karikitdemonrp

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari hurriedly welcomed Adam when he walked in, waving at him with the widest smile she could. The child was very happy to see the angel and didn't really take note of the bag right away. But she did see it after giving Adam a hug. She was curious about it and was going to ask about it until Adam handed over the gift.

She was about to thank him with wide shimmering eyes but she was immediately shut down. Puffing out her cheeks and rolling her eyes, Kari began to unwrap the present quickly, excited to see what the angel got her only to freeze in shock upon seeing the gifts that had been wrapped together.

Gently she looked at the wood carving and the scarf, even giving a tiny giggle at the book. She felt a tug at her heart, feeling a sense of joy as she took the gifts and held them close. Carefully she sat them off to the side and gave Adam a hug, a tight squeeze as she just held him. "Thank you." She whispered, feeling how hard he tried when he made these gifts. "I love them."

The child backed up then moved to grip the scarf she was wearing, hesitating to take it off. This was the only thing she had of her mother’s and she was scared to lose it. She couldn't part with it. So, instead Kari wrapped the scarf Adam made her around her neck with the old scarf. It looked kind of silly but Kari didn't mind, she wanted to try out this new scarf. She put the book up with her other books and the wood carving on her nightstand near her bed and sighed happily then went and brought over a gift and held it out to Adam. It was also not wrapped very well but it was clear she tried.

"Here, I made you something too. I hope you like it." She chirped happily. Once opened it was revealed to be a wooden statue of Adam, wings spread wide and his axetar in hand, ready to fight something. The statue wasn't exactly the best, the eyes were a bit off and the wings could use a bit more detail and more but Kari put her heart into it. The other part of the gift was a handmade plushie of what looked like Kari. Again, poorly made and clearly needing somework and was that a small blood spot on the cheek? Either way it was clear Kari tried her hardest.

"The statue is a sorta reminder that you're a good guardian angel, always there for me even when you don't wanna be. And that plushie is so if something happens, I'm always near by." Kari gave a nervous giggle, scratching behind her head with her hand which had some fingers decorated with new bandaid "bling" from making the plushie. "I know it's kinda cheesy but you've helped me out just as much if not more than you've annoyed me." Kari laughed, and nudged Adam

Christmas: Adam!

"Alright, what’s with all the mess?" Adam’s voice echoed from the doorway as he teleported in and checked out the Christmas lights and decorations Kari had sprinkled around the room. The angel stood there, his usual sarcastic smirk plastered across his face, carrying a bag that looked suspiciously like it had been hastily wrapped in newspaper.

Walking in, Adam frowned as some tinsel clung to his robes. “Ew. Kid, do I look like I’m built for festive?” he asked, shaking snow from his wings. “But hey, since you’ve apparently decided I need to embrace ‘the spirit of the season,’ I got you something.”

He saw her eyes light up, and he hurried to shut that shit down as he waved a finger at her. “Uh uh uh. No. Don’t make a big deal out of it,” Adam muttered, pulling the lumpy package from the bag and tossing it to her. “Here. Don’t say I never did anything nice.”

Inside the makeshift wrapping was a mismatched collection of items: a book titled ‘How to Deal with Sarcastic Angels for Dummies’, a scarf that looked suspiciously handmade (and slightly lopsided), and a small, crudely carved wooden figure of what appeared to be… her?

Adam crossed his arms, feigning nonchalance. “Don’t get used to me being sentimental. I was bored, and you wouldn’t stop talking about wanting to be stronger. So, I thought, ‘Why not carve something that’ll remind her she’s already tough enough?’”

[@karikitdemonrp

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari chirped, looking at the sparkling water. She stuck her tongue out at it slightly, not a fan of sparkling water right now. She wanted something with more flavor in it. "Papa Bird, why do you have so much sparkling water?" She asked, glaring at the drink. "It just kinda tastes like angry water with a hint of flavor in it. Not fun or tasty all the time." She muttered, looking up at Hawks as she was pulled closer.

Kari let out a soft sigh, nuzzling into the hero with a tiny smile, ignoring the glass of angry lime water, then moving to grab the remote and hit play. She leaned into the hero and watched the movie while munching on her bit popcorn while letting out soft, happy chirps every so often.

Hawks strolled into the living room, balancing a big bowl of popcorn in one hand and two glasses of lime sparkling water in the other. His sharp eyes immediately caught Kari’s barely-contained excitement, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “You look like you’re about to launch off that couch, Sugarbird. Did you pick a good one?”

He set the popcorn and drinks down on the coffee table, glancing at the movie she’d picked. “Lilo and Stitch, huh? Classic. Can’t go wrong with that little blue troublemaker,” he said with a grin as he flopped down next to her.

Scooping up the blanket she’d brought, Hawks threw it over them both and pulled her close. “Alright, let’s get this started. But no snitching my popcorn this time, got it? You’ve got your own side of the bowl,” he teased, nudging her gently. “Hit play when you’re ready, kiddo.”

[karikitdemonrp]

Core listened to Kohaku, moving to lean his forehead against the demon slayer's after a moment and letting out a purring like sound from his throat. His tail swaying slightly as he just stared into Kohaku's amber eyes. "And you've helped me feel the same and more." He said softly, moving to give Kohaku a gentle yet passionate kiss on the lips for a brief moment.

When he parted, Core's purr deepened ever so slightly, though it was noticeable. "If you're up for it," Core started with a deep whisper, his purr still going as he spoke. "We could go a bit further with this. But only if you want to. I don't want to irritate your wounds or hurt you."

Kohaku winced slightly as Core carefully removed the bandage, a soft hiss escaping his lips. “Careful, careful,” he muttered, though his tone was more teasing than serious. He watched Core work with gentle precision, his amber eyes softening as the kitsune’s usual playful energy gave way to focused care.

“You’re good at this,” Kohaku murmured, letting his body relax despite the slight sting from the cleaning process. “Though I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re always thorough when it comes to me.” A smirk tugged at his lips, but there was a faint blush dusting his cheeks as Core’s fingers moved deftly over his side.

When Core leaned in to kiss the freshly bandaged wound, Kohaku felt warmth bloom in his chest. His smirk softened into a genuine smile, his hand instinctively brushing through Core’s hair. “I’m happy I met you too,” he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. “Not just because of this—” he gestured to his now expertly wrapped side “—but because you remind me what it feels like to be cared for. To have someone who actually looks out for me.”

As Core peppered the area with gentle kisses, Kohaku chuckled softly, his hand still tangled in the kitsune’s hair. “You’re going to spoil me if you keep that up,” he teased, though the way his body leaned into Core’s touch betrayed just how much he enjoyed the affection.

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari giggled happily, nuzzling Hawks when he held her. "I'll pick a good one!" She chirped. Once she was put down Kari hopped over to find her favorite blanket then went to pick out a movie, picking out Lilo and Stitch. Once done Kari went and sat down, waiting for Hawks to come back with the popcorn. She could hardly sit still, slightly hopping as she sat there, waiting.

Hawks chuckled, shaking his head fondly as he watched her bounce around like an excited sparrow. “How could I say no to that face?” he said, reaching down to scoop her up and spin her around once before settling her on his hip. “Alright, Sugarbird, movie night it is. But you’re picking the movie—so make it a good one. None of those boring ones where I fall asleep halfway through,” he teased with a wink.

He carried her toward the living room, already imagining her curled up against him. “Go grab your favorite blanket, and I’ll grab the popcorn.”

[karikitdemonrp]

Core leaned into Kohaku's touch with a loving sigh. "What kind of healer would I be if I missed the wounds that needed to be healed." He chuckled, kissing Kohaku's palm briefly before moving to have a look at Kohaku's wound.

"I'm gonna make sure it is okay before I continue." He muttered, taking the bandaging off to inspect the wound first and clean it up before applying new bandages. Core then gave a happy hum, proud of his work then going to kiss the freshly bandaged wound after he was sure it was okay.

"I'm happy that I met you, Kohaku. You know that." He said softly after kissing the wound, being even more soft with his touch, eventually applying more kisses to the wound still ever so gentle and conscious of his lover's condition.

Kohaku chuckled softly, lifting his left arm a bit higher to emphasize the bandage on his side. “You’re very sweet, Core,” he said with a teasing lilt in his voice, his smirk growing. “But you’ve been so busy kissing scars that you’ve completely ignored the actual injury.” He raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to whisper, “Did I distract you?”

The demon slayer’s tone was playful, but his gaze softened as he saw the faint blush on Core’s face and the way his ears twitched nervously. Kohaku reached out to gently cup Core’s cheek, brushing his thumb over the kitsune’s warm skin. “You’re definitely helping, don’t worry about that,” he murmured, his voice steady but affectionate. “But I can’t have my healer skipping the important parts, now can I?”

[karikitdemonrp]

Core hummed softly, glancing up into Kohaku's eyes for a moment as he kissed another scar then moving to part for a moment to better look at them. "Well, I have to make sure you're alright. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." The kitsune hummed softly, moving to nuzzle into the nape of Kohaku's neck.

"I'd feel awful if you were suffering or in pain and I couldn't do anything to help. So I'll do what I can to help." He gave a soft purr. "I'll do anything." Core whispered, moving to gently nibble on Kohaku's ear lovingly.

Core's face and the tips of his ears were dusted with a slight crimson as he leaned back to look at Kohaku after a moment. "I... I am helping you feel good or at least better, right?" The kitsune asked with slightly drooping pointed ears, hoping he wasn't being too forward or causing Kohaku any sort of discomfort.

Kohaku smirked, leaning back slightly to let Core work his magic, his eyes half-lidded as he watched the kitsune with a mix of amusement and affection. “You’re really taking your role as my healer seriously, aren’t you?” he teased, his voice low and teasing, though there was a softness to it that betrayed how much he enjoyed the attention.

As Core’s lips brushed over his scars, a warm shiver ran down Kohaku’s spine, and his smirk softened into a genuine smile. “Mmm, you’re thorough. I’ll give you that,” he murmured, his tone lighter but with a slight hitch as Core’s lips found another old scar near his ribs. His hands instinctively moved to rest on Core’s shoulders, his fingers lightly grazing the kitsune’s fur.

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari giggled when Hawks mentioned the towel. "My hair is still really wet and I didn't want my pajamas getting wet." She informed then thought for a moment.

"No, I'm good. Maybe I'll get a small snack later but I'm not super hungry." She informed happily. "Can we watch a movie and cuddle tonight? Please?" She asked innocently, bouncing a bit in hopes that the hero will say yes.

Hawks pushed off the doorframe, a wide grin spreading across his face as he took in her pajamas. “Well, look at that! I’ve got a mini-me running around now,” he teased, reaching out to ruffle her still-towel-wrapped hair. “Nice touch with the towel hat, by the way. Very professional.”

He leaned back again, crossing his arms and smirking down at her. “So, what’s the plan, Sugarbird? Think you’ll need dinner? I’m good for now, but I can order something if you’re still hungry. Then afterward, I can roll you around in your little Hawks suit if you eat too much,” he joked, making a playful rolling gesture with his hands.

[karikitdemonrp]

Core watched with wide eyes, practically entranced for a moment, tail wagging rapidly from excitement, practically becoming a blur. The kitsune jolted a bit when Kohaku spoke, bringing him back to reality. "Ah, right." He muttered and approached Kohaku, helping him undress a bit then looking over his body.

"Nothing too bad." He muttered, noting how many old scars Kohaku had. "But I do think these scars need a bit of healing. Lucky for you, I can help." Core said with a slight chuckle, moving to kiss one of the scars on Kohaku's shoulder, gentle and loving as always. Wanting nothing more than to make sure Kohaku felt loved and safe and wanted. Core glided his lips over Kohaku's body gently to another scar and gently planted a kiss there before moving along to the next scar. Core loved showering his boyfriend in kisses like this, enjoying any noise that came from Kohaku.

Kohaku grinned as Core lifted him effortlessly, feeling the warmth of the kitsune's arms around him as he stood on his own. His smirk widened as he caught the excited gleam in Core’s eyes and heard the playful hum in his voice. “Oh, I have no doubt about that,” Kohaku teased, leaning in close to brush his lips lightly against Core’s ear. “I’m sure you’ll be quite thorough in your examination of my body.”

He left Core startled as he began walking away to reach the hut they were borrowing while they were in this village temporarily. The demon slayer moved to set his weapons aside, carefully arranging them in their usual spot before turning back to Core. His hands moved to the ties of his robe, undoing them slowly, purposefully, as he raised an eyebrow at the kitsune. “Well?” Kohaku said, his voice low but laced with playful challenge. “Aren’t you going to start your… inspection?”

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari looked at the door when she heard Hawks. She giggled. "No, I'm not!" She called. "Almost done, just gotta wash the bubbles off me, dry off, and get dressed." She called and pulled the plug to let the bathtub start draining then stood up in the bath tub, using a big gup filled with water to wash off the bubbles from the bathtub, having to fill the cup again from the faucet a few times to get all of them off.

Eventually Kari got out of the still draining bathtub and went to dry off as best as she could, wrapping her hair poorly into a towel then getting dressed in her pajamas since she wanted to stay home for the rest of the day and not do anything else.

Once she was dressed Kari went and opened the door with a happy chirp, looking up at Hawks with a wide smile. "All clean!" She said, wearing what looked like a Hawks onsie.

Hawks grinned as he heard Kari’s joyful chirping behind him while he left the bathroom. He shook his head with a chuckle, muttering to himself, “She’s like a little sunbeam, isn’t she? Strawberry-scented and everything.”

He headed to his own bathroom, turning on the shower and letting the water run as he started to change. While rinsing off, he couldn’t help but smirk, imagining the creative bubble outfits Kari was likely concocting. Probably a bubble crown by now, he thought with a laugh.

Once he was dressed in more relaxed clothes, he wandered back near the bathroom door and knocked gently. “Everything good in there, Sugarbird? You’re not secretly plotting a bubble revolution, are you?” he teased, leaning casually against the doorframe, waiting for her bubbly reply.

[karikitdemonrp]

Core perked up a bit, getting kind of excited to have some time with Kohaku. He loves hanging out with the children in the villages he saved but it was a bit draining sometimes.

The kitsune stood up, tail wagging rapidly as he moves to pick Kohaku up. "Well, then let's go to our room then and I'll take care of you." Core chuckles lovingly, nuzzling his boyfriend and walking off with a happy chirp and an excited gleam in his eyes.

"I'll make sure you feel a lot better." The kitsune said with a slight hum to his voice as he kept up a slightly quick pace. Not quite power walking but a bit faster than a normal walking pace.

Kohaku smirked, his amber eyes gleaming mischievously as Core fumbled through his words. He couldn’t help but find the kitsune’s flustered state endearing. The way Core’s tail thumped against the ground and wrapped protectively around his waist sent a pleasant warmth through him.

“Hurt? Me?” Kohaku teased, leaning in just a little closer, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. “Maybe just a little stiff… but nothing I can’t handle. I’ve had worse, you know.”

His hand moved to brush against Core’s, his touch deliberate but gentle. “But,” he continued, his smirk softening into something more affectionate, “if you’re that worried about me, maybe we should retire for the evening. You could help me check for any lingering wounds… just to be sure.” His voice lingered on the last few words, his eyes locking with Core’s in a way that made it clear he was enjoying the playful banter.

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari just waited and watched as Hawks got the bath ready, leaning over the edge of the bath a bit. Once the bubbles started to form Kari's excitement grew more, causing her to jump up and down in joy as she chirped seemingly nonstop.

Eventually the bath was ready and Kari watched Hawks get up. "Yeh, I'll be okay!" She giggled then went to get undressed for her bath once Hawks had left. Once fully undressed Kari slid into the tub and began to play with the bubbles, building mountains and blowing them away only to build them back up, making little bubble balls and tossing them clumsily since they stuck to her hand, and even putting the bubbles on her body into bubble costumes. It made her giggle in glee as she just enjoyed her bath.

Kari looked at Hawks and gave a gasp. She nodded rapidly and huffed in determination. "Bubble bath! Bubble bath! Bubble bath!" She chanted excitedly, her smile growing until she thought of something.

"Can you use the strawberry scented ones? Those are my favorite!" She asked, moving to be by Hawks and followed him, circling the hero while continuing to chant "Bubble bath!" In glee. It was impressive how she circled around him while he walked onward to the bathroom.

[karikitdemonrp]

Core was a bit taken aback by Kohaku's determination, eyes widening ever so slightly while his heart clenched just a bit. Core sighed, leaning his forehead onto Kohaku's and relaxing. The kitsune's tail now moving to wrap around the other's waist lovingly.

"Yea, we'll face the world... together." He sighed, no longer worried about the villagers around them. "Kohaku..." Core whispered, moving to cup his boyfriend's cheek ever so gently while he locked eyes with the human. "I love you... so much." He whispered, moving to gently kiss Kohaku's forehead only to realize what he did and get embarrassed, swiftly hiding into Kohaku's shoulder with his hair and the fur on his tail bristling from embarrassment. "Aaaa, sorry. I didn't-- I mean I did but I--" Core's voice became muffled as he tried to hide his face. "Being in a relationship like this is so weird... But like a good weird. I just wanna smother you in love but I don't know how other'll react but I wanna make sure you know I love you all the time. It's so hard to pull off." Core muttered softly.

After a moment of collecting himself a bit, Core moved to sit up after to finish his tea, hoping it would help him calm his nerves and sooth his thoughts. Core let out a heavy sigh, enjoying the tea but still a bit nervous and on edge and wanting some time with Kohaku alone. Be it to cuddle or something else was anyone's guess. "The tea is really good. Thank you." The kitsune hummed, tail thumping slightly on the ground. "You didn't get too hurt from the fight, right? And you got patched up good? Not too sore?"

Kohaku listened patiently, his eyes softening as Core rambled, his words coming faster and more jumbled with each passing second. He could see the worry etched into Core’s features, the way his hands fidgeted with his tail, trying to smooth out the disheveled fur. Core’s voice wavered between nervousness and determination, and Kohaku knew that behind all of it was a deep care for him—a care that Core didn’t quite know how to express yet but was doing his best to convey.

Without a word, Kohaku shifted closer, slipping his arms around Core in a firm but gentle hug. “You don’t have to apologize,” Kohaku said quietly, his voice calm and steady as he rested his chin lightly on Core’s shoulder. “This is new for me too. I don’t always know the right thing to say either, but…” He paused, tightening his hold just slightly. “You don’t have to carry all of this by yourself, Core. I’m here with you.”

Kohaku leaned back just enough to look Core in the eyes, his expression serious but gentle. “If anyone has a problem with us… we’ll deal with it together. I’ve fought demons. I’ve fought people who didn’t think I could make it. I can handle whatever comes our way. And you don’t have to protect me from the world, Core. I want to face it with you.”

[karikitdemonrp]

The children cooed and awed ar the confession and Core's whole face grew warm at Kohaku's words. His tail swaying a bit faster, practically wagging like a happy dog at this point. He gulped, moving to sip the tea Kohaku gave him to try and calm his nerves.

"Then! Then does that mean you two are boyfriends or just really close friends?" Another child asked and Core nearly spat his tea back into the cup mid sip. These kids were gonna give him a heart attack. He didn't know if this village would safely accept them for being this way. It wasn't unheard of for villagers to kick out same sex couples or something like that. Sure there were safe places but it was hard to determine. Let alone one between a demon and a human, a demon slayer no less. If other demon slayers were around then surly they'd treat Kohaku as a traitor or something right?

But deep down he knew that if push came to shove, Core would protect Kohaku and stand up for him no matter what. It was just a topic they had to figure out together. Core sighed and looked at Kohaku, his eyes shimmering in the fire a bit then looking at the children. "Let's just leave it to your imagination kids." He said, trying to move the conversation away from this topic. "How about you all go get some sweets, yea? I gotta talk with Kohaku a bit." He said, moving to get the toddlers off of his tail and watched all the children scurry off. Core gave a slight hiss. "Ah, those kids have got a good grip. My tails super sore from all that tugging." He said, moving to massage his disheveled tail a bit. "S-sorry you had to take the lead on that... this whole thing..." He paused. "Us, I mean. It's still really new to me. But! But I promise I'll get better." Core informed with a slight chirp, ears perking. "I just... know some places aren't safe for us and I don't wanna say the wrong thing to put us in unnecessary danger, I mean not that you can't handle yourself, I know you can cuz I've seen you fight. It's just I don't wanna be the cause of any danger if I can help it. You're one of the best people to come into my life and I don't wanna ruin that, Kohaku." There he goes rambling and overthinking again.

Kohaku stood still for a moment, the question hanging in the air like a loose thread. He looked down at Core, whose cheeks were flushed a deep crimson. It wasn’t like Core to be at a loss for words, but Kohaku could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

The children, oblivious to the weight of the moment, waited with wide, expectant eyes. The villagers nearby were pretending not to listen, but Kohaku could feel their subtle glances and the softening of their chatter.

With a small, calming breath, Kohaku stepped forward, crouching beside Core so they were at eye level with the curious children. He looked at the girl who had asked the question and gave her a gentle, reassuring smile.

“Well,” Kohaku began, his voice steady but kind, “Core and I are close. He’s very important to me.” He glanced at Core, whose face softened as Kohaku spoke. “We’ve been through a lot together, and I trust him very much.”

The children leaned in closer, one of the younger boys blinking innocently. “So, does that mean you like like him?” the boy asked, his head tilted curiously.

Core’s face turned even redder, and Kohaku chuckled softly, finding the moment unexpectedly endearing. He reached out, placing a hand gently on Core’s shoulder, his own cheeks slightly pink.

“Yes,” Kohaku said firmly, his tone filled with quiet pride. “I do.”

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari looked at Hawks and gave a gasp. She nodded rapidly and huffed in determination. "Bubble bath! Bubble bath! Bubble bath!" She chanted excitedly, her smile growing until she thought of something.

"Can you use the strawberry scented ones? Those are my favorite!" She asked, moving to be by Hawks and followed him, circling the hero while continuing to chant "Bubble bath!" In glee. It was impressive how she circled around him while he walked onward to the bathroom.

Hawks smirked, leaning on the edge of the beanbag and watching her excited flurry of motion. “Pillow fort, huh? Are you sure you don’t want to wash up first, Sugarbird? You’ve got cookie crumbs in your hair, and I can still see a little milk mustache you missed,” he teased with a grin.

He stood and stretched, ruffling her hair as he added, “Tell you what—how about I get a nice bubble bath ready for you? Lots of bubbles, warm water, the works. You can relax a bit before we dive into fort-building mode. Sound like a plan?”

[karikitdemonrp]

Core had been telling the children of the village what happened during the ferocious battle between himself, Koahku, and the demon that terrorized the village. It just so happened the other villagers were listening too,, but Core was mostly focused on keeping the children entertained. The children hung onto the kitsune's every word, crowding around him but not getting too close to the fire.

The kitsune used his abilities to make rocks float to form shadow puppets against a tree, mimicking the tale he told with dramatic flare. The youngest of the children didn't seem to care all that much as they just played with his fluffy purple fox tail, not being super rough but he could definitely feel the toddlers playing, moving his tail to distract the little ones every so often which was followed swiftly by childish laughter and gleeful shrieks as his tail was tackled by the toddlers again.

He had always been one to make children happy. Given what had happened to him, he never wanted that to befall other children, especially ones so young.

Then he heard Kohaku and paused, pointed ears perking and tail slightly swishing as his eyes laid upon the demon slayer. He smiled kindly, taking the cup from Kohaku. "Thank you." Core informed, a dust of crimson appearing upon his cheeks and ears as he brushed Kohaku's fingers a bit while taking the cup. The older children took notice and blinked.

"Mister Core. Are you and Mister Kohaku more than friends?" One of the girls asked, seeing how the two interacted. Core's face grew more red, glancing at Kohaku, not sure how to answer. Sure he and Kohaku were an item, but he didn't know how to say it outloud. Being in a relationship was new to him and vocalizing it was something he wasn't used to. Not only that but they hadn't been together very long so it was new territory for Core. He looked at Kohaku for support, not sure how to approach this.

Firepit

The village buzzed with life as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues over the joyous crowd. Lanterns swung from bamboo poles, their warm glow illuminating the celebration. Laughter and music filled the air as villagers danced and shared stories of bravery and resilience. Kohaku stood on the edge of the festivities, a rare smile tugging at his lips as he watched the scene unfold. Tonight, for the first time in what felt like ages, the weight on his shoulders had lifted.

The battle against the demon had been grueling, but together, they had prevailed. Kohaku’s gaze drifted to Core, who sat near a firepit surrounded by villagers eager to hear his recounting of the fight. Core's hair shimmered in the firelight, and his eyes sparkled with warmth as he humored the villagers with his modesty, brushing off their praises with a shy chuckle.

Kohaku couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Core had been instrumental in the battle yet there he sat, as humble as ever, more interested in ensuring the children by the fire had enough snacks than basking in the glory of their victory.

Kohaku glanced at the cup of warm sake in his hands, then back at Core. He suddenly had an idea. With quiet determination, he approached the communal table where villagers had laid out drinks and food. He selected a small clay cup and filled it with his favorite tea—fragrant and calming, a sharp contrast to the chaos they’d endured earlier in the day. Balancing the two cups, Kohaku weaved through the crowd toward the firepit.

The villagers fell silent for a moment, their curiosity piqued as the young demon slayer extended the cup toward his boyfriend.

“For you,” Kohaku said softly, his voice nearly drowned out by the crackle of the fire. His ears flushed a deep red, but he didn’t look away.

[@karikitdemonrp

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari giggled. "I'm not turning into a pillow! Honest. I'm just kinda stuck. I've never sat on a beanbag chair before now so I'm not sure how to get up from them right." She muttered.

Once she was finally up Kari chirped and hugged Hawks. "My hero." She giggled then went to grab some pillows to fluff up and use for a pillow fort. "Pillow fort time!" She called out in glee.

Hawks leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching her struggle with an amused smirk. “Oh no, Sugarbird,” he teased, his tone light and playful. “The beanbag’s claimed you as its own now. Guess I’ll have to leave you here.” He dramatically started to turn away. “Goodbye, Kari. Tell the chair I said thanks for keeping you cozy.”

Hearing her exaggerated flailing, he laughed and walked over, crouching beside her. “Alright, alright, don’t panic. I’ll save you from the evil beanbag.” He grabbed her hands and gently tugged, pretending to struggle as if she were really stuck. “Man, it’s got a strong grip on you! Are you sure you’re not secretly turning into a pillow?”

[karikitdemonrp]

Kari gave a soft hum in thought then grinned. "Bean bag first then fort!" She chirped and rushed over to her new bean bag chair and sat in it with a giggle.

"It feels like I'm sitting on soft sand or something." The child said and looked at Hawks with a giggle, gesturing for him to come give the chair a try only to freeze. She was trying to get up but was struggling a bit. "Uh... I can't..." Kari struggled for a moment and puffed out her cheeks, eventually flailing her limbs out. "I can't get up! Help, the chair is eating me!"

Hawks crouched down to wrap Kari in a warm hug, ruffling her hair with a soft laugh. “I’m glad you love it, Sugarbird. You deserve a space that feels like home.” He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes, his golden gaze filled with affection.

“Figured it’s time to get you used to having your own space, you know? But don’t worry,” he added with a teasing grin, “we’ll keep the pillow fort up just in case you need some backup. Gotta be prepared for emergency cuddle sessions or scary movie nights, right?”

He stood up and stretched, giving the room another glance. “You’ve been through a lot, kid. You deserve a place that’s all yours to feel safe and happy.” He smiled down at her. “Now, you ready to test that beanbag chair, or should we start fluffing up the fort?”