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Things changed.
It was a slow and culminating change, like gentle waves slowly taking apart a sandcastle long after it had been abandoned.
They started with linked pinkies in public, both with faces flushed and dazzling eyes. It felt loud and confident to the two men at the time. Quick glances accompanied by smiles from their friends and coworkers helped them feel more comfortable in public. No one had dared to say anything directly to them.
They moved on to holding hands and expressing their admiration for each other verbally in public. Kazuha and Heizou enjoyed being able to express their affections without a glaring gaze following them. No one thought much of two men or two women being partners; The Raiden Shogun and Guuji Yae have always hinted at having a deeper relationship. Perhaps that was Inazuma’s own way of expressing freedom.
Kazuha and Heizou had just gone with the changes they developed, but never solidly spoke about their developing romance. They were too busy enjoying each other for now.
They even grew confident enough to give each other quick kisses when they crossed paths, and still, no one would say a thing.
Except for the sparky Naganohara girl.
“Look at you two!” She beamed at them when they approached her. She slung her arms around their necks for a suffocating hug that only was comfortable when from her. “You’re glowing!”
“Miya,” Heizou whined at her loudness but smiled brilliantly anyway.
“It’s… been a tough journey for you both,” Yoimiya said after releasing them, still keeping her hands on their shoulders. “Having someone to share that pain and develop precious memories with is beautiful.”
“I agree, Miya. I hear there’s a special firework show soon?” Kazuha saw her smile grow tenfold. “What’s the occasion?”
“The Almighty Shogun and Guuji Yae requested a firework show for their birthdays this year! It’s such a huge honor, Guuji Yae approached me herself.” Yoimiya puffed her chest out, propping her hands on her hips in a powerful pose.
“Your love is quite contagious,” Heizou said. “I’m sure it’ll be amazing, as always.”
“You betcha! It’ll be tomorrow night if you two wanna catch it.” She winked at the men before her cutely. “Amakane Island is the best for viewing it. I plan on starting a bit before midnight and a little into the morning so it occurs on both of their birthdays! Everyone loves to celebrate their birthdays like this, so there shouldn’t be any disturbances. You two should make it a date!”
Yoimiya grew a little puzzled when the men in front of her turned bright right. Heizou thought she looked like a lost puppy when her head tilted to the side.
“Don’t tell me… you two haven’t been on a date yet?” Yoimiya’s eyes widened immediately when the two nodded slowly. “It’ll be a memorable first date then! Make it a fun little picnic, I’ll see if I can get Thoma to keep the island clear tomorrow night for you two.”
“You don’t have to!” Heizou tried to interrupt her, but Yoimiya continued to ramble on.
“Kuki can probably get the gang involved to keep civilians out if they don’t want to officially lock down the island,” Yoimiya whispered to herself. An idea must’ve crossed her mind when she suddenly turned around, digging around for something in their shed. “Aha! A picnic basket!”
She turned around, smile wide and cute dimples appearing on her cheeks as she extended the basked to Kazuha.
“Feel free to keep it! We’ve had it for quite some time, but have never been able to find its original owner.”
“Thank you, Yoimiya,” Kazuha said.
“Alright, now scurry along! I need to start transporting fireworks already. Go plan your date!”
She sent them off with one last hug.
“You know… I’ve never been on a proper date,” Heizou’s ears turned pink pulling at his collared necklace. “I’m not sure what to do.”
“Don’t worry, I haven’t either,” Kazuha chuckled at their inexperience with standard dating. “Neither of us have expectations then. It can be whatever we wish it to be.”
“I suppose you’re right, Zuzu,” Heizou mumbled, taking Kazuha’s hand into his once more. “Why don’t I settle getting food prepared for tomorrow and you handle anything else? What do people bring on picnics?” Heizou trailed off.
“I suppose we may need to ask someone,” Kazuha interjected. “Perhaps Miss Shinobu may be able to help us out. I’ll go pay her a visit.”
“Sounds good to me. I may be occupied the rest of the evening with the office, but I’ll see you tomorrow night? I’ll get everything wrapped up and see who’s willing to take over some tasks for now.” Heizou pecked Kazuha’s cheek.
“I’m fine with that. See you tomorrow, Detective. Let us meet in Byakko Plain.”
– – –
“Miss Shinobu,” Kazuha found her exactly where he assumed she would be.
Outside the police station.
“Oh! Kazuha! How’ve you been?” Kuki asked, slipping her mask back on discreetly. “It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you.”
“I’ve been well, thank you for asking. I hope the gang has been kind to you, as well.”
“I’m debating leaving their asses in there tonight, just so I can have an evening of peace.” Kuki smoothed her brows out with her fingers, pushing away the creases that were forming.
“I happen to have a question for you,” Kazuha cleared his throat. His embarrassment creeping back up. “If you have the time.”
“Fire away!”
“What does one bring on a picnic date?” Kazuha pressed his lips together afterward, directing his gaze to the beautiful trees behind the buildings. A soft snicker could be heard from Kuki, but Kazuha didn’t hear any teasing tilt to it.
“Well, anything you want. Yet, you’re asking me. You have no idea where to start do you?” Kuki deduced correctly.
“Heizou will be handling any food he wants to bring, but any extra items have fallen into my hands to be cared for.”
“Let’s go for a walk then! I can probably help you pick up some stuff as we think.” Kuki slapped his back, which stung surprisingly more than Kazuha anticipated. “First, let’s grab a drink of some type. Don’t want to fall out because of heat stroke before your first date, do you?”
“Miss Shinobu,” Kazuha groaned at her antics.
“Call me Kuki, for Archon’s sake. I’m just a deputy leader for a gang, nothing more and nothing less.”
The two stopped by a stall nearby that was selling some lemonade due to the rather harsh heat of the day. The vendor recognized Kuki and insisted the drinks were on the house, talking about how much Kuki had helped the vendor gain a positive reputation. Kazuha nudged at her with his elbow, a teasing smirk gracing his lips as she stuttered and fumbled for her words.
“We appreciate your kindness. It would be rude of us to object your offer afer hearing what Miss Shinobu has helped you accomplish.” Kazuha said, immediately winning the heart of the vendor.
“Exactly, young man! Now hurry along, you two. Don’t stay out in this heat too long!”
As soon as their backs turned to the vendor, Kuki glared at Kazuha.
“I’m going to tip her the equivalent of what these cost later, I hope you know that.” He just knew she was sticking her tongue out at him. “Anyway. I think Komore Teahouse might be a good place to go for some items. I’ve got an agreement with Thoma so I’m able to go and come as I please, you should be just fine as well.”
– – –
“Heizou! My bro!”
Heizou froze in his tracks, knowing exactly who spotted him. Did he have time to deal with such a rambunctious guy right now?
“I know you hear me, blockhead!”
What case could Heizou mention he was working on that was boring enough for Itto to move on?
“Shinobu sent word of a date!” The oni sang happily.
“I’m ignoring you, Itto.” Heizou verbalized.
“I can see that, Detective! Come on, just a quick word, dude? Spare a little time for your favorite oni?”
“The only oni I know.”
“That’s right!” Itto tossed his arm over Heizou’s shoulders, engulfing him almost completely. “The one and oni, Arataki Itto, has come with a list of restaurants willing to do a picnic meal that will be ready for pick up before the firework show.”
Heizou wiggled his way out of Itto’s hold and reached for the note. However, Itto stretched his arm far above his head.
“A simple thank you is all I require, bro. Let me hear it and you get the note.”
Heizou breathed deeply. Itto’s antics were lighthearted, but he hated his small stature being used against him.
“Fine. Thank you, Itto. Extend that thanks to Miss Shinobu as well.”
“Will do, little man!” Itto slapped the note into Heizou’s hand unforgivingly. Heizou’s hand stung greatly at the contact.
A gentle giant sometimes unaware of his own strength is the best way to describe Itto. Heizou noticed Itto had went on his way directly afterward. It was a bit sudden, but Heizou’s energy was wiped after that brief meeting. He finally glanced at the note properly, recognizing all the restaurants. At the end was a quick note scribbled by Kuki.
Hopefully this note finds you somewhat peacefully, Detective. Itto was the only one able to track you down fast enough. All of these places agreed to do a quick picnic set up for a friend of mine. They don’t usually do these, but connections pay off! Just tell them I sent you and they’ll get things going for you.
Bless Shinobu.
Heizou knew one of the restaurants very well and set out that way immediately. The cases he was wrapping weren’t overly demanding so he could detour for a quick moment. Thankfully, it wasn’t all that far anyway.
– – –
Kazuha arrived early with the various items Kuki helped him decide on. He debated on going to set everything up on the island, but grew much too nervous to do so. He knew there was no reason to become so riddled with anxiety when it came to Heizou, but old habits die hard.
A sweet scent on the breeze alerted Kazuha of Heizou’s arrival. His unique attunement to nature gave him an advantage in some situations, but in this moment, Kazuha’s heart beat harder than before.
“Zuzu! Didn’t keep you waiting, did I?” Heizou wore a beautiful smile. “The chefs at the restaurant were really interested in who my date was.”
“Not surprising,” Kazuha said. “You hardly get along with anyone.”
“Oh, come on! You’re so mean to me, Zuzu,” Heizou said, approaching Kazuha at last. “Let’s head that way?”
Their hands linked almost as if magnetized. It was hard to keep their distance when the other was so close.
“I’m not sure if this is the best time, but it’s been bothering me a bit,” Heizou cleared his throat. “You seem to be worried a lot. Usually in a scenario where you believe you could be faced with rejection.”
Kazuha sighed, looking down at their hands.
“I know, I apologize. It has nothing to do with you, Hei.”
“Would you let me hear more?”
“I assume you’re familiar with my friend who was killed by the Almighty Shogun,” Kazuha heard a noise of confirmation. “I loved him once. I loved him quietly. I stayed by his side and yearned for more. However, I didn’t want to push him away. I realized on the day he died and the day I made my escape, I had never once told him my feelings.”
Heizou was quiet, waiting to see if Kazuha was done. The samurai wondered if he really wanted to divulge more.
But for their sake, he did.
“My cowardice led to me never revealing my feelings to him. One may assume I should act differently. You may think I would be much more forward, never wanting to let a precious moment slip by. Yet, it doesn’t work like that for me. I fear all of my bonds may fade away into nothingness, no matter what I do. Is the journey truly worth it if the end is devastating?” Kazuha mumbled. He stared down at his feet, noticing they stopped at some point.
“Zuzu, look at me, please?” Heizou whispered softly. The sandy beach was difficult to look away from, but Kazuha finally glanced up at the detective.
“Trauma affects everyone differently. There’s no way you should act because something happened. I understand why you may think the way you do, but I want to offer you my companionship.” Heizou touched Kazuha’s cheek gently, and Kazuha simply melted into the touch. “I lost someone once too. My first and last true friend died in my arms as I tried to save him. It felt as if a piece of me died with him. As time went on, the piece I thought was missing mended itself. It still weighs heavy on my mind and heart. It’s not easy to move on.”
“It really isn’t.” Kazuha brought his hand up to Heizou’s, then moved to kiss his palm. “I never knew you experienced such a thing too.”
“You ask if the journey is worth the end, and I would like to think so.” Heizou smiled at Kazuha. “I wouldn’t be here, holding you and comforting you if it wasn’t part of our journey. One day, we will grow old and pass on. Maybe we one day grow apart before then. However, I want to enjoy your company and soothe your worries until that time comes.”
Heizou’s thumb brushing away warm tears alerted Kazuha that he was crying. How could he not have realized?
“You-” Kazuha was for once, at a loss for words. “Your words mean a lot to me, Hei. I hope to stay by your side as well. To protect you and hold you. I don’t want to miss an opportunity again, but I am scared. I’m scared you may decide I am not worth your time or am too much of an emotional burden for you.”
“Not at all, Kazuha.” Heizou put down the basket he was carrying and took Heizou’s cheeks within both of his hands. “My heart has decided it’s content with your company. An open dialogue between us and an understanding of our own emotions will help us greatly. If we put in the work now to understand each other as partners, our time later will not be strained.”
In lieu of words, Kazuha surged in to press his lips to Heizou’s, hoping it was enough to convey his messy thoughts. Heizou seemed to catch on to the silent meaning, which relieved Kazuha.
“Let’s get going before it get’s too late,” Kazuha whispered.
– – –
“Miss Shinobu managed to help us both out,” Heizou said after hearing Kazuha’s adventure with her yesterday. “We will have to do something for her in return.”
“I agree. The food is very nice as well, I quite like the onigiri.” Kazuha said, picking up one of the neatly wrapped triangles. “The use of purple and pink on everything to celebrate the Almighty Shogun and Guuji Yae; it seems Inazuma has really come a long way since the Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decree ended.”
“Absolutely, it’s much more comfortable to live in Inazuma now.” Heizou brushed the hair from Kazuha’s eyes. “I’m glad you’ve returned for now. When you head out with the Crux Fleet again, I may have to coerce Captain Beidou to let me come along.”
Kazuha laughed heartily, only because he knew Beidou would never tell Heizou no once she discovered the relationship between them.
“Beidou and the crew can be rather brash, sure you’re up for it?” Kazuha teased.
“I survive just fine in your company!” Heizou whined. “You’ve been subtly influenced by their pirate-y ways, Kaedehara.”
“I know, I know.” Kazuha could see the men around the firework boxes begin to get ready for the show. “How about we enjoy the view first though?”
“Of course,” Heizou said, wrapping his arms around Kazuha’s waist and dragging him into his lap. The samurai flushed but relaxed in his hold. Heizou littered quick kisses all over his cheek and neck until Kazuha was a giggling mess.
“I love you, Kazuha,” The detective whispered. Kazuha’s laughter faded but the smile never left his face.
“I love you too, Heizou.”
The two sealed their promises from earlier with a kiss as refreshing as the sea. It gave them hope and warmth in a way they never thought they could have.
They could hear when the fireworks went off, but they were too busy exploring each other’s lips to care. If they wanted to spend their entire date simply kissing the other, then who could tell them no?