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The wanderer.. hasn't felt this way in a long while.
"Come on, let's go over there." The samurai in front beckons for him to follow.
Currently in Liyue, it was the crisp and cold fall. taking a break from their travels, subsiding there for the time. It was said the scenery there was enhanced in autumn. Kaedehara was going to show him a beach he particularly liked. Claimed it looked better at sunset. Now close to that time.. the sun was slowly retreating.
"I've seen many sunsets before. Are you sure this'll be that impressive?" The wanderer asks, following behind as they walk into the sand.
"Hmm.. This is certainly one of my favorite places to watch the sunset. You might've seen better, considering how long you've lived." Kazuha looks behind and smiles. "It is up to you to decide whether you like it. I hope you do."
They reach some large rocks and stop to sit on them as they take in all the winding channels of water. They sit in silence, the salty sea breeze slowly moving the wanderers hat to the side of his head. He decides to take it off with a grunt.
"This is Yaoguang Shoal. I've passed by this place many times on ship with Beidou and the crew." Kazuha mentions. "Seeing it from afar the first few times, it was alluring. Seeing it up close.. it was definitely a place to take note of. I've written more than a couple haikus about the scenery."
The wanderer nods. "...I don't mind hearing one of your poems."
"Oh, really.. Let me think."
-
Curt, breathtaking, new
My companion to witness
A heart to win over
-
The wanderer felt a spike in adrenaline.
"The last line was 6 syllables. Not 5.." The wanderer reached for his hat on his head whilst turning away, only to find nothing, leaving him more flustered.
"Is that so? I just came up with it. Perhaps I should rethink that last line." Kazuha chuckles and grabs the hat that’s beside wanderer. "Looking for this?"
"Give me that," the wanderer snatches the hat from Kazuha. "You pest." this leads Kazuha to laugh harder. He shakes the wanderers shoulder a tiny bit.
"Look, the sun is about to set." Kazuha points.
-
This is one of many sunsets wanderer has seen before. This is just another one.
However, for some reason, this is just different. He can't stop looking..
The orange-ish hue painting the sky.. a new dark blue taking over. The breeze is getting stronger. The golden trees are shedding leaves.
It's autumn. A yellow leaf gets stuck in Kazuha's hair.. the wanderer sees it and goes to pull it out. Kazuha notices this quickly, as he really wasn't paying that much attention to the sunset.
They make eye contact. "You got something in your hair."
"A maple leaf," Kazuha reaches for his hand, observing the leaf. he holds his hand so gently. The wanderer feels lightheaded.
"Yeah.. a maple leaf."
"Did you like the view?"
The wanderer breathes in. "Yes." He moves a bit closer.
"I'm glad you like it."
Something inside him churns. This tension has been building for too long. he has to voice these feelings somehow.
on a whim with something in his head, he clears his throat.
-
This time together
a puppet unloved, redressed
I've fallen, save me.
-
A silence ensues. The wanderer awaits for a response.
.
.
.
Kazuha stares at him for what feels like forever.
Was I too cheesy?
"..Forget it. Just forget what I sa-"
"Can I kiss you?"
"What?"
Waves crash against the coastline. A fish leaps out of water. If the wanderer had a heart, it would be leaping, too.
"Can..Can I kiss you," Kazuha shifts even closer, the back of his bandaged hand caressing the others cheek. "wanderer?"
a faraway crane caws. It’s as loud as the others heartbeat.
"You.. you really feel the same?"
"…Wanderer, I’ve had feelings for you this whole time. I can’t hide them anymore." His expression is bittersweet.
Some sand blows into a small mound.
The wanderer is still holding Kazuhas unbandaged hand, moving his thumb on the others palm. He’s holding tight. He feels like crying.
More silence.
The moon is slowly coming up, the sunset is about to leave. stars start to endow the sky.
"Please, kiss me."
At last consenting, Kazuha shifts closer, his lips part. The wanderer closes his eyes.
as their lips entwine, the barrier between them slowly dissolves. His lips are slightly chapped. He tastes like jasmine tea. Tender, sweet, soft, innocent.. As quickly as it started, it ended. A new spreading warmth arises. A hug after. Never let go. Kazuha rubs circles on his upper back.
Wanderer moves his hands through Kazuhas hair. He feels the first tear running down his cheek... Oh, his hair is so smooth... his past thoughts didn’t do it justice.
Kazuha notices the wanderer sniffling, and he wipes his cheek, his expression changing solemn.
”Are you alright?” Kazuha wipes off the ones that start coming afterward.
-
“Mmngh.. Your palms are sweaty. My back feels wet,” the wanderer scoffs, moving Kazuhas hand onto his back again, contradicting.
“Huh..? Oh! Is that so..” caught off guard, Kazuha smiles sheepishly at him.
He smiles, too.
Something to remember.
..Greater than any sunset hes seen. He’ll remember this moment forever.
…
Forever.. if only.