Scars Of Love | Iguro Obanai

06

A week has passed ever since that ugly incident happen. Despite Shinobu taking extra care for you to immediately recover from the horrible state you're in, you weren't just waking up which was making her and the others worry. Someone who's been out for a week isn't a healthy sign of possibly going back to work happy and alive.

Shame and regret filled her worried mind as she leaned on the wall of your room, her pleasant smile now gone and replaced with a frown wondering if you'll open your eyes one day to tell her everything was going to be okay.

But she knew you wouldn't be doing that sooner, and it was making her heart ache in longing.

[First Name], please wake up.

°°°

"This is a tough mission don't you think?" Mitsuri asked in fatigue as she watch Iguro finish off the other demons, "If [First Name]-chan was here she would've been taking them down easily despite winter season!"

"You really are better working during cold seasons [Last Name]-san!"

Iguro didn't say a word about the love pillar's statement as he thought it was very ridiculous, she did well despite the cold weather. If not, better than you could've been doing during these times when you were well and awake.

Well and awake.

Right, you still haven't woken up and it's been a week ever since he rescued you out of that stupid situation.

And for him, it was the most annoying week he ever experienced.

Every single one of his co-pillars were worried about your condition, especially now that you're nowhere near improvement. You were still the same as day one, cold and pale. There were no muscle movement, the only thing that was keeping their hopes up was your even breathing.

Though Iguro never really held onto your weak breaths, he knew you'd be out sooner or later when no once would care. But alas, everyone wanted you safe. And it was getting annoying for him, he thought they were pathetic for having any concern about your poor health– though he never thought about it that way with Mitsuri– why were they even so determined?

He couldn't understand why, and it was better that way.

Iguro never wanted to understand you, he didn't want to understand anything about you.

"We're better off without her." Was the words the left his thoughtless lips which made the woman of her dreams look at him in disappointment and sadness.

"You know, Iguro-san. I really thought you were better than that."

°°°

Shinobu knelt down the garden of Oyakata's home, her head bowed in respect as the ill man made himself comfortable on the tatami mat.

"Isn't it a cold day, Kochou?" was the first thing he asked as a smile formed on his lips.

The mentioned woman sighed in silence "It is, Oyakata-sama."

"May I ask about [First Name]'s condition, my child?"

She could feel her own lips quiver at the question, like it was something she isn't used to talking even though it's been a week ever since she reported your daily condition to Oyakata.

"She's still in a delicate condition, [Last Name]-san didn't show any signs of waking up sooner. I am afraid that she'll never open her eyes one day" she answered, her voice shaking as Shinobu tried hard to stop herself from crying.

It was frustrating for her part, as someone who is responsible for your health and a friend who wants you back as soon as possible. Why weren't you even showing positive signs? Shinobu did what she was supposed to be doing, and also it was just a weak demon who could've landed you injuries that'll be quick to heal for about four days. You'd be stable after it and be awoken from that slumber of yours, but no. Your health is definitely poor enough that it's freaking her out everyday.

Sensing Shinobu's now upset form, Oyakata's lips now formed into a thin line. His children beside him whispered something into his heads, telling him about the insect pillar's body language.

He couldn't help but feel sadness for the woman, Oyakata knew she was pressured as someone who takes care of the injured. And for someone to take care of a friend who seems to be dying instead of giving good signs, it was definitely hard and frustrating. As if your life was in her hands, Shinobu was worried that her medications might not be enough.

"I can feel that you are frustrated about [First Name]'s condition, Shinobu." Her eyes widen at the sudden voice of her master.

"But you should know that it isn't your fault, and you are doing what you can to keep her alive."

Shinobu's tensed form immediately relaxed at the comfortness of his words and voice, like a father who is telling his child that everything was fine.

"Thank you for your kind words Oyakata-sama, I will make sure to work harder and repay the kindness that you gave."

"There is no need for you to work harder as you have been doing that already" he replied with an obvious frown on his face, "And I want to add something before you leave my child."

Shinobu's head perked up at this, "May I know what is it, Oyakata-sama?"

"I do not want to give you another hard load but Kanroji and Iguro haven't been in their best shape ever since I assigned them to take care of [First Name]'s winter patrol, I want you to help the two as someone who has been with [First Name] during these times."

Oh, so that's what it was.

Shinobu bowed her head again "I will, Oyakata-sama."

"Very well." He smiled "You may take your leave."

"Yes, Oyakata-sama. I hope for you to be healthier as time pass by."

°°°

"Shinobu-san!" Mitsuri's loud cry reached the woman's ears as she hear her heavy stomps nearing."

And there she lay on the ground with a very strong love pillar hugging her.

"I'm so tired I just want to see you and [First Name] for a bit before we go back in patrolling!"

A small smile formed on Shinobu's lips, "Welcome back Kanroji, you're not with Iguro-san today?"

"I.. Let's not talk about him for a moment."