Demon Slayer Oneshots

☁️Zenitsu/Reader: The Rouge Ruse Part 8

Chapter 8: Heart to Heart

"This place has the best tea in town." You proclaimed as you led Zenko through the entrance of the shop. "Well... in my opinion, that is."

Once you'd both removed your shoes and passed through the scroll alcove, elegantly decorated with hand-painted pottery and delicate brush calligraphy, you were seated. There must've been reason for an interim overseer today, for you didn't see the usual host anywhere. While the unfamiliar young man cleaned your tea bowl with a hemp cloth, you addressed him.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but where's the tea master today?"

"He had to run an emergency errand this morning. He should be back soon actually."

"Oh, good. I'm F/N from the Kyogoku house. If I leave before he returns, do send him my regards, wont you?"

"The Kyogoku house you say...?" A glint of significance flickered across his eyes and a playful smile curled up the side of his lips. "I hear they have the loveliest... accommodations... I've had the mind to pay you all a visit myself." Zenitsu's eye twitched at the flirtatious tone in his voice.

"Well we'd be delighted to have you." You replied politely, and also honestly. The young man was undeniably handsome, and he'd be a welcomed change from the usual old and worn countenance of the house's usual patrons.

"It would be an honor. Truly." He placed the clean tea bowl before you and gracefully rose. "Would you like the traditional or seasonal tea today, miss?"

"Seasonal. And you want that too, right, Zenko-chan?"

"I'll have whatever she's having." He answered slow and with great difficulty.

"Of course, miss. And I'll be sure to pass your message along to the owner when he returns. If I were him I'd be delighted to see you again."

"Thank you." And with that he vanished around the corner. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes. Under the thatched roof and soft diffused light you felt at peace, and the tatami floor had a pleasant give under your knees. "Looks like we found a new patron for our services. Glad I didn't underdress today." Your fingers absentmindedly traced the hem of your kimono, and Zenitsu thought his teeth might crack from how hard he'd been clenching his jaw. Suddenly, your companion stood, and moved with deliberate steps towards the corner where the young man had just been. "Uh- where are you going?"

"Need to find a wash basin... Got fruit juice on my hands at the market..." You managed to make out Zenko's words, though she had grumbled them whilst facing away from you.

"Oh, okay..."

Once Zenitsu was certain he was out of sight he followed his apt hearing towards the kitchen, where the scent of sugar and dough wafted in his direction. The sound of masculine footsteps approached, and right as the gentleman passed through the doorway he was swiftly pinned against the wall. With an elbow pressed firmly across his collarbone, the young man was too stunned to speak for a moment. Zenitsu took advantage of that fact to bark a question at him.

"Just who exactly do you think you are?!" The server blinked in shock at the lethal look in the blonde's eyes, and even moreso the strength of her grip on his clothes.

"I- huh?! I don't know what you're- You've got the wrong guy!" Zenitsu winced at his response, hoping he was far enough out of your earshot that you wouldn't witness this encounter. He really ought to watch his volume...

"Shut up." The demon slayer lowered his voice. "I'm just here to tell you not to get any funny ideas about F/N-chan. She's mine, ya hear?"

"F-forgive me. I had no idea of your type of... relationship." He held up his hands in honest surrender, not wanting to stoke the fire in the hideous girl's eyes any further. "I meant no disrespect."