Note: Second chapter! This one has a slight lemon! I hope you all enjoy! please leave a review on the way out!
It was comforting spending time someplace familiar.
Iguro sat on the back porch of Kanroji's home. The sun was setting, he could make out the golden purple hues as they dipped behind the mountains. Bidding it's farewell.
A family of birds chirped away somewhere near, Kanroji kept a bird feeder and would sometimes set the seeds in his palm and let them come as they please.
It was nice, they seemed to like him more than her. Or maybe that was her excuse to get him outside more often.
He spent too much time inside, he felt helpless. Even more so than before, which continually surprised him.
Although it was hard to sit in self pity with Kanroji's constant presence.
It was generous of her to allow him to stay, it was overbearing at times. But in a nurturing way, Iguro never truly had that, aside from Ubuyashiki and Rengoku.
It was different for her though, Iguro knew that much.
He focused on how the sun moved behind the highest peak of the mountain. Nighttime was drawing closer.
She'd said she loved him last night, which was the second time she's said it since the attack.
The memory was fairly hazy still. But that much he remembered.
He tensed up at the thought and his gaze dropped to his hands. Calloused, weak, he was unable to save her when she needed him the most.
He didn't know to respond when she whispered it, they were nearly asleep and she blurted it. His only excuse for being silent was that she mistook it for slumber.
The feelings were mutual, and things were different than before. His emotions are exposed, he'd promised to marry her.
But he hadn't died, and now he was left with that promise. He could see it in her eyes when he caught her glances, she meant what she said.
A nudge at his ankle disrupted his wallowing, glancing to the side he noticed the familiar excited eyes of Kaburamaru—"He was keeping me company while I made some tea for us,"
Kanroji's voice calmed his worked up nerves and the beginning of a smile appeared on his lips. "It'll get dark soon, so you should come in,"
Iguro set Kaburamaru around his neck and stood up, Kanroji instinctively grabbed his hands. "I can see the step now," he said with a hint a of embarrassment.
"I'm taking care of you Iguro-san," she tried to sound firm. "What kind of future wife would I be if I didn't?"
The words slipped out and the tops of her ears stung with heat.
He pulled away and looked at her with brief shock, his gaze dropping quickly. "You shouldn't worry about such trivial things," he said quietly.
Kanroji stepped aside and followed him in, sliding the door behind them.
She decided to change into a nighttime kimono, alone her in her room; she stared into the reflection of her hand mirror and examined the scar on the left of her face.
Her healed ear was still in bandages, she removed it slowly and discarded the bandage in the bucket beside her.
The top of her left ear was also severed, she ran her fingers over it; comparing it to the right one. She cupped both her ears and frowned at her reflection.
Next she let her hair down from the high ponytail it was in. She had to cut it to match the new length; which now sat just above her chest.
"I wonder if he regrets what he said," she thought aloud, brushing her bangs with her fingers. A sickly feeling twisted in her stomach. He hadn't mentioned anything about his promise yet. After the few weeks he's been here, nothing so far.
She set the hair tie down and forced a smile before getting up and joining Iguro in the tearoom.
Kaburamaru looked up with excitement when Kanroji entered, it warmed her heart seeing them together again.
The loyal snake nudged his head against Iguro's bandaged cheek. In which Iguro accepted with a slight nudge back, running his fingers along the underside of the snake's neck.
Kanroji bit back an audible squeal as she joined the table, but her dazzling laugh and smile halted the private moment. "Kaburamaru really missed you, almost as much as me,"
"It's nice to be reunited," Iguro agreed, reaching behind his neck, he slowly began undoing the bandages around his mouth, letting them sit along his shoulders.
"Your scars are healing well," Kanroji commented, pouring the liquid into a green cup. The fervent scent of black tea filled the room. "I'll put some more ointment on them before we go to sleep,"
"You don't have to," Iguro accepted the tea, and caught the pout on Kanroji's face.
His staring made her back away, a shy smile on her face. "I like doing it," she pondered for a second. "Do you want me to stop?"
Iguro felt heat creep onto his own face. "If you like it then I won't stop you,"
Kanroji sat back with contentment and poured herself some tea. "I made cookies, do you want some?"
He nodded and she slid the plate his way. She took a few herself and bit into one. "They're good aren't they?"
Iguro tried one, it had a hint of honey. "Very good,"
"I'm so glad you like them," she beamed. "I made a lot so help yourself,"
There was a brief silence as Iguro drank from his cup, moments like these made things feel normal again. "Tomorrow we'll see Shinobu, she'll be happy to see your progress,"
"Thanks to you," Iguro added. "Maybe I'll be able to go back home," he continued after another sip of tea.
Kanroji paused mid chewing and swallowed. "Maybe," she agreed. Setting her cup and cookie down. "But if she thinks you still need assistance then I won't mind, it's nice waking up next to you each morning— and helping you heal,"
Iguro felt Kaburamaru shift against his shoulders. "I appreciate everything you've done for me," Iguro took the last drink of tea and set it down. "But I wouldn't want to overdo my stay,"
"Don't be that way," Kanroji smiled, "You stay as long as you need," she added, reaching for another cookie. The pile on the plate was already about six cookies gone—"do you want anymore?"
She had crumbs sprinkled around her lips, she wiped them away with the sleeve of her kimono.
"You have the rest," Iguro shook his head. "I think I'll get ready for bed,"
Kanroji was always the last to fall asleep, but the first to wake up.
Tonight was the first time she'd fallen asleep first, she was beside him. A little more close than usual, she'd fallen asleep reading a book and helping him form the letters with his progressing vision.
Her head was on his pillow, and her legs were exposed from under the blankets of her own futon; one draped over his legs. Pinning them in one spot.
The feeling of her warmth eased the chilliness in the room. She complained of getting hot while asleep, she wasn't exaggerating.
Iguro wanted to move her, so she wasn't uncomfortable, but each time he moved a muscle her leg would bend against his, the friction was awkward—physically speaking. It was vice like.
It didn't hurt, it was quite the opposite. He enjoyed being close to her, she was even more ethereal while asleep.
He took the time to examine the scar that she sometimes tried to hide from him. Iguro could see a bandage along her ear. She always wore it despite not needing one.
She stirred and he looked away, a loud snore eased the tension and he slowly turned back.
Her face was just inches from his. Her hair covered some of her soft features now as she snuggled up against him.
"I love you too," he whispered.
—
The morning sunlight greeted Kanroji as she rolled to her side, she stretched her arm out, her eyes fluttering open as she chirped softly. "Good morning.."
When there was no reply she blinked awake and sat up, Iguro's bed was empty.
She quickly got up, whilst pulling her hair back into a side pony.
Kanroji checked every room in her house, until she passed her living room. The back door was open.
"Are you alright?" Iguro's voice immediately tamed the panic in her chest as she peeked outside. He was sitting on the porch with Kaburamaru and his crow. Tying a letter to it's foot. "I heard you running around," he said, his back still turned to her.
"I got a little scared I guess," she walked out onto the porch and sat down beside him. Her knees to her chest. "I'm always scared when you're not in my sight," she confessed; he turned to her. "After what happened, I thought you'd die eventually,"
The dread that came with the memory chilled her. "I didn't want anyone else I loved to die,"
A loud knock startled the two. "Who's here so early?" Kanroji stood up, Iguro followed.
She answered the door which was nearly shaking with how loud the knocks were—"Kanroji you should-"
The door swung open and two women ran in, one leapt onto Iguro and the other swarmed Kanroji.
"Ahh I'm so happy you're both alive!" Suma squealed, she caged Iguro into a suffocating hug, his face shoved up against her exposed chest.
"You're gonna choke him to death idiot!" Makio smacked the back of Suma's head, she let go of her vice like grip and Iguro pulled back with a stumble, his face beet red.
"Ladies," Tengen's firm voice halted the simmering brawl—"I apologize for showing up unannounced," he turned to Kanroji who was tearfully hugging Hinatsuru.
"It's alright," Kanroji laughed. "I just barely woke up,"
"Perfect timing then," Tengen chuckled. "I just came by to see how Iguro was doing, when I heard he finally woke up I had to come see him for myself," he turned to Iguro with a bright grin.
"You look better than I expected," Tengen crouched to level with the pillar—"I thought with a blow like that you'd be completely blind,"
"Luck definitely had a hand in it," Iguro barely got the words before Kanroji Squeezed between them.
"His sight has gotten so much better, Shinobu gave me a book to help me too," she said proudly. "I can't wait to start helping in the butterfly mansion,"
"I bet they'll have more guests just to see you," Tengen teased.
"You're so supportive of me, thank you!" Kanroji beamed. "I can't wait to learn more,"
"Say when he's all healed you two should come visit, Suma loves your cooking,"
"Oh yes I'd love to!" Kanroji clapped. "I'll be sure to send her some recipes too!"
The rest of the morning was spent with Tengen and his wives, Iguro wasn't particularly close to the women; he'd only met them a handful of times.
They were in Kanroji's garden, Iguro sat under the tall willow tree and watched everyone. Kaburamaru sat in his lap, he was tired too.
Kanroji was preparing tea for everyone, Tengen 'helped' by watching her with a speculating glance. "Is everything okay?" Kanroji sat down at the table beside him, leaving the kettle to boil.
"You two aren't..?"
Kanroji furrowed her brows and leaned closer.
"I assumed you two were together," he finally said with a sigh. "After what you told me,"
Kanroji had forgotten that conversation, when she was healed up Tengen came to visit and she told him everything. "So when's the wedding?"
"He hasn't mentioned it, the things we said before..." she said quietly. Her hands in her lap, she stared down at the wooden tabletop, she could hear the rustle of Tengen's yukata as he leaned forward, patting her back.
"Ah," Tengen nodded in understanding. "It might be too early to say anything I suppose," he thought aloud, he was hoping to come visit and see that the two had finally tied the knot.
"Iguro's always been finicky about who he lets around, the fact that you've fallen in love with him is enough to show his fondness for you," he felt her back twitch as a little sob broke out.
He patted her again, like one would a baby. "There, there," he forced a smile—"Don't cry, he's barely woken up, he's probably waiting for the right time,"
Kanroji wiped her tears away, her lips still trembling. "I don't know why I'm crying, I just feel so embarrassed..."
"How come?" This wasn't exactly Tengen's forte, but being the husband of three women, he's learned a few things.
"For worrying over such trivial things, so many of my friends died or got hurt," The blur of tears clouded her vision again—"We even lost Oyakata-sama and some of his family too, and here I am..worried if Iguro-san still loves me,"
Tengen pursed his lips. "Kanroji never feel guilt for how you feel," he pulled away and crossed his arms again. "As a member of the demon slayers, they knew what would happen, and you do too," he glanced at the table and continued.
"Muzan is dead, they died taking him down, it was an honor," he struggled to say. "And your feelings for Iguro, they're natural, there's nothing you can do about them except be honest and talk to him about it—as humans our lives are too precious, we never know when the end is near,"
"You're right," Kanroji smiled.
"Of course I'm right," he laughed. "I have three wives, I know what it takes when it comes to relationships,"
—
It was tame when everyone left, they'd showered the two in gifts and food. So Kanroji didn't have to cook tonight, and she was happy they found another pair of striped green socks.
"The ones you gave me are still setup somewhere," she said quietly as she felt the fabric of the socks, they weren't as soft or vibrant as her old ones. But having a special pair to wear again made her excited.
"No matter what, Iguro-san, I'll always love your socks the most,"
Kanroji was currently treating his scars, his head was on her lap. He'd requested a different position, but she liked the closeness of this method, and truthfully, pride aside; he did too.
"I'm glad you found such joy in them,"
His eyes were closed, bandages stuffed into a small bucket beside them, she noticed the beginning of a smile on his lips and felt her face warm up.
She splayed her fingers over the side of his jaw and ran her thumb over the starting point of the last claw mark, dabbing ointment over it with her other hand and slowing curving over the bridge of his nose.
He was completely calm in her hands, she couldn't help but take advantage of the quiet moment in her backyard, under the shade of her favorite tree.
"I found joy in everything you gave me," she said quietly, only then noticing he'd fallen asleep.
She leaned down and placed a kissed on his forehead, where his bangs fell out of place. She stayed there, the scent of herbs from the medicine stung her nose.
"Kawww!" a crow zipped downward, crashing through the branches of the tree.
Iguro jolted awake.
He sat up on reflex and landed right into Kanroji's chest, knocking his forehead against her chin.
He backed away as soon as he realized where he was—"I fell asleep, I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"
Kanroji had never seen him so frazzled, she laughed and shook her head. "You don't have to apologize, I was getting too close,"
Iguro was still hazy from his disruptive sleep and sudden physical contact with Kanroji. He could still feel the warmth and softness against his face—"Kanroji Mitsuri, Iguro Obanai you are to visit the butterfly mansion!"
Kanroji recognized the absurdly clumsy crow, it was Tomioka's.
—
"It doesn't seem like anyone's here," Kanroji knocked again. Not even Aoi or Kanao came out, or the servants.
It was later in the day, maybe they were busy, given it being Tomioka's crow instead of Shinobu's, sometimes it arrived later than usual.
"Iguro-san please wait out here," Kanroji turned over her shoulder, Iguro furrowed his brows.
"You're not thinking of just walking in there, are you?"
"I really want Shinobu to see your progress," Kanroji pressed. "I'll be right out!"
And with that she entered the mansion, it was quiet, as it usually was in the afternoon.
It was so quiet that it shook her nerves, she passed the main hallway and turned a corner, hoping to find someone. It reminded her of when she woke up after the attack the first time.
Her heart pounded at the intrusive memory.
There was a loud thump that came from down the hall to her left, she paused. Her knees buckled. Was there a demon here? she thought, backing away.
She heard Aoi's voice and she grounded herself slowly, worried she might be hurt she moved forward.
It was coming from the kitchen, Kanroji stopped. She hadn't even gotten her sword back, still she opened the door.
"I thought I told you not to sneak anymore food!" Aoi was angrily yelling at seemingly nothing.
"Ooh where'd he go?" she had her back facing Kanroji as she opened a top cupboard, then crouched behind the serving table, grumbling, crawling on the floor until she was in plain view. "I swear I'll find you—"
"Is everything...okay?" Kanroji spoke up.
"Oh!" Aoi shot back up and set the spatula down on the table, her face burnt red. "I didn't know you were there Kanroji,"
"I was wondering if Shinobu was available," kanroji bowed. "I'm sorry if I interrupted anything important!"
"No no!" Aoi laughed. "Shinobu should be in her office as usual, unless she's still talking with Tomioka-san,"
"Thank you!" Kanroji smiled and then turned on her heel.
She was still shaking, she hadn't faced a demon since the battle with Muzan.
Her heart was still pounding as she cupped her face. "Calm down Kanroji, you'll be okay," she used a brief breathing technique to try and calm down, one that Kanao taught her when she was having night terrors.
Kanroji approached the hall that led to Shinobu's office, she approached it slowly, her hand was still trembling as she went to knock.
"We really should hurry up,"
Kanroji heard Shinobu say quietly. She lowered her hand and stared at the dark wooden door. There was a strained tone to her voice, one she hadn't heard before.
She tucked her hair behind her ear and pressed her ear against the door, there were two voices.
Both were muffled, she could still only make out the soft, patient tone of Shinobu's.
There was another strange sound that Kanroji couldn't pinpoint. She kept hearing a scraping against the floor that flooded their voices.
Kanroji leaned back and contemplated getting help, but didn't want to risk leaving Shinobu alone in possible danger. Not in her current state.
Quietly, she opened the door and peered in. She searched the dimly lit room, and paused.
Shinobu was sitting on her desk, back facing her with Tomioka between her legs.
Kanroji stifled a gasp by cupping her mouth. She froze, crouching down so he wouldn't see her.
He was to engrossed in what he was doing anyway, the top to his uniform was missing, along with his Haotori and his hair undone.
It almost didn't look like him, but his voice gave away his identity. She peered up at the desk, there were papers scattered everywhere.
"Just a little longer," his voice was quiet, yet still holding his usual firmness.
Kanroji felt her stomach twist as he leaned down and kissed Shinobu, he held her chin upward and flicked his tongue against hers.
A stinging sensation poked Kanroji in the stomach, she'd never seen anyone kiss that way.
He moved forward while they kissed; making the desk move too—Shinobu wrapped her arms around his shoulders and buried her head into his shoulder, her simple kimono was hanging off her waist, exposing a long scar that dragged from the nape of her neck to the dimples at her lower back.
Kanroji held the doorknob down so the click wouldn't sound when she closed it. She stood up slowly, she willed herself to walk away before they noticed anyone was there.
She stopped in the hallway to when she heard footsteps from around the corner. "Kanroji?"
It was Kanao, she looked surprised. "Is everything okay?" she noticed the love pillar's red face.
"I'm fine," kanroji forced a laugh. "I was just looking for you,"
Kanao smiled and walked with Kanroji down the narrow hall. "It's been a quiet day today," she said softly.
Kanroji nodded. "Yes, I noticed," she fiddled with the skirt of her uniform as they walked, her head hung low.
"Are you sure you're alright, you look fevered," Kanao tilted her head to the side. Her soft eyes narrowed. "There's a cold going around,"
"I'm fine," Kanroji insisted. "I'm just worried about Iguro-san," the two approached the back porch where Aoi and the three servants were helping setup the clothing line.
"He's in my office," she said with a reassuring smile. "Shinobu and Tomioka-san are still talking,"
She noticed Kanroji's uncomfortable glance and frowned. "Did Shinobu tell you about it?"
Kanroji stopped near the cherry blossom tree, Kanao beside her. "There's a demon who wants to avenge Muzan's death,"