botanical garden [ muzan x reader ]

02: opium poppy

In Muzan's room, all that was heard was frantic apologetic voices, glass shattering and Muzan's voice bellowing.

His maids had prepared his favorite soup incorrectly. They didn't add as much seasoning per request his mother since they didn't want any of the food he eats to upset his stomach further more.

But Muzan didn't like this.

The treatment to alleviate his influenza symptoms that you had given him was slowly but surely granting him some relief.

When he heard that you said he was suffering from influenza, he felt his blood go cold.

Most died of the flu. Especially the ones who were born sick to begin with.

And the thing Muzan feared most was death.

But, the remedy you gave him, King of the Bitters or something like that, was helping him.

It wasn't supposed to cure his ailments, but to alleviate any ongoing symptoms.

So, he was no longer regurgitating all of his food, but apparently the maids didn't know this.

"W-we're so terribly sorry, Kibutsuji-sama! Lady Kibutsuji requested we give you bland foods to settle your stomach as you recover from your virus." One of the maids said, bowing deep in respect while slightly trembling.

"I've recovered." He said.

"At least, somewhat." He mumbled.

Soon, you arrived alongside your father.

"How are you feeling?" You asked.

You had missed his outburst, and the soup and shattered cutlery had been cleaned up upon your arrival.

He avoided eye contact, his eyes falling on the zen garden that was behind his bedroom, the shoji screen opening up to let sunlight in.

His jaded skin glistened in the sunlight, and you could hear the water fountains trickle in the koy pond.

"Better than yesterday." He said.

You father was kneeling at a table, preparing an experimental concoction using an opium poppy.

It was supposed to help his pain, but he needed a very small amount or else there was a risk of overdosing.

"What's he doing?" Muzan narrowed his eyes at your father scoring an immature opium poppy seed pod, watching a white creamy substance leak out of it.

"Oh, my father is just preparing an opium poppy for pain management." She said as Muzan sat up on his futon.

He cocked an eyebrow up at you and said "I've never heard of an opium poppy."

"It's a flowering plant native to Turkey. We grow them in our botanical garden. It's great for severe pain." You said.

He stood silent and waited for the preparation of his opium.

After consuming his opium laced tea, he felt relaxed and euphoric.

It was a nice change of pace from his usual anger and discomfort.

But, even after taking opium, he was still in pain.

Your father was always occupied with something, and your main job was to provide comfort to Lord Kibutsuji, inform him of his treatment plan, and socialize.

"I'm glad you're feeling better than yesterday, Kibutsuji-sama." You said as you fluffed his pillow up and filled his water cup.

"Did you want to go on a walk?" You asked.

"I know your family doesn't like when you go out, but it's important to get in some movement daily." You said.

Muzan was a bit out of it from the opium, but he mumbled in agreement.

You sat up and offered your hand, but he rejected your help, insisting he can get up himself.

You nodded your head but stood by him cautiously as he stood up, slouching a bit. Bad posture was expected since he was nearly bedridden.

You stood closely beside him as you exited through the back of his bedchambers, and out into the large zen garden and then out the back gates.

He walked slow, and you watched him carefully. You knew he didn't want any support while walking, so you just stood close by.

His hair was a bit disheveled so you planned on brushing it out when you got back.

His long curls were a challenge to maintain, but you were happy to spend hours brushing the knots out of his hair like you've done so before.

You were essentially Muzan's caregiver, and you couldn't be happier with your position.

His eyes shined in the sunlight as you escorted him around the outskirts of his manor. He needed frequent breaks, but you were more than happy to sit down in the grass beside him.

You tried not to stare at him too much, but he looked ethereal. You just wanted quick glances, that was all you needed.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" You asked as you sat under a tree in front of a nearby pond.

A slight breeze blew in your direction, moving the loose strands of his hair out of his face.

He looked so sad. His eyes were dull and empty. You could only sense despair and it left a pit in your stomach.

"Don't worry, Kibutsuji-sama, my dad will cure you." You said, hope glimmering in your eyes.

"That's what they all said." Muzan said, not taking his eyes off the pond.

"My father isn't like the other doctors. I can assure you that. You don't have to believe me now, but you'll see, I promise." You said.

There was a pause, the only thing heard was the morning birds singing their song.

"I admire your enthusiasm." He said.

You faintly blushed and said "Well, positivity is important, I'm just trying to make your day-to-day life a little brighter."

He didn't say anything, but you really did make a difference in his mood.

Everyone noticed, including his family.

You did make his life brighter.

But he held too much pride to admit anyone made him feel a glimmer of hope.

"Muzan?" A feminine voice was heard.

"Muzan, it's time for supper!"

Muzan scoffed. He didn't want to go home. He was enjoying himself by the pond.

The sound of his mothers voice irked him beyond belief. He hated being around her, along with the rest of his family.

"Well, I guess that's a sign to head back." You said as you sat up.

"Unfortunately."