The Demon's Sun (Kyojuro Rengoku x OC)

Chapter 5~

It had been long enough for Rengoku to have healed up nicely, and was ready to start training his stamina again. It didn't take long, though, since he could control his breathing constantly. He was on his way back to his home to see Senjuro, and he carried Eri on his back. His steps were soft so he didn't wake her on the way there. He had her put his haori over her shoulders to minimize burning to her skin, but her hands and face were still revealed in the light. She didn't seem the least bit bother by it, though, and slept peacefully. Rengoku knew how hard she was working herself. She didn't want to be a nuisance to him, and when he found her laying on his bed peacefully, he decided not to wake her. His hands snaked around her thighs while her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Her breathing was light, almost hypnotic, so Rengoku had to focus on something other than her. He thought about the food he would be able to eat, and began to drool while picking up the pace. He was ready to see Senjuro and introduce Eri. Tanjiro was off with Tengen, but would be on his way back when he was through, so Rengoku had more than enough thinking time.

Eri moved slightly, but didn't wake up. Rengoku was glad she didn't, but he was starting to get worried. He hadn't really seen much of her since the night that demon showed up. Sure she came to check up on him every day, but they weren't like before, it was rushed. He didn't have much time to dwell on that, though, when he saw his family home, and with it Senjuro carrying supplies. The boy stopped dead in his tracks and dropped the bucket of water. He ran up to the taller man and began hugging him and crying.

"I was getting worried! You said you wouldn't be gone long!" The boy wailed. Rengoku smiled and knelt down putting a hand on his head with a bright smile.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, but I didn't come without bearing gifts." He smiled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small ribbon. The boy looked confused. "You can tie it around your favorite object, and it acts as a promise binding. The promise I make with this, is that I'lupo. It brightened the look in Senjuro's expression. He didn't care much for materialistic things, but rather something with true value and meaning. When he looked up at his kneeling brother again, he realized the girl on his back.

"Would you like me to get the guest bedroom ready?" He asked enthusiastically. Rengoku didn't want to assume, so he lightly tapped her cheek with his free hand. She hummed in a questioning tune.

"Would you like to stay with me, or have your own room?" He asked softly, beckoning her to open her eyes. She tightened her grip around his shoulders coming face to face with a little Kyojuro.

She stayed there in silence staring at the boy until Rengoku touched her cheek again. "Oh, uh, I wouldn't mind staying with you if you don't mind. But if you'd prefer me have my own room then either is fine."

"Alright. She'll just stay with me, kid." He gave the little Kyojuro a pat on the head and stood back up with a bright smile. Eri squealed, only just then realizing that she was on his back.

"Did you carry me all the way here?!" She yelled making some of the birds fly away. "You're going to make your ribs worse, you dumbass!" He just laughed and continued walking despite her constant moving. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. He was taller than her, and though it wasn't much of a difference, she didn't like being too high unless she had adrenaline pumping through her body.

When he got inside, he told her she could get off if she wanted, and she did so, but still clung to the back of his uniform. He showed her around a bit, then stopped at a door without walking past. Eri looked up at the man in question. His face had no smile, it was blank. He took a deep breath before standing in the doorway revealing an older Kyojuro.

"I've brought a guest home, father." He said simply.

"Tsk, do as you please. Not like it'll matter anyways." Eri felt slightly angered by this and wondered how Kyojuro was so bright and enthusiastic when he had a father like this, but when she saw his face, it was a small and sad smile.