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

Chapter 23 | Shades of grey

The next morning or rather midday, the sun’s rays filter through the windows, casting a warm glow on your room. You rise, determined to start anew, but the memories of the night before are stubborn, clinging to you like a second skin.

You've just finished eating your favorite onigiris when a knock at the door startles you.
You didn't expect a visitor so soon. Curious, you open the door to find the Love Hashira standing there with a radiant smile.

"Good morning!"
Mitsuri's voice is bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to your tumultuous thoughts.
"I heard about your victory over the demon last night and wanted to congratulate you personally."

Of course your Kasugai Crow reported it immediately. But you didn't think that Mitsuri would be so interested in your mission.

You force a smile, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Mitsuri. It means a lot coming from you."

It really does.

She steps inside, her presence filling the room with an infectious energy. "I knew you had it in you!"

You nod, the praise making you feel both proud and uneasy. "It was... an intense fight. I wasn’t sure if I could do it."

Mitsuri’s eyes soften as she takes your hands in hers. "But you did. You’ve shown immense strength. Physically and mentally. And you know, it’s okay to feel conflicted about it. We’re all human, after all."

Her words strike a chord, resonating with the turmoil inside you. "Thanks. I really needed to hear that."

She gives your hands a gentle squeeze before letting go. "You’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support each other, no matter how tough things get."

Somehow Mitsuri always knows what to say.
The weight of your secret—your interactions with Akaza—feel even heavier now.
How would Mitsuri react if she knew? How would any of the Hashira?

The Love Hashira's eyes study you with gentle concern.

You need to talk to someone about it. It’s now or never. Maybe if you approach it indirectly…

"Mitsuri", you start, your voice barely above a whisper.

Her expression is open and kind.
"Yes?"

"I’ve been struggling with something," you admit, your gaze dropping to your hands. "Something… complicated."

Mitsuri steps closer, her brow furrowing with worry. "What is it? You can tell me."

Her voice is so soothing,  so convincing.

You take a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. "Have you ever… felt conflicted about someone? Like, you know they’re bad for you, but there’s something about them that…"

You trail off, not sure how to finish the sentence. Mitsuri’s eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t interrupt, giving you the space to continue.

"There’s this person," you say slowly, choosing your words carefully. "They’ve done terrible things and would definitely harm my status at the demon slayer corps, but at the same time, they’ve helped me grow stronger. And I don’t know how to feel about it."

It feels so terribly good to have said this. Although Mitsuri hadn't had the time to judge you yet it already felt like a heavy stone was lifted from your chest.

Mitsuri places a hand on your chest, its presence a comforting balm against your frayed nerves.
"It sounds like a very complex situation", she says gently.
"But I think it’s important to remember why you’re here, why you joined the demon slayer corps in the first place."

You nod, her words resonating with the conflict inside you.
"To protect people, to fight against the demons who bring harm. But what if… what if one of them doesn’t fit into that clear-cut category?"

You're dangerously close to the truth now.
Mitsuri’s expression becomes thoughtful.
"The world isn’t always black and white. Sometimes, there are shades of gray. Like Nezuko. There are always some exceptions. But it's a fact that demons are dangerous, even if they seem different from the rest."

Her words hit close to home, and you feel a pang of guilt. You decide to push a little further.

"Do you think it’s possible for a demon to change? To have a side that isn’t entirely evil?" you ask, your heart pounding in your chest.

Mitsuri’s eyes soften, and she seems to consider your question carefully. "It’s rare, but I believe in the potential for change in everyone."

You swallow hard, her words both comforting and troubling. "So, you’re saying it’s possible, but not likely?"

"Exactly," Mitsuri replies. "You have to trust your instincts, but also remember the mission we have as demon slayers. It’s a delicate balance."

You nod, feeling a bit lighter for having shared at least a part of your burden. "I appreciate your understanding."

The Love Hashira smiles warmly at you, giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Anytime."

Then she takes a step back. "I have to go now," she says gently. "I'm currently on my way to the sword smith village."

You've never been there before as it's a secret. You wonder why Mitsuri needs to go there but decide to not bother her any longer.

She gives your shoulder one last reassuring squeeze before turning to leave.
Just as she's about to walk away, she pauses and looks back at you, her eyes filled with pride. "I'm really proud of you, of us. And... I'm sure Master Rengoku would be proud of you too."

Her words hit you deeply, filling you with a mix of emotions. "Thank you. I am proud as well", you say softly, the half-lie tasting bittersweet.