~*~

AT THE SWORDSMITH VILLAGE

Reaching the entrance to the village, we both step inside the wooden Torii gates that welcomed us the the large village. I've been here at least about twice, as I tried my best to just get my blade repaired and returned at the butterfly mansion. Just now Sanemi and I had to be either blind folded, and wore ear plugs or piggy backed. The journey itself was irritating, but I wished I could've seen Sanemi being piggy backed. 

That would've been hilarious to see.........

"The masks are just creepy," Sanemi comments under his breath, while walking into the village. "Well, what's first on your list?"

Lifting my head I glance around meeting the villager's masked faces, knowing some are quite intimidated by Sanemi's presence. 

"I might go pay my respects to the Village elder, your quite welcome to do so," I reply, while head towards the main building in the centre. The buildings were perfectly constructed with high quality timber of Japanese Cypress, which is called Hinoki. It prevents from aging rather fast, and rotting and the grain is smooth. I can tell by these villagers, their carpentry skills are quite professional and highly maintained.

Sanemi hesitates for a moment with a subtle growl, before giving in.

"Tch, fine I'll join,"

Chuckling softly, "Stop being so uptight," resting a hand on his bicep for a moment. "I just suggested, I'm not pinching you by the ear and dragging you with me....aren't I?"

He sheepishly looks away, "I'll go,"

~*~

"It's a pleasure to have the Wind and Dragon Hashira's here," 

Bowing politely with my hands flat and on the floor, I lower my head with grace and poise, "No it's a pleasure for you to allow us into your village, Chief Tecchikawahara," I reply softly, before lifting my head. The small old man was perched upon a pillow, with two other masked men either side of him. "We try to not come here as often, to keep your village safe and anonymous...."

However Sanemi was cross-legged with his usual scowl; no manners, knowing he's only like this without Master around.

Nudging his arm he reluctantly sighs returning to his knees and bows, with both palms on the rush tatami floor. "Pleasure having us,"

The chief waves his hand, "It's fine, just call me Tecchin for short, Lady Mizutsuki," he assures me, with a hint of a flirty tone behind that mask of his. "Gathering why you are here in the first place, feel free to get yourselves settled in an inn whilst your blades get repaired by your sword-smiths."

"Thank you for your hospitality," I bow once again, before Sanemi stood up.

"I'll be excused," before abruptly leaving the room, causing my face to flush in embarrassment with how rude he left the room before the chief. 

Silence blankets the room for a moment, before turning back to the chief with a sheepish and wry smile.

"Please excuse him, he's just a little agitated and exhausted," I apologise in advance, resting my hands in my lap. My thumbs fiddle together anxiously, feeling a little annoyed how he had to leave so suddenly and without a proper goodbye. 

Sighing deeply I send the chief a smile, with assurance.

"It's fine, I'm more surprised someone is able to even stand even close to that man," He replies honestly, waving his hands to ensure it wasn't my fault. "Most of the villages are frightened, but I know he does good for our land. Exterminating the demons, and giving a business in the first place.....so I shouldn't quite judge a man like him. You've done so much for us, so please......I take no offence whatsoever...."

A breath of relief washes over me, as my shoulders lower in response.

"Also Ryoma Kobayashi, my second son is in his workshop," The Chief informs me. "I'm surprised he's able to balance a life of a sword smith and a soon-to-be chief........someday...but not now. I'm still kickin' and filled with energy, as you can see...."

My swordsmith is the biological son of Tecchin, but carries his wife's name for some reason I still can't get an answer for. He's also got a step older brother, by the name Hotaru Haganezuka whom is still single and is a very grumpy and rude swordsmith. I've never really met him for a proper chat, just a few glimpses here there.

"Well, maybe I should walk her there......" A feminine voice appears, hearing the sliding door open behind me. Glancing over my should stood Kohana, my swordsmith's wife. Her raven hair was neatly tucked into a low traditional bun, with the female mask covering her. It was a shame their faces were to be concealed, because I've been told she's a beauty of the village.

A small little head soon peeks from behind the fusuma doors, wondering what her expression was behind her tiny mask.

"Ahhh, my dear Kohana and little Yuriko......." The Chief exclaims, before turning back to me. ".....right on time! Well, if there is anything we can do.....give us a holler? Alright?"

Bowing to him once more, "I will, thank you for having us here,"

~*~

"Wow, it's been quite sometime.....hasn't it?" 

Walking alongside Kohana and her young daughter, that shyly tucks behind her mother's flank as they walk through the village. "It has.....last I saw little Yuriko was probably......four years old?" I smiles warmly, seeing the little girl studying me behind her mask. 

"Well, yes that was roughly two years ago......I mean...she always talks about you," Kohana replies, with a gentle chuckle. She rests a palm upon her daughter's head, "Come on Yuriko, you remember Big Sister Hayami? She's the one that made the charm bracelet, and played with you a couple of times....."

Glancing down her tiny hand fiddles with the band that holds her mask up, "......" finding herself a little shy, with a small sound of hesitance.

Kohana sighs, "She'll warm up to you," with assurance in her voice; walking towards the workshop seeing sparks flying the shade of the open house/shed. "So how long will you be with us? Are you alone again this time?"

"Well I came with another Hashira, he's abit of the type to get things done quick," I reply, with a sheepish and wry smile. "I think he's just visiting his sword-smith first, so I'm in no rush anyway."

"Did you mention 'he'?" She asks in surprise, her interest peaked. "Wait, isn't it that white haired man I bumped into before arriving at the chief's house? Scars scattered over his body and that scowl? What was his name......?"

"Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira," I reply softly.

"Yeah, he did seem rather dismissive when he walked past," She replies with concern, turning to me. "I've heard rumours, but is he always like this? Around you even? I apologise if I'm hammering all the questions.......it's rare to see you with someone."

Waving my hand, "It's fine........he's just, someone important to me," I reply, without hesitation in my voice. A shade of red flushes across my cheeks, as we finally approach the workshop. "I've known him for sometime, but now we're usually partners on missions since I was promoted Hashira......so we're well acquainted."

She seems surprised, "I see......well, you must have a lot of patience," 

We soon arrive hear the clanking becoming more louder, as the shadow casts over me seeing my sword-smith working away on a project of his own. Placing my blade in my scabbard upon the work bench not far from him, his head lifts up in hearing me approach him from behind. "Well, if it isn't my favourite Slayer!" he chuckles, expecting a wide grin on his face behind his mask. Sweat glistens across his exposed cleavage of his Yukata, and soot smeared upon his hands with callouses. 

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Kobayashi," I bow politely, when he waves his hands around and quickly greets his wife with side hug. 

"Please stop with the formalities, I'm getting tired of it," He laughs sheepishly, before lifting my blade and unsheathed it and began inspecting the flaws that were inflicted upon it. "Just Ryoma is enough, besides..........it makes me feel normal actually. As for you, Hayami sounds better than mentioning your surname......"

He was right, I didn't quite like formalities when addressing my surname. All it brought was memories that was linked by my family's name, so my name was the only gift my mother has given me with pride. 

"I apologise if I've come in unannounced like this," I spoke up, realising my intrusion. Taking in the workshop, or forge, it was quite tidy in some areas while one side was cluttered and disorganised which was surprising in regards to how organised Ryoma was. The swords-smith whips his head up with his hair slightly disheveled and sweaty, with his mask tilted slightly revealing his chin and mouth.

He waves his hand dismissively, "It's fine, I already knew....." his voice was more extroverted than usual, as if this was his proper self within his village.

"You knew?" arching a brow in confusion. "How--"

He adjusts his mask back on, "Your crow Nami went ahead and delivered the news," He gestures to the post, that was next to beam of the workshop. Nami was perched upon the still post, as I walk up to her and ruffled her feathers gently.

"Thank you......I appreciate it," I coo softly, scratching beneath her chin. She bashfully caws in response, leaning into my hand.

"Well!!! Judging by the damage inflicted to your blade, this will take at least a day or two," He replies, before heading to his box of ore's and kinds of metals and steels. "I'm amazed how long it takes for your sword to get in this shape......last was about six months ago....or eight?"

"It was six, dear," Kohana replies, with little Yuriko perched upon her hip.

For a moment I felt like something or someone was missing here, when I sense someone's presence creeping behind me. Though I have sixth sense, I smirk softly before their tiny hands jab my size, "Rahhhhh.......got ya!!!!" A loud cheery voice claims, while I turn to him not surprised but allowed to have his victory.

"Hey Taiga.......you did well sneaking up on me," I chuckle softly, ruffling his raven shaggy hair as he wore the same mask like his father's.

"Come on, you always notice me every time I scare ya!" He pouts, I assume beneath his mask while folding his arms.

Pulling him to my size I rub his back, "Hey, Tai........you learning how to forge like your father?" I gesture to Ryoma, as he was busy preparing his tools to fix my weapon. "Heard your quite good refining and polishing at the moment, I'm impressed...."

He then giggles, "Father thinks so too!!!!"

Ryoma continues to study my blade a bit more, his fingertips brushing over the ridges and dents that was inflicted upon my blade. "So, you're staying at the inn? Or are you in need of accommodation?" He questions, lifting his masked face in my direction. "Because you're more than welcome to stay, and I know you love her cooking~" 

"Dear husband, she's staying at the inn," Kohana replies quickly, swatting his shoulder from his playful way of convincing to hang around more. "She's with someone, so she can't stay too long...." with a hint of a teasing tone dragging from her voice.

"Oh...is that so?" Ryoma tilts his head. "Guess.......I went ahead of myself, apologies."

Shaking my head as little Yuriko was lowered to the ground and walks up to me, as her tiny hands reach up to me, "It's fine Ryoma," I assure him, as I hoist little Yuriko upon my hip. She fiddles with my earrings gently, causing me to smile tenderly at the gesture. "It is tempting to stay and have Kohana's famous cooking, but I've got more.......important matters at the moment."

"It's fine, ignore him," Kohana waves her hand dismissively, threatening her husband with a playful swat to his shoulder. "You go get yourself taken care of, you look more fatigued now........best get some rest. Go to the hot springs and soak....you deserve it."

"Pretty," A tiny voice comments, while Yuriko's fingers trace over the shape of my earrings.

Chuckling I bounce her a little, "They're very important and very pretty, aren't they?"

Yuriko nods seeing that she's gradually becoming used to me again, as I spend some more time with the small little family. Ryoma has been my family's sword-smith for a while, and he's studied on our family's technique that he's more equipped and flexible in working the blade. He's sacrificed so much of his time, to perfect our blades that I'm surprised he can manage a home and family as well.

~*~

AT THE INN

Walking inside the inn, I slip off my sandals and placed them in a reserved box at the front in respect.

"Welcome Lady Mizutsuki," The masked woman greets, with a gentle bow. Her mask was similar to Kohana's, with a more feminine mask. "Lord Shinazugawa has already prepared a room for you two to share, so please relax.......oh and towels are prepared as usual, for when you go to the hot springs. A hot warm meal will be prepared for you later tonight at about six pm, so please don't stress...."

Smiling warmly I bow in return, before turning down the hallway and to the assigned room.

About to open the sliding door, a gust of wind blows directly in my face, as the fusuma doors snap wide open abruptly. Surprised for only a second, my eyes met with a very annoyed looking wind Hashira. He raises a brow, "Where the hell were you? You sure took ya damn time......" he questions, keeping his voice low in respect of the rooms that may be occupied.

Still remained startled for a moment, I look up at him with confusion.

Lifting my head a little, "Hmm? I went to hand my blade in, and got caught up talking to my sword-smiths family...." I reply, honestly. My brow also raises in response, "Besides that, why did you walk out abruptly from our short meeting? Like I know--"

"Look I paid my respects to the short chief elder, but I'm just agitated....." He cuts me off, before trailing back into the room with a sigh. "......I'm sorry, and yes, you gave me a choice and I chose to do so. So, I shouldn't have acted that way...."

My face slowly softens as I close the fusuma doors behind me, as head in while glancing around seeing how well kept the room was. A few Japanese vases with Chrysanthemums flowers were displayed, on the heartwood vanity. Two large futons folded in the corner, along with our robes and towels that were given before our arrival. 

".....don't apologise to me, it's okay," I assure him, while peeling my haori with my faux fur collar off. With an exhale of relief, I walk to the other side to step onto the verandah that looks out to a beautiful Japanese garden. Beautiful cosmos flowers bloom, as they were the Autumn cherry blossoms in this season. The stones and gravel maintained in continuous lines, in circles or evenly in ovals.

Arms slowly wrap around me feeling extra weight press down on me, as I tilt my head to the side, "You comfy there? Why you clingy now?" I chuckle softly, whilst his grip grows more tighter and comfortably around my belly. His fingers massage my sides, burying his face further into the crook of my neck.

"Just.........need to relax," He murmurs, as his lips brush against the juncture of my neck. His scent was rather musky, mixed with sweat and a hint of Ohagi. 

"Well the hot springs isn't far, and it's almost getting dark," I suggest softly, my fingers playing with his own scarred calloused ones. "I'm feeling up for a soak, my body is aching......."

A deep chuckle rumbles in his throat before a heavy sigh draws from his lips, as he lifts his head and turns my chin to meet his softened gaze. "You sure you want me to join you?" he teases, amusingly. "I mean, they're no policy required who goes in what......'cause it's mixed ya know....so it's your choice....."

My face warms up at the thought, but I shouldn't be too surprised seen I've had to share with other slayers in the past. I didn't last long there either, but it was just Sanemi and I.

"T-that's fine, I don't mind," I reply, with a slight crack and stammer in my voice. If I'm being honest, I'd rather have his company than anyone else. This trust I have with him is beyond than what meets the eye, but I find myself becoming more flustered.

He brushes my hair to the side, "Good...." He whispers against the shell of my ear, and kisses the back of my nape tenderly. ".....I could use the company myself..."

He finally releases me allowing myself to head to the Shoji divider,  and hid behind it whilst collecting my Yukata and overcoat robe from the small pile. Peeling off my uniform, one article after the other I then slip on my cherry blossom Yukata and wrapped it around. Placing my robe over, I step out and began to tie my hair up, "Alright you can chang--"

I cut myself off, when I saw him already about to be stark naked.

"What?" He questions, with a smirk. "Almost dressed....."

Looking away subtly I clear my throat, trying to occupy myself while tying my hair into a loose bun finding the length easier to maintain since growing it out. "Sorry I should've asked....." before I felt hands grip my shoulders tenderly.

"Come on, let's go.......dinner will be in two hours," He slides his hand down my arm, before taking my smaller hand in his larger one.

~*~

The thick clouds of steam surrounds the hot springs.......

"Finally....." I murmur, sinking into the hot water soaking into my body. I can't even remember the last I've been here, but my body has caught up with all my past injuries. The joints slowly loosening, and my skin opening up to the warm steam coaxing my face.

Sanemi steps in while I keep my eyes away, just to respect him before feeling the water ripple as he settles beside me. 

"How're feelin'?" He questions, as he lifts his hand to run through his hair. "I know you've haven't slept well, assuming it's the back pain and all....."

Partially it was my whole body tensed up, but the real reason was......nightmares that now interlaced with insomnia.

"Little better......" I reply softly, leaning back while covering my cleavage. "......guess I don't treat myself well enough.......so thank you. For suggesting this......."

He smiles while taking a deep breath in, "Well I think I needed it myself too," he comments, with a slight shrug. Taking in his bare self, I noticed more fresh wounds marred across his flesh that my heart felt heavier. Modesty was no longer on my mind, as I lift my head and drifted towards him. My fingertips trail along the fresh scars, as he flinches. "What? Come on--"

"Sanemi......why?" I whisper, with a slight crack. They were slowly healing one by one, but he still harms himself regardless. "You know how I--" stopping myself for a moment, I lower my hand while refusing to lecture him. Last time he yelled at me, recalling how it felt when he was dismissive and so defensive.

However a hand grabs my wrist and pulls me closer, as he rests my palm over his fresh wound over his muscular chest.

"I'm sorry," He murmurs, apologetically. His hand holds my hand delicately over the wound, before he raises my hand to his mouth and kisses my wound on the back of my hand. "You can lecture me, it's fine......I know you mean well. I was a fucking ass last time, so.......please can you....."

He pauses for a moment, while my eyes trail up to meet his less violent eyes that have softened with his lips pursed together.

"Hmmm?"

Parting his lips, "......Can I be selfish, and have you worry