It took me 3-4 weeks to write Takumi's chapter. Why does he have to be difficult to write? T_T Nevertheless, here it is. Again, it's not my best work but I did my best. Hope you guys like it.

..~*~..

(E/c) eyes snapped open in alert and the female quickly jolted at her bed, sitting upwards upon hearing a rustling of a nearby tent flapping open. Her fingers clutched the cot as she blinked away the sleep, wary eyes wandering over the screen of her tent for any signs of an unknown intruder. Judging by the chirping of the crickets and the black silence veiling the atmosphere, it was around half-past midnight— there's no way that someone could be up at this time.

She shivered when her senses finally came to her as the frigid wind prickled her skin. A lazy pattering of footsteps immediately snapped her from her trance as they seem to be heading towards her tent. The female — still shivering — wasted no more time and quickly rummaged under her bolster, taking out her hidden dagger. In dire situations like this, extra precaution is very vital for the army. Life as warriors is not very easy, considering the fact that there are sneaky ruffians that could end their life in just a matter of spree. That's why they provide themselves a small weapon with them to defend themselves just in case trouble arises.

(F/n) stood up cautiously, taking leery steps towards the flap of her tent. The moonlight spilled inside the tent with indented silvery light, as she breathed in and out in rhythm. She can feel her heart hammering against her chest as adrenaline rush pumped her veins. Whoever is out there probably had the ability to sneak in without getting notice by their watchman, Kaden. Could it be one of the assassins from the other day who seek for vengeance for his brothers' justice? She wasn't sure, but it's a reasonable background story nonetheless.

She clutched on tightly her dagger for reassurance. The leather hilt of the dagger felt cool and sleek with perspiration against her clammy palm as she pressed her back beside the flap. This is the first time she's dealt onto this. It terrifies her, but she can't cower in fear now when the security of the army is hanging by the thread.

Inclining her head to take a peek outside, a vague silhouette could be seen from her line of sight. She pulled her lips in a tight line and clutched onto the dagger as if her life depended on it. When the shadow neared, (f/n) took a deep breath and swiftly bolted out of her small territory. Her arm firmly met the intruder's chest with the other grasping a dagger that was pressed on his neck in dulce warning — face morphing in a threatening manner.

"Who are you and what is your bus—" Her unscripted words died down once she distinguished those widened Amber eyes. She tentatively lowered her arm, squinting her eyes at the prince for better references. "T-Takumi-san?"

"Are we done now?" The prince scowled but that didn't make her reel back. Not that he was not intimidating enough but his eyes were widened and in daze, it made the female warrior worried. His hair was tousled too and he seemed so tense. He looked as if he just encountered a phantom. (F/n) knows that it's not in her place to nose in with whatever private affairs he has, but she couldn't help but pry in his business.

"Are you okay? You seemed as if you just had a nightmare.."

Takumi, despite his resistance, flinched at this a bit and (f/n) noticed it. She noticed and there's no way he's going to find an excuse now. "I just woke up. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to take my—"

"Where are you going?" She thoroughly asked, eyes skimming on his features. He was just clad in his sleepwear — a black jinbei, traditionally made for the Hoshidans. Like his hair, they are tousled too.

'He didn't even check himself.. Now that's suspicious.'

"Somewhere." He curtly replied, lips tugging into a frown. Before he made an attempt to move, he was immediately stopped when she shook her head, frowning.

"I'm so sorry. I know I'm nosing in to your business but I want to know what happened."

"There's nothing for you to know." He scowled, his annoyance for the woman obvious at the tone of his voice. Just why couldn't she let go of the matter? She's not his lover for crying out loud!

"Look, I know that—" She started and quickly lowered her arm that was on his chest when Takumi glanced at where her said arm was in place a while ago. She flushed in embarrassment, knowing that the prince can see her flustered state well with his keen eyes even against the dark-lit atmosphere; nonetheless, that didn't stop her to pry him once more. "But at least tell me what's wrong. I'm worried for you."

Takumi reeled back at this statement. Her? Worried of him? The screws inside his mind is working, it makes him dizzy. Impossible. He shook his head, clutching his hands into fist. How could she be worried for him when he himself can't even be trusted?

"Takumi, please." Taking both of his hands – which surprised the prince— (f/n) squeezed on them for reassurance and slowly and carefully asked him, like a mother soothing her terrified child. "Tell me. What's wrong?"

Looking at this woman, something within him stirs. He felt the weight upon his shoulders weighing him down, eating him alive. He wanted to tell her everything but he's afraid. He can't bear to tell her everything. He's too weak.

"Takumi, you have your family. You have your friends." Hugging him for comfort, his face buried on the crook of her neck as she soothed him, wounding her slender fingers through his light brown locks [1]. "You have me. You can trust me."

His resolve went crashing down into a heap the moment he felt her sincerity. His arms wrapped around her as he drowned himself in self-pity. All he wanted is everything to disappear. His nightmares, the insecurities and the jealousy he had for his siblings. He just wanted it to end.

"I.." He began, but abruptly paused in sheer hesitation. (F/n) rubbed his back for encouragement.

"Come on. You can talk to me."

"...Fine. Follow me." Without waiting for (f/n)'s reply, he released her and swiftly turned around and began to walk. (F/n) just silently followed after him wherever his feet are leading them.

Upon passing by behind a sleepy kitsune, Takumi sat down on a log just a bit far away from Kaden. (F/n) followed suit and sat down beside him. But just like their first official meeting in the forest, she left a rather few inches gap between them.

"Again?" Kaden thoroughly asked with his eyes shut. (F/n) jumped in surprise, not expecting for the kitsune to speak. Takumi, on the other hand, just watched the fire in front of him dance against the shadows; not even once surprised at Kaden's abrupt speaking.

"Again." Was Takumi's reply and Kaden didn't pry anymore, knowing by the tone of his voice that he didn't want to converse. But to his surprise, Takumi added more words, "I can take your place. You go take a rest."

Kaden was really surprised. "Are you sure?"

"I'm pretty sure. Besides, even if I tried to sleep, I always end up in the same place." He remarked, using a twig to play with the fire. (F/n) just watched the two of them in silence as Kaden glances at her.

"I'll just leave you two." Standing up, he stretches and yawned. "Watch him for me, (f/n)-chan. I think I need my beauty sleep."

(F/n) just raised a brow at him and glanced at Takumi, looking for any reactions. But the prince just kept his eyes focused over the fire, not even seeming to mind them at all.

(F/n) sighed and went to glance back at the kitsune, but only to see him gone. Well, isn't he quick?

"(F/n)."

The female glanced back at him, just as he straightened up himself and looked at her. All was silent for a moment. The only noise could be heard is the soft crackling of the fire that was providing them little light and warmth. That silence broke when he finally responded.

"I have to ask, why do you have to be so nosy? The first time I talked to you, you interrupted my rehearsals."

(F/n) took a breath. "I'm not being nosy, Takumi-san. I was just concerned for you."

"That doesn't mean you have to disrupt me."

"I didn't interrupt you. I was looking for my candies, and you happen to find it in the camp. Anyway, why don't we get to the point and tell me what's going on?"

Takumi made a disapproving grunt and averted his eyes away from her. He was planning to make her forget what they are here for; but alas, that was thrown out of the window. There's no way he'll be able to find a way to avoid the topic as much as possible. Not when she has her eyes solely focused on him.

He remained quiet as he watched the dancing flames in front of him, debating his mind if he should tell her or not.

"Hey, come on. You agreed to tell me."

Takumi sighed. She has a point. He did agree. He knew he has to tell her somehow. "Alright. Fine. Where to begin..." Well, this is it. Preparing for the worst, he took a deep breath and began at the part where he felt overshadowed by the talents of his siblings up to the point where he was ruthlessly possessed by Iago [2]. While he was talking, (f/n) listened silently, nodding sometimes to show him she's listening to him. Due to the dusky sky, the light coming from the fire hollowed his face, which showed (f/n) how tired and tense he is.

'He seriously needs to step out of his comfort zone.'

"...That's why I don't trust myself that much for I knew— are you listening?"

"Yeah..." Shaking away her trance, she rubbed her eyes to prevent from succumbing in the darkness. "Go on. Continue." But Takumi just stared at her.

"Let's call it a night. You look tired. Get some sleep. You need your rest for tomorrow's march."

"I could say the same to you."

"I have trouble sleeping. When I wake up, that's it. I can't sleep anymore."

"Then I'm staying here with you." Yawning, she watched the small fire with slight interest with her chin propped up on her palm that was being supported by her thighs. "You need a company."

Takumi just scowled at her. What he hated the most is having people to pity him. He doesn't want to be pitied for. He felt as if he's miserable. ...Which is is in fact true, but still. It annoys him.

But behind those dark thoughts, a new light occurred. The woman was indeed right. He needs a company. He was actually yearning for it.

As if he'll admit it though. He's still annoyed at her after all.

Looking back at the campfire, he heard her small snores which told him enough that she was sleeping already. A hint of a ghost smile could be seen from his lips.

Annoying, yes, but she's actually one of the most compassionate comrades he has ever talked to long enough to stay up for him.

And that's what it matters to him.

..~*~..

REEDITED!

[1] - I have no idea what his hair color looked like. I did a research about him, and based on this website, reddit, his hair is light brown. Not sure about that so I just wrote it down here.

[2] – I was supposed to make this longer but I decided to keep it this way.

Takumi. Why are you so hard to write? T_T Anyway, sorry for the ending. I actually ran out of ideas on how to end the chapter and I was practically writing Kaden's.

Next chapter would probably still Takumi. If not, it's either Robin or Kaden.

See ya!