Chapter Text
Heizou walked until he could no longer stand. When he gazed at his surroundings, the beautiful pink Sakura Blooms stood out the most. He knew he was near the shrine, perhaps just a few more minutes of mindless walking could get him to complete safety. Despite his aching legs and exhaustion, he continued onward in hopes of comforting himself with a break in a case.
Heizou, for once, could not focus on his cases. He was distracted and unable to live up to what was expected of him. Sara had approached him numerous times, pleading for Heizou to take some time off and remedy his ailments. However, Heizou denied it. He sank himself deeper into his work and tried to tune out everything else. He took on case after case, but with less certainty and accuracy than his standard. Other detectives were growing worried for Heizou and did their best to take care of him subtly.
A serving of Heizou’s favorite fried tofu dish, a sweet-smelling candle that could soothe the mind, and many other examples of support from his co-workers made him feel as if he was only taking advantage of their kindness.
Kazuha came to visit one day as he was nose-deep in cold case files. Somehow Kazuha’s presence relaxed him. The ronin sat with him in the lowly lit room and spoke to him about anything he could. Kazuha’s smelled of cinnamon and maple, with an edge of freshness; much like an apple. Everything about Kazuha soothed the stressed detective.
His words, his scent, his smile, and his presence. It was all welcome to Heizou. It calmed his mind and gave him some clarity.
“Why don’t you join me in wandering for a few days? Perhaps the fresh air may do you some good, Detective.”
Heizou refused, claiming he had work that needed to be done. Kazuha hummed in response, patting Heizou’s back firmly before he set off into the setting sun without another word. Kazuha’s silence was enough to tell Heizou he was frustrated with his behavior. The socially passive ronin preferred to walk off from a situation he was upset by, rather than argue or fuss about it. It was commendable as Heizou preferred to vent his frustrations in those moments.
Perhaps that’s how Heizou wound up at the shrine. He knew he was out looking for clues, but his body continued to move even when he wasn’t committed to doing so. The walk up the winding mountain felt like a form of eternity to Heizou. He stopped, propping against a tree bearing Lavender Melons. He picked one, placing it into his bag for later.
“A pleasure to see you, Detective Shikanoin,” A mellow voice called out to him. He glanced up and was met with Guuji Yae herself. “What’s bothering you, boy? You seem, unlike your usual self.”
She walked closer, stopping in front of him with a soft expression on her face. For a servant of eternity, such softness was fleeting to see as a commoner.
“I’m fine, Guuji Yae. I appreciate your concern,” Heizou said. “I simply was out for a walk.”
“A walk, you say? What are the odds that I was too? Why don’t I join you on your way up to the shrine, Detective?” Miko moved with grace, unlike anything Heizou had seen before. Her hand came to rest on his shoulder, guiding him up the winding mountain. “Is there anything you’d like to share?”
“No, Guuji Yae.” “My, my. No need to be so formal!” She teased softly, petting his hair mindlessly. “I can tell your mind is against you as of now. If I cannot convince you to speak, then perhaps the Grand Narukami Shrine can soothe your worries.”
“Thank you,” Heizou was grateful she decided to leave him in peace. That was until she drifted in front of him and stopped abruptly.
“A boy…” She said wistfully. “A boy has occupied the rational part of your mind?”
“N-no,” Heizou didn’t understand her words. Nothing particularly occupied his mind as of now except his body screaming at him to rest.
“Since you will not speak to me, I will speak to you. Allow me to tell you your own secrets,” Miko turned to face him, eyes glowing in the evening light. “You do not understand your current ailment, but I do, for I notice all that happens in Inazuma just as the Raiden Shogun does. Now tell me, why would a sound detective like you struggle to maintain focus if it were not split?”
Heizou watched her quietly. He knew it wasn’t time for him to speak up yet.
“You’ve never allowed yourself to be in the company of another beyond basic friendship. You never dated as a teenager and immediately went into your career. However, that ronin boy is one you cherish closely. I’ve seen you two together as you roam the streets of Inazuma City. You smile a special smile for him and only him. The weight of the world is relieved from your shoulders as Kazuha supports you quietly. However, you have not realized what this means to you.”
Heizou swallowed thickly. He felt uneasy as if his personal diary was being read back to him.
“You have an inner conflict you must face before you can maintain your focus. Hurry now, or it will affect your intuition as well.” Miko finished, twirling on her toes to continue walking up the mountain. “You are not interested in confronting that conflict yet, so there is nothing else I or the shrine can do. May you return to Inazuma city safely, Shikanoin Heizou.”
She left him standing dumbfounded, but alert. If he had his intuition, then what in Teyvat does Guuji Yae have that allowed her to uncover a problem he buried so deep he couldn’t perceive himself?
“Heizou, you’re quite far out,” That warm presence slowly approached Heizou. The air around him suddenly felt as if it were wrapping him in a comforting embrace, instead of prickling his skin. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“You can’t even see my face, Kazuha,” Heizou turned to face the ronin. “But I saw Guuji Yae, same difference.”
“She’s quite imposing when she wants to be. Would you like some company? I could walk you back to the city?” Kazuha looked soft under the fluttering Sakura trees. When he wielded his blade or was on the run, Heizou saw the man before him take on a stone-hard expression. Heizou was grateful to see Kazuha in his more relaxed and vulnerable state.
Heizou wondered if Miko knew Kazuha was approaching, due to how hastily she sauntered off.
“That’d be lovely, ronin. A personal bodyguard for a lowly detective such as myself feels rather glamorous.” Kazuha chuckled at Heizou’s words, a soft smile spreading over his lips. “I will accept your offer if you allow me to treat you to dinner in return.”
“You always like to settle things over food, Detective.”
“What can I say? I like to eat. Now, let’s get moving.” Heizou encouraged Kazuha to join him, the two walking side by side closely. Their shoulders brushed rhythmically as they walked. The only reason their fingers never crossed was due to Heizou shoving his hands deep in his pockets.
“How have you been lately?” Kazuha whispered. The silence around them was beautifully fragile, just like the Sakura Blooms.
“The same, I’m still struggling with my focus. I wound up here without realizing it,” Heizou sighed, keeping his gaze firmly on his feet. “A case occurred near the shrine so I wanted to find some clues. I just didn’t wind up taking my usual route.”
“It’s dangerous to wander out here if you aren’t aware of your surroundings.” Kazuha’s tone was firm, but not scolding. Heizou could hear worry in his voice. “I would be happy to accompany you anytime you venture out of the city while I’m here.”
“I can handle myself, Kazuha,” Heizou grumbled. He was a trained martial artist, and even if he didn’t want to engage in any physical altercation, Heizou was more than capable of apprehending his opponent in mere seconds.
“I do know this, Heizou. Your strength and agility are unique, but I don’t want you to be ambushed and unable to protect yourself. My blade will parry any strike directed at you if you’ll let me.” A ronin’s vow of protection was never to be taken lightly. They are honorable and loyal, so Kazuha never said something he didn’t mean. Even now, Heizou knew he would carry out his vow when he could.
Which wasn’t always.
“And if you aren’t here? You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep, Kazuha.” The thought of Kazuha leaving always left a bitter taste in Heizou’s mouth. He always struggled to send him off with a smile. When he turned around, a sour expression would always cross his face. He knew he was not good company after sending Kazuha off. Then, for the next day, Sara would conveniently have nothing for Heizou to do. She would only have petty cases unworthy of his time.
Heizou knew she was letting him have time. It was as if she was letting him mourn a loss.
“I apologize, Heizou. But you know my heart yearns to travel.”
“I get it! I really do, Kazuha. There’s nothing you need to explain,” Heizou spat. He breathed deeply for a few moments, trying to collect himself after his outburst.
“Heizou…” Kazuha trailed off, falling behind him as they finished their walk to the city.
“Uyuu restaurant is still open,” Heizou muttered. “Tell them to put it on my tab.”
“You won’t be joining me?” Kazuha approached Heizou, but the detective kept moving.
“No. I need to work on this case.”
Heizou left the wandering man behind in the city without seeing the dejected expression painted on Kazuha’s face.
– – –
A week goes by before Heizou realized it. He’s only rudely told by that Tengu herself.
“You either take the weekend, or I take your badge, Shikanoin,” She threatened. Her voice was low with a growl. Sara’s vision was blazing by her hip. “You are in no condition to be working like this.”
“Madame Kujou, I appreciate your concern but I am perfectly fine.”
“Do not force me to bring you to Guuji Yae.” Sara slammed her hands down on Heizou’s desk, the wood cracking beneath her palms. The electricity in the air started to become unbearable. “Now, get out.”
Heizou sighed and reluctantly grabbed his belongings. Now wasn’t a time to pick a fight with Kujou Sara. She took personal health seriously and mandated others to take time off when they were not feeling well. It seemed Heizou would be fighting a useless battle if he chose to argue.
“I’ll return in two days' time,” Heizou slipped by her quickly. He didn’t want to hear more from her than he had to.
Guuji Yae and Kazuha’s words had been at the forefront of his mind for the last week. He gained no clues from his journey, only an internal crisis instead.
It seemed Guuji Yae was correct, but what did it mean? He enjoyed Kazuha’s company, found him endearing, and more. Yet, Kazuha always left before Heizou could fully adapt to his presence. What did his dating life have to do with anything? Romance would only get in the way of his work as a detective. Heizou was softhearted and romantic, so he never engaged in one-night stands or anything of that sort. Heizou couldn’t pinpoint what the Guuji spoke of.
“It seems my concerned report to Madame Kujou worked,” Heizou nearly jumped out of his skin at Kazuha’s sudden intrusion. Kazuha was leaning against the gate outside of the police station, eyes closed with a content expression. “I knew of no other way to get you to take care of yourself, Heizou. I apologize for having to bring this up to her.”
“You-” Heizou stopped before he could become irritated. Guuji Yae seemed to realize Kazuha was connected to this issue of his, so for once, Heizou heeded the advice of someone else. “I suppose thanks are in order.”
A sweet laugh tumbled from Kazuha’s lips while he stood up properly.
“No need. I will walk you home, Detective. I enjoy your company.” Kazuha said. Heizou’s heartbeat stuttered for a moment. He felt his cheeks warm. Kazuha stretched with a long sigh. When his eyes opened and fell on Heizou, the detective felt as if he were the only thing Kazuha could see. His focus was entirely on Heizou long enough for him to pick up on it.
“I enjoy your company as well,” Heizou admitted through a whisper. Kazuha’s attention spread to their surroundings, giving Heizou a chance to breathe. “How long will you be here this time?”
“I’m considering staying through the winter months. It’s hell on a ship during the winter. I may be a wanderer but I don’t enjoy the cold.” Kazuha began walking in the direction of Heizou’s apartment. He had been there a few times before, usually due to Heizou demanding to patch up some wounds he had gotten. The detective could easily tend to him, so Kazuha indulged in his requests when he would be found dripping in blood and rain with wounds threatening to reopen.
Too many times has Heizou encountered the aftermath of Kazuha taking on battles he shouldn’t. The ronin was strong and had unmatched endurance, but fights when Kazuha was emotional never ended well. The anniversary of his friend’s death was the first time Heizou saw Kazuha in a condition so bad, that he wasn’t sure he’d survive. A sobbing plea from Heizou to value his own life had reduced the life-threatening injuries Kazuha had received, but minor injuries still happen.
Heizou almost couldn’t believe Kazuha was willing to stay in Inazuma for so long.
“That’s quite some time, Kazuha. I’m sure you’ll start swimming to the Alcor after a few weeks,” Heizou laughed, hoping he didn’t sound as bitter as he felt.
“I’d like to spend that time with you, Heizou,” Kazuha said. His words were gentle but firm. “It’s been a long time since we were last able to spend time together like this. Time as two men instead of time as fugitive and detective.”
“The Vision Hunt Decree hurt us.” Heizou knew their friendship became strained. Kazuha was on the run for a long time. Heizou could’ve arrested him, ripped his vision and ambitions away, and done his job. However, Heizou couldn’t do that. Heizou could not strip Kazuha of his very being. So he let him escape. He turned a blind eye and lied straight to Sara’s face.
Sara was smart, but whether she knew it was a lie or not, Heizou was never told.
“We did what we had to. However, that is behind us now.” Kazuha whispered into the wind.
“Stay at my place tonight, Kazuha,” Heizou grabbed his wrist in a loose hold. Kazuha glanced over his shoulder, eyebrow raised in surprise. Heizou dropped Kazuha’s hand immediately, eyes focusing on the clouds instead of those beautiful ruby eyes.
Beautiful?
“I see no reason to deny your hospitality. I will stay the night.”