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When they first met, neither liked each other much. Hashibami thought Genya was mean and rude while Genya just wasn’t interested in a companion. A few months of demon hunting later, and here they were, thick as thieves.
Hashibami was an interesting crow, he was a bit of a jerk and did what he wanted when he wanted, but he cared and looked out for Genya. Whenever Genya was laying on the ground exhausted, bleeding from a gruesome battle, Hashibami would sit with him and urge him to a Wisteria Mansion.
Similar to now, Genya was limp on the mountain side, trees doing little to stop the rain from soaking him. He felt too weak to move with an ache that reached his core. He had fought and killed two demons on his own, tearing them limb from limb before he got them broken down enough to get a proper shot off. The battle had left him bruised and cut, blood from already healed injuries staining his clothes.
The sky was pitch black, littered with glowing stars. It was beautiful. He could lay here forever.
“Genya. Genya. Genya.”
Genya closed his eyes, hoping Hashibami would leave him be, despite knowing that he wouldn’t.
“Wisteria Mansion at the base of the mountain. Make your way there Genya.”
Genya groaned, turning his head away.
“Genya. Genya. Genya!”
Hashibami began tugging on his hair, using his beak to poke his cheek. Genya sighed, resigned to his fate. He slowly turned onto his side, then pressed off the ground. It was a battle to get standing, leaning on every tree as he passed just to stumble to the mansion.
Genya clutched his side, a sharp pain erupting from a half healed flesh wound. Hashibami guided him, hopping along just in front and squawking to be heard, his small form blending with the darkness of the night.
It was a slow trek to the mansion, but a quick one to a bath aided by a worker. He was served food and a comfortable futon, along with some seeds for the crow. When he laid down to rest, he felt the warmth of Hashibami by his neck.
“Sleep Genya. I’ll keep watch.”
Genya slept peacefully, as he always did with Hashibami. Whether it was because he knew Hashibami wouldn’t leave, or because he knew the crow would do his job perfectly, Genya didn’t particularly care. He slept well and that was all that mattered.
In the morning, Genya cleaned his room, ate the provided breakfast, and quickly left for his next mission. It was a train ride then a day’s walk into the mountains, an arduous journey with an aching side and cut up face, a wakizashi, and a short shotgun in his yukata. It was a great weapon but a pain to travel with. However, it wasn’t his first time so he managed by hiding the gun and wakizashi under his haori.
Though the travel was made infinitely worse by Hashibami resting on his shoulder. Everything else he could talk his way out of or explain pretty easily without going into the whole ‘i kill demons for a living’ thing. A talking crow that actively glared at people and made funny comments to him? Not so much.
The only reason Genya was allowing it now and not forcing the crow onto the roof of the train was the fact that Hashibami swore he wouldn’t say a word .
Genya took a seat in the back corner, the bench across from him was unoccupied, just how he liked it. He could doze off once his ticket was punched. There were no children to cry or scream or relentlessly poke him. A few hours and he’d be almost home. He was about to get comfortable and rest when a large bright figure sat across from him.
“Hello!”
Genya froze, it was a Hashira. Kyoujurou Rengoku was a very nice man, kind and compassionate. He’d met him once at a Udon stand and left wildly confused at the boisterous shouting after every bite. The Hashira insisted that they, as fellow slayers, have dinner together. The conversation wasn’t bad, Rengoku was certainly interesting to talk to and it was easy to feel at ease with him. It was a shame Genya was very uncomfortable with any stranger, otherwise he’d have loved the company.
“It is good to see you in good health!”
“You too. Are you heading back from a mission?”
“Yes!” Rengoku grabbed a bento box from the stack next to him, handing one to Genya, “If I remember your preferences correctly, you’ll enjoy this.”
Genya hesitantly took the box, thanking Rengoku as he popped the top off. The food looked delicious, and he happily ate.
“I never did catch your name! We keep running into each other so knowing the name of my wonderful companion would be advisable!”
Genya smiled softly, he hasn’t been called wonderful in a long time. He hasn’t been praised in a long time.
“Genya Shinazugawa.”
Giving his last name mightly been a mistake but lying to Rengoku felt wrong for some reason. Though he didn’t like the flash of recognition in Rengoku’s face, Genya knew what was coming and steeled himself for it.
“I am Rengoku Kyoujurou! I see your crow travels with you well! A wonderful sight indeed!”
Genya paused, taken aback by the lack of questions. Hashibami helpfully poked his arm. Rengoku laughed and began to eat, prompting Genya to as well.
The ride was long but the company made up for it. Hashibami refrained from comments on the screaming child in the row across or the young girl that wanted her hair braided or even the old man that thought everyone was his business. Genya happily stepped off the train hours later, feeling energized for the long walk ahead.
“It was lovely to speak with you, Rengoku-sama. I wish you luck on your next mission.”
Genya bowed to Rengoku and Rengoku laughed heartily.
“Genya-san! Why don’t we walk back together? We are heading in the same direction.”
Genya flushed, forgetting that they
were
heading to the same place.
“I would like that.”
—-----
Hashibami flew to a branch overlooking the meeting room. Though he couldn’t see in, he liked to keep an eye out and be left alone. Genya was helping the butterfly mansion ladies hauling around medical supplies while a Hashira meeting took place there. Though Genya was not invited, Gyoumei and Genya were to leave together afterwards on a mission.
There was rustling of feathers behind him. Hashibami could hazard a guess as to what crows were joining him, Genya was already the topic of conversation among the Hashira recently. Gyoumei had just taken him as his Tsukogu a month ago after discovering his eating habits which, despite being such a large bit of gossip, had been kept very tightly under wraps.
Genya had already met with Ubayashiki and Shinobu in person alone. It was highly stressful and embarrassing. Once the meeting was completed, Ubayashiki thanked him for going to such lengths to aid the Demon Slayers. He didn’t have the heart to say that he was just being selfish. The soft smile on Ubayashiki’s face was so kind that Genya accepted the thanks anyway. Hashibami wasn’t present for that meeting either, though he was accompanied by Ubayashiki’s crow.
Hashibami attempted to ignore the chatter around him, attempted being the key word. Ginko, Tokito’s crow, had landed next to him and saw fit to immediately brag about the Mist Hashira. Ginko’s rambling was cut off as Nijimaru, Uzui’s crow, spoke from above.
“Is it true that Genya eats demons?”
The rest of the Hashira’s crows waited with anticipation. Hashibami did not worry about gossip, as that was not a habit of the Hashira crows, they knew when information was confidential and kept quiet.
“Yes.”
“Wow how pathetic!” Ginko shouted, “being so weak that he eats demons! Ha! Tokito is already the best!”
“While gross, we should praise Genya for his determination.” Zekka was the easiest of the crows. Whether it was because Hashibami knew him already or Zekka had interacted with Genya already, he couldn’t say.
“Genya who?”
They all ignored Kanzaburo, Giyuu would tell him again later, for the fourth time.
“He’s got spirit!” Kaname said, “I can admire that!”
“And flash. Though, his hairstyle leaves much to be desired.”
Hashibami sighed, wishing he could be anywhere else.
“Is he alright? Eating demons must be scary, and to do it so often too. I worry for the poor boy.” Urara said, mostly to herself.
En cut in before he could answer, “Genya is odd but physically alright. Lady Shinobu gives him monthly check ups.”
“How disgusting. I’ll never understand this Genya.” Sorai sneered as much as a bird could.
“Well, you serve Sanemi, you must be used to disgusting assholes by now.” Hashibami snapped.
“There’s a difference between Sanemi and Genya. Every slayer and crow knows that.” Yuan flew down to be next to Hashibami, “Genya can’t even use breaths.”
“At least I don’t doubt Genya’s intentions. Unlike some, he values family and cares about others.”
Sorai flew down next to Yuan. Hashibami prepared to be ganged up on and defend Genya from these annoying twits.
“Genya treats you like a glorified pet! I'm surprised you don’t get fat with all the bird seed he feeds you.”
“At least I’m not being replaced by a literal snake, Yuan.”
“There’s no need to fight!” Urara cried from the top of the bunch.
“That is enough.” Zekka spoke, “Our opinions of Genya do not matter. In the end, it is the Hashira that shall choose, it is Lord Ubayashiki.”
There was quiet again that lasted until the Hashira came out of the Butterfly Mansion. The crows flew over, landing near their Hashira as they talked. Gyoumei turned his attention to Zekka, who rested on his large shoulder.
“Is Genya ready to leave?”
“Genya is assisting Aoi, moving equipment.”
Gyoumei made a noise of affirmation, preparing to wait as Zekka fetched Genya. The rest of the Hashira waited as well, intent on meeting the new tsukogu. Though, some were impatient about it. Gyoumei was good at tuning it out, especially the more scathing comments from Sanemi and Iguro. Though, the squawking and yelling from Hashibami in retaliation was unexpected. Gyoumei had to stop the crow from pecking their faces, though the cursing and death threats never stopped.
Genya quickly made his way back toward Gyoumei, Zekka on his shoulder. Gyoumei began to walk away, not interested in starting anything with Genya present. It was a slow walk, something easy for Genya to jog and catch up with. Genya looked back toward the Hashira, but said nothing, though he looked forlorn during the brief glance back.
The pair left the mansion, the crows flying off ahead, with Hashibami still cursing him out.
—----
Gyoumei’s training helped a lot. He bulked up and grew, his muscles filling out. It was annoying to need a new uniform size every month or so, but eventually he stopped changing sizes. Another thing it helped with was his fighting. He could go faster for longer, able to react quicker. He came back from assignments less beat up, less scars and bruises.
That didn’t mean he still didn't still get beat.
Currently, he and Gyoumei are on another assignment together. Gyoumei was dealing with the main demon who was both strong and annoying with their blood demon art. Genya was responsible for keeping Gyoumei’s way clear of any smaller demons and getting people out of the way.
Genya had taken a chunk out of the main body and was quick enough to properly support Gyoumei. That was until he was lifted off the ground, carried above the trees as Gyoumei shouted out for him.
“Focus on the demon! I’ll take care of this guy!”
The demon smiled down at him, taunting Genya, “You think so brat?”
Genya raised his gun while his other hand dug into the demon’s leg, “I know so!”
The gun went off, head flying off from his neck. Genya smiled, he had won this fight and Gyoumei could win this without the asshole flying…around……..
Oh fuck
Genya fell to the ground, tree branches scratching him on the way down, slowing his fall. Genya landed on his side, curled up in a poor attempt at protecting his organs that were definitely crushed.
He groaned and shifted but the shooting pain up his side quickly had him back on the ground. The feeling of regenerating was never comfortable, but no longer felt like he was being lit on fire. His demon abilities fixed the major damage but Genya still feels like he got hit by a train and some of his bones were definitely still broken.
He doesn’t know how long he laid there before Hashibami was in his face, saying something with panic and concern, though he couldn’t tell what. Genya’s face and side felt warm, most likely blood seeping out of unhealed wounds.
The world was getting fuzzy, he could barely see the shape of feet running towards him, then the world faded.
Gyoumei had heard Zekka’s frantic shouting. Zekka wasn’t often worried like that, so to hear him worried had taken his immediate attention. His anger flared and his patience reached its end.
“Enough of this.”
Then, in a burst of speed, the demon was beginning to fade away. He hadn’t waited for the demon to fully fade before he followed Zekka to find Genya bleeding all over the ground with Hashibami trying to keep him awake.
Gyoumei kneeled down and unwrapped the bindings on his arms to wrap around Genya’s bleeding side. It wasn’t a great bandage, but it would do until he got some real medical attention. He picked up Genya in a bridal carry, the boy's head lolling back. He looked pale and sick.
Gyoumei took off towards the Butterfly Mansion as fast as he could, making it back in three hours.
—----
Genya woke up groggy and tired, Hashibami in the junction of his neck. He looked around the room as much as he could without moving, which wasn’t much. He groaned as he sat up, content to wait the three seconds for the butterfly girls to come in and greet him.
As he predicted, Aoi and the three young girls were there in a moment. He was given food, medication, had his bandages changed, and was thoroughly worried over for several minutes. In the end, Aoi left while Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho stayed behind.
The three girls worried a lot about the slayers as a whole, though Genya suspected that they worried for him more with the amount they saw him. It was never a good sign for a slayer to be at the Butterfly mansion so often.
“Your braids are looking very pretty today, Naho.”
Naho glowed, smiling brightly, “Thank you, Genya-san!”
“Naho does the braids herself every morning!” Sumi said.
Genya chuckled softly, “They’re very pretty.”
Truth was, these three reminded Genya of his younger siblings. Just like with his own siblings, he’d do anything for these girls. They needed to smile more and he’d be happy to do that.
“Can I braid your hair?” Naho asked.
The other two began to beg, wanting to do Genya’s hair like their own. Genya’s face flushed, unsure of how to go about this. He eventually stuttered out a yes and Naho quickly had Genya on the ground while she sat behind him on the bed, full access to his hair.
“I’m not sure I have enough hair.”
Kiyo waved him off, “you have plenty! It’s so long and pretty!”
Genya didn’t know what to say so he just stayed quiet, letting Naho do what she liked to his mohawk. Surprisingly, she was gentle with him, not grabbing his hair and making sure it was untangled as she worked her way down.
Kiyo and Sumi were giving each other looks before running out of the room. Naho didn’t say anything, just swinging her legs as she moved to tie off the braid.
“Oh no! I don’t have a hair tie.” Naho frowned, sad her creation was so temporary.
“Wait wait! We got a tie!” Sumi rushed in, holding a tie aloft in her hand.
Naho cheered, quickly tying off the braid. Genya moved to get up but Kiyo stopped him.
“Close your eyes.”
Genya was confused but did so, smiling as he heard the three young girls giggle and shift above him, playing with his hair.
“Okay! We’re all done!”
Genya had no idea what they did, unable to see the braid itself. Unsatisfied with this conclusion, they pulled him towards a bathroom with a mirror. Genya gasped, a joyful smile on his face as he saw little butterfly clips adorning his braid similar to the ones the young girls were wearing.
“It’s beautiful, thank you.”
Genya patted each of the girls on the head in thanks. They preened, very proud of their accomplishment.
After that, Genya made his way back to his bed, taking great care to avoid angering the cut in his side. The girls left to attend to other patients, waving happily. Hashibami hopped on his shoulder, using his beak to feel out the clips, careful to not pull any out. Once done, he nodded, seeming satisfied with whatever results he found. Genya laughed at the crow’s attitude. He reached up and pet the crow who leaned into the touch.
Genya gently took out a clip, gathered a few feathers, and clipped them loosely. Hashibami shook his head quickly, shaking the clip off onto the floor. Genya laughed as Hashibami hopped off the bed to retrieve the clip and then used his beak to get it back into his braid, not nearly as secure as before.
“Didn’t like that?”
If Hashibami could glare, he would, “No.”
Genya let it go, happy to just pet Hashibami.
“It looked better on you, I’m sure.”
Genya grinned, “Don’t go soft on me, Hashibami.”
“Of course not!” Hashibami seemed almost offended at the notion. “Training a new slayer for my likes is just a pain.”
“Keep telling yourself that.”
Hashibami huffed, “besides, none are near as interesting.”
Genya laughed loudly, “I say the same about you.”