Work Text:
Ayaka hugged him, burying her face into his back. He tried to think of anything in his mind that would make his incoming blush disappear. Nothing worked.
“Ayaka. “ He spoke, trying to sound intimidating. His face still burned. “Please.”
“Don’t go. Stay in Inazuma". She hugged him tighter. “Stay with me.”
No, this wasn’t the plan. He was supposed to use her, she wasn’t supposed to fall in love, he wasn't supposed to-
“You don’t deserve someone like me.” He gripped her hands. Oh how badly he wanted to give in. What started as a means to advance his plans bloomed into more like the sakura in Inazuma City, more beautiful than the ones at the Great Narukami Shrine. “You do not know what I have done.”
How cruel I can be. What I am .
He expected her hug to loosen from this. It didn’t.
“Little Heron, let me go. It’s for your own good.”
She stopped hugging him, and he turned, only to see her eyes filled with tears to be shed. Such a sight on another would unphase him. But Ayaka... Ayaka made him want to pull her into his arms, and never let go.
But she loved Kunikuzushi, a kind stranger that she was willing to help, who happened to also be a handsome young man. She didn’t love Scaramouche, a manipulative man, the failed puppet wanting vengeance against his creator. If he told her everything, it would break her heart. Her eyes that were filled with kindness would be replaced by hatred, and she would scold herself for being foolish, for falling into a former Harbinger’s arms so easily.
And yet, he gave in, pulling her close. He hugged her tightly as she did him, and she began to lightly sob, her figure shaking, as she hugged him tightly once again.
Kunikuzushi, would tell her that she would find someone else. But Scaramouche was a part of Kunikuzushi, and Scaramouche was selfish.
“My little heron. Would you truly have someone as imperfect as me to be by your side?” A tighter, almost possessive embrace. He put his hand behind her head, protective. “Even if Inazuma has much more capable individuals falling at your feet?”
She pulled away slightly. She looked at him, smiling. Her tears began to fade, and yet, he still wiped the residue off her cheeks.
“Of course.” She blushed deeply, raising her hand to embrace his face. “I may be inexperience in love, Kunikuzushi, but I would love to experience it all with you.” Her smile was shy, but bright. “If you will allow me.”
Oh, how could he say no? Not when a chance of happiness stared him in the face, not when he would experience something that had been denied of him so many times.
“Then you will have all of me, Ayaka.” With a kiss to the crown of her head, he sealed his promise.
I will have to keep some secrets from you. But with you, I can allow my fears and lies to melt away. Please forgive me, my little heron, but do know that my love for you is and will always be true.