#uppermoon one

It was a beautiful day to be out and doing home chores you thought. Walking around the home you and your husband michikatsu shared. You hummed as you scrubbed the floors of your home. Your husband had tried convincing you to hire a maid. That he had enough money for it. But you had always denied it. Always perfered doing the hard work yourself.

You had walked outside of your home with some of yours and Michikatsu's clothes. Taking a deep breath of the clean air. It was the perfect time in the day to dry some clothes you needed to lay out.

Hang up the damp clothes onto the hanging bamboo poles, you continued to hum which soon gradually became singing softly to yourself. Only to pause when your heard a snap of a twig from behind. Jolting up in a fright you spun around quickly only to spot-

"Yoriichi-san? "

The young male stood in your backyard, a dull look on his face.

"Apologies for the intrusion, I was calling from the front but no one was answering. " He spoke his voice soft with a mix for something you couldn't put your finger on. You nodded with a smile, quickly putting the last of the clothes on the bamboo pole you spoke.

"That's quite alright! Sorry, Ive been busy almost all day with a lot on my mind. I probably wouldn't have heard you anyways! " you laughed. Patting your kimono to straighten and look better. "If your looking for your brother. I'm sorry but he is still out on his mission! He won't be returning till hopefully before night fall! It's been quite a bit since I've seen him! "

As you spoke about his twin brother, you failed to noticed his fist tighten. With a his lips forming a light deeper frown.

"I'm not here for him." He said, his eyes locking onto yours.

"I need to speak to you. Now, if it is alright with you. It's important. "

---

You both sat in front of one another on your knees in your home. You sat in a daze, breath hitching. You felt as though you couldn't breath. This can't be real. This can't be happening.

"Michikatsu... He-" you paused not wanting to say the next words that would come out of your mouth. Tears slowly brimming your eyes.

"Did he really. Turn into a demon? " you looked up at your brother in law. Searching for anything that would give away this was all a sick joke. That it wasn't true. It only ended with Yoriichi turning his head slightly away in as a result.

"And he really killed..." You cut yourself off. You couldn't bring yourself to ask for confirmation on what your husband had done. Not only to betray the demon slayer core. But to himself as well.

"Yes. I'm afraid it's true. "

Oh Michikatsu...what have you done.

You broke into a sod, hands coming to cover your face. It was quite for a bit. Until you had sat up straight quickly wipping away your tears from your face. Your were still technically apart of the tsugikuni family. You couldn't allow yourself to be falling apart like this right now. You could do it later.

Hearing a thud, you looked up back to Yoriichi who was now fully bowing towards you. Eyes widening you reached for him.

"Yoriichi-san! Please-"

"I'm sorry. "

Your hands flinched.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything. I'm sorry I failed yet again to protect the people I care about. Because of this, I'm afraid my brother won't be returning to you. " his fist clenched. "I'm sorry. "

You stared at him for who knows how long. Your mind swirling with thoughts. You knew it wasn't his fault. You knew there was nothing he could have done. But part of you. Wanted to blame him. Only because you thought that maybe you would have felt better, blaming someone that wasn't anyone's fault. If it was anyone's fault.

Then it was his...

That monster that took your husband away from you.

You didn't know why of all people. That Demon would take him. Because Surely, Michikatsu wouldn't have chosen that life for himself...

You swallowed down the lump forming in your throat.

"It's okay.." You whispered, small tears forming and falling down your face. You lightly held onto the other twins hands making Yoriichi lift his head slightly. "It's not your fault. It isn't anyones." You gave him a smile smile. "Everything's going to be okay. One way or another."

---

After both you and Yoriichi were done speaking, the sun had already been setting. He stood and gave a small bow, "I believe it is time for me to go." You nodded as you stood. "Where will you go?" He stayed quite till he turned away. "I'm no longer sure." You frowned. "I appreciate you coming and telling me the news yourself Yoriichi-san. Please, allow me to send you off with some food!" But before he could say anything. You already stood and hurried to your kitchen. Quickly preparing some food. You wrapped it up and walked out of your home to see Yoriichi hanging scents around your home.

"Yoriichi-san? What are you doing?" The young male only after finishing what he was doing turned to you. "I am hanging wisteria scents around your home. My brother, he told you what these plants do correct?" You nodded your had slowly, not fully understanding. "I am not sure how exactly my brother will react. But as he knows where you live. I do not wish to find out what he will do."

Your eyes widened at his words. "Michikatsu...you don't believe he'd actually do anything do you-"

"My brother...your husband. Is no longer human." Calling out your name he continued. "As much as I hope he would still have his mind straight. He is a demon. One that could easily kill you without a second thought. As my brothers wife, you are the only family I have left in this world. I won't allow anything to happen to you." Placing his hand on your shoulder he gently pulled you in. "I'm sure Michikatsu wouldn't want that either.."

You felt another wave of emotion come over you. Burying your face close to his chest. You clenched onto his kimono shaking while trying to get your emotion in check. You've cried enough as it is today. Nodding your head you pulled away.

Yoriichi stared at your for bit before saying your name, "Promise me, you will not put these scents and flowers away or throw them out. They are here to protect you." You gave him a nod promising to follow his directions. After searching your face for any hesitation, he let you go. Before you could walk away, you grabbed onto his sleeve.

"Like I said. I prepared you some food for your travel. Please...be safe out there. " You pleaded to him your voice become quiet. With a gentle smile he nodded his head. Giving you a light wave he walked away. Promising you that he'd return to see how you were doing.

---

Seeing him walk away you stood outside your home for what felt like hours. Just as you planned on going inside. Something near the corner of your eye caught your attention. Moving your face in the direction, you titled your head to the side in wonder...there was nothing. But surely, you swore you saw something. Feeling the sudden cold breeze flow over you making you shudder. You walked back inside what used to be yours husband and your own home. Blowing out the candles around your house You layed into your bed staring at the ceiling. Thoughts swarming your mind once more. Of the what ifs. The thoughts of different outcomes. Wondering if there would have been anything you could have done before he left that faithful morning.

You closed eyes allowing yourself to rest and finally get some sleep. Yoriichi's words coming back to you just as you drifted off. Those plants and scents outside...if you did take them off.

Would you really see your husband once more...?

---

Just outside your home. A dark figure stood just on the outskirts of the forest. Watching as the familiar young man hung wisteria around his...late home. His fangs clenching down on one another as the woman allowed him to do so. Growling when watching the two embrace one another.

His now six eyes following the man wave as he disappeared. His gaze falling back to the woman who stayed outside for some unknowing reasons. His eyes narrowed. Was she waiting for something? His eyes widened as he stepped further into the dark forest as the woman's head snapped in his direction. His world stopping for a moment. Has she seen him?

Did he want her to see him?

No...

Not like this.

He couldn't handle it. Not with the way she'd look at him. He could train. Grow stronger all he'd like too. But no matter how much grewly training he'd force on himself. He'd always fall weak to her. And with the way his appearance changed. All because of his greed to be stronger than his younger twin brother. He knew what she'd think of him.

A monster-

His fist clenched at the thought.

But even so, knew he wouldn't be able to stay away to long. So he'd settle to watch. Follow her every move once the sun fell. All while helping that man with his plan.

His thoughts interrupted when the woman shivered from the cold. His hands twitched, itching to grab his kimono before he stopped himself. Watching her walk into the home he waited and waited before the lights dimmed out. Waiting a bit longer, he walked closer as he was able to without the wretched smell of the wisteria filled his senses. He growled.

Soon...he'd see her again soon. Even if its without her acknowledgement.