The World On His Shoulders | Demon slayer x Male reader

Chapter LXV

Y/N's POV

Three days had passed since Shinobu came for Fugu, despite her appearance, Y/N could still sense sadness in her whenever they talked. She had arrived with a Kakushi member to help carry Fugu's tank, and their interaction, though cordial was bittersweet.

Since then, Y/N had been alone, each day melding into the next in a blur of solitude and alcohol. Now midday, he was already putting down his second bottle of sake, a half-eaten dorayaki beside him.

A knock at the door interrupted. With a tired grunt, he pushed himself up from his futon and shuffled to the door. Opening it, he was met with the sight of another pair of Kakushi from the medic unit. His mood, already soured by drink and solitude, grew even more irritable at their appearance.

"What now?" Y/N asked dryly his stance slightly unsteady from the alcohol.

The Kakushi a young man and woman, exchanged a worried glance before the woman spoke up. "Shinazugawa-sama, we were sent by Ubuyashiki-sama to check on you. He's concerned about your well-being."

Y/N scoffed. "Concerned, huh? Tell Ubuyashiki I'm just great."

The man stepped forward. "We have orders to see your condition and provide any necessary assistance."

"I don't need any 'assistance'," Y/N retorted, his words slurred slightly. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

The woman persisted. "Please, Shinazugawa-sama, we're just trying to help. At least let us come in and talk."

Y/N hesitated, a part of him wanting to slam the door in their faces, but another part, weary of the loneliness and the endless cycle of drinking, reluctantly stepped aside to let them in. He returned to his futon, collapsing with a heavy sigh.

"Fine, talk. But I'm not promising I'll listen," Y/N muttered, his eye half-closed.

"Shinazugawa-sama, your lifestyle choices are concerning," the woman Kakushi started. "The excessive alcohol and sweets are not good for you."

Y/N interrupted. "Oh, is that so? And what would you recommend? Green tea and meditation?"

" We are here to help you find healthier coping mechanisms."

Y/N rolled his eye, his tolerance reaching its limit. Standing up abruptly, he walked to the door and opened it. "I've changed my mind. You two are annoying. Fuck off, please."

The Kakushi members were shocked by his bluntness. "But Shinazugawa-sama, we are only trying to—"

"I said fuck off. I don't need you," Y/N cut them off.

Reluctantly, the Kakushi members stood up and left, exchanging concerned glances as they exited.

Once they were gone, Y/N collapsed back onto his futon, the exhaustion and alcohol taking their toll. He managed to fall into a bit of sleep, only to be awakened sometime later by Raijin, his crow, pecking at his cheek.

"Raijin? How... did you get inside? The door is closed," Y/N mumbled, confused and sleepy.

Raijin cawed loudly. "Irresponsible, caw!"

Y/N groaned, rolling onto his back with Raijin perched on his chest. He tried to ignore the bird.

Y/N grumbled as Raijin persisted. The crow flew away to the main room, returning a moment later with a letter, which he dropped onto Y/N's chest.

Rubbing his eye, Y/N was torn between his desire to continue his alcohol-induced, nightmare-free sleep and curiosity about the letter. "What now?" he muttered.