease him or make a light hearted joke but being called princess again was a title he hated for a variety of reasons.

“NEVER, Call me that again” He looked just about ready to kill the Fatui member. He could feel his irises start to spark with electro energy, one of the few features he shared with Ei. 

“Whoa, okay okay I’m- Sorry about that I sincerely apologize, I didn't realize that this was such a touchy…” His bodyguard starts to slowly back away, scared or maybe it was nervousness. His voice clearly indicated sincerity but Kunikuzushi didn’t care.

As long as Tartaglia was scared he didn’t care what else the ginger had to say.

“Just leave me alone” He ordered as he shoved his way past and attempted to leave his bedroom.

As usual Tartaglia stops him, “Wait I need to know where you’ll-”

“Dottore”  He responds, holding up his bloodied wrists. A lie, he was actually going to see Kazuha and apologize for the missed “date”. But Tartaglia didn’t need to know that.

He slams the door on his way out as he takes a moment to recollect himself.

Princess? Archons, he must look so much like her in his disheveled state His face contorts into anger and disgust the more he thinks about it. His mind begins to wander as he recalls memories of his aunt.

“Everyday you grow to look so much like her, my dearest Kunikuzushi” He remembers his aunt telling him.

No I don’t ! I look more like you Aunt Makoto! A younger version of himself responds 

“Her and I are twins and she always says we are far more alike. But I think she just doesn’t realize that you are exactly like she was back when we were children”

“Well I wanna be like you Aunt Makoto! Mother never has time for me”

“One day you will understand my sweet Princess Kunikuzushi” She gently pats his head.

“But Mother said she would spend time with us on my birthday…” 

Then his Aunt died. How old was he when that happened? His mind was already beginning to fog as usual. However he could still recall the servants' hushed whispers the day of the funeral.It lead to him firing half the staff that used to serve his aunt, key word being used to.

“It must be so hard to look at her daughter now, she looks far too much like the recent shogunate…”

“Shh not so loud here she comes”

“I hear the princess wore the late shogunate’s old veil during the funeral. Is she alright?”

“Rumor has it that the shogunates death traumatized the princess so badly that her almighty may as well have lost two of her family members”

“Oh that poor thing, I hope she gets better soon”

The hushed whispers of the past had gotten too loud for their own good. Kunikuzushi slams his fist into the wall next to him. Why must the voices of the past be so difficult? He pulled at his hair trying to think of something else, literally anything that wouldn’t remind him of his Aunt.

“Looks like his royal highness finally decided to leave his room.”

Never did Kunikuzushi believe that he would be grateful for Lady Yae’s prying eyes.

“Good morning to you too Lady Yae” He answers, not looking up from the ground. His eyes feel wet and the last thing he needs is Lady Yae seeing him cry.

“Now now…” The kitsune pauses for a moment and takes a closer look at him. “ Oh my.  I must say red does not suit your hair in the slightest…”

Red? What could that mean- oh. Right, he was still bleeding. The wall he’d punched thankfully did not have blood splatters. His hair on the other hand was not so lucky, being gripped by his left hand which had the bleeding wrist

“I’m fine” he quickly attempts to assure the Kitsune advisor, her expression was still read as unconvinced. 

Lady Yae opens her mouth to say something but she is interrupted by the convenient arrival of Il Dottore. 

“Oh your Highness, I haven’t seen you all week and was beginning to get worried  

“Baah!” The prince yelps and Dottore’s convenient arrival. What a lovely feeling of deja vu. He was wearing a full face mask today.

“Ah, Il Dottore, Her almighty has spoken rather highly of you. Same goes to your homeland’s Archon the tsaritsa. I hope that your stay in Inazuma has been satisfactory?” Lady Yae's personality seemed to have a switch flipped on. Going from chief editor of Yae publish House, to Head Advisor of the Almighty Shogunate. 

“Yes, I am grateful to the hospitality and accommodation that your Archon had so graciously granted.” Dottore 

Kunikuzushi slowly started trying to inch away from the conversation. If those two stayed talking with each other long enough maybe he could-

“That is indeed nice to hear, although I’ve been getting some complaints from the tri commission about some large orders for crystal marrows that you place. I believe it was the place start of the 25th of October and arrived on…November 8th, and well would you look at that, that was just yesterday”

“Wait wait wait, what did you say the date was?” A small feeling of nervousness began to bubble inside the prince. Had he misheard? If yesterday was November 8th wouldn’t that mean-

“ November 8th? Why do you ask?” Lady Yae's answer confirmed his anxieties.

“I’m an idiot” He mutters under his breath. An absolute idiot. November 8th, one day after Kazuha’s birthday. KAZUHA’S BIRTHDAY. You know the one he’s literally been over the moon from the first time they met. 

Kunikuzushi starts pacing back and forth, breaking into a series of his usual nervous habits. His left hand grip tightened on his hair. How could he forget Kazuha’s birthday after not only missing multiple of their agreed chatting time, he missed the closest thing he’s ever gotten to a date with the albino, and now; His stupidity made him completely lose track of time and forget to get Kazuha a birthday gift.

“You look worried, Your Highness. Something wrong?” Il Dottore asked him, as if stating the obvious.  He ignored the blue haired Fatui member and continued to mumble to himself trying to think. 

Kunikuzushi knew he needed to get something gardening related, but what did Kazuha already have? He had to be certain it wasn’t a double? Maybe a plant, but then again he hardly knows anything about gardening without the help of Kazuha…

The blood from his wrist had started to drip onto the carpet, leaving a trail of blood drops going back and forth. At some point the Doctor and Lady Yae must have noticed and Dottore was quick to stop the prince from staining the carpet any further.

“Your highness, could you come here for a moment?” The taller asked nonchalantly, although the question was merely a courtesy as Kunikuzushi soon found his wrist being dragged closer to Il Dottore’s face for inspection.

Blood is rolling down the sides as it becomes clear the cut Kunikuzushi had reopened was a deep one. 

The Fatui doctor sighs as if he was about to scold a child for doing something they weren’t supposed to. “ Your Highness, we talked about this, you mustn't pick at your old scabs. Honesty it is a miracle you have bleed yourself dry” 

“I thought you said you hated exaggerations” Kunikuzushi comments, he was certain that the man had said so the other day. Then again it always did seem like it was a different person every time he talked with Dottore.

“Go along now,” Lady Yae told the prince as her hand gesture to shooing him away, “We can’t have the future ruler of Inazuma dripping blood all over the palace, now can we?” She seemed all too happy to send him off with the Snezhnayan doctor.

Kunikuzushi scoffs at being forcibly dragged down to Dottore’s office again. Why did things always end like this? He just wanted to see Kazuha. Well he did until he realized he had yet to give Kazuha a birthday gift that had yet to found.

“This feels just like before, Your highness, don’t you think?” 

The Doctors’ comment goes ignored with Kunikuzushi only responding with a simple “hm?”

In terms of plants he did vaguely recall Kazuha saying something about the Bonsai tree being lonely in the garden. He could get Kazuha a Inazuman maple leaf sapling …Although wouldn't that just be giving the albino more work to do?

“Surely you feel the strong sense of deja vu from all this” Dottore interrupted Kunikuzushi's thought process again. Much to his dismay. 

“No, not really,” He replied with a shrug. He could care less about whatever conversation Il Dottore was trying to start, come to think of it, didn’t Dottore mention how he hated small talk? Is anything consistent with this guy?

“That's a shame but alas shall we?”  The Doctor slides the door open and gestures for the prince to enter first.

“I know, I know take a seat, let you look at my wrist and..l” Kunikuzushi paused in reciting the instructions he’d grown sick of hearing whenever he was forcibly dragged to this room. “That’s- That’s perfect” He murmurs to himself.

“Oh that old thing? Yeah no, I added too much of it’s modification at once.” Dottore answers as he opens one of his many drawers looking for some disinfectant.

The small Bonsai tree on Il Dottore’s desk had caught the prince’s attention. It had changed exponentially since the last time he’d seen it. The roots had definitely degraded in quality and the white spots had gone from just some spots to completely consuming the tree. It was a far cry from what Kunikuzushi was looking for, but it gave him an idea.  

“Could you perhaps teach me how to do that?” The prince asked, pointing to the small Bonsai tree. If time wasn’t on his side then maybe he could compensate by indulging the experiment posed by the Snezhnayan Doctor. 

“What for?” The man asked, who seemed to be struggling to find where he put the first aid kit. 

Kunikuzushi bit his lip, unsure if he should tell Dottore the reason. He needed this gift for Kazuha and it looked like it would only be through Dottore could he get the Bonsai tree.

It wasn’t until Dottore poured what he assumed was just pure Hydro Peroxide onto the open cut when he finally answered. “It’s a gift for someone..Ow! What is this stuff!?” He reasonably jerks his hand away from the liquid as it felt like it was burning into his skin.

“Just a mix of Ethanol and Hydro Peroxide, I made this blend myself.” He answers as he aggressively pulls Kunikuzushi’s wrist back before finally starting to wrap his wounds.” Well if it’s a gift, why don’t you ask the gardener, what his name-”

“No!” He exclaims in a panic, “No- I can’t just… His name’s Kazuha, you know.”  He slumps the chair in defeat, having quickly given up on trying to explain his exclamation. 

“Hmm so that’s how it is” Dottore seemed to raise an eyebrow at this, although it was hard to tell with the mask. “Well I suppose I do have a plant or two I could spare, I assume you want a style similar to the bigger one outside?” 

“Wouldn’t that take years?” Kunikuzushi asked, confused at the prospect. Before realizing the redundancy of his question. 

The Doctor simply laughs and answers “ Not with the modified version I use” Before opening the room's storage closet that contained at least 20 different species of Bonsai saplings.

“How do you keep these alive in there!?” He asked, both amazed and shocked at the sheer amount.

“Science” Il Dottore responds with his usual shark-like grin. He pulls out what the prince can identify as a Snowrose sapling (thanks Kazuha) and places it onto the desk. “Now shall we begin with the basics?”

—-

Unsurprisingly Kunikuzushi’s first attempt to restructure the Bonsai tree ended in failure. Sure the instructions seemed simple enough, but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out how to place in the proper root structures before the tree completely caved in on itself.

“Hey, it’s all about the process. Even though I make it sound easy I assure you my other segment met the same problem.” Dottore instructs, “Why don’t we take a small break, I’m sure you’ll feel better afterwards.”

“I know, I’m just…” The prince’s voice trailed off, he was trying so hard not to rush. It wasn’t as if he could control how he felt. It had to work, he couldn’t mess up again. Kazuha didn’t deserve to be given something half hearted. He had no excuse. So why is he still messing up so badly? 

“It’s okay to feel frustrated” The Doctor soothingly rubs his back, trying to comfort Kunikuzushi. “I would feel tense too if I had Childe trailing me all day”

“Tell me about it” The prince nods in agreement “ If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t feel the need-” He stops himself from revealing anything further. He had yet to know which side Dottore was on in his love life and the Sneznyhan’s inconsistent behavior had not helped in the slightest. 

“I never asked for a new Bodyguard,” Kunikuzushi firmly admits, although it was rather obvious.

“It was your mom’s decision I presume?” Dottore asked as he used the scalpel to carve off the dead bits of the sapling.

The prince nods confirming the assumption. “ Yep, all her idea. It’s like she trying to find a way to ignore me but also be completely overbearing”

“That's not good, you both should really try communicating more. I hear it does wonders.” Il Dottore sarcastically retorts as he starts to collect the dead leaves as samples for later

Kunikuzushi laughs coldly at Dottore’s statement “Try telling that to her when you look like her dead sister”

The Doctor goes silent for a moment as if trying to process how apathetic he sounded. Well this is new, he never seen this reaction from Dottore before. The prince silently stares at the Snezhnayan waiting for some sort of response.

 However this is Dottore, and Dottore does what Dottore wants. ( a conscience Kunikuzushi managed to reach in the last hour of trying to work on a Bonsai tree.) After about a minute or two of silence the doctor turns around and- 

“I figured out what was wrong with the tree!” Completely avoids answering the question.

He exclaimed his discovery in such a way Kunikuzushi could only assume he’d stopped paying attention. Oh well, it’s like he was planning on going into that any time soon. 

“And?” He asked, somewhat curious to know what was wrong. 

“The genetic formula of the current solution I had you work with is incompatible with this tree in specific, It actually does the opposite effect while still appearing as healthy, which means we actually cause this tree to wither without it rotting….”

“Uh-huh…” The prince struggled to follow Dottore’s ramblings, he simply nodded along with every observation doctor pointed out. Regardless, Kunikuzushi had to admit that he found it kinda fun to work on this. Maybe he really should seriously indulge in this weird little side project of Dottore’s. Who knows, this might just let him help Kazuha more discreetly. 

—

 “Anyway that’s done” Dottore announced as he took a big stretch.

He’d swapped out the Snowrose sapling for a much simpler oak tree. With a little bit of guidance  Kunikuzushi was able to shape the oak into a Hokidachi style. The Bark pattern swirled in an unnatural but beautiful spirals. 

“You have my gratitude, Il Dottore” Kunikuzushi thanks while smiling warmly at the Bonsai. It was perfect. He could only hope Kazuha would say the same

“I'm glad you're satisfied, Your Highness. Now before you leave, why don’t you change out of that shirt?” Dottoe says pointing at the blood stains that had long since dried on Kunikuzushi white haori.

“Oh I didn’t realize, may I?” He points to the shogi screen. Although he doesn’t bother to check if he got the okay before quickly hurrying behind the screen. He starts to remove any blood stained items. However, as he starts to undress , he hears the rowdy bodyguard burst into the room. Presumably to look for him.

“Your Highness? Oh hey Dottore, is the prince here? I came here earlier but you weren't here so I may or may not have completely lost the prince.” Great now he has to deal with this.. 

Sighing, Kunikuzushi responds before Tartaglia could start causing further trouble. “ I’m in here Tartaglia, I’ll be out in a minute.”  

“No can do, I was ordered to locate you and fully confirm your safety after the viscountess (her almighty) found your trail of blood.”

Of course it was because of his mother when was it not. Irritated he tries again to halt Tartaglia from sliding the screen open,“ I’m telling you Tartaglia, I’ll be out in a minute. I’m changing right now.” 

Unfortunately Kunikuzushi soon realized that the blood seeped into pretty much everything he was wearing. Each layer seemed to be more stained than the other. He hurridly 

Now what, it’s not like he had a change of clothing here-

“Why is that a problem? we’re both guys, you don’t need to be so self conscious. The harder you try and push me away the more likely I am to believe you’re seriously injured. I need to confirm you're okay ” The Ginger sounded genuinely concerned but Kunikuzushi didn’t care.

“I’m serious, Childe, don't come in here!” 

“I’m gonna slide the screen back right now,”

“WAIT!” 

There’s an awkward silence as Tartaglia takes in the scene before him. If the extreme dislike of the nickname of princess didn’t spell it out for the Fatui member, Kunikuzushi’s chest binder clearly did.

“Oh- um… Wait is that why-” His bodyguard stutters as his face reddens in embarrassment. 

“Get out,” Kunikuzushi told him . Trying (but failing ) to not kill the Fatui member. 

“Hm?” 

“I SAID GET OUT” He yelled, as he chucked the nearest item (a book)  at Tartaglia.

“Sorry! Sorry! I’m Sorry!” Childe apologizes while fleeing from the onslaught of books.

When the prince turned his attention to the other person in the room, who looked ready to laugh. Furious he starts lecturing Dottore as well.

“Honestly, why didn’t you stop him!?” He exclaims as he covers his chest with his arms. 

“Ahem. My apologies, your highness. I do hope you can forgive me, but unfortunately Tartaglia has always been a bit of an idiot at times, suffice to say I highly doubt my words would do anything.”

“A bit” Kunikuzushi scoffed, “ he literally waltz into me like this because of his stupid contract. I don’t care if he is meant to protect me, he should give a guy some space.” He was more annoyed than embarrassed by the whole ordeal. It wasn’t as if he was disgusted by his body, more so just, uncomfortable when seen by others.

“Well if anything it simply confirmed a suspicion of mine” Il Dottore admits as he gently pats the head of the very angry prince.

“Wait so you knew?” He didn’t recall ever telling Dottore, in fact he hardly tells anyone he meets for the first time. It was more convenient that way anyway.

“You’re not great at hiding things you hold dear” Dottore comments as he hands Kunikuzushi a clean lab coat. The prince isn’t quite sure what to make of the statement . Was it an insult or an observation?  Regardless of which it was a perfect opportunity to be a nuisance and start a needless argument

“Am too thank you very much” The prince retaliates snarkily, he swaps his haori  forThe Doctor's lab coat instead. It’s at least 3 size to pig for him but it does it’s job in covering the blood stains.

Dottore ignores the clear prompt to start an argument and continues, “Believe what you want. However, if you ever wish to go further I'm more than willing to help.” 

This was unexpected, “ I- Thank you, if you are offering courses. Serious as much her almighty has no problems with this” He gesture to his chest binds, “It’s never been a priority”

“Well better now then later.” The Doctor seemingly advises. 

 “I suppose so” Kunikuzushi says, having grown accustomed to Il Dottore’s strangeness ”I should probably get going before Tartaglia burst in here again”

The Doctor only hums in acknowledgement at the prince’s departure.

Kunikuzushi walks around the hallway leading up to his room, the sun was just starting to set. Had he really spent that long on this gift? The prince soon comes to realize that the insatiable idiot that was otherwise known as Tartaglia was nowhere to be found. He grips the potted Bonsai tightly. This was his shot at speaking with Kazuha without interruption. 

The same feeling of happiness returns. Although it had been slightly toned down. Regardless, the prince practically sprints to the garden with the plant in tow. He ends up running straight into Kazuha, who seemed to be returning from weeding.

“Oh! Hey Kuni” His  The gardener greets with a excited wave. Oh how he’s missed this.

“Hey” Kunikuzushi responds, still trying to catch his breath. “ Um, this is for you” He stutter trying to find the right words as he presents the oak Bonsai, “Happy Birthday Kazuha…ah I-”

“Kuni no, it’s alright really, I’m just glad you're okay.” Kazuha hand gently combs the Kuni’s long hair, detangling each and every knot. “ When I heard you’d banned all servants from entering your room, I couldn’t help but worry about you”

“You know I could never lock you out dumbass, I just use… it was poor word choice” Kuni sheepishly admits as his face blush both from embarrassment and well Kazuha’s affection of course. He lets  as Kazuha take the pot from his hand and inspects the tree. His chest throbbed in anticipation for what would be said. 

“Kuni this is beautiful, I- you must tell me how you did this. Especially given how young of a- ”

“YOUR HIGHNESS?”

You’ve got to be kidding him.

 “GO AWAY TARTAGLIA” He yells back, why is it every time he has a moment alone with someone, his bodyguard seems to feel the need to interrupt them. All he wanted was some quiet time for himself and Kazuha who he hadn't seen in the past week following Tartaglia arrival. The least the unwanted bodyguard could have done was let him have some privacy.

“NOT UNTIL YOU LET ME APOLOGIZE-”  Tartaglia yelling get tuned out by Kazuha's tapping his shoulder 

“What did you do?” Kazuha whispers, curious as to what had transpired.

“Nothing! He’s the one at fault.” Kunikuzushi answers with a slight irritated look on his face. He watch the albino start quietly laughing. For a moment his worries dissolve as he listens to Kazuha's playful laughter.  Said moment is cut short by Kazuha himself as the gardener scratching the prince's head as if he was some sort of cat.

 “Kazuha.. Not here! someone's gonna get the wrong idea…”  He half-heartly punched the albino's shoulder trying to get him to stop. A part of him kinda wants someone to think that, mainly Tartaglia in hopes to get left alone.

Yeah right, Tartaglia would just rat him out to Ei. The man seemed to be physically incapable to stray from his contract. He quickly gets up and off Kazuha, before helping the gardener do the same. The sound of his bodyguards swift footsteps get louder and faster. Running would be more accurate.

“I'm sorry about ignoring your request, your highness,” Childe apologizes with sincerity whilst bowing, clearly out of breath from his search. “ I promise to be more mindful of your wishes in the future.”

does this irritation really think Kunikuzushi was so easily swayed? Then again, said irritation seemed to be understand that he wasn't needed.

“As if! " He snaps, "You fail to-” He's about to raised his fist to punch the taller, but Kazuha beats him to it by flicking Kunikuzushi forehead.

“Ku- Ahem, Your Highness I think he’s being rather sincere, I’m unsure on the full context however I think it’s best you forgive him.” The albino recommends as he lowers Kuni's fist.

Sometimes, Kunikuzushi really did question if the gardener knew the effect he had on him. For Kazuha's sake he reluctantly forces himself accepted Tartaglia's apologie. 

“Fine, I’ll forgive you, but stop sticking to your contract word for word.” he says before lightly knocks at the bodyguard’s head.

“Of course!” The ginger assured him with a smile. If there was one thing that Kunikuzushi like about Tartaglia, is that unlike Il Dottore, this Fatui member was far easier to read. As expected the smile is quick to fade.

“I know you just said not to stick so strictly to my contract, however your mother will be very displease if we stay out an longer”  The bodyguard informs him, Right, he never did read the new restriction to his movement around the palace.

Kunikuzushi quickly shifts his attention to Kazuha, anticipated some sort of negative emotion. Annoyance or even anger would be well warranted. Instead he find his hand having soothing circles rubbed into it, as if trying to say everything would be okay. Although it probability quickly decreases as the prince soon realized just how tightly he'd been squeezing the albino's hand.  His cheeks redden as he loosens his grip on Kazuha's hand.

“I suppose it's my curfew time” He finally answers. A seed of guilt planted itself in his throat, but there was little point in fighting these new restrictions. All attempts could easily tighten the social chokehold Ei has subjected him to, or worst yet get someone he cared about killed. Especially if that someone could very easily be Kazuha.

“It’s alright Kuni, I understand”  He could hear the slight hint of disappointment in Kazuha's voice, and it stung. This wasn't the first time either. Every moments since his engagement had been finalized. He could hear Kazuha's tone shift slightly whenever he was dragged away by his "royal duties". 

Kunikuzushi doubted the two events were related, however it was still a somewhat pressing matter for the prince.

“I’m-” He tries to apologize but Kazuha is quick to stop him

“Don’t” Kazuha says placing his finger on his lip. He gently smiles at the prince once more. It's a rather sad smile at that. Of course it would bug Kazuha, he was just some delusional fool that though otherwise.

The guilt had started to burn through Kunikuzushi voice. He didn't want to simple oblige by the Shogunate's wishes, Kazuha dind't deserve some half hearted apology every time he's dragged away. They were supposed to be friends. He was supposed to try, but he's also learn what the Shogunate was truly capable of. Resisting didn't do anything but make things worst.

“ Goodnight Kuni, I’ll see you in the morning maybe?” Kazuha subtly peaks the back of Kunikuzushi hand with a kiss. A relatively uncommon exchange normally preformed when the two of them were alone or jokingly in front of Tomo or Mona.

The fear of the possible repercussions of this is outweighed by the breeze of warmth the fills Kunikuzushi heart. He can’t help but smile to himself. 

“Goodnight Kazuha,” He whispers in response, knowing full well Tartaglia is still watching but for once, the unwelcomed bodyguard presence does not matter. 

Chapter Text

“It’s rather quiet tonight” Kazuha mumms to himself as he returns to his garden shack. Tama leaps off his workbench to greet him, purring up against his leg.

“There there, I’m sure Tomo will be back soon. Now let’s get your dinner settled, I’m sure you found being cooped up in here all day hasn’t been very fun.” The gardener affectionately rubs the top of the cat's head as he puts down Kuni’s Bonsai tree. He quietly hums to himself while snipping off some clippings. 

It’s been a while since he’d last seen Tomo. 3 weeks to be exact. It was a bit troubling. Last Kazuha heard from his friend was that he was off to deal with a particularly annoying Oni. (According to Madam Kujou Sara that is). But dealing with someone like Itto would take 3 days max.

“Don’t give me that look, You know full well I don’t have much else for you” Kazuha teasingly scolds Tama watching her turn and pout at her dinner. 

“Whatever Tomo is doing right now I’m sure he’ll be back sooner or later. I mean as if he would just abandon the stray he had to do 3 months of manual labor to be forgiven by Madam Kujou Sara '' Kazuha laughs at the memory as he admires the gift Kuni got him.

What was he going to do if Tomo really was never gonna return? It was already out of character for him to be out far past how many meals he’d prepare for Tama. What if something really was wrong…

And then there was Kuni’s situation. Everything from unexplained scheduling changes to new restrictions that made the prince ever more trapped. Kazuha wasn’t even mad or even upset that they had to cancel their meetup because of the new bodyguard. More so scared for what was going to happen to the prince.

Now, typically Kazuha would never directly oppose how a parent should raise their child. Shogunate or not, nurturing life is a difficult task that requires the utmost attention and care. That being said he could no longer sit and watch Kunikuzushi be treated like some sort of prized possession destined to be admired from afar.

It wasn’t as if Kazuha couldn’t understand why Her Almighty was so over-protective. The loss of Raiden Makoto traumatized the nation to its very core. The possibility of losing the young prince Kunikuzushi would be unthinkable.

But, Kazuha knew a lonely person when he saw one. The face Kuni made when they’d first met was still fresh in the gardener’s mind, the puffy red eyes that started emptily at the cherry blossom. The surprised expression he made when he inevitably noticed Kazuha’s presence. It wasn’t all too different from the face he’d seen Kuni make earlier. It hurt seeing the man Kazuha had fallen for start reverting back into a self recused lonely person. That amount of isolation seems uncalled for, tortuous even.

Kazuha impatiently paced back and forth trying to think. There just had to be an explanation to why Her Almighty would suddenly tighten the chain she’d place onto her son’s freedom. There just had to be.

Kunikuzushi was to ascend to the throne in 2 months, well at least formally. Entering a century long agreement with another nation on such short notice. Let alone give them such a large influence over Inazuma's public relations,if the servant gossip was to be believed.

Not only did the (rumored) arrangements directly negate the need to uphold the role Kunikuzushi’s engagement played on the political field, it completely disregards tradition. Something that the current Shogunate was known for being a sticker for.

Something wasn’t adding up, but just what information was Kazuha missing? Sure most of this was only alleged but one would be surprised how much of servant gossip regarding political arrangements turned out to be true.

“Maybe I just need to write something,” Kazuha reasoned with himself. Everything, every question, every concern, every rumor. It all started sounding a bit too much like a conspiracy tangent Itto and Tomo would go off on. Maybe he was just tired, stressed,maybe a little heartbroken as the days he had alone with Kuni were numbered. This will clear his head, Kunikuzushi would be fine without him. The prince doesn;t owe him anything. Friendship was enough.

 It had been quite some time since he last got the chance. Maybe this will get his mind off things.

Sighing, Kazuha pulled out his pocket diary and began composing some poetry.

A field of a thousands eyes

 An object to be idolized and admired from afar. 

Gazes warps all around it

Ripping the bird to shreds 

Blood turns to rust and rust to blood—

“Tama wha-” Kazuha dropped his pen while Tama casually walked over his notebook.She struts right into the wet ink smearing the words and leaving an inky paw print mark on the page.

He groaned as he watched the mischievous cat track inky paw prints all over his shed.

“Tame please don’t-” 

“Meow” The cat mewed in response as she made her way to the potted plant on his desk. An oak sapling. Specifically the one Kuni gave to him. Tama sat next to the oak sapling, left paw lifted, hovering. His best friend’s cat looked up at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Oh no. Why are you like this Tama? He wanted to cry as he watched the inevitable happen.

*Crash*

With a simple flick of a feline paw, the oak tree sapling shattered on the ground below it. 

“How am I supposed to explain this to Kuni…” Kazuha groans, shooing Tama away from the broken glass. Before the worry can bloom into his mind, the gardener forces himself to take a step back. 

Breath Kazuha. Everything will be okay. Tomo was going to be back soon.  Kuni will be happy soon. The flower arrangements will be done soon. He just needed to breathe.

As he starts with picking up the sapling, planning on temporarily replanting it into a smaller pot. 

He feels a sudden thud in his chest. His anemo vision burns brightly, as if it’s trying to seer itself into Kazuha’s back. 

“What the-'' Kazuha looked at the tree more closely. The burning sensation gets stronger as he touches the base of the sapling. Parts of the delicately twined root melted into his hand as if they were made of wax. It drips a bluish-green liquid onto the floor.

 “Tama, stay back I’ll clean the glass later- Don’t lick any of that!” He quickly warns, as a minor panic takes hold. First things first, get the oak tree settled and identify what is wrong. C’mon Kazua you’ve done this before, just plant the oak sapling into a separate container, then analyze it.

Pulling out his gardening encyclopedia of plant disease, he swiftly flips through the pages. “Where is it..” He mumbles to himself, time was ticking after all. For all he knew the rest of the plant could just disintegrate and possibly infect every other plant here. He needs to work fast.

A new oak tree disease? That…That impossible-...Right?

If only he'd known that nothing would match up. In hindsight Kazuha figured he wouldn’t  find anything.

In the sea of false smiles 

A new sickness is born

Chapter Text

“ Maybe it’s rotting? But that doesn’t explain the weird blue liquid” Kazuha quietly talks to himself as he scribbles down his observations. What an oddity. He’s never seen liquid like it. A liquidy solid. 

Then you have the tree. It was in a state of dying yet, it had hardly left its soil at all. Furthermore it seemed to be recovering somehow.

He nervously tapped his pencil on the table. What if it’s dangerous? If Kuni worked on this, for all he knew the prince could have been in direct contact with an undiscovered planet illness. 

What if it isn’t an undiscovered plant illness? What if Kazuha had just missed something? What if Kuni got hurt and it was because he missed this key detail?

The more thoughts that race through his head, the more frantic the gardener flipped through his gardening encyclopedia. He had to have missed something, there had to be something that matched up.

Something something something. There just had to be something.

“Meow!” Tama suddenly pounced onto one of the rapidly flipping pages. Finally distracting Kazuha from his anxious questions. 

“Tama, No— Not now, now is not the-”

“Mew!” Tama angrily mews back, refusing to move off the page. His friend’s cat purrs up against the underside of his chin, as if trying to sooth his worry.

Kazuha’s expression softens, as he begins to absent-mindedly stroke behind Tama’s ear.

Breath in slowly and…Breath out. See, much better! I’ve never seen you worry so much.  Kazuha remembers Tomo telling him after they’d snuck a basket of Sakura petals into the prince’s room. His best friend aggressively clasped both sides of Kazuha’s face, essentially slapping some sense into his rapid anxiety. You need to think logically! His Highness has never hated the flowers you gifted, why would he now?

Right, maybe he is just overthinking things. If nothing matches up with his current gardening notes, then he needs to check the archives. If nothing matches up there, then he will simply have to get ahold of his family's old records, somehow.

“I should clean up..”He mumbles to himself as he goes to pick up Tama. But ever the menace, Tama was quick to jump up and off his book. Quickly scurrying away to the tops of his upper cabinets.

Sighing he stares at the oak sapling. This was a worry for another day he reminds himself as he places the tree in a separate container. The blue liquid continued to swill on its own, particles flowing in and out of a dead-alive looking tree.

Before Kazuha could give into his temptation to poke at the floating particles, there was an elegant 3 knocks at his door.

“No need to knock Lady Kamisato!” The gardener responded, quickly shutting the 2 containers and shoving them under the table. “The door is unlocked!” 

“Excuse my intrusion Kazuha” Lady Kamisato— Ayaka greets him with a knowing smile.

 “Sooo? How’d it go~” The noble woman teased, setting down her things  “Did his highness say anything? I know I’m probably rather late to ask.”

“ No need to apologize Lady Ayaka…” Kazuha replies fidgeting, “ I suppose you haven’t heard then, although it’s not like your fault or anything! From what I hear, you've been away on a business trip to the Yashiro commission for the past few days.”

“Yep,” Ayaka confirmed, as she took out a ribbon for Tama to play with. ” It was mainly just figuring out how to run things from there after I’m married into her Almighty’s family. But do tell, what happened during that time frame?”

“Ah, well it’s…” He averts his gaze from her. Where to start, the new locks around Kuni’s freedom? Kuni’s recent regression as a result? The new tree illness he’d just discovered? Well probably not the last one.

Sighing, Kazuha starts with the first one. “ There were some complications regarding the outing I was– no, I would have had with his highness. It pains me to see that Her almighty continues to no trust him to live-”

Oops, he’d forgotten he wasn’t talking to Tomo right now, he was talking to Ayaka. Panicking, Kazuha quickly slaps his hand over his mouth at the realization of what he’d just said sunk in. He said something he really shouldn’t have. 

“I- I don’t mean to insult Her Alrighty!” Kazuha clarifies in a frenzy. You’ve really done it now Kazuha, he mentally scolded himself. A slip of the tongue would be all it takes, and typically he would confide in Tomo about these things. But again, Tomo is essentially missing.

“No need to panic, Kazuha, it’s alright.” Lady Ayaka says, “ I actually thought something similar the first time his highness and I met. He was so cold, yet–” She pauses for a moment, choosing next words carefully, “ Hey Kazuha? As someone who’s lived within the palace’s walls for the last few years, is it true that her almighty treats his highness as a doll?”

Kazuha’s expression said it all.

Silence.

The two friends stood there, both knowing the answer to that question. Neither saying anything.

“Say, how’s Tama doing under your care?” Ayaka abruptly asks, trying to ease the tension. 

“I’d say she's doing fine, mischievous as usual. Although in hindsight I should probably start getting some proper cat food. ” Kazuha says, raising an eyebrow at Tama’s innocent cat grin.

More awkward silence. Now, it’s like they didn’t have anything to talk about. More like not knowing how to talk to each other.

“Does nobility really make you this nervous?” Ayaka playfully asks, trying to ease them back into conversation. “ You know you have to get over this tenseness of yours if you really want to be part of Kuni’s life.” 

Laughing, Kazuha answers back with a joking question of his own, “ Well in that case, since you're playing matchmaker for me and Kuni, it’s only fair that you tell me who you end up fancying.”

“I don’t think I have anyone in mind at the moment, Although… “ The noble woman tapped her mouth trying to think of an answer. “Hmmm,  I guess it would be that firework girl from that one shop, she’s definitely caught my eye at the very least.” 

“Is that so?” Now it was Kazuha’s turn to tease. “ Do elaborate, in the meantime I do have to work on the garden for a bit. So if you want we can talk while I work?”

 “I’d be delighted,” Ayaka nods with a cheery smile. “Besides, I actually meant to take a closer look at a few plants. In any case, lead the way Gardener Kazuha!”

As it turned out, Ayaka's talent with crafting floral courtyards and Kazuha’s skills with gardening work in harmony. Finally breaking the awkward ice between the two, as they freely conversed about love and relationships. Although they did have one conversation that regarded Kazuha’s family history.

“Speaking of my brother, he did tell me that your family used to be part of the Yashiro Commision. Would you mind if I asked about that?” Ayaka asked, pulling out a weed.

“Yep, it’s a bit of a complicated mess. In short I’d chosen to live as a commoner following my clan’s ruin. Then the debt caught up, and well the Shogunate’s palace just so happened to be looking for a gardener.”

“I see, well my brother told me to inform you that his offer still stand, whatever that means”

Right Lord Kamisato–Ayato..? Either way, this was his chance to get ahold of his family’s gardening records.

“Hey, Ayaka? Does your brother by chance still have my family’s archives, specifically gardening.”

“Probably, I can always ask. … Hey you managed to call me by my first name without stiffening heh heh” She laughs with a childish grin.

She really was like the little sister Kazuha never had. See, he doesn’t have to worry about Kuni. Kuni will be fine in her hands, he’ll be fine watching Kuni from afar. Knowing that Ayaka was a kindred spirit as well.

To anyone watching they looked like old friends, and perhaps under different circumstances they would have been.

Alas, the voices of two distinct advisors of the Raiden family would be what ended their gardening session.

“Lady Kamisato, I didn’t expect to find you here~”
“Lady Kamisato—There you are!”

Chapter Text

“Ah, Lady Yae, Lady Mona, please to see the both of you again.” Lady Kamisato greets with a weary smile, clearly overwhelmed by the presence.

She makes a quick mental note of Kazuha quietly stepped aside, clean, unsure what to do with the bombardment of questions and information she was now being given.

As usual, Lady Mona talked quickly and bluntly,

“ My sincerest apologies for giving you so much busy work so soon after your return. However, there are multiple forms I need you to read over and sign. His highness requests not to be disturbed unless it regards urgent matters so his study and room are off limits. There are around 4 transcripts of various meetings I need you to read over and send me your thoughts, and before I forget the—“

“Oh my, Lady Mona surely you don’t expect any normal person to remember and complete all those tasks so swiftly? Lady Kamisato isn’t his highness you know~” Lady Yae teased with her left ear slightly perked up. She looked at the other advisor with a warning look of concern.

How particular, Ayaka quietly notes to herself, anxiously twirling her hair. 

“I know it’s just-” The prince’s advisor's mouth hung agape for a moment as she stopped herself from speaking further. She glanced at Lady Yae searching for approval or maybe guidance.

The face she made piqued both Ayaka and Kazuha’s attention.

 Lady Mona was known to seldom look towards the others when it came to serving his highness. Given that most of the engagement  planning had been delegated to her, perhaps in her exhaustion she finally accepted help. However, her composure seemed to tell a different story.

Sure Lady Mona was clearly tired, but there was always an air of anxiety and uncertainty floating around her. By the looks of things Kazuha isn’t the only one missing information here, just about everyone here ( excluding  Lady Yae) had only parts of the information.

“I may be overstepping but may I ask why his highness made such a request” Ayaka asked innocently despite already being able to guess the answer. A part of her wanted to hear it from someone who not only held a close bond with the prince, but was privy to information Kazuha would lack.

When in doubt, ask your question innocently. She recalled her brother telling her during her brief stay in their estate. This drops their guard, at least a little. Plus given how little they know about you, I wouldn’t be too surprised if you got a tad bit more than you’re supposed to. After all the “rules” on what can and can’t be spoken about in your presence has yet to be established.

Ayaka was thankful her brother gave her such advice, but could help but feel slightly guilt for the response 

Lady Mona let out a long sigh as she finally caved in dropping her composed act, letting her worries for the prince fall to the ground.

 “He really has become just like his mother…So tell me Lady Yae, what could I have done to help? It hasn’t been easy trying to get him to talk, but now this? It’s only a matter of time before his emotions eat him alive.” She asked quietly, looking down at the ground as she combed her hand through her rushed ponytail.

“I’ve been asking myself the same question for years” Lady Yae answered with an unchanging expression despite the somber implications.

“I see..” Kazuha quietly whispered, the gardener turned his face away from Ayaka.

There was an uncanny silence between the 4 of them.

Perhaps I should have asked Brother to tell me what to do after I received my answer, the noble woman notes to herself. Ayaka forced herself to hold her smile not wanted to be rude or make the situation more awkward.

Suddenly there was some light snoring coming from the twin-tailed advisor. Who somehow, managed to fall asleep standing up.

“Oh-” She and Lady Yae said in unison both suprise, although from personal experience Ayaka had a feeling it was more like a playful teasing "oh". 

Right on que, The yokai was quick to snatch another opportunity to poke fun at the younger advisor. “Ahem. I think it’s time we get back on track don’t you think hm? Lady Mona~”

“Huh? Um yeah. Where was I again… umm” Lady Mona eyes shot up as the advisor held back a yelp from being awoken so suddenly. She quickly scans the scene around her quickly deducing where and what she had just been doing. It was both amazing and and rather concerning as a matter of fact.

  “Ah, Kazuha. The people in charge of decorating the flowers say that they’ll either need a constant supply of flowers or you need to supervise them yourself.” The advisor informs nonchalantly  as if nothing had happened.

"Yes, understood. I'll oversee it." Kazuha answerers nodding his head, he too looked like he'd just had a thinking session interrupted. 

"Good, I'll go-"

"It's fine! I'll inform them myself" The albino quickly adds " You sincerely need rest Lady Mona"

That got a raised eyebrow from the princes advisor, but at the very least she seemed to quietly except the offer.

“Well, looks like we’ll both be busy then,” Ayaka comments aloud let her thoughts slip.  " I wish you the best of luck with your task Kazuha" Ayaka says with a formal bow before turning to leave. 

“Actually, If you’re ready to get going I’ll escort you myself.” Lady Yae offered with a cunning fox grin.

A bit Unnerving but nothing Ayaka couldn’t handle.

“Yes I am. However, I understand how busy you all are, please there’s no need to treat me so seriously.”

“Well, if you think of it that way…hmmm~ If I recall correctly you needed to stop by the Archive later correct? I need to head there to retrieve some old files?  The Kitsune explained, “Now shall we?” offering out her hand for the Kamisato Lady.

“Right–Of Course, Ahem. Do excuse me Lady Mona, Gardener Kazuha. Lets try and garden together again. ” Ayaka says with a light hearted smile, not realizing the dangerous mistake she just made.

In hindsight, she should have known better. Her older brother, Ayato, had warned her explicitly about Lady Yae being a very perceptive person to deal with. Unfortunately the young Kamisato Ayaka was in for a treat. There's an uncomfortable chill ran down her spine as she feels the burning gaze of a plotting Kitsune, ear’s slightly perked with interest.

Chapter Text

There was an unnerving silence that hung in the air as they walked to the Archives.  Ayaka was left to nervously fidget with her hands as her heart thumped rapidly with anticipation.

Had she done something wrong? Lady Yae isn’t usually this quiet… Then again she hardly knew Lady Yae outside of meetings.

“You’ve taken quite the interest in the garden Lady Kamisato, I didn’t take you for the type to sully your dress so eagerly.” 

The sudden comment nearly makes Ayaka’s heart jump as she takes a moment to register what was said.

“ Oh um…well…” She shifts her gaze up and down as she stumbles over her words. 

Was Lady Yae angry? Had she acted out of line by helping in the garden? Was it her not wearing an apron when gardening? What if this affect…What should she—

Regain your composure before you speak your mind. I need you to breathe Ayaka. Can you do that for me?

Right, she had her brother’s advice to rely on. Deep breath and a count to three. Collect your thoughts and regain your composure.

1…2….3

“ I found a shared interest in gardening with Kazuha. Given that I’d ask him to plant a certain breed of Night flowers that can be found in Chinju forest, I thought it would only be fair if I help him out with it.”

Ayaka held her breath as she finished her half-truth.

 A misunderstanding of her visiting Kazuha could lead to a scandal. Her words and actions as the future wife of the prince would always be subject to scrutiny. The scrutiny would then, by extension, lead to unnecessary conflict with the Yashiro commission, especially for her brother. 

“Is that so?” Lady Yae asked, raising an eyebrow at her for a moment. “Although I suppose it is a good thing that you are making friends with the servants here. This is your new home after all.” 

“Yes, I was hoping to get to know the people who will be assisting me in performing my day to day duties as his highness’s fiancé.” 

It seems Lady Yae believed her…at least Ayaka hopes she has. 

“In any case I heard that someone in the Yashiro Commision has been attempting to revive the Kaedehara clan…Say, you were there recently…Perhaps you heard something about this…Lady Kamisato?”

1…2…3..

“ I have not”

“Is that so? Rumor has it that there is a servant within these walls who is the direct heir to the clan. I would figure that would be a point of interest for the Yashiro commission.”

“I didn’t know that Kazuha was a…” Ayaka quickly slaps her hand over her mouth as her brain registered what she was saying. The feeling of dread only increases as she meekly takes a glance at the advisor’s expression.

With cold eye’s subtly narrowed with anger, Lady Yae strikes at the young Kamisato’s mistake.

“You were saying—Lady Kamisato? Do continue, you were saying something about our resident gardener, Kazuha. Although…” 

Ayaka can feel a chill run down her spine as the yokai gets close to her ear, “I don’t believe I mention anything about Kazuha, young Lady Kami-sa–to”

Lady Kamisato gulped as she remained speechless, unable to know what to say.

Lady Yae’s expression darkens at the lack of response, yet still maintaining her signature cunning smile. Her Almighty’s advisor seemed to speak with a frustrated undertone, “Just what is your brother trying to investigate my dear~ He knows better than to dig into classified documents.”

“ I– um…”

“You what?” For a split second Ayaka spots Lady Yae’s expression faltering into a much more threatening one.

Breath, keep your cool, no matter what.

“ I– assure you that my brother would do no such thing!” Ayaka exclaimed defensively. To be fair, her brother had never told her about an investigation so she had complete plausible deniability. This would work out in her favor, it had to. 

Regain your composure 

 “ This case has caused so much turmoil within the Yashiro Commission the last thing my brother would want is to destroy everything our mother and father and even he spent years trying to rebuild.”

This answer seemed to satisfy the advisor as she lightly strolled ahead as if nothing had happened.

1…2…3..

“I see, my apologies if I’ve offended you Lady Kamisato.” Lady Yae told her with a light smile as they reached the archives “ I simply can’t bear to see her Almighty and her son go through that pain again.”

Oh, Ayaka had forgotten that at Lady Yae core was a woman who truly wanted nothing but the best for the people she cared about. Perhaps she would need to discuss this with her brother in due time in that case…

Just as Ayaka became lost in thought, the small chuckle from the Lady Kitsune and with an aloof sigh display the large archives.

“In any case, welcome to the archives Lady Kamisato”

Chapter Text

The smell of old wood and dust shrouded Ayaka’s senses as she entered the archives. There were 3 bookcases filled with both scrolls and books. In the middle of the room sat a large rectangular table with only a potted dead bonsai tree as decoration.

“It like this room hasn’t been touched in ages.” Ayaka comments aloud running a finger through the dust on the table, coughing as the dust particles flew up into the air.

“Well you certainly aren’t wrong about that one, Lady Kamisato ~” 

Lady Yae replies with a teasing tone as she too ran a finger along the dusty table. “Now that you’re here, I trust you won’t have any trouble finding what you’re looking for?”

“Of Course, Lady Yae” Ayaka assures her with a nod, having started to wander around the room. There was one book in particular that caught her eye, it didn’t have any labels yet it was also the only item on the table without dust on it.

“Good,” Lady Yae says with a smile before picking up the dead bonsai along with a few scrolls laying on the floor. “Well then, I've gotten what I’m here for so I'll be going now, do try not to make trouble here. as in case you couldn’t tell, this room is best forgotten in the eyes of her Almighty”

Right…This room likely contains details regarding Raiden’s Makoto’s initial disappearance. Ayaka makes a simple nod of acknowledgement as she flips open the book. 

Hex and Hound…Volume..10..

Strange.. What was a book from Yae Publishing House doing here? 

Ayaka flips the page only to jump at the sound of Lady Yae addressing her.

“Oh, and one more thing, Lady Kamisato…” 

“Yeah-?” She nervously snaps close the book, quickly hiding it behind her.

“The wall’s have ears in this place, it would do you some good to not let your words slip so casually. I wish you the best of luck getting his highness to realized his feelings.”

With that, the kitsune advisor left without another word; the door clicking behind her as she left.

The nobel woman waited for a moment before she turned her attention back to the book.

Flipping open to a random page, something unsettling caught her eye.

There were so many lines, x’s, scribbles…It even had a page or two ripped in half.

The damages done…felt personal. Far to personal for it to be sitting in the archives 

“This…feels wrong.” Ayaka mumms to herself as she turns the page, a tight feeling wields up in her chest the more she reads.

              Foolish child

LIAR            LIAR

      LIAR

                    I KNOW WHAT I SAW

                                   YOU LIARS

BELIEVE ME ALREADY

                 I KNOW WHAT I-

I

   Don’t

         know

                                   Delusion.

Ayaka stood there, frozen in place, unable to process what she’d just read. The lack of context on who or what the person was writing about made the meaning behind the frustrated words impossible to decipher. 

“I… I can’t leave things like this, but then again what if..”

No she had to do this, it was the best she could do after finding something that carried so much pain.

Grabbing the nearby brush, inkstone and loose leaf paper. Ayaka began to write out her thoughts.

Dear Person I have yet to meet

I do not know when these words will find you, or if it is far too late for them to ever reach you at all. But if that is not the case I ask you to hear me out…

I am Lady Kamisato Ayaka, the Shirasagi Himegimi of the Kamisato Clan. Ayaka, a simple servant/

I ask that if there is anything I can do for you, regardless of demand, to meet me at your desired location.

I may not be able to understand what pain you carry with you, but I know far too well what it can do to a person.

I promise you that I will believe you. Whatever you have on you;re mind, I promise you can yell it out for the world to hear.

There, now all she could do was wait. She gently places the slip of paper on the first page of the book, in hopes that the owner of the book would see it the next time they decide to read it.

“Let’s see…What did I come here for again?” She asked aloud, trying to recenter her focus. Wandering up and down the room as she checked each shelf.

That's when the shine of the name plate caught her attention

“Brother wanted this from this bottom shelf! and.. Hm…”

Ayaka aimlessly runs her finger along the middle row name labels. “Let's see…Yashiro…Yashiro…. Yashiro!” 

 After only a quick skimming through the marked shelves, The young nobel found what she was looking for.

“There you are…”  Ayaka gleefully hums in delight at how easy it was to find the documents.

The economical listing and financial dictionary of the Yashiro Commision 

That one was for her brother…. And now this one;

Synopsis of all bonsai gardening created by the Kadehara clan

See, you have nothing to fear! Ayaka smiles to herself as she begins to clean up the little mess she made. Carefully she balances the inkbrush and stone in one hand whilst carrying the two books in her other arm.

Perfect, now all she needed to do was mail the first one over the her brother and lend the second one to Kazuha.

Well it should have been anyway.

There was a chilling knock on the doors of the archives.

It was nothing like Lady Yae. Ayaka knew that.

 Still she forces herself to answer back.

“Just a moment Lady Yae!” She says  in response frantically trying to put everything away. Instinctively grabbing the book and hiding it in her robe. Perhaps Ayaka was being unreasonable right now, but after earlier? Sure one would not blame her for being so tense around other people at the moment. 

The door opens.

“Ahem, do pardon my intrusion Lady Kamisato. But I do believe I left something of mine in the room.”

Chapter Text

“Ah, my apologies, it seems I may have overstayed..um..” Ayaka’s voice trailed off as she glanced up at the male bodied individual. Who was very clearly not Lady Yae, as if the voice pitch wasn’t a dead giveaway. 

“ Call me Il Dottore, I must say I did not expect to find His Highness's fiance in the archives. I thought you were going to be at the Yashiro commision for a week or 2. What brings you here, Lady Kamisato?” Il Dottore spoke in a strangely familiar manner as if knowing everything that there was to know about the Lady of the Kamisato clan. 

A cold chill runs down Ayaka's spine causing her to clutch the documents tighter. Not to mention the full face mask made it all the more unsettling. 

“Just some personal business.” Ayaka replies cautiously. There was just something off about Il Dottore’s voice.  It had a similar ring to her brother’s whenever he was in a meeting with fellow Nobles.

A part of her screamed at her that whoever Il Dottore was, he was a man that should not be trusted. Still, she quietly bit her tongue, reminding herself to breathe and think before she acts. 

1…2…3…

What would brother do in this situation? She asked herself. Watching as the taller man approaches the table behind her, picking up the copy of Hex and Hound off the table.

Right. Observe. 

That's what Ayato would tell her.

“So that’s who that book belongs to…” Ayaka comments aloud trying to ease the tension. Was that book even his? “ It’s a wonderful novel.”

“ …I suppose so” Il Dottore responds after a pause.

Another pause of silence.  

What you know and what you don’t know is key in deciding trust.

Getting to know Il Dottore without calling attention to her feelings. She would have to avoid the same mistakes she made with Lady Yae.

Ease them into conversation. Ayato’s guidance echoes in Ayaka’s head as she opens her mouth to speak again.

Then, Control it.

“I hope I’m not being rude to ask,  but I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. Are you perhaps a foreign affair diplomat?” Ayaka made sure to coat her voice in the same artificial playfulness her brother has whenever he’s talking with a shady nobel.

“What makes you say that?” Il Dottore responds, leaning on the table with the book in his left hand.

“Well your attire, it’s from Fontain, correct?” 

Another pause. Although Ayaka could tell Il Dottore had raised an eyebrow to the ordeal.

That probably wasn’t good.

Was it too casual of a question? Maybe her guess was off? No, she needed to breathe.

1…2-

“Quiet the eye you have. Though that is to be expected from the Lady for the Yashiro commission.” Il Dottore confirms with a shark-like smile.  “ I do hope you can forgive me for the lack of a lengthy introduction, it’s simply not my style. I’m a doctor by the way, pleasure it mine.”

“From Fontain?” She asked, tilting her head to the side. Struggling to maintain her composure. 

“Snezhnaya”

Snezhnaya…Wasn’t there a diplomat who caused trouble in the Yashiro commission  from there?

“That reminds me, the Yashiro commission had some Snezhnayan diplomats recently…” Ayaka stopped herself from speaking further, trying to choose her next words carefully.

Was it a bad idea to bring it up? Then again something about hearing her brother lose it at someone, as subtle as it was, she couldn’t help but be curious. It could even be a deciding factor in whether or not she would trust the doctor.

 “...Would you happen to know anyone by the name of…I think it was…Signora?” She finally asked, mentally cursing her constant noisiness into her brother's affairs.

In the name of Her Almighty, please let this question work in my favor, Ayaka begged as she waited for Il Dottore to respond. Her heart was pounding.

“Perhaps, I wouldn’t know unless you could inform me on what was discussed. Of course I highly doubt you would divulge such information.” 

Alright, so it kinda worked. Still, She nervously bit her lip as she struggled to think of what to say to that. 

 She was there for the meeting, kinda. Ayaka had only heard the tail-end of it. Something about getting an audience with the Shogunate, but whatever the specifics were, something about the deal clearly angered her brother.  Besides, If they knew one another, then that would only validate her distrustful feeling.

“Ahem, well you certainly aren’t wrong. I don’t really deal with such affairs, those meetings go to the head of the Yashiro commission, I mostly handle celebratory festivals.”  She answers sheepishly, feeling her heart continuing to pound.

“Hm?” Il Dottore hummed, seemingly interested. “ What festivals have you organized? I was hoping to indulge in some Inazuma culture during my stay.”

Finally a question from Il Dottore that didn’t feel like walking on eggshells.

“Really? In that case, allow me to recommend the festival taking place on Amakane island in 2 days” Ayaka explained with a slight child-like glint in her eyes, “ It's pretty small, but I managed to arrange fireworks for it. The story behind it is one about companionship and the bonds found throughout life.”

“Is that so? I’ll have to see for myself then.” The doctor replied as he finally got up from leaning on the table. Book still in hand. 

“It has been wonderful talking with you Lady Kamisato. I do wish you good luck with your engagement with the prince, but I have work to get to so do excuse me.” He says with a bow as he sees himself out. Not waiting for an answer, although it wasn’t like it would have been more than a simple good-bye.

Regardless, Ayaka’s heart still pounded as she let out a gasp of relief.

“Finally…it's over…” She said aloud as she slid down to her knees.

The whole ordeal had been exhausting.

“Honestly…How do you put up with this everyday brother…” Ayaka mutters to herself as she forces herself to get back up. “Now.. next order of business, how shall I mail this out.”

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi groaned as he had to reread the second paragraph again.

Compensation

The Tenryo commissions offer 10% …..to …. given time. In exchange the F…

“Ugh! I can’t take it anymore!” He snapped, throwing the papers down on the table. The prince pointed a finger at the ginger bodyguard standing in the corner. “You! Out! I can’t focus with you standing there!”

“ Easy there Your Highness, you and I both know that goes directly against my orders.” Childe responded playfully, which only further irritated Kunikuzushi.

The awkwardness from yesterday’s incident had finally boiled over and Kunikuzushi was beyond ready to give the Snezhnayan a piece of his mind.

“Dammit! Will it kill you to take this seriously? How can you just stand there like nothing happened!?”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?” Childe asked innocently, as if he hadn’t walked in on Kunikuzushi changing the day before. 

“You know exactly what you saw!” 

There was a pause as he watched the ginger become lost in thought for a moment. And then….

“Oooh! That. Right.”

Archons, was this guy an idiot or something?

“You know, I don’t see you any less of a man than before. Although I guess I can understand why I gave you such an impression.”

What?

“Ooh sorry was I too informal again?”

“No no no, what did you say before that?” Kunikuzushi asked again, trying to confirm if he’d heard things right. Completely ignoring the fact he’d let his thoughts slip aloud.

“That I gave you the wrong impression?” Childe answered, confused.

“No no, before that. The part about me being male…” Kunikuzushi’s voice slowly trailed off as he struggled to finish his sentence. His face was flush with embarrassment at the statement.

Sure, he knew who he was but…To admit it to someone else. To Childe no less...

Well, No one else had ever really known about…him.

 Prior to his aunt’s passing, everything about his identity from his clothing to his gender. All of it was decided for him. His face. His hair. His voice. All of it was a secret when his body’s weakness was discovered. Even then it wasn’t like gender itself was pushed onto him.

His Aunt made sure of it. At least his mother Ei decided to uphold it.

He would continue to exist with no known gender to the public until he’d begun traveling with his aunt. That’s when everyone began to call him “Princess”.

He didn’t hate it at first. But something about it never sat right with him.

Then Aunt Makoto died.

The title took a new meaning.

The tutors and servants would begin to treat him differently. 

“She” had to remain elegant and dutiful. “She” had to set an example for all the Noble Women in Inazuma. “She” had to be the ideal woman.

Even the Advisor his mother Ei hired for him treated him strangely.

He ended up firing that one.

At first he thought it was because of his aunt’s death.

Why else would the clothing look more and more like her’s?

Maybe everyone wanted him to become her ideal replacement. 

So he cursed anyone and everyone who tried to mold him into his aunt’s ideal.

He did so for years.

Only finding some solace when he’d re-discovered Kazuha before meeting Lady Mona.

That's when his body began to change.

The new curves sent him spiraling. 

Suffocating him. Eating at him. It was all wrong -

It was a voice of pure acceptance that interrupted this string of thoughts.

“Ah yes. That. I mean it. I don’t see you any differently than before.” Childe answers with a beaming smile.  No matter how hard Kunikuzushi looked, there was not even a hint of falsity in the ginger’s face.

“I’m glad…” The prince responded in a soft voice. For something he hadn’t even told Kazuha about, to be accepted so easily…

“Is something wrong?” The bodyguard asked, having noticed Kunikuzushi’s unresponsiveness.

“N-no It’s nothing.” He stammers, trying to recompose his usual attitude.

A part of him desperately wanted to know what made Childe accept it so easily. A part of him even Ei had to take a moment to hesitantly accept.

“Frankly speaking, all I really care about is to see how well someone can put up a fight!” Childe exclaims as he punches the air.

“Then you’re a reckless fool” Kunikuzushi scoffs, rolling his eyes at the eccentric Snezhnayan. 

“Be that as it may I can tell you definitely have a fighter spirit. So what do you say?” In almost an instant Childe was up in his face, eyes fired up. “Up for a spar?”  

“I have work to do.” He says as he pushes Childe away before rolling his eyes again.

“Right. Because you’re completely focused on reading the second passage of that document again.” The bodyguard tease, laughing at Kunikuzushi face turning red with embarrassment. 

“That’s because you were distracting me!” He argues, defensively.

Great, just great. If Childe could notice him re-reading the paragraph.Then he probably noticed his side eyeing of the window. Dammit, why did his eyes always need to instinctively look for that stupid albino gardener.  

“It's fine, You’re fine! Look, I know just the way to fix that focus of yours.” The ginger bodyguard proudly proclaims. 

“Let me guess, a spar?” Kunikuzushi asked reluctantly as he slumped down onto his desk.

“Yep!” 

Kunikuzushi sighed as he rolled his eyes for the third time. “ Do you even think before challenging someone? If I really knew how to hold my own do you really this my moth-, pardon, Her almighty would have hired you?”  Addressing that woman in any way continued to leave a bitter taste in his mouth.

 Sure it could be called pettiness at this point, but the thought of even forgiving her for a second. After all the new locks were put in place. He’d rather rot.

However, it seemed that not even Kunikuzushi’s sharp bitterness could dissuade Childe’s attempt to challenge him. 

“Well it never hurts to learn. Besides, like I said, exercise always helps me refocus. Maybe you just need to try something new for a change!”

Who would have thought for a man just barely older than him would have such child-like determination when it came to combat.

At long last, Kunikuzushi yielded to the request. 

“Fine, I train with you. But only to learn the basics. Got it?” He answered firmly, “ I refuse to indulge in your warrior logic.”

Childe simply flashes a huge smile filled with encouragement before grabbing Kunikuzushi by the hand as he practically dragged the much smaller prince to the training ground. 

In almost a flash they were just on the edge of the grove within the walls of the palace.

And there in the distance.

There it stood.

An old cherry tree.

 One long since dead.

But, not forgotten.

At least not yet.

“This place…” Kunikuzushi hesitates as he strolled around the sandy ground that was to be their training field.

It was…Familiar 

There was a weird freeness in him the more he looked around. Under closer inspection he noticed how some of the training dummies had a variety of nooks. Little nooks he recalled leaving as a child. He could pick out almost each and every nook he left as a child. 

“Where did you find it?” He asked, a bit more clear with his voice. He picks up the old wooden sword that leaned against the least damaged training dummy.

It had been a long time since he’d been here.

Last time he was here…In the area… Last time he was here he’d reunited with Kazuha.

As for the training ground themselves. Well, he hadn’t been here since he was a child.

The feeling of a sword was foreign to him. Yet the cold hands of his Aunt and now Ei’s glossed over the handle.

“Well I didn’t, The Shogunate kinda told me I can find a more private training ground over here…Well after I terrified the Tenryo soldiers.” The ginger informed, with a sheepish chuckle.

Kunikuzushi fails to stifle his laughter at the thought of their faces.

What a sight to behold. Seeing these useless bastards be scared of someone like Childe? Predictable but ridiculous. 

“Now prepare yourself, Your Highness, This is gonna hurt!”

Chapter Text

To Childe’s delight, His Highness was a natural. At least it looks that way. In truth, Kunikuzushi had learned some sword arts in the past. However,those lessons happened so long ago that his own muscle memory came as a surprise.

Step…

Crack….

Step…. 

Kunikuzushi’s blade dances with grace and elegance as he spars with Childe for the first time. Despite having little experience and only a minor warm up, the control the prince’s movement had on the environment was undeniable. There are soft storm clouds in the distance that swayed gently with each swing. The sound of wooden swords clacking together fell into a rhythm-like pattern.

Crack..step..step

Step..Step…Crack

The prince’s mind begins to wander further and further after each clack. The smell of a withered sakura tree drags him into an old memory 

“Focus Kuni, you’re moving too harshly. The blade is meant to flow with your body. Don’t fight against the environment.” His aunt instructed, her delicate voice was faint as though she were sick.

“But then it won’t cut anything..” A much younger Kunikuzushi explains with a pout. “ Mother says that to learn the blade is to learn the art of battle. Far more versatile and helpful if used to kill.” He huffed with a smile of confidence that reflected that of his mother.

The prince’s aunt simply chuckled, “ That sounds like your mother all right. Still, some battles are better won with a performance of peace.” Makoto averted her gaze from the curious stares of her sister’s child. “Though as true as her statement may be in these times….I doubt she can wager this battle much longer-”

“What battle Aunt Makoto? I thought the war ended when I was born?” The young prince asked, innocent to the truth behind his mother’s recent absence.

“It did but….Someone very close to your mother was hurt whilst on the serpents island. Very Hurt…alas your mother is a stubborn one.” Aunt Makoto’s eyes looked passed the prince as she spoke.

Why…Why did she look that sad all those years ago? Kunikuzushi wondered to himself. He dodged another one of Childe’s aggressive strikes before beginning a counter attack.

“Come now Kuni, shall we start from the beginning again?” His aunt asked with her playful smile returning to her.

“But I already know that bit..” Kunikuzushi complained, pouting again. “ Besides, you promised you’d teach me the final part soon!”

Aunt Makoto simply laughed and opened her mouth. Yet not a sound came out.

The eerie silence soon begins to distort the rest of the memory as Kunikuzushi tries to force some form of clarity upon it. His movement becomes messy as the wooden rhythm becomes faster and less predictable 

Step…Clack–Clack

Step… Crack– step..crack

How did that part go again? 

 Something about the passage of times…

no no no something about Wandering….no that can’t be it-

“You left yourself wide open comrade!” Childe declares with delight, hitting Kunikuzushi in the back.

The movement sends Kunikuzushi toppling over and onto the dirt ground below.

“Ack! Ow…” He groaned, annoyed at his defeat. Then again it’s not like he wasn’t expecting it. “See, I told you I wasn’t any good” He says with a scoff as he dust himself off.

“Quite the contrary you highness! You're a natural.” The ginger laughs with glee, slapping Kunikuzushi on the back; receiving a dirty look in response to the gesture.

“You’re even more of a reckless idiot than I thought.” The shorter scoffed as he put his sword down, laying it against one of the wooden dummies.

There is a buzzing in his hand as he does a few stretches to loosen himself up. He could feel a migraine coming along as he tried to fully recall the fickle memory. 

Just what did his aunt say that day?

“You know you standing further away from me does nothing! That fight taught me all I need to know to help you improve~” Childe proclaims as he takes another practice shot at the wooden dummy.Missing it completely despite having charged the tip with hydro. Prince Kunikuzushi could help but start snickering at the man’s poor marksmanship.

“Master of weapons you say?” He teased sarcastically, leaning on the nearby tree.

“I wouldn’t say not knowing how to use one weapon in  exchange of knowing how to use every single weapon in the whole world is totally worth it.”

Archons, does this guy ever stop smiling after a fight? Kunikuzushi asked himself, deadpanning at the ginger missing another arrow.

“Rggh I thought I had it that time!” Childe huffs as he continues to fail with the bow. Regardless, he doesn’t miss a beat as he whips his head around to face Kunikuzushi. “Oh well, are you ready from round 2 your highness?” 

“Unfortunately,” He reluctantly agrees, picking up the wooden sword once more.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next few rounds go without much conversation.

Kunikuzushi would use what he learned from sword dancing and lead with a strong start. In the middle he would move more defensively. Before completely falling apart at the end, wounding up getting hit in some part of his torso.

It didn’t help that the rhythmic melody of the match carried his mind elsewhere. 

Maybe it was because he was training here of all places. A place so prevalent in his earliest memories before it would be nothing but darkness. The void in his mind between then and after his aunt's passing.

This place should have been filled with emotional nostalgia, yet all Kunikuzushi could see was the dead cherry blossom in the distance. A plant that died once he stopped taking care of it like his aunt asked.

Twack!

A wooden sword uppercut. That was new.

“Told you that being distracted is your worst enemy right now.” Childe lectures, clearly starting to get annoyed. “Do you take me for a fool? You're using the same attack pattern over and over again.”

“If I knew, I would tell you” He retorted, annoyed that the same memory would keep repeating itself, sometimes getting even fainter. All Kunikuzushi could really do was shrug. 

There is a momentary pause as the Snezhnayan seemed to reflect upon their fight.

“Hmmm. I think you’re distracted.” The taller finally concludes.

No duh, Kunikuzushi wanted to say but decided against it upon Childe laying down his sword and going over to sit under one of the trees. The ginger motion to sit next to him. Something that under normal circumstances he would most certainly turn down. However, the sound of the storm getting closer, combined with the small drops of rain water. The prince reluctantly agrees.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi grumbles as he’s forced to sit close to his annoying bodyguard.

“Of course it has to rain” He remarks sarcastically, squeezing out the raindrops from his hair.

Great, just great. He was not only stuck on the childhood training ground he despised. He was stuck there with an even more irritating ginger.

“Come on now it’s not that bad-” Childe says with a stupid charm smile on his face.

Kunikuzushi was quick to cut him off. 

“ It is too when I have to deal with you.” Scoffing at the man’s unrelenting dog like attitude to everything. 

“Aww but I thought you were having fun sparing.”

The prince feels his face heat as the Snezhnayan pointed out the obvious.
Right, did he forget to mention how Childe was also uncannily perceptive. For some unknown reason, despite presenting himself as an airheaded brute. Childe seemed to have the perceptual capabilities of Monawhen they first met.

“Tch, as if” He responded with a scowl, Kunikuzushi had tried hard to hide these moments of enjoyment. Knowing Ei, he knew far to well it would be only a matter of time before he’d be stript of them because of “danger”.

Especially when it came to something like sparing. 

And so Kunikuzushi gets defensive, as usual.

“Besides unlike a brute like you, I have work-”

“That you hate.” Childe finishes for him. Well Childe finished what his true feelings on his work was.

Kunikuzushi goes dead silent for a moment as he tries to think of a clever comeback.

“I’m not as stupid as you think your highness” Childe continues, “Maybe a bit slow at relizing some social stuff…but I’ve been observing you more than you think.”

“That’s not something you should say so casually. You sound like a creep.” The prince quickly rebuttals, finding himself getting further irritated. “If you’re oh so smart then tell me.”

Kunikuzushi crosses his arms as he stands up to try and get away from Childe. But knowing the rain, it wasn’t like he was moving away from here anytime soon. In which case, he sits back down with a flushed face at his embarrassing attempts to get away. However this time around he is sitting a tad further away for whatever that’s worth.

“Well for one, you don’t feel anything towards ruling Inazuma or your future marriage.” The Snezhnayan starts, giving him a small shrug as he stares out into the wet training grounds.

“That much is obvious,” Kunikuzushi snaps back. “If you hear any of Her conversations about me. You’d know my life isn’t my own.”

There was a distinct bitterness in the prince’s tone as he referred to Ei. In his defense every time Ei talked about him it was always about just how weak and frail his body was. How many flaws he just had to be born with.

“I’m not sure what you mean?” Childe tilted his head in confusion at what Kunikuzushi was implying.

“Great, she must be too embarrassed to speak about me then” He suggested laughing with bitter sarcasm.

The bodyguard shrugs again as he continues going over his observation points.

“Well to continue stating the obvious, your dislike for Her Almighty is because…” Childe's sentence drifts off as he seems to be trying to recall something.

“Because what?” Kunikuzushi snapped, clearly having already loss his patience.

“Say…you and that garden boy…what was it…”

Oh? So this was about Kazuha now? How curious.

Seeing no harm in answer Kunikuzushi fills in the black for Childe.

“Kazuha”

“Hm?” The ginger looked at him with a look of someone who’d completely missed what he’d just said.

“His name is Kazuha” The prince repeats himself, feeling the heat of having to reiterate himself. Was Childe really trying to test his patience? Knowing that the weather made it a horrible idea to leave from under the tree. He could practically feel his face turning red as Childe just gave him a long blink as if to process the new info.

“Right! Yes him!” The bodyguard says, snapping his finger. “Whats with you and him?”

…What?

Was the first thought Kunikuzushi had at the question.

What with you and him?

What was that supposed to mean–

Unless…

Oh no. Don’t tell him Childe caught on–

Great as if this chance conversation couldn’t get any worse.

Ei will send Kazuha away. Or have him erased in some way in which I can never reach him again.

“It’s nothing! Nothing you need to pry into!” Kunikuzushi grits his teeth as his eyes search for an escape option. He couldn’t leave abruptly that would only raise suspicion. But the longer he stayed here the sooner Childe will put two and two together! Especially given the guy’s track record.

As if his defensiveness seemed to check off an imaginary check box. The Snezhnayan gave him a teasing smirk as he leans onto the prince and in an almost sing-songy tone begins to let out a barrage of statements.

“I have younger siblings you know~ I know that face all too well as an older sibling!”

“Ahem…Drum roll please—” Childe clears his throat before continuing, “You have a crush on him don’t you?”

There's the question.

The dreaded question.

The question he knew would be unavoidable to answer.

It was a borderline rhetorical one.

Could he trust Childe to keep it a secret?

It’s not like he would have much of a choice if Childe really was as perceptive as he claimed.

Kunikuzushi knew he would be underestimating Childe if he attempted to lie his way out.

He knew his emotions were too easy to read when it came to Kazuha.

Damn you Kazuha. Always making his heart feel warm like that. Yet he could not bring himself to hate the gardener. Not if that was the very gardener he found himself haven fallen for. A part of him loves the thrill of it being an act of rebellion towards Ei.

A part of his life she could not control.

But the dangers of losing it.

Losing Kazuha.

“I- I don’t um… Ngh—Not so loud!” Kunikuzushi finally groans as his face turns a cherry blossom pink. Not too dissimilar to the flowers the sakura tree in front of them used to produce. 

Childe laughed, seeming to find his suffering rather entertaining. Even petting his hair as if he were an angry cat! Unbelievable! 

Just one more reason to hate the guy I guess. Kunikuzushi thinks to himself as he shoots the ginger a dirty look.

“There there, no need to be embarrassed, in fact I’m willing to bet he feels the same way about you!”

Was this really the same man who caught him blushing profusely over Kazuha? Only an idiot would assume the feelings could be mutual.

“Shush!” The prince places a finger on Childe’s lips as he frantically looks around to make sure no one..not even a Kujou spy would hear this conversation. “Don’t be ridiculous, like hell he would!”

Kunikuzushi crossed his arm as he lectured the ginger.

“ Not only do our positions make it close to impossible for us to ever truly be together.” He pauses, averting his gaze, “ It’s not like I’m a very likable person anyway.”

This seems to change the mood as Childe’s smile drops for a second and a more concern look take over.

“What makes you say that?” He asked, frowning.

Annoying. He didn’t need the ginger’s pity.

“You saw how weak I was.” Kunikuzushi hissed, gesturing to the training ground. HE’d lost every single one of the bouts because of distractions. He wasn’t just physically weak, he was mentally weak. Anyone can tell.

This gets a laugh out of Childe who simply plops his head on Kunikuzushi’s shoulder, as if he wasn’t leaning on the Prince of Inazuma. Before humming softly.

“Well maybe it’s that weakness that makes him love you” He teased again, although a part of Kunikuzushi felt there was a tinge of truth in the man’s words. As his laughter died down a more somber smile spread across Childe’s face. 

“It isn’t always good to be so headstrong…you could very well end up being feared by those around you.”

Now it was the Snezhnayan turn to avert his gaze.

This was probably something personal.

The prince bites his tongue as the bratty side of hims wants to press on it. A cruel way to get back at being read so openly. Most would simply tell him his emotions were showing and to pull himself together. Still he couldn’t help but want to argue as he simply grumbles in the end.

There is a long pause that follows.

Neither of them breaking the gentle silence the rain brought on. 

The soft dripping of rainwater and the downpour shows no signs of letting up.

Kunikuzushi finds himself leaning on Childe and Childe leaning on him as he slowly drifts off.

It felt like he’d been speaking with an old friend.

Perhaps someone like Itto and Gorou.

Two people he hadn’t seen since leaving Watasumi.

I wonder what their doing now.. He questions as he closes his eyes.

It was rather….

Peaceful. 

That is until Childe's body suddenly shot up. Leaving Kuni to fall on his back, haven grown sleepy from listening to the sounds of rain. Come to think of it the rain was starting to lose up a bit. How long has he been sleeping?

“Oh hey! That reminds me! There is a festival in about a day or 2.”

He chimes, his hands on his hips full of determination and charism. 

Rolling his eyes as he brushed himself off. Kunikuzushi response

“ Why are you telling me this? and yes of course I know about it.”

The ginger smile doesn’t falter as scheming eyes stare back into his very confused ones.

“What if you and your boy crush went there together, like a date!”

“ Huh!? Boy crush!?  D–Don’t be ri-ridiculous!” The prince’s face–no, not even just his face. No, the prince's whole body turned red. His ears especially.

A date.

With Kazuha.

After the failed one a while back.

His heart fluttered at the thought. It was a soft buzzing of Joy as the smell of wet sakura blew in the light breeze.

“I mean all you have to do is sneak away from me….” A sing-songy tone suggest

“…and could go there with Kazuha…” He answers breathy.

It was like a dream had come true.

But reality would beg to differ,

 He quickly snapped back to his senses. “What about you contract you idiot?”

However, it seemed Childe was prepared for his opposition and simply smirk as he explained his master plan.

“But…let's say I went with you and deemed the festival to be safe… and Kazuha just happened to be there”

They said the last part in unison. 

To Celestia above. This plan could actually work.

A rare true smile finds itself atop Kunikuzushi face. His eyes had stars of joy as he looked out to the old sakura tree in the distance.

“ Well? What do you think?” Childe interrupts his thoughts again. However, instead of saying something smart back Kunikuzushi simply responses with a,

“Huh..?”

Rather air headly one might add. 

And so the ginger ops to give him another nudge.

“Go on, ask him, ask him!” He gives Kunikuzushi a little poke as he cheerfully ruffles his long hair.

It’s not that simple! The prince wants to shout but all he can muster is gibberish as he attempts to formulate a sentence. 

“B-but…rughhh FINE I’ll ask him” He finally shouts with a huff. Unable to disguise the smiley blushy mess he’d become. 

As if his day could get any more chaotic. The sweet warming sound of Kazuha’s voice fills the emptiness. 

“Ask who?” The gardener interrupts, lowering his umbrella and joining the two under the tree. 

He has just the sweetest smile that make Kunikuzushi want to burry his face into his Kimono.

Archons, why did Kazuha have to come here now of all time?

“Um…uh..” The prince finds his words failing him.

The bodyguard pokes Kunikuzushi again. As if to say, ask him ask him! Of course with the usual supportive smirk of his.

Right. Everything was in place.

He had no excuse.

No escape.

He didn’t want to escape.

So taking a deep breath. Attempting desperately to calm his thumping heart down.

Kunikuzushi turned to Kazuha.

“I was wondering, are you free to maybe…” Why did he sound so breathy again. He was the only thing stopping their potential date– outing from happening. Yet his heart would not stop beating. He couldn’t keep projecting his voice. Not when he’s like this!

“Ahem..” The prince tried to clear his throat as he turns to whisper the rest instead. “sneak out to the festival in the coming days?”

He pretends to imply the true reason he was whispering it was because of Childe. But he severely doubts that someone as perfect as Kazuha would fall for such a ploy. After all, he can’t help but feel he knows the ins and outs of the man he fell for. Regardless he is relieved when Kazuha doesn’t press on it and simply whispers back.

“You mean the Autumn festival!” The albino whispers back somewhat excitedly. Merely stealing a few wearily glances at the peaceful Childe as he subtly grabs Kunikuzushi by the hand.

There is a brief pause. 

A pause of potential rejection or acceptance. 

The thumping buzz in Kunikuzushi’s heart doesn’t stop.

“ Ahem.. I.. Yes.. I would love to, your Highness.” Kazuha says finally.

To think his face would feel like they burst into flames from the pyro archon herself. Kunikuzushi’s face is back to being cherry blossom pink.

Was it the formality or was it the acceptance of his invitation?

He couldn’t tell. He didn’t care to tell. But he knew Kazuha wasn’t colorblind. 

“ Well I-  I just remembered I had something important to finish so um, I ‘ll- I’ll see you then!” He blurts out, before hurriedly rushing away. Not even caring to hear Kazuha calling back to offer his umbrella.

Kazuha accepted.

HE accepted!

His “boy crush”

His potential lover..maybe

They were finally going to get that outing.

“Stupid Childe.” He jokingly grumbles as he hid his blushing cheeks from on lookers.

It seemed he had the next 2 days to look forward to.

—---------

Childe simply smiles to himself, softly laughing at the prince's hurried reactions. Before getting up and giving Kazuha a nod

 “Well I’ll be going then, you take care alright?”

Ah, it appears Childe was indeed on their side. Kazuha nods and bows back.

“ Very well, tell the prince to take care of himself in my stead, please?” 

“You’ve got it” The bodyguard answered with a glinting smile, before running off in the light drizzle to catch up with the prince.

“It seems…Kuni will be happy.”

Chapter Text

Another silent lunch “date” with Lady Kamisato.

Kunikuzushi stares off into space as the both of them eat. Neither of them were social in the other’s presence despite being engaged for at least a week.

The prince lets out another sigh as he finds himself staring into the exposed garden.

Still no sign of Kazuha to distract him from this reluctant meeting.

A meeting so elegantly design to bring them closer together-- at least that’s what Mona would tell him.

He could hardly wait for tomorrow's evening. Especially his plan on sneaking out for the first time. His plan to fully disobey the Almighty Shogunate.

And it felt. Good.

Like he was breaking the stupid locks on his bedroom door without a care in the world.

Then you had Kazuha.

The garden boy he was infatuated with. The one his damn bodyguard figured out how he felt. Who then pushed him to act upon those feeling despite being aware of his whole arranged marriage situation.   

There was pressure to not let this opportunity slip by.

Pressure that so far he's been unable to figure out where to even begin.

“A-achoo!” The noble woman sitting across from him sneezed, snapping his attention from just outside this room.

“My apologies, your highness.” Lady Kamisato is quick to apologize, opening her fan to cover her face.

“If you wouldn’t mind me pointing out…you seem distracted. Is something wrong?” She asked, seemingly out of a place of genuine curiosity.

Something he found to be rather intriguing about the young woman. Especially given she didn't seem the type when they first interacted.

Sure they’ve talked a few times outside for business reasons. But Kunikuzushi knew he could hardly be considered lucid in most of those. Furthermore in his defense she wasn’t here for just under a week. Off to deal with her clan and the commission they lead.

To think they would still call for her after sending her off. How pathetic.

Regardless he supposed his sour mood was in poor taste.

Lady Kamisato hadn't done anything wrong. Although with tomorrow's escapade on his mind, he couldn't help but feel a bit paranoid. Why might one ask?

Well, that simply really.

He hasn’t left the palace walls in years.

In fact Kunikuzushi knew next to nothing about the going on of the average Inazuma citizen. Seeing them only as just more eyes to judge and criticize his moment, much like Ei. Although the idea itself did come from Ei, so for all he knew it could be a total lie.

Worst of all, he knew nothing of the festival he’d invited Kazuha to.

It was as if he was trying to do everything in his power to look like a fool in front of the one he loved.

If he was going to be marked as weak by someone, he much rather it be by Ei. Because at least he had the excuse of her being unreasonable.

“Of course wrong, when is it not?” He sarcastically replies, placing down his chopstick as he gets up to excuse himself.

Archons, he really didn't want to be here any longer. He needed to think and plan this out properly. He didn't have the luxury to be wasting it with the person he was being forced to marry. 

So, unable to take the tense...well more so odd atmosphere for much long. Kunikuzushi turns to leave the room without saying so much as goodbye to his fiance.

That is, until there is a sudden gust of wind on the windows that bang at the sliding door, causing Kunikuzushi to stop in his track to investigate what had occur. Surprised when his eye's wander to the other peson in the room, finding himself to be met face to face with a rather droopy looking Lady Kamisato.

Oh. Right.

He's...never really bother to consider how distant he must seem. Which to be fair to himself wasn't exactly part of his character. To him, Lady Kamisato was the woman Ei wanted him to marry and whose personality seemed to be an anomaly to him.

It…It just hadn’t exactly occurred to him about how she felt at all. Not knowing if she even wanted to be here in the first place given the lack of pushiness she had compared to the rest of his suitors. Even If she had told him... well he would hardly be surprised if he’d simply forgotten. Overly used to faces like hers to come and go without much thought.

He was well aware that he wasn’t the only one facing pressure. After all, Lady Kamisato was amongst the selected suitors for him for a reason.

She was Shirasagi Himegimi for a reason. She was practically everything he wasn’t in Ei's eyes.

Perfection.

No wonder she was the final pick.

Still that’s not to disregard her clan. They had something to gain. Despite how Lord Kamisato seemed to be regarding his sister. For all Kunikuzushi knew the decision might have been something he couldn't have a say in. 

That or he was a two faced liar. Something Kunikuzushi wouldn't put past that Lord given his similarity to Ei's dreadful advisor. 

Although that aside...The Kamisato clan, more specifically the Yashiro commission, were in charge of a lot of cultural things….

Think about Kazuha

His mind reminds him harshly as he continues to just stand there.

Does he either, A) look like a fool now? or B) Look like a fool to Kazuha.
Sure Kazuah knew he hadn't left his room beyond the garden ...but... 

If I look like an idiot. I only prove Ei right. I'll prove that I'm as weak as she believes. 
Only someone with no self respect would find solitude in someone like that..

And Kunikuzushi knew that Kazuha wasn't that type of person.

To put it simply, it was his ignorance that spawned the paranoia and stress for tomorrow.

He'd never done this with anyone. Much less someone who meant so much to him.

Opportunities were getting scarcer and scarcer.  This whole act was mearly him cling onto false hope

But if he messes this up. Somehow losing the only friendship...and only person he's ever truly found solitude in.

He'll become no diffrent from a puppet for Ei to pull the strings of like she's done with everyone else in his life.

“Hey.” His voice called out to Lady Kamisato, who appeared to be leaving no less. “Before you go…” Kunikuzushi pauses again, as though there was something grabbing at his throat for asking about something that everyone seemingly knew all there was to know about.

Well. It was looking like a fool in front of a fiance he didn’t feel much for. Or looking like a fool for someone he felt meant the world to him.

As such, Kunikuzushi chose the latter.

“Sigh…I can’t believe I’m asking this…” He mutters under his breath. “ Look, just how much do you know about tomorrow's festival? That’s one of the things the Yashiro commission handles right?”

As if she were Sumeru rose finding water after months of drought, Lady Kamisato’s head whipped around, her face full of delight at Kunikuzushi request.

“Oh the festival of the mountain cat’s descent from the top!” Her words beamed with a child like glee he thought impossible for someone in their position.

“O-okay..?” The prince nods as he follows, well more so ends getting dragged to follow the nobel lady outside and into the garden he’d been staring at.

“Come on, come on! It’s better if I show you it” Lady Kamisato chimed with a genuine smile upon her face. Her zori sandals run across to the grass as she practically drags him to a clearing not blocked by one of Kazuha’s trees.

“Here.” She says, pointing up to the floating rocks around the Grand Narukami shrine. “ You see that big floating island over there? The one held up by electro.”

“Mhm.” He nods, squinting his eyes.

“Well it wasn’t always an island. A long time ago it used to be the top of the various mountains around the Grand Narukami shrine.”

“I see…how does this connect exactly?” Kunikuzushi asked, finding himself getting lost in the girl’s fast pacing. Mona had a point in telling him to practice holding his tongue. Just because he didn’t understand it didn’t mean he could simply retaliate with sarcasm.

This is for Kazuha.

He reminds himself as he continues to nod along to the explanation. With just how pristine and carefully thought out the words appeared, combined with the fact she reminded him of one of Mona’s long and meticulously planned out speeches.

It was as if she was putting on a performance she knew by heart.

“And that's why the story behind this festival ends the way it-”

“You know a surprising amount of history for this..” Kunikuzushi hesitates in calling the festival small. Although, he half figured he should have at least seen a name mention or two if it really was popular. 

Luckily he didn’t need to finish his sentence as Lady Kamisato simple laughs as thought she already knew his question.

“Well, it was one of the first festivals I organized almost all on my own.” She replies, her hand placed proudly on her chest.” It’s not much, but the festival always seems to have a sentimental feeling to it. Although I suppose it’s only natural given it’s story, which technically is a poem”

“Fair enough I suppose.” Kunikuzushi replied with an aloof huff. One meant to hide the fact he still didn’t have much of an idea. No matter, he could probably just find the poem and read it for himself.

The less help he asked from Lady Kamisato.

The less weak he would look.

And the less weak he seem...the less likely Kazuha would see he was truly unnoteworthy. 

Frankly, he was surprised the garden had even accepted it to begin with. However, wasn't that all the more reasons he could mess this up?

His chance at finding his feeling reciprocated, his chance at finding someone he could genuinely say made him happy. Someone he didn't see as person who's strings could be pulled by Ei.

Thus it was absolutely necessary to avoid the dire consequence of Ei’s wonderful idea of "raising" him in isolation.

“What was the name of that poem again? It keeps slipping my mind.” He asked, tapping his head to further support his white lie.

A white lie that is quickly caught by his fiance. Who already had a teasing grin on her face.
It would appear the talk of something so close to her past brought out her more childish side much to his annoyance.However he had to admit that at least a small part of him enjoyed it better then whatever personality he got during their lunch “date”.

“If you really know the poem, you know that it's the name of the festival. The moth and the cat.”

“Oh. I see.” A blunt response to having his usually perfect white lies lay undetected. However it doesn’t take long before his sharp tongue quickly fights for control as he searches for a plausible excuse.

“It’s a forgettable name, okay. I don’t have time to waste on remembering this stuff.” Kunikuzushi snaps back, clicking his tongue as he brashly looks away.

This seems to make Lady Kamisato laugh, seemingly finding his defensiveness all in good fun. Not all irritating or as chasing away as he’d partially hoped.
“No need to be brash, it’s okay not to know. Not even I actually knew the story until I had to plan it’s festival”

Kazuha. Kazuha. Kazuha.

His mind chanted as the prince fought the urge to make a snarky remark.

“Fine. Just—tell me what the story is. I-” He demanded, his ears still red with embarrassment as he pouted. Again, still facing away from Lady Kamisato. Although he does find eyes still wandering around the garden in search of a particular albino.

I don’t want to look weak in front of him. I don’t care if I look weak to the rest of the world.
Just. Not. Him.
And if the world believed him too?

Well, he won’t complain if that’s the case.

Delusion thoughts clouded his mind as Lady Kamisato gestured for him to sit on one of the nearby benches. More specifically the bench he’d been using (before his new restriction) to read and lay around without worries of his princely duties.

How did she find this place...?

The prince wondered as he somewhat begrudgingly follow the noble woman. 

“Allow me to begin from the start.” Lady Kamisato clears her throat with smile, ready to recite once Kunikuzushi was at her side.

Storms are brewed as birds lay to rest.
A lonesome moth caught in it’s winds

Alone as ever.
The chain beast awaits.

Rain and thunder rip the moth to shreds.

Rolling. Spinning. Tumbling.

Its body meets a metal in its tracks.
A chain beast alone atop a mountain range.

Trapped by the storm
The moth brought with it stories.

Inside. Outside. Up. Down.

Living. Dying. Watching.

Wandering.---Alone.

Such unthinkable stories left their mark upon the chains

Chains that remain blowing in the wind.

Come with me, it says.

Come find me.

Moth is a wandering
The beast is alone atop a mountain range
The moth got caught up in the storm

Dawn has broken.
Autumn is here.

Chains are gone.
The Moth is gone

And the cat stands free.

There is a long pause that follows her recitement. One in which Kunikuzushi found himself processing it line by line.

Wandering alone?

Where...where has he heard that before?

The prince groaned as he felt a migraine start to form as he tried to recall.

As usual he's greeted by the same darkest. Except this time it was more potent then usual.

“So there really is a sentimental feeling” He finally mutters to himself aloud. Although he had to admit he wasn’t entirely sure of its meaning. Albeit he supposed it couldn’t be helped given how old it seemed to sound anyway.

Honestly he really ought to dabble in ones outside of Kazuha’s interest.

...

All the more reasons why he needed to know all there was to know about the festival.
Much to his more prideful side reluctance.

“I’ll be frank with you and admit I haven’t a clue how this ties into the festival.” Kunikuzushi admit, once more refusing to make eye contact with the Kamisato.

Honestly, would it have killed Ei to maybe let him do something unrelated to his duties? Then again, the damn woman had  practically snuffed out most of his chances to live his life how he wanted. Droning on and on about how he could not fall behind in duties, well more so she had other people do it for her because of course she would.

The sound of Lady Kamisato answering his question, dust away these bitter thoughts as the prince his forced to refocus his attention.

Once again, his desire for this to work out between he and Kazuha seared itself in the back of his mind.

“Well…the cat has been stuck up on the mountain for years. Never once going down. But thanks to the moth it now has the curiosity to want to know what goes on. So it’s like a welcoming festival. According to Lady Yae, it helps younger Yokai feel more welcome or something along that line.” She  explains, her attention soon turns to the familiar clacking of distinct red brown shoes clicked on the rocks leading into the obscure area.

As if summoned by the mention of her name, Lady Yae was quick to appear out of thin air.

“So. This is where you both ran off to. And here I thought you would have found him unbearable after the second meeting or two.” The shogunate’s advisor tease, a cunning smile speads wide across her face.

“What do you want, Lady Yae?” Kunikuzushi scowled as he got up from the bench. Already knowing where this was going.

Sure things he wanted to know had been answered for the most part, leaving him no particular reason to be annoyed. Though it was Lady Yae. The most annoying person for Kunikuzushi to find himself getting hunted down by.

“Lady Yae.” His fiancé greets, bowing her head in formality, her mask already back to hide her childish side. 

A part of him wants to scoff at the act, but alas he knew it was in his best interest to continue holding his tongue. If not to avoid his unending lecture from both palace advisors about how he really ought to ease off his passive aggressiveness. 

“Hello to you too, Lady Kamisato.” Lady Yae greets with her empty smile, turning her attention to the prince who stared back with the usual irritation. “As for you. You’re behind in your lessons~”

Right, he'd forgotten that Lady Yae was put in charge of his remedial lessons whenever he fell behind in his work.

“Yes Yes. I know, I’ll be lectured if I don’t finish them soon.” Kunikuzushi answered, rolling his eyes as he straightens out his appearance.  

Even if there was still more for him to learn. He had a gut feeling that this would be enough to prove something to the albino gardener.

With the thought of Kazuha at the forefront of his mind, the prince is quick to walk ahead of the preceptive kitsune. His face and it’s giddiness somewhat hidden from view.

False hope or not. It would at least become a memory he could cherish when his duties force him and the albino apart. 

And...under the rare chance Childe, his body guard, was right...

He wouldn't complain if that was the case, as unlikely and delusional as it may be.

One day before The Moth and Cat festival.

Chapter Text

Morning arrives with swiftness for both the prince and the gardener.

“Good morning, your highness!” Childe greets, well more so rudely shakes Kunikuzushi awake, with his typical bright and sly tone.

“It’s too early for your antics…” The prince grumbles, still half awake as he rubs his eyes before stretching his arms into a slouch. 

Not one to simply drop his teasing tone, his bodyguard gives him a grin as he lightly pat Kunikuzushi’s bed hair.

“Aww don’t be like that your highness…after all you do know what today is..right?~” The ginger pauses for a moment, awaiting a response that a only vaguely conscious prince Kunikuzushi could only scoff at. 

“Not in the mood to fool around.” He snaps, annoyance already setting in, he raises an unamused eyebrow at Childe. Unfortunately, it would appear that his annoyance was exactly the reaction the Snezhnyan was looking for. Truly ever the nuances.

“Oh alright…” The Snezhnayan huff with an exaggerated sigh followed by an even more exaggerated look of disappointment. An expression that switch’s back to a widening mischievous grin, “I guess you aren’t feeling up to going out tonight…I will just have to break the news to Ka-zu-ha.” 

The ginger took extra care to sound out Kazuha’s name syllable by syllable. Merely hearing the name of the albino he’d practically asked out just yesterday was enough to snap Kunikuzushi out of his morning haze. A thick rosy red creeps across his cheeks as his mind finally catches up with Childe's, far too early in the morning, playfulness. 

“You’re insufferable!” He shouts, lightly punching his bodyguard on the head. 

“What was that? tell Kazu-“

“Hush! You know what I mean!” Kunikuzushi cuts off, this time punching Childe’s head a tad harder to get his point across. 

“Ouch! You wound me, your highness.” The ginger pretends as he snickers. Roughly petting the prince’s already messy bed hair. Much to Kunikuzushi’s dismay, knowing full well what tangled hell awaited his morning routine.

“Ugh, what with you today? It’s like your irritation capabilities went up overnight” He clicked his tongue, finally sliding out of bed whilst also nudging Childe off the edge.

There is an unexpected pause from his bodyguard. Who lightly grabs Kunikuzushi by the shoulders to turn the shorter one towards himself.

A soft huff leaves his throat as a less teasing…more caring smile emerges. One that Kunikuzushi could only recall receiving from 2 other people (Technically 3 but he’d rather not count the woman he was to call his “mother”).

“Is it really so hard for you to believe that someone, more specifically myself, is happy and frankly speaking, excited for you?” 

The question strikes a chord in Kunikuzushi. Now it is his turn to hesitate on a response.

That smile had only ever stemmed from family. Aside from the one he received from Kazuha (a treasured memory, but an expression he didn’t think he deserved). Regardless, it was a face of acknowledgment and kindness.

And it was a face Childe had no right to make.

Not unless he, Kunikuzushi, was being a stand-in for someone else again.

“You hardly know me.” He rebuttals, angrily gritting his teeth. “ I know that kind of look. It’s because I’m like your sibling, and as you’ll clearly see I’m not. And I refuse to be your replacement for them.”

Bitterness hangs at the tips of his words as he brushes away the snezhnyan’s hand. Regardless of what Childe would attempt to say in his own defense, Kunikuzushi would have none of it. He was fool for thinking they were getting along without a ulterior motive. Everyone always had them so why wouldn’t his own bodyguard who seemed to be so interested in supporting his love life?

Except Childe doesn’t defend himself. In fact, he blatantly admitted to it.

“ Well I’ll do my best to not do that then.”

A minor difference compared to most people who wanted to shape him, case and point Ei. Raiden Ei was far too prideful and arrogant to admit that. She wanted him to be someone they both lost, his aunt.

Maybe it was because it was still early in the morning. Or perhaps the slightest change in admittance to fault meant more than he was willing to admit. However, Kunikuzushi found himself in a bit more of a forgiving mood. Whatever that was for him.

“ Whatever.” He sighs as he rubs his temples.  “Look, is the plan going to work or not?”

“It’ll work.” The ginger answer with a short shrug, strolling off elsewhere in the prince’s room

“Are you sure?” Kunikuzushi question, caution thick throughout his tone. His eyes narrowed with his gaze following his bodyguard around the room.

“Guaranteed.” 

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Their short exchange is soon interrupted by 3 rhythmic knocks on the door.

“Your highness?” Lady Mona calls out from the otherside. 

A quick glance at Childe’s slowly opening mouth is enough to send Kunikuzushi into a minor frenzy. He quickly slapped his hand over the ginger’s mouth and tidied up his morning appearance.

“You can come in, Mona.” The prince responds as he quickly shoves his bodyguard back into his proper position. 

The doors to his room crack open as Lady Mona pops her head into the room, her eyes quickly skimming the room before coming in completely. A tell tale sign of her exhaustion. That being said, one would be a fool to expect pleasantries from Kunikuzushi’s exhausted advisor. So direct and to the point as usual, his advisor strolls over to his desk to collect yesterday’s work. With today’s paperwork still in her arms.

“Usual spot, as always.” Kunikuzushi directs before starting to comb out his bed hair. His dismissive tone was completely lost to him. Namely due to his hurry to get ready for the day. After all, the sooner he finishes, the easier it would be sneaking out at the allotted time. (A thought that still continued to make his heart flutter).

Finish work. Childe gives Madam Kujou  an excuse to be allowed to visit plus also giving her a reason not to check on him. Sneak out through the leveled window where the flower gift usually appeared. Slip out the main gates looking like a servant boy. And finally, met up with Kazuha at the edge of the festival perimeter. 

However, his dismissive tone is not lost on his advisor of about 4 years.

“Well either your sharp tongue has dulled or something big is about to happen.” Lady Mona commented, sighing with a hint of disbelief. “What are you up to now, your highness?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. Somehow both amused and unamused by his secrecy.

Her sudden, and frankly unexpected question (at least for Kunikuzushi) was enough to snap his thoughts away from the looping plan in his head.

“ It’s nothing just…” He pauses to control his emotions, allowing a loud and long sigh to escape his mouth. Debating for a moment on what to do before ultimately deciding on simply changing the topic.“Look, did you clear my evening schedule like I asked?”

It’d be much easier to slip by an already tired Mona anyway.

“ Yep,” His advisor replies as she flips through the paper on his desk, organizing them for delivery elsewhere. “Although you should be grateful that I came up with a plausible reason on the spot. honestly you make my job harder than it already is” She scolds, tapping the papers on the desk to even them out.

“ Mhm” He hums dismissively, continuing to tidy up his hair, an action he accidentally stopped in the middle of when the thought of Kazuha crossed his mind. 

Archons why did his emotions have to be like that all the time?

“Look, just try and stay out of trouble. You know that her almighty won't be pleased with either of us if she finds out this change in scheduling was all so you can mess around.” Lady Mona huffs as she takes leave. The tapping of her heels sounded a bit lighter than before.

As the prince returns his attention back to his bodyguard. The wide eye glint of excitement in the ginger’s expression, quickly sore’s his own.

“You know, what I’m thinking after you finish those?” He asked, flipping the pages through his fingers.

“ What. I’m not a mind reader, Childe.”  Kunikuzushi replies back, placing down his comb and grabbing a hair ribbon.

“You need something to wear.”

“Huh.”

“Wait Wait! Okay. So, finish those, I'm gonna find you something suitable-” His bodyguard said quickly, hardly taking a moment to breathe before rushing off to rummage through the prince’s closet. 

“Oi! Don’t just go combing through my closet-”

“ Too late~” Childe teased as he practically snaps the doors to Kunikuzushi’s closet open. “Besides you ought to focus if you-”

“Screw you! You jerk off a bodyguard.” He argues back, although to hardly anyone but his own surprise. There is the smallest hint of laughter in his tone.

Fun. Tonight was going to be fun.

Chapter Text

“Mew?”

A soft meow interrupts Kazuha’s thoughts as he enters his garden shed.

“I know Tama, breakfast. You needn’t worry.” He replies as he places out some of the dried fish he’d bought just the other day. However, even when he does so, his gaze remains distant… Distracted. 

The gardener’s hand mindlessly pet the feline as his thoughts continue to consume him.

In just a few hours he’d be joining Kuni on an outing. Kuni as in the crown prince of Inazuma. And not just any outing…it was an invitation to a festival. Specifically the Moth and Cat festival, a small celebration, but a celebration nonetheless.

A technical date if you may. So, the question remained, 

What was he to bring?

Gifts have many connotations, which meaning can get far stronger in a celebratory setting. Any subtly they would once have would be amplified. Again, not to mention this may be considered a technical date….any attempts at subtlety would take far more effort then it took to hide such feelings.

Furthermore , Kazuha hadn’t even begun to consider the implication of accepting Kuni’s offer. After all, Kuni was engaged! It would practically be considered immoral of him to go on this outing without taking into consideration Lady Kamisato-

…and yet. Ayaka’s words rang warm.

“I mean, as his fiancé I’d say if he ever gave you an invitation…you should take it.”

Such innocent advice, clearly just wanting some sort of freedom to Kazuha’s feelings.

Rather selfish feelings at that.

“Honestly what was I thinking..” The albino muttered to himself, with his free hand covering his burning red face. The same shade of red he’d purposely hid out of view of Kuni. Fearing his coyness would quickly be noticed if he didn’t take the extra step of staying back for a while.

His gaze finally tilts down at the sound of a small feeding dish being batted at.

“Hey Tama? You're a smart cat right? So tell me what would you bring out on a technical date?” Kazuha asked with a mix of playful sarcasm, “Actually, scratch that, it’s probably just an outing…” He quick mumbled, his eyes once again lost in his own world.

I shouldn’t get my hopes up like that. It’s just going to cause pain for everyone involved. 

Sure I have my suspicions, but emotions are delicate.

And delicate things are prone to shatter-

A loud crash can be heard, causing Kazuha to jolt in surprise.

He really ought to stop letting Tama eat off of anything porcoline. 

Frankly speaking, he really ought to find a place with less knockable items for his best friend’s mischievous cat to stay.

“Tama…” He groaned light heartedly as he saw the porcelain dish. Now split into 6 segments, their edges razor sharp in their own unique way.

Well…Aside from one.

The piece with the flower stamp was dull.

But with a single tap, the flower design split down the middle.

Despite this, the colorful design retains the delicacy from before. Just…more subtly.

Could flowers really work?

Kazuha questioned as he placed Tama in her bed before he started to sweep up the broken glass.

Well, he did like the flowers already….

So…now it would just be solving the problem of subtlety

“A bouquet would be too obvious… so I’ll have to be selective…I’ll have to be careful with the connotations of it too…” The gardener mumbled, placing back the broom and looking back at his shed.

With a deep breath, he slapped both sides of his face as he took a huff of shaky confidence.

“Okay!” He exclaims, his cheeks flushed with determination and flustered feelings, “Stay in here Tama, I’ll be back before I leave but I have an errand to run.” Kazuha informs, quickly grabbing his gardening notes as he slips out of his gardening shed, not wanting to lose his emotional momentum.

Flowers.

He was going to gift flowers.

And his feelings will remain hidden.

———————————-

The warmth of the sun would soon be lost as loose storm clouds began to roll in.At least the cooling temperature made it easier to hide how warm his cheeks were.

“Nope…(romantic implication flower but with strong pollen) that would lose all subtlety.” He mutters to himself aloud as he gently rubbed the leaf between his fingers.

There was a strong scent of hydro peroxide radiating from the nearby bush.

A strange smell for a (bush plant)

A visiter perhaps? Kazuha wondered as he quietly approached the plant, leaning over to take a peak from the side edge. He finds that his assumption  was at least semi-accurate 

“Hmm, to think it would grow so well with just grafting…” The man mutters to himself, although his voice isn’t very well heard.

Standing in a part of the garden, stood Kunikuzushi’s new doctor. 

That being said…Why was he here?

It wasn’t like Kazuha wasn’t already growing medical herbs in a different part of the garden, so it couldn’t be for work reasons…right?

Majority of the time he wouldn’t question a person's intentions in being in the garden. But something about Kunikuzushi’s new doctor being there, and the way the man touched the plants…it all just felt unsettling.

“Ahem” Kuni’s doctor loudly cleared his throat as his head turned in Kazuha’s general direction.

Like a crystal fly caught in a wave of people, Kazuha froze as he turned to properly face the doctor with a sheepish look on his face. 

He really wasn’t one suited for spying was he.

“ Well color me surprised, I didn’t take the shogun’s head gardener to be one to watch others from the shadows.” Kunikuzushi’s doctor commented with a teasing undertone.

Embarrassed, Kazuha gave the man a formal bow before apologizing. 

“You have my sincerest apologies, I don’t wish to give you such an impression”

This formal apology earns the garden an unsettling but strangely hearty laugh from the doctor.

“I only kid” The man tells him, his face now wore a shark-like grin as he dusted himself off. “I suppose I am to blame as well, namely in failing to introduce myself to you properly. Just refer to me as the Doctor. Now, useless small talk aside, these are quite curious plants you have there…Mind if I take a few samples?”

There was an eeriness to the Doctor’s request. But, it sounds harmless enough. So after only a slight moment of hesitation, Kazuha obliged.

“No, not at all…Just don’t over do it” He answers, his hands fidgeting behind his back. Waiting for some sort of response, only to see the blue haired Doctor return to poking at the flower leaves.

An awkward silence hung in the air as the conversation felt both over yet unfinished. Such silence was not helped with the fact that Kazuha’s curiosity as to why Kunikuzushi’s doctor was here still took up space inside his mind.

“Um… May I ask why?” The albino eventually asked, finally unable to stand the awkward feeling left in his throat.

Without even bothering to look up from the plant, the Doctor responded. His tone was unreadable on whether or not Kazuha’s question had been irritating.

“Despite being a doctor, I’ve invested my interest in some plantology.”

“I..I see. Well I’ll leave you to it.” Kazuha responds with a nod, biting his bottom lip as his unease still festers.

It’s best he leave now, not wanting his emotions to get the better of him. 

However, the Doctor suddenly speaks up again.

“Although, I must say, the fact you managed to cultivate multiple variations of asters…you could send a whole bouquet of flowers that could speak words no letter would be capable of conveying.”

The comment piqued Kazuha’s interest.

“I didn’t know you were versed in flower language” The albino commented curiously.

“I’ve done my fair share of reading, care to talk?” Kunikuzushi’s doctor offered, finally looking up from the flower leaves.

“Of course, so long as I’m not holding you up” Kazuha laughs sheepishly as he joins the Doctor’s side.

“Don’t worry, I hardly have any patients anyway.” The other replied with a loose  shrug. “Regardless, taking the chrysanthemums you’ve grown, part of the Asteraceae family, can mean friendship, happiness and well being. Combine that with something like a Gerbera daisy and it can communicate something akin to platonic relationships, or perhaps even childhood. It would simply depend on how one interprets their simplistic meanings” 

“Yes, that's true….although….”

Kazuha’s mind trailed off as he thought about the flowers mentioned.

The meaning of chrysanthemums…They were perfect.

His heart skipped a beat at such a thought.

. Nothing in their meaning could even hint at his feeling for their friendship ran any deeper than he thought would be right…or really fair from someone who faced a very different reality. 

Kuni and him had their responsibilities. 

And emotions were delicate. 

For him and Kunikuzushi.

The blue eyed prince would always be shaped into being Inazuma’s ruler. Unable to choose.

Unable to escape.

As for Kazuha?

He had chosen to leave behind even the prospect of reviving his clan. Allowing a lavish yet empty life degrade into a life of simple gardening.

Kunikuzushi would always be tied to his responsibilities. 

Through blood…

Through work….

And even love.

The right to emotions would never be his.

Forced into a marriage with a spouse who was equally reluctant but at least she would be able to share such burdens.

Burdens that disappeared from being a Kaedehara, meant Kazuha would never and frankly had no right to be able to fully understand.

He may have spent the last few years keeping Kuni grounded as best he could. But he was well aware of the gaps that stood between them. He knew he would eventually be inadequate. 

Ayaka however? 

She knew those pains well.

She grew up through them.

 While he was sent away and eventually just never returned.

His inadequacy to understand could mean causing Kuni more pain. Pain that already hid beneath a ridgid mask of sharp arrogance. 

A pain he knew no one much less a prince deserved to be forced to hide and carry alone.

 A pain that he knew there would be only so much he could understand and help carry before their status gap became apparent.

On a whim he’d decided to visit those grounds in the rain. Not expecting to find Kuni and his bodyguard before suddenly being invited to accompany Kuni to the festival.

An invitation he accepted with a calmness that not even he knew he was capable of. Guess that’s just what happens when his emotions ran too high for his usual deminor.

 Besides, at least with these flowers…it would look like he was happy for Kuni, finally having someone of his own status to keep him company.

The brisk movements of The Doctor snaps Kazuha out of his trance like thoughts again.

“...Well I’ll stop disturbing you now” The Doctor states, standing up again as he dust off his white coat. “I’ve gotten what I needed, so good day.”

:” Huh? Oh! Um right. Sorry I was –nevermind. I guess I’ll see you around.” Kazuha quickly replied as he watched the man walk off. His hands feeling anxious with his focus returning to his previous task.

Chrysanthemums it is.

—-

Faded off in the distance The Doctor could be heard muttering to himself.

“Yes, I suppose I will be seeing you later Kaedehara”

Chapter Text

Moonlight glimmers as water turns to silk

Its soft abrasive path 

guiding those who look.

A heart pounds in the dead of night.

Whilst selfishness learns— That its bounds are naught 

Only then, only then… could I dare think.

That the moon…

The moon is truly beautiful tonight.

And so…

To what end will such feelings linger.

For these hollow moon lit nights.

Kazuha hummed to himself as he composed the poem,

There was a lukewarm, chilling breeze that blew through his tidied hair. Though his attire was not all that different from his usual gardening outfit. It was made of slightly higher quality fabric and had some basic embroidery on its edges. 

On nights like these, the gardener would typically find himself composing heartfelt poetry that he dared not share with the one he fancied. Alone atop the roof of his gardening shed, staring blankly at the withering sakura tree.

But things were different tonight. Tonight he would be having company out with him.

Out and about in the city.

Kuni.

Kunikuzushi would be here soon.

Kazuha twilled the small bouquet of orange yellow tipped chrysanthemums in his left hand. His heart pounds as he can feel his ears heating up.

This moment…this outing…

It was precious.

It would be the last few he knew he would be allowed to share with someone of such high prestige. Even if he himself cared little for such things.

The albino let out a soft sigh as he looked off into the distant festival's lights.

Even at this height, the warm energy filled chatter could be heard.

Breath Kazuha He gently reminds himself as he shakes off his needless worry.

Kuni liked it when he was himself….and it wasn’t like that was ever an impossible demand? 

So why…? Why did it feel so hard now?

He knew himself by now.

…although, he supposed the factor of these…strong romantic emotions…. had yet to be considered.

Regardless, Kazuha would not have to suffer at the whims of his anxieties for much longer. For there was a soft delicate tap on his shoulder. 

Calling forth his attention.

“ Ahem ” Kunikuzushi cleared his throat as the gardener turned around. His appearance still shrouded in the darkness of the forest.

“Ah Kuni! You made it.” The albino exclaims happily. A smile quick to find its way upon his face. His fears for the worst had been quick to dissipate.

Perhaps he was truly overthinking this.

After all… this never was a date. Not explicitly anyway, and only a fool would get their hopes up like that…Fool like himself.

Regardless, he as himself was all Kuni needed, even if Kazuha desperately wished to be something more for the prince.

“Of course I would” The other boy scoffed, pressing his lips together as he took a few steps into the moonlight. “I’m the one who invited you after all”

And in just those few steps, Kazuha found himself rendered speechless.

Kunikuzushi’s hair had been let down completely. Out of his usual neatly kept ponytail. With its dark cooling color complementing nicely against his dark rouge nagagi, one that was patterned with various shades of red and orange leaf embroidery. It was elegant yet casual, with a sheer white shawl draped around the prince's shoulders. All held together with a light brown orbai with a braided texture.

The gardener fears that if he dare allow himself to speak.

The words he held so dearly to his chest would slip at the slightest drop of a pin.

“What?” Kunikuzushi sniped, “Teyvat to idiot garden boy! Are you gonna say anything other than acknowledge me!?” He complained flusteredly, his breath sounded slightly hitched as his ears and cheeks turned a matching shade of the red found in his attire.

“Huh! Oh well…you see…Ahaha. The comment snapped Kazuha out of his daze. The gardener laughed sheepishly as he nervously looked down at the flowers in his hands then back at the person in front of him.

He let out a shaky breath as he brought the mums into view of the moonlight

“These…These are for you-“

But before Kuni even had a chance to react. The yell of a mischievous ginger interrupts the Not-date.

“Boo!” Childe exclaimed, snickering as he watching Kunikuzushi jolt in surprise.

“Childe!” The shorter scowled, clearly annoyed.

“Hey, I mean you let your guard down~ and as your bodyguard, I was just making sure your guard is up!” The ginger declared roughly petting both Kazuha and Kuni’s hair.

“That’s besides the point!” Kunikuzushi argued back, quickly smoothing out his hair. “ I thought you’d be watching at a distance or something, Not following me like a lost puppy! Although…I guess it’s your job so…” He groaned knowing his protest would be pointless. “Look I just prefer you not interfere  whilst we explore!”

With his harsh lecture out, Kuni was quick to grab Kazuha’s hand to further emphasize his point.

Kazuha can’t help but lightly chuckled at the bickering between a master and his bodyguard.

“Now, now.  he’s just trying to look out for you Kuni. Besides, festivals tend to have their fair share of pickpockets, so best we be careful.” The albino gently reminds him. Making sure that his companion turns to face him as he, with a caring smile, tucked the mums into the left side of Kuni’s hair.

“I-…you-…Whatever!” Kunikuzushi huffed, his words cut off by his coy expression. Lost on what to say towards the gesture, he quickly turned to look the other way bashfully. 

The flowers feel nice in his hair…Although he does sneeze after taking a deep breath of air.

“You okay?” The gardener inquires, with a look of concern.

One Kuni knows he folds so easily too.

With a reluctant sigh, he conceded.“Fine. He can come but you better not mention any of this later.”

“You got it, your highness.” Childe nods gleefully, as he snaps his fingers and gives the two a playful wink. Before deciding to disappear into the shadows. Despite having just been given the okay to follow closely. 

Kuni’s expression tightens with annoyance before quickly softening as he turns to Kazuha.

As negative as his mood seemed, his heart and body was filled with nervous anticipation and excitement. 

Freedom…This was freedom was it not?

But even still…

Kuni’s body could not…no, would not move as he silently and hesitantly searched for some sort of okay on the other’s face.

Some sort of approval.

Such a subtle search would be hard to notice to most. Yet for Kazuha it seemed to come naturally. Knowing perfectly what to say or do.

In the eyes of Kuni that was.

“Well then? Shall we?” Kazuha asked, gracefully bringing Kunikuzushi’s hand to his lips as he bows before him playfully.

A truly bold move, that to Kuni… He could not tell what on teyvat was going through Kazuha’s head in those moment.

His checks quickly blushing red as he playfully smacks Kazuha in retaliation. Scolding the albino for his mischief. “Childes watching!” He exclaims in a bashful manner, only to be met with a soft playful giggle and Kazuha drags him off into the festival.

And as for Kazuha?

With the warmth of festival lights and street food flowed through the wind.

He made one singular selfish…selfish…selfish promise to himself.

In the matter of boldness and making each moment count…His confidence and his repressed feelings would have to carry him through the night.

He would deal with the anxieties of such..actions come later.

For now, he would indulge and bask in Kuni’s company. Savoring this experience and cherishing every small moment he had with Kunikuzushi. He would maintain his very calm and soothing demeanor whilst allowing his overflowing purposefully repressed feelings for Kuni to pour out with passion. 

This will likely be the first and last time he could do this.

And…he could only do his best in trying to make it memorable for the both of them.

———-

Lights and chatter fills Kunikuzushi’s senses. The streets were bustling with people left and right. Smells of grilling seafood and sundried fish clash with the sweet scent of Taiyaki. 

He coughed lightly as he brushed the smokes away, noticing something peculiar regarding the feeling it left on his hand.

The Warmth of Welcoming.

A feeling he didn’t ponder for long as his eyes quickly flouted towards his companion. His heart flutters as he does so.

Looking up at Kazuha then back down at their interlocked grip with one another.

For a moment it felt as if it was just him and that damn gardener against the whole of Inazuma.

The way the both of them push through the crowd….

How naturally the wind looked blowing through the soft albino strains of Kazuha’s hair…

It was as if the soft anemo breeze had lifted him and his  the idiot up into the air. Gracing them to dance with one another. 

Each bounce of their footsteps echoed Kunikuzushi racing heartbeat.

It didn’t matter that it felt like his senses were being pulled in every direction.

So long as he was with Kazuha, everything would be okay.

With Kazuha he didn’t feel nervous or alone.

He wasn’t scared of the after effects of his little escapade.

In fact he was even a little excited to show Ei this new found rebellious spirit.

One she’d have thought was already smother 

Freedom at last.

Although that all being said, there was only so much stamina the prince had before he found himself out of breath from the running. Quickly finding it hard to breath with the amount of smoke.

Much to his dismay he can feel his legs slowing down.

Dammit, In just a few moments I’ve become weak.

Pathetic.

He silently cursed to himself as he found his body gently swung into an alleyway. 

Away to where it was just him and Kazuha again.

Away from noise that he hadn’t even realized was drowning out the sound of his wheezing breath.

“Kuni are you alright? You seem a bit pale” Kazuha asked with a worried expression.

“I’m fine” Kunikuzushi responds with a snap, just before suddenly starting to have a rather harsh coughing fit

Normally he would leave it at that, but he knew he could never bring himself to lie properly at the sight of Kazuha’s frown. Even if it was for but a moment.

“Okay… Cough. Cough.” He sighed reluctantly as his coughing fit came to a calm. “I’m not fine…but….”

Kunikuzushi’s breath hesitated, feeling gentle caring circles rub against his hand.

A very Kazuha way of saying, Everything would be okay.

With another deep breath, albeit one shortly interrupted by a cough, Kunikuzushi responded honestly.

“I want to continue…Please? I feel a bit better now.” 

And not one to doubt Kunikuzushi’s words, nor deny him of his wishes. Kazuha conceded.

I’m sure it’s just festive excitement 

He reasoned with himself. Gently re-tucking the flowers in Kuni’s hair.

“Alright if…if you say so.” The gardener agreed with slight hesitation. 

“Yes!” Kunikuzushi exclaimed before quickly covering his mouth, embarrassed. Unable to contain his excitement. “I-…You hear nothing.” He pouts as he huffs defensively.

But underneath his brashly covered face, remained a rare genuine smile.

One that swiftly dissipated the doubts in the albino’s mind. And finding his mind put to ease, Kazuha too responded with an equally energetic enthusiasm.

“Well let's continue!” He invites with a smile, taking Kuni by the hand to lead them out of the alleyway.

Though their exit was suddenly blocked by a small stampede of children. Each with their own bright orange sparkler and signature Naganohara Firework shop label.

“Hey Mr!” One of the young kids shouts pointing the duos direction. “Come play with us!”

“Us?” Kunikuzushi asked, pointing at himself and Kazuha with a confused expression.

“Yeah! You look new around here and Big sister Yoimiya said we should always invite new people to play!” The kid explained, pulling out two extra sparklers, and handing it to them. “Now come on!”

“Well…” The prince hesitated at the innocent invitation. 

Here no one knew who he was (courtesy of Ei never showing him to the public)

These kids were clearly far too young to even notice the little clues that could give him away too.

This request was not out of obligation.

It was a genuine invitation to play with him.

But what of Kazuha

For the first time in a long time, his usually headstrong nature felt lost in the face of this unique experience. He hadn’t even realized that through each step into the festival he had kept turning to the opinion of another.

And as treasure as that opinion was

It was binding yet soothing.

A feeling he couldn’t understand.

And yet it seemed to be one that Kazuha did. As with a soft nudge on the sholder to take the kid’s offer.

The gardener simply said, “Do what feels right,”

A variation of his many lectures for Kazuha to be natural around him when they first met.

He didn’t know if this was the albino reminding him of his own words or not. (and he certainly didn’t wish to get his hopes up.) But even still, the words had their weight, and with a reluctant sigh.

The Prince of Inazuma, now no more than just a stranger to these children.

Accepted.

“Hooray!” The kids cheered as they quickly dragged Kunikuzushi off from Kazuha’s hand. 

“I’ll catch up!” Kazuha calls back waving, tossing him the other sparkler. “Just have fun while I go grab us a bite.”

“Fine but you better catch up!” 

——————

Despite having a great time playing around with the sparklers. Kunikuzushi found himself struggling for breath once more, needing to take a seat to rest.

His chest ached with a strange pain as he finally bubbled down from another coughing fit.

Strange, I don’t usually have this in the palace

He thought to himself, having decided to help light the sparklers instead.

“Again! Do it again Mr!” The young girl cheers as Kunikuzushi channels a small bolt of electro at the stick.

In an instant the sparkler burst to life and the kid gleefully clapped before grabbing it for herself.

“ I thought you swore you’d never use Her almighty’s powers out of spite?” A familiar voice teases. “You okay?

“Kazuha!” Kunikuzushi scowled as he slid over to make room for the albino. “That was just in the palace okay, and yes I’m fine.” He retaliates, crossing his arms childishly.

“I’m only teasing, besides its nice seeing you have fun.” Kazuha laughs as he hands over a salt grilled fish skewer. “ Here try some, this is one of my favorites”

“And you always complain about me changing the subject” Kuni teased back, taking a bite before taking the skew into his own hands.

The crunchy texture of the fish paired nicely with the salt, plus unlike most foods it didn’t feel glued to his teeth.

“It’s good,” He comments as he takes another bite.

“I’m glad to hear.” The gardener says as he looks off into the distance. Resting his head on Kuni’s shoulder.

It’s a quiet moment for the two as they watch some early fireworks go off.

Yellow…then red…a bright orange moth shaped…. followed by an electro colored cat shaped one.

“Say Kazuha?”

“Yes Kuni?”

“I…I know it’s a welcome festival and all. But isn’t this a bit much for some cat?” 

His question was hesitant. Yet with heidence to Kazuha’s earlier advice, he found that his words and thoughts weren’t as sharp witted.

Finding that out here in Inazuma city….his words flowed like water.

As did his questions and curiosity.

“Well, from what I’ve read. The cat is initially reluctant to interact with humans and after scratching, biting and hissing at them all the time…some less kind humans chose to lock it up as punishment. Which only results in the cat despising interacting with anyone outside the small bubble of its cage. But as you’ll have figured, the moth’s attempts to see the world eventually convinces the cat to give things another chance.” Kazuha explained with the patiences of a Master storyteller.

“Ah, so…bribery?” Kuni concluded jokingly, setting the finished skew down.

“In a way, you could say that.” The albino replies laughing, “Poetry is interpretive after all. One person's interpretation can be completely different.”

He laugh still sounds like a bell jingle 

Kunikuzushi thinks to himself before violently shaking his head. Feeling his heart skip a beat as he hums in agreement.

“In any case, what else is there left to do other than have fun?” He remarked semi-sarcastically, poking fun at the vague descriptions he’d received from the little ones.

“Right! I should have told you this ahead of time. But these festivals usually have some mini games for visitors to play.” Kazuha replies as he points in where Kunikuzushi can assume they were. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” He replied before shyly adding, “Although… is it fine if we walk this time? I’m a bit tired.”

“Of course,” The albino answers with a smile as he locks thier hands together again. “Besides, for this being your first festival, you should be proud you already have the core idea to its meaning. Now shall we?”

Once again, the heart in Kunikuzushi’s chest felt funny, and he subconsciously brought his freehand to his chest.

Why was it moments like these that did this to him?

The thought didn’t last long as his tongue was quick to fire back.

“First one I can actually remember” Kunikuzushi corrects with a lighthearted brattiness. “Lead the way gardener poet Kazuha”

“Then I ought to make it one you can remember closely. If I so may. Prince of Inazuma” Kazuha says back with a light tease of his own.

uses free hand to swat Kazuha’s hair while laughing, genuine): 

“Yeah yeah better not say that aloud if you don’t want people finding that out.” He laughs genuinely while playfully sweating Kazuha hair.

Earning another fairy-like laugh from Kazuha.

“I wouldn’t dare.” The gardener replies still laughing. 

But as the two of them finally calm down from their short banter, a pressing question surfaces upon Kazuha’s mind. “Hey that reminds me…Where’s Childe?”

“Eh, does it matter?” Kuni question with a slight shrug “Come on you said you were going to show me something”

“Yes, but if you're fine then I’m fine.” Kazuha nods after a small deep breath. He gently squeezes his companions hand again, before looking up with a determined flair.

“Now don’t let go,” He declares with the same boldness from earlier, “we’re just going to squeeze through the crowd a little more.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

——————-

True to his word, there was a major crowd the two young men had to push through. One where Kunikuzushi had to hold back the urge to cough, less he gets squeezed by a stranger trying to move elsewhere.

“Over there.” Kazuha points out, after he helps dust Kuni off from the crowd.

In the distance stood an odd water ballon stand.

One Kuni hadn't seen in years.

“Huh…It’s the same one from when we were kids…” He mutters aloud to himself, following closely behind the albino.

“Oh?” The old granny running the game hummed as she looked up from the pool. “Would you lovely couple like to play?”

“We aren’t a couple!” The both of them quickly correct with Kuni quickly creating some distance between him and Kazuha. His face red with blush.

“Is that so…? My mistake.” The old woman apologized as she got out two fishing pole-like sticks. “So what will it be?”

“How about 2 plays, Kuni?” Kazuha asked, crouching down to hand over the mora fee. “Kuni?” He asked again,turning towards his companion, only to see the other start to sway unsteadily.

“Yeah, 2 plays is-'' His answer is interrupted by a third coughing fit, this time worse than before.

“Kuni!” The gardener softly exclaims as he swiftly stood up to steady him. Rubbing soothing circles against his back.

“I said… Cough… I’m fine… Cough… Idiot” He weakly reassured as he lightly flicked the albino’s forehead. “Now care to tell me how to play?…I don’t remember how.” Kunikuzushi added the last part softly.

Still unsure what to make of his missing memories from those days.

“Well, yes…but…”

“You worry too much , Garden boy.” He cut him off with a soft sigh, giving Kazuha a reassuring nod. “I’m fine…promise.”

“Okay…So, the rules are simple.” The albino began with a worried sigh, lightly tucking the bangs of Kunikuzushi’s hair before he continued. “Fish the balloon up using the metal hook at the end of the paper. The only limit is you have to do it before the paper melts. Otherwise the weight of the balloon will break the paper line.”

“That sounds easy enough.” Kuni agrees, nodding along as he turns to look up at the game’s master. “We’re ready to play now.”

“Of Course of course, now be sure to be careful about not popping the balloons too.” The old woman reminds them as she hands the sticks over, “Now, Begin!”

With the ring of an old bell, both him and Kazuha casted their paper lines into the pool. 

Luck, not one to take sides in such a game, ends the first round swiftly. Giving Kazuha the first victory.

“Once more?” The game master asked as she helps place Kazuha’s balloon to the side.

“Yes.” The two of them say in unison before laughing.

“Here, this should be enough for another play.” Kuni answers as he handed forth his own bag of Mora before Kazuha could.

“Happy to oblige.” The old granny said as she placed it to the side to count for later. “Now…begin!”

Another ding of the old bell.

This time the game ends faster than before. With Kunikuzushi ending as the victor.

“Nice!” Kazuha applauded as he picked up his own balloon. “Now we both won a balloon.”

“Mhm.” Kuni playfully hums, taking his prize.

There was a smile on his face that something in Kazuha’s soul knew…just knew he would treasure forever until the end of time.

“Another round?” The woman asked, holding up the 2 sticks.

“I-“

“I think we’ll pass.” A rather irritating voice interrupts the prince before he could say anything.

Childe.

“Hello Childe” Kazuha greets with a present nod, 

“Hi Childe.” Kuni greets, a little less enthusiastically. 

“Your- Ahem…Kuni, I think we should head back soon.” Childe informs, chuckling sheepishly at the raised eyebrow from the game master at his slight slip up.

“Yes, I know.” The prince sighed as he looked at the path back reluctantly.

“Come now, don’t look so gloomy, I’ll walk back with you.” Kazuha nudged, offering out his right hand for Kunikuzushi to take.

An offer that Kuni takes.

Squeezing the albino’s hand tightly to his.

The walk is silent for the most part. Aside from outside chatter, the trio do run into the children from earlier.

Each of them looked rather sad to see their new friend go.

“Aww…but you haven’t even seen the best part yet!” The youngest cried, pouting behind her older brother.

“Hirako…” Her brother scold as he bowed apologetically. “Sorry, she gets like this sometimes.”

“No no, it’s alright,” Kuni reassured, gently freeing his hand from Kazuha as he went over to the young girl.

“Here,” He gently hands over his water balloon. “Now you have something to recall today by.”

“mmm…Hmph!” The girl huffed, angrily turning away with the water balloon tightly crattled to her chest.

That’s kids for you

Kuni thought to himself as he struggled the gesture off.

“Come on, we’re already running late are we not?” He asked, walking ahead of both Childe and Kazuha. As if nothing strange had just occurred.

“But then what will you remember it by?” Kazuha asked with a pressed look on his face, jogging to catch up.

“You silly.” He explains, taking Kazuha’s right hand into his again. “You’ll always be at the palace, and…I made this memory with you.”

“Kuni…I-“

“Aww, who would have thought mr. Oh high and mighty, over here would have a soft spot for kids.” Childe chimes, unable to resist the urge the tease the crown prince.

“Ugh! You- whatever! Forget I said anything” Kunikuzushi exclaimed as he turned away brashly.

Except this time something’s wrong.

Something feels very. Very. Wrong.

His body starts to sweat as he find his legs struggling to move. In fact it’s not just his legs…everything feels too stiff to move. 

Including his lungs.

Each breath feels more pressed then the last, he felt Kazuha lightly rubbed his shoulders with concern.

“Kuni? Is everything alright?” He asked, moving to face the prince.

His chest ached as he felt his knee blocked to the ground. Struggling to even speak.

“K-kazuha…” He called out weakly, despite his attempts to sound strong. “It’s…It’s getting harder to breath”

He could feel his heart rate rise as he felt the eyes of bystanders sear into him.

“Can you walk?” Kazuha asked, opening his shoulders for Kuni to lean on.

“I…I don’t think so…” He replied, as his head began to throb. 

If his lungs weren’t already struggling to expand properly earlier, then they certainly were now as he felt a strong coughing fit take hold.

The surroundings started to blur as he felt his body be gently lifted towards the side of the walk way. His feet practically dragging on the ground as the person in front of him (who he assumed was Childe) pushed everyone to move away.

“K-kazuha-” He asked weakly only to be quickly cut off.

“Don’t stain yourself, just focus on breathing.” 

He heard the albino reply just as Kunikuzushi coughed harshly again.

Something had dripped from his mouth as he did so.

Something bad.

Bad enough to rouse the crowd of people watching.

Something that looked red.

Sprawled out on the ground.

Blood.

As the noise around him get louder and his vision gets dimmer.

There is a chime of a soft buzz, purring from within him. It sounds like a voice he’s never heard before. Yet it also carried the frequency of something inhuman.

Not like it mattered as he soon felt an explosion of pain coming from it as his body slid off the hefty shoulders of Kazuha.

In a mere few seconds, things return to darkness like they had weeks before,

This time left with the echo of two people calling out his name.

Chapter Text

The soft sound of two people whispering wakes Kunikuzushi up. There was a distinct tone of worry across the conversation, although he’s unsure as to where.

“I see you’re awake.” Il Dottore comments as the prince slowly blinks open his eyes. Immediately noting the full face mask adorn by his doctor.

Slowly, his mind feels more and more lucid. He could sense his body felt heavy, with his throat throbbing with pain. The weak sounds of his breath wheezing as his nose took notice of the heavy herbal scent. He could feel the fabric of his clothing sticking to his skin and there was a cryo infused cloth placed upon his forehead. One that had already warmed back into a hydro state. 

He must’ve had a pretty gnarly fever if he needed that.

“W-What happened…?” The prince found himself crouching, surprised at just how raspy and weak it sounded within the confines of his room. 

As he took the time to try and rise up and out of bed, it was clear his body had taken a toll from whatever caused him to pass out this time around. Still, stubborn as ever, he forced through it. 

“To put it bluntly, You passed out in the streets for….” The doctor paused for a moment, pressing a finger to his masked face as he thought for a moment. “About a day and a half.”

“What…what do you mean by that?” Kunikuzushi asked with confusion swirling in his mind.

The last thing he recalled from last night…well 2 nights ago, was he had been heading back from the festival…and somehow along the way his memory seemed to have blacked out. Unlike his body which still seemed to be filled with the pain from then.

“Raiden Kunikuzushi.” A stern voice interrupted his thoughts. Ei’s voice. “What were you doing outside in the city?”

Emotionless.

As always.

“What’s the point in answering that when you’re just going to punish me anyway” Kunikuzushi immediately snapped back, scowling. He weakly clenched his fist with the thought of Kazuha crossing his mind.

The warming memories of the night prior began to pour into him and his face soon turned bitter.

Knowing how words got around in this place, Kazuha could very well be in hot water right now.

All because of him.

He had more to lose then Kunikuzushi could even fathom. 

Though the sight of his flowerpot being filled with fresh mums put his mind at ease.

He should have been more careful…

He shouldn’t have been so reckless.

In the end someone was going to be hurt because of him.

A feeling that was weirdly familiar despite his typically cruel nature to others around him. 

He wasn’t one to naturally blame himself after all, yet when it came to Kazuha…

That damn gardener could do no wrong.

So,

Curse his body giving out during a time where a treasured memory was to be made.

Curse his foolishness for not taking precaution.

…

Curse Ei for being right.

He was weak.

But unlike Ei, he was far less willing to cave to such a truth.

No matter how much of a fool it made him out to be.

Not when the only person he felt cared enough about him to treat him normally was in danger. Not when it was because of him.

Taking a heavy sight as she averted her gaze, Ei placed her hand on the table in front of her. Attempting to compose herself.

“While that may be true, I’m afraid Inazuma cannot afford to lose another ruler.” Her calm stoic tone showed no sign of breaking.

So he pressed harder.

“As if.” He sneered, “Inazuma doesn’t even know who or even what I look like. They could care less if I simply vanished into thin air.”

“Kunikuzushi.” The almighty archon of Inazuma warned. Though the prince headed the warning no mind.

“ What you really mean is that you can’t afford to lose your puppet-”

“Raiden Kunikuzushi! I have done nothing but protect you.”  Ei stated, harsh and simple, as thought her outburst had not just occured. Her palms crackled with electro energy, sparking to life with the desire to strike. A stark contrast to her own tense appearance, as though she were struggling to hold her powers at bay.

There was a strange high to watching this…this all mighty god squirmed to hold herself back from trying to hurt her own kin. Kin who would rather do anything but acknowledging their familial bond.

“ You call locking me in like a little bird here to rot is keeping me safe?” Kunikuzushi challenged with a sneer. “What are you even trying to keep me safe from? If the world is truely as dangerous as you make it out to be, why is it that no one attempted to harm me in any way at that festival? Please, do explain.”

He was playing with fire at this point. Perhaps it was because Ei clearly was trying to prevent striking him again. Attempting to prove her morally superior high grounds.

As thought to disprove the countless times he’d pointed out her noteworthy flaws in being unable to move on.

But he was beyond caring at this point.

Kunikuzushi had both everything and nothing to lose at this point.

“You know exactly why, Kunikuzushi.” Ei answers sternly, her brows furled with bitter frustration. “Better than most, I would say.” 

Unbefitting of her stoic self. And a mistake she would soon correct.

With a short breath, the rubbing of her temples as her eyes cooled. Her body is unfeeling once more.

“Had those people known?” She began. Her lips trembling for but a brief moment. “…had anyone known, you would have not been so lucky. You know the truth better than most, as a noble you have a duty to respect that.”

Ei spoke with the most disgusting amount of elegance, for a tone that was filled with such stark disappointment.

“And what do you know?” Kunikuzushi snapped back, clenching his fist in anger. “I’ve hardly seen you face to face in the last decade, even when you so much as “speak” to me.”

“Kunikuzushi.” She warned, reaching to rub her temples.

“All I’ve heard from you has only ever come through your Kitsune advisor!”

There was a loud crackle coming  from the palms of Ei's hand as she shut down the conversation.

“This argument is pointless and irrelevant.”  She states, as if it were a swift strike through the prince’s words. “Raiden Kunikuzushi, I will give you one last chance to tell me the truth . The truth as to why you put your fragile body in harm’s way.”

There it was again, Weak. He was weak. And he knew it. He’d felt it first hand during his taste of freedom. Yet all that truth did was fuel his bitterness further.

“Fragile body?” He scoffed, angrily gritting his teeth. “ Don’t make me laugh, sure I was a sickly kid but I’ve long outgrown it. The only conclusion from there is that you fear others would harm me but you’ve laid more hands on me then they have. Only a fool would continue to believe in such utter nonsense.”

Once more, it seemed that the more he pressed…the more unable Ei was able to maintain herself.

For once, this almighty god was struggling.

Struggling to hold back.

Struggling to prove his words untrue.

…

Struggling to be the very flawless perfection she demanded.

Her voice raised, finally arguing back. Her face full of utter disbelief at Kunikuzushi continued defiance.

“That “nonsense” is what keeps you safe. Even a child would understand that.”

“Yeah a child of yours would!” 

“KUNIKUZUSHI!” Ei yelled, slamming her palms onto the table.

His voice went silent as the soft shaking of porcelain glass could be heard, rolling off the table. 

The prince tense as he braced for the impact of yet another strike of lightning….yet nothing came.

As the delicate vase landed, a smash to the floor could be heard as it shattered.

The mums now layed helplessly as their petals began to saturate. Slowly absorbing the water that now seeped into the wood bellow. 

“THAT’S!…That is Enough” She commands. Her eyes looked at him with a long forgotten hollow distance. One he could vaguely recall seeing the woman make the night Makoto’s death was officially declared. It looked so painful but to him, it was created to signal the end of his freedom. 

The mask of a false protector of sorts.

 At the very least it looks like she’d held back, clearly trying. For no clear reason other than to spite the truth to his words.

A laughable sight indeed.

Kunikuzushi’s thoughts are soon interrupted by the deep sigh of exhaustion Ei lets out.

“In the days since I decided to pass down the crown.” She starts, changing her gaze to the window. “I thought you had matured past this…It seems I was wrong.”

The archon slowly reaches to place the sullied flower onto the table. Gently patting them dry as though she were not the reason they ended up this way.

“So be it.” Ei concludes, “If it comes to light that someone else had encouraged this…I can promise you, the musou no hitotachi has no mercy left for them. Rest well, Kunikuzushi.”

No further words are exchanged as his “mother” leaves the room.

Merely the silence of her heels clicking off into the distant hallway. Shaking her head in disappointment. Unable to even gaze upon the person she called her son.

Chapter Text

“What am I to do with him Miko?” Ei practically cried once she made a great distance from her son’s room.

It was getting harder and harder to hold herself together every time she spoke with her son.
As if things weren’t bad enough the recollection of striking her own kin with her power.

Power she should have been in control of.

I shouldn’t be letting my emotions get the better of me.

Ei scold herself as she took a breath to regain her composure once more.
Disgusted by her own distractions while awaiting her advisor’s response.

Lady Yae on the other hand, paused for a moment seemingly making a brief expression of surprise before letting out a soft sigh, as though the sound of her first name being called didn’t intrigue her.

“...Knowing you, You’ll do what you’ve always done.” Another sigh. “Try and keep him safe without realizing how it hurts him”

There were no hints of teasing in Lady Yae’s voice.

There hadn’t been any ever since the prince fell ill.

One would only be left to guess as to why, after all even those who knew the Kitsune advisor 

“ But he isn’t experienced enough to know what’s dangerous, if it keeps him safe then once he matures he will realize I’m doing this for his sake.” The Inzuma ruler contested, her hand in her hair as if trying to rack her brain for some sort of understanding.

Which frankly she was.

Despite understanding what she’d done wrong and why her son just wouldn’t–no couldn’t understand what was best for himself.

The prince wished to live?

Ei had provided that. She’d saved him with everything she had.

She prevented him from acting recklessly–

But it hadn’t been enough.

Things would never turn out that simple with Makoto gone.

Without Makoto, Ei was aimless.

But she was Inazuma’s secondary ruler after all.

And she had a duty to serve.

With her majesty lost in thought, Lady Yae could only shake her head and think to herself.

That is the problem Ei, Whose sake are you really doing it for at the end of the day.

“Perhaps he will and perhaps he won’t.” Lady Yae would conclude as her hand guided her majesty by the back, “ Come now let’s get you some rest, don’t think I haven’t noticed you visiting him every night, your majesty.”

And with the reluctance expected from the Ei she’d missed but knew would not last for any moment longer….The shogun conceded. 

“ I- I suppose that’s a good idea.”

—--

Time passed swiftly as the ruler and her advisor walked the halls in silence.

Ei still found her mind plagued with thought.

Thought of her sister.

Thought of her duties.

And thoughts of her son’s recklessness.

She truly could not understand.

The shogun could feel her delicate persona begin to break apart.

It would appear the lack of sleep was indeed getting to her.

A detail her advisor would take heavy notice of.

“ So, tell me your majesty, what truly plagues you now?” Lady Yae inquired, her footsteps practically in sync with her almighty’s.

“It has nothing to do with your duties Lady Yae. Therefore it’s meaningless to tell you.” Ei's response was blunt and simple.

Always purposeful, never to be tainted in emotion.

That was her duty.

But it was a duty Lady Yae seemed to find more entertaining to ignore.

It would appear her teasing nature had returned as sporadically as it’d disappeared. 

“You know I can see your thinking face. Besides as your advisor, it’s my duty to serve you to the best of my abilities…and I can’t do that if you're keeping secrets from me”

The advisor’s voice was sweet and honey-like.

Much to Ei’s own dismay as she was quick to increase her pace.

“Ei…” Lady Yae cried out, with a hint of defeat in her voice.

Ignore it

Ei told herself.

It was a tactic to get her attention. And she would not fall for such small kitsune pranks.

There was work to be done.

However…

Her footsteps stopped.

Pausing for a brief moment of contemplation as she turned around with a strained expression.

“Miko I-....” From heavenly principle to teyvat, she was exhausted beyond belief. “I am doing the right thing for that boy…right?”

Her question was soft and hesitant at the thought of being wrong in her methods.

At the thought of failing to live up to what her sister was.

All she was ever meant to be was a shadow.

Even if it were to her own son.

Ei always knew Makoto could do it better.

She shook her head in disbelief at these distractions.

Makoto was dead.

And that was that.

 Ei chose against, closing her eyes and looking ahead however.

After all, she still wished to hear what her kitsune advisor had to say on her question.

“Do you truly wish to know my opinion?” Lady Yae asked, her voice with an unnatural and unexpected amount of hesitation.

As though she were fearful of something.

But of what?

“Yes, that is your duty as my advisor is it not?” She clarified, a hint of irritation in her voice.

“You suggest otherwise just now did you not?”

“I’m not in the mood for your games” Ei replied, raising her eyebrows, unamused.

So with a short bow, Lady Yae would comply.

“Very well, I’ll give you my honest opinion.” The advisor said, taking a deep breath. “ My answer to your question is no. I, as your majesty’s advisor, do not believe so.  However, I am not his highness’s mother. You are Your majesty. I cannot tell you how to best parent your child, that is a line I cannot over step. I may provide advice but what good is advice to someone who doesn’t listen.”

Perhaps Yae had overstepped a line in her words as Ei remained simply unamused.

“What are you suggesting Lady Yae?” She questioned coldly.

“Simply what I alone observe Your majesty.” The kitsune responded, slowly backing away and placing some distance between them before continuing. “ I’m afraid to admit but his highness’s resentment towards you has cause.”

“That being?”

“The truth you hid from him.…not just him to everyone in fact. With the obvious exclusion of myself, I’m sure you’ve realized by not keeping the records of what is actually supporting his heart almost worsened his conditions beyond repair?”

Ah yes the truth.

Something Ei wished to hid for not only for Kunikuzushi’s safety but for the entirety of Inazuma.

If words were to get out about it.

War would be an intense inevitability. 

“I did what I had to.” Ei states firmly as she clenched her fist quietly. “ I cannot let him bear that pain, it would not be what my sister wanted.”

Yes. That was the truth.

Because Makoto wouldn’t want Kunikuzushi to bear a burden he had no chance to turn down.

This was merely her attempt at honoring that.

And that was the truth.

“But it is you who is his mother.” Lady Yae interrupts.

“Makoto raised him better. She was more kind, more motherly…more merciful.” Ei protested, her gaze becoming distant.  “It was because of all those things I cannot be like her. As those are the very things that took her from me. She should have never gone to Watasumi much less Enkonomiya. Celestia knows what she was doing there but one thing is for sure is that for her to be weak I had to be strong.”

Ei was merely speaking the truth.

Firm as ever.

The truth needed no pondering when Makoto was around.

However, without her.

Lady Yae was free to speak all she wanted.

“ But he possesses the heart of the gods, and one that is linked with yours.It would help him understand your motives would it not? Your own conflict hurts him.”

It would appear their brief conversation was slowly shifting into a civil argument.

“I am no mother, nor am I truely a ruler. Merely a warrior forced to take my sister’s place.”

Ei did not have time for this.

She would need this conversation to end as soon as possible to maintain her composure.

It was enough of an embarrassment for her to lose it once.

The duty of ruling and it balance with her warrior like style had taken it’s toll.

Thus she raised her son to become like Makoto and herself.

So if his fiance were to fall, he would be capable.

He would be what she could not.

Both Ei and Makoto.

However, more Makoto than herself was rather challenging.

Especially after his stunt from a few nights ago.

Perhaps her expectations of her son had been placed too high.

Things would need to be revised if that was the case.

Much to her frustration.

“But such things he had a right to know, hm?” Lady Yae hum interrupted her thoughts again.

And this time she snapped back.

Truly beginning her grip on the control she prided herself with. 

With gritted teeth she bore her emotion once more.

“And tell him that he is neither god nor mortal? That he is neither living nor dead?....I couldn’t…not without her.”

There was clear pain in her voice, but Lady Yae seemed intent on not letting up.

Like there was something the kitsune wished for her to see.

“ Once again, this is a decision you must make. Your sister’s mercy tells his highness mustn’t bear the burden of his birth. But that was years ago, and the young prince has grown. Would it not be in your best interest to pass that flame?”

Ei frowned at the thought.

To go against Makoto’s wishes would be to erase what she was.

If Ei was to hold her balance she was not to do such a thing.

Another breath was taken to retake her composure.

Enough was enough.

This conversation would be over in her next few sentences. 

She would be in control once more.

Her grief had passed.

She was Ei, the shadow of her sister, the god of eternity and Archon of inazuma.

These blunders were nothing to what she’d indured.

Simply correct and continue maintaining her rule.

That was her duty and cycle.

“But to allow that would change what is currently holding his body together. Eternity has always been the way Inazuma has moved, even under Makoto’s rule…and to change that would be impossible. That is why if I am to hand him the power of the gnosis right now, that very power would kill him. My ideals are there to hold him strong and protect his weak body.I am simply doing what I must. Eternity is all that Inazuma knows, and he must accept that.”

The shogunate contested tightly, moving further from Lady Yae’s closing gaze.

A gaze she hadn’t even noticed until now.

Her tone was stoic and through the heart that found it pinned by a desired result.

“I am not conflicted, Simply put I won’t teach my child something that got my sister killed.

If I am to protect my son, to protect him from the very thing that keeps his blood pumping then I have no choice.He must accept my teachings until his body is ready for its power.”

Kunikuzushi would live his life unaware of his inhumanity and lack of godhood.

But would radiate the only balance she could not achieve. 

To be her sister and a partial shadow.

“...” There was a long pause from Yae, who looked as though she pondered the lengthy statement.

However, as lengthy as it was it seemed to be what finally make the kitsune fold on her pestering.

“I  suppose there is a point to be made, Ei. “ She said finally, her gaze now broken away. “But I do hope you will at least consider it.” 

“I suppose I will.” Ei replies with an empty nod. “Thank you for the company Lady Yae but I will continue to my room alone please.”

With this moment alone, The shogun walked ahead.

No longer hearing wooden footsteps clack behind her like a ghost.

Her head held high and her control returned.

Ei would return to her room.

Unaware of the painful irony that is in her hubris actions to protect her son. 

And in her son’s rebellion to be free.

They had become more alike than they ever truly wished to admit.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi cursed sharply under his breath, “What is her deal?”

Was it too much to ask for some sort of answer?

Hell was it too difficult for a control freak like her to let him be anything but like her?

There was no freedom so long as he was the prince of Inazuma, and he knew that well.

But it was things like Kazuha that always made him willing to pretend he did.

And now for all he knew, Kazuha could be awaiting a terrible fate. All because the albino gardener had chosen to look at him differently.

His kindness never did seem to change, as much as Kunikuzushi sometimes found himself wishing it did. Somehow in the last decade or so, Kazuha had managed to remain that way. Despite all that had likely happened in his own life.

Not that Kunikuzushi knew particularly much about it.
All he knew was it being a touchy subject.

His expression soured as he let his eyes drift back at the ruined flowers. Flowers that stood oh so perfectly under Kazuha’s watchful care, but remained quick to wither once Ei would have control.

“Something wrong your highness?” Il Dottore asked, interrupting his thoughts and seeming worried. Although it was hard to tell what face the man made under his mask.

The simple act of making his presence known drew out harsh frustration.

“ Don’t belittle me, I’m fine. What are you still doing here, can’t you tell I want to be alone? Get out. In fact I’m a little surprised you just stood there and watched. What are you? A statue?” Kunikuzushi snapped back angrily. 

Truthfully, he was appalled by the fact Dottore simply stood there and did nothing.

He’d thought that perhaps one of sound…well soundish mind, would take the time to reason with the unreason wretch that was the almighty archon. 

Not to mention the fact that he clearly expressed he wanted to be left alone. 

…

Well, at least now that fact was on clear display.

Kunikuzushi waited for Dottore to walk out of the room like so many others in his life, only to find it not to be the case.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” The foreign doctor stated, plain and simple. His voice soft and comforting, yet cold and bone chilling. “Not without finishing a few more tests on you. Standard procedure, request at the behest of your mother herself.”

“Of Course she did.” The prince grumbled as he stuck out his arm, having done this hundreds of times before.  

“Get it over with and then get out.”

“Right away your highness.”

Silence consumed the room once more as Kunikuzushi started absentmindedly at the tube of flowing blood that was stuck into his arm. The soft sting of the needle was the least of his concerns.

His mind was drifting back to Kazuha as it so often does.

He knew how word would get around. If even one person saw him that night…

Well, there was something he’d prefer not to think about.

Truth be told, to say he feared for Kazuha would be an understatement.

He would never forgive himself if something did happen.

If something happened to the one person who gave him a relationship he truly never deserved.

To give so much to someone who could only destroy what as in front of him.

Only leaving a bitter hole in his wake.

The sound of a blood vial being changed out and a throat being cleared pulled him out of his head again.

Although his eyes were still fixated on the spot on his arm.

“ Ahem, Your highness, as your doctor, I assure you , you can tell me anything. It’s best I know and understand my patients for the sake of their treatment. Even minuet details could benefit a treatment plan exponentially.” Dottore seem to speak with delight, albeit it to someone not even bothering to pay attention.

“Yeah yeah, I know.” Kunikuzushi hummed in response, his mind still barely present.

“ But truthfully, what was a person with a heart defect doing in such a dangerous environment? Her almighty had a point in just how much danger those festivals put you in. While watching other in the palace enjoying their time while you could not, I don’t believe that they had a history of such conditions.”

Ah, well that now certainly would catch his attention.

Since when did he, Kunikuzushi, Prince of Inazuma and next in line for a throne he never wanted, have a heart defect?

“Heart defect” He asked, a tinge of curiosity in his confused tone. Raising his head to look at the snezhnayan looming above him. “Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have a heart defect.”

“Oh but you do.” Dottore responded, a light tease in his voice to complement the light hint of curiosity in the prince’s voice. “ After all, what would I, a foreign doctor, have to gain from lying to my patient? A patient who appears to be even less aware of his own medical records than I am.”

“Hmph.I wouldn’t put it past her to hide those.” Kunikuzushi replied, scoffing sarcastically.

Dottore smile, strange but not unexpected from someone who’d already established himself as an eccentric personality.

“Not to worry, I obtained them while you were asleep. Discovering that you were indeed born with a congenital heart defect. How or why it suddenly acts up without reason after years of dormancy, is truly beyond me. Not to mention for someone with such a severe case of it like yours, I would have at least expected records of a transfer. Yet I see nothing of the sort.Truly it’s a miracle you're even alive as we speak.”

His words were strangely comforting despite knowing just how much of his own body must’ve been hidden from him to go this long in ignorance.

Still, it would be too unlike him to back down on his sharp tongue, as Kunikuzshi quickly fired back.

“If it’s that much of a miracle then I beg to differ. It’s more likely that some incompetent fool failed to record it.” He remarked with his usual cynical sarcasm.

Dottore continued to smile, his teeth seeming to get sharper and sharper the longer he held it.

“Yes, I thought the same at first. But that's when I found something I believe you would find most interesting. However, I’m afraid I’ll need time to analyze the results so this discussion will have to wait.”

With that, the man clasped his hands together having finished packing up just about everything in the room, aside from a bottle of medicine. Now turning to the flowers on the table.

Kunikuzushi hadn’t even noticed Dottore was doing that until then.

“Regardless.” The snezhnayan continued, closely inspecting the reds and white of the bouquet. “With your approval, I’d like to study your condition. It’s the first I’ve seen and with your cooperation, I’m certain it would be very beneficial to the world of medical science.”

“So you plan on using me?” He asked back, narrowing his eyes. Surveying the taller’s next move regarding the flowers. All in anticipation of a lie or two.

And once more found himself ot be proven wrong of this foreign character that was Dottore.

“In a way I suppose, but I like to think of it as a way of harnessing what many would deem as weak and proving it is stronger than the rest.” The man answered honestly, finally deciding it would be best to leave the plants alone. Now turning back to face the prince, his cautious posture slowly relaxed.

“...Fine,” Kunikuzushi agreed, after a brief moment of deliberation. “I’ll corporate. But I would like to clarify I’m not doing this for her almighty. This is my choice.” He took the time to emphsisze the last part, awaiting just one last negative possibility, that now more then ever just didn’t make sense based on all he knew.

“Who said this was ever a request for Her almighty?” Il Dottore replied, pulling out another syringe from his jacket. “You are still also recovering from the concussion a few weeks ago, so perhaps you haven’t been listening all that well. But I’ll clarify that this is your decision and your decision only.”

Kunikuzushi covered his mouth as he let out a snort,  “You must be more insane then I in that case. “ He remarked finding it hard not to burst out into laughter.

“Well, I take pride in that,” Dottore answered, playing alonge with a gracious bow, “ Now I don’t suppose she had any rule against me telling you the truth if her end goal is truely to keep you safe.”

“Wouldn’t put it past her but knock yourself out. Don’t blame me if she strikes you like she did to me though. After all she clearly had no issue doing it to her own kid so I’m sure a foreign stranger would be no different” The prince shrugged nonchalantly.

Dottore chuckled, as he now filled the syringe with  “You flatter me Your highness, but I assure you I have everything planned. Now I just need to administer your medication and I’ll be going.”

“You better.” He replied, as he stuck out his left arm again.

This time there was A light blue luminous liquid being injected into him. 

It was nothing like any of the other medication he’d taken, but he chalked it up to it being some snezhnayan medicine.

“There, now that wasn’t too bad was it.” Dottore asked rhetorically, cleaning of the now removed needle. 

“I suppose not”

“I’ll be seeing you a bit later today to do another check up.” 

Kunikuzushi only nodded as he remained sat upright in his bed. Watching as the doctor slowly moved to leave the room.

The pressing matter of Kazuha remained at the forefront of his mind.

Dottore had mention Kazuha at the festival, or at least something like that.

What if he were to-

“Wait” His mouth moved before he could think any further.

“Yes your highness?” Dottore, turned around, his body language responsive to the sudden halt in his task at hand. As though he’d predicted such a thing.

“You won’t tell her about…about…” Kunikuzushi’s voice trailed off as he felt the gravity of the situation press down against him once more.

He’d taken this gamble without even considering everything first.

His previously cautious nature being so quickly shattered by finally having some answers.

He wanted to bite his tongue as he felt his body become hot with anxiety.

Watching as Dottore simply put a finger to his lip with a toothless smile, his icy gaze cooling the room. 

“What is there to tell about the prince who sneak out all by himself and got himself sick?” Playing along to what the prince had ment.

The waves of relief remained brief as Kunikuzushi quickly recollected himself.

“ I…I suppose that puts me in your debt.”

It would take too much to say a simple thank you. And he knew that he should, but one had to admit that doctor was a tad too troublesome for his liking. Albeit at a much more bearable level by a large margin to most.

“Nonsense,” Dottore laughed, patting the prince on the head before finally heading to the door.  “Your cooperation with my study pays such a menial debt ten-fold. You have nothing to fear, your highness.”

Chapter Text

Leaves fall

Autumn now fades .

Ever Lonesome,

Birds of our—this—your— the garden.

Lost to storm.

A wing now shattered.

Another at fault

Snow will fall.

Their warmth 

Must linger 

Together as one.

….Though best left apart.

The sound of a watering can absentmindedly being poured could be heard as Kazuha stared blankly into the barely opened window.

His hand tingled softly with swilling anemo energy. Ready to allow him to float weightlessly.

He could boost himself up to check on Kuni.

Kazuha considered, eyes still remaining at Kuni’s window even as a small puddle began to form.

Tama seems to agree as she jumps to and from the window sill, fully expecting Kazuha to follow with his usual gift of flowers.

Then again, what if the reason the window was hardly open was to keep him out?

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that…

If anything perhaps he should be even more surprised if that were not the reason.

After all, this was all his fault at the end of the day.

He’d accepted the invitation without considering the possible danger it would pose to Kuni’s health.

…Did he even have a right to continue to use that nickname after what’d happened?

He should have anticipated this.

After all, no one is simply kept inside for little to no reason.

He shouldn't have assumed it had been because of the Shogunate overprotectiveness. 

He should’ve figured it was because of an underlying condition.

He had no right to make such an assumption when he was blessed with being free from such a life. He wasn’t bound to duty like the prince was, He hadn’t gone through the rigorous training someone of the like of Lady Kamisato had.

He truthfully could never understand fully what it meant to protect such people.

His own experience only shows him as a chain against freedom. Unrelenting suffocation if you will.

He questioned if what he was doing was right for Kuni.

More than anything he knew he wanted to make Kuni happy.

But at the cost of Kuni’s health?

Was that really right?

At the cost of Kuni’s duties and responsibilities being unfulfilled creating instability within Inazuma all because Kazuha simply wished to indulge something he knew would make Kunikuzushi happy? 

Where did that line truly lie?

The pouring watering can finally stopped as the cold water finally seeped into Kazuha’s socks.

“Crap!” He hissed to himself as he realized what he’d done to the poor plant. If Lady Mona’s intuition was correct, and it seldom was incorrect, Kazuha was to expect rain for the next few days.

The gardener bit his lip in frustration as he tried to salvage the situation. Rushing to repot the flower bush in a desperate attempt to prevent inevitably drowning the poor thing.

Nearly tripping over Tama in the process in his panic.

An act that Tama promptly seemed to scold him for with the harsh swating of her tail.

“I know I know.” He whispers back in almost a plea-like voice, trying to avoid damaging the bush any further than he already had. “ I just…”

Kazuha sighed for a moment as he finally took the chance to sit down. Taking out his pocket notebook before he does so.

“I’m worried.” The gardener tells the white cat. Tapping his writing tool on the tattered blank page.“ …I just want to see he’s okay”

The albino sighs again, as he rubs the underside of Tama’s chin.

“I can’t help but feel like I’ve made things unfair for him.“I want him to be happy yet my reasoning seems so inherently selfish.”

Tama mewed again, batting the folded corner of Kazuha’s notebook. Clearing taking entertainment in further destroying the already shabby book.

“I suppose some focus would do me well.” Kazuha notes with a soft sigh as he takes a breath to clear his head. Letting the letter flow as he needs. Kuni commented not too long ago, about just how much it looked as if his pen were dancing.

Wind breathes 

A slight blush crosses his face before he recenters his mind. Calling attention to the sounds around him. The sound of a soft breeze rustling the fallen petals. Warm like Kuni’s hands from the first time Kazuha had taught the prince how to garden.

A Petal fall

A Flower skims the waterfall

The gentle glistening of the freshly watered earth. It was ever similar to that smile. That gentle radiant smile from last night.

Drifting across the surface 

Something that Kazuha had only seen once before now. A brief childhood moment that he’d been frankly blessed to see.

  Moonlight 

…And so how much it had blossomed— something more elegant and wonderful to see.

Glowing. Radiant. Transcendent.

 Red. Blue. Green.

Blooming summer– Festivals—

Kunikuzushi’s smile. 

Kazuha’s face warmed once more, his face posed with a slight smile at the memory.

Kunizushi’s smile.

 Unshrouded by the burdens he always fought so valiantly to hide under arrogance.

Kuni had truly been happy together that night.

Lonesome Joy, what right did it have to exist?

A warmth filled Kazuha’s chest as he placed the pencil down. Allowing Tama the chance to play around with it. His hand shocked as he looked up at the sky.

Yes. Lady Kamisato–No Ayaka. Ayaka was right.

It was about time he asked. Not for the admission of such a thing, much less a request for an exchange of mutual feelings. 

Rather, a plea for what their relation would be after all that was said and done.

From the arranged marriage to the night Kuni collapsed. 

…Had it ever, truely, hurt him to speak in such a manner with Kuni?

Was that not the basis of their friendship?

That he, Kaedehara Kazuha, treated Kuni as if he were any other friend.

Feelings or not. This was who Kazuha was for Kunikuzushi.

If that was what made Kuni the happiest. Who was he to deny that from him?

Kuni’s happiness was all that he wanted at the end, right?

Yes. This was satisfactory enough. Kazuha didn’t need much more than that.

He was certain of it