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Chapter Text

Walking around the forest I gliding my hands along the bark feeling the bumps and ridges that covered the brown ancient plants. I sucked in a deep breath, It was peaceful an unusual and quite moment that only came across me every month or so. Ginko flew next to me in the calm breeze of the forest, I paused blinking before glancing up at he letting my hand drop to my side and leave the ruff bark.

"Ginko do I have a destination?" I asked. Even if I do not remember where I am or what I'm doing doesn't mean she doesn't. She is surprisingly good at keeping track of my tasks and just everything I fail to keep track off. It's why I let her do as she pleases, I am not thankful or grateful to a lot of people but she is an exception. I would not be alive without her.

"Yes" She spoke flying down and closer to me. I did think I did as the trees and gentle breezed seemed vaguely familiar. "You are going to the love Hashira's estate, Kanroji Mitsuri, for an hour or two per her request at the last Hashira meeting," She informed me. I hummed in response. Of course, she likes to invite me round a lot ,not that I will ever know why.

Since the first day we met the Alpha woman had taken me under wing and kept a close eye on me. It was weird she did most things you would expect an Omega to do, like being overly motherly to me but I never though about it too much.

Without much more conversation of talking Ginko led the way to Kanroji's. It's not as if she were verbally telling me to take a turn like on missions but in stead she just flew in the direction ever so slightly ahead of me and without looking at her my legs followed her down a path that only got more familiar the more we walked. By the time we got to Kanroji's estate I was waving Ginko away, as long as I was around people I didn't need her hovering around me.

"You're dismissed know." I told gently shaking her away. She nodded before turning and flying off in the direction of our estate. I look out a Kanroji's very bright and flowery estate. Walking down the small dirt and stone path to her door I look at all the pink and purple flowers that lined it and the house, flower beds that had been looked after very well.

Standing at  the front of her house and at her door I could have sworn it was different. I have a memory of it being a very light purple but I find myself stud in front of a dark chocolate oak door. I don't think too much of it reaching forwards and knocking lightly on the door.

I hear the sound of footsteps running over before the door swings open revealing Mrs Kanroji with a bright smile and her face and two wide green eyes staring at me. 

"Tokitou! Come on in," She said with her normal happy tone as she gestures for me to come in. I step into the colourful - mostly pink and green- estate. I always find myself wondering why she models her house over her hair colours. Her walls are covered with flowers-some painted on and some real. I make my way to our usual spot as she disappears to a random room that I think is either the kitchen or the bathroom. 

"Would you like some Sakura Mochis?" I hear her ask and I deem the room the kitchen before she comes out with a plate full of Sakura Mochi. It's not a surprise thought Sakura Mochis are her favourite food.
She picks one up as I give her a smile of gratitude while quietly shacking head to say no.
"So did you try and talk to someone your age?" She asked placing the piece of Sakura Mochis in her mouth a small smile on her face, she seems hopeful but I can't tell. She hard to read sometimes every other emotion she has gets covered in happiness and everything disappears.

"No I haven't had any need to, no missions or other tasks have required it." I explain her, and she doesn't seem to happy. She sits down opposite me and puts the plate on the table taking another piece.

"I suppose there aren't many kids your age in the corps which is good" She says titling her head as if she's thinking. "Oh! What about Tanjiro kun, you like him right?" I nod before even really possessing what she said. I just heard Tanjiro and got happy. He's nice but he has a lot of friends and I don't like a lot of people.

"Yes! But our paths have not crossed so I do not know what to do," I admitted, I would like to talk to him more and his little sister. Nezuko I think was her name. She's sweet and I like taking care of her, well I just hold her usually but I still like doing it. It's everyone else that should just leave.  

"I'm sure if you wrote to him he would hang out with you, if you need his crows name I could give it to you" She offered picking up I think her 4th piece from the plate-though I've lost count. "He can meet you half way or something, lower corps members do it all the time"

"I am aware but he's always around the other two, I don't like them they're loud and annoying and they never now when to shut up and leave Tanjiro san alone" It take me a moment to realise that my tone is harsh but when I do I simply do not care. Kanroji hums lightly 

"Yeah...but that's just his other friends Tokitou kun, I'm sure if you actually spoke to them you'd get to know them" She said her voice soft and I only shrugged in response. "I mean you're friends with the young Shinazugawa aren't you?" I raise an eye brow.

"Shinazugawa san has a younger brother?" I ask trying to rack my brain for the information. "I could have sworn Shinazugawa yelled multiple times about being an only child, did I miss something or Shinazugawa not who I remembered him to be "Have I gottan him confused with another Hashira. Sometimes I mix names and faces up but I haven't done that with the Hashira since I was 12.

"I'm not sure, I fear they're not on good terms but you have met him, his names Genya remember he helped fight the upper moon with Tanjiro" She said and I vaguely remember a brown haired man but that's as far as it goes. He obviously wasn't important then. At least I hope he wasn't. "Either way I think it would be good for you to make friends your own age"

"I have Tanjiro" I reply with frown and I can see and hear the sigh she let out as her shoulders slouch a if she's disappointed and I can't help but wonder if I've done something wrong. Somewhere along the way of Kanroji inviting me round to talk about random nonsense I've found myself worrying how she see's me which I have never really cared about.

"Someone other then Tanjiro, you need more then one friend, and Genya's nice...once you get to know him he's like you" I roll my eyes, "Plus he's training under Himejima San so you can always ask him if you two would get along." I don't respond and keep my eyes down. "Please Tokitou, just try it's good to have friends and it's good for to remember you're still only 14" She adds her voice soft and calm as she reach's a handout and rubs her thumb along my hand.

After a silent minute or two Kanroji changes the subject and we talk about random things for the next hour or two- or she talks and I just nod and smile letting her rank about her cats and younger siblings that she misses. It's not until I glance out the window that I realise just out late it is. The sky is dark and blue with very little starts littering the sky as black clouds cover most of the void above our heads. 

"I think I should get going, it's rather dark I don't intend to stay the night here" I haven't stayed the night at any place other then my estate, my childhood home and the butterfly mansion. I can't sleep other wise- I don't think, I mean I haven't exactly tried.

"Are you sure? It looks as if it's going to rain. I don't mind if you stay round" I shake my head standing up. I glance down at Kanroji the plate empty surrounded by 3 more plates that she had gottan out through out the day.

"It is fine, Thank you though" I give her a little nod walking over to her door. She follows swiftly behind me someone getting in front of me and opening her door the night air cold against the warmth in her estate. The change in tempter for some reason wakes me up but also makes me want to curl up in my nest and sleep. 

"I can walk you back if you want?" She offers and I politely shake my head "Be careful, I don't want you getting hurt. You have sword right?" She asks and I gently tap the sword on me leg. As if I would leave the house without it.

"I am a pillar Kanroji, I will be fine" I remind her walking out her estate and into the forest. It's not until I've already walked for 20 minutes and the rains has started drizzle do I realise that I in fact do not know where I'm going. I can usual walk of muscle memory and act like Ginko's with me and it works but for some reason it hasn't today.

With out much else to do I pick a direction that feels and looks familiar and begin walking down it. In reality it could lead anywhere, the path could lead to the butterfly mansion which I would not be fully against. 

It would not be the first time I've shown unannounced after I got lost but found my way back there. Kochou had found it amusing and had sent me off with her crow making sure I didn't get lost again. Thankfully I didn't.

As I let my head run through the possibilities off where I am heading the drizzle quickly turnings heavy and hard hitting down onto my hair and soaking through my clothes. I shudder and shiver pulling my thick ropy strands of hair out of my face groaning at the through of having to wash all of it again only to spend half an hour drying it and brushing it.

Why do I keep my hair this long again?

I trudge though the forest the usually calm and level dirt path know a swap of thick and gloopy mud. The rain hit my head causing a pounding sensation to pulse. My eyes which were already heavy feltlike lead as I dragged my feet along the once visible path. I'm not even sure where I'm walking anymore. The path that I had chosen has washed away with the rain and the wind is pushing so hard against me it hurts.

I swallow hard blinking the droplets of water out my eyes and strings of my hair fall in front of my face again. I stumble as one of legs get stuck in the ground it mud holding my foot as if it needed it to live. I pulled my shoe suctioned to the ground. It took an embarrassingly long time to finally free my leg and once I did I made sure to walk faster.  

Wobbling slightly due to the heaviness off my left leg that is know covered in mud I find myself in front of a unknown and unfamiliar estate. The lights were dimly on but I did not wish nor intend to figure out who it was and if anyone was home. 

My objective was to either find my estate of the Kochou's. This was neither so I would continue walking. As I turned around flicking a strand of hair away from my eye and making my way back into the forest a voice of a boy called out to me.

"Hey, wait are you okay" I do not turn around because I do not need nor do I want to answer to him. Instead I continue walking until a hand grabs me and spins me around. I am prepared to punch him yell and continue walking but stop when I see he's in a freshly soaked corps uniform. You can't fight another corps member. "Dude, it's pissing it down what are you doing out?"

"Non of your business or concern" I spit ripping my wrist from his grip. He's holding a lantern that glows faintly in the dark night the rain and wind making the shine go in all directions. "Goodbye"

"Hold on, if you stay out any longer you'll catch a cold, hell you probably already have a cold." He says trying to keep my attention. I do not know what his intentions are but I do not care. The lantern doesn't show me much of him but I can make out the outline of a boy tall then me- and probably older- with dark hair and the scent of an alpha, though it's been dulled due to the rain.

"I do not care for any of your concerns, if you could point me in the direction of the butterfly mansion that would be appreciated" If he's gonna insist on helping me he might as well give me directions. I pull my arms closer to myself as the wind wizes past me and I bite back a shiver. His eye widen and I swear I can make out the colour to be a deep purple.

"The butterfly mansion, you're not hurt are you?" He asks and before I can answer his question he speaks again. Why ask a question if you won't let me answer it? "You should come in, my sensei won't mind trust" I take a step back from him and I can't help the scoff that leaves my lips.

"I am fine, how about you go home and if you're not gonna give me directions then go know. I do not have time for this or you" I tell him my voice as cold as the world around us. 

"Young Shinazugawa what are you doing out side it's pouring out here, you'll catch a cold" a familiar deep and rough voice callout over the loud patting of rain that had almost became unnoticeable. The boy whips his head across dragging the lantern and it's light with him. I look past him but I am unable to make out the person other then there large silhouette and there scent is being swepted away by the rain.

"I-" The boy starts clearly failing. It almost make me laugh. I take a step back prepared to walk away and find my own way to Kochou when the larger and older male makes his way over and I'm suddenly hit with his scent and the reason why I find his presents familiar.

"Yung Tokitou? What on earth are you doing out here?" He asks and I step forwards just to make sure.

"Himejima Sama"

...

I blink and I find myself inside of the stone Hashira's estate next to a fire as the older Alpha gives me a lecture that I'm not listening to as the warmth from his home wraps me up fast and better then his scent has. I glance down and become very aware at the fact that I'm dripping all over his carpet and just how much. I can't help but feel a bot guilty but it's quickly washed away when I remind myself that he knew I would drip and that his student is literally doing the same thing. 

"God, how long have you been out there? You're shaking" He said his voice much softer not that it wasn't soft before- everything he said was said in a soft voice. I can't help but pull a face as I look down at myself to see that he is in fact true in his statement and I am in fact shivering like a lost puppy.

"I- I must have left Mrs Kanroji's only after night fall" I respond trying to think of an actual time. Maybe I should have check the time before leaving. I hug myself as my hair drips water across my skin causing little lines of water to run down me. Himejima shakes his head lightly.

"Genya, fetch him a towel and one for yourself I don't want either of you getting ill." The young boy runs off and I swear I've heard that name before. I try and search my brain for it but turn up black. I can only shrug and decide it's not something or someone to worry about. He clearly doesn't know me either. He comeback with two towels pretty quickly and passes one to Himejima san who passes one to me.
"Both of you dry yourselves off and then go to bed, Tokitou you may sleep where ever you want within reason, I am going to bed I don't want to catch either of you out side again" We both nod.

"May you write to Ginko? My crow, she gets worried when I don't come home" I tell him and he nods a small smile on his lips. It takes me a second to remember that he is in fact blind and can not write.

"I will send a message, get some sleep both of you" He said his voice going ever so slightly more stern at the end. "And Genya, give young Tokitou and clothes if needed" He says before disappearing down a corridor. The boy turns to me but before he can speak I place my hand out in front of his face.

"We are not talking, I do not wish to talk to you, I suggest you go to your room" He does as I suggest but appears in a minute with some folded up clothes laying them out of the sofa.

"Might be a bit big but you're free to wear them" He says before disappearing again. I dry myself off and put the clothes on and trying to stop my self from gaging and like..dying at the same time. I'm not sure if this kid just can't smell me or is so dense that he doesn't realise but the clothes he's handed me absolutely reeks of Alpha which- isn't a surprise but it -is killing me. 

I'm an Omega and unmated at that, and form the smell of it he is as well which is stirring me up in all kind of ways that I chose to ignore.

I swallow hard before going over to Himejima's bathroom and ringing out my uniform before placing the on his radiators. Quickly I ring my hair out- yes I can do that- and manage to fine a bobble to put it up with. I stumble my way over to his sofa placing the towel where my head lies so that I don't completely soak his sofa and let sleep over take me.

Sometimes I do wonder how I find myself in these situations.

Chapter Text

I had tried to get away as soon as possible, especially since I hadn't slept well due to an on time nightmare at 3 am but apparently that wasn't an option. So I find myself being walked home by both Himejima sama and this random Alpha who looked familiar, smelt familiar and spoke more then I though he would have. It was annoying. I had drowned him out and just let them walk me back, Himejima sama knew what I was like, he'd keep the boy busy and he did. Until his crow came over and told him he had to go somewhere-I'm not sure I didn't pay attention. All I know is he left 5 minutes ago and this asshole keeps trying to fill the silence as Zekka took us home. I'm not even sure why he's walking with me, it was pointless he didn't know the way Zekka did. 

But Himejima sama was stronger then me and older, so I must respect what he says so I did. Regretfully.

"Can you shut up?" I asked cutting him off and he went silent his face heating up as he looked to the floor and god help me I felt bad. Ever since Tanjirou rebutted my brain I've grown what he calls a conscious. It's annoying and make me lie to spare other people the hurt which make no sense but a las. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be harsh"

"N-no it's okay I tend to ramble a bit, I'm just nervous I mean you're a pretty girl and all I just-" I stutter in my step for a moment, it's not an uncommon occurrence but still not one I enjoy. He turned to me going red. "I-I-I'm sorry I should have said something like that I mean I Just- It's true" He babbled out tripping on his words.

"I'm a fucking man," He looked at me his eyes going wide with either shock or horror. It's common for people to mistake me but it always takes me a back when they do. I just let out a huff shrugging him off. "If it's so true then at least call me a pretty boy," I added before walking a head of him following Zekka. There's the sound of chocked sputtering's from behind me before he appears at my side again less red with an awkward cracked smile on his face.

"I'm sorry, forgive me Master Tokitou, I should have known" He said and I gave a shrug, it took Uzui almost two years of me being a Hashira for him to realise and Tomioka wasn't much better. It doesn't help that I'm an Omega, if I were an Alpha maybe less people would assume. It's not like I sound like a girl, just have the hair of one and I suppose that I do look more 'feminine' or whatever. 

"I doesn't matter, it's not like we've formally met" I tell him. It doesn't help that I'm one of the Hashira who doesn't talk to the lower ranks. Not that I want to talk to them but almost every lower rank knows what Uzui, Rengoku and Kochou look like most know Kanroji and Himejima, any that know Obanai and Shinazugawa wish they didn't. Me and Tomioka stay a far distance so we're almost forgotten. 

"I- well we didn't meet for a long time but we have met" He said half confused and half still embarrassed. I raise an eyebrow not stopping my pace, I though he looked familiar. Not a clue where from though. Glad he remember because I sure as hell don't.

"Though I recognised you, may I ask when we did meet?" I ask "You'll have to forgive me my memory is not as good as yours or Himejima sama's" I apologise, something I wouldn't have usually done. It's not my fault, well if I had killed that demon earlier then I would be fine so I guess it is my fault.

Just like he's my fault.

"No it's alright, I think Tanjirou mentioned something about that, we met at the swordsmith village I helped Tanjirou out with upper four before Mrs Kanroji got there." He explained and I spoke before I even really though about it.

"You know Tanjiro?" I asked an he gave a small nod. A smile grew on my face. "Have you spoken to him lately? I haven't had the chance to talk to him without rotating missions and obviously he hags out with lot of people and I'm not okay with that" He shook his head.

"I saw him maybe 2 weeks ago, but I've had a couple big missions that kept me away I've only recently gotten back" He explained and my shoulders relaxed as my smile was lost. Shame, I miss Tanjiro.

"Oh, okay" I respond "I suppose you've recovered well from said missions" I asked and he gave a small nod his scent let off that he was confused or uncomfortable not that I could figure out why. I don't care enough to figure it out. I'll end up forgetting him. Maybe not his oddly nice scent but definitely him.

"I-Y, yeah thank you they were mainly just travel" I hummed in response, I get it. I spend 6 days away for a mission that takes me 3 hours during one night to complete. Though he probably doesn't get it to that extant. Hashira are more...grounded? We have a place to live not many corps members do so when were called upon we typically have to cover more distance.

"Mmh, you can just go home I won't tell Himejima sama" I tell him. He doesn't say anything for a while just silently walks beside me. "I'll make sure Zekka doesn't either he has a thing for Ginko" I add and I can here him stifle a laughter.

"Really?" He asks and I give a small nod, "Nah, I like talking to you even if I am failing also I now need to see these two crows interact." He says standing taller as if he's grown some confidence. I wat him gone, I'm trying to be nice especially since he's Tanjiro's friend but I don't want to talk to anyone. At. All. I'm tired and want to be left alone.

"I don't think your failing, not that I would know anyway if you haven't heard I'm not the best to talk to" If he's not gonna leave I'm not gonna be a bitch. Man...Tanjiro really has changed me. Damn. He shakes his head.

"I admit most people don't speak like you do, you know all cold and emotionless but I don't know, makes me want to know you better" He says a smile growing on his face. "I wanna see all your emotions you know?" I just shook my head.

"No I don't know" He went beat read eyes widening.

"Aaah- sorry that was weird please ignore me Master Tokitou" 

"Just Tokitou, no need to call me master if you're already walking me home"

...

By the time I got home we had spoken much more. Mainly about random thing, I had gotten his name which elected a chaos of questions. Shinazugawa had a little brother that he had hidden from us. I don't really care but I do want to know why. Not that I'll remember why, not that I would be against remembering. I like having dirt on the Hashira and I feel this would be good dirt.

I can't for the life of me remember his first name not that I really need to. Through I may bump into him again if he is friends with Tanjiro. Not that I would mind that. Usually I com away hating people but for some reason I don't hate him as much. He smells nice, which makes me sound like a creep. I think it's because he's an Alpha, Tanjiro smells nice-not in the same way but he does. 

I don't know, it's just the way baby Shinazugawa rubbed me. I can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing. I shake my as Ginko rubs her head and beat gently across my cheek going on about how she missed me. And then she pecks me.

"Ow! Ginko what the hell? That was uncalled for" I yelp taking a step back and instantly placing a hand on my cheek as she flew in front my head her face oddly stern. It's odd how I can read her emotions the same way I do peoples. But I guess every creature changes muscles when they feel different emotions. Some tense some relax, it's all in the face.

"You need to be more careful!" She declares her voice loud "It doesn't take long for someone to call me and wouldn't kill you to ask me to stay, I don't want you getting lost again" She added as if I were a child who could get hurt. I'm a fricking Hashira, who had his sword I think I'll be fine. But I don't fight with her I just nod lightly with a hum.

"Right, Sorry" I mumble and she let out a huff steam coming from her beak. She flaps around me head before flying over and into the kitchen, great she's gonna want me to eat. I roll my eyes not moving from my spot.

"Master Tokitou! You must eat something, oh and drink something and then take a bath after wards, gods you must me filthy" She gasps as if just thinking of it. I walk towards my kitchen leaning on the door frame.

"I'll shower but I don't to eat, Himejima sama made something before we left" A complete lie I'm just not hungry, but she doesn't know that. "I would have thought Zekka would have told you, unless your overly long conversation was about something else..." She sakes her head back and forth.

"No no no! It jut never hurts to ask, you know, you're a growing boy Tokitou" I just nod, she always falls for it. Every time. "Besides I though you had made a friend, wanted to allow you time to talk" I raised and eyebrow.

"Shinazugawa? really, " I asked she doesn't answer so I turn around and go prepare myself a bath. Is that why I keep thinking about him? I mean I think about Tanjirou sometimes, but this is a different feeling I'm not just not sure what kind of feeling.

Through I've always struggle with emotions. They piss my off and I 'struggle to feel and process them' as Kochou puts it. Either way I have a feeling that this by will either be the best news or the worse news ever.

...

I get out the bath and am entirely pissed when I realise that I have in fact not stopped thinking about him. His voice was just, weirdly nice. Like it gives me weird tingles to think about. And his scent was alluring...I think that's the word. Nothing like his elder brothers, or Mrs Kanroji's or Tanjirou's or literally any other Alpha's, Beta's or Omega's I've smelt before. I don't know weather to worry for his health or mine.

Drying myself off and getting dressed I prepare to leave the house. Hashira training.

We've been doing it since me and Kanroji were well enough to fight, Muzan's rising and quick so we must too. There has been discussion off training the lower levels. I'm not fond on the idea and nor was Obanai until Shinazugawa said that they could just beat them up. Neither Kanroji nor Kochou liked the way they phrased it and Himejima gave them a lecture about respecting every rank of the corps. 

After awhile though most of us agreed. Tomioka went off in a sulk and calmed he'd be no help and in doing so nearly amused an agreement with both Shinazugawa and Kochou. Which is odd because Kochou also didn't want to do it but no one had a go at her. 

I'm not sure if we are doing it, or if we're waiting to talk to master first. I suppose I can ask while we train. If I don't forget. I'll tell Ginko so she can remind me. "Ginko," I called and turned to see her right in my face. I blinked before speaking again. "Remind me to talk to one of the Hashira about training the lower ranks" She gave a small nod.

"Any Hashira in particular or does not entirely matter?" She asked an I shook my head grabbing my sword from the wall. I strapped it to my hip making sure it was secure before grabbing a bobble and making my way through the house. 

A moment later I was walking through the forest following Ginko who flew just ahead of me. I'm pretty sure she was talking, what about I'm not sure but It didn't matter. She likes to rant so I let her. She never expects me to respond either. It's an understanding we have, and one I quite enjoy. The forest is quite but loud enough that I'm not worried. There's a gentle breeze that rustles the leaves and the soft singing of birds floats through the air as my feet hit the dirt. 

I like the forest like this, when it's just rained. The dirt isn't pure dust but it's no longer so wet that I skin, the leaves are coated in a small layer of water that glistens and shines in the sun light and give the air a soft and calm earthy smell to it. It calms me, and bring me peace. No matter what's happened.

Despite this being the time I usually take to myself while Ginko talks and whines about things that don't need to be remembered I still find my mind running back to the boy. The young Shinazugawa. His smell wasn't like this yet t still calmed me, maybe even more then this. But it did more then just calm me and I can't for the life of me name or actually remember what it is.

It's like something was calling me. 

His hair was also nice- so nice I had to ask if he was sure that Shinazugawa was his brother. No offence to Shinazugawa san but he does not care for his hair, it is very mated. Though Obanai is not much better. I must ask his he'll let me brush it, both of them actually. It angers me to see hair mistreated in that way.

It wasn't a long walk to the training spot, and once I got there I was met with Uzui sat on the side lines- why was he even here, the 'old man' retired- Kochou with her blade and medical supplies in case of one us fucks up badly and Shinazugawa san sharpening his sword. We typically didn't start until we were all there so I knew I would have to wait a moment before training actually began.

"Tokitou, good to see you" I heard Kochou call from where she was sitting. I gave a small bow of my head and her smile widened. Shinazugawa... 

Shinazugawa has a brother....that he's hidden from us.

Oh yeah I'm definitely questioning his about it.

I made my way over, once Shinazugawa had realised I walking over to him he placed his katana beside him and sat up more straight. "Shinazugawa san, may I ask you a question?" I asked receiving a small grunt in response.

"Sure, go ahead kid" He said tilting his head up and crossing his arms over his chest coving his main X scar that ran across his chest. "what you wanna know?" He questioned himself and I'm sure if he had eyebrows he'd raise one. That's another thing that made me sceptical about the brown haired alpha, he has eyebrows.

"Why do you say you're an only child when you have a younger brother?" I asked and he tensed his fist clenching and his face going tight. It was an expression I hadn't seen before, it was like he was trying to cover up another emotion. His scent spiked souring with anger before dulling down, it was enough to get Kochou to turn her head.

"I do not know what your talking about." He said through gritted teeth. Does he not remember tell us he was an only child or does he not remember his brother. I can relate to both so it's fine if he did.

"You're little brother, he's around Tanjirou's age and friends with him" I told him, "He's an Alpha like you and I think he works for Himejima my only question is why you keep tell in us you have no siblings, it's fine if you don't remember" He stands up and I have to take a step back as his scent grows stronger, so stronger that I can't place what actual emotion he's feeling.

"I don't have siblings Tokitou, drop it" He told me before stepping back himself. But that makes no sense, his brother alive and healthy. Why does he keep denying him. That's not fair, for anyone. Why would he lie about that.

"Why? He's real, I actually remember him, he called you Nemi" Before I could react Shinazugawa lunged for me. 

Chapter Text

I let out a hiss as Kochou wraps a bandage over my arm. Things did not go as planned, I should also not mention family when people are stronger than me. I cannot win a fight against Shinazugawa, I can survive but cannot win. I glance across the clearing to see Shinazugawa. The moment Uzui separated us, or pulled him off me, Kochou gave him a very long and stern lecture before dragging me away to bandage me up. He didn't hurt me too bad, but I don't that was his aim.   

Kochou had told him to leave and cool off so steam. I can't fully figure out what triggered him. Well obviously, it had something to do with his brother- what was his name again? - but I just don't understand it. Maybe he's like Yuichiro, maybe he doesn't like his brother. I can never understand people who don't like their siblings, I love Yui and I always will I just don't get how he- Yuichiro and Shinazugawa- could hate them. 

"You should be more careful yourself," Kochou's voice cut through my thoughts as she finished up the bandage. "We all know what Shinazugawa San can get like, you need to learn the warning signs. And learn when to stop talking" She added, 

"I've tried, his face is hard to read and by the time I've actually figured out he's angry and usually making a scene" She only hums in response. Despite the fact that more Hashira have appeared everything's just as quite, as Obanai walks over to Shinazugawa and Tomioka stands awkwardly to the ide while Uzui tries to start up a conversation with him. Mitsuri appeared shortly after, apologising for being late the entire time.

Himejima sama didn't show something about a mission. It was weird, not that anyone could beat him but with him gone that made Shinazugawa the strongest and highest appointed Hashira. Not that anyone would really listen to him if he tried to pull that card- not that he ever did.

Training went smoothly, though I didn't spare with Shinazugawa like normal. Not that I particularly cared, it was just something that wasn't normal. No one batted an eye. Though I suppose that had something to do with the glare Shinazugawa was giving me. It lasted a moment or too shorter than typical but that’s because Himejima wasn't there so the number of spares went down. 

Some were along the way, all of Uzui's wives had joined and like normal gave better input then he did- well not Suma, she didn't say much. Packing up didn't take much time, ever Hashira leaves when they want to and at their own speed. I blinked and Tomioka was gone, Kanroji left not soon after talking about going to the market and asking everyone if they wanted to join her. 

No one did, though Obanai looked like he wanted to go, not sure why he didn’t.  As I packed my stuff away, about to leave I was approached by Obanai who didn’t seem to happy. “You doing anything tomorrow around 7?” He asked. I shook my head, though I probably should have asked Ginko before answering. I could have plans that I’ve just forgotten. It happens more than you’d think.

“You wanna go out?” He asked and it through me off guard. Sure, me and Obanai were on a first name basis but that’s only because we’ve helped one another though heats before. I raise an eyebrow. “Look, Maiko has somehow convinced me that we should have some Omega hang out and I don’t wanna be suck in room with just her,” He explained, which made sense. Obanai doesn’t like girls that much, which is weird because its obvious to even me- a boy who doesn’t understand emotions- that he has a thing for Kanroji.

“Sure, I guess,” I shrug and he nods his head in acknowledgment, glancing around slightly.

“Want me to walk you home so you don’t get lost, Ginko seems to have gone somewhere” He asks, he always offer when Ginko flies away to the mansion, I nod in agreement.

The walk home was peaceful, as it always was with Obania. We don’t need to talk so we don’t. We just walk through the forest giving each other a sense of comfort. The only time we actually speak is when we say goodbye, I think that’s why I like walking home with him so much, I don’t have to put in any effort. Getting home I find Ginko peached on top of one of her many bird houses that hang around the house. I look up at her, “Any missions from master?” I ask and she nods jumping down from the house and flying to my shoulder.

“You have to help a lower rank, he was injured and cornered while trying to fight a demon within your territory” She explains, another lower rank? Sometimes I wonder why we let them do anything. The amount of times I’ve had a call like this is ridiculous. “You should leave soon, it’s far west” She adds and I hum. Great I have to go save a lower rank again. I gently nod before responding.

“I will leave in 10,” I say stretching slightly and she nods in agreement.

…

Ginko was right the walk was a long one. It was over mountains and through dense and muddy forests. By the time I can see the village it's dark the sun setting, which doesn't give me much time to spot the lower rank and then kill the demon. 

Though the village is relatively small so it doesn't take me long to figure out where they're most likely hiding. I haven't got much information to go off of other then the fact that the demon goes after kids- because obviously there in my territory- and the lower rank is male so clearly I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information they've given me.

Wondering around the basically vacant village, I spot a dash of blood on the floor. Nothing out of the ordinary considering it's near the blacksmiths where most injured occurs but I make sure to save it in my head.

Turning around a corner I see a blob of blood down the side of a house, I'm guessing this is where our lower rank got hurt. I continue to walk going of instincts trying to let the faint smell of blood and something oddly familiar guide me. 

A couple minutes into the walk I'm worried that I may have been following a dead trail as I was away from the village. At least until I see a small ledge off into the clearing a line of smoke drifting towards the sky. 

It's either a hunter of my lower rank either way it can't hurt to check it out because this person's obviously the one bleeding. And hunter are usually really kind and have a habit of offering me there killings if they have any or trying to pay me if I've helped. Which I've always declined because they were kind.

Tracking my way through the mud, leaves and sticks that little the ground. Pulling my hair out of my face I walk towards the clearing the distant sound of a lake trickling somewhere in the back ground. I continue walking almost lossing my shoe in the thick mud having to rip it out with a pop, every step less stable as the mud caking the bottom of my shoe slides along the path. 

By the time I'm actually at the entrance of the cave I have to reframe myself from screaming because guess who's not fucking there, my lower rank. In fact no one's there. The fires been put out but not that long ago if the smokes still in the air. Which means this person is still in the area, presumably. 

I don't have to look long as the sound of a fight erupts near by and a flash of colour blinds my view. I look away waiting for the blood demon art to disappear before a loud bang cracks through the cold air. What kind of demon art makes that kind of a bang. It sounded almost like it was metal. 

As another blast of colour rips through the dark night sky I pin point exactly where this demon and my supposed lower rank will be- if the demon hasn't already eaten them. I wouldn't be surprised, all the in formation I have is the fact that they haven't responded in since arriving, there crow is no where to be seen and the fact that theyre most likly injured by the thick and dired trail of blood I just followed.

I set of running in the direction, hoping that I've pin pointed the location and hoping that this lower rank- as stupid and weak as they may be- haven't let this demon continue there killing spree. After all that is the job of a demon slayer. 

Don't let anyone die under your protection and vanquish any demon you come into contact with.