Work Text:
“It bothers you that you couldn’t arrest Kazuha, doesn’t it?” Kuki Shinobu said. The detective near her was sprawled out on the lush grass right outside of Inazuma City. He was soaking in the sun rays, eyes shut like a content cat.
“Of course, He managed to slip away numerous times and just when he was within reach, there was nothing I could charge him with.” Heizou sighed, dragging himself up into a sitting position. “He’s a good man with good intentions, but his actions at one point in time were illegal. It’s only natural, it's like an itch I can never scratch.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I had to get the Arataki Gang out of the slammer a few times already this month.”
“It’s the 8th?” Heizou turns around to face her. Her expression just shows aloofness as always. “How do they manage to do it?”
“I wish I knew, detective. If you’ll excuse me,” Kuki rose, brushing the grass from her shorts and thighs. “I have a meeting with another merchant.”
“Have fun!” Heizou called out teasingly, knowing she would not have fun.
When Heizou was content to lie back on the grass, platinum hair and a man dressed in red came into his vision. He was on the beach below the cliff Heizou was resting on.
Heizou knew Kazuha lingered after the Irodori festival, but had yet to see him since his return. However, something was wrong with the samurai. Heizou could make out a limp and several slashes along his attire. Blood was splattered across his skin and hair.
Without a second thought, Heizou leapt down to assist him. Kazuha whipped around, summoning his blade with an emotionless gaze. Upon recognizing the man before him, Kazuha sheathed his weapon.
His expression did not waiver.
“You’re injured, Kazuha.” Heizou stepped forward, but saw Kazuha stumble backwards. “What happened?”
“Nothing of your concern. I will tend to it.” Kazuha made the move to walk away, but Heizou dashed in front of him.
“At least let me help you clean your wounds. I can’t mend clothing, but I can watch your back.” Heizou’s words cracked through Kazuha’s steely stare. “Were you ambushed?”
“As I said, it is none-“
“It is!” Heizou interjected. “If the situation calls for it there can be legal action taken against them and you know it.”
“It doesn't matter. Kairagi ambushed me while I was sleeping under the assumption I had stolen something from their camp.” Kazuha murmured, swaying gently.
Heizou reached out to bring Kazuha’s arm across his back, shouldering the weight Kazuha could not handle. Kazuha crumpled into Heizou’s side immediately; the aid was welcomed.
“I know there’s a hilichurl camp nearby. I can clear it out quickly and we can station there to tend to you,” Heizou whispered. His ears were burning at Kazuha’s proximity. The man was handsome, Heizou couldn’t deny it. His main priority should be assisting the irresistible samurai, not calming his pounding heart.
“I can still fight, Heizou. I've been in worse condition,” Kazuha said, his voice rumbling deep within his chest. It was unlike the airy tone Heizou was familiar with. The new sound was a result of exhaustion most likely.
“Not on my watch. I can handle myself.”
— — —
Kazuha watched from a rock close to the camp as Heizou effortlessly battled the hiluchurls. Using the water from the sea and flame of the stove to his advantage, he made quick work of the camp.
Heizou reignited the flame he had accidentally extinguished with practiced care. Kazuha had replenished enough energy while sitting so he could make it to the camp on his own.
Kazuha always had a small bag of supplies on hand to tend his injuries with. With his current injuries, however, they were hard to reach without unraveling his clothes.
“Heizou,” Kazuha called out as he sat down. Heizou was startled by the man’s appearance.
“I was going to return-“
“Help me undress,” Kazuha said quietly. His voice wavering was a surprise to himself and Heizou.
“I- Yeah.” Heizou said, jogging over to Kazuha’s side. “You wear quite a few layers.”
“I’m predominantly outside, it's best to wear more and remove layers than freeze during the night.” Heizou chuckled to himself, not at all surprised by the sound reasoning.
In silence thick enough to slice, Heizou assisted Kazuha in undressing. His shorts weren’t in need of mending, nor were any injuries to his legs. Heizou hoped his face was not visibly flushed, it's been quite some time since he was put in a situation like this.
However, when the final white layer of Kazuha’s clothes remained, it had been stained with blood.
“You have lost too much blood, Kazuha,” Heizou immediately panics inwardly. He is not a healer and has no clue how to seriously tend to someone. Kazuha grips Heizou’s wrist within his slender fingers.
“It’s not as bad as it may seem. You’ll most likely have to cut this layer off. It’s meant to be pulled over my head, but I cannot lift my arms.” Heizou immediately found one of the loose seams due to the slash of a katana, and ripped the shirt quickly using that weak point.
“My my. Brazen, aren’t we?” Kazuha teased, laughing weakly at Heizou’s methods. The detective could feel heat rising to his cheeks at his comment. Heizou could see a bag among the layers they had removed. Grabbing it, Kazuha silently nodded in confirmation.
Bandages, alcohol, needles and thread, and more various items were within the bag. A makeshift first aid kit for his travels.
“You know this is going to sting, right?” Heizou used the undershirt he ripped as cloth to clean Kazuha’s wounds with, dousing it in alcohol beforehand.
“Of course. Do what you must,” Kazuha closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. Heizou propped one knee beside Kazuha’s hip, anchoring himself.
Heizou gently cleaned the bloody wounds. He watched Kazuha’s face to make sure he wasn’t being too aggressive with the torn skin. Heizou never would have known he was affected by the alcohol if he couldn’t feel the muscles beneath his hands twitch and spasm.
Scars littered Kazuha’s skin. There were more than Heizou could count. Some were fresh and dark in color, while others had started to fade and be overlapped with new ones.
“Alright,” Heizou sighed. “I’ll bandage you up for now, but I’d recommend asking Miss Shinobu for proper healing treatment.”
“I will entertain it.”
The same silence from earlier draped over them, although more tense than uncomfortable. Heizou quickly bandaged Kazuha’s arms and torso. Before he could remove his hands from Kazuha’s skin, the samurai once again grabbed Heizou’s wrists.
“Thank you for assisting me, detective,” Kazuha said, pressing his lips to the back of Heizou’s hand. The action sent a shiver through his body as he stumbled for what to say.
“I- It’s- There’s nothing-“ Heizou’s free hand was left waving about as Kazuha kept his eyes trained on Heizou. The samurai slowly rose to his feet, mere inches from Heizou’s face.
“To be so bold earlier then have the nerve to be flustered,” Kazuha murmured. “Most entertaining.”
“I will figure out how to arrest you if you keep teasing me,” Heizou shut his eyes, huffing indignantly. One of Kazuha’s hands came to gently rest on Heizou’s waist.
“Only you have been so determined to catch me. The other officials never cared quite as much.” Kazuha leaned in, brushing their noses together. Heizou’s mind quickly tried to come up with a reason for Kazuha’s closeness. However, the press of his lips against the corner of Heizou’s mouth left him reeling.
“Perhaps we can meet again in a different scenario.” Kazuha elicited a silent gasp from Heizou after a quick squeeze to his waist.
“Until next time.”