tags: entertainment district setting, Yoshiwara japan, reader is a courtesan in Ogimoto house, reader is implied to be female, Inosuke being inoko, inosuke crossdressing
Please pretend the trio at the end of the entertainment district weren’t as hurt as they originally were…if they did, their amount of moving around wouldn’t make sense lol
English is not my first language, so I apologise for any mistakes
That being said, please enjoy!
Her hair was as black as night, the tips of her delicate locks a lapis blue. Her eyes shone like stars, long lashes fluttering with each blink, purity and innocence swirling in her gaze.
Her skin was flawless, polished and smooth. Plush, velvet lips veiled the rims of her mouth.
The whispers about her arrival spread like fire. The girls in your house tugged each other’s sleeve, hushing gossip into the shells of their ear.
“To think such a beauty hid beneath that hideous makeup! It’s unbelievable!”
“I’m telling you, she’s gonna be Yoshiwara’s next oiran! I feel it!”
When you witnessed her for the first time, you were starstruck.
The rumours were true. She was beautiful. Inoko truly was the new spectacle of the Ogimoto House.
As a courtesan yourself, you couldn’t help but stare sometimes. Even when in the midst of your duties, your gaze couldn’t help but linger on her silhouette whenever she passed by.
She was mute, you figured. Although the madam hadn’t given a proper explanation for her silence, you eventually connected the dots yourself.
It wasn’t like it mattered, especially with a face like hers. Her stillness had been brushed aside by the madam, the woman enchanted by her latest find.
Inoko made a name for herself as someone who didn’t like to be bothered. Whenever someone talked to her, she’d often just redirect her attention to something else. Her gaze would wander, staring at her surroundings with those bright, peering eyes.
The girls in the Ogimoto house were kind. They tried their best to make her feel welcome, to introduce her to a whole new life.
Despite their best efforts, Inoko kind of…deflected any attempt at conversation.
She was cold. Stoic. Unapproachable.
“Careful Inoko!” A friend of yours called out. “You’ll hurt yourself if you rush like that!”
She bowed politely before running away.
Inoko’s mind seemed to be occupied. Those mesmerising eyes of hers were always squinting, always checking her surroundings for a sign she had yet to find. She stared at the walls, scanning the ceiling like a hunter seizing its prey. Sometimes, you saw her clash her teeth.
As time went on, Inoko made a new name for herself. Instead of the newcomer, Inoko became the house’s doll.
You felt drawn to her. Perhaps it was due to her mesmerising beauty or her bizarre personality. You wanted to get closer to her.
And so, your mission commenced.
“Inoko-chan!” You called out from within your room, adjusting some adornments in your hair. You sat in front of a round mirror resting on a low table, your knees pressing against the floorboards. “Can you come for just a second?”
You could swear you’d hear a groan beneath that breath of hers. As you heard her approach your room, you couldn’t help but notice that her feet seemed to stomp a bit.
The sliding door slid open, the silhouette of the young girl emerging in the doorway. You shot her a gentle smile, patting the spot beside you on the floor.
You watched her eyebrows knit in confusion, her head tilting in a silent ‘what do you want?’
“I just wanted to talk for a bit, you and I.”
Her eyes seemed to dart back and forth, scanning your face in suspicion. At the sight of your warm, welcoming smile, she obliged. Trying her hardest to muffle a sigh, Inoko copied your position as she sat herself down onto the floor.
Her arms were crossed, her expression captivating a silent impatience.
You chuckled at her reaction, your smile deepening as she accepted the invite.
“I just wanted to get to know you better, Inoko-chan. I’ve heard so much about you, but we haven’t gotten the chance to talk much yet.”
You noted, glancing into the mirror. “My name’s (__). I don’t think I’ve introduced myself to you yet.”
Inoko didn’t reply. She seemed disconnected from the conversation you tried to make, distracted by the brush running through your hair.
“Everyone here is really happy you’re here, Inoko.” You chuckled. “I’ve never heard such a rain of praise for a newcomer before. Everyone’s being kind to you so far, right?”
She stayed silent again, as expected.
You put the brush down, perking up as you peered at the unmoving girl. Her eyes were opened wide, her stare fixated on the small table in front of you.
A small bag of candy balls laid sprawled out on the wooden table, some of the sweet treats rolling out of its silk confinement. Since the oirans of the Ogimoto house were aware of your sweet tooth, they were kind enough to leave you gifts sometimes. A reward for your hard work, as they liked to call it.
“Ah! Do you like candy, Inoko?” You asked, moving to grasp the small bag.
“If you’d like, you can have so-“
Before you were able to finish your sentence, you flinched as Inoko swooped the bag of candy from your lousy grip, claiming it as her own as she dashed out of the room.
You gawked at her sudden reflexes, mouth agape in shock as you watched her disappear.
Your dumbfounded expression softened, making way for a cheeky grin.
You weren’t going to give up yet.
Inoko was an impatient one.
Every time you called her for help -hoping to disguise the attempts to talk to her-, she’d grumble in annoyance before plopping herself down. You apparently had some authority after all.
“Did you hear? The Kyogoku house got a newcomer too. Apparently, she can play the shamisen really well!”
Her eyebrows were knitted in annoyance as you chirped, both her arms and legs flimsily crossed. She’d click her tongue sometimes, moaning beneath her breath.
Her limbs were tense, her overall demeanor radiating impatience and restlessness. She wanted to leave.
“How are you today?” You gently inquired, smiling at her despite expecting no response.
She huffed, clouds of air leaving her nostrils. She stared at the ceiling, fingertips tapping onto her arm in a tense rhythm.
“I’ve been thinking.” You noted. “Don’t you want a change of clothes, Inoko?”
She tilted her head in confusion.
“Hmm…isn’t your kimono kind of plain?”
She blinked in bewilderment, casting a sheepish look at her current garments.
Her kimono was an indigo one, a sky blue obi tied around her waist.
It wasn’t like her current clothing was anything ugly, or anything resembling such. If anything, it matched beautifully with the hue of her hair and eyes.
Still, you thought to yourself, she could do better. And you had just the idea.
You got up from your seated position, approaching the small drawer of clothes in your private room. You pulled out a neatly folded kimono, humming to yourself.
“There. Isn’t it pretty?”
You held up a sky blue kimono, paired with a lapis obi for its waist. The soft, light fabric was adorned with floral patterns and glimmering designs.
“I got it as a gift once, but I’ve barely worn it myself. I don’t think it looks very good on me.”
You smiled, handing it to her.
“Would you like to have it? I can help you put it on.”
Inoko stood still in front of you, lips pursed into a straight line. She stared at the clothing in silence, her expression conveying disbelief.
You beamed when she sighed, giving you a slight nod.
“Yay! That’s great!” You cheered. “Now, let’s-“
The moment your hands opted to touch the obi around her waist, Inoko quickly stepped back. She firmly shook her head, letting her hair sway.
“Ah.” You replied, blinking repeatedly. “I get it. You’re a modest girl. You don’t want me to see you change.”
If you do, my cover gets blown. Inosuke thought to himself, trying his hardest to bite back his groan.
“Here. I’ve got one of those thingies.” You noted, pulling out a tatami room divider that laid abandoned in the corner of your room. You hummed when you spread it out, granting Inoko some privacy.
The young girl crawled behind the screen, opting to change. You hummed when you heard her fiddle with the hems of her clothes, hearing the small pile of fabric fall onto the floor.
“Are you done?” You asked when the noise subsided. A grumble was all you were met with.
Accepting the invite, you peeked behind the screen, staring at the newfound sight.
Inoko stood there, frustration swirling in her eyes. The kimono was clumsily folded around her body, almost slipping off her form. She grumbled as she grabbed a handful of fabric to cover her chest, letting her sleeves sway as she did.
The obi was tied around her waist in the sloppiest excuse of a bow you’ve ever seen.
You chuckled at the sight, smiling at her discontent.
“Oh dear. Please, let me help.”
You approached her slowly, smiling as she grumbled furthermore with the pieces of fabric.
With a touch soft and gentle, you gingerly grasped her wrists, redirecting them from her chest. You untied the obi from her waist, letting it fall onto the floor.
“Always wear a kimono with the left side over the right. The opposite is for the deceased.”
You explained, layering the fabric properly. You tugged it gently, making sure the clothing hugged her shoulders in the right places.
Aren’t her shoulders a little broad…? You pondered, trying your hardest to pay it no mind. Her hands are larger than mine too…
As you fixed her kimono in silence, the atmosphere changed.
Her breathing slowed. That continuous sense of unease stopped swirling in her eyes.
Her gaze was focused on your tender movements, scanning your acts of generosity.
You were kind to her. You didn’t scold her for not knowing how to do such simple things, nor berate her for being oblivious to rules.
You were kind. Patient. Loving. Your voice was kind, your smile warm.
For the very first time since she came here, Inoko did not seem like she wanted to leave.
You concluded after wrapping the obi around her waist, securing the ends in a neat bow.
“All good.” You muttered, stepping back to witness the end-result.
You gasped at the sight, eyes widening in awe.
How beautiful she looked. You were mesmerised.
“Oh Inoko, you look beautiful!” You gushed, clasping your hands together. “You look even more dazzling than before! I knew it would look good on you!”
You chuckled at her reaction, her expression resembling a deer in headlights. Perhaps she wasn’t very good at handling praise.
“Please, keep it!” You ushered, swatting your hands mid-air. “Please do! It’s a gift from me!”
At your overflowing praise, Inoko started to twitch a little bit. You noticed her shift onto the balls of her feet, her cheeks reddening ever so slightly. She groaned beneath her breath, softly tugging at the fabric covering her chest.
Inosuke sighed. Since when did your gaze make him feel so weird?
She sighed in relief when you perked up, your interest piqued at the sound of music playing. You gasped in excitement, making your way towards the window to view the spectacle.
“Look! It’s Koinatsu-Oiran!” You gushed, cupping your cheeks with your hands. Your eyes were filled with adoration as you witnessed the woman walking down the street, a parade of young girls and older men surrounding her.
Every bystander stopped and stared, gazes filled with combinations of worship and awe. She was breathtaking.
“Don’t worry Inoko.” You smiled. “Give it a few months. If you work hard in the meantime and save lots of money, that’ll be you.”
She bathed in the warmth of your smile.
“At least dreaming costs no money, right?”
Inosuke huffed, expression laced with frustration as he lashed out at Tanjirou.
The both of them sat on a rooftop, legs sprawled out over its spine.
“THERE’S A DEMON AT MY PLACE!” He hollered. “A DEMON!”
“Well…” Tanjirou stammered. “Are you sure?”
“YEAH!” He affirmed. “IT WAS A THING LIKE THIS? YOU KNOW?”
Tanjirou ogled the odd way in which Inosuke intertwined his fingers, letting them writhe and squirm as he tried to get his point across.
He sighed, giving up on trying to understand his friend’s unrecognisable signals.
“Fine. If you’re so sure Inosuke, I guess I’ll go check it out.”
Inosuke visibly perked up, eyes widening. A sense of pride laced itself in his grin, content that someone took him seriously.
“As soon as night falls, I’ll head over to Ogimoto house.” Tanjirou’s expression tensed. “Wait for me until then. It’ll be dangerous to move on your own.”
Inosuke whined, throwing his head back in a dramatic wail. He groaned in frustration as he harshly tugged onto Tanjirou’s kimono, opting to shake some sense into him.
“WHY SHOULD I DO THAT? YOU SHOULD COME WITH ME RIGHT AWAY!”
“Inosuke-! Hey-!!” Tanjirou affirmed, trying his hardest to pry the slayer’s hands off his clothing. “Be careful, you’ll rip it!”
“IT’S YOUR FAULT FOR BEING STUPID, GONPACHIRO!”
A third voice joined their conversation.
In an instant, Inosuke froze. His limbs stopped in his tracks, his limbs awkwardly hovering midair. His eyes were blown wide in shock, his entire demeanour being drained of colour.
As a demon slayer with a honed sense of touch, Inosuke found himself able to to notice whenever he was being watched. Peering eyes casted itchy, tingling sensations that crept beneath his skin, reminding him of the constant observation.
And yet, he failed to notice you.
“Is that you, Inoko-chan?”
There was no doubt about it. That kind, gentle voice belonged to you.
He didn’t dare turn around. His limbs felt glued stuck in his movements as he stared into the distance, avoiding all possible forms of eye contact.
How long had you been standing there? Long enough for his cover to be blown?
Somehow, the mere thought made his stomach drop.
From the corner of his eye, he saw you. Dressed in a red kimono, velvet lips painted scarlet. A golden hairpin nestled into your scalp glimmered in the sunlight.
You glanced at Tanjirou, who also seemed distraught by your sudden appearance.
“Ah. Are you Sumiko-chan?”
Tanjirou, who could not make a straight face when lying, tried his hardest to seem normal. “Y-Yes Miss! How did you know?”
You chuckled. “Rumours spread like wildfire in this place. You matched the descriptions.”
Before an uncomfortable silence got the chance to settle, you patted the woven basket clutched between your arm. “I better get going. Be careful up there, both of you! I’ll see you later, Inoko-chan.”
He felt it. The warmth of your smile on his skin.
The both of them waited until you left, staying quiet until the sound of your footsteps disappeared. As soon as you turned the corner, they both sighed in relief.
“Who was that?” Tanjirou asked, breaking the silence. “Is that your friend, Inosuke?”
He groaned in response, his features contorting into discomfort. “Uhh….”
Tanjirou titled his head in confusion. “No?”
“WHATEVER! THAT DOESN’T MATTER RIGHT NOW!” Inosuke yelled, angrily patting the rooftop beneath him.
“A-Ah! You’re right!” Tanjirou eagerly nodded, quick to match Inosuke’s resolve.
“Right, as soon as night falls, I’ll head over to Ogimoto house!” He repeated.
Tanjirou’s demeanour changed, his gaze growing stern.
“Inosuke, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open. It’s up to us to protect our loved ones from harm.”
Inosuke blinked, registering the weight of his words.
For a moment, he saw you in his mind.
Innocent, kind you, who had no clue about the existence of demons. He wanted it to stay that way.
In the end, Tanjirou smiled.
“Let’s do our very best, okay?”
Whenever she tiptoed around the hallways, fingers curled around a tray of steaming plates, you couldn’t help but notice her gaze.
You always left the door to your room open when getting ready, appreciating the contact with the outside world.
She’d ever so slightly slow down her pace, perking up while her ungraceful stomping shifted into gentle noise.
You chuckled when she visibly flinched, looking like a deer in headlights at the entrance of your room.
You laughed, knees folded as you looked into the mirror resting on a low, wooden table. A wet sponge tapped against your skin, evenly spreading a thin layer of makeup across your face.
“Do you want to come in?”
She stood there in silence.
Inosuke bit the inside of his cheek. Throughout the days he’s been here, he still hasn’t gotten a clue about Makio’s whereabouts. He couldn’t afford to get distracted.
No matter how much he enjoyed doing so.
“Come. Just for a second.”
She wielded to your plea, succumbing to your hand gently patting the empty spot beside you.
She sat next to you, copying your pose. She looked carefully at the makeup covering your face, eyes widened in fascination.
“I see you made a friend. That’s good.” You said, referring to the girl you witnessed Inoko on the roof with. “It’s good to have friends in this place. It’ll make your stay much more enjoyable.”
You paused, dipping the sponge into some makeup again.
“What house is she in? Tokito or Kyogoku? I forgot.” You continued without expecting a reply.
Inoko merely titled her head.
“I hope it’s not the Kyogoku one. If she did, she could be in trouble.” You chuckled.
Inoko shot you a puzzled look.
“Ah, right. You don’t know yet.” You stated, putting down the sponge you were using.
“There’s an infamous Oiran living there. Although she is beautiful, she’s a bit…scary.”
“She made quite a reputation. Not only is she really intimidating, she’s also frighteningly strong. She gets mad easily, and takes it out on others in return.” You shivered. “I don’t want your friend to get in trouble. Tell her to be careful, okay?”
“You know Inoko…” You muttered. “I didn’t want to tell you at first because I didn’t want to scare you, but I figured that if you’re going to stay here, you should know.”
She perked up in curiosity.
Your face grew stern, your expression turning serious. You got up from your seat, swinging the tatami door shut.
“People here have been disappearing lately.”
Inoko’s lips parted as she stared at your back. You slowly turned around.
“At first, people started blaming it on Ashinuke. Do you know what that is?”
“To put it simple, it’s basically when a courtesan runs away from her house, leaving her Madam in debt.” You explained. “Some do it to escape their misery, some do it to marry the person they’ve fallen in love with…”
“But lately, more and more people started to disappear. And rumours started to spread.”
Inoko’s eyes were widened, hanging onto your lips.
“Instead of Ashinuke, people started making up other kind of stories to justify the recent events…” You paused.
“Some believe in Gods. Some believe in spirits. Some believe in a higher being punishing humankind for not living up to their expectations. I feel like everyone made up a story of their own these days…” You sighed. “Whatever helps them sleep at night, right?”
“I had a friend once, you know.”
“We were best friends. We talked for hours every day. We did everything together.” You stared at the ceiling, reminiscing. A pained smile formed on your lips.
“She fell in love with a customer. So she ran away.”
“I was the only one who knew about her plans. I felt like it was not my place to stop her. I wanted her to be happy.”
“It’s been months since she left, and I have never received a letter since.”
He could hear the torment in your voice.
“I figured she’s either disappeared, missing, or she simply forgot about me….”
You got up from your position once more as you slowly approached the window, staring at the nightlife of Yoshiwara.
“I want to leave this place too….”
Although Inosuke couldn’t see your face, he felt it. The indomitable sadness laced in your voice, a cadence combined of deceit, anger and regret.
“I want to fall in love with someone too. Day after day, I can’t help but feel like I keep waiting for some kind of miracle, when I know so very well that that miracle won’t come.”
You pressed your fingertips against the glass.
“I’m sick of this life. I’m sick of using my body as a tool. I’m sick of this constant competition between me and everyone else.”
Your lips began to tremble.
“We are women, Inoko. Our clocks are ticking. Our bodies are in their prime. If someone won’t love me while I’m still young and pretty, then what will become of me?”
You lifted your hand, pointing at the very distance.
You inhaled again, trying to steady your rising emotions.
“Did you know, Inoko? I like to take long walks. It’s a hobby of mine.” You added, a mourning smile adorning your face. “If you follow that gravel path over there, you’ll eventually leave the district. If you keep walking, you’ll end up somewhere beautiful.”
He was relieved to see you smile.
“There’s a corn field over there.” You tapped against the window. “About two hours from here.”
“Its beautiful. But scary at night.”
“There’s a bench right in front of it. I like to sit there sometimes.” You added. “I guess it’s my kind of peace.”
You sighed, narrowing your eyes.
“I want to leave this place and move to the countryside. I want to live amidst the corn and rice fields. Away from all the people. Away from the noise.”
Another silence followed.
Little did you know Inoko was twitching behind you. An excruciating itch tormented her body, skin ablaze with the desire to reach out.
You were nearly moved to tears.
He felt it. How much you tried to bite back your emotions, to make yourself seem stronger than you needed to be.
His stomach churned, his hands itchy.
He didn’t want to see you like this. Where had your smile gone?
With as much tenderness as the feral boy could possibly muster, he carefully reached out. His hand awkwardly hovered mid-air, twitching and writhing inches away from your shoulder.
He wanted to feel you. Touch you. Remind you that you were seen, heard, looked at.
The sound of your voice set his heart ablaze. His hand froze.
“When you get out of this place, write to me. Okay?”
His eyebrows knitted, lips parting.
For the first time in his life, he wished he could.
His fingertips trembled, creeping towards your shoulder.
Before his skin could linger on yours, you stepped back.
His very chance had slipped through his fingers.
You blinked, staring at the tray of food Inoko had left behind.
“Oh goodness! The food is about to go cold because of me!” You exclaimed. “I’m so sorry for talking so much! I completely distracted you!”
You apologised, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “Finish up your chores okay? We don’t want the Madam getting upset!”
Inosuke grumbled on the inside.
He didn’t want to leave yet.
Inoko bowed, carefully picking up the tray.
“Oh, wait! Inoko! Before you leave…” You called out, voice soft. She turned around, casting you a curious look.
“I know I talked a lot just now but…I’d like to ask you something….”
Your demeanour changed. You seemed bashful as you spoke, fiddling with your fingers as you avoided eye-contact.
“Well…you see…” You chuckled, intertwining your fingers.
“Tonight, I’m going to perform a traditional dance. I was uh….hoping…you’d come watch…”
You felt blood rush to the apples of your cheeks at Inoko’s dumbfounded expression.
“It’s nothing big or anything! I’m just a small opening act for some of the more skilled dancers here. It’s nothing to be excited about, really….” You huffed, swatting your hands in an uncaring manner.
“But…I worked hard. It would really make me happy if you’d come and see me…”
You smiled, your smile as warm as the summer sun. Your cheeks were flushed, clearly embarrassed by your request.
Wait? Tonight??? This evening?? Today?????
Inosuke thought to himself, feeling his stomach sink.
I can’t come tonight!! Me and Soichirou were supposed to find the demon together! Fuck!
He felt something bitter bubble in his core.
“Wait, here…” You mumbled, digging into the pockets of your clothes.
“I got you a ticket. I made sure you have a good spot.”
You glanced at her hands, occupied by the tray. You chuckled, slipping the paper ticket beneath the steaming plates.
You cupped her hands with yours, letting your skin touch for a moment.
Hope swirled in your eyes.
“I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
Inosuke had a stomach ache.
He clutched the paper ticket within his hold, fingers brushing against the paper, eyes scanning symbols he could not read.
You had already left. He heard you bid a goodbye to the Madam as you did, some of the other courtesans wishing you good luck on your performance. He heard the nerves in your voice as you thanked them.
He groaned, teeth clashing in frustration as he sat abandoned in his room. Though the sun had already dipped below the horizon, Tanjirou hadn’t shown up yet. He crossed his arms, feeling his irritation rise with each passing second.
“Tsk-!! Stupid Tantaro!! Where is he?” He scoffed, voice laced with annoyance. “Stupid assworm!!”
He hated this. Being alone with his thoughts.
Everytime he glanced at the ticket you gave him, an overwhelming ache in the depths of his stomach tormented his being. He felt a crushing sensation press down onto his heart, feeling his teeth gnash against each other.
He got up from his seated position, approaching the nearest window.
He stared. Emerald green eyes took in the sight that was Yoshiwara, observing the hustling crowds, swaying lanterns and traditional attire.
Little did he know, your feet tapped against a stage hidden away from his line of sight. The clothing you wore flowed around your body, swaying to the rhythm of the song you performed.
A small crowd had gathered, filling up the seats. Eyes filled with awe and adoration stared as they viewed the spectacle ahead.
A fox mask was pressed against your face as you swirled, stretching out your limbs in an ending pose.
A gentle applause graced your ears, your chest heaving as you gently detached the fox mask from your face.
Staring at the crowd ahead, your smile vanished as fast as it appeared.
The seat ahead was empty.
The next thing you knew was chaos.
Blood. Collapse. Ruin. The entertainment district had turn into a carnage.
The moment your dance ended, the crowd had erupted in a gentle applause as you walked off the stage.
The moment your feet hit the ground, the attack began.
An eruption of noise exploded in the distance, the aftermath of its shock reverberating through your body. Buildings collapsed in a haze of fire, piles of rubble covering the mangled corpses of many.
Your breathing heaved as the crowd erupted into sheer panic, wailing screams causing a haunting symphony as they each tried to escape the chaos.
“EVERYONE! FOLLOW US!” You heard a woman shout, beckoning the crowd while carrying a toddler on her back. She was dressed in red attire, her hair tied into a ponytail with blonde locks enveloping her face. “HEAD NORTHEAST! EVACUATE THE DISTRICT!”
Two other women followed her lead, trying their hardest to lead the crowd to safety.
Your chest heaved, panic surging through your veins as you tried to process the gravity of the situation. The utter, paralysing fear had immobilised your limbs, rendering you a motionless doll in the sea of chaos.
Your yelped when fleeing pedestrians harshly bumped into you, forcefully punishing you for obstructing their escape.
Your gaze locked onto a building ahead, its very centre slashed in half. A weeping widow clutched the body of her headless husband as she screamed, begging for help.
The fox mask clutched between your trembling fingers fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
For a second, the noise subsided as you carefully observed the crowd.
You started recognising people. You noticed the familiar faces of your colleagues, along with the distressed expression of the Madam herself. You counted their faces, trying to steady your nerves as you collected the evidence of their existence.
Utter dread washed over you at a sudden realisation.
Your eyes widened. Your stomach sank. An unbearable nausea churned in your core.
Breaking free from the chains of your fear, you turned away, sprinting towards the source of violence with a terrifying speed. You panted, swiftly avoiding all obstacles as you swam against the tides of the crowd, hissing each time an elbow jabbed into your side.
What if she’s trapped beneath the rubble? What if she’s in pain?
You felt your eyes water at the thought, the utter hopelessness of the situation clouding your judgement. Your feet carried you as quick as they could, leading you back towards the remnants of Ogimoto house.
The further you walked, the more the crowd ebbed away. You figured most of the people had fled the scene by now.
You yelped when a lean statue harshly bumped into you, hissing as you quickly recollected your stance. You blinked in bewilderment, staring at the unknown culprit.
A muscular young man had bumped into you, his head entirely covered by a peculiar boar-mask. His upper body was entirely naked, toned by muscles, scratches and bruises. Baggy Hakama pants enveloped his legs, a fluffy brown set of fur adorning his waist.
The beady blue eyes of the headgear peered at your form, making you stare in bewilderment at the odd-looking stranger.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE???”
A gruff, harsh voice emitted from the boar-mask, the stranger’s question asked with a suspicious amount of urgency.
You heaved, panting, noticing the two swords he clutched firmly within his hold. Their edges were jagged and sharp, resembling the fangs of a beast.
“I’m—.” You panted. “I’m looking for my friend, Inoko.”
You swallowed. “I can’t find her anywhere. What if she’s trapped? I need to find her!”
The boar paused for a second, dumbfounded by your answer.
You came back for him. You plunged yourself into danger just for his sake.
You watched as the stranger stayed quiet for a moment, the cogs in his head seemingly spinning at maximum capacity.
“SHE ISN’T!” The boar concluded, puffing his chest out with an odd sense of confidence. Again.
Your eyebrows knitted in confusion. “What the?” You angrily huffed. “How the hell do you know who I’m referring to? Do you think I’m dumb?”
The boar mumbled something beneath his breath, clearly displeased by your bratty response. “BECAUSE I KNOW HER, DAMN IT! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!”
Your eyes widened. “You do? So you know she’s-“
“YES YES GREEN EYES DARK HAIR I KNOW. NOW LEAVE!”
You sputtered in displeasure when the stranger gripped your shoulders from behind, abruptly moving you away from the heat of the battle.
Taking his word for it, you eventually obliged, letting him push you towards safety as he himself turned around, heading towards battle.
When you looked behind you, the stranger disappeared.
Although you knew the district like the back of your hand, it was surprisingly difficult to navigate through the piles of rubble and rising specks of disintegrating ash.
Everyone had fled by now, leaving you alone in the sea of ruin. You were a spectator of what remained of Yoshiwara’s beauty, mourning what once was.
You wandered through the maze, peering at the moonlit remains. All sense of familiarity had disappeared, leaving you alone in the dark abyss.
You perked up, a sudden sound piquing your interest.
Hushed voices muttered in the distance.
Feeling a new sense of determination bloom into your chest, you followed the trail of sound. The gravel crunched beneath your feet with each step.
After turning a final corner, you saw them.
Four teenagers weeping into each other’s arms.
“We did it! We all survived!”
A young boy sat in the middle, two arms clutched around two others, pulling them in. His skin was tanned slightly, a scar adorning his forehead. He was dressed in a checkered haori, his face contorted in an expression of happiness and gratitude.
You narrowed your eyes. You recognised him from somewhere.
The boy on his left was a blonde, wailing childishly. Uneven, choppy bangs brushed against his forehead as the ends of his hair were tied into two high ponytails. His cheeks were dusted red, his blush smudged by his pouring tears.
In the very middle sat a young girl, one with the statue of a toddler. She had bright, innocent pink eyes, along with long, black hair enveloping her face. A thick rope was attached to her mouth. She seemingly did not mind.
Clutched within the stranger’s right arm was the one you bumped into earlier. The young boy with the gruff voice, whose face hid underneath that ferocious boar-mask, dug its snout into the shoulder of his friend.
You grumbled as you tactically shielded yourself behind an abandoned building, hiding behind a large pillar that had somehow survived the war.
It seemed like such an emotional reunion. You really didn’t want to intrude.
You sighed deeply, feeling nerves pool in your stomach. You dug your nails into your palms, making up your mind.
You inhaled briefly before letting go of the pillar, tiptoeing towards them.
A wooden plank cracked beneath your feet.
All of them turned their head towards the sound, eyes blinking in confusion at the stranger who had suddenly emerged.
You felt shame boil in your stomach, feeling your cheeks grow red in embarrassment. This was humiliating.
You inhaled once more, straightening your shoulders as you slowly approached the group.
Until only a handful of feet separated you all, you spoke up.
“U-Uhm..” You mumbled, trying your hardest to stand your ground. You felt embarrassed as their eyes fixated on you, making you fiddle with the fabric of your clothes.
Now that you were closer, they all looked seriously beat up. Various amounts of slashes, wounds and bruises decorated their bodies, painting their skin with fresh blood.
Your lips parted at the sight as you tried to get ahold of yourself.
“W-Who’s that?” The blonde spoke up, breaking the silence. He looked back and forth between you and his friends.
“Are you lost, young lady?” The boy in green asked, tilting his head with genuine care. “Didn’t you evacuate with the others?”
You shook your head. “No. I came back here because I was looking for someone…”
Tanjirou and Zenitsu flashed each other a bewildered look. Nezuko merely blinked at you, staring at you like a lollipop in a candy shop.
“Uhm, you sir…” You stated, glancing at the boar-head whose eyes had been fixated on your form.
“I’m looking for Inoko. You said you knew where she was…”
A silence followed. For a while, the four young boys struggled to comprehend the weight of your words.
“OH. MY. GOD.” The blonde shouted, his high, shrill voice a high cadence. He looked at the boar-man with anger, eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
“INOSUKE???? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?” He yelled, his hands flying towards his friend’s throat.
“A GIRL AS NICE AS HER ENDANGERED HERSELF FOR YOUR SAKE AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY HER?????” The blonde accused, making you wince at his cries. “I’M GONNA KILL YOU! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”
You stared in disbelief how Zenitsu’s hands were firmly clutched around his friend’s throat, opting to fling the mask from his head. The boar grumbled in annoyance as he tried his hardest to counter his attacks, doing everything he can to keep his mask attached.
“SHUT UP, MONITSU!” The beast roared. “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT!”
“NO! I’M GONNA HAVE MY SAY!” Zenitsu screeched. “THIS GIRL DESERVES TO KNOW THE TRUTH RIGHT THIS INSTANT!!”
You stared in bewilderment at the young boys fighting, making you lock eyes with the one who had been stuck amidst it all.
The boy in the checkered haori smiled at you. The overflowing warmth of his gaze made your heart skip, feeling twitchy at how the gratitude in his eyes was now directed at you.
Little did you know, Tanjirou admired you more than anything.
To think you had potentially risked your life for his sake.
Zenitsu, erupting a battle cry, manifested the remnants of his power in a final attack. With one swift motion, the boar-head detached itself from its owner, falling onto the ground with a gentle thud.
Your lips parted in recognition.
Hair as black as night swayed as he turned his head. Bright, shining eyes of an emerald green widened at your sight. Soft, smooth, snow-white skin gawked at your presence, taking in your form.
A silent wail emitted from your lips, shifting into silence. Your eyes widened in utter disbelief as you registered the sight, the sheer revelation dawning on you.
That lean statue. Those toned arms.
You chuckled in disbelief, although no hint of joy reached your eyes.
“You’re a—“ You huffed. “Huh?”
A silence settled as you stepped back, finally connecting the dots.
Inoko was no girl. She had been lying to you since the very beginning.
She had never been your friend. She didn’t belong here.
You glanced at the faces of her comrades, Tanjirou’s expression forming a mirror of your pain.
She was part of a different life.
A life you were no part of.
Your lips began to tremble as moisture clouded your eyes, obscuring your vision. You shook your head in disbelief as you stepped back, biting the inside of your cheeks.
The pure, utter betrayal you felt broke your heart in two. A suffocating pressure engulfed your being as dread itself forked your veins.
Not wanting any of them to see you at your most vulnerable, you took off. You ran away, dashing towards the darkness as fast as your feet could carry you.
Far, far, away from the reminder of your pain.
“Look at what you’ve done, Inosuke!” Zenitsu scolded as he watched your frame disappear. “Now she’s upse—“
He didn’t get to finish his sentence. As if the young boy had suddenly mastered thunder breathing himself, Inosuke took off, leaving a cloud of dust behind.
Zenitsu gawked at the sight, his jaw hitting the floor. He had never seen him move with such urgency before.
He heard it. A sound so sorrowful and painful coming from Inosuke, it made him want to cry.
“That guy…” Zenitsu muttered. “What’s gotten into him?”
“Let’s give them some time, Zenitsu.” Tanjirou replied. “I’m sure it will be alright if Inosuke follows his heart.”
The blonde huffed. “Let’s hope so…”
You panted, heart beating in your chest. Your stamina had abandoned you.
You stopped in the middle of your tracks, satisfied with the distance you covered. You plopped yourself down onto some piles of rubble, gasping for air.
You heaved, trying to calm your frantic breathing as you processed the situation.
Your home burned down. Your friends were most likely dead or missing.
You were jobless. Broke. Lost.
And yet, nothing hurt as much as the reminder of Inoko’s betrayal. Tears welled up in your eyes as you lamented, feeling your heart throb in pain.
You couldn’t keep it in anymore.
Sobs rocked your body as you cupped your cheeks, rivers of hot tears pouring from your eyes. Your shoulders shook violently, pitiful wails emitting from your lips.
You didn’t even register the approaching presence, making you perk up at the sound of crunching wood.
There, amidst the piles of rubble, stood Inosuke.
He heaved, panting, his chest moving up and down. You stared at him with bloodshot eyes, your sobs coming to a halt.
Although he’d never admit it, the battle had taken a toll on him. Every inch of his body throbbed in discomfort, searing with pain.
And yet, the sight of you crying stung a thousand times more.
The sheer reminder that he was the root of your misery was nothing compared to his battle scars.
At the sight of his approaching form, your sorrow had shifted into anger. Feeling rage bloom into your stomach, you scowled at his presence.
“Leave.” You spat. “I have nothing to do with you.”
Inosuke grumbled, his brows contorting into a frustration that matched your own.
“JUST—!” He sputtered. “JUST HEAR ME OUT OKAY! IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!”
His voice was rough. Husky. Nothing like you expected the gentle Inoko-chan to have.
“WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO UNDERSTAND?” You shouted back. “YOU LIED! YOU LIED TO ME!”
Your voice cracked. Your eyes filled themselves with tears.
A sob rocked your body once more.
“JUST LISTEN!! SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!!”
Inosuke yelled, his own hurt disguised as aggression.
You sniffled, wiping away your tears in silence. You helplessly stared at your feet, awaiting his explanation.
“My real name.” Inosuke huffed, pointing at his chest. “Is Hashibira Inosuke. And I’m not a girl.”
You looked up at him with glimmering eyes.
“My friends and I are demon slayers. We were sent here to kill one of the most powerful demons in existence.” He explained, his rough voice shifting into a gentler tone.
“We were told the upper rank inhabited the entertainment district, disguised as a human. That’s why we each infiltrated a different house to find as many clues as possible.”
You blinked in bewilderment.
Inosuke huffed, the results of his blood-loss making his head spin. He inched closer with trembling legs.
A silence settled as the young man momentarily stared at his feet, the cogs in his head spinning at maximum capacity.
His brain felt clouded, hazy with the thoughts of a thousand different confessions. Now, beneath the weight of your gaze, his throat went dry as his train of thought vanished.
Your eyes widened in bewilderment as the slayer drew near, his wobbly legs carrying his weight. Bridging the gap between you two, you blinked in astonishment when his hands nestled itself onto your shoulders.
Inosuke sputtered, both the unfamiliarity of apologies and the results of his exhaustion mingling with his words.
His lips parted. His grip became tighter.
With astonishment dressed in silence, you stared at him in disbelief. A pitiful wail emitted from his lips as you witnessed regret bloom onto his features.
“I’m sorry for deceiving you. For pretending to be someone I’m not.”
Instead of the loud, beast-like cadence you had heard from him earlier, his tone shifted. His voice was soft, murmuring, his sorrow laced in tenderness.
His confession was a slow one. Each word was tactically chosen, forming the purest expression of his heart.
“I’m sorry for leading you on. I’m sorry for keeping secrets.”
Inosuke blinked. Those emerald green eyes were fixated on your features.
“I’m sorry I didn’t see you dance.”
You heard it. Felt it. How honest he was.
Each syllable slipping from his tongue painted your skin in goodsbumps, making tears swell in your eyes as your heart throbbed in your chest.
He wanted to make things right.
You felt your lips start to tremble.
“You had been kind to me the whole time. You were always gentle and never scolded me for being rude or inexperienced.”
Inosuke’s stare intensified.
“You spoiled me. Gifted me your clothes. Talked to me. Looked out for me. Cared for me. And in the end, when you invited me to something important to you, I didn’t even bother showing up.”
Tears slipped from your eyes again.
You felt Inosuke’s hands start to shake. They hadn’t moved an inch from your shoulders.
“I—“ You sputtered. “I don’t know what to say…”
“I followed you.” Inosuke stated, his sorrowful expression now shifting into one of determination. “Because I wanted to make things right.”
You blinked in bewilderment.
Inosuke’s tender hand moved to clasp yours, shielding your palm in his warm embrace.
For a moment, the world stopped spinning.
“Come with me.” Inosuke repeated, face contorted into sheer determination.
“Become a nurse at the butterfly estate. Spend the rest of your life tending to demon slayers.” He professed. “You’ll be free from this place. You’ll live the rest of your life surrounded by all the corn- and rice fields you can ever imagine. Away from all the people. Away from all the noise.”
A silent choke was all he was met with.
You couldn’t believe he had perfectly recited what you had told him once.
“Isn’t that what you wanted?” Inosuke inquired, squeezing your hand as his face inched closer.
“Isn’t that what you’ve dreamt of?”
Hope shimmered in his eyes.
Your lips were parted, frozen in the desire to speak.
“I couldn’t possibly….” You murmured.
“YOU CAN!” Inosuke interrupted, his hope and determination shining through his face. “This is your chance to start a new life! To make your dreams come true!”
You babbled, stepping back. You watched Inosuke’s face contort into utter heartbreak when your hand slipped from his.
Your brows were furrowed, eyes locked in a gaze of hurt.
“I don’t even know who you are…”
The words that left your lips just now inflicted a pain no amount of wounds could match.
“Besides…” You noted. “I have no medical knowledge whatsoever. I’ll just be a nuisance to whoever’s in charge.”
“Then they’ll teach you.”
The unmoving, steadfast resolve in Inosuke’s voice crept beneath your skin.
He wasn’t going to let you go.
“They’ll teach you everything they know. They’ll accept you with wide open arms. Because that is what kind of people they are.”
He thought of the girls at the butterfly estate.
“There are hundreds of demon slayers out there, and only a handful of nurses. And three of them are little kids.” He added. “Don’t you understand? We need you.”
Despite the outstretched landscape enveloping you both, you’ve never felt so claustrophobic in your life. Your surroundings pressed down onto your shoulders, the pressure of your options weighing down onto your core.
You glanced at your surroundings.
Was there anything for you to go back to?
Inosuke’s outstretched hand of hope filled your vision.
“I swear on my life I will never lie to you again. I’ll make you happy. I’ll beat up everyone who doesn’t accept you.”
His fingertips trembled. His voice cracked.
“Just come with me. Please.”
Slowly, hesitantly, you reached out, longing for his touch, savouring the cherished dream that was about to come to fruition.
The seed of your hope had finally been fertilised.
His fingers wrapped around your skin in a tender embrace, determined to never let go ever again.
You were coming with him.
“TANJIROUUUU!” Zenitsu’s whining voice cut through the silence. “I DON’T WANNA WAAAAAALK! MY LEGS HUUUUUUURT!”
Tanjirou sighed, leaning against the embrace of his young sister who carried his form. “I’m sorry, Zenitsu. There’s only one Nezuko, and I can’t walk anymore.”
Zenitsu whined, moaning about something inaudible under his breath. “This is so unfair! I wanna be carried too! Why can’t I—-“
The three of them perked up at the sound of two approaching set of footsteps.
Inosuke paved the way, his hand firmly clasped around yours as the both of you navigated through the rubble. Inosuke’s sublime senses had reunited the five of you once again.
Behind him, you trailed. A bashful expression rested on your face as the trio came to a halt, eyes widening in surprise at Inosuke’s companion.
“She’s coming with us.” Inosuke stated, the tone of his voice indicating that this was no discussing matter.
“Ah! It’s the girl from before!” Zenitsu noticed.
Now that Tanjirou was able to take a better look, he recognised you. You were the girl who talked to them on the rooftop.
He remembered you. That warm, kind smile you emitted.
He was happy Inosuke made such a loving friend.
“We’re delighted to have you with us.” Tanjirou smiled, looking at you in curiosity. “What is your name?”
“(__).” You stated. “My name is (__).”
“UUUUUEUEAAAAAA!!!!!” Zenitsu screeched, seemingly having some leftover energy from the battle. “A PRETTY GIRL IS COMING WITH US???? UNBELIEVABLE!! UNBELIEVABLEEEEEE!”
You watched in awe at how the blonde kneeled down in front of you, clasping your leftover hand with a blazing intensity.
“MY NAME IS AGATSUMA ZENITSU! RANK KANOE!” He screeched. “YOU—!! YOU——!!!! WE HAVE TO GET MARRIED RIGHT AWAY!!!!”
Zenitsu watched how your face contorted. He felt his jaw drop to the floor when the corners of your lips tugged upwards, curling into a smile.
You wheezed, laughing wholeheartedly at the silly confession.
Zenitsu felt his heart stop. This was the first time a girl he asked to marry had replied with a smile.
Inosuke’s grip on your hand grew tighter as he tugged you away from the blonde, creating as much distance as he could. His voice was low, husky, a sudden intimidating aura radiating off of him.
He didn’t understand why, but seeing Zenitsu cling to you irked him terribly.
“Let’s get moving, everyone.” Tanjirou suggested. “It won’t be long until the Kakushi arrive.”
The rest of you nodded in agreement, four exhausted bodies dragging themselves forward.
“Excuse me…” You uttered, making everyone stare at you. “You all look…terribly beat up, and I’m sure I have some energy to spare…”
You glanced at the blonde, remembering his previous whines about his aching legs.
“Zenitsu-san, if you’re in pain, I don’t mind carrying you…”
You tried to stifle a smile as you witnessed his expression turn into that of melted butter, heart-eyes clouding his vision.
“Teeheehee! I won’t mind~♥︎”
A creepy, unsettling giggle emitted from his windpipe as he inched closer to you.
With a rough huff, Inosuke yanked you forwards, almost making you stumble. He groaned, creating as much distance between you and his whiny friend, much to the former’s irritation.
You chuckled, feeling your heart throb at Inosuke’s display of sudden possessiveness.
As soon as Zenitsu’s protests died down, the five of you continued in silence.
Throughout the entire trip, Inosuke had not let go of your hand.
Eventually, the Kakushi were reached.
Clothing draped around their bodies, leaving only a small gap around their eyes.
You were amazed at their teamwork, at how quickly they all divided themselves into groups with different tasks. They spread across Yoshiwara, cleaning up the battlefield and taking care of the wounded.
Tanjirou, who had been the most severely injured of all, got carried away by two Kakushi on a carry sheet. The adrenaline of the battle had eventually worn off, allowing him to slip into unconsciousness after the Kakushi tended to his wounds.
Zenitsu, who seemed rather disappointed by getting carried by Kakushi instead of you, huffed in defeat. Even Inosuke, who swore he had some energy to spare, succumbed to the exhaustion.
The walk to the butterfly mansion was a quiet one.
Only the crunching of feet hitting gravel and the swaying sound of footsteps filled the air as you trailed behind the Kakushi, letting a small distance roam in between.
You noticed it. Their swift, careful glances as they peeked at your form.
None of them said a word.
The walk to the butterfly estate was a long one.
Despite the aching tormenting your feet, your eyes were focussed on your surroundings as you took everything in. You closely observed each turn the Kakushi took, trying your hardest to remember the layout of the route.
After hours of strolling through the moonlit fields, you reached your destination. Three young girls had opened a dark-wooden gate, politely greeting the Kakushi as they swiftly manoeuvred the bodies of the injured slayers inside.
After the Kakushi disappeared, the girls turned around to face you. You watched how they all shared a look of confusion before flashing you a kind, sheepish smile.
A short, fair-skinned girl approached you, politely glueing her hands together as she smiled. Her hair was a dark brown, adorned by two pink butterfly hairclips on each side.
“Onee-san, are you lost?”
Her voice was high-pitched and squeaky, laced with the innocent curiosity of a young child.
You briefly inhaled, steadying your nerves.
The time for introductions had commenced.
They were triplets. Although not related by blood.
Sumi, Kiyo and Naho were their names.
Their young, gleaming eyes sparkled in curiosity as you told them the events that led you there, including your very first encounter with the slayer in disguise. You told them all about your conversations with Inoko, how his sheer determination had been the final push towards your renewed destiny.
“Miss, that is amazing!” Kiyo cheered. “To think you travelled this far!”
The other two nodded, gasping in awe. “It’s amazing! It’s amazing!”
“You must be tired right, onee-san?” Sumi suggested, gently patting your arm with her own dainty fingers. “We have enough beds to spare!”
“We’ll get you something comfortable to slip into.” Naho chirped. “Just follow us, okay?”
You nodded, trailing behind the tree sisters as they led the way.
Luckily for you, the butterfly mansion was enormous, large enough to gift you a room of your own.
The room itself was minimalistic. Tatami walls enclosed the very space, the floor itself being a dark-wooden hue.
A pang of guilt shot through your heart.
It reminded you of Ogimoto.
“There are some spare clothes in the drawer over there!” Sumi said, pointing at a small closet in the very corner of your room. “They’re very comfortable and warm! I’m sure your size is in there too!”
Kiyo, who had already occupied herself with prepping your futon, gently patted the fluffy blanket with her tiny hands. “And this futon is nice too! Make sure to rest up, okay?”
“We’ll introduce you to our friends tomorrow morning!” Naho cheered. “I’m sure Aoi, Kanao, and Miss Shinobu will welcome you with open arms!”
You smiled at them, translating your gratitude for their hospitality and kind efforts into a bow.
“Thank you so much, you three. Thank you for being so kind to me.”
They all shook their head, smiling. “No problem, Miss!”
They all inched towards the door, bidding you a farewell as they each opted to go their separate ways.
“We wish you a goodnight, Onee-san!” Kiyo whispered. “We’ll see you in the morning!”
You waved them a farewell as they gently closed
the door, leaving you by yourself in the darkness of night.
The smile melted off your face. Your waving hand came to a halt.
Despite the kindness of the triplets just now, you felt weird.
An odd, churning sensation tormented your stomach, a heavy weight nestling itself onto your shoulders.
You inhaled briefly, inching closer towards the drawer in your room. You untied the Kimono around your body, letting it fall to the floor with a quiet thud.
You changed into one of the dark-blue uniforms that happened to be your size, humming in approval at the sight.
The girls were right. It was soft and warm on the inside.
You sighed deeply, glancing towards the futon in your room.
The sight of the warm, cozy covers seemed to call your name.
You nestled yourself amidst its warmth, savouring the silence as you stared at the ceiling.
The feeling did not go away.
Hours passed as you bathed in solitude.
Eventually, you gave up. Sighing in defeat, you flung the covers off your body as you got up, quietly tiptoeing out of your room.
You inched towards the estate’s garden, sitting yourself down onto the wooden engawa. You shuddered at the cold, rubbing your arms as you peered towards the moonlit plants.
It was guilt you’re feeling.
Guilt from running away. Guilt from leaving your friends. Guilt from leaving your debt unpaid.
Guilt for choosing happiness.
The ache in your stomach intensified.
Is it really alright for me to be here? You pondered, the moon the only witness of your inner frustrations. Did I make the right decision?
You got up from your seated position, staring towards the estate’s exit.
You dug your nails into your palms.
You flinched at the sound of a voice.
You turned around, witnessing the unknown entity.
Zenitsu stood on the engawa, dressed in light-blue pyjamas. His eyes were narrowed in exhaustion, his blond hair unkempt and unruly.
You gasped, feeling guilt seep into your pores.
“Zenitsu!” You called out, whispering. “I’m so sorry. Did I wake you?”
He shook his head, smiling gently.
“I couldn’t fall asleep in the first place.” He sighed. “I heard a sound pretty distressing, so it worried me…”
Your eyebrows rose in confusion.
“Ah.” Zenitsu added. “I have good ears, you see. The sound people emit tell me what they’re feeling. What kind of person they are.”
Your lips parted. “Oh. That sounds….”
“Amazing?” Zenitsu interrupted, chuckling. “I get that a lot. But I honestly wish I could just turn it off sometimes…”
You nodded in understanding.
Feeling awkward about your odd standing position, you silently returned to your seat. You watched as Zenitsu copied your movements, leaving some distance in between as he sat down onto the engawa.
“What were you thinking about?” Zenitsu asked, glancing at the grass.
His voice was hushed. Gentle.
Although you didn’t know him very well, it was unfamiliar to see such a calm side of him. The Agatsuma Zenitsu you’d seen so far was loud, whiny, and a tad bit overwhelming.
You stayed quiet for a while, trying your hardest to convey your feelings into words.
“Do you think it’s okay for me to be here?”
The blonde perked up, casting you a look.
He didn’t reply, letting you finish.
“I just….” You sighed. “Inosuke was right. I wanted to leave that place more than anything. I wanted to move to the countryside and never have to worry about debt again.”
“And in the end, he gave me what I wanted…”
Your face contorted into pain.
“So why is it that I’m not happy?”
You cursed yourself at the sound of your shaking voice.
“I left so many people behind, Zenitsu. I didn’t pay off my debt. I disappeared without bothering to leave a note. Without telling anyone that I’m okay and unhurt.”
You shuddered. Zenitsu saw.
“Is it okay for me to be here when all of my friends are still working the same, miserable life? Is it okay for me to be selfish? Is it really okay for me to be happy?”
You bit the inside of your cheek.
The humming of cicada filled the gaps of your silence.
“You know.” Zenitsu spoke up.
“Both me and Tanjirou thought you were really brave.” He professed. “To think you came back for Inosuke’s sake while potentially endangering your own life. That’s really selfless of you, (__).”
“When I finally managed to detach Inosuke’s mask from his face…I could hear your heart break.”
You stared at him in awe.
“You made a sound so sorrowful and painful, it made me want to cry. You looked so hurt, so full of betrayal. I think it deeply affected all of us…”
Zenitsu looked up, staring at the swaying plants.
“But of course, on Inosuke’s behalf, it was a completely different story.” He continued.
“All of us were in really bad shape after the battle ended. And still, battered and bruised, Inosuke took off running to chase after you. He made a sound so determined and confident, it knocked the air from my lungs.”
Zenitsu turned his head to look at you, making you drown in the amber hue of his eyes.
“I don’t know when you two met, how you two met, or any of the things that happened during his stay…” He paused.
“But at moment, something instantly became clear. That guy cares deeply about you, (__)-chan.”
Zenitsu radiated an air of resolution.
“You see…” He noted. “Inosuke grew up in the wild. He’s not used to human customs, and therefore lacks a lot of social awareness. He also has a really weird way of interacting with people too. He’s blunt, delusional, and never thinks before he speaks.”
He chuckled at the thought.
“But, what I admire most about Inosuke, is that he never gives up.” He professed. “He’s courageous, brave, and stupidly confident. Once his gaze is locked onto something, he’ll never let go again.”
“You were worth the effort to come back for. You are worth never giving up on.”
“I think it’s okay for you to be happy, (__).”
At his heartfelt confession, you felt moisture cloud your eyes.
“We can always send a letter to the friends you left behind. The master of the demon slayer corps is unfathomably rich, so I’m sure he won’t mind paying off your debt.” Zenitsu suggested.
“And in the end, if you are not happy here, (__)…”
You chuckled at his sudden bluntness too.
“I know that change is scary.” He continued. “Sometimes, we live in misery for years because we assume it’s the only way to be. And it takes even longer to see that isn’t doesn’t have to be that way.”
The blonde before you shone brighter than any star.
“Let’s go to sleep, (__)-chan.” Zenitsu smiled.
“Tomorrow is another day.”
It took three days for Inosuke to wake up.
His entrance was a loud one. He woke up with a scream as he jumped out of bed, kicking the blankets off of him as he stormed out of the room.
You were folding laundry in the garden when the sound of stomping footsteps abruptly grew louder, its rhythm laced with urgency.
Before you could even register who the hasty trail belonged to, you found your body to be crushed in a pulverising embrace. A pair of strong, lean arms curled themselves around your waist, knocking the air from your lungs as they nearly shattered your limbs.
A rough, husky voice yelled a mispronounced version of your name.
You smiled at the recognition of the guttural scream. At the sound of air leaving your nostrils, his grip lessened.
You heard Aoi’s scolding voice berate as she entered the yard, her hands planted on her hips.
“You’re not supposed to be moving around! Get back in bed!”
Throughout the few days you’ve been here, you and Aoi were getting along well.
You were nervous to meet her at first. Just like the young triplets however, Aoi was amazed by the story you told, leading up to the very moment you crossed their doorstep.
You looked up to her. Not only did she have a knack for working with her hands, she was incredibly knowledgeable in the medical field. You watched how swiftly she made critical decisions, figuring out the best way to operate as she stitched wounds back together.
Despite her strict and serious nature, you were relieved to see her smile every so often. You watched her scowl fade when you talked, witnessing her muscles relax in your presence.
She felt comfortable around you.
You were amazed when Aoi introduced you to her master, Kocho Shinobu. Not only was she a breathtaking woman, she was kind enough to take you under her wing.
Just like she had done to Aoi, Shinobu had been determined to teach you the ins and outs of everything that was to know about the medical field.
You were a quick learner, according to Shinobu. You asked all the right questions, and kept your head up in times of doubt.
“It’s nice, you know.” Shinobu had told you once. “I’m really happy Aoi has a new friend.”
You smiled at her. “Yeah?”
She nodded. “I’m sure you noticed this yourself, but Aoi-chan can be kind of…tough. While she’s great at what she does, her overall demeanor sometimes causes her to push people away.”
You glanced at her, hanging onto her every word.
“That’s why I’m happy you’re here, (__). You’re a year older than her, right?”
She smiled. “That’s nice. You see, Aoi was the oldest of the triplets. She had always taken the role of the older sister and cared for the girls like they were her siblings.” She added. “I think Aoi feels happy she’s not the oldest anymore. Instead of always looking out for others, someone else is there to look out for her too.”
You felt your heart swell at the thought.
Besides Aoi, the triplets, and Shinobu herself, you were pleased to get along with the other slayers as well.
Unlike Aoi, you were much more lenient and gentle in your ways. You were relieved to see the slayers light up at your presence, expressing an obvious fondness of your care.
You gasped for air when Inosuke released you from his death-defying grip, stumbling back.
“YOU’RE HERE!!!” Inosuke cheered, seemingly overjoyed at your mere presence.
“…Yes…?” You blinked in confusion. “I am here..!”
The following days, he was inseparable.
Wanting to show your gratitude for taking you in, you were determined to work harder than ever as a result of your appreciation.
Inosuke followed you around like a lost puppy.
When you were chopping vegetables, dicing up ingredients for some nutritious meals, he sat and watched. When cleaning, he scanned the way in which the sponge washed away the germs. When folding laundry, he observed you, sometimes even betting that ‘he could do this better than you.’
Wherever you went, he followed.
He’d jump onto the bed you were momentarily sitting on, making the mattress bounce with his impact.
He talked with you for hours.
He told you in great detail the tales of his journey, about his upbringing amongst the wildlife and his life as a demon slayer. He told you how he met Tanjirou and Zenitsu, the loss of Rengoku, the stories of demons he had defeated with his own two hands.
He was enthusiastic. Inosuke was overflowing, overbearing, brimming with energy and passion.
With each story he told, his eyes glimmered with anticipation, enhancing his tales by sporadic movements with his hands.
You hung onto his lips, absorbing each syllable that rolled off his tongue. You asked questions in disbelief, chuckling at his overflowing pride.
Both Tanjirou and Zenitsu were absolute sweethearts too.
Honest and kind Tanjirou, who always greeted you with a smile. Wailing and screaming Zenitsu, who never made a single day boring.
You were happy Inosuke had such nice friends.
Despite your thriving social life in the butterfly estate, it was awfully clear. Inosuke and you had a special kind of bond.
That boy was clingy. His slight stalking had developed over time into a ‘you should bathe with me’, or a ‘you should let me sleep with you’, much to Zenitsu’s disbelief.
You understood what the blonde meant that night. Inosuke’s communication was one of a kind.
That was something you loved so much about him. His lack of social cues and gender roles gave him an innocent purity, a wholesome, earnest gaze swirling in his eyes.
Inosuke didn’t go easy on girls in training, nor did he understand why a shared onsen would be forbidden. Why would it, when skin was just skin?
Inosuke was a show-off too.
You had never met someone with that raw amount of confidence, so imbedded with the desire to grow stronger than yesterday’s self. You admired his hunger for strength, that constant craving towards perfection.
You noticed it. How he seemed just a little more fired up when you walked by during their training sessions. How he yelled a ‘HEY! I CAN DO THAT TOO!’ every time you glanced too long at either of his friends. Or how he screamed a ‘HEY (__)! LOOK AT THIS!’ before curling his spine in an angle that didn’t seem humanely possible.
He loved it when your eyes were on him.
One thing you also noticed, was Inosuke’s tendency to take his mask off whenever you were around. Although it seemed like a subtle hint, it failed to slip from your eyes.
It was a thoughtful gesture.
However, there were times in which Inosuke could be serious.
Sometimes, you heard knocking in the middle of the night. Inosuke would creep into your room, digging his head into your shoulder like a cat craving attention.
You blinked at him in disbelief, confused by the lack of context on why he would think so.
-“Of course not! Why would I be mad at you?”
He stayed silent for a while.
“For being a boy when you thought otherwise.”
Your lips parted in understanding. He was talking about that.
You chuckled, gently petting the top of his head, beaming when he evidently leaned into your touch.
“Well…I had to get used to some things for a while…” You confessed. “The version of Inoko I had in mind is a lot different than the Inosuke you turned out to be.”
“But luckily for you, I like both.”
You watched how the corners of his mouth curled into a smile, a glimmer of hope shimmering in his emerald green eyes.
He spoke, correctly pronouncing the syllables of your name.
Tenderness swirled in your eyes as you grasped his hand, interlocking your fingers with his just like the strings of your fate had done.
“That’s good…” Inosuke whispered, feeling his heart race in delight.
You smiled, wrapping the boy in a sweet embrace. He rested his head atop your chest, breathing in the scent of your essence.
You ran a hand through his hair.
Inosuke huffed, his breathing slowing as a result of your presence.
You glanced at the estate’s garden, peering at the moonlit fields and swaying trees.
Flourishing in a place you belonged.
