The 10th Hashira - Rengoku X Reader

Chapter Ten - Breaking A Promise

That was a night. My legs are still numb and tingly from where he thrust himself. After we both finished cleaning up, I found that standing was out of the question. My legs had turned into noodles and I embarrassingly had to rely on Rengoku's support to make it back to my room. And after that, I fell asleep like a baby only to wake to the sound of my crow outside my door. A new mission was needing my attention. 

Streeeetch! Can I touch my toes? No. Wait. Y-yes, sort of. 

The snow is still pretty heavy, but working in the night has it's perks because I don't have to deal with the reflection from the sun. It is colder though...but, once again, that's where my pants come in handy. 

With my sword fastened to my side, I make my way along the wooden pathway. Ah, my legs are still pretty janky, and how should I face Rengoku from now on? Do I maintain the same behavior? But I was so straightforward with him the other day that I'm now too embarrassed to face him as myself anymore. 

I round the corner of the building sharply and am met with a wall of steel. I feel my nose push into my face as I grasp to their arms desperately so I don't fall back. I'm supposed to be one of the Hashira not one of the damsels damnit! Get your head in the game! This constant Rengoku business in my head needs to take a break before I actually lose my life to it!

"Why hello there! I see you are doing fine this afternoon," his hand lightly grabs my waist and I pear up to see a very fine looking man, also known as Rengoku. 

"Yes! I'm doing fantastic! How are you?"

"I'm doing great as well! Where are you headed to with a head in a frenzy?"

"I'm just about to head out for my next mission."

"Oh, I see. Were you requested to go by yourself then?" Rengoku's smile remains but his tone changes slightly. 

"I was. It shouldn't be too rough of a mission though, only lower demon activity has been noticed," why am I trying to ease his mind. Any mission can become fatal, but I want him to feel reassured and not have an expression that causes or shows worry. 

"Well, if that's the case, I will await your return eagerly!"

"Then I shall await returning as well," I grip his haori tightly only to then push myself from his grasp. I need to get going soon. 

"Please maintain a focused mindset and stay warm while you are on the journey."

"Oh I will! My mind couldn't be clearer, and my clothes were made for this weather!" One lie and one truth, they cancel each other out right? 

"Oh yes! Your haori is quite beautiful. And, haha, it's probably a good thing that you are wearing pants," he covers his mouth to hide a sinister chuckle. You pervert! But he is right, not only do the pants maintain my body temperature better in this weather, but it also hides the traces of himself he left on my legs from last night. Oh gosh, last night. I will not get over that for a while.

"In all seriousness though, please be careful on your mission," Rengoku takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips for a warm kiss. 

"I'll be even more careful, because I now have something I really want to return to," I grip his hand back and draw it to my own face so I can plant a kiss on his rough knuckles as well. Haha, so cliché. I made sure to think this thought rather than actually saying it this time. "Well, I'll be off and back in no time, so don't worry too much," I show him a warm genuine smile for reassurance. 

I turn to make my exit from the estate, but before I can step out I feel Rengoku's arms wrap around my torso for a tight hug. He places his forehead onto my shoulder and lets out a heavy sigh. Jeez, he's a clingy one, makes him even more cute. My feet lose their grip to the ground as he lifts me into the air and twirls me around while simultaneously turning me to face him and land into his princess hold. He sets me back down on the ground and takes a few steps back. 

"I was practicing for when you return. I will be doing the same thing when we see each other again," woah. I think I just fell even more in love with him, how is that even possible??

"Haha, you're so amazing, you know that? When I do return, I will even jump into your arms. However, I will be adding my own twist to your routine, but I'll keep that as a surprise for now," I can't help myself from winking at him, maybe implying something a little more naughty than he has in mind. 

"I look forward to your return even more now!" Okay, time for us to stop our newlywed shenanigans and get my job done. 

"Hehe, well, I'm officially heading out now, goodbye my love," I give him a happy wave and exit the estate confidently. 

The last thing I remember is beheading the target demon, but other from the sharp pain in my temple that followed, all that proceeded was darkness. As I try to open my eyes, I feel a heavy weight on my stomach. I slow my breathing and concentrate on the immense pain coming from my stomach. Ouch. I just recovered and was able to return to my Hashira duties, but looks like I may be taken out of the action once again, or even permanently. 

I slowly lift my torso from the ground to inspect my injury. It is a deep gash that was caused by a sword. Another demon slayer? Or a sword wielding demon who is not only fast, but silent...

"Caw Caw!" Oh gosh, my crow is being incredibly dramatic. He is currently jumping up and down next to me like a high frog. 

"Send for some help, please. I may need a stretcher, my wound is fairly deep," as I say this a trail of blood escapes my lips. Well crap. That's not good, I may be in worse shape than I initially thought. "Hurry," I add. 

My crow immediately takes off overhead and out of sight. I lay myself back down on the ground, covering my face with the back of my hand. The one thing Rengoku asked of me, and I failed. What the shit. I almost wish no one will find me so I don't have to face him. I feel incredibly ashamed. What if he doesn't want to be with me anymore? Or he finds me repulsive now? He will never trust me again, I know that for sure. Embarrassed, upset, and anger is swirling around in my chest, causing it to tighten up and form as tears that cling to my eyes. Damnit! Now I'm crying. How worthless. This does nothing for me, nothing for anyone, and especially nothing for Rengoku. 

Seconds, minutes, or even hours pass before I hear the squawk of my overprotective crow. I think he is still shaken up from the sudden appearance of an upper level demon that broke my arm in the past and that is why he has become so much more annoying. It makes me feel happy to know for certain someone cares about my well-being though. 

Footsteps approach me quickly, and I can feel my eyelids start to become heavy. Ah, this was a fun mission wasn't it? With the sun rising and me slowly dying, it couldn't get any better.

I turn my head in the direction of the steps and see multiple demon slayers coming my direction with a stretcher in hand. A familiar face appears alongside them, looking worried. Rengoku, why are you here to see me like this? I really wanna die now.

I quickly cover my face with my hands to hide my shame. I feel my legs and back gently lift from the ground. I slowly let my fingers drift apart, only to see Rengoku, a serious Rengoku, holding my in his arms. I feel the tears begin to swell once again. No, no no. Stop it. 

"Hey sunshine, how are you feeling? Do not worry, you will be okay. I'm going to make sure of it," ah yes, the tears are now falling.

"I'm so sorry. I only had one thing to do and I fricken messed up," my arms fall from my face and lay at my side in a weakened state. 

"Listen to me, things happen. All that matters right now is that you are still alive, you are in my arms, and you will be healed. Whoever did this to you, I will find them, and I will make sure they can never do it again. So please, do not cry, I am just happy that I can hold you in my arms again," he smiles and sets me onto the stretcher. I bring my hand up and grab the sleeve of his shirt, I want to say thank you, I want to say I love you, I want to say so much, but I can feel the last bits of my strength and consciousness slip away.