A/N: I own nothing
1. Nightlight
It is an unusually clear night, with the comforting embrace of blue darkness being cut softly by the rays of the full moon. Its silver light spills into the yard and onto the smoothly worn walk around the traditional mansion, an eerie glow upon the woodwork. It is both late and early, that time perfectly in between sunset and sunrise where a quiet hush often settles in the house.
A figure can be seen, sitting on part of the tiled roof and staring into the distance.. almost as if keeping watch. However, the posture is relaxed and almost indulgent.
"Kubinashi?" a voice breaches the silence, sounding a bit hesitant. Kubinashi turns slightly to glance over his shoulder, eyes heavy lidded and unsurprised.
"Kino," he acknowledges, watching wordlessly as Kejoro climbs up to sit beside him. Her long curly hair flows over her shoulders, and her pale skin seems to gleam. She is the picture of beauty, both powerful and personable.
"Keeping vigil again?" she prompts, as she always does. It is sort of like a routine now.. Him staying up on the nights of the full moon, and her joining him halfway through. It was like this even before they became demons, when he'd visit her workplace and simply keep her company, content just sitting there. "I remember the first time I tried to get onto the roof. It was so scary, being that high up. I almost fell!"
"I wouldn't have let you fall," he laughs, closing his eyes. Kejoro lets the sound of his laughter wash over her, savoring the rare experience, and a wry smile appears on her face.
"That's true…" she agrees, leaning against his shoulder. A tranquil moment of silence follows, the weak breeze the only noise in the night as it rustles the sakura tree's leaves. No more words need to be spoken. They understand each other implicitly, a strong familiarity born from countless hours, joys, and hardships together. An undeniable bond.
She gives him the support that he needs but never asks for. Kubinashi is grateful that he doesn't need to explain himself… doesn't need to explain why he sits there, soaking up that cool moonlight.. doesn't need to explain why it makes him feel purer.. cleaner.
Kejoro and the moon, peace and acceptance. Somewhere along the way, he began to associate the two.
'Kino's moon… Yesterday's moon,' he sighs inwardly at his own bad pun before smiling slightly. 'How fitting.'