#kunikazushi

[madam-kumo]

Don't Leave Me Too!

Kunikazushi x Mother Reader (Platonic)

(CW: Graphic descriptions of Injuries)

PT.1 --- Masterlist

"Take him, I have no need for this one anymore"

The electro archon said as she dropped the boy at near your feet. The poor thing was shaking and his eyes were glossy with tears. You couldn't blame him, he was just betrayed by his mother after all. He looked bruised up and beaten; he must've lost a fight of some kind. "Yes, my lady" was all you could say; you had to say no as you were only a mere Inazuman doctor. "Go on, I don't care for you. Maybe she will have better use for you" The shogun huffed, looking at him from behind when the boy turned around to look her in the eye.

The puppet was holding in tears, the feeling of betrayal and pain hit him like bricks. He couldn't keep it together as tears cascaded down his pale face. He bit his lip to avoid sobbing and annoying his creator more and soon started to walk towards the you at a slow pace. You waited patiently near the door for the small boy, an emotionless expression written on your face.

Deep down, you felt sad for the boy. You knew he didn't want to be in this situation, you knew he wanted to be useful, and you knew he was the angriest you've ever seen him, but you kept your comforting words to yourself and waited for the boy until he reached you and you soon slid open the door with the boy in tow.

The shogun hesitated to turn back around and watch as they leave, why? The puppet was useless. Why did she care? Before she could respond to her thoughts the doctor and the puppet had left her domain.

"You're safe now my dear"

You said softly when the small boy stepped foot into your abode. It was small but peaceful. All of your furniture (or lack there of) was neatly placed around and clean. The corners were lacking of dust and snacks were wrapped on the wooden counter. "What?" He asked, tilting his head in confusion. "That was mostly an act to avoid angering the Shogun" You said while chuckling. That's right, The Shogun, that was her name. He didn't want to call her his mother anymore, so he will just call her creator.

"Right" He said cautiously.

=============================

He had only been with you for a few months and he was practically glued to you. The small boy, who's real name was Kunikazushi, never left your side. He would even sleep next to you to keep nightmares away. He was attached to you and barely ever let you breath. But you didn't need to, not when you had Kuni to take care of.

"Get out of here you freak!" Another boy screamed as they chased Kuni off. Kuni just wanted to help him with his swords. He kept running and running but no matter how much he fled, he felt like the voices just kept getting louder and louder. "Shut up! Shut up!" Kuni repeated in his head over and over until he reached your shared home.

it was as if time stopped. The noise and yelling stopped and everything felt a little better. Kuni looked behind him to see no one in sight. The boy was gone, out of sight. Kuni stepped into the home, his shoulders shaking, trying his best not to cry. His lip quivered and his eyes welled up with tears. His knees gave in an he collapsed on the floor in tears. He started to sob and his tears fell down his face and onto the floor and his lap.

"Kuni?" You asked as you turned the corner. Your eyes widened when you saw the broken boy sobbing into his hands. Rushing to his side, you wrapped your arms around the boy and held him into your chest. He clutched the fabric of your yukata and hid his face further into you, trying to muffle his cries. "Oh...poor thing" You muttered and slowly brushed your fingers through his choppy locks.

Eventually, his cries ceased and he lifted his face from you. You were relieved to see no injuries other than a bruise from him tripping on a branch on the way back. "Please don't abandon me too!" He cried as he sniffed again. Your eyebrows furrowed. "What happened, dear?" You asked worriedly. "Everyone hates me! They think I'm an abomination" He shouts which startled you, but you quickly calmed down; His anger was understandable.

"Kuni... You're not an abomination-". You were interrupted. "But I am! Everyone thinks I am, so why don't you!" Kuni starts yelling once again but you grab his face with your hands. "Kuni... you. are. not. an. abomination" You say seriously and press a kiss to his forehead.

He felt to scared to be embarrassed or retaliate so he just put his head on your lap and closed your eyes, silently begging his subconscious to knock him out. Just as he was about to fall into the planes of sleep, he felt you gently pick him up and wrap him in the futon.

"I'll be back, mother!"

Kuni yelled and waved to you at the door. "Be safe and make sure to be back by dusk!" You yell back from the kitchen as you get the last of your medical supplies restocked and cleaned.

He had started to call you mother only a few weeks ago. You were more a mother than the one that actually brought him into this cursed world. Kuni will and has dedicate his life to protecting you and knows you won't be betraying him any times soon.

So, with that last goodbye, he jogs towards the forest to grab some lavender melons and food for you.

Oh....how he wished he hadn't.

Kuni was proud of himself for finding nearly an entire weeks worth of food. About five fish, a three lavender melons, and some sweet flowers filled his basket and the house slowly reached his view as the sun set behind him.

For some reason, the aura of the home didn't feel as welcome and peaceful as it usually did. It made his heart drop to his stomach. He threw the doors open to see a dark house- no candles lit and everything was broken or scratched. His eyes widened as he noticed a smeared trail of blood leading to your bedroom.

He dropped the basket-to hell with it- and rushed to your room to see through the opened door- a sight he never wanted to see, ever.

There you lay, your eyes wide and full of frozen fear, blood seeping out of your mouth and onto the floor, covered in bruises and scratches, and a large gaping wound in your stomach. It was a horrifying and disgusting sight to the small boy. You stomach was pouring blood into a pool beneath you, it was mostly dry but no less mortifying.

His hands clasped his mouth, trying not to gag as he sobbed and ran towards your body. He lifted you up and held you into his chest as his breathing quickened, his eyes shot wide, and tears ran like waterfalls down his face. "Mother! Mother!" He chanted, begging you to wake up. You can't betray him too. You are his mother- you can't go too, you can't! "Don't leave me!" He sobbed into your bloodied chest, clutching your cold and slightly blue hand in his own.

He continued sobbing into you for hours, until someone walked through the door. "Ah... what a sad sight" A man with bright blue hair and a mask said. "Did you do this!" Kuni accused, pointing his finger at the tall man. "Of course not. Why would I ever do such a thing" He said innocently, even though it didn't reach his smile. "I'm here to make a deal with you, Kunikazushi" His grin became even wider, baring his sharp teeth. The small boy didn't have time to ask questions about how he knew his name. "What the hell do you want! I have nothing left of worth to you." Kuni grunts as he continues grasping your corpse.

"Oh, but you do! I'll return your mother to you- if you agree to join a small experiment of mine..." He snickers. "What is this experiment? And how the hell will you bring her back? She's already gone." Kuni growls, looking the man up and down cautiously. "I have my ways, boy. You have relations to an archon so I wish to test some things out. Oh, where are my manners! I am a scholar from the academia, Il Dottore" He chuckles.

Fuck it. Kuni was too clouded with desperation to question him. Dottore reached his hand out to the boy and he was quick to grasp his hand and shook it, using his other hand to continue holding you; he won't let you go.

"No, not the gnosis!"

Scaramouche yelled in frustration desperately trying to grab the glowing chess piece from the Sumeru archon. The Shouki no Kami started to destruct beneath him and bring him down with it, promptly knocking him down from the archons vicinity. He yells and wails in frustration as he punches the floor. This was his only chance. His only chance to get you back and get revenge on his creator. He's so close to getting what he desperately wants and why this all started in the first place.

Nahida pitied the boy as he slowly turned back into the broken child he once was. He started to sob and desperately tried to grab at the archon, even now that he was so far away from it.

His sobs increased; he felt so hopeless. Once Scaramouche realized there's no hope, he brought his hands to his face and just cried and screamed into his hands. It broke the traveler and Paimon's hearts but they all knew they had to let him get all of the built up anger out of his system.

While crying into his palms, he felt arms slowly wrap around him. He didn't care to look up and he hid his face in their chest. Nahida gasped as did the traveler as they look upon the illuminated figure. You looked so worried for the small boy, just like you did so many years ago. Even centuries later, your arms felt the same.

"Mother!" Kuni yelled for you and you just shushed him and kissed the top of his head.

"I'm right here my child, and I am never leaving you again"

[the-commonplace-book]

angry gremlin boy needs more hugs and to be told that it's okay to cry

[sapphire240400]

Someone here reached Wanderer  Friendship Lv. 6 a while ago- and of course, I needed to draw something about it-

I named him after “Kazuki”

[shishi-gamii]

[kyruolio]

Thinking about my beloved shrimp cap and how he is now immortalized in this painting of scaramouche

[cannottthinkofagoodname]

TW: Puppet body, fake body

Scaramouche/Wanderer/Kabukimono/Kunikazushi fanart

Boy, dose he have a lot of names

I love him as a character and all the lore he brings with him. He is just amazing as a whole. His character arc is fascinating.

I included some head canons, that you I personally find perfect for him.

When he was created, I think Ei didn't include any.... Well *parts* and she intended to leave him genderless, but after waiking Kuni found that he was more comfortable with identifying as male and goes by he/him ( another i really like is Wanderer being a demiboy) Also his Puppet design isn't really how I envision Ei made him, but more like what I personally imagine when hearing Living Doll. It's not functional but so beautiful.

Also that after becoming Wanderer, he has cracks on his face from when he fell. It just has so much angst potential.

[kirbyfigure]

My heart goes out to the artists who draw scaramouche with doll joints

I LOVE YOU GUYS WITH ALL MY HEART PLS KEEP DRAWING HIM LIKE THAT

(Seen below)

[sorryidontexistanymorebyeee]

A quick lil pic I drew of scara

[cannottthinkofagoodname]

So beautiful 💜💜💜💜💜

[izpaimonbubbles]

miko♡♡♡

ei, dear!

kunimooshi

istg.

ei♡♡♡

Yes, Miko?

miko♡♡♡

I love youuu ♡♡♡♡♡☆☆☆☆

°!!!

kunimooshi

gross. ew. i thought u were cool miko

ei♡♡♡

AW, I love you too, miko!

kunimooshi

L

gross stop flirting

bye

kunimooshi has left the chat and blocked you and 1 other

...

[fluffnari]

Hi hii I saw that requests are open and may I request some fluff with Xiao and Kazuha where they take care of their s/o when they’re feeling sick/stressed if that’s ok with you? ^^ (either headcanons or a short scenario like the “Rumor has it” is fine with me!)

Anyways thank youuu and have a good day! :D

Characters: Xiao | Kazuha | Wanderer Comfort | Fluff | Slight Angst Hope you enjoy! Thank you for requesting<3

Something told him that morning something was wrong. To not let you go out on your commissions for the day. But he trusted you when you said, "I'm perfectly fine!"

It was a lie.

The sound of his name being called summons him to a scene he wishes to never see again. You laying on the ground with a group of Fatui members around you, laughing tauntingly at your frail state. Xiao knew for a fact that you normally would be able to handle yourself, this solidified his earlier thoughts.

"Xiao, I'm sorry." You apologize, voice sounded just as frail as you looked. "I didn't feel too well when you asked, but i thought..."

"It's okay, I'm here now."

You look up at him as you're lifted, pulled in tightly into his chest. Worry showed on his handsome features and it made you feel even more bad that it's because of you.

It seemed Xiao knew exactly what you were thinking. "It's important to tell me these things, but don't stress yourself over it. You'll only feel worse."

A soft mattress greets you as he finished talking. He goes as far as to tuck you in, setting up a wet towel and gently placing it onto your forehead. The coolness making you sigh, closing your eyes in relief.

"Let me know what you need, I'll get it."

The sudden stress hit you all at once. It felt like your heartbeat was amplified as it pounded throughout your body as if it was connected to an amp.

Tears fell down without your permission, a lump in your throat that brought on a dull pain there. How did this come about? You were just trying to help, get the job done and over with so that you can return to the ship by the evening.

To return to Kazuha.

The merchant you had to escort was out right rude and unbearable. He took every hit at you that he could, from you you were dressed, talked, looked...by the end of it you just wanted to shut him up.

You hadn't meant for Kazuha to be there and witness it. But when he asked how your commission went, you broke down. His smile fell as he rushed to you, pulling you into a tight hold. You didn't register this at first nor the soft words he whispered into your ear.

Not until your breathing slowed down and your cries turned into sniffles.

"Do you feel better?" he asked softly, hand running through your hair. He feels you nod. "Do you want to talk about it?"

You shake your head. "Can we call it a day and cuddle?"

"Of course," he pulled away, kissing your head. "Whatever happened to make you cry, you're safe now. I'll always be here for you, I love you."

When you didn't show up at the time you agreed upon, he had half a mind to leave without you. Four steps in and he growled in frustration before turning around and heading to where you live.

Who are you to skip out on a plan you made together?

He doesn't knock when entering, just walks right in and takes notice of the unusual silence. Everything looked the same as the day before, as if you hadn't returned home. But that couldn't be it, because when he left, you were home.

Making his way towards your bedroom, he can hear you coughing. It sounded like it hurt with how dry it was. Wanderer is met with the sight of you rolled in your blanket, face looking so pale with shallow breathing.

He froze.

The image reminding him too much of something else, a familiar panic forcing it's way up and making him rush to your side. Fingertips brushing against your skin, it's easy to feel that you have a high fever. You're not up to see him fret over you, collecting everything he needs as a wet towel is placed on your head.

You whisper the name you gave him, his eyes connecting with your tired ones. A weak smile on your lips, the sight calming him down some. You were just sick, and once you're well enough you will be back to annoying him. Good.

"Just rest, i got you."

[madam-kumo]

Back and Here to Stay

(Probably should've put this sooner but major spoiler warnings)

Kunikazushi x Mother Reader (platonic)

PT.2 of Don't Leave Me Too!

"Mother!"

Scara shouts as he looks up from your chest. So many emotions were clear in his eyes. Anger, sadness, grief, but there was a spark of relief and pure happiness in his irises. Tears continue to run down his face in globs as he looks upon your illuminated form. He sniffs while rubbing his face with his hands.

"Why did you leave me?!" He yells in anger, though, his arms betray him and his arms grow tighter around you. "I know you're angry with me Kuni. But we need to get you out of here and taken care of". He was to tired and injured to retort and just collapsed in your arms; he was still awake- but barely.

You turn around to look the archon in the eye. "Thank you for helping him, Lesser Lord Kusanali" You praise the girl. A sweet smile appears on her face and she carefully steps over to you and Kuni. "We need to get him out of here. If I may ask, please pick him up". You nod and gently pick up the small boy. He hides him head in your chest, no longer wanting to see the outside world, wishing more to fall asleep in your arms and stay with his mother, and only his mother.

"A letter from the Dendro Archon" An attendant held out the letter to Ei. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Why would Kusanali be reaching out to her. They barely interacted as their nations were too far apart to do so.

Ei hesitantly accepted the letter from the attendant before sending him away. Why was she so scared to open the letter? She had a weird feeling that this letter was something she didn't wish to see.

She ripped the green seal off of the envelope and left it to fall on the ground. Ei slowly red the note. Nahida had taken her son, no, her creation into her care and told her in case she had any words to say to him.

Her heart dropped to her stomach as she red the note over and over again. She completely forgot Kabukimono was even one of her creations. Ei had given him away so long ago. Just hearing his name makes her want to forget all over again but he was useless to eternity. She shouldn't care... right? So, why does she?

Would Makoto want her to let him go or to bring him back? If she brought the puppet back, he would fight her. And she didn't want to harm one of her own creations. She can't hurt her own creations.

"You seem quite conflicted don't you, Ei?" Yae Miko teased behind her. "What do you want Yae" Ei said harshly. "Oh, so angry! I was just stating a simple thing" Yae giggles at the angry goddess. Her chuckling dies down once she realizes the gravity of the situation. The shrine maidens face turns serious.

"You know better than anyone that you were the one to let him go and abandon him.". That word: Abandon. It played in her mind like a broken radio. His broken and betrayed eyes still haunted her like a ghost.

"So what the hell do you want me to do...." Ei mutters to herself begrudgingly. "Give up on this dumb guilt of yours and let him move on, you did that to Makoto after all- so why can't you do it now".

She wanted to smack that grin off of the fox's face but held back and reluctantly agreed.

After a few days, Kuni had woken up, and like before- refused to leave your side and was attached to you at the hip. He had brought you to Irminsul to help Nahida gather data on a topic that he had not informed you of. Because it was you he wasn't telling it to, it was probably for a good reason.

And there you stood, behind Kuni and next to Traveler and his floating companion. You and the other ladies had been having a conversation in your mind. "How did he turn out this way in the first place?" Paimon asked, scratching her head in confusion. You sighed but answered "Revenge is a blinding goal, it changes people for the worst". "How come every conversation is good when I'm not in it" Kuni interrupted your conversation.

A glowing branch suddenly appeared in front of the boy. "Anonymous date?" Kuni muttered, looking cautiously at the packet of information. "Hey! Remember to share it with us!" Paimon squealed while throwing her fists in the air. "Shush!" Kuni says harshly. Visions of Tatarasuna flash in past his eyes like a projector, allowing you and the traveler to see it as well.

The story of Niwa betraying your son never sit right with you. Niwa just never seemed like that kind of person; he was always so sweet and kind to you and your son- welcoming Kuni with open arms. Kuni had also buried something in your backyard but when you asked- Kuni never answered. At that point, you probably didn't want to know.

Once Nahida had finished her summary of what had happened, Kuni balled his fists and gritted his teeth, cursing the fatui member under his breath. "Kuni..." You mutter his name, but before you could touch his shoulder, Nahida told you to give him a moment.

Moments had past before Kuni pushed you away from him and grabbed the travelers hand, creating a shield. You only saw them hold hands for a few minutes before the shield dispersed. "I only thanked him for helping me" He said to Paimon. Kuni turned around and made an opening into the Irminsul tree. "Kuni, what are you doing?" You asked, panic increasing in your voice.

He hesitated before coming over and wrapping his arms around you. "Don't wait for me" He whispered in your ear and soon launched himself from his place and into the opening of the tree. "W-where did he go!" Paimon shouted while you looked around frantically.

"I don't know how he did that with so little power, but what I do know is that you three have to get out of here now" Nahida commanded, and you knew better than to question here.

You had been pacing in the inn for hours at this point desperately trying to find an answer for where your son had run off to. You had already cried and begged Nahida and the traveler to find your son, but they had no answers. As a response, you had isolated yourself in your room.

You two had already been separated for hundreds of years. Being separated again was the last thing you wanted!

You had no reason for sleep or food as ,ever since you came back, you felt no fatigue when it came to normal human needs; It was strange to get used to but you delt with it none the less.

The archon and traveler were very concerned about your wellbeing but they knew better than to bother you. After all, now they have a wanderer to take care of.

A knock broke you out of your deranged state, Nahida had only checked on you once and hadn't bothered you since, so why now? You sigh but open the door anyway, knowing it was probably important. You hesitantly open the door. Your eyes widen and you throw the door open wider to throw your arms around the smaller boy.

"Kuni!"

You yell into his shoulder as you hold him. You wanted to slap him for leaving you without answers but that could wait. You felt him wrap his arms around you. He sighed into you and relaxed in your arms.

"Where have you been!?" You ask between sobs.

"That will be told later, but know that I'm back and here to stay, mother"

-----------------

Tag list: @swivy123

[ventisweetheart]

Its okay to cry

✧Xiao, Wanderer, Childe headcanons

Navigation Masterlist

✧ A/n: Consider this my apology for scaring you with all those Arabic messages. (Requested by @sweet-almonds) Also, credits to the person who made the gif

✧ Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, a little angst ig? Really just them comforting the reader. Reader is GN.

✧Xiao

Doesn't know how to comfort well

He has this fear that he might accidentally say or do something that makes the situation worse

He won't be much of a talker in this situation but he will allow you to cry in his shoulder if you want

I can see him holding you and murmuring 'its okay' against the top of your head

He hates hearing you cry because it reminds him of the tears he has once shed in his his past, whether it would be of pain, loss, or sadness

He will try his best to put a smile on your face again, if you want to go out or do something, he will be more than willing to take you

Also, he is a really good listener

✧Wanderer

Also is not the best at comfort but, is a little better than Xiao

He could give good words of small advice since, he has been through a thing or too

Would let you sit on his lap while you vent to him

He'll guide your head to his chest and maybe hum you a tune if you're lucky since he knows he doesn't have a heart, a song is the closest thing to a beat

He might even praise you a little depending on the situation at hand, not too much though

He'll talk about how grateful he is to have you or how cute you look today while he wipes your tears away :)

✧Childe

Believe it or not he gets really defensive at first, saying things like 'who hurt you' or 'give me the names'

But if it's not something regarding that matter he will get softer

I can see him picking you up bridal style, carrying you to the bed. He would get you all comfy, like getting your favorite snacks, a movie/show, getting you tucked in, ect. Then, he would come back to bed with you

Would let you lay on his chest for as long as you want

He'll make sure to give you lots of kisses and head pats

You can talk about whatever is going through your mind and he would listen with no interruptions

[cybersp4c3]

Hi there, same anon who did the doll collector thing back with more.

When I said doll I actually just meant how he is in game since he's a puppet so he's the same size.

This works with both Kabukimono and Kunikazushi. Poor puppet Kabukimono who was just abandoned and looking for a purpose would have plenty to do with me. He'd make the perfect little cock sleeve and addition to my collection. He'd be so eager to serve, all that I'd need to do is corrupt his mind with my cock. Make him swallow it so far down his throat that it takes over his mind and he finally realizes that he doesn't need oxygen.

Kunikazushi would take some more convincing but that's okay, nothing a few ropes and some nice love from my cock won't fix <3. He'd be so fucked dumb that he'd know this was his true purpose, he'd know his only job was to serve up his holes like a cute doll. His pussy would be so full of cum and would feel so empty without my cock.

He needs to be brainwashed

[jubi-liana]

Genshin Spoilers or whatever...

BUT

It's so funny that crack ship Scaramouche/Kazuha suddenly became rooted in Genshin Impact. Long story short:

A) Scaramouche was behind Kaedehara clan fall from grace.

B) Kaedehara adopted son of Niwa - who was Scaramouche friend (the guy that found him and then died while protecting fandango boy). Which was why Scara spared Kazuha's ancestor.

I never shipped Scara/Kazuha but now I'm quite excited to see how their story will unfold.

[goroaix]

Hair like silk, face like a siren.

Scaramouche x gn reader. Spoilers for his name. Kind of naïve reader (?)

He could hardly remember the last time that he had spoken to someone who wasn't a fellow wanderer. He had traversed the lands of Narukami island a thousand times, had seen every cave and minute crack in the cliff walls. Every thing that has made up the island was engrained in his memory and he was cursed never to forget any of it.

After all, he was the shadow of the archon that ruled over it.

Kunikazushi had forgotten the sound of his own voice, of anything beyond his meaningless walk as he went to and fro with no purpose or meaning. What was a puppet like him useful for if he failed at his inert purpose? These thoughts were the only thing that rattled in his head, that repeated themselves to him day in and day out. What else did he know other than wandering?

He sat in the boat, his knees drawn up to his chin, and he stared at the endless expanse of ocean that was in front of him, distant strikes of lightning hitting the water and sending currents of electro to all living brings underneath the epicentre.

He caught sight of his reflection and he turned his head, not wanting to see the dark void in place of pupils. Everything that made him up was useless, empty and decrepit.

The waves sloshed against the hull of the boat and he forced himself to row, to row row and row until he reached the shore of the next island and then to walk, walk, walk so that he was surrounded by something unfamiliar.

The air was cooler, more dense with cold than with memories. He found himself moving with slightly more vigour, something almost akin to excitement as he made his way through this new land and thought of what to do. Kunikazushi doubted he would find another meaning to his creation, but he could stave off the heartache with distractions.

The night turned to sunshine over the course of his movements, his shoes dirtied by mud and grime that had accumulated over days of toil. He slipped them off of his feet and stared down at himself once more. There was no difference to his face, doomed to eternal youth, but his hair had grown longer and his lips had lost their ability to curve upwards.

So lost was he in his owj countenance, that he barely registered the sound of footsteps and of someone calling out to him. "Mister, excuse me, Mister?"

He turned his head, seeing a young person make their way towards him with something in their hand and a spark in their eyes. "Yes?" To him, his voice was croaky and unpleasant from disuse.

"You have beautiful hair. I wanted to know if you have any advice for keeping it so lovely."

He had nice hair? Well, that was news to him also.

"I do not do anything to it."

"Really? Not even lavender melon juice?"

His eyebrows pinched together slightly. "No."

"Oh."

They didn't move and he didn't say anything else. "You are also quite beautiful. It's not often we have people come through the village."

His mouth opened but no words came out. Beautiful? Was that something that could be used to describe him?

"A village?"

"Mhm. Most people go straight to the gorge or the main plaza, but not here. I thought I would come by and ask anyway."

"Oh." He picked up a strand of his hair between his fingers.

They poked their cheek with their tongue and he followed the movement.

"Mister? If it's not too much, may I plait your hair?" They rocked slightly on their heel and he realised that they must not have been very used to others. They looked around their early twenties. "You don't need to agree if you are uncomfortable."

"Go ahead," he said without conscious choice, words leaving his lips before he was ready. "Do as you please."

And so they did, sitting behind him with the object in their hand revealing itself to be a brush made out of maple wood. Their hand was light and their touch delicate, making sure not to tug too hard on his head as they smoothed out the knots and the stray pieces.

Kunikazushi kept his eyes on his reflection, staring at each little change and watching as they braided two strands from his temples to the back of his head. It was a design he had never considered for himself.

"Your hair is like silk," they murmured and he found his shoulders slumping at their touch, a soft sigh leaving him. "Mister, what is your name?"

And he continued to stare, seeing their hands brush hair away from his ears and redo whatever braid wasn't perfect. "It is Kunikazushi," he said simply.

"I've never heard that name before." He didn't think anyone had.

He found he enjoyed the fingers against his scalp, the interaction of another being something that made him feel lighter than before, like his arms were his to move around. They ran the brush through his hair once more before getting up with a satisfied 'hmph'. "There, all done! Thank you so much."

His unspoken thought hung in the air as he moved his gaze from the river to them, and nodded.

You have made me look beautiful.