⚜ Demon Slayer One-Shots ⚜ Requests Open ⚜

Fluttering Trails of the Heart

This was requested by @BRUHBULOUS. (Do not hate on their ships)

Ship: Shinobu X Mitsuri

Warnings: Fluff.

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Mitsuri had always found Shinobu rather appealing. Whether it was the cold appearance, or the idea there were simply two females, she always felt drawn. Every moment the two spent only proved her heart's desire. Shinobu was strong. An independent individual. While it granted slight envy, there was a blossoming warmth deep in her heart. It resonated and grew with every encounter, whether short or long. The more it grew, the more Mitsuri found her desire for the truth leaping to the surface. She wanted nothing more than to be honest and accept rejection should it come, but she also feared the heartache. She was the Love Hashira, yet struggled in that department. It was an embarrassment. 

Shinobu was like an enigma. She was calm, deadly. Her small glances brought fear from those around her, leaving her quite alone oftentimes. The Hashiras were the only ones that dared approach and even then, it was rare. It was one of the reasons she valued Mitsuri so much. As another female, she knew Shinobu's heart well. The heart of a female that longed for a connection, especially after her sisters death. She wanted a shoulder she could lean on. The times when she could pour her heart out and be accepted for her true feelings. But she wore her ferocious nature like a shield. She couldn't show she was weak. It was as simple as that.

Both had been on a mission at one point, the first time when it was simply them. For Mitsuri, she always had Obanai close. This time, she was alone with her crush. The purple hair that was such a dark shade. Those calm eyes that were like a toxin. It was hardly a comparison to her bubble gum appearance. She often hated her hair color, but she never did a thing about it. Not when Shinobu had mentioned on it. 

The two had completed the mission with ease, not a single issue arising. The main issue was the fact they were staying at a inn for the eve. Mitsuri had let her mind wander countlessly, worry and anxiety washing over her. Of course, Shinobu wasn't blind. She could see the glances. Feel the heat of those stares. Shinobu knew fully well where the others heart lay, she was just being patient. When Mitsuri settled her heart, Shinobu would be waiting.

The butterfly pillar was brilliant. She did not have strength, but wits. The two were somewhat similar, yet also not. Mitsuri had many who loved her. Even so, Shinobu felt joy whenever those eyes landed on her. It was the first time she felt someone truly saw her. That someone cared for her and was close enough to gain her trust. She had teased Giyuu often about his lack of friends, but it was a farce. She was no better. Loneliness oozed from both, only Shinobu refused to admit that out loud.

"Shinobu, would you like to visit the spring to wash up from the mission?" The voice that was like lavender, so sweet and silky pulled the butterfly pillar to reality. She met the others gaze, nodding as she rose from the place she'd been seated. Her footsteps were light, unlike Mitsuri's. She dragged her feet, a show of her rising anxiety. "You were amazing today!"

"Oh? You were watching me? Ara Ara, Mitsuri!" The love pillar hesitated briefly, chuckling from her aroused nerves. It was a cute sight. Shinobu noted the slight red on her cheeks, a glimmer of a smile rising to the corner of her lips.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to make it weird..." 

"You didn't. Glad to know I caught your attention." Those words were slightly teasing, catching the other off guard. They giggled before finally catching up, walking beside the other as they spotted the slight smile. Mitsuri couldn't help but melt to it. A sight no one had truly seen. A genuine smile. It was something she would treasure, should her plans work incorrectly. After all, she had planned to come clean. Life was a lottery. There was always the chance they didn't live to tomorrow. So she would take the step before that. To assure her heart at least glimpsed a future, even if it didn't last long, nor forever.

The two had entered the woman's section, which was empty. There was the slight noise from the men's section, the voice slightly recognizable. Shinobu had been the one to distinguish who was talking. Afterward, she dismissed the thought before walking out into the hot spring. The towel was wrapped around her before she removed it, sliding into the warm water. Mitsuri had taken her time, but once in, she sunk lower. Her expression was relaxed, leaving her features more truthful.

"You enjoy hot springs?" The love pillar nodded before sitting up straighter, her smile rising. Shinobu chuckled at the adorable nature.

"I love them greatly! They sooth the body and keep you warm whilst taking care of the dirt." 

"Indeed. Glad I got to experience this with you." Shinobu spoke softly, leaving the other Hashira silent. It was a shock when Mitsuri pressed her hands to her cheeks, the red growing. Her emotions were so open in that moment. Not only that, but she seemed more daring in Shinobu's opinion, not that the other minded. It was their moment.

"You really are happy I am here? It makes me so happy to hear, truthfully. I've a question, Shinobu!" The butterfly pillar nodded before Mitsuri carried on. Her question wasn't a surprise in the least. "Have you ever been in love?"

"I can not say I have. Life has been quite painful, so I shut myself off from those things. How about you?" Shinobu had decided to move closer, Mitsuri not taking notice.

"I have." The butterfly pillar was feet away as she spoke once more, finally drawing the other's gaze.

"What are they like?"

"W-well... They are strong and independent. They are beautiful and smell like wisteria, their voice like honey. It's sweet, but laced in a venom that chills the bone. It is dangerous, but alluring to say the least." Shinobu hummed, taking the seat beside the other. She sighed before watching the stars above. The steam was thick, but still able to be seen through.

"Aren't you simply describing me, Mitsuri?" The shade of red depend as Mitsuri slightly panicked, but in the end nodded. Her voice refused to work, but Shinobu didn't mind. She smiled once more, this time completely. Leaning into the others shoulder, she relaxed. "I'm glad you decided to be honest. I care about you, so be honest about your feelings."

"Shinobu?" There was a long silence as Mitsuri understood everything. She chuckled, leaning her head on Shinobu's as she relaxed as well in the spring. She was glad things had gone well, her tone soft and simple. "I care about you too. More than anyone. It makes me happy to hear you feel the same. It's a moment I will cherish forever."

"It's a moment we can cherish forever. Together." Those words were like a fire. It brought a wave of happiness that neither could suppress. One mission had brought the two closer and truths to light. It was a successful day indeed. No matter the outcome of the future, both were content knowing they had someone to lean on. They had each other.

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