Wisteria and the Flame ~ Chapter 25: Whispers in the night
N/A: This fic takes place in the world of KNY, but I’ve made a few changes, so it won’t follow the canon story exactly, and the world may work a little differently from the manga and anime.
* Reader x Rengoku. Slow burn
*+ NSFW +
*KNY characters and KNY world belong to it's rightful owner.
Prologue, chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4, chapter 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, chapter 8, chapter 9, chapter 10, chapter 11, chapter 12, chapter 13, chapter 14, chapter 15, chapter 16, chapter 17, chapter 18, chapter 19, chapter 20, chapter 21, chapter 22, chapter 23, chapter 24
Tengen began telling everyone about his night and how he had gotten injured. As the sun set, the Wind Hashira joined the conversation.
Shinazugawa and Tengen had each fought a Lower Moon.
“Tch. It seems like just about anyone can become a Lower Moon.”
“Not very flashy of Muzan to choose such weaklings to represent him.”
“Weak? Then how did the two of you end up like this?” Kyojuro asked, intrigued.
You assumed they were simply telling the story in their own favor. But there had been one detail you hadn't expected.
“There was a third demon, man. Ugly as hell. I thought it was over when Shinazugawa cut its head off.”
“Until it grew back.” Sanemi grimaced in disgust. “Filthy thing.”
You and Kyojuro exchanged an incredulous look.
“It grew its head back?”
Now that you couldn't speak, at least Kyojuro was asking the questions for you.
“And not just once. I cut the damn thing's head off over and over again. It almost took my arm because of it.”
“No kidding. If it hadn't kept getting in the way, my abs would still be intact,” Tengen grumbled. Between the two of us, we chopped its head off again and again. It was like the woman always had a spare one.”
“She didn't have a Moon mark. No special trait. No particularly dangerous Blood Demon Art. She barely fought. She just kept appearing and disappearing whenever she felt like it, getting in our way and throwing us off.”
A cold shiver ran down your spine. Your hand instinctively drifted to the mark on your arm.
“What an annoying and dangerous distraction. In my way back home, I'll report it to Oyakata-sama so he can warn the Corps about its existence.” Said Kyojuro.
“Do it,” Sanemi agreed. “As Hashira, we have an advantage over the others. Even if they were only fighting lesser demons, that bitch could easily get one of the lower-ranked slayers killed if she got in the way.”
“Well then, I'd better get going. The sooner Oyakata-sama knows about this, the better. Are you staying here tonight, Kaname?” Kyojuro asked, gently stroking the crow's head. Kaname nodded.
His fingers brushed your hand softly.
“Then I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Hey! You're leaving without a goodbye kiss? Come on, it can't be that hard!”
“I have no idea what you're talking about!” Kyojuro laughed. “Stop acting like an old gossip and focus on recovering!”
As he walked away, you couldn't help thinking that his goodbye had been rather brief.
Part of you appreciated it. He probably didn't want to embarrass you in front of everyone.
But another part of you...
Already missed him.
You reached out and gently stroked Kaname's feathers, as though doing so somehow kept you connected to Kyojuro.
As your fingers brushed beneath one of his wings, you felt something tucked underneath.
...Was this from Kyojuro?
When had he hidden it there?
You pretended not to notice.
It would be much easier to find out what it was once Sanemi and Tengen had fallen asleep.
Once Kyojuro had left, Sanemi spoke his thoughts aloud.
“I wonder if your Blood Demon Art would've kept it from growing its head back.”
You exaggerated your gestures so they could understand you.
"Maybe. But what about the rest of its body? Could it still move without a head?"
“Hm... good point,” Tengen chimed in. “We don't even know if it could regenerate the rest of its body.”
“For now, the only thing I can think of is chopping the damn thing into tiny pieces and leaving it out in the sun,” Sanemi concluded. “And pin every piece down, just in case it decides to crawl back together.”
--
“Thank you for coming all the way here at this hour to report such valuable information, Kyojuro. That demon is certainly worth keeping in mind. Despite showing little skill in combat, it has already proven itself to be a serious threat.”
Kagaya turned his gaze toward his wife.
“Amane, could you send the Kasugai Crows to warn those who are currently out on missions?”
“Of course. I'll take care of it.”
“Thank you,” Kagaya replied with a faint smile.
Kyojuro bowed respectfully and turned to leave, but Oyakata-sama spoke again.
“Kyojuro... if you have a moment, there is something I would like to discuss with you. I recently received some information that concerns you personally.”
Kyojuro stopped in his tracks.
The ruined temple crossed his mind.
The marks the fire had left behind.
A question he had buried long ago.
His chest tightened.
He suddenly feared what he was about to hear.
--
Shinobu came to check on all of you shortly before dinner.
After examining Sanemi's broken arm and leg, changing his bandages, and treating Tengen's wound, she finally stopped beside your bed.
“Well... the purple tint on your lips and fingernails has almost completely disappeared.” She smiled with quiet satisfaction. “That's a good sign. The poison is leaving your system. Since you only ingested powdered wisteria petals, the effects are already fading. Now your throat and stomach simply need time to heal... along with the rest of you.”
“Poison?” Tengen frowned. “Wait... the mark produces poison too?”
Shinobu looked at you, silently asking for permission.
You gave her a small nod.
“No,” she explained. “She poisoned herself to lessen the pain caused by the mark.”
Silence settled over the room.
“She... what?” Tengen blinked.
Sanemi stared at you.
“You drank poison?”
Shinobu sighed.
“Powdered wisteria petals. In small amounts, they seem to suppress the demon blood inside the mark. In larger amounts...” She folded her arms and gave you a pointed look. “...they poison her instead.”
You let out a quiet sigh. You already knew she wasn't scolding you out of anger. She was speaking as both a doctor... and a worried friend.
“And no,” Shinobu continued before you could even begin defending yourself, “it was not a good idea, no matter how much you insist otherwise. You made the cure worse than the disease.”
As she carefully replaced your bandages, an awkward silence filled the infirmary. You could feel both Hashira watching without saying a word.
“Well,” Shinobu finally said, tying the last bandage into place, “after everything your body went through, it's only natural that you're still sore. You'll need at least four more days of complete rest.”
Your eyes widened.
Immediately, you began gesturing dramatically.
First you pointed at Tengen.
Then at Sanemi.
Then at yourself.
Finally, you crossed your arms with an exaggerated pout.
Tengen burst out laughing.
“She says it's unfair!”
Sanemi snorted.
“She's got a point.”
Shinobu smiled sweetly.
“They're both reckless idiots.”
She looked back at you.
“You, however, nearly poisoned yourself to death.”
You pouted even harder.
“Yes,” Shinobu nodded. “Exactly that face. Four days.”
“Don't pout! At least you'll be in good, flaming company,” Tengen said with a wink.
You stuck your tongue out at him.
--
When the lights were finally out and everyone's breathing had settled into the steady rhythm of sleep, you carefully reached beneath Kaname's wing.
Hidden there was a small bouquet of wisteria flowers and a folded piece of paper.
You unfolded it.
A heart had been drawn across the page, with a single wisteria blossom carefully pressed in its center.
A smile spread across your face from ear to ear.
Only Kaname and the moon witnessed the soft blush that warmed your cheeks.
--
The next day, Mitsuri accompanied Obanai to have one of his wounds treated, and stopped by to see you with a box of mochi.
You had eaten them before, on occasion, but like many other foods, they weren't something you were used to.
“Oh, just wait until the cherry blossoms bloom and they make sakura mochi! They're delicious!”
You gestured that you had never tried them before.
But a familiar voice came from behind you.
“Not as delicious as roasted sweet potatoes!”
You immediately gestured for them to please not start another debate. With your throat still sore, the last thing you needed was to have to hold back laughter while they argued the merits of their favourite foods.
“So you've brought her mochi. Are you trying to win her over, Kanroji?” Kyojuro asked with a smile.
“Nooo, of course not! I just brought her a traditional delicacy for her to try!” Mitsuri said with a mischievous expression. “Mochi is soft and tender, so it won't hurt her throat.”
“Food lessons are my thing!” Kyojuro declared firmly, though there was no seriousness behind his words.
“Food lessons????” Mitsuri exclaimed. “You've been giving her food lessons without telling me? I know a thing or two about that too! Ouch!”
You could have sworn Shinobu had kicked her under the chair.
“Hahaha, I just want her to try things she's never eaten before. I'm sure you're not used to eating mochi, right?”
“No.”
At least today, you could manage a few short words.
“Hmmm... so you want her to try things she's never tried before, huh?” Mitsuri's eyes lit up. “Then we'll have a girls' night! I'm sure she's never had one before! Besides, there are things you men know absolutely nothing about, like makeup, doing your hair properly, dressing up nicely, flirting... Ouch!”
This time, you were the one who pinched her hand, hoping Kyojuro hadn't noticed.
From his bed, Tengen watched the whole exchange with an entertained grin.
“All I’m missing is a bag of popcorn. This is getting quite interesting. ‘Food lessons,’ huh? Is that what you two are calling it these days? Ouch!”
One of his wives must have pinched him, too, earning a sheepish grin from the Sound Hashira.
When Obanai was ready, he left with Shinazugawa. Mitsuri wanted to stay longer with you. Later, Tengen and his three wives said goodbye too. Uzui leaned over and whispered something into Kyojuro's ear. Kyojuro immediately turned bright red and smacked him on the back of the head.
You were very grateful you hadn't been able to hear what he'd said.
“So, you can say ‘no’ now. Something is something.”
“Yez an’ no. Four dayz. Only tree left.” You pouted.
“Aww, you're so cute! You sound like a little baby!”
That made you pout even more, while Kyojuro and Mitsuri laughed in agreement. You pointed at the two of them, making a threatening little gesture that clearly meant, I'll get you back for this.
“Mitsuri, I need to check your sprain and that burn. Come with me for a moment,” Shinobu said, taking her by the hand.
How subtle, you thought.
Still, you gave her a grateful smile.
Kyojuro sat down beside you and pulled a small bouquet of wisteria flowers from beneath his haori.
“Oh,” you said, grinning from ear to ear as you pulled the piece of paper with the heart and wisteria blossom from beneath your pillow.
“You liked it?” He smiled. “I didn't want to embarrass you, or give Tengen any more material to work with. He's a good guy, but he loves teasing people, and sometimes he just doesn't know when to stop.”
You nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips.
You didn't know why, but ever since he had arrived, there was something about Kyojuro that didn't quite sit right with you. He wore his usual smile, but...
The light in his eyes didn't match it.
Are you all right? you asked with a gesture.
“Of course. We're both here, you're recovering, and we can have some peace and quiet. What more could I ask for?”
You looked directly into his eyes. With gestures and a few halting attempts at speaking, you managed to say:
“Your smile is the same as always, but your eyes look sad.”
“No, really. I'm just tired, like everyone else.”
You opened your mouth to tell him that sadness and exhaustion didn't look the same.
But what was the point of trying to explain when you still couldn't communicate properly?
Maybe he was just having a bad day.
Suddenly, you had an idea.
Before you could blush and change your mind, you leaned closer and kissed his cheek, just beside the corner of his lips.
“Wow! That would brighten anyone's day! I think two or three more of those and I'll be completely fine!”
You looked at him from beneath your lashes and, without thinking twice, leaned in to kiss him again.
But you hadn't counted on him reaching out and pulling you into his arms, keeping you close enough that you couldn't escape when he kissed you.
Your heart skipped a beat. It wasn't like the other times he had kissed you. There was something needy in it, and the faintest hint of anger.
You let him kiss you, not caring whether Shinobu and Mitsuri caught the two of you like this. That kiss fit perfectly with the sadness in his eyes.
You wanted to tell him that if you were making the effort to open your heart to him, then he could trust you enough to open his too.
But you wanted to tell him without gestures. Without broken words. With your voice whole, healthy, and clear.
-
You were far too perceptive.
Not even Uzui, Mitsuri, or Shinobu had noticed, but you hadn't missed the difference.
He was used to hiding his pain behind a smile, masking it with his usual enthusiasm. But he had just realized that wouldn't be enough with you.
He needed you.
But he knew you weren't ready to take such a huge step forward.
Even so, he couldn't stop himself from getting carried away when he kissed you.
It was difficult for him to pull away, but eventually he did, gently and carefully, resting his forehead against yours.
“I'm sorry.”
-
You shook your head.
You were about to reach for his cheek, but he caught your hands before you could do or say anything and said his goodbyes.
“I'll see you tomorrow, alright? If I can't make it, I'll send Kaname—or even Senjuro. He's dying to see you again!”
You grabbed hold of his haori.
“Get plenty of rest,” you managed to say.
“I will,” Kyojuro replied, his smile never wavering.
Mitsuri and Shinobu's voices could be heard coming from the hallway.
“Look, I'm leaving you in good company! But remember, roasted sweet potatoes are better!”
You smiled.
But when Kyojuro turned away, you couldn't help feeling a little sad that you hadn't been able to do more for him.
Kyojuro didn't come the second day, neither the third.
You didn't know why, but you couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to do with what had happened the day before—the way he'd looked at you, the way he'd kissed you, and the way he'd apologized afterwards...
Something was wrong.
And not knowing what it was, or how you could help him, made you sad.
Still, you were lucky enough to spend the two mornings keeping yourself occupied, learning how to read with Senjuro.
You practised with simple, short words, which also gave you a chance to see that your throat was healing properly. Since you had to remain in bed, you couldn't practise writing, but you memorized every word so you could write them down later.
The third day, at lunchtime, you said goodbye to Senjuro with a hug and ruffled his hair.
“Ah! I almost forgot something! Just one more phrase.”
He showed you the neatly written words.
“This means ‘I love you.’”
You repeated it aloud without thinking.
“I love you.”
You froze.
Senjuro's mischievous grin told you everything.
You immediately reached for your pillow, trying to hit him.
The little boy dodged it and ran off, laughing his head off.
-
The afternoon began with an unpleasant surprise.
Tomioka returned from his mission with a severely injured swordsman whose life was hanging by a thread.
“Kocho, he's in very bad shape. Can you save him?”
“I don't know yet. He's been wounded in several vital areas. I can only hope I can stop the bleeding in time.”
“Please, do everything you can. It's extremely important that he survives.”
Shinobu immediately took the wounded man away to treat and operate on him.
Tomioka, meanwhile, couldn't seem to stop pacing around the estate. Strangely nervous for someone usually so composed.
When he happened to pass by the infirmary, you took the opportunity to ask him, using gestures, a few more words than you had managed the day before, with Kaname's help.
“Excuse me, Tomioka-san. I heard it's very important that the injured man survives. Is he someone important?”
“He's a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. It's important because...” He hesitated for a moment before continuing. “His condition was caused by a very unusual demon.”
“Unusual?”
You felt your stomach twist.
“Yes.”
“Didn't you receive a message from Oyakata-sama?”
“No. I didn't receive anything. Why?”
“Ah...” You hesitated. “I don't want to interfere in Hashira matters. Kaname, could you please inform the Wind and Sound Hashira?”
The crow nodded and immediately flew away.
“They've seen something similar before?”
“Yes. They told us about it when they were admitted here. But it's probably better if you discuss it among yourselves. I don't think it's my place to interfere in matters concerning the Hashira.”
“Thank you. I'll wait for them. The injured swordsman saw more details than I did, which is why it's so important that he survives. Unfortunately, I'm not sure he will.”
You got out of bed so you could leave the infirmary and let the Hashira talk in private.
“Hey, if Shinobu finds out we let you get out of bed, she's going to cut our balls off,” Tengen said. He had been the first to arrive.
You smiled at him.
“Just say I wasn't here when you arrived.”
He smiled back.
“I wonder who's more stubborn, Rengoku or you. Anyway, as long as you don't hurt yourself, do whatever you want.”
And so you left the Hashira to discuss things in peace and went for a walk around the garden, eager to stretch your legs.
You couldn't help worrying about Kyojuro, while also thinking about the appearance of such an unusual demon right on the day of the Equinox...
Or were there two of them?
Why on such a significant date?
As you walked, the sun slowly began to set.
And little by little, you started to hear someone calling your name.
A voice you hadn't heard in years.
A voice you had thought you would never hear again.
The voice that had guided your life for thirteen years.
Your mother.
Taglist: @ynackerman9499 @neverbrooks @subl1m3mir4cl3 @kestraldoesstuff @himik0-0
