A Different Pillar (Tomioka Giyu x Reader)

Face to Face

Waking up with a headache, you were about to get up till you looked at the bird sleeping on your tummy. It had been years since Karasutori slept on you like a small bird. Yes, he was indeed heavy. You didn't mind. This scene gave you flashbacks to when you first got him.

He was the same as the other birds. Sometimes he would shy away from the crows knowing he was a tad bigger compared to them. By the time you had managed to train him well enough, your heart swelled with pride when he became much more confident and began to caw with the other crows. Though, there were times where you questioned if you had taught him too well with how mischievous he was.

Looking at the window, you estimated that it was now around 6am. The next town would be an hour away.

All the cuteness you felt from staring at Karasutori evaporated when Giyu entered your mind. Today was the day you would get answers. Carefully, you lifted your raven and placed him on your pillow to make sure he was comfortable. Luckily, he didn't wake up.

By the time you finished getting ready to leave, breakfast entered your mind. You were starving and once again the headache came back. Wearing your haori, you made sure to leave the room silently and hoped that you could have breakfast alone. Impossible.

You were met with the same men with whom you shared drinks with. Rengoku's facial features screamed confusion with what he was eating. He would want to yell out 'delicious' but a second after he would doubt if it was up to his standards. The man continued to chew while the other white haired male ate in silence. When they saw you, your name could be heard all the way across the street.

"Order anything you want, (N/N). I'll pay for it~" Rengoku offered.

Taking the seat in between them, you ordered omurice and miso soup. Soup would always help whenever you had hangover. Seeing that the menu had salmon daikon, you felt your heart clenching but shook the thought away.

"So, did you dream of Tomioka?" Uzui asked with a wide grin.

"If you do not want my chopstick up your throat, best zip it." You threatened him while pointing your sticks. He merely laughed and brushed his hair. It had just hit you that Uzui was not wearing his head gear and his hair was down. He looked hella fine.

"You'd make an excellent wife! What'd you say? Are you willing to be my 4th?" The cheeky man winked once more.

"I already have a husband, thank you very much."

"You broke my heart." Uzui replied as he placed his hand on his chest. Acting as if he had been sliced and dying.

All three of you merely laughed at the light conversation. These types of small talks were always worth treasuring. With all the demons being rampant, it always felt refreshing to talk about trivial things and share laughter with fellow slayers. Now that your food arrived, you heartily ate everything as you listened to the men talk about random things.

A few moments later, you were now back in your room and feeding Karasutori rice. Some minor convincing had to be done since this bird didn't really like rice but you managed. By the time he was done eating, he flapped his wings and flew out the window. Stretching, you were now ready to begin your walk to the next town.

All throughout your travel, the sun beamed harshly and the wind dry. Time to time, you would be greeted by farmers who would offer you some fruits to take. Not wanting to sadden them, you accepted them with a smile. Now that you were facing the streets of the town, you were carrying a small bag with an assortment of fruits inside.

You whistled to Karasutori once more and told him to look for Giyu. Seeing a small tea shop, you entered and were greeted by an old lady.

"Ah. A demon slayer. I know that uniform when I see one." She said.