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

Waking up within the Natsutei Clan’s abode always felt like a fever dream to Kazuha. He’d sometimes sit up in a daze, staring off into space, reminiscing about the bittersweet memories of his clan.

He thinks a lot about whether or not the outcome would’ve been different if he stayed with his father, breaking his promise, yet truly fulfilling his role as the Kaedehara Clan’s last son.

He often tries to shake it off, knowing that he should only focus on the present and not the past. What’s done has been done, he could only hope to actually make a difference to attain the future he desired. 

But a question still stood: Is marrying for the sake of his clan the future that he wanted?

He always had to ask himself this question whenever he woke up. And internally, he knew that settling down with a family was the last of his priorities.

Even you seemed to think so, considering that you offered him so much mora last night. You seemed eager about him keeping it too, maybe thinking that he’ll one day change his mind. But he won’t. 

He won’t be selfish, that’s what it meant to be the clan head. Self-sacrifice. 

Clank!

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud sound that seemed to come from the garden’s porch. Worried that someone might be hurt, he hurried to see what the commotion was, only to see that it was you laying on the grass floor on your stomach with a sword in hand. 

Momentarily perplexed, his eyes wandered to the training dummies scattered across the floor, then to the sword that was clearly incompatible with your physique.

His observation and lack of action led to you beating him with helping yourself up, which he intended to do seeing as he was extending his arm for you to reach, but you really were just stubborn. “What’re you looking at?”

You muttered in a fiery tone, a helpless attempt to conceal your embarrassment, which Kazuha could quickly pick up. 

Unbothered by your rather rude outburst, he chose to point out something about your weapon. “Your sword is too heavy,”

“What?” 

“Custom swords are forged to help accommodate the physique of its wielder. This one is hindering you from truly reaching your potential since the blade is too thick,” He unsheathed his sword, holding it before you to take. “Here.” 

Y

ou reluctantly took the sword from his grasp, feeling the shift in weight. This sword was much lighter than yours, probably easier to swing.

You tightened your hold and pierced through the air, slicing here and there, checking his statement, which appeared to be true. It was much easier for you to perform in combat with this rather than the heavy one you found in the shed. 

“Not bad, but your technique could use some practice.” He commented whilst walking behind you, which you assumed was so he could watch you better, but you realized you were wrong when he placed his hand on your waist.

“Your posture is too stiff so your slashes are a bit awkward,” He then proceeded to place his hand on your wrist, adjusting the way you held the sword.

“Holding it this way will improve your grip.” You felt his breath fan your neck, making you freeze in surprise. 

“And you–” You could feel the warmth of his fingertips seep through the cloth of your clothes . His grip on your waist and wrist was firm yet so, so tender.

It rendered you speechless, with no room to move, and Kazuha’s words sounded like white noise to your ears, losing out of focus. It was only when he called you that you realized you were zoning out, “Natsutei-san?” 

You turned your head to look at him, giving him a look, which made him raise his brow in return, not getting it at first, but he quickly retracted his hands when he realized. 

“Apologies.” He said meekly. “That was rude of me, I’ll ask for your permission next time. ”

You said nothing in reply, opting to continue to apply his advice, but halted at the sound of someone’s voice, which happened to be the head maid’s.

“My lady!” The said maid cried, rushing to you in panic, making you drop the sword. “Oh, what would Natsutei-sama say if she saw you? You know how much she hates it when you try and train with a sword! You should be inside managing the clan affairs, Natsutei-sama surely wouldn’t like this.” 

She hailed from a bloodline that served your clan for generations, naturally making her the head female servant. She watched you grow and naturally knew what your mother wanted you to do and not do.

She was only following orders so you understood, but sometimes you wish that she knew when it was appropriate to disobey. 

Kazuha gave you a questioning look, which you gave no answer to, only choosing to gaze at the maid with a slightly pensive expression.

“Yua,” You started softly, carefully choosing your words to have this act of ‘mischief’ of yours be left unsaid. “You know well that I’ve long given up learning sword techniques. I’ve sworn an oath,” You said solemnly, as if fully dispersing your former venomous edge. 

“But you were–”

“Holding a sword earlier? It’s actually my betrothed's sword, he was just showing me how well the blade was forged. Isn’t that right, love?”

“That’s,” He stopped mid-sentence, which he only continued when he felt your gaze flicker towards him, your fiery temperament made apparent with the way you glared. “Correct.”

“Well,” Pursing her lips. “I suppose that’s understandable since she’ll also soon be a part of your clan. But Lord Kaedehara, you really shouldn’t be allowing her to hold a sword, it’s against her mother’s wishes.”

“You needn’t worry, I’ll be sure to remember that.”

“Much appreciated.” She brought the training dummies back to where they were before saying: “A tailor will be coming this afternoon to measure your wedding robes, be sure to finish your meal by then.” She stood up and bowed. “I will be off.”

You both watched her leave.