Bath House // H. Inosuke x Reader

//11//

Chapter 11: Night Fall.

 I groggily open my eyes, confused about where I was. The darkness surrounding me making me think I was still in my room. Upon opening my eyes wider I realize we were still outside, in the dark. Panic shocked threw my skin, turning to Inosuke I shake him awake. "I-Inosuke! We need to go!" I whisper-shout, fear clearly twisted in my words. "Ech.. huh?" He mumbles, awakening from his slumber. "Oh." He says nonchalantly. Standing up from his spot on the ground, "It's okay, hold my hand tightly and don't let go." He says sternly I shake my head fearfully, grasping onto his arm tightly. Worried of what could be lurking nearby. 

Sudden cracks, and snapping twigs followed. Inosuke kept focused on our destination, unsheathing one of his swords from its holder. 'The bathhouse lights!' I exclaim to myself, seeing safety in the distance. Picking up our pace we came so close to the wisteria trees that stood shielding the bathhouse, but instead, I could feel the claws of something grasp tightly onto my ankle. Pulling me from my grasp around Inosuke's arm. 

"Inosuke!" I scream feeling tears immediately well up in my eyes, the basket and all its contents dumping onto the ground. "Well, well, well. Looks like I got a tasty snack." The demon grinned widely, holding me upside down from my ankle. "Let me go!" I scream trying to thrash my body out of its hold. "Shut up or I'll make your death even more painful." he threatens, a sickening grin still plastered on his face.

"YOU THINK I'LL LET YOU HURT THEM? THINK AGAIN DEMON." Inosuke shouts, laughing hysterically. 'Please be careful, you're still injured from the last battle...' I plead in my head, staring at him with worried eyes. "Tch. You're just a low-level demon. You'll be dead in no time!" He shouts determination filling his face, sprinting to the left of the demon, jumping onto a tree he boosts past, almost slicing his neck if the demon weren't to duck. "Eh? Dammit." I could hear Inosuke growl, scowling at the mess up. Stomping onto another tree the words "Third Fang: Devour" could be heard. "Hah! Stupid boy, you really think-"  The demon suddenly stopped. Hearing the slicing threw flesh as the demon's head was cut clean off. Dropping me from his grip Inosuke quickly catches me, holding me close to his body. I wrap my arms tightly around him burying my face into his chest. "Thank you so much Inosuke, Lets please get out of here." I plead, tears still streaming down my face. Inosukes grip tightens, quickly rushing off to the safety of the bathhouse. Setting me down inside, I continue holding onto him for dear life. Scared that was going to be my last moments on earth. "Tha-nk you Inosuke, T-hank you so much for sav-ing me." I choke on my tears. I could feel his hand comb into my hair, holding me close. "I told you I would protect you, and Inosuke never fails."

I laugh, sniffling my nose. "You're right." 

"Are you okay!?" I hear a familiar voice shout, breaking from the hold I look to see Tanjiro running up and stopping behind Inosuke. "Yes. Sorry, Inosuke just saved me from a demon..." I speak softly, trying to not choke over tears. "We were so worried!  You didn't get hurt did you?" He asks with furrowed brows. "Ah, Besides my ankle, I think I'm okay."  I smile, heart still racing rapidly. "What took you so long?" He questioned, still concerned. "We accidentally fell asleep while taking a break under a tree..." I mumbled, avoiding eye contact  "Please be more careful..." Tanjiro lectures, worried for my wellbeing. Suddenly I feel Tanjiro embrace me in a warm hug. "Thanks Tanjiro, I will." Backing away from the hug he smiles, standing back up he ruffles my hair. "Please get your rest..."  He asks, walking back to his room, "Hey! I should be saying that to you!" I giggle, hearing him laugh as he rounded a corner, smiling gleefully. 

"Heh.." I sigh, trying to stand back up, but toppled back over. Inosuke grasps onto my body, holding me back up. "Do you want me to take you to your room?" He asks, "But I have cleaning to do-" I try arguing, getting cut off immediately. "No, Don't worry about that. Take care of yourself first." He grumbles, already walking out back to my small hut of a house. "Fine..." I mumble. "On one condition." "What's that?" He asks, looking down at me. "You have to stay with me. I'm too scared to be by myself..." I bargain, "Fine." He settles, opening my door and stepping inside. Gently setting my body onto my comforter. "Thank you Inosuke" I chime, smiling tiredly at him. Laying down flatly, feeling the cold seep into my back. I mumble a quite "Come here..." patting the stop next to me. Silence fell before shuffling could be heard, soon Inosuke curled up next to me holding my body as if this were the last time he'd see me. The warmth from his body, making me feel like icecream in the sun.

Turning to my side with closed eyes, I reach up, feeling that he took his mask off. Meaning I could play with his soft hair. Letting my hand tangle up in it. 

"I could stay like this forever."