Set Your Heart Ablaze

Chapter 29

"How long was I unconscious?" (Y/N) asked, she was now sitting up in the bed with Shinobu and the triplets standing by the bed.

"Four months, you made us all worry" the Insect Pilliar spoke, trying to lighten the mood.

"Oh, and you're going to have to retire from being a Hashira, you've lost a leg." Shinobu informed her, (Y/N) frowned, she had been so passionate about being a Demon Slayer and now, she would have to retire.

"I see..." She spoke, her voice getting softer,

"don't be upset, you fought really well. We're just happy you survived" one of the triplets spoke up.

"Yeah, we were all really worried about you, so was Kyojuro" the other two spoke in unison.

"Wait, Kyojuro's ok" (Y/N) felt a wave of relief wash over her, she remembered hearing his voice when she first opened her eyes, but at the time she couldn't tell if it was real or not. She felt tears of joy welling up in her eyes knowing he had survived.

"He woke up right after you left for your mission, and when you were brought here he refused to leave your side." Shinobu explained, giving the young woman a knowing look.

"Well, I'll let you rest" the Insect Pillar then left, followed closely by the three girls. However, she wasn't alone for long as the door opened once more. Looking over, a smile appeared on (Y/N)'s face as Kyojuro walked up to the side of her bed. Though it did make her upset to see his injuries, one of his arms was missing and there was a scar over one of his eyes.

"You're awake" Kyojuro repeated, as if he was afraid that this was just a dream and that he would wake up with (Y/N) still unconscious.

"So are you" the young woman replied with tears in her eyes. Both of them were just relieved to know that the other had survived. With his remaining hand, Kyojuro grabbed (Y/N)'s squeezing it.

"I guess both of us are going to have to retire now..." (Y/N) finally broke the silence,

"it would seem so, but don't be upset, you did your best." Kyojuro reassured her as she hugged him. He used his one arm to hug her back, both of them just enjoying each other's presence.

"But I wasn't able to kill the demon, he got away" (Y/N) admitted, feeling guilty that she let the monster get away.

"I know how you feel, but dwelling on it won't do any good." Kyojuro's words brought her a sense of comfort as she looked up at Kyojuro, staring into his eyes.

"Kyojuro I-"

"I love you, (Y/N)" the young woman didn't even get to finish her scentence before he spoke. Her eyes went wide and her face turned red as she looked away.

"I-i love you to, Kyojuro" she finally replied after a moment. She had been so scared to be honest about her feelings before this moment, but after almost dying, she didn't want to lose the chance to tell Kyojuro what she had been keeping to herself all this time. And to know that he felt the same made her heart race. Just then, Kyojuro leaned down, kissing her. In an instant, (Y/N) melted into it, closing her eyes as she wrapped her arms around the man's neck. The kiss felt as if it lasted forever but they pulled away a moment later, lovestruck smiles on their faces.