boketto || t. kamado

forty-nine

A/N: An apology for last chapter :) you guys are sweet, hope you enjoy!!

"Do you have everything?" Daichi asked, perched in the doorway, and watched as I slipped my shoes onto my feet. Birds were chirping and you could smell the fresh rainfall in the air. Small drops of water were still falling from leaves but the sky held very few clouds The ground was still wet and the atmosphere was chilly - but I couldn't pick between wearing Mother's haori or my new one, so both were folded into my bag today.

I nodded, shifting my bag on my shoulder as I stepped out with him. He was still in more casual clothing, opting to stay for a bit longer. But I also had missions to attend and knew we'd write letters and see each other again. After all, I have a marriage to attend to now.

Daichi crossed his arms as he watched me adjust myself, double-checking I had everything in my bag. He softly added, "I'm going to go through some stuff. I'll send it to the butterfly mansion for you; books and tea and stuff. She's got a list of what she intends to give you."

Right. Because she had the haori with her will on it. I suppose I need to start preparing mine. I gave another nod, standing up straight again and facing him. He was watching me - gaze careful and calculated. As if trying to read my thoughts. I hadn't had too many, frankly. I still wasn't quite sure what to feel nor ready to do so yet.

"Y/n," He called and I gave him more of my attention. Daichi paused for a moment, considering, and then said, "You're my sister. So if you need anything, tell me. Okay?"

The familial term made my chest tighten. He was my brother. As much as I wanted to deny it - but he was a far better big brother than my biological one. Despite the tugging feeling in my torso, I gave him a smile, "I will. I promise."

There was another beat. And then he stepped forward and swept me into his arms without asking. His hugs were different from Tanjiro's - but in a good way, this time. Both comforting and genuine. But Daichi held a different message. It held one of mutual caring. He wanted me to know that I could always come to him, but he also was seeking the same comfort from me.

So I gave it back, because who am I to deny my brother? I wrapped my arms back around him in a tight embrace. He held me close for a few moments, and then sighed and stepped back.

I gave him a wave as I walked away, Ocha circling in the sky as we departed. It was weird to think about how I was now the only Spirit-Breathing Demon Slayer now. Before this, I'd always felt a bit comforted by the fact that there were two of us and it wasn't as uncommon of a breathing style. But now I was the only one and I was on my own. Independent and set on a journey that I now had to teach myself.

Ocha didn't give me any direction as we walked, so I assumed that heading back toward the butterfly mansion was the answer. Eventually, as my teacher's house disappeared behind me, he swooped down and perched on my shoulder. Calm and quiet - a rarity in the old bird. We were walking through farm grounds, leaving nature on either side and the occasional farmer that gave us a friendly wave and sometimes a question on where we were headed.

I didn't rush my travel pace back to the house, and I knew this would make my arrival late into the night. But I couldn't bring myself to quicken my pace. I felt like the walk was needed. Surrounded by fresh rain air and swaying trees, I felt like the recent constriction I'd been facing was being lifted. Everything's going to be okay and it is okay.

A breeze fluttered through my uniform and hair, brushing it back on my shoulders and making Ocha give a shake of his feathers. I reveled in the coolness and glanced up towards the clear sky. A night of rain, followed by a beautiful day. The calm after a storm. It's so quiet. A wonderful day, all things aside.