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Cold nights always made her miss home. She missed her father's merry laughter, her mother's delicious cooking, and her siblings' squeals and cheers. She would visit when she was given permission but it had become rare these past few months. Demonic activity had risen ever since the arrival of the Kamado siblings and they've been sent mission after mission to far flung villages. Mitsuri wasn't complaining - perhaps a bit - and was happy to relieve the people of nightly terrors. Still, she longed for her home and family.
Tapping the box where her already eaten mochi sat, she looked towards her backyard. The mansion she had chosen was relatively small compared to the other Hashiras but she didn't mind. She could never make use of big spaces anyways.
A beat passes.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" She groaned and covered her face. Whilst she felt proud of what she was doing, she still couldn't shake off the... initial reason she joined. Finding a husband to marry. So far, it's not going... anywhere. It's not like there was a lack in male population. Definitely not. It's just that, she hasn't had an eye for any of them? Even her fellow pillars!
"Oto-san, I don't know why I haven't found a fiance yet!" She spoke to the evening sky, pouting ever so lightly, "It's not like the men around me are ugly or anything, it's just that I haven't felt anything close to what you and Okaasan have. I feel like.... I'm destined to be alone....," sniffles. How pathetic of her to cry because she hadn't found an interest in any of the males surrounding her. Wiping away the tears that fell, she crossed her arms in determination as her brows furrowed.
"Perhaps, I just haven't given it enough thought because of the missions...," Mitsuri said thoughtfully, a new hope blossoming in her.
"Let's see, hmmm, Rengoku-san is surely kind and courageous! But I see him more as an older brother than a spouse. He's also a bit too clueless..." The Flame Hashira was the ideal soldier and comrade, but they wouldn't be compatible as they were too alike and would be better as friends. She tapped her chin, "Himejima-san is powerful, strong, and wise. But I don't think he's interested in romance at all," she respected him for his strength and power, but definitely did not see them as a couple.
She had been too distracted to hear the sudden halt of footsteps by her gate and the hushed whispers that came. "Tomioka-san is quiet and cute! He rarely talks but when he does it's so cool! But...," she sighed, "He is the same as Himejima-san. He doesn't look interested in romance as well." The Water Hashira was a man of few words and he was only ever talkative when he was getting annoyed by Shinobu. The thought of the Insect Hashira made her giggle, a warmth spreading through her chest. She should visit Shinobu-san soon!
Moving forward, the thought of pretty eyes and calm smiles at the back of her head, she continued on her task. "Mui-kun is much too young for me! He's like a little brother and is so cuuuuteeee!" She gushed, remembering the Mist Hashira. They would hang out sometimes when they weren't busy.
"Uzui-san already has three wives and I'm not interested in such arrangements," she murmured. That just leaves....
"Shinazugawa-san isn't one for relationships! And I don't think we could get along much because of our differences." The Wind Hashira was a wild spirit in a different level. His brash and bluntness was admirable on occasion, but Mitsuri wasn't into that type. Sure, she wanted someone strong and protective, but also kind and can take care of her.
"Obanai-san...." The Serpent Hashira was aloof, strict and sometimes cruel with his words. Yet, he had shown her kindness from time to time. He also gave her socks which she still wears to this day. Could it be that Obanai-san was the one she's been looking for?
She closed her eyes and imagined the two of them in a near distant future. It was a bit hazy at first but she could make out the figures. Obanai standing next to her, his usual coldness replaced with...warmth. There were flowers everywhere and tables set up. Food had filled the long tables to the brim and she spotted the younger slayers running around with things and ornaments. The people, she noticed, were wearing a familiar attire-
She gasped.
A wedding.
Looking down, she was dressed in a beautiful white silk kimono. In her hand was a familiar butterfly clip. She felt her eyes prickle with tears. This was it. This was her dream come true!
She looked beside to see Obanai looking at her, a proud look on his face.
But he wasn't dressed as a groom.
What?
"Mitsuri - san, come. Your wife will poison my tea if you were a second late."
Wife. Poison. Wait, wife?!
She grips the hilt of her sword as she stood up, the rustling in the nearby bushes waking her from her daydream. She was still shocked from the vision she had. Wife? Poison? Obanai - san wasn't the one she would be marrying? Focusing on her present task, she missed the relief at the thought of...not being him.
Strange.
Had the demons finally tracked down their homes? Her lips forming into a line, she got ready to attack when she heard a small, albeit strange voice.
"Kocho." Huh?
"K-Kocho....Shinobu...," The voice tried again, albeit louder. There was more rustling and Mitsuri was tempted to just jump and slash whatever filthy demon is hiding behind the bushes but something made her stand her ground. Why is this demon mentioning her fellow Hashira's name?
"W-What?" She had managed to say.
There was a moment of silence before there was another noise. It sounded more of a slap? Her brows furrowing, she took a step forward as her hold on her sword tightened.
"Kocho! Destiny! Marriage!" The voice spoke again and it was clear. It was a man? A man with a high pitch voice? Or maybe it was a woman with a lower voice? No, it sounded like a man who was pinching their voice chords-
"Kocho...Shinobu.... marriage....one...love..."
Realizing what the demon was implying, she felt her face flush to strawberry red and she couldn't help but-
"IIIIIIHHHHH!"
She momentarily forgot about the demon behind the bush as thoughts came to her as if being body slammed. Shinobu with her pretty eyes. Shinobu with her calm smile and graceful skills that makes her look like she's floating. Shinobu who treats people with patience and expertise. Shinobu who's voice feels like honey on warm pancakes.
Shinobu....
Who's hands are bloodied by demon blood and...poison. Who's eyes are distant and sad whenever she thought no one was looking. Who's heart was broken and locked away after her sister's death. Who's resolve made her stronger and wiser to take down demons.
Shinobu. Shinobu. Shinobu Kocho.
The woman who takes care of her when she gets hurt, comforts her even at ungodly hours, saved her from starving herself to be accepted, who she admired fiercely, who she can't stop staring at when they're in proximity, who looked at her as this vibrant, loud, and clumsy mess and stayed. Who smiled just a bit more brightly whenever it was her-
The name brings warmth in her chest, her heartbeat picking up its pace and her head feeling as if it were carried by clouds.
Smart, beautiful, and strong Shinobu.
The only person she can think who'll poison Obanai's tea.
"Wait!" She snapped out of her dazed thoughts and lunged towards the bushes, her sword unsheathed.
Thwap!
The shrub was cut in half as leaves and flowers fell to the ground. It was empty. The demon had escaped while she was momentarily distracted! She cursed under her breath but she couldn't stop herself from shaking. Shinobu, she was in love with her. Her friend. Her confidant. Her light in cold, sleepless nights.
Her wife. Hopefully. Soon.
She couldn't stop herself. She cried and laughed, her heart feeling light for the first time during that night. Under the moon, the same heavenly body that shone on Shinobu during the nights they stayed up late to talk. She looked ethereal, an out of this world presence she was blessed to see and touch in this lifetime.
And maybe, just maybe, only hers to love.
"Oto-san, Okaasan, I found her!"
Meanwhile....
"YOU IDIOTS! WHY ARE WE RUNNING WHEN THERE'S THREE OF US AND ONE OF HER!" Inosuke shouted as the three of them ran to the Butterfly Estate. Zenitsu was red in the face, and not because of running.
Well.
The three of them had just finished a light task sent out by Shinobu. They were trekking back when they passed by the Love Hashira's estate and not wanting to disturb the residence, tried to quietly make their way. That is, until Zenitsu stopped and looked like he saw Muzan infront of him.
"Zenitsu, is something wrong?" Tanjiro asked as they too had stopped walking. They were in Mitsuri-san's area, surely there wasn't any demons?
Zenitsu only managed to stutter out, "A-ah...Mitsuri-san seems to be, uhmm... talking about the other pillars."
"Oh? I think that's normal, she does cherish everyone she meets."
"No," Zenitsu shook his head, "she was talking about their qualities in what I think is... standards for, " a deep breath, "husband material. Someone strong, kind, and protective."
Silence.
"Oh." Tanjiro nodded, his eyes widening at the faint scent of...affection. It led to the mansion. Had Mitsuri-san finally realized who she liked?
Not wanting to disturb her, he took one step forward when suddenly Inosuke said in his loudest whisper,
"Strong?! HAHAHAHAHA, THEN I INOSUKE THE KING OF THE MOUNTAINS WILL- HMMMSJENDPPP!"
"YOU IDIOT!" Zenitsu whispered-yelled as he covered Inosuke's mouth err mask? "She might hear us! That's perverted!"
"Oi," Tanjiro said as he looked between the two slayers, "We shouldn't be intruding - "
Zenitsu let out a yelp as Inosuke successfully bit his hand. "I will be the husband of all!"
"Shut up!"
"You are not Shinosinu to tell me!"
"It's Shinobu-san, idiot!"
"Shoniwin!"
"Shinobu. KOCHO!" He had meant to say that quietly but his voice had risen unexpectedly. The three of them stood still as they heard light movement from the inside. Shit!
"K-Kocho....Shinobu...," Zenitsu tried again, his voice rising a pitch as he heard Mitsuri's heartbeat pick up it pace. Damn damn damn you, Inosuke!
Tanjiro looked like he was about to combust. Inosuke looked at the two clueless, and was about to shout again when he was tackled by Zenitsu to the nearby bush.
There was a soft 'What' along with a sped up heartbeat. Tanjiro gasped quietly, the scent of affection morphing into something stronger.
Infatuation.
He looked at Zenitsu who was still tackling Inosuke and judging by his look, he had the same... conclusion as him. Well, sorta.
They weren't exactly subtle. Shinobu-san's smile were just a tad bit brighter when Mitsuri was around. And Mitsuri-san blushed a little more in Shinobu's presence with that awestruck expression and -
Shinobu was definitely going to have their asses tomorrow.
"Kocho! Destiny! Marriage!" Zenitsu shouts a little louder. If his guess was right then....
They'll have another frequent guest at the mansion soon.
"Kocho...Shinobu.... marriage....one...love..."
Silence. And then,
"IIIIIIHHHHH!"
That made them still, look at each other, and before anyone said a word, bolted running like their life depended on it. Which it did because,
A. Mitsuri would be shocked and maybe a little upset that they were (unintentionally) eavesdropping.
B. An upset Mitsuri makes an upset Shinobu.
Hopefully, the two lovebirds figure it out by tomorrow or Muzan help them.