It was already dark when I woke up. My eyes were still heavy with sleep yet I was giggling already. Giggles that seemed to have come from deep within my chest rather than my throat. I wanted to look for Kyojuro right away but found myself trying to fix my hair. As well as my face and kimono. I even tried to pinch my cheeks a little. Once I deemed myself presentable, I walked out of Kyojuro's room to see what he's doing. The strong scent of alcohol told me it was not him in the main hall, so I went to the other rooms.
"Ah! Nii-san, I think this is – oh. Never mind. I'll try this other book." Senjuro and Kyojuro were at the small library. It was only a few shelves of books, but it was more than the books we have back home. And to think almost all those books were just about breathing styles!
"Y/N-nee!" Senjuro said as he welcomed me. "We're looking for –" Senjuro was trying to tell me what they were doing when Kyojuro suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders and walked him towards the door, "I'm afraid it's time for Senjuro to go to bed. Yes! It's time for you to sleep, so you grow tall and strong! Good night." Both Senjuro and I only had questions but soon enough, Kyojuro was standing beside me after he pushed Senjuro out of the room. "What -?"
He smiled at me before turning around and grabbing the lantern in the room. Holding it in one hand, the other grabbed my hand and he said in his booming voice, "Let's take a walk, Y/N-chan!"
Kyojuro showed me around the village he grew up in. Since it was still early, there were still a lot of people milling about. A lot of people that were happy to see Kyojuro. Such people were closing up a tofu shop when they saw us. "I can't believe it! Is that Kyojuro? Honey, come out and look who's here." The man was smiling but faltered when he noticed the eyepatch that Kyojuro was wearing.
"Good evening Nakamura-san!" Kyojuro and the Nakamura couple exchanged pleasantries and of course, they asked about Kyojuro's eye. He brushed it off, saying it was an accident. Then they talked more about people I didn't know. It took them a while but they finally noticed how Kyojuro was holding on to my hand. The realization made me feel embarrassed, but I could not find it in me to pull away. "Oh my, your father never mentioned you got married!"
I felt a little embarrassed, but there was a giddy part of me that was happy to hear that. Still, while I smiled, I can't help but look at the ground. Kyojuro's hold my hand tightened somewhat, thumb making circles on my hand which comforted me a lot.
"This is Y/N-chan. She's not –" Kyojuro tried to explain, but the older couple was suddenly very excited. "Aww, it's so nice to see you two together like this! Don't they remind you of us when we were younger?" Nakamura-san said, prompting his wife to nod. "Yes! Goodness me, we still have some soy milk you two should take them. Newlyweds like you two really should keep your energy up, I'm sure our soy milk could help – " I think she said more, but the insinuation made me feel as if I was on fire and it was all I could think about.
Kyojuro and I found ourselves carrying three jugs of milk and a huge bag of soybeans. According to Nakamura-san, I should make sure to eat and drink what she gave me and I'd feel a kick a few months from now. Honestly, that scared me in more ways than one! Her husband then pulled Kyojuro aside and gave him some manly advice which made his face turn so red it looked like he was on fire. We didn't even get a chance to clear the confusion and say anything before they told us to go home and get started.
We quietly made our way inside their estate and proceeded to the kitchen to set aside the gifts we got. Once it was done, we finally stood and looked at each other. "Did they just… I'm so…" Ah, I wasn't able to hold it in and Kyojuro was the same. We started laughing, absolutely losing our heads at the situation we were just in. Ah.
Kyojuro shook his head, laughter still escaping him. "I'm sorry about that." It was my turn then to shake my head, telling Kyojuro that it was alright. "No need. It was fun. And, well, it felt –"
"Great?" Kyojuro asked, hand grabbing mine. I nodded. "Yes." For a moment, I found myself imagining that it was true. That Kyojuro and I – "What's with all that damn noise!" The smell of sake was missing, so Rengoku-san's arrival took us both by surprise. Rengoku-san walked closer to us; attention caught by the jugs we brought home. He grabbed one and took a sip, then spitting it out almost comically. "What the hell was that?"
"Soy milk." Kyojuro and I answered at the same time. "Tsk. Soy milk? Why do we have soy milk? Ah. I need more sake." He grumbled, walking away and leaving us alone once more. That time our laughter was quieter.
We walked to Kyojuro's room and began preparing our futons. We placed them side by side, as seeing a space between them felt wrong. "Y/N-chan, I was thinking of seeing Oyakata-sama. I'll be leaving as soon as tomorrow. Of course, I'd like for you to come! I mean, I guess you want to go back home by now but…" He paused, and took a deep breath before continuing, "I want to spend more time with you."
"Oh. Yes, sure. I'm… I'd like to spend more time with you, too." My heart was thumping so loud and wild in my chest that I think even Kyojuro could hear it! How is it so easy to tell him that but then I'd feel like this? Though, I think I have an idea why and I'm not completely sure if I'm completely fine with that.
Kyojuro and I both decided to travel at night. The idea of me staying inside a box was unbearable. We spent our time talking and soon found ourselves talking about Akaza-san.
"Y/N-chan that demon, upper-rank three. You know him, don't you?" I nodded, keeping my eyes ahead as we continued walking. "Remember when I told you and Tanjirou how I almost ate a human?" I glance at him and saw him nod, face curious about my story. "There was a demon slayer, and I thought I was going to die then. I begged him for my life when Akaza-san swooped in and killed him. It happened so fast… I – well… The demon slayer's blood splattered almost everywhere, a few drops landed on my mouth and I accidentally swallowed."
I was scared of how Kyojuro would react to hearing that. To my great relief, he didn't look angry. "That was the first time I ever ingested human blood and I lost control of myself. I lunged at the demon slayer, but before I could take a bite Akaza-san held me back. I remember being so angry at him that I went to attack him. It took him only a second to knock me out though." I smiled a little at the memory. I know, it's not really a nice one seeing as a dead person was involved but that was the best thing Akaza-san did for me.
"Why did he stop you? Was it because the man was his kill?" I shook my head. "No. I don't think he even ate him. Akaza-san knew I don't eat humans. He said he thought I'd like to keep it that way."
"Oh. That was nice of him." I never expected Kyojuro would call Akaza-san nice but it happened. "He's my first and only friend back then. He… Akaza-san was my friend." That seemed to have caught Kyojuro's interest. "Was?" I hummed, "Yes. I don't think – I can't forgive him. He tried to kill you, and you're important to me." Kyojuro stopped walking completely before asking, "Really? More important than your first and only friend?"
"Yes, of course. You're very important to me I lo – " ve. Love? I caught myself about to say that I love him? What in the world? When? How? He looked at me expectantly, which made me wonder if he had an idea of what I almost said. We were both silently looking at each other as we stood in the middle of the road. I wasn't witty enough to think of something clever to say so I stayed quiet.
It was too quiet. I don't know why but owls, crickets, and other creatures you'd expect to hear at night were inexplicably absent. Even the wind… Even Kyojuro. He kept looking at me, maybe waiting for me to continue? But I couldn't. I'm not even sure that's exactly how I feel. I'm not sure It's alright for me to feel like that.
Like the fool that I was, I chose to ramble to fill the silence. "Did you know I almost got married?" Fantastic. Pure surprise was on Kyojuro's face as he asked me what in the world I was talking about. "Married? You had a fiancé?" I nodded, feeling foolish at what escaped my mouth. "Yes. My father accepted a proposal from –" Kyojuro smiled and shook his head, "I don't think I'd know who it was, though? Wouldn't he be around Yori-jisan's age by now?"
I didn't even stop to think when I answered. "No. I – it's… Kibutsuji Muzan. The night before our wedding, he took me from my home and turned me into a demon." Kyojuro seemed to be shifting between surprise and disbelief… then he grabbed my shoulders, closed his eye, and nodded to himself. "Hmm. I see. I understand now." When he opened his eye, he's got this look like he's discovered the answer to everything. "What do you mean, Kyo-kun?"
"The reason he wants you back. By now, he must know that you're with the demon slayers and must be preparing to take you. Don't worry, though, Y/N-chan! I won't let anything happen to you!" That look of determination on his face… it made me feel very warm inside. I nodded, energy almost matching his. "I trust you, Kyo-kun!" And that was the truth.
Upon our arrival at the Ubuyashiki residence, a graceful young woman welcomed us. A beautiful woman with white hair and big, lavender-colored eyes. Kyojuro greeted her, and she led us to her husband. The woman – Amane-sama – was Oyakata-sama's wife.
"Good evening Yukiko, Kyojuro." Oyakata-sama greeted us with that gentle smile of his, and Kyojuro and I both knelt down. "Before anything else, I'd like to thank the both of you. Kyojuro, you did your duty and protected not only the humans on the train, but also your fellow demon slayers. Yukiko, you saved Kyojuro's life. I am thankful and proud of what you've done – Tanjiro and the others as well."
"Oyakata-sama, I just fulfilled my duty as a hashira." I turned to look at Kyojuro and saw that he looked satisfied and happy. Seeing him like that made me feel happy beyond words. "Of course. Ah, according to your letter you wanted to speak to me about something?" That grabbed my attention. I didn't really ask Kyojuro why he wanted to see Oyakata-sama.
"Yes. I'd like to step down as the flame hashira." "What?" That took me by surprise. Oyakata-sama urged him to continue. "That doesn't mean I'll stop protecting people from demons. It's just that I have a clearer goal now." Kyojuro turned to look at me, "I always believed that as someone who was born strong, it was my duty to protect the weak. But now… Y/N-chan saved my life. I want to save hers as well."
"Save her?" My heart's pounding was almost too loud, fortunately, Kyojuro's voice is always loud enough to be heard. "Yes. I should have died that night, but Y/N-chan took that blow. My life was extended because of her; the reason I'm still alive… My reason to live." I think my breathing stopped when Kyojuro suddenly turned to look at me at that. His eye the most intense I've ever seen it.
"Kamado talked about his desire to turn his sister back into a human. If there's a way, I'm going to find it! I remember years ago, Y/N-chan, Nobu-kun, and I ran outside in the rain. Despite it being day, the sun was hiding behind the clouds. Y/N-chan… I've never seen you so happy when you turned to look at the sky. I want to make you happy like that."
There were no words that could passively convey what I felt right then. All I know is that my heart was overflowing with gratitude and affection towards Kyojuro. The two of us looked at each other for what felt like hours, and the moment was ended when Oyakata-sama hummed. "I see. You two should get into contact with Tamayo-san."
I was surprised when Oyakata-sama informed us of Tamayo-san; another demon who was by Kibutsuji's side but has now declared him her enemy. It made me wonder why Kibutsuji never commanded me to look for Tamayo-san since he apparently sends demons after her as well. I think this was the same Tamayo-san that Tanjiro talked about.
"It looks exactly the same." Kyojuro commented. I laughed, "wait till you see inside. The scorch mark on Nobu's tatami mat is still there." It was great that our village was near the Ubuyashiki estate, meaning I could finally see my brother in person. And tell him in person how I'll be leaving again.
Aside from the eight years I was missing, I almost never left our village. "Maybe we should have sent a crow ahead." It was midnight when we arrived, after all. Suddenly, Kyojuro's hand flew to the hilt of his sword, the other holding me close to him in a very protective matter. My eyes darted to where he was looking at.
"Ah! It's just you." Kyojuro said, relaxing his stance but still keeping me close to him. "What are you doing here?" It was Tokito-san. I sighed in relief – I thought we'd have to fight. "This is where I live?" I answered, which was ignored. Tokito-san wanted Kyojuro's answer, I guess. Or maybe not. It felt like a silent conversation went on between them and Tokito-san nodded and motioned for us to follow him inside. He's really acting as if he lives here and I don't.
"Ahhhh." Kyojuro yawned. Even his yawns are a bit loud. I smiled at him, "we really should go to sleep." We made our way to my room when Toito-san made a noise of surprise. "Rengoku-san, where are you going? The guest room's this way." It was something you'd expect Tokito-san to say, really. I guess Kyojuro should spend the night there, as it's what's proper but I can't help but feel sad about it. Looking up to me, I could see he didn't like it either. But the thought of how Yori would react made my face burn.
"Uhm, good night, Kyo-kun. Tokito-san."
The sky was painted orange when I woke up. It felt weird not seeing Kyojuro right away. I sighed before folding my futon and setting it aside. There's this feeling of dread brewing within my chest as I thought about what to say to my brother. I hate to think about it but Yori isn't getting any younger, nor is Yusuke. This cure is something I need to find as soon as possible!
"Ah. Stop it, Y/N!" I shook my head, as though I could shake those thoughts off. I trust Kyojuro. Speaking of, I wonder how his day's been? Maybe Nobu already introduced him to his family. I waited a bit for it to get dark before I left my room. Hmm, maybe I should prepare some tea and snacks for everyone?
With a pot of tea, several cups and a plate of sweets, I made my way to the main hall where I could hear people talking. It sounds so loud but I think it was only Nobu and Kyojuro. I should really tell them to keep it down since Kagura-san is trying to get her daughter to sleep. Though, what Nobu and Kyojuro were talking about stopped me in my tracks.
"After knowing everything, you still feel that way? You still want to marry her?" Nobu asked, and my breathing faltered. I know it's wrong to eavesdrop like this, but I want to hear his answer. A very confident-sounding "Yes," was Kyojuro's answer. I felt warmth travel from my chest to the tip of my ears, and I just can't fight the smile on my face. "Huh? What do you even like about her?"
"Y/N is really kind. Did you know she's constantly hungry?" That made the hairs on my body stand to their end. I thought he was supposed to talk about what he liked about me? Nobu made a surprised noise that sounded like a whimper, "But she eats goats and boars all the time."
"That's not really enough for demons." What are you doing, Kyojuro? "You mean she could eat us anytime?" "Yes, but she doesn't. She doesn't even consider eating humans. And to her, family is the most important thing. For her, everyone goes first. When I lost my eye, Y/N-chan tried to relieve me of the pain despite the sun rising. She was starting to burn and all she thought about was to help me. She was injured herself, and the smell of my blood might have been tempting but she didn't even have to struggle to stop herself."
I heard Nobu laugh at that – a relieved kind of laugh. "Of course. She's the strongest person I know. Do you think –" And I just had to sniff at that moment. Ugh! I balanced the tray in one hand as I frantically tried to wipe tears off of my eyes. When did I even start crying?
"Y/N-chan?" Kyojuro called, and I made my way to where they were seated and laid the tray down. "Here are some snacks." I said, voice sounding as if I was just crying. Nobu being Nobu began teasing me right away. "Don't tell me you've been eavesdropping?" A very silly smile on his very silly face was all I could see. "No! Of course not." Both of them looked so amused and I knew lying was useless. "Your voices are so loud the whole house could hear you! Hmpft!" With my eyes pointedly looking at the floor, I made my way out of the room. I heard the two of them laugh as I walked away and I can't help but smile at that.