影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi x reader |

36 - Womb

I woke up with a groan, almost cursing at Sanemi for sleeping so soundly beside me. As I tried to sit up and stretch, a firm arm snaked its way around my waist, dragging me back into the warmth of his chest.

"Nemi, I have to train with the scouts," I whispered, wriggling against his iron grip.

"You can train later," he mumbled, voice still rough with sleep.

"This stuff can't wait. The demon king is kind of trying to kill us, remember? Let go, old man." With a bit of effort, I managed to slip free of his hold, stumbling out of bed.

"Oi," he grumbled, one eye cracking open in annoyance. "If I'm old, then what the hell does that make you if you married me?"

I stretched, hearing my back pop, and stuck my tongue out at him. "I'm the young, beautiful lady that the old man paid good money for."

His curses followed me as I quickly dressed in my uniform. Grinning, I darted out of the room, patting the dog's head before scarfing down a bowl of rice. "I'm heading off!" I called, stepping into my shoes.

"Damn it, don't yell so loud, you hag." Sanemi's teasing voice made me whirl around, finding him leaning lazily in the doorway, smirk tugging at his lips.

"Don't you dare call me hag, you piece of—" My retort was cut short when his rough hand cupped my cheek and his mouth crashed against mine, warm and heated.

"Two can play this game, brat," he muttered as he pulled back, tsking at my startled frown. My jaw clenched; 'old man' was officially erased from my vocabulary, I already hated this new nickname he was throwing back at me.

He folded his muscled arms over his chest, turning for the kitchen with a smug air. Quick as lightning, I smacked him on the behind and bolted for the gates before his retaliation could find me.

"Run, you coward!" I heard him shout after me. "I'll be here when you get back."

~*~

"Kagaya-sama," I bowed low, my fellow scouts standing in formation behind me. The sight of him made my chest tighten, his body was frail, his face ghastly pale, yet his presence filled the room like a warm, steady flame. By his side stood his ethereal wife, her soft smile welcoming us like sunlight through mist.

"My dear children," Kagaya's voice was quiet but resolute. "I will not be with you when you face Muzan in battle. But I have an important mission for you. You will aid the crows once the final confrontation begins. You will be the eyes and ears of the slayers."

"Kagaya-sama," I asked carefully, "what will be set in motion?"

"Let us not be too hasty," he replied, lips curving faintly. "The time will come soon. When it does, you will guide the Hashira toward their enemies. Warn them of the Upper Moons' locations. Find safe paths to Muzan and lead the Kakushi to the injured."

We all bowed in unison, voices steady despite the weight of his words: "We will not let you down."

As we prepared to depart, his dim eyes found mine. He reached out, his fragile hand resting gently on my arm. "Please, enjoy as much time as you can with Sanemi. Newlyweds rarely have such a chance."

My throat tightened. I bowed again. "Thank you, Kagaya-sama."

After training with the scouts, I wandered into a ramen shop, planning to bring some home. The savory aroma of broth and noodles filled the air, mingling with the hum of laughter and clinking bowls. I was just about to call for the waitress when I froze.