Icy Flames- Rengoku Kyojuro-Demon Slayer/ Kimetsu no Yaiba

42

Even though it was nighttime, it was easy to see the trees as they were lit up by fairy lights and lanterns.

Even though Shinobu claims that no one likes him, he was quite fun to hang out with. Maybe it was because he was a bit similar in personality to me, or maybe he is misunderstood who knows?

Throughout the festival, we both played a game offered to us; scoop a goldfish with paper and win us a friend. We each played one round with children surrounding us, and though we both won, we gave our bagged fish to the children who lost and received no compensation in return. Soon it turned into kids wanting us to play for them because it was a Hashira playing and giving them the fish.

Once we appeased the younger patrons of the festival, we both circled back, nearing the entrance once more, Tomioka pointed out to me the people gathering around the small stage in the center surrounded in golden hues from the lanterns that hung above, presenting the man in the center with bachi sticks in hand, standing in front of his taiko drum.

"Kuraokami! We have some fresh Dango on the house!"

I walked towards the stand and smiled reaching for the treat.

Before I can take a bite, both Giyuu's crow and my crow took a piece of the treat with their beak causing me to be a bit startled at the action. I guess as time grew, the Kusugai crows warmed up to mine. My bird though remained closer to Giyuu's than any other Hashiras.

I took another two Dango and handed one to Tomioka who was stunned and accepted it.

With our Dangos in our hands, we both went to the trees in the back sat down in the cool grass, and watched. Sitting here and watching felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These people must have felt like it was nice to be out once in a lifetime without having to worry about demons.

Women began to sing, repeating words to a melody sung by other women-years, decades, maybe even centuries before. The crowd began to dance in unison, smiles and laughs all around as their mesmerizing movements. Everyone was actually happy.

Simultaneously, we both at our Dango and turned to one another a bit stunned at the synchrony of our action. Both of our cheeks puffed out, stuffed with food.

We both went back to enjoying the scene before us.

"Ah Tomioka-san and Y/N-san?"

We both looked up towards the voice and a pang of annoyance rang through our face as we looked at the "sweet" Insect Hashira smiling down at us with that girl that I had seen before at her mansion.

"You both look like a chipmunk," she teased.

My eyes quickly looked at Giyuu to see his cheeks were just as puffy as mine.

"Are you sure you both aren't a couple?" Shinobu asked.

"Ohohouhoihoi," Tomioka responded with his mouth full as I simply glared at Shinobu as she simply looked at us with those "innocent" eyes and answered with a simply "no."

"Well, I'm sorry. I thought finally you would have someone to like you, I guess it is inevitable," Shinobu said as she walked away with the girl following right behind her causing Tomioka to look stunned. I knew I was cold...but Shinbou was a different type of cold.

I placed a hand on Giyuu and patted him as he turned his attention towards me and sighed. I guess my point is proven, Giyuu always seems to be cold, unapproachable but he is just an introvert that was misunderstood. Something behind those eyes, tells me he has a story that he doesn't want to share.

Then again we all have stories that we don't want to share and when we feel close to someone we share them.

"I can get bug repellant if you like?" I mumbled.

Giyuu looked at me a bit lost in words, stifled a laugh, and focused his attention back on the festivities. I gave a small smile and diverted my gaze to the cherry blossom tree we were under. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the falling petals as they floated through the pink tunnel created by the trees, cherry blossom petals floating down around us.

I guess I understood why Oyakata-sama required Hashira's to attend. Though there were countless demons that roamed these lands, we all need a break and a reminder of what we are fighting for.

"There you are!" Kyojuro beamed as came to both Giyuu and me in a few strides alone, "Uzui and I were looking all over for you."

"Hn," I responded, eyes focused on the festivities.

"Apologizes, Tomioka-san but I will be needing Y/N for a bit," Kyojuro said, curiously eyeing me with a small grin on his face.

Tomioka's gaze shifted around nervously between Rengoku and me before finally settling on me again. Tomioka rose from his position, patted my head, and squeezed my shoulders as if he was reassuring me before walking towards the festivities, leaving Rengoku and I...alone...