Part Five
The following days Sanemi and Mitsuri were patrolling around your home the two Hashira felt as though they were married to you, you would wake up and make breakfast for the three of you, and sometimes if you weren’t finished the both of them would help you, Kanroji asked you out to get Sakura Mochi and it was an absolute blast for the both of you and Mitsuri even bought (Fav color) socks that matched hers and you’ve been wearing them every day. Sanemi and you made Ohagi that the three of you ate together and you haven’t felt this happy in so long, you were kind of feeling upset about the both of them leaving but the three of you agreed to send letters to each other and you would get to meet new people so that cheered you up, so the three of you had some lunch before you saw the two Hashira off and would invite the next Hashira to your home. The three of you were walking down the familiar path to where you would meet two more Hashira.
Before you even arrived at the spot you heard someone yelling loudly to another person, you could see Kanroji get excited by the voice. When you entered the clearing you saw two people who seemed to be opposites, one resembled a calmly flowing river while the other was a fiercely exited flame 'Kyojuro! How are you?' Kanroji greeted the fire like man running up to him, you looked towards Sanemi and noticed he seemed very angry, you placed your hand gently on his arm making him tense a bit then look down towards you 'Are you ok Sanemi?' You asked filled with concern 'I'm fine just annoyed is all' Sanemi mumbled to you, the two of you then went to join the group 'Ah! Kyojuro this is L/N Y/N aren't they cute?' Kanroji asked introducing you to the other Hashira.
'Yes, they are! I'm Rengoku Kyojuro! It's nice to meet you!' The man yelled obnoxiously loud and you couldn't help but flinch at how loud he was 'Oi! Talk quieter' Sanemi growled at Rengoku and the Flame Hashira's smile seemed to dim due to you flinching 'I'm sorry L/N! I didn't mean to startle you!' Rengoku was still yelling but its volume was noticeably lower, you looked over to the other Hashira who was still unnamed to you. He was looking towards the ground and the air around him felt lonely, you walked up to him and he looked down at you at your approaching footsteps 'I'm L/N Y/N what's your name?' You asked introducing yourself but he stared down at you and you could feel Social Anxiety all over him 'You don't have to answer me, you're here to enjoy yourself and relax!' You explained and you could see and feel the Hashira in front of you calm down a little.
Sanemi and Kanroji were off and you were leading the new Hashira's to your home 'So! Your home is surrounded by Wisteria flowers?' Rengoku exclaimed 'Yes it blooms year-round here like at Fujikasane Mountain' you explained and you could feel the energy of the unnamed Hashira shift to one of self-loathing, you looked towards him he had his eyes downcast with a solemn look on his face 'Oh! My home is just up ahead!' You exclaimed grabbing the two Hashira's attention as they looked forward and you watched as they both stiffened and took in your home. Kyojuro couldn't believe his eyes it was a feeling like he was a child again and he would go inside and see his late mother again.
Giyuu was stunned, the air around your home was the same when he was a child and Tsutako was still alive, or when he was training with Sabito. Your home was so comforting and warm it was reminding the two boys of their fondest memories where they were taken care of and loved for, as before you showed the two their rooms and gave them a spare yukata to wear, but this time you went to your greenhouse to take care of your plants, you went to your room and put on a sombrero vueltiao, a dark blue ruana over a light grey shirt, a pair of black pants and finally your espadrilles.
In your greenhouse, you were growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, succulents, and cacti (they were your favorite) you put on some gardening gloves and got to work, making sure all the plants were taken care of properly until you heard the door open and looked to see Rengoku 'Ah! Hello, Rengoku I'm just taking care of my babies you can stay if you like' you said spritzing a baby succulent with water 'Did you grow all these?' Kyojuro asked in a softer voice than before as he looked all around, you had some hanging from the ceiling, some latching onto the wall and a few growing in the ground and some in a planter pot 'What are these?' He asked and you turned to see him pointing at your potatoes 'Those are my potatoes. I heard from Kanroji that you love sweet potatoes. I don't mind making some for lunch' you said and couldn't help but let out a giggle as Rengoku reminded you of the sun with that big smile of joy he had on his face.
You harvested the potatoes and some galinsoga parviflora, caper, and corn to make for lunch you weren't sure if your other mysterious guest would like what you make but if he doesn't you'll just make something else for him! You went to your kitchen and placed your ingredients on the bench and other things you might need and began to prepare lunch. When you had just finished making the sweat potatoes you felt your silent guest stand next to you, his energy was curious this time 'Hello! I'm just making some Ajiaco for lunch, it's from my home country' you said enthusiastically looking up at the man 'Tomioka Giyuu' he said suddenly confusing you.
'My name is Tomioka Giyuu' he finally said 'It's nice to meet you Tomioka! I'm L/N Y/N!' You happily introduced yourself glade that he was comfortable enough to introduce himself 'Is there anything I can do for you Tomioka?' You asked and silence followed but you still looked up at him 'It's ok, take your time' you said with a patient smile and after a few seconds he spoke up 'C-Could I help you with the food?' He asked shyly avoiding eye contact, at this, you beamed up at him 'Of course, you can!' You said then gave the Hashira a task as you did yours, there was a comfortable silence between you two.
Tomioka felt very relaxed in your presence, he didn't feel extremely awkward to try and talk with you and you wouldn't get angry with him like Sanemi or make him sad by bad-mouthing him like Iguro. The two of you then add the last things then served the food and Rengoku joined you two as soon as he smelt the sweat potatoes, every time Kyojuro would take a bite of the sweet potato he would boisterously yell out an "Umai!" He and Tomioka both tried your Ajiaco and said it was delicious. The three of you were in the comfort room, you were talking with Kyojuro, and Giyuu was listening and joining in time to time, Cherry suddenly flew through an open window and landed in your lap you gave her a cherry as she cawed happily and you gave her soft head pats.
'Tomioka Giyuu! Rengoku Kyojuro! Demons have been staying around Y/N's home! Kagaya asks that you petrol at night! Make sure Y/N is safe!' Cherry ordered to the two Hashira 'Is there anything else you can tell us?' Tokioka asked 'No more information! Ask Y/N!' Cherry screeched out then flew out the window to probably sleep in the sun, the two Hashira then turned to you, and you explained the day a demon almost kidnapped you while mentioning that part you saw the two men visibly tense up 'But in the end, Sanemi and Kanroji saved me' you finished off 'Well that was very brave of them! I'm glad they were able to rescue you!' Rengoku shouted out and Tomioka agreed nodding.
'You two don't have to patrol tonight. I'm sure you two are tired so I'm sure you can rest until tomorrow night!' You exclaimed 'That would be atrocious of us to not help someone in need because of tiredness! I'm sure Tomioka agrees!' Rengoku exclaimed and again Giyuu also agreed 'Well in the meantime while the sun is still up, how about we enjoy the hot springs!' You exclaimed and after the both of them agreed and now you three were relaxing in the hot water 'This is very relaxing L/N!' Rengoku exclaimed crossing his arms and closing his eyes.
You could tell that both of them were pretty relaxed enjoying the heat against their tense muscles 'Did the two of you have a specific reason for joining the Demon Slayer Corps?' You asked them both suddenly getting curious 'Well in my family it is tradition for the oldest child to join the Demon Slayer Corps!' Rengoku explained and you nodded along, you turned to Tomioka encouraging him to talk, but the energy returned to self-loathing 'If it's a hard subject Tomioka you don't have to say' you spoke trying to comfort the quiet male 'No... I-I would like to talk about it to some' Giyuu began. He knew that if he kept on bottling in his feelings they would just overflow and he did want to get all his troubles off his chest.
'I joined the Demon Slayer Corps due to my older sister Tsutako getting eaten by a demon' he said and you could feel his energy unbearably sorrowful but you could also feel a sense of relief 'I'm sure she was an amazing sister' you said which result in Giyuu letting out silent tears, you moved to where he was and embraced him while combing your fingers through his hair, you felt Kyojuro move and hug Tomioka from behind 'I can't imagine how devastating that must of felt. How old were you?' Kyojuro asked his voice was filled with much sadness 'I-I was 13' Giyuu managed to sob out and you and Kyojuro both tightened your hug on the Water Hashira 'She d-died the day before her wedding!' Giyuu cried out shoving his head into your shoulder blade.
His shoulders were trembling with the force of his sobs, both you and Kyojuro held Tomioka as he let out what must have been years worth of tears. After a few more minutes Giyuu calmed down enough as you and Kyojuro stopped the group hug but were close enough to hug the Water Hashira 'I met a boy named Sabito he was amazing! He almost defeated every demon during Finale Selection' Giyuu started and you could see the fondness on his face recalling the memory 'But he was killed. I was injured as soon as the trial started... I don't deserve to be a Hashira I couldn't kill a single demon on that mountain, it would be better if I died instead' Giyuu said that with such confidence he must have thought it was a fact.
'I don't think so' you said kind of annoyed that he would think such a thing 'But-' 'No buts. I can tell that you've worked so hard to become a Hashira. Also saying that you're better off dead is an insult to Tsutako and Sabito's memory. Do you have any other relatives? If not that Tsutako will be forgotten. Sabito might have someone else that will remember him but if you were to die, then all the memories you shared with him will disappear you ranted on and cupped Giyuu's face looking into his eyes 'So don't ever say you wish to die ever again!' You demanded. Giyuu was at a loss you had reminded of that very important conversation he had with Sabito.
Tomioka could feel the tears coming again and latched onto you in a hug again and you returned the hug. Soon enough the three of you had to get out of the hot springs or else you would turn pruny all over, both Hashira were preparing to go out to patrol and you made a bento for the both of them and you sent the both of them off, but not before insisting they can wait until the next night but Rengoku was having none of that. So the Hashira were off to patrol the area around your home, you just hope the both of them will be fine.
Part Three
The three of you had gotten into a routine, you would wake up first to make breakfast for the three of you then you would take care of your plants in your greenhouse then you would spend time with the Hashira whether it be you playing some instruments or playing a board game, reading together, giving them a message or just spending time together in general. The week was ending and you noticed both Hashira were feeling down about leaving so you came up with the idea of sending letters together, which is were you are now as your Kasugai Crows were getting to know each other as the Hashira were ready to leave 'I wanted to give you two something before you leave' you said right before the three of you left your cottage 'For you Kocho I have this pouch filled with myrrh it helps with anger so whenever you feel angry just smell this' you explained handing over the pouch it was purple that had a brown string tying it together 'Thank you (L/N)' she smiled and you knew it was a real smile as she took the gift putting it in her pocket 'For you Iguro I made this scarf so you and Kaburamaru can keep warm!' You exclaimed presenting the scarf, it had the same pattern as Iguro's haori 'These are lovely gifts (L/N)' Iguro smiled wrapping it around his neck as Kaburamaru snuggled into it, Winter was about to end so Spring was close by but you wanted to make sure the two were warm. The three of you were walking to were the Kakushi would bring the new Hashira as well as bring Kocho and Iguro back to the Demon Slayer Corps.
The two people you saw was a girl with pink hair and green tips which you thought looked very cute, the man next to her looked very intimidating with scars all over his body with a pissed off expression 'I might need some more myrrh' you commented making Iguro and Kocho snicker grabbing the two other Hashira's attention 'Iguro how have you been!' The girl called out running up to you three and you looked up to her, she looks very cute 'I've been good, (L/N) has been taking care of me and Kocho very well' Iguro said smiling down at you and you smiled back 'Kyaa! Your (L/N)! I've heard so much about you from Iguro! You look so cute!' She said having a small blush as her words made you extremely flustered 'Umm. T-Thank you. Your also really cute!' You stuttered out still recovering and the girl's face also became red while Iguro watched thinking the two of you were absolutely adorable, while the three of you were distracted Kocho was talking with the male 'Shinazugawa you better be nice to (L/N) alright?' Kocho warned with her scary smile even making the said Hashira tense up 'What's so special about them anyway?' Sanemi asked glaring at you he didn't want to admit that you were very cute like Kanroji exclaimed 'They're kind so you should be kind, I was told from Oyakata-sama that they do this because they want to' Shinobu smiled as you talked happily with Iguro and Kanroji while Sanemi just stared.
Soon Kocho and Iguro were off and you were leading Shinazugawa and Kanroji to your home 'Well here we are!' You exclaimed as the two took it in '(L/N) your home is so calming!' Kanroji gasped looking around 'Well I'm glad it feels that way' you said smiling up at her until you heard Shinazugawa 'tsk' 'Is something wrong Shinazugawa? Do you need something?' You asked looking up at the man 'Are we gonna stand outside all day or what?' He asked impatiently 'Right! Sorry' you apologized walking to the front door and unlocking it to let the two Hashira inside, like before you showed the two their rooms and yours, you were going to tell them about your hot springs until it started to rain and there wasn't a roof over the hot springs so instead the three of you were chilling in your comfort room 'So you live here by yourself (L/N)?' Kanroji asked looking at you worried sipping the tea you mode for the three of you 'Yes I do' you said 'Doesn't it get lonely by yourself out here?' She asked 'Well sometimes, it was hard to get used to since my family was so big but it's nice that I can hear my own thoughts here' you smiled thankful you escaped your family 'What is your family like they must be amazing!' Kanroji chirped not knowing your mood soured at the topic 'Well they're like other families I guess. I-I'm going to get some fresh air' you murmured getting up before the two could speak and left to the engawa.
You sat down near the edge of the engawa but far enough not to get yourself wet from the rain, slowly you moved your yukata to show your heavily scarred body as you traced the damaged muscle, hearing foot steps you quickly covered yourself 'It's just me' you heard Shinazugawa say as he sat near you but gave you your space 'Ah, Shinazugawa I didn't mean to leave in such a hurry. I'm acting like a very bad host' you spoke leaning in on yourself to seem small 'You know my dad wasn't the best' Shinazugawa began and you looked up at him curios 'He would beat me and my siblings and was very angry and would make my mum cry, but she was so strong she had a small and weak body but would always defend us and get herself beaten instead' Shinazugawa smiled while talking of his mother and he turned to face you, as you were full on bawling and Sanemi froze you looked just like his mother small and weak, even if he was being mean to you like his father you were still so kind.
'My own father was the same' you commented and removed some of your yukata to show Sanemi your families abuse 'My father would usually smash his alcohol bottles over me and my mother would burn me with her lighter my sisters and Aunt would lock me in the basement sometimes for a few weeks, and my Uncle would touch me...' you trailed off into sobs and Sanemi was frozen you have been hurt so much you are far too good for this world 'I wished that I could be strong like you' you said 'W-What?' Sanemi questioned 'My muscles were hurt too much and gotten damaged too many times that when I tried to fight as a Demon Slayer the pain was unbearable and I blacked out. So instead I offered to help Kagaya by giving his children a place to wind down and relax. I only get visitors once or twice a moth and they only stay for a week so I guess I am lonely like Kanroji said' you rambled as you tried to focus on your breathing 'Is it ok if I hug you?' Sanemi asked and you stared a bit telling he was nervous 'Please do' you whispered desperately and the Wind Hashira who was characterized as being aggressive and threatening, carefully lifted your body in his lap and held you while running his fingers through your hair.
Sanemi at first thought of you as weak and small like his mother but he was remembered that just like his mother you were strong, he tightened his grip on you even though you are strong he needs to protect you no matter what he couldn't protect his mother but he can protect you and he will protect you, usually he would push away the people he loves like Genya but with you he feels like he physically can't do that 'Thank you shinazugawa you are very kind' you thanked giving him a tired smile that the Hashira thought made you even more adorable and his face erupted in flames being reminded how adorable you are 'I-It's no problem' Sanemi muttered growing more embarrassed by the second 'If you want I can leave you seem uncomfortable' you commented looking up at him while he finally looked down at you 'No I'm fine it's just been a while since I've held someone!' Sanemi rushed out 'Would it be ok if we cuddled tonight?' You asked face completely red from your own question as you avoided eye contacted and Sanemi felt as if an arrow was shot through his heart 'S-Sure' Sanemi agreed enjoying the way your face lit up and carried you to your room and Sanemi set out a bigger futon for two, he let you lay down first and nervously got under the blanket and he laid down extremely stiff.
'Shinazugawa is it alright if I try something?' You asked and after the Hashira gave you the okay, you gently moved Sanemi's head to your chest and held his face so gently as you put your own head on top of his 'Your hair is very soft' you commented already falling asleep with Sanemi's body heat warming you up, and the Wind Hashira was shacking softly as to not to disturb you, he then wrapped his arms around your waist and buried himself deeper into your chest, you were warm oh so very warm he could hear your heart beating comfortably lulling the white haired man to sleep.
When Sanemi woke up you were thankfully still asleep as he looked up at your face admiring how calm you looked asleep, thinking of a great idea he got up and went to the kitchen to make you some breakfast, halfway through Kanroji had woken up and after hearing about what Sanemi was planning she was more than happy to help seeing as the Wind Hashira wasn't the best cook. You had woken up to an empty bed and assumed you had just dreamed up the events of last night as you tightened your yukata around you and went to the kitchen to make breakfast, but once you entered the kitchen you were shocked to see Kanroji and Shinazugawa finishing up making pancakes '(L/N)! You shouldn't be here, we were going to surprise you in bed!' Kanroji whined pointing at you accusingly and Sanemi looked a little disappointed you woke up early 'Well this is still a surprise, if you two wanted breakfast you could've woken me up' you spoke letting out a high pitched yawn as the Hashira couldn't believe how cute you are 'That wouldn't work since we wanted to make breakfast for you' Shinazugawa explained putting the finished pancakes on the small dining table ushering you to sit down and eat and you did so 'After our talk last night I've decided that you will be the one relaxing this week' Sanemi stated shocking you 'You don't have to do that Shinazu-' you started but was cut off 'I was also wondering if we could call each other by our first names?' Sanemi asked shyly.
'That's fine with me Sanemi' you said trying out the name on your tongue and Sanemi smiled warmly, while Kanroji was squealing internally at how you two would be so cute together for some reason she felt sad for a second she doesn't know why but then she realized she was falling for you, she was falling so fast and she's already losing you to Sanemi but she hasn't lost yet, with a determined look Kanroji picks you up while Sanemi was washing the dirty dishes and she takes you to the hot springs 'Um. Kanroji aren't I heavy?' You asked but it seemed the girl wasn't struggling at all 'Not at all (L/N) you don't weigh anything to me!' Kanroji exclaimed placing you back on the floor as you entered your hot springs 'You get yourself comfortable and I'll join you!' Kanroji declared walking back to the changing room, and you removed your yukata and folded it neatly near the edge and dipped yourself in the warm pool of water until your head was visible and soon Kanroji had joined you.
'(L/N)! Why are you hiding? You don't have to!' Kanroji shouted out with a pout you giggled at how childish she was acting "Sanemi didn't react too bad when I showed him my scars so maybe Kanroji will be the same!" You thought hopefully then finally revealed your heavily scarred body and Kanroji let out a shocked gasp '(Y/N)! Who could have done this to you?!' She asked gently placing her hands on your shoulders as to not irritate your skin 'My uh..... My family did this. That's why I left so suddenly when you brought them up' you explained with a wobbly smile not knowing that your words stung deep, she was the one that caused you to remember such pain, then she remembered a conversation she had with the Wind Hashira before you entered the kitchen.
'Hey Kanroji!' Sanemi called out to the girl while she was flipping a pancake 'Yes Shinazugawa?' '(L/N) didn't have the best of day yesterday so would you mind helping me make this week about (L/N) instead?' Sanemi asked in a smooth tone 'Really? Of course do you know why yesterday was a bad day?' Kanroji asked worried over you 'Yeah I'm pretty sure the topic of family for them is a bad one so maybe don't bring that up around them ok?' Sanemi asked and Kanroji remembered the day before when you suddenly left after she mentioned your family, of course at the time she was extremely worried that your mood suddenly worsened but she didn't want to pry or make you uncomfortable so instead she let Sanemi see you.
Kanroji was suddenly brought back to the present when you pinched her cheek and the girl engulfed you in a hug 'I'm so sorry if I brought up bad memories I just wanted to get to know you more! But like Shinazugawa said this week is all about you!' Kanroji apologized then got a towel and lifted you up then settled you down on a rock then began to softly rub the wet cloth on your body, while cleaning your body Kanroji would kiss some of your scars some were ticklish which you would try to suppress your giggles but Kanroji would just tickle you more until you were crying for laughing too much 'I just can't believe this could happen' Kanroji said hugging your back and placing her head on your shoulder, while you tried to calm down your laughing fit and a small blush on your face 'You can't believe what could happen?' You asked leaning your head on hers 'That someone could hurt someone as kind and beautiful as you' Kanroji muttered hugging you more tightly while burying her head in your shoulder, at her comment you tensed up then smiled.
You turned your body to face Kanroji and cupped her face 'I don't think it's unbelievable, many people hurt others whether they want to or not, whether they are beautiful ugly kind or mean they'll all get hurt someway or another, you just have to figure out if they meant it or not and decide if you forgive them. I haven't talk with any of my family members since I came to Japan and what they did to me I can never forget and I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive.... but I'd be willing to try' you stated smiling warmly at Kanroji. Then the front door to the Hot Springs was slammed open and you and Kanroji looked to see Sanemi with a towel wrapped around his waist as he stared at you two 'Ah! Sanemi! Sorry did you want to use the spring?' You asked not noticing Sanemi's face become covered in a blush as he threw a towel at your face 'Cover yourself or stay in the spring!' he yelled and you smiled walking back to the hot springs submerging your body again as Kanroji joined you sitting close but far enough to give you space.
Soon Sanemi joined you two staying close while occasionally glaring at Kanroji 'So what were you two talking about?' Sanemi asked 'Not much really just life stuff' you spoke smiling up to the white haired man 'Didn't seem like it wasn't not much' Sanemi muttered looking directly at Kanroji while he said that 'Well I should probably get out now I was going to go out and collect some flowers in the forest!' you talked happily 'I can come with you!' Sanemi rushed looking up at you as you stood wrapping a towel around your body and grabbing your yukata.
'I'll be fine! The place I'm talking about is still in the Wisteria forest so no demons can get me! Plus I'll be home before sundown!' You exclaimed walking out of the hot to get changed. You grabbed a basket and some scissors to snip the flowers from the stem instead of just breaking them, walking through the wisteria forest was always relaxing in your opinion, you would hear the birds chirping and would sometimes see a deer if you were lucky enough, you sat down and began to pick some flowers for some teas or for decoration until you heard someone cough very heavily, looking up you saw a man bent over a cart on a road, quickly walking over to the man you offered him your water container you brought in case you got thirsty 'Are you ok?' You asked the man 'Yes I'm alright I've just got a bad cough is all' he said 'Let me help you!' You yelled not waiting for an answer as you gripped the carts handle 'Are you sure I don't live that far from here' the man protested worried 'I'm sure lead the way!' You declared and began to follow the man to his home, hopefully this won't take too long and you can get home before any demons show up.