The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

68

A/N 

Hi, just an fyi this will be the banquet chapter ive added her dress below, if you dont like feel free to make what you like into your imagination. 

I just want to thank you for reading this far. I know i've chosen tengen but i do want sanemi happy so I apologise for those rooting for the other couple. i loved them so much too but tengen held too much in my heart when writing this. 

But THANK YOU 

y/n's dress (got it off Pinterest)

Tengen's fit (Pinterest)

I got a modern take on y/n's outfit because i liked hehehe

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I took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric of my dress, my fingers tracing over the delicate floral embroidery. This was my first event where I was actually dressed up—no uniform, no practical attire, just... this. The dress felt beautiful, but it was hard to shake the nerves curling in my stomach. Was it too much? Or not enough?

I stepped out into the hall, my heart racing as I walked forward, and then I saw him—Tengen, waiting for me at the end of the corridor. His vibrant haori caught the light, the intricate patterns glowing against the rich blue, and he looked... regal. Powerful. He spotted me and straightened, a slow smile spreading across his face as he took me in.

"Moonlight, you look..." he paused, his gaze warm and admiring, "...stunning."

A blush crept up my cheeks as I gave a small, self-conscious smile. "You think it's... okay?" I asked, glancing down, my fingers brushing the delicate train trailing behind me.

"Okay?" he scoffed, stepping closer and offering his arm. "You're breath-taking. Anyone who doesn't think so needs their eyes checked." He winked, and I felt a bit of my nervousness melt away as I slipped my hand into his arm, letting him guide me into the main hall.

The banquet was already in full swing. Fire dancers spun flames in mesmerizing arcs, the crowd buzzing with laughter and conversation. Masters and slayers, friends and allies—all gathered here in celebration, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. I caught sight of the Master chatting with a few of the higher-ranking slayers, his expression unusually relaxed.

For the first time, I allowed myself to relax, feeling the joy around me as we mingled and shared in the festive spirit. Tengen stayed by my side, his presence grounding me, his laughter and easy-going nature making every interaction feel light and fun.

As the evening began to wind down, the musicians started a slower melody, calling people to the dance floor. Tengen wrapped an arm around my waist, gently pulling me close as he led us in a dance, his movements confident and steady.

He must have noticed my gaze drifting, my eyes catching sight of Sanemi standing on the outskirts, watching the festivities with his usual guarded expression. Tengen chuckled, bringing me back with a gentle nudge. "If you want to dance with him, go," he said, his tone warm but teasing.

I blinked up at him, surprised. "Are you... sure?"

He rolled his eyes, smirking. "Please, I'm not that insecure," he said with a wink. "Besides, I know where your heart is. And if he tries anything, I'll kill him." His tone was light, but I nudged him playfully in the ribs.

"Be nice," I whispered, laughing softly.

He grinned, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "I'm always nice," he replied, his eyes sparkling. "Now go, before I change my mind."

I took a deep breath, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before making my way across the room. Sanemi looked up as I approached, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

"Sanemi," I said softly, offering my hand, "will you dance with me?"

He hesitated, his expression guarded, but after a moment, he gave a small nod, taking my hand as I led him to the dance floor. His movements were a bit stiff at first, as though unsure of himself, but slowly, he relaxed, his hand resting gently on my waist as we moved together.

We held each other in a comfortable embrace, swaying to the soft rhythm of the music. It felt... right, in a way, like we'd found a place of peace, an unspoken understanding between us.

"You look very handsome tonight," I whispered, glancing up at him.

A faint blush dusted his cheeks, and he looked away, a small, shy smile tugging at his lips. "You... you don't look so bad yourself," he muttered, his voice rough but sincere.

We shared a quiet laugh, the tension that had once hung between us fading into something softer, something bittersweet yet comforting. As we moved, I realized that, no matter what happened, it would be okay. We would be okay.

The song ended, and I gently stepped back, offering him a warm smile. He gave a small nod, a silent acknowledgment, and as I turned to return to Tengen, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders, a sense of closure and peace settling over me.

As I made my way back to Tengen, he was already holding out his hand, a broad grin on his face as he bowed dramatically, ever the showman. "Care for one last dance, my moonlight?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with that playful charm I'd come to know so well.

I laughed, slipping my hand into his as he pulled me close, his arm wrapping around me with ease. "For someone with one hand, you sure still know how to dance, Mr. Flashy."

He let out a hearty laugh, spinning me gracefully, his movements flawless. "Well, I've got a beautiful woman in my arms," he replied smoothly, his gaze meeting mine, soft and adoring. "Why would I ever falter?"

I felt my cheeks warm, a smile tugging at my lips as we moved together, the music wrapping around us in a gentle, lilting rhythm. Tengen led me effortlessly, guiding me with a confidence that was both flamboyant and chivalrous, his every move filled with an energy that seemed to light up the entire room.

We swayed together, lost in the music, his hand pressing gently against the small of my back, his gaze never leaving mine. It felt like we were the only ones there, as if the world around us had melted away, leaving just the two of us, together in this perfect moment.

As the final notes of the song lingered in the air, he pulled me close, his hand lifting to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. His eyes softened, and before I could say anything, he leaned down, capturing my lips in a gentle, lingering kiss that made my heart flutter.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine, a soft smile on his lips. "I could dance with you forever," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth.

And as I looked up at him, feeling the weight of his words settle in my chest, I knew I didn't need anything more. I was happy, right here, in his arms, dancing together under the stars as the night stretched on around us.