The date didn't happen right away since he ended up sending Makio, Hina, and Suma on missions to the Entertainment District. It was to investigate the disappearances of Oiran and clients alike. You were worried about their safety but, you knew he wouldn't put them in unnecessary danger. Back to the date though...

 You were right. The walk towards the pond by the flower field was as peaceful and, beautiful as you imagined. Tengen wasn't boisterous the whole time, he got excited here and, there as is his nature but, overall he allowed you to talk and have control of the conversations. It was nice. A drastic change from his usual demeanor around you. A pleasant and accepted one too. The two of you went to eat before at a meat marketplace where they had grilled lamb, chicken, and pig just different meats with rice or noodles with sauces. You both got the same meat but, you got noodles instead of rice like he did. Once the two of you ate that's when you guys made it to the flower field. 

"I hope they are alright." You couldn't help but, worry a little bit about them. Would they be forced to take on clients? Would they have to do things they didn't need nor want to do? Will they get beaten or found out and captured? You stopped your mental ramblings at the feel of a hand on top of your head

"They are very capable Kunoichi. I would not have sent them if I truly believed they would be in danger! Besides they send me letters every day and if they go more than 3 days without any communication, I am going to go get them." You nodded your head glad that he had a solid plan to get them. However, he can't exactly go in there empty-handed...

"Wouldn't you need to borrow three girls to get in? Or to at least be able to look for them?" He hummed a bit before smiling down at you.

"Don't worry about that! I know where to get 3 capable young women to help me get in there. Now's not the time to think about all the what if's. This time is for you and me." Just like that, the conversation shifted to the two of you taking a stroll through the park-like area to make it to the pond with all the flowers. You really wanted to make that flower crown. The two of you idly chatted finally making it to the pond on time. The flowers were in full bloom with an array of colors on full display. You were in heaven just observing.

"Can we just watch first? Or pick flowers?" You were conflicted feeling the amused look Tengen was giving you as you were at war with what you wanted to do first. Throwing caution to the wind you started picking flowers wanting to make a flower crown. Not saying anything Tengen followed your lead. The two of you picked more than enough flowers and a vine each so the flower crown can be made. The two of you came back together sitting close to the water, facing each other. 

"I like the colors you chose." You gave him a soft smile glancing at him turning back to the crown you were working on. You saw him and, it was made out of your three favorite colors. You kept the little detail to yourself. You had purple, blue, yellow and white. They signified Tengen, Makio, Suma, and Hina. Hopefully, he didn't notice or comment on it. He might. You were tying yours up when you felt something being put on your head. You looked up to see Tengen leaning back onto his hands smiling at you. "You look beautiful with it on." He smiled softly at you. You smiled back at him with a head tilt loving how he blushed. 

"Come here."  Obeying your command he moved forward bending his head down towards you as you placed your flower crown on him. "Purple for Hina, Blue for Suma, yellow for Makio, white for you." You gave a soft giggle looking off to the side. He was still so close to you. He didn't move out of your personal space which didn't bother you as much as you thought it would. 

"Thank You, sunshine." A little giddy smile crossed your face at that. You never did get over the nicknames that he used on you. In fact, him saying that nickname made you realize how much you missed it. 

"You're welcome." You both looked at each other quietly. Just observing. You had a strong urge to kiss him so as to satisfy yourself and, your brain you gave him a kiss on the forehead. Both of you leaned back. You were looking at the pond missing how red he was just staring at you in awe. "The view over here is very nice. Peaceful. I'm glad we came over here. I know Hina would love it over here." She most definitely would appreciate it the most. That was just her love language. "Damn, I'm still mad at all of you but, I am always thinking about you guys at the same time." You finally turned to meet his gaze. You didn't expect him to say anything. You were simply stating your feelings. 

"I hope we can rectify ourselves. Starting with me. We made horrible mistakes. All of us. We treated you as if you were beneath us. Never was. You were and still are our equal." Your smile faltered but, your eyes never left his. He was open, earnest.  You turned away from him when his gaze was too intense. Should you hug him? Should you just stay here? Should you say more? You really wanted to hug him but, you were scared. Is it too soon? Does he deserve a little reward? 

"I would hope so." You turned to him shuffling over until you were practically in his lap. You never broke eye contact, holding out your arms for a hug. He looked shocked but, did not hesitate. He scooped you up crushing you to his chest and burying his face into your neck. The two of you stayed like that for a few before slowly pulling away. He was hesitant not quite wanting to let you go. He did though. 

"I really missed hugging you." You smiled looking away but, not moving away from him. He dropped his hands to rest on your legs still looking at you with such an open and hopeful look. You missed this. You missed him. The two of you stayed a bit longer watching the sun dip. It wasn't the safest at night so you both left. He walked you back to the Rengoku residence and, with a kiss on each hand he was gone. You could never get over how fast he was.

"I'm assuming it went well!" You jumped turning fast to see Kyo smiling at you. Even while recovering the bastard was still so damn fast. All the Hashira were fast.

"Yes, you fast bastard." He gave a hearty laugh at that ushering you inside "It was nice, I am worried about o-his wives" You almost said ours. What a save. " He sent them on a mission to the Entertainment District and, he didn't get a letter from either of them today." He hummed not concerned at all.

"They should be okay. I don't know him all too well but, I would like to believe he wouldn't risk their lives on purpose!" You nodded because he did say the same thing. Maybe you shouldn't worry so much. You entered the kitchen both smelling and seeing the food set up on the table. You wondered who cooked 

"Nee-Chan!" You got an armful of Senjuro who you picked up to swing around. Both of you giggled as he refused to let you go. You didn't mind. "Dad cooked today! It smells and looks delicious!" You were surprised. You turned to the doorway where Shinjuro was who was blushing not looking at anyone. 

"Well, it all looks so great. It'll be a shame to let it go to waste." You set him down so all four of you can get settled at the table to eat. You all said grace and dug in. To your surprise it was seasoned to perfection, cooked all the way through with no burnt or undercooked bits. It was perfect. The rest of the evening was nice with all of you going to your respective rooms to sleep. You've gotten used to being either with Senjuro, alone or even all of them. Yes, even Shinjuro. It seemed his son's near-death experience flipped another switch in him and, he doesn't want him alone at night. You caught him watching him sleep one time with a hand on Kyo's chest to make sure he was still breathing. Very sweet and sentimental for a man who was so stand-offish for so long. 

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It's been a few days and, you were informed by Tengen himself that he was going to get them because he has not gotten a letter from them in roughly a week. That made you worry. He went to the butterfly mansion to get a girl however, Tanjiro's crew stopped him from taking Aoi and, forced him to take them instead. Admittedly, you felt better. They had great potential that the Hashira refused to see. You knew they did. You were still worried though. 

"You look like you're going to explode with worry." You turned to Mitsuri who was busy eating a big bowl of ramen. It was her fifth bowl and she didn't seem to stop. You forgot her muscle density was 8 times more than a normal human hence why she ate the way she did. 

"If I'm being honest I am worried about all of them. What if it's not a low-level demon? What if it's worse?" You weren't trying to worry but, something was nagging you. You felt like there was more to these disappearances than meets the eye. You turned to Mitsuri after she offered you some pork on her chopsticks. You ate it but, looked at her curiously. 

"This is my fifth bowl so I'll be fine until later! Eat this along with this." She gave you the rest of her Ramen with onigiri. As soon as you were about to decline your stomach growled. Giving in you took the offered food along with some peach juice and strawberry bread for dessert. 

"Thank you Mitsuri." She nodded happily chewing on her bread and talking happily with you. Out of all the Pillars she was the sweetest to be around. "Are you and Obanai together officially?" She nodded happily going on and on about him. You're pretty sure if he is not on a mission he is in the tree he loves so much watching the two of you. His vision and attention were always honed in on Mitsuri any time, anywhere.

"I know you're worried about them and, probably going to go after them that's why I'm having you eat so much. You'll need the energy." You looked at her in surprise. How did she know before you even knew? Were you that obvious? "I'm not called the love pillar for no reason" She looked at you, leaning in to lick a piece of rice off your cheek "Even though I know you can do so much better." Both of you shared a laugh, the light tension broken. Fine. Maybe you were planning on going to the Entertainment District. Just to make sure. You won't get involved if you don't have to.

"I will go later on...Just to make sure it's nothing drastic you know? I know they can handle themselves just fine but, I can't shake the feeling that something is off. Like there is going to be a much bigger issue than originally thought to be." You wouldn't even bother if you didn't have such a nagging feeling in the back of your head. It got stronger and, stronger. Once you were done you said see you later to her heading back to the Rengoku Estate. You did a breakdown to them of what's going on and, Kyo insisted on accompanying but, you declined. He was frustrated but, he really was still healing. He needed to train. To appease him, you gave him a hug and forehead kisses. You gave them all hugs and, forehead kisses promising to come back in one piece. You were a little surprised the other Hashira or anyone else stopped you but, then again most of them were busy with other affairs. 

"Y/N-Chan!" You jumped up from putting your nichirin blade in its holster turning to see Mitsuri running towards you coming to a halt. "I have a mission I'm going on and it'll be a week or less! I just wanted to wish you luck and, I better see you come back here." She squeezed your cheeks before disappearing in the blink of an eye. You heard trees rustling in the distance afterward. You shook your head. The speed of all of them will never not surprise you. You double-checked to make sure that you had everything you needed. You looked in your bag at the makeshift kunai holder you had drenched in wisteria. If it was a demon you can make sure most of these kunai hit it. If it was a uppermoon... 

"It's not a Uppermoon! It can't be! Why would they be in the Entertainment District anyway?" You thought about it trying to make sense of it. Clients? Yes, it is quite easy to get men clients but, they have been disappearing 2-3 times a week and, it's only when there is a specific Oiran there named Warabihime. She was known for being unnecessarily cruel. Whoever she picked on always ended up disappearing shortly after. It was downright suspicious. You found out all of this information from the letters that Tengen's wives sent him. "Warabihime, huh." You kept that in mind as you made your way to the Entertainment District. The pace you were going you'll make it there by night-time. You would try to avoid demons as much as you can so, you can save your energy. You went through trees, crossed rivers and bridges, and homes as it progressed to nightfall.

"You're looking good-" You weaved away from wandering hands. Oh yeah, you're definitely near the Entertainment District. You've been traveling since mid-afternoon and, it was nighttime. You made it just in time to see the absolute wreck the place was. Your jaw dropped at the destruction. This was either an army of demons or one. You heard a ruckus and, followed it. You saw your Tengen and, Tanjiro fighting the ugliest thing you've ever seen. It was a male demon with sickles. You turned at the sound of whipping only to see a female demon with pink obi as a weapon fighting Inosuke and, Zenitsu. Shit. You needed to find Makio, Suma, and, Hina. Leaving the more capable ones fighting you skirted around corners ignoring the dead bodies of Oirans and clients looking for them. You were getting frustrated the more time passed. 

"Y-Y/N?" You turned sharply at the voice to see Suma and Makio clinging on to each other far away from the ruckus. Okay, that's two out of three. Where is the third one. You got in front of them making them flinch as you patted both their heads. You were genuinely happy to see them unharmed.

"I'm so glad the two of you are okay." You cupped their faces a bit before letting go. "Where's Hinatsuru?" You inclined your head wanting an answer asap. You needed to make sure she was okay too. 

"I haven't seen her." Makio was biting her lip as if she was hiding something. 

"Do you know anything Makio?" You looked at her waiting for an answer as well. She sighed meeting your eyes finally.

"She said she was going to help Tengen-Sama." You nodded patting them both on top of the head one more time and, setting off to where you saw everything happening. She was probably going to try and attack the demon from up high with wisteria kunai. You followed to where you heard yelling, blades hitting, and, overall chaos to something that almost had you screaming. Hinatsuru was there alright. She was being grabbed by the male demon though who looked as if he was going to stab her or rip her head off. Neither one is appealing. With strength that surprised you in one leap, you were beside the demon cutting off its hand and, sliding backward with Hina behind you. 

"Huh?" He looked at how half his arm was missing before turning to you with an enraged look on his face "You're not even a Hashira." You blinked and, he was in front of you. With a shout, you brought up your blade to keep his two sickles from making minced meat out of you. You looked him in his eyes to see the kanji for uppermoon 6. Oh, fuck. In two more blinks Tanjiro and, Tengen was trying to cut off his head but, as expected as the 6th strongest demon in existence he wasn't easy. With a forceful push to you, he sent you flying right along with Hina to focus on Tengen and Tanjiro. The two of you ended up on the second floor of one of the less dilapidated buildings surrounded by petrified Oirans. You sat up surprisingly taking the brunt of the fall. Your back was hurting like a bitch but, that was the least of your worries.

"Y/N, my love, are you okay?" She was too scared to take notice she called you her love. You ignored it. You sat up gritting your teeth. You can literally feel the blood on your back, and hopefully, it wasn't visible. You stared at the frozen Oiran figuring the two of you were a little safe here. 

"T-there i-is a passage-way underground! Here!" Or not. The two of you were ushered underground and it really was an underground passageway. This must be how they traveled through houses undetected or more like uppermoon 6. That means the girl was uppermoon 6 too. They must be two in one. Siblings or partners perhaps. You and Hina moved quickly ignoring the horrible sounds of explosions and sounds of fighting for their lives above. Once a good enough distance you guys ended up in a very dilapidated part of the place. You saw the head of Suma and Makio moving with more haste. 

"I got Hina." They turned to you grabbing Hina in a very tight and, secure hug. Your heart twinged at the sight but, you looked away from them. "Get to higher ground and, stay together." You turned away from them praying they listened to you. It wasn't safe. What you were doing now wasn't safe either but, you were a demon slayer. You had more experience than they did. You ran, dodging falling debris and a stray obi from the whiny girl demon who was trying in vain to keep her head from being cut off from Zenitsu and Inosuke. They almost had it. You turned to see that Tengen was holding off the male while Tanjiro was trying to hit his neck. They needed help. Not thinking about the consequences you used your breathing style, magma, similar to the sun, and fire breathing in its 6th form. All the veins in your body bulged as you took a leap and, in a blink of an eye your red blade was through his neck slicing it clean off. 

"WHAT THE FUCK Y/N!?" That's right Tengen didn't know you were here. You managed to cut off the head with Tanjiro falling flat on the ground in absolute agony. You are never doing that shit again. Ever. You don't even think you can if you wanted to. It felt like you ripped all the muscles in your upper body in one go including your neck. You can't move. You couldn't even hear. You felt the ground shake, ringing, and someone who was purple with silver hair picking you up, and, then nothing. 

When you woke up, it was because something jolted you. You sat up quickly, ignoring how painful that shit was. You looked around to see Tanjiro very much alive with his sister and, on the other side Tengen with the 3 women surrounding him. Looking at you. You don't know why, Tengen was the one missing an eye and an arm. He wasn't purple no more though. You remembered him being purple. You watched though as Nezuko went up to him, cut herself and, put blood on his arm, you watched amazed as his hand grew back. She unbandaged his eye doing the same thing. You watched as he blinked before laughing. 

"I can see! It's not good but, this is amazing!" You smiled at his happiness. You knew he wouldn't make it a big deal so as not to worry anyone but, he would have felt bad about a missing hand and eye. Nezuko made a noise going back to her brother who proclaimed he is going to find the demon heads to ensure they are dead. Tanjiro is amazing. You truly believed he was going to be the one to defeat Muzan and, turn his sister back into a human.

"Y/N, how are you-" All noise came to a cease. Everything. Confused as to why their noise and, crying even stopped. You opened your eyes, when did you close them?, to see all four looking directly behind you horror-stricken. Now you were fucking scared. 

"What's wrong?" You didn't get an answer but, you did get a hand on your shoulder. A blue hand. With red fingernails. You slowly followed the hand turning slightly -in pain- to follow the arm to the face. A face with pink hair, blue striped tattoos, and eyes that looked like broken glass. Yellow pupils with the kanji uppermoon 3. Three. Uppermoon. Number. Three. Touching you. "I- Wha- Who- Shit." Your soul was slowly leaving your body, especially in a blink of an eye you were off the ground and, in his arms. Shit, shit, shit.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" You turned to see Tengen was trying to move but, he couldn't. He really couldn't. The three women were shaking. Scared. You were shaking too. 

"What does it look like. I'm taking her with me." He patted your head with his free hand and, you still couldn't move. You had no strength whatsoever. "I suggest you wrap your legs around me sweetheart unless you want me to get rid of him." You wrapped your legs tightly around him having no choice. No one was capable of fighting even a low class demon, let alone uppermoon 3. "Such a good girl." You suppressed a shudder. "Don't worry I don't hurt, kill or eat women. Not my thing." He said it so casually that you almost didn't believe him. Well, you're still alive so maybe you should.

"GIVE HER BACK!" Hina threw a kunai straight through his head which he blinked surprised, took it out, dropped it, and healed his head wound.

"One. That was rude. Two you have a good aim. Three why do you start to care for her now but, didn't when she was married to you?" Wait. What. Bitch what? With as much courage and strength, as you can muster you turned to look at him. The smile never left his face as he turned to you pinching your cheeks on your face.

"Don't look so surprised sweetheart. I've been watching you for a long time and, I waited so long to snatch you up and, this was the perfect opportunity! I was going to take you one night before but, those nasty men kept grabbing you and, it pissed me off. I disposed of them to make sure they don't hurt you or any other women again." Your flabbers were the up-most aghasted. He has been watching you for that long??

"What are you going to do with her?" It was Makio who was shaking herself but, you were proud for their bravery. You didn't say much. Not like you could when he literally had you in his grasp and, you couldn't fight. 

"Heal her, make sure she eats, sleeps, and gets taken care of. You know. The stuff you four stopped doing for her. That's a shame that a monster, a demon-like me noticed but, you guys didn't." He threw his head back with a harsh laugh. Mocking. "How is that possible!? She was your wife living under the same roof and, it took her leaving for you guys to notice. Damn. How does it feel to lose her again Tengen?" He was giggling at the looks of rage and, disgust "And to lose her to the very thing you were made to eradicate. Ah, the irony. Feel better. I'm taking her, nursing her back to health and, we will see what happens. Who knows, right?" He shifted you so that he was holding you by your thighs and, he moved your arms to around his neck. "Hold on as tight as you can honey." With a leap and screams in the background he took off. He cut it short because he can sense the Snake pillar and, he wasn't in the mood to fight. Rare but, he had Y/N. This was a moment to be treasured. 

"Why are you doing this?" That was a good question. Why was he doing this? If he was being honest with himself he hated seeing women get hurt by anyone or anything. Women were meant to be cherished. They were the reason why life existed but, yet these nasty putrid men thought they can hurt them? Rape them? Beat them? Steal for them and, treat them like garbage? Unacceptable.

"It's honestly to teach him a lesson. I do like you but, I want to make him squirm." He was disgusted with himself a bit because Tengen was the first man that was allowed to live in his presence. However, he knew how much you cared about him, and, for some fucking reason he is allowing the man to live. The demon him was pissed beyond belief but, the small human side of him was pleased. Whatever.

"You're not going to hurt me?" You figured since you were stuck with him, you might as well make conversation. You weren't going anywhere and, you were in pain. A lot of it.

"No way. I respect women. All of them. From babies all the way to the elderly." He was running and jumping between trees dodging people and, demons wanting to make it to his underground cabin that he has. Dawn was breaking so he needed to hurry. "I'm going to go faster now." He wrapped an arm around you to secure you more, using his blood demon art to enhance his speed. He didn't like to use it but, desperate times come for desperate measures. He saw the cabin and, with haste he entered and, slid down the hole in the floor. All the way. You closed your eyes the whole time scred to look. 

"Can I open my eyes?" You were nervous. Scared. Heart racing hard enough to hear it in your ears. You felt him let you go pushing your legs down to settle on the ground. He unwrapped your arms from around his neck but, kept a hand on you to steady you. Taking that as a cue to open your eyes you were floored. It was really...clean. He had a tatami mat with blankets, pillows, two tables, fruits and vegetables, and medicine, and it was light? 

"It's a bunker I found from the war. Had light. So I used it to my advantage." He grabbed you taking you to a seat. "Sit, I'll bring you medicine." He left you there pondering what should you do. It made no sense to run. You couldn't even walk without help. Your nichirin blade wasn't on you and, neither were your kunai so you couldn't defend yourself against anything. You were tired, in pain, thirsty and, hungry. You had no choice but, to stay put. You heard him come back and, you turned to see he had medicine, ointments, and plants along with food and, water. "I have some rice and meat from earlier in the day with water if you're hungry." You stared at him 

"How do I know it's not poisoned?" You were very suspicious. He rolled his eyes not offended in the slightest. 

"It would be a waste of time to poison you. I told you I don't hurt women at all. I do want to help you. Yes, I have been watching you for a long time to snatch you up and, grab you. I saw this as a perfect opportunity." He placed the food and water in your lap. "Can you eat by yourself?" You bit your lip contemplating what was his motives. Well, he told you. He wanted you for some reason. You went to move your arm only to cry out. Everything was shot. "Figured that." You watched as he kneeled in front of you, used the chopsticks to grab meat and rice. With his free hand, he grabbed your chin to hold you still. "Open." You obliged cause why not. He fed you. it continued like this until all your food was gone and he slowly gave you water. This was oddly...domestic. This was the sweetest thing you have ever seen or heard a demon do. A uppermoon at that too. 

"Thank you." Cause what else can you say? You were thankful that he fed you. You couldn't feed yourself. He hummed as he put away everything and, coming back with a bowl of water and rags. Clean ones too. 

"I know this is not ideal but, I do need to wipe you down. I would let you do it but, clearly you cannot move. I promise I won't hurt you or look unnecessarily." You squinted your eyes at him. Waiting. You purposely waited a few minutes just to test a theory and, he wasn't impatient. Just waited. With a resigned sigh, you nodded. What's the worst that can happen? You watched as he carefully removed your tattered shirt and pants leaving you in only your panties and bandeu top. He carefully washed off your arms, legs, neck, face and back having to go back a couple times to change the water but, once again, he was gentle. Very gentle. "You did really well. Thank you for that." He grabbed all the medicine, ointments, and leaves. 

"Thank you for even helping me, What are those?" You were more curious about the ointments than anything. 

"This pill is for pain. I need you to take it." With no where to go he placed the pill in your mouth, pressing another cup of water to your lips making you drink the whole thing. Satisfied he put it aside and showed you the ointments "This is for those nasty cuts and this second one is for the bruises. They need to be covered before I can bandage them." You accepted your fate and, simply leaned your head back and nodded. Neither one of you talked as he carefully covered every single cut and, bruise on you. When he got to your back you flinched as it was very tender, he uttered a couple apologies which was strange. Demons weren't supposed to be nice. 

"You're very kind Akaza." You remembered this was the one who almost killed Kyo. Thank God he didn't. Asshole. "Even though I am still upset about what you did to my friend Kyojuro. I'm glad you didn't get a chance to kill him." He frowned and rolled his eyes but, surprisingly didn't make a comment about it. 

"Many will not agree with you but, I accept your compliment Y/N. You're very welcome." Once he was done he wrapped up the cuts and, apologized again when he had to tie a slightly tight bandage around your waist. You had a broken rib. Once he was done he disappeared for a few minutes allowing you to rest a bit. You had almost fell asleep when he came back pressing a cup of brewing tea towards you.

"What kind of tea is this?" You looked and saw the vegetation was no longer there. 

"It's the nastiest thing you'll ever have but, I promise you it will help. It's green tea, white willow bark, and maritime pine bark." You looked at him with an eyebrow raised before shrugging. You're not dead yet and, that was all-natural and edible. You took a sip and, he was right. it was nasty. "Yes I know but, drink it so you'll feel better." You ignored him as you drank this disgusting concoction. You missed how he placed some lavender plants around you to help relax you. Once you finished you placed it aside laying on your side gently. You were surprised to feel a soft blanket placed over you with a pillow. Why was he so kind? 

"You truly are kind Akaza. Thank you so much." You didn't wait for a reply allowing yourself to fall asleep. You were full, thirst quenched, achy, and in dire need of rest. If he was going to kill you in your sleep at least you won't feel it. You don't think he would do it though. Once in dreamland, you were unaware of a hand rubbing your back with gentle light touches. 

"I don't know why I'm doing this but, you remind me so much of Koyuki." 

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Let me know what you guys think. What's going on with you and Akaza? How do you think Tengen, Kyo, and everyone else would react? See you guys in the next update!