on the path, in the desolate field. [ kazuha x reader. ]

CHAPTER I: Willing

With his mind clouding him with guilt, he replied: “... Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Feeling something heavy weighing on his chest, he continued. “Then, I’ll be going with your suggestion.”

“Good.” A servant came to take the yunomis on the table, the silence making it apparent that Kazuha was struck with some sort of shock that rendered him speechless.

He was about to get married, about to settle down, about to have children, about to sell his freedom, and most of all, he doesn’t even have feelings for the person he was marrying. All for the sake of his clan. 

This, this was what it meant to be the head. This was the kind of that sacrifice his father and ancestors were willing to do, and it was his turn. 

His turn. 

With no more exchange of words, the clan head got up and left, leaving Kazuha with his own thoughts. 

Perhaps he was too immersed because days went by and his wedding neared more and more, and he was still in deep thought about whether or not he actually was ready to do such a big commitment.

He hasn’t even seen his supposed bride within those days, the servants claim that she was too busy with her own assigned work.

He already met her before, way back when he was a child due to noble clan matters, but maybe, just maybe, she was just as afraid as he was and avoided the situation to the best of her abilities. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but he was thankful for that. 

He was often away from their residence, wandering around here and there, savoring his moments with the thought that each second will be the last and that he’ll never be as free ever again.

He always came back late at night. And while he never had a problem with this kind of routine, he somewhat wished that he came earlier.

Because if he did, he would’ve saved himself from this awkward interaction between you and him, which was him standing still by the entrance and you standing before him with a lantern in hand, preventing him from coming through.

The sudden interaction rendered him speechless, leaving him to stare at you in the eye. Which was incredibly bad, because you held the eye contact so strongly he was sure one would melt under your gaze.

He opened his mouth to speak, but you were quicker. “What are you doing at this hour, Kaedehara?”

How ironic was it that you referred to him by his surname when it’ll soon become yours?

“I apologize for coming home so late, I’ve been taking a stroll around Nazuchi beach and was too engrossed with the sight of the waves, I didn’t realize that it had already turned dark.” Kazuha spoke softly. 

“Stoked to flee somewhere else, huh?” 

“What?”

“Nothing,” You retracted your gaze. “Join me for tea.”

You then left to another room with Kazuha trailing behind you, the lit lantern illuminating the unlit halls.

Opening the sliding door with care, you placed the lantern aside and sat on a marmalade-colored cushion opposite to another one with a similar color where Kazuha wordlessly sat, his eyes trailing to the smoke coming from the opening of the kettle. 

Were you just drinking tea when he came? 

“So,” You poured him a cup, eyes fixated on the warm liquid before shifting it towards him. “I believe we’ve already met.”

“That is correct.” 

You two have met, seen each other as a child, but never really talked. 

“So I guess you don’t hold any oppositions to this marriage?”

“I guess not.”

Your eyebrows furrowed at that. Lies. 

You took a marmalade-colored pouch out of your pocket and slid it over the table, creating a certain sound that made it apparent the content was something heavy.

Judging by that, Kazuha somewhat already knew what it was, but he still opened it to confirm. Mora. 

His gaze flickered to you, “Why?”

“You know why, ” 

“I do not plan to run.” He slid it back to you gingerly, although his expression was rather stern. 

“Why?” You asked rather sharply. “Are you really willing to marry me, willing? ” 

Kazuha hesited. He hesitated. 

He seemed to be trying to find the right words, so he started softly: “Although I think that this marriage was rather rushed, I’m very much willing.” Willing to save his clan, that is. 

And you knew that well. 

You scoffed at his reply, reaching for the pouch to push it back to him. And sensing what you were about to do, Kazuha reached for it as well, resulting to the tip of your hands touching, just for a split second. And it was as if an electric spark shocked the both of you. 

You both retracted your hands simultaneously, stilling for a few minutes before clearing your throat and pushing it towards him. 

“I insist,” You said sternly, the incident making Kazuha give in. “You can always keep it for something else, perhaps booze, or Naku weed. Whatever, I don’t care.” You then stood up and left.