#A Rock and A Hard Place | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

echantedtoon · 4 days ago

Note

Hello!

Your ‘A Rock and A hard place’ book is one of my favourites! I wanted to request a Kokushibo version of it in a chapter.

Thank you! <33

Here it is. I'm not sure myself if it's cannon or not. If you need a refresher on what the demons look like with tails and pointed ears look at the link. This takes place between the time Akaza and Douma were released and when they eventually found their way back.

https://www.tumblr.com/flanelltees/694082545792450560/i-forgot-i-didnt-post-this-cuz-i-think-i-didnt?source=share

Demon Designs by @flanelltees

Kny Breeding Program Au originally is by @melon-cream-enmu

Warnings for Y/n getting a small cut on her hand and some blood mentioned.)

The squeaking sounds of the cart sounded out between the sounds of squeaky rubber boots and the rattling of objects inside the cart as the janitor pushed the cart of cleaning supplies down the halls towards their destination. Every so often a person in a lab coat or security uniform would pass the person in the full rubber hazmat suit and mask and ignore them or wave or give a friendly nod. If they were nice and greeted them then they'd greet them back.

"Mornin'," a security guard on patrol greeted briefly as they passed by each other.

"What's up?," their muffled voice greeted back with a nod as they passed without another word.

The rattling cart still made their way down the facility to a specific hallway that was in need of cleaning, or more specifically the rooms connected to that specific hallway. The one that was currently being evacuated except for only a select few staff. You being one of those staff members as you pushed your cart on over to the entrance way to the hall and paused by the familiar white haired man having his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.

"Hi, Sanemi," you greeted muffled by the mask you wore. "How'd the extraction go?"

Said head of security rolled his eyes with a grunt. "Typical. It took like ten tranquilizers to put that dam thing out before we could get it out."

That's right. You heard that they were removing the demon they called 'Drums' because of all the drums somehow lodged into his body. He had been found in an abandoned mansion and it took five recovery teams to bring him in to study, not because he's dangerous but because he was able to move around his environment. He was absolutely large but his nature was surprisingly gentle and he liked playing his music for the scientists who interacted with him and showing off things he wrote when provided with paper..but it was in a demon language no one understood. He's been here for a few months and the director wanted him released to make way for newer demons to study.

That's why you were here. You were going to clean up his old cell before the new demon was placed inside it. Honestly you weren't sure you wanted to be back here after the incident with Akaza and Douma three weeks ago...but you were tired of cleaning bathrooms and unclogging toilets.

"Well at least he'll be happy to finally be going home. I'm just gonna go in and clean up his cell."

"Sure. Knock yourself out."

You wheeled on by him and into the familiar hall. Very few people were there, only three. You and two other people in Lab coats. Scientist or researchers you weren't sure but you recognized one immediately by the firey red hair. His head turned seeming to already recognize the squeak of your cart and immediately beamed.

"Y/N, MY LOVE!!", Kyojuro shouted loudly making his partner jump in response as he turned to you arms out in greeting. "You're finally back!"

Slowing down to a stop, you beamed behind your mask at the doctor you were going on a few dates on. "Well I did tell you that I'd be switching back after a while. The two demons causing me the headache are gone so there's nothing to worry about."

He hummed, brows scrunching in unsureness but slowly nodded. "I suppose so, but I would highly suggest being careful from now on. We'll have to update our watch on the volunteers more closely from now on to make sure this doesn't happen again."

"I'm sure it won't. Besides it's all fixed now so no harm done." The only evidence of what happened to you was just some notes taken for research purposes and the two scars those demons left on you. A dark stripe on your palm, and a frost like pattern on your forearm but you could always get them medically removed with a skin draft like Kyojuro suggested. You haven't made a choice on that yet though. "I'll just go clean up the cell and finish up. Ok?"

"Of course. If you need anything else just shout."

Smiling you pushed your kart away as he turned back on the demon they seemed to be studying. One that looked like a young child except he was all white and seemed to be playing with some toys left inside. You paid them no more mind as you continued to push your kart to the very, very back of the hall and stopped by the cell with the open doorway. This was the one you had to clean up. Wasting no time, you stopped you cart and reached out to pick the broom out of your cart and go right inside. The cell was like the others, big but at least this one wasn't too dirty. Most of the litter was just crumpled up papers, crushed or shortened pencils, and half eaten food scattered everywhere.

Whelp you knew the drill.

Sweep. Mop. Clean the giant window on both sides.

Exactly what you did. Sweeping everything up before getting out the mop and bucket of water and cleaning up the space. That was fairly fast. It wasn't until you were cleaning up the giant window that you noticed something was a little off. As you sprayed and then wiped the cloth over the thick glass. As you wiped the window you had the unexplainable need to look through the window to the other side and paused.

There was a demon in plain sight of you.

Through the window you were cleaning you were able to see the cell on the other side and found yourself staring face to face with another one of them. A demon. But like Akaza, Douma, or any other demon you'd seen in the time you've been working here, he looked completely different. I

Intimidating. At least six inches taller than Douma and extremely built by the looks of him, but what you were most stunned about was the SIX eyes staring down at you. Reddish scelera in a similar way to Akaza's was broken into pieces by veins with golden eyes. You both continued to silently stare at one another before you just went back to cleaning the window. Pay no attention to it. That's what got you in that mess in the first place. You ignored the creature as you cleaned the window and then moved to clean the outside. But you still felt it's gaze the entire time. By the time you turned back around, you were surprised to still be staring at this creature.

The demon said or did nothing as you both stood there awkwardly as you slowly moved to your cart, and realized something. While you had moved, it's eyes didn't follow you. In fact his gaze didn't follow you at all, all six eyes staring straight down at the floor. It was then you realized that he hadn't been staring at you at all. Curious, f/c eyes looked down through the protective goggles you wore to the floor only to see what this thing was staring at. On the floor was from crinkled papers that must've fallen out of your art when you cleaned up the cell. On it was some language you couldn't understand but it seemed that this demon was staring at the words.

Was it..reading them?

"....Do you like reading those?" It made no move to look at you even as you slowly reached up to remove your mask and hold falling to your shoulders. "You like to read?"

Finally it moved..Sorta. One of his eyes moved. The top left one moved to turn to you and stared. You still stared at him before slowly walking around your cart and slowly pick up the papers. Now you had it's full attention as all eyes moved to you as you picked them up and looked the writing over carefully before turning up to him. Smiling before walking up to the window and holding them up.

"Here. Is that better?"

It offered no response still looking you over before going back to the papers. The eyes going half lidded and calm as he stared at the two papers you held. You guessed that was a yes as he continued to stare at them..Or you assumed that it was a he. You couldn't be too sure with demons.

"Y/n?" Said woman's head turned to Kyojuro as he approached you quickly in question. "What are you doing? Are you done?" The footsteps stopped up on seeing the six foot something demon standing calmly at the window eyes going wide. "What on earth is going on?!"

"Oh. It's ok." You held up the papers. "He just wanted to read these. I was holding them up so he could see-" you stopped when you turned back.

The demon was gone from the window. Instead he was now in the center of the room in the process of sitting down on a tatami mat back turned to you both. He was calm when he sat down allowing you to see his pointy ears, and a long tail swishing behind him. In a similar fashion to Douma, it was long with a tuft of hair at the end that matched his hair he wore in a long ponytail. Neither of you said anything as Kyojuro came to stand next to you in astonishment looking inside the cell before turning to you wide eyed.

"How were you able to make contact with Six?"

You turned back to him. "Six?"

"That's what we nicknamed him because of his eyes," he explained. "But he's never done that before."

"Really?" He shook his head swaying orange locks. "How long has he been here?"

"We brought him in about three months before your incident." His eyes calmly flicker back to the cell and the demon that sat completely still. "He was found deep in the forest not too far from here in a nature reserve, he was living in an abandoned cabin and lived almost completely like a human in the olden days. The director thought it'd be a good opportunity for studying their habits of mimicking human livelihood so we brought him here for study, but he's not done anything but sit there and eat food when we give it too him. Otherwise he completely ignores any interactions with us."

"Maybe he doesn't like humans?"

Kyojuro sighed. "We figured that so we tried putting in another demon in with him for study purposes, but he completely ignored her too. Too bad. She was actually a very well behaved demon so it's not like she'd cause any fights."

"Oh..."

You looked down at the papers in your hands, raising a brow at the strange writing on it. You had no idea what Drums wrote or what it said because you didn't speak or read the language but perhaps this demon was interested in reading. Maybe Drums wrote something interesting Six liked? You weren't sure but for some reason you were curious. Didn't matter. You shrugged it off, threw the papers in the cart trashcan, before bidding Kyojuro goodbye and carting off. The job was done anyways.

However it wasn't to last.

Maybe it was because of the last encounters. Maybe it was because of the fact you started to need the extra money again for bills. Or maybe it was just stupidity and curiosity but you needed the money again. Bills were starting to crawl up on you and the money you had saved up from your meet ups were starting to rapidly deplete. So you had two options. Either go back to getting cheap ramen noodles almost every night or go back into the program. ..The answer was obvious but it also came with a problem. After what happened you were pretty sure Kyojuro wouldn't like you volunteering for the M.C.M.A.R.R program again, but it's not like you had a choice. So instead of him you sought out the only other doctor you knew-

"I want to volunteer for the program again. I-.. I-I need the money."

Shinobu stared at you from where she was filing paperwork in a cabinet, that neutral smile still on her face. You'd found her late one night while working and cornered her awkwardly with your request.

She blinked at you still smiling. "Sure. Anyone can volunteer but does Kyojuro know you're doing this?'

"Eeeehhh...Not yet." You confessed looking away and rubbing your neck. "I figured he'd see me once I'm there next Wednesday."

"Kyojuro doesn't work with the M.C.M.A.R.R anymore though. They moved him to the behavioral department on mermaids." Her head tilted. "So you'll be paired up with someone differently this time."

"Oh. That's fine. Let's go sign you up then."

That's how you nervously found yourself nervously standing in the hall again after your shift on Wednesday despite Kyojuro's firm objections to you returning. Shinobu must've told him however you've already made up your mind. You slowly shuffled in looking around nervously clutching the book in your arms at the multiple security guards, scientists, and volunteers walking around talking to demons or taking notes of the entire thing. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. But then again you wouldn't be putting yourself in danger again. It was just until you could pay back your bills.

"Y/n?" You jumped and whirled around behind you coming face to face with a black haired man in a lab coat. "Whoops. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you." He smiled at you. "I'm Doctor Murata and I'll be your researcher for however long you decide to remain with the program."

A slow sigh escaped you. Calm down. There's nothing to worry about. "Oh. Right. Ni-Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. Are you ready to begin?" You nodded and he looked at his clipboard. "Hm. Let's see. You're going to be interacting with Six today." You blinked. Six? As in the demon you saw a while ago. Murata turned. "Follow me and we'll get to it."

Hesitantly you followed Doctor Murata down the hallway past other researchers and volunteers, and you gazed at a few speaking to the demons. It was pretty harmless but you knew that they had to be more careful from now on. He brought you a the same cell you saw a few weeks ago and peered inside. There he was, Six, sitting down away from the window as usual. His tail curled up at his side in sleep or meditation you weren't sure.

Doctor Murata smiled looking at you and nodding to the window. "Ok. Go ahead and try to interact. If he doesn't do anything don't feel too bad, he's usually ignoring us anyways but he we still have to try. Recently I was informed he was reported coming to the window and sort of interacting with a janitor but it was brief and he hasn't responded to anyone or anything since."

You stared at him. That janitor was YOU. How did he not know that?...Well you assumed Kyojuro was the one who reported it so he probably kept your name out of it to avoid them asking you to come back to interact with Six. He was a sweet boyfriend. Slowly you looked back to the window and in where Six was silently still sitting. What should you do?..Well guess you should try and get his attention first. Raising your hand, you wrapped it against the extremely thick glass window. TAP. TAP. TAP. TAP. No movement was made except for his ears flickering a bit before they stilled....but nothing else happened. Well..at least he knew someone was there? You exchanged looks with the doc who was quickly writing something on his clipboard and looked back up to you expectantly.

You sighed heavily before looking back to the window and balling your fists to bang on the window louder despite him still not moving an inch. "Hello? It's me again."

You really weren't expecting anything to happen..and to be honest nothing did at first. He still did nothing but sit there leaving you to sigh and look at the doc again who only hummed and wrote something on the clipboard. The demon moved. Head tilting to look over his shoulder and stare at the window..Oh well. On the bright side if you were just interacting with a demon who did nothing but ignore everyone then it'll be easy money- You froze. A chill suddenly running down you spine and you looked back to the windo-

You gasped jumping back as six eyes stared down at you. The doc looked up and also jumped as the towering form of Six stood tall leering at the both of you. Your heart pounded as you stared at him. His calm half lidded eyes staring at you and the doc vigorously writing on the clipboard. Calm down. So he moved. He probably just recognized you and came over out of curiosity. A few inhales and you calmed yourself down enough to awkwardly smile up to him.

"Goodness. You're pretty fast aren't you?" The demon provided no answer as it still looked at you. Guess he wasn't much of a talker. Pushing it aside you slowly held up the book in your hands making him look at it. "I saw you reading the papers earlier. Does that mean you enjoy reading?" No answer. "I brought this and thought maybe you'd like to read more."

He didn't respond to you at first just staring at the book. On the cover was the title 'Ghost Stories And Folklore Takes by E. Gadd' and you picked it out on the bases of.. well this thing was a demon. Maybe you were wrong but you still pushed on, choosing to open the book and held it up for him to read. This was ridiculous. You didn't even know if this thing could read English. But to your absolute SHOCK..Six calmly looked at the first page, before slowly lowering to sit on his knees and started to read the words on the first page.

'Down in the world unknown there laid a kingdom drab and dark. Where darkness and shadows collided and lived in fear and power. One would be mad to even think about stepping in a place like this. Where the dead are gone but still there, the shadows played and roamed and full of terror. A frightful place brace heros dare not venture unless they wish to meet a tragic fate. Yes. This one place was alone ruled by a power hungry spirit, spited by his love in life and now seeks vengeance on any mortal who dared be foolish enough to be beckoned into his awaiting claws.

The creature of vengeance was known as one of promises and dealings. Whether If one were to want something most dear to their heart and was determined and pure, or if their heart was filled with greed, envy, and lust he would grant your reply if you were brave or stupid enough to find him. It was when one day a child from a nearby village heard of this rumor that they were excited to find out if it was true or not. Against their parents and everyone else's wishes and warnings, the small child had snuck out to venture into the forbidden dark woods. The brambles scraped and left cuts on their body, the creatures chased after and threatened to eat them if they didn't turn back now, for darker and more sinister things slept in these woods, but bravely the child went on. On and on on their journey to really see this sinister ghost who granted wishes and promises that the mortal eye would repulse to believe. Until the sinister avenger had been found and the massive shadow beckoned the child closer with a boney rigged hand.

"You have traveled far and withstood the tests my forces forwarded. For that you have earned the right to one miracle granted to you. But a warning you have also earned. Be warned, with a pure and honest heart comes great rewards. With a heart who bleeds nothing but black with greed and jealousy, a foul end you shall meet. Think about the consequences greatly, for the repercussions shall be swift and tight. Think well, dear child."

The small child dared to smile at the creature and simply reply, "I have no need for any treasures or anything of preciousness near me. I solely only wished for to see myself if the avenger of shadows was a true sight. And now that I have seen you for what a true being you are, I will simply be leaving satisfied my wish was fulfilled."'

Six sat there still before those eyes calmly looked back up to you expectantly. Was he waiting for something? F/c eyes looked at the book.. before turning the page and he just simply kept reading. Murata stared at him stunned.

"Remarkable! The demon can read human language! This is a massive breakthrough!!" He furiously scribbled down on the clipboard as you kept holding up the book as Six calmly continued to entertain himself.

'The answer of the child amused the ancient spirit and he chuckled his hollow laugh at the very notion of it all.

"Wise answer to an otherwise difficult mortal choice. For that you shall still be granted a prize for your efforts. Name one and answer wisely."

The small child as said had no need for such items like treasure and fortune, but they knew that the child's hard working mother were in need of some fortune in her life. So with a kind heart, the child looked to the spirit and asked for their miracle. "My mother works oh so hard to take care of me. It would be so nice for her to have just a little more luck on her side. Oh spirit, let me repay her for all her kindness she has shown me."

"Your wish shall be granted. A selfless act is always it's own reward, but be wary of those who wish to use those fortunes to their own will."

The child was permitted a safe leave back to their home and as promised their selfless act of kindness was granted by the spirit of shadows. The child and their mother mysteriously found an old box in their pantry one day that they had never known of before and upon opening it discovered many, many priceless jewels. The likes of which they had never seen before. With this new found fortune, the mother and child were able to gain a plentiful farm with all the necessities they needed to have a plentiful life. Farther down in the years the mother even remarried one of the strongest most handsome men in the small village. But this man was nothing but green with want, and treated the mother and her child terribly.

He was lazy, rude, and had a heart full of greed. Seeping of those who had better and helping him in life. But one fateful day everything changed. For one day he asked the child's mother a question.

"My dear wife. You know I love you dearly, but I must ask you. Where did you receive such wealth and fortune."

"Why, from a old wooden box in the pantry," she replied happily, "And inside the little wooden chest was gems and riches beyond our wildest dreams."

"Yes, yes! But where did it come from?"

"I know not how it got there or where it came from, but my child and I are oh so happy to have received such a delightful fortune. How we may live happily for a long while."

Her husband was displeased with such an answer and once again asked but this time to the child. The child happily told the man his venture into the woods and his encounter with the spirit of shadows, filling the man's heart with more greed. That very night when the family slept, the man snuck out and made his own way into the deep woods of shadows and fears. Brambles cut his clothing, he cursed those who dare chase him and snap at his hinds as he ran, but the greed and lust in his heart was strong. So strong he persisted his heart green with envy. Alas finally he arrived and looking as though some creature had mangled him with their claws. The spirit was beckoning him closer with a bony rigged hand and spoke.

"Oh one who's heart is sewn with greed and plight. You have sought me through danger and fright. Your actions of greed are inexcusable but like many before you have made it through the path of darkness. For that you have earned the right to one miracle, but also a warning. Be warned, with a pure and honest heart comes great rewards. With a heart who bleeds nothing but black with greed and jealousy, a foul end you shall meet. Think about the consequences greatly, for the repercussions shall be swift and tight. Oh one who comes to me with a black heart for his own wishes. I offer this to you so you may choose your wish wisely."'

......Six looked at you again patiently waiting and you again turned the page for him to continue reading.

'The man paid no attention to the wise words of the ghost nor did he think about any real consequences for his actions as he spoke what he oh so desired.

"Give me more riches than any man shall have!! Make my fortune one who will make me a fortunate man!! A bright castle and beautiful jewels is what I seek and most desire!!"

"A answer I foresaw and one your shall have for not heeding my warnings. Oh man of greed and selfishness, you shall indeed have your wish awaiting you home. But do not be surprised when your unfortunate fate you shall unevitably meet. Now be gone creature of greed. My domain is not fit for one of you."

The man left for his home and once his got there his had his miracle in the form of the purest black horse with a magnificent couch of ebony, inside the couch was boxes and jewels of every imagining. The man cared not for his wife or the young child that he had left behind, away in this marvelous new couch he received and off that horrid man went into the night with his shouts of greedy glee and pleasure as his family long forgotten. The mother and child awoken to no greedy ma plaguing their lives and while the mother was quite saddened, she still had the child to watch after. As luck and fortune does benefit those with kind hearts, another man the mother sought and a kinder man she got. With a much kindness to her and her child this man gave to combat the sorrows left behind by the other greedy filled one. One day a message they did receive, about a much bigger estate of land and riches. The greedy man who had once left them behind without a second thought, was now no more as the spirit's warnings he did not need. As fate had decided he would be no more, a swift and tight end he did get. Leaving everything he valued behind of jewels and gold, to no man but a woman he did not care for. His wife and next of kin did receive, fame and fortune for kindness indeed. With kindness in their hearts the family did grow, and with it came all lucky and fortune soon to glow.

For those with kind hearts and bright minds, often find themselves on the favorite end of fate's hands.'

Six continued to sit there patiently before looking at you again to turn the page to the next story. Smiling you gently turned to the next page to Murata's insistence as he gleefully began to not down more notes and excitedly beam to himself about this major breakthrough. You hadn't been there for an hour when you thought it'd be best to call it quits and stand up catching the sitting demon's attention back onto you.

"I have to go now but I'll bring the book back next Wednesday -," you explained placing a bookmark between the pages and closing the book, "-and then we can finish it. Ok? Then I can bring you more books to read when we're done with this one."

Six said nothing as he stared at you before calmly standing up and leaving. Just like before he just sat down going back to ignoring everyone. Murata was absolutely ecstatic looking between his notes and you.

"This is exactly what we were hoping for! Demon's might be able to read human language!! Will you be coming back next week?!"

You smiled nodding at him. "I sure will. I definitely think this is something I can handle."

Oh how fate had different plans for you.

Kyojuro was VERY concerned about you and looked you over as soon as you two had som time together, sighing in relief once he saw you were ok. Once again trying to talk you out of it but unsuccessful because you decided to go back next week to finish reading the book. It went like that for the next few weeks. You'd stop by every Wednesday after your shift and join Doctor Murata in sitting down and holding up the book for Six to read. After the third visit, Murata was nice enough to provide a chair for you to sit in as you held up the book and turned the pages.

At the doc's request, you tried talking to him and get a response..but he ignored everything you said in favor of reading. The only time he'd pay you any attention was to look at you indicating he wanted you to turn the page. At least he wasn't going crazy like the other two demons, if anything he was calm. However Murata would want you to start a different task soon.

"Would you be willing to do an in person session with Six today?," he asked you.

You blinked at him as you stood there. Sherlock Holmes book in hand as Six was already sat at the window waiting for you to open the book. "You want me to go on there with him? Are you kidding me?"

Murata shook his head. "No. There's a reason to it."

"And that is?"

"He only interacts with you. We've tried doing some outside tests giving him books and trying to have others read to him but he never interacts with us and he never reads any of the books we place in his cell. For some reason it's only you."

"I-..Look. I'm perfectly fine with sitting with him while he reads but my boyfriend would freak if he knew that I stepped inside with him. Plus ... it's kinda dangerous."

"Not at all! Six's temperament is actually very gentle. He hasn't done anything to any of the researchers who's been in his cell or when we give him food."

"Look. There's absolutely no way I'm going-"

"A thousand dollars bonus will be added to your paycheck each in person visit."

"....."

You flinched as the metal reinforced doors opened up a few inches, creaking loudly, and just enough for you to squeeze in. Hesitating you looked back to Murata whom gave you a thumbs up and big smile before you turned back forward and took an inhale. It's not like last time. You remembered a little fearful of the demon inside. Douma was clingy and crazy and Akaza was aggressive and territorial. Six was absolutely calm and outside of your reading sessions showed absolutely no interest in you otherwise. He didn't even bother to look at you while you on your normal shift cleaning up the cells and halls. Kokushibo was different.

You pushed your head inside to look around and instantly spotted the demon staring at you from where he still sat down in front of the window. After a moment he stood up and started towards the center of the room. Once he did he continued to stare at you as you shimmied your way in and stopped. Jumping when the door closed with a giant sound. The two of you stood there staring at each other for a long while until you started moving further into the room. Shuffling closer and closer until you see a yard away from him. You both stared at each other before he looked at the book you held.

"Th-This is Sherlock Holmes," you explained to him, "This man goes around solving mysteries and bringing bad people to justice. You'll like it I think,Six."

He said nothing but allowed you to kneel down and opened the book. Like before he didn't say anything but just read the book you held as you nervously sat there until you were able to get out, breathing a sigh of relief as you were finally able to stand on the other side.

"That was incredible! I think we should continue with the in person sessions from now on and see how it progresses from there!"

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Trust me! With your record of interactions with demons, this ought to be great!"

"That's not reassuring."

So it continued. You started doing in person meetings with Six, making Kyojuro go nuts for a few weeks but there wasn't really anything he could do about it. Six hadn't literally even talked to you and just continued to stare at the books you held. After the fourth in person session you finally relaxed and got used to him. He literally did nothing so it was safe, plus your bank was great!! However Murata decided to be a genius once again and decided to push the demon forward. By presenting you a certain way.

"You want me to do what ?"

"Where this kimono." He held up a white dress.

"You're out of your mind! Why would I wear a kimono in there?"

"Because I want to see if his behavior will change if you wear a similar style to him. His clothing originate from traditional Japanese fashion, so perhaps some familiarity will provide more engagement from him."

"So...I just got to wear the dress? You guys are really-"

"You'll get two thousand instead as bonus compensation."

"...."

Six stared at you wide eyed and surprised as you walked in wearing a traditional pretty green kimono with your hair styled up. With a grimace you shot Murata an annoyed look through the window but he only gave you a thumbs up. With a sigh you turned back to Six only to help finding the demon standing up and before you. You stared up at him silently as he stared at you, before slowly he circled you. Walking around you all the way in a circle as you turned your head to follow him..

"Hm."

You jumped again. His him was a deep voice, curious... before he just went to go sit down like nothing happened again. From then on Murata wanted to try proceeding with different kimono dresses he just randomly ordered online some were plain ones while others were more detailed. Each one got a wide eyed but calm look from Six when you visited him, the pink one with long sleeves and cherry blossoms seemed to really please him as he hummed. However you were taken off guard one day when he was staring at the book.. before your hand was snatched up and you gasped loudly as he grabbed your wrist, before turning your palm to face him and saw the rectangle mark Akaza left on you. He was silent as he stared down at it before looked at you again.

"Oh... That's.. Th-That's a mistake." You managed to pull your hand from him to clutch your fist. "Someone.. Someone marked me without me knowing and..a -and well I don't think I'll be able to get over it."

He said nothing as you clutched your hand but he did go back to looking at the book allowing you peace. However peace with this demon would not last long. You did the usual routine of bringing a book and Murata handing you a dress to get dressed in, this one white with a hood you hadn't really seen before but shrugged and put it on anyways. No big deal on your end. However when you stepped inside where he was already waiting, his expression was very different.

Six eyes went wide in shock at the dress you wore, smiling at him from under the hood on your head. "Hello, Six. Sorry I'm so late. I had to get ready for our meeting."

He said nothing at first before getting up and then slowly starting to walk over to you. You said nothing at first assuming he wanted to examine the dress again but you weren't prepared for him to reached out a clawed hand to gently grab a strand of your hair, gently running it along his fingers before taking in your visage. Eyes wide open before they softened.

"Six? What are you doi-"

"Kokushibo."

You froze. Eyes going wide as he took the chance to grab your hand. "Wha-What?"

"My name-" He spoke perfect human raising your hand to his mouth. "-is Kokushibo. My wife."

Your mouth fell open as his lips kissed the back of your hand and a second later the sting of his thumbnail cutting into your palm hit you. You squeaked out in pain pulling your hand from him and clutched your fist. A moment later you opened it and to your horror a cut was on your other palm and on it was the shape of an eye. Your world went still as you just stared at your palm then at him as he smiled at you.

Panic flushed through your veins before to his surprise you turned on your heels and RAN back towards the doorway. Squeezing your way out and back into the hallway in a panic. Murata immediately came up to you with a concerned look until he took saw the cut and blood on your palm.

"MEDICAL ATTENTION!! WE NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION!!"

Everything after that was a blur. You were whisked away to Obanai to have your hand looked over. Multiple people were questioning you about what happened. Kyojuro showed up. A rare state of absolute fury as you could hear him RAGE at Murata because-

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?! YOU PROMISED ME YOU WOULDN'T SEND HER IN THERE!! WHY WAS SHE LEFT VULNERABLE LIKE THAT?! AND WHY DID YOU THINK SENDING HER IN A WEDDING DRESS WAS A GOOD IDEA?!"

"I-I didn't think it was a wedding dress!"

"YOU WEREN'T THINKING AT ALL!!"

Wedding dress? Your stomach felt queasy and you couldn't say anything when Kyojuro finally came in to look at you deathly calm and stern.

"You are NEVER going to volunteer to the program again. I'm going to ask the director to release Six right away, but until then you are NOT going near there again. Do you understand what I'm saying?" You nodded guilty. "Good. Now get changed. I'm taking you home tonight."

You made no objections to him and was honestly tired so you allowed him to take you home and didn't mind him talking to the director about releasing Six... Kokushibo?? Whoever he was. You decided that demon from now on were NOT for you. You'd much rather clean up the aquariums where the mermaids were kept instead.

You stayed FAR AWAY from the demon wing from now on back on bathroom duty(which you hated) but you were at least happy when two weeks later Kyojuro confirmed that Kokushibo/Six was taken away to be released. He made you PROMISE him no more demons as they seemed to be attracted to you. You were happy to agree and settled down as the days went flying by.

However you didn't know the bigger problem awaiting at home just for you.

You were called in to double shift for a few coworkers a couple times that week so you were pretty exhausted from it all. You stopped by the grocery store on the way home and just barely was able to balance three paper bags in your arms and unlock the door, not noticing the window busted open. Pushing it in and then closing it behind you. Tired eyes just passing by the living room and crossing into the kitchen.

You passed by a man sitting on your comfortable fluffy rug and reading a book from your shelf. Clink- A small teacup clinked as he gently took a sip before he gently placed it back down and started reading the next page as if the woman didn't walk past him.

"Good evening, Dear."

"Hi." Your tired brain automatically responded without a thought as you placed the bags on the table.

"What are you cooking for dinner?"

"Tonkatsu and rice balls." Again you responded automatically just tiredly reaching into bags and setting things up on the table.

"Ah. A simple but delicious dish."

"Uh huh."

You passed by the doorway towards the stove with a package of uncooked rice. Step. Step. Ste-....Tired eyes suddenly blinked open wide nearly bugging out of her skull...Feet slowly turned around and walked back towards the doorway. Step. Step. Step. Half her body leaned back out of the doorway...Thud. A bag of rice fell from her hands and fell to the floor with a loud thud seeing the figure of a VERY tall demon sitting on the floor of her living room in a meditative state, one hand holding a murder mystery novel as the other gently lifted the teacup back to his face which was mostly obscured by long burgundy bangs. A long tail flicking every now and then.

You still stared at him before he calmly turned to stare six eyes at the rice bag. "You dropped our dinner."

"W-What are you doing in my house?!"

"Spouses do tend to share a home." He simply turned back to his book. "Finish dinner and then we'll discuss the arrangements further."

"Further arrangements?!"

"Yes. I've noticed that you have a spare bedroom that's empty. I'd like to convert that to our children's nursery."

"CHILDREN?!"

"Yes. I've always wanted a large family however I'll be just fine with one as well."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" You held up your hands showing off the marks. "Look..Six-"

"Kokushibo."

You sighed. "Kokushibo. I think there's been a really big misunderstanding between us. We're not...spouses. I was seeing someone WAY before I even met you."

"The demon spouses that abandoned you."

"No! They were misunderstood too! I wasn't flirting with them! Or you! I already have a boyfriend and I'm not interested in you or them or anyone else but my boyfriend. Do you understand?"

"Yes. I just don't care." Your mouth dropped open. "Why don't you cook dinner and we can talk things over then?"

"I just- ..You...UGH!! YOU DEMONS ARE DRIVING ME INSANE!!"

"I find madness attractive," he stated bluntly making you gawk at him. "You still left the rice on the floor."

You didn't know what to do or what to say. It's not like you could just walk up to Kyojuro and be like 'the demon who flirted with me is back and is living in my house believing were husband and wife'. He'd go nuts! You could loose your job! The facility might even decide to study you both as a part of their stupid program. So for now you decided to keep your mouth shut until you could figure something out.

But unluckily for you things were about to get even MORE complicated.

"I'm leaving for a while," Kokushibo spoke to you one day before you left for work. "I have a few things to settle at my old home before I permanently move in. It'll take a while so expect me to not be back for a while." Then he had the audacity to kiss your lips before leaving. "Do not fret, Moonlight. I'll return as soon as I can."

It was hard to explain to Kyojuro why you were angry blushing all day at work. As if to add more to your bad luck the next two weeks were also filled with double shifts because some of your coworkers got sick suddenly. It was one of those days you had to do a double shift because a coworker called in sick. Stupid chickenpox. You ended up having to clean up the entire research lab by yourself! You didn't even get home that night until around nine! By then the sun at already set and you were exhausted. So exhausted that you just walked up to the door and didn't bother to notice it was busted open until you held up your keys to unlock the door and went to grab the door knob only to freeze as it swung open wide with a creak from you lightly touching it. You froze as your eyes stared at it. Noticing the claw marks on the wood, and the busted lock..And then looking into the darkness and freezing up as two rainbow orbs stared at hou-

"LOVE!!"

You shrieked as something rushed from the darkness and the keys fel from your hands as you were snatched up into two strong cold arms. You screamed again looking up into the face of-....You paused. And blinked.

"DOUMA?!"

The blonde demon cooed squeezing you more against him earning a growl from the darkness. You snapped back into the dark only to freeze again seeing-

"AKAZA!?"

The pink haired demon GLARED at the blonde one as he stepped out of the doorway before hissing something at the blonde in demon tongue. Douma blinked, looked over, before gaining a sultry look. He cooed at Akaza before puckering his lips and leaning forward- Akaza SQUEALED OUT in a way a woman scared of a mouse would and stumbled back into the house away from Douma who only paused.. before cooing again at Akaza's indignant hiss. You looked between them before reaching up a hand to rub your temples.

"I'm in deep shit."

Then something even WORSE happened. A tall shadow fell upon all three of you causing sll of you to turn to the doorway and standing there in the darkness was the unmistakable figure of Kokushibo. Akaza immediately hissed taking a protective stance and Douma just tilted his head curiously.

".....What is the meaning of this?"

"Let me rephrase that. I'm in REALLY deep shit."

****

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #kokushibo #kokushibo x reader #a rock and a hard place

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