AN: I just saw the glitch where Kazuha has a gap in his teeth when he smiles. I couldn’t help myself.
Tags: Drabble, Fluff, Bullying mention, no Paimon, GN Reader
Characters: Kazuha, Gaming, Kaveh.
The sun is setting as your small group of misfit adventurers sit around a small fire. The crackle and pop of wood and the fat and grease of frying fish hiss and stoke the flames. Kaveh is detailing some shenanigans he had gotten into while trying to explore and inspect the inner structure of a temple in Liyue earlier today as you listen attentively while sewing up a rip in one of your bags. A natural storyteller you can’t help the grin on your lips as he laughs detailing the close shave he had with a boobytrap.
Gaming heartily laughs, “Oh man those things are no joke. Just take me with you next time! I’m not called the gold standard guard for nothing.” The two start up an animated discussion about one thing or another and you rise moving a few paces away to stretch your stiff limbs
“Tired?” Sparing a look across the camp to follow the gentle voice you see Kazuha leaning against a nearby tree. He’s giving you his signature close eyed small smile.
You walk over to your fellow wanderer and at his tap of his hand on the grass next to him you sit happily. You lay back, hands behind your head as a pillow. “Exhausted. But the good kind.”
He hums in response, his eyes returning to the boughs of the tree and its golden leaves. “As the moon rises. Only the crickets and breeze, make a lullaby.”
You look over, you flash him a toothy grin, “Was that a Haiku?”
He gives a soft laugh, his hand moving to cover his mouth. “Not a proper one. I would need more time to think, to truly impress.”
You give a quiet laugh at the five, seven, five syllable playful speech patterns. You're watching him cover his lower face hiding his smile from you. Only to remove his hand when he has the closed mouth small smile you always see. Tilting your head slightly, you mention curiously. “You know I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile with your teeth.”
Kazuha looks at you in surprise at the comment. His fluffy cream colored hair rolls down his shoulders in waves now that his ponytail is loose. He looks thoughtful for a moment. His tone is careful as he replies. “Is that so?”
You lean up on your elbows to see him better. He looks a little embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
He shakes his head then stares into the distance, his mind far away in Inazuma. “I didn’t realize I was still doing that.” At your curious look he continues, his voice far off sounding. “I used to be teased pretty mercilessly for the gap in my front teeth.” He manages to give a breathy laugh, “Typical childish things. I guess I started covering it up then.”
He’s surprised by the sad look on your face when he glances over at your silence. “I’m sorry Kazuha, you didn’t deserve that. Kids are cruel, if it wasn’t that they would pick something else. How someone walks or what they weigh.” You look over and give him a wide grin, “What I mean is, I hope I get to see you smile wide someday. I’m sure it’s wonderful.”
Your friend flushes. His hand comes up as he returns your happy expression. He pauses for a moment as the gears shift in his mind. Then letting it fall he gives you the brightest grin with the gap between his front teeth exposed. His adorable expression makes you happily flush, “Cute.” the word whispered out before you can stop it. You stare at each other for a while just enjoying the gentle warm breezes and the soft scent of qingxin flowers.
The spell of the moment is broken as Gaming calls happily, “Guys foods done! Come and get it!”