Bath House // H. Inosuke x Reader

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Chapter 4:  Beauty

"I'm going to go start a healing bath for you three, I'll be back when it's ready." I put my hands together and bow my way out, walking down the silent hall, listening to the running water in the distance and lightfoot taps from my feet as I walked the wooden floor.

Turning into a different hall I go directly to the herbal baths for the injured. A large tub with plenty of space for all of them. I walk over the faucet, letting the water flood into the bath I stand and watch. All sound being drowned out by the splashing of water. Staring at the hypnotizing water I begin to space out, 'Inosuke...' Remembering his face I feel my face begin to blush, holding my cheek I continue to think, Remembering the touch of his skin. How surprisingly soft it was, I couldn't get his eyes out of my head. How absolutely stunning they were, a beautiful shade of green that I've never seen on anyone. Hearing the drips of water I come out of my hypnotic state, "AHH!" I yelp, frantically turn off the water. I stare at the rouge water on the floor, I pinch the bridge of my nose letting out an annoyed sigh. 'Not that place to think about that Y/n.' I grab spare towels from the shelves, wiping up the water. Throwing the now soaked towel into a bin I decide to go tell the boys.

Entering their room once more with my hands held together I announce, "Your bath is ready. Please follow me." They each get up and follow behind me, "So! How long have you been working here? Sorry for asking, you just seem really good at your job..." Tanjiro asked kindly, I hum thinking, placing a finger on my chin. "About maybe 5 years? I've been working here since I was 10." I answer, "You must be a hard worker!" He smiles, "Heh... Yeah... I try my best" I smile back, "Anyways. Here is your bath. Towels are there-" I motion to the shelves stacked with towels. "I will stand just outside of the entrance if you need me." "Thank you!" Tanjiro thanked, "Thanks-" Zenitsu also thanked but a bit more bashfully. Inosuke walked past, making brief eye contact, I could feel my heart skip a beat. Shaking my head a clear away any thoughts about him, 'Not the time Y/n, not the time.'

About ten minutes pass away as I stand there waiting. "Hey, Y/n!" I hear Tanjiro's voice call for me from behind the thin wall separating me from them. I lean over peeking graciously into the room. "Yes?" I respond Tanjiro smiles, cheeks dusted red from the heat of the bath. "Inosuke thinks you're beautiful!" He grins from the large tub. Inosuke shoots up from the water in surprise "SHUT UP GONPACHIRO!!" The black-haired boy shuffles towards him angrily in the water, punching his arm harshly. "INOSUKE NEVER THINKS SUCH THINGS." He continues yelling, slipping into the third person. I cover my mouth, giggling lightly. Inosuke takes a side glance at me, red quickly spreading among his cheeks. He sinks back into the water, hiding his whole body and half of his face under the water. Eyebrows still stern he glares into his rippled reflection. "Is that all Tanjiro?" Tanjiro looks back to, a smile never leaving his face, "Yep!" He chuckles, sinking back into the water as well.

Giggling I lean back onto my side of the wall, letting a deep sigh out.

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Later on, after the sun has set I walked around the bathhouse. Collecting dirty towels and doing my daily routine of cleaning.

I folded the towels, stacking them as I went. I began to hear footsteps in the hall, thinking it was one of the guests staying at the bathhouse making their way back to their room, so I didn't pay much attention. Only to see movement from the corner of my eye, then suddenly stop in the doorway.

Looking over I see the feminine faced male dressed in the pajamas we hand out to all the guests, chest exposed due to the top not being buttoned. I stare at him, and he stares at me, putting down the current towel I was folding I ask, "Do you need something, Inosuke?" He paused for a moment as if he was trying to remember, "Towels." he grunted, "Oh! Sure thing." I smile turning to the shelves and shelves of towels. Grabbing enough for all of them I turn back around. Stepping closer to Inosuke, I extend my arms out for him to take them. "Would this be enough?" I ask, He nods looking back down at the towels. He reaches out to take them, his hands landing on top of mine. I could feel the warmth, but they were calloused and rough. I expected him to move away as quickly as possible but instead, he stood there for a moment. I looked back up at him, seeing that his gaze was on me once more.

Slipping my hands away from underneath his I take a step back, "Was that all you needed?" I asked, tilting my head. He blinks, nodding before quickly marching away without even a 'Thank you'. I smile, shrugging it off. 'What a beautiful man...' I turn back around, finishing off the last towels before heading to my room behind the bathhouse.

Laying in bed I stared up the ceiling, moon rays peering in from the open doorway began to be clouded over, the scent of rain wafting in. Soon the silent yet musical rain began to pour, the sound of rain hitting different textures made it soothing to listen to. I turn onto my stomach, grasping my pillow I peer outside the open door, watching the gentle rain clash against the ground and plants that surrounded the outside. "Beautiful... so... beautiful..." I mumble, feeling as if the rain wasn't the only thing I was talking about. Shaking my head I bury my face into my pillow, remembering the feeling of Inosuke's hands on mine. I hide an unwanted smile, 'I have no time for feelings. Besides... He'll heal up and they will leave. Then I'll- Never see him again..." I turn my head to the side, "Don't fall in love Y/n... It's not worth it.."

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