𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝑰𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 || 𝑲𝒂𝒛𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒙𝑲𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒌𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒐

𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲

The sun begins to rise over the horizon and illuminate the area with an orange hue.With that same small smile, Kabukimono would turn his gaze heavenward. His eyes shined with immense gratitude. But he couldn't help but to feel the heavy feeling of uncertainty dwell on his heart.

"Kazuha, Your offer is full of dedication, I dare not refuse it. But.." He paused and took a breath. "Can I trust the purity in your words?" Kabukimono whispered.

He hesitantly took a step back and fidgeted with fingers, twisting them, turning them, in all sorts of ways. He looked back at Kaedehara, his small smile now slowly turning into a frown. His expression dulled and heartsick.

Kabukimono sighed. "Would someone like yourself offer friendship, just like that, perhaps to anyone?" Clear disbelief could be heard in his shaky voice.

Kazuha would let out a small chuckle. The grin plastered on his face did nothing but grow softer upon further listening to Kabukimono's doubts.

"Kabukimono, you must understand that you're not just anybody, now are you?" Kazuha said. His voice seemed more subdued for Kabukimono's own comfort.

Kaedehara's voice was like a soothing melody to him. It could make Kabukimono's heart dance in his chest if it wanted to.

"Then in your eyes, what makes you think I'm worthy of your companionship?" Kabukimono asked. His voice gradually grew quieter as he spoke.

Kaedehara hummed a soft and gentle melody. He rested a hand on Kabukimono's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. All in an effort to ease his tension. Kazuha's comforting smile never faded. Indeed, he couldn't help but smile in Kabukimono's presence.

"Well, to me, it's as clear as the wind." Kaedehara said.

Kabukimono tilted his head to the side.

"In many ways, I see a glimpse of my past self in you...delicate, sensitive, eager to please." Kaedehara continued.

"And not only that, you've felt the weight of fear and loss hang on your heart, as if it was never ending.." Kazuha said as he crossed his arms.

Kazuha let out a soft sigh and turned his head to the greenery that lay below their feet. Kabukimono placed a hand on his chest and looked at Kazuha with that same frown. He could tell behind Kaedehara's comforting gaze was an undying pain that he never got over.

"It's torturous, isn't it?" Kaedehara said with low, tired eyes.. But with that unfaltered smile of his.

Kabukimono's jaw clenched as he held his doll closer. He remained silent for a moment, feeling his heart ache.

"Very.." Kabukimono replied.

Kazuha nodded slightly and looked back at Kabukimono.

"As I thought.." Kaedehara's expression shifted into one of slight seriousness. "You don't deserve to be alone."

Kabukimono squeezed the doll in his arms, the soft fabric pressing against his chest. A light breeze gently making his veil sway with the windy motion.

"Then.. I trust you and believe you when you say you want to gift me with your companionship." Kabukimono said with sureness in his voice.

He let out a soft breath, "But I don't accept your pity, Kazuha." Kabukimono said.

Kazuha chuckled softly and nodded. "Then do not expect it from me. Instead, expect...compassion." Kazuha smiled.

"Then I will expect such." The corners of Kabukimono's mouth curving upwards, "Now, let us go forth, Kazuha."

"On to find a new adventure." Kaedehara finished.