Lemons 🍋 [REPUBLISH]

Care (Sanemi Shinazugawa)

"I'm home."

It was barely audible and was followed by a heavy sigh. Sanemi slid the door close behind him and continue to walk in his dark solitude, suddenly it doesn't feel at home... well it never really does. The Wind Pillar just got home after a week of being on a mission. His usual thunderous and terrifying aura is nowhere to feel. He's tired and the thought of coming home to no one is just making him sadder.

"Oh!"

A soft gasp echoed in Sanemi's ears. Who?

It was followed by footsteps rushing towards where he is. The woman in the black uniform, same as others Kakushis, greeted him lively before bowing, "Welcome home, Shinazugawa-sama!"

"Who the hell are you?" Sanemi's forehead furrowed, he continue to ask in an angered tone. "What the fuck are you doing in someone else's home?"

The woman didn't budge even though she was being intimidated by the Pillar. She was briefly aware that the initial reaction of the Wind Pillar to everything is anger— she was oriented personally by Oyakata-sama.

"Uhm," she hesitated to ask, but still did, "Haven't you read the letter from Oyakata-sama? He told me that he already explained everything in the letter."

Sanemi steps back, thinking about what the woman is talking about. He can only see her eyes and all he's sensing in her aura is innocence. Remembering about the letter, he did receive one from his crow but before he could even open it, a loud scream pierced through the air. It was another demon attack. Then, the realization hit him. With a rush he reach for his side pocket, revealing the crumpled letter.

"Ah!" Her voice was full of surprise as she saw the letter.

Giving her another look, the Wind Pillar opened and read the letter in a rush. The diligent handwriting of their superior welcomed his eyes.

My child, Shinazugawa Sanemi,

I am sending ________ ______, over in your estate. I am constantly worried about your own health and you're not reaching out to anyone either. It breaks my heart knowing that you are alone every time you come home. I believe she can take care of you as much as she did to our family. But, if you really refuse her company, it's okay to send her back. The choice is still yours to make.

Be well, my child.

Ubuyashiki Kagaya

The seal of the Ubuyashiki clan reaches his eyes. Sanemi couldn't believe that his superior would be this caring, especially, after how he acted the first time they met. He practically shouted and belittle him. The soft smile of Oyakata-sama entered his mind and it warms his heart knowing that there is still someone caring for him.

"Will you accept me in your estate, Shinazugawa-sama?"

The Wind Pillar's thoughts were interrupted by the said woman in the letter— her eyes are full of hope. He was unsure how to describe it. He cleared his throat before answering her without looking at her eyes, "Just because it was ordered by Oyakata-sama, dumbass."

"Thank you so much, sir!" She bowed happily.

Ever since then, every time Sanemi is home he doesn't feel alone— his home feels warm in her company.

Oyakata-sama was right, he thought.

She practically lives with him and every time he comes home from a mission he gets giddily excited. Sanemi always anticipates the warm greeting of someone with who he never knew he will grow to love and to be attached.

______ doesn't even use her Kakushi uniform since Sanemi ordered her not to anymore. So, she's just wearing a simple kimono that was chosen by the Wind Pillar and her hair still perfectly tied behind her head. She and the Wind Pillar grew close as time passed by and she knew very well that she is falling for him. She doesn't want to admit it though, afraid that he might reject her.