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Rengoku layed softly in the hospital bed. His fluffy hair caresses his face, almost making him look angelic. It was night at the Butterfly Mansion. Everyone was asleep, no one noticed the visitor making his way to Rengoku's window.
Akaza jumps up on the windowsill, barely making a sound. He lays his eyes on Rengoku. He’s been checking in on the flame hashira since their battle. Akaza slowly creeps into the room. His eyes trained on Rengoku. He was so entrapped by Rengoku’s sleeping form that he didn’t notice the table in front of him.
CRASH
Akaza tumbled over the tiny table landing a foot away from Rengoku’s bed. He looked up to see the flame Hashira staring back at him. His owl-like features illuminated by the moonlight. Akaza wondered if he would be a bird demon. Though that thought quickly left his mind as Rengoku motioned for his sword.
“Wait!” Akaza called. Rengoku didn’t stop, leaving Akaza to grab his hands and hold them to his chest. “I didn’t come here to fight, not yet.” Rengoku raised an eyebrow at the demon. Akaza sighed. “I wanted to make sure you recovered. I didn’t want our fight to be over just yet.” Akaza squeezed Rengoku’s hands.
“Akaza, please let go of my hands!” Kyojuro whisper-yelled. “I understand your purpose of being here and while I don’t fully trust you! I will accept a truce.” Akaza released the slayer's hands almost like they burned him. He looked to the side, a red flush starting to spread across his face. Rengoku gave a signature smile and patted the edge of the bed. “Please sit.” Akaza obeyed, sitting next to Rengoku.
They sat like this for a while. Neither one knew what to say. After all, how does one talk to the person that almost killed them?
“How are you feeling?” Akaza broke the silence finally. His numbered eyes bore into Rengoku's bright one. Rengoku looked to the side. Akaza softly touched his cheek, getting closer to look. His left eye was permanently closed. A bandage was wrapped around his head, signalling a potential concussion. But Akaza couldn’t stop thinking about his stomach. Without thinking he threw open his hospital robe.
“Akaza!?” Rengoku shouted. His hands immediately went to close the opening. But it was too late, Akaza was already inspecting his stomach with great intensity. His torso was wrapped tightly in a bandage and Akaza could see stitches running up to his chest.
Akaza scowled at the display of weakness.
“This is exactly why you should become a demon Kyojuro!” Akaza started to stand. “You are strong! Stronger than most! You should be fighting with us and not those weaklings you surround yourself with!” Akaza was pacing now. His arms threw up wildly, trying to further his point. Rengoku sits quietly, intensely staring at the demon. Akaza felt the daggers in Kyojuro’s gaze and returned the stare.
Finally Rengoku broke the silence.
“Think what you will but I will never become one of you, Akaza.”
Akaza growled.
“I’ll convince you one day.” He walked over to the window, and jumped out into the night. Rengoku watched him as he left. Then glanced down at his hands. Akaza had held his hands so gently and with so much humanity. Rengoku looked back at the window.
“And maybe, one day, I’ll convince you to be human.