𝕃𝕖𝕥'𝕤 𝕊𝕖𝕒 (FEM! Reader X Arataki Itto)

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ²³

There was a solemn air following us as we made our way back to the camp. Each of us blamed ourselves for what happened and Arataki was especially quiet.

"Moo!" Ushi greeted us with excitement but it instantly vanished when he saw our faces. Arataki sat down by the fire pit and stared at the ashes, his expression full of anger, sorrow, and regret.

Genta and Akira joined him and I stood to the side, watching their saddened atmosphere grow worse with each passing second. Ushi plopped down beside my feet and looked up in confusion, asking with his eyes.

I bent down and patted his head, "They got Mamoru." I whispered and he looked back at the gang. "Moo..." Even Ushi's face looked sad. And that's saying something.

"What are we gonna do, Boss?" Akira asked what was on everybody's mind and they watched Arataki for an answer. "I... I don't know." He balled his hand into a fist and punched the dirt next to him. "I want nothing more than to just head over there and bust him out! But... there's no way we could pull it off..."

His brows knitted as he tried to think of anything, anything at all. But his mind was clouded with anger and frustration.

Everyone's spirits were at an all time low. I racked my brain, trying to think of something as well but when the mood was as upsetting as this, one struggles to even do that. The same could be said for Half-Oni as he got up and walked away.

"Boss?" Genta watched as he silently left and we exchanged glances. "We get into this sort of trouble all the time but none of us was ever actually been captured. It would always be Boss who gets caught. Sometimes he did it on purpose, sometimes to protect one of us." Akira explained, looking at Genta who nodded in agreement.

I hated seeing Itto this upset. It made my chest ache. I couldn't take it anymore. I got up and hurried after him, leaving the rest to watch on with curiosity.

I eventually found his large frame sitting by the shore, staring into the waters. I thought that maybe he felt the most at fault, seeing as he's the leader. And after hearing what Akira said, he would rather be in that position than Mamoru.

"Half-Oni?" I said softly, letting him know I was there. He didn't look at me, instead he just lowered his head so that I couldn't see his face. "Hey, Y/n." I could hear the sadness seeping through his words.

I carefully sat down beside him and placed a gentle hand on his arm, "Itto, you don't have to pretend. I know you're upset. Angry, even." This caused him to look at me with surprise. "It's okay. We'll get him back." I smiled softly and he seemed to relax a bit.

"How? How will we get him back?" He asked, hope laced in his voice. I retracted my hand, placing it on my chin while in thought. "I'm... not sure." He slouched his shoulders, he hoped I had a solution. He turned his head away from me, looking down again.

I rubbed my arm anxiously, trying desperately to think of something that'll cheer him up. Maybe if he's in a better mood, we'll be able to think of a way to save Mamoru. At least, keep his mind off of it for a moment.

"I'm sorry." He suddenly spoke, pulling me out of my thoughts. "I didn't mean for you to see me like this..." That broke my heart to hear him say that. His eyes widened when he felt something wrap around his torso. He looked down to see me with my body turned to hug him.

"Shortie?"
"Don't ever apologize for feeling sad. Everyone has their bad days. Even the happiest of people can have bad days. You're no exception. As your partner, I won't allow you to wallow alone." I pulled away and smiled up at him, "Got that? I won't leave until you smile!"

He blinked, too stunned to speak. "I..." Nothing came out, he just gawked. I nudged his side with a pout, "Hey that was your cue to correct me!" I puffed up my chest, "We're not partners, you're working for me! Or something like that..." I mimicked his voice by purposely deepening mine and he scoffed.

"That's not how I sound."
"Nah I'm pretty sure it was dead on."
"No way."
"Yes way."
"You're really doing this?"
"Doing what? Be mildly annoying? I learn from the best~"

He looked at me incredulously before shaking his head, "Now hold on, maybe the reason I didn't correct you was because you were promoted...?" I stared at him, shock present on my features.
"Wait so we're partners??"
"Well, since you chose to be mean about it, maybe I'll reconsider-"
"I'm sorry!"

He laughed at my panicked state and I dropped my shoulders while narrowing my eyes at him. "You done?" I questioned as he wiped a tear away. "Not really but you sure are!" I raised a hand. "Hey what're you- OW!"

At least I cheered him up.

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