AN:
This takes places after the Mugen Train Arc, Kyojuro Rengoku ends of surviving
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Hard Mercy:
After arriving learning that they were going to look into the vainshing of Tegen's wives within the Yoshiwara, Tokyo. In the form of a plan that involved placing Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke in brothels to gather information on their whereabouts. Which had Muri put her own plan into action to lessen the strain on the boys in their information gathering and Tegen's growing worry. She arranged for them to stay and work out of a izakaya run by allies/friends of her brother. Acting as a cover for them to work without getting caught or gathering attention. Added help came in the form of her nephew dressed as a civlian with his Nichirin Sword, single bag, and a gift for his aunt. This gift consisted a fabric cover wrapped around another sheathed Nichirin Sword with a cord neatly tied. Excuse was the blade was from his father for her to use since she entered the field as a Demon Slayer beside two Hashira. As for the contains within the bag was bundles of Wisteria Incense and extract with changes of clothes with things.
Still didn't bother Tegen and Kyojuro since some of the folded clothes consisted of a restored white-yellow gradient pattern and red flame-like ridges haori. Was wrapped a brown uniform with a white belt and accessories with a pair of white zoriwith red straps. Others pieces of clothing and items that were going to be put to use. Since one of them had Muri going to the second floor of the building they were using to change out of her traditional kiomino. Meant leaving Tegen to bother Mu and Kyojuro about how Muri would look in a demon hunter uniform with short, side slit skirt in place of the usual tattsuke-hakamapants. Mu covered his ears not caring if he was showing disrepect to Hashira. Kyojuro pictured the view of her stocking clad legs on clear display for all to see.
"She'll look just as lovely as she does..." Kyojuro ended up having his voice caught in his throat.
She stepped into their line of sight, In a short-length kimono with lace accents in black with Japanese Wisteria print. Black half gloves made of speically tried leather with kanji that read 'Destroy' on the back were on her hands. Sporting thight- high stockings with a pair of zori with pink straps with her black hair in a complex braid. A black ribbon choker with floss glass pendent hang securely and snuggly around her neck in clear sight. Tegen gave a instant thumbs up since her outfit fit his flamboyant taste with Mu uncovered one of ears to mildly shake his hand. He regretted when Kyojuro ended up shouting the phrase 'breathtaking is not enough of a word to describe you at this moment'. That's when the ringing in that uncovered ear started for Mu for a few seconds before disappearing.
Had him explaining to Kyojuro before apologizing for his disrespect to Tengen and him rather diapleased with himself. Way he moved his head around so his good ear ended up being was used told Kyojuro something was wrong. Didn't stop the yoiung man from getting to his feet for their roles of the this mission to be set. Mu and Muri would handle to day to day duties that go into running a izakaya preparing the tea and other responsabilities. Gave Tegen and Kyojuro a chance to freely come and go to meet with the boys for update each night. By leaving through second floor hatch that gave anyone roof access to on late night potrals unseen. Now a new fear of Muri getting target by drunkereds while the two weren't around somehow came up.
"Mu can handle a few drunken and rowdy s." Muri assured Kyojuro. "He's been able to handle lower ranked demons in Textile District of late."
"...just my way of protecting father's memory." Mu passed his aunt.
Muri went on to explain that Textile District was once hispotraled by her brother when he once was Dream Hashira. Keeping the place free of demons roaming around and looking to feed off the factory workers at all hours. Had Mu keeping odd hours when he wasn't away on missions given to him from the crows or fulfilling personal duties.
"Even in his absence, you carry on in his footsteps with glowing of obligation to keeping innocents safe." Kyojuro was impressed with Mu. "You must make your family proud with and be working toward role your father's former role."
"That would be my aunt, Rengoku- Sama." Mu tiltied his head to Muri.
They would have gone on if the sounds of a European mechanical clock on the near by wall didn't go off. The loud clicks and dings had Mu covering his ears once while his cursed Tegen for wanting this extravagant time piece. Kyojuro Just blankly smle and stared toward the time keeping device with his curiousity peaking about the item.
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PART 1
Muri and Kyojuro first quarell
One could feel the tension in the air, first few nights between Muri and Kyojuro as two weren't talking to each other. Guessing the problem that was forming when handling of rowdy customers happened after they opened at mightnight. Ones that drank to much tried to get handsy with Muri before leaving. Offering extra coin to her for side service one could fine in the brothel. Before Murine could handle the situation her self, Kyojuro stepped in. Loud volume in which he spoke was enough to annoy the inebriated person out the building. Ones who used threats or resorted to violence were escorted' out by Kyojuro. Leaving Muri to huffed at him with both of her hands tightly gripping her serving trey as she tightly pressed her lips. He crossed his arms tucked into his kimonos sleeve and stared right back at her with his usual expression. Neither one would blink at this went on for a few minutes and how Mu found his aunt and Kyojuro not talking to each other. He gotten back from the market to get some basic supplies to try and make Kenchinjiru. Tension in the air left him to make his way to the kitchen area to put everything away. Knowing from experience to NEVER get into a fight between two demon slayers. Was a risk he going to take with knowin g one was a Hashira and other his relative. Breath he took before placing the bag down as he faced their direction while bracing himself.
"You two shouldn't be fighting since the safety of a fellow Hashira's loved ones are in danger along with other fellow Demon Slayers. So we don't have time for your pointless disagreements." He spoke as bravely as he could. "Resolved whatever is went wrong before it cost us a win against whatever is causing this mess."
He ended up withdrawing from them to sort through the bag, Most of them were food related items he laid out. He just needed a excuse to get out to streets of Yoshiwara to talk with the People involved in mizu shōbai. Casual conversation was where he learned elder folks speak about a certain oiran, who was incredibly beautiful, yet had a twisted personality, along with her ruthless treatment of others. When he asked for advice or suggestions on about the local brothels. Which had him now thinking abut how he was going to share with news with Muri and Kyojuro.
"I'm Sorry." Muri and Kyojuro spoke at the same time to each other.
"..." Muri went quiet when Kyojuro lifts one his hands to cup the side of her face.
"Koishii desu. Muri." Kyojuro sought out her sapphires with his own Gold with Red. "I know your capable of handling your self with those drunkards in confrontations. I just don't like how those drunkards show such disrespect to a women of your refined poise. "
"I don't want you to push your self." Her eyes wandered to his clothed abdomen.
"I get the idea. I just don't trust what the outcome of that type of situation since humans are unpredictable." He showed his doubts with her. "We both know demons own a homicidal aptitude for destruction and ingest humans. Fear of losing you to even one after us just reuniting has me needing to try harder to wield my sword."
"Until then, Can you rely on us to fight along side you?" Mu asked setting a cutting board down.
Kyojuro blinked when he had to turn his head to find Mu about to firm up some tofu with clean tea towel in hand. Some what settled wha Tengen would call their first fight while he asked Mu for details on what he missed. To only be told what Mu learned while being offered a Porcelain Bowl of kenchinjiru filled with mixed vegetables. Colorful pattern of the bowl was seen through the dashi broth and chucks of food was noticed by Tengen.
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Part 2
Muri and Kyojuro first make love
Muri was speaking to Mu about how she felt like she did when she was 16. When she was around Kyojuro of late and how recent events brought her to his side. Describing the way she heard about his injury and how she rushed to the Butterfly mansion.
"I was visiting with a western garment tailor before I heard the news," she recalled the day. "Instead of coming straight home and share what I was doing with that person. I went right to Kyojuro's side and helped out in the Butterfly mansion."
"No wonder father was so befuddled with you." Mu adjusted cords in his fingers.
Muri happily sighed before going on to tell he nephew how happy she's been. Reuniting with her first love and their interactions have reminded of why she loved him. Just finding the time to do it was going to be a problem at the moment. Since she was having her corset re- adjusted by her nephew. Mu wished he had better things to do then help his aunt dress. Which were answered when Kyojuro decided to pop in and caught end of Muri's conversation.
She Loved Him and Could Never Find The Right Time To Say It
Made him pause mid- step for a second before entering the second floor unannounced and making his way toward her. A swelling of emotion stirred in his chest as he his heart started to pound faster with his pace quickening as he walked. Mu hurriedly to loosen the cords when he heard the sounds of someone heading their way. He made sure ot get out of the way when Kyojuro kneeled down beside Muri without taking a single breath.
"Repeat!" Kyojuro sought out her eyes. "My heart soared when you said those words, I ask for you to sat those words once more. For me to hear what you been struggling to reply to me a second time is all I want."
"Anata o aishiteimasu." Muri looked into those blazing eyes. "Kyojuro."
When she made direction eye contact with him was the hint that Mu cleared out by heading to the stairs without looking back. Making sure to take the letters his aunt wanted him to hand over to the crows for delivery to Rengoku and Ito households. He only stopped halfway onto steps clasp into a sitting position and catch his breath. Not wanting to be his aunt, Who currently had been scooped off futon she was on by an excited Kyojuro. One of his arms supported her shoulders and other under her knees as she was held against his chest. She was spun around once with her grasping at the collar of his kimono before he landed on the futon. He comfortably sat cross-legged with his knees spread to the sides and his eyes still gazing into hers. Into center of his lap she was placed with his arms with drawing from her. One them reached to front of her corset where hidden hooks lay without a single word being said.
"One at a time," She warned him. "Like this."
She withdrew one of her hands from him to slowly reach and weave her fingers with one on her corset to act as a guide. Allowing him to undo each and every hook until away the undergarment would be tossed aside by him. Leaving her in these pure lace high-waist kinkers, color of a pale yellow that only seemed more inviting to him. Which he accepted as he wanted to take his time getting to know a form that had matured. A carves that before pronounce from hips that experience the birth of son he never witness to full breasts. He traced with his fingers until he stopped at her face with tips of his fingers laying once more on a single cheek.
"Please spend the rest of your life with me." He came to whisper to her.
He felt her hands loosening his kimono further reach his Fundoshi and start unfastening it. That he knew he was to overly dressed for activity the two hadn't done since that one night long ago when they were 16. Not stopping her when she pulled his Fundoshi away and toss it aside to join her corset.
"Didn't I already give my answer?" She answered with her hands grasping his kimono again.
He ended up silencing her for the rest of their time on the second floor that could be heard will by anyone on the first floor. Being Mu in about to leave after going over what he needed to buy at the local market while checking the incense. New bundles were re- lit to replace the unused up ones that bee burning since the time they were switched out. Bumps and thumbs had him hurrying out the door to take his usual route through the backstreets of Yoshiwara district. Speaking to the usual people to learn the latest news while visiting the Tokito House, Kyogoku House, and the Ogimoto House. Where he was the first to learn that Zenitsu had gone missing before Tengen. So he ended up making plans to visit the Kirimise House to act on a rumor. One that had to do with Tengen's one of three wives as he got the familiar feeling he was being watched.
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Part 3
Muri and Kyojuro mission together within Demon Slayers
Mu knew he was taught to never raise his voice to a Hashira or upper ranked Demon Slayer by his father. Years he spent being trained up until he partook in the final selection and passed were times he held his tongue. Being told he should get to a safer place after sharing what he gathered was when he shocked his Aunt. Not that she tried to quiet him with Kyogoku staying out of the conversation between a fellow Hashira and a young Demon Slayer. Being told to stay out of the upcoming trouble with his aunt and leave just wasn't agreeing. Came to an end when Kyogoku reminded the two about the limited time they had with sun setting. What ended the argument with Mu backing off in a mood as he watched Tengen and Kyojuro leave through front door.
"Coming?" Muri walked passed Mu.
"I thought we were told to leave for our own safety and let the Hashira handle this" He reminds her.
"i was never one for listening," She put out the flame in the lantern. "I need to tell you how I went against your father's wishes and joined the final selection."
"All I know, your passed and didn't talk to each other for a week." He recalled.
"Then I don't have go into much detail," She pulled on her Wisteria flora print haori on, "I used your Ojīsan's sword and learned our family's breathing style after watching your Otosan. Trained after hours until my legs gave and hands went raw."
Mu followed his aunt out the door one last time not knowing what was going to happen within the darkness of the night. He watched her greet their family's crow a few pieces of sun flower seed she kept on her person for times like this. Had her telling what messages to deliver before it was allowed to take of into the sky above their heads.
"You have permission to use your later mother's healing technique," Muri informed her nephew. "We going to need it for what's to come."
"Is it to late to work on Rengoku- Sama..." He figured to ask.
"Far to late," She assured him." Kyojuro has come to accept his scars."
She can still remember touching the rough texture of his abdominal scar was from a chance to she got to reach into his loose yukata. Which he had forgotten to tighten the fastenings around the time he drifted off to sleep. Slowly she had traced the scar tissue's outer edging on his stomach, From the jagged edging that formed a circle. To the surgical seems that healed shut along the center from when a Kakushi had carefully stitch together after treatment. She kept her touch light when using the pads of her fingers as she was held against his chest. Slowly lulled back to sleep by his beating heart since her ear was pressed onto his bare chest.
"Obasan?" Mu voice drew her back to reality. "Is everything ok?"
"Fine. Just fine." She slide the door closed.
To her hair she would reach to hardly place a finger on fire opal embedded in golden hair piece woven into her braid. A gift from Kyojuro of gratitude to her for all the support and out of affection he had for her, given that evening. Had her wishing for good outcome of this night since fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Left her to close her eyes and quickly search her mental scrape for sensation of cower slowly effecting her. She snatched up as her body subconsciously turned toward to the source without opening her eyes. This was Dream Breathing's Ninth Form called Draumr as Mu ended up following his Obasan when she took off.
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Part 4
Being vulnerable for the first time with each other
Mu was coming from the second floor ready to ignore yet another pointless conversation his aunt and kyojuro would have. When he stopped mid step when question Kyojuro asked Muri was spoken.
"Would you have gone under cover in one of the brothels?"
Way Kyojuro spoke those words was a low tone with relaxed posture staring at Muri from across the counter. His hands resting around a cup of untouched tea she placed before drink as roast pee some yams. Completely forgotten for a subject that had her putting down the fan she was using. Turning to Kyojuro with their eyes connecting as she processes his question over.
"No!" She shook her hand with eyes slammed shut.
"The feeling of another's hands on you in that way would make me ill," He fisted his hands at the mere thought. "Using you to satisfy their one sided desire to gather information all alone."
"Is why I am here with you." She quieted him by reaching over the counter.
On to one of his hands she placed her own in a loosely grasping turned assuring hand held as his moment of unguarded emotions. The rawness he was showing over such a trivial matter was touching for her.
"Here I was secretly worried you would be visiting those boys to check in with them." She reveals her own worry.
"I could never bring myself to enjoy the romantic company of another," Kyojuro placed another hand on top of her. "I've had offers from MANY throughout my journey as a Hashira from both my fellow Demon Slayers and civilians alike. Not once could I caress the skin of even one without being reminded of you and that night we shared so long ago."
"Your bluntness was always your best feature," She disconnected their hands. "Most be the reason why I always compare every man I met to you. None had your amiable and pure of heart traits."
Out behind the counter where she and Mu worked with one cooking as the other handled customers from orders to drinks. Making her way toward the end of a long corner that Kyojuro mostly sat on when he wasn't out with Tengen. Stopping when she got close enough to Kyojuro's to further speak to him. To only have a rude reminder of what a current dish she was cooking in a greased wok, in the form of a burning scent. She alarming would have rushed toward it wasn't for Mu coming from the stairs in a rush.
"I got it." He ended up saving what he could.
He ended up taking the chopsticks his aunt used to pull out Japanese Potato and Ground Meat Croquettes from the wok. Making sure to not burn himself as he carefully placed them on a nearby platter plate that lay nearby. Had Muri feeling like her surprise for Kyojuro was completely burned beyond what Mu could do as he moved.
"I think I was able to save some." Mu was careful in removing each Croquette.
He then placed the platter plate near Kyojuro with his aunt going wide-eyed at what was presented to him with his choice of a sauce for when he wanted to dip a few. Bringing up the latest purchase he got from the market that e had visited a few days ago when running errands for his aunt while gathering personal information for their mission.
"I would be honored to share this feast with you two." Kyojuro looked at the two of them.
Mu ended up arranging a Tonkatsu sauce, a Ponzu sauce, and a Teppanyaki Sauce in that small bowl on the counter beside the platter. Chopsticks or use one's bare fingers to pick up a Croquette and then dip it in the sauce before drawing it to their lips to take an experimental bite. Which left Muri to grasp one and draw it from her lips with Kyojuro taking it from her fingers and eating the other half while ignoring her obections.
