𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 // Akaza x reader (+18)

Chapter 16 | News

Your training consist of only two exercises. The first one is the push down on your knees. The second one is more humiliating.
You have to stand so securely that Akaza can't knock you over when he pushes you.
It turns out that he is way too strong for you.

You don't make it once.
By the end of the night your side and bum hurt so much you can't walk properly.
On top of that your already damaged ego is at its lowest. Not that it would change anything.

Akaza seemed to have fun training you. His face lit up every time you fell and a smile grew on his blue lips whenever you rose again.

"Same time tomorrow night", he says to you instead of a goodbye and is already at the door.

"Yes", you answer. It sounds more than offended.

Of course Akaza is kinda your enemy and you shouldn't expect any decency from him. But after a whole night of training he could at least say goodbye to you and not storm off immediately.

***

An hour after sunrise you're ready for bed. What used to be your breakfast turns out to be your dinner. The owner of the bakery gave you a friendly smile as you left her shop thinking you just woke up.

You don't want to be suspicious which is why you left your curtains half open and even hung up your laundry to dry in the autumn sun.

Now you lay in bed with aching legs and an exhaustion that pulls you into a deep sleep despite the lively noises and bright sun.

***

It's 3 pm when you wake up.
The muffled noises from outside ring in your ears. There's laughter and the creaking of carriages, the neighing of horses and the shouts from children.

You need a little longer than usual to figure out the sounds. The salesman!

Once a month he travels to your village with all sorts of offers. For everyone else he is just what he is: A salesman.
But for any demon slayer corps member he is of gold's worth. The reason for that is that he is an accomplice of the sword smiths. Not only does he share information in case needed he also brings new weapons whenever a certain smith can't make it.
On top of that he knows everything regarding any demon slayer.

It's always exciting to have a chat with him.

You leave your house and meet the salesman on the street where he's just about to leave. Most of his stuff is already sold, his carriage almost empty.

When the elderly man recognizes you his face lights up.
"If this isn't the future Flame Hashira", he greets you and shakes your hand.

You blush out of embarrassment. He should know the situation you're in.

"I'm sorry for your loss", he adds and nods towards your katana as if Rengoku's spirit left a trace on it.

You smile politely.

"Thank you my friend. How are you?", you want to know.

The man releases your hand and pats the neck of one of his horses.

"Good, yeah, good. I wonder why you come to see me the minute I leave. What kept you inside?"

Nosy salesman. Hence he knows everything.

"I slept to be honest. Last night was rather exhausting", you answer earnestly.