~*~

LATER THAT NIGHT

"This is so delicious!!!!" 

Mitsuri finishes bowls after bowls expressing her love for food; her eyes lighting up and cheeks growing warm in delight. It brought relief to know she's still eating healthy for herself, since last time she refused to eat because of her figure and insecurities. Even so, I was more relieved she was able to talk with young Kamado, as he seems to be a genuine boy who has been raised right. He held no judgement, only respect and courteous manners.

Finishing my bowl of matsutake rice, I take a cup of green tea and sipped it quietly while watching Tanjiro's eyes widen in surprise by how much the Love Hashira ate.

"Wow! That's impressive!" Tanjiro compliments Mitsuri's appetite. 

"You think so?" Mitsuri questions, glancing at the many bowls stacked upon each other. There was so many, but that was only a small amount of what she can eat. "But I didn't eat that much, tonight."

"I need to eat more to get stronger!" Tanjiro declares, with determination. 

Placing my cup down, "By the way Mitsuri, that boy earlier..........is Genya Shinazugawa," I mention; raising my head from my cup. "You left before I could explain....."

Her eyes widen, "Shinazuagwa? That would make him........the wind Hashira's brother," She realises, with her face shifting to concern. "But I thought he didn't have a younger brother, he insisted......Hayami, why did he lie then?"

Nodding, "There is something between them, but it isn't my place," I reply; with heavy troubled sigh. "I do feel useless, even when I'm just Lord Shinazugawa's partner...."

"Hmmm, I see......." Tanjiro mulls over my response, but he seemed curious. "......I do wish to know what had happened."

Nezuko hums towards Mitsuri and crawls over, tapping her on the arm causing Mitsuri to chuckle, "What are you trying to say Nezuko?" she asks, before the small child falls back with a giggle. Mitsuri picks up on what she wants, and began to poke and tickle Nezuko gently, "Ahh I see, I have four siblings in my family, and we all get along pretty well......so it's hard for me to fathom what the shinazugawa brothers could be going through."

Glancing over to the spot beside me, it remains vacant realising that Genya hasn't even come back from the springs or wherever he went off too.

"Speaking of, Genya still hasn't shown up," Tanjiro mentions; with concern. "I was hoping at last we could have a talk."

I lift my tea up, "He probably won't show,"

Mitsuri held Nezuko close to her, "I heard from the villagers that he never takes meals," she assumes; her hand delicately raking through Nezuko's hair. "He probably brought his own food with him."

"But......what if he didn't," Tanjiro replies, becoming more worrisome. "I'll bring him some rice balls just in case......."

Mitsuri nods, "Good idea, I'll come too......" before she turns to me, with a warm grin. ".......you're joining too."

"Sure,"

~*~

"Can you keep a secret Nezuko?" 

Mitsuri walks with Nezuko hand in hand, with a huge difference between their heights which i found adorable. Nezuko hums in response, while I flank behind beside Tanjiro with my hands tucked in both sleeves. My eyes rest half way, feeling really relaxed from the hot springs seen the effects started to kick in faster than expected.

"hmm?"

"Believe it or not, I'm getting hungry again," Mitsuri admits, walking in a funny way which made me stifle a gentle chuckle. "It's probably from smelling the rice balls, don't tell anyone, okay?"

Nezuko nods, "Hmm...."

"Miss Kanroji, why'd you join the Demon Slayer corp?" Tanjiro asks her; with interest to know her reasons. 

Slowly we came to a pause when she glances over her shoulder, "Hmm? Me? It's kind of embarrassing, I.......shouldn't say.....or should I?" She stammers; her demeanour changes completely to a shy and bashful expression. Knowing her she would probably spill it out, in a hot gushing mess which was kind of adorable.

"Here we go," I murmur, with a chuckle.

"Okay, fine! I joined hoping to find a man!" She exclaims, her face beet red with passion in her voice. "One I could spend forever with! I mean any girl would want someone stronger than her right? After all we want to feel protected, you know what I mean? Or maybe it's hard for a boy to understand.......I knew Hashira's are strong so one of them would be perfect! That's why I worked my hardest to become a hashira, myself!"

Glancing over to my side Tanjiro stood there dumbfounded, clearly wasn't prepared fro a completely different story than he expected.

Placing a gentle hand upon his should, "Don't overthink it too much, I've ben through this same conversation as well....." I assure him softly; whilst we resume heading towards Genya's inn. ".....but Ms kanroji is a very strong woman, but she seeks someone stronger.......so she feels safe."

Tanjiro nods, "Right........" he clears his throat; before he glances up to look at my side profile whilst walking. ".........is that your story as well, or......you have another reason being a Hashira?"

Mitsuri seems to share a sad expression when that was mentioned, while I mask a warm smile on my face, "Maybe another day........let's go check on young Genya," I divert the question; not even ready to explain it. "Longer stories, need more time to think......so, when I'm ready.....M'kay?"

Tanjiro nods in understanding, "That's fine, sorry for stepping out of line,"

Shaking my head, "Not at all....."

Finally after a minute of walking down the hallways, we arrive at Genya's room only to find it vacant as well. The room was dark and hollow, with nothing but a small tea table off centre in the room. Mitsuri seems disappointed by this, as she sighs deeply, "It looks like Genya isn't here,"

"Lady Kanroji?" A gentle voice approaches us, before my eyes fall upon a familiar Kakushi I've seen around. "I'm told they'll be done honing sword soon, they've requested you come to the workshop to make the final adjustments."

Mitsuri felt slight disappoint her stay would end, "Oh dear, it looks like I have to go now," She says; causing Nezuko to protest a little afraid to lose Mitsuri. 

"If you'd like, we can take you," Tanjiro offers, as the well mannered boy he is.

"That's alright, I'll be probably leaving in the middle of the night," Mitsuri assures him softly, while Nezuko whimpers while nudging her. 

"Really, but........that makes sense," Tanjiro insists, but reluctantly accepts her assurance. 

Mitsuri smiles warmly, "Thanks for offering, well we may not live to see each other ever again," She spoke up, with a tender gaze. "Let's give it our all! Never forget, you took an Upper rank demon and survived. That experience is priceless, training is valuable......but nothing can ever top first-hand experience...." she bends down to Nezuko's level. "....I'm saying what you went through is equal to ten years of training. Whether you know it or not, Tanjiro, your far stronger than you ever were before...." before standing up and smiles widely. "....good luck you two! Hayami and I'll be rooting for you for every step of the way!"

With her adorable charm, both Tanjiro and Nezuko were both touched to Mitsuri's words of encouragement and support.

"Remember, this is a huge compliment from the Love hashira herself," I spoke up softly; with a warm smile. "I've supported her since day one, and there's no doubt in her words.......you two are very lucky."

"Thankyou Ms Kanroji, Ms Mizutsuki," Tanjiro bows his head, gratefully. "I've still got a ways to go, afterall.....Mr Uzui did everything. I'll work even harder, to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji."

Mitsuri's eyes widen in surprise by his words, before she soon realises something before walking up to him, "Say Tanjiro you've been granted permission for a long stay right?"

Tanjiro nods, "Yes, I have," uncertainty lacing in his voice, wondering what she was implying.

Mitsuri rushes over and whispers in his ear, while I minded my own business knowing exactly what she was gonna tell him. After a few moment she heads back towards the kakushi and waves cutely, "Alright, bye now!" She giggles, with a warm hue to her cheeks.

Just went she disappears from view, Tanjiro stood there for a moment before he lifts the tray up immediately; blood gushes from his nose in response from the proximity of Mitsuri. Nezuko jumps back in surprise, her hands clutching my yukata.

Chuckling softly, "I apologise for her lack awareness of space," I murmur softly, with both my hands tucked in my sleeves. He wipes away the excess of blood glancing to me, "How about we get you both some rest, it's been a long day....."

Nezuko pouts tugging on my Yukata, as if worried I'll be leaving her as well like Mitsuri just now having to check on her honed Sword.

"It's okay Nezuko, I'll be here for a week......." I assure her, running my fingers through her hair gently. "I'll be mostly meditating or training, or even the hot springs every now and again...that's why I'm here."

Tanjiro hums, "That makes sense, before glancing at the tray in hand with the onigiri and cold green tea. "What will i do with this?"

"You eat it, gather your strength....." I assure him; before heading back down the hallway to get themselves ready for rest. ".....if you wish to become strong, best to focus on total concentration, consistency and eat well."

"Yes Ma'am!"

~*~

FOUR DAYS LATER

"It's concerning that I've not seen him....."

During the past three days and nights I've been in the hot springs, and meditated while taking time to myself. Though the isolation drags on, I couldn't help but feel concerned for young Kamado. He hasn't shown up for dinner nor lunch or even breakfast. What's worse, I've been told he wasn't even in his room where he assigned for a few nights. Though I've come to focus on my health, it really did bother me seen Hotaru Haganezuka hasn't been found yet.

"Who?" Ryoma questions; smearing the sweat from beneath his mask. 

"Young Kamado, your brother's swordsman," I reply; with a troubling sigh. My thumb traces around the rim of my green tea, while watching his two children playing with the Temari ball in the open space away from the workshop. "Actually how come young Kotetsu's not with Taiga and Yuriko, thought he would...."

"Well, he did say he's busy with something.......not sure," Ryoma replies; while he grabs a rag and wipes his filthy hands with blood mixed. "Anyway, your blade will be finished shortly.....give it two days or three......seen I want to leave with a fresh blade once you've had a complete weeks worth of healing."

Smiling in return to consideration, "I'm grateful to have you as my swordsmith, always thinking ahead....." lifting my warm tea, and sipped it gently. Deep in thought about my next words, seen my concern grew for his wife as well. "......how is your wife if I may ask, I just haven't seen her since I arrived?"

A warm chuckle leaves him, "It's actually, well........I don't know how to put it," He stammers over his words, before he ruffles his hair a bit. "How about I take you to her, it's best you hear it from her.........."

Curiosity peaks my interest while placing my tea down, as he stood up from his workshop desk and cleans his hands more before making his way to the main house. My feet padded across the verandah towards their bedroom, when the doors were wide open. Curiosity grew wondering what this news was,  as we soon arrive and there she was. She was sitting up with her back propped with a pillow against her lower back, as she adjusted her mask.

"Hayami!...........So he couldn't help himself, can he?" Kohana chuckles softly, which left me more confused hearing Ryoma clearing his throat sheepishly. She raises her hand to usher me closer, as I follow suit til I was kneeling beside her. Her hand takes my own, and brough it over til resting over her....belly? It was swollen and full, before understanding what this sign meant. "I'm with child.........Hayami, soon I'll be reaching the seventh full moon....."

My heart felt this sudden warmth seeping through, when a small little kick meets the palm of my hand. 

However, this moment brought memories I tried to bury long ago, memories that made me feel worried for Kohana. My mother was with child when she was turned into a demon, and when she was killed. It left horrible thoughts that I shouldn't dwell on, as it was more than a decade ago. Ignoring and erasing the nightmares from my head, I focused on the excitement in Ryoma's voice.

"I'm gonna be a father of three soon!" He chuckle, while rubbing his wife's shoulder tenderly. "It could be a boy or even a girl........another addition to our family."

My hand was shaky, "That's amazing news, many blessings to your child," I spoke with a gentle murmur; grateful hearing such good news despite my own past memories. 

"Also we wanted to tell you," Kohana spoke up, holding my hand strongly. ".....but we needed to confirm the health of our child first......before we could tell you. You're very close to this family, and our two young ones love hearing your stories. They see you like their aunt.........and I wish for that to stay that way, and I want you to be an Aunty to our new born.....once they arrive."

My breath hitches softly, feeling this overwhelming feeling of gratefulness and a feeling of belonging outside my job and love life. This family is very important to me, and I'll forever be grateful.

"Now.......it's your turn," Kohana smirks; raising her hand up to tilt my chin up. "Mind telling us the news, that you sent in that letter a while ago..........that you've kept secret til we next meet up again....hmm?"

My face flushes in realisation, "That's right, well......" I straighten my posture, while on my knees and my hands held together upon my lap. ".......actually, I can't. Today is your day to tell me your news, mine is......well....."

"Out with it already, we need to hear this amazing news!" Ryoma pats my back, with a teasing tone behind his mask. "Come on, fifty-fifty........."

Glancing to both Kohana and Ryoma, I take a moment to think over how I will tell them. Taking a deep breath in, my expression soon relaxes and gave them my full attention.

"I'm engaged...........Lord Shinazugawa proposed to me a few weeks ago," I inform them; with a warm fluttering feeling swelling in my chest. "It was unexpected......sometimes I wonder if I'm good enough--"

"That's amazing news!" Ryoma laughs, as he rubs my shoulder encouragingly. "Seriously, you deserve this more than you know........."

Kohana breathes out in relief, "That's wonderful to hear, my dear........" she takes my hand; her thumb rubbing over my knuckles delicately. "........you two have been together for sometime, I wish you both the best. When will your ceremony be...?"

Humming deep thought, "We haven't really planned a ceremony with how things have been," I reply, honestly. "We're just so busy, and having to get every available.......it hard. Especially when every is patrolling around different areas, sleep schedules......and long distance. One day we will make it....."

"Understandable," She soft spoke, while rubbing her swollen tummy to comfort the small bundle in her womb. She held such a maternal aura, it was making myself become more aware of a future Sanemi and I might have one day. A family. Children. I wonder what kind of world that will be like, but what about the demons? Should we even raise children, in such a hellish world or shall we risk it?

~*~

AT THE INN

What a day it's been.......

I sat in my quarters having my dinner quietly to myself, eating while replenishing my body after training my body for an hour or two before dark. Even though I should've gone to the hot springs tonight, I just felt more exhausted than before. Sipping my tea some more, and eating a bowl of warm soba. A gentle knock on my door brought my attention, as I turn my head to the source of sound.

"You may come in,"

The fusuma door slowly slides open seeing a sheepish Genya, standing there as if he feels embarrassed just showing up. Seems he still remembers that night, when he yelled at me for not knowing about him and understand what it was like. He steps in quietly as his cheeks burn brighter, while I lower my bowl of soba to give him my full attention.

"Something I may help you with?" I murmur softly; placing my bowl down on the tea table. 

He was hesitant for a moment, as silence falls between us with only this small tension building around him only. 

"I'm........sorry," He bows his head; apologetically.

My eyes half-lidded with a tender smile, "Sorry for what?" I question; tapping the pillow on the floor beside me for him to sit down. "You have nothing to apologise, your feelings are validated too."

He chokes on the air in response, as if stunned by how easily I dismissed his harsh attitude a few days ago. ".....But....I was.....I was rude to you," He splutters; his cheeks flushed immediately while trying to gather himself while taking a seat before me. "How can I make it up to you? I want to start again......"

Lifting my tea to my lips, I take a sip, "How about, we just talk..........I really wish to get to know you," I suggest softly; placing my cup down. "I know you don't have many friends, and I know it's by choice. You're exactly like him.......you know."

"My brother?" He meets my tender gaze; seeing the interest in his eyes when mentioning his big brother. I could tell the amount of love he has, but he doesn't know how to express it. 

"Definitely," I smile softly; my hands straighten the wrinkles of my yukata out. ".....however he's learned to trust in others, it comes when you least expect it. You don't get to choose, because those people will choose you........and i know Young Kamado with the hanafuda earrings is trying his best to connect with you...."

He grumbles under his breath with a 'hmph' not particularly fond of the attention, but I knew deep down he wished not to be lonely. Knowing he probably won't speak of himself, so I decided to explain myself more clearly.

"Young Genya, I know it's not easy speaking to women......" I chuckle softly; causing him to get more flustered and the tips of his ears reddening. "........you've hit a growth spurt, your body has changed so much......but your heart remains the same. You love your big brother, you want to impress him......you desire his acknowledgement.....his love and acceptance."

His eyes slightly widen in surprise, "How do you know all this?"

"Because, I once had an older brother a few years ago......." I reveal; my gaze held a distant kind of look. "...........and let's say, it's not a fond story to tell."

His face grew stern, "Please........I wish to know,"

With a nod, "Sure.........how do I begin......?"

---------------------------------------------------

Hey guys! 

Thanks again for reading! I appreciate all the comments and likes, as it gives me so much motivation to keep on writing. We're finally in the swordsmith village arc! 

Stay hydrated and take care of yourselves!

~ Little Bean

<