𝙻𝚘𝚌𝚔 𝙻𝚞𝚌𝚔 || Hyakkimaru

•|| flared ||•

Time is gold, as what it was said according to one of those hackneyed sayings. It is a simple proverb expressing how time is the same value of gold. On the contrary, gold cannot be used in exchange for time, which sends an obvious flaw to this little well-known line. If time can be bought by gold, clearly, I wouldn't be left with any sort of regret from my past – I do own a few golden jewelries as a gift from my parents after all. As much as I found no good use on flashy accessories, I feared having to face the wrath of my dad when he finds out I had sold my golden shit to the pawnshop for the sake of becoming a millionaire.

In any case, it is without a doubt that time is invaluable. Having to compare the unstopping flow of time with mere gold is something completely absurd. With that in mind, I would of course do in my utmost capability to avoid having to waste time.

"Alright, Hyakkimaru. Repeat after me." I drawled out, patting both of his built shoulders with both my hands as he remained seated on a boulder, staring curiously with his prosthetic orbs. I then proceeded to retrieve a hand before pointing a finger towards his chest. "You're Hyakkimaru."

"I'm Hyakkimaru." The raven-haired male mumbled out, staring intently at my visage as I nodded delightedly from approval, pleased.

I proceeded to point a finger at my direction. "And I am (Y/N)." I stated enthusiastically, await my name to slip from his lips. "I am who?" I urged the long-haired male to continue, giddily hoping for him to say my name. And, bam! I'm home.

"You're... who..." Hyakkimaru mumbled out, tilting his head slightly resembling an innocent child. As I much as I found it quite charming, damn this boy is stupid.

While I was already mentally screaming in frustration, tempted to do it in actuality, I resorted to heaving out a long sigh, knowing too well that I cannot blame the pale-skinned teen. I am aware of how he has lived the past sixteen years of his life after all.

"Forget it." I grumbled quietly under my breath, slumping my shoulders languidly as I dropped to sit beside Hyakkimaru, sharing the little bit of space on the rough surface of the boulder. "I'll try again tomorrow."

Engulfed in silence, a cold breeze wished past us, leaving an icy sensation leaving goose bumps in my skin. The cool winter air left me hugging my knees close and rubbing my palms in a feeble attempt for a bit more warmth. I sure hope winter will end soon.

Catching a glance of Hyakkimaru from my peripheral vision, I found his gazing curiously at my actions, a sight I had gotten quite used to for the entirety I had spent with him. His child-like ignorance was adorable enough to make me chuckle at times, and funny enough to send me laughing my butt off in a few rare occasions.

"Aren't you cold, Hyakkimaru?" I questioned, my (e/c) hues locking with his prosthetic ones. The said male merely hums in response, a rather vague response which I cannot distinguish from yes and no. I knitted my eyebrows in confusion, but decided not to prod any further as I may annoy the ebony-haired male.

I would have normally bugged him for hours with my constant, persistent pleas to state my name. After all, that is how I am able to get what I desire from my best friend – through loud, relentless whining. However, learning that Hyakkimaru had grown to care the slightest at my existence, I wouldn't want to cut off the newly tied string of concern he had for me. I can't go back to phase one, my dudes.

While I was boredly formulating a few plans to trick Hyakkimaru into saying my name, waiting for Dororo's return from a nearby village to gather a few information for our travel, I was quite taken aback at Hyakkimaru's lean arms slipping past my shoulders.

I had snapped out of my idle state of mind at the small gesture, shooting up. "What the–?"

"You looked cold." Hyakkimaru mumbled out unabashedly, pulling my body closer towards his, a comforting warmth engulfing me as our clothed skin pressed against each other, the searing sensation making blood rush to my cheeks due to embarrassment.

"Y-you don't need to, Hyakkimaru." A stutter escaped my lips as I attempted to wiggle myself out of his hold. As much as it was indeed warming up quite a bit, I am not one to find comfort in such an intimate proximity with a man. I swear to Sirius Black's twelve years in Azkaban that this guy needs to work on his clueless head.

"But, I want to." The black-haired male insisted, pressing his forehead against mine, enough for our noses to touch against each other. Should I headbutt him right here and right now for getting in my personal bubble?

I will have to admit that Hyakkimaru is indeed a good-looking man. I cannot deny how much of an endearing sight it is to have to observe his pale features up close, and his raven locks creating a perfect contrast with his light-toned skin. Although his macchiato orbs are nothing but artificial, it didn't make his beauty falter, not one bit.

Sighing, I gradually relaxed to his touch, allowing my arms to find its way past Hyakkimaru's waist, bashfully returning the gesture. Odd. I believe I had never embraced anyone from the opposite gender, excluding my father. It feels quite different from hugging a close-knit female friend.

"Oh~? Should I perhaps return later?" Hearing the familiar teasing tone of Dororo's vocals, I had immediately pulled away from the warm embrace, pushing Hyakkimaru away by the shoulders as I kept him a good arm's length. "Too late. I saw everything~."

"Shut up, Dororo! That... that was!" Panic and fluster was clearly visible from flared cheeks along with my tied up tongue, stuttering as my arms wouldn't quit from flailing randomly. "I was just cold, alright!"

"Sure. Whatever swings your way." A chuckle escaped Dororo's lips, seemingly unimpressed with my as-a-matter-of-fact excuse. It was true! "In any case, let's go. We should look for a place to stay in before night falls."

Grumbling under my breath, I stomped my way by Dororo's side, still feeling quite discomfited from being caught from such an embarrassing scene. Curious, I stole one glance from Hyakkimaru, seeing his completely unfazed features as he trodded from behind us. Huffing bitterly, I can't help but envy his composure, likely due to his ignorance.

On the other hand...

Glancing at Dororo's short profile, I didn't fail to notice the mischievous glint from her coffee pools along with the teasing smirk plastered across her features.

I surely won't hear the end of it from this child.