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Perhaps, if he disregards the other, he will cease and take leave. Perhaps, he if throws his blanket over his head, and pretends that someone is not at the door of his home, repeatedly pounding his fist upon it while shouting his name, that person will do so no more, and return to his own. Perhaps, just perhaps if Carlos can thoroughly ignore him, he can sleep in for a whole day like he longs to.
That day will not be today.
For his friend--his dearest and only friend, has unrelenting persistence, and the stubbornness like that of a rock’s solidity.
“Carlos!” He shouts from behind his door. “Awaken at once! I know you reside in there, you have been in bed all of morn, now open up! I have news!” Narumiya orders, and Carlos, tiredly submits. He slowly and reluctantly gets out of his bed; the cool air gradually replacing the warmth of his blankets the more and more his skin is revealed to it. He stretches and sighs without the bother to tame the hair that had fallen out of place as he slept, then shuffles over to his door to let his companion in.
“Good day-”
“By the Gods! Carlos, where are your trousers?” Narumiya questions with shock. He turns away to shield his eyes, completely and utterly appalled by his lack of nightwear. However, regardless of his nudity, he still invites himself in.
“Ah, come in.” He says as the other brushes pasts him and situates himself at his dinner table. He joins him.
“What is this news you wish to tell me?” He asks while rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“Put some clothes on first.”
“Why must I do so? I am comfortable as is. Tell me your news.”
“You are in the presence of a guest! I do not wish to see your flaccid, unsheathed skin-sword before my eyes, now go dress yourself at once!” He huffs.
Carlos halts a becoming frown to smirk at his words, he says nothing and leaves to put on a pair of pants, but that is all Narumiya will get from him. He returns, and Narumiya makes a face, but does not comment on it.
“Will you tell me of this news, now?” He questions as he joins him at the table once more.
“The king has made a request!”
“Oh?”
“Aye! He has requested that all men capable of doing so, take part in a capture mission!”
“A capture mission? What for?”
You know of the legend, correct?”
“A legend?”
“How do you not know of the tale! All of the town speaks of it!” He scolds, but continues nonetheless. “Well, deep in the forest, where the trees grow thick and tall--it is said that often times, the sun is not strong enough to shine through its leaves-- and the water runs clear and clean, dwell creatures with hair of crimson and eyes of gold, they take on human forms to not arouse suspicion--however, their hair and eyes cannot change-- and if you capture one, they will grant you a wish in return for their release!”
“A wish?”
“Mhm, the king has announced that the first person to get him one of those creatures will be rewarded generously.” He grins.
“And you wish to find these so called creatures together and collect the reward?”
“You are an excellent reader of minds, Carlos!”
He hums.
“You will assist me? I have my bag packed and I am ready to-”
“I will not.” He says impassively.
Narumiya’s face falls, and he stares at Carlos with confusion and disbelief.
“Carlos-”
“There are no such things as beings with golden eyes that grant wishes, Mei. It is nothing but a tale--as you said, and the king is silly for believing so.” Carlos states, rather bluntly. It makes the other frown.
“They do exist, Carlos.”
“They do not.”
“They do, Masatoshi told me he met one.”
“He did it to humor you.”
They stare back at each other with hardened gazes, both firmly standing by their belief on the situation. In all honesty, Carlos is not fond of arguing or fighting. He finds it both pointless and tiresome, but he realizes it is necessary, because in moments like these, to ensure Narumiya’s safety, he must argue. However, Narumiya is the most inflexible person he has ever known. No amount of spoken logic will cease his unyielding determination, it is when he attempts something on his own, when he experiences it with his own hands, he will finally give way, and come to the right decision himself. And even though Carlos feels as if he should not, even though it would make more sense to dub his intransigence as foolish and often blatantly idiotic, there is a part of him that respects him for it.
So, it is why he argues, it is why he refuses to let his mate willingly throw himself in the possible dangers that reside in the forest in order to satisfy the curiosity of a king that could care less about his well-being.
Narumiya gets to his feet. “Fine then, if that is how you see it, you need not accompany me.” He says and makes his way to the door. “I was unaware, that my friend--nay, soul mate actually possessed the face of a coward.”
He scoffs. “Mei, you have known me for years and you will know me for years to come. You know for certain that the face you look at is not the face of a coward.” Carlos says with a small frown, annoyed by his words.
“Coward or not the fact is, you will not assist me. It is not like you were needed anyhow, I simply thought you could use the extra income. I shall find the creature on my own then. Perhaps, if you ask nicely, I will share my reward with you.” Narumiya says, however when he speaks Carlos can sense bit of disappointment in his tone, it lingers, and takes away any sting his words intended to have.
He finally takes his leave, and Carlos sighs.
.
.
.
Narumiya walks; morose and dejected as he distances himself from Carlos’s home and towards the woods; his satchel heavy with necessities at his side. He did not expect to travel all by his lonesome. He had hoped that Carlos would be excited about this, just as he had been. It is nearly shocking to know that he would be so against it. No matter, his judgement will not keep Narumiya from fulfilling this request. He is finally out of town, and turns a last time to get a final look.
His eyes grow wide upon seeing Carlos; fully dressed in appropriate travel gear, with a backpack of his own. He bears fruit --apples, specifically-- and tosses one to Narumiya, who fumbles a bit upon catching. He bites into it, and grins widely.
“You have changed your mind-”
“I simply could not have you go and endanger yourself over a silly myth, is all.” He explains with a huff. “I will accompany you, and take you home once you have had your fun.”
Narumiya scoffs. “This is not to be fun Carlos, it is a capture mission, a quest, only the strong and serious will succeed, which is why I am perfect for this job.”
Carlos does not respond to that, only bites into his apple.
“Right? You do agree with me, do you not?”
“If you say you are, then you are, are you not?” He replies plainly.
“What does that mean?”
“Whatever you wish it to mean, Mei.”
“Do not speak in such a manner, Carlos! It is difficult for me to understand!”
“What manner?”
“That manner! Like there are hidden words that lurk behind the ones you speak, bring them forth and let me hear them as well.” He commands.
“I know not of what you speak, what hidden words?”
Narumiya is a second away from elaborating, but upon seeing the faint smirk on Carlos’s face, he scowls, and pushes at his side.
“Do not make a fool out of me, Carlos!”
Carlos stumbles a bit, but manages to catch himself. He chuckles, and is right by Narumiya’s side once more.
“You wound me, Mei. I would never-”
“You would!” He cuts him off and exhales, ready to rant.
He laughs aloud this time, and throws an arm around his shoulders to hug him close, then shoves his apple in his mouth.
“Hush now,” He tells him, ignoring the other’s muffled ‘Carlos!’ as he glances around to thoroughly survey their surroundings. They have not been walking for long, but he can no longer tell their exact location.
“Mei, how long will this silly trip last?”
Narumiya spits out the apple and wipes at his mouth. “I do not know.”
He shoots him a look.
“How am I to know, Carlos?” He says defensively, “The legend says ‘deep in the forest’ and nothing more!”
“You truly believe we can get by on that knowledge alone?”
“...”
He sighs and shakes his head. “We will find another town and ask around.”
Narumiya does not like the sound of that plan, but for once, he does not express his discontent.
.
.
.
Neither of them are sure how long they walk, but the darkness in the sky and the coolness in the air let them know that it has been long enough. Yet they continue, and Narumiya wants to stop before it gets any more difficult to see. Feeling slightly uneasy, he closes any unnecessary distance between him and Carlos, and takes a gentle hold of the sleeve of his jacket as he begins to be more cautious of his surroundings. Carlos, simply has to make note of this.
“And here I thought you had gotten over your fear of the dark.”
“Silence, you.” He murmurs, “I fear nothing. I am cold, is all.”
“Is that so?”
“Mhm.”
He pulls his arm from the other’s grasp, and takes hold of his hand. He swings them together with exaggeration, then hums.
“Ah, but Mei, you feel as warm as ever.” He comments, “Surely it cannot be the cold that brings you so close to me.”
Narumiya snatches his hand back with a scowl, and quickens his pace to move ahead of him.
“I told you, I do not fear a thing-” He is cut off by the sound of rustling leaves from a nearby bush; it makes him flinch. Quite certain it is a beast of some sort, Narumiya prepares to run, only to stumble over a tree root and fall. He sits up on his knees, and angrily stares down at the dirt floor with visibly trembling shoulders. Carlos does not need to see his face to know he is pouting. Within moments, he is by his side, and ruffling the top of his head. Humiliated, Narumiya swats his hand away.
“Leave me be.”
“How long do you plan to stay like that?”
“It is none of your concern, now go and leave me be.”
“But it is dark.”
“So? I do not fear-”
“You do.”
“...”
“You are quite like a child, you know.”
“...”
Carlos kneels, and attempts to look at his face. When Narumiya turns away, he takes hold of his hand once more. “Come now,” He says, voice soft and void of tease. “If it brings you comfort, you may hold onto me until you fear the dark no longer.”
Narumiya makes sure the other does not see the pink in his cheeks before he accepts his hand. He says nothing at all, and gets to his feet. Carlos sees how he grips his hand with a tightness, but pays no mind to it.
Narumiya thinks that Carlos’s hand is very firm, and just as warm as his. Comfort spills from his palm to his, and the unease begins to ebb away.
They take a break from the woods, and venture off into some unnamed town with the internal promise to continue their journey in the morning.
They reach an inn, and it is not until Narumiya receives a questionable stare from the keeper that he realizes he is still holding onto Carlos’s hand. He releases it, and crosses his arms as his companion pays for their room.
Narumiya is completely fine with sharing a room with Carlos, he is also fine with sharing a bed with Carlos. He is well aware that lodging prices can be rather expensive, and will not blame him for his inability to pay for two rooms, seeing as he brought no money himself. It is understandable.
What is not understandable, is the fact that Carlos wishes to sleep nude in the bed that they will lie in, in the room that they will share.
What is not understandable, is how the other cannot fathom in the slightest why his nudity is an issue.
What is not understandable, is that even though he protests loudly against the idea of sleeping nude, Carlos still slips into bed without a hint of decency, and makes himself comfortable in the sheets.
“Absolutely not!”
“But Mei,” He yawns, nuzzling into his pillow. “I am most comfortable like this.”
“You are naked.” He stresses.
“Aye, I am.”
“I will not share a bed with you like this!”
“Then ask the innkeeper for an extra blanket, and sleep on the floor.”
The audacity.
“You sleep on the floor!”
“But the floor is filthy.”
“Then why should I sleep there? Put some clothes on this instant!”
“Keep your voice down, the other occupants will get upset, you know.”
“I am upset, too!”
“Then get some rest.” He tells him with the utmost of nonchalance before turning over to face away from him.
Narumiya seethes, and it is shame Carlos had turned around when he did, because his face is quite red, his cheeks are out with a puff, and nose is flared like that of an agitated bull. He looks silly.
“How would you like it if I too, slept in the nude.”
“Do not sleep in the nude Mei,” Carlos replies simply, tiredness in his voice. “You will catch a cold.”
“But you do so all the time!”
“That is different.”
“How so?”
“I am me, and you are you, and you catch colds easily, while I do not.”
“Preposterous.” He huffs.
“Ah, but it is true.”
Carlos does not hear a response, instead, he hears the sound of clothes being removed. He laughs, and turns to Narumiya, who continues to strip.
“You are a fool, what good will it do to you if we are both naked?”
“If what you claim is true, I will sleep naked and catch a cold. Once I do, I will be sure to pass it on to you.” He promises, tossing his shirt aside.
“How cruel,”
“It is your punishment for not doing as I say. Now,” He places both hands on his hips, baring himself all of himself for Carlos to see. “will you put back on your trousers, or face the wrath of a cold and be sickly for a week?”
It is a horrid ultimatum, and Carlos is confident in his chances, but Narumiya is already starting to shiver. Thinking it is foolish to have him go to such lengths, he complies, and slips out of bed to put back on his pants.
Narumiya grins triumphantly, and redresses himself before crawling into bed.
“Do not even think of stripping once more as soon as I fall asleep, Carlos.” He murmurs,
“You lack trust in me, friend.”
“I mean it. If I awaken in the morn to find… you pressed up against my backside, I will-”
Carlos laughs, and does not allow him to continue on with his threat. “Goodnight, Mei.”
Narumiya grumbles a ‘good night’ before letting sleep finally take him.
.
.
.
They wake up early, far too early, Carlos thinks. He does not bother to complain, for Narumiya’s excitement makes him deaf to things of that nature. They eat with haste and immediately continue on with their journey. However, Carlos is well aware that going through with this ‘capture mission’ would be rather pointless if neither know where to go. After a bit of convincing, Carlos gets Narumiya to finally agree to his initial plan to ask around. They do, but the town is so large and lively, (packed with merchants and hagglers) finding someone to question is far more difficult than expected, especially with Narumiya being utterly picky about whom they talk to.
If Carlos did not possess the patience he has, he might have considered giving up.
“Carlos! Let us leave this place and return back to the woods, we are losing precious daylight, you know.”
He simply shakes his head “What if I ask a shopkeeper?” Surely, if it is a request from the king himself, everyone in the kingdom would know about the legend.
Narumiya groans.
“It will only be a moment,”
“Then I will wait here.” He tells him, then leans against a nearby wall.
“Do not move-”
“I will not!” Narumiya scoffs; he is not a fool nor child, and knows that wandering will only get him lost. Carlos watches him for a moment before handing him his coin bag and heading off to gather directions.
Narumiya closes his eyes, and it is only after doing so that he hears the sound of wood scrape across the dirt floor, and the clearing of a throat.
He looks up to see a tall fellow, no older than him. His hair is black like the feather of crows, and his grin is big and bright like the very first sunray at the break of day, (in fact, it is so contagiously bright that Narumiya too, finds himself grinning back at the stranger) He is holding a walking stick for travel, and a small sack of something Narumiya cannot name.
“Beautiful day, is it not?” He asks, and though he is looking at him, Narumiya does not realize that he is being spoken to right away.
“Aye, it is.” He finally answers.
“I say, you look like a man who is fond of games,”
“Mmh…”
“Has my hunch deceived me, am I wrong?”
Narumiya is not sure where this man came from, or why he has taken an interest in him. He has not done anything to attract attention to himself, but he supposes harmless conversation could not hurt.
He shakes his head. “You are correct.”
The man’s smile widens, and he is not sure how to feel about this.
“Just as I predicted, ”
“Is that so?”
“Aye. I tell fortunes, you know.” He says, and Narumiya’s face is the epitome of skepticism.
“You believe there to be falseness in my words?”
“It would be odd of me not to,”
“True, allow me to prove it to you then.”
The man sets his stick down, and opens up the bag. Curious, Narumiya leans in to see inside. However, the action only helps raise more questions. The contents inside are of something he cannot even guess; it resembles sand or gravel, yet it is oddly colorful--a bright, vibrant pink.
“I predict that this will affect you in your future.”
“Really?”
“It is a component of magic.” He tells him with awe in his own words, almost as if he were trying to impress a child.
“Magic, you say?”
“Mhm, may I have your name?”
“Mei,”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mei. I go by Sanada. Your hand please.”
He complies, warily, and watches as Sanada sprinkles a generous amount of the colored sand onto his hand.
“I do not think-”
Sanada puts a finger to his lips, and Narumiya falls silent.
“This type of magical sand is like that of a healing assistant. It also gives one perfect memory.”
“Perfect memory, you say?”
“Mmh, as you have it in your hand, whatever you see, hear, or think will be remembered, because the effects are very, very strong.”
“When does it take effect?”
“I am glad you asked.”
It happens quickly, and Narumiya is too stunned from the action to feel the sting right away. A large gust of the colored sand had hit his face, and made him realize that Sanada had blown into his palm. He stumbles back with a cry and feels a weight at his hip before he is relieved of the pressure and the presence of another person.
He rubs his eyes until he is able to open them, and Sanada is gone.
He is confused, and at a complete loss of words. When Carlos arrives, he raises a brow at his near bewildered expression.
“Mei?”
Narumiya turns to him, and Carlos makes a face at the mess on his. He hands him a handkerchief.
“I told you not to move,”
“I did not!”
“Then what is on your face?”
“Magic sand.”
“...”
It takes Carlos a few moments to realize that Narumiya had been approached, and one more to realize why he had been assaulted with sand.
“Mei, my coin sack,”
He puts a hand on his hip to retrieve it, but feels for nothing. Carlos is the first to understand, he sighs while Narumiya repeatedly checks himself for the sack.
Then, it hits him.
He had been robbed.
“Oh… Oh, no, no! That… That boot-licking, arse breath’d, pribbiling, reeky, racoon-livered miscreant! He stole from me.” He shouts, eyes wide in disbelief that he, of all people was utterly played like a wantwit fool. Embarrassed and outraged, Narumiya sets out to chase after the thief, only to be held back by Carlos, who grips tightly at the back of his collar.
“Release me!” He demands, “I will see to it that he returns the money at once-”
“Never mind the money,”
“But-”
“I know where to go now.” He says, then lets him go. “The shopkeep I met was an elderly man, and said to have heard of the legend since he was a child. He even tried to find the creatures himself.”
“Oh?”
“Mhm, however, all he told me was to just keep heading eastward until we see the tall trees, as they will not be hard to miss, we should be met with a river not too far from a waterfall soon after.”
“Tch, those directions were just as helpful as the ones I told you.”
“Which proves that all of this is silly and the red-headed creatures do not exist.”
“They do!”
Carlos shakes his head and begins to venture east, “Let us continue.” The quicker he proves him wrong, the quicker he can go home.
“But what of the money?”
“You will pay me back some other time, come now.”
.
.
.
They walk with the given directions, and all the while Carlos does not speak, as he is too immersed in making sure he has got the right path to do anything else. Narumiya finds it concerning, however, and still believes the other is upset with him for losing his money. He is quite sure that he would admit to it if asked, but even so, he could not bring himself to. A small amount of worry pools in chest, along with the dire need for assurance, and he ever-so-carefully slides his hand into his as soon as he is close enough.
They are in broad daylight, and the two of them can see clearly. Narumiya has no justifiable reason for the gesture, and he is not sure he would be able to give a proper answer if questioned, but Carlos does not say a word; he merely accepts the hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.
‘Your hand is always welcome in mine.’
And relief hits him fast, so fast he hardly notices his sigh, hardly realizes how audible it is.
He squeezes back with a grin, and the two continue on in silence.
The moment Narumiya lets go does not come, because as they venture deeper and deeper in the forest, the trees get taller and taller--just like the legend stated, but there are still rays of sunlight that shine through the treetops, and allow them to see, even if it is just barely.
Carlos is not fond of areas that are thick and dense like this forest. Trees with wide trunks, visible sturdy branches and roots as big as his leg, give him quite a sight. He is not unnerved, but more put at unease. (if he ever were to get lost, leaving this forest might become a dilemma) He knows that if he keeps moving forward though, he will reach some sort of destination.
He is not entirely sure how Narumiya is holding up, but the occasional tight squeezes, tense grips at random intervals, and the sharp whispers of ‘Carlos! What was that?’ at every sound that echoed (such as animals and twigs snapping) let him know that it is probably not well.
“Are you sure we are headed in the right direction?”
“I am sure.” He is not.
“These trees are bigger than I imagined, who knows what lurks in them…”
“Perhaps giant eagles, twice the size of me.” He jokingly suggests. Narumiya does not find this funny in the slightest. His eyes go wide, and if Carlos believed that there was no possible way he could hold his hand any tighter, this very moment is where he is proven wrong. Narumiya is much stronger than one would first perceive.
“You… you lie.”
“I said ‘perhaps’. There might not be any eagles… maybe bears the size of houses, or snakes that can eat you whole, or-”
“Stop! I wish to hear no more!” He shouts, voice loud enough to startle a flock of birds from a nearby tree. He flinches at the noise, and Carlos laughs.
“That is not humorous in the least! You may have been joking, but the bear one might be true,”
“How so?”
“Hideaki told me he fought one! He said they could knock your head clean off with a single swipe of their massive paws!” He says, recreating the gesture with his free hand.
At this, Carlos has to stop walking to laugh aloud, an arm wrapped around his stomach as he nearly doubles over.
“And you believed him?”
“Hideaki would never lie,”
“He would Mei, he would. Because you are childish enough to believe such a silly tale.”
“I am not a child, it is a true story.”
“Hideaki is a craftsman, Mei. He runs a shop with Hirai, they make little sculptures out of wood. You truly believe he could fight a bear and live to tell the tale?”
“...” He frowns, but does not answer him. “No matter,” He says, “It does not dismiss the presence of normal sized bears, though…”
“That is true,”
“Carlos, if we were to run into a bear, what would you do?”
“Feed you to it.”
“You would not dare to! Answer truthfully,”
“Well, the reasonable thing to do would be to run from it, would it not?”
“What if I am injured and you must carry me?”
“Then I will carry you as I run.”
“What if you cannot?”
Carlos sighs at such extensive questioning, but answers all the same.
“I suppose I would shoo it away or fight it.”
“You would fight a bear for me?”
He nods, and at this Narumiya smiles.
“I would fight a bear for you, Carlos.”
“I know.” He says without thinking, but it is not like he should have, because he truly does know that Narumiya would be willing to foolishly attack a wild animal in his defense--as he would do the same. They call it friendship, yet hold the term so loosely. What they have far exceeds the intensity of that nature, what they have harbors a much stronger bond than what that label brings. They both know this.
If asked, neither would be able to describe the first time they met, it is but a faint memory buried away by the dozens they had made together soon after.
It never worries them too much, as they would rather invest themselves in the future and now, than the past.
Narumiya laughs, and he is finally comfortable enough to release his hand.
He quickens his pace with confidence, but does not get very far. As soon as they move into open space, away from the tall trees, he gasps.
“Carlos, since when was there an incline during our travel?”
“An incline?” He repeats, and walks up besides him. Narumiya does not answer him, for Carlos sees the meaning of his question with his own eyes.
It looks like a drop off, and it makes him realize they reside on a cliff.
The two stand in utter confusion at their current elevation. Maybe, they felt a bit of strain during the walk, but nothing too intense to make them assume they would be met with this.
There is a body of water down below--presumably from a waterfall nearby, just close enough for them to hear the rushing currents, but too far for either to be able to tell how deep it is.
“Do you think that is the river?”
“I am not sure,”
Narumiya picks up a stray rock and tosses it over the edge. He cannot hear where or when it lands.
“What if we jump this?”
Carlos scoffs. “Instant death.”
“Well, we cannot just turn back, we have gone all this way…”
“What do you propose we do?”
“Climb down.”
Carlos puts a hand at the back of his neck, and squints as he considers this distance once more.
“It will take us a while to get down there, you know.”
“I am aware.”
“If you slip, you will get injured.”
“I am aware, Carlos.”
He sighs. “Alright then, let us climb down.”
.
.
.
He does not understand why Narumiya feels the need to rush, especially when he has told him more than once that caution is of the most importance. He even went as far as to go before him, just in the event he does slip and fall. Of course, he trusts him enough to not move carelessly, but one can never be too certain.
“Mei, slow down.”
“You speed up!”
Carlos huffs, but does not say anything more. The climb down makes his stomach twist, and every part of the cliff he grips does not feel secure; like the rock embedded into it will dislodge any second. It makes his movements very tense in fear of falling.
Narumiya, on the other hand, moves quickly and smoothly, as if possible death or injury does not await them below.
He can feel rocks shift beneath his feet, and the wind makes him feel so unbalanced. Carlos reconsiders going to such lengths for something with no valid proof of existence, it is far too much effort. This might have been the chance to drag Narumiya home right away, had he not complied so easily, he would have.
A bit of dirt hits his face, and the last thing he sees before closing his eyes and shaking it off is Narumiya’s foot slipping. He doesn't hear anything after that, and supposes it is a good thing, but Narumiya no longer moves.
He is still, frozen in place as he clings to the cliff with a tight grip. His muscles are visibly tense, and Carlos does not need to ask for the sudden cease of movement.
“You are afraid,”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
He does not hear another word from him. Instead, he hears him whine, which makes him sigh.
“Just slowly make your way back up.”
“I do not wish to return home until we find them!” He ignores anything else the other has to say, and continues heading further down. He moves slower this time, his own rapid heartbeats more audible than the rushing currents below. He is afraid, but he will not stop. Narumiya’s legs tremble, and each glance downward makes him feel weak, makes it more difficult to move.
So it might have been the strained attempt to focus, or Carlos’s flinch-inducing shout to inform him of how close the bottom is that makes him slip again. However, this time he does not catch himself, this time his foot lands on a faulty rock that crumbles under the heel of his boot and has him twist his ankle due to the failed distribution of weight.
He falls, and if there is anything more instantaneous than the release of his grasp on the cliff, it is the way Carlos extends his arm to catch him.
And before he knows it, he is falling too.
.
.
.
Narumiya awakens to the sensational warmth of a blanket over his body, and cool blades of grass at his neck. For a moment, he believes himself to be dead. But the shooting pain in his back and ankle the moment he sits up, and the dizzying feeling that has him hold his head let him know that he is very much alive. Each exhale feels heavy, like weight on his chest, and he is afraid to speak. He sits still for about a minute before the realization that he is alone arises; he panics.
However, when he whips his head around and sees Carlos just a few feet away--unconscious, the panic dispels as soon as it arrives, and he finds himself on his feet to stagger over to him.
“You should not move so much,” A voice says. Narumiya cannot recognize it, so he ignores it to sit by Carlos’s side, to watch the deep rise and fall of his chest and be assured he is still breathing. It is then he hears the voice once more:
“The both of you took quite a fall, you know. Had the river currents not have lead you into the contraption I made to catch fish, you might have had watery graves.”
“Contraption?” Narumiya repeats, and finally turns to the stranger.
He inwardly prays to every God above for mercy, for his heart is weak and the sounds of nature cannot penetrate its resounding, rhythmic beats that fill his own ears. He is not sure if he is breathing, nor is he sure what he sees before him is even real, but what he does know is that whatever--whoever is in front of him has to be the most stunningly gorgeous thing he has ever seen.
It is only after that, he registers that this stranger, this enchantingly pretty stranger is the very creature he sought out to catch.
Hair red like crimson,
And eyes of gold,
This is who he has been looking for.
“I have made a net for this river. You see, the fish here tend to jump.” He explains, and Narumiya hears him. He hears, but for the life of him he cannot conjure up a decent response to let him know he is listening.
His voice is smooth, sweet, and soft--quelling, like a gentle harmony, and Narumiya is immediately put at ease. He has not a clue what was told to him, but he feels so at peace that he is certain--nay, very certain he has fallen.
Narumiya, is absolutely smitten.
“You are,” He starts, only pause like he is searching for words.
“Pardon?”
“Beautiful.” He has found it.
“I-” The stranger stares back at him, confused.
“Tell me your name,”
“Katsuyuki.” He tells him slowly, almost as if he feels like he should not.
“Katsuyuki,” Narumiya echos. “Katsuyuki, Katsuyuki, Kat-”
“Ah,” He interrupts “the sun is setting, you know, and your friend still sleeps. His clothes are still wet from the river, it is best we start a fire.”
This, Narumiya understands. He nods and looks over to Carlos, then rests the back of his hand to his cheek. He is cold, and that is more than enough to send him into a worrisome state once more.
“I have stored away some wood and kindling,” He points to the small cottage behind him. “it resides right behind my home, so-”
“I can retrieve it.” He tells him quickly, rising to his feet and ignoring the sharp pain in his ankle.
“Ah?”
“I will fetch the wood, so just stay by his side.” He nods over at Carlos before limping off.
“And if he awakens,” He adds, “Make sure he sees you!”
Katsuyuki makes a face at the strange request, but complies nonetheless. He sits by Carlos’s side, and watches him closely.
.
.
.
When Carlos awakens, the first thing he feels is a breeze subtle enough to consider comfortable, and he sits up. He feels fatigued and strained, as well as completely confused as to where he is. He rubs at his eyes, and can feel his hair like tangled strands rest against his ears, no longer slicked back in a dry, neat set, but tousled, near-curled, and damp.
How bothersome.
He looks around, and it is not until he sees the river he remembers. It is not until he sees Katsuyuki and not Narumiya, he frets.
“Mei?”
“The blue-eyed fellow, correct? He left to fetch some wood, should be back in a moment.”
Carlos turns to him once more, and fully takes him in.
He was so certain that someone like him did not exist, that he is not sure what he sees right now is real. If the legend is true, then that means the person before him is a creature of magic, a creature otherworldly.
It is not just his hair and his eyes that prove this so,
But the skin white like alabaster which delicately contrasted a tan blouse that may have been a size too big, the visibly soft hands and slender fingers that came with them, and lips of a small mouth that parted in either confusion or concern that did too.
“Are you alright?”
Carlos had not even noticed he had been staring for so long. He turns away, and runs a hand through his hair to move it away from his face.
“My apologies,” He says. “Never have I met someone who left me at such a loss for words.”
Katsuyuki gapes, closes his mouth, and turns away so that Carlos cannot see him. This makes him smirk.
“You know,” He continues. “ If you were to tell me I have died and gone to heaven, I would believe you.”
“Pardon?” He stammers, face warm not only due to hearing the flattery, but also to the fact this man is actually feeding a stranger compliments after just having regained consciousness.
“May I have your name?”
“Katsuyuki,”
“It is a nice name.”
“I am aware.”
“You can call me Toshiki.”
“Toshiki, you say? Well Toshiki, are you sure you are feeling well? I have never met anyone who is up for conversation right after waking up.”
“You must have an effect on me.”
Katsuyuki scoffs, but fails to hide his smile. “You speak nonsense, go back to sleep and get more rest.”
“Perhaps I will dream of you?” He says, and Katsuyuki has to bite his lip to cease himself from forming a flushed appearance. It does not work.
How could one say such things?
“Are… are you not hurt?” He inwardly scolds himself for his question coming out in a stammer, he cannot remember the last time he has felt so flustered. The nerve of this man.
“I believe so, but the mere sight of you seems to make the pain go away,”
He makes a noise he cannot identify out of embarrassment, and rises to his feet.
“Where is your friend with that wood?”
And as if he was summoned, Narumiya returns, a bundle of sticks and kindling in his arms.
“On God! Let me tell you, I have just seen a rat twice the size of my head!” He yells. “Foul beast tried to eat me, too.”
Carlos snickers, and Narumiya’s eyes go wide. “Carlos, you have awakened!” He nearly cheers, dropping the wood and shuffling over to him as quickly (and painlessly) as he can, and falls into his lap.
Carlos grunts, but pays no mind to it. He wraps his arms around him in a small hug, and Narumiya does the same.
“How is it that your clothes are cold as ice, but your skin feels as warm as ever?” He questions in a mumble, thinking back to how cool he felt just a few minutes ago.
“Oh, have I not told you? The blood of an ancient warrior runs through these veins.”
“You? A descendant of a warrior?”
“Aye.”
“You lie,”
“It is no lie, his name was ‘Kamiya the Great’.”
Narumiya snorts, and Carlos laughs. Katsuyuki on the other hand, only watches the two of them, confused.
“Is your name Kamiya, Carlos, or Toshiki?” He questions.
“Toshiki?” Narumiya turns toward him, then glances back at Carlos, who looks away as if he had not heard the question.
“Carlos! You affection-peddling hound, you.” He scolds, and pinches at the other’s cheek.
“The first thing you do as soon as you wake up is attempt to charm up the prettiest thing you see?”
Katsuyuki stiffens at being called pretty, and Carlos gently swats his hand away.
“Is that a problem?”
“It is! The first thing you should have done was be concerned for me.” He huffs. “I hurt my foot in that fall, you know.”
“You poor thing,”
“Yes, poor me!” He pinches him again, then turns back to Katsuyuki.
“Please, pay no mind to him. He is like that of a bawdy minx. Carlos only allows those he is trying to ‘woo’ call him by that name. He hardly lets me call him Toshiki,”
“Never did I once say you could not call me by that name, do so as you please, however I would be lying if I said I have not grown fond of the way you say 'Carlos'.” He explains, and Narumiya smiles warmly at that. He hums, and rests his head on his shoulder.
“Is that so? Well, I have always preferred Carlos, anyway.”
Katsuyuki simply watches these two oddities converse while he starts up the fire for a few more minutes, then he speaks up.
“Ah, do tell the reason for your being here, this is a rather isolated area…”
They flash small glances at each other before looking back to him.
“You.” They say in unison.
.
.
.
Gathered around the fire, the three of them sit and take in its warmth while eating the supper Katsuyuki had prepared before hand. He listens to the two of them speak over the crackles and pops of the flames until he nods in understanding.
“So you believe me to be a creature of magic?” He asks, setting his bowl down.
They nod, and he laughs--hearty and light. Giggles spill forth from his lips in a warm, sweet-sounding array that leave the other two so enamored they draw blank.
“How silly,” He hiccups behind a grin. “There is no such thing as magic. You really came all this way because of a tale?”
There are tears in his eyes, and pink in his cheeks and any sort of retort Carlos or Narumiya had is stuck in their throat due to sheer awe.
Katsuyuki exhales and rests back on his hands.
“Are you certain you possess no magical capabilities? You could be lying so that we do not turn you in,” Narumiya asks.
“And what of it? What will you do? The both of you are injured, even if they are minor injuries, you still would not be able to capture me.” He smirks. “Believe me, if I had magic I would be much harder to find.”
“Then why do you live here, exactly where the legend states?”
“Coincidence, most likely. The directions are rather vague, are they not?”
“True,”
“You know, before my father passed, I have always questioned why our home was not closer to town. But, after hearing of this outrageous rumor, I now know why. It is very secluded here, most people tend to make note of the cliff and leave, or get washed away by the river. With that said, until you two showed up, I had not seen or spoken to anyone in a while.”
Carlos raises a brow at that, and Narumiya hums in discontent.
“Are you sure you d-”
Carlos pats his head to silence him. “Still, we have not seen anyone like yourself.”
“Probably because people ‘like myself’ are hiding away from fools who want to kidnap them and gain wishes in exchange for their freedom. In all honesty, your king sounds a bit beef-witted, I urge you to revolt soon…” He tells him with genuine concern.
“Ah, we apologize for our ignorance.” Carlos says simply; Narumiya sighs.
“Have I disappointed you?”
He shakes his head. “I do not feel disappointment over knowing you are not magical--in fact, I have yet to pacify the excitement in my heart that stirred upon meeting you, I am just a bit exhausted is all.” He admits, red on ears.
“I… I see,” Katsuyuki glances away, then averts his attention back to his bowl.
At this, Carlos looks between the two of them and smiles.
“He fancies you.” He tells Katsuyuki, and Narumiya gasps.
“Carlos!” Narumiya hisses, and buries his face into his arm as to not see the other’s reaction.
“Do not tell him so,” He mumbles, embarrassed.
“Is it not true?”
“Yes, but-”
“Katsuyuki, what do you think of Mei?”
He is taken back by the question, and Narumiya stops hiding his face so that he may hear his answer.
Katsuyuki is not sure of what to say, but when he sees the other look at him with expectancy, hair flat against his forehead and eyes wide in inquiry,(which is very endearing sight) he knows it should be something along the lines of a compliment.
“He, ah, I suppose he is… not terrible to look at,” He says, and it is true, in a sense. After not having met anyone for a while, his opinion on appearance might have little significance, but it is his honest one. Katsuyuki would like to say more, but simply does not possess the courage to.
Narumiya squints at that while Carlos stifles a laugh, but accepts it all the same.
“Thank you.”
“And Toshiki, is-”
Carlos perks up at this, and their eyes meet for but a second before Katsuyuki changes his gaze toward something else, red, and fiddles with his spoon.
“Nice.” He completes.
Carlos hums with subtle merry, and looks back down at his bowl.
“You know, for someone who has not seen another human face in years, your social skill are above par,” He comments, and Narumiya swats at him.
“Do not tease, Carlos!” He turns back to Katsuyuki. “Ignore him, he is too much like a child, I swear.”
“I can believe that.” He says with just enough confidence to lock eyes with him once more.
Carlos gapes while Narumiya smirks, looking fulfilled. He ruffles his hair, then leans back with a sigh.
“What do we do now? We cannot climb back up the cliff.”
“If you follow the river, I am sure you will find another town. It will take a while, but you should be able to find your way back home from there.” Katsuyuki informs. “It is better to leave at sunrise, however. You may stay here until then.”
“That is good to know,” He nods, then strips himself of his shirt to warm it by the fire. He shifts to rest his head in Narumiya’s lap.
“You are incredibly indecent, you know!” He says like he disapproves, but the way he begins to stroke his hair with mild touches--almost like it is instinctive, shows different.
He hums.
“You have hardly touched your food.”
“I am not hungry.”
“You lie, you did not eat back at the inn this morning.”
“Oh, that was breakfast? I had mistaken it for animal feed and believed I was not to eat it.”
“Carlos,”
“Like I would consume something so bland,”
“You are always so picky with food!”
“I am not.”
“Are too.”
“It is not like you ate either, you simply filled up on bread.”
“At least I ate my fill.”
He scoffs.
Narumiya takes hold of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, Carlos grunts and does the same.
“You must eat, Carlos.”
“No,”
“How dare you argue with me over your own well-being. Also, you should not dismiss the food of someone kind enough to share, it is rude. Even I know that.”
Carlos flashes a glance at Katsuyuki, then sits up. Without another word, he finishes up the rest of his supper. Narumiya smiles proudly, and pats at his cheek.
Katsuyuki is not sure if he should laugh, so he smiles, finding the two’s banter very amusing. He feels comfortable around them, and considering the fact they are strangers, he finds it to be odd to feel such a way. He believes, that if he is around them long enough, he might grow rather fond of them--if he is not already. For a moment, he imagines what it would be like to accompany the two on their trip back home.
He does not reject the idea completely. He thinks Narumiya and Carlos harbor a nice air about them, one that creates their own world, and makes them nearly oblivious to outside occurrences.
It is sweet, dear, and he would be lying if he said he would not like to take part in such a bond.
Narumiya claims he is not disappointed with the outcome of their trip, and Carlos does not say it aloud, but neither is he. They have come a long way, and though they did not get what came for, he supposes meeting Katsuyuki is just fine, if not better.
The three of them enjoy each other’s company, talking under the night sky and around the warmth of a fire, knowing fully well that this encounter, might be the best one yet.