Red String of Fate [One-shot collection]

8. Welcome home! [Kumo Tenka x Reader]

With a monotonous move you swept the ground as the dull ache of memories coming back filled your heart.
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"So, which one of us is your favorite?" Tenka asked, grinning behind his metal fan.

"Chuutarou," you answered without hesitation and sipped your tea. The youngest boy pumped his fist into the air and gave out a shout of joy.

"Whaaat?" Tenka wailed. You only blinked and set back your tea when Chuutarou hugged your waist and laid on your laps.

"You asked, I gave my answer, stop crying."

"Cruel!"

"Aniki," Soramaru interjected. "Your questions are just stupid."

You only rolled your eyes and agreed with the middle one of brothers. Slight breeze touched your cheeks as you patted Chuutarou's hair. You watched as beams of light passed through the clouds. The shinre gates shone in the afternoon light, trees rustled as the wind lifted their branches. Even if it was chilly outside, you couldn't help but enjoy the tea outside.

It was indeed quiet afternoon at Kumo Shinre.

"Well, I'm going to prove you that I am the best!"

Almost quiet.

You looked over the male as he stood up with determination. You quirked your brow in silence. Sometimes you honestly wondered which of the Kumou brothers was the adult one.

"Go ahead," you said dully, it was better to give in to his whims. "Anyway, I'm going back home."

You stood up and assured Chuutarou that you will pick him up tomorrow morning and escort to the school. With a smile on his face, the boy agreed to let you go. You smiled at him.

"I'll walk you home," Tenka immediately volunteered. You only nodded and the two of you made your way to the city. You sighed in content as you walked in pleasant silence.

Colder wind enveloped your body and lifted your hair in the air. You shook a little and picked up your pace. Even if Tenka nicknamed you Yuki Onna, the Snow Woman, you were much more fond of summer than a winter itself. Though you couldn't deny that you found beauty of winter enchanting.

Your silent discussion was disrupted by haori landing on your shoulders.

"Huh?"

"You're gonna catch a cold, _____," Tenka said softly patting your shoulders.

"You didn't have to," you said but smiled nonetheless. He grinned in response.

You touched black haori, feeling warmth that a few moments earlier belonged to him. Grasping haori ,you wrapped yourself in sweet fragrance. It was those moments you cherished most. Though you enjoyed seeing him in high spirits, making silly jokes or being playful, your heart quickened when he would do something sweet. Like now.

Only then you noticed you were almost at your house.

"You'll give it back tomorrow," Tenka perked as you made your intentions clear. You rolled your eyes. It was the truth though, you'd be visiting Kumou shinre tomorrow and the day after. "See ya!"

"Bye," you said quietly and closed the doors behind you.

But the day you would give his haori back never came.
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You blinked shaking off the vivid memories. It was just a day before he was arrested and hanged. You remembered that day clearly, it seemed like it happened just yesterday. Many days passed and you still visited the shinre. Even if Chuutarou went missing, even if Soramaru was gone. Even if Tenka was no longer there. Even Nishiki and Shirasu left.They were your family, you knew the brothers for so long, you felt need to be with them.

You weren't strong physically. You couldn't fight against Orochi on your own, even if you wanted. All you could do during the battle was to show a shelter in the shinre to those who needed it. You welcomed the poor citizens with smile, but now as the battle was over and they went back to their homes, you were left alone. Again before you roamed empty house, that was filled with laughter of three brothers not so long ago.

You swept dully, no longer caring for the actual dirt. You caught yourself standing in the same spot for a long minutes, not caring about world outside. The turmoil inside your heart didn't end as Orochi disappeared. You were once again reminded that they weren't home. That Tenka was dead and won't come back to you.

You heard footsteps as somebody climbed those long stairs. Somebody needs help, you thought. No wonder, after the battle many houses would be destroyed. The broom stopped as you readied yourself to welcome the guests.

You saw four figures under the gate. You cocked your head to the side watching them. You felt as if your eyes were deceiving you. It was impossible afterall.

"We're home, _____!" you heard a voice you longed to hear for a long time. The broom fell out of your hands as you mouthed his name. You hand found its way to cover your mouth as you let out a gasp mixed with a sob.

Tenka.

He stood there, with blood on his kimono and injuries all over his body. Alive. Smiling. Looking at you.

You leaped and wrapped your arms around his neck. With a loud sob you hid your face in his neck, you felt his arm hugging your waist, and the other caressing your hair.

"You fool...!" you sobbed hugging him closer.

"I know. I'm sorry for leaving you," he said into your hair.

"Welcome home, Tenka, don't you ever try to leave me like this again."

You felt another two pair of arms wrapping themselves around you. Soramaru and Chuutarou joined you in teary, yet joyful reunion.

You laughed as your heart flooded wave of happiness. You didn't ask how it was possible, it stopped mattering to you. What was important, was the fact that they were home.

~~***~~
Bitter-sweet. But this manga crushed my heart, and I highly recommend it! ^^
Tenka, my precious son, please laugh!