Ruri met his eyes that always looked angry or annoyed.

He used to look as innocent as a lamb but many things have changed and he turned into a ferocious tiger who harbors grudge like no other.

Sometimes, he would even purposely fight with Giyuu and Ruri would try to pacify them. In the end, Sanemi would get even more jealous and she would find herself being whisked away by him.

But now, it was different.

Sanemi might seem angry at her but he was actually angry at himself. This man would find a reason to put the blame on himself.

He believed that he was at fault for letting this happen to her.

"I couldn't protect you. Riri, I couldn't." He repeated while shaking.

He removed his hands from her chin, seeming to have gotten tired all of a sudden as he slumped down and she bore all of his weight. Her back landed on the floor as she held his arms.

"Nemi... Don't get angry. It was my fault. I've hold on for two years. I would continue to hold on as long as you tell me to or I will die willingly right now if you tell me to. In exchange, please talk to Genya. Please. He has forgiven you already. Would you rather keep distancing yourself from him than take the time to create more memories with your little brother?"

"I don't know. I don't know. I want to but I can't face him. Riri, it was my fault... I.."

Ruri hugged him firmly, stroking his hair.

"It'll be okay.." She comforted.

"Don't leave.... You aren't allowed to leave again... I won't let you! Riri, you also aren't allowed to kill yourself or die! You have to live, you have to live. Otherwise...otherwise.." He shivered when she leaned and pressed a kiss on his neck, dispelling his fear and insecurities.

His eyes blazed with fire upon her action and his calloused hands immediately grabbed her waist.

Ruri smiled encouragingly. "I will live for you and for Genya. For everyone."

"Don't joke with me!"

"I'm not joking. Shinazugawa Sanemi, the only reason I've held on for so long was not because of the demon slayers but because of you. I didn't want you to see me this way. I wanted to die. I want to keep my memory in your heart as pure where the Riri you know is a human and a hashira, not a demon. Am I wrong for thinking this? Sanemi! I never wanted to be a demon!" She said with a bitter look on her face, forcing her lips to smile.

"I wanted to continue fighting alongside you and everyone.." She sobbed helplessly.

Sanemi's eyelashes trembled.

"Nemi.."

He breathed out a deep sigh before holding her cheek and placing an open kiss on her mouth.

"Riri, I'm here."

Meanwhile, his hands started to disrobe her body.

Ruri shuddered.

♤♡◇♧

Shinobu glanced at the lone figure in the corner of the room who was holding their waist and looking at a book about herbs.

She could see the other person muttering words under their breath as if cursing someone.

"Damn. My waist is killing me. Does that guy know the word 'gentle' or not?"

Ruri quickly shut up when she saw Shinobu approaching her.

"Riri-san, is there something wrong? You seem tired."

Ruri forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine! After I've turned into a demon, I don't require much sleep. As long as I eat wisteria leaves or flowers, I'll eventually be fine. Please don't worry anymore."

Shinobu smiled and clapped her hands. "That is good to know! I was extremely worried about Riri-san! I thought you were hurt or something. You seem to be holding onto your waist..."

Ruri frantically shook her head. "I...I'm fine! You saw it wrong!"

Shinobu nodded though a sly smile appeared on her face.

"Hmmm? Could it be?" Shinobu said, looking intently at Ruri who was feeling nervous all of a sudden.

Did she know? Was the Insect Pillar capable of telling at one glance what her body went through?

Ruri's cheeks started to turn red.

Yuishiro who was quietly focusing on his task, sneered and shouted.

"You reek! Take a bath! It's uncomfortable how you smell too much of that human. You even went on ahead and engaged in .."

Ruri's face burned in embarrassment. "Shut u-up! Nothing happened! I'm going to out since I remember that I have something to do later!"

She quickly run towards the door and escaped, running away as if her life depended on it.

Shinobu sighed. "Tch. And here I was going to continue teasing Riri-san."

Yuishiro snorted, ignoring her. "Tamayo-sama, is this herb a better choice than the previous one?"

Shinobu sighed and went back on her own station. It was really uncomfortable to be working with the demons she hated.

♤♡◇♧

A/N: Your author here, updating after a long hiatus. There's only a few chapters left. *w*