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echantedtoon · 2 months ago

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A Lovers' Circle (Poly Haishira x Reader) Ch14 Halloween Party

(Or Alternate title Y/n gets to meet a LOT of inlaws all in one night. Plus obligatory Halloween episode! Next heart to be won is on the way!

If you wanna know what Halloween costumes most of the characters are wearing follow the links. Y/n's costume is the pic on top.

https://www.tumblr.com/echantedtoon/764252092271640576/demon-slayer-characters-halloween-costumes-p1?source=share

Taglist: @shadyd3ar @jcrml

@tengensangel @miniverse-zen @mysteri0uz @jjamsbangtan

@the-unknown-fandom

@lavenderdropp @mimisweetz. @purplesoulsapphire

@kksmush @denkpanda18 @whomisi @lessthanimperfect @silver-rin

@rotting-alone @namis-noodlebox

@k1ttyluverz @akiramente

@rascalraccoon @ravenclawkae1

Remember if you want to be added to the taglist lemme know

A party on Halloween. That sounded like a fantastic idea!

From what Gyomei told you after work, Kyojuro was hosting a large party at his family's house and had invited all of his partners and their extended families so it'd double as some kind of giant family dinner. Of course being Gyomei's girlfriend, Kyojuro was MORE than happy to invite you along as Mei's plus one. Your boyfriend did suggest that you invite your family as well but thankfully and unfortunately you didn't have much family and weren't close to most of the ones you did have.

Your father passed, your mother only saw you once or twice a year since you were abandoned on your great Aunt's doorstep, and your aunt-

"I'm afraid my Aunt Dakita can't come." You casually mentioned while pouring your boyfriend a cup of tea.

White eyes followed the distant sounds of the kitchen as you shuffled around. "Oh? You did ask didn't you?"

"I did," you answered truthfully before you sighed in relief. "She's running a 'future reading' booth for a client's party and then she's going out of town the next day for a wedding. Apparently she helped the groom meet his husband?"

"Oh. By reading tea leaves?"

"Nope. The groom works at the nearby cafe and his husband was looking for someone who cooked good."

"Ah. I'm surprised that she didn't try to match him up with you considering how well you cook. That meatloaf was delicious." You smiled at him before a deep chuckle settled in. "Or maybe I should consider myself lucky that no one snatched you up before I did.~"

"Are you flirting with me?"

"Depends. Do you like it?"

The sounds of footsteps came back into the living room and a second later a soft warmth of a kiss was pressed to his cheek and a warm cup of tea was gently placed in his hands. By the smell of it, it was camomile tea with honey and milk. The smile on his face only increased feeling the sofa dip next to him as a warm weight settled to his right.

"Yes.~ Who knew the gentle giant knew how to sweet talk?"

He chuckled as the glass was raised to his lips contently. "When you spend enough time around Tengen and Mitsuri you tend to pick up a few things over the years."

"Speaking of them, have you been noticing anything strange lately?"

He hummed halting his enjoyment of his drink to face you with a half worried half confused look. "Strange? Strange how?"

"Oh..I don't know. They seem to be acting a little bit more.." You scrunched up your face thinking of the right words to use. "They seem..uh..A little bit more different from when I first met them I guess? Does that make sense?"

Your boyfriend blinked before humming and turning away. His face scrunching into a genuinely thoughtful look as he sipped at his drink once more. "..Now that you mention it, there has been a few strange occurrences that I've noticed." One in particular with Sanemi crossed his mind. The day Jake showed up a second time.

"Im sorry for taking so long. The owner was very understanding of the situation. Apparently he was not the first person who caused a fight at the bar."

You continued to finish up wiping at your eyes face still red from crying and anger. Blinking before turning to toss the napkin in a nearby trashcan. This day was a disaster. It started out great but ended up being just a mess. You scowled at nothing but blinked when two large hands suddenly cupped your cheeks and tilted you up to the concerned look of Gyomei.

"Are you alright?"

You blinked before nodding. "Y-Yes. I'm ok. *sniff*" Although you did sigh and lean into the comforting touch of his hands.

"I'm sorry. I should've been there. This is the second time I wasn't there when he was around."

"I-It wasn't your fault."

"No. I should've been there. I have no excuses."

"Listen to her, Mei." A hand plopping onto his side had Gyomei turning towards Sanemi. "You were talking to your MOM. Sides you think a bastard like that cares about anyone else but himself? It's no one's dam fault but his and if he has at least one working braincell-" SMACK! He quickly smacked a fist into his palm. A strained smile on his face. "-he'll stay away. If not I have no problem knocking some more sense into 'em."

"I-I appreciate that."

"Tch. No one touches my girls and gets away with it."

... Gyomei turned his head with a brow raised to him. "'My girls'?"

"OUR girls!," Sanemi quickly corrected looking at him. "Kanae shouldn't have gone through that neither did your girlfriend! I'm not wrong!"

Gyomei raised a brow higher with a hum as Sanemi sweated under him.

Hmm... Perhaps he had meant it just as a platonic way. After all Mitsuri had 'girlfriends' who were just friends but still referred to them as her girlfriends. Perhaps Sanemi was also referring to his girlfriend as a friend who just also happened to be a girl? Most likely. But could it be possible that maybe just maybe that Sanemi-...?

"...Well, I can't deny that I have noticed one or two instances-," he admitted finally,"-but i don't think it's anything to worry over."

"Are you sure? Shinobu and Giyuu especially seemed to be a bit more...cheerful?"

Yes. He noticed that too. Both Giyuu and Shinobu were usually very stoic, somber, and reserved people even if Shinobu often smiled hiding her more.. upsetting emotions. But lately he's very much noticed a shift in their tones. Much more happy and uplifting, which was surprising. Not a bad thing but surprising for sure. Especially since Giyuu was so much more talkative. He wasn't the only one who noticed too. Rengoku had commented to him on Giyuu's new confidence to speak.

"Tomioka spoke a lot today about how best to treat a sprained wrist! I didn't know he could speak so much!"

Then again he noticed little changes in Kanae too. Not the sudden personality shift like her sister but he did notice that when he mentioned his girlfriend to them she'd always pipe up first asking how she was doing and if he would be BRINGING her anytime soon. Which was a nice gesture but he expected that kind of quirk to come out of Mitsuri or Suma. To be fair Mitsuri had asked him a dozen times the same question, but he already expected her to do that. Were the sudden changes bad?...No. But he was wondering why it was happening. He'd just keep an ear listening for now.

"I wouldn't worry about it like I said. But if it's making you uncomfortable-"

You held up your hands. "Oh no. I'm fine. It's just that I've noticed that they seemed more cheerful is all. I guess it's just because the party is almost here and this is going to be the last major project of this year."

"That could be it. Halloween is Shinobu's favorite holiday. I'm sure everything will be fine," he assured you with a smile. "In the meantime would you like to hear about my major? You mentioned wanting to know more about it."

You were thankful for the subject change. Gyomei's right. It was probably you overthinking it and the fact the party was coming up. "I'd love to!"

You had quickly brushed off your concerns after that. After all, if Gyomei wasn't concerned about it then why should you be? All progressed as normally as the days went on. You'd go to work, and see Sanemi twice a day dropping off his little brother and he seemed to be in a better mood than the time he threatened to rip the Karen into pieces. Sometimes Kanae would be accompanying him and you two would chat for a few minutes before they left. You still were doing the project with Shinobu and Giyuu. Sometimes it was all three of you, or just one of them, or you'd be by yourself and just send the video to Shinobu via email.

But you did receive your Tupperware back from Giyuu who looked sheepish when you thanked him and promised to make more delicious food for the couple. You also gave Mitsuri the food you promised to make for her. She was over the moon..and then proceeded to nearly end you in a bone crushing hug. Luckily you were saved by Mei and were able to continue breathing. However you still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else you were missing with these interactions.

Like it was right there but you couldn't figure it out. Oh well. You were sure it'd come out sooner or later.

What mattered right now was just figuring out what to do for the party as Halloween was fastly approaching. It was hard not to notice with all the decorations hung on the streets and in stores, and the numerous costumes being bought out. But you weren't aware of the disaster that would soon befall you when it came to costumes. It was one of two days before the party actually and you were baking some sugar cookies in the shapes of pumpkins to take to the party, as a small thank you to Kyojuro for inviting you and it'd be rude to show up without bringing something in your opinion, when Gyomei Mitsuri asked you a question.

"Hey. Are you going to be dressing up for the party?"

You turned oven mitts on and hot tray in your hands. Mitsuri was there with her hair tied up and a pink apron thrown over herself. A little bit aways from her was Obanai making himself comfortable in a chair. At the moment he was drinking from a straw pushed under the medical mask he always wore and sipping on the tea you offered him.

You hadn't invited him over but Mitsuri dragged him along in order for you and him to get better aquatinted as you both were Gyomei's partners. Her words not yours. Obanai was quiet but he was very polite. He seemed to be awkward just standing there, so you decided to offer him something to drink and sit down while Mitsuri helped you bake enough cookies. She'd offered to help you after you spoke with her about having a lot of stuff already on your plate so you gladly took her up on that offer. However you did notice that Obanai wasn't really drinking the tea-

"Do you not like it, Iguro?" He hummed looking at you in question. You nodded towards his teacup. "The tea. Do you not like camomile? I can make you something different if you want."

"Nah. M' fine."

You didn't say anything about it but he still continued to just sit there holding the cup as he watched Mitsuri. After a moment longer of him silently sitting there, you had paused in your baking to go rummaging through the kitchen drawers and a second later returned with a reusable plastic straw. Obanai was surprised when you just silently plopped it down into his cup before you went on back to business like nothing happened. He stood there staring at it before looking at his lovestruck girlfriend. But accepted the gift poking the straw under his mask to drink.

But back to present you blinked at her before carefully placing the hot tray of cookies to the side. "Yeah actually. I have an old bridesmaid dress from my cousin's wedding. I can just wear that and throw on a masquerade mask." Maybe not the most creative costume ever but it was affordable.

"Can I see?"

"Sure! Let's put the last batch in the oven and I'll show you!"

Mitsuri was happy to follow you. Practically bouncing off the walls as you lead her to a random closet and started to rummage through the small space. Pushing a few boxes around until you found the medium sized black box you were looking for. Pulling it out and blowing some dust off. You opened the lid-

And a squeal left both of you as moths fluttered out.

The fluttered about some going down the halls while others perched onto the ceiling. You both just blinked at the insects before Mitsuri bent down and slowly returned back, holding up the remains of what was once a nice white dress now tattered and ridden with holes. You both just stared at it before you frowned.

"My dress!" Hands gently grabbed at the barely clinging on fabric. "It's ruined. Now what am I supposed to do?...I guess I can just wear the mask."

Mitsuri still looked at the tatters before she smiled. "Y'know ..I think I have some old costumes from a few theater performances I danced in? I got one that'll fit you perfectly I think! You can totally borrow it!"

"Really?!"

She nodded. "Yep! I'll even come by before the party and help you get dressed!"

"Mitsuri, you're a life saver! How can I ever repay you?"

"Lemme take some of those cookies home and we'll call it even!"

You couldn't help but giggle at the happy look in her eyes. "Sure. Just don't take all of them."

Whelp!

Mitsuri kept her word for helping you dress up. However you couldn't help but feel a bit surprised by her sudden arrival. It was a couple hours before the party and you were busy packing up the many, many cookies when there was a knock on the door. Huh. Couldn't have been Gyomei. He wasn't supposed to show up for another hour or two. However you did take time out to go check the door. Opening it up to reveal a very dapperly dressed bubbly girl on the other side.

Oh wow.

Mitsuri looked stunning!

A very pretty bubble gum pink and white Lolita style dress was adorning her body with matching heels, and black stripes draped over her shoulders and middle securing two glittery white fake dove wings to her back while her face was all dolled up in a way that just highlighted her already cute features. A black duffle bag hanging from her hand.

"TADA!! Whaddya think?!", she proclaimed holding out her arms proudly. "I'm a Cupid!"

You smiled brightly. "Mitsuri, you're beautiful!" Your compliment earnt a delightful squeal from her. "What are you doing here? Mei's already taking me to the party."

"Oh I know that, Silly. However I'm here for a different reason!" Her smirk widened as she held up the duffle bag. "Once I'm done with you, the others are going to be forced to fall over themselves!"

You rose a brow confused by what she said, but didn't get a chance to speak before you were suddenly grabbed and hauled off to the nearest changing room.

***************

Spooky sound effects were going off about the large room. A wolf's howl sounding off as the eerie fog rolled across the floor from the fog machine. Tiny footsteps were toddling along with each drag of the cloth gliding across the floors behind him. Edging closer and closer and closer to the target as they slowed down. Eyeing the man in sights from behind the chair leg. Before the unsuspecting man knew it, something dashed in front of her-

"BOO!"

Tengen blinked as Koto jumped out from behind the snack table. The cheap ghost costume made from an old kitchen sheet with two eye holes in it swayed as he held up his arms. After a moment the toddler waved his hands again.

"Boo?"

The silver haired man blinked before smiling. "*GASP!* OH NO!" He 'gasped' dramatically clutching a hand to his chest. "It's a ghost! Whatever shall I do?!"

"It otay, Ten-Ten!" The sheet was lifted revealing the excited face of the tot. "It me!"

"Koto? Oh my gosh. I didn't recognize you!"

"I scare you?!"

"Yes! Very much! You look just like a real ghost!" Tengen smiled wider hearing the toddler giggle before redawning his costume and running off to 'scare' his next victim.

"Aw! That was so cute!" He turned from the snack table to the cooing voice and found himself staring at Suma cooing at him and clutching a couple snacks already. The fake blood around her mouth a bit smeared from her snacking. "You're so good with kids, Hun!"

That made him chuckle. "Well to be fair, the little tyke did surprise me. The fog machine Kyo set up makes him blend in." He was finally able to get some 'witch's brew' punch and took a look around the room. "He really went all out."

The giant living room AND kitchen were both filled up with his partners and their families...Well most of their families. Sanemi's siblings were only staying for a little bit before their mom and Genya took the youngest ones trick or treating. Oh they all had generic costumes that their mom got for cheap. Two just had a few fake vampire teeth shoved into their mouths and Called it a day, a pair of witches, and lil Koto running around in that ghost sheet. He couldn't help but chuckle watching Mitsuri's brother jumping as suddenly the toddler popped out from under the table.

The place looked great!

Low lights. Fake fog. A dozen rubber bars dangling from the ceiling. And a few jack-o'-lanterns carved and placed around the rooms glowing brightly. Not to mention the great food all laid out for their enjoyment. Nothing alcoholic of course considering the influx of kids. He was fine with that, but he did wish the drinks included something else besides regular fruit punch. At least stock up on a few sodas.

"When's Mitsuri gonna get here? She's like running super late which is totally unlike her."

"Eh. She said somethin' about picking up Mei? I think."

No sooner had he said that then there was a loud knock on the door. Loud enough to be heard over the spooky music and sound effects being blasted out of Kyojuro's speakers and attract the attention of said flamed haired host whom perked up immediately. Kyojuro excused himself from talking to Kanae and Shinobu's parents to quickly shuffle over and answered the door. Opening it up widely and smiling as Mitsuri and Gyomei stood there. Her lace and ribbon outfit popping out against the dulled colors of Gyomei's own outfit. Wrapped up in random bandages and shifting around a long strand of red prayer beads.

"WE'RE HERE!", her loud voice announced their prescense causing a few heads to turn to them. "DO YOU LIKE OUR COSTUMES?!"

"YES! You both look stunning!," Kyojuro's also naturally loud voice echoed throughout the room as he happily smiled. "I'm glad you both could make it! But I don't see Y/n with either of you."

Mitsuri waved him off. "Oh she's right behind us. She baked some cookies for the party and just getting them real quick."

"How thoughtful! Please come in! Your family's already here!" They didn't have to be told twice. He gladly stepped aside to allow them inside before looking back out. Bushy eyebrows rose in surprise seeing who was walking their way slowly up the steps. "Well my goodness. Your costume is absolutely stunning, Y/n!"

"Thanks! I really like yours too!"

"Much thanks! Are those cookies I smell?"

"Yes! You want one?"

"Why thank you!" No one could see past Kyojuro's frame in the doorway but his arm moved and a moment later he shouted. "UMAI!" A few giggles from a girl escaped. "It's quite delicious!"

"They're sugar cookies. May I come in?"

"By all means!"

His frame moved back revealing a pumpkin shaped cookie in his hand and then a second later a parade of glimmer stepped through the doorway- CHOKE!! A loud choke sound escaped Sanemi's throat as he saw the woman walking in through the doorway, nearly choking on the half eaten taffy he swiped from the candy bowl. A similar reaction rippling through the others in the room as she stepped into the room.

A beautiful white sparkly ruffled dress was thrown over her body as a beautiful crown of glass diamonds and dripping beads sat regally on top of her styled hair. A matching white fake gemmed choker slapped onto her neck as she smiled pretty.

"Thanks, Kyojuro."

Said man nodded still chewing on the cookie in his hand. His costume was easy to guess. With the fake horns and ears he was obviously a dragon. Somehow seemed very fitting for the fiery haired man. Stepping inside you were immediately able to spot so many familiar faces. The first three being the sisters. All three of them dawned gothic like outfits minus a pair of pink or purple pretty plastic butterfly wings strapped to them the same way Mitsuri had her angel wings strapped to her. So they were fairies? Butterflies maybe? You greeted the staring trio with a smile before heading on over to the table full of food. Your other friends were crowding around there including Giyuu and Sanemi whom were both staring wide eyed and silently at you.

"Hi, Giyuu! Hi, Sanemi!", you happily greeted the men as they stared before turning to the others. "Hello, Tengen. It's nice to see you again!"

Said white haired man winked and sent a finger gun your way. "That's a flashy outfit you got there.~"

"Thank you! Mitsuri's letting me borrow one of her theater costumes." Taking a moment you looked in up and down. He was just wearing a pair of black pants and a t shirt that was opened up at chest a little bit with either fake blood or the red punch e was drinking spilt all over his mouth. "What are you supposed to be?"

He smiled wider and happily showed off fake fangs. "Why I'm the most flashy vampire this side of Japan." With a growl he quickly turned around to three similarly dressed ladies in white dresses and more fake blood. "Along with his three beautiful flamboyant brides he's going to make love too later.~" Suma giggled at his bad vampire accent as the other two rolled their eyes at his flirting.

"You guys look great!" You turned back to the other two staring men still smiling. "Nice Jiangshi costume, Giyuu! It matches your complexion. ...Um." Your brow rose at Sanemi placing the tray back down onto the table with the other food. Sanemi didn't look any different from his usual attire. Black pants, white button up shirt, black vest- The only difference was that he was wearing black gloves. "What are you supposed to be?"

Both still stared wide eyed making Tengen roll his eyes. "Romeo over here got lazy and just put on some gloves. Says he's supposed to be a 'body guard'." He made air quotations with the hand that wasn't holding a drink.

That seemed to snap Sanemi out of it because he whipped around angry at Tengen. "Oh like your costumes any better! All ya got is some new dentures and smeared lipstick smothered all over your face! You look like you let my brother do your makeup!"

Tengen gasped. "How dare you? I happen to use my art skills and talent in this!"

"Yeah. The artistic levels of a preschooler maybe!"

Your hand held up to try to stop the arguing, but you were surprised when Giyuu calmly reached over to lower it. "Don't. They'll be making out with each other in the end anyways. They always do. Why don't you come speak to Shinobu with me? I bet they'll like your costume."

You did. Finding the sisters speaking to Mitsuri. The four of you complimenting each other on the pretty costumes they wore before Kanae insisted on you meeting their parents. ...Oookay? It was strange but the older couple was nice and they thanked you briefly for helping Kanao get the dress she wanted. You casually shuffled around to go back to Gyomei whom was talking to a man you didn't recognize at the moment. Mitsuri was OVERJOYED to use the opportunity to introduce the stranger to you as her father. ..And then dragged you all the way across the room to meet her mom. ..And then back across the room to meet her little brother who was stuffing his face with your cookies. Guess both siblings had appetites.

She went on and on about how her parents owned a small business in town and how her brother was a senior in highschool but he wanted to study botany and on and on. It must've been at least an hour since you stepped in here and already were shoved into meeting with so many strangers. They all seemed like nice people though who welcomed you like you were just another one of them..

Oh goodness. You hoped they didn't mistake you for a new partner of theirs.

F/c eyes blinked as suddenly a plastic cup filled with red fruit punch was held in front of your face suddenly. Blinking at the liquid you followed the hand holding said cup all the way up to Kyojuro whom was brightly smiling at you like a ball of sunshine.

"Here! I'd be a bad host if I did not make sure all my guests were having a good time, and by the looks of it you could use something to drink," he politely offered.

With a smile you took the drink offered to you. "Thank you. Yeah. Mitsuri's dragged me around since I got here."

He let out a few laughs from the statement as you took a drink. Hey. This was pretty good punch. "I would expect nothing else from her! She's very passionate and that's a quality I love about her!"

You nodded politely out of agreement. "Mm. This is really good punch."

"THANK YOU! It's actually homemade!"

"Really? I'd love the recipe."

"You can ask my mother." He turned and pointed a hand to point out the kitchen just as Obanai dressed up as a doctor strolled out holding up a plate of half eaten cake. Ah. So that's where he's been hiding out. "She's the one who made it for the party."

"Oh. Thank you."

He politely accompanied you over towards the kitchen area. You've been there before on your first meeting with Mei's other partners but it looked different. Like the large living room, it too had been decorated with a single jack-o'-lantern on the table and a few black paper bats tapped to the walls. Not as decorated as the main party room but you appreciated the effort Kyojuro took to decorate his home.

Only four other people were in the kitchen area when Kyojuro escorted you in. Shinobu was one of them, digging around in the fridge before retrieving a soda can she wanted and left but smiled at you both. The other three were sitting and standing around the table and-...Well.

You could DEFINITELY tell Kyojuro was related to them.

How could you tell? Simple. They all looked EXACTLY alike! In fact you had to blink at first just to be sure you weren't seeing things, but no. Before your eyes was not one but TWO men that looked like carbon copies of Kyojuro with the only differences being ages. At the table sat a middle aged couple. A man whom looked like an older, annoyed version of Kyojuro and a woman with red eyes and black hair. Standing next to the woman and eating cake was a teenage boy who looked maybe around fifteen (and also looked like a younger version of Kyojuro) and similarly dressed up as a dragon.

They all sat there but looked up as Kyojuro came in. He still brightly smiled as he greeted them. "Mother! Father! I don't think you've been introduced yet!" With a hand on your shoulder he happily gestured to you. "This is Y/n! She's Gyomei's new girlfriend and came for the party!" He then turned to you. "Y/n, these are my parents and my brother Senjuro!"

You chuckled. "I see the resemblance."

The older man grunted not bothering to change his expression or remove his head from his hand. Leading the woman to give him a sad glance before smiling at you. "It's nice to meet you. Are you my son's new lover?"

Well THAT was blunt. Your mind blanked a little bit at the question mouth opened slightly but Kyojuro only laughed her off. "Oh no. Nothing like that. She's only interested in Gyomei."

You made a mental note to thank Kyo for the save later and sighed. "H-He's right. I was actually just interested in the recipe for the punch you made." Your cup was held up. "It's actually really good."

Her smile widened slightly wider. "Oh? Why thank you. It's a family recipe."

"Are you a cook then?"

"Actually I teach calligraphy at my youngest's school." She smiled at the man next to her. "And Shinjuro runs a dojo."

"You mean USED to run a dojo," the man grunted out still not bothering to look up from the table.

Immediately the air shifted to an awkward silence other than the background noises of distant talking and Halloween music. ..That is until Kyojuro coughed. "You still run it, Father."

"Not for long with the dwindling students."

"What do you teach?" The question escaped you before you could stop yourself.

The question got a surprised reaction from most everyone at the table, the man even bothering to look up at you slightly surprised but soon reverted back to that grumpy expression again. "Tch. Why do you want to know?"

You shrugged. "Curious is all."

A bushy black brow rose at you looking you up and down before he grunted and rolled his eyes. "Self defense. I don't even know why I'm here!"

"Because you need to get out of the house." Kyojuro's mother sternly but also softly said reaching out to give her husband's hand a squeeze. "Moping around isn't good for you. You need to socialize with people."

"What good would that do me? It's not as if anything will change."

"It might if you go talk and pass out the business cards we made together."

"Business cards?"

"Yes! Wait a second." Senjuro quickly paused his eating to look at the table and reached out to a decently sized stack of small cards you didn't notice before. He was quick to hold one out to you, which you slowly took. "Father teaches karate and kendo! One of his students even won the national kendo championships three years ago!"

"When I wasn't having bad luck." The older man's mumblings got worried looks and frowns from his family but you paid no mind to it.

The card was pretty standard. The presumed name of the dojo with 'Shinjuro Rengoku' written under it followed by a phone number and address. Presumably the phone number and address for the dojo. A flame design decorating the edges. Kinda reminded you of the cards your aunt would pass around promoting her matchmaker business.

"Senjuro. Why don't you go around and pass out the cards, Honey? Maybe it might stir up some business."

"Okay, Mom."

You looked back up just as Senjuro pushed past you heading back into the living room. Your eyes looked back up and back towards the huge snack of cards still there.

"Oi! Kyo, where's those dam treat bags?," Sanemi called out from the other room. "Ma's leaving and my sibs want their candy."

"Coming!" He turned back to you. "I'm sorry to leave you suddenly like this."

"Oh no. It's ok. I better get back to Mei before he thinks I ditched him." You politely bowed to the older couple. "It was nice meeting you two. Have a Happy Halloween."

There was a grunt from the man but the woman smiled. "Of course. If you ever feel like learning how to defend yourself please consider stopping by our studio."

"I will. Thank you."

Both of you left the older couple alone and left the room to tend to the other guests and to find your boyfriend before Gyomei came to find you himself worried. However you were bothered by something.

"Kyojuro." He turned to you with a hum. "Your dad seems pretty upset. Is he ok?"

The flamed haired man paused for a second before sighing and a rare frown graced his features. "I'm afraid lately things have been hard for him. You see my father runs quite a big business, but within the last few years that business has slowed down quite a lot. Fewer and fewer students have been joining." He forced himself to smile again. "But I'm sure things will turn back around in no time! Things always have a knack of sorting themselves out."

You hummed again taking another glance back towards the kitchen. "I see..I hope things get better for your family."

"Thank you, Y/n! That's very kind of you! Please excuse me. I must tend to Sanemi's family."

The hours ticked away as the sun went down and the sky got darker and darker. Later and later it got and slowly people started to leave if they weren't staying the night. One after the other with goodie bags or boxes up leftovers to take home.

"Safe driving! Thanks for stopping by!", Kyojuro called out waving from his doorway as Mitsuri bounced off to drive her parents and little brother back home. "HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"

Senjuro paused in his helping to clean up to gaze at his brother. "Was that everyone?"

With a nod the door was closed and he happily turned back to his brother. "Indeed! It was a fun night wasn't it?"

"Yeah! Do you think maybe Father will feel better now?"

A hum was given off. "We have to keep on the bright side of things. Why don't you take those dishes to the sink and clear the table? I'll get the broom."

Senjuro nodded before scattering off towards the kitchen. He was happy to help tidy up dropping off the dirty dishes into the sink before returning to the kitchen table to start picking up more dishes randomly left out.. Before he paused blinking at a specific spot upon the polished wood.

"Huh.. Didn't we have more cards sitting here?"

...He shrugged it off assuming he must've been mistaken or someone else already collected them up.

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