along the journey, a fated person to meet, and destined to part

by ultimate_nothing

Summary:

Kazuha meets a guy while traveling and they decided to travel together.

Kazuha and Tomo traveling together in Inazuma while slowly falling for each other.

Notes:

I didn't expect for this fic to be this long but here we are. Please forgive my writing style as this is my first time trying to write something this long. I hope you all enjoy reading.

Maple trees are Kazuha's favorite trees since he was young. He didn't know if he liked it because he was pretty familiar with it, seeing it everywhere around his home or if he already liked it the moment his eyes landed on it. Maple trees are known for its reddish leaves that gives the feeling of autumn or fall, the feeling of the calm or relaxation before a big event or a celebration you look forward to. At least that's how Kazuha interprets it.

When he was young and his clan was still around, he used to go outside and admire the trees, plants, and every living thing out there. When he is not training with his sword or learning etiquette as part of the Kaedehara Clan, he ventures outside and tries to expose himself to nature as he feels that he has a connection to it. He likes listening to the soft breeze, the trees and plants swaying, and animals creating different sounds that can be heard throughout the city, even though there are fewer animals there than outside it. He feels at ease when he's outside and maybe that's one of the reason he decided to live a free life after his clan's unfortunate collapse. It is sad that it happened during the time when he's about to inherit their fortunes but it also gave him an opportunity to pursue a free life, wandering and connecting himself to nature. He did not care that much about mora but his clan taught him the ways of the sword and that's one thing he will carry around throughout his life.

Kazuha also liked poetry and he developed it as a hobby while he was gazing at the trees and birds flying around his home. He likes making poetry about nature and uses it as a way to express his feelings and his affinity towards nature. He still writes poetry as he travels now to remember and engrave his thoughts as he experiences different terrains and pieces of nature around him.

Kazuha is now resting, laying down on the grass under a maple tree he happens to come across his travels around Inazuma. Maple trees come in different sizes. Some just a little bigger than a bush, and some you can even climb. The one Kazuha is under now is one of the latter type. It was early afternoon and the hot rays of the sun made him drowsy so he decided to take a break under the tree. He had not expected to sleep longer than he had wanted to.

 

He awoke and felt that something was wrong. He had slept for longer than he intended to. The sun was still up in the sky but its hot waves are no more. He only planned to rest for a while and continue walking towards the path heading west.

He decided to just spend the night here instead of continuing the journey and spending the night in some place he has yet to take in. At least there's a big maple tree here. He decided to check if he has enough food for the night.

There are only fruits and vegetables inside his pack. Before he left, he created a little bag to carry his things out of extra fabrics he found lying around the house. It contains his clothes, papers to write on, and some of his food. He stores meat on a separate container.

Normally this would be enough for him, he would simmer the vegetables and have a little hot broth for the night and have the fruits as snacks but it's still not dark and maybe he could still find some boar to grill and add to his dinner later.

He decided to leave his pack under the tree as there are no people around. He carries his katana with him everywhere he goes. It's one of the things he did before, when he was still in the clan and will continue to do. He always thinks of the katana as one of the precious things he still has of the clan. It is an important weapon as a member of the Kaedehara Clan and he always treasures it.

He tried to find a clearing where boars might be gathering. He has sharp ears and this helps him when he is out in the wild, hunting or listening for certain warnings that would make his travels easier and safer. He was walking through the trees when he heard grunting and he was certain that it was boars.

He sneaked through the trees until he reached a not so wide open field where boars are gathered together and he watched carefully behind a bush.

He saw not more than 7 boars and he decided that he's only going to catch 3 boars today. He would cook 1 and keep the other 2 as extra food for the journey ahead. It's a preparation in case he runs out of food. You never know where there are edible plants when you travel so it's best to stack up extra servings.

He sneaks up on the first boar and he managed to subdue it without alerting the others. He rendered it immobile and left it under the tree for the moment.

He also tried to quietly subdue the second one but it squealed and alerted the others before he could managed to caught it. The other boars ran away to avoid being captured. He left it beside the first boar and tried to catch up to the remaining boars before any of them could run far.

Each boar heads to a different direction, so he only followed one and chased it down. The boar is fast but it's nothing compared to Kazuha. Once he caught up with it, he knocked it out and the boar fell to its side. He carried the boar back to where he left the others and lets out a breath of satisfaction.

He caught 3 boars and now he can have a nice dinner and some to spare for the future. He sat down beside the boars and watched as the sun starts to set and the sky turns reddish orange. The sky kind of reminds him again of maple trees and he tries to enjoy it before heading back.

Before he could thoroughly appreciate the sunset, he heard a rustling among the trees. He deduced that it was a person. It is not a sound that animals make. He prepared himself for an encounter and then the person appeared through the trees.

"Oh no, someone already came before me," exclaimed the boy who appeared. "The boars are gone, so much for meat." He sighed.

The boy was tall, taller than Kazuha, but he looked the same age as him. He has a lighter hair compared to Kazuha, which is closer to gray, and he wore a high ponytail. He has a long red coat with a purplish blue scarf wrapped around his neck. He wears dark clothes. He also has this line of scar that runs across his nose that Kazuha noticed.

The boy was about to leave in disappointment when Kazuha called him.

"Hey there." He yelled, trying to get his attention.

The boy looked back and his disappointed face lightens up.

"Hello maple boy." He smiled and approached Kazuha. "What do you need from me?"

"I have just noticed that you were looking for the boars and seeing that they were gone struck a disappointing look on your face."

"Oh about that, I also heard boars but when I arrived, as you can see, they were gone." He explained with a sad look on his face.

Kazuha felt pity for the guy, "You can take 1 boar with you or better yet, come with me so we can eat dinner together."

"You're inviting me for dinner maple boy? Well since I have no other choice, I guess I have to agree with that." He did not waste time thinking about it.

The boy was happy to accept Kazuha's invitation for he has no food for the night because of those boars.

"Well then follow me." Kazuha reached for the boars but the guy was already carrying them.

"Allow me to carry them, you are nice enough to invite me to dinner, so let me help you at least." He smiled a wide smile and Kazuha admits that his smile is contagious so he smiled too.

"Okay, if that's what you want." They started the trail back to the maple tree.

They were quiet on their way back, so the new guy tried to break the silence.

"Do you mind if I ask you questions maple boy?" He looks back at Kazuha.

"I don't. Please do so."

"So let's start with the basics, what's your name?"

"I'm Kaedehara Kazuha, but just call me Kazuha." Kazuha has been always calm when answering this question from different people that he has met.

The boy stopped on his tracks and faced Kazuha.

"Kaedehara? You mean the renowned samurai clan?" He is amused. He did not expect that this boy was actually part of a once famous samurai clan.

"Yes, I am the last son."

"It's a shame that the clan collapsed but I'm not gonna pry deeper into that. So what do you do nowadays?" He switches the topic at hand so his companion would not feel uncomfortable.

"I am now a wandering samurai. I am now leading a free life traveling around the country." He replied with his calm voice.

"Oh okay." He paused. "Do you want to ask me some questions?" He noticed that his kind host was silent and was not interested in asking him questions. He also wants to be asked questions.

"Sure, so what's your name?" The typical first question every time you meet someone new.

"I'm Tomo." He sounds proud of his name.

"So Tomo," he continued, "what are doing around here?"

"I am also traveling. I'm going west to the other island." He replied.

"I'm not going to ask more about why you're going there so let's leave at that." Kazuha finishes his questions.

"Okay, that's it for your questions?" He was hoping for more.

"For now, and we are nearing the maple tree so let's save some conversation after dinner. Okay?" Kazuha says as he can see the maple tree in the distance.

"Okay." Tomo replied. He was glad he could still be asked questions later. He also wants to know more about Kazuha.

Once they reached the maple tree. They put the boars to the side and started making a fire to cook the boars that they have brought.

"I also have vegetables here, I'm going to simmer them for some hot broth," Kazuha mentioned to Tomo.

"That's good, more food to fill our bellies." Tomo replied as he is skinning and chopping the boars. He is actually beginning to like this boy. They have just met yet he was offering some extra food for him.

They grilled 1 boar worth of meat and kept the rest in a container for future meals.

After a bunch of cooking and preparation, the simmered vegetables and grilled meat are ready to be eaten.

"Don't be shy, I invited you here. Take as much as you like." Kazuha said as he settled down on the makeshift dining preparations. They have laid a wide cloth on the grass and settled the food on top of it.

"Sure." 'This boy is so nice.' They both uttered their thanks and began eating.

They remained in silence while they were eating, focusing on the food that's in front of them, except for Tomo.

He doesn't have a problem with the food. They are actually cooked good and tasted good which he has expected because Kazuha looks like he knows his stuff around being a traveler. He saw how he cooked the vegetables and how he helped him grill the boar that they had decided to share. He is already experienced in this kind of things. He is too, he thinks. He also has been traveling for his own reasons so he also possesses the basic knowledge on how to survive wherever you are. The problem is that he doesn't know whether to eat his food fast or slow. He is thinking of eating it fast so they could proceed to the conversation that Kazuha promised after dinner, but that would look like he is not savoring the food that they had prepared and cooked together. He is still processing his thoughts when he heard Kazuha spoke.

"Is the food alright? Is it to your liking?" He asked while sipping the simmered vegetables broth.

"Ye-Yes, of course," he stammered. He is so focused on how is he going to eat his food that maybe he looked like he was not enjoying it.

"Just take what you want, okay?" Kazuha advised. He didn't want to force Tomo to eat if he had enough, or doesn't really like the taste of their cooking.

"Sure, don't worry about me." Tomo proceeds to eat his food normally now that Kazuha had spoken to him. He probably noticed the way he was deciding on fast or slow eating and mistaken it for dissatisfaction with the food.

They continued eating in peace and after that they cleaned their bowls and utensils and folded the cloth they used to put their food on.

They sat under the maple tree and Kazuha offered him some fruits for dessert.

"So," Tomo started but he doesn't know what to ask Kazuha now. He had been waiting all dinner for this and now he can't think of anything. He panicked.

"What is it about?" Kazuha continued. "Do you have something to tell me?"

"Uhm, so I was---," he can't exactly tell Kazuha that he's excited to talk to him after dinner. He was grasping for things to say but Kazuha was the one who spoke.

"Do you just want to talk about mundane things? Like everyday stuff. You don't have to feel pressure talking to me. I'm just Kazuha. No need to fear me." Kazuha spoke in his soft, calming voice.

Tomo felt like his heart had gone lighter. He's been panicking on what he's going to say to Kazuha and hearing Kazuha telling him that it's okay, makes him feel comfortable with him. That he doesn't need to think about what he's going to say and that he should just speak freely.

"Okay, can you start the conversation?"

"Sure, I have noticed that you also carry a katana like me. Are you also a samurai?" Kazuha looked at the sword that Tomo carries with him.

"When I was young I actually trained with some of my childhood neighbors in the ways of the sword. Most of them have given up but I continued training and still training to this day. I actually really liked using my katana, I could use it to help people, or maybe learn some cool skills, become stronger, things like that. Does that make me a samurai?" Tomo didn't noticed that he was speaking without thinking much about it. Kazuha smiled.

"If you are willing to use your sword for the good of yourself and other people, then I guess you are a samurai."

"To be acknowledge by a member of the Kaedehara clan, I never thought this day would come." He chuckled.

"Well it isn't that big of a deal so it's fine, and I'm acknowledging you as Kazuha today. Not as a part of the Kaedehara clan." He looked at Tomo who's actually becoming more comfortable with him. He also felt relieved that he is not making his companion uncomfortable.

"Alright maple boy, why is it that your clothes has maple designs?" He's feeling a little bit more confident now.

"Oh this, our family really likes maple trees and it has grown to be a part of our lives. We have lots of maple trees in our home back then and most of our clothes were made with maple designs. This is one of those. It is also a way of remembering them." Kazuha is not looking at Tomo, rather he's looking at the sky.

"Is it okay if I continue asking you about this, do you want to talk about other things instead?" Tomo offered because he felt that Kazuha's clan's unfortunate fall is a sensitive topic for him.

"It's fine," he replied, looking back at Tomo again. "I already accepted what happened and I have already move past it. So don't be afraid to ask."

"Was it hard? When it happened?"

"At that time I couldn't really do anything about it. I can only watch as there is no way of fixing what could have happened. After that, I took it as an opportunity to travel and be free." He smiled at Tomo. "And then I met you. Well, I have met other people before too, but it also made us two meet. Fate really is unpredictable." Tomo could see that it doesn't really affect Kazuha anymore. He was glad he's not making him uncomfortable.

"You said that you were also heading west right?" Kazuha now more excited than before. Tomo nodded. "What if we travel together? I'm also headed that way." He waited for Tomo's answer.

He was already expecting the question, in fact that was the question he was waiting to be asked. If Kazuha did not ask him, he would ask him instead. He also thought that Kazuha is also heading west based on where they met and the convenience of the place. This is an opportunity he can't afford to skip. A chance to travel with a samurai and a very nice person. So he agreed with him.

"Okay, then we travel together starting tomorrow." He smiled again at Tomo.

Tomo smiled back at him too. He likes seeing Kazuha smile. He feels special for making him smile. He wants to continue seeing him smile. He actually can't stop gazing at Kazuha. There's something about him that really makes him feel comfortable and safe.

"Are you tired, do you want to sleep?" Kazuha offered. "Let's lay our sleeping bags here." He gestured to the grass underneath the tree.

"I'm not that tired yet but we can lie down." Tomo laid his sleeping bag next to Kazuha. They both lie down on their sleeping bags and they are gazing up the night sky.

"The weather's good tonight, no clouds and you can see the moon and stars clearly."

"You can really appreciate the night sky in a weather like this." Tomo agreed.

"Did you know that every vision bearer has their constellation up there?"

"Yes, I read it in the astrology section of the newspaper. I don't know mine though." Kazuha's observation was one of his best skills. He noticed that this boy is no ordinary person. He also carries a vision.

"Me too, maybe they are side by side in the sky, just like us now."

"Maybe, that would be very lucky."

"It's not luck. It's fate." Kazuha is so focused gazing at the stars, he didn't noticed that Tomo is looking at him.

 

Kazuha always wakes up when the sun rises up. He already has this same routine everyday. He woke up the same as he has everyday, only now there was a boy beside him. He started to pack up his sleeping bag and glanced at Tomo who was still asleep.

He took this as a chance to observe his new friend. He inspected the details of his face. He looks young around the same age as him. The scar on his face that he found himself getting interested in is still there running across his nose. What could have happen and what is the story behind it? He saved that thought for another time. He continued examining him and he noticed that he slept smiling as he can see on his face. He then saw that there's a bump on his clothes. Tomo started to turn and he looked away and finished packing up his sleeping bag.

He took out some of the fruits they have left last night and laid it down on the cloth. He took one and started to chew when Tomo groaned and stretched his limbs out.

"Morning maple boy, you're up early huh." He said in his sleepy voice and smiled.

Tomo's hair is a mess but he doesn't care. The first thing he saw when he woke up was the sky slowly turning blue, and the second one was Kazuha chewing a fruit. He thinks that this is a good start for the day.

"Good morning Tomo, we still have some fruits left from last night. Eat some before we leave." He says as he continues chewing.

Tomo also packs up his sleeping bag and started getting ready for the day.

After they finished eating and packing, they got up and started walking.

As they were walking, Kazuha noticed something peeking from the little opening of his friend's clothes.

"Is that a cat that you are carrying?" He pointed.

"Oh, so you have noticed her." Tomo started to pet the white furry head peaking. "You didn't see me feed her last night because you already fell asleep.

Kazuha realized that he was the first one to fall asleep. They were talking about the stars and somewhere between that, he had fallen asleep leaving Tomo to be awake alone.

"Forgive me for falling asleep first, I should have told you but I was getting sleepy."

"It's fine I just fed the cat and after that I also went to sleep." That was not the whole truth. It's true that he fed the cat when Kazuha fell asleep but after that, he spent some time looking at Kazuha, examining the features of his face. He only decided to go to sleep after his pet came crawling back to him.

"You carry her everywhere you go?"

"Of course, she was with me for a long time now and we are so close together, that we can't be separated." Tomo answered, still petting and is now pouting at the white fur ball.

"May I know the cat's name?" Kazuha asked with his eyebrows up.

"It's Cutie," he says casually.

Kazuha waited for him to elaborate on the name but no explanation followed.

"Why is she named Cutie?"

"Can't you see her, she looks so cute." Tomo said that like it's the most obvious thing in the world. He is now cradling her in his arms. "No more deeper meaning than that."

"Well then, hi Cutie." Kazuha touched Cutie's nose.

"Hello there pretty boy." Tomo replied.

"I was talking to the cat." Kazuha looks up with a confused smile.

"I was replying for the cat, you don't expect a cat to reply, do you?" Tomo's smile is so wide now that he's about to laugh.

"You're supposed to match your voice to a cat so I would understand." Kazuha couldn't hold it in, he burst out laughing. Tomo also joined in.

Their laughter was heard around them, but it's lucky that only the trees were listening.

 

"Her name is actually Tama." Tomo started after they have both stopped laughing.

"Is that her real name or it's one of your tricks again?" Kazuha eyed him.

"It's real this time. When I was travelling I met her on the road. She's a stray cat and she has no one to feed her." He answered and Kazuha is listening intently.

"I gave her some of my spare food and thought that she was going to leave but she stayed with me through the night and the next day I decided to take her in."

"That's actually a nice story. Maybe Tama likes you so much she decided to stay with you."

"Of course, she liked me the moment she saw me. I mean who wouldn't like me?" He bragged in a proud, ambitious tone.

"Okay, okay, I'll let you indulge in your fantasies." Kazuha sighed. Tomo started laughing.

"What about you?"

"What about me?" Kazuha pretending he's confused and that he doesn't understand what Tomo meant.

"Did you liked me the moment you saw me?" He is smiling giddily.

Kazuha wonders why is he so excited to know his answer. When he saw Tomo looking disappointed at the clearing empty of boars, he just wanted to offer some help to him. He likes everyone he meets, especially those who are nice and good people. This boy turned travelling companion is one of those people. He likes how Tomo is confident when he is comfortable with him, but he also knows how not to overstep his bounds when it comes to personal things. And what was that last night that he was panicking and can't say a word to him. That's the only thing he couldn't have predicted. That this confident boy can also lose his words sometime.

"So what's your answer?" Still smiling and waiting for an answer from him.

"Yes, I liked you when I saw you." Kazuha finally said it. It seems like it's not a big deal but why did he have to think much about it.

"See, I told you everyone likes me." Tomo coos and continued laughing.

"Don't get me wrong, I like everyone I meet until they show me signs that they are not likable." Kazuha followed up. He doesn't want Tomo to take his words the wrong way.

"Sure, sure. What matters is that you like me." He glances at Kazuha teasingly.

"You are obsessed with me liking you. Why is that?" It's his time to strike back at him now.

"I mean who wouldn't want to be liked by you, maple boy? You got those pretty clothes, a pretty face, and is also a samurai? Everyone likes that." Tomo counters back. He wouldn't give Kazuha the chance to tease him.

"Okay, okay I give up okay." Kazuha raises his hands up. "You win now. But you have to answer one of my questions. Just to settle this. Alright?" He would not let Tomo get away with all those teasing he did. He was having fun laughing and asking him questions while he's here, troubled by the deeper meaning behind those questions.

"Okay, I'll give you this chance." Tomo actually quieted and listened carefully to him. What question is he gonna ask and why is it that he really wants him to answer it. What if it's---

"So we already established that I like you, right? My question is do you like me?" Kazuha tried to say that with a straight face and so far he is succeeding.

Tomo didn't realize until the final moment that this is the question he's going to ask. He hasn't prepared himself for it. But he's not going to lose this one. He started this and he's gonna end this with him winning. So he answers it without hesitation.

"Yes, I do like you Kazuha. You are very kind and you invited me to dinner even though I was a complete stranger. Thank you so much for that. And besides I could not resist that pretty face of yours. I would even have dinner with you even if I have food that night." He winks at Kazuha and he was so proud of what he has done. Kazuha could do nothing but cover his face and prevent himself from smiling, but the invisible force tugging at his mouth was stronger than he could resist and Tomo could see his smile from between his fingers.

He really enjoyed teasing Kazuha. He wanted to see him smile and laugh and maybe make him blush along the way. He didn't expect that it would go that way. Seeing Kazuha smile also makes him happy and in a way, it also brings him happiness.

"Hey you alright there?" He asked after noticing Kazuha has been silent for a while. When he didn't reply, he decided to take a glimpse at him and he saw tears at his friend's face.

"Oh no, did I make you cry? I'm really sorry about that Kazuha. I really thought we were having fun, turns out I was the only one." He felt really stupid and guilty. He didn't realize what Kazuha is feeling. He has forgotten that they have only met and they didn't really know what each other's limits are.

"No, no. I'm not hurt or angry. I-I'm just happy, why are my tears flowing down?" Kazuha is stuttering, he is confused.

"It's my fault, I'm really sorry for all of that. I didn't take into account what you are feeling." He wanted to hit himself. He wants to see Kazuha smile so bad he ended up hurting him. He feels so selfish. He wants himself to be happy, never really caring how the other person was actually hurt because of him.

"No, it's fine really. I don't understand what's happening. I-" He was interrupted by the sudden arms wrapping around him. Tomo is hugging him and he can feel his heartbeat pounding in his chest. He must have felt so bad and guilty. He can also feel him trying hard to hold back his tears.

"I'm really sorry okay?" Tomo wiped down the tears flowing down into his mouth. "I was just thinking of myself, I didn't think that you were actually getting hurt here. I am so so sorry." He fights back the tears. "You can cry okay, don't feel bad for crying, I'm just here."

Kazuha's tears were almost dried up but hearing Tomo say that, brought back another batch of tears and he continued crying there in his arms. He also felt bad for making Tomo feel bad about him crying. He was just smiling but then the tears came and he could not understand why. He tried hiding it but he noticed and then it ruined the moment. He also felt guilty for making Tomo feel guilty.

"I'm here okay? Just continue crying, I really feel bad for making you feel like that. I would never make you feel like that again." Tomo whispered to Kazuha as they stand there holding each other, letting their emotions run free.

"I'm not mad at you, okay? I am also sorry for making you feel bad, I know you only had the best intentions. I was just confused and then the tears came and-." He stopped. Tomo lets go of the hug, and is nodding at him, with watery eyes.

"I understand." He tried to smile. Kazuha also tried.

"Do you just want to hug for a few more minutes?" He asked.

"Okay." They are wrapping their arms around each other, crying and just letting the embrace do the apologies and forgiveness. They stayed like that for a few minutes.

 

"Do you wanna carry Tama? Maybe she likes you too." Tomo offered. The sun rays are thinning now and they already found a place to stay the night. It is a wide field with no trees in sight. They chose the most comfortable part of the field and are now trying to prepare for dinner.

"I'll try." Kazuha hesitates. He is not new to handling pets especially cats. He encounters them when he stumbles upon villages or places with a lot of people. He's just afraid that Tama will not like him because of how attached the cat is to Tomo.

Tomo gently passes Tama down to Kazuha's arms and Kazuha, really trying to hold the cat carefully as if it's an expensive glass vase, cradles Tama. He's closing his eyes in fear that the cat would leap out of his arms if he looks at her the wrong way. After a while he opens his eyes and sees Tama, lying comfortably in his arms purring and closing her eyes. He breathes a sigh of relief. He really wanted Tama to like him.

"See, Tama trusts me that you are a good person. Look at how comfy she is." He pouts, looking at Tama like it's his child.

"You really care for her. It's lucky that Tama found a good owner." Kazuha continues cradling Tama in his arms.

"She could be our pet now." Tomo says out of nowhere. "I mean, she really doesn't like other people but she really trusts you."

"I am honored to take care of Tama, really." Kazuha looks so proud and he could understand his friend's feelings for the cat. It really is nice having a pet. Not quite human but a companion nonetheless.

"Oh, the meat and vegetables I'm cooking." Kazuha remembered but he cannot just put Tama down now that she's comfortably sleeping in his arms.

"I'll get it." Tomo went to the cooking spot and takes a taste of the food Kazuha is cooking. "This tastes good, you wanna try?"

Kazuha went with Tama in his arms. He couldn't get some spoon to taste because both of his arms are busy. Tomo scoops some broth with meat and raises the spoon to Kazuha's mouth. Kazuha tasted the meat and broth.

"It's good, just leave it boiling for a few minutes then we could start eating." Tomo closed the lid and stayed there to follow Kazuha's instructions. After some time, the dinner is ready.

"You must be tired carrying Tama." Tomo tried to gently wake Tama up and the cat went back to it's usual place in his clothes.

"She's a good cat. She doesn't move that much and she's so peaceful."

"Tama is like that. She is very nice to travel with. Doesn't give you that much trouble. Let's eat dinner now, I've been waiting to eat more of your delicious cooking." They went back to the same set up they had last night. White cloth and the food on it.

"This is actually delicious, good for long nights. It doesn't make you hungry that fast." Tomo said after eating some servings.

Kazuha just continued eating. He already learned some cooking skills when he was at home. His parents taught him some dishes that the family liked. But in the wild you can't choose your ingredients, you make do with what you have. That's where he learned how to cook dishes that are not that complicated but still tastes good.

They ate a lot of servings of the food that Kazuha made. After they finished eating, they were both so full.

"This could last me for three days. It was that good I ate so much." Tomo exclaimed. Kazuha just smiles at him.

"It's nice that you liked it. I look forward to making you more good food in the future."

"Hey, I can also cook." He cuts in. "I'll also show you some of my cooking skills. Just wait and see." He glances at Kazuha and raised his eyebrows.

"Sure, I'm curious on what you are going to cook for me." He challenges and he started tidying up their own version of a dinner table. After he was done he sat down beside Tomo who just finished feeding Tama some of the leftovers.

"What do you want to do?" Kazuha asks him. "I'm not tired yet, any suggestions?"

"Hmm, what should we do right now." Tomo actually is fine with anything. They could just sit there together and he would be okay with it. It doesn't really take much to enjoy being with Kazuha. He's thinking of something and-

"What if we do a staring contest and every time someone losses, they have to tell one secret."

"That's a good suggestion. Let's do it." He positions himself across from Tomo. They're seating beside a little bonfire that they made to keep themselves warm throughout the night.

"Let's start-"

"Wait a second. I'm still adjusting my position, I'm taking this game seriously." Kazuha straightens his face. He smiled a second later. "Okay 3, 2, 1, start."

Tomo is already staring at him and Kazuha tries to imitate the way Tomo looks at him. No one spoke in the first few minutes after they have started. A minute has passed and they are both still staring in silence. Tomo tries to do some funny faces. He scrunches his nose, moves his mouth in weird ways, occasionally sticking his tongue out. All in an effort to make Kazuha laugh.

Kazuha actually laughed. "Are you trying to make me blink by making me laugh, nice try but I won't lose this one." He turned his face serious again and Tomo's the one struggling not to laugh.

He's doesn't actually understand why Kazuha's serious face is making him laugh but he's been holding it in since the first few seconds when the game started. He resorted to making faces at Kazuha to distract himself from laughing.

Kazuha can see Tomo struggling to keep himself from laughing and he wonders why. He's not doing anything so why is he laughing? Is it because he's doing nothing that actually makes Tomo laugh. He wonders how he looks from Tomo's point of view. Does he look serious and actually is trying to win this game? He is just staring at Tomo's face and thinks that he could not blink because he's actually trying to take in Tomo's details. He's distracting himself by taking in the shape and form of his nose, the scar making it more special. The way his eyes is focused on him, eyebrows floating above, and the way his lips twitch, trying to prevent the escape of laughter.

Tomo tries to calm down and focus on the game. 'Stop laughing and take this more seriously. You're the one who suggested this.' He tries to find ways to distract himself but he can only look at Kazuha. He needs to distract himself with Kazuha's face. He tries to look for something interesting in him. He already noticed it before, that red streak of hair that is lost in the sea of grey. He finds himself getting curious on the story behind that red streak. Why is he full of red? His clothes, his hair, and his eyes are also red. The difference between his red is that it feels nicer and softer compare to other reds. It is not the red that symbolizes war and blood, but kindness and acceptance. Red eyes are supposed to instill fear to those that look at it, but the longer he stares at him, he sees more of the kindness in his eyes. He can't see any trace of anger and hatred, instead he feels at ease. He could stare at those eyes forever. He could look at it for a long time and still find himself wanting more because the more that he stares at him, the more things it reveals to him. Unfortunately, his eyes are starting to get tired and water. He actually gives effort to try and keep it from closing. He looks at Kazuha and he can see him calmly struggling from the effects of not blinking for a long time.

Kazuha has already examined Tomo's face again and again trying to memorize its features, but he can't stop his eyes from watering. It would be easy to just blink and finish this because the straining on his eyes makes it harder for him not to blink. Tomo's face is certainly worthy of praise, not only is he good looking but you can see his personality reflected on the way his mouth moves likes it's used to smiling and laughing. However studying someone's face does not help you stop the strain on your eyes. He was trying to fix this while trying to maintain his calm composure as opposed to the one opposite him who you can visibly see struggling in keeping his eyes open.

They are both trying their best to win this game and are still fighting until the end when they both can't handle it. They had to blink. After that there was silence trying to process what just happened.

"Wait, who won?" Kazuha still wiping his eyes and blinking so fast as if to make up for the time he spent in the game with open eyes.

"We blink at the same time right?" Tomo still trying to process how things happened. He was actually already giving up when he blinked but he also saw Kazuha blinking but it was too late when he noticed it.

"I was about to close my eyes but then I saw you close your eyes too." Kazuha answered. He didn't know who actually is the winner of their mini contest.

"Okay let's just agree that we both lost so we're gonna tell one of our secrets." Tomo suggested. It would be boring if they just accept that both of them won. They wouldn't have to tell one of their secrets to one another. He actually is really excited about knowing Kazuha's secret.

"I agree, it would be fairer if we both admit we lost." He agreed. Kazuha really wanted to win for a chance to learn about Tomo's secret but this is not bad either. He admits that he also wants to know about Tomo's secret, but now he also has to tell one of his own too.

"So which of us goes first?"

"Let's try something like a coin toss, I'll toss a mora in the air and the one who catches it gets to decide if they want to go first or last. Clear?" Tomo nodded. Kazuha gets a mora from his little pouch. He shows the mora to Tomo and signals that he's about to toss it.

"1, 2, 3, go." He tossed the mora on 3 and it went into the air. It's dark and the only light comes from the bonfire so they can't see the coin in the air and they just listened to it falling down. The mora zoomed past them and they didn't caught it. It landed on the ground and both reached for it but Tomo has longer limbs than Kazuha and gets the coin first. Kazuha's hand brushed his clenched hand with the mora and he retracts it back feeling down for not getting it in time.

"I think that I should go last." Tomo decided. "You'll go first , is that okay?" Kazuha nodded.

They sat back down and Kazuha prepared for the secret he's going to tell. He thinks of the things he did as a child. Those are the things we keep a secret right? When we are still young that we don't know much and do things just because we want to do it. He remembered something. He didn't tell anyone even his own parents about it. Tomo will be the first one to hear about it. It's not like he doesn't trust him, it's just that it feels special that he's the first one to hear about it.

He takes a deep breath before he starts talking. Tomo is already comfortable, waiting for him to start.

"When I was still young, there was this night where I could not sleep, so I stared outside my window to make myself sleepy. I was looking at the trees when I saw something moving. As a child I was curious so I went outside and followed the moving thing. When I reached it, I found out that it was a bird." He briefly pauses before continuing and sees that Tomo is listening to every detail. He's waiting for something to happen in the story and Kazuha doesn't know how he will react to it.

"The bird was an ordinary bird albeit a little bigger than normal birds you see flying around. I started talking to it. I asked its name and what it was doing in my house. My younger self was not surprised when the bird replied." He paused and watched Tomo's face turn from a dedicated listener to an amused one who just heard something he could not believe.

"Wait, the bird spoke to you?" He was trying to genuinely asked Kazuha without laughing and Kazuha noticed how hard he tries being serious.

"Yes, it answered my questions and told me stories that I could not remember now. I grew up believing it was real and didn't tell anyone because I know they're not going to believe me." He brushes it off like it's not a big deal and Tomo doesn't know what to reply so Kazuha just continued the story.

"After talking for a while the bird said that I should go back to bed and sleep. I followed its instructions and I even saw it fly away. When I went back to my room I fell asleep almost immediately, and when I woke up I still remember it vividly so I believed that it's real. Up until now."

"That was a good story Kazuha, I really feel bad because you're afraid that no one will believe you, but I believe you." Tomo says sincerely. "I know it took courage to tell a secret, so I would honor it by believing in you." Kazuha was more surprise with Tomo using his name than the actual statement itself. He really thought that Tomo is sincere in believing in him. He knows that Tomo will believe him and that's why he told that secret to him.

"Thanks, I really appreciate that." Kazuha flashed a weak smile. "Now it's time for your secret." He was thinking about it after he had thought about his secret. He is curious about what Tomo will reveal. Tomo straightens up.

"Okay, my secret is that I accidentally cut the tree beside our house when I was training. It was not a big, tall tree, but still it's big enough to alert everyone around us to it falling down. I ran as fast as I can to my room, hid my katana, and pretended to be asleep while people gathered in front of our house to see what happened. They searched for who did it, but they never suspected me. My mother even asked me what I was doing at the time it happened and I said I'm sleeping and she did not question me further. I felt guilty for days after that, but it's too late to tell anyone so I just kept it as a secret." He says it like he is really proud that he didn't get caught.

"That was quite a story, you just pretended that you didn't cut a tree that gathered everyone's attention." Kazuha was amazed and surprised that he actually did it.

"It was the talk of the town for a while, the mysterious tree that fell down. They haven't caught the culprit for it so after a while they just accepted that the tree fell down and moved on."

"So how did you feel about it? Did you want to stay anonymous and listen to the different opinions of people on why it fell down?" Kazuha asked.

"At first I didn't want to admit it. I don't want to be blamed for an accident that happened. But then it attracted attention from more people and they actually care more on knowing who did than blaming them for doing it." Tomo looked like he regrets not telling them back then. But he also thinks that if he had told everyone back then, there could have been no talk of the town and people would just ignore it as some sort of accident. So in a way he actually got the people in his town to have some sort of collective memory that they all share.

"We were young back then, no need to regret the things we have done. Those things help us grow to who we are now, right?" Kazuha shared because he felt that Tomo had also shared something important with him.

"I don't regret it, it just feels nostalgic to me." He has this sad look in his face like he's missing the old times.

"Yeah those were simpler times, but anyway I have to admire your dedication to win the game that we had. You really tried to make me laugh." Kazuha switches the topic they have to get that sad look out of Tomo's face.

"Of course, I'm very competitive. And besides you are so serious about winning that game too. You didn't even flinch even when your eyes are starting to give up," he responded.

"I'm just trying to focus on the game. I really tried to distract myself from laughing because of you, that's why I'm keeping a straight face all the time."

"I'm laughing at that actually. You're so serious while I'm trying to make you laugh."

"I really enjoyed that game Tomo, thanks for your suggestion."

"Don't mention it." He smiled again. He knows his smile is contagious and Kazuha will also smile back at him.

They didn't realized how much time has passed and fatigue starts to kick in. They both started to place their sleeping bags on the ground and laid down.

"I'm so tired and sleepy now." Kazuha mentioned as he lays there. They are both facing each other.

"Me too." Tomo replied. "I guess this is good night."

"Good night Tomo, sweet dreams." Kazuha whispered.

"Sweet dreams to you too." He whispered back.

They both closed their eyes, and went to sleep thinking of each other.

 

They have been travelling for a couple of days now. Each day is a repeat of the day before it, with just different routes, weather, and food. Both of them are enjoying it though. Each of them loves the other's company and it is enough for the both of them. They sometimes meet people along the way, some they interact with and some they have spared but a single glance. They have also been getting ingredients when they have the time to make their meals more enjoyable. Kazuha firmly believes that even with minimal ingredients, you still have to put effort and time to prepare it the best way you can.

"Hey, found some sweet flowers here, we can use it to add more flavor." Yells Tomo as they were gathering ingredients.

"Sure, I'll find some fruits here for extra snacks and dessert." Kazuha replies as he was packing up some of the supplies that they have found.

The ingredients may be the same, but they try to create new recipes and new dishes as to prevent having the same food everyday which can lead to dissatisfaction as eating the same food greatly decreases appetite as people crave new flavor.

"We can stop here for the night, this seems like a good place to hang low." Kazuha mentioned as the sky grows darker.

"These trees will provide us cover for the inevitable rain later."

"I agree. The clouds look angry, we have to prepare for a great downpour later." He sets down their belongings and begins to make preparations on how to make this little spot that they have comfortable for later.

"Getting these tarpaulins was a good idea." Tomo suddenly finds himself curious. "You can really read the weather, can't you? We would be wet if you haven't suggested this. There are no houses here for miles."

"You get used to it once you are traveling. A lot of practice makes it second nature to me." Kazuha has been traveling for a time and the experiences he has allows him to learn skills that help him on his travels. Reading the weather and nature around him helps him make decisions on what way should he pick or where should he stay.

"I'll arrange this little tent that we'll have for the night while you cook our dinner, alright?" Tomo said as he was gathering the ropes and tarps.

"Sure, I'll make sure it's ready after you're done." Kazuha is also preparing the ingredients that he needs. "I'll make us a hot soup that will get us through this cold night.

"You do that maple boy." He gets started on hanging the tarpaulins and securing them to the trees with the rope. The tarpaulins are not that wide but it would give them at least some comfort for the night. The rain would surely last for hours looking at how dark the sky is. He unrolled some rope and tied it into the tarp and found a tough branch to secure it through. He looked down at Kazuha who's putting the fowl that they have caught in the water. He was really happy that he had stumble across Kazuha along his way. He was not expecting to have some companion on his journey but it is great to have one. Tama is already a good partner but having a fellow traveler helps. It is lonely travelling on your own and he's sure he understands it as well as Kazuha does. He finished hanging the rest of the tarps and when he's done, he checks his finished work.

"This is not bad, this will keep us dry for the night," he mumbles to himself. He takes the remaining materials and arranges it neatly to one side. After he's done, he checks up on Kazuha.

"It's almost cooked," Kazuha senses that he was coming. "Do you want to taste it? See if it needs more salt?" Kazuha takes a spoon and scoops some broth and lets Tomo taste it.

"No need for salt, it is already good enough. I'll set up the bowls so we can start eating."

Kazuha puts out the fire and brings the hot soup to their dinner spot. As they were putting soup in their bowls it started raining. It didn't have any warning, the rain just poured down hard and the rain they have been dreading has started.

"It's nice that the tarps you set up is holding. I hope it stays that way all night." Kazuha pointed out after sipping his soup.

"Of course, I made sure it's comfortable enough for the both of us." He sips the soup. "This soup you made is good. This is very good for long, cold nights such as this."

"I made enough to last us the whole night. Eat as much as you like." Kazuha continued eating.

After having enough they set aside the soup so they can easily get it later if they want to get more.

"Have you ever experienced getting drenched in this kind of rain during your travels?" Tomo questioned when they were settling down.

"Sometimes when there are no tarps and houses around you, you have no choice but to get wet. I try my best to be dry as possible, but sometimes it's just that way."

"How do you dry yourself afterwards? You'll get sick if you stay cold for long."

"I hang my clothes and use my vision to dry them. I don't get sick often, I always dry myself off the moment the rain stops."

"I noticed that vision of yours. It's very convenient considering that it's anemo." He glances at the little green glass orb Kazuha is pinning on the back of his shoulders.

"You think you are sneaky by hiding it on your hair but I noticed yours too Tomo." Kazuha retorted. "That purple vision on your ponytail, I noticed it the night we met."

"Okay, okay we're both vision holders. Guess that makes us special." Tomo waves his hands towards Kazuha, who just continued to examine the vision in his friend's hair.

"Why do you keep it there? The vision." He wanted to know the reason. It's obvious that he is not showing it to the public. Normal people would miss it if they're not studying him as Kazuha does. Most vision bearers wear their visions in places that people would notice. This is either a way to show people that they have it or makes it easy to keep an eye on, as there are people who would try stealing one.

"I didn't want people knowing. It's not a big deal, I just don't want the attention it brings. Also I just want to be seen as who I am, not as a vision bearer. I really appreciate the vision, the gods see me as worthy, but I don't want people to see me different just because I have a vision." He really wants Kazuha to understand. Visions are gift from the gods and people react to it in different ways. He didn't want the vision to define him. It will serve as a tool, extra hands to help him, not to change him completely. He still lives the same way, just now with extra help.

"Visions are gifts or blessings, it depends on you. I believe that a vision is given to you because you are already strong, not to make you strong. You don't need a vision to be strong, it's just there if you need it, but don't depend on it. Believe in your abilities with or without the vision." Kazuha also expressed his thoughts. His vision is a special thing, but he doesn't depend on it. He uses it sometimes to make things more convenient, but he believes in himself first. He would not mind having no vision. He didn't wish for a vision but now that he has one, he uses it the way he wants to.

Tomo is glad that they understand each others view on visions. Even though he doesn't want the vision to define him, he still treasures it. He is grateful for it and all the help it has given. It helps him with some things and he learns how to use it in conjunction with his blade.

"Do you want to see some tricks from my vision?" He stares at Kazuha, smiled and raised his eyebrows. 'He's up to something' Kazuha thinks and decided why not see this tricks of his.

"Sure, why not?" He is now intrigued on what tricks he's going to show. Electro is definitely pleasing to the eye as far as elements go.

"Okay, let me practice it first." He wiggles his hands and tiny purple sparks start appearing. "I'm just trying to remember the steps for this trick."

"I'm just here watching, do your thing." Kazuha positioned himself comfortably and watched his friend do some electro tricks.

Tomo waved his hands toward Kazuha and a tiny spark went to his hair. He felt it stand on end and he tried touching it.

"Your control of electro is good. You can make thin strands of hair stand on end with precision." Kazuha is amazed and proud of Tomo. Despite his views on his vision, he is very talented when using it.

"Can I have your hand please?" He extended out his right hand and Kazuha offered his left one. He put their hands very close together, but not touching each other. He focused on his right and and a second later he hears Kazuha laughing.

"It's tickling me. Ah!" Tomo has his eyes on Kazuha who is enjoying the tickles of the purple sparks on his hand. He continued doing it for a minute and Kazuha was smiling.

"Electric tickles, that's a first for me."

"It feels good right? I used to do it to myself when I'm bored." Kazuha also wonders what little things he could do with his vision. Maybe he could fix his hair with a little gust of wind or pick things up using a gentle breeze.

"That's all my tricks for now, I'll learn more in the future to show to you."

"Okay, I'll look forward to those." The rain is still raging on them and he's starting to get cold. Tama is nuzzled in Tomo's chest, so she's safe from the cold. He got his bowl and poured another hot soup for himself. Hot soups always taste better on cold nights.

"Are you cold? Do you want to borrow my scarf?" Tomo started getting his scarf off his neck while Kazuha tries to decline the offer.

"No, no, it's fine really. I already have my own. You keep it, you'll get cold too."

"An extra layer wouldn't hurt."

"What about you? It's fine, don't worry about me."

"I insist, you look cold now so you can have it for now."

"I'll feel bad if you get cold because of me so just keep it for yourself."

"Don't feel bad," Tomo have just gotten an idea. "If you feel bad for me then let's just share the scarf, it's long enough for the both of us." Kazuha can't see a way out of this one so just nodded.

"Come here next to me." He sat down beside Tomo and he started to wrap the scarf around both of their necks. He sips his soup while Tomo is doing this. He really appreciates the scarf as he feels less cold now.

"Thank you Tomo, for this," he voiced in. "I really appreciate you looking out for me. So thanks."

"No problem as long as you're comfortable. You can also lay on my shoulder if you want," he added.

"I think I troubled you enough." Kazuha doesn't want to add more to Tomo's plate. He's already sharing his scarf with him.

"You're not troubling me, can I have a sip of the soup too?"

"Sure, I've gotten so much it could be enough for the both of us." Kazuha chuckled. He feels comfortable sharing scarf and soup with Tomo. He feels nice sitting beside him on a cold night. He feels safe with him by his side throughout the night. It feels good having him as a travel buddy.

When it was time to sleep, they laid down close enough to share the scarf. The rain is slowing down, but the cold will probably remain all night. They are both full on soup, scarf wrapped around their necks, laying down side by side, bidding each other good night, and closing their eyes, ready to fall asleep.

 

Throughout their journey since they met, they have never encounter any body of water along their way. Kazuha misses the fishing and the fishes that he cooks and eat. Having traveled around Inazuma requires crossing big bodies of water and fishes also comes along with it. He's already familiar with the procedures and things you need to use when fishing. When they came across a wide river in their way, Kazuha was very excited to go fish in it. Tomo could notice a slight difference in his behavior today, he seems more cheerful and livelier. It's not that Kazuha's gloomy on other times but it's new to him that Kazuha is actually enthusiastic about something. Most of the times he's calm and doesn't react that much to anything.

"It has been a while since I've eaten fish. I'll let you have a taste of my cooking. I know you're going to love it." Kazuha really is looking forward to showing Tomo some of his fish dishes.

"Sure, do you want to teach me about some of this fishing stuff?" He also wants to learn fishing. If Kazuha is passionate about this, he would try his best to learn and enjoy it too.

"Of course, help me with the materials here." They have a fishing rod and some bait to use for luring the fishes. The bait are some chunks of meat, maybe from small fishes and some worms that are reserved if they ran out of meat chunks.

"Let's find a place where we can get the most fishes." Kazuha already marching towards the river. Tomo carries a basket where they are going to put the fishes that they will catch later. They were heading towards the river and Kazuha has already spotted a place.

"The river current is not that fast, you can spot the fishes swimming in it," Kazuha pointed out. They started setting up things for the fishing and Kazuha started teaching Tomo on what to do.

"We put this bait into the little hook at the end of the rod, and then we drop it on the water." He demonstrates for Tomo. "This is now the waiting part, we wait for a fish to bite into our hook and once it does we roll this roller here on the side of the rod," Kazuha showed it to him, "and get the fish on the basket." Tomo somehow already gets the idea of it but a demonstration would greatly help him learn.

"Okay, let's wait for some fish to bite into our trap." Tomo and Kazuha focused on the spot where the hook is resting in the water, waiting for some movement. A few minutes later there was tug on the rod. Kazuha gently prepares himself and pulls the rod while using the roller to pull in the fish that they have caught. It was a medium sized fish. The fish was still shaking when they put it in the basket, desperate for some water, looking for a way to live. Kazuha handed the rod to Tomo, "Now it's your turn. Don't worry, I'll be here guiding you."

"I'll do my best." He put some bait on the hook and looked for where the fishes are below the water. When he found some, he aimed for it and got the hook where he wanted to. Then he waited.

"Be sure to stay still, the bait won't work if they notice that there are movements coming from the rod." Tomo listened and tried staying still as to not alert the fishes of their presence. He stayed silent and focused while Kazuha is observing him. He can feel Kazuha's eyes on his steady hands, inspecting his posture, and watching the point where the hook is staying. He tried focusing on the fishes as to show Kazuha that he is doing good. A moment later, a pull from the hook could be felt and he was so excited he pulled it right away and noticed that it's lighter. When the hook rose out of the water, it carried no fish and remains of the bait. He felt disappointed, but Kazuha was there to cheer him up.

"It's fine, it doesn't always go well on your first try. Let's alternate fishing so you can learn along the way, alright?" Kazuha took the rod from him and showed him again the ways of fishing.

"What happened with you is that you pulled it too soon. The fish was still testing out the bait and it was still not secured to the hook. You should observe and look for the right moment to pull it out."

"Okay, I'll try again to get use to this." Kazuha is feeling energetic and Tomo is trying to match him. They take turns fishing with Kazuha pointing out the simple errors and mistakes, and Tomo gradually improving over time.

Tomo is focused on the water, still trying to recall every word that Kazuha told him. He's trying to look for the little movements in the water to try catching this fish off guard while it's still feeding on the bait. He felt the little tug but he knows that the fish is not yet caught in the hook. He waited a bit more until he felt that the hook has gotten heavier and that it's shaking. He pulled it up, rolling it as fast as he can to get the fish out of the water. The one he caught this time is bigger than the ones they caught before. Kazuha is helping him put it in the basket while grinning so wide as he was proud of his friend's catch.

"That was a good catch Tomo, you learn fast." Tomo is just happy they get to do things that Kazuha enjoys.

"You are a good teacher, of course I learn fast." His lips are widening now as they are going back carrying what they have caught. He was glad he got to learn how to fish because of Kazuha and they got to spend some quality time together. He really likes seeing Kazuha being passionate and enjoying something. He is very willing to support him in anything he wants to do.

"Now let's get to cooking, shall we?" They began preparing the fire for the grilling. Kazuha is washing the fishes and preparing them for cooking.

"You get the grilling materials ready while I prepare the fishes."

"Yes chef," he chuckled and Kazuha just ignores him. He always uses some sort of nickname for him instead of just using his name. He doesn't dislike it though. He really likes how Tomo is always trying to make him laugh or smile. He makes Kazuha's life a little brighter like a little ball of light that's following him. He's trying to put salt and pepper on the fish, and after that he puts tomatoes too to make it more flavorful. After he's finished with all the fishes he went to Tomo in the grilling area.

"Is it hot enough?"

"I think so, it will grill this fish to perfection." He places the fish on the grill and the hot fire in contact with the fish created a sound that made Kazuha hungrier.

"It's cooking the fish thoroughly, I'm excited to try it." Tomo mentions as he looks at the grilling fish, the aroma making his stomach rumble.

After a while they flipped the fish to evenly cook both sides. Some juices leak out of the opening Kazuha made on the fish and drips onto the hot fire below it. They repeated this process to the fishes that they caught and after all that cooking, they have four freshly cooked fishes waiting for them.

"It's done. Now we can taste the fishes that we have caught and cooked with our hardwork." Kazuha laid the food in their usual makeshift meal cloth. Tomo can already smell the fish and his mouth starts to water. If the smell is this good, then how good is the taste?

"Well, let's go eat shall we?" They both said their thanks and began eating the food in front of them.

Tomo knew that the taste would be very good and once he tasted it, it betrayed his expectations. It was better than he had expected. It was something about the hard work and effort that they both poured into it that made it more tasty. He caught some of the fishes himself so there's a part of him that feels very satisfied to be eating the same fish that he had caught a while ago. Kazuha is indulging in his own meal too. He longed for the taste of the hard work and preparation. His excitement has payed off. Food made with effort and thoroughly prepared is tastier and better than any other meal. He glanced at Tomo and saw that he was enjoying his own food too. He didn't say anything and continued his own eating.

They both remained silent and only the sound of them eating could be heard. It was clear that they are both reaping the hard work that they have put into preparing it so they both took the time to savor and enjoy it. After they have finished eating and was satisfied with the food, Tomo was the first one to speak.

"That was so good." He breathed out. "Those were very delicious, the fishes were full of flavor. Didn't expect any less from you."

Kazuha is of course proud of it but he was just happy to see that Tomo enjoyed the food. "Had a lot of practice cooking that. I'm glad that it tasted great."

Tomo gathered the fish bones that remained and fed them to Tama. They are not the only ones who are going to enjoy, Tama is also blessed by all the fish remains that they have left. They have started to tidy up every cooking ingredients and fishing equipments that they had used. They split the different materials they use everyday. When Kazuha was still alone traveling, he only had little bowls and mini pots that's only enough for himself. Now that they are both traveling together, they acquired some bigger materials to fit the both of them. After arranging all of them in one spot, they were both tired and they sat on the ground. It was just after noon and the hot weather made them both drowsy.

"Let's take some rest for now. We have spent most of our energy fishing today." Kazuha proposed to the both of them.

"Let's lay back on that big tree. Its shade will keep us cool in this hot weather." Tomo suggested and they moved under the big tree. It was hot so Tomo took out his scarf and they breath a sigh of relief when they reached the base of the tree. The difference in temperature between here and a few inches from them is so big. The cool shade of the tree will provide them both a comfortable afternoon nap.

"I don't mind you laying on my shoulder," Tomo advised as he can see Kazuha trying to position his head in the tree but it keeps sliding down.

"Thank you Tomo." He laid his head on Tomo's shoulder and not a second later, he felt him sleeping. 'He must so tired.' He stroked Kazuha's hair for a while and after that he laid his head on his and also followed him into the realm of dreams.

After a few hours, Kazuha woke up and he felt something heavy is resting on his head. He realizes it's Tomo's head. He tries to be still as to not disturb his friend's peaceful slumber. He thinks about the arm wrapped around his shoulder and why does he feel something about it. Tomo is a bubbly person and you can see it in the way he acts. When they are walking he always stays close to Kazuha and every once in a while their arms or hands would touch, and Tomo would think nothing about it but Kazuha always feels it and he always thinks of it. The little brushes of their skin always makes him feel a certain way he could not explain. He likes it and Tomo is supplying him with touches every once in a while. The free arm and bare hand that wraps him are teasing him. He wants to touch Tomo's hands. They have never held hands before, there was only the brushing and touching. He tried to brush his fingers against the hand that's resting on air. Tomo's hands are a little bigger than his. He first tried touching the back of his hand. The skin contact makes him want more and he continues tracing his hand. He brushed over his fingers and they are also longer than his. Lastly he went to his palm. His palm was a bit rougher than he expected. It shows that he is used to working. He continued running his fingers over the palm and wondered how it feels to intertwine their hands together. His hand is beautiful and is nice to the touch. He tries to continue touching when he felt Tomo stirring and his hand went back to his side. Moments later, Tomo woke up and moved his head from Kazuha's.

"Are you long awake?" Kazuha shakes his head. "Sorry if my head is too heavy." He smiles and stretches out.

"It's still early afternoon, we could cover some distance if we started walking." Kazuha instructed and went to get their things. Tomo yawned and followed him.

Tomo was already awake when Kazuha started touching his hand. He felt something touch him but he didn't move knowing it's Kazuha. He lets him touch his hand because he knew Kazuha would never initiate it. He just closed his eyes and remained as still as he can and lets Kazuha's fingers brush his hand. It feels different when Kazuha is the one touching instead of him. He always finds opportunity to let their skin touch and he never sees Kazuha do the same. He understands that Kazuha doesn't want to be the one who does it first so he just allows Kazuha to have this time.

"Got some good rest?" Kazuha asked when they were ready to go.

"Of course, I had some nice dreams laying under that tree." They have started walking. They have crossed the river they had fished in hours ago. They were heading west and they have trees along the way and the sun slowly setting down. Tomo picked some apples along the way and shared some with Kazuha. When the sky is slowly going dark they settled down on some comfortable spot.

They put their belongings under the sole tree in a wide field. They sat down first looking at the disappearing red hues brought by the sunset and the dark sky slowly engulfing it. They started to make a campfire for the night. They didn't have to cook anything tonight, they still have some fish remaining from their lunch and they have decent amounts of fruits they have collected along the way.

Kazuha took some leaf from the tree and began blowing on it. It produced a nice sound that Tomo can't help but be amazed.

"You can play a .. leaf?" He did not know what to call the thing Kazuha is playing.

"Yes, blowing on a leaf can produced such nice sounds. I practiced and learned it and now I can play some nice tunes from it."

"Then show us some of those skills, my dear musician." He beckoned and Kazuha played some tunes for them. It is amazing how beautiful sounds could come from a leaf that Kazuha is playing. Tomo is impressed by his companion's talent. As if out of nowhere, fireflies started appearing all around them. There are tons of them and their lights are filling up the surroundings. Kazuha stood up and stopped playing but Tomo signaled to continue. He sat back down continued to play while Tomo is admiring the lights around them. Tomo felt like the fireflies appeared under Kazuha's orders and the music he plays feels like he's serenading him. The music he plays is a tune of serenity, of inner peace and he felt like it's being dedicated to him. Kazuha's music combined with the fireflies around them, makes him feel like they trespassed into another world where it is just them and no one else. He looks at Kazuha playing a leaf for an instrument and the fireflies around them and he knows that this will stay in his memories for as long as he lives. He and this amazing boy together, surrounded by fireflies, could he ask for more in life?

After he finished playing, Tomo took his hand and they danced around the fireflies. Tomo is pulling him through the lights, both of them exploring the little space where the fireflies chose to gather. For a second, Kazuha was only focused on their hands, holding each other. Tomo's touch combined with the twinkling lights around them, makes his heart so full of happiness. As Tomo dragged him around, the world came back into view and he can see tons of flickering lights around them. They had forgotten the world around them, and this little collection of lights is their world for now. They were both circling the lights laughing and trying to take in the moment.

"I wish I could capture this moment and keep it," Tomo blurted out. He is looking at Kazuha with the lights around him and he is entranced. How he wish he could stay in this moment. To be with Kazuha in a little world that only they know. Kazuha turned to him and smiled.

"We happen to be here when these fireflies came out and I'm so happy." He went to Tomo's side and admired the tiny lights on each firefly. Each light is small but when they all come together it creates this beautiful mini world where there are lights around them. Tomo slides an arm around Kazuha's shoulder.

"I'm really glad I get to experience this with you."

"Me too." He also wraps an arm around Tomo's waist and Tomo was happy that he's trying to reciprocate his touch. They stayed like that until the fireflies dispersed and disappeared.

After the fireflies have moved on and went somewhere, they ate dinner. The leftover fish from lunch was their food for the night. Fruits that they gathered while traveling are their desserts as always. After feeding the leftover fish to Tama they both settled down.

"Can I ask you a question?" Kazuha let his words hang in the air. Tomo hasn't told him yet so he didn't push it through, but now they have grown closer maybe he could try asking him about it.

"Sure, what is it that you want to know about me?" he flashed his cheeky smile to Kazuha. Kazuha hesitates to continue the question but now that he has started, he has to see it through.

"What is your reason for going to the other island?" he questioned. "If you don't mind me asking." He adds so that it doesn't seem that he is forcing him to answer.

Tomo's face changed from his usual bubbly one to a neutral one. Kazuha knows that it is not for leisure or just because he wants to. He thinks that he has a purpose for his travels and he is curious on what it is.

"I suppose I could tell you about this." Tomo didn't haven't really thought about it since he met Kazuha. It lingers at the back of his mind but never the focus of his thoughts. He thought that he could just ignore it until he reach his destination and having fun along the way would make him forget about it for a while.

"I'm really sorry for asking. If it makes you uncomfortable answering it, you don't have to. I'm really curious on your reasons for this journey and we have been traveling together for a while so I thought I could ask you about it." Kazuha didn't want to put Tomo in an uncomfortable situation. He reassures him that if he does tell, he would not judge him or his reasons for his travels.

"So it started way back when I'm still young, I have a younger sibling. She's a year younger than me and we were very close. We played together and share secrets with each other. She helps cover up for me when I sneak out to train with my sword." Kazuha sits still and listens intently. "The scar on my nose is from an accident during training." He touched the line that runs across his nose. So that's where he got it, Kazuha thought so. He has been thinking about asking Tomo about it too but he can't find the right time to do so. "We spent most of our time together and we were happy back then. But, it changed when my father decided that he and my mother would separate." Tomo still recalls the resentment he feels for his father for doing this. "They decided that he would take my sister, and he left me and my mother and moved somewhere." Kazuha felt really bad for what had happened. He doesn't have siblings but being abandoned by one of your parents and taking your sibling away really must have hurt.

"That changed the way we lived. Before, I only had to train and play with my sister but after he left, I learned how to find some mora to support both me and mother. My mother also has work but I really wanted to help her to lessen her burdens. I began to learn and try different things to help my mother. I did all kinds of work, light or heavy. I helped build houses, looked after children when their parents are away, assisted in some stores, helped in doing chores, anything so I could help my mother. At first it was hard adjusting to a new life but over time we got used to it. We had a simple life and I continued my training even when I'm mostly busy. I got my vision one of those days. I didn't really thought much about it back then because I'm busy with things to do but I'm really grateful that the gods acknowledged my efforts." Tomo is starting to smile as he reminisced the times where he worked hard to give his mother and himself good lives. Kazuha still doesn't know yet how this ties up with his reason for traveling but he really appreciates the fact that Tomo trusts him to share some of his struggles and he doesn't want to break that trust given to him.

"We had good lives without any news from my father and sister. I'm getting good at the sword, we have stable income, and we were happy. Years passed and then my mother died. The doctor said that she has some sort of illness and that she is growing old and her body is also growing weaker. I was left again this time by my mother. I'm alone and had no one now. I still continued my work and training but I'm starting to feel empty. I felt like what I'm doing is useless and that it amounts to nothing." His eyes began watering but he's trying to hold back his tears. Kazuha scooted closer to him. He didn't say anything but he wanted to show Tomo that he's here for him. Tomo continued his story.

"A few days after the funeral, I began rummaging through her things. I looked into her clothes and books that she loved reading. While reading one of her books, I discovered a paper stuck between each pages. I opened it and found out that it was from my father. I was shocked because she never told me anything and she didn't really show that she was still trying to find where they went to. The letter said that both of them where fine, and that their lives are okay and that they want to know if we were also okay. I didn't know if she sent back a reply because the letter was over a year old. The letter was signed and it said where it came from, so I assumed that's where they live now. I finally found something that I'm going to do. I will try to find and inform them of mother's passing and maybe talk about some things. That's the reason I'm traveling and going to the next island."

He finished his story and somewhere between it, his tears started falling. Kazuha stirred and started wondering what should he say to comfort Tomo. He got his answer and now it's his time to repay the trust that Tomo gave to him by sharing his story.

"Do you need a hug?" He extended his arms to Tomo.

"I think so." Tomo smiles even as his tears are flowing down. He wrapped his arms around Kazuha and rested his head on his shoulder, letting his tears flow. He does not sob and Kazuha is slowly rubbing his back as a form of comfort and reassurance. To show him that he's ready to comfort Tomo if he needs it. They stay like that for a while.

"Thanks for this." Tomo whispers before he breaks off from Kazuha. Kazuha still sees some traces of tears from his face and tries to wipe them off. Tomo lets him. "You still got some tears here."

"All this crying has made me tired. Let's lay down?" They got their sleeping bags and laid them side by side as they have every night. They are both looking up the cloudless night sky.

"I really appreciate you trusting me," Kazuha started. "I will make sure that I'm worthy of this trust that you have given me."

"Don't worry about it, I'm sure you feel the same for me, right?"

"Of course, I trust you and you are very deserving of it."

Tomo smiles, he is very lucky to have met this boy. He looks up the sky thinking that if someone is really weaving his fate up there, he is very thankful to have crossed paths with Kazuha.

 

It was afternoon and they were heading down on a trail. They are now descending from the tall terrains that they had come from.

"I wish I could ride on those transport balloons," Tomo sighed. He's starting to get tired from walking down the hill that they are on. The cloudy skies does help, as if the sun was shining, they would probably have died of exhaustion from the heat.

"We could reach the bottom of this hill by dusk," Kazuha announced. "Do you want to rest for a while? We could take a short break here if you want." Kazuha is aware that they are beginning to tire from their descent. He took out a bottle of water and offered it to Tomo.

"Thanks. We could sit down there by the tree for 5 minutes and continue going down." Tomo suggested and they both followed it. They sat down by the tree and rested for a while.

"I left you some water." He passed the bottle back to Kazuha and he emptied it. After a few minutes they continued their journey downward.

"The air around elevated areas are different from places on the ground."

"Have you already traveled around mountainous areas before?"

"Yes, some are a bit higher but most of them are not that high. It's thrilling exploring steep areas around them," Kazuha shared. He has his own fair share of trekking mountains so this is not that new to him.

"I once fell off the side but I used my vision to slowly descend. Luckily it was a short fall and after that I took extra care when navigating high places."

"That was extreme even for you. If you had fallen down from a higher place that time, what would have happened to you." Tomo was both amazed and worried about Kazuha's travels. What other things had already happen to him during those times? He sure trusts that Kazuha can handle things on his own, but if he was there he would never let anything bad happen to him.

"We always encounter accidents in our everyday life. We should try to learn from them and prevent it from happening again," he smiled softly at his friend. "Trust me, I wouldn't get hurt again. I'm very careful now and besides now that we're together we could look out for each other."

How could he not smile at that. Kazuha always makes his heart lighter as if he was a feather gently carrying him. He's always talking about little things about the world and telling him tales about his travels and he listens to every word of it. His voice soothes him, makes him feel comfortable and safe. He appreciates how gentle he is to the little animals they meet along the way. The way he takes in the new surroundings as they travel through different places. Those little things make him more drawn into Kazuha. He only just noticed that Kazuha is looking at him with a curious face.

"What is it?"

"You have been staring at me for quite some time now. Is there something in my face?" He asked. Tomo could stare at Kazuha's face for hours and he would never get bored. He can alwayssee new details revealing themselves to him every time he glances at him.

"No, no. I'm just--, ignore it." He can't think of any reason on why he's staring at him. Kazuha brushes it off and they continue on their path. Somewhere along the way, they both stopped and took in the view that they had. They can see the houses below and from afar, they can make out colored roofs and people.

"I really like the view from high places. It makes you think that the world is so big and that we are tiny compared to it."

"Me too, it makes you wonder just how many places are out there waiting to be discovered." He has grown to like traveling since meeting Kazuha. At first the idea of traveling is not that meaningful to him. He could do some detours and see some new places but the destination is still his priority. Now he understands that the journey is also as important as his destination. That he should enjoy it too. Kazuha makes for a good and fascinating travel companion.

"I wish we could watch the sunset here but we have to go down before it gets dark."

"Oh, it's rare to have nice views as this. Next time we'll watch the sunset someplace with a good view." Tomo offered and Kazuha nodded. They got their packs and went down the trails.

 

As they were heading down the trail, Kazuha noticed something ringing through the air. He can hear faint cries and he assumes that someone needs help. He signalled to Tomo and he followed him. They followed the sound and it casually grew louder and louder. The air is different up here and there are few people who pass on this path everyday. There would be low chances that this person could find help except for them. As they got closer, he can smell monsters, the familiar scent of hilichurls gathering. He always takes the path that is free from monsters and delays so he could have a peaceful and uninterrupted journey and so far, they have yet to encounter monsters. They both saw smoke rising in the distance and they could make out a figure in the tree screaming for help as the hilichurls gather around it.

They put down their bags and packs and both clutched their blades. They went near the tree and saw a group of mitachurls and hilichurls crowding around a tree as the man holds firmly on the branches. The transport balloon is still smoking meters away from the hilichurls. The two mitachurls are gathering towards the smoking balloon while the hilichurls are focusing on the man.

"I'll take the big ones, you take care of the little ones." Tomo instructed in what could have been his most serious tone since they have met. Kazuha nodded and he smiled before dashing towards the mitachurls while Kazuha went to the hilichurl group. He gripped the handle of his sword and the wind started to gather around it. The hilichurls noticed the change in the air around them and they turned their attention towards him and he dashes and slices them in one fell swoop. He sheathes his sword back into place and looks for where his friend could be. He felt the crackle in the air and he could see Tomo rush behind a mitachurl before it could turn towards him and cutting it down with his blade coat in electro. The shields they carry are quite durable so attacking them from behind is the logical choice. Tomo breathes out and straightens up after defeating the mitachurl. He went back to where Kazuha was, waving his hand.

"You're fast. That was no ordinary sword technique that I just witnessed."

"Of course, that was the result of my years of training. You're not bad yourself, I saw you cut down a group of hilichurls in one swing." He puts his hand up and Kazuha high fives him. "We both did good."

The man climbed down from the tree and appeared behind them. He began to express his gratitude for them saving him by bowing his head repeatedly.

"Thank you so much. I don't know what to do with them so I climbed a tree and started screaming for help. I was just fixing my balloon when they appeared and began to attacked me."

"It's nothing, we heard a cry for help so we rushed in to help you." Kazuha explained. He didn't want the man to look at him as some sort of savior. If people need help and you can help, you should help them. It's the right thing to do.

"By the way, are you also going down the mountain?" Tomo asked. If he was also going the same way as them, hitching a ride on the transport balloon would be easier and faster than walking down the mountain.

"Yes, yes. You could join me in the transport balloon after I fix it. It's the least I could do." Kazuha and Tomo felt relief hearing that. Going down the mountain would be easier and they could rest on the balloon on the way.

"I'm Rikiya, a merchant. What about you two?"

"My name's Kazuha."

"And I'm Tomo. We're both travelers."

"Do you have a place to stay the night later? If you don't you can stay at mine. It's at the base of this mountain." Kazuha and Tomo looked at each other. The offer's good and they haven't stayed in a house since they started traveling together. They're always camped outside at night. It's not that they don't like sleeping outside but they could use some comfort every once in a while. Besides, Kazuha can tell that the man has good intentions. He nodded at Tomo.

"Sure, we'll accept your offer." Rikiya grinned and went to the balloon. He started fixing it while Kazuha and Tomo went to get their belongings. While he was fixing the balloon and Kazuha is playing with Tama, Tomo asked the merchant.

"What products do you sell?"

"I mostly sell accessories. I have all kinds in there. You can also get it customized by putting some symbols on it. You can take a look at it." He gestured towards the boxes that carried little containers. It contains rings, necklaces, bracelets, and some other accessories.

"Hey Kazuha, he has good bracelets here." Kazuha was also interested on the different accessories this merchant is selling. He joined Tomo in looking at the products inside the box.

"What say we buy some for ourselves?" Tomo raised his eyebrows to encourage Kazuha to go agree with him. He wants some remembrance from this little detour that they had saving Rikiya. Kazuha agreed and they both started browsing through the different bracelets and after a while they each found something for each other.

"Look, it fits your red motif, maple boy." Tomo showing Kazuha a bracelet with some maple designs on it.

"This matches with you." Kazuha holding out a light blue bracelet.

"Rikiya sir, is it possible for you to engrave our names on this bracelets?"

"Of course, I'll give you both a discount." He had just finished repairing the transport balloon and they all climbed in it. It was little bit cramp because of the boxes Rikiya carries but this is better than walking down. They rode it down the mountain and the sun is just starting to set when reached the merchant's house. Kazuha was laying on Tomo's shoulder and he didn't realize it until they had arrived. Maybe it is because he's tired and just wants to rest for the day. They brought their things inside the house.

"You're staying in the room upstairs, at the end of the hall. You can put your things there now." Tomo handed the bracelets that they had chosen to him before making their way upstairs. His house was not that big, the 2nd floor contained 3 rooms, Rikiya's room, the room they're staying in, and a bathroom. They went inside the room and it was not that big, only enough for the both of them. There are two futons arranged on the side, the one they would be sleeping on later. They laid their belongings to the side, and sat down.

"I haven't been in a house in a while."

"Me too. We have been camping outside each night. It's nice for a change, even for just this night." Tomo laid on the floor as if he was going to sleep there now. The room has a window for viewing and it's large enough they could use it to get out if they want to.

The sky is slowly getting dark and night is about to start. They left Tama in the room and went down to help their host prepare dinner. Rikiya was already cooking when they found him on the kitchen.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. You're both fine with chicken skewers and vegetable soup right?" They both nodded. "Okay then, set the table so we can eat right after I'm done here." He pointed towards the bowls and utensils.

They both set the table and after they were done, they sat and waited for Rikiya.

"We sure were lucky meeting this guy, we could still be trailing down there if we hadn't met him. And we found some nice accessories too. I'll pay for the both of them since I'm the one who suggested it."

"No, let's split the price so it would be fair."

"Consider this as my gift to you, so you won't have to feel guilty." Rikiya appeared carrying the food and they both stood up to help him. They arranged the food on the table and sat down again.

"I'll give it to you for free. You both are so close together. How long have you known each other?"

"Actually we just met weeks ago." Tomo answered. Rikiya was surprised hearing it.

"You actually looked like you knew each other for a while now." He chuckled. They all said their thanks and started eating. Rikiya asks them questions every once in a while like, how did they meet and where are they traveling to, some of them were answered and some of them were not.

"You live alone here?" Kazuha asked when Rikiya stops asking them questions. He had this sad look in his face and he nodded.

"I look like someone who should already have a family right? But I still never found someone. I've been focusing on my work and have no time for such things. My parents and friends visit me from time to time but mostly it's just me here."

"It's fine, one day you'll find someone who can spend time and live with you here. Just wait for the right time." Kazuha advised. Rikiya's face starts to lighten up from what Kazuha has said.

"It's fine, it's just sad that I'm alone here but I hope I'll find someone." He has a sad smile on his face.

"If it's meant to happen, it will happen. Right?" Tomo glances at Kazuha and waits for his reply.

"Right." They continued eating and after they were done, they helped Rikiya clean and arranged the table. They assisted in washing the bowls and food containers and after that they rested at the table.

"You can go to your room now if you're tired. I'll take care of the rest here. I wake up early each day, so tomorrow you can eat breakfast with me before you leave."

"Okay mister Rikiya, goodnight."

"Goodnight mister Rikiya."

"Goodnight to you both too." He waved before he went back to arranging the utensils.

They both entered the room and arranged the futon on the floor and laid it side by side. Tomo brought some food for Tama and fed her on the other side of the room. After that they laid down in their futons and faced each other.

"It is nice sleeping on a house." Tomo said wearily. The day's trekking catching up to him and making him feel exhausted.

"I missed the feeling of it." Kazuha whispered. He yawns and his eyes are drooping as drowsiness overcomes him. "Goodnight Tomo. Have a nice dream."

"Goodnight Kazuha, see you tomorrow." Tomo's smile was the last thing he saw before his exhaustion swallowed him.

 

Tomo turned and he realized that he's awake. He did not woke up the same way he wakes up each day. He gets up each day feeling well rested and does not cling to sleep as opposed to now where he wants to go back to sleep but his sleepiness fades as seconds go by. He decided get up and look out the window and saw that it is still dark outside. There was no sign of the sky getting any color soon so he assumes it is still very early in the morning. Tama is sleeping in her little corner. It seems she has found her own comfortable place to sleep. Kazuha is still sleeping facing the way where he was supposed to be laying right now. He decided to pass the time looking out the window, glancing at Kazuha's resting face every once in a while. Observing sleeping people is one way of knowing their true selves. When sleeping, they are vulnerable. He looks at Kazuha's resting face details and he could see a gentle version of him, like an innocent child who knows nothing about the terrible things in the world. He wishes he could touch his face but he doesn't want to do it without Kazuha knowing and if he wakes him up it could put them both in an awkward situation. After a while, he felt his stomach grumble and he craved for the chicken skewers they had for dinner. There were a few leftovers which they kept and stored. He's thinking of sneaking downstairs but he doesn't want to disturb the other people sleeping in the house. His stomach grumbled again, and he decided to go for it. He would be careful not to make any noise or risk disturbing the others. He started tiptoeing towards the door watching out for the creaks on the floor. One wrong step will give him away and he could probably wake up the others. When he reached the door, he turned the doorknob and as he opens it, he heard a voice.

"Where are you going?" Kazuha yawned while rubbing his eyes. Tomo froze on the spot like he had been caught stealing something.

"Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry, please go back to sleep." He went back to his futon and sat there.

"It's fine, I noticed some footsteps so I woke up and there you are trying to sneak out." Kazuha still lying down in his sleeping position, too lazy to move.

"Well, I got hungry and decided to.." He didn't finish his sentence and hoped that Kazuha gets what he's trying to say.

"Oh, so you were trying to sneak down to get some food." Kazuha got up and stretched his arms before sitting back, facing Tomo.

"I remembered the chicken skewer we had for dinner and wanted to eat some right now."

"Let's go then, let's get some chicken skewers downstairs. Since we're awake let's eat while at it." His eyes are no longer sleepy and he feels awake now.

"What about mister Rikiya? If he founds out we got some food.."

"Let's tell him first thing tomorrow, we should give him some of our fruits in exchange." Kazuha's eyes tells him that he's ready to go sneak downstairs to get some food right now.

"Okay, lead the way." They both stood up with Kazuha in front while Tomo is trailing behind him. Kazuha opens the door and sees the dark hall and stairway.

"Step where I step." He whispered and he began tiptoeing in the hall. He signals to Tomo where to step and he follows him. Tomo had to bite his lip to stop laughing at how funny their current situation is. Two boys sneaking to get some food at 3 in the morning. The moonlight is passing through the windows so it's not dark as he had expected. Once they reached downstairs, Tomo headed for the place where they stored the chicken skewers last night. He came back carrying a container of chicken skewers and they started sneaking back to their room. Tomo is still trying not to laugh as he feels like he's stealing food in the middle on the night. Once they came back to the room he set down the container on the floor. Tama is still sleeping peacefully at the corner of the room.

"There is still a lot left."

"He cooked a lot for us last night. I wanted to eat more but I was already full."

"I have an idea." Kazuha said out of the blue.

"What is it?"

"Let's eat it on the roof, while we wait for sunrise." He decided to take this as a chance for them to watch the sunrise together. They both wake up each day when the sun's already out. They haven't had the chance of witnessing it rise up.

"That's a good idea, but how do we get to the roof?" Tomo wondered. Are they gonna sneak outside and climb the house? That would probably wake Rikiya up and they would both feel guilty for disturbing his sleep.

"That's simple." Kazuha took the containers. He went to the window and Tomo rushed to get him as he jumps out but he actually floats in the air and lands on the roof without making any sound.

"Woah, that's cool. But what about me?"

"You do the same, you jump out and you land here." Kazuha said that as if that was the normal thing to do. Tomo is not scared of heights but if you willingly jump from a second story house, your heart would surely beat fast. He trusts that Kazuha won't let him fall so he breathes in and jumps out the window. He felt that he was falling for a fraction of a second and then there were winds pushing him upwards and he floated up and landed on the roof with no sound.

"See I told you, did you get scared?" He smiled teasingly as he opens the container.

"For a second, but I know you weren't going to make me fall." The roof is diagonal but it's not that steep so they could sit or lay in it without fear of falling. They both have started eating the skewers that have brought. They're both looking around in the dark, watching the nocturnal animals hunt for food, the gentle rustle of the leaves on the trees, and the bright moon shining in the dark sky.

"It feels like we're having a picnic in the middle of the night."

"Who said that this isn't a picnic?" Tomo shoved another chicken skewer into his mouth, putting the stick with the other ones so it's easier to collect for later.

"It feels peaceful and quiet. When the world rests and we're here awake. We are undisturbed while we wait for the sun to rise." Kazuha laid back after eating some chicken skewers and started to look up at the stars in the sky.

"I really like the atmosphere right now. It's just us here while everyone is asleep."

"Are you a morning or night person Tomo?"

"Usually a night person. I refuse to get up early in the morning if I can and I usually stay up late in the night if I am free the following morning. What about you?"

He's still gazing up the sky, "I am a morning person as far as I can remember. I can stay up late at night, but I always get up early in the morning to start my day."

He laid down next to Kazuha, he was lost in thought while staring at the stars and Tomo looks at him. He really likes Kazuha's company. He is happy around him and he likes being with him even when they're just laying next to each other like this.

"Hey Kazuha," he mumbles and Kazuha turns towards him with a curious look on his face.

"Can I.. hold your hand?" He tries hard not to look away from Kazuha. He had this feeling that he wants to hold his hands so he asks him. Maybe it's the atmosphere around them, or the feeling that once the day arrives, the secrets of the night will be locked away. So he takes this chance to ask him.

Kazuha nodded and takes Tomo's hand. He intertwines their fingers together and he scooted closer to Tomo. Tomo didn't say anything but he likes this arrangement and he can tell that Kazuha likes it too. They stayed like that until the sky slowly brightens up and the sun is slowly appearing.

"It's here, the day is starting." Tomo smiled, still holding the hand of his travel companion.

 

They went back inside when the sun is already up and they brought back the container downstairs. Mister Rikiya isn't awake yet so they went back to their room. They both arranged the futons to the side and sat there on the floor. No one spoke and the reason is obvious enough. They are still thinking about their hands holding at the roof. For a minute they just sat there in silence. Kazuha was the one who spoke first.

"I liked it." He whispered. It was barely audible and Tomo only heard him speaking without knowing what it is.

"Can you repeat that?"

"The holding hands, I liked it." He said it a little louder now, enough for Tomo to hear it. He tried to avoid gazing into Tomo but he went to Kazuha's side and he slid his arms around his shoulder. He chuckled and laid his head on his shoulders. A few moments later he is asleep. Kazuha also felt the need to sleep for a bit and he also did the same.

They were both awoken by Mister Rikiya knocking on their door and waking them up. Tama is laying on Tomo's legs when he woke up and Kazuha is already standing and stretching. They both went downstairs and found fried egg and bread on the table. They sat down and a moment later, they were joined by Rikiya.

"Sir, we have.." Kazuha started but Rikiya interrupted him.

"If it's about the skewers it's alright. I cooked those for the both of you so you're free to eat it so don't feel guilty about it. Now eat breakfast, you need those for your travels." They all started eating breakfast and after that they helped him arrange and wash the utensils. They went back to their room to pack up and organize their things for today. Tama has crawled back into Tomo's clothes. They prepared themselves and did their morning routines. After all of that, they went back downstairs and Rikiya is waiting for them.

"Here are your bracelets." He passed Kazuha the red one with the maple design and the blue one to Tomo.

"And here are some rice balls that I made, take these for your journey." He gave them a little basket with rice balls inside it.

"Thank you so much mister Rikiya. We hope we didn't bother you that much."

"Thank you for your hospitality towards us."

"Both of you stay safe in your travels okay?" He bid farewell to them.

"Okay mister Rikiya, goodbye." They waved their hands towards him as they walk away. Rikiya is watching them as they go further and when he can no longer see them he walks back inside.

"Look at this bracelets he made for us." Tomo admiring the blue accessory in his wrist. He can see his carved name in it.

"It's nice. It fits us well." Kazuha likes the little maple leaf design on his. He can also see 'Kazuha' etched in it. "It makes for a good souvenir."

"I agree." He really likes how both of them have bracelets that they got for each other. A good way to remember each other.

 

Inazuma is also home to some of the deep caves Teyvat has to offer. Adventurers like the thrill of exploring and uncovering the secrets these places have hidden from the rest of the world. They are no adventurers, but under Tomo's insistence, they have decided to explore this particular cave that they have come across.

"Do you really want to go inside this cave?" Kazuha asked one more time.

"Yes, maybe we'll find some treasures along the way and this is our chance be like adventurers." Tomo is restless and is really looking forward to going inside this cave with Kazuha.

"Okay, let's go explore this cave then." He carries a wood which he will later use as a torch when the cave gets dark. They went inside and just before the light disappears, Kazuha lit up the torch and they continued walking inside the dark cave.

"Is Tama scared of the dark?"

"Not that much, but she doesn't like it. She hides inside my clothes when it gets dark. Luckily she's asleep now." Kazuha can see the little bump in Tomo's clothes and sees Tama's little head in the little opening.

They have found some iron ores and crystal chunks on their way inside. They haven't bother thinking about getting lost as Kazuha already memorized their paths and knows the way back to the entrance. Being a traveler, he knows which path to take and how to find the easiest and safest path in his journey. This also allows him to recall the different places that he has traveled and his sense of direction only improved as he continued traveling. He lets Tomo lead the way and listens if there is something that may disturb them in their way.

"This cave goes way deeper than I thought." Tomo says out loud when realizes that they have been walking for quite some time.

"I didn't expect this cave to go that deep but since we're here let's see it through."

"Okay." They continued walking and found electro crystals that emit a little purplish glow. They seemed to line up in a row leading deeper into the cave.

"Finally some light." Tomo exclaimed. "Are you scared of the dark?"

"Usually not, but if I'm in an unfamiliar place I would be a little scared. It is not the dark itself that people fear, it is the blindness and the unknown that comes with the dark that makes us feel scared."

"I'll be here for you, so don't be scared." He laughed and continued following the trail of electro crystals.

They continued walking through the cave with the purple light guiding them through. As venture deeper into the cave, the crystals grew fewer. When the crystals only emit light enough to see their way, Kazuha felt something.

"There's something waiting at the end of the path, it is still. I can only hear the faint sounds it makes." They both slowed down and gripped their swords at their sides.

"I'll lead the way, hand me the torch." Kazuha gave the torch who is close to going out now but still provides some light for them. They continued on the path and after a few meters of walking they could see an opening ahead with lights glowing from it. However, they are not focused on the light, rather on the figure sitting down, blocking it.

"I think that is a lawachurl, a geo one as it does not glow from any element." Kazuha observed.

"It means that its skin is tough right?"

"This is gonna be a tricky one to fight." They are already both starting to draw their swords and getting ready to fight this guard to the entrance in front of them.

"Just follow my lead. I'll take him while you try to get its attention." Tomo instructed. Kazuha listens to his plan on how they're going to take this thing down. After that they marched forward to meet the monster. It sensed their arrival and it got up ready to defend its own against the trespassers.

Kazuha stood in front of the lawachurl, gripping his sheathed katana. The lawachurl moves towards him with rumbling steps. Kazuha focused and wind started to gather around him. Amidst the winds, maple leaves danced in it as it always does when he uses his vision. The lawachurl prepared to slam the ground on Kazuha, and he exhaled. The winds seemed to have died out for a second and before the lawachurl could slam the ground, he unsheathes the sword and slashed the air in front of him, delivering the gathered winds into the lawachurl. The force of the winds knocked back the lawachurl and at that cue, Tomo appeared with his electro infused sword and sliced the lawachurl's limbs. The lawachurl staggered and Tomo continued slashing it with his electro blade but the lawachurl slowly recovered. When it got up, Tomo moved away from the monster and let out purple electro sparks that hit the lawachurl's body in many parts. As the lawachurl continued moving towards him, he took the remains of the torch, still burning, and he threw it towards the lawachurl.

"Now!" He yelled and Kazuha summoned winds that converged at the torch projectile, spreading the flames around. The lawachurl in the vicinity of the flames, suffered the damage as the flames reacted with the electro that Tomo applied to the lawachurl causing overload and explosions. The reaction broke its hard stone skin and the lawachurl fell to the ground and did not get up again. They both sheathed their swords and went to see the dead monster.

"That was good coordination that we did in a battle."

"It was hardly a battle as the lawachurl couldn't even fight back." Tomo chuckled. "We did good teamwork, didn't we? We work together so good."

"It was thanks to your strategy that it worked very well."

"You certainly played a good part in it. Don't undervalue yourself, you did great." They picked up their bags along with Tama, that they left on the side before the fight.

"It seems that it was guarding this entrance to the light. Let's go find out what it is."

They went through the entrance to where the light is coming from and they didn't expect to discover what is inside it.

"Is that a lake?" Kazuha raised his eyebrows as he didn't expect to see it here.

"It is a lake." Tomo was thrilled and he went to the wide body of water and saw that the light was coming under it. He dipped his finger in it and he shivered. "It's cold."

"Has this been hidden here for years?" Kazuha wondered if they are the first ones to discover this because if someone had already been here, they surely would have told someone how beautiful the water in the lake is.

"Let's go swim in it. This is the freshest water we will ever encounter in our life." He laid the bag down and he transferred Tama in it who was inside his clothes most of the time. He began to strip leaving only his undergarments on.

"What are you waiting for?" He said when Kazuha just stood there watching him take his clothes off.

"I'll just stay here and watch. I'm not really interested in swimming in it."

"Oh no, no, no. That is simply not allowed here." He walked towards Kazuha and started taking his clothes off.

"What are you doing?" He gripped his arms to stop him.

"We will swim in the lake. It's very rare to come across this fresh water who maybe hasn't been discovered by anyone but us. You don't get to waste the opportunity."

"Okay, fine. I'll swim with you." He also stripped down leaving only his undergarments on. He put his clothes beside their bags.

"You look good, maple boy."

"What?" He just took off his clothes and that's the first thing he says to him.

"Nevermind. Now let's go." They went beside the water but none of them went into it right away.

"Instead of slowly going in the water, why don't we jump into it. That would be way more exciting." He pointed towards the higher level ground that could serve as their jumping boost.

"Sure, let's do it." They went into the higher place and they prepared themselves for jumping. The water is deep so there's no danger of hitting rocks.

"Are you scared?" Tomo asked his companion.

"A little bit."

"Do you want to hold hands as we jump together?"

"Okay." They both smiled.

"On 3." They clutched each other's hand. "1, 2, 3." They both jumped down into the lake.

"WOOOOOOOHH." Tomo screamed as they were falling down.

Kazuha also screamed when they were falling. He is holding hands with Tomo while they are falling into the clear waters of the lake below. The wind is rushing through them and he could feel the lightness in his chest while falling. He could feel Tomo's excitement through his screams and that makes him so happy. He gripped Tomo's hand harder and they both plunged into the water. They can see each other underwater clearly and he could see Tomo smile before they float back to the surface. The water was cold but it didn't matter because they had just jumped hand in hand together into a pristine underwater lake that they had discovered.

"Woah, that was so fun." He ran his fingers through his hair. He then saw Kazuha laughing in front of him.

"Yeah, it was."

"So did you regret exploring this cave?"

"No I did not." He smiled and splashed some water towards Tomo.

"So you want to start it huh." He also splashed some towards Kazuha and they kept going at it. They raced, played, and splashed water into each other for some time. They did one last jump into the water before coming back. They shivered and tried to find some cloth to dry themselves with. Tomo went into his pack to find some but then he felt warm wind blowing towards him. He looks at Kazuha and found that his vision is glowing.

"Thanks for the hot air." He's focusing on Kazuha with his hair down and bare body. What a sight to behold. He walked towards Kazuha so they can be both hit by the warm air flowing around them.

"Let's dry you first." Kazuha focused the air towards Tomo and his hair. His air is flowing in the wind and he looks good in it. The scar on his face and his bare body in front of him. He looked away in case his face reddens and maybe make this scene a bit awkward.

"I think I'm dry now." Tomo went back to his clothes and Kazuha dries himself. He looks at Tomo while he dresses himself and takes in his body before it will be covered again. When will he see it again he wonders. He stopped himself from thinking about it and focused on drying himself. After he's done he also puts on his clothes. Unbeknownst to him, Tomo is also thinking what he's thinking a few moments ago.

After they're done, they picked up their things and walked back to the entrance of the cave.

"What if we were the first ones to go there. That should be a very significant discovery right?" Tomo mentioned as they were following the crystals back.

"It would be, but it would be better if we keep it as our little secret." Kazuha is thankful for the darkness for hiding his wide smile.

When they went back to the surface the sun was already setting down and the sky is slowly turning black.

"Come on, let's find a spot and start cooking our dinner."

"That was a day well spent." Tomo whispered as they went out the cave.

 

As the days go by, they haven't encountered that much people in their path. It was mostly trees and terrains that they see in their travels. They have seen different places that caught their eyes and some hidden spots that they have found for themselves.

"Look at that, we could spend the night there later." Tomo pointing to an opening that look like a cave but it's actually just a opening on the side of a hill that looked like a big room.

"That would actually sound nice as it has walls and a cover over our heads." They left their belongings so they could come back for it later. They hunted boars and got some ingredients for the food in the wild. They were starting to get used to this routine and with each other by their side.

They found themselves one day in a big village that seems to be very busy for the day. There were shops and vendors everywhere and it looked like they have just appeared there for the day. They wondered if there is a special event for the day and saw that there are posters everywhere.

"Rockstars from Fontaine later at 21:00. Don't miss the fun and excitement!" Kazuha read from the poster hanging on the stalls.

"Let's stay here for the night. We have to experience this." Tomo's eyes are sparkling. "We deserve a night of fun right?"

"I heard there are wines that came from Mondstadt later." One of the passerby mentioned to his fellow.

"And we get to try some of Mondstadt's wine." Tomo added with a smile.

"Sure, sure. Do you have some mora to spare? I think those drinks are not going to be cheap." Kazuha asked Tomo in case that he doesn't have extra money.

"I have extra mora here that I prepared for my travels. I think that it will suffice."

"Just let me know if you need more or if it's only enough for your travels, alright? I have some extra mora on me because I don't spend that much when I'm traveling."

"You're so nice to me. Don't worry I'll let you know if I need it." He patted Kazuha's back. "Now let's take a look around this village." They have started walking around the pathways full of people scurrying around, stopping by to buy some things, and vendors trying to serve their customers. They looked at the the street food vendors selling takoyakis.

"Do you want to try some takoyaki?" Tomo suggested. Kazuha nodded and they bought 5 pieces. Tomo tried it first and he started breathing out of his mouth fast because it is still hot.

"It's hot but it tastes good."

They continued walking while the people around them continue to hustle and bustle. They found a wide open ground and there was a stage slowly being built and assembled which they assumed is for the rock concert later. There were also tables and chairs being placed around the stage for the people later.

"So this is where the party is gonna be later."

"I think so." Kazuha looked up at the people trying to install a roof over the venue in case it will rain later. Kazuha knew that it will not rain here later but it is still good preparation.

"Let's enjoy this day we got for ourselves. Think of it as a break from our usual travels." Kazuha didn't mind staying in this village for the day. He is actually looking forward to tonight's festivities especially since there are drinks. He haven't drank wine for while now since they haven't come across any on their way. Drinking with Tomo is something that he wants to experience. What is Tomo like when he consumes alcohol? He sure wants to know.

"Let's go eat lunch?" Tomo suggested as it was past lunchtime now. Restaurants were filled with people but is starting to clear now as the crowd around them started to thin and people rested due to the heat of the afternoon sun. They went into one of the restaurants and sat down on the tables.

"What do you want to eat here?" Tomo asked Kazuha as they were reading the menu.

"I'll have tempura, what about you?"

"I'll also have a tempura then." They waited until a waitress came to their table.

"We'll have two orders of tempura." Tomo said to the waitress.

"Will that be all sir?"

"Yes that will be all, thank you." He said with a wink to the waitress. The waitress smiled shyly and went back.

"Did you just wink at the waitress?" Kazuha had not expected that. "Are you trying to flirt with the girl?"

"Not only to that girl." He smirked and Kazuha didn't pursue it any longer. Tomo just laughed and Kazuha tried to find something to distract himself with instead of his friend in front of him. He instead looked at Tama hanging out of the opening of his clothes. He didn't try to look up his eyes and he could feel him staring at him waiting for a reply. He didn't give into it and their food arrived moments later, brought by the same waitress. She lingered a bit longer at their table at Tomo's side and when she left, Tomo can't help but laugh at Kazuha's facial expression.

"What?"

"The way you looked at that waitress is so funny. Are you angry or something?" He said before bursting into laughter again.

He didn't realize how he was looking to the waitress. He just found her annoying as she stayed a little bit longer at Tomo's side than she needs to. He didn't realize that he was actually conveying his annoyance on his face for Tomo to see.

"Don't mind that. Now let's eat." They have started eating and they left some mora on the table for the food before they left.

As they were leaving the restaurant Tomo is still teasing Kazuha about what happened.

"Why are you angry at her, are you jealous or something?"

"Why should I be jealous? It's just that she really thinks you like her or something and she stayed there by your side even after giving us our food. It annoyed me okay?"

"So that's why you're angry. Alright, alright." He just stopped teasing him there and Kazuha was thankful that they could move pass that. "Let's go look for an inn to stay the night later."

"Okay, okay." They looked around the village in search for an inn and they found one. They went inside to get a room so that they could rest there for the time being. They went into the lobby and inquired for rooms for the night.

"Do you have a room for two, we plan on staying the night."

"I'm sorry, we already have people booked on most of our rooms for the night due to the concert later. We only have single rooms available."

"It's alright, we'll take one room." They payed the fees and the lady handed them a key to their room. When they were walking towards their room, Kazuha suddenly asked Tomo.

"Why did you only took one room? It would be cramped for us."

"It's cheaper that way, besides we're only sleeping there. It's not like we're staying there most of the night."

They arrive at their room at the second floor and it is smaller than they have expected. There's the bed pushed against the wall, a table, and a chair beside the window on the opposite side. It wasn't that big but they could make it work.

They put their things down and Tomo went straight for the bed. Tama also laid down on the bed next to Tomo.

"Do you think we'll fit in that bed?" Kazuha is starting to doubt if this room is really comfortable enough for them.

"Of course, I'll lay on my side and you do the same." He pushed up against the wall and laid on his side and there was a decent amount of space left for Kazuha.

"Alright, this could work I guess. You can take a nap there since we don't have anything to do and to prepare for tonight's activities."

"What about you?" Tomo is already laying down comfortably besides Tama.

"I'll just sit here. Watching the people below."

"Just wake me up when the sun starts to set." Tomo closed his eyes.

Kazuha decided to write some poetry down. He haven't wrote poetry in a while since he didn't have the time but his mind always creates little poetry that will only stay in there. Not written down or recorded in any way, only inside his head. He thinks of some things to base his poetry on today. He thinks of the views that he has seen, the secret places that they have discovered, or maybe something about Tomo. He looked back at him, who is peacefully sleeping on the bed. Tomo would be a good topic for his poetry today. He thinks about how he's comfortable with him and how he likes his bubbly personality. Maybe he could include that in his poetry. He began to write some words in the paper.

He glances at the sleeping boy every once in a while as if he has the words that Kazuha needs. He kept writing poetry the whole afternoon about Tomo and he didn't notice the hours go by.

He dozed off just when the sun was setting down. As the last light started to die, Tomo woke up and saw Kazuha laying his head on the table with some papers. He went to see what he was writing. He could see some poetic words and the frequency of 'friend' and 'companion' in it. He already knew that he creates poetry in his free time because he told him but could the person he refers to in this papers is him? He continued reading some and he could see that some lines spoke of how this person likes the camaraderie with their friend or companion and is dreading the time that they will inevitably separate for they have grown accustomed with each other. He decided to stop dwelling on it for now and he touched Kazuha's shoulder waking him up. Kazuha briefly paused and suddenly realizes that he had dozed off.

"I'm sorry I slept, I didn't wake you up." He said shuffling the papers back to his pack. "What time is it?"

"Calm down, it's still early. Get yourself ready, we're going to eat dinner first before heading to the venue." He went to the shared bathroom of the inn to get himself ready. After he came back, Kazuha went to the bathroom to get himself ready too. He washed his face and tidied his hair. He went back to the room and saw Tomo cradling Tama and talking to her.

"..zuha and I are going to have a date so you'll just stay here and behave okay?" He ran his fingers over her fur and Tama just purred. Kazuha just smiled and Tomo looked at him.

"You look fresh and prepared, not that you don't other times. You look better tonight."

"Of course, since I will be your date for tonight." He said with an emphasis to 'date'. Tomo felt that he was being challenged so he does not back down.

"Then let's go, pretty boy." He extended his hand to Kazuha and he took it. He lets some electro sparkle in it like he did before and Kazuha had almost let go of their hands. Tomo chuckled and he waved goodbye to Tama, followed by Kazuha.

"You really like surprising me." Kazuha started as they went out the inn.

"I really like the expression on your face when that happens."

"I'm starting to get used to it by now." Tomo continues letting the electro dance in his hand but Kazuha does not react to it anymore.

"I like the tingling feeling."

"I should do it more often then." They continued walking, hands still holding each other, until they reached a restaurant. It is not the same one where they have eaten lunch, and there were many people eating at this time. They sat down beside the window.

"What should we eat? I think that lighter foods will be good since the venue also caters."

"Sushi would be good. Since we can't eat that in the wild, let's try it for tonight."

"As you wish." Tomo slightly bowed his head and ordered for them. As the waiter went away, Kazuha decided to start this night's festivities.

"So what have you prepared for our date night?"

"I want us to have dinner to ourselves first to start," he looks like he had prepared for this, "and then we shall take a walk around the village, admiring the lights around, and then we proceed to the venue where the main event is and we are going to have some fun." He looks proud of his plans for tonight. Kazuha can't help but smile at him.

"It sounds exciting, I'm looking forward to it." He put his hand down beside the table on the window's side and Tomo took it. He lets him play with his fingers and they stay like that until the food has arrived.

They said their thanks and started eating what they have ordered, it should have been a simple dinner but Tomo wants to do something.

"Can I feed you?" He blurted out after they have started eating. Kazuha briefly paused to take in what he had said.

"Feed me?"

"You see the things that couples do, I mean it's our date night isn't it?" He gives that look like he's saying that 'do you want to give up?' He's challenging him into this roleplay that they have gotten themselves into and neither of them is going to back down.

"Sure, as long as I get to feed you too." Tomo nods and he picks up a sushi, dips it in the sauce and takes it to Kazuha's open mouth. Kazuha chews it and Tomo waits for him to swallow it.

"How is it?"

"It's so good." He says this without any exaggeration, as the sushi actually tastes good. He also does the same and feeds Tomo some sushi. He looks excited to eat the particular sushi that Kazuha is feeding him. This continued until they finished their food.

"The food tastes better when someone feeds it to you."

"I cannot disagree on that one." They paid no attention to the people around them wondering what they are doing. They paid their bill and went outside, hands holding again as if on autopilot. Tomo lets some electro crawl from him to Kazuha from time to time, to feel Kazuha's skin prickle every now and then. Kazuha doesn't react that much but he likes the sensation. The little purple sparks that crawls back and forth between their hands makes them feel more connected.

They walked around and saw the different decorations for tonight's concert. There are a lot of people walking trying to have a look around before the concert. They could see some people preparing for the night as no one would not participate in tonight's festivities. There are also stalls and vendors selling food and different materials like accessories and souvenirs. They already have theirs engraved with their own names. They just walk through some stalls and people lining up for a discounted necklace.

"It's refreshing to see a lot of people gathering for an occasion after traveling alone for a while."

"I understand. We haven't come across villages and towns that much, let alone people on our way."

"I really like the ambiance and atmosphere around here. It's mostly people laughing and talking and the smell of perfumes and food." He checks the time and there's roughly 30 minutes until the show starts.

"Should we go there now, so we can find some place where we can stay?"

"I think so." They went down the path towards the venue that they have already came across before they had lunch. There are a lot of people so it took them a while to get there. They could see that the roof that they saw being installed is already there. There is also the stage in the middle and the chairs and tables where people are staying in. There are also bartenders where they have the alcoholic drinks like beer and what looks like dandelion wine. It seems that the thing that they had heard was actually true. They looked for a table enough for 2 people and once they found one, they settled down.

"What do you want to drink? I can see that they have the dandelion wine from Mondstadt so we'll definitely try that. Anything else?"

"Some sake would be nice. Here's some extra mora." He handed it to Tomo. He doesn't want Tomo to shoulder all the expenses for tonight. He took it and went to a bartender to order for them. Kazuha is left at the table watching his friend from afar. If he hadn't met Tomo and he happened to come across this village, he would have just looked around and continue on his travels. He doesn't have a reason to stick around if he was by himself. Now that he has Tomo, he has a reason to pause and enjoy some time free from traveling. He admits that having Tomo around makes him happier and makes his everyday life livelier. Tomo comes back carrying two bottles, two cups, and a plate of tempura.

"I got us some tempura to accompany the drinks." Kazuha helped him put the bottles and plate on the table. "I'm so excited to try this wine from Mondstadt." He sat down and opened that bottle. He poured some for himself and for Kazuha.

"Cheers for our first drink of the night." They bumped their glasses together and it clinks. They took a sip of it, letting the new taste settle in their mouth.

"It's kind of sweet and the bitterness comes as an aftertaste."

"It has its own unique taste as the sweet and bitter combines to create this distinct flavor." Kazuha continued drinking the wine. The flavor is new to him but he could understand why people like it. The unique combination of sweet and the alcohol makes it a sought after drink.

"I like it. It has this unique taste that is quite addicting." Tomo commented. The crowd around them is starting to grow as the time of the show grows closer. People who are not on the tables are on the dance floor in front of the stage. The tables are distanced a bit from the dance floor to give some space for people who wants to dance and groove to the performance later.

"Later, let's go to the dance floor." An invitation from Tomo. Kazuha knows that he doesn't know a lot about dancing. So the obvious answer is no. But he thinks of how this night is supposed to be fun and their break from traveling so he thinks about it.

"If you don't know how to dance, I'll guide you. So what do you say?" Kazuha can't refuse to that. They're here to have fun, why not make the most of it.

"Sure, you will be my dance partner, Tomo." He smiles and Tomo does the same. They clinked their cups again as Tomo poured dandelion wine. Kazuha is eating tempura when the stage lights suddenly went dark. After a few seconds it went back up again but now there are four girls on the stage each with a different pose. One girl is in the middle, holding a device that is used to amplify the voice, two girls on her side, each holding a lute instrument, and the last girl on the back sitting down, ready to play the drums. Everyone remained silent for a second, surprised by the sudden appearance of the band. Then music erupted from the stage.

They started playing loud, rock music and everyone cheered. Those in the dance floor are dancing and screaming, while those sitting down are left cheering and watching. The music could be heard throughout the village so there's no doubt that people are not sleeping early tonight.

"Woah, that was one hell of an entrance." Tomo said and cheered for the girls playing.

"I know right?" Kazuha took a sip from his cup and started to cheer too. About a quarter has been poured and drank from the dandelion wine's bottle and three-fourths remained. They emptied their glasses.

More people are starting to arrive, most likely enticed by the music. They have started to gather in the venue and the whole place is slowly being filled.

"Looks like it's starting to get crowded. Stay close or maybe I'll lose you." Tomo warned. Kazuha just laughed.

"Oh Tomo, where do you think I'm going? I'm staying beside you throughout the night."

"I'm just warning you." He turned back to stare at the band playing at the stage.

The night is still young and the alcohol hasn't hit that hard yet. Kazuha is not new to this feeling. He used to buy wine if he happens to come across stores in towns when he travels and drinks them alone. He has always managed to stay sober and at morning, didn't experienced much of a hangover. Drinking is fine for him, but he would not risk his travels just because he drank too much. But for tonight, he's willing to go pass those limitations. It's not always that you get to drink with your traveling companion turned friend during a rock concert. He poured another round of dandelion wine into his cup, he needs the confidence boost that alcohol gives you.

"So I was thinking that we should play a game." He started. Tomo looked back at him, eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"What game are you thinking of?" He looks somewhat excited for this little game that Kazuha is planning. Maybe this would make the night a little bit more exciting.

"I was thinking of, hmm..." he paused. He already knows what game they would be playing but he's trying to build up suspense for Tomo. "Truth or Dare."

Tomo is already familiar with this game, he has heard so much of it. How people dared each other to do crazy things or asked them for their most embarrassing secrets. "I'm in."

"That was fast. So for the first challenge, we have to finish a glass of this wine and the last one to finish gets to be asked the question." Kazuha announced. He's going to win the first round and make Tomo do his bidding.

"I accept. Don't think that you're winning this easily." He smiles smugly. Kazuha returns it with a confident smirk and he filled up both of their cups.

"Are you ready?" Tomo nodded.

"In 3."

"2"

"1"

They both gulped down the dandelion wine. The sweetness of the wine and the bitterness of it flowed into their throat as they drank a whole cup in seconds. Kazuha finished his cup and laid it on the table a few seconds before Tomo did. He was smiling boastfully as he watched Tomo sigh in disappointment.

"So, truth or dare?"

"Ok, truth. I don't want to be embarrassed in front of other people."

Kazuha smiled, he gets to ask any question and he's going to make sure it's worth the whole cup of sweet and bitterness burning down his throat.

"Have you ever kissed someone? And if you have, when and why?" He broadly smiles and Tomo briefly panics.

"That's two questions, that is not allowed."

"No, it's just one question. It has just been expanded. I don't expect you to answer yes and leave it at that, do I?" His smile didn't leave his face as he watched Tomo struggle to protect his secrets.

"I'm going to take revenge on you." He tried his best to act mad and Kazuha just laughs at him. He waited for him to answer.

"Yes, I kissed someone." He could not look straight at Kazuha and Kazuha continued laughing.

"So who's the lucky person?"

"It was a guy. I was working late at the shop and this person had to buy some supplies that he needed the next day. He winked at me before leaving the store and when I closed up, I found him waiting for me outside. He said to follow him and I followed him into a little space between buildings. He cupped my face and kissed me and I liked it. I admit that he kind of looks nice and after that he said 'you're handsome' and left me there."

Kazuha opened his mouth widely as he can't believe that it happened to Tomo. "That was your first kiss? He just left you there, and didn't meet you again after that?"

"Yeah, we didn't meet again. I can't stop thinking about it for days, I didn't expect for my first kiss to be a guy but it's not that I didn't like it." He explained and after that he went back to his usual self. "Okay, that's enough, this time I will beat you."

"Sure, as if I'll let you. Besides I already won once." The band is still playing but it's all background noise for the both of them. They have more important things to do like winning another round and asking each other embarrassing questions.

"Okay, I decide the second challenge."

"No disagreements on that." Kazuha replied.

"I want it to be a simple rock, paper, scissors game."

"So you want to rely on luck? Okay, let us see." Kazuha looks ready, he's ready to win another round of this.

"I'll be the one who wins this." Tomo stretched his arms.

They put their fists together and looked each other in the eyes, Kazuha is smiling while Tomo is taking it serious.

"Rock, paper, scissors. Go!" They put down their hands and Kazuha pull out scissors and Tomo chose rock. Tomo's mouth widened in a grin and he jumped in excitement.

"I won, I won." He looks so damn proud of himself while Kazuha just weakly smiled and waited for him to claim his prize.

"Okay, what is it now Kazuha, truth or dare?" He said teasingly. The look on his eyes ready to ask Kazuha if he ever picks truth. He wants him to pick truth.

Kazuha feeling nice tonight, knowing that Tomo is impatiently waiting to ask him something, he picks truth.

"Okay so my question for you is, what are the qualities that you want in a person? Whether it's a friend, the people around you, or someone you want to spend time for the rest of your life?" Compared to the look in his face, the question he asked is kind of thought provoking. What does he like about a person? He never thought of this before. Tomo sat there waiting for his answer.

"Take your time, I'll be just here." He smiled and laid his head on his arms on the table. He's observing Kazuha as he tries to think about his answer.

"I think that I don't have specific qualities that I want in a person." He started and Tomo stayed silent, listening as if telling him to just continue. "Each person is collection of different traits, behaviors, and talents. If I like that person, I like them because they are them, not because of a specific quality that they have. I don't look for quality in someone. Once I find out that I like that person, I like the combination of different things that they are, not the individual things that they have. You don't have to look for someone that has your desired qualities. Once you find that person, you'll learn to love each part of them, not just the ones that you like." He smiled, satisfied of his own answer. Tomo sat up straight again.

"Glad that you said that. I'll take note of that."

"And we're on to round 3." Kazuha took the almost empty bottle and poured the remains on his cup. Both of them are tied at one to one. Neither of them is going to concede anytime soon and so they continue the game.

"So how are you feeling?" Kazuha asked the person in front of him. Tomo is just confused why he's asking that question now.

"I'm fine, why?"

"For the third challenge, we are going to be staring at each other and the first to blink loses."

"A staring contest again?" Tomo just frowned.

"No, no. This time it has a twist. Every minute that no one blinks we have to finish a cup of sake." He opens the smaller bottle. "So every minute, we gulp down a cup of sake and if you give up then you lose."

"Oh no, then we wouldn't enjoy the taste of sake this way."

"Then let's make it half a cup."

"Fine, let's do it." Tomo readies himself and Kazuha does too. They tried blinking their eyes to prepare and after they're done, they stared at each other.

"And we're up." Kazuha started counting in his head, up to a minute. Tomo is not tired yet, but he's eyes started drooping at the first few seconds. Kazuha smiled and he steadied himself. After a few more seconds, Kazuha signaled that the minute is up. He poured sake on Tomo's cup and Tomo poured on his. They raised their glasses and drank the sake. After that Kazuha asked him. "Is it good?"

"Yes, it's good. I used to drink this at some days when I could spare some mora."

"Then let's continue." They started the next minute smoothly but halfway through Tomo is fixated on Kazuha that he forgets that they're actually playing. Seconds of just staring at Kazuha and he can't even notice the noises around them. He's just focusing on the person staring back at him. He began to daydream about Kazuha's eyes and how he wants to stare at them for a long time. How his hair that is neatly arranged when they left the inn, is now starting to get undone. He then smiled at Kazuha and didn't realized that he blinked. Kazuha then points at him and said "You blinked."

"Oh, I blinked." He came back to reality when Kazuha laughed and started to sip some sake. Wow, he just lost because he is admiring Kazuha instead of focusing in the game. Maybe the night is getting late, or he has drank a bit much. He didn't recall how he just started to pay attention on how Kazuha looks tonight.

"Truth or dare?" Kazuha asked. He would not pick truth again so he chose the other one.

"A dare, well then. I dare you so cheer as loud as you can after this song that is playing ends." He thinks he deserves it. For instead of winning this round, he got distracted by Kazuha's looks, so he nodded. Kazuha poured him some sake as they wait for the performance to finish. When the drummer hit the last beat of the song, Tomo stood up and screamed.

"WHOOOOOOOO, YEAHHHH!" Then he clapped as loud as he screamed. All the attention was focused on him for a second and then the people around them also followed him. Cheering and clapping for a wonderful performance.

The girl in the middle who's the one singing said something. "To the person who cheered, why don't you come here on the dance floor." She chuckled and signaled to start the next song. The drummer struck the drumsticks together twice and they started playing another song.

"I think it's time we go to the dance floor." He extended his hand towards Kazuha. Kazuha took it and with the other hand carried the sake bottle.

"We payed for it, we can't just leave it." They both laughed and went to the dance floor. There are people standing guard near the dance floor ready to maintain order as soon as they spot trouble. Kazuha left the bottle to them and said that they're going to come back for it later. They went in the space in front of the stage where there are people who are either drunk or just enjoying the concert are dancing. The music is louder here than their place at the table but they didn't mind. They're here to dance with each other.

"So how do we do this?" Kazuha asked Tomo. Tomo just looks at him amused and started laughing.

"There are no rules or instructions for dancing. Just move your body how you want it to."

"So like this?" Kazuha started shaking his head and swaying his hips. Tomo smiled and nodded.

"That's more like it, now move your arms and legs."

He started swaying his arms around and slowly he times it with the music. He grinned widely as he is slowly starting to get used to it and Tomo is there also dancing with him. He admits that Tomo does know how to move his body in accordance to the music. He started to follow him and Tomo just laughs and lets him. Kazuha is enjoying this and he should let him do so.

"Do you want to try something?" Tomo asked him.

"What is it?" He replied full of energy.

"Okay so let me hold your hand, and when I raise your arm and spin it, you turn around with it." He nods and tries to follow Tomo's instructions. Tomo slowly lifts his left arm up and when he twirled it, he slowly spinned around.

"Very good, that was nice." They both laughed and continued dancing with the current music. After a while the song ends and the singer has something to announce.

"Before we go to our last song for the night, we want to play a song that's not rock. It's a slow dance song. So everyone grab your partners before we proceed into the final song of the night." Everyone around them scrambled to find someone to dance with.

"So it looks like we're partners for tonight." Tomo puts his hands on Kazuha's hips. Kazuha doesn't know what a slow dance is and Tomo could see it in his face.

"Wrap your hands around my neck." Kazuha followed and intertwined his fingers behind Tomo's neck. The song started playing and it has a slow beat and is softer compared to the songs played before. The people around them already have their own partners and the others who do not, stepped out and prepared themselves for the final song.

"So are we just going to slowly sway around the dance floor?" Kazuha asked.

"Of course, that's the point. It's actually commonly done by couples but who cares if we do it?"

"Are you forgetting something?" Kazuha smiled out of nowhere.

"What did I forget?"

"It's our date night, isn't it?" Tomo suddenly remembered and could only breathe out "Ohh."

Kazuha secretly smiled and continued swaying around, hiding his blushing face. He enjoys watching Tomo tonight.

"Truth or dare?" Tomo suddenly asked out of nowhere. Kazuha is confused.

"Now while we're dancing?"

"It's your turn now, right?"

"Fine, dare."

"I dare you to close your eyes for a moment." Kazuha didn't think about it and he closed his eyes. He felt Tomo's face come close to him and he whispered, "Prepare yourself."

"Okay?" What was he supposed to be ready for? Before he could think of many scenarios that could happen, the one thing that he didn't expect was Tomo's lips brushing his cheek. He felt it linger there for a few seconds before he broke off. He didn't know if Tomo could see it but he knows his face is flushed.

"You can open them now." He opens his eyes and he could see Tomo smiling.

"Did you like it?" He asked but Kazuha avoided his gaze. Of course he liked it, how could he not. Maybe he's been yearning for it for days now. Maybe he's been waiting for something, a sign. A sign that maybe Tomo feels it too. And now he got his answer.

He looked down, "Yes, I liked it." He smiled and blushed again. Tomo laughed.

"Truth or dare?" He asked suddenly. "Now it's your turn." Tomo couldn't refuse this so he answered.

"Dare."

"I dare you, to close your eyes too." Tomo didn't say anything and just chuckles before closing his eyes. He smiled and waited for Kazuha to do the same thing he did. Kazuha stood on tiptoes and lightly pulled on his hands around Tomo's neck to bring his face closer to him. He considered kissing his cheeks too but he knows that there's a part of his face that he longs for. He closed his eyes and kissed the scar that Tomo has across his nose. That spot is his favorite part of his face because it's something that only Tomo has. It's a special part of him and he wants to touch it, to share this special spot with him. He didn't stay as long as Tomo did on him but he knows it's enough. He told Tomo to open his eyes and he did.

"Now we're even." They both smiled and laughed. They slow danced for a while and the song ended. They broke off and looked at the opposite direction, processing what just happened.

"Hey everyone, it's time for the final song of the night. Gather here now on the dance floor and get ready for this!" She screamed and the girls behind her started playing the most heart pounding beat of the night. People started rushing to the dance floor for this is their last time to dance with the music. Tomo grabbed Kazuha's hand.

"Don't get lost. There are a lot of people."

"Okay, now let's enjoy this last song of the night." They both nodded and cheered as loud as they can with the people around them. Everyone around them is jumping and they followed. Their hands are still intertwined while they are jumping along to the music with the people around them. The loud and fast beat of the music that can be heard maybe beyond the village. They are laughing, screaming, mouthing the lyrics as best as they can. Completely ignoring the people around them except for each other. They didn't notice the time passing and the song is finished before they realized it.

"Thank you, thank you everyone for this wonderful night. We enjoyed playing for you." They all bowed down and left through the backstage. The people started clapping and started going out the dancefloor. Others to buy some food and souvenirs, while some are going home to rest for the night. They find the guy that they left the sake bottle and started heading back towards the inn.

"That was a very good performance from them. I really enjoyed the night." Tomo said as they walk still holding each others hands. They have never broke off since the start of the final song.

"Me too, that was a memorable night." One hand holding Tomo's, the other one holding the bottle. They are now starting to feel the effects of alcohol, and their heads started to feel heavy. They leaned into each other and staggered going back to the inn. Once they were inside, they head straight for the bathroom to pee.

"I'll go first." Tomo said. Kazuha nodded and sat down on the floor outside the bathroom. After Tomo was done, he also went inside. They returned back to their room together, and Tomo slumped into their bed. Kazuha put the bottle on the table beside the window and followed Tomo to the bed. Tomo is already up against the wall, waiting for Kazuha. He joined him on the bed and they laid down facing each other as they do each night, although now closer to each other.

"This night was so fun." He reached his hand to Kazuha's face. "Can I?"

Kazuha nodded and he put both of his hands on Kazuha's cheek. "Thanks for the date night." He wrapped his hands around Tomo's upper body.

"You are so pretty Kazuha. I really like your face." He ran his hand over his hair and his face, and back to his cheek.

"I like your smile Tomo, it really makes me happy. Keep doing it." As if on instinct he smiled but his eyes were already closing.

"I'll remember that." He paused to take a moment looking at Kazuha, his face between his two hands. "I'm so tired right now Kazuha, so good night." He brushed his thumb on his cheeks.

"Sweet dreams Tomo." He replied and they both closed their eyes. Kazuha felt Tama snuggle between them before he drifted off to sleep.

 

Kazuha woke up first the next day. His left hand is on Tomo's hair and the other one is on his neck. He felt the headache from last night's drinking. He hasn't experienced this much of a hangover before but he didn't mind. He's here with Tomo and it's all that matters right now. They had their time last night and a little hangover is just another effect of it. He slowly removed his hands from Tomo and he stayed a moment longer lying on Tomo's hand. He laid his cheek on the flat palm on the bed. The palm of his hand is rough, a sign of hard work. He closed his eyes for a second and got up. He grabbed the table for balance as his head is still heavy. Tama is on the floor, watching them both quietly. She meowed when Kazuha went past her but she didn't move an inch. He planned on getting water downstairs for the both of them to ease the hangover. He went to the lobby and went back carrying a jug of water. When he came back, Tomo stirred awake and when he sets the jug on the table, he called him.

"You're already awake? Is it late?" He smiled but then his hand went to his head as he felt last night's events catch up to him.

"Good morning Tomo, have some water for the hangover." He handed out Tomo's water container as he just finished transferring the water from the jugs to it.

"Thank you. I haven't had hangover before as I didn't drink and party that much." He sat up and drank the water. Kazuha also drank his share of the water.

"Do you want to have some breakfast? We need to eat since we drank so much last night, and it's late in the morning so this could count as breakfast and lunch. We could have an early dinner later so we don't get hungry." Kazuha instructed and Tomo just laughed.

"Okay, okay. Let me lay down for a few minutes then let's go out to eat." Kazuha finished arranging their belongings for later, including the remaining bottle of sake. He sat down on the bed.

"I'll wait for you here." He said with a smile and Tomo pulled him down so he could join him on the cramp bed together. He struggled to get out of his arms but the other's grip is strong and he would not let him go. He gave up struggling and positioned himself on the bed so they could fit.

"Come on, let's lay down for a while together." He faced Tomo and Tomo rubbed their noses together. He smiled and wrapped his arms around him, and laid there for a couple minutes before going out to have breakfast.

They left the jug on their way out the inn. They ordered fried eggs and bread. They only tidied their hair and clothes, but last night's sweat and residues can still be seen on them. They didn't care that much as they were hungry and for the first time, they haven't woke up on time to continue on their travels.

"Last night was so memorable and fun. I'm glad I experienced it with you." Tomo mumbled as he served himself eggs.

"Me too. I didn't regret staying here for one night with you." Kazuha replied and they continued eating. When they were done they went back to the inn to prepare for the day's journey.

"Do you want to go first?" Tomo asked when they arrive at their room. He picked up Tama and cradled her around.

"Sure, I'll be quick." He went to the bathroom get himself ready for the day ahead. He brought some change of clothes and soap to wash himself. He went inside and it looks like it was empty. Most of the other people have already took a bath or left the inn. He could enjoy the time by himself instead of worrying about the other people in there with him. He turned on the water and started washing himself. Not long after, he heard someone entered the bathroom. So much for his alone time now. He decided to sneak a peak and he saw the familiar hair of his friend.

"Hey Kazuha, you have already arranged and readied our things for today so I decided to follow you here. It will be faster if I also shower here. I'll be in the next stall." He knows where Kazuha is based on the sound of the water and because of the closed door so he picked the stall closest to him. When he went inside his stall he took a peak on Kazuha, so he has to cover himself.

"Why are you peaking? Just focus on yourself." Kazuha knelt and tried to cover himself with his arms.

"Are you ashamed? We're both guys here, no need to worry." He laughed and also took off his own clothes. "If you want you can also take a peak."

"No thanks." He continued washing himself and Tomo did too. He is still laughing at the other stall.

"The offer still stands." Kazuha wished that he should have declined going first so he could be spared of embarrassment. He looked the other way so Tomo couldn't see his face and mistake it for interest.

He didn't reply and Tomo continued washing himself. Instead of a peaceful time he could spend cleaning himself, Kazuha is instead plagued by different thoughts of how he and Tomo are both naked separated by a wall between them. He could not focus on himself and every second or so, he feels awkward and weird because he thinks of Tomo who's whistling beside him. 'Clear your mind and focus. This is normal, you're both guys. No need to feel awkward.' He thought to himself, but it did not help his situation. So he spent most of his bath time feeling awkward and shy and he tooked longer to finish than Tomo.

"Are you done there? Do you want me to wait for you?" Tomo said when he went out his stall. Kazuha is already rinsing himself and he didn't want to be left alone now.

"Yes, I'm almost done here." He finished rinsing and he quickly dried himself and change into fresh clothing. He went out the stall and found Tomo waiting at the door.

"Sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?" He asked when Kazuha went out. At first he noticed that Tomo's hair is down because it's still wet and he found himself staring a bit longer than necessary. When the question registered in him, he answered it right away.

"Oh no, it's alright. I'm not used to showering with other people, especially you."

"Okay, please tell me if I've gone too far alright? I wouldn't want to hurt or make you feel bad." He raised his eyebrows to indicate the he actually means it. Kazuha nodded and they went back. Tama is waiting on the table, maybe looking down at the people doing everyday stuff below. They arranged their things and used clothes.

"Do you want me to dry your hair? I could also do your ponytail." Tomo sat down on the bed and Kazuha followed. He positioned himself between Tomo's legs. Tomo took a towel and started drying his hair. He twisted his red hair between his fingers and Kazuha noticed it.

"I've always liked this streak of your hair. The red in the sea of gray." He brushed back Kazuha's hair and tied it to the side as opposed to the back as common people do. Kazuha liked the feeling of Tomo doing his hair. He doesn't just let anyone do or even touch his hair but he knows and trusts Tomo enough to let him do whatever he wants.

"Can I also tie your hair too?" He asked and Tomo agreed. They switched positions and Kazuha had to kneel on the bed so he could be comfortable in tying his hair. He also had to dry his hair with a towel because it's still damp from the shower.

"Your hair is so fluffy. It's like a pillow that I want to lay in." He ran his hand on Tomo's hair while giggling.

"It's been that way since I was young."

"I love it." He rubbed his cheeks against his hair and both of them laughed. Kazuha really liked playing with his hair. "Okay I'm going to tie it now."

He grabbed Tomo's hairtie and he tied his hair the way Tomo does. A high ponytail on the top of his head. He loves how his hair feels in his fingers like he's touching clouds in the sky. As if being with Tomo does not make him feel light that he could fly across the sky and see all the wonders the world has to offer.

"You're forgetting something." He handed Kazuha the purple vision he always carries with him. He likes putting it in his hairtie so his hair would hide it from plain sight. Kazuha was not tricked by this however. He noticed from the moment they met that there is something about this person. He noticed the purple glass orb in his hair that would normally be hidden from normal people. He felt something different from him than the normal people he met along the way. He was not surprised that he is a vision holder. The aura that he carries, he can sense goodness and firmness of his beliefs. He sure isn't ordinary or normal. He attached the vision to the tie by some sort of tight clip that Tomo already installed there. He patted the tied hair and it bounced like a cloud. He smiles.

"You like my fluffy hair while I am really fascinated by that red streak in your hair."

"I guess we really do go well with each other." He said with a suggestive voice and they both chuckled. They are now both finished with their preparations and they can now go on with their travels. They picked up their packs and stood at the door looking back at the room.

"This room better not tell anyone what happened here."

"It will keep our secrets. I'm sure of it." Kazuha grabbed the doorknob and closed the door. They went downstairs and returned the key to the receptionist.

"Thank you for your stay. Come again soon." She said and bowed down to the both of them. They returned the gesture and went outside the inn.

The sun was high up in the sky and the weather is sure very hot. That didn't faze them though. They are more excited on going back to their daily routines and adventures. As they were heading out the village and out into the new paths ahead, they looked back at the place where they have stayed for a bit.

"Thank you for the memories. We will never forget it."

"Thank you for the happiness and fun you allowed us to experience. We will always treasure it." They waved goodbye to the village. Who knows if they would ever come back here again. Maybe, maybe not. But the things that they did and had happened here, they will never, ever forget it.

 

After a few hours of walking, they decided to rest for a while on a hill. It was elevated and from afar, they could see the little buildings in the distance that is Inazuma city. The city is the capital of the country and where most people live and go to work. It has different places you can visit and where most high ranking people live. Most clans, especially the powerful ones are commonly found in the city.

"You once lived there right?" Tomo asked his friend that's sitting on a rock.

"Yes, back when I was still in my family's home. I have never went back there since I left."

"Nature and travelling sure is more exciting than staying there in the city most of the time." Tomo chuckled. Kazuha thought of something.

"You have never went to the city, have you?"

"Never have, maybe one day you'll give me a tour?" He glances at Kazuha as if he needs convincing to agree with him.

"Of course, just tell me and we'll go there. Maybe I can even show you my old house." He raised his eyebrows to suggest that he's looking forward to that day.

As if out of nowhere, Tomo asked him a question he never expected to hear.

"Have you heard of the Musou no Hitotachi?"

Of course he has heard of it. His clan was once a famed samurai clan and they have always taught him that the Raiden Shogun is the most powerful samurai of all. She has this technique that she only uses during divine punishment and that is the Musou no Hitotachi. It has been rarely seen as most people are scared to invoke their archon's wrath to use her special technique to inflict punishment upon them. Inazuma remains a peaceful nation, free from any sort of intense violence or hostility as their archon would not hesitate to punish those who dare cross or disobey her. It is the symbol of her power and no person, no matter how strong, would go against her knowing that she possesses this technique. He explained this to Tomo, but the face he makes after hearing about it is not fear or reverence for their archon. Instead, there lies amusement and defiance as he smiled, looking at the city away from them.

"There must be one who can withstand it. There will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow."

"Are you thinking of going against the Raiden Shogun?" Kazuha was confused by what he's saying.

"No, that's not what I meant. I was saying that there are always people who are not afraid of sticking up for their beliefs, not even against an archon. Surely that skill of hers is not all powerful that no one could withstand it."

"Don't even think of doing things that will get the shogun's attention. I will not hesitate to stop you."

"I was just thinking about stuff. Don't worry, I am not foolish enough to anger our archon just for seeing a technique."

"Of course, I believe that you'll never do it." Kazuha can feel Tomo's strong will and he believes that his friend is just curious about a certain sword technique. His belief that people are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, is also admirable. He's just worried that they'll be placed in danger for opposing an archon.

"I believe that we should not be afraid of standing up for ourselves just because the other side is powerful. No matter who it is, archon or not, if you feel that you are being done wrong, fight for what you believe in." He openly shares what he believes in. He's not afraid of standing up for someone if they're being wronged. Especially Kazuha.

"I'm just worried about you, okay? Even if the shogun is not all righteous, she still protects and watches over us."

"I know, I'm just stating what I believe in. It doesn't have to be an archon right? If you saw someone getting harmed, would you hesitate to help them?"

"Of course not, I'll stand up for people if they can't do it for themselves."

"That's more like it. What say we spar and practice our sword skills? I would like to train with a former Kaedehara clan member." He smiled and the mood around them has gotten lighter.

"Sure, I would like to see your own techniques too. I'll make some bamboo swords for us to use." Kazuha is also excited to sparring with Tomo. He knows that Tomo is good at wielding his blade and an opportunity to practice with him is a good way of learning more things about being a samurai.

"Then, let's get on moving, before nighttime falls upon us." Kazuha stood up and Tomo wrapped his arm around his shoulders. He's used to the usual skin contact with Tomo and he likes it. He sinks into the feeling of being touched by his friend and they started walking.

 

"Here's your sword." Kazuha handed the bamboo sword that he had made to Tomo. They were in a field that they had designated for their sparring.

"Are you sure these are the same length? Maybe you'll give yourself some advantage." Tomo inspected his own practice weapon and Kazuha took his and held them side by side.

"See, they are the same." He returned the bamboo sword and Tomo flexed his limbs as preparation for their mini training.

"Remember, don't use your vision. These swords can't handle that kind of power." He reminded before he also positioned himself. Tomo is also preparing himself. They are holding their swords pointing to each other, ready for the spar. Once they were in position, Kazuha moved his head in a little nod to signal the start. Tomo rushed to Kazuha in a speed that could have been missed by an ordinary person's eyes. He however is expecting for Tomo to be on the offensive and he raised his blade to deflect the other's strike. Tomo smirked as he had expected that Kazuha would rather wait for him to strike first than taking the first move himself. Kazuha then swung downwards after deflecting Tomo's blow and started going on the offensive. Tomo has no other choice than to retreat to avoid Kazuha's series of strikes. Kazuha didn't pursue him but started to prepare himself for Tomo's blade.

"Why don't you follow me here? Are you wary of me?" Tomo teased. Kazuha is not the type to go all out at first and is still studying how Tomo uses his sword. He tried to catch him off guard by dashing and swinging his blade just barely out of reach to distract him. Tomo tried to defend against the feint and Kazuha then striked from below thinking that he could hit him this time. Tomo instead used the handle of the sword to block Kazuha's hit below. He laughed and Kazuha went back to his original position.

"You tried to make me believe that you fell for it."

"It did work didn't it?" He smiled but Kazuha is already dashing back towards him. He ducked and tried hitting Kazuha's leg but he leapt into the air, bits of wind pushing him off the ground. He swung his blade towards Tomo's head but found his sword blocking before he could even reach him. He landed behind Tomo and when he turned back he's not there. He felt the wind slice through the air and the wooden blade hitting his neck a second later. He sighed defeated and heard Tomo laughing behind him.

"You didn't see me move behind you." He's laughing at the look on Kazuha's face that makes it look like he has a deep grudge on him.

"You're playing with me here." He doesn't know if he's pissed because of Tomo's lighthearted look on his face or because he lost to him.

"I'm just making this more fun. We just started, there will be plenty of chances to be serious." He's concerned if Kazuha's not enjoying this little sparring that they planned. He does look kind of annoyed after Tomo had hit him.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm taking this way too seriously." Kazuha breathe out. "Okay, let's continue." He has this calm but excited look now on his face that is the opposite of what he's showing moments ago.

"Well then." They both positioned themselves again.

 

An hour has gone and they're still practicing with the wooden swords Kazuha has made. They were both full of sweat, but are still swinging their blades towards each other. Kazuha has learned to adapt to Tomo's speed and quick thinking while Tomo is starting to learn how to read Kazuha's techniques. He swings his blade sideways and Kazuha ducked to avoid it. He then tried to swing upwards but Tomo dashed to his side and tried hitting him from behind. He twists his wrist to block Tomo's strike and quickly faced him.

"You're getting good Kazuha, I'm a good sparring partner right?"

"I'm sure you're learning a lot from me too, aren't you?" He then swung his blade and Tomo deflected it, while he set himself up to hit Tomo's sword out of his hand with his bare hand. His blade flew to their side and he raised his sword towards Tomo.

"Do you concede?" He grinned and is stopping himself from laughing. Tomo chuckled and then raised his arms.

"Okay, you won." They both dropped to the ground, and sat there for a few moments. Breathing to catch their breath as they had been sparring for the past hour. They looked at each other and smiled.

"That was so good. I have not trained for a while so it's refreshing to do this again."

"Atleast now you have a partner." Kazuha responded. He drank some water and handed some to Tomo. The sun is not going down yet, but it's not long until it does.

"You're good at adapting to my techniques. You're a fast learner." Tomo commended at his friend turned sparring partner.

"You do possess such good techniques. Not to mention that your speed and quick thinking makes it hard to win against you."

They are both very talented swordsmen and going against each other allows them to improve more. They are satisfied with their spar and decided to cool down for the day.

"There's a hot spring near here when we arrived. Why don't we relax there."

"Sure, the hot water will definitely help our tired bodies." Kazuha agreed. They started heading towards the hot spring with their wet clothes, as a result of their sweating from training. Once they arrive there, they took off their clothes and started to dipped into the warm water. They both exhaled as their weary bodies touched the hot spring waters.

"This is so nice and relaxing." Kazuha laid his head on the rocks. Tomo is beside him trying to sink under the water. He didn't mind that they're both naked beside each other. The relaxing sensation that the spring offers is making him forget everything else.

"What a nice end to our training." Tomo says to Kazuha who's now closing his eyes. He glanced at his face and he could see that he is tired from their training. He smiled and laid next to him, their shoulders touching.

"Wake me up if I fell asleep." That was what he said before losing conciousness. Tomo stayed there beside him while he naps.

 

Kazuha felt something soft brush his shoulders. It was trailing from there up to his neck. I must be dreaming, he thinks. He didn't realize that Tomo's lips were on his skin.

 

Kazuha woke up alone in the spring. He looked for Tomo in the water but he can't see him. 'I told him to wake me up.' He's starting to think that Tomo has left him there and when he went out the spring he found some fresh clothes waiting for him. Tomo must have left them for him. He started to change into it and moments later, Tomo appeared. He went up to Kazuha as he is changing and Kazuha was startled.

"Oh there you are. Wait a sec, I'm still changing." He hurried putting on his clothes and followed Tomo back to where they're going to stay for the night.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" He questioned Tomo while they were heading back.

"It looked like you were peacefully sleeping so I went back first. I planned to come back but you're already awake. A few more minutes of sleeping wouldn't hurt." He explained and Kazuha understood his point. He must have been tired if Tomo left him to sleep for a few more minutes. They went back to the tree where their belongings are placed and he had noticed that there were already food prepared.

"You cooked dinner? Why didn't you tell me?" He was usually the one who cooks for them while Tomo assisted in gathering ingredients. He didn't expect to see him cook all by himself for the both of them.

"I kind of want to surprise you?" He looked away and covered his shy smile with his arm while Kazuha is inspecting the remains of his cooking. It was all prepared and they just have to sit down and eat it.

"Well then. What is this dish that you have prepared for us?"

"It's fowl mixed with mushrooms and I added some ingredients for the flavor." They sat down and Kazuha was the one who tasted it first. Tomo is rather worried that Kazuha might not like it. Kazuha swallowed his first serving of the food and Tomo was anxious of his reaction. Kazuha looked up to him and grinned.

"This actually tastes good. You cooked this while I was sleeping in the spring?" Of course he would like it. Kazuha is used to his own cooking and the opportunity to taste Tomo's own cooking is something he had been looking forward for a time. It did not disappoint as the flavor of the fowl was tasty combined with the other ingredients.

"I used to cook this for me and my mother in the village. She taught me how to cook this and I would try making this whenever I miss her." He voiced out and started eating his own portion too.

"This dish holds a special meaning to you. I'm glad you shared it with me." They continued eating and Kazuha really appreciates food made this way. Made from your heart and with care. Not hastily put up together with no effort. He continued eating in silence and after they had finished eating, they laid next to each other in the tree. Tama is eating some of the leftovers of the food.

"Hey Kazuha."

"What is it?"

"I'm sure you're probably aware of this but, we're getting closer to the port."

Kazuha was of course very aware of this. As much as he's enjoying Tomo's company, each day they grow closer and closer to Tomo's main objective for his travels. He has to ride a boat to go to the other island which is his destination. As much as Kazuha doesn't want it to happen, their journeys are different from each other.

"I know, but let's not talk about it for now. Alright?" He continued laying on Tomo's shoulder gazing up the sky above them. He knows that they are not supposed to be together all of the time, so he's going to make the most of the remaining time that they have. Tomo nods and puts his hand on Kazuha's head. They didn't notice the time passing, and they both fell asleep in that position.

 

Time is passing and each step they took brings them closer to their inevitable parting. Kazuha wants to tell Tomo something before that happens but he can't find the right time, nor bring himself to do it. So he remains jittery for most of the day. Tomo notices this and tries to find out what's wrong with Kazuha.

"Are you okay? Do you feel sick or something? Maybe we could rest here for now."

"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Tomo trusts Kazuha's word but it's starting to worry him when Kazuha just looks at him like he has something to say but then looks away like he decided to just keep it to himself.

"Is there something you want to say? Did I do something wrong?"

"Nothing, it's not important." The day then proceeds to be awkward because whenever Tomo tries to start a conversation, Kazuha will just smile and nod without saying anything. He tried to do this a couple of times but he would just hum in agreement and add nothing more. He just gave up and they traveled silently for the rest of the day. When dusk arrived and they settled down to prepare for the night, Kazuha arranged to cook the food without any instructions or help from Tomo. He just lets him do it and decided to ask him about what's going on after they have eaten dinner. They ate dinner without any noise and after that, went to settle down beside each other as always.

"Uhm, hey Kazuha? Everything alright?"

"Yes." He finally said a word after a whole day of being quiet.

"What's happening? Why are you not speaking to me? Is there anything that I did? Did I make you feel bad or uncomfortable?" Tomo has a lot of questions for him. The sudden change in personality makes him feel that maybe he had somehow made Kazuha mad or annoyed with him.

"It's not about what you did. There's just something that I was thinking about."

"What is it, tell me so I can understand you. We're here for each other right?"

"I would Tomo, but I can't bring myself to say it." He has been trying all day but Tomo is talking about other things and he could not focus on them. He has been anxious of telling him because what if he's wrong? Or if he's the only one who is experiencing it. What if it ruins what they have? He's thinking of all the things that could go wrong and could not reply to what Tomo is trying to talk to him about all day. Everytime he tries to tell him, his voice disappears and he finds himself thinking of all the what ifs.

"Is it something that you can't tell me? I would want to help you Kazuha, since I don't want you not talking to me. I want you speaking with me, telling me all about nature and the things that you love. Little details in our surroundings that I may have not noticed. Some poetic words that I could sometimes not understand." Tomo wishes to know why he's been ignoring him all day because it hurts him that Kazuha is not speaking to him. The little gestures that he does, he didn't do any today. He feels that Kazuha changed and that he has done something to make him like that.

Kazuha's heart slowly breaks as he hears his friend's words. He has been silent all day without Tomo understanding why. He has been trying this so maybe it will hurt less when they went their own paths. For maybe that if they haven't grown so attached with each other, parting would hurt less for each of them. He realized that no amount of ignoring Tomo would make it hurt less. Not telling him his feelings would not make it better. His tears slowly fell out of his eyes as he watched his friend slowly panic on what to do with him.

"Don't cry. Uhm, I'm really sorry okay?. I really want to know what's bothering you so if I'm a bit much, I'll stop okay?" He didn't know what to do with his friend who started tearing up in front of him. He wiped his tears up and wrapped his arms around him to comfort his emotional friend.

"It's not about you, it's about me. I have been thinking of maybe ignoring you for the rest of the journey so that when we'll go our own ways, it will hurt less." He's starting to sob while Tomo continued patting his back. "I'm really sorry about that. I'm starting to dread the time where we'll part so that's why I'm doing this."

"I have no idea that you're feeling this. I'm really sorry if I have not been there to help you."

"It's not your fault, it's me who is hurting you. I have been really confused on what I'm feeling so maybe that influenced me to do this. I don't want for us to part. Maybe that's not mature of me, but that's what I'm feeling right now. I'm sorry." Tears are also forming around Tomo's eyes. He can't help but empathize with what Kazuha is feeling.

"I'm really sorry. I also have been ignoring the thought so that we'll get to enjoy our time together, but I have no idea that you are already thinking about this and that it affects you."

"It's because that I have grown so attached to you that I could not see myself being alone without you. I'm sorry if this makes me sound selfish."

"Don't apologize, I have also grown attached to you, so it really saddens me that we are going to go our own separate paths."

"I have also one other thing to tell you, it has been tugging at the back of my head for a while."

"What is it about?"

Kazuha breathes in, now is the time to tell him. He knows that this is the right time to tell his friend about what is it that he's feeling. He has been waiting for the right time for a while now, and he doesn't want to regret wasting this opportunity to tell him. He breathes out.

"The thing is, Tomo, I like you." He briefly paused. "Or maybe I liked you during the first few days that we have started traveling together. That time I cried when you teased me, I was so confused and happy that I realized that maybe I do like this guy that I'm traveling with. It even brought me to tears." He chuckled. Tomo is still hugging him and listening to what he's saying. "When we continued to journey together and have those amazing experiences with each other, my feelings for you grew. I'm starting to appreciate what you do for me and sometimes it makes me feel that maybe we were destined to meet that day. I started to look forward to speaking to you, doing things with you, anything that we did together, it makes me really happy. Then you got us those bracelets and we found a secret spot for ourselves. I realized that this person makes me feel loved and happy, that I don't mind if I spent most of my days with him. Then that concert happened and you kissed me on my cheek, maybe that's when I thought that, I don't just like this guy, I'm already in love with him. I was so happy that I forgot that we are not supposed to be together most of the time. We each have our own destinations in life that we want to reach. I felt really sad. I found out that I love this person that I have been traveling with and we can't be together. That's why I acted like today. I'm really sorry for that and I hope you understand."

Tomo broke off from their hug and faces Kazuha. There isn't any anger written in his face. Instead there's this tired smile that he's wearing. He also has been waiting for Kazuha to confess about his feelings since he wanted to confirm that Kazuha also has the same feelings as he has for him. He's really happy that Kazuha had confessed because he could not bear it if they go their separate ways without acknowledging what they are feeling for each other.

"I also feel the same Kazuha. The moment I saw you, I had a crush on you. Why is this wandering samurai so nice to me? Then you showed me yourself. The things that you love, your outlook in life, the way you appreciate the little things around you. It gradually made me fall in love with you. I really liked seeing you smile, so I made efforts to make you smile. All those nights laying next to each other, it made me feel safe knowing I'm with you. I wanted to protect you from anything that would harm you but I trust your intuition to keep yourself safe. Everytime our skins touch, I feel something energizes me. You are the highlight of my day. If we are just sitting all day next to each other, I would enjoy it. You make me feel livelier and happier each day we travel together. I don't know what is it with you that makes me feel this way. You make me happy Kazuha, and that's why I love you." He smiled and reached for Kazuha's face. He wiped those tears of his and put his hands on his cheeks. Kazuha also does the same and they stared at each other for longer than they have thought.

"You really love me?" Kazuha smiled, tears sparkling at the edge of his eyes.

"Of course I do. How could I not?" Tomo laughed, wiping the remaining tears on Kazuha's face.

"Can I kiss you then?"

"Of cour-" Kazuha didn't let Tomo finish his sentence and he pulled him in for a deep kiss. He has been yearning, waiting for this since that night where they got drunk and danced. Tomo was surprised but also returned Kazuha's kiss and he put his hand behind his neck to better position himself. They are both indulging themselves with each other as they let their mouths show the passion that they have been supressing. Kazuha's hands went to Tomo's hair, clenching and ruffling the fluffy hair that he loves. Tomo laughed between kisses and they continued. Kazuha can never have enough of Tomo. He always has been thinking of instances where they might kiss and how can he prepare himself at it. It looks like he doesn't have to since he's so good at this. Tomo is enjoying Kazuha's mouth on his. He didn't expect Kazuha to be good at this but it seems that he's a natural. They both deepen the kiss and neither one is ready to let go of each other. This is to make up for all of the times that they have spent together with their pent up feelings. Kazuha is really liking how their tongues brush against each other every once in a while. He has no experience kissing another person and this is a very good first experience. The feeling of finally kissing Kazuha is still overwhelming Tomo but he can't stop. Nevermind that he's running out of breath, but locking mouths with Kazuha is something that he'll gladly endure losing breath for. Kazuha was the one who broke off the kiss when he felt that they have been at it for long, and that he's satisfied for now. They were both running out of breaths but then they glanced at each other and laughed.

"That was so good." Kazuha breathes out. "You have the honor of being my first kiss."

"That is a great honor bestowed upon me." Tomo chuckled, still wanting more.

"What is with that look?"

"Can we do it one more time?"

"Okay, just one more time alright. I'm afraid that we'll both get addicted to this feeling." Kazuha replied and this time, Tomo was the one who initiated. Well how can you not get addicted if you're kissing Tomo. He lets himself be swallowed by the kisses.

 

They are both laying down now, facing each other. Tomo is playing with the red piece of Kazuha's hair, while Kazuha's hand brushes over the scar on his nose.

"I really like this scar here. It's like a symbol of your own." He continues to brush over it with his fingers.

"Same with your hair here. This red spot really catched my eye when I first saw you." He twirls it between his fingers.

"Let's make the most of our remaining time together."

"Yes we should. We are going to carry those along with us when we go our own ways."

They both smiled as they know that they could never stop the inevitable, but they could make use of the time that they have left.

 

The following days that followed are full of laughters from each other. They are now walking with arms locked together when they travel and the occasional stolen kisses. They are not getting tired of it anytime soon as they know that one day they will miss the times where they are free to do whatever they want together. Every second they are on each other's minds and they made sure that every single moment that they spend together is precious as time could never be taken back. Each night before they sleep, they will kiss each other goodnight and will embrace each other throughout the night. They are making the most of what they have and they didn't mind the time passing, each second they get closer and closer to the port. Then the day that they are not really looking forward to, arrives.

"I could smell the sea from here, and the sound of boats and sailors I also hear." Kazuha spoke aloud when they saw the port in the distance. There were buildings that were built for people to wait in for their boats and cargoes that are stored. They clenched each other's hand tighter as they prepared to go into the port with each other and to leave it alone.

"We're here Kazuha." Tomo's voice does not sound excited, rather he says it in a way that he's confirming that they have finally arrived. He also doesn't look forward to this day as he has grown close to Kazuha and parting with him would definitely change the routine that he has already gotten used to. He knows that after this day, he's not going to sleep next to Kazuha or wake up the next day with Kazuha. It really pains him to go in the boat without Kazuha, but he understands that they both have their own goals for now and that each of them were supposed to cross paths, not go down the same one.

They first went to the sailors and asked what time the boat would be heading to the next island. It was not due until after lunch so they still have the morning for themselves. They decided to sit in a small eatery to eat some breakfast.

"So it seems that we will be heading down our own paths after today." Kazuha mentioned. He didn't want to say it as if that keeping silent will maybe make it less likely to happen.

"Yeah. But always remember that I am always thinking of you okay? You are always in my mind and in my heart." Tomo said with a sad smile. He knows that this will surely affect them both but they will get use to it. The time that they have spent together are very precious to them. Even if they are not by each other's side, they know that the other person is thinking of them. They will always be at each other's heart wherever they will be.

"I know Tomo. I will always be thinking of you, wherever you are. Wishing for your safety and happiness and that you will never forget me and the times we have spent together." He still smiles even though his heart is aching. If they could stay together, he sure will do it. But for now, they still have things to do. Priorities that they need to take care of. They still need time for themselves before they can be together.

Tomo took off his bracelet, the one that they got from Kiriya, and placed it upon Kazuha's hands. "Take this for me. If you find yourself missing me, you can hold this and think of me."

Kazuha also took off his own bracelet and did the same. "Since you picked this for me, I'll give it to you. As some sort of remembrance."

After finishing breakfast, they sat down by the seaside, watching boats enter the port and sailors getting and delivering cargoes to and fro. They decided to stay there until Tomo boards his boat.

"Is this your first time riding a boat?"

"Not really, it's my second time. I rode a boat coming into this island." He responded. Kazuha wants to tell him some stories and maybe give some advice as he has some experiences of riding and sailing boats due to his travels.

"You should really watch out for the sailors at night. They tend to sing to keep themselves awake and they are so loud."

"Surely the journey to the next island wouldn't take the night, right?" Tomo asked because he doesn't know how long is he going to travel by water going to the next island.

"You never know what might happen. Don't worry, I sense clear weather throughout the day so it will be a peaceful journey." He's glad that the weather is nice today. He certainly would feel bad and worried sending Tomo off in a bad weather.

"I'm sure traveling by sea is wonderful. I hope one day we'll get to do it together."

"I'm pretty sure we would. Fate might force us to part for now but since it also made us crossed paths, I'm sure it will find a way bring us back together one day."

"I also believe that one day we'll meet again. Once I finally get my life on track, I'll find you and maybe join you on your travels." He had made up his mind that no matter how long they will be separated, no matter how far Kazuha is, he will find him one day. He's going to let go of Kazuha for now, but once he finds him again, he's not going to let him go again.

"Me too. I'm going to continue my travels for now, and maybe I'll come across you again one of those days. Who knows? Maybe next time, I'll follow you wherever you go." He looks at him and they kissed each other for the last time until they'll meet again. They both smiled because they know that this isn't the end of their journey together. This is just a pause along the way, a break, for when they will meet again they will be ready to commit themselves to each other fully. They stayed at their place near the boats for hours, talking about their plans and admiring each other every once in a while. The time ticks but they didn't mind it. They have already made the most of their time together for now and are now preparing to let each other go. When the sailors finally calls for Tomo and it's finally time for him to go, Kazuha tightly held his hand. Gentle breeze starts flowing around them and a maple leaf landed on Tomo's hand.

"A parting gift for you. Take care of Tama for me and always keep yourself safe. I wouldn't be there to take care of you." He leaned on his tiptoes and kissed his favorite spot of him, that line on his face.

"You too Kazuha, I wish you safety on your journey ahead. I'll always be thinking of you, don't forget that." He kissed Kazuha's forehead and hugged him. Kazuha also wrapped his arms around Tomo as this is the last time that they get to hold each other.

"I love you." Kazuha whispered.

"I love you too." Tomo replied.

They broke off and Tomo went to the boat where the sailors are preparing to leave the port. He waved goodbye to Kazuha before disappearing out of sight into the boat. Kazuha didn't wait for the boat to leave and went out of the port. He didn't expect Tomo to come out that boat and come back to him. He had already let him go when he waved back at him. He walked back away from the port alone, without Tomo. He didn't realize that his tears were already leaking out of his eyes.

Tomo went under the deck and settled himself there. He didn't want to see Kazuha as the boat left the port. He already has been preparing for this, letting go of Kazuha. Holding on to him will only make it harder. He already promised that he's going to find him again and he should instead focus his mind into it. However, this doesn't prevent the tears from flowing out of his eyes.

 

Later that night, they found themselves staring at the sky. They wondered what the other one is doing. It's going to be their first night apart since they have met that fateful day. They stretched their hand to the sky, reaching out for wherever the other person is right now.

"I miss you Kazuha."

"I miss you Tomo."

Until we meet again.

Notes:

Thank you very much for taking the time reading this. This started when I heard about Kazuha and his friend, and I just started to think so much about them that I decided, why don't I try to put this into words? And then I started writing this. I was really trying to find some content about Kazuha and Tomo and since there were not much at that time, I decided to maybe contribute some to the community. Now, there has been more content about them and I'm so happy seeing people starting to like them like I do. So I really hoped that you have enjoyed reading this and thank you. I hope to see more content about this two boys that lives on my mind most of the time.