#cowboy reader

You flushed red yet again, shoving your hands into your pocket, listening to Spencer correct your grammar once more. A few of the officers snickered between themselves. You ground your jaw you weren't going to say anything. It was okay. It was something you had dealt with since moving from Texas. It wasn't his fault. It was just how he is. You knew not to take it personally, you had seen him correct multiple people throughout the week you had been here. It was, however, still getting under your skin.

You had been silent about it for the first four days, letting him correct you whenever he thought necessary - part of you couldn't help but think the act of Spencer saying it at the very least made the kid feel better. You had ignored the mutters of the local officers, the grins and the quirks of eyebrows. But it was all getting a bit much.

But once again, you say nothing. You let the officers have their fun, hoping that you weren't flushing red too obviously.

The next time it happened, you were standing by the murder board, the team surrounding you and a large group of officers about a foot from you. The officers don't hold back their laughs, a few of them even mimicking your accent.

"I get it, I do, I don't exactly have the same speech pattern as all'a y'all," You said, "But I ain't stupid."

"I completely agree, but grammatically speaking-"

"Kid." Morgan shook his head lightly.

Spencer furrowed his eyebrows, "But grammar isn't an indicator of intelligence? I don't understand."

"Others see it otherwise," You mutter under your breath before you stepped closer to Reid, something you had the tendency to do during conversation when you wanted to get your point across, or explain something that hit a little closer to home. You watch as Morgan and Hotch step in front of Reid and you glare at them both. "I ain't gonna hit the kid for fuck's sake."

"I ain't gonna-" One of the officers mocked and you turned to him.

"You however, I might if ya keep runnin' your mouth." You watch as he snaps his mouth shut and turns to Reid. "I know I ain't always grammatically correct and all, but that's just how I speak. An' I've been told from to change it."

You watch the kid think for a split second before giving a nod, "I get that." He replied. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable or anything, just grammar gets under my skin sometimes."

"Truce?"

"Truce." Spencer nodded.

taglist:

-

Bars weren’t really Mike’s thing. Any alcohol he’s ever had tasted like crap, and becoming an alcoholic would just be another check on Aunt Jane’s list to prove to the court that he wasn’t suitable for custody. Hell, he swore her perfume was still clinging onto his nose hairs, and all he wanted to do was escape her. Escape reality, too. Mike remembered when his father used to do just that after Garret disappeared, drowning himself in the bitter liquid at night, his speech slurred. That’s why he was here, at a bar in downtown Afton, while Maxine stayed with Abby. He was desperate.

The building was crowded, delightful chatter and jazz music filling the air. Lights were strung along the wooden walls, narrowly dodging the black and white photos hanging by themselves. More customers squeezed in behind him; Mike frantically searched for any open spot in the room. Hallelujah– a single stool was left vacant near the serving counter, and Mike shuffled into it, shoulders tense. The bartender seemed to notice his presence, as she leaned towards the man, still shaking another person’s drink. 

“You’re a new face,” she rattled, “may I see your license?”

Mike fumbled with his wallet, sliding the card for her to see, “Uh, sure.”

“Right, you’re all clear; would you like to open a tab?”

A man cut in before he could answer, and for the first time, Mike got a good look at the person sitting beside him, “Just add whatever he orders to mine, Molly.” 

She shrugged, the key hanging from her left pocket jingling, “Easier for me.”

You chuckled, the brim of your hat covering your eyes. It was decorated with embroidery and leather, complimenting your purple button up shirt, though that was partially hidden by a black vest. Two hankies hung out of your back, left pocket, similar to Molly’s keychain. One was rust colored, but the other was a complimentary gray; Mike thought it was an interesting stylistic choice. 

“I’ll just have a beer, thanks.”

As the bartender turned, scribbling in a notebook, you inquired, “So, what’s a fine boy like you doing ‘round these parts?”

Mike grabbed the foaming beer that was placed in front of him, “I live nearby.”

“That’s not the only reason, is it?”

He hesitated to answer, instead choosing to take a long sip of the beverage. It burned down his throat, the flavor making his lips curl and his head a little more dizzy. Somehow, it loosened his will, and he found his lips moving without his permission. Your energy was just hypnotizing; he felt himself being pulled in.

“Needed a break from stress,” Mike admitted, picking at the glass’ label.

You cocked your head to the side, your hat tipping upward, “Just ‘cause you’re in a hole, doesn’t mean you gotta keep digging. Alcohol isn’t the cure to what you’re feelin’.”

“What am I supposed to do? Not even my medicine works anymore.”

“I go here for stress relief too,” you assured, downing a shot, “but not necessarily for the drinks.”

Your hand hovered over the small of his back, looking at him for consent. When he didn’t move away, you settled your fingers there, feeling a shiver run through Mike’s body. Some of the previous tension released from his shoulders, and he almost leaned back in relief. Many of the customers in this bar were paired with the same sex, unlike most of the movies he’d seen that included the subject. So, he supposed it wouldn’t look too weird if he did.

You elaborated, “People can be cruel, can’t they, sweetheart? Comin’ to a place like this, where everyone’s like me in some way or another, is a damn good bonus.”

“Like you?”

“Y’know,” you gestured to your handkerchiefs, “queer and such.”

He paused, “Ah.”

“You didn’t know this was a boy bar?”

Mike replied, “I kinda just looked up the closest bar to my house.”

…

“Good to know.” Your hand fell away from his back.

He almost chased it. Mike liked the feeling, the weight of your fingers pressing into such an intimate spot. However, he wasn’t tipsy enough for that, and controlled himself. He watched as you spoke to Molly, the lady’s eyes flicking towards him and back, and you slipped her the money needed to cover the tab. You tipped your hat towards Mike, a respectful way to put distance between you, before disappearing into the suffocating crowd. Molly side eyed him, sweeping away his bottle, before leaving as well. Mike swallowed, pulling loose skin from his bottom lip with his teeth. It was now, or never– perhaps alcohol wasn’t the only way, after all. You were right. 

Mike could still see the very top of your hat swerving above the crowd, and he trailed after it to the best of his ability. A random girl almost elbowed him in the face, and he was sure his shins would be bruised after tonight. Your shadow was reflecting in the glass door, growing fainter and fainter as you walked further away, your hips swaying. Mike pushed it open, the vision dissolving, and cold air stung his cheeks. The moon reflected off of car hoods, the only way he was able to see where he was running. His hand reached out and grabbed your arm, as you flinched.

Mike’s ears were red, probably from the alcohol, and you stared at him, “What’re you doing?”

“I don’t know,” was the only answer you got before your collar was jerked forward.

Your lips crashed violently with his; your teeth clicking as he struggled to pull you closer. Mike was still fisting your shirt as you brought your hands to cup his jaw and the back of his neck, trying to gentle the kiss. 

You mumbled against his mouth, “Better not be some experiment of yours, pretty boy.”

“Nope,” he whispered, the aftertaste of whiskey on his tongue.

His back hit the side of your car, and his hands moved from your collar to swinging his arms around your neck. Your knee found its way in between Mike’s thighs, pressing against his crotch, and his groan was swallowed by your lips. Mike whined when you trailed down, aiming instead for his neck. Dark marks and bites soon decorated the pale flesh, his blood dripping a contrasting splash of color. 

Tugging on his earlobe, you challenged, “Gonna come back to my place?”

Mike doubted he ever agreed to something so quickly.

The drive was long, too long in his opinion. Though, it was most likely only fifteen minutes, at most. Mike didn’t even have to walk up the driveway to your cabin; his legs were locked around your hips as you carried him through the door and up the stairs. He ground his groin against you, searching for any possible friction. You tossed him onto your bed, unbuckling your belt, holding it taut. The man in front of you wiggled back and spread his legs to make room for you. You snickered at how willing Mike was, considering his hesitation when you first met.

You regularly kept lube on the bedside table, just to be prepared for when you brought men home from the bar. However, this one was different in a way you had trouble putting into words, other than positive. His thighs shook as you massaged the liquid into his hole, a hand covering his mouth to prevent you from hearing his noises. Ah, now that wouldn’t do, would it?

In response, you tugged his hand off of his mouth, “Lemme hear you.”

Such pretty sounds from a pretty mouth, it was truly a shame. When Mike immediately went back to covering them up, you slid your fingers out of him, instead reaching for your abandoned belt. His eyes trailed after your hands as they bound his wrists together in front of him, almost akin to handcuffs. Mike couldn’t see much of your expression after your head dipped down, only the shit-eating grin playing on your lips. Of course, that was before you took your hat off by the crown and placed it firmly on his head, though it was a tad too big for him.

“Why don’t you keep that safe for me, sweetheart?”

For a second, Mike was confused. Keep it safe? Just what were you planning on doing? He felt a grip on his waist, right before his world spun around him, and the positions were practically reversed. The guard was now sitting on top of you, or more so your crotch, his thighs caging in your hips. Mike’s hair was disheveled and the light on the ceiling created a sort of halo around him, and fuck, did you think he was pretty. Only a few select people had ever gotten to wear your hat, and you could confidently say that he was the most beautiful in it.

You unbuttoned your jeans, letting your cock slip through the opening, “You ready?”

“I’ve never done this before.”

You had a grip on his waist again, slowly guiding him down. You didn’t thrust, didn’t force him to go fast, and allowed him his proper time to adjust, “How’s that feelin’?”

“G-good,” he shuddered, precum leaking from his tip, “think ‘m ready.”

“You haven’t seen the brunt of it yet, boy!” You grunt, thrusting the rest of you inside, brushing against Mike’s prostate. 

The man on top of you moaned, and the sound was so uncharacteristically loud that even he seemed surprised by it. Mike leaned down, resting his tied fists on your chest in order to keep his balance. His sweat dampened your collarbones, his drool smearing on your neck, and the pathetic excuse of a guard tried leaving kisses over the areas he could reach. You soon found a rhythm to your thrusts; groans were punched out of your throat on their own.

Mike could feel heat rushing through his brain, bringing tears that stuck to his eyelashes, covering any thoughts or hesitance he may have had before. That wasn’t enough for it– it spread like wildfire down his body, down to where your fingers were leaving bruises, and down to his red, leaking dick. Something deep was brewing inside of him, nothing he’s felt since his hormonal teenage years. Hell, he didn’t even have time to process it when you kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear that he’s such a needy slut; it exploded.

When he finally came to, he could feel his thighs twitching and your heaving, sticky abs below him. His eyelids felt heavy, and all he wanted to do was stay there with you. You were rubbing circles into his back, attempting to pull out, but a grumble from Mike made you stop. In fact, you were saying things, but it sounded muffled and far away. He took great comfort in your voice, no matter what you were talking about. It was getting farther and farther away, yet still managed to follow him into his dreams. For the first time since the incident with Garret, he did not have a nightmare. 

-

You were maybe an outlaw, a criminal, but that was back in your world. Here, in Japan, you were just a mysterious woman, even weird to some, but you never gave two shits what someone thought about you.

Only one who mattered to you was the love of your life, Shizu Shinazugawa, and her lovely kids that you cherished so much… And now they were gone.

Well, not all of them. The two eldest children, Sanemi and Genya, survived, but Sanemi hated you, and rightfully so. You weren’t there when they needed you, and you would carry that guilt of yours until the day you died.

Sanemi wanted to have nothing to do with you, and even if you wanted to reach out to him, you didn’t know where he had gone after that brutal, bloody night when he lost most of his family.

That left you with the second-oldest child, Genya. He was heartbroken, you both were when you lost Shizu, but you couldn’t fall into despair and give up. For Genya’s sake, you had to keep going.

You had promised Shizu that you would protect her and her kids, and even if you failed, you were a woman of your word. You would keep going… For Genya’s and even Sanemi’s sake.

You and Genya left the small village and started to travel across Japan, and as you did that, you started to teach the young boy how to protect himself.

You showed him your guns, your dear revolvers that had saved you from some very tricky and dangerous situations, and taught him how to use them.

Poor Genya’s hands were shaking with the effort to keep the gun stable as you instructed him how to shoot empty bottles as training… But after a couple of lessons, you noticed that the boy was natural with firearms.

As you traveled, you heard things about people, Slayers, who hunted Demons for a living. They were urban legends, as Demons weren’t real, but you had seen it firsthand, and you knew they were real, and so you were sure that the Slayers were real also.

But as you were searching, you took it as your mission to kill every single Demon you would cross, but you didn’t know how to kill them other than letting the sun burn them to a crisp, so you lassoed them and tied them to a tree and let the sun do its job.

You and Genya had made a little camp in the middle of the forest where you would rest for the night. You always insisted on staying up and watching the fire while the young boy rested…

But this was already the 6th night you tried to stay up while your body was demanding that you needed rest. You took one look at the resting Genya and closed your eyes for a second…

Only to be startled awake by a furious scream… It was Genya’s voice.

“Genya!” You bolted up and ran towards the loud scream, your guns in your hands and ready to shoot whatever it was that attacked Genya!

…But nothing prepared you for what you saw. Genya was hunched over and eating something…?

“G- Genya?” You asked as you approached him, but it was like he couldn’t hear you. Not until you stepped and snapped a twig beneath your foot.

The young man whipped around, and your eyes widened in horror as you saw him. This wasn’t the sweet Genya you knew; this creature’s mouth was covered in blood, sharp fangs peeking as they panted, and eyes dark as the night sky.

“Genya!” You cried out loud as you felt dread fill your stomach. What happened? Why had he turned into a Demon? How could you fail like this!? Why did you let this happen to him!? You closed your eyes for a second, and this happened!?

As you felt your blood turn cold, Genya took his chance and attacked you. You cried out as you raised your arms, your gun actually going off, and the loud bang echoed through the woods.

You hadn’t shot him; your gun just went off as you raised your arm to protect yourself from an oncoming attack.

You winced as Genya sank his sharp fangs into your forearm, blood spewing and the smell of iron filling the air. You tried to pull your arm free, but his hold on you tightened to the point you were seriously hurt.

“Genya- Calm down- Please! I don’t want to hurt you!” You cried out, “I don’t want to lose you either!”

You tried everything, but you couldn’t reach him anymore. You realized what you had to do.

“I’m sorry…!” You cried as you raised your unharmed hand and positioned your other pistol directly against Genya’s temple. Tears rose to your eyes, and your trigger finger shook like a leaf in the wind…

“I’m sorry, Shizu…!” You closed your eyes as you dropped your guns on the ground. You would rather die than harm the son whom you loved like his mother loved him.

You were ready to succumb to your fate, your vision going blurry, but just as you were losing your consciousness, you saw someone appear and-!

You groaned as you slowly came to your senses. Your eyelids felt heavy and your arm hurt like Hell, way worse than the time you got shot… But then you remembered Genya, and you sat up in record speed, looking around in panic.

You weren’t in the woods anymore, but in a house? You blinked, but then you noticed something in the corner of your eye, and you turned to look and saw Genya by your bedside.

“G- Genya…?” You gasped as you looked at him. He looked absolutely exhausted, and that must have been the reason why he had collapsed by your bed.

“My, I see you’re awake!”

You blinked as you turned around and saw a lady, a very beautiful one at that, step into the room.

“Where am I?” You asked, and the lady smiled as she walked next to your bed.

“You’re in Butterfly Mansion.” She said, “My name is Kocho Shinobu. And you are?”

You gave her your name, and she nodded, pleased with your answer.

“Good. Now, let’s check this arm of yours, alright?” She asked as she gently raised your arm, and you noticed for the first time the bandages on it. Shinobu removed the white bandages on your arm, and you winched a little when you saw the nasty bite on your arm.

“Taking the situation, it looks good,” She nodded, “I disinfected your wound so it shouldn’t get infected, but if you’re in too much pain, I can give you something for pain?”

As nice as it was being treated, you had bigger things to worry about than your arm.

“Genya, he-?” You looked at the resting young man, and the kind woman nodded, “He is alright now. No need to worry.”

“I… I see…” You were so happy, you felt like crying, but you tried your hardest to keep the tears from falling. Instead, you turned to look at Shinobu and asked, “Are you the one who saved us?”

“No, I’m simply treating you both. The man who saved you is waiting outside the room.” The kind woman replied, and you nodded, determined, “Can I meet him? I’d like to thank him.”

“Of course,” Shinobu nodded as she turned to look at the room’s entrance, “Himejima-san? You can come on in now.”

There were a couple of thumps, and your eyes widened when you saw this huge man step into the room. You were stunned; you never knew someone could be as tall or muscular as he was. Was he blind also?

“Namu Amida Butsu…” The man prayed quietly, “I’m glad you’re alright…”

“You saved us?” You asked, and the man nodded, “I did.”

“I… Thank you…” You swallowed as a question came to your mind, “Are you perhaps Demon Slayers?”

Shinobu glanced at the huge man before they both nodded, “Yes? You’ve heard of us?”

“I’ve been looking for you,” You nodded, “I want to do what you do.”

“You want to slay Demons?”

“Yes.” You nodded, absolutely sure that it was what you wanted. What you and Genya wanted, “We both want to.”

“Namu Amida Butsu…” The huge man prayed again, “What do you know about Demons?”

“That they heal unless you burn them in sunlight.”

“That’s all?”

You nodded, and Shinobu, and the man she introduced as Gyomei, told you everything. About the breathing techniques, the ways to kill Demons, and how they were made. Once you heard that there was this Demon King responsible for all Demons, you were filled with rage.

Shizu and everyone were dead because of this monster. You wanted justice, you wanted revenge, and you were determined to get them.

“What do I need to do to become a Slayer like you two?” You asked, and Shinobu tilted her head slightly, “Can you wield a weapon?”

“I’m a good shot.” You replied as you raised your dominant arm, but you winched in pain, the bite wound feeling like it was on fire.

“I’m afraid that won’t be enough…” Gyomei frowned, “You won’t make it out there with guns only.”

“Himejima-san is right.” Shinobu nodded as she looked at your bitten arm, “And I’m afraid you won’t be able to wield a gun as well as you used to. Not now with this severe damage to your arm’s nerves.”

“Ah, I see…” You still had your other arm, and you could hold a gun with it, but you were more confident in your dominant arm.

You realized that there was a chance that you wouldn’t be able to become a Slayer, as you knew nothing about swords; you were a gunslinger, born and raised… But if Genya wanted to go after the Demons, he had to learn how to use a sword too.

“Please, I beg of you!” You cried out as you lowered your head in respect, and you cried, “I’m begging you to take this boy under your wing!”

“Namu Amida Butsu…” Gyomei started to cry, “This boy doesn’t possess a breathing technique… There is nothing I can teach him-!”

“He will die out there without your help!” You snapped, “And it would kill me to hear if something bad happened to him!”

“He bit you, and yet you still want what’s best for him?” Shinobu asked, and you lowered your head more, “Yes! I promised his mother I would look after him… And I only want-!”

“If you want his best, then you take him and live a normal life.” Gyomei said, but you shook your head, “This is what Genya wants… And I want to support him!”

The young lady who treated you looked at her companion, and the huge man prayed quietly, “Namu… Very well, I will take him, but I won’t go easy on him.”

“Thank you…!” You felt your eyes sting as tears rose to your eyes, and you sobbed a little, despite your best efforts to keep yourself from crying.

Genya flinched, your crying waking him up, and he looked at you in worry, “Auntie? Are you okay?”

“Oh, Genya!” You smiled as you saw him and you quickly hugged him, minding your arm, “I’m so glad you’re alright!”

“Y- Yeah, but are you alright…?” He asked, and you pulled away from the hug and smiled, “I’m fine, Genya, thank you.”

“I… I can’t remember much…” He frowned, “I remember a Demon being there… And then, I can’t remember…!”

“It’s okay,” You smiled as you nodded, “I’m okay.”

“Your arm…?”

“Just a scratch!” You laughed as you raised your arm, holding in the wince, and any expressions of pain as you tried to appear strong before the young man, “I’ll be up on my feet in no time!”

Genya nodded before he looked up at Gyomei and Shinobu, and then at you, “Are these the people who saved us?”

“Yes,” You nodded, “And Sir Himejima here agreed to teach you how to slay Demons.”

“Y- You will!?” Genya looked at Gyomei with such big hopes in his eyes, and the huge man nodded, “Namu, I’ll take you both as my Tsugukos.”

“Both?” You turned to look at him, and the man nodded, “Yes. I’ll train you both.”

“Thank you!” You and Genya cried out loud, and that is how you became Tsugukos to one and only Stone Hashira.

Genya’s training started immediately, as you were still hurt, and it was brutal. Gyomei didn’t hold back at all, but Genya was strong-willed and eager to learn. You would follow their training sessions, and when the young man had free time, you would train him with guns.

It took time, and you healed, but you quickly noticed that your arm wasn’t what it used to be. You had a pretty clear idea what was wrong, but you still went to see Shinobu, just in case you were wrong.

…You weren’t.

“I’m afraid your nerves were damaged when you got bitten,” Shinobu said, and you frowned.

You had seen this before: a guy gets bitten by a wolf or just an overprotective dog, and they never hold the gun again. At least not like they used to.

“There is very little we can do, but-!”

“It’s okay,” You nodded, as you flexed your fingers, finding even a task as simple as that difficult. You cursed in your mind, but you didn’t blame anyone for this injury. Especially not Genya.

“Really, it is,” You said as you got up from your seat and went to pick up your good old Stetson hat, which was hanging by the door. Once your hat was back in its rightful place on your head, you tilted it at Shinobu and left.

As you walked to the inner yard, you noticed Genya practicing with Gyomei… And you saw that proud smile on his face when he used his brand new wakizashi successfully on a training dummy.

You couldn’t help but smile as you saw him look so proud of himself, much like back then when you first taught him how to wield a firearm.

You had big decisions to make… And as much as they hurt you, you knew they were the right ones.

You couldn’t hold Genya back. He had so much hidden potential in him, but you had reached your expiration date. You had taught that boy everything you knew about guns, and now it was Himejima’s job to teach him the rest he would need in order to survive out there.

That in mind, you packed your things and once the night came, you left… You didn’t make it far, though.

“Auntie!”

“Genya?” You gasped as you turned around and saw the young man run at you. He stopped right in front of you, and your heart almost broke again when you saw the hurt in his eyes.

“You’re leaving!?”

“Only for a short while-!” You tried to lie, but he caught you quickly.

“Bullshit!” Genya snapped before looking so… Defeated, “You’re leaving me, aren’t you…?”

You frowned as you wanted to lie to him, as you didn’t want to hurt him any more than you had to… But you had to be honest with him.

“You have every right to be angry at me…” You sighed, “But you will learn here. Me? I have things I must do.”

“Like what!?” He cried out, “What is more important to you than me?!”

“I…” You looked at your damaged, shaky arm and sighed, “I’m going to find this Demon King… And I’m going to kill him.”

“Then take me with you-!”

“NO!” You snapped, as it was time for some tough love, even if it hurt both you and him. “Boy, you are better off here where you have food and a roof over your head! I can’t guarantee those to you, not while I’m on the road!”

“But I don’t care about those-!”

“Well, I do!” You scowled as it hurt you to be so rough at Genya, “So you stay here, understood?! If you trust me, then you do as I say!”

Genya was stunned that you shouted like that at him. You sighed as your heart hurt, but you knew you had to leave, or else you would chicken out and become a hindrance to him.

You turned to leave, but you managed to take only one step before Genya stunned you with his words.

“Is it because I hurt you…?” He sounded so small, “Is it because of me…?”

“How did you-?” You whipped around and saw him clenching his shirt as if he was trying his hardest not to cry.

“I heard you talk with Master Himejima and Kocho…” Genya looked so guilty, he was on the brink of tears, “If I hadn’t-!”

“It’s not your fault.” You said as you reached forward with your non-dominant hand and gently petted that mohawk of his that you loved so much, “Nothing that happened was your fault and you shouldn’t blame yourself for it.”

“But-!”

“I don’t, so neither should you.” You smiled lovingly as you reached forward and gently pecked the top of the young man’s head, “We will see again, mark my word. After all, I’m a woman of my word.”

You were so full of bullshit, but you wanted to believe yourself and that you would try and attempt to keep your promise.

“So, let’s say bye-bye instead of farewell?”

“A- Alright…!” Genya was on the brink of tears again. You smiled sadly as you kissed the top of his head again, and finally, you turned and left… With tears streaming down your face.

Years passed as you kept hunting Demons and trying to extract information about this Demon King of theirs, but most held their mouths in fear, when they should have realized that it was you whom they should have feared.

At one point during your travels, you had managed to get your hands on a Nichirin sword that had belonged to a Slayer you had found dead with a Demon feasting on them. You sent that Demon back to Hell and took the sword after burying its owner out of respect.

You were ruthless, even more so with a Nichirin sword in your hands. You had a technique. You would shoot the Demon’s knees so their legs would give up, and that was when you delivered the finishing blow and quickly decapitated them before they could recover.

You killed hundreds of them… And still you hadn’t managed to find nearly enough information to be useful… One day, a talking crow, or Kasugai crow, you had learned, came to you, requesting that you meet with Master Ubuyashiki himself.

Of course, you agreed, thinking that he may have some useful information or the other way around… But you didn’t expect to meet his wife instead.

“I thank you for coming.” Amane Ubuyashiki bowed to you and you bowed back out of sheer respect, “Pleasure is mine, ma’am.”

“My husband and I are aware of your status when it comes to killing Demons… And we would like to ask you to train our Slayers how to wield firearms.”

“Me?” You frowned, and the beautiful woman nodded, “You’re by far the greatest gunman the Corps has heard of, and we would benefit greatly from your assistance.”

“I’m not that great.” You frowned as you glanced at your arm, “Not anymore.”

“Yet you have taken down enough Demons to be promoted to Hashira’s level.” She nodded, “We need your guidance against the oncoming battle against the Demon King-!”

“I’m in.” You said quicker than you had ever pulled your gun out, and Lady Amane looked at you, slightly stunned, “You are?”

“Yes, if you promise to include me in this battle.” You nodded, and the woman nodded, “I will respect your wish as you respect ours.”

You both bowed and got up, Lady Amane showing you where you would be staying and where you would be teaching the Slayers when it came to ranged weaponry. You set to work quickly and started training the young men and women as best as you could.

You didn’t expect to meet with both Genya and Sanemi again… Or how hostile the elder brother was towards his only surviving family member.

It was Sanemi, there was no denying that! He was full of scars, and his eyes were sharper, but you had no doubt that this was the same boy you had sworn to protect. Genya had grown so much, you barely recognized him.

You wanted to keep your distance from them, unsure how they would react to seeing you, but then you saw Sanemi nearly blind his own brother, and you knew you couldn’t stay quiet anymore.

“Sanemi Shinazugawa!” Your voice left no room for arguing as you were angry. Both brothers and this young man who had saved Genya turned to look at you as you made your way down the hall to them.

“You…!?” Sanemi growled at the sight of you, while Genya gasped, “Auntie…?”

“Tell me I saw wrong, tell me you did not just try to hurt your own brother!?” You were mad, but Sanemi looked just as pissed, if even more.

“You dare to come here and tell me what to do!?” He hissed at you venomously, and you silently thanked all these years under your belt, as you had heard and seen much worse things than his hissing.

“Apologize to your brother!”

“Stop treating me like a fucking brat!”

“Act like one, and be treated as one!” You snapped right back at him as you crossed your arms. Sanemi scowled as he shot a glare at his younger brother and his savior, before marching away.

You huffed, feeling exhausted by simply standing up for your grounds in front of the young man… But then you looked and saw the stunned look on Genya’s and this young man’s eyes, and you smiled, “Long time no see, Genya, my dear boy.”

“Auntie!” Genya gasped as he rushed to hug you, and you laughed as you returned the favor, “Oh my, you have grown up so much! Someone has been eating their vegetables!”

“Auntie, this is my friend, Kamado Tanjiro.” The young man introduced you to this kind one who had saved him.

“Thank you for helping Genya,” You smiled as you tilted your hat to Tanjiro, but that was when you noticed all the huge, swollen bruises he had.

“Holy cow! Boy, what have you been doing, taming wild horses and riding bulls!?”

“I- Uh- No?” Tanjiro laughed lightly, “It’s nice to meet you! Genya has told me a lot about you, miss!”

“Ah, he has?” You glanced at Genya, who smiled a little bashfully and nodded, “A little bit…?”

“He told me you were the one who taught him to use guns so well!” Tanjiro smiled, and you couldn’t help but chuckle, “Genya was a natural talent.”

You didn’t miss how the young man seemed to flinch at your words. No one ever told him he had talent for anything… No one but you.

“I'd better get going, but you two are welcome to the shooting range if you want to learn?” You looked at Tanjiro and then Genya, “Or show me how much you’ve improved?”

“Thank you, Auntie!” Both young men nodded, and you smiled as you left…

Later that day, you heard that Sanemi had gotten into a big fight with Tanjiro, which earned at least Tanjiro being kicked out of the Wind Hashira’s training grounds. You weren’t sure what happened to Genya, but you were sure he was heartbroken by his brother’s behavior.

So you waited until the Wind Hashira returned… And as soon as he saw you, he nearly spat on the ground.

“What are YOU doing here?”

“Dick move, Sanemi.” You frowned, “Where did you learn to act that way? Was it your father?”

“Don’t you dare to compare us!” Sanemi moved faster than you had seen anyone move, drawing his katana at you, but you quickly pulled out your good old revolver with your working hand and used it to block his attack and throw him back.

“Fuck you!”

“Your mother-!”

“Is dead because of you!” He snapped, and you forced yourself not to flinch as he blamed you for what happened. Hell, you still blamed yourself for that, too.

“I don’t need some handicap liar to tell me what to do!” Sanemi hissed as he sheathed his sword and turned to leave.

“Sanemi-!” You tried to call after him, but-!

“Go to Hell!” The young man snapped, his voice dripping hate and venom so potent that it left you paralyzed on the spot.

You were a strong woman and proud of it. Always had been… But you never felt as small and hurt as you currently felt as tears streamed down your face…

A couple of days passed… And then there was the explosion, followed by a sound of Biwa, and you found yourself in this weird place, lit by lights, filled with Demons, and more and more Slayers were getting summoned there.

As a Demon attacked you, you quickly blew its head off and started running while gunning down any Demon that dared to come your way. You had to find Genya and Sanemi!

Time was lost to you. You fought maybe 5 minutes or 5 hours; you couldn’t tell. Your body moved on its own accord, and maybe that is why you jumped forward, taking a sword’s slice meant for Genya.

That was when time finally stopped. You stared at the roof, or was it the floor above you? You gasped for breath as you struggled to breathe. You couldn’t feel anything… Wasn’t that often the case when someone was dying?

“Auntie!” You heard blood-chilling cries, and you forced your heavy eyes open and saw both Sanemi and Genya, both alive, holding you in their arms.

“Genya… Nemi…?” You looked at them, trying to see any wounds on them, and of course, they had some, but nothing lethal yet anyway.

“Thank God…” You couldn’t help but smile despite the gravity of the situation, “You’re okay…”

“Auntie!”

“I-!” You choked, followed by a bloody cough as blood filled your lungs, “I kept my promise… To your mother…”

“Don’t talk!” Sanemi snapped, but he was crying, just like Genya was, “Auntie, you can’t die!”

“Himejima…?” You think you saw him in the fight also…? You were having difficulty seeing anymore, far at least.

“I’m here…” Came the Stone Hashira’s voice, and you smiled, “Thank you… For looking after my boys…”

“No… Auntie…!” Both brothers were crying as you started to slowly drift away, “Boys… I’m going to see your mother and others…”

“Auntie…!” Sanemi ground his teeth together in fury, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry for everything I said or did! Please don’t go to Hell! Stay with us!”

“It’s… It’s farewell… For now…” You smiled, “Please keep living… Happily…”

You were at peace, finally.

…But where exactly were you at? You looked around, seeing nothing but darkness… But then you heard a sob? You turned, and your eyes widened as you saw the familiar yellow kimono that Shizu loved.

“S-!” You swallowed as a huge lump formed in your throat, and you carefully reached for her, “Shizu?”

The woman in question gasped as she whipped around and started crying at the sight of you. She repeated your name like a mantra and nearly fell on her knees if you hadn’t caught her.

“Shizu, my dear, why are you still here?” You asked, “Shouldn’t you be in Heaven with kids…?”

“I can’t…!” She sobbed, “I can’t… Not after I killed them…!”

“It wasn’t your fault…” You said as you hugged her close, “It really wasn’t…”

“Still…! I have no place in Heaven!”

“Then…” You frowned, “Where are you going?”

“To Hell…”

You swallowed as you looked around. Is this what it was? Was this dark place Hell?

“In that case…” You squeezed her gently, “I’ll come with you-!”

“No!” She cried out as she pushed you away from her. You blinked, stunned by her actions, but as you reached for her, she slapped your hand away.

“Please…” Shizu cried, “Go to Heaven and be with my children…”

“But Shizu-!”

“They have been alone for so long…” She looked at you, “They loved you so much… So, won’t you please go and be with them? For my sake?”

You wanted to object, you wanted to cry and shout!

…But the more you thought about it, the more it made sense. But you couldn’t just accept things like this.

“Alright…” You nodded, giving up, “I’ll go, but please, promise me something?”

“W- What is it?”

“If we were to be born again… And we met… Could you give me a chance?”

Shizu sobbed, and you swallowed, feeling awful, but then she raised her head, and you were stunned as you finally saw that beautiful smile of hers that you loved so much.

“In a heartbeat.” She smiled through tears, and you dared to think that they were ones of joy. You couldn’t form words, your bottom lip trembled as you started crying so hard that your eyes hurt.

“I’m glad…!” You hiccupped through tears. Shizu sniffled also, but took her kimono’s sleeve and used it to wipe your tears away…

“Please don’t cry?” She gently cupped your face with her petite hand. You nodded through your tears as you took her hand and kissed it.

And just as you did that, you saw light shining on you from somewhere above.

“Auntie Konpeito!”

“Is it you?”

“We missed you!”

Ah, that must have been your cue to leave… But you weren’t quite done yet.

“I love you, Shizu…!” You sobbed as you looked at her, “And I always will!”

“Thank you…” She smiled, “Now, please go?”

And so you went towards the light, and the closer you got, the clearer the kids turned. You couldn’t help but cry again, this time from pure joy as you finally saw the kids you had loved like they were your own.

“Everybody…!” You sobbed as you fell on your knees, as your legs gave out, but the kids surrounded you, hugging you happily, “We missed you so much!”

“I’m here now…” You cried as you tried your hardest to smile, “And I’m not leaving you alone ever again…”

In your next life, you were born in another country, but as you grew older, you got the memories from your last life back. Thus, your heart and soul desired Japan, so when you got your memories back, you quit your job and moved to Japan.

It wasn’t easy, but you managed with the memories of your last lives with you. Your heart desired Shizu, but Japan was a very populated place… And even if Shizu were born again, how could you find her?

No matter, you chose not to give up, but after searching for 2 years already, you were starting to lose hope…

You were on your way back to your humble apartment from your workplace, your head in the clouds as you thought about the delicious instant ramen you had back at your place and a small can of beer…

When you suddenly ran into someone, a woman, and knocked her down to her knees. Her bag full of apples fell all around you two, and you felt a distant feeling like you had lived through this once, maybe?

“Ah, pardon me, ma’am!” You gasped as you dropped your bag and started to help the woman, “I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going, and-!”

“It’s alright-!” She was saying, but then you two looked at each other and your eyes widened in shock.

“S- Shizu…?” You gasped, and she smiled, “My heroine with a cowboy hat?”

“Ha ha,” You laughed lightly, “It’s actually called a Stetson, but-!” You didn’t get to finish your sentence. Shizu jumped on you, and you fell on your back on the ground as she hugged you.

“I missed you…” She said, and you smiled as you wrapped your arms around her and held her against your chest.

“Me too…” You admitted, “I’m sorry it took me so long to find you…”

“It doesn’t matter!” She raised her head to look at you, “You’re finally here.”

“And I’m never leaving.” You smiled as you kissed her, “Never again.”

Shizu started crying in joy, and you helped her up on her feet and picked up her precious apples before you offered to escort her back home… Where all seven kids of hers were waiting.

“Children, I don’t know if you remember, but this here is-!”

“Auntie Konpeito!” Kids cheered as they ran to you, and you laughed in joy as they surrounded you.

“Hello there!” You smiled and they looked at you, “We missed you!”

“I missed you also!” You nodded, but you noticed that there were only five out of seven. You looked around and saw young Genya and Sanemi looking at you from afar.

“Hi there,” You smiled as you waved to them. Seeing you wave gave them the courage to approach you, but as soon as they were close enough, they latched onto you like they didn’t want to ever let go.

“I’m sorry…!”

“Auntie…!”

“It’s okay…” You smiled as you hugged them, also, “I’m here now, and I’m never leaving you guys on your own ever again.”

I shake my head, trying to rid myself of that entire train of thought.  My dad taught me that if this was the way I was going to live my life, I needed to stop worrying about what others thought of me.  I walk over to the bar and order a beer.  The bartender hands me a frosty bottle.  I put my ring under the cap, tilt the bottle and push.  The cap pops off and I take a swig.  I put my beer on the bar, wrapping my hands around it like it’s a mug of hot coffee.  I look around the bar, watching the people.  

It’s a habit I picked up.  Me and my dad would go to a bar, and he’d order me a Coke and point out all the small details that a quick glance couldn’t catch.  

The woman at the bar had just been divorced, the tan line on her ring finger.  The couple in the booth are cheating on each other, seen by the way they sit.  The man at his table is waiting for his friend, he’s fallen madly in love with him.  

I smile for a moment.  It’s been a few years, but I'm out.  My dad didn’t like that I wanted to leave, but he’d understood.  I got an honest job working at a ranch.  The hours were long, and the work was hard, but I felt like it was a job I could be proud of.

The doorbell rang and a gust of summer air blew into the bar.  I look over at the door.  In walks the most stunning man I've ever seen.  

He was dressed in a suit, with brown hair that almost looked like gold in this light.  Eyes that may have been green, but I couldn't tell from this far away.  Freckles and stubble decorated his face in a way that complemented each other.  

I clear my throat and look away.  A man in a bar like this dressed like that was here for a girl.  But, no.  His posture suggested he was here on business.  

I turn back to my beer.  I didn't need to find a man to glance at for the rest of the night.  I look down at my drink, trying to clear my head.  I sit like that for a moment, savoring my beer.  Someone settles into the seat beside me.  I look over, and he’s smiling back at me.  

My face burns hot, and I hope that the lights are dim enough that he can’t see me.  I turn back to my beer.  I hear him order a drink, his voice strong and deep.  He turns back to me, beer in hand.

“You’re ____, right?”  Dear god, how does he know my name?

“Special Agent Hammett, FBI.”  oh. That explains it.

“Yeah, I am.  Why do you ask?”

“We’re investigating the cattle deaths that are happening at your ranch and we wanted to know if you’ve seen anything strange.”

“Strange?”

“Cold spots, weird smells, crop failures…”

“No, just the cows.”

“And what would you say happened?”

“I just… went into work one day and there was a bull ripped to shreds.”

He nods.  “Could I see it?”

The next day, I was showing Agent Hammet onto the ranch.  The way the sun hit his eyes was one of the most beautiful things I've seen.  Like seeing the way the light hits the trees for the first time.  I look away.  I need to focus on why we’re here.

I led him toward the barn.  Inside a cooler, the bull’s body was resting.  The agent pulled on some gloves and started looking through the body.  I look away from the corpse and try to suppress the urge to vomit.

Eventually, he pulls out a small tooth.  Small and pointed, it was very scary looking.  “It looks like a fang…” He turns to me.  “Is there anything that lives around here that might leave something like this?”

I shake my head. “No, not that I know of.”  He puts the tooth into a tiny bag and pockets it.  

He looks up at me, and he must see the sick look on my face, because he stands up and says, “Let me buy you a drink.”  We both climbed into his car, a nice-looking thing.

“I can’t believe the FBI lets you drive this car around.”  He just smiles, still looking at the road.  “They do.”

I shake my head, a goofy grin stretched onto my face. “I don’t know, seems a little conspicuous.”

“You’d be surprised.”  I looked over at him.  His smile is gone, looking at the road lost in the thought.  When I look at him, I just want to reach over and-

I look out at the road.  I can’t entertain that thought.  I refuse to.  I glance over and I find him looking at me.  He turns his eyes back to the road.  

Eventually, we found our way back to the bar.  Walking inside, it was deserted.  We chose the same seats we picked last time.  Ordered the same drinks.  We settled in, sitting in silence for the longest time.  It's not uncomfortable, just quiet.  

He watches me.  I can feel his eyes in all of their silent intensity.  I want to look back at him, but I know if I do, he’ll break his gaze.  “So, what do you make of this, cowboy?”  I laugh to myself.  “What?”  

I finally look back at him.  “The last person who called me cowboy, I ended up taking home with me.”  

He gives me a soft smile.  “Who says I wouldn't want to go home with you?”

I look away, my eyes wide.  My face is a bright burning red.  He throws his head back and laughs.  I put my face in my hands, trying to make my face normal again.  He places a hand on my back, and I startle.  I groan to myself.  Jesus Christ, this man is making me act like a teenage girl.

I look over at him and he’s still watching me.  We fall into another silence, this one not uncomfortable like the last.  Peaceful, like the answer to everything was in each other’s eyes.  He reaches over and tucks a few stray hairs behind my ears.  My breathing began to slow, my heartbeat decreasing.  

I slowly place my hand on his face.  A few of my fingers gently touched his jaw.  I watch his eyes dart around my face, maybe doing the same thing I did last night.  Searching for micro expressions, any type of indicator that this was too good to be true.  I realized something.  

I pull my hand away from his face.  “Are you...?”

His brow furrowed in confusion.  “Am I what?”

“Are you a hunter?”

His eyes widened for a moment.  His chest begins to go up and down a little bit more.  He was breathing heavily.  I’d caught him.

“How do you know what hunters are?”  

I look up and watch as my father enters the bar.

“We have a lot to talk about.”

"Well, it's just that you knew where they'd be, you didn't quite get there in time, and suddenly you know the victims and bought one of the children a phone." The Sheriff's arms crossed as he looked at you.

"You think I did this?" You look up at the Sheriff, barely able to take your eyes off their photos, ones Phoebe had taken on her phone - a selfie of her, Ava, and their mother. You can't hide the hurt in your voice, and you don't try to.

"What kind of grown man is friends with shelter kids?" The Sheriff chimes and you clench your jaw, turning to him. 

"'Scuse me?”

"I'm just saying." The Sheriff shrugged. 

"Well maybe don't just fuckin' say." Your voice is low.

"As far as I'm concerned, you're a suspect. And you're our most viable one." 

"Sheriff-" Rossi starts and is completely blanked. The Sheriff's eyes don't leave yours. 

You stand, stepping closer, you ignore the way Morgan and Hotch step closer, ready to interfere. "I'd never hurt those kids." 

"No innocent man's friends with kids." The Sheriff remarks, "No innocent man gets a kid a phone. That's predatory behaviour as far as I'm concerned." 

Reaching forward, you grab his shirt, slamming him to the closest wall. "Say that again 'n I'll kill ya." You growl through gritted teeth. 

Before the team can react, the deputy's pulling you off and placing cuffs over your wrists. You let him, eyes not leaving the Sheriff in warning. Daring him to say something else. 

"You're under arrest for at the very least assault of a police officer. And suspicion of murder." The deputy said.

"Deputy Johnson." Hotch stepped forward, eyebrows drawn together, jaw clenched. "Is this really necessary?" 

"He may have killed two children and their mother, Agent Hotchner." 

"I didn't do 'nythin'." You bit out. It fell on deaf ears as Johnson kept his grip tight, leading you into the interrogation room. He and Sheriff Daniels undid the cuffs before cuffing you once more to the table. You rolled your eyes. "Y'all are pathetic." 

"You're the one who killed a family." 

You jerk up in response, ready to grab Deputy Johnson. The pull of the cuffs on your wrists stop you short. And hurt. But you ignore it, too fuelled with rage. "You're a piece'a shit." You growl out.

"And yet you're the one cuffed to a table, suspected of murder." The deputy said. And with that, the pair left. 

Hotch sighed, turning to Garcia. "You need to start digging into (Y/N)'s life."

"I hate it when I have to do that." Garcia said, sitting at her laptop. "It feels icky, especially when we know our cowboy wouldn't do this." 

"Babygirl, it's the only way to prove to them that he didn't," Morgan said. 

"I know." Garcia said, "I just hate it." 

You stare at the two way mirror, you knew at the very least the deputy and the Sheriff would be there. Maybe Hotch. Although, he’d probably be trying to strategise with the rest of the team. 

You lift your head when the door opens, Hotch. You relax. “How are you holding up?” His voice is soft, quiet, as he sits in front of you. 

“I can’t believe they’re dead,” You sighed, lifting your eyes to meet his. “I saw them yesterday, Hotch. Yesterday.” 

“I know.” Hotch replied. 

“Phoebe was tellin’ me about a boy she had a crush on, ‘n’ Ava was talkin’ ‘bout her homework.”  You rubbed a hand over your face the best you could with your hands still cuffed to the table. “‘N’ Sarah had jus’ got a new job,” 

“I’m sorry for your loss,” He reaches across and places a hand on your shoulder for a moment. “I do need to ask, where were you last night?” 

“At home.” 

“Alone?” 

You shook your head, “JJ was there,” You answered. Hotch nodded once more. 

“We’re going to have to dig into your life a little, to prove you haven’t and wouldn’t do something like this.” 

“You already know about everything.” You replied. They did, they knew about your childhood, your upbringing, everything. 

Hotch studied you for a moment before nodding, “Alright.” He replied, “Just stay put for a while. We’ll probably have to work harder for the Sheriff to believe your alibi - especially since your alibi is another agent. They’ll think we’re trying to cover for you.” 

You close your eyes for a moment, nodding. “Do you need anything?” 

“If I’m going to be here a while? Maybe a pillow?” You huffed a laugh. The corners of Hotch’s lips twitched up as he left. 

About five minutes passed before Hotch reentered the room with a pillow and a blanket. Your shoulder’s slumped.

“That long, huh?”

“It looks that way, yes.” Hotch sighed, “They want a deep dive into your past. 

“You know pretty much all of my past,” You shrugged the best you could.

“Just sit tight, we’ll have it all sorted out in the next few hours.” Hotch said before making is way back out of the room.

“Alright Garcia, what have you got?” Morgan asked.

"He went through eight foster homes." Garcia said, typing as she spoke. “Aden was with him pretty much throughout all of them - they were only separated briefly when our cowboy was fourteen. His behaviour seemed to go a bit downhill while he was in that home, understandable if you ask me.” 

JJ nodded, “I’d act out too.” She commented.

“Anything else?” Hotch asked.

“He got arrested for assault when he was fifteen,” Garcia said, her typing increased. “He punched a guy in the grade above for being inappropriate with a girl in his grade - and the parents tried to press charges.” 

“There’s nothing here that suggests even slightly that (Y/N) would do this.” Prentiss sighed. 

“Right, let’s go try to convince the Sheriff of that.” Rossi tapped the table as he stood, taking the file with him.

You had just gotten comfortable - as comfortable as you could anyway. Pillow on the table, blanket badly draped over your shoulders (that was a struggle and a half to do with your hands cuffed). You sighed, mind turning back to Sarah, Phoebe, and Ava. And everything that they would have done.

When the door opened once more, you looked up. Hotch and the Sheriff walking in. 

“You’re free to go.” The Sheriff glared, throwing the keys onto the table - out of your reach. 

Hotch shot him a look, swiping the keys from the table before unlocking the cuffs around your wrists. “Come on, I’ll drive you home. You need to sleep.”

“No,” You shook your head, “No, I can’t jus’ go ‘n’ sleep when the guy who did this is still out there.” 

“You need to sleep.” Hotch said, “I’ll drop you home and then pick you up in an hour, okay?” 

Despite all of this, you couldn’t help but be glad that the case was so close to home. At least you didn’t have to spend your time in a shitty hotel. Although, to be fair, the hotels usually weren’t so bad. “I’m not gonna win this, am I?”

“No.” Hotch said, “So come on.”

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