REUNIONS ARE SO CRINGE! — CHAPTER #50 — I LOVE THEM!

———————————————————
Little note:
Can't believe Kanjō has 50 chapters already (that's so much😭)!! I'm so happy! And we almost have 600k+ views yayy
This will not be for now but will you guys be interested in a Q&A??
———————————————————

"..." You were gently awakened by the melodic chirping of birds just outside your open window, their cheerful chorus weaving a peaceful backdrop to the morning. Slowly, you became aware of your surroundings, the soft warmth of your bed cradling your tired body.

Your gaze fell upon the tiny figure of Dodo, nestled close to you, his round form gently rising and falling with each sleepy breath. His presence was a comforting one, and you couldn't help but smile at his adorable slumber. With utmost care, you extended a gentle hand and began to pet his delicate, fluffy head, your fingers tracing the contours of his tiny form.

However, your tranquil moment was interrupted by an unexpected sensation—a sense of another presence in the room, one that had slipped your initial awareness. A faint rustling sound drew your attention to the chair placed beside your bed, and your heart nearly leaped out of your chest.

There, in that chair, sat Kanao, her features serene as if she had fallen into a peaceful slumber without a care in the world. She looked both graceful and vulnerable, a stark contrast to her usual stoic demeanor.

You couldn't suppress the sudden jolt of surprise, your voice catching in your throat. Her presence was unexpected, and you had no idea how long she had been there, watching over you in silence.

"Kanao," You uttered softly, your voice a gentle murmur, not wishing to startle her. You reached out, placing a cautious hand on her shoulder. Even Dodo went over her head to slightly wake her up. You felt her warmth beneath your touch as you gave her shoulder a tender shake, hoping to rouse her from her nap.

"...Hmn?" Kanao stirred, her eyelids fluttering open ever so slowly. At first, her gaze seemed hazy and unfocused, the remnants of sleep clouding her vision. Then, as her eyes met yours, a spark of recognition ignited within her, dispelling the lingering drowsiness.

"(Y/N)!" She exclaimed, her voice laced with genuine delight and relief. It was as though the mere sight of you had brought renewed vigor to her being. In a flurry of graceful movement, she rose from the chair, her fingers gripping your shoulders with an intensity that belied her normally composed nature. Poor Dodo almost fell from Kanao's head due to the sudden movement.

"(Y/N), how are you feeling?!" Her words tumbled forth in rapid succession, her concern palpable. "Are you alright? Do you feel any pain? Is there anything you need? What can I do for you?!"

Her rapid-fire inquiry left you momentarily stunned. This was a side of Kanao you had never seen before—the typically silent and composed young woman was now jittery, anxious, and entirely focused on your well-being. It was as if she couldn't contain her concern and had to express it all at once.

As Kanao's torrent of questions flooded the room, you felt a weight of guilt and sadness descend upon you. Her intense concern began to slow down as she noticed the somber expression that overtook your face. When the questions subsided, you seized the moment to voice the burning question that had been haunting you since you first saw her there.

"Hey," You began, your voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and guilt. "aren't you like—mad at me for teaming up with demons?"

The grip Kanao had on your shoulders began to loosen, her brows furrowing in confusion. Her lips parted slightly, and she simply gazed into your eyes, leaving you on edge, unsure of her thoughts. You felt yourself beginning to close your eyes, unable to withstand her scrutiny, but her response captured your full attention.

"No." She stated firmly, her tone unwavering. "Not even one bit."

"Huh?" You murmured, disbelief evident in your voice.

"I must admit, I was a little surprised when I heard what happened..." Kanao paused, her fingers now fidgeting with each other as she sought to convey her feelings. "But I never got mad at you. I know you must have had your reasons. You're always helping others therefore... I never doubted you or anything. I trust you."

With the final sentence, her gaze met yours, and she offered you a small, reassuring smile, as if to underline the sincerity of her words.

"..." Your eyes welled up with tears, and you couldn't contain the surge of emotions that washed over you. Without hesitation, you flung yourself into her arms, embracing her tightly. Kanao, though caught off guard by your sudden affection, blushed slightly but reciprocated the hug.

"Kanao! Thank you so much!" You exclaimed, your voice trembling with gratitude. She was initially taken aback by your enthusiastic response but quickly adapted, her own emotions bubbling beneath the surface.

"No problem." She said softly, a genuine warmth in her tone.

However, as you clung to her, you suddenly pulled back, a realization dawning on you.

"WAIT! DID YOU STAYED THE WHOLE NIGHT HERE?!" You blurted out, panic edging into your voice as you belatedly noticed her presence.

"Yes?" Kanao tilted her head in confusion, her brow furrowing. Seeing your baffled expression, she explained with a gentle smile. "I was on a mission when everything happened. When I arrived and got the news, I couldn't help but run to see you. When I came, you were already sleeping, and I didn't want to wake you up... Then I stayed here waiting for you." Swiftly while she explained, she extended her finger towards Dodo, so the little crow could position himself in it. She started playing with him, not noticing your reaction.

"Kanao!" You whined, feeling a pang of guilt. "You shouldn't have done that!"

She reassured you with a serene expression. "It's okay. I really wanted to see you. This was nothing."

You blushed slightly at her words, unable to meet her gaze. With a sheepish smile, you played with the bedsheet, your fingers tracing patterns as your thoughts swirled. 'I'm pretty selfish for thinking like this, but... a part of me is happy she waited....'

...

"Well, thank you for waiting!" You said, your smile growing as you looked up at her. Dodo got away from Kanao's finger and placed himself at the top of your head.

"Again, no problem." Kanao smiled warmly. "Now, give me a moment."

"Eh? For what?" You inquired, curiosity piqued.

"I'll go look for Aoi and the others." She explained, already rising from her seat. "They really wanted to see you. I'll be right back."

However, you didn't fully understand your own actions as your hand shot out instinctively, grabbing onto a bit of Kanao's clothes and preventing her from leaving.

...

"(Y/N)...? What's wrong?" She asked, concern lacing her voice as she turned to face you.

"I..." Words failed you at that moment. You couldn't quite articulate why you had stopped her. You were as perplexed by your own actions as she was, leaving you flustered and at a loss. "Please don't leave me... Stay..." You mumbled under your breath, the words slipping out unconsciously.

"..." Kanao regarded you with a silent intensity, her gaze unwavering. Your face began to flush red from embarrassment as you abruptly released her clothing. You attempted to brush off the incident with an awkward laugh.

"Haha, haha! Oh, silly me! Ignore that! Nothing happened!" You tried to act nonchalant, but your trembling voice and shaky demeanor betrayed your true feelings. You couldn't even understand why you were acting this way. Just moments ago, you felt fine!

However, Kanao's silence only intensified your nervousness. She stood there, observing you carefully, making you curse your inability to decipher her thoughts.

Unable to tolerate your unease any longer, Kanao swiftly approached you, lifting you up in a bridal-style hold, taking you by surprise. "A-Ah! Kanao! What are you doing?" You clung to her neck for stability.

"...Being with you." She replied calmly. "You said you didn't want to be alone, right?"

"Y-You heard that...?" Your face turned even redder. "It was nothing! Forget it! I said something dumb!"

"No." She countered swiftly. "It's not dumb. (Y/N), if you're feeling lonely, you can always call me. I'll come right away."

Furrowing your brows, you averted your gaze. "...I should not bother you with stuff like this. You'll be busy with missions. I shouldn't act childish."

"It doesn't matter." She said, gently shaking her head. "Even if it's late, I'll always come if you call for me." Her words were filled with tenderness, leaving you somewhat dumbfounded.

...

"Thanks." You replied, keeping the conversation brief as you hesitated to delve any further into the emotions swirling within you.

Kanao respected your wish for silence and refrained from pursuing the conversation further. Instead, she set out to find Aoi, who was supposedly nearby, tending to some chores. Fortunately, after a bit of searching, the two of you spotted her carrying a basket full of sheets into one of the rooms.

"Aoi!" Kanao called out, quickening her pace to catch up with her.

"Hmh? Kanao—?" Aoi turned her head in response but was immediately met with shock, causing her to drop the basket she was carrying.

"AOIIII!!" You couldn't contain your joy, and Kanao had to restrain you from falling out of her arms. Aoi, with tear-filled eyes, was unable to prevent her own eyes from welling up as she heard you calling her name. She clenched her fists and sprinted toward you and Kanao.

"(Y/N)! OH MY GOD!" She ran so fast that she tripped over her own foot and fell face-first onto the floor.

"Aoi!" You and Kanao both exclaimed in concern, but she simply lifted her head as if nothing had happened and swiftly got back on her feet, finally reaching you.

"Oh shit, (Y/N)! I-I was s-so worried about you!! I'm so glad you're fine now!!" Aoi cried with puffy eyes, blood dripping from her nose due to the earlier accident.

"Aoi! Your nose!" You attempted to help her, though you weren't quite sure what to do.

"Who the hell cares about my nose!?" Aoi yelled through her tears, startling both you and Kanao. "You're far more important than my stupid nose!!"

Aoi's outburst of emotion touched your heart deeply. She was always known for her quirky and energetic personality, but seeing her this vulnerable and openly emotional was a rare sight. You pulled her into a tight hug, ignoring the blood on her nose, and returned her sentiment. "Aoi, I missed you too!" You choked back tears, overwhelmed by the intensity of your her emotions.

She was also very happy to see you, tightening her hold in you but, in just of a matter of seconds, your reunion quickly shifted to concern and scolding. She pulled back slightly from the hug and looked you straight in the eyes, her voice trembling.

"(Y/N), you scared me half to death! What were you thinking, teaming up with UPPER DEMONS? You could have been killed! The Hashira and the Head Master could've killed you!!" She choked back a sob, her eyes filling with tears once more.

You felt tears welling up in your own eyes, unable to contain the overwhelming emotions of the moment. "Aoi, I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. It's just... things got complicated, and I had to make a tough decision! B-But, everything worked out!"

"But what would you have done if it didn't work out, you stupid!?" She retorted back at you, mad at your careless behavior.

"..." Seeing her like this, made you feel bad for worrying her. You had good intentions but making the people around you sorry about you was not something you were expecting. You sighed and looked away feeling guilty. "...Sorry."

Her anger softened as she saw the genuine regret in your eyes. She couldn't stay mad at you for long, especially not now. She pulled you back into a tight embrace, her tears soaking your shoulder.

"You idiot." She muttered through her tears, her voice barely audible. "Promise me you won't do something like that again. Promise me, (Y/N)."

You nodded, your own voice choked with emotion. "I promise, Aoi. I won't do anything reckless like that again. I couldn't bear to see you cry."

"You better," She retorted with a hint of playfulness in her tone. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she held you close. The embrace continued for a while, a comforting reassurance in the midst of uncertainty. However, the tranquility was short-lived as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder.

Startled, you and Aoi separated, turning your attention to the source of the disturbance. Your commotion had drawn the gaze of three diminutive figures, each resembling delicate butterfly-like creatures. A gasp echoed through the air, and all three little girls sprinted toward you, their faces filled with disbelief and unbridled joy.

"Big sis (Y/N)!" Kiyo exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement, while Sumi and Naho chorused in unison, "BIG SIS (Y/N)!" As they rushed towards you.

"Girls!" You exclaimed, your heart swelling with affection. They looked utterly adorable as they bounced around you and Kanao, tears glistening in their eyes. Before you could say more, Naho abruptly interrupted you.

"STUPID BIG SIS (Y/N)!" Naho blurted out, her insult catching you completely off guard.

...

"EHHHH?!" Your voice rose incredulously. Had sweet, adorable Naho just insulted you?

"YEAH!" Kiyo joined in, supporting Naho with an indignant fist pump. "IDIOT BIG SIS (Y/N)!" They both wore matching angry pouts on their lips.

"DUMB BIG SIS (Y/N)!" Sumi added, refusing to be left out. It felt as if imaginary thunderbolts were striking you down, leaving you bewildered.

"K-Kanao!" You turned to her with teary eyes, your voice trembling. "D-Did they just call me names?"

Kanao looked at you, seemingly contemplating her response. After a moment, she gave you a small, reassuring smile. "Yes. They just insulted you."

"GAH!" Your world seemed to crumble as you heard the confirmation. You felt as if you were about to faint, but Kanao, still carrying you, held you more firmly, restoring your energy.

"B-but why!?" You managed to muster the strength to inquire. "Why are you insulting me?"

The three little girls pouted and crossed their arms, tears beginning to well up in their eyes. "Because you worried us a lot!" Sumi choked out, her voice trembling with suppressed tears.

"Gh!" It was as if a figurative knife pierced your heart.

While you and the girls were fighting, Kanao and Aoi were having their little side conversation.

"Is your nose okay?" Kanao asked a bit worried since Aoi fell really hard.

"Nah, don't worry about it. It bled a bit but using my tissue is more than enough." Aoi nonchalantly responded, cleaning her once bloody nose, which was now fine but still visibly reddened. Then, Kiyo's loud answer made them pay attention to the discussion.

"Yeah! You were dumb and not careful!" Kiyo chimed in, her fists clenched in frustration.

You attempted to defend yourself, but the weight of their words overwhelmed you. "I-I had my reasons—"

"What were you thinking, dumb, stupid, idiot big sis (Y/N)?!" Naho shouted, her frustration leading her to punch Kanao's leg, since she couldn't reach you. This didn't bother Kanao though, considering Naho's punches did not hurt her even one bit.

"Gah!" You couldn't hold back the tears any longer. Their words stung, and you rested your head on Kanao's shoulder, consumed by shame and embarrassment.

"Then?" Aoi interjected, her arms crossed as she squinted at you. "What do you say in response?"

...

"...I'm sorry..." You murmured gloomily, your head hanging low. "I'll never do something like that again."

"Good." Aoi nodded in satisfaction. As you apologized, the three little girls' smiles slowly returned, and they rushed toward you once more.

"WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH, BIG SIS!" They exclaimed in perfect harmony, their voices filled with warmth and affection.

"Hahaha!" Your laughter bubbled forth, your heart brimming with joy. "I missed you all too!!" Overflowing with affection, you blew kisses to the three little butterfly girls, who had forgiven you for your earlier recklessness.

"Master Kanao! Stop carrying (Y/N) so she can hug us!!" Kiyo demanded, her tiny face adorned with a pout. You were still cradled in Kanao's arms, beyond the reach of the eager little girls. Kanao, ever stoic, remained impassive.

"I mean, yeah, Kanao. Why are you even carrying (Y/N)?" Aoi chimed in, her brow furrowing in confusion. She couldn't quite comprehend why Kanao continued to hold you. "Is (Y/N) still feeling weak?"

"No! I'm okay!" You reassured them, not wanting to cause any undue concern. But then, a mischievous glint sparkled in your eyes, and your gaze shifted toward Kanao. "Though..." You teased, a smirk playing on your lips. "Why are you carrying me~? Do you like it that much? This isn't the first time you've done it!" You couldn't help but chuckle as you reminisced about the first time she met you, when she had to carry you due to the demon spider's poison.

"Master Kanao! Is that really true?!" Kiyo inquired, her eyes wide with surprise, placing her own hands over her cheeks.

"Ehh?! You like carrying Big sis (Y/N)?" Naho chimed in, hugging Kanao's waist inquisitively.

"Do you like it that much!?" Sumi gasped in mock astonishment.

"Pff—" Aoi tried to stifle her laughter by covering her mouth with the back of her hand, failing to keep a straight face. She was eager to hear Kanao's response, finding the situation quite amusing.

"Oh, come on!" You interjected, feeling a pang of guilt as you saw everyone teasing Kanao. What had started as light-hearted teasing had taken an unexpected turn and you didn't want her to feel uncomfortable or anything. "I was just jokin—"

"Hmh—hahaha..." Unexpectedly, Kanao's laughter rippled through the hallway. Her eyes were closed, her cheeks flushed pink, and a subtle smile graced her lips as she tried to conceal her amusement. Her laughter was ethereal and captivating, leaving you, including Aoi and the girls, in awe.

Kanao eventually ceased laughing and turned her gaze toward you, her lips curving into a subtle but uncharacteristic smirk. "And what if I said that I like how you feel in my arms?" Her words hung in the air, and you couldn't help but notice the tender squeeze she gave you as she held you. A flush of crimson crept up your cheeks, rendering you momentarily speechless.

"...!" Your cheeks burned crimson, and your heart raced at Kanao's unexpected statement. You stuttered, flustered beyond measure, as you fumbled for words. "Wh—What? Since when have you gotten so... bold?"

"..." Kanao's smile, though faint, spoke volumes. It was a smile that danced with a subtle mischief, and she seemed to relish your flustered reaction. Her confidence was captivating, and it left you feeling both bewildered and strangely intrigued.

Aoi, concerned about the deep shade of red that had overtaken your face, couldn't help but worry. She moved closer, her expression full of genuine concern. With gentle hands, she grabbed your cheeks and placed her palm against your forehead, checking your temperature.

"Hey, are you okay?" Aoi asked, her voice tinged with worry. "You're really red, (Y/N)! Did Kanao's words really get to you that much?"

You tried to form a coherent response, but your mind was still spinning from Kanao's unexpected admission. All you managed to do was nod faintly.

"Ohhh! Big sis is embarrassed!" Kiyo murmured in an very obvious way.

"She's as red as a tomato!" Naho said loud enough for everyone present to hear.

"Does she likes Master Kanao...?" Sumi had the decency to murmur that part in a lower tone therefore you, Kanao and Aoi wouldn't hear.

"I'm not sure! I thought she liked Tanjiro!" Naho whispered excited. If she was honest, she thought you and him would make a cute couple.

"Nu-uh!" Kiyo said, shaking her head. "I'm pretty sure I heard Mister Rengoku confess his feelings towards her some time ago!" She whispered with stars dancing around. Suddenly, someone gave her a smack at the back of her head.

"Dumb-Dumb! Why didn't you tell us anything?!" Sumi said angered.

"I forgot!"

"Ugh! It doesn't matter! I think she belongs with Aoi—"

"Hey!" Aoi's sudden voice disrupted the hushed conversations of the three little girls, causing them to pivot around in surprise. Suspicion etched across her face, she probed, "What are you three talking about?"

"Nothing!" The trio chimed in unison, wearing innocent smiles that they hoped would divert any suspicion.

"Mhm..." Aoi narrowed her eyes, briefly considering pressing the matter further. However, she dismissed it as mere child's chatter, likely nothing of great importance. Shifting her focus back to you, she continued, "As I was saying, Kamado, Hashibira, and Agatsuma haven't woken up yet. Shinobu said it might take some time for them to regain consciousness since they were completely drained of energy..."

You tilted your head, a touch of concern in your eyes. "And how long might that be?"

"Mhm..." Aoi pondered your question for a moment. "Maybe a week? But it could possibly take even longer."

"Oh..." Your spirits seemed to deflate at her response. Despite all the efforts put into helping them, they were still injured and now in comas. It was frustrating. Aoi, observing your somber expression, attempted to inject a glimmer of hope into the conversation.

"B-But hey!" She stammered, trying to sound cheerful. "Uzui and his wives are here! They're all resting in one of the rooms nearby!"

"Really!?" Your eyes lit up with renewed enthusiasm.

"Yeah!" Aoi nodded, her words bringing a flicker of optimism to your face. "You should go and visit them!"

You stood there for a moment, contemplating whether you should go visit Uzui and his wives. The thought of seeing them and possibly finding some comfort in their presence was appealing, but you also couldn't shake the worry about your friends who were still unconscious.

After a brief internal struggle, you made up your mind. You turned to Kanao and gently said, "Kanao, can you please let me down?"

"..." Kanao's expression shifted slightly, her lips forming a subtle pout at your request, but she obediently lowered you to the ground.

'...Does she wants to keep carrying me? Lol.' You laughed to yourself. You gave her a thankful smile and a soft pat on the head before turning to the three little girls. "I promise to come back and play with you all later. Take care of yourselves in the meantime."

The three butterfly girls exchanged glances, their faces brightening with understanding. "Okay, Big Sis (Y/N)! We'll be waiting for you!" Kiyo chirped alongside Naho and Sumi nodding excitedly.

With Aoi's brief instructions in mind, you made your way to Uzui's room, which was conveniently located nearby. As you approached the room, your heart began to race with anxiety.

You couldn't help but wonder if Uzui and his wives would be angry with you for your actions. Though, Uzui had accepted Daki and Gyutaro into the demon slayer corps, it was uncertain whether his wives would react the same way—specially after all the shit you all went through to fight them.

"..." Gulping nervously, you reached for the doorknob and turned it slowly. You cautiously peeked your head into the room, wanting to assess the situation before fully entering. "U-Um... Excuse—"

"M-MAKIOOO! STOP PULLING MY HAIR! IT HURTSSS!" Suma's voice echoed loudly in the room, her tone resembling that of a child in distress.

"SHUT UP! I'M TIRED OF YOU! YOU'RE SO LOUD!" Makio retorted, yanking on Suma's hair with even more vigor.

"IM LOUD?!" Suma responded with righteous indignation. "LOOK WHO'S TALKING!! WAHHHHHH! LORD TENGEN! DO SOMETHING!"

Uzui's patience was wearing thin, and his frustration was evident in his escalating tone. He took a deep breath before addressing the bickering pair. "For the last time..." He growled, his voice increasing in volume with each word. "WILL YOU TWO STOP FIGHTING ALREADY?!"

"HUHHHHH?" Suma, tears streaming down her face, wailed even louder in response. "WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME TOO?! MAKIO STARTED FIRST!"

"NO! YOU STARTED FIRST!" Makio fired back, her grip on Suma's hair tightening, causing Suma to whimper in pain. "IF YOU WOULD JUST STOP EATING MY FOOD, NONE OF THIS WOULD'VE HAPPENED!"

"WAHHHH! BUT YOU'RE MY WIFE! SHARING IS CARING!" Suma retorted, her voice wavering.

"SHARING IS CARING MY ASS BITCH!"

Uzui's exasperation reached its limit. He slammed his hand on a nearby table, causing a small commotion in the room. "That's it!" He declared, his irritation boiling over. "You both asked for it!"

With that, he joined the fray, attempting to separate his quarreling wives and put an end to their argument. However, it seemed that Uzui was quickly drawn into the skirmish himself, inadvertently becoming part of the ongoing chaotic spectacle.

Suma's and Makio's pleas for Uzui to spare them echoed through the room, their voices filled with panic and desperation.

"WAHHH NOOOOOO LORD TENGEN! NOT MEEEEEEE!" Suma whined.

"LORD TENGEN! PUNISH HER! NOT ME! DAMMIITTTTTT!" Makio joined in with the same fervor.

Hinatsuru attempted to mediate, her voice a soothing presence in the midst of the chaos. "Guys! Please stop fighting! This is a hospital..."

"LET GO OF MY HAIR!"

"STOP PULLING MY CHEEKS! IT HURTS!"

"STOP GRABBING MEEEEEE!"

"..." You couldn't help but deadpan at the absurdity of the situation. It was clear that this was far from an opportune moment to visit. You considered making a quiet exit and returning later, but your plans were dashed as your eyes met with Hinatsuru's gaze.

"Oh! I didn't notice you here!" Hinatsuru exclaimed with a gentle smile, her expression brightening as she waved in your direction. Her comment caught the attention of Makio, Suma, and Uzui, causing them to cease their brawl.

"Oh—OH MY GODDD! (Y/N)! YOU'RE HERE!" Suma exclaimed with genuine excitement, struggling to free herself from Makio's grasp but halted by Uzui, who held her firmly by the top of her clothes to maintain order.

"(Y/N)!!! I didn't expect to see you right now! How are you?" Makio inquired, her eyes sparkling with delight at your unexpected presence.

"Ah... hi..." You greeted them, your voice laced with shyness. You found yourself unable to suppress a small, awkward smile in response to their warm welcome.

"Baby! I was so worried for you!! I thought I wouldn't see you again!!" Suma's arms extended toward you, tears streaming down her face as she expressed her deep concern.

"Did they do anything to you? Are you alright?" Hinatsuru's voice was filled with genuine worry as she examined you.

"If any of them did something—then tell me! I don't care if they're a Hashira! I'll punch the heck out of them!!" Makio puffed up her cheeks and flexed her toned arms, ready to take action. You couldn't help but notice that all three of them had their hair down, along with bandages and the unmistakable attire of a hospital uniform.

"I already told you! We did nothing!" Uzui reassured them, making it clear that you were unharmed.

"And we trust you, Lord Tengen!" Hinatsuru chimed in without hesitation.

"Yeah!" Makio seconded with unwavering support.

"Hmh!" Suma agreed with a smile, nodding her head. "We just don't trust the other Hashiras!"

"Exactly!" Makio and Hinatsuru said at the same time with silly expressions.

"THAT DOESN'T MAKE THINGS BETTER!" Uzui yelled at them.

Suma's eyes were filled with anticipation as she turned to you, her fists pumping with determination. "So!?" She exclaimed. "Did they hurt you or not?!" Hinatsuru and Makio immediately shifted their attention towards you, their expressions tense, awaiting your response.

You couldn't help but fidget with your hands, a nervous expression on your face. "I-Im okay! They didn't do anything to me! Thank you for worrying, though!" Your voice wavered slightly as you spoke, and you could sense the relief in the room as the three of them visibly relaxed upon hearing your words.

Uzui, with his hair flowing freely, shook his head in a somewhat exasperated manner. "You three worry a lot!" He remarked. "I told you, didn't I?"

"Well Lord Tengen... your partners can be a little, uh, how can I say this...?" Hinatsuru pondered with thoughtfulness.

"A little what?" Uzui squinted his eyes, crossing his arms.

"INTENSE!" Suma exclaimed, her face turning pale at the thought of the Hashira. "SPECIALLY RENGOKU!"

"UGH!" Makio's face turned into one of disgust. "Don't mention him! I HATE RENGOKU!"

"RIGHT?! WHY IS HE ALWAYS FLIRTING WITH OUR HUSBAND?!"

"RIGHTTT?! WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?! HE SHOULD GET HIMSELF ANOTHER PERSON!"

"Babes," Uzui interrupted their sided conversation. "Don't say un-flashy things about him! He's my—"

"YOUR WHAT, LORD TENGEN?!" Suma yelled at him. "YOUR LOVE AFFAIR?!"

"MY WHAT?!" Uzui almost chocked on his spit.

"IS HE YOUR FUCK TOY?!" Makio threw an accusatory finger at him.

"HUHHHH?!" Uzui was loss at words, not knowing what to respond. "Why are you two even thinking this?!"

"WAHHHHHHH! LORD TENGEN DIDN'T DENY ITTTTT!!" Suma cried, holding Makio's waist while her tears got all over her uniform.

"I DON'T WANT RENGOKU IN OUR MARRIAGE! I'LL RATHER DIE! I DON'T WANT ANOTHER MAN!" Makio whined as she hold Suma, not liking the idea of MIDgoku joining and ruining their happy relationship.

"Girls, please..." Hinatsuru murmured while her eyes would occasionally land on your direction. Her cheeks were a bit flushed. "Stop acting like this when we have a guest! It's embarrassing..."

However, you were paying little attention to their discussion.

"..." As you observed the four of them, you found yourself at a loss for words. You hadn't expected such a response. Weren't they supposed to be angry with you for bringing Daki and Gyutaro? Confusion swirled within you as you prepared for potential resentment, particularly from Makio and Hinatsuru. Yet, to your surprise, their primary concern seemed to be your well-being. Overwhelmed by guilt, you couldn't bring yourself to meet their gazes directly.

Uzui couldn't help but notice the gloomy air that had settled around you as you stood there, still overwhelmed by guilt. He decided it was time to address the matter. With a soft, understanding smile, he gestured for you to come over to his bed and sit beside him.

"Come here, (Y/N)," He said gently, patting the space next to him.

"E-Eh?" You stammered confused. "Why?"

"Ugh, stop being petty and come." He gave you a dirty look and you quickly gave up. As you settled in, he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, drawing you close. Uzui knew you well and realized that you were feeling down because of the Daki and Gyutaro situation.

"I..." He spoke in a soothing tone. "I can see that you're worried, and I understand why. But listen, I'm not mad at you, and neither are Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru." As if on cue, the three of them nodded in agreement, giving you reassuring smiles and thumbs up gestures.

"He's right! I couldn't even be mad at you!" Suma reassured you with an excited smile.

"I was confused at first but since it's you, I'm sure your reasons must be good!" Makio gave you a confident smile.

"Mhm." Hinatsuru simply nodded, expressing her agreement.

Uzui continued, "And you know what, I'm sure the other Hashira aren't mad at you either..." He sighed, thinking what to say next. "This situation is new for us. We? The demon slayer corps, teaming up with demons? UPPER moon demons? That shit is crazy. And not to mention, we almost died fighting them."

"..." You didn't speak at all, just gazed at him with an unreadable.

"So you need to understand that most uf us will react in a negative way at first but believe me, none of the hashira nor your friends could ever hate you. Im sure of it." He tightened his arm around you, offering comfort. "You've got friends here, and friends don't get mad at each other for things beyond their control. We've got your back, and we know you've got ours." Uzui's warm words got to you and more after you felt his flamboyant veiny hand ruffle your hair with nothing but sweetness.

The unexpected warmth and understanding from Uzui and his wives caught you completely off guard, leaving you feeling self-conscious about how much you might have been overthinking the situation. A mix of emotions swirled within you, but you couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh.

As you felt the tension slowly melt away, a soft smile graced your lips, one that couldn't be contained. It was a silly little smile born from the immense relief that they were not angry with you. Your smile didn't go unnoticed, and it seemed to fill Uzui's heart with happiness.

"Hahaha!" Uzui laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling with joy. "That's what I like to see!" He exclaimed, his words filled with admiration for your cute smile. It felt as though there were stars dancing around him, so bright and genuine was his grin.

Observing Uzui and his wives, you suddenly noticed something that hadn't crossed your mind until now. "Oh my god!" You gasped, bringing a hand to your cheek out of surprise. "I just noticed that I'm still wearing my Demon Slayer uniform!!" Your eyes widened as you looked down at yourself, realizing that you were still in the attire you were forced to use for the meeting.

"Ewwww." Uzui gaged at the realization. "You're so dirty."

You deadpanned at him. "Do you want me to smack you?"

Uzui reclined on the bed, propping himself up with his arms, a relaxed expression on his face. "Well," He began, "as soon as the meeting ended, I rushed here and changed my uniform to get some rest. I was dead tired. Fighting demons all night, and then they end up joining our side. Hilarious, isn't it?"

"Sorry..." You apologized once more, but then a realization hit you like a bolt of lightning. "Wait, huh!?"

"What huh?" Uzui furrowed his brow in curiosity.

"Wait—"

"I'm waiting!"

You found yourself momentarily speechless. "Did you just say—"

"I said what?"

"What you said!"

"What did I say?"

"You!" You pointed a finger at him. "You're going to keep being a Hashira!?" It was as though you had blurted out your innermost thoughts.

"Well, yeah? Why wouldn't I?" Uzui seemed genuinely confused by your reaction.

"I-I thought you were going to retire!" You blurted, recalling the storyline where he and his wives retired from the Demon Slayer Corps. You had been expecting it, and it had just dawned on you now that he was still involved with the Corps, given his participation in the meeting.

"...How do you know that?" Both Uzui and his wives exchanged puzzled glances.

You cursed yourself internally. 'Shit, right!' You gulped nervously, your mind racing for an explanation. "You told me!"

"I did?"

"You did! When we were fighting, you flamboyantly told me that you promised your wives a quiet and peaceful life with them!" You invented that response and hoped it would work. "You thought you were going to die, so you told me that!"

Uzui pondered for a moment, not recalling ever having such a conversation but decided to brush it off. "Ah, who cares? But yeah! I'm not going to retire, at least not for now. Right, darlings?" He looked at his wives.

"That's right! We're going to keep fighting and protecting people!" Makio declared proudly, puffing her chest.

"B-But why?" You couldn't help but question his decision.

"Because of you," Uzui replied quickly, his gaze locked onto yours. You nearly choked at his answer, and it was evident that he realized how oddly that must have sounded. He coughed and cleared his throat, using his fist to cover his mouth. "I meant to say—because of your speech earlier."

"My... speech?" You tilted your head, memories of your impassioned words and defenses flooding back. A faint blush colored your cheeks from the embarrassment of your passionate outburst during the meeting.

"Yeah, your speech really got me thinking that I can't retire at a time like this... You can say that you kind of motivated me and helped me open my eyes about something. We need all the help we can get to defeat Muzan. Innocent people can't keep dying every day and we can't keep doing the same thing expecting shit to change..." Uzui's eyes held sincerity as he clarified, his initial awkwardness giving way to a sense of purpose and determination. "And, it would be so unflashy of me to leave when things are about to get more interesting, wouldn't it?" He winked his eye at you, his usual cocky smirk plastered on his face.

...

An uneasy silence hung in the room, and you suddenly smacked yourself hard on the cheek.

"(Y/N)!" Suma and Makio exclaimed in unison, their voices laced with concern. They were clearly alarmed, wondering what had caused your sudden outburst.

Internally, you chided yourself, your thoughts racing. 'Calm down, (Y/N)! Don't fangirl! Don't fangirl! DON'T FANGIRL FOR HIM!! DON'T LET YOURSELF SHOW YOUR WEAKNESS!'

"Are you alright?" Hinatsuru asked with a worried expression, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Yeahhh, pfff! I'm totally fine!" You laughed nervously, trying to cover up your inner turmoil. "I just thought a mosquito was on my face, hahaha!" Your cheek, now a bright shade of red from the smack, continued to burn.

"Oh, look at the time!" You quickly changed the subject. "I need to change and rest. What a pit—"

"Hey! Why don't you stay here with us? It'll be fun!" Uzui suggested, his smile seemingly innocent but with a mischievous glint in his eyes. You wouldn't be surprised if he had heard your inner turmoil, considering his superhuman hearing abilities.

"Oh, yes! Please come when you're finished!" Makio chimed in, her enthusiasm clear in her smile.

"Yes! It'll be awesome!" Suma pleaded, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Only if you want, though..." Hinatsuru added, her words a little shy.

You looked from one to the other, their earnest expressions tugging at your heartstrings. After all, who in their right mind would turn down the company of three beautiful girls who simply wanted to spend time with you?

You couldn't help but deadpan at them before eventually answering.

...

"...Alright, sure, why not? I'd love to spend more time with all of you." You obviously gave up.

———————————————————

After changing into a fresh set of hospital clothes, you returned to the room, feeling much cleaner and more refreshed. To your surprise, you found Hinatsuru sitting on her bed, playing with Dodo. The small, unexpected scene brought a smile to your face.

"Seems like Dodo's made a new friend." You commented, approaching the two of them. Hinatsuru looked up with a grin, gently scratching the crow behind his ears.

"Oh, his name is Dodo? He's quite the charmer." She replied, her eyes sparkling. "Isn't that right, little one?" Dodo cawed in agreement, apparently enjoying the attention.

"Aww!" You couldn't help but get closer to them to pet your crow. "I want to eat you."

"?!" Dodo got scared at your statement. Hinatsuru laughed at you but a small gasp left from her lips. "Oh, I haven't told you my name yet."

'Babe, I know everything about you, no worries!' You refrained yourself from saying that.

"I'm Hinatsuru. Nice to meet you." She gently said, closing her eyes while giving you a smile.

"I would introduce myself but you already know..." You scratched your neck. She laughed at you, not in a mocking way of course, but as if she found your antics a bit... endearing?

But suddenly, as your stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl, a shade of crimson crept across your cheeks. 'FUCK! STUPID STOMACH! SHUT THE FUCK UP!'

Hinatsuru couldn't help but giggle at your predicament, while Uzui, with his signature smirk, seized the opportunity to tease you.

"Ah, did you hear that, Makio?" Uzui nudged his wife playfully. "Was that her stomach, or did a bear just wake up from hibernation in there—OUCH!"

Makio shot him a disapproving look, hitting him at the back of his head. "Now, now, lord Tengen. We all get hungry, don't we?"

"Grrrahhhhh!" Out of nowhere, the four of you heard a cute-like growl. Looking at the direction of the sound, you found Suma holding her stomach with a silly smile.

"Oh my! My stomach can't stop making noises! What a pity!" She said. Then, she turned to you in murmured, "don't worry! I got you!" It looks like she tried making stomach noises to not leave you alone and make it less embarrassing for you.

'Suma!! That's so nice of you but it's obvious that you faked it!' You cried silently but appreciated her effort.

She continued. "Yes, yes, you're right, Makio. Me and (Y/N) just couldn't resist the tantalizing aroma of the Butterfly State food. It's driving us crazy!" She linked arms with you.

Hinatsuru chimed in, her tone lighthearted. "Well, I am feeling pretty hungry myself and there's food here already. Let's start then."

With unanimous agreement, Uzui and the others prayed before actually starting to eat. The delicious spread consisted of colorful sushi, sizzling tempura, and a variety of exotic salads and soups. That shit was buzzing.

The others each had their respective beds, leaving you all alone without a place to seat. With a playful smile, Makio patted the empty space next to her, and you took a seat on her bed, your proximity causing a rush of warmth to fill the room.

Makio couldn't help but comment, her voice a tender murmur that was enough be heard by everyone present. "It's been too long since we had a meal together like this." Her gaze seemed to be fill with a lot of tenderness. She then turned to look at you. "It's nice to have you here!"

You returned her smile, feeling your heart swell with affection for her. "And it's nice to be with you too!"

"And so, (Y/N)!" Suma called out for your attention, her voice laced with curiosity. She wiped bits of food from her face, which had ended up there thanks to her rather untidy eating. "I'm not against teaming up with demons but..."

"But...?" You leaned in, intrigued by her hesitance.

"How did it even begin?!" Suma exclaimed, her astonishment palpable. "How did you convinced the Upper moons to be good guys all of sudden!?"

"That's a question I've been pondering myself too..." Makio chimed in, offering Suma a napkin to clean up her food-covered face.

"Hahaha, I don't mind sharing the story!" You chuckled, your amusement evident. "It's actually quite funny."

"Oh? Then, please do share if you find it amusing," Uzui insisted, showing an unexpected interest in the narrative. "I mean, since we almost died fighting them, why not hear a funny perspective of the events?"

"Ha, ha, ha." You sarcastically laughed.

"Ha, ha, ha, my ass!"

"Why are you even interested?" You raised an eyebrow, giving him a quizzical look. "You already heard all the important details during the meeting."

"Yeah, yeah, just get on with it already!" He barked, his impatience showing.

"Fine, fine!" You sighed, rolling your eyes as you tried to figure out where to begin. "Well, it all started when I was casually strolling down the hallways of the Kyogoku house..."

———————————————————

Night arrived quite fast and Uzui's uncontrollable laughter reverberated through the room, causing tears to stream down his face. He had to stop and catch his breath, prompting Makio to pass him a glass of water to prevent any dire consequences.

"BAHHAHAHAHHA!! You what?!" Uzui gasped between fits of laughter. "Why would you even argue with her about being a lesbian?! OH WAIT, NOT A LESBIAN—A LEBANONNNN! What the hell?! HAHAHA!"

"(L/N)..." Hinatsuru looked genuinely puzzled by the revelation, her concern for your well-being evident in her voice. "Do you actually have an interest on the dick of that mantis-looking demon? Does he even... has a dick?"

"BBABABAAHAUAHHAH!" Suma, unable to contain her amusement, kicked her feet in the air while letting out a contagious giggle. "Why did you ask him to be your boyfriend? Nah, that's crazy!"

Amidst the uproarious laughter and ridicule, your face burned with embarrassment, and you tried to explain yourself. "S-stop laughing! It was all for strategy! I'm serious!"

Uzui wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "You're telling me that you wanted to see that demon's cock for strategy?!"

With a determined nod, you replied, "Of course! Who the fuck do you take me for?" You threw a pillow at him, which he managed to catch quickly.

Makio couldn't help but join in the laughter, her voice filled with amusement. "Well, I have to admit, (Y/N), your strategies are certainly... unique."

"Your taste is a bit... special..." Hinatsuru, though still a bit bewildered, wore a small smile. "But, I suppose it takes all kinds of strategies to get the job done."

Suma, her giggles finally subsiding, spoke up. "I can't say I'd ever wanna fuck a mantis demon, but hey, whatever works for you!"

"P-Please stop! I can't take any more embarrassment!" You covered your face with your palms.

After the uproarious laughter had subsided, the room was filled with a pleasant warmth, both from the shared moments of humor you all cherished. As the evening progressed, the exhaustion began to take its toll, and the idea of rest became increasingly appealing.

Suma, with her usual candidness, broke the silence. "I don't wanna sleep alone tonight..."

"Dear," Uzui, in his laid-back manner, chuckled and nodded. "You're always welcome here, Suma. It's a big bed, after all."

Suma grinned mischievously and sauntered over to Uzui's bed, plopping down beside him. Uzui wrapped an arm around her, and the two of them settled in. "My comfort place!"

Makio, ever the empathetic one, mirrored Suma's sentiment. "I-I don't want to sleep alone either!"

With jealousy, she inched closer to Uzui and Suma, and, with their silent approval, nestled in the middle of the bed. The bed was indeed not much, but the warmth and intimacy among the three of them were far greater. It was a closeness that spoke of love and togetherness, something they cherished deeply.

"..." Hinatsuru, meanwhile, sat alone on her bed, watching the affectionate scene unfolding before her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for companionship, something she had been missing. She turned to you with a gentle request.

"(L/N)," She began, her voice soft and hesitant, "Would it be alright if you slept in my bed tonight?"

"HUH!?" You couldn't help but feel your cheeks flush as her request caught you off guard. She was crush after all (just like any other character), and the idea of sharing a bed with her made your heart race. "W-Why do you want to sleep with me?"

"Hmh..." Hinatsuru thought at loud, her eyes held a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. "I just want some company, that's all."

Your heart melted at her words, and you nodded, feeling your cheeks grow warmer. "Of course, Hinatsuru..."

With that, Hinatsuru moved a bit to leave you some space, and you found yourself sharing a bed with her, the space feeling significantly cozier with her presence. She settled in with a contented sigh, her gratitude evident in her every move.

The room fell into a hushed, peaceful ambiance as you all prepared for a well-deserved night's rest. Uzui, Suma, and Makio enjoyed their moment, wrapped in the comfort of their love as they were murmuring some things.

"Hey." Meanwhile, in your bed, you and Hinatsuru lay side by side, both turning on your sides to face each other. Her eyes met yours, and she whispered, "Thank you, (L/N), for saving me that time. I'm truly grateful."

"On come on, call me (Y/N). It's fine." You offered her a tender smile. "You don't need to thank me, Hinatsuru. What I did was nothing..."

"No." Hinatsuru's fingers grazed your hand, her touch gentle and filled with appreciation making you flustered. She had a determinate expression. "You saved me and since that, I've been waiting to thank you. It meant a lot to me and I'm happy that I have the opportunity to finally say it to you."

"Oh..." You responded, not sure what to respond. You felt bad for not knowing what to answer but that didn't seem to bother Hinatsuru at all as she just gently smiled at you.

However, the shared bed didn't go unnoticed by the trio in the adjacent bed. Uzui, ever the observant and mischievous one, couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh.

"Ha! What's going on over there?" He called out, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Suma and Makio sleepily turned their attention to the commotion. Suma mumbled, "What's so funny?"

Uzui pointed at the two of you. "Our dear friend (Y/N) seems to be having quite the cozy night with Hinatsuru."

Suma squinted at the scene and elbowed Makio. "Look at that! They're not even trying to hide it!" They scowled at the sight.

"What's with all the commotion...? We're not even doing anything..." Hinatsuru tilted her head confused.

Suma and Makio lay entangled in a mix of confusion and jealousy. They didn't know whether to be jealous of Hinatsuru or (Y/N). Uzui couldn't help but find the situation utterly amusing. He leaned back in his bed, his laughter a mere chuckle now, and smiled at the chaos unfolding.

"Look at you two," Uzui teased. "Being jealous it's obvious!"

Suma pouted while Makio just sighed. "It's just that (Y/N) is so close to Hinatsuru..."

"Or Hinatsuru is so close to (Y/N)." Suma growled.

Uzui raised an eyebrow. "And yet, you two are cuddled up with me." The two of them rolled their eyes while Uzui just snickered.

Meanwhile, you were there with Hinatsuru. The sweet moment between you was only briefly interrupted when you had a sudden idea. "Hey, what if we put all the beds next to each other?" You suggested with a playful glint in your eyes. "That way, we can all be together."

The idea resonated with the others, and soon you were all working together to rearrange the beds in the room. You shifted them skillfully, forming a line of beds one after the other, with Uzui, Makio, Suma, yourself and Hinatsuru in that order.

Once all the beds were aligned, everyone settled in, and the room transformed into a cozy den of togetherness. Uzui lay with his arms wrapped around Suma and Makio.

However, for some reason, you couldn't find your way into the realm of dreams. Tossing and turning, you tried to find a comfortable position, but your mind was preoccupied.

"...(Y/N), are you okay?" Suma whispered sleepily, concern in her voice. She stirred from her slumber and, with a sleepy yawn, turned to face you.

You sighed and turned to face her. "I'm okay. It's just, I can't sleep for some reason."

"Are you stressed?"

"...Maybe."

"Ohh..." Suma nodded in understanding. "I get it. Sometimes, my mind just won't stop racing either."

...

As you both shared the quiet moment, you couldn't help but open up about the underlying reason for your restlessness. "I had a dream recently. About my mother. It's been bothering me."

Suma, who was about to fall asleep, woke up again by the sound of your voice. "Hmh... what was it about?"

You didn't want to tell her the full details since it wouldn't make sense to her. "I don't remember much. She randomly appeared before me, told me something and then I woke up. Nothing much. But, what she told me, has been in my mind ever since."

Suma's eyes widened with empathy, and she reached out to place a comforting hand on your head. "I'm sorry to hear that, (Y/N). Dreams can be so unsettling."

You appreciated her understanding and honesty. "Yeah, they can be. But there's just something about this one that's been lingering in my thoughts."

Suma gently brushed a lock of your hair away from your face and cupped your cheek. "It's okay though. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out."

You managed a faint smile, one which rapidly disappeared. "I know but, I don't know—agh! It's stressing the fuck out of me!" You whispered-yelled to yourself. "Why?! Why can't I just figure it o—ah!"

Suma pulled you into a comforting embrace into her chest, her touch in your hair warm and soothing. "...Stressing won't solve anything... it's pointless."

Feeling the reassurance in Suma's arms, you let out a sigh. "...then, what should I do?"

"Sleep."

"...I can't."

"You can." Suma's voice was gentle as she whispered, "Sleep now... I'll fight off the bad dreams if they come to get you..." That appeared to be her last straw since some seconds later, you felt her chest rising up and down in a soothing rhythm, telling you that she was asleep for good.

...

...

...

Blushing at the proximity, she held you tightly, and soon, you found yourself without realizing it—finally drifting into a peaceful slumber.

———————————————————

Hello! Azamishomie here!!
So sorry for taking so long to upload chapters! It's really complicated🙁 My schedule is very messy and I'm very much occupied all the time, leaving me with no time to brainstorm ideas and write.

But! I have good news! And those good news is that I have finished writing the events for this new invented arc of mine! This arc already started in chapter 48 and should be finished around chapter 56😋 following then two invented arcs before the sword smith village one! Im so excited to keep the story going and show you all the plot twists and events I have planned!

Extra:
To explain you some things—I make sure that every chapter is over 2000+ words, but chapters for now will take longer since I want to write larger chapters to make it up to you for not updating frequently!! I started this fanfiction on summer so obviously, I was free everyday and literally could spent the entire day dedicating myself to write chapters but now tht is not the case. Thank you for understanding.

I'm also leaving this for your enjoyment

Now, here the submissions! (If im missing yours, tell me!)

Xoxo, azamishomie.