Burnt Out || Rengoku Kyojiro x Tomioka Giyuu

[4] Pillar Meeting

It was nerve wracking... Truly. I had approached the master the other day to alert him of Kyojiro's state. I thought it best for him to know first. He seemed perfectly fine after I explained he was very similar to Nezuko in this state. I was relieved that he didn't mind but we all had the same concern.. What would my fellow pillars do? I was sure it couldn't be too bad.. But then again some of the people within our rank are... less than pleasant.

That leads me to my current position, walking up to the main headquarters with my lover by my side. It was night so he could be out without getting harmed. I held his hand, squeezing it occasionally. He smiled through his muzzle. I couldn't risk anything... Not around the master. It broke my heart but I had to do it.

Oyakata-sama specifically set it up so that we would arrive as soon as he was done explaining the situation to them. If he said it, then they would hear him out. I was lucky to have him on my side.

I sighed when we reached the closed gates to the meeting. I looked at Kyojiro and kissed his cheek. I was unnaturally nervous. He somewhat returned the gesture and rested his head on top of mine for a moment. When he backed up I opened the gate. Stepping into the garden where the meeting was held. I bowed to Oyakata-sama to greet him, keeping Kyojiro behind me.

"Tch- Can't even make it on time to a meeting concerning him-" I heard the gruff voice of Sanemi speak.

"Relax.. I told him when to come. He came on time, if not early. Hello, Giyuu." The Master greeted me with a gentle voice.

"Good evening master." I bowed again to him, before standing off to the side with Kyojiro.

"You may speak to them now. I'll only supervise from here." He explained.

"A-Alright.. So.. I assume you all know about... Rengoku-sans condition... He- It's true. He has turned into a demon. But I can ensure he is not a bad demon. He hasn't shown.. many signs of aggression." I decided it bestto leave out the incident of when he first came to my door.

"Look- He was a good demon slayer but now he's a demon! I really don't think it practical for him to be here! What if Muzan has control over him?" Shinobu asked. It made me angry but she did have a point.

"I tested that. I gave him blood in a bowl and set it in front of him about a week ago. He has not touched it at all and in fact stays away from it. So I doubt it should be a concern." I explained.

Mitsuri looked a little teary. "Well personally I don't care! I have my best friend back!" She smiled.

"Perhaps he is like the Kamado girl..." Gyomei's voice sounded.

I nodded. "If he is anything like her then I hate him-" Sanemi scoffed.

I looked to Rengoku. He was just standing there calmly, letting people jab at him with words, his eyes smiling. "Don't say that." I murmured to Sanemi.

"I'll say what I want about a demon." He retorted.

".. I will not allow you to say such things towards someone I care about.." I dead panned.

"W- Tch. Whatever."

"So he isn't violent at all?" Obanai asked coldly.

"No. Not at all." I replied. He nodded. I could tell that he had no faith in my words. But that was a problem for another time.

"What do you plan on doing with him should we agree to let him stay in the Slayer Corps?" Muichiro's voice unexpectedly broke in. It was only unexpected because normally he does not pay attention at all to.. well, anything. I guess this intrigued him.

"Oh.. Well. I would take him on missions with me as Tanjiro does. He could be of great use to the organization. He was at Hashira level as a human which is impressive on its own but imagine the things he could achieve for us as a demon. He would be able to protect so many people." I spoke to them calmly. Though on the inside I was horrified that they would make the ultimate decision to kill him.

"Kyah! That would be so cool! I can imagine it! Oh come on guys! He would give us such a big advantage!" Mitsuri practically squealed through the silence that followed me talking.

"... What was that constellation again?" Muichiro questioned, staring up at the sky. Aaaand we lost him. No more Tokito.

"I suppose if Kanroji is okay with it... I am too." Obanai grumbled.

"I trust your judgement! Rengoku will make quite the flamboyant demon ally!" Uzui declared.

"Fine then... I suppose this might be a good idea." Shinobu surprisingly agreed.

"I pray he will help protect us." Gyomei mumbled.

"Fine-" Sanemi said briefly.

Rengoku smiled thankfully, bowing a little before turning to Oyakata-sama. I looked at him too. "Is this alright with you, master?" I asked timidly.

"Of course it is. I am confident that Rengoku will be quite a valuable asset just as he was as a human. Though I would like to apologize that it ever came to you being turned to a demon. I hope you're aware we are working with the Kamado siblings and Miss Tamayo to find a successful cure." He replied kindly with a smile.

Rengoku nodded with a noise of appreciation. "Thank you Oyakata-sama." I bowed.

"Of course my dear child. You are all dismissed. Have a wonderful night." He waved his hand to dismiss us.

We all slowly dispersed after that, Rengoku and I leaving first. My hand clasped his on our way back to the Water Estate. I was relieved. Before I forgot I reached and took of his muzzle. "There... Sorry about that." I apologized.

"No need to!" Rengoku replied cheerfully. I smiled at his brightness.

"That didn't go too bad... We even got Obanai on board." I joked.

He laughed which cased me to blush. "Let us go home so I can properly hold you." He smiled.

I smiled back, it was going to be okay. We were going to be okay. Nothing could change that. We were together and protected. And in that moment, that was all that mattered to me.

A/N:  Thank you all so much for the love and support on this book <3 It truly means the world to me!  Remember to eat and stay hydrated today!! <33