The pre-afternoon sunlight filtered softly through the shoji screens, casting a gentle, golden hue across the room. The futon was warm, and as I stirred from sleep, the first thing I noticed was the stillness beside me. Turning my head slightly, I found Kyojuro lying next to me, his breathing deep and even in the peaceful embrace of slumber.
His usually impeccable flame-colored hair had come undone, the thick spiked strands cascading down around his shoulders and across his face, creating a wild, yet strangely endearing, halo of red and gold. The half-up ponytail that usually kept his mane somewhat contained had loosened during the night, allowing his hair to spread out in disarray, softening his usual fierce appearance. The sight of him like this, so unguarded and peaceful, was a rarity
A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a fleeting crack in the stoic facade I always maintained. It was a moment I allowed myself to cherish, just for a second, before I shifted, attempting to rise from the futon. But as soon as I moved, a sharp, intense pain flared between my legs, catching me completely off guard.
The pain was excruciating, more so than any wound I had ever received on the battlefield, including the one on my shoulder that still throbbed with a dull ache. It felt as though the muscles in my legs were protesting every slight movement, a fierce reminder of the night I had spent with Kyojuro. I clenched my teeth, trying to keep my composure despite the discomfort. The searing pain in my legs made the memory of our passion all the more vivid, a testament to Kyojuro's impeccable strength and the intensity of our connection.
I exhaled slowly, knowing that the only way to alleviate this pain was to soak my aching muscles in the hot spring. Carefully, I reached for the kimono folded neatly beside the futon, its soft fabric a welcome relief against my skin as I draped it over my shoulders. Each step I took towards the door was a battle in itself, the pain in my legs forcing me to move slowly, and deliberately, as if I were navigating through treacherous terrain. With every step, I found myself questioning how Kyojuro's strength had left me in such a state—stronger than any opponent I had ever faced.
As I made my way towards the hot spring, the corridor outside the room quiet and empty, I was suddenly greeted by the sight of Daisuke running towards me, his usual enthusiasm evident in the way his eyes lit up as he approached.
"Good morning, Y/N!" he called out, his voice full of energy. But as he got closer, his expression shifted to one of concern. "Are you... okay? You're walking kind of weird."
A flush of heat rose to my cheeks, something I was entirely unaccustomed to, but I quickly composed myself, narrowing my eyes at him. "Have you done your chores, Daisuke?" I asked, my tone stern, deflecting the attention away from my current state.
Daisuke blinked, momentarily distracted by the question. "Yes! I was just on my way to help the cook with meal prep."
"Hm," I nodded, relieved that he hadn't pressed the matter further. "I'll be taking a bath in the hot spring. If Rengoku questions where I am, that's where I'll be."
Daisuke nodded eagerly, always eager to please. "Okay! I'll let him know if he asks."
With that, I turned away, continuing my slow, painful journey toward the hot spring, trying to ignore the lingering embarrassment of Daisuke's observation. The pain in my legs remained relentless, a constant reminder of the night before, but I kept my focus on the goal ahead. The thought of the hot water soothing my sore muscles was the only thing driving me forward, and I knew that once I reached it, I could finally allow myself to relax and recover.
As I slid open the door, a breathtaking scene unfolded before me.
The hot spring lay nestled amidst a snowy landscape, the world outside wrapped in a serene blanket of white. The cold air nipped at my skin, but the steam rising from the spring promised warmth and relief, swirling in delicate tendrils that mingled with the gently falling snow. The rocks surrounding the spring were dark and wet, their surfaces dusted with a fine layer of snow that added to the quiet beauty of the place. In the distance, tall pine trees stood still and silent, their branches heavy with the weight of freshly fallen snow. Everything was calm, the only sound breaking the stillness was the soft chattering of snow monkeys, who were known to frequent the hot springs on days like this. As I stepped closer, I noticed a few of them already lounging in the warm water, their fur damp, their eyes half-closed in utter contentment. One baby snow monkey caught my eye. It was smaller than the others, with wide, curious eyes that seemed to take in every detail as it watched me. Its little hands dipped into the water as it floated near the edge, tilting its head slightly as if trying to understand who I was. A small smile tugged at my lips despite the throbbing pain in my legs. The sight was endearing, and I felt a sense of peace settle over me, drawn by the quiet and the warmth that the spring promised.
Slowly, I made my way down the steps, each movement deliberate and careful as the pain in my legs flared with every step. But the anticipation of the soothing warmth drove me forward. As I eased myself into the water, the heat wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, and a deep sigh of contentment escaped my lips.
The warmth seeped into my sore muscles, slowly melting away the tension that had built up overnight. The pain that had once seemed unbearable now began to fade, replaced by a blissful calm.
I glanced down to find the baby snow monkey still watching me, its eyes wide with curiosity. It floated closer, and I couldn't resist the urge to interact with the little creature. Reaching over to a small hidden cubby built into the rocks, I pulled out a small fish, a treat for the monkeys. I offered it to the baby, and it eagerly took it with its tiny hands, chattering happily as it snuggled against my side, nibbling at the fish with evident delight.
The warmth of the water, combined with the gentle presence of the monkey, made me feel more at peace than I had in a long time.
But soon, the other monkeys took notice. One by one, they approached, their noses twitching as they caught the scent of the fish. I couldn't help but chuckle softly, reaching back into the cubby to pull out more fish and handing them out to the eager monkeys as they gathered around me. They swarmed me, their soft fur brushing against my arms as they took the fish, their little faces full of joy. Despite the cold air outside, the scene around me was filled with warmth and contentment. I smiled, watching them eat, their happiness contagious in this tranquil setting.
As I sat there, the warmth of the hot spring easing my sore muscles and the playful monkeys keeping me company, I felt a deep sense of tranquility wash over me. It was a rare moment of stillness, a moment where I could let go of everything and simply exist—surrounded by nature, comforted by the warmth, and accompanied by these gentle creatures. It was in this quiet moment that I allowed myself to just be, feeling a sense of peace that was as soothing as the hot spring itself.
YOU ARE READING
Icy Flames- Rengoku Kyojuro-Demon Slayer/ Kimetsu no Yaiba
Fanfiction"Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice." B...
