Demon Slayer Oneshots

☁️Zenitsu/Reader: The Rouge Ruse Part 2

Chapter 2: The Sigil

"Quick, put these on!" Your voice rung out, and Zenitsu blinked rapidly, his brain struggling to catch up as he hustled after you, trying his best to imitate the feminine foot shuffle he'd seen so many a-time, but never felt the need to study so closely before now. It was hard not to trip over this damn kimono, he realized, and this wasn't even one of the formal ones. Not like the ones you abruptly just shoved into his arms.

"Huh?" He gawked down at the thick fabric. "But... these look heavy. I thought we were going to dance practice."

"Change of plans." You replied and raked a brush through your hair with heated pace, not a frantic motion, but one of trained haste. "A patron is coming instead: one of our regulars. He didn't give us much notice, but we're preparing to host him now. So that means lessons are cancelled today."

"I see..."

'Patron...' The blonde thought bitterly. You meant one of those opulent undeserving men that were allowed to waltz right in and take advantage of the beautiful women here. Zenitsu's eye twitched involuntarily out of spite.

"Are you coming?" Your voice hailing from farther away made him look up, and he realized he was trailing behind.

"Uh? Oh!" You heard Zenko's footsteps tromp loudly on the wood as she ran after you, and you winced. You definitely needed to have her work on that... The girl eyed you carefully, anxiously awaiting further instruction. Your demeanor softened and you slowed down, taking her by the hand.

"It's okay, Zenko-chan." You flashed a gentle smile. "You can help me refill the teapots and stuff. It's really quite simple, so there's no need to be nervous."

"But I've never done this before. What am I even supposed to say to them?"

"Ehhh... Just to be safe, until you have more training, for tonight I suggest you only speak when spoken to, and be as polite as you can to the gentlemen and their guests. Don't try and initiate conversation just yet."

"I guess I can do that..." She pursed her lips in thought, and with the curvature of her eyebrows it made it look like she was pouting.

"Once you have a few lessons I promise it'll all come naturally. You'll see."

"Uh, thank you..." She mumbled. "That's very comforting."

"I'll help you get changed." You offered, and a white-hot streak of panic surged through Zenitsu's body. He couldn't afford to blow his cover this early! Just one glimpse of him without his shirt on and this rouge ruse would all be over!

"Uh! No, no! I've got this covered!" The blonde shrieked out at you, that panicked piercing sound you hoped you'd get used to in time, and launched herself into the room before clacking the door shut. "You just catch up on whatever it is you have to do before we start!"

"Alright, if you insist!" You hollered back before taking your leave. 'Hm. Guess she's shy,' you thought, and decided to leave it there. You figured she was more nervous about meeting the guests than she let on, the poor dear. It was apparent that she needed some time to gather her thoughts, and- if the squeaky pitch in her voice was any indication- her composure as well.

After hearing your footsteps fade into the distance Zenitsu sighed. Here he stood, alone, puzzling the layered kimono sitting on the bed.

"I think I remember how to do this..." He was sort of familiar with how an obi was wrapped. He recalled helping his former wife change into one a few years ago... though she probably only made him help her so she could sneak off with that other man. Zenitsu's hands squeezed and wrinkled the fabric before he remembered himself. ...No. He couldn't allow bitterness to surge through him and sour his mood. He wouldn't risk shaming you at this event after you'd gone through so much trouble to guide him. If he were to stumble now, the responsibility and consequences would fall upon your shoulders. Instead, he tried to focus on the gentle warm feeling of your hand in his, that smile of yours that inspired security and comfort.