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

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ⁵³

DISCLAIMER: This is another made up location. I'll also be making up NPCs so please, we don't want another Scara incident xD if it's an actual character, I'll make it obvious so don't guess and get your hopes up. Again, we don't want a repeat with the Scara incident.

That is all, love ya <3

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After about an hour, we've finally arrived. The sun was just about to set and the lanterns were already lit in preparation of it. Just in time. The venue was extremely well decorated; elegant and beautiful. A few lanterns were hung up along the tall, black-painted iron fence and towering shrubs that were trimmed neatly, guiding guests to the cobblestone path leading up to the front door.

"Is this someone's house?" I asked as I gawked at the size of it. Arataki narrowed his eyes with hidden disgust. He disliked the rich self entitled types that tells everyone what to do and throw money at their problems. Who doesn't hate those kinds of people?

There were already many guests present, few wearing extravagant or exotic clothing with large feathers or pelts of animals and brightly colored fabrics with complicated patterns. Although, majority were humble and wore clothing like mine and Arataki's. Much to my relief. I was worried we'd stick out like a sore thumb. However, Arataki might be. It's difficult to be discreet when you're a six foot oni with bright red horns and markings.

I, on the other hand, was anxious as hell for a different reason. I hugged myself as my eyes scanned the sea of people, imagining the worst case scenario. 'I could potentially embarrass myself in front of a whole bunch of snobby rich people. I might not be able to find Sangonomiya at all and it would've been a waste of time coming here—'

"Y/n!" I stared up at Arataki in shock, his hands were planted firmly on my shoulders as he stared into my e/c eyes with concern. "You were doing that thing where you overthink everything, weren't you?" I blinked, taken aback from the sudden action and question. "I... Maybe?" Have I done it around him before?

"What's up? You afraid the mission will fail?" He asked in a gentle tone. I bashfully looked down at his chest, "Kinda." I admitted through a barely audible mumble. "Well, don't be! Everything will be A-OK, I can guarantee it!" He bent his knees a little to look up at my face, "I've got your back, okay? So whatever happens, I'll be right there to lend ya a hand. And if anyone gives you trouble, I teach 'em a lesson!" He smiled widely, trying to reassure me.

My hand rested on the fabric over my chest, feeling my rapid heartbeat. "Half-Oni..." I whispered breathlessly, his words of encouragement meant so much to me.

'Figure out how to get rid of these feelings... or how to pursue them.'

My eyes widened and I abruptly took a step back and lowered my head so he couldn't see my face.
"I think I'm good now."
"You sure?" He asked and his hands fell from my shoulders.

My heart raced and I gulped thickly. "Y-Yep. Let's do this!" I shook my head and marched over to the entrance with fake confidence. "That's my Shortie! Positive vibes!" He punched the air, laughing ardently as he followed.

I spotted a guard dressed in formal wear to fit tonight's theme who checked everyone's invite before letting them in. "That guy's checking the invites... How do we get past him?" Our eyes scanned the manor for another way in.

"Hey. Look over there." Arataki nudged me and pointed to an area that was far off the cobblestone path and lead behind the building. I nodded to him and we slipped away without being seen. It was easy to do so without being seen since the sun had set at this time.

A low fence gate stood in our way with a sign reading; 'NO ENTRY. USE FRONT ENTRANCE.'

"Cute. They have a sign here that says we can't enter." I smirked as I pointed at it. "Ha! Like some sign is gonna tell me what to do. I can't even read it!" He quickly hopped the fence though it was a little difficult with the clothes he wore. "Um, Half-Oni?" He turned to see me open the unlocked gate and his eyes bulged comically. "Haha..."

From out here, I could hear classical music playing from inside. The party was in full swing. I just hoped it wasn't too overcrowded otherwise we wouldn't be able to find the priestess.

I shoved Arataki back when I spotted a guard patrolling the area, near the garden which wasn't far from our current location. I peeked over to see that the back door was left unattended.

Arataki bent down and picked up a pebble, tossing it once into the air before snatching it again, a mischievous glint in his eye. He raised an arm, gently moving me to the side and he took a step back. He brought his other arm far back, then throwing the pebble as hard as he could in the guard's direction.

It flew through the air, zipping past the unsuspecting guard and absolutely demolished the bird bath that was on the other side of him. "Huh!?" The guard turned to inspect the scene and Arataki grabbed my hand, making a break for it towards the door.

He opened it quickly, poking his head inside to make sure it was clear before pulling me in after him. We panted as he shut the door behind him. After I've calmed down a bit from the adrenaline rush, I took a moment to examine our surroundings. We were standing in a hallway with a high ceiling and beautiful designs carved into the marble pillars that held it up.

"We did it!" He whispered and I nodded while patting down my clothes. "Right. Now we find Sangonomiya." He cracked his neck joints and rolled his shoulder, "Piece of cake! Let's go!" But when we reached the main hall, there were more than a hundred people present.

"Ooo..." He sucked through his teeth with his fist positioned in front of his mouth, realizing how wrong he was. (It's like a hissing sound? Idk what it's actually called. When you literally suck air through clenched teeth)

"Well, it could be worse?" I pointed to the stairs, "There's a lot more house to search, not just this area." I stated plainly and watched as he pursed his lips and his face went blank. "I'll just shut up."

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