kai-uh-arcadian

[kai-uh-arcadian]

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Hi! How is everyone doing? I've recently found some writing inspiration so lmk if you have any JiU (dreamcatcher) x reeader requests!!

Also if anyone wants to talk or anything I am always here!!

Love you always

-K

#jiu x reader #kim minji x reader #dreamcatcher #jiu dreamcatcher #dreamcatcher jiu #dreamcatcher x reader

[kai-uh-arcadian]

At Your Service

Pairing: Jiu x Fem!Reader (& some Yoohyeon x Fem!Reader)

Warnings / Misc. – Fluff, Angst, Smut, Mentions of violence, etc.

Word Count: 33,401 (grab a snack)

Synopsis: Jiu – a married heiress and product of the centuries old, successful dynasty of Kims – finds herself in need of a new personal maid following the sudden departure of her previous one. When opportunity arises and brings Y/N L/N – a stubborn, working class citizen with a hatred for her less than ideal circumstances – to her doorstep, how will they deal with the fallout?

Disclaimer: This writing is a work of fiction, and no disrespect is meant for those mentioned herein.

A/N: Hey everyone! Here’s my first Dreamcatcher fic. I hope you enjoy! :)

💖 Happy Reading 🌹

◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚

◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚ ▸◂ ❚ ⊱ꕥ⊰ ❚

Blood trickled down the side of your father’s hand, shining crimson in the subtle flicker of candlelight. A makeshift weapon – some mangled piece of metal, resembling a shiv – cut into his skin slightly, due to the force of his grip on it. 

His weight was shifted to one foot, keeping him prepared to strike if need be; with the front door of your home slightly ajar, he craned his neck enough to communicate with the guards on the other side. His thumb rubbed the handle of the blade in rhythmic strokes… one, two … keeping his breathing in check. Appearing suspicious was a death sentence, and he knew that; so, he patiently waited for the opportunity to make a move.

In an eerie flash of black suits and gloves, the men pushed their way inside.

They came to loom over your family members with piercing gazes, staring holes into them. Tension was thick in the room, nearly suffocating. Each second was an hour as the interrogation they started dragged on, only increasing the chance of impulsivity on both sides. Glancing eyes were a silent challenge, the twitch of a finger was a call to arms.

At the center of it all, surrounded in more ways than you even knew at the time, was you. Had you known then how drastically your life would change, maybe you’d have done things differently. 

Maybe you would have started running after that first knock.

Keep reading

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Unravelled Love - Soulmate au

|Dreamcatcher Sua x 8th member GN! Reader

Genre: fluff, lil angst / 2k words

——-/————-///—————-/—————-///———-

A world where you were destined to be with only one person. People would call it soulmates.

Ever since one is born, they could hear their other halves’ thoughts, without the ability to control or know from whom these came from.

—-/——-/——-

Today, you, a long time trainee at the dreamcatcher company, was being added to their main girl group, Dreamcatcher.

To say you were nervous was an understatement. You knew of your skills, you had been training and waiting for a moment like this for a while, but something about joining an already established group felt very overwhelming.

The day it all happened seemingly went well. You bonded with the members quite quickly and were reassured by all of them.

The next few weeks were filled with dance practice for the group to learn the choreographies with an added member.

At the dorm you were paired with Sua to be roommates, yoohyeon now having a room on her own.

Everything went very smoothly for your debut in the group, but one thing kept bothering you. You kept having…intrusive thoughts?

Things in your mind kept appearing but you were sure these thoughts were not yours.

You thought about calling a doctor, maybe the aftermath of your trainee life had finally gotten to you?

You called a doctor and after asking a few questions they determined that you were perfectly fine.

They did mention that this seemed to be a case where you had finally entered in contact with your soulmate.

You didn't believe it at first.

You didn't want to believe it.

You were so young still, and now that you're debuting, of course this had to happen now. Thanks world.

You didn't think much of it.

Tonight you and the girls were having a drink in the living room all together. The subject of soulmates inevitably came up and you were asked about yours.

All you could say is that you hadn't found them yet and that you prayed to god it was a woman.

Minji admitted to you that most of the members were each other’s soulmates, but as for Sua, she was the one left out.

‘’Yea Sua is still a loner’’ Handong teased, making the older girl a bit angry.

‘’Yah! I like being alone anyway ’’ she said while smacking Handong’s arm.

You don't know if it was your imagination, but at that moment you swore you saw a slight blush form on her face. Maybe she was embarrassed?

‘’Well it's okay, I haven't found my soulmate yet either’’ you exclaimed towards her.

‘’Oh, well it takes time for these things’’ siyeon reassured with a pat on your shoulder

Too long

You heard inside your mind. You slightly jumped, making the girls look over at you. All but Sua, who was resting her head on Minji’s shoulder.

You looked over at them a little embarrassed

‘’Oh sorry, i…i just had chills’’ you explained to them to try and ignore what had just happened.

Throughout the rest of the night you kept getting messages. Thoughts of loneliness, almost jealousy, and then the thought of a beer came to your mind.

You were about to ask for it when Sua spoke up

‘’Hey do we have any heinekens left?’’

‘’Yes there's one left in the refrigerator’’ gahyeon replied with a smile.

You looked over at Sua, a bit confused by what just happened. Well, your heineken was just taken away from you, maybe you guys had the same taste in alcohol you thought.

You couldn't deny you were starting to take a liking to Sua. All the other members were in relationships so having someone that was alone as well felt reassuring.

When she heard the news of a new member she couldn't contain her excitement. Everyone was always busy being by their soulmate's side, leaving her with no one to cling onto.

Ever since you had arrived at the dorm she would cling onto you for movie nights and ask for goodnight hugs and sometimes cuddles.

You liked that side of her, she could be gentle after all, and there was just an inexplicable shine about her eyes.

Whenever you looked into her eyes, you swear you could see the entire universe in them.

As the night was ending and the food disappearing, a drunk Sua was now clinging onto you as all the other members were with their significant other.

Sua stretched out and pushed your arms away to be able to lay down on your lap. You looked down not sure what to do with the women.

‘’Sua…lets go to bed, its getting late’’ you tried coaxing into going to bed

‘’Too tired’’ she mumbled back, now pushing her face into your shirt

You breathe out.

‘’Alright, here we go i guess’’ you pushed sua up from your lap and made her hug your neck.

she smiled ‘’waah, do you like me?’’ She wiggled her eyebrows with a small giggle.

‘’Sure’’ you replied, still trying to pick her up.

You got a grip of her thighs and tried getting up unsuccessfully, making the both of you fall down.

She laughed again before trying to snuggle to your now laying figure. You tried moving again but her grip was way stronger this time and she kept asking you to not leave as you were trying to get out.

‘’Please’’ she said with a sniffle

You looked down surprised, her face now within the crooks of your neck

‘’Oh… lets sleep here then’’ you decided on, reaching back for a blanket to cover the both of you.

You heard her giggled before you felt her lips on your neck for a second.

‘’Thank you’’ she whispered before silence fell as you assumed she was already long gone into the dream world.

You woke up the next day alone on the sofa. You rubbed your eyes before turning your head to look around.

Siyeon was sitting on the other end of the sofa. She looked at you with a curious smile ‘’Slept well last night uh?’’

You frowned before realising what she was alluding to.

You blushed, getting up to escape to your room.

You entered yours and Sua’s room and choose clean clothes to wear after your shower.

You were about to get out when Sua entered in her towel. ‘’Oh hi! Good Morning'’ you stuttered out blushing.

She laughed continuing to make her way to her bed

‘’Thank you for yesterday y/n’’

‘’Oh- oh no problem, having any headache?’’ You asked a bit worried

‘’Yes but thankfully today is our day off!’’ She exclaimed giggling

‘’Oh right! Well i'll go shower now’’ you smiled before closing the door quickly.

Later that day, after spending most of it in your room, Jiu texted the groupchat.

Byubyu: movie night ?!

You waited for the other’s response.

To no surprise the chat quickly flooded with an array of excited agreements.

You joined the rest of the group in the living room, most of them already browsing for movie ideas.

You sat down next to Jiu and Siyeon. You noticed the younger pulling on Minjîs sleeve.

‘’I'm hungry’’ Siyeon pouted at Jiu making the older laugh

Jiu called for everyone attention before asking what the members would like to eat tonight.

While the members discussed what snacks to eat , you looked over at Sua, scrolling through her phone. She snapped up when she felt your eyes on her. You avoided her gaze and a minute later watched over her again. She was listening to Yoohyeon and Jiu’s conversation about food.

As you turned to reply to a question Siyeon had asked you, you heard Sua

‘’I know its late but orange tofu bibimbap would be good right now’’ Sua plainly expressed

Even though no one seemed to be paying attention to Sua’s request, you were. You got up and went to the kitchen. You looked through the refrigerator and found exactly the ingredients you needed.

You never had made bibimbap but you wanted to try and make them for Sua since no one had seemed to order them for her.

You opened your phone and looked for the recipe.

About 25 minutes later, you were plating the food. Hopefully you didn't make the girls wait for too long. But to your surprise, no one’s food was here yet.

You walked towards Sua and placed the plate in front of her with a slight blush on your face.

‘’Here, I thought I'd make them for you since no one was ordering this’’ you smiled at her.

But she seemed confused, simply staring at you

‘’Woah! That looks amazing y/n!’’ Yoohyeon looked over at the plate.

The other girls turned around at Yoohyeon’s remark, looking all surprised at the food you just had prepared.

‘’Why did you make these y/n? Can I have some?’’ The maknae asked with a small pout.

‘’Oh, well Sua asked for these so i just made them for her’’ you replied a bit embarrassed you hadn't made more for the rest of the girls.

Jiu looked over at Sua ‘’Why didn’t you tell us, we could of ordered them with our meal instead of making y/n cook them’’ the leader asked

Sua looked down, trying to gather her thoughts.

‘’Im sorry-‘’ Sua cut you off ‘’How did you know i was craving for these?’’ She asked curiously, looking up at you.

‘’Oh, i heard you talk about it earlier, so i thought i would make it for you’’ you explained with a proud smile

But Sua didnt seem to have the same enthusiasm as you. She looked quite conflicted.

‘’Is everything alright Bora?’’ The leader asked

Sua looked up ‘’i… i never mentioned anything about this out loud…’’ she replied

Minji and the rest of the girls frowned, seemingly confused.

‘’So why did y/n say they heard you ask for bibimbap?’’ Handong questioned

‘’Wait, i swear I heard her say this, orange tofu bibimbap, did you not?’’ You turned over to look at Sua

‘’I thought about this exact meal earlier but I never said it out loud’’ she replied.

Dami and Handong looked at each other knowingly

‘’Unnie, remember this is how me and dongie found out we were…’’

‘’Ohh’’ Jiu gasped a bit

Sua catched on and looked back at you.

‘’We will be back, follow me y/n’’ she warmly smiled at you before taking your hand to pull you along.

She sat you on her bed

‘’Wait, did i do something wrong?’’ You asked worriedly

‘’No y/n, now tell me. You know how soulnates work right?’’ She asked with a now teasing smile

You started thinking.

‘’I never asked you for orange tofu bibimbap y/n, and you heard me ask for this specific meal i only thought of’’ she explained

Your eyes turned wide, now more embarrassed than ever, she was your soulmate?!

‘’Oh…’’ you looked down not sure how to reply

‘’Hey look at me’’ she gently said as she titled up your chin

You looked into her eyes, now realising the sparkles you saw in her eyes were more than just the light’s reflection.

You were stunned, how could you not realize earlier, it made sense now.

‘’Are you ready?’’ She asked with a smirk

‘’What-‘’ before you could finish your sentence she pressed her lips against yours for a gentle kiss.

You stayed there stunned while you heard her giggle.

After what felt like a minute you came back to your senses,

‘’Can- can we do that again’’ you suddenly asked, already missing her lips on yours

‘’Of course my love’’

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Unravelled Love - Soulmate au

|Dreamcatcher Sua x 8th member GN! Reader

Genre: fluff, lil angst / 2k words

——-/————-///—————-/—————-///———-

A world where you were destined to be with only one person. People would call it soulmates.

Ever since one is born, they could hear their other halves’ thoughts, without the ability to control or know from whom these came from.

—-/——-/——-

Today, you, a long time trainee at the dreamcatcher company, was being added to their main girl group, Dreamcatcher.

To say you were nervous was an understatement. You knew of your skills, you had been training and waiting for a moment like this for a while, but something about joining an already established group felt very overwhelming.

The day it all happened seemingly went well. You bonded with the members quite quickly and were reassured by all of them.

The next few weeks were filled with dance practice for the group to learn the choreographies with an added member.

At the dorm you were paired with Sua to be roommates, yoohyeon now having a room on her own.

Everything went very smoothly for your debut in the group, but one thing kept bothering you. You kept having…intrusive thoughts?

Things in your mind kept appearing but you were sure these thoughts were not yours.

You thought about calling a doctor, maybe the aftermath of your trainee life had finally gotten to you?

You called a doctor and after asking a few questions they determined that you were perfectly fine.

They did mention that this seemed to be a case where you had finally entered in contact with your soulmate.

You didn't believe it at first.

You didn't want to believe it.

You were so young still, and now that you're debuting, of course this had to happen now. Thanks world.

You didn't think much of it.

Tonight you and the girls were having a drink in the living room all together. The subject of soulmates inevitably came up and you were asked about yours.

All you could say is that you hadn't found them yet and that you prayed to god it was a woman.

Minji admitted to you that most of the members were each other’s soulmates, but as for Sua, she was the one left out.

‘’Yea Sua is still a loner’’ Handong teased, making the older girl a bit angry.

‘’Yah! I like being alone anyway ’’ she said while smacking Handong’s arm.

You don't know if it was your imagination, but at that moment you swore you saw a slight blush form on her face. Maybe she was embarrassed?

‘’Well it's okay, I haven't found my soulmate yet either’’ you exclaimed towards her.

‘’Oh, well it takes time for these things’’ siyeon reassured with a pat on your shoulder

Too long

You heard inside your mind. You slightly jumped, making the girls look over at you. All but Sua, who was resting her head on Minji’s shoulder.

You looked over at them a little embarrassed

‘’Oh sorry, i…i just had chills’’ you explained to them to try and ignore what had just happened.

Throughout the rest of the night you kept getting messages. Thoughts of loneliness, almost jealousy, and then the thought of a beer came to your mind.

You were about to ask for it when Sua spoke up

‘’Hey do we have any heinekens left?’’

‘’Yes there's one left in the refrigerator’’ gahyeon replied with a smile.

You looked over at Sua, a bit confused by what just happened. Well, your heineken was just taken away from you, maybe you guys had the same taste in alcohol you thought.

You couldn't deny you were starting to take a liking to Sua. All the other members were in relationships so having someone that was alone as well felt reassuring.

When she heard the news of a new member she couldn't contain her excitement. Everyone was always busy being by their soulmate's side, leaving her with no one to cling onto.

Ever since you had arrived at the dorm she would cling onto you for movie nights and ask for goodnight hugs and sometimes cuddles.

You liked that side of her, she could be gentle after all, and there was just an inexplicable shine about her eyes.

Whenever you looked into her eyes, you swear you could see the entire universe in them.

As the night was ending and the food disappearing, a drunk Sua was now clinging onto you as all the other members were with their significant other.

Sua stretched out and pushed your arms away to be able to lay down on your lap. You looked down not sure what to do with the women.

‘’Sua…lets go to bed, its getting late’’ you tried coaxing into going to bed

‘’Too tired’’ she mumbled back, now pushing her face into your shirt

You breathe out.

‘’Alright, here we go i guess’’ you pushed sua up from your lap and made her hug your neck.

she smiled ‘’waah, do you like me?’’ She wiggled her eyebrows with a small giggle.

‘’Sure’’ you replied, still trying to pick her up.

You got a grip of her thighs and tried getting up unsuccessfully, making the both of you fall down.

She laughed again before trying to snuggle to your now laying figure. You tried moving again but her grip was way stronger this time and she kept asking you to not leave as you were trying to get out.

‘’Please’’ she said with a sniffle

You looked down surprised, her face now within the crooks of your neck

‘’Oh… lets sleep here then’’ you decided on, reaching back for a blanket to cover the both of you.

You heard her giggled before you felt her lips on your neck for a second.

‘’Thank you’’ she whispered before silence fell as you assumed she was already long gone into the dream world.

You woke up the next day alone on the sofa. You rubbed your eyes before turning your head to look around.

Siyeon was sitting on the other end of the sofa. She looked at you with a curious smile ‘’Slept well last night uh?’’

You frowned before realising what she was alluding to.

You blushed, getting up to escape to your room.

You entered yours and Sua’s room and choose clean clothes to wear after your shower.

You were about to get out when Sua entered in her towel. ‘’Oh hi! Good Morning'’ you stuttered out blushing.

She laughed continuing to make her way to her bed

‘’Thank you for yesterday y/n’’

‘’Oh- oh no problem, having any headache?’’ You asked a bit worried

‘’Yes but thankfully today is our day off!’’ She exclaimed giggling

‘’Oh right! Well i'll go shower now’’ you smiled before closing the door quickly.

Later that day, after spending most of it in your room, Jiu texted the groupchat.

Byubyu: movie night ?!

You waited for the other’s response.

To no surprise the chat quickly flooded with an array of excited agreements.

You joined the rest of the group in the living room, most of them already browsing for movie ideas.

You sat down next to Jiu and Siyeon. You noticed the younger pulling on Minjîs sleeve.

‘’I'm hungry’’ Siyeon pouted at Jiu making the older laugh

Jiu called for everyone attention before asking what the members would like to eat tonight.

While the members discussed what snacks to eat , you looked over at Sua, scrolling through her phone. She snapped up when she felt your eyes on her. You avoided her gaze and a minute later watched over her again. She was listening to Yoohyeon and Jiu’s conversation about food.

As you turned to reply to a question Siyeon had asked you, you heard Sua

‘’I know its late but orange tofu bibimbap would be good right now’’ Sua plainly expressed

Even though no one seemed to be paying attention to Sua’s request, you were. You got up and went to the kitchen. You looked through the refrigerator and found exactly the ingredients you needed.

You never had made bibimbap but you wanted to try and make them for Sua since no one had seemed to order them for her.

You opened your phone and looked for the recipe.

About 25 minutes later, you were plating the food. Hopefully you didn't make the girls wait for too long. But to your surprise, no one’s food was here yet.

You walked towards Sua and placed the plate in front of her with a slight blush on your face.

‘’Here, I thought I'd make them for you since no one was ordering this’’ you smiled at her.

But she seemed confused, simply staring at you

‘’Woah! That looks amazing y/n!’’ Yoohyeon looked over at the plate.

The other girls turned around at Yoohyeon’s remark, looking all surprised at the food you just had prepared.

‘’Why did you make these y/n? Can I have some?’’ The maknae asked with a small pout.

‘’Oh, well Sua asked for these so i just made them for her’’ you replied a bit embarrassed you hadn't made more for the rest of the girls.

Jiu looked over at Sua ‘’Why didn’t you tell us, we could of ordered them with our meal instead of making y/n cook them’’ the leader asked

Sua looked down, trying to gather her thoughts.

‘’Im sorry-‘’ Sua cut you off ‘’How did you know i was craving for these?’’ She asked curiously, looking up at you.

‘’Oh, i heard you talk about it earlier, so i thought i would make it for you’’ you explained with a proud smile

But Sua didnt seem to have the same enthusiasm as you. She looked quite conflicted.

‘’Is everything alright Bora?’’ The leader asked

Sua looked up ‘’i… i never mentioned anything about this out loud…’’ she replied

Minji and the rest of the girls frowned, seemingly confused.

‘’So why did y/n say they heard you ask for bibimbap?’’ Handong questioned

‘’Wait, i swear I heard her say this, orange tofu bibimbap, did you not?’’ You turned over to look at Sua

‘’I thought about this exact meal earlier but I never said it out loud’’ she replied.

Dami and Handong looked at each other knowingly

‘’Unnie, remember this is how me and dongie found out we were…’’

‘’Ohh’’ Jiu gasped a bit

Sua catched on and looked back at you.

‘’We will be back, follow me y/n’’ she warmly smiled at you before taking your hand to pull you along.

She sat you on her bed

‘’Wait, did i do something wrong?’’ You asked worriedly

‘’No y/n, now tell me. You know how soulnates work right?’’ She asked with a now teasing smile

You started thinking.

‘’I never asked you for orange tofu bibimbap y/n, and you heard me ask for this specific meal i only thought of’’ she explained

Your eyes turned wide, now more embarrassed than ever, she was your soulmate?!

‘’Oh…’’ you looked down not sure how to reply

‘’Hey look at me’’ she gently said as she titled up your chin

You looked into her eyes, now realising the sparkles you saw in her eyes were more than just the light’s reflection.

You were stunned, how could you not realize earlier, it made sense now.

‘’Are you ready?’’ She asked with a smirk

‘’What-‘’ before you could finish your sentence she pressed her lips against yours for a gentle kiss.

You stayed there stunned while you heard her giggle.

After what felt like a minute you came back to your senses,

‘’Can- can we do that again’’ you suddenly asked, already missing her lips on yours

‘’Of course my love’’

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Pls help🥹

I desperately need a description, I tried but I'm not the best when it comes to this stuff. It's for an exhibition we're going to do in January in school.

(and dw ill give credit when we print out our descriptions🫰)

I want the description to match more of the vibes of the art itself rather than giving too much details on aot cus that might confuse some people who haven't watched aot before.

If you have any ideas it'll be greatly appreciated 🫰

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Oblivious

Shinobu Kochou x Fem Reader

“Ah, (Y/n)-chan, Aoi gave you a clean bill of health already?” Shinobu asked with a smile. She had happened to be walking down the hall to the infirmary to visit said demon slayer when she came across her.

“Oh, hi, Kochou-san! Yeah, my injuries weren’t too bad this time around so I healed pretty quickly. I was actually just about to leave and you must be busy so I’ll get out of your hair. Thanks again for putting me up!” (Y/n) answered, cheerfully.

Shinobu had seen this particular demon slayer numerous times over the past few years. Back when they had first met, the girl was a frail and unseasoned rookie barely able to stay alive. Yes, the first dozen visits to the butterfly estate held a few too many close calls, but now (Y/n) was much more skilled, faster, stronger… but through it all she managed to keep the same innocence and kindness that she had when they first met. They were qualities that Shinobu treasured in the girl. It’s not easy to stay compassionate when your job is to slay evil demons after all.

“Nonsense (Y/n), I’m never too busy for you. I’m sure you could use more rest anyway so you should stay another night or two to relax. I can get the girls to set you up a futon in one of the spare rooms outside of the infirmary if you are worried about disturbing the patients.”

“That’s very kind of you Kochou-san, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You wouldn’t be in the slightest.” Shinobu assured, minimizing the distance between their bodies. “And I’ve told you to call be by my first name, remember?” Shinobu cupped (Y/n)’s chin with one hand and placed the thumb and forefinger of her other hand on either side of (Y/n)’s lips. “Shi-no-bu” the Hashira called out slowly, and at the same time moved (Y/n)’s lips along with each syllable. “Say it with me, Shi-no-bu.”

“Shinobu.” The girl smiled and turned her head away, effectively freeing herself from the Hashira’s soft grip. “Shinobu, right, sorry, it just seems more appropriate to refer to you more formally since you’re a Pillar.”

“I consider you a very dear friend, (Y/n), so it makes sense that we would address each other as such.” Shinobu replied, running a hand down her companion’s arm. “Maybe…,” she added, getting closer, “we could be even more than friends.”

“Oh! Like, best friends?” (Y/n) smiled, looking proud as if she had read the Insect Pillar’s mind. However, she most certainly had not. A fact that Shinobu hid admirably well behind her mask of serenity.

Keep reading

[kai-uh-arcadian]

salut j'espère que vous allez bien j'adore vos histoires de lecteur shinobu x et je voulais vous demander si vous pouviez faire une histoire de lecteur shinobu x fem où kanae n'est pas mort et shinobu a son vrai caractère et que pendant l'histoire, shinobu et le lecteur sa rivale pour voir qui est le meilleur tueur de démons ou juste le meilleur dans l'ensemble, qu'ils se taquinent constamment mais que shinobu a toujours une longueur d'avance sur le lecteur et que d'une manière ou d'une autre ils finissent en couple à la fin (merci donc beaucoup si vous acceptez ma demande et sachez que vous êtes mon écrivain shinobu préféré <3)

You’re My (Sparring) Partner

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: I don’t know any French so I hope Google Translate didn’t let us down too bad. Quick plot introduction: Kanae lived, Shinobu’s her good ol’ grouchy self, and she and reader are always competing to see who is better. Some bumps in the path before they finally end up together because Shinobu is stubborn. Thank you for the request. Espérons que vous apprécierez! Word Count: 4,340

“I killed two demons last night.” (Y/n) shared with a bit of pride over breakfast that morning, subtlety looking over the rim of her cup at Shinobu as she drank, before putting the cup back down with a quiet click. “I made very clean cuts too, that’s what you said, right? Kanae-sama?”

A quiet laugh left Kanae’s lips before she nodded, “Yes, you certainly are improving. I’m very proud.”

Shinobu rolled her eyes, her teeth lightly grinding together before she added, “Well my record in one night is four. Two isn’t that impressive.”

“Oh yeah, well—“

“Shinobu, (Y/n), please no bickering at the table. It’s a little early to be playing this game, don’t you think?” Kanae sighed.

“It’s not a game, Neesan.” Shinobu refuted, matching (Y/n)’s glare.

This rivalry had been going on for years. Ever since Shinobu finally accepted that she wasn’t fit for Flower Breathing and decided to cultivate her own breathing style and (Y/n) had wormed her way in to train under Kanae as a Tsuguko, the spot that should have been Shinobu’s by all accounts. It had left the girl bitter and looking for just about any excuse to show (Y/n) how much better she was than her. Even now as a Hashira herself, she still hadn’t been able to quite let go of that initial disappointment and start a new chapter.

Of course, (Y/n) didn’t take Shinobu’s challenges sitting down. She had earned her spot within the Butterfly Estate, but the only one who remained unconvinced was the one person she wanted to impress almost more than the Flower Hashira herself.

Ever since (Y/n) had met Shinobu, she hadn’t thought of her as anything short of brilliant. She took every curve ball life had thrown her way and found a way to hit a home run every time. Not able to decapitate demons, she made a special poison that could kill them anyway. Not suited for the more mainstream breathing techniques, she created her own. Not to mention her speed and mastery over Total Concentration Breathing Constant was nothing to sneeze at either.

To be acknowledged and accepted by Shinobu was all she really wanted and she was willing to do anything to prove her worth. She would compete with Shinobu until she earned her respect.

“Yes, it’s a very serious matter, Master.” (Y/n) agreed, smirking at Shinobu’s scowl.

“Well then take it outside. You are making poor Kanao nervous and I’m sure the other girls don’t appreciate the hostility brewing between you two either.” Kanae said, motioning to the group of girls around the table who did indeed just wanted to eat their breakfast in peace.

“Fine.” Shinobu’s hands slapped against the table as she got up. “I could go for a spar, how about you? Or are you still too sleepy from being up past your bedtime?”

“I recall you waiting up to greet me last night. So I’m sure we have the same advantage.”

“As if I was waiting for you. I had questions for my sister about our medicinal ingredient supply shipments.”

They bickered and taunted each other, even nudging and shoving each other as they made their way out the door. Kanae gave another tired sigh.

“Why can’t those two just get along?”

***

Shinobu flung a wooden sword at (Y/n) who was luckily paying enough attention to catch it before it smacked her in the face and quick enough to immediately retaliate.

“Readysetgo!” Thwack!

It was a dirty tactic to begin a spar without allowing enough time to at least get in a proper starting stance, but Shinobu had anticipated the swipe and blocked it easily.

“Can’t even catch me off guard properly.” Shinobu taunted.

“Who said I trying to?” (Y/n) asked with faux innocence, blocking Shinobu’s counter strike, “I gave you fair warning. Did you feel like I was trying to catch you off guard? In that case, maybe I did catch you a bit off guard after all. My apologies.”

Shinobu sneered, then jumped back. With the weight behind Shinobu’s block gone, (Y/n) was suddenly pushing back against nothing but air. She stumbled forward as Shinobu advanced, turning sharply behind her, wooden sword already swinging towards its intended target.

(Y/n) had been burned by that little maneuver once before and she wasn’t going to give Shinobu the satisfaction of a second. She continued to fall forward, kicking her legs up into the air when her hands came in contact with the ground. She could feel the displacement of air roll over her back, Shinobu had followed through with her strike and missed!

With all the force (Y/n) could muster, she torpedoed on her palms, attempting to catch Shinobu’s face with her foot, but Shinobu quickly cocked her head to the side and dropped her sword to the ground so she could brace her hands at (Y/n)’s ankle and knee. With a smirk, she twisted (Y/n)’s leg, and kicked out (Y/n)’s arms from under her, forcing her to the ground completely.

Before (Y/n) could attempt to scramble to her feet, Shinobu planted her foot firmly to the center of her back.

“That was an entertaining little display.” Shinobu cooed. “Where did you pick that up from? Weird boar boy?”

“Just get off of me already.” (Y/n) groused, she attempted to hit Shinobu’s ankle, but was not quite flexible enough to do more than brush against the offending foot.

“I didn’t hear you say you concede.” Shinobu knelt down, one knee in the dirt by (Y/n)’s side, foot still on the disgruntled Tsuguko’s back. She cupped a hand around her ear and got in real close, “Say it nice and loud so I can hear you, okay?”

So humiliating! (Y/n) stormed through the mansion after her devastating defeat to lick her wounds in peace. Shinobu always seemed to be one step ahead of her! Of course she was a Hashira, more skilled and practiced than (Y/n) was, but as a Tsuguko to the Flower Hashira, she should be able to last more than five minutes with Shinobu in a spar!

“Hey, everything okay in there?” Kanae had knocked on the door, “I see Shinobu is gloating again.”

(Y/n) opened the door to let Kanae in. Then she flooped back down on her bed and sighed.

“Master, please don’t take this the wrong way, but can’t you train me any harder? Or at least teach me all of your sister’s weaknesses?”

Kanae giggled, taking a seat on the edge of (Y/n)’s bed, “I don’t think that would be very fair. She would be angry with me for weeks, maybe longer. She can sure hold a grudge. As for training, I can only teach you so much… especially now that I have these Mount Natagumo spider slayers that are in need of a rigorous medication program in order to return to normal. I just don’t have the time to train you any more strenuously than I already do.”

“Oh…” though (Y/n) was already laying flat against the bed, she somehow seemed to sink further with her mounting disappointment.

“But there is something we could possibly do while Shinobu and I work on healing the spider slayers.”

(Y/n) perked up a bit, “What?”

“Mitsuri, the new Love Hashira. We got to become aquatinted at the last meeting. She’s a very sweet girl. It would probably do you both some good to train together. It would give Mitsuri a jumpstart on teaching experience and you would get tutelage from another Hashira. Seems like a win-win, doesn’t it?”

“Can you really set that up, Kanae-sama?” (Y/n) was sitting up now, much more excited.

“I don’t see why not. I’ll write her a letter an ask her if she’s busy. She can stay with us for a couple of days and over see your training until the spider slayers are more obviously on the mend.”

“Thank you, Kanae-sama!”

Things might just start looking up! She’d show Shinobu just how strong she could become!

***

Mitsuri was very sweet, almost too sweet. If (Y/n) wasn’t such a well-disciplined Tsuguko, they wouldn’t have gotten anything done. But for as green of a Hashira as Mitsuri was, she was incredibly strong! Maybe even more so than Kanae. Her actual teaching could use work, but (Y/n) felt like she was learning a lot and it was only the first day of three that Mitsuri would be available. She was going to really give Shinobu a run for her money the next time they decided to cross swords. Speaking of,

“Kanroji-san, what are you doing here?” Shinobu had happened by an open door and heard (Y/n) laughing, looking up from the stack of patient files she had in her arms, she had not expected to find her sparring with Mitsuri of all people.

“Oh, hi Shinobu!” Mitsuri loosened her hold on (Y/n) to wave at Shinobu, “Kanae asked me to help pick up on (Y/n)’s training while you guys are working hard with all of your new patients. I’d say things are going pretty well so far!”

“Surprise attack!” (Y/n) tried to pull Mitsuri to the ground. Mitsuri bent forward a little bit, but mostly stood her ground.

“Hey!” Mitsuri giggled, quickly switching the hold to put (Y/n) on the ropes instead, tickling (Y/n)’s sides to make her laugh and beg for mercy.

Shinobu wasn’t sure what it was, but she was not a fan of this new development. (Y/n) never laughed with her like that when they sparred… and why would she! Shinobu didn’t give a damn beyond adding another win to the score board. But they did look like they were having fun… getting along so quickly after only just meeting too… ARGH!

“Try not to go too hard on (Y/n), Kanroji-san. She’s fragile.”

(Y/n) gave Shinobu an annoyed look, “I am not. Kanroji-san can be as rough with me as she needs to be if I’m ever going to be a Hashira one day too.”

“That’ll be the day, won’t it?” Shinobu grumbled.

“I’m sure you’ll make a great Hashira one day (Y/n)! It would be so nice to get to see you more often.” Mitsuri beamed.

“That would be great!”

“That would be great.” Shinobu mocked under her breath as she walked away, the sound of the other girls laughter grating against her ears.

When she re-entered the infirmary and slammed the papers down on the table, Kanae looked up and observed her sister.

“What has you all broody?”

“I’m not broody.”

“If you say so…”

Kanae refocused her attention to the wiggly spider slayer in her arms. It was hard getting them to swallow their medication without giving them her full attention.

“Why didn’t you ask me to help (Y/n) with her training?” Shinobu suddenly spoke up after a few minutes.

“Hm? I figured you would rather do literally anything else. Besides, you’re helping me take care of all these new patients… Did you want to help (Y/n)?”

“No.” Shinobu answered hurriedly. “I just don’t think she and Mitsuri are taking the training seriously is all.”

Kanae looked at Shinobu from the corner of her eye and took note of her disgruntled expression. Such a cute, pouty frown. Kanae moved in to the next patient, a smile growing across her face as a sense of clarity came over her. She wondered just how long her stubborn little sister could hold out before her jealousy overtakes her pride.

Apparently the very same day.

“Kanroji-san, her stance is all wrong, see?” Shinobu had butted in between the two of them after Kanae had sent her off to eat lunch, but of course she could not simply walk past Mitsuri and (Y/n) when she had noticed (Y/n) stance was so blatantly off-balance.

“Oh! I guess you’re right Shinobu.” Mitsuri agreed.

“Stand with your feet further apart.” Shinobu mumbled, kicking (Y/n)’s foot further out, then twisting (Y/n)’s waist and adjusting the way she held her arms up and her grip around the practice sword.

Honestly, (Y/n)‘s stance was perfectly acceptable without Shinobu’s knit picking, but Shinobu had to find some excuse to put space between (Y/n) and Mitsuri. Why that was? She didn’t dwell on an answer.

“There, you feel that pull?” Shinobu asked and (Y/n) blinked back to life, having had gone somewhere else as Shinobu had gently pushed her body into place.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, I feel it.”

“Good.”

Shinobu looked for every opportunity she could to step in. Only stopping when Kanae came looking for her and scolded her for letting Aoi’s lunch for her grow cold. She did end up eating with (Y/n) and Mitsuri though, which was good because… well, just because!

She squeezed between them at the table, getting gradually more annoyed as they talked over her head. She did manage to find one way to get (Y/n) to remember she was sitting right beside her.

“You have rice on your face.”

She reached out to brush her thumb over (Y/n)’s chin, coming away with a couple grains of rice.

(Y/n) blinked and subconsciously lifted her hand to her chin where her skin still tingled from Shinobu’s brief touch, “Oh… thanks.”

“You two are so cute!” Mitsuri sighed dreamily, “How long have you guys been together?”

Both (Y/n) and Shinobu’s heads snapped towards Mitsuri.

“We are not together!” They shouted in unison, startling Mitsuri.

“Ehh, really? I could have sworn… Just they way you two acted around each other today, I thought you might be a couple. I’m sorry if I made it awkward.”

“I’d rather cut off my own hands.” Shinobu scoffed, then she was startled by a heavy thump beside her as (Y/n)’s fists hit the table.

“Do you really have to go that far?” (Y/n) hissed, shooting up to her feet, “I’m so sorry the idea of being with me sounds so awful to you that you’d rather mutilate yourself. If you really hate me that much, then why don’t you leave me the fuck alone!”

“Well, you don’t exactly make it easy, do you?” Shinobu snapped back before she could think better of it, as was the risk being as hotheaded as she tended to be. She regretted it very soon after.

“All I ever wanted was for you to acknowledge me, to praise me just once instead of shooting me down. I thought competing with you was the only way to make you see me, but it only seemed to make things worse between us.”

She quickly rubbed beneath her eyes to catch any stupid tears that slipped over her resolve.

“Well, I know now that it will never happen so I’ll stay out of your way as long as you stay out of mine. And that means quit budging in on my training with Mitsuri!”

(Y/n) took Mitsuri by the arm and Mitsuri gave Shinobu an apologetic look, taking the rest of her plate with her as (Y/n) dragged her off.

“That probably couldn’t have gone worse if you tried.”

Shinobu snapped her attention to the other set of doors that lead outside. They slid open to reveal Kanae, who simply waltzed in as if she hadn’t been eavesdropping pretty much the whole time.

“What does it matter?” Shinobu spoke sharply, “I’ll finally have some peace around here.”

“You could have had a perfectly peaceful three days while Mitsuri was keeping her busy, but you couldn’t even last one without her.”

“Oh great, you thought we liked each other too, didn’t you?”

“If you would stop getting in your own way for a minute, you’d know it’s true. You two have always been trying to prove yourself to each other in some way, just not always the best way. Like it or not, you are each other’s drive to do better.”

Shinobu opened her mouth to argue, but Kanae have gave her a warning look before continuing on,

“I hope you two will realize your being silly and work this out before too long. If anyone here really needs peace from your overstayed rivalry, it’s me,” she teasingly ruffled Shinobu’s hair, “For now, I need your help back in the infirmary.”

With an annoyed grunt, Shinobu followed Kanae back to the infirmary. All the while she ranted within her mind. Everyone in this mansion was delusional. The only feelings she had for (Y/n) were ones of annoyance. But when she passed by the open door near the infirmary again and saw (Y/n) and Mitsuri cuddled up together in the grass, her heart betrayed her mind by pounding against her chest. Almost as if to burst right between her ribs and flop in the grass until it finally reached its destination. If Shinobu wouldn’t go to (Y/n), it would reach her on its own.

“Keep walking, Shinobu~” Kanae lightly warned, “If you want your peace, you must leave them be.”

Shinobu grit her teeth and continued off to the infirmary despite her heart’s protests. This is what she wanted, her heart would just have to deal with it.

***

The healing of the spider slayers was going much slower than anticipated. To Shinobu’s very much internal dismay, Kanae had asked Mitsuri if she could stay just a few days more, maybe a whole other week. For a moment, Shinobu thought things would finally go back to normal because Mitsuri simply couldn’t get anymore time away, but then Kanae suggested she take (Y/n) with her to keep training her until the spider slayers were closer to being cured.

To Shinobu’s dismay, both Mitsuri and (Y/n) found the idea favorable and the left together sometime that afternoon when Shinobu was busy making more stupid spider medicine.

“You seem to be grinding those herbs extra hard,” Kanae had noted, “I’m sorry, had I known you wanted to see them off, I would have come to get you, but you wouldn’t want to miss out on any peace and quiet, wouldn’t you?”

Damn her, Shinobu thought. It didn’t matter if she got to see (Y/n) off or not. She’d be back before she knew it, and in a way she was right, but not in the way she wanted to be.

Only two nights after (Y/n) had left with Mitsuri, she was being carried back in by the frantic Hashira that had taken her, bloody and unresponsive.

“I’m so sorry, Kanae!” Mitsuri cried, “I got distracted during the mission and didn’t notice right away that (Y/n) had been lured into an ambush pursuing a fleeing demon. She fought them off as long as she could before I could get to her, but… I feel awful! I didn’t know what to do, will she be okay?”

“Sit, Mitsuri,” Kanae soothed, “you got her here as fast as you could, that’s what matters. Let me take it from here—“

Shinobu pushed passed Kanae to (Y/n)’s cot, “This isn’t the time for talk, we need to get to work, now!” She demanded angrily.

“Shinobu,” Kanae warned, “if you want to help, you have to calm down. You won’t do her any good if you let your brashness cut corners.”

Shinobu continued to peer down at (Y/n)’s battered body and try as she might to quiet her boiling rage to a simmer, she could not. She was furious. Furious at the demons, even Kanae and Mitsuri to a lesser extent, but most of all she felt angry with herself. If she wasn’t so attached to her pride and stubbornness, maybe none of this would have happened. Maybe her last words to (Y/n) wouldn’t have been so harsh. What if she died before Shinobu could apologize?

“Shinobu, leave.” Kanae made the difficult call upon seeing her sister’s wide-eyed distress, but Shinobu shook her head, refusing to let go of (Y/n)’s hand.

Kanae exhaled sharply, there was no time for this. She wasn’t going to lose her Tsuguko because of her sister’s guilty hovering.

“Shinobu,” the harsh tone made Shinobu flinch, “out. I promise to let you back in once I’ve administered proper care. Mitsuri, take her out with you please.”

Shinobu numbly allowed Mitsuri to lead her away, keeping her eyes on (Y/n) until a Kakushi closed the door behind them. Unwilling to stray any further, Shinobu slid to the ground opposite the infirmary, and waited. Straining her hearing for any hint of what was going on beyond the door.

“You care about her a lot,” Mitsuri spoke up softly after a few long minutes of silence, “why haven’t you told her?”

If that wasn’t the million dollar question… Shinobu kept silent.

“Well, don’t worry. Kanae is going to get her all fixed up and then you can tell her all the things you wanted to say, okay?”

What did Mitsuri know? Shinobu thought bitterly. Shinobu saw that gash on her forehead, that deep wound in her belly, no one could say with one hundred percent certainty that (Y/n) would recover from this.

“You should practice what you want to say.” Mitsuri said, hoping to distract Shinobu from her dark thoughts, “I’ll talk through it with you, if you want. I’m rooting for you guys.”

Part of Shinobu wanted to tell Mitsuri to mind her own business, but she really did need the help if she was going to go through with this properly. So she took a deep breath, and took a step in the right direction.

When Kanae came out of the infirmary hours later, Shinobu and Mitsuri rocketed up from the floor and before they could bombard Kanae with questions, she held up her hands and said,

“She’s going to be okay. You can go see for yourselves.”

And when Shinobu rushed to (Y/n)’s side, she definitely did look better already. Blood washed away, wounds expertly stitched, clean bandages and clothes. Shinobu hunkered down in the chair by her bedside, scooting it as close to the bed as she could before taking (Y/n)’s hand and holding between her own.

Kanae smiled and shook her head. It was a very rude awakening, but at the very least Shinobu was heading in the right direction now. She went to rest knowing (Y/n) would be well looked after.

***

When (Y/n) awoke, the harsh light burned her eyes so she quickly shut them as soon as she opened them. Her body felt heavy and stiff. She couldn’t even wiggle her fingers. Well, none on her left hand anyway. She couldn’t remember the demons doing anything that would warrant a cast over her hand, but there was too much going on to process every injury fully, she imagined. It was weird how warm and sweaty the cast had made her hand though. It was a little uncomfortable.

(Y/n) tried to flip to her side instead of laying flat on her back, but found she was too weak to do it and groaned quietly. The ‘cast’ around her hand constricted in a light squeeze and a soft voice hushed her. Kanae, she assumed. Kanae must be with her, holding her hand. That made sense. Oh, her poor Master. It must have been hard to see her like that.

She tried to open her eyes again, blinking several times before she could even hold a squint. Though her vision was still a bit blurry, it was clearly not Kanae by her bedside. No, it was… was it really Shinobu?

“(Y/n), you’re awake.” Shinobu sounded so relieved that (Y/n) wasn’t so sure she had actually woken up.

“You’re holding my hand.” She blurted. No filter with her head injury apparently.

“Do you want me to stop?” Shinobu asked awkwardly, no bite whatsoever, nor true embarrassment at getting caught. She just seemed… shy, maybe a little uncertain.

“No… it’s fine.” Though she would have liked to air out her hand a little, she didn’t want to risk Shinobu getting offended and breaking whatever spell had come over her.

“I, I have a lot I need to say to you. Will you hear me out?”

Though (Y/n) was nervous, she nodded, managing to free her fingers to wrap them over Shinobu’s hand that cradled her own beneath the other. Shinobu took in a shaky breath, than began as she and Mitsuri had practiced.

***

One Month Later

“You aren’t back to full strength yet, don’t be so discouraged.” Shinobu spoke softly to (Y/n) as she helped her up from the cushy training room floor.

“But still,” (Y/n) pouted, hugging Shinobu and looking for further comfort once she was on her feet again, “I wanna beat you just once, is that so much to ask for?”

“Put those puppy eyes away. We both know you wouldn’t be satisfied if I just let you win.” Shinobu said, rubbing (Y/n)’s back.

“No, it would still be satisfying. The only real reason you won’t let me win is because you’re too proud of your flawless record of beating me to the ground.”

“Don’t say it like that.”

“But it’s truuue.” (Y/n) nuzzled her nose into Shinobu’s neck, making her laugh, “kiss me and make me feel better?”

“I guess I can give you that much.”

Shinobu coaxed (Y/n)’s face out of her neck with her hands on either side of her face and brought her in for kiss. She had only meant for it to be a short one, but (Y/n) had made it difficult to want to pull away, not that Shinobu really minded all that much. Not until she found herself suddenly pinned to the ground at least.

“I win!” (Y/n) grinned.

“No you don’t,” Shinobu frowned, “this wasn’t a match.”

“I didn’t actually say I forfeited, remember? This match is still on, baby!”

“Then my position still stands, you haven’t won anything yet,” Shinobu struggled against (Y/n)’s hold until she was nearly red in the face, but still she didn’t budge, “don’t you know cheaters never prosper?”

“All is fair in love and war, my dearest Shinobu.” (Y/n) giggled. “Are you gonna forfeit yet?”

Shinobu snuck her hands up (Y/n)’s back, making her shiver, she chuckled darkly, the same competitive glint in her eyes as always as she pulled the her girlfriend down to her lips.

“You wish.”

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Oblivious

Shinobu Kochou x Fem Reader

“Ah, (Y/n)-chan, Aoi gave you a clean bill of health already?” Shinobu asked with a smile. She had happened to be walking down the hall to the infirmary to visit said demon slayer when she came across her.

“Oh, hi, Kochou-san! Yeah, my injuries weren’t too bad this time around so I healed pretty quickly. I was actually just about to leave and you must be busy so I’ll get out of your hair. Thanks again for putting me up!” (Y/n) answered, cheerfully.

Shinobu had seen this particular demon slayer numerous times over the past few years. Back when they had first met, the girl was a frail and unseasoned rookie barely able to stay alive. Yes, the first dozen visits to the butterfly estate held a few too many close calls, but now (Y/n) was much more skilled, faster, stronger… but through it all she managed to keep the same innocence and kindness that she had when they first met. They were qualities that Shinobu treasured in the girl. It’s not easy to stay compassionate when your job is to slay evil demons after all.

“Nonsense (Y/n), I’m never too busy for you. I’m sure you could use more rest anyway so you should stay another night or two to relax. I can get the girls to set you up a futon in one of the spare rooms outside of the infirmary if you are worried about disturbing the patients.”

“That’s very kind of you Kochou-san, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You wouldn’t be in the slightest.” Shinobu assured, minimizing the distance between their bodies. “And I’ve told you to call be by my first name, remember?” Shinobu cupped (Y/n)’s chin with one hand and placed the thumb and forefinger of her other hand on either side of (Y/n)’s lips. “Shi-no-bu” the Hashira called out slowly, and at the same time moved (Y/n)’s lips along with each syllable. “Say it with me, Shi-no-bu.”

“Shinobu.” The girl smiled and turned her head away, effectively freeing herself from the Hashira’s soft grip. “Shinobu, right, sorry, it just seems more appropriate to refer to you more formally since you’re a Pillar.”

“I consider you a very dear friend, (Y/n), so it makes sense that we would address each other as such.” Shinobu replied, running a hand down her companion’s arm. “Maybe…,” she added, getting closer, “we could be even more than friends.”

“Oh! Like, best friends?” (Y/n) smiled, looking proud as if she had read the Insect Pillar’s mind. However, she most certainly had not. A fact that Shinobu hid admirably well behind her mask of serenity.

Keep reading

[kai-uh-arcadian]

HELLO HOPE UR HAVING A NICE DAY! i would like to request a shinobu x fem!reader(she/her) :) ok so, this is when shinobu is in her past personality and kanae is still alive, reader has a crush on the grumpy shinobu and tries to court her but, shinobu denies all of the reader’s confessions because shes scared to be in a relationship considering the world theyre in. (obv reader doesnt give up but i wouldnt either) fast travel to kanaes death and reader tries to cheer shinobu up but suddenly shinobu just snaps at the reader (due to stress and overwhelmness) and tells reader to leave her alone for good and reader does just that. reader stops with trying to court shinobu and shinobu will lowkey miss the readers shenanigans and shinobu deeply regrets yelling at reader, so shinobu goes to reader and apologizes and they live happily ever after! I HOPE THAT WASNT TOO COMPLICATED! I TRIED TO MAKE IT SIMPLE BUT MY BRAIN IS IMAGINING SO MUCH AND I HAD RO GET THIS ONE OUT 😍 I LOVE ALL OF YOUR FICS AND YOUVE BEEN MY FAV SHINOBU WRITER IN TUMBLR! HAVE A NICE DAY/NIGHT -⭐️

A Trade of Equal Value

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: I had a pretty good time writing this one (even if I was still working on it at 2am last night lol)! The timeline is also kinda scuffed because I didn’t want to write in the four years between Kanae’s death and where Shinobu is mentally by the time Tanjirou and Co come around, but I still imagine her at the same age she is when the boys are introduced. I also got pretty angsty with Kanae’s death and Shinobu lashing out, but as usual, it turns out alright in the end.I feel like I should also note that Shinobu has a panic attack which I have bracketed with ‘~~~’. Shinobu even gets a little Gomez Addams-y at the end which I think is pretty nice if I do say so myself. Thanks for the request, I hope you like the result! Word Count: 4,906

“Shinobu, wait up!”

Shinobu exhaled audibly and Kanae giggled beside her, hooking her arm with Shinobu’s so that she couldn’t escape the other demon slayer quickly catching up to them.

“Be nice,” Kanae advised her.

“I’m plenty nice.” Shinobu whispered defensively. She enjoyed (Y/n)’s company more than most of the other people she had to deal with on a daily basis, but she was just getting back from a mission that lasted all night and she was too tired to cater to whatever scheme (Y/n) was cooking up this time.

“Shinobu!” (Y/n) caught up to the sisters and hugged Shinobu from behind, “And hello to you too, Kanae-san!”

“Hello, (Y/n)-chan, how was your night?” Kanae asked, nearly smirking as her rosy-cheeked sister attempted to free herself from (Y/n)’s embrace. (Y/n) showed Shinobu mercy by letting her go and walking at her side instead.

“Pretty quiet. Everything went alright on your end?”

“Just fine.” Kanae confirmed.

“Good! So, um, Shinobu,”

Oh gods, here she goes again… Shinobu braced herself.

“There is a street festival going on in downtown Tokyo tomorrow. Want to go check it out with me? As a date? Or not… whatever you are more comfortable with.”

“What a fun idea!” Kanae spoke on Shinobu’s behalf, “She’ll be happy to go with you!”

“Neesan!” Shinobu objected.

“Am I wrong?” Kanae pouted, “would you not like to spend time with (Y/n)? Should I maybe go with her instead? I wouldn’t mind getting out for the day.”

Shinobu turned her head so (Y/n) couldn’t see her face and scowled at Kanae. Never let it be said that Kanae couldn’t be as conniving as she was kind.

Shinobu had met (Y/n) during Final Selection. They had spent most of that hellish week together, quickly forming a rapport that continued even after they made it out of the wisteria forest. They went on missions together often and spent a lot of off time together too.

They grew very close, close enough that Shinobu’s mood would sour when (Y/n) wasn’t around. Close enough that Kanae felt the need to tease her about how close they walked together in the halls. Close enough that (Y/n) had confessed to Shinobu a few weeks ago and was now trying yet another courting attempt.

Shinobu enjoyed spending time with (Y/n), but if they became any closer than they already were and (Y/n) went out for a mission and never came back, Shinobu was afraid of where that would leave her. It was hard enough to lose people she had met in passing, friends, family… she didn’t want to know what it was like to lose a romantic partner too. She had already witnessed such a thing a few months back.

There was a fiancée of one slayer Shinobu had known in passing since she was a Kakushi. She had been sent to clean up a location before another demon was discovered in the area. Woefully ill-equipped to deal with the situation, she had lost her life.

When the slayer who was her betrothed had received the news, he deteriorated over the next three weeks before finally passing away in his bed at the Butterfly Estate. Shinobu had fumed over the loss.

“There was nothing wrong with him!” She had exclaimed heatedly, angry at the situation. She had been unable to find anything physically wrong with the young man in all the tests she had done.

Kanae smiled sympathetically and put her hands on Shinobu’s shoulders as they watched the Kakushi remove the covered body from the infirmary.

“Sometimes there is just no curing a broken heart,” She had replied.

“I’ll go.” Shinobu gave Kanae a warning glare when her lips split into a larger smile, then she turned back to (Y/n), making the girl jump at the intensity of her stare, “But it is not a date.”

(Y/n) closed her eyes briefly and exhaled softly through her nose before giving Shinobu a small shrug and a relaxed smile, “Understood.”

That’s how it always went. (Y/n) sweetly telling Shinobu she loved her with little gifts and proposed outings with intentions clear. It became as normal a part of their relationship as anything else they did together.

Time and time again, Shinobu would deny her, but always kept her close. She would never admit it, never give herself a moment to reflect on it, but every time (Y/n) expressed her interest in courting her, although Shinobu denied her at every turn, she always felt a sense of relief that (Y/n) was still interested in her.

There had been a few occasions where (Y/n) had gotten friendly with other people and put Shinobu on edge. These instances made her feel jealous and more irritable than what was common for the younger of the Kochou sisters, but (Y/n) always came back to her in the end, even if Shinobu had to do a little prodding behind the scenes.

Kanae had noticed one such occasion and gently scolded Shinobu for it.

“If you are not intending to pursue a courtship with (Y/n), you really mustn’t sabotage the potential for her to find someone who wants to do what you will not. That wouldn’t be fair. Don’t keep her heart if you are not going to share yours in return. Regardless of what you decide, you must treat (Y/n) well. Friend or lover. Do you understand, Shinobu?”

To be lectured by Kanae was truly humbling and even embarrassing to an extent. If Kanae actually scolded someone, one would assume they must have really deserved it. Which is why Shinobu grunted a quick, “yes”, with her eyes cast shamefully to the floor before all but stomping away.

So maybe she had gone a bit overboard interfering with (Y/n)’s sparring partner’s recovery training schedule, but in her defense, (Y/n) was her partner first. Even if she had been okay with back to back sessions, Shinobu didn’t want anything less than (Y/n)’s best when they sparred so that meant nameless-sparkly-eyed-touchy-slayer had to find something else to occupy their time.

Turning the corner after exiting Kanae’s room, she found (Y/n) waiting for her. Leaning against the wall with a couple of wooden swords in her hands, she offered one to Shinobu with a inquisitive look.

“Want to let off some steam?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Shinobu managed a small grin at the offer, taking the sword and ignoring the tingles that traveled through her body when their hands touched.

This was what she wanted, the same steadfast compatibility they had when they met in the forest. Nothing scary, just them in their most pure and uncomplicated form. Was that so wrong? Kanae shouldn’t judge Shinobu for wanting this… the only opinions that mattered in this instance were her own and (Y/n)’s, and perhaps that was true to an extent, but Kanae’s wisdom about treating (Y/n)’s heart with care should not have been so easily pushed to the back of Shinobu’s mind… because it would be the last time such advice left Kanae’s lips.

The preparations for Kanae’s funeral had simultaneously happened agonizingly slow and all too fast. The most time Shinobu had to process her sister’s death was probably in those moments holding her beaten and bloodied body waiting for the Kakushi to collect her from the battlefield. She had held her long enough to notice how her skin had gone cold as the sunrise broke over the hills much too late to save the Hashira from her unforgiving fate. The emptiness she felt when the Kakushi finally arrived and gently took Kanae’s weight off of her almost felt worse than the initial death.

But there was no time to dwell on that. There was work to do. Cremation, service, paperwork, becoming the head of the mansion and taking on all of the duties that entailed. Meetings with Oyakata-sama himself and his condolences and hopes for her moving forward. She had already been close to becoming eligible for a Hashira position herself, but she hadn’t thought she would soon be replacing her sister instead of sitting beside her.

~~~

When she could finally be alone, Shinobu collapsed onto the tatami floor of her bedroom and wept, Kanae’s haori tightly wound within her grasp. What would she do? What would she do without her? Her sister, who loved and understood her more than any other, gone with one last, rattling breath that even now echoed within Shinobu’s ears. Her own breathing now was too shallow, her eyes stung and she couldn’t see. Her stomach felt cold and heart twisted so viscously in her chest that she felt physically ill.

Hands suddenly wrapped around her biceps and she tried to pull away, still struggling to breathe. The hands left for but a moment before they returned, fingers touching more cautiously than before. Slowly running up and down her arms to her hands and then back up to shoulders and the back of her neck, continuing the motion repeatedly.

Over time, the static in her ears dissipated and she was able to hear a soft voice, urging her to breath. She suddenly felt so exhausted that she couldn’t keep herself upright and fell forward, but instead of the floor, forehead fell against something more solid, but not hard. The arms wrapped around her and the voice continued to coax her to breathe, now gently swaying her from side to side.

~~~

Shinobu had no idea how much time had passed when she finally had the strength to pull away, seeing (Y/n) looking over her with worry. It made her feel so small and powerless and… and angry.

“Why,” Shinobu rasped sharply, “are you here?”

(Y/n) flinched backward at Shinobu’s tone, swallowing a lump in the back of her throat before answering.

“With everything that happened, I was worried about you. I could hear you from the hall, you scared me.”

“So?” Shinobu spat, trying to get up, but her legs weren’t cooperating. (Y/n) reached forward to help her, “Don’t.” Shinobu quickly rebuffed.

(Y/n)’s hands returned to her lap, tightly clasped. “I’m sorry. I’ve never seen you like this before. Please, tell me how I can help.”

“I don’t want your help.” Shinobu growled. “Why, why can’t you just leave me alone? You just can’t take no for an answer, can you?” Shinobu wasn’t yelling, but the harshness of her tone was just as sharp in (Y/n)’s ears. “Help me,” She scoffed, though it sounded more like a whimper in her ears, making her more angry, “unless you can bring the dead back to life, stay the hell away from me.”

“Shinobu, please—“

Shinobu was so full of rage and anguish, her misdirected anger only became more pointed. The lack of control was eating at her, she felt like she was lost on treacherous seas, trying to stay afloat by dragging (Y/n) under the churning black water so that she could maybe get just one full breath without swallowing the salty brine. It would be so easy. The one thing that she could control.

“This isn’t something you can fix! This isn’t a fairy tale where you get the girl by saying a few sappy half-baked sentiments. How many times do I have to tell you that I don’t want you?”

The words struck (Y/n) deeply, but she tried to power through, “That’s not why I’m here, Shinobu. I swear I’m not expecting anything to change. You’re hurting, and as your friend I—“

“You aren’t my friend!” Shinobu shouted. “Time and time again you ask to court me. Time and time again I refuse you. Your narcissism knows no bounds... The kindness you are attempting to show me is a forgery! A means to the end you keep badgering me for! You are reprehensible, a thorn wedged in my side, I can’t stand you, can’t you see that?! Leave!”

Shinobu’s heavy breathing was deafening in the quiet left behind by her words. Glaring down at (Y/n), she felt no lighter. No weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. In fact, as the sound of silence grew, the air around them only seemed to become thicker.

After stewing in the silence, (Y/n) attempted to speak. Her voice cracked on the first word and with it, Shinobu’s heart. She slowly got to her feet as if she had been physically beaten, avoiding Shinobu’s eyes as she turned away to wipe at her own.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered through a hitched sob that made Shinobu’s blood chill, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you felt like that.”

Tell her you don’t. Take it all back, hurry. Try to make it better. Don’t let her slip away too. A hurried whisper within Shinobu’s mind pleaded, but she found herself mute, still and rigid as a statue. Her mind was fuzzy, yet somehow working in overdrive, but she appeared to not have the means to do anything about it.

“I never wanted you to feel uncomfortable. It was hard enough asking the first time, I wouldn’t have asked again if Kanae-san,” another choked sob, “if she hadn’t encourage me to keep trying, if she hadn’t sounded so sure that you felt the same, I wouldn’t have bothered you after that...

Even so, I should have noticed how you really felt. I didn’t pay close enough attention, yet I still claimed to love you. I really am the worst, huh?”

Shinobu could see the terrible false smile (Y/n) wore as she slowly slid the door open and shuffled into the hall. The voice in Shinobu’s head screamed at her to move, to speak, to stop (Y/n) from slipping out of the room completely, but she still stood stubbornly frozen.

“I’m sorry, I’ll leave you alone. I promise.”

The door closed, furthering the chasm between them and casting Shinobu’s room in darkness once more. She could hear (Y/n)’s footsteps fading, but instead of following, she slid back down to the floor in a strange state between wakefulness and unconsciousness. Not quite grasping the gravity of this event until much later when the other girls finally had her eating and sleeping properly again and she had some time to reflect.

(Y/n) had made good on her promise to leave Shinobu alone. When Shinobu had worked up the courage to find her and apologize for all the awful things she said nearly a month ago, the room that was all but officially (Y/n)’s was uniform with the other empty rooms spread across the mansion.

Kiyo had found her standing in the doorway and timidly approached.

“(Y/n)-san told us that she was going to ask the Stone Hashira if he was willing to take on another Tsuguko. Her crow sent us a letter a couple days later. She was accepted. The Kakushi helped relocate her belongings.”

“Oh.” Shinobu softly exclaimed, because what else could she say? It was either that or sink to the floor like a slug and Shinobu wasn’t quite ready to go that route yet.

“But now that you know, you could go talk to her. If you wanted to.” Kiyo cautiously added. She and the other girls may or may not have caught wind of what had happened, but were too nervous to try to interfere before now.

“Thank you, Kiyo. I think I will do just that.”

***

“Himejima-san, please.”

Shinobu couldn’t believe that Gyomei of all people was getting in her way of speaking to (Y/n). The man who had saved her and introduced her to a cultivator had been a father figure to her for years now and to have him standing in her way like he was now stung.

“It is not my decision to make,” Gyomei shook his head, still standing firm, “She does not wish to see you. Why that is, I do not know, but it is the decision she has made and one that I must honor.”

“I need to see her, it’s urgent.” She insisted.

“Is her health failing?”

“No.”

“Does she have a mission?”

“…No.”

“Then I see no reason to yield, young Kochou.” Gyomei shook his head woefully, “But I can tell this is important to you, if you have a message for her, I shall relay it for you if you are comfortable.”

Shinobu stared past Gyomei, looking longingly at the towering fence that enclosed his estate. She honed in on the sound of slayers training beyond the walls, hoping to hear (Y/n)’s voice among the shouts and grunts and clacking practice swords, but heard no such sound in the commotion.

“Can I write it out myself?” She asked Gyomei. He nodded.

“I will allow it… Again, I don’t know what this is about, but take time and care in writing what you want to say. You can send En by when you’ve completed your letter or hand it off to myself.”

“Very well. I shall do that.” With one last look at the tall fence, Shinobu turned to leave and Gyomei spoke up once more.

“Do not get disheartened if you do not get the results you hope for right away. Find a happy medium between patience and persistence and perhaps she will come around.”

“I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you.”

As soon as Shinobu got home, she locked herself in her office for hours and every attempted draft of apology could not even begin to touch on all she regretted. Her waste bin was overflowing by the time she had something that didn’t immediately make her want to rip the offending paper in two. Before she could change her mind, she sent En off with the letter and waited anxiously for a reply. Hoping beyond hope they could go back to where they were before. Shinobu needed that familiarity and stability. She craved it. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait terribly long for a reply, but unfortunately it read,

I’m relieved to hear you are in a better place, but just as you have had time to reflect on that night, I have as well.

Your words that night hurt me in a way that I’ve never been hurt before, made worse by the fact that it was you who had said them to me.

Part of me wanted to be furious with you, I thought that I should be, but I wasn’t. I was empathetic to your loss and the new responsibilities that were thrust upon you. But even though I tried to convince myself that you lashed out because of the pressure, I believe there was some truth in what you had said.

If I could go back in time, I would have just kept my feelings to myself to spare us all the trouble. Despite this, I am happy that you hope to patch things up between us.

However, in my reflection, I came to the conclusion that even after all of this, I am still hopelessly in love with you despite everything. In the interest of preserving my heart, and saving you from the discomfort of my affections, I do not think it wise for us to reconnect. At least, not until I manage to get over you. I don’t know how long that will take, but given that not a waking hour passes that I don’t think about you, it probably won’t be any time soon.

I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable to read this, I’m just trying to be honest. Tell the girls I said hi, and please take care of yourself.

Wishing you the best,

(Y/n)

“Wishing you the best?” Shinobu hissed under her breath, the paper crinkling between the harsh pinching of her fingertips. “There is no best of me without you, idiot.”

Shinobu allowed herself time to cry, but not a lot. Gyomei’s words were still on her mind. If she wanted (Y/n) back, she wasn’t going to get her by crying, but now she needed to make a very important choice.

Continue to push for friendship, or confront the romantic feelings that she had fought like hell to keep hidden. Was accepting those feelings and the vulnerability the would bring worse than not having (Y/n) in her life at all?

“Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Shinobu softly pondered the old proverb. Kanae had been a fan of the saying and Shinobu had never really understood the sentiment until now.

Though she was going to fight like hell to be worthy of the love she had lost and reclaim it once more.

***

“Another letter? En, that’s three just today. You don’t have to bend to her every whim.” (Y/n) fussed over the bird, setting her up with fresh water and seed.

“It is important to Shinobu, so it is important to me.” The loyal crow proudly stated, though she was very grateful for (Y/n)’s continued hospitality.

“Just try not to over do it.” (Y/n) sighed and unfurled the letter, quickly catching the pressed flowers within and quietly cursing as bits of the brittle plants flaked off and fell to the floor. She carefully paced the dried flowers on her desk and scanned over the letter, finding it to be another poem. “What is she trying to achieve here? Why is she doing this?”

“To win back your trust, your heart,” En cocked her head left and then right, “Is it not obvious? Should I suggest being more direct?”

“Why does she want my heart so badly all of the sudden?” A bit of irritation slipping into her tone, “Is it something she wants to seal up in a jar? Bet she’d enjoying having it up on a shelf in the lab. Maybe a paper weight on her desk.”

“You humans vex me,” En’s feathers ruffled, “just give each other something shiny and make up.”

“If only it were that simple.” (Y/n) murmured, finishing her curt response to Shinobu’s poem, denying her a visit once again. She then placed the letter beside En. “You can take your time heading back, and if she tries to insist on a fourth delivery today, turn her down for the good of your health.”

En released a low caw that could only be interpreted as a scoff. Promptly scooping up the letter and taking her leave, passing Gyomei in the hallway.

“(Y/n), is all well? You are late for training.”

(Y/n) winced, “I’m so sorry Master. I got distracted.”

“Kochou-san again?”

“Yes…”

“And you still will not see her?” (Y/n)’s silence was answer enough. “Why?”

“I guess when it comes right down to it, I’m scared. Whether it’s me putting my own heart out there, or her actively trying to obtain it, I feel like it will inevitably end the same and I don’t think I could go through that again.”

Gyomei hummed thoughtfully, “I think I understand your concerns. Matters of the heart are certainly not easy. Especially when it has already been hurt before. I’m sure you will make your peace with her soon, but I pray that peace and satisfaction will find you sooner.”

“Thank you, Master.”

“Can I expect you to join the rest of your peers for training now?”

“Of course!”

“Wonderful. I expect you to have two boulders beaten down to gravel by nightfall.”

(Y/n)’s shoulders slumped and she suppressed a groan.

“Yes, sir.”

This would be a long day…

***

Shinobu halfheartedly paged through the new medicinal tome that had arrived the day prior. She had been eagerly anticipating its arrival for months, but now with En’s latest return proving she had failed to entice (Y/n) once again, she hardly had the motivation.

She was surprised when Gyomei’s crow, Zekka, came to perch at her window some hours later. She took the letter from his beak and he quickly flew off. He was not expecting a reply, she supposed. She unfurled the textured paper and scanned the punched message which simply read,

The best way to receive what it is you are looking for, is to give something of equal value in return.

Himejima Gyomei

“Really, Himejima-san, is this supposed to be a riddle?” Shinobu shook her head, but a determined spark lit up her eyes and she got to work.

***

(Y/n) slumped to the ground, uncaring that she was resting in a pile of rubble. She had destroyed the boulders just as the sun had sank behind the mountains, but at what cost? Himejima seemed nice, but his training was beyond brutal. If the secret of Stone Breathing was to make one’s arms as heavy and stiff as stone, (Y/n) was surely going to be a Master in no time. Her eyes drooped shut. It wouldn’t be the first time she took a dirt nap after training, but an insistent voice was preventing that.

“Hello, hello, please don’t fall asleep out here, (Y/n). I could probably name ten different reasons why it would be a horrible decision.”

Cold hands prodded at her face and sore arms, making her groan in protest and try to shimmy away.

“If you don’t massage and stretch now, you are going to be completely immobile tomorrow. Which may be helpful actually, at least then you won’t be able to run away from me.”

(Y/n) heard her arm crack and pop, which would have have alarming except it felt like a relief. She cracked opened her eyes, soon blown wide open when she realized who was busy cracking and rotating her aching wrist. If her heart had ever raced when she saw Shinobu (which it did) it was sprinting now. Damn traitorous organ never learned.

“What are you doing here? How are you here?” She whispered, not even because she was pretty sure she was dehydrated, but because it just felt appropriate to whisper.

“Jumped over the fence.” Shinobu answered casually, taking her time cracking (Y/n)’s knuckles and massaging her palm now, “Though I’m sure Himejima-san is well aware of my presence and wouldn’t have minded me using the front gate this time around. And for your first question, I’m here for you.”

“Shinobu, I told you that I—“

“—I have something I want to give you formally. What you decide to do from there is completely your choice. I know I have always asked a lot of you, but please allow me this once more.”

“…Okay.” Even after nearly four months of separation, (Y/n) found herself still unable to deny her. In her mind, this did not bode well for what little progress she thought she had made.

“Thank you.”

Shinobu stoked her thumbs over the palm of (Y/n)’s hand before bringing it to her chest, placing it over her heart and holding it there with both hands.

“Wh-what are you doing?” (Y/n) squeaked, trying to inch her palm higher, somehere above Shinobu’s clavicle and not quite so close to the swell of her chest, but Shinobu held firm.

“Do you feel that?” She asked.

“What am I supposed to be feeling?!”

“My heartbeat, of course. Can’t you feel it? It’s beating rather hard right now.”

It was hard to pay attention to anything other than her own racing heart if she was honest. Besides, a hand to someone’s chest wasn’t the best way to find a pulse. Shinobu of all people should know that.

“Maybe this will help.”

(Y/n) let Shinobu shift their positions around, mostly because she was still stiff and her body was refusing to cooperate with her own wishes. After a bit of maneuvering, she found her cheek resting on Shinobu’s chest instead, a speedy and strong drumbeat pressed against her ear.

“Is that better?” Shinobu asked.

“Why are you doing this?”

“To show you that you are not alone, that this is the power you have over me. My heart is yours, it always has been, but I’m giving it to you formally now.”

“Shinobu, I can’t—“

“I don’t expect you to give yours in return, I know I don’t deserve it yet, but I hope to one day. Will you allow me the honor of courting you. You owe me nothing, but I beg of you to allow me the chance to love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

“Why the change of heart?”

“Because losing out on the moments we could have while living together is more frightening to me than death itself. I don’t know how much time either of us has, but I want to spend it all with you.”

(Y/n)’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes began to water. A quiet sob shook her shoulders and she felt Shinobu’s arms tighten around her. She was so doomed. Try as she might, her heart was very clear. It belonged to Shinobu, no matter what she decided to do. That didn’t mean she couldn’t make her really work for it though.

“Alright, I accept,” (Y/n) sniffed, “you may court me.”

Shinobu gasped softly then took (Y/n)’s hand from her lap, kissing the back of it while locking eyes with her. The intensity of her stare sent a shiver down (Y/n)’s spine.

“I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. The same one I had denied you of several times in the past. The goddess my heart is devoted to is a merciful one. How unworthy I am of your blessing.”

“I think you have been reading too much poetry.” (Y/n) spoke in a strained whisper, flustered by Shinobu’s intensity. She had never imagined she could be like this.

“Oh this is only the beginning,” Shinobu declared, a purple flame burning in her eyes more vibrantly than any chemical reaction could produce, “You best prepare yourself.”

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Long time no see! I’ve missed all of you so dearly ):

 life has thrown a lot of curveballs and I’m taking another year at school but its okay! 

I have seen all your requests and i’m sorry i haven’t gotten to them😭😭😭-- i will! 

Another note, I’ve been in the works of writing a super long Shinobu x OC Reader fanfic if anyone is interested in proofreading bc advice would be so welcome lol😏😏

 anyways I love you all! 🥰feel free to message me/my ask box is always welcome! ♥️

xoxo, K

ps I MISSED YOU

#shinobu x reader #shinobu kocho #demon slayer #demon slayer fanfic #kny #kny fanfic #kimestu no yaiba

[kai-uh-arcadian]

hey maddy have a nice day so

shinobu x FEM reader thats like sanemi {he backstory I mean)

(shinobu and her dont get along at first but after shin found out what happened to her, after visiting her hometown for a mission and talking with the people there<gossip gossip> she went to find her but when she did she was Infront of her family's graves, the reader knew shin was watching but didn't say anything about it until after a hashira meeting where she snuck into shins room/lab you choose and she almost screamed because she didn't hear them but she silenced her and confronted her about watching her in the graveyard where shin apologizes (maybe friends to lover after idk up to u

anyway sorry it's VERY specific but I know you'll do great byeee 💜💜💜

Chipping Down a Wall

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Heyyooo 💜! It kinda got a little rushed in the end, but I hope you like it! If anyone doesn’t want to have a general idea of what Sanemi’s back story must have been like, maybe skip? Like I didn’t completely use his story, but the message is there. Another note, some swearing ahead. Anyway thanks for reading! Word Count: 3,223

“What a sleepy little town,” Shinobu mused, taking it all in, “so unlike a cold and brutish someone I know.”

When Shinobu had received an order to complete a mission in the hometown of one of her fellow Hashira, she immediately knew she was going to collect all the embarrassing dirt that she could on her.

It all started last year when (Y/n) had first joined their ranks. Shinobu had tried to be welcoming, asked her questions to get to know her better, but she had quickly learned that (Y/n) was not interested in being friendly.

She had snapped at Shinobu, probably hoping to scare her away, but that had only pissed Shinobu off and made her go out of her way to bother (Y/n) constantly in the months to come. With her persistence, she did manage to eek information out of (Y/n) from time to time. One of her biggest successes was when she had tricked (Y/n) into telling her where she was from. It had only really counted as a success to Shinobu because of how angry (Y/n) had gotten when she realized what she had told her, but now that information had become relevant to her once more.

It was such a small town, surely Shinobu would have no trouble finding people who knew (Y/n). Since she had finished off the demon the night before, she had all day to nose around.

“Ah, excuse me,” Shinobu put on her friendliest smile as she approached an old woman, rocking in a rickety chair next to a weathered medicine shop, “have you lived here long?”

The woman tilted her head downward, peering at Shinobu through her spectacles with one eyebrow raised.

Shinobu would take that as a yes.

“Would you happen to know the (L/n) family?”

“Mm.” The old woman subtlety winced. “Haven’t heard that name in quite a few years now… it’s nearly taboo to talk about.”

“Oh?” Shinobu’s interest had been piqued, but not in the way she had expected. Why was the woman so somber? Was Shinobu stepping into something she shouldn’t?

“I helped deliver almost every baby in this town for nearly three generations. I helped bring the parents into this world, and their children as well when the time came. Yes, I knew that family quite well. Such a warm and hardworking lot they were.”

Were… Shinobu’s smile dimmed, but her morbid curiosity did not. The Demon Slayer Corps had no shortage of unfortunate tales, but she had never really felt the desire to pry into those awful stories without someone bringing them up first. Not until (Y/n), it would seem.

“What happened to them, if it will not upset you to tell me, that is.”

“Killed. The whole family.”

“The whole family?” Shinobu restated. She knew that wasn’t completely accurate, unless (Y/n) had a fake identity. Shinobu wouldn’t put it past her with how closed off she was.

The old woman sighed, agitated, and adjusted the blanket over her lap needlessly, “No, not the whole family,” she spoke almost tersely, “There was one survivor. The girl did what she had to do. Poor thing.”

Shinobu waited for her to settle and continue. This was obviously hard for her.

“I know what you are and what you do, young lady. So I will be very straightforward with you. Do not ask the other townsfolk about this matter of your curiosity because they did not understand it then, and they don’t now.”

Shinobu stood a bit straighter, fully invested.

“The father was turned into a demon and lost himself. I doubt you need any more details than that to get the picture, but somehow one child managed to survive and she was found bloody and beaten on the ground next to the house that had become consumed by fire.” The woman pointed her chin at something behind Shinobu.

Shinobu turned and saw a hill. Years of time for the earth to heal had passed, but the scorched trees still stood to serve as a reminder. Shinobu turned to face forward once more.

“Others would be happy to gossip with you and tell you that she had started the fire to purposely kill everyone inside, but I know every child in this village as if they were my very own, and I can tell you if she could have sacrificed herself to the flames for their lives to continue on, she would have.”

The old woman patted the blanket, then began to fold it neatly.

“She’s a good girl, even if she pretends not to be. She’s just trying to protect herself. No family, no home, the only things here for her are old neighbors who demand her head.” With a grunt of exertion, the old woman stood,

“But then again, I’m just a senile ol’ bat. You’ll believe what you’ll believe,” she slid open the door to shop and looked back at Shinobu over her shoulder, “but if you see little (Y/n), tell her to come visit me at some odd hour if she’s feeling brave. The winter months are coming, and I’ve made her a haori. I’m sure the old one is all tattered strings by now, but my, how she gets attached to some things.”

Shinobu smiled knowingly, picturing the ratty haori in question, though her expression was overall subdued,

“You have no idea.”

The old woman snorted quietly and gave a crooked smile before closing the door behind her and leaving Shinobu alone.

Fun thoroughly trampled, Shinobu’s logical next course of action would be to pay her respects to the fallen family. If (Y/n) was perceived as a wanted criminal in her hometown, she probably couldn’t visit the cemetery as often as she would like. And being the sole survivor of her family, the upkeep of the grave probably suffered as a result.

So she bought some supplies and followed the shopkeeper’s instructions to the cemetery. She went down each row, looking for the correct surname, then paused when she realized their was someone a few rows ahead of her.

It was (Y/n). Shinobu wasn’t sure why, but her heart leapt in her chest. It was probably because of (Y/n) saw her there, she’d kill her, but threats of bodily harm never gave Shinobu pause before, so now shouldn’t be any different. Regardless, Shinobu slowly lowered the bucket of supplies to the ground, possibly for (Y/n) to use if she saw fit, and quietly backed out of the cemetery, believing that she had gone unnoticed.

***

Shinobu was fully absorbed in her work, writing detailed notes on the results of her latest experiment. It hadn’t gone exactly as she hoped, but it was a more promising result than her last attempt. She was so engrossed in her thoughts and the scratching of her pen that she failed to notice someone striding into her lab with purpose.

“Just who do you think you are!?”

Shinobu found herself spun around with a hand over her mouth before she could even scream. Which worked out just fine for her. It would have been embarrassing to scream, her pride wouldn’t have allowed her to forget it and (Y/n) probably wouldn’t have let her forget it either if she didn’t look the most enraged Shinobu had ever seen her.

“Did you follow me? Thought you’d come for a free show? Well? Was it everything you ever dreamed it could be— UGH! Gross!” (Y/n) pulled her hand away from Shinobu’s mouth and hastily wiped her palm on her pants.

“Did you just fucking lick me?”

“Well, were you just going to keep asking questions, or did you want actual answers to go with them?” Shinobu stepped back to give herself a little more space. Her damn heart was pounding again. It had been a long time since she had been startled like that.

“I am going to answer you now and I’d appreciate it if you stayed quiet until I’ve caught up.”

(Y/n)’s eye twitched.

“Firstly, I was in the area due to a mission. Yes, I did recall you grew up in that town and so I wanted to do a little looking around, but—“

“And so what did you find?” (Y/n) interrupted bitterly, “That I’m a murderer that needs to be turned in to the authorities? Or perhaps forget that and have me tried through the Corps? You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”

Shinobu slowly released a breath, trying her best to remain patient.

“I know you aren’t a murderer, (L/n)-san. I had spoken to an old woman there, who sends her regards and wants to give you something by the way, she told me everything.”

“Tch—“ (Y/n) crossed her arms tightly over her chest, “why would you believe her? Maybe I did do it on purpose. That would make sense for someone like me, right? Just let them all burn.”

“You didn’t.” Shinobu casually refuted. She wasn’t in the mood to feed into any negative nonsense. “You aren’t a bad person. I’ve known that much since I first met you.”

(Y/n) scoffed.

“I’m serious,” Shinobu held (Y/n)’s bitter stare unwaveringly. “Did you know that most of the time when you end up in my infirmary, it’s because you took a hit for someone else?”

“They got in my way.” (Y/n) snarled.

“I also heard about that new public library and literacy program that was constructed near your estate. Funded all by a single anonymous donor. Oh, and public vegetable gardens and fruit trees as well.”

“Could have been some rich old fucker.” (Y/n) hissed growing more uneasy.

“Except that district is apparently notoriously known for its poverty. No lord would consider investing in such a place. They probably aren’t even aware of its existence, nor care to know.” Shinobu stepped back into (Y/n)’s personal space, smirking inwardly when (Y/n) moved backward and bumped the heavy table behind them.

“You are a good person, (L/n)-san. Perhaps even a better one than me,” She spoke softly.

(Y/n) couldn’t seem to speak and Shinobu continued,

“I went to the cemetery because I thought your family plot might need a little maintenance since you are technically on the lamb. I didn’t know you would be there, but I’m sorry that I intruded nevertheless.”

It was quiet for a minute. Then (Y/n) looked up from the floor and gave Shinobu a sideways glance before looking anywhere else. Her frown deepened.

“Sounds like something a good person would try to do for someone.” She grumbled. Then she slid out from between Shinobu and the table and marched out the door, scaring a couple Kakushi that happened to be walking by.

Shinobu moved to leaned back against to table, finding herself suddenly exhausted. At least she was still fully intact, and though it had been a rather intense talk, Shinobu felt like she had a better understanding of who (Y/n) was as a person.

***

It was somewhat awkward between them for a while after that. Shinobu had been making an effort not to tease and poke at (Y/n) as often, which in turn gave (Y/n) no reason to lash out.

Shinobu was surprised at how quiet and fidgety (Y/n) was when there was no reason to snap at anyone. Especially around Shinobu was when she seemed the most restless. As if Shinobu was going to tell everyone that she was a soft philanthropist who loved reading and graciously accepted lovingly sewn haoris from elderly women.

Shinobu subtly rolled her eyes. As if that would be the worst thing in the world. But she kept it to herself anyway. It was strange, but being one of the only people to know what (Y/n) was like when she thought no one was watching felt special and it allowed her to do things she never would have bothered with previously.

Things like going out to eat together after a joint mission, or showing up at her estate with little gifts and making small talk. Eventually (Y/n) began to drop by her place as well to do similar activities. They were getting along very well. Until they didn’t.

A few months later, (Y/n) suddenly stopped coming around and when Shinobu tried to visit her, she either wasn’t around or not answering on purpose. Shinobu let it slide the first couple times, but on her most recent visit when she knocked on the door and received no response, she decided to let herself in.

She roamed the halls, eventually happening upon and open side door. Resting with her back against a wooden support beam and one leg dangling off of the side of the engawa, (Y/n) was absorbed in a book.

“You should really learn to lock your doors.”

“Holy fuck!” The book in (Y/n)’s hand tumbled to the ground as her hands kept to her chest.

“Oops,” Shinobu smiled, “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I apologize. Let this be a lesson in locking doors in the future. However, if you keep avoiding me once you pick up the habit, I will break a window.”

“Shut up!” (Y/n) groaned, sitting back up, “I’m not avoiding you. I’ve got a life outside of doing dumb stuff with you, you know.”

“Oh? Like sitting by yourself for several days like Tomioka-san? What a full life. I’m so envious.”

Shinobu walked over to sit beside (Y/n) and when (Y/n) tried to put more space between them, she followed.

“Get out of my personal space, Kochou!”

“Hmm?” Shinobu leaned in and overtly studied (Y/n)’s body language, causing the other girl to feel increasingly nervous and agitated.

What Shinobu hadn’t noticed during the time that they became friends, was that (Y/n) had developed a crush on her. Not entirely surprising since Shinobu had become a big constant in her otherwise shut-off and icy existence.

But (Y/n) couldn’t possibly give Shinobu the chance to figure out her feelings! She couldn’t afford to be that vulnerable, it spelled disaster for sure! So, instead of having Shinobu figure it out and stop talking to her, (Y/n) broke away first. Obviously it didn’t have the intended effect and now her heart was hammering because Shinobu went through all the trouble of coming to see her when she could have gone on without her as she did before.

(Y/n) felt the intensity of Shinobu’s stare on the side of her face and dared to turn her head back to glare at her, but when her nose had been close enough to brush against her own, (Y/n) quickly jerked her head back, hitting the back of her head hard against the wooden support beam.

“Son of a bitch!” (Y/n) hunched in on herself, clutching the back of her head tightly in her hands. “Could you just fuck off?!”

Shinobu was not so easily intimidated, she never was. Instead she placed a hand gently over (Y/n)’s.

“Let me see. I’m surprised you didn’t collapse the roof on top of us with that amount of force.”

(Y/n) didn’t move her hands away fast enough for Shinobu’s liking, so she pulled them away herself. Then she angled the other Hashira’s head to rest against her chest and she inspected the back of her head. (Y/n) stiffened against her.

“No blood at least. You’ll have an awful bump though, I can already feel it I think,” a mischievous grin crossed Shinobu’s lips, “But maybe I could give it a kiss to help the pain go away.”

“Don’t you fucking dare.”

“You aren’t pulling away though.”

Before (Y/n) could get too far, Shinobu renewed the strength of her hold to keep her close.

“You are the one not letting me go!”

“It seems that I am. And I will continue until you tell me why you have been avoiding me.”

“My life doesn’t revolve around you! It’s none of your business!”

“Oh, (L/n)-san, your pulse seems to have jumped.”

That’s when (Y/n) noticed Shinobu’s fingers resting above the pulse point of her neck.

“Ooo, another jump. Careful (L/n)-san, your heart just might burst.”

“You are three seconds away from having a broken nose!”

“Why won’t you just talk to me?” Shinobu asked, more testy now than playful, “Did I do something wrong? I thought we had moved past this.”

“No.” (Y/n) replied tersely.

“Then what is it?”

(Y/n) pursed her lips, intent on staying silent.

Shinobu sighed, “As one emotion bottler to another, talk to me. I promise I won’t laugh unless it’s really, really funny.”

“You are the worst.”

“Come on, talk to me… don’t be so stubborn.” Shinobu poked at her until she squirmed, but she still didn’t let her go.

(Y/n) was still quiet, and Shinobu was almost ready to wring her neck, but when she heard a muffled reply, she held off.

“Could you say it at a volume that I can understand? I know you know how to yell.”

“I said I have a crush on you!” (Y/n) finally jerked free from Shinobu’s arms, “Happy? Now go home already!”

(Y/n) got up and before she could slam the door shut in Shinobu’s bewildered face, Shinobu wedged her foot in the door.

She clenched her jaw tightly to try to offset the pain shooting up her leg. That was going to bruise.

“Are you an idiot?!” (Y/n) ineloquently asked. She was worried she had just broken Shinobu’s foot, but of course an, ‘I’m so sorry, are you alright?’, was not the first thing that would come out of her mouth.

“No, but I could make a pretty convincing case on your behalf. Who tells someone they have a crush on them and then slams a door on their foot?”

“That last part was your own fault!” (Y/n) flustered. “Leave!”

“You don’t want to hear what I have to say?”

“I already know what you’re going to say!”

“Obviously not, otherwise I don’t think you would be crushing my foot right now. Could you please open the damn door?”

(Y/n) complied, only because she had never heard Shinobu swear before and Shinobu slowly slid her foot back. Yeah, definitely going to bruise.

“Now, about your confession— don’t say a word! My turn to talk, you listen.” Shinobu warned.

(Y/n) shut her mouth quickly. Shinobu was looking a little ‘stabby’ and she did not want to see where that would lead if she pushed too far.

“I think I understand why you were afraid to tell me this. You are afraid of getting hurt. You’re afraid of being alone. I understand, but you don’t have to hide from me because I like you too.”

“…you do?”

“I do,” Shinobu nodded, “so if you have doubts in the future, talk to me first before you talk yourself into building your walls back up. I worked too hard breaking them down to begin with.”

(Y/n) looked down in embarrassment which only got worse as Shinobu came up to coddle and tease her about how cute she looked like that. When she finally relented Shinobu laughed and took (Y/n)’s hand.

“Well then, let’s go into town. I’ve been wanting to go to your library and you promised you would take me, remember?”

“It is not my library!”

“What are the latest edition medical texts that you carry?”

“How should I know what they have, I’m not a librarian!”

As annoyed as (Y/n) may have seemed, her hand never left Shinobu’s once as they walked.

[kai-uh-arcadian]

I really love reading your stories, there ready amazing and I enjoy them very much. I was hoping you could do one with Shinobu? The reader is she/her and oneshort.

The reader and shinobu living a peaceful married life with children of their own and one day they ask if reader could tell them the story of the last battle.

The reader was the dragon pillar and dating shinobu at the time, she never told us about her plans against the demon that took her sister’s life but we secretly knew. So during the moment shinobu was about to be eaten, the reader saves her and convincing her there is another way.

At the end, the reader was able to cut halfway through the demon’s neck and before it could regenerate, shinobu stole our other sword and finished him off before stabbing her sword and the reader’s sword on the ground and broke down while the reader comfort her.

After the story, the kids were amused by their parents and teased shinobu as shinobu playful scolded us about telling them the crying part.

The Tale of the Final Battle

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Thank you, here you go and I hope you like it! Fight scenes are not my strong suit, but this turned out pretty good I think. Warning: Naturally, this request overlaps some events from the manga that have not yet been animated. Read at your discretion! Word Count: 3,272

“Kaasan, Kaasan!”

“Hm?” (Y/n) looked up from her book and looked at her three children questioningly.

They had been unusually quiet this afternoon, going through the storage room after Shinobu had gone in looking for something. Shinobu had allowed them to look around so long as they promised to be on their best behavior.

“What’s all this?” They asked, each holding a lovingly wrapped sword, for which (Y/n) was extremely glad they had not opened on their own.

“Hand those to me darlings, you really shouldn’t be touching those.” She asked safely taking each wrapped sword from her pouting children’s arms.

“But they were in the storage room.” The eldest, Kanae, said defensively.

“Okaasan said we could be in there and look around.” The middle child, Mitsuri, assured.

“What’s in those bags?” The youngest, Gyomei, asked.

“I’ll show you, but only if you promise me that once I find a safer place for them, you won’t go looking for them again.”

“We promise!”

With great care and an almost reverent respect, (Y/n) unfurled the unique, purple wrapping first, revealing the hilt and scabbard of her wife’s nichirin blade. Seeing the familiar blade again after so long gave her goosebumps. It almost felt like several life times ago since this blade was used, but in reality it was only a short fifteen years ago. Her children gasped and murmured with amazement as she lovingly bared the narrow blade for them to see.

“This belongs to your Okaasan. You remember the stories we’ve told you about the Demon Slayers, right? Well, this was the blade she used to fight all the bad demons away.”

“Okaasan did? Really?” Mitsuri gushed.

“Why is it so… small?” Gyomei asked.

“Thin?” Kanae supplied helpfully, making Gyomei nod.

“Right. Your Okaasan specialized in poisons. The shape of the blade helped assure a swift end to her foes. The scabbard, here, is where the poison was stored. You can understand why it is dangerous and not a toy, yes?”

(Y/n) waited until all of her children nodded and smiled. With the same love and care as she presented thus far, she sheathed the sword and wrapped it up in the purple bag once more and set in gently upon the floor.

Next brought the two gold colored bags to her lap and handled them as if she was greeting old friends. She revealed the two identical hilts and accompanying scabbards as one.

“These, were mine.” She said simply. She hadn’t expected to feel so emotional. She supposed it was because once she had put these blades to rest, she hadn’t expected nor wanted to touch them again. The Demon Slayers were a big part of her life, but it was difficult think back on those times for long. It was bittersweet. There was plenty of good back then, but a lot of evil looming overhead as well.

“Did you use poison too, Kaasan?” Mitsuri asked.

“No, no, nothing special like that. I just sent heads rolling… Sorry, that probably sounded scary, didn’t it?”

“No, it’s okay Kaasan. We aren’t babies.” Gyomei said, puffing out his chest. The others nodded in agreement.

“Of course. My brave children.” (Y/n) chuckled. She began putting her swords away and was met with another question from her oldest.

“Kaasan, could you tell us about the Final Battle? You were there, right? You and Okaasan?”

“Among many others.” (Y/n) nodded sadly. “It is a rather complex story… there is a lot I hadn’t personally seen.”

“You could just tell us about you and Okaasan. That would make it easier right?” Mitsuri piped up excitedly, making (Y/n) laugh.

Easier in length, not so much to talk about perhaps. It was the scariest night of her life. Many comrades were lost. Most of the Hashira who she had loved so dearly were gone save for a handful of them. Still, these stories were important. She should be thankful her children were so eager to listen and perhaps one day, they would share these stories with their own children, should they have any.

“I will tell you then,“ she nodded, “I will tell you about the Insect and Dragon Hashira’s battle against the Demon known as Upper Moon Two.”

***

“How are you feeling today?” (Y/n) asked Shinobu as she walked into her lab. She had found a smidge of free time between Hashira training groups so naturally she came to check up on Shinobu’s health.

“You seem to ask me that a lot these days.” Shinobu giggled. “Why is that?”

“Isn’t that what lovers do? Check in on each other?” (Y/n) kissed Shinobu’s forehead, before sliding down a bit to knock her forehead against Shinobu’s in an attempt to subtly check her temperature.

She knew what Shinobu was doing while everyone else was training. It was painfully obvious to her, but if Shinobu didn’t want to tell her, that was fine. She didn’t want to antagonize her so close to the climax of this war. She kept an appropriate distance, stood where Shinobu wanted her, but she was going to be there for her when she was needed her, no matter what.

“I suppose that is true.” Shinobu murmured, pecking (Y/n) sweetly on the lips in an attempt to deflect attentions from herself. It didn’t really work how she wanted. (Y/n) could taste the faint wisteria on her lips. “How are you then? I’m sorry our schedules are such a mess as of late.”

“I know. It’s hard being away from you for so long. Besides the fact that I miss you, I’m doing well. Training is running smoothly.”

“I’m glad your program is doing well. I miss you too.”

And (Y/n) could feel just how much those last four words rang true with the way Shinobu’s cheek sunk into her chest. She could tell she was listening to the beat of her heart, committing the rhythm to memory so she could think back on it when she inevitably went to sleep alone.

(Y/n) wanted nothing more than to brake down, tell Shinobu she knew everything about the poison, but she knew she couldn’t. Instead she held Shinobu tight, hoping that she would subconsciously know that whatever she had planned for the demon that killed Kanae, she wouldn’t have to face it alone. Where Shinobu was stubborn, (Y/n) was more malleable, a problem solver. There was always another way.

~~~

(Y/n) ran through the twisted mansion in a blaze of fury befitting the Dragon Hashira. She had to find Shinobu, and quick. She knew it was selfish, that she shouldn’t be choosing her lover over all the other people who could have needed her help, but she made a promise to herself and Kanae’s memory that she wouldn’t let Shinobu die like this.

The halls grew colder and colder with each turn and the hair of the back of (Y/n)’s neck rose to attention.

Here, she had to be here!

(Y/n) withdrew her swords and knocked down the door with a mighty kick. She saw Shinobu, hanging limply from the demon’s arms, but she did not falter. In an incredible burst of speed, thanks to the Demon Slayer Mark she was sporting, she hacked through the demon’s arms and pulled Shinobu away.

“(Y/n), you—“ Shinobu cut herself off with a gurgling cough, a fresh streak of blood fell from her lips.

“Shhh, I’m here. You’ll be okay. Just focus on breathing, I know it’s hard, but you can do it.” It took everything (Y/n) had not to start crying right then and there.

Shinobu was really beaten up. Frostbite, an awful gash across her chest that surely pierced a lung… she needed treatment soon or she would die.

“That was some strike, girl.”

(Y/n) turned to the demon who had clearly been watching them like they were some kind of play. His arms had probably regenerated before (Y/n) even hit the ground. He was playing with her.

“Can’t you see that girl in your arms is in pain? Had you just let me absorb her, she wouldn’t be feeling a thing right now.” He taunted, hiding his hollow smile behind a golden fan.

“Because she would be dead, you sick fuck.” (Y/n) growled, helping Shinobu to her feet. She had given Shinobu an injection she had received from a strange cat on her mad dash here. She wasn’t sure what it was for, but with the shape Shinobu was in, it certainly wouldn’t make her worse.

“Not dead! She would live within me as a part of my being for all eternity! And a lovely lady such as yourself is more than welcome to join her.”

“Upper Moon Two,” (Y/n) spat, “tonight you will breathe your last breath!”

“Please dear, call me Douma. We are going to be well aquatinted very soon.”

“(Y/n),” Shinobu gasped, “my sword, it’s somewhere over there.”

“I see, take this is the meantime then.” (Y/n) handed one of her swords to Shinobu, “I know it’s heavy, please bear with it for a little while.”

“You shouldn’t have come.” Shinobu’s breaths rattled, and fresh tears collected at the corners of her eyes. “This is the only way, (Y/n)! I have to do this!”

“There is always another way, Shinobu.” (Y/n) said, flashing Shinobu a smile over her shoulder though she was terrified. “You’re always thinking inside the box. That’s why we’re such a good match. You reign me in when I need to be and when you get too stuck in your own head I pull you out, right?”

“…Yeah.” Shinobu readied the sword in her hand. “Yeah, I hope you’re right. We’ve never really had such a dire situation to put it to the test though.”

“No better time to test it.”

“You two are cute. What are you planning, hmm?” Douma asked, a faux pout upon his lips.

“Putting you out of your misery, you worthless bastard.” Shinobu hissed through a mouthful of blood. The medicine (Y/n) had given her, she had recognized it as something of Tamayo’s invention. It was working wonders for her body, but she was still in bad shape. Her body temperature was skyrocketing.

“Hmmm, I’d like to see you try little girl~!”

Douma released a frigid wind and Shinobu hastily pulled (Y/n) back, warning her of the freezing air’s affect on her lungs. They hardly had time to talk before the Demon split between them, throwing them to opposite sides of the room. He left Shinobu, believing in her weakened state that he should focus more on the other Hashira. His icy attacks split the air and (Y/n) narrowly dodged each gust while trying to find an opening to counter.

Shinobu did her best to keep up. Her injuries and the weight of (Y/n)’s blade in her hands making it hard. Still she made sure to make Douma not count her out just yet.

“You two move well together.” Douma praised. “You don’t even need to communicate verbally to know what the other is going to do. It’s quite impressive.”

It was then that Douma decided to change tactics. Shinobu was almost slashed again, but (Y/n) dashed and pulled her back, slicing her shoulder open.

“(Y/n)!”

“Isn’t it difficult trying to protect each other? You think you outnumber me, but without one willing to sacrifice the other… I do believe you are wasting your time.”

“We’re stronger together. It’s not a failing to look out for the people you love. Of course a monster like you could never understand something like that though, right?” (Y/n) jeered, gripping her shoulder tightly.

Douma’s fake smile twitched and without warning another icy attack was unleashed, forcing (Y/n) and Shinobu back once more. His merciless attacks kept coming, barely giving Shinobu and (Y/n) time to think, he rose his fan again and—

“Kanao!” Shinobu gasped. She watched her Tsuguko, her sister, rocket into the room and slice Douma’s arm before skittering to a halt between (Y/n) and Shinobu.

Kanao’s heart soared despite the danger. She had made it. Shinobu was still alive. They could still see a world without demons together.

“Oh? Another pretty little girl to add to the set. Though I must say, I’m growing tired of you all buzzing around me like flies—“

“Outta my way! Lord Inosuke is coming through!” A familiar voice cackled, inosuke came in like a whirlwind and struck Douma low, severing his Achilles’ tendons and spinning to stand beside Kanao, blades still at the ready.

“I’m starting to like our odds.” (Y/n) grinned.

“Come on, come on! Go my underlings!” Inosuke crowed.

“It got really noisy all of the sudden.” Douma frowned. He swiped at the slayers with his fans as they darted around him. “I think I’ll take my leave and let my ice clones play with you for awhile.”

The temperature in the room dropped significantly, making the icy air even harder to breathe. While Kanao and Inosuke were busied with the clones, (Y/n) and Shinobu refused to let the demon get away.

(Y/n) roared with effort, her Demon Slayer Mark shifting under her skin with growing power. Soon she was matching Douma in speed, cutting him several times but never quite able to connect with his neck. She and Shinobu danced around him, earning a slight edge on him.

If they just had a little more!

“I’m tired of this!” Inosuke yelled, shattering another ice clone before turning onto Douma. “Gotta kill the main beast otherwise what’s the point!”

He swooped in low and stabbed through Douma’s feet, keeping him in place. Before Douma could slice into him with his fans, Kanao came barreling in, her eyes were a vibrant shade of vermillion as she blocked the attack and every subsequent attack that followed. It was like she could see the attacks before Douma even moved. With Douma busy, (Y/n) made her move.

“RAAHHH!” With her most powerful Dragon Breathing technique, her blade sliced through half of Douma’s neck, but she struggled to go further. “Shinobu!”

“HAAAAH!” Shinobu swung (Y/n)’s other blade with all of her might, maybe making it about an inch before the blade would move no further.

“She can’t cut me that deeply.” Douma giggled. “You should know better, she hasn’t the arm strength. Those nasty injuries too.”

“Ignore him, keep pushing!” (Y/n) encouraged while Inosuke and Kanao kept up their assault and kept the ice clones at bay while also trying to hold Douma in position.

Shinobu’s arms ached from holding their position and she could feel blood vessels popping under her skin, but she did not yield. She felt so hot, she thought she might burst, but still she persisted. She was feeling a change within her, some kind of power boiling through her veins.

“Kochou Shinobu, fight!” A voice carried on the wind. A familiar lilt that Shinobu could only recognize as Kanae’s.

The blade was moving.

On Shinobu’s cheek, an inky black shape was taking form, finally settling into the shape of a butterfly.

Douma felt the movement and attempted to grab at Shinobu’s arm, but Kanao was right there with him, stabbing through his arm and pinning it to his chest. Douma felt exhilarated, he’d never experienced such emotion, looking over Shinobu’s furious face he shuddered.

“Will you go to hell with me?” He asked breathlessly.

“Go fuck yourself.” Shinobu growled.

The borrowed blade suddenly slipped through the rest of Douma’s neck like butter and clanked against its twin before subducting and scraping against it with such force that it created sparks.

Douma’s head thunked against the boardwalk before splashing into the shallow water below. He appeared to be speaking, but only bubbles left his submerged mouth. His body collapsed with a heavy thud and everyone collapsed around it, breathing heavily.

Shinobu watched everyone with disbelieving eyes. She couldn’t believe she was still here. There wasn’t supposed to be an after for her. This was supposed to be it. Yet she was still here. Breathing. It was almost scarier than dying.

She stabbed (Y/n)’s sword into Douma’s slowly disintegrating corpse and used it as leverage to stand. Then she started limping away in the direction of her long discarded sword.

“Shinobu, lay down.” (Y/n) winced as she got to her own feet. “You have a punctured lung.”

Shinobu kept walking until her sword was back in her hand. (Y/n) had followed her and gave Shinobu a support on her walk back. Shinobu stared down at the the torso that remained and stabbed her own sword in beside (Y/n)’s before collapsing back to the ground. (Y/n) follows her down and gathered her into her arms, rocking her and whispering soft affirmations into her ear as she cried into her chest.

“What’s this? A display of dominance? I want in!” Inosuke stabbed his own swords harshly into the torso and Kanao silently followed suit, going as far as to twist it in.

Kanao then stepped on the demon’s chest and knelt beside her adoptive sister, hugging her from the other side. Inosuke, not one to be left out, latched onto Shinobu’s back and knocked heads with (Y/n).

Shinobu can’t see Kanae cheering her on anymore, but she can feel the warmth of her smile shining down on them. She knows she’s at peace.

“Let’s patch you up now, okay?” (Y/n) murmured, kissing Shinobu’s tears away. “Kanao, help me.”

Without the proper tools, it hurt, but Shinobu didn’t let it bother her. As (Y/n) and Kanao worked on her, she listened to the thunk of every blade falling to the ground as the last of Douma’s body disintegrated into nothing.

***

“Then we carried on to the next task to be set before us.” (Y/n) told the children, taking in their wide-eyes stares with mild amusement.

“Wait, you went through all of that and you still needed to keep fighting?” Kanae blanched.

“That was the plan. However, by the time we got there, Muzan was dead. Your Aunt Kanao did play another crucial role… Perhaps you could ask her and Tanjirou-kun about it when they visit next.” (Y/n) laughed softly at the disappointed noises her children made.

“But that’s too long!” Kanae groaned.

“I want to hear about it now!” Mitsuri whined.

“But that was a really good story, Kaasan.” Gyomei assured. “Did Okaasan really cry?”

“Okaasan never cries.” Kanae shook her head.

“There you all are. What’s going on in here?” Shinobu found herself suddenly swarmed with children and she chuckled, hugging them all close.

“Kaasan was telling us about your fight with Upper Moon Two.” Kanae informed before pointing at Shinobu’s chest, indicating the long scar peeking out of her clothes. “Is that how you got that big scar?”

“Oh, what a fun story to tell young children.” Shinobu said sarcastically, though she still smiled earnestly. “Yes, honey. That’s correct.”

“And you really cried?” Mitsuri asked.

“(Y/n), really?” Shinobu sighed, a faint blush rising against her cheeks. “Did you really need to go into that much detail?”

(Y/n) shrugged and blew her wife a kiss while the children giggled and teased their mother about how pink she was.

“(Y/n), make them stop.” Shinobu pleaded.

“Hey, they learned that behavior from you. You’re on your own.” She laughed. However, she did end up coming to her wife’s aid, slinging Kanae and Mitsuri over her shoulders and spinning around while Shinobu tickled Gyomei until he screamed for mercy.

When they were tired, they all laid in a breathless heap on the tatami floor. While their children cuddled them and giggled, (Y/n) and Shinobu gazed at each other lovingly, so very thankful for the life they never dared to dream they would have only a short fifteen years before.

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Hello there! I saw your sayaka profile pic and my heart did a tiny tippy tap! And THEN i saw your shinobu cover photo and I SCREAMED. We stan a multifandom queen! Anyway, I saw your requests were open. I hope you dont mind me requesting for a oneshot (with a future part 2 if some people are willing and depends on demand too but i am happy with whatever) for shinobu x female reader in which the reader may be a hashira trying to capture shinobu's attention (which the reader already has but is oblivious as hell to it) and the reader makes attempts to make shinobu fall for her like giving her flowers and makes romantic advances (shinobu is already is but is trying to tone it down or else her heart will burst) but then one day the reader is sent on a mission and had to leave in haste but ofc she sent a proper goodbye to shinobu before leaving. Then it takes atleast a week or more before the readwr actually returns and is injured, shinobu then sees the reader and is heartbroken and does everything in her might to save the reader at which at one point we see shinobu breaks her cold and fake smile facade and she starts crying since she almost lost the reader. The reader then says "so you DO like me!" And shinobu just goes like "ofc i do i already fucking love you" or something😭 THIS WAS TOO LONG I AM SO SORRY i just noticed a tiny lack of shinobu oneshots sksksksksksk

You Do Like Me!

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Yayyy tippy taps😊! Hope this is alright. Gets a little angsty when Reader comes back injured, but everything turns out alright. Word Count: 2,708

“Good afternoon, Shinobu. You’re looking as lovely as ever.” (Y/n) complimented her fellow Hashira as she sat beside her. In the distance behind Shinobu, she could see Mitsuri giving her a double thumbs up and Obanai watched her with one brow raised. So far so good.

An amused hum left Shinobu’s lips and she gave (Y/n) a coy side glance.

“You flatter me, (Y/n). How was your last mission? I feel as though I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“It went well! I, um, I met this old woman selling her wares on the side of the road. Turns out her husband blows glass and he makes really beautiful glass trinkets,” she dug into her breast pocket and pulled out a little velvet bag, presenting it to Shinobu, “I saw this one, and it reminded me of you, so I got it for you!”

Shinobu took the bag as if it was package of significant importance, which to her, of course it was. Anything that came from (Y/n) was like a blessing from a goddess in her book. It was becoming even more difficult for her not to blush at even the slightest touch. Knowing that (Y/n)’s attention was almost always reserved for her made her feel like she had her own personal sun.

She opened the drawstring and emptied the bag’s contents into her open palm. An intricately crafted sculpture of smooth, colorful glass about as tall as her index finger rolled across her skin. It appeared to be a bonsai tree with a couple butterflies resting upon it. It was very sweet.

“I thought it might look nice on your desk or a shelf or something. It you put it where the sun can touch it, the colors are supposed to reflect off of nearby surfaces.” (Y/n) explained. Shinobu was glad her fellow Hashira had something to talk about because she was having difficulty finding words of her own.

“…It’s a very sweet gift, (Y/n). Thank you very much. I will be sure to put it somewhere that I may see it every day and think of you.” Shinobu was proud of how she managed to keep her voice even, and even prouder of how her words seemed to fluster (Y/n) and make her teeter on her knees.

“I’m glad you like it!” (Y/n) stuttered, her heart threatening to leap out of her throat. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her, so she faced front to where the Master was sure to appear soon and distractedly ran her fingers through the pebbles that littered the ground.

Shinobu watched her and sighed inwardly. She often caught herself wondering when the romantic gestures, gifts and sweet compliments would come with something more. She knew (Y/n) had feelings for her, as she was constantly vying for her attention. It just so happened (Y/n) did have her attention and had won it some time ago, yet she still hadn’t attempted to go further. It was starting to make Shinobu a little crazy. She would take matters into her own hands, but she knew she had a tendency to be a little intense. She didn’t want to come off too strong. So, she waited for (Y/n) to take that next step. Hopefully, it would be sooner rather than later. Surely (Y/n) must know her feelings were reciprocated, right?

Right?

The Master’s eldest daughters came out to announce their father’s arrival and then it was back to business. She quickly popped the glass sculpture back in its bag and slipped it into her breast pocket. Then she bowed beside (Y/n), making sure their shoulders gazed. She felt (Y/n) stiffen before relaxing once more and smiled at the pebbles beneath her as Gyomei greeted the Master.

“Hello my children,” Ubuyashiki greeted them warmly, “it does my heart good to have all of you here in good health. Let’s begin so you may go to your homes to rest. Who would like to share the results of their mission first?”

Each Hashira shared their findings, disappointed to say they had no definitive leads pointing to Kibutsuji. However, there were whispering of a hideout somewhere near the coast of Mount Fuji. To investigate those claims, Ubuyashiki asked (Y/n) and Giyuu to travel there for reconnaissance. The mission was only to take a survey of the land, but it still made Shinobu worry. She wished Oyakata-sama would have considered her for the mission so she could keep an eye on (Y/n).

When the meeting concluded, no one seemed interested in hanging around to catch up, as they were all exhausted and wanted to go home before they were called to their next missions.

“(L/n)-san, our mission…”

“I’ll catch up in a minute, Tomioka-san. Go ahead.”

Shinobu did her best to calm her heart as (Y/n) jogged to catch up to her. She met her efforts with a smile.

“Hey.” (Y/n) matched Shinobu’s smile and walked along side her with a bit of a skip in her step.

“Hey.” Shinobu parroted with a teasing lilt, brushing her shoulder against (Y/n)’s arm.

“So you know I’ve got a mission to get to. I just wanted to say goodbye real quick before I head out on the road.”

“No goodbyes.” Shinobu admonished gently, poking (Y/n) in her side and making her squirm. “Only be back soons or see you laters. You won’t keep me waiting long, will you?”

“No! Never! I mean, it shouldn’t take to long, just a little light digging. I’ll be back to bothering you before you know it!”

Shinobu chuckled and stopped walking, causing (Y/n) to come to a halt as well. Feeling especially bold in that moment, she cupped (Y/n)’s jaw and grazed her fingers over the rapidly heating skin.

“You never bother me. I’ll be eagerly awaiting your return.” She promised.

Shinobu had no trouble melting into the hug she suddenly found herself in. Her arms moved of their own accord, wrapping around (Y/n)’s neck. It was nice, she didn’t want to let go. Unfortunately, (Y/n) pulled back not even a minute later.

“I’ll be back soon then.” (Y/n) nodded, taking a couple steps back to put some semblance of personal space between them.

“See you later.” Shinobu nodded in return. “Be safe.”

“I will!” (Y/n) threw a backwards wave Shinobu’s way as she ran off to catch up with Giyuu.

Shinobu watched her go until she could not see her anymore and then continued her trek home. Feeling the weight of the glass sculpture against her chest, she hoped (Y/n) would be able to come home soon.

***

It had almost been two weeks since (Y/n) and Giyuu were sent off on their reconnaissance mission and Shinobu was beyond upset. She would never let it show on her face, but she was in agony as every new day came with no news. Without anything she could do about the situation, she spent more time working to distract from the rage building within her.

She sat in her office, organizing prescriptions and charts all night until dawn began to paint the edges of the sky. She paused her writing, noting the shimmery green color reflecting upon the back of her hand. She put down her brush so she could pick up the little glass bonsai tree and stare at it longingly. She wrapped her fist around it, before resting it against her lips. Her eyes closed for the first time in over twenty-four hours. However, they quickly snapped open again when Aoi burst through her office door.

“Shinobu-sama, (Y/n)-sama is in critical condition. Tomioka-sama just brought her in, come quickly—!” Aoi had blinked and Shinobu was gone as if she hadn’t been in the room at all. She had no time to waste, she closed the office door once more and ran back in the direction of the hospital ward to assist her Master in anyway that she could.

Shinobu had sprung to action as soon as she heard (Y/n) was in critical condition. She had to try extra hard to keep her total concentration breathing in check, she had to stay calm, she had to stay calm. Only immature people can’t control their emotions, only immature people—

So much blood.

Shinobu paled. Forget total concentration, it was taking everything in her just to remember how to breathe.

Tomioka stood above (Y/n), pressing down on a particularly deep wound on her abdomen while Kakushi circled around gathering the necessary supplies. His sleeves and chest were covered in blood, but Shinobu could judge based on his current position that none of it was his own.

“What happened?” Shinobu asked harshly, her breathing noticeably heavy as she tried to keep herself from breaking.

Giyuu kept his hands firmly in place, but turned to look at Shinobu over his shoulder with a subtle look of sorrow and sympathy that only Shinobu would notice.

“The lead was a set up. No Kibutsuji, no hideout, but there was a Lower Moon. We got split up.”

“What kind of excuse—!” Shinobu bit her tongue. She couldn’t blame Giyuu for this. If she knew him as well as she thought she did, he was already beating himself up. “I’m sorry, just get out. I have her now. Rest, you’ve done everything you could.”

Giyuu’s hands were replaced with Shinobu’s. Her breathing stuttered as blood covered her palms. She had been in similar situations countless times, but she refused to relive it again with (Y/n) being the one beneath her.

“(Y/n)? Wake up. Can you hear me? Wake up!” She commanded.

Those kind eyes she loved remained closed no matter how hard she yelled. The Kakushi moved around her doing their jobs as best they could though they were frightened by the fury in Shinobu’s eyes, the tears that could no longer be held behind the Hashira’s seemingly impenetrable wall. Though they would never admit it, she was becoming more of a liability than an asset at this point.

“Shinobu-sama!” Aoi scolded, taking a tight hold of one of Shinobu’s bloodied wrists. She knew her Master was hurting, they all were, but she couldn’t let her carry on like this. “You can’t help her like this, pull yourself together or get out so we can do our job!” She knew she was being cruel, but it was just what Shinobu needed to hear.

“Forgive me, Aoi.” She murmured, “You’re right.” She looked down at (Y/n)’s pained face and chastised herself internally. She wasn’t going to save (Y/n) by crying over her. She took a deep breath through her nose and began taking stock of the operating room. “Prepare several bags of O negative blood for transfusions.”

“Already ahead of you.” Aoi nodded, determined.

They worked throughout the day and sometime when the moon was back high in the sky, they were able to stabilize (Y/n) and move her into an intensive care room. Shinobu stopped by Giyuu, who was being treated for minor injuries in the infirmary, to force herself to apologize to him and let him know that (Y/n) was pulling through.

Then, she went back to (Y/n)’s room and sat on the edge of her bed, clasping one of her hands between her own. She watched (Y/n)’s chest rise and fall attentively, making sure each breath was strong and unobstructed. With a shaky breath of her own, she rose (Y/n)’s hand to her lips and kissed it before resting it against her forehead and closing her eyes. She was so tired, but she sure as hell wasn’t leaving (Y/n)’s side for another moment.

She removed her hair clip and anything else on her person that would bring discomfort before sliding under the sheets beside (Y/n). She kept (Y/n)’s wrist secured in her grasp so she could feel the slow beat of her pulse. Shinobu exhaled against (Y/n)’s fingers in hopes of warming her up. Her skin was still cool to the touch after losing so much blood. If not for the injuries (Y/n) had sustained, Shinobu would have cuddled closer. She settled herself as close to (Y/n) as she dared, and fell asleep counting the beats of (Y/n)’s pulse.

***

Over the next couple days, Shinobu couldn’t be pulled away from (Y/n) for more than an hour a day. She felt childish and selfish, but at the same time she believed she earned the right to be a little selfish. She was done playing around. When (Y/n) finally woke up, Shinobu was going to tell her in no uncertain terms that she loved her and then lovingly beat the shit out of her for scaring her so badly.

She had just returned from a light meal and a soak at the bathhouse as per Aoi’s insistent nagging, and sat on the edge of (Y/n)’s bed feeling admittedly refreshed, yet tired after soaking in the steamy water.

She took (Y/n)’s hand as was routine and checked her pulse, smiling tenderly. The beat was getting stronger all the time. She pressed a kiss to (Y/n)’s open palm and then snuggled in beneath the covers as was common for her these days. She closed her eyes and hummed a small sound of satisfaction for the warmth that had been absent for the first several hours after (Y/n)’s surgery.

She had developed a habit of counting (Y/n)’s bpm so she began to hone in on the thrumming of (Y/n)’s pulse and her forehead wrinkled the slightest bit.

When did her pulse get so fast?

Worried, Shinobu sat up and hovered over (Y/n), checking her temperature, her bandages, until she finally perceived the unbelieving, yet mirthful eyes watching her work.

“You do like me.” (Y/n) would have loved to put more energy into her delivery, but her throat felt sore. There was also the possibility that this was a drug induced dream or Giyuu hadn’t been able to get her back in time and she was dead.

Shinobu’s mouth opened and closed for a few beats like a fish before she took (Y/n)’s face in her hands and kissed her deeply.

Oh, she was certainly dead. This was too good to be true.

Shinobu broke away and after a few short gasps of air she gave (Y/n) the most furious look she had ever seen on the other girl.

“Of course I like you, I fucking love you, (Y/n)! I have for a long time!” She said, not quite yelling, but it certainly wasn’t her regular tone either.

“You, you do?” (Y/n) was feeling light headed. Between her injuries, the kiss and the confession, she was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

“Yes! Really, I can’t believe you could be so oblivious. All of your attempts to capture my attention, yet you somehow couldn’t tell that you already had it?”

“I, I guess not. Why didn’t you say anything?” Shinobu was still brushing noses with her and she was amazed she could even speak at all with Shinobu’s intense stare swallowing her up.

“I was hoping you would, but you had your chance. Do you have any idea how badly you scared me? You almost broke my heart!”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

Shinobu heard the tremor in (Y/n)’s voice and knew immediately that she had to ease up. She was upset, but that gave her no right to cause (Y/n) any distress. She didn’t want to do that to begin with. She stroked (Y/n)’s cheeks with her thumbs.

“I know you didn’t. I’m sorry for yelling.”

Cautiously, (Y/n)’s hands reached up to caress Shinobu’s biceps and shoulders. When Shinobu relaxed, (Y/n) flashed a weak smile.

“I worried you, I’m sorry too.”

“It’s alright sweet girl. It’s not your fault,” Shinobu kissed (Y/n)’s nose and shifted to lay back down beside her, “It is exhausting to worry for so long though.”

“Are you falling asleep?”

“Probably, is it alright that I stay here?”

“I would be sad if you didn’t.”

Shinobu chuckled and her eyes slipped shut. She fell into a relaxed level of sleep that she hadn’t encountered in weeks. (Y/n) didn’t take long to follow suit, still exhausted from her battle and the surgeries she had undergone.

When Aoi came into the room to help Shinobu change (Y/n)’s bandages she found them both in peaceful slumber with peaceful smiles upon their lips.

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Bad Break

Shinobu Kochou x Fem Reader

Warnings: Sexual suggestions, but no smut.

(Y/n) suffered a pretty substantial compound fracture when a demon twisted her arm until it cracked grotesquely. Luckily, one of the two demon slayers who had joined her on the mission managed to get her out of there before her arm could be completely ripped off. The third member of their ragtag team managed to behead the miserable creature and once the dust settled they jumped into action, carrying (Y/n) off to the Butterfly Estate for immediate emergency surgery.

Keep reading

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Demon Slayer - Kanae Kocho x She/Her Reader

Thank you for writing my request with Shinobu, The Final Battle. It was really good and I loved every bit of it. I really love reading all your stories cause there so good.

I wad wondering if you could do one with Kanae.

So while Tanjiro, Zenitus and Inosuke are resting and healing at the Butterfly Estate, they met Kanae and Zenitus falls in love with her.

He asks her to marry him every time he see her but she said she already married and the Butterfly girls alway scolded him for it.

Shinobu get annoyed by the constant proposals to her sister and telling the Reader (Kanae's wife) who’s very close with Shinobu and the Butterfly girls since they see her as second mother figure.

The Reader looks super sacred but instead is absolute sweetheart and teddy bear.

One day, the Reader walks in on this and scares Zenitus to hiding behind Kanae. She then introduces the reader as her wife to the boys before poking fun at her for being jealous.

Spoken For

Kanae Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: Thank you! I’m glad you liked that one and I hope you’ll like this one too : ) I tried not to bully Zenitsu too much but he kind of deserves it sometimes lol. Thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,877

“WAAHHHHHHH SHE’S SO PERFECT!” Zenitsu screamed as soon as Kanae left the infirmary.

“Zenitsu, could you please stop yelling!” Tanjirou pleaded.

“I CAN YELL LOUDER THAN ANY OF YOU!” Inosuke crowed, not wanting to be left out.

The boys had been healing from their latest mission where they had encountered Upper Moon Six in the Entertainment District. It was a hard battle, but they managed to come out victorious, but not unscathed of course.

But that didn’t seem to matter to Zenitsu however, not when it came to Kochou Kanae nursing him back to health. In fact some of the girls were starting to worry he would scrape himself up on purpose to cry for Kanae to patch him up. It was actually rather sad.

“Neither of you guys get it! You constantly blow me away with how repressed you are!” Zenitsu howled. “Have you any eyes? A brain? Kochou Kanae is the ideal woman! Soft shiny hair, incredible body, angelic face, sweet temperament, she smells amazing, her voice is soft as silk and sweet as summer rain, and she’s a Hashira! A strong, beautiful woman to protect and love me for all time! I’m in love! I wanna marry her so bad!”

“Stop screaming!” Aoi yelled as she and the younger girls came into the infirmary, “the whole estate can hear you!” She thumped all the medicines she was carrying onto Zenitsu’s bedside table with a huff.

“Here is your medicine.”

“What?” Zenitsu whined. “But I want Kanae-sama to help me take it. I can’t get it down without her encouragement!”

“You can and you will. Now drink.” Aoi commanded before moving on to Inosuke.

“No! You don’t understand, I need her. She’s my future wife—“

“How many times is it going to take before you understand that she is spoken for? Kanae-sama is already married! Happily so!”

“I’ve never seen them! She can’t be that happy if they’re never around!” Zenitsu pouted.

The aura in the room changed and Zenitsu paled because of the pointed looks all four of the girls gave him.

“What?!”

The girls were growing especially tired of Zenitsu’s antics every time he visited. It was bad enough Kanae was too nice to tell him off, but for him to feel comfortable enough to insinuate that (Y/n) didn’t provide Kanae with the love she deserved was straight up blasphemy.

(Y/n) was every bit as kind and loving as Kanae, and the girls couldn’t imagine one without the other. Even when they were busy on separate missions, one could feel the love they had for each other even several kilometers apart.

Zenitsu didn’t pose a threat, they knew that, but to even suggest that their family could be so easily broken was an insult beyond measure.

“How could you suggest such a thing?” Kiyo gasped.

“Kanae-sama is very happy.” Sumi huffed.

“No one is more suited for her than (Y/n)-sama.” Naho nodded.

“So get that idea out of your head already, you’re embarrassing yourself.” Aoi said.

“So mean!” Zenitsu wailed. “Doesn’t anyone want me to be happy?”

“Find your happiness someplace else and stop sniffing around my sister!”

Zenitsu screamed and hid under the covers.

“AH! So fast and quiet! Why are you here?!”

“To incentivize you to silence yourself. If you don’t, I have been given permission to sedate you.” Shinobu explained sternly, threateningly tapping the needle in her hand, “We have patients that are trying to sleep. Your constant screaming is stressing everyone out.”

Shinobu was as scary as she was beautiful, which was to say that meant she was very scary, at least in Zenitsu’s eyes. She was always scolding him and interrupting his time with Kanae. And now here she was playing interference yet again!

“Please don’t give me that! Please!” Zenitsu cried, curling into a tight ball beneath the covers.

“Then be quiet. Anything more than a whisper and I will not hesitate.” Shinobu warned. “Now drink your medicine.”

Zenitsu still whined, albeit much quieter, and reached his hand out beneath the covers to bring one of the medicine cups into his cave.

“Thank you Shinobu-san.” Tanjirou said gratefully.

“I bet that little pokey thing couldn’t take me down!” Inosuke boasted.

“I don’t doubt it, you’re like a damn honey badger.”

“A boar!”

“Yes, yes, whatever.” Shinobu waved her hand dismissively. “Rest up boys, and Zenitsu,”

“Ee!?” He squawked.

“Leave my sister alone, I mean it. If this continues to be a problem I’ll be sure to bring it to (Y/n)’s attention when she comes back from her mission.”

“Is (Y/n)-san coming back soon?” Tanjirou asked excitedly, “We always seem to miss each other. I look forward to meeting her.”

“Yes, it shouldn’t be much longer!” Naho bounced where she stood.

“She did say it shouldn’t be much longer in her last letters to us!” Sumi remembered.

“You’re right!” Kiyo clapped.

Sumi and Kiyo joined Naho in bouncing excitedly while Shinobu and Aoi smiled fondly at their antics.

Zenitsu pouted beneath his covers. He just couldn’t understand why they all seemed to love this woman so much when she spent so much time away. If he had a magnificent home filled with a bunch of girls who loved and respected him, he wouldn’t leave for even a second!

How is it that a cad like Uzui Tengen and someone as absent as Kochou (Y/n) be happily married to such breathtaking women? Life was so unfair, Zenitsu just wanted to scream! Not right now of course, not unless he wanted Shinobu to stab him with that concerningly large needle. He would keep a low profile for a little while, but he couldn’t imagine giving up on Kanae.

He would sweep her off her feet before this (Y/n) person came back and laugh right in her face!

***

“I can’t believe that little weasel.” Shinobu muttered angrily to Kanao as the pair watched Zenitsu follow Kanae around the garden like an imprinted duckling.

Kanao nodded along, sharing the sentiment.

“And you just know he’s wearing on Nee-san. She’s just too nice to tell him so. I can’t keep scaring him off all the time, it’s driving me crazy!”

Kanao nodded sagely, content to let Shinobu vent all of her frustrations.

Shinobu released a guttural sigh when she looked back out upon the garden just in time to witness Zenitsu pluck one of their rarest flowers to present it to Kanae. She took the offering with a smile that was dangerously close to being a grimace.

“If I have to sit here for even five more seconds I am going to explode,” Shinobu said, rising to her feet, “Come on Kanao, I don’t care where we go as long as it’s not here.”

Kanao tilted her head to the side and rose to her feet as well, happy to join Shinobu on her tromp through the trees that surrounded the property.

While Shinobu complained and Kanao listend, they had almost made it to the main road when they heard someone approaching and looked up. Both girls lit up visibly when they saw who it was smiling back at them.

“Ah, finally some familiar faces! Good morning!” (Y/n) cheerfully greeted, quickly closing the distance that still stretched between them so she could pick Shinobu and Kanao up in a tight embrace.

“About time you got back.” Shinobu grinned when her feet touched the ground again. “What took you so long?”

“Oh, sorry, there was this poor farmer on the side of the road. He hurt his back plowing his field so I gave him a little first aid and helped him and his kids finish the field. And then there was this old woman’s cat stuck in a tree,”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Shinobu rolled her eyes, “You are too nice.”

And with those words, Shinobu’s mood soured again as she remembered why she and Kanao were walking out so far to begin with.

“Something wrong?” (Y/n) asked. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Yes, actually,” Shinobu huffed, crossing her arms, “you know that boy I wrote to you about? The one who has a crush on Kanae?”

“Yeah, I remember,” (Y/n) gave an uncomfortable chuckle, “Aoi and Kanao have mentioned him too, I believe.”

Though (Y/n)’s missions had her traveling further than most, she always kept in touch with all who called the Butterfly Estate home. When she wrote her letters, they were always in neatly tied stacks, a personalized letter for each resident to remind them of how much she cared and thought about all of them.

Shinobu turned to Kanao, mildly surprised, “I can understand Aoi, but you brought him up to?”

“He disrupts the peace.” Kanao stated quietly. She may not have been as outwardly unhappy with Zenitsu’s advances on Kanae as the others, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t affected by it.

“Oh boy, what has he done now?” (Y/n) was almost loathed to hear it.

She had heard a lot about this boy over the last couple months. He was part of a small team that frequented the mansion, but their paths had yet to cross. Whenever she was home, the team was out and vice-versa. The mental image the girls had painted for her through their stories was far from flattering, that was for sure.

“It doesn’t matter what I say or do, he’s always in Kanae’s space. I can scare him off for a little while, but he just goes right back to it when the dust has settled. What’s worse is that Nee-san won’t say anything to him about his behavior no matter how invasive or rowdy he gets,”

Shinobu shook her head with annoyance, but then put her hand on (Y/n)’s shoulder,

“But now your back and he’s still here! This is your chance to give him what’s coming to him!”

(Y/n) rubbed the back of her neck. She was curious about the boy and she wasn’t exactly happy with how he acted around the girls and especially her wife, but she couldn’t help but be nervous.

For all the times the other girls complained about the boy, Kanae never talked about his antics in her letters or in person. (Y/n) didn’t know if she should take that with a grain of salt, that Kanae would rather spend her time talking about anything else, or be worried that Kanae might actually like the attention.

Still, Kanae had chosen her, married her. (Y/n) loved Kanae and she wasn’t going to let her go without a fight! Unless, she really wanted to go. Gods, she really hoped Kanae didn’t want to leave her. This was such an uncomfortable situation! (Y/n) could just about cry!

“Why so tense all of the sudden?” Shinobu quirked an eyebrow up and moved behind (Y/n) to push her in the direction of home, “Come on, let’s go!”

Kanao followed suit, helping Shinobu push (Y/n) along while various depressing outcomes played in (Y/n)’s mind about how this was going to go down.

***

“Today’s the day, today’s the day~!” Zenitsu sang.

He had already had a lovely morning with Kanae without any of the usual backlash from Shinobu. Perhaps she was coming around to the idea of him becoming her brother-in-law?

He giggled and twirled around Inosuke and Tanjirou.

“Today’s the day… for what exactly?” Tanjirou asked.

“Today’s the day I ask Kanae to marry me!” Zenitsu revealed with a squeal, hugging himself tightly.

“You ask her every day! Usually more than once a day!” Tanjirou shook his head in disbelief.

“But today is the day she will say yes!” Zenitsu declared.

“She already has a mate!” Inosuke yelled from the tree he was hanging upside down from. “Don’t you know that you could get killed for such an offense?”

“We’re humans,” Zenitsu clicked his tongue, “I wouldn’t expect you to understand, running wild in the mountains, but we civilized people don’t have to adhere to whatever Jungle Book nonsense you’re spouting.”

“Actually, I have heard quite a few awfully sad stories of people who have been killed by jilted lovers.” Tanjirou provided with a sincerely distraught expression.

“Listen up!” Zenitsu fumed, “Kanae-sama and I are going to be happily married and if you want to come to the wedding, you better start acting supportive!”

Just then, Kanae glided through the front entrance of the mansion and Zenitsu nearly jumped fifty feet in the air.

“Here she comes, get lost! This has to be a private moment! You’re gonna ruin it!” He shoved Tanjirou back into the trees and made shooing motions at Inosuke dangling within sight before giving up on him and skipping over to Kanae.

“Hi, Kanae-sama~!” He called, waving excitedly, “Did you find a nice place to put that pretty flower I gave you?”

“Yes, I did. Thank you.” Truthfully, she had to work quickly to preserve the medicinal properties of the rare plant, but she didn’t want Zenitsu to feel bad.

Zenitsu rolled on the ground at her feet, very pleased with himself. When he came to a stop, he rose himself to kneel on one knee before Kanae, a lovestruck smile on his face. He pressed one hand over his heart and held the other out for Kanae to take should she feel so inclined (She didn’t).

“Kanae-sama, the most beautiful, kindest, strongest woman I know, will you accept my proposal of marriage on this gorgeous day?” He asked for the umpteenth time that week.

Kanae sighed inwardly, and before she could reject the boy yet again, she noticed the small audience that had gathered nearby and smiled brightly.

“Welcome home my love! Zenitsu-kun, meet my wife, (Y/n)!”

“Huh?” Zenitsu turned, to face the shadow that was suddenly looming over him and felt all the blood drain from his face.

The woman standing over him was positively terrifying. She was roughed up from her long mission and the way she carried herself promised that she could squish Zenitsu like a bug if she so desired and her eyes seemed to pierce right through to his very soul.

“Hey.” (Y/n) greeted, then cleared her throat when she heard how severe she sounded.

Ugh, this felt so weird. If she was anxious before, she was even more so now. She already felt stiff and tired from her mission and now she made it back just in time to witness this boy propose to her wife.

There was a pregnant pause, and then Zenitsu screamed.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He cried, scooting rapidly on his knees to cower behind Kanae. “I didn’t- I didn’t know!”

“What?” (Y/n) muttered, “Did I say something wrong?”

“You did too know!” Shinobu felt personally insulted by the blatant lie, “I must have told you a million times!”

“What did I tell you? You’re about to be ripped apart!” Inosuke cackled while he swung from a branch.

“Please don’t kill me! Please!” Zenitsu groveled.

“Why would—?”

“Please! I’ll never try to take her from you again! You have my word!”

(Y/n) was bewildered to say the least. Did she really look like the type to rip someone apart? She looked back up to Kanae and the Flower Hashira giggled sweetly at her unsure expression. She reached out to (Y/n) and hugged her tightly.

“Aww, are you jealous sweetheart?” Kanae cooed.

“There is nothing to be jealous about! I’m just a lowly worm! I mean you no harm!” Zenitsu, quite literally, flipped out and went to go hide behind Tanjirou instead who had decided he could come out into the open.

“Maybe I am feeling a little jealous and insecure about this, but I would never dream about killing someone over it.” (Y/n) frowned. Just who did they think she was?

“Oh, darling,” Kanae cupped (Y/n)’s cheeks in her hands, “You have nothing to feel bad about. I love you, and that will never change no matter how long we are apart.”

“Stoooop, you’re going to make me cry!”

Kanae chuckled and held her wife even closer still, taking in all that she had missed while they had been separated. Then she turned to the boys, beaming excitedly.

“Tanjirou-kun, Inosuke-kun, Zenitsu-kun, come meet my wife!”

“Nooo!” Zenitsu screamed before running into the mansion, presumably to hide in a corner somewhere deep within. Maybe Nezuko’s box if she wasn’t already in there.

“Nice to meet you, (Y/n)-san!” Tanjirou greeted pleasantly.

“Let me test your power against mine!” Inosuke hollered.

“I’m sorry, I’m a little too tired to spar right now, but I’d be happy to train with you another time. It’s really nice meeting you though, I’m glad to have faces to match with the names.”

“We should go inside, there will be more time for getting to know each other later. Hopefully Zenitsu-kun will have calmed down by then.” Kanae suggested. She was already checking (Y/n) over for any injuries she may have sustained in her time away.

“I still have to find Sumi, Kiyo, Naho and Aoi.” (Y/n) would feel bad if she fell asleep without visiting with everyone first.

“We can stop by the infirmary, don’t fret.” Kanae assured.

Kanae pulled her wife along by the hand, overjoyed to feel her skin against hers once again. She kissed her sweetly on the cheek, ignoring Shinobu’s fake gagging as she did so.

[kai-uh-arcadian]

Hey, I love your writing! I was hoping you could write a rivals to lovers with Shinobu where R and Shinobu are pillars, but they "hate" each other and everyone else has to listen/suffer from their banter and argument. One day they both have to go on a mission together and R gets hurt really badly and they get into an argument about it and confess their feelings. If you can't write this no probelm <3

Like Water and Oil

Shinobu Kochou x They/ Them Reader

A/N: Ooo love me a little antagonism. This was fun! I was watching The Shallows while I wrote this so if anybody wonders why the demon is shark-y, that would be why. Warning for near death experience via drowning! Thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,918

“(L/n)-san,” Shinobu greeted curtly.

“Kochou,” (Y/n) returned the ‘pleasantry’ with bitterness.

Shinobu smiled in an almost exaggerated manner and made a show of deliberately sitting beside her fellow Hashira. (Y/n)’s lips twitched further downward.

Any of the other Hashira who cared to pay attention sighed inwardly or rolled their eyes. (Y/n) and Shinobu couldn’t stand each other, yet somehow they couldn’t stay away from each other and for some reason that meant it had to be everyone else’s problem too. Every time they had a meeting, the two of them would bicker until the last possible moment.

No one even could even really pinpoint why they seemed to hate each other so much in the first place either, which made it all the more frustrating. While everyone else was hoping to be the one to greet the Master, (Y/n) and Shinobu hoped to be the one to get the last jab in before they had to shut up.

And it looked as if this meeting would be no different.

“Lovely day, isn’t it, (L/n)-san? I was surprised, since I knew I had to see you, I expected a rainy, dreary day.”

“It was better before you got here. I think your grating voice scared the song birds away. That, or a hawk. Better stay vigilant or it might swoop in and fly off with you.”

“Is that so? Thank you for the warning! In that case, you should know that on my way here I encountered a family of wild boars. They seemed to have been looking for a lost member of their pack, be careful going home because I fear they may mistake you for their missing friend. However, when they scent you, they’ll realize the truth and drag you into the woods never to be seen or heard from again.” Shinobu said with a bright smile.

“Hey, guys? Maybe you could—” Mitsuri tried to interject, but the intensity of Shinobu and (Y/n)’s eyes on her made her quickly give up.

“Eep! Nevermind!”

“Oh yes,” Shinobu turned back to (Y/n) as if remembering something, “weren’t you away on a mission until recently? I haven’t heard much about it. You failed to find the demon, didn’t you?”

(Y/n) scowled at her, “I haven’t failed. I will be right back at it as soon as this meeting is over. Hopefully, far far far away from wherever you get assigned so I can have some peace.”

“Oh?” Shinobu’s smile grew more sinister, like she had a secret she just knew would shatter (Y/n)’s spirits. “Did you not hear? My, that must be so embarrassing for you.”

“What are you going on about with that creepy smile on your face?” (Y/n) narrowed their eyes in suspicion.

“All in good time, (L/n)-san. All in good time.”

“Could you two shut up?” Sanemi hissed.

“Hey, I was minding my own business before she came along.” (Y/n) defended, “Not my fault she’s apparently some kind of sadist who’s only purpose in life is to make me suffer.”

“That must make you quite the masochist then, considering you can’t seem to get enough of me. If you really wanted to be left alone, you could just ignore me like Tomioka-san. I think you have enough static in your head to accomplish at least that much.” Shinobu provided unhelpfully.

(Y/n) had been on their last nerve. A combination of several sleepless nights with no results, hurt pride and now of course Shinobu digging into them and continuously poking and poking and poking. They snapped,

“Fuck you!”

Shinobu, for her part, looked almost taken aback. However, she couldn’t resist responding to the crude retort with a quip.

“I’m flattered, but those fantasies will have to stay confined to your dreams.”

(Y/n) was positively steaming and spoke through gritted teeth,

“In my worst nightmares you mean! Not even if you were the last person on the planet, Kochou. Not even if I was going to die!”

“Maybe you two should!” Tengen groaned loudly, “Resolve the tension and give the rest of us a break from your constant negging.”

This response actually earned a few mumbled and huffed agreements that had both (Y/n) and Shinobu feeling a little attacked.

Before either could retort, Nichika and Hinaki opened the mansion doors and guided their father across the engawa.

It would seem for this meeting, Uzui would be getting the last word in. Bastard.

The Hashira bowed in reverence and Obanai was the first to work the courage up to greet the Master.

“My children,” Ubuyashiki greeted warmly in return, “I’m so happy to have you all here once more. Let us talk…”

It was a standard meeting. It was actually moving along rather quickly for which (Y/n) was glad. There was a significant amount of daylight that still remained. If they could make it back to their assignment in good time, they would still have enough time to catch a couple hours of sleep before nightfall.

When Ubuyashiki addressed them, they gave a report of all of their efforts to track down the demon that had been quickly making a name for itself.

“I’m close, Oyakata-sama.” They assured. “I will be right back on the case as soon as we finish here.”

“I do not doubt your diligence, (Y/n),” the Master smiled, “but this demon is proving to be more troubling than we previously thought it would and you’ve been neglecting proper rest hunting this demon night after night. That is why I have asked Shinobu to accompany you and provide assistance.”

What.

“Oyakata-sama, I appreciate your concern, but I do not need anyone to accompany me.” (Y/n) spoke as evenly as they could, determined not to give Shinobu the satisfaction of seeing them react in an overtly negative manner.

“And I appreciate your independence and strong will, but I cannot change my mind. It will be be safer to proceed with two Hashira instead of one.” Ubuyashiki replied.

“Then may I take someone else? Himejima-san? Tokito-san? Tomioka-san?” Literally anyone else?

“No,” The Master chuckled, “Shinobu has already agreed and the others have their own duties to attend to. I think it will be good for you two.”

“Yes, (L/n)-san,” Shinobu spoke up with that infuriatingly sweet tone, “Imagine how much fun we will have!”

(Y/n) clicked their tongue in annoyance before deferring back to the Master with a bow of their head. There was no use arguing further, Shinobu was coming whether they liked it or not. And they certainly did not like it. All they could do was hope that they could slay the demon that very same night so they could part ways by daybreak.

***

“(L/n)-san? (L/n)-san.”

(Y/n) groaned and snuggled further into the the corner of their booth seat, eyes still firmly shut. They had elected to fall asleep on the train, leaving it up to Shinobu to make sure they got off at the right station.

“(L/n)-san, it’s time to wake up.”

“Could you leave me alone for just five minutes?” (Y/n) grumbled.

Surely they couldn’t be there yet. Shinobu had to be pulling their leg.

“You certainly haven’t left me alone,” Shinobu countered, “cuddled up to me almost the whole trip… do you know how many ‘knowing’ looks I’ve gotten in the last two hours?”

Hm.

Now that (Y/n) thought about it. The booth seat did seem a bit softer than they would have expected.

Their eyes shot open and they leapt away from Shinobu and into the isle of the train car, disturbing the surrounding passengers with the speed in which they did so.

“You just can’t keep your hands off of me, can you?” Shinobu teased, easing herself out of the booth so she could pass (Y/n) up and exit the train.

“I was unconscious!” (Y/n) defended brusquely, following Shinobu out, “You probably pulled me against you yourself, you creep!”

“Why would I ever want to torture myself like that? I tried to push you away, but you kept flopping back over like a limp noodle.”

“See? This is why I wanted the window seat! But nooo, you just had to have it.”

“Why should you have gotten the window seat if you were planning on falling asleep anyway? The view would have been wasted on you.”

The pair continued to bicker and point fingers until they made it to their destination along the rocky beach of the coastal village highlighted by a rosy colored sky. Lazy waves rolled in and lightly splashed against the gritty rocks as the cackle of far off gulls was carried on the briney breeze.

“It’s beautiful here,” Shinobu marveled, “It’s really a shame that I’m here with you of all people.”

“On that we can agree.” (Y/n) was exhausted, but they refused to let Shinobu have the last word.

“So did you listen at all to what I told the Master about this situation or did you tune me out?” They asked, coming to a stop at the water’s edge and peering in with a well-trained eye looking for any sign of movement beneath the choppy water.

“Unfortunately,” Shinobu confirmed.

“Great. Keep an eye of the sea at all times then. I’ll walk along the east shore and you take the west. Yell if you see anything suspicious.”

Shinobu hummed and went on her way without causing further strife. The sun was but a sliver on the horizon and it was time to get to work.

***

When Shinobu made it as far as she could along the western side of the beach, she began walking back the way she came.

She sighed. It was the dead of night and there had not been so much as one out of place ripple or bubble in the water. When she saw (Y/n) approaching to meet her back in the middle, she snarked,

“Are you quite sure you tracked this demon correctly?”

“Yes!” (Y/n) crossed their arms over their chest. “It’s here. Can’t exactly go for a swim for a closer look though, can we? Unless you are confident you can breath underwater for an indeterminate amount of time.” They snarked back.

“It’ll come up somewhere around here eventually. It’s very particular about its feeding grounds. The witness accounts I collected all state that the victims last known whereabouts were on this beach.”

“And how many accounts do you have, three?” Shinobu asked incredulously.

“Seven.”

“Seven.” Shinobu repeated, unimpressed.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you think I’m walking along this craggy, smelly and slippery beach at midnight for fun?” (Y/n) yelled, throwing their arms out wide.

“You think I enjoy running on a combined total of twenty-nine hours of sleep over the last two weeks? That I haven’t spent my days traveling two villages down in either direction to speak with the people there too before returning to hunt all night?” They took a step forward, fists swinging downward to clench at their sides.

“(L/n)-san, calm down.” Shinobu held her hands in front of her. She wasn’t afraid of (Y/n), but she did find their conduct during this critical time alarming.

“I bet you’re just loving this, aren’t you? Watching me fail and fall apart. It’s all you ever wanted, right? Go on, soak it in! Tell me how thirty people have gone missing from right under my—!“

(Y/n) stopped speaking mid sentence, the hair on the back of their neck rose mere seconds before a scaly demon shot up from the water, it’s large, shark-like mouth opened wide as it propelled itself at Shinobu.

(Y/n) pushed her hard in the chest, sending her several steps back, crying out as sharp teeth griped around their torso and pulled them into the the frigid sea, but not before Shinobu was able to pierce into the rough skin of the demon with her sword. The demon pulled with such strength that Shinobu’s hilt slipped from her hand. The last thing that Shinobu saw before the demon splashed back into the water was (Y/n) clenched in its teeth and her sword pierced clean through from stomach to back.

“(L/n)-san!” Shinobu called pointlessly, scanning the black water fruitlessly. The demon would surely die soon with her poison circulating in its body, but (Y/n) could need help resurfacing after taking such a blow on Shinobu’s behalf.

“Damn it, no!” Shinobu quickly rid herself of her geta, haori, and whatever else would weigh her down or get in the way and dove into the icy ocean, sending herself even lower with a few powerful dolphin kicks.

It was impossible to see, it was much too dark.

Shinobu surfaced to breathe for the fourth time and spun around, looking for any sign that (Y/n) had surfaced without her knowing. Her heart felt so heavy she could just about sink to the the bottom of the ocean.

Taking a deep breath, she dove once again. Time was wearing thin. If she didn’t find them soon—

Shinobu flailed blindly in the dark water, praying her limbs would hit something solid. Just before she needed to surface again, she felt something soft graze against her finger tips and reached forward, her hand wrapped tightly around what she was certain was a wrist and she kicked to the surface as fast as she could, gasping and gulping several lungfuls of air.

She had them, but she couldn’t relax yet. They were unresponsive.

Flipping onto her back, she rested (Y/n)’s head against her chest and kicked to the rocky shore. The hard part was dragging (Y/n) over the rocks to lay their back flat against the ground.

Though out of breath and muscles aching, Shinobu leapt right into starting chest compressions counting rhythmically to thirty before tilting (Y/n)’s head back to press her lips to theirs for two strong rescue breaths.

She had never imagined this would be how their lips would first connect. No time for regrets. If she kept at it, she would save them and there would be no need to feel like their time together was wasted on petty games.

She repeated the cycle twice more before (Y/n) coughed up a good amount of water straight into Shinobu’s face.

Shinobu, unphased, rolled them to their side and swept their mouth with her fingers, looking for any obstructions. Clean. She rolled them onto their back once more and placed her ear on their chest, nothing yet.

She began administering chest compressions again and when she angled (Y/n)’s head once more to administer the rescue breaths, she found her movement halted by a cold, wet hand pressed against her lips.

“Oh gods no,” (Y/n) rasped, their hand weekly flopping back to the rocks, “please tell me you were,” a shaky inhale, “on the first cycle.”

“You, you idiot!” Shinobu fisted her hand in the collar of (Y/n)’s uniform, surprising them with how furious she looked, her eyes shining, and not from sea water.

“Why did you do that?”

(Y/n) winced, placing a hand over the one of the lacerations on their side from where the demon’s teeth managed to pierce through their uniform.

“What? Was I, supposed to, let it take a bite, out of you instead?” (Y/n) asked between breaths that hurt like salt in a wound which, they supposed, made sense.

“Look, I know we, have our differences, but I wasn’t gonna, let you die because of them. I don’t wanna, see you hurt.”

“And do you think I want to see you like this?” Shinobu asked angrily, “I thought I lost you! Do you have any idea how badly you scared me?”

“Kochou—“

“I can handle myself! I don’t need you charging in like some knight in shining armor. I just can’t understand why you did that!”

“Because I love you, damn you!” (Y/n) shouted as loud as they could before curling onto their side in a coughing fit.

“Well I love you more!” Shinobu yelled.

“I love you most!” (Y/n) countered once they recovered from their cough.

“Just shut up.”

Shinobu gripped (Y/n)’s cheeks between her hands and smashed her lips over theirs in a surprisingly searing kiss considering both were soaking wet and chilled to the bone.

When they broke apart, Shinobu stayed close, their noses brushing. She stroked (Y/n)’s cheek and chuckled quietly in pure disbelief.

“What’s so funny?” (Y/n) mumbled, though a smile twitched at their lips.

“You’re a better kisser than I would have guessed. Could still be better though.”

“Screw you, need I remind you I was drowning not too long ago?” They shivered.

“Can you get up? We need to warm up and suture your wounds.”

“I think so. What about your sword?”

“It’s fine,” Shinobu exhaled with heavy exhaustion as she rose to her feet and helped (Y/n) to theirs, draping her haori over their shoulders, “My scabbard is what is important for storing my poisons. I’ll just have to discuss making a replacement with my swordsmith.”

Pressed together for warmth, they navigated through the dark and returned to the village to recuperate in a nearby onsen, thankful for the warmth that greeted them as soon as they stepped inside.

As soon as Shinobu finished tending to (Y/n), they took turns bathing and promptly passed out in a heap of tangled limbs, the scent of seasalt still clinging faintly to their skin.

If the Hashira thought that (Y/n) and Shinobu couldn’t get more obnoxious, they would be wrong. As it would turn out, the only thing more annoying than their constant bickering and negging, was them bickering and negging while they were an official couple.