Demon Slayer x Reader

Obanai--The Ballad of Nichirin Swords and Snakes (angst, fluff)

Angst, Fluff

Obanai Iguro x gn!reader

Obanai saved reader in the past—how will he act when they save him in the future?

Warnings: canon typical violence

Also I made up a replacement for Upper Moon 5 so yeah enjoy the story <3

You felt your body tremble with a blend of nervousness and excitement as the Demon Slayer headquarters came into your view. You had only been a Hashira for a year so this was your second semi annual meeting. You were eager to meet up with your teammates, if you could call them something as informal as that. You knew Sanemi Shinazugawa the best out of all of them since you had been working on your sword skills under his guidance, so you took up a spot next to him as the other members engaged in light conversation with each other. Taking in the beauty of Master Ubuyashiki's courtyard, your eyes caught a glance of someone in the tree above you. You recognized the heterochromatic eyes of Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira. You'd had the biggest crush on him since the first time you met him, back when you were still a low ranking slayer. He was sent to take over a mission you and some others were sent on because the demon had turned out to be a Lower Moon, something you certainly weren't equipped to deal with at the time. You were the last one alive and losing strength quickly. Obanai was sarcastic and harsh, sure, but boy, was he handsome. You remembered how he didn't treat you with kindness but you definitely didn't face his wrath like other slayers had mentioned. You would never forget how his bandaged face muttered out, "You kept the demon busy all this time? Hmm." That was rumored to be one of the nicest things he had told anyone, especially while on the job. He wasn't known for his tolerating of any failure or weakness, so you were shocked that he didn't berate you. You hoped he still held a small shred of respect for you in the present day--if he knew you existed, that is. Lost in your thoughts, you hadn't realized you'd been staring until he tilted his head, signaling his uncertainty of your actions. You quickly averted your gaze back to the group, the warmth of embarrassment flooding your face. You were saved by the arrival of Ubuyashiki's children who announced that the man himself was here. You and the rest of the Hashira were immediately on your knees, bowing to show your utmost respect. You felt your heart rate speed up when you spied Obanai's striped haori next to you. He must've taken up the spot when he jumped from the tree.

You were quick to greet the man in charge. "It's an honor to be graced with your presence, Master. I've been praying for you to have good fortune in your strength and health."

"Thank you, young Hashira," he replied, "I'm overjoyed to see no loss of my children at this time of meeting. I hope to continue this streak of you all coming back to me."

Ubuyashiki then delved into the details of various demon happenings around the area, updating you all on pertinent information. When the meeting was adjourned, the Master called for you to speak with him.

"And you, too, Obanai."

Huh?!

You couldn't hear your thoughts over the pounding of your heart. Your feet felt like they were made of cement as you begrudgingly walked over to the scarred man, unsure of what was happening and not wanting to make a fool of yourself in front of both your crush and your boss.

"Come, come. You're not in trouble. I have an... odd request, but you two are the ones I trust the most to do this task."

"Anything you ask of us, Master, we will do," said Obanai, bowing his head.

"Thank you, Serpent Hashira. Now, you and the Moon Hashira are to extract and guard an ancient demon slayer artifact. You'll know which one it is when you touch it. It is of utmost importance that it doesn't fall into the hands of demons. Your crows will give you more information but I suggest you rest up for a few hours. This will not be an easy task."