Midnight's Reign

Chapter 18

The days that followed were wonderful. Neither of them had any assignments that needed their attention, so they were able to relax and enjoy each other's company in blissful peace. The events of their romantic picnic only seemed to ignite their passion for each other.

For as long as she could remember, her love for Kyojuro has always been there. And it has only intensified with time. That's where her thoughts have wandered to as she lies in bed, adoration in her eyes as she looks at the sleeping figure beside her. The angle of the sunlight streaming through the window tells her that it's late morning. Since they haven't been assigned any new missions, both of them have taken advantage of their free time by sleeping in later than normal.

Kyojuro is laying on his back, his bare chest rises and falls as he lightly snores. Asami smiles as she takes in the state of his messy bed head, his golden locks are splayed across his pillow and over his shoulders. She eases herself into a sitting position, being careful not to wake him. Her gaze moves to the gold band on her finger. Every time she looks at it, her heart flutters.

Images of her and Kyojuro float to the forefront of her mind. Married. Happy. A rustic cabin nestled in a quaint forest where they could live out the rest of their lives. The privilege of growing old together is what she so desperately wants.

There were a few ways a Hashira could retire. To leave the Corps, a Slayer would have to be severely wounded (Possible lost limbs), death, or to find someone to replace them. Obviously, she preferred the latter. Neither she nor Kyojuro had a Tsuguko, but she could think of a few individuals who would be eager to be taken under their wings. She smiles at the thought of taking Inosuke in as her student.

"CAW, CAW!"

Her pulse jumps at the sudden noise, her attention turns towards the window where her crow sits perched behind the glass. Grabbing a spare blanket from beside the bed, she wraps it around her body and goes to open the window.

"Good morning." She smiles as she greets it. She gently runs her hand down the bird's sleek back, its feathers soft beneath her touch.

"Your new mission awaits you in the West! Travel to the city of Aomori to investigate demon activity. Leave at dawn tomorrow!"

Dawn? She's been spoiled with sleeping in late the last couple days; Leaving at dawn sounds awful.

"How about I leave tomorrow afternoon instead?" She says, trying her hand at persuading her crow.

"Dawn!"

"Late morning?"

"Dawn!"

She nods in defeat. "Very well. Dawn it is."

She reaches to the dish of pecans she keeps by the window. She gives a piece to her crow who accepts it gratefully, before flying away. She sighs as she continues to look out the window. Well, her mini vacation was nice while it lasted.

She hears a low chuckle coming from the bed. Turning her head, she sees Kyojuro sitting up in bed, the sheets pooling around his lap.

"That was cute. Arguing with your crow is always pointless though." He teases, his voice still husky from sleep. She ignores the way her heart sputters. Instead, she crosses her arms, pulling the blanket tighter around her.

"I wasn't arguing; it's called persuasion. Or an attempt at it anyway. It seems my charm doesn't work on birds."

"It works on me." He replies as he extends his hand towards her, wanting her to come back to him. She smiles as she approaches, climbing back onto the bed and into his lap. His arms wrap around her waist. Warm. Safe.