Chapter Text
Three days have passed since the quarrel between Kazuichi and Gundham. Whenever they had a chance to explore the island or were gathered around at the restaurant, Gundham never uttered a word to him or even eye at him. A few glances from the Overlord were caught but he would quickly turn away and hum disappointedly. He felt like he needed to talk to him again, but how exactly? It's more likely that Gundham will shun him away once again. But then again... Gundham seemed like in a frenzy that day. So it was best for Kazuichi to give him some space. Yeesh... This is giving him a headache and a bunch of worries! He just hopes Mikan doesn't see him worry over his personal problems, because he looked like a goose that could honk out a scream at the moment. "GAAAAAAHHHH! WHAT THE FUUUCK!!!" Welp there he goes. It sounded like a cry for help rather than an outburst. However, this caught the attention of a particular somebody. "Kazuichi?" That voice. The voice that sounded like smooth, velvety buttermilk. The girl who Kazuichi was swooning over for was he— "Kazuichi!" Sonia clicked her fingers, Kazuichi was daydreaming again. "Oh! Miss Sonia... Uh.. Hey!" He adjusted his beanie and unruffled his hair, boy he always needed to make an impression towards Sonia Nevermind... "What brings you here...? On a fine day like this...!" A smile doodled on his face, but that smile was only just a squiggly scribble. "It is not a fine day! ...Well, for you at least it isn't." HUH?! She can see right through him!? Ah gee... This is embarassing! "Huh!? W-What are you talking about..? The weather's all nice and sunny!" His eye twitched, from nervousness. A wide, toothy grin on his face to hide away that shame and he couldn't forget the thumbs up of assurement! "You know what I meant. Do not hide away your feelings!" Miss Sonia... Agh— Sonia, caring for his wellbeing? Usually she would distance from him by now! "Ah! Fine! You happy now?" His lips quivered, a softened gaze appeared on Sonia's face "I am not happy if you are not happy! Please do tell me, what seems to be troubling you? I have heard your cry for help and I could not help but worry..." NOO! Sonia was frowning, because of him?? "Uh... Well. You've probably heard what had happened between me and... Well... Gundham." A small chuckle escaped his throat, a slight dry one. Sonia simply just hummed, "I see... Gundham has been avoiding you for that particular reason?" Her head tilted out of curiosity "I— Yeah... Pret-ty much." He groaned, he felt vulnerable right in front of Miss Sonia! Plus, Gundham might've told her the context either way Kazuichi was screwed. "No need to fret, I could help for that matter!" Kazuichi stopped overthinking, those words hand some sincerity laced in it. "Really?! I mean are you sure? I don't wanna involve you in a situation like this!" Man he was feeling guiltier by the second... "I know you were fighting with Gundham because of me, but I do not like it when I see someone who is obviously upset! So please, allow me to help!" She proudly and confidently beamed, she wasn't being too snobbish at all! Has heaven sent their angels?! "I don't understand... W-Why are you caring for me right now? Usually you'd be so distant!" "I'm quite distant towards you because you reek... Please... Wash that jumpsuit of yours after this... It's very pungent..." "GAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! MISS SOOONIAAA!" Dammit he was roasted by the Ultimate Princess out of all people! "Allow us to walk through Central Park while we chat about this, if we wander around then our thoughts could be more brighter!" Good thinking. Gooood thinking! Kazuichi nodded his headed in agreement and followed Sonia.
"Miss Sonia—" "Please, call me Sonia. There is no need to be formal about it. Besides... I'd rather be treated normally than respected as royalty." Sonia briefly interrupted his words "Ah! Uh... Sonia, how will you help me with this...? I was just being a major dickhead towards Gundham!" He looked at her sheepishly "Mm.. Even though you are a 'dickhead', I can assure you that you are attempting to try and resolve this." Maaaan... His hopes are down "Is it something I said...?" A confused face and a head tilt was given "Uh nono! It was just the dickhead part that's all..." He scratched the back of his neck "Ah! I do apologize! I am not educated on those terms yet! However, let us not get sidetracked..." Sonia paused, her palm resting on her chin expressing a thoughtful emotion. That reassured Kazuichi a little at least... "So I assume for the past three days, you gave Gundham space... And now you are onto the stage where both of you shy away from talking to eachother..." Kazuichi intently nodded "Hm, perhaps... I could arrange some plans.. What do you think of confronting Gundham and I accompany you! How does that sound?" "Err... I don't think that'll work considering the last time I did that with Hajime..." "Hmm..." The two were stumped for a moment, until a lightbulb floated above Sonia's head. "Perhaps you should write a letter to Gundham, put it inside his mailbox!" Kazuichi panicked "Eh?! But... Wouldn't he know it was from me??" "No need to worry! It doesn't have to be written by you! It could be anonymous, so that the reader cannot know your identity! Arrange a meeting anywhere else!" Kazuichi's face lightened, hopeless turned into hope-more. "That's the spirit! Now... Let's write a letter for Gundham! Oh and I forgot to ask, should I accompany you during this meeting? I think it would be helpful if any bickering happens." "Are you sure? I don't want you to get heavily involved with this..." "Kazuichi, by all means necessary. I want to help out a friend of mine! We help eachother!" She smiled. Kazuichi was internally happy at this point. "THANKYOUTHANKYOU THANK YOU!!!" Kazuichi unexpectedly gave her a hug, Sonia chuckled lightly.
They were in Kazuichi's cottage, he searched for something straight away. A sheet of paper. Hmm... Ah there it was! A small, scruffy notepad that he used during mechanic appointments back then laid on his bedroom desk. "Hmm.. It's too small to write on. Here, take this! I received this from the Monoyono machine!" An ubiquitous notebook, he ripped out a page from the notebook and began to write. Dear— Agh! Uhm. To? Okay doesn't matter. Finally he, finished writing. The note read out:
'To Gundham,
If it's possible, could we meet up at the beach? 9:30pm. Sharp! It's important.
Thanks very much!
Signed, Anonymous'
He crossed that out... Eh, his caligraphy is very messy. But it's not like Gundham will care, he'll arrive... Right? Anyways what did he need? An envelope! Right, an envelope! "Do you have an envelope by any chance?" He scratched his head "Of course! I brought one just in case." "Thanks!" He grabbed the envelope and tried to put the letter in. It was a messy process to say the least. Kazuichi chuckled and looked at Sonia who shared a chuckle too, a rather concerning chuckle. "Welp, it's now or never. Time to put this into his mailbox! I just hope that he reads this at least..." "I'm sure he will!" She placed a hand on his shoulder and topped it off with a warm smile.
Sunflower seeds were given to the Devas' bowl, they rattled once they've fallen. The little ones chittered out of excitement. "My Four Dark Devas of Destruction. It is time to feast!" Gundham calmly spoke "I have brought some seeds that derive from the scorching sun! Now... Enjoy!" Happily the devas started munching straight out of the bowl. He's been in his cottage for quite awhile, swaying on the rocking chair telling his Devas stories from some storybook. The hungry caterpillar was their favorite book so he always read them. Perhaps he should get some fresh air for a little bit, of course after the Devas had finished their meal. They seemed satisfied with their supper, perhaps he should start to saunter... There is plenty of time to spend anyway. Gundham let the Devas climb on him until they comfortably nestled into his scarf, tucking them in carefully. He opened the door, it was quite dark... 8:45pm read the clock. As expected. As he was about to exit his cottage, he noticed his mailbox had notified him. Is the mailbox possessed..? What kind of sorcery is this?! But it's best to check isn't it? He opened the mailbox, peeking through to see an envelope. He opened it, skim-reading through this letter. "Hm... Someone dares to summon me? Perhaps I'll be the early bird that flies out of it's nest..." He mumbled, after all he was going to take an evening stroll there in the first place.
It was 9:30pm, just as planned. But the plan was going to go downhill, well at least that's what Kazuichi thought. "Erm... Do you think he'll y'know... Come?" "No need to panic Kazuichi! You got this!" Sonia flexed her arm with a confident smile. If Sonia says he didn't need to panic then he definitely doesn't need to panic over the fact that Gundham could be mad at him. Unfortunately, they arrived at 9:32... Two minutes late. Just as Gundham was about to get hopeless, a voice called out. "Gundham!" Sonia yelled out, she bowed down "Apologies for my tardiness, Gundham...!" "She-cat? What brings us here today? A session to master the dark arts?!" He beamed "Actually... I brought someone here... If you would not mind." Hiding behind her was Kazuichi cowering. "You." Gundham's voice was stern which made Kazuichi yelp and go behind Sonia once again. "You had the audacity to reveal yourself once again?! Hmph..." Gundham refused to look at Kazuichi. Kazuichi stopped hiding behind Sonia as his gaze softened, walking over to him. "Look... We got in a heated argument last time we were here... I wanna make it up to you man..." No reply. Gundham was still in the same position. "I think I should've said this earlier when I was out by your door... I just wanna apologize..." That caught Gundham's attention, his face was still stern yet he looked like he was confused. "...Apologize?" "Mhm... Yeah. I was being really mean to ya.. And I'll admit, you were right... I was jealous of you." Kazuichi frowned "And?" Gundham was interested, he folded his arms "And I was being a jerk to you all the time... Leavin' you out like that... You're one of the boys after all... I'm sorry Gundham, for everything I've ever done. I-I know all my actions are unforgivable but—" "Kazuichi. You've proven your worthiness today. No need to finish... I accept your apology.. But... I would like you to hear from my own point of view." Kazuichi nodded, he was ready to listen. "I felt like it was my fault... All along, I felt like the root that derived from all your problems. Keh... I felt like I was making a fool out of myself! And I admit... I was jealous of you..." Jealous? Gundham? What the heck?! "You were jealous of me? Why?" "I suppose you... You have the courage that I do not have... As the Supreme Overlord of Ice.. I feel like I do not belong here... Is it cowardly to accept the concept of loneliness yet you feel like a mere spectre...?" His face stiffened, Kazuichi could tell he was holding his tears. Poor guy. "Hey, that's all gonna change today! M'kay?" Gundham's face lightened "Change how... Exactly?" Gundham tilted his head curiously, "You're gonna hang out with us from now on!" Gundham still looked down, still worried about what might happen if he hung out with the others "B-But... What if I poison them...! My veins are potent with toxicity! They will despise me!" Kazuichi thought for a moment, was this a metaphor?? An understood 'Ohh' response escaped from his lips "I'm sure you'll make a great impression!" Hey, Kazuichi was finally getting the gist of understanding the guy now! "You're not toying with me... Are you?" "Absolutely not! I'm serious!" An assuring toothy grin on his face "Hm..." Thoughtfulness was brought upon Gundham "Kazuichi... I shall take your words to my heart! You have inspired me! I must thank you for those bold words." Wow, Gundham seems extreeeemely happy right now! "Hey man! You're welcome! Just don't be afraid to include yourself in!" "Mhm... I shall consider that...!"
Silence. Was it dread? Awkwardness? It was resolved! Was there something else that Kazuichi forgotten? Gundham broke through the silence "Ah well... I think it's about time I arrive back to my cottage... Have a good night." As Gundham walked away, Kazuichi stopped him "Hey wait!" Gundham hummed "I just remembered something..." Kazuichi hesitantly spoke "Remember before you left me during that argument... The thing you said... Was that true?" A small gasp escaped from the other. "What is that you are talking about!" At this point, Gundham was twiddling with his fingers out of nervousness. Someone's getting defensive. "That you luh luh luh luh..." Kazuichi was teasing him, Gundham on the other hand was ragebaited by this fool that he began to stutter and babble. "...Love me?" Gundham stopped his babbling, it looked like Gundham was a themometer that was put under boiled water. He flushed into a pinkish hue, hiding his face underneath his scarf "I-I uhm... Uh. Don't know what you are talking about..." Gundham's facade was breaking. Kazuichi could tell. "C'mon! Y'know what I'm talking about!" He chuckled, Gundham began to bury himself even more. It was... Cute? Gundham mumbled something but it was too faint. He looks like he's in denial. "If I said I liked you too... Would that help?" The Overlord revealed himself, he was red. If he were to claim his title seriously as the Overlord of Ice, he'd probably melt into a puddle of blush. Gundham looked away but he gestured a small nod. "So you finally admit it! Do you... Y'know.... Wanna become a thing?" A toothy grin was sketched on Kazuichi's face, Gundham's eyes widened. It was unexpected for him to hear those words. "I— Uhm... Sure." Kazuichi could tell Gundham was internally squealing from happiness. "HELL YEAH!!!! I'M DATING THE OVERLORD OF ICE!!! LET'S KISS!!!!" Both of them closed their eyes. However. Gundham was expecting a regular kiss. Kazuichi was expecting tongue. This looked like something straight out of a cartoon, just without the wonderful romantic music unfortunately. They cartoonishly opened their eyes. They both apologised to eachother afterwards. "Eheh... Sorry man.." "No... I am the one who should owe you an apology..." "...Hmm. Let's just do a regular kiss m'kay? You seemed like you were willing to do it." A small smile crept upon Gundham's face "As you wish..." That's when Kazuichi and Gundham's lips met. It was quite a long one... Probably 18 seconds or so. Unaware of who was LITERALLY still standing there, Sonia gasped in delight. She clasped her hands together "Haaaaaaah!!! You guys are so adorable together!" She giggled "GAAAAAHHH!!! I FORGOT YOU WERE STILL HEREEEEE!!!!" Kazuichi shrieked "She-cat! I forbid you from uh— Speaking of this matter!" The Overlord panicked "Uuuugh... Yeesh... You act like a couple in middle school!" Hiyoko jumped out from a bush. Ibuki, Akane and Mahiru followed on. "WH— YOU BROUGHT MAHIRU NOW!!??" "Oh for goodness sake! I just wanted to capture the moment! Which I did..." Mahiru got out the photo from her camera, the condition was impressive. "AHAHA!! It's nice n' clean!" Akane chuckled "Ohhh Ibuki is so gonna go tell EVERYYYBODYYY!!!" Ibuki beamed. All five of them ran away leaving the two behind. "Do you wanna sit n' lay here Gundham?" A hum of agreement escaped his lips "Okie-dokie!"
"Y'know... Now that I think about it... It's a really nice tonight huh." "Mm... Indeed.." The stars were twinkling, the moon was waning yet it was shining so mystically. "I think we're gonna be a great couple!" He brought Gundham closer "I cannot agree more...!" He lowly chuckled. Gosh. Was it embarassing to say that was cute for Kazuichi's ears? Kazuichi didn't care, they were dating now. Unexpectedly, Gundham full on started clinging onto him or rather a soft embrace. "Thanks Kazuichi... I think you've healed my poisonous veins..." Kazuichi became the blushy mess at this rate "Heh... No problem babe!" They could sit here for ages. After all, the problem was resolved.