#The Hashira from demon slayer are coworkers | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

helloescapist · 1 year ago

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The Hashiras in a Relationship | Obanai Iguro

Word Count: 8077

A/N: phew, not my favortism showing at all. Oops.

Setting: Obanai Iguro x gn!reader [we do have mentions of Obanai's gynophobia]

Content Warning(s): none, I sort of behaved. We do have spoilers though! Be ware!

Summary: sweet, fluffy love relationship cannons for Obanai Iguro from attraction to love.

To be loved by the Serpent Hashira is to know dependability. It’s the touch of night, serene and quiet in the late hours. Soothing as the shy moon that lingers in your heart. A star-crossed lover, never destined to touch upon the face of its lover the sun. Rare moments to embrace rare and few between, meaningful bursts that light up the sky. No, it is the reliability of the luminescent glow cast upon a stone path, a guide in the dead of night as he faithfully chases after his lover’s warmth. Loyal, and always one step behind, but never straying, always within grasp. Fingers lightly brushed, a gentle lover who will always show you compassion nurtured in the shadows. Cultivated in the light of the late hours, gentle as the whispers of support and affections laced on his tongue. The tender gaze upon your silhouette far to entranced in the glow of the night to notice the way his heterochromatic eyes are captivated by you. Enchanted by your grin, bewitched by your giggles. Dazzled by the twirl of your sway, the jovial sway of your hips as you spin beneath the stars. Quick to ensnare you within his grasp when you stumble on the stone path, secure to his side. The glow of his mixed matched eyes the entrance to other worlds, galaxies concealed by the vast contour of space. Tremble of delicate, beautiful eyes afraid of the emotions that lay dormant beneath his averted gaze. Revealed to you, and you alone, just as his love.

To be loved by Obanai is to accept that you will need to embrace patience. To be tolerant of his needs, and adapt as they come. Like the moon, the Serpent Hashira has many faces he adorns, and only those who dare to gaze upon his shadows are gifted with the beauty of his reveal.

Savor the quite moments, knowing that your love needs no noise to fill the silence. Breathe in the comforting notes of eucalyptus when he dares to draw closer. An eternal dance, rhythms of heart in sync. Never daring to draw attention to the graze of his shoulders against your own.

Obanai has quite the reputation amongst the corps for being a cold, and distant individual. his demands for Uzui not to retire do not help this rumor. Quick to dismiss those beneath him, and isolate himself from his peers. It’s in his nature, and his upbringing, but beneath this mask he bears, is a surprisingly compassionate man.

One who has survived the horrors of the world, and looks to a new future. A dedicated man who will do everything in his power to protect those he cares about. This lends itself to his closer relationships, as despite how it may appear, Obanai is willing to put in the effort to maintain relationships. from guidance by Uzui to tea time with Kyojuro.

To those he deems worthy of his respect, Obanai is willing to expend his social battery to grow stronger bonds. It’s easy to mistake his steadfast loyalty to the Demon Slayer Corps and regulations as rigid, and unforgiving, because In a lot of aspects. It is.

He cannot trust nor accept anyone who has strayed from the code. He will live and die by the rules, and does not understand those who stand by these convictions. Obanai is abnormally loyal, and expects the same return. He is fairly narrow-minded and one tracked when it comes to his convictions, and the code.

His loyalty extends to all aspects of his life, from his inner network of coworkers, to his respect to the Ubuyashiki clan, to you as his lover. He is no stranger to hard work, nor is he one to falter when obstacles come between you. Rather, you will find that Obanai will meet challenges fairly head on to secure the bond between you.

That being said, Obanai can be fairly pragmatic in his approach, and because of this, you will rarely see slips of emotion through his porcelain surface. He remains sensible regardless of what troubles may come, and it certainly has it’s advantages.

He is a reliable lover, and will always remain by your side. Even when he needs his own space. he’s never far from you. Like a shadow. Because of how dedicated Obanai is to the success of the relationship, he is actually a fairly good listener, and enjoys listening to you ramble on and on about whatever it is you wish to discuss.

You may often find yourself carrying a majority of the conversation, and may worry that you are boring him. you are not. Other times, you may truly fret on whether you have left the Serpent Hashira enough room to join the conversation. he’s so quite that you may feel like one of those jerks that never allows others time to add to the discussion. You’re not, and he’s genuinely enjoying hearing your voice.

Finds comfort in your enthusiasm, and basks in your warmth. like a snake blossomed across a rock under the sun’s rays. That being said, he is fairly pragmatic, and if you’ve approached him with a problem even if you do not wish for it to be solved, he’s solving it. as quickly as he can, Obanai cannot stand the idea of you having difficulties even if it’s necessary for your development. also, he just genuinely hates emotional conversations.

He is not up for gossip of any kind.

The Serpent Pillar is by nature, fairly traditional in a sense. On the one hand, he keeps fairly traditional ideals--- such as the reminiscent of the samurai code towards their lords reflected in the way that Iguro regards Ubuyashiki which is just a shame as Ubuyashiki would never wish for any of the members to choose death over life.

Yet, despite being fully aware of how the Master mourns those who have been lost, the swordsman will not be swayed from his ideals. On the other hand, he has a tendency to be a bit unconventional.

He is aware that societal expectations require a fair amount of social interactions, and is willing to play along when it comes to the demands of his position. however while he is steadfast in his responsibilities, he will not maintain a bedside manner.

He has shown up for duty, and takes his tasks seriously, but that does not mean for one he will play nice. such as in the case of training Tanjiro and the other mizunoto in swordsmanship.

like Muichiro, his favoritism and respects are not subtle. You will always know where you, and those around you fall with him. He’s to the point, and direct about it.

No really, he will not hesitate to praise you in front of everyone, before offering the most horrific finger jab and insult at your training partner. things with your peers/coworkers will be tense.

But truthfully, I feel like this is in a sense a small part of his kindness. Yes, he savored the moment to express openly his distain for others, but at the same time, I feel like Obanai takes training others very seriously. He takes slaying demons, and the upcoming generation very seriously and gods he has little hopes for any of them.

But it’s because of this that Obanai’s punishments are… creative. The truth is that should they make the very mistake of bearing weakness to a demon as they had to their own instructor, the opponent will not hesitate to claim their life, or worse. Obanai was raised in cage, he knows there are fates far worse than death..

In orchestrating a punishment that they will never forget; he’s ensuring that they will not make the same mistake twice. they will not die due to shoddy instruction. It’s the overanalytical aspect that meets his strive for perfectionism head on that can make him unforgiving a teacher, and a leader.

He is an inherently observant individual, and it is because of this that he can see every faulter in your swordplay, any shift of weight that could lead to you being easily knocked off your feet, and disarmed. Which is what leads him to drilling into you and those around him to ensure that such gaps are erased from your movements. he does not wish to see any of you die.

Iguro is a stable individual. He’s consistent in his habits and his mannerisms. You may be surprised to know that he is consistent in his behaviors, and for the most part, not easily knocked off kilter. He’s secure in his personality, and balanced. He is not easily disturbed, nor is he easily upset.

Because of this, you will find that Obanai can be fairly forgiving of his partner. Just as patient with you as you have expressed towards him. You will not find him easily agitated by small miscommunications between the two of you, he is aware that he is not always the easiest person to comprehend.

He would much rather dedicate his energy to straightening up the misunderstanding, and ensuring that this same blunder will not happen again, and is by all means true to those he deems worthy. In fact, he’s almost rigid in the way that he conducts himself. While others such as Muichiro and Mitsuri have the ability to accept bygones, Obanai is unyielding.

Unable to accept infringements in ideals, and inflexible to come to a compromise. ironic given his breathing technique.

As you may expect, Obanai adores a partner who has their own desires in life and is amazed at ones who can express their dreams. Someone who has adorned sunshine in their hearts, and continues to pursue their goals will bring so much sunshine to his otherwise bleak existence. Which is necessary as Iguro really does struggle to release control from his finger tips, and a lover who is able to relinquish control will leave him breathless. desiring to join your side at the cost of his own comfort.

Just as the Serpent Hashira has high expectations of his students, Obanai can be just as unforgiving in his ideals for a partner. He knows exactly what it is that he is looking for in a companion, and will not bend to a partner that does not meet his standards. He is not making exceptions regardless of what beauty nor skills you present.

If you are not up to his caliber, then your capabilities have no merit with him. Iguro eally won’t hesitate to turn anyone down. I dare say he would reject Kichijoten, the goddess of beauty and happiness if he deemed her far to flirtatious.

Obanai needs an open and honest partner. One that does not hesitate to express any thoughts or doubts that cross their mind. Whether it’s fretting over their own capabilities with the sword, or in preparing dinner, or if that they have become concerned about the state of the relationship, Obani does best with someone who will be willing to allow themselves to be vulnerable with him. ironic as he will not be forth coming with his own insecurities.

However, it may be because of the innocence of his partner, that he is able to place more trust in you. He cannot pursue a bond that he does not feel secure in, nor a partner who he does not deem reliable.

He needs a light-hearted partner more than anything, someone who will embrace him and all of his faults. Catch his fingers between their own, and tug them along, eager to show him the bunny burrow they discovered during their morning chores. Someone who would eagerly rush home from the shopping, eager to show a cute little snake motif dango that the vender had sold as a limited edition.

The way your eyes beamed up at him despite your obvious state of undress, leaves caught in your hair snagged on a lower branch in your rush. He feels embarrassed for you but gods above you’re adorable.

As someone who he can put his faith and trust in, Obanai needs a companion who will keep his word. He wants someone who will always keep their word, regardless of the prickle bushes they may go through, or do anything within their power to keep their oath.

The day that you spread through demons to be at his side despite the obvious danger, uniform torn into in various places, and lacerations that littered your body. You swore you would be at his side. and you were.

Even small oaths, things such as keeping your word to complete a household task. To make his favorite meal, or hang his laundering for him when he’s pulled away from duty. They all mean so much to him, and he needs to be able to trust that you will always deliver. Because the gods above know that he will. Heaven nor the seven hells could prevent him from keeping his promise.

Really, dependability is non-negotiable in his book. He will accept an outgoing lover one who will shout his name over the crowds, heedless of the way passerbys look at your crazed state he’s blushing at how wildly you wave your arms eager to be seen, and he will adore a shyer partner, one that stumbles to meet his gaze.

But under no circumstances, will he ever accept a partner who he cannot depend on. He needs to know that you will stick with him through thick and thin because to be honest, Obanai is aware that difficult to deal with.

I strongly believe that the Serpent Hashira wants someone playful. He spent his entire childhood robbed of all opportunities to engage in play, and I believe that a partner who is high-spirited. Someone who from time to time can be mischievous. Toss the laundering over his head, seizing his momentary confusion to wrap him in the blanket, snug over his shoulders. Only released if he pays a kiss toll.

Someone who is perky, inviting, and warm. The day that a ball wandered into your yard, plucked between your fingers. A smile that met your face upon nervous small children peeked over the fencing before challenging them to a game. Quick to draw him into the mischief even though the little kids were rightful uneasy. how gentle you were to teach him the rules embraced his inner child.

It will be necessary that you are patient, because the reality is that a relationship with the Serpent Hashira means navigating hidden waters. A partner who cannot read between the lines will not do well with him, you’ll both become frustrated with the pairing.

Not that he won’t be patient for the beginning of the relationship, but as time goes on, if you have not mastered the underlining context, he will take it very personally. Snippy in his remarks as well, and it’s likely only a matter of time before things head down hill quickly, he just does not have the ability to engage in an emotional warfare repeatedly.

Obanai also approaches things rather head on, so if you are truly not taking his words at face value, well, this just isn’t going to work, and he’s not wasting his time.

Because of how private and elusive Obanai’s tendencies often are, alongside his gynophobia complicating interactions gendered partners, there are two scenarios I can imagine him becoming acquainted with his partner.

Let’s be honest, in general, Obanai requires a good bit of time to grow attached to someone, and due to his dysphoria with the female gender will lend itself to a lot of obstacles for individuals with she/her as their pronouns. Where as he/him, and they/them will have a significantly easier time of becoming acquainted with him.

The first and foremost would likely be a slightly older recruit who’s position is similar to that of Aoi’s (capable of swordsplay, but primarily cares for tasks) that has been entrusted with teaching the basics of the world to Obanai upon his rescue by the former Flame Hashira, Shinjuro. The decision being a combination of Shinjuro’s inability to properly engage with a child we’ve all seen him and the Ubuyashiki both observing Obanai’s desperate need for companion and proper socialization with a peer. The wedded duo knowing exactly who to assign to his well-being. Let’s be clear, the initial meeting did not go well. The mixture of trauma and anxiety and is that a snake?, contact was similar to that of approaching a soaked stray cat who wanted nothing to do with you. Quick to hiss and furrow, snip at you, and obscured profanities, but as time and dedication went on, your loyalty to the task that the Master had set on your shoulders spurring you forward. One day scooted to your side upon hearing a fairytale between gentle lips. Reading from a text you had borrowed from the Lady Amane, whispered tales to the garden, well aware that the young boy had once again taken to the trees. Slowly, but surely scooted closer and closer before peeking over your shoulder at the water paintings across the pages. In time, you would teach him so many things, an older sibling figure intended to guide him. until you weren’t to him.

The other scenario would be a recruit the same age, or just a little younger that through a turn of events has found themselves under the care of the Demon Slayer Corps, just as he had. Muddled by your own circumstances, and yet, despite all you had been through. Your smile had not faded, nor did you hesitate to reach out your hand to him. Eager to drag him to the gardens. Try to convince him to play even when he refused. Dedicated in your training regardless of how the both of you had been put through the ringer a number of times. Your optimism never betraying you, nor leaving his side. Joyful and caring, determined to stick through your hardships through thick and thin.

Although of course as we have seen with Mitsuri, Obanai could also be a completely ordinary girl. Sunny, and sweet, and blissfully aware of the way of the world, who is far too excited and preoccupied at the opportunity to become a tutor in etiquette to the young Ubuyashiki siblings. Completely innocent as they are naïve. It was the smile that claimed his heart.

The truth is that Obanai needs a little excitement in his life, and someone who would seize every opportunity to enjoy moments together. Someone who is playful, but just as content to snuggle in to his hold on a gentle spring morning. He needs a partner who takes their duties quite seriously, and stoically faces obstacles, but just as goofy and silly as they sew a small, matching haori for Kaburamaru. Kaburamaru needs a haori to match Obanai. Change my mind.

Really, he just favors a lover who is in tune with their own needs and desires. You want to eat a pound of dango, run through the rain, dance beneath fireworks, or sing silly song with the neighborhood children, he’s adoring you from a far. that tree. He’s in that tree. It is perhaps your jovial approach to life that puts his heart at ease.

Dishonesty has no place in his relationship. The Serpent Hashira would rather be met with blunt honesty than a sugared lie. Iguro would much rather face a difficult obstacle, harsh realities about pasts, and mistakes, rather than be diluted in a fantasy. He loves you, not a lie. It is also to consider how his familial background impacts his rigid approach to integrity and honest if you ever become frustrated at how unforgiving he can be when met with a fib. he is not a tool.

You will also find that surprisingly Obanai does not have room for aggression in his heart. While he can be biting with others, the reality is that he does not have a firm bone in his body. and you will discover how terrifying he can be towards anyone who dares show you belligerence. The reality is the same gentle nature he gives you; he expects in return.

He will not accept a partner who is aggressive or hostile to him. There are just so many ways to communicate and address stressors in your relationship, that there is just no excuse for belligerent behavior towards your partner. You are each other’s safe space—no one feels safe with a biting partner. He doesn’t want that. he’s had more than enough of that in his lifetime.

Regardless of how life has gone, Obanai is a believer that you should do everything within your power to make moves for the better. Just as he is determined to purify his blood from the curses of familial lineage, and Uzui is to make a difference in the world, the Serpent Pillar has zero tolerance for someone remains a victim to circumstance.

Let’s be clear, it’s not that he does not sympathize with someone who has been drowned to the depths of despair. he will be more than comforting to your pain. However, you cannot remain there. Life cannot stop moving. You have to keep moving. even if he’s dragging you.

The Serpent Pillar has a few tendencies in the pre-relationship to Shinobu than others may expect. Just like the Insect Hashira, Iguro will spend quite a long time in this stage of the developing relationship than most people. I suspect, out of all the Hashira, he remains here the longest. It is the period in which he is interested it, but doubtful.

Actively trying to find fault in your existence to prove that the way his heart flutters when he sees you is absolutely meaningless—he’ll stay here even longer than Kocho. He is observing. Everything. I mean everything.

Iguro is analytical, and spends more time than he will ever admit disecting every single interaction. Skewering the evidence to prove that you are not what you seem to be. He really is noting every single interaction—not limited to himself. How low did you bow to Ubuyashiki? Were you considerate of Lady Amane, and did you show proper appreciation to Aoi for nurturing your wounds? How you regard the kakushi. Obanai would dump you if you were rude to a waitress. I just know it.

The serpent breather takes respect very serious, as well as boundaries. He is quick to respect any boundaries you set between the two of you, and is not the type to push for more than what you wish to offer.

That being said, he very much expects the same in return. Do not touch him. Do not dare force physical interactions, or desires on him. It’s not that Iguro does not have them—he just isn’t the type to act on them early in a relationship.

He prefers to get to know someone very well before jumping into a relationship, let alone physical affections. this man may like snakes, but he’s a turtle. For obvious reasons, it will take some time for Obanai to show vulnerability, even if he really is fond of you.

He’s not quick to allow intimate gestures, or allow his bandages to slip from his lips, but it shows the depth of his passions for you when they come unwound. but that’s a slight nsfw thought

In courting, it’s important to note that Obanai values sincerity, and as such, you can expect any manipulation or mind game tactics will not be met with the reaction you want.

Ploys to lure another person into your bed with the intent of making him jealous? Yeah, that’s super ineffective. In fact, I would say any prior attraction is canceled, and he will take extra care to either avoid you in public, or openly express his disgust with you. lethal.

Any situation that Iguro has been put in to intentionally foster distrust with you is indicative that you are not the person he thought you were.

As rigid as he is, and how limited his communication skills can be at times. You’d be surprised that Iguro does enjoy discussions. However, it’s nothing mundane. He’s not interested in idle gossip, nor is he intrigued by the happenings of town or even the inner ranks. He finds these discussions absolutely boring.

However, if you gravitate towards intellectual topics, you’ll find him quick to engage. To ask you questions, to delve deeper into your interest. Have an odd interest in ancient cultures, he is all ears. Fascinated by the early mechanics of the era such as the steam engine, Iguro will listen to you recount ever detail that you can. he’ll bring home books if he comes across them.

The Serpent Hashira has his own unique interests, and can be draw to the most obscured of arts such as his interest in candy crafting. he doesn’t even have a sweet tooth; the technique just leaves him awestruck.

Because of this, Iguro enjoys listening to any interest or study you have found yourself immersed in. Actually, if you have a book or series, you have been invested in lately, try to lure him into the plot. He enjoys reading in his free time. he’ll leave little pieces of poetry for you to find.

Honestly, by the point flirting comes into play, Obanai has already concluded that the relationship is not worth pursuing, and because of this, you can expect that his ability to be coy is not practiced.

Despite how much of a natural perfectionist the swordsman is, he is more than aware that his ability to court is not his strong suit. Never expect a big grand gesture, such as declaration in the middle of the village, or for him to intercept a wedding to spirit you away. It’s just not in his nature. The more well practiced flirting techniques such as bouquets, and proclamations of desire, yeah, they all seem forced. Uncomfortable and unnatural, as though he is wearing someone else’s skin. He has no desire to come off as insincere, especially in winning your heart.

If anything, it is his desire to always be straightforward with you that leads him to relying on more subtle attempts. Such as the way he naturally gravitates towards you, or the gentle way he regards your name. It’s his indirect approach that may take you a while to realize that he’s interested. but you should catch on fairly quick given how he treats others.

So pay close attention, the proof is in his behaviors.

Because truthfully, while Obanai is observant to a fault, his ability to read other’ people’s reactions and emotions. Suck. He finds the entire process confusing, overhwelming, and downright uncomfortable.

Obanai will rely on the fact that he even tolerates your present as an indicator which is… stiff at best. But when you consider how little Iguro is willing to engage in social interactions, there is certainly a reason why he’s inquiring about your duties. he’ll take a few of them off your hands.

More so, he really wants to get to know you, all of you. He has an incredible memory, and will retain any information you delve. Whether it’s a distant memory of assisting your parent in the kitchen, chasing after lanterns with siblings, or even the way you found yourself peeking over the fence at neighbors in childhood mischief, Obanai will remember all of it.

He will also seize upon any opportunity to prove that he has been listening, and assist you in any way he can. You might’ve mentioned a loose roof tile in your home, he wouldn’t hesitate to spend his free time securing it properly. Shared a memory of how you remember that your grandmother would always secure her sleeves before setting to work with a yellow ribbon, he’ll pick you up one when he’s in town.

Whether he realizes it or not, Obanai savors any opportunity to prove what a reliable partner he would make. Unsure how to express himself, or his intentions, less confidant in how to approach matters of the heart. but now you know why Kaburamura has been snipping at him lately.

Confessions will be slow, and take so much time and stamina. you’re amazing for hanging in there. As time draws on, and you’re becoming more and more clear that he’s attached to you, I feel like Obanai can either respond rather well to you confessing your feelings or poorly.

Really, it’s the days to come that will determine whether or not he will accept and return your feelings. IF you have made the decision to confess first no one blames you, as long as your heart is true and patient, willing to accept that he may not return these feelings, and wishing to remain as you are.

Understanding that he may need time to process, to approach how his stomach has flipped and Kaburamura nipped him. Give him time or months, Obanai will return your affections in his own time. However, if you cannot respect his autonomy, you will discover that he will recoil from your touch.

Further prodding will give him the impression that he has been lured into a corner, and left with no escape, he will outright reject you, and flee. he’s not looking back.

However, if Obanai has worked up the nerve to confess first, it would be in the sweetest of regards. Gentle, and self-assured. Tender as he expresses exactly why he is drawn to you, but kind in the way he allows you space.

The Serpent Hashira has no desires to entrap you. you are not a mouse.

Rather, he wants you to feel safe, to know that if you should turn him down, there will be no repercussions. Nor will his feelings falter. Rather, he will simply love you as he always has. from afar.

He is content to allow you all of the time you need to determine whether you wish to pursue a relationship with him, or not.

To have made it into dating is an accomplish no others have accomplished, and can expect that dates are viewed as a practical sense of time. Well intended with the opportunity to get to know you.

Obanai really views this as the perfect chance to get to know you on an intimate level rather than from a distance, or through the lens of a friend. Dates for the most part will default to fairly traditional routes. Walks through the garden, perhaps dinner, or a small picnic.

Iguro is not one to enjoy extravagance, whether in his personal belongings, or appearances certainly not his food, and because of this, dates that are simple are preferred.

Although he does appreciate when his partner takes the time to plan out thoughtful dates for bonding, so long as it’s not formal, he’s happy to go along with whatever it is you would like to do. Humble dates, such as flower viewing, or even hiking will always be a win in his book.

Even more so, games whether board games, or even childhood back and forth of hide and seek or onii will be well received. Obanai is even the type to enjoy curling up together, reading poetry. as time goes on, and he’s tired from his duties, you may even coddle his head in your lap. Is definitely the type to enjoy cooking together as a couple.

It should come as absolutely no surprise that Obanai has no appetite for a casual relationship. He avoids them like the plague. Short-term flings are just unappealing. The idea of something fleeting that would pray upon his security and vulnerabilities, just makes his skin crawl.

Nope, this isn’t happening, and if it does, it was an extremely rare encounter. buy a lottery ticket.

Once Iguro allows himself to admit that he has fallen in love, he will be quick to give himself to you. All of you. It’s true, he will still have a deep seeded need for alone time rather frequently, and it’s important to respect this need.

It’s not a desire, it is the difference between a mentally well man, or depraved individual. Rest assured, the distance only deepens your bond, and secures his attachment to you, alone. absent makes the heart grow fonder in this case. he’s not straying, really when he says he needs time in solitude, it’s a genuine trek up the mountains to camp alone for a couple of nights.

To connect back with the severed pieces of himself. Not to sneak off for a booty call. he’s really not the type.

Actually, if Iguro ever feels himself detached from you to the point that he considers an affair, he’s just leaving you all together. It’s harsh but, well…

Although expressing his affections does not come naturally to him, do not believe for one moment that he does not value you. He worships you. It’s rather that the Serpent Hashira is better suited to logical ends, and practical applications. The aspects of the relationship that lends itself to it, such as paying bills, picking up groceries, making dinner, ensuring you are well cared for when you’re sick, this is when you will find that your partner is a quite compassionate.

Quick to tend to your needs, and eager to care for you. However, when it comes to outwardly expressing how his eyes will always find you in the room—he’s a mess. There’s no way to quite explain it, it’s just that the words cannot be strung together.

As Iguro desperately grasps for them, they slip through his fingertips, evading his touch, and leaving him frustrated and muddled. Desperate to express his devotion, but unable to verbalize the depths of his love.

No, Iguro is the type to focus on the aspects of the relationship he can thrive under. The ability to improve your life with his presence, to make your life easier. Sharpening your blade for you, scooting all of your belongings to the lower shelf within reach, he is always looking for the opportunity to express his affections. just not verbally.

Really, it doesn’t take much to make him happy—he really just loves the opportunity to incline into your touch, rest upon your lap, occasionally reaching up to thread his fingers through your hair. Small tender moments mean everything to him.

Know that after his time away, Obanai will come back happier and more devoted to you. Far more engaged, and in tuned with your needs than when he left. he needs to learn self care. Period.

But understand that this goes deeper than you may expect. His upbringing was not an easy one, and because of the way he was raised, it’s naturally that he often prefers his own company than that of others.

This doesn’t mean that he does not need or want intimacy, it just means that he needs you to appreciate your time together as much as your time apart.

He really is quick to prove his affections in ways that he feels comfortable. Hanging laundry, sweeping the home, really and truly, what you see is what you get with Iguro, and then some. he’s sneaking poems into your luggage for when he parts for the mountains.

In a sweet way, as time goes on, you will find that Obanai becomes more and more genuine with you. Straightforward and honest. Really and truly, if you prove yourself a loyal partner, you can expect more and then some in return. He wants a relationship that is built upon trust, and a foundation of mutual respect.

One in which you are dedicated to each other regardless of the hardships or distances you will face. because he will always part for duty. Obanai is one of the most loyal romantic partners amongst the Hashiras.

If you are able to open up, and actually express your emotions fairly openly the way he adores, you should know that he envies it. he thinks your amazing

Although he may struggle to cope with an relationship that vocalizes emotions so much. The attention to what has not been said, overlooking what he has done for you, it will do great damage to the relationship and his confidence.

In fact, I believe that if push comes to shove, Iguro will struggle to survive a relationship with an overly emotional partner. He needs you to appreciate him for him, just as he appreciates you for you. The truth is, Obanai can often feel overwhelmed by intense feelings. Someone who always leaves him guessing will only erode his mental capacity.

He is by nature prone to reading into things more than he should, and if he has found that this is the only way to survive his relationship, he will take apart everything. it’s never good.

He has a way of being weighed down by the little details in general, and is quick to lose sight of the big picture amongst the evidence. He will drown in the depths of his anxiety and pessimism. It’s best to avoid this entirely.

Because of this, Obanai really needs a partner who will answer him point blank. Don’t worry about hurting his feelings, or that you are being blunt. He really prefers it. It gives him comfort and security that he is meeting your needs as you need them.

It’s really the key to a happy Iguro relationship. It will provide him with all of the confidence and security he needs in the relationship, and you will come to find that under this trust, iguro is a rather passionate and attentive partner. Quick to rub your shoulders in public if you have expressed that they are sore, shifting the load of groceries from your fingers onto his own burdens, the press of his lips quick to seek yours out when the opporunity presents itself. he’s touch starved, I just know it.

A stickler for traditions, will always approach them in the way they have always been done. Whether it’s noodles upon the new year, or mochi towered during the mid-autumn festival, Iguro is vigilant in securing the traditions and carrying them with him.

In fact, he may be quite stiff to follow any additions you may have to offer. imagine him standing on ends if you decide to bring him home for the holidays. Poor boy would be panicked to be offered a plate at the table.

He does not know how to handle being the center of the attention. It’s not necessarily that he’s outright shy, but he is very reserved. Obanai prefers to stick to himself, and his own means, only allowing those close to him to linger on his skin.

As such, opportunities of flaunting him will make him uneasy. He doesn’t enjoy the open praise in public, and will shift from sight at the first opportunity. like asnake drawing away from humans.

As Obanai is fond of more simple abodes and pass times, you’ll enjoy how low maintenance he actually is. He is content to give you your space, and time alone just as you give him. He will not fuss about you spending time with your friends, or departing to care for your sick mother in another providence. he’ll just miss you, but he’ll be waiting for your return.

Commitment is at the forefront of Obanai’s thoughts when he dives into a relationship. He wants an old timey romance, one in which there is only you and him. No others, and in which there is no drama, nor is there jealousy, or strays from each other’s embrace.

Iguro desperately wants someone to be vulnerable with, and he does not take commitment lightly. Rather, it’s of such significant importance to him. such as the way he dared to reveal his facial scars to you near shattered his heart.

If you have not figured it out already, communication with Iguro sucks. I mean, it just, sucks. You will have a better time communicating with Kaguramura if you rely on emotional discussions to cultivate a relationship. I just imagine that the little noodle helps the best he can.

However, for Iguro, he doesn’t have a fondness for words, placing a strict importance on actions. There will be no fluff, nor bedside manners when it comes to more serious matters. although his compliments are genuine. really, he just prefers to allow you to carry the majority of the conversation.

That being said, he is not one to leave room for misunderstandings to foster between you. He’d rather press into the topic firm and straightforward than allow you to believe for one moment he would ever betray you. As such, Obanai is not compromising. In fact, you will find that to a majority of disputes, he is not willing to yield. Nor admit fault.

Confrontation in a relationship has a way of capitalizing on his weaknesses in communication, and as such, he fumbles and often feels strangled by his own thoughts as he struggles to piece them into a cohesive sentence. Will be ridiculously tight. Rigid as though he is presenting a case to a jury.

Truthfully, most fights and discussions can be navigated fairly easily as long as you are willing to speak literally no metaphors please!, and keep the discussion short. It really will go quite a long way in ensuring you are on the same page. Even better is that it allows Iguro to apply his need to fix it skills in a way that benefits the both of you.

The Serpent Hashira has a tendency to take slights or criticisms fairly hard. an attribution as to why he does not like Giyuu, and as such, it’s important to note that Iguro is rather sensitive to outside forces impending into your relationship. He naturally views any spectators with immediate suspicion, and for the most part, he is able to logically sort it out.

Remind himself that you have never given him cause to doubt, but should his thoughts lead him astray, it’s likely something that he will internalize rather than discussion. He is protective though.

Fiercely so. While he may not be as possessive as one would expect. I mean, you expected it right? In reality, Obanai greatly respects your autonomy, and values your opinions and decision making skills. That is not to say that he will accept everyone you invite into your circle. you can get along with them; doesn’t mean he has to.

But his protective instinct is inherently high. He knows what lurks beneath the hearts of humans, and how fickle they can often be. If he suspects that your new friend may conceal hidden intentions, he will not hesitate to act. To shield you from the horrors of the world, of demons, and human flesh. He will without a moment’s notice, place himself between you and death.

It’s natural to consider if a family is in the future, and truthfully, I just see Obanai avoiding biological children to the greatest of his capabilities.

On one hand, it’s the fact that he was never given a parental figure, or treated in the way befitting of a child, and as such, Iguro is confident that he would not know what to do with a little bundle.

On the other hand, the Serpent Hashira is so disgusted by his on bloodline, desperate to scratch off his own flesh as a means of escape, that an intentional blood child is out of the cards. and trust me, he will work hard to prevent it.

Though should the fates intervene birth control of this era is fault, or if he has just picked up a child that clings to him during one of his missions. I believe that Iguro would not shirk his responsibilities.

Rather, I believe he’d make for a rather supportive and encouraging parent. Not the type to place high expectations and demands upon those in his care, but rather, just provide love and support and protection. I can even see the Serpent Hashira enjoying the little bundle in his arms with great trepidation.

Anxious at how little one can be, new to the world. Pure. Obanai would naturally gravitate towards diapering, potty training, and soothing the child at all hours of the night. Delicate to teach them games, and self-defense, cook them meals, and tend to boo-boos, but he will shy away from the emotional demands.

he’s giving you late nights, you can handle the tears.

As you have already been clued into, Obanai is a master at expressing love through more practical applications. Acts of services is his go to in order to prove his dedication to you, and he is not one to shy away from any opportunity to express his love physically.

You can expect that he is more than willing to take over the dinner duties upon noticing the exhaustion on your features. To rub your temples, when you have mentioned a headache. To draw a bath when you are fatigued, or dirty. In a surprising way, Obanai is a natural care taker. go figure.

Initially, if you have a preference for acts of physical intimacy to express affections, you will find yourself disappointed, and abandoned. He just isn’t comfortable with having his space invaded upon your initial match, or in public.

However, as time goes on, you will find that he is very willing to grasp your hand in a crowd he doesn’t want to lose you he claims, or allow his shoulder to brush against yours in a restaurant, to catch the strands of your hair, and fan you in the heat of summer. In a well-developed relationship between the two of you behind closed doors, you will find that he will more than make up for the absence of his touch.

Quick to wrap himself around you in an embrace, to claim you. You will have to beg him to release you. but do you really want to?

For fairly obvious reasons, if you have a preference for quality time, his affections may be hit or miss for you. On the one hand, he genuinely enjoys the chance to be around you.

Doing absolutely nothing if you so desire. Curled into one another, or reading books within fingers reach. Watch the leaves dance across the veranda, snuggled into a blanket with tea, but on the opposite end, Obanai needs his space.

He’s a frequent flyer of solitude, and as such, there will be times where you will struggle to balance your needs with his own. It can be a delicate balancing act that leaves you both frustrated.

Take it one day at a time, and savor the moments that he provides you. They’re genuine, and uninterrupted.

Words of Affirmation will also be a stumble, but not right ignored. While Iguro is not the type to express his love in a verbal paragraph, you will find that he is fairly forth coming with his compliments. his face is red as yours.

Yet he will drop compliments on you out of the moment, often leaving you blindsided and reeling from the heat of his gaze. They are far and few between, but they are honey laced truths that he dares to share with his resolve. the hint of all he leaves unsaid burning your insides.

Iguro is not a bad gift giver, however it’s best to limit your expectations. He is not the sort to bring home lavish perfumes. he hates the scent that dares to taint your odor. nor is the type to bring home outlandish accessories.

Too many embellishments obscuring your natural beauty, nor is the type to bring home a ridiculously large bouquet, but this doesn’t mean that Obanai will skip over the sentiment all together.

Rather, Iguro is a master of sweet gifts. Simple pleasures. A small sweet wrapped in a delicate cloth. A simple hair pin that captivated your beauty. Flowers he handpicked upon his journey home. A Small dragonfly pin that matched your eyes perfectly. His gifts will never obscure your natural beauty, each item selected with care.

The reality is to be loved by Iguro is to know a love that will transcend time. It will endure loss, and distance. Heartache, and torture, it will endure the tests that the world will throw at it, and the punishments of the night. It will lend itself to tender touches, and gentle gazes. It is patient as it is kind, never asking for more than you wish to give. Only going where it is you lead, through meadows, through forest, and mountains, to depths of the sea, it will follow you whereever it is you shall go. It is compassion through strife. It is delicate and as plush as the press of his lips. Fragile as his features revealed beneath the moonlight. Eyes that avert shyly before being lured back to your side. Docile as the way it leans upon your shoulders. It is simple as the touch of the waves upon the sand. Affectionate as the sky that shatters beneath day break. The reveal of a small smile that falters to age. The curl of his fingers through your hair, soothing ends as his mixed matched gemstones eyes, one of citrine, and the other of alexandrite gaze up with you revealing the depths of his devotion. The vulnerability of his cheek curled into your lap, a shoulder to bear your burdens such is that of his love.

If you will have him.

In this life.

And the next.

#demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kny x reader #obanai iguro #obanai iguro x reader #serpent hashira #thehashirasinarelationship

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wavy-arms · 1 year ago

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"You shouldn't ship them! They see each other as siblings!!"

I've seen people say this about Rengoku and Mitsuri again and again, very often as a way to shut down others who are having fun with the Renmitsu ship. Not only is it annoying to constantly run into this from people who don't really know what they're talking about, but it's also inaccurate and way oversimplifies their cute dynamic! Let's dig deeper.

For a moment, let's also just forget about the above panel where she is very obviously all 🥰 at him and, instead, let's go straight to the source: what the Pillars all think about each other in the official guidebook. Better yet, let's look at it in the original Japanese!

Now, I am still a student of Japanese. I am by no means fluent, so if I make any mistakes, please feel free to let me know! I'm always looking to learn something new.

First, from Rengoku:

才能が凄い！技の独創性も凄い！可愛い後輩！

Sainō ga sugoi! Waza no dokusō-sei mo sugoi! Kawaii kōhai!

In the first two sentences, he's praising her big time! "Her talent is amazing! The creativity/ingenuity of her technique is also amazing!" In the last sentence, he calls her a cute kōhai. If you're familiar with the term senpai, then kōhai is the alternative. It's just a term to refer to a junior coworker or classmate. Mitsuri joins the Demon Slayer Corps. after him, and he was her mentor before he became the Flame Hashira. (However, in the Rengoku gaiden, he tells her that they are no longer master & student, but instead equal peers. Overall, he clearly thinks she's very skilled and also cute.

Next, from Mitsuri:

かっこいいお兄様！一緒に修行して楽しかった。可愛がってもらった！

Kakkoii onii-sama! Issho ni shugyō shite tanoshikatta. Kawaigatte moratta!

The first sentence, translated literally, just says "Cool big brother!" Now, one thing that makes Japanese both fun and difficult is that speakers often rely on context and omit entire parts of the sentence that an English speaker would normally use. In this case, in English, you wouldn't just say "Cool big brother!" You might say something like "He's like a cool big brother to me" or "I view him as a cool big brother figure." In this case, we don't have that. What we do have, however, is cultural context! In Japanese culture, familial terms are often used as terms of endearment or respect with people close to the speaker or even politely with strangers. So it would be normal to call an older male "big brother" even if they weren't actually your brother. (Kind of similarly, if you're at all familiar with Korean culture, girls often call their own boyfriends 오빠 (obba), which means — you guessed it — "older brother.") Here, Mitsuri refers to Rengoku as onii-sama, and that last part is important! The -sama suffix is super polite and formal, and long story short, you wouldn't normally refer to someone in your own in-group (family, circle of friends, etc.) with such a formal, respectful title. It is, however, a term you might use to refer to someone else's brother. So there's a very good chance that she's not saying "he's my cool older brother" but instead "he's a cool older brother!" And he is! He's an amazing older brother to Senjurō, and Mitsuri knows this. [UPDATE: I've spoken with a couple people who know way more about the Japanese language than me and, apparently, in this context onii-sama literally just means "guy." 🤣 She's literally just saying "He's a cool guy!"]

[UPDATE #2: I've also recently learned that kakkoii doesn't really mean "cool," but is instead a compliment specifically to men that means something more like, "good-looking, handsome, or cool in a manly way." INTERESTING. 👀]

In the next sentence, she says, "It was fun training together!" Pretty straightforward. The last sentence is very, very interesting, because at a cursory translation, Google would tell you that it just straight-up means, "I was loved!" Sounds intense, but that's not really accurate. Let's break it down. Kawaigatte moratta! Kawaigatte, if I'm not mistaken, is an inflection of the transitive verb kawaigaru, which Jisho translates as "to be affectionate to; to treat tenderly; to dote on; to show one's love (for); to cherish." Other translations usually say something like, "He really doted on me." But essentially she’s saying, "He treated me with tenderness/affection" or, "He made me feel loved/cherished." 💖

So there you go! Not that a fan ship like Renmitsu even needs this kind of validation anyway, but it might be nice to have something you can keep in your back pocket for the next time someone is being annoying about it. There's enough here to show that they really have a lot of affection for each other. They're so adorable~!

(Side note: there are other examples of Mitsuri's attraction to him in the gaiden [pictured above] and in at least one of the light novels. I might write about that, too.)

#renmitsu #rengoku x mitsuri #demon slayer #rengoku kyojuro #kanroji mitsuri #rengoku x kanroji #kny #ship #rarepair #shipcourse #I just got so annoyed #I finally got annoyed enough to write about this #time well spent

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spacepillar-neo · 2 months ago

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I made these pics for TikTok but I'll just post them here too bc why not? I spent time making them.

Text version of Backstory under Read More, last 3 slides in reblog:

The Fujiwara family is descended from one of the first Hashira and later some practitioners in onmyōdō. They were reintroduced to the Corps after being rescued by them and devoting themselves to them.

They originally wanted to aid the Ubayashiki clan with divinations but their skills in that regard paled in comparison the Ubayashiki's foresight so they would not only perform warding rituals and make wisteria charms for the corps, but also have 1-2 members of their family become slayers. Her family's technique, Celestial Breathing, is an offshoot of Stone Breathing that pulls inspiration and aspects from Onmyōdō.

Shiho is the 3rd of four children with her mother would die after giving birth to her. Her oldest brother, Azama, was a Hashira in the Meiji period along with the likes of Shinjuro Rengoku, Sakonji Urokodaki, and Jigoro Kuwajima. He trained her with a sword, naginata and the family breathing techniques preparing her for the day she'd be a slayer after their 2nd brother showed no talent for being a slayer. For a time her brother was aloof and emotionally constipated due to the absence of their Slayer father and this would affect Shiho in some ways. For example: as a young girl Shiho seemed only interested in honing her skills with a blade, improving her warding spells. She seemingly took after her brother in aloof and awkwardness making it hard for her to make friends her age and relate to other girls. That was until Azama got married and his wife entered the picture and she was then introduced to many things young girls her age did. Essentially doing damage control at the right time in her life to stop her from becoming emotionally stunted like her brother. Allowing her the many experiences young girls have.

But despite this she still wanted the praise of her big brother who she looked up to, wanting to make him proud. When the time came she'd pass her Final Selection with flying colors but that week and her following missions became an eye opener for the young girl. Between her brother's warnings and seeing the work of demon's first hand, her motives as a slayer shifted from wanting to make her brother proud to genuinely wanting to help others and serve the corps. Eventually she'd become a sort of role model to other slayer, particularly what few female slayers were around.

Despite her brother still being a Hashira in the early stages of her career as a slayer, he would not make her his Tsuguko. In fact not long into her time as a slayer, their father would die while on a mission and a noticeable shift happened within her brother. He'd retire from the corps and tell Shiho that by a certain point she should too. A few years pass and Shiho gets paired with the newly appointed Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima, for a mission. The two work well and get the job done quickly but soon get paired together enough to become acquainted with one other. When she notices this Shiho attempts to reach out to her peer and is mostly met with friendly response but underlying unease from the man.

As their time together continued the two would get closer to each other and becoming friends. Bonding over things such as similar religious views and such. Shiho would develop a crush on her peer/coworker in their time together but attempt to push it aside as it seemed inappropriate. While Gyomei started to feel the same as well and push his feelings away for similar reasons but the added layer of not wanting to get close to another again and lose them.

Their romance is a sort of slow burn with Shiho experiencing new emotions, desires and sensations she'd never felt before. Thinking back to her brother's marriage and wanting that with Gyomei. While Gyomei eventually found himself opening up to her and Shiho and finding comfort in her. By this point, the two are aware that they have feelings for each other but are unsure how to go about it. Until one day Shiho decides she needs to confess so the two arrange a meeting one sunset and she officially confesses. Even if she's not expecting him to return them for reasons such as their occupation. But to her surprise, he sticks a pin in her hair and says he would mind trying to make things work between them.

So the two date for a few years before they get married in the 2-3 years before Tanjiro becomes a slayer. Azama however begins to nag the two about when they plan to retire and officially settle down. By this point, Shiho is ready for the two of them to retire, wants to be a housewife, and is ready for children but understands that Gyomei can't just do that. So she has her own conflictions and frustrations about their situation but never blames Gyomei for anything and just chalks it up to bad luck. To stop her brother from breathing down her neck, Shiho retires weeks before the Hashira Training Arc but will give assistance and tips to any slayers she spots having a hard time during Gyomei's training.

Shiho can be described as an earnest person. Hardworking and skilled as slayer, even motherly to some. Those just meeting her will say she resembles a fox, but those who know her will compare her to a cat. Which is true. When she cares for you she is very affectionate and somewhat doting. But came and will show hostility if your vibes seem off to her or if warranted. Gyomei, Genya, and her family are all too familiar with this.

MANGA SPOILERS

Tw: for self harm and suicide

After the events of Infinity Castle, Shiho hears of Gyomei's death via his crow moving directly to her. Excited upon first seeing him think Gyomei was on way home early but a wave of dread washed over her before approaching the crow.

In seconds that felt like hours of her approaching Zekka (Gyomei's Crow) when he finally uttered the words of Gyomei and Genya's passing Shiho immediately went for a kitchen knife and cut deep into her wrist before collapsing to the ground and passing out. Gyomei who made it feel as though he had given her life further meaning, and Genya who she loved as if he were her son were now gone.

Zekka would then alert the closest person to the Himejima estate of an injured person. When Shiho rew-awoken she was back home with her family and a doctor close by. Everyone worried for her but clearly seeing she was unwell and ready to give up on life once more until the doctor told her that she was to be expecting a child. Though still overtaken with sadness and grief, Shiho knew she couldn't end things here and had to carry and raise her to be twins. Though she wanted to do this with Gyomei she would make due in tell the children stories of him.

The twins would be boys named Genki and Yamato, being named after and pulling characters from Genya's name. I will get into them another time though.

Thank goodness I'm delusion and made an AU where that doesn’t happen. Lololol Thanks for reading! Hope you like Shiho and we can be friends.

#kny oc #kny #kimetsu no yaiba demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer oc #demon slayer ocs #demon slayer #demon slayer kimetsu no yaiba #oc #original character #shiho fujiwara himejima #shiho fujiwara #shiho himejima #my art #artists on tumblr #neo art #ref #kimetsu no yaiba oc

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silverynight · 8 months ago

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Alive!Tanjuro AU time!

…

The Corps couldn’t believe that this skinny frail looking man defeated the Demon King.

“Uh, I didn’t actually do anything and neither did that thing… That demon just screamed so loud and disintegrated away into ashes…”

“Seriously???”

“Yeah, he just shouted ‘Yoriichi?!’ and died from fear in front of my house.”

“Um ok…”

…

Tanjiro is legitimately confused that the Hashira and even most other lower ranking slayers are sending him loads of gifts compared to his father. His dad scared the Demon King into dying just because he looked eerily like Yoriichi, the founder of Breathing Styles who nearly killed Muzan!

The eldest son thinks that they’re doing this out of kindness for his family as a whole. But he accepts the pretty kimonos/haoris, hair ties/accessories, flowers and even exotic foods nonetheless. I bet the bedroom is becoming stuffed full of gifted boxes.

The Kamados will need to build an extra room, attic or basement lol.

…

Tanjurou’s lips is in a thin line and frowning a bit, not having his usual signature chill smile, “So you all want to date my eldest son?”

The Hashira are bowing and their heads are touching the ground despite shivering in nervousness, “Yessir!”

“Of course! We are serious about this!”

“Please give us a chance!”

…

Oh man, if Muzan died from his heart attacks, all demons will follow suit and die with him.

“What?! I’m disintegrating!!!”

“No no no! I don’t wanna die!”

“Aww shit We are all going to Hell…”

“Why did our boss still have that trauma of that man?”

Or maybe in a more merciful route they’ll convert back into their humanity (the ages they were transformed into) and age naturally. Though some of these demons turned humans will still commit crimes.

“I’m no longer powerful??”

“Huh? We are free from him?”

“I’m free? I’m free! I don’t have to be coworkers with a jerk like you anymore! Wooohooo!”

But maybe some of the less vile demons turned humans will find gratitude in whoever freed their curse and will genuinely redeem themselves.

Human Akaza/Hakuji ready to meet the person who finally defeated Muzan and therefore returned his humanity to him only to fall in love with his eldest son, Tanjirou.

The Pillars are having none of it.

#demon slayer #asks #ask silverynight

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rouxbea · 2 years ago

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Nothing but Love

Hashira!Tanjiro x Demon Slayer!Reader

2nd person POV, kinda canon, fem reader

(Sfw) (Part 1) (You’re Mitsuri’s sister)

Tw: injuries (not graphic)

Tanjiro was a menace. You, being Mitsuri’s little sister, followed her advice. “Find a man that is strong, who will love you, and who will protect you!” So, when she introduced you to the Hashiras, her coworkers, you obviously had those words floating in the back of your mind.

Each one was loads stronger than you, even though you were a demon slayer yourself. The women, the men, gosh. Beautiful, strong, and smart. There was almost no way to choose, you thought. At least two were out of the question— your sister and the man she loved. Iguro was sweet, and he warned you against a particular person he wasn’t too fond of. You nodded, but still introduced yourself to the one you were warned of.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Said the man, Tanjiro Kamado. His hand was much larger than yours, holding it tight as he shook it. “Mitsuri’s sister, hm? That makes sense! You and her share a certain beauty.”

“Thank you..!” You said softly, giving him a smile. Another man then crashed into him, yelling about one thing or another. Tanjiro calmed him, patting the man’s blonde hair. You had excused yourself from the conversation, waving goodbye to the men.

The next time you saw Tanjiro, it was under very different circumstances. He was in bed, a gash in his stomach and over his chest, claw marks along his arms. You had spent time at the Butterfly Mansion, returning when you had hurt your leg. You decided to stay and help out while you healed.

“Tanjiro?!” You exclaimed, eyes wide. He was already cleaned up, but you were instructed to change his bandages.

“Oh, (Y/n), hello.” He said, his voice quiet, the warm, kind look still on his face. He was putting up a front.

“How are you feeling? Do you need some pain killers?” You asked, gently pulling back the covers, undoing the bandage on his arm and taking it off. You made sure to be gentle, avoiding unnecessary pressure and irritants on the areas.

Tanjiro shook his head, wincing as you pulled the bandage completely off. “No, I’m fine, thank you. I had some earlier.”

You nodded, cleaning the wound and re bandaging him, whispering soft apologies for the pain. You repeated the area on his other arm before moving to his stomach. It looked bad. It must have hurt like hell.

“Eh, it wasn’t too bad.” Tanjiro said, looking away. You didn’t realize you’d said that last part out loud.

“I.. ah.. still. Thank you for harming yourself while protecting humans. You save so many people. You deserve better, for being such a good person.” You ran your hand over the skin above the new bandage, making sure nothing was pulling.

He hissed, sucking in a breath at the cold hand that traveled along his hot skin, begging his mind not to wander. He didn’t get genuine compliments like this all the time. He felt special. “Thank you,” he said, reaching up and cupping your jaw with his hand, running a thumb along your cheekbone. “You are sweet.”

Your eyes went wide and you blushed, blinking at him. You could hear your sister’s advice in your mind again, thinking how Tanjiro’s sweet, kind, smart, warm, loving, and strong.

“Ah.. I..” you mumbled, looking away.

Tanjiro hummed, smiling and chuckling a little. “Hey, why don’t you come back here after the sun goes down? I’d like to show you something.”

The request seemed a little odd, but you nodded nonetheless, agreeing to it. “Sure, I’ll.. I’ll see you then.”

Tanjiro beamed, waving goodbye as you left, butterflies in his stomach. He’d met many different kinds women in his life before. Civilians, demons, slayers, princesses, entertainment district workers… but you... You were different, somehow. The sparkle in your eyes, the warm, sweet smell radiating from your body… it was intoxicating to him.

////

That night, you pulled your haori around your pajamas, small silk shorts and a top. It was only a little chilly, but you didn’t mind. You felt so sneaky, walking to a man’s room so late at night for… something.

Once you knocked then opened the door, your eyes widened. You saw a little girl curled up on his bed, playing with his hands as she cooed, her legs kicking absently.

“Tanjiro..?” You weren’t sure what to say. Once you met his pretty wine colored eyes, you were put at ease.

“(Y/n)! Perfect timing.” He said with a smile, waving for you to come closer. So you did, tilting your head at the girl. “This is my sister, Nezuko.” He said, patting the girl’s head. “She got turned into a demon years ago, but she hasn’t killed anyone. My goal is to change her back to the lovely young woman she is.”

Tears welled up in your eyes at the sight of such a close bond, at how determined they were, at everything. You looked to Nezuko, who was looking up at you with bug eyes. You smiled, crouching down. Resting your arms on the bed, you reached out, patting her head. “It’s nice to meet you, Nezuko. I’m (Y/n). You’re a beautiful girl!” You told her with a smile, smiling up to her brother next. He had a warm expression on his face.

“Nezuko, can I braid your hair?” You asked excitedly. She nodded, remembering another woman. She was like you, but bigger. She played with her, loved on her, cared for her… she made the connection that you two were sisters.

You sat down on the floor, patting the space in front of you. She climbed down, settling with her back towards you. You looked to Tanjiro again before running your fingers through the girl’s hair. “I understand the odd request, now.” You told him, beginning to section off pieces of her hair.

“Yeah.. I didn’t want to scare you off. Plus, I felt that the two of you would hit it off right away.” He said with a chuckle, wincing from the movement. His hand flew to his stomach, but he gave you a smile, letting you know he was fine.

After a few minutes of humming and braiding, Nezuko’s hair was done, and she ran over to look at herself in the mirror. She cooed, running back over and tackling you in a hug. You laughed, hugging her back before she climbed back up in bed with her brother, showing him what you did.

“Beautiful!” He exclaimed, running his hand along it. “Misses (Y/n) certainly is wonderful, isn’t she?” Nezuko nodded, curling back up against her brother.

“Miss.” You corrected, looking away. “My sister is Misses. She and Iguro… yeah. I’m just miss.”

Tanjiro was quiet for a moment before nodding. “I’m sorry.. I assumed…” he shook his head, a smile on his lips as he turned away.

You spent more of the evening playing with Nezuko and talking to Tanjiro about this and that, enjoying each other’s presences. You told him about all your sisters, including Mitsuri, who he already knew fairly well. He told you about his other siblings, a sad smile on his face as he spoke. You reached your hand up, placing it over his to offer support.

Nezuko climbed in your lap, curling up like a kitten and starting to doze off, so you decided you’d lean against the bed. What’s the harm in resting your eyes for a moment? Tanjiro had begun to doze off, but you really didn’t want to disturb the girl. Just a bit…

A bird awoke you about five hours later, yelling about a demon inhabiting an abandoned house. “Shh!” You scolded, glancing over to Tanjiro, who was still asleep. Nezuko had moved to her box before the sun rose, while you stayed passed out.

When you stood up and stretched, your bones cracked, awaking the Hashira. “Where are you going?” He mumbled, not fully awake.

“A mission.” You replied, apologizing for waking him.

“No worries. Be safe. Come back to me, (Y/n).”

///

Those five words echoed in your mind as you traveled, as you camped out, as you fought, as you trekked back days later.

You arrived back at the Butterfly Mansion, going straight to Tanjiro’s room. But, to your surprise, it wasn’t him in bed. It was your sister and her husband, both giving you looks.

“So… wanna tell me what you’ve got going on with-“ Mitsuri started, only to get cut off by her husband.

“I told you to stay away from the Sun Hashira. You didn’t listen to me.” He glared at you, Kaburamaru flicking his tail.

“Oh shush! It’s better him than Inosuke…” she teased, nudging Iguro.

“Says you.” He griped, respecting Mitsuri’s wishes and laying off of you.

“Right!! Says me! Now… who are you looking for, sis?” She asked, giving you a shit eating grin.

“Tanjiro. He… asked me to come back to him.”

Mitsuri kicked her legs excitedly, shaking Obanai. “Did you hear that!?!!? My sister’s caught the eye of a Hashira!! I knew you could do it!!! I’m so happy for you!!!”

With pink cheeks, you quickly excused yourself, your sister calling out that Tanjiro had moved to a new room since he was doing better.

“Hey, are you awake?” You asked quietly, opening the door and seeing the familiar man in bed. “Oh! I see you are. You look like you’re feeling better,” you said, stepping in the room, closing the door behind you.

“You came back to me,” he said with a smile, patting and empty space on his bed, asking you to sit with him. You did, placing your hands in your lap as you looked to him. He was so radiant, so warm, so caring. “I was worried about you.”

“I’m perfectly okay,” you assured him, placing your hand on his knee, giving him a nod. “It wasn’t anything difficult, I assure you.”

Tanjiro hummed, nodding. “Maybe you’re just skilled. That’s why it felt easy. Do not sell yourself short.” He reached up, placing a hand on your hip. It was so warm against your cool skin and clothes. “I hear you continuously turn down a seat as a Hashira.”

You hummed, nodding. “It’s not for me. I wish to be able to retire easier. To be expendable.”

Tanjiro grew quiet, and you could practically hear him pouting. “Don’t say such things. You’re not expendable.”

You hummed, turning to look at him with a smile. “Touchy today, Tanjiro.” You teased. He pulled his hand back, mumbling apologies. “I didn’t say I disliked it.” You took his hand in yours, moving it back, but placing it on your thigh this time. “I love feeling your body heat.”

His cheeks darkened, his temperature going up. “Ah.. So.. you don’t mind if I flirt with you? If.. if I court you?”

You gave him a look, your cheeks turning pink, matching his. You shook your head, giving him a smile. “I’d quite like that, Tanjiro.”

Ever since then, life was brighter. You found yourself stumbling into situations with the Sun Hashira far more frequently, appreciating his gentle guiding touches, along with the flowers he’d pick for you.

He also found perfect ways to tease you. Whether it was commenting to Obanai about how you watched the sun ride together, or subtly bragging to Inosuke that he could be *gentle* with a lover, he always found ways to make you blush in public. Another time was when you two were getting onigiri before a mission. “Well isn’t she a good wife,” the lady commented, you picking out a table.

“The best wife!” Tanjiro had replied, loud enough for you to hear and for your cheeks to darken, yet again.

What really got you though was the soft compliments and praises he’d whisper into your hair as the two of you camped out, hunting for the next demon.

Whether it was rainy or sunny, whether he was with you or not…

You felt nothing but love.

#tanjiro x reader #demon slayer x reader #Hashira x reader #tanjiro x you #tanjiro x y/n #demon slayer x y/n

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2demon2slayer · 1 year ago

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What flavor of monster are the other Hashira in your monster AU? Do they know their coworkers are also monsters or are they all desperately trying to convince their coworkers that they're regular humans?

most of the hashira are either animal themed except, like, gyoumei, who's . something. quick guide:

shinobu is a bug lady, i'm not really basing her on anything specific, she's just kind of bug-ish

giyuu is a kitsune and i spent a weird amount of time making fake kitsune lore for this au, but to make a long fuckin story short, he wears a mask all the time

kyoujurou is a bird man guy. he might have phoenix powers or he might be a boring barn owl

tengen is a bat. get it. cause. cause he can echolocate. i don't have to explain myself

muichirou is a dragon because he's descended from a Really Cool Dude with Weird Powers. and that just screams dragon to me

mitsuri is a kitty cat! because she's a kitty cat, obviously.

sanemi is a wolf man because he's feral

gyoumei is . a guy with a third eye and four arms. and the only non-fluffy hashira

obanai is also a cat, because he gives off very cat-ish vibes. and so he matches mitsuri

and they do all know that they're monsters, primarily because

everyone in the demon slayer corps is a monster, actually! because demons can only be made from humans, and so it'd be pretty stupid to hire a human to kill demons

#kny #demon slayer #monster mash au #scribblings #queries #the reason that they're mostly animal themed is because this au was originally me making fursonas for the hashira #but then it spiraled out of control. and now it's an au

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epivanosilon · 2 months ago

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reading demon slayer: chapter 41 name breakdown

久しぶり～ i'm trying to write this before i have to leave for work, so please forgive any typos or mistakes. speaking of work, that coworker of mine who was maybe under investigation by admin was suspended last week. apparently instead of taking the suspension he just quit on the spot! so now we're even more short-staffed than before. lovely.

anyway, this chapter we are introduced to the lovely insect hashira! her name is

胡蝶しのぶ

read as こちょう・しのぶ. to be honest this isn't a very complicated name. 胡蝶 means butterfly. 蝶 (ちょう) and 蝶々 (ちょうちょう) also mean butterfly. i tried to look a little into why 胡蝶, 蝶, and 蝶々 all exist and mean the exact same thing, but it just seems like one of those cases where synonyms...happen. oh well.

しのぶ is hard to determine any meaning from, given that there are no kanji to analyze. there are a few possibilities, though. 忍ぶ means to conceal oneself or to endure. 偲ぶ is to recollect, reminisce, be nostalgic for or to imagine, guess, infer. and then there is the noun 忍 (usually just written in kana), which can refer to a plant called squirrel's foot fern, scientific name Davallia mariesii, or to a different type of fern, scientific name Lepisorus thunbergianus. both are native to asia.

given shinobu's profession as a demon slayer and personal history, i'd say that the first possible reading, 忍ぶ, is most fitting. but i think there's an argument to be made for the second possible reading too. she doesn't really have any floral motifs, though, so that rules out the plant-related meanings.

putting both names together we might then get something like hidden butterfly or enduring butterfly. however, i don't get the feeling that shinobu's name was meant to be taken as one semantic piece. i think it's better off being read separately, as butterfly and conceal.

and that brings us to the end of this name breakdown! i am going to be late for work, so i'll post this later when i get home. thanks for reading, and please look forward to the next posts! 読んでくれてありがとう！次の投稿を楽しみにしてください！

#reading demon slayer #rds: ch 041 #rds: name breakdown #日本語 #langblr #japanblr #jpnblr #鬼滅の刃 #i was indeed 5 minutes late for my work meeting but my boss was later bc he bought us food so #win for me lol

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kny-agere · 10 months ago

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Can I request Cg giyuu and Little obanai where obanai gets upset and ends up regressing and giyuu has to calm him down?

Sorry for this being kinda short!! Again I’m not very good at writing Iguro :p Don’t feel bad abt requesting him bc of that tho!! Hopefully I will get better and I hope people enjoy this still

★彡☆彡★彡

“Calm down. I’ve slayed the demon.” Giyuu is quick to comfort (or attempt to) his distraught comrade. His hand awkwardly pats Iguro’s back.

It’s not uncommon for any of his teammates to have a distressing reaction to such a fearsome creature. It’s not even uncommon for a hashira to react in such a way given the stressful circumstances. He isn’t familiar however with the way Iguro tucks his thumb into his mouth, stabbing through the bandages rather than removing them. The younger man is curled up into himself. He rocks back and forth, haori getting covered in dirt.

Tomioka tries to make sense of the situation. He isn’t very friendly with most of the other hashira, but the man isn’t heartless despite what his coworkers may think. For now he doesn’t disturb Obanai, taking a mere moment to observe. It’s not a very happy sight but he’s worried a careless action might make the situation worse.

The pupil in Iguro’s good eye is dilated. His unoccupied hand is being used to tug at the striped haori he wears. It’s as if he’s trying to tuck himself into the smallest ball possible. Most of his face is hidden. The half that isn’t covered by his bandages is masked by messy hair. Kaburamaru sits in his usual place around his owner’s neck. A tiny forked tongue flickers out to dip into the tears that spill over Iguro’s cheeks.

Once he can’t find any bruises or cuts on the outside of his companion’s body Giyuu kneels down next to him. When he waves his hand in front of Obanai’s face the boy’s teal eye focuses on the movement. His golden right eye moves too, but it’s slow and remains unfocused.

“I’m going to pick you up.” He hopes the warning will stop both the boy and his snake from struggling in any way. (Come to think of it Giyuu isn’t sure if the reptile is venomous, or even aggressive in the first place.)

Obanai is light, shockingly so. There’s still a hint of muscle on his thin arms but not as much as he expected. Even Muichiro might be bulkier. Tomioka isn’t a doctor though so he doesn’t know what to make of the discovery. For now he’s just glad that he won’t have to carry too much weight (Giyuu remembers having to drag a drunken Uzui back to his room, that was much more difficult). There shouldn’t be any other demons in the area but finding a place for the night would be best.

While the hashira waits for his crow to return with directions he paces in circles. The movement seems calming to Iguro. What were loud sobs have since tapered off into quiet hiccups.

Tomioka doesn’t offer any words. He’s not quite sure what to say and any interruption would likely just put his companion in a worse state. His hands aren’t very clever either but they pat Iguro’s back gently. It’s an action he’s seen Shinobu do when she comes across an injured or mourning slayer.

By the time Kanzaburo returns with directions Iguro is asleep and drooling on his shoulder. Tomioka doesn’t fancy getting scolded by Iguro so he’s happy to continue carrying the man around. Oddly enough the weight in his arms is even comforting.

#age regression #sfw agere #age regressor #fandom agere #demon slayer #kny #cglre #agere requests #little!iguro #cg!tomioka #tomioka giyuu #obanai iguro #kny iguro #kimetsu no yaiba

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bemuseing · 2 years ago

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How does Rengoku feel about his co-workers? What are they like?

The entirety of the Demon Slayer Corps is his coworkers, which is quite a few people. In general, Rengoku tends to have a positive opinion of others, even those that might seem disagreeable. He is fond of, and values, all who work for the common goal of protecting people from demons. He respects everyone in the Corps, from the strongest members to the ones who seem not to achieve much on their own, because they're all working hard at a dangerous and important job - they all contribute what they can.

Rengoku is very good at seeing the good in other people and focusing on that. Because he's very outgoing and cheerful and doesn't get easily offended or put off by others, he can get along well with most people (as long as they don't mind his own little oddities).

To give a more specific answer it would be easier to focus on his fellow Hashira, though. There's a section in the fanbook for that...

The other Hashira all regard him in a positive light, too.

As for what the other Hashira are like? Very individual. There are some abrasive and/or standoffish personalities (Sanemi, Iguro), friendly and open personalities (Mitsuri and Rengoku himself), quiet Giyuu who doesn't talk much... most of them carry a lot of emotional baggage and have their fair share of eccentricities. They don't all get along with or like each other. But they do share a strong dedication to the Corps leader and to their cause.

#messages. | inbox.#freeddead #hcs & meta. | rengoku.#thanks for sending these; sorry the answers have been coming so slow

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chirirenge · 2 years ago

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𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘. douma's birth and childhood is the same as in canon, but brought into taisho era. shortly after his mother murdered his father and committed suicide, young douma encounters KAGAYA, whose earnest compassion and spurning of human vices led douma to believe he was truly enlightened. craving that enlightenment for himself, the previously cynical cult leader embarked on a long journey to become a bhikkhu, or buddhist monk ; he would complete his twelve years of isolation on mount hiei, training and abstaining and gaining his robes, only for his temple to be ransacked by a demon, forcing douma to break his vow of non-violence to save his elders. this, of course, cost him his place in the temple.

bitter, jaded, and still seeking answers, douma turns to his longtime friend kagaya, who offers him a place in the demon slayer corps. he continues to live his life according to the vinaya precepts he learned as a monk, though he seems to have found enlightenment through violence, albeit only against demons or pesky slayers who are too big for their britches.

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀. unlike canon douma, hashira douma is reverent, tranquil, and serious. he continues to lead his life as a monk would, abstaining from physical pleasures and intoxicants ; he is also a strict vegetarian, and is gentle and charitable towards all living things ( barring demons and slayers that get on his nerves ). he gets along well with his comrades and is considered one of the easier hashira to work alongside. when not training or listening to his coworkers' woes, he can be found in a near-constant state of meditation in an effort to attain full enlightenment : disturb him at your own risk.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐘��𝐄. douma employs FROST BREATHING, a well-balanced style derived from water breathing and influenced by wind breathing. equally offensive and defensive, with attack speeds varying from blistering to creeping, frost breathing requires keen intuition, concentration, patience, and flexibility ; douma has tried teaching this style many times, but none of his students have obtained the degree of focus needed to master it. it currently has eight forms, representing the eightfold path, but douma is always refining them and is working on developing a ninth.

𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒. as in canon, douma is a master of tessenjutsu, this time using two moderately large NICHIRIN FANS. these fans are quite heavy and unwieldy to those who aren't familiar with tessenjutsu, and are intricately patterned with lotuses just like douma's canon fans. frost breathing colors weapons uranian blue, a steely blue-green referencing both forms that created it.

𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒.

• douma is referred to as the FROST PILLAR or more commonly the PARADISE HASHIRA or NIRVANA HASHIRA, due to the corps-wide rumor that he has achieved enlightenment. douma will argue that enlightenment is a lifelong process, not something that can be obtained at any one point, but he allows his comrades to address him as they see fit.

• kagaya and the other slayers continue to refer to douma as a monk ( and treat him as such ) despite the breaking of his vows. he is often approached for wisdom and advice, and he is seen as one of the more welcoming hashira.

• douma is open to taking students who request his tutelage, but will only choose a true tsuguko upon recognizing a slayer's potential for himself. frost breathing is a finicky breathing style that is best learned by slayers who have ascended past their trauma.

• douma wears the black and purple robes he wears in canon, albeit around a traditional demon slayer uniform. the black crown is notably absent, a representation of the loss of his monkhood.

#« paradise in frost. — 𝐕𝟎𝟎𝟐 ( 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘢 ). »#« doing something unholy. — 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭. »

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myristicisms · 2 years ago

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starter for @goresugars | kotarou yoiite

How strange an experience it truly was whenever the Hashira ranks expanded, it seldom came as a surprise when they decreased; Such was the life of a demon slayer, a pillar even and yet the initial excitement, giddiness even of having yet another join the pillars filled Kyojuro's heart with a sense of pride.

It had also been in part due to the new pillar already being acquainted enough with the flamesman, enough so that he'd be able to at least claim the shorter man as a friend rather than a stranger or heaven forbid a tolerated coworker. Though that seldom was a worry that ever came to fruition, every slayer being some sort of friendly towards the current flame pillar.

It was because of this new addition in fact that Kyojuro had received a letter from another companion, kaname squawking about how he should bring lunch to Yoiite san, and thus the man of flames set off with two bentos in hand, happily embarking on his journey to the ice pillar's estate, cozy as it was it was certainly something he'd come to envy, the size being more homely, warm even if he'd truly had to describe it. He hardly allows himself to dwell much though, instead focusing on gently knocking his fist against the shoji, precariously balancing both boxes in his other hand whilst patiently awaiting his friend.

#muse;; kyojuro rengoku #closed starter #goresugars | yoiite #interaction continued?#//sorry for it being so short!!! i always struggle when first starting new threads!!

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artsycervidae · 6 months ago

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If your Demon Slayer Corp members were to encounter the Hashira that appear in the anime/manga, how to you think they would interact? Are there any that you can see becoming good friends or those that would have animosity with one another?

Rubs my hands together because ooooh boy I think about this sometimes. I'm gonna focus on the main four Slayers. If you have questions about more minor characters (like the Rengoku squad or Yuri) then please let me know!

Hinata is easily disliked by everyone: it's very rare that anyone likes them LOL. Not even their impressive knowledge and talent could save their reputation, and Hinata's desecration of dead bodies alone can't be forgiven just because they're a fellow demon hunter. If anyone has tolerance for Hinata's shallow-seeming personality, they'll definitely be put off by the abundant abandonment issues and constant preoccupation with demonology. Hinata would have a soft spot for Kyojuro, out of dutiful attachment, and might be drawn to Mitsuri because of their similar interests in flexible weaponry (her sword and their net/whip/prosthetic.) They would probably like to approach Shinobu one day, demonologist to pharmacist, but Shinobu would be especially cold toward them, given Hinata's habit of humanizing demons. (The only positive thing anyone has to say about Hinata is Tengen admitting that at least they get flashy and dramatic with it.)

Junko, meanwhile, would be the most popular-- though her fondness for Hinata would make her coworkers impatient and annoyed with her. She would probably have natural friction with Sanemi or Obenai, because they like to stir shit wherever possible (and we love them for it). I think Shinobu would be suspicious of Junko for keeping Hinata close at hand, as useful as they can be. But Junko is competent and powerful, and tends to keep Hinata from misbehaving, so I think the majority of them would have to at least respect her skill.

Nobutoshi, meanwhile, is OBSESSED with the political game. He would play nice no matter with who, and would keep his personal feelings about everyone far at hand when it comes to getting what he wants. I think he would probably give off Giyu-esque vibes, though, so he would be less popular than he would like. He would probably get along best with Obanai though, surprisingly-- they're of similar, suspicious minds, but Obanai has the gall to voice it. Nobutoshi would most likely back him up the most. He would also have MUCH respect and loyalty for Muichiro, who is of valuable descent and clearly mastered Mist Breathing to its fine details.

Tetsuya, meanwhile, respects authority figures across the board. He would probably have the most animosity towards Sanemi for his brutality and casual callousness, and he would be VERY jealous of Muichiro and compares himself to the other kid CONSTANTLY. I think he would love to get anyone's approval, and frequently receives validation from Mitsuri, Kyojuro, and Tengen.

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cloudstarcats · 2 years ago

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Quietly Burning

Fandom: KNY (Demon Slayer) ao3 link Summary: Rengoku loves his brother

There is no doubt that being a demon slayer is a hard job. No one has ever claimed it to be easy, with all the bloodshed and death involved in the act of protecting innocent lives. Many of the Corps ranks suffered from scars and life-long injuries, lost family members and broken relationships. Some dream of death, while others can not dream at all, fear keeping their eyes open in the dark nights. Some lost their ability to love, some lost their ability to mourn.

Yet Rengoku Kyojuro seemed to be an exception to this fact.

It was strange, as the Flame Hashira held the highest rank, and as such must have seen his fair share of bloodshed, yet he never stopped smiling. Despite how many demons he must have slain, and all the civilians slain before he could reach them, that familiar light seemed to glow brightly in his eyes.

His student, Kanroji Mitsuri, was also an exception, though many could chalk it up to her delightful optimism and unwavering adoration for her fellow slayers that kept her so bright and happy. She was almost seen as naive, if not for the devastating blows her blade could rain upon her enemies.

Rengoku Kyoguro was loud. He was bright, he spoke at a high volume and never seemed to stop smiling unless in the midst of battle, and even then his smile returned full force once his foe had been turned to ash by his red blade. He ate with enthusiasm, he laughed loudly and his presence seemed to both draw attention and fill a room with a sense of energy and brightness.

But there was something wrong with it all.

They’re little things, small moments that linger in the back of minds show a harsh truth behind the familiar smiling facade.

Uzui notices it after a mission together, when the townspeople start thanking them for ridding them of the spirit that had terrorized their village. A demon stealing young children, only now the children were safe in their families arms.

“Oh thank you, thank you so much-” an older lady with graying hair in a dark pink kimono grasped Kyojuro’s arm, smiling up at him. “Thank you for saving my darling Yuki…”

Kyojuro blinked, smile frozen a moment before his face split into a grin and his hand came to rest on the woman’s shoulder. “Of course, I was simply doing what was right,” he grinned.

Uzui blinked, tilting his head. He smiled at a few people, yet even as they too thanked him for his assistance, he couldn’t help but hear Rengoku’s kind, yet offputting words.

“I was only doing what was right!”

“Of course, that’s my job!”

“It was no trouble!”

Uzui brushed it off. Kyojuro had never been very self-congratulatory. Even with their master.

Shinobu patches up every Hashira after a difficult mission. She keeps detailed notes on injuries, past and present, and her knowledge of her coworkers' health is so detailed one may think she is all knowing.

Yet she didn’t recall bandaging Kyojuro’s hands after his last mission, nor applying any sort of gauze to his face.

But here he was, after returning from a small break with his family, hands wrapped in thin bandages with practiced ease and gauze taped to his forehead, covering what she assumed was a small cut near his hairline.

“Rengoku-san,” she smiled, peering not-at-all discreetly at his hands, “are you alright?”

The older slayer grinned. “Ah yes, I am perfectly fine Kocho, thank you for your concern!” he chirped.

She nodded, raising a brow. “I see… well, if you ever need assistance, I am always available,” she said calmly, though she noted the incident in her head.

“Of course!” Kyojuro grinned, nodding his head.

Shinaguzawa invites them out for a celebratory drink after a successful mission. Another lower moon slayed, much to their relief.

They head to a small bar nearby the butterfly mansion, their group missing some members but still just as lively. Sanemi insisted on paying, so they started with a round of sake.

Sanemi tips his back faster than any of them, slamming the cup down on the bar with a grin. “Slowpoke,” he teased at Tengen, who was only a second behind him.

Tengen rolled his eyes, grinning. “That a challenge?”

“Maybe it is,” Sanemi snarked, narrowing his eyes in a familiar, daring, manner.

Mitsuri laughed softly across from them, finishing her drink and watching the two with wide eyes. Beside her, Kyojuro grinned in anticipation of the coming challenge.

An hour later and Sanemi was losing to a very drunk Uzui, who insisted on gloating by ordering another round of sake for the group. As Sanemi downed his, the drink burning his throat, he caught Kyojuro sliding his cup away.

“Oi, Rengoku, not joining?” he asked, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.

Kyojuro grinned, though it looked off even to Sanemi’s alcohol-ridden mind. “Ah, no, someone has to be the responsible one here, no?” he asked, raising a brow.

Sanemi huffed, rolling his eyes. “We don’t need a babysitter-” he huffed, cheeks growing warmer.

Mitsuri giggled behind her hand while Kyojuro laughed loudly, and next to him, Uzui was clearly flirting with some poor woman and being all too loud. Sanemi pursued his lips and groaned, reaching over to drink Rengoku’s sake.

“...okay maybe we need a babysitter-”

Obanai had lived with the Rengoku’s since he was around 14, leaving when he passed final selection with Rengoku. Two years inside that home, one so different from his own in almost all ways. It was warm, there. He was allowed whatever he wished to eat, given care that he hadn’t experienced before, freedom he never knew in the cage he once called his home.

And he remembered Senjuro. Kyojuro’s younger brother, six years between the two brothers, if his memory was to be believed. The same fiery hair, yet a much softer voice. He was young, nervous to meet a stranger yet very welcoming and kind to Iguro, despite the other’s scars.

So it was a nice surprise to meet the young boy, now teen, once more after seven years. It would be strange to see the 15 year old- the last time Iguro had seen Senjuro he was only six.

It wasn’t exactly a planned meeting, having Kyojuro send a letter to them all explaining that he would be bringing his younger brother to their meeting as part of his plan to take Senjuro to the Butterfly mansion. Yet there was little in ways of complaining, Kyojuro was a well liked member of their group, and most knew his brother just due to the sheer amount of times the elder would happily boast about the younger given the opportunity.

So imagine their excitement to see Kyojuro standing in the sunlight in the garden of the Ubuyashiki estate, a younger miniature version of him standing next to him, almost over a head shorter than their resident flame hashira. There is no mistaking the boy for anything but a Rengoku, with that fiery hair and those sharp eyelashes - Mitsuri was never jealous but she did love to ramble on about how pretty Kyojuro was-

But it is strange. Iguro notices it right away, as the others flock to Kyojuro and start talking animatedly to him. His eyes narrow and he watches, watches as Senjuro smiles shyly and waves a hand, but the one still by his side unconsciously reaches for Kyojuro. How his large eyes dart to everyone as they speak, smile shaky and brows creased with nerves.

Senjuro is quiet. He speaks, yes, but his voice is softer and smaller than his older brother. He shakes his head when asked if he’s gotten his nichiren blade yet, and Kyojuro pats his shoulder gently as if exchanging information only they know. Only Mitsuri, it seems, is also aware of this. She smiles gently at Senjuro, and he grins back. She’s closer than the rest of them, and Iguro’s heart squeezes a little when he notices how sisterly she’s being to the young boy.

Eventually Tengen gets tired of asking a thousand questions, and Shinobu has started to reprimand Sanemi for another new scar, so the crowd around Senjuro is dying out. Iguro slips from his spot in the tree and walks over, smiling under his bandages.

Kyojuro grins when he sees him, and takes Senjuro’s shoulder gently. “Senjuro! This is Iguro-san, he stayed with us when you were younger!”

Iguro nodded, watching Senjuro think. “Indeed… it is good to see you again, Senjuro.”

Senjuro smiled shyly and nodded. “Yes… I um.. I remember you- I mean, I remember your snake- uh- Kama.. Kamb-” “Kaburamaru.” “Yes- Kaburamaru… It’s nice to see you again…” Senjuro mumbled, looking down a little after speaking.

Iguro nodded. “Yes, he is quite close to me,” he said slowly. He was… admittedly out of his depth when it came to children… but seeing Senjuro was nice. The boy was a reminder of a time when his life became… better.

Kyojuro loved his little brother. He wanted nothing but Senjuro’s happiness… even if it meant taking him from their family home for a month or so.

He had little choice. There weren’t many ways to protect his little brother from their father’s alcohol induced rages other than to be there in person to divert attention, and he couldn’t be there every moment. And with a very difficult mission coming upon him, and the anniversary of their mother’s death.. Senjuro was safer at the Butterfly Mansion, with Aoi and Sumi and Kiyo and Naho.

It was better.

But that didn’t mean he left his father to suffer alone. The older man would sleep on the floor, resist showers and proper meals, he’d suffer more alone. Senjuro usually bore the weight of caring for their father, with Kyojuro assisting when he could… but not this time.

Senjuro was becoming a young man. He needed friends, and care, and love from others that he didn’t get at home. And Kyojuro refused to allow his little brother to suffer any more during a time when he too should be allowed to grieve.

And that is how Kyojuro ended up at his family estate, attempting to calm his raging father who was angrily shouting obscenities to his face.

Kyojuro said the words didn’t hurt anymore. But they did.

They hurt almost as much as the sting of ceramic cutting into his skin when his father smashed the bottle over his head in an attempt to get him away. It stung like the alcohol that touched fresh and bleeding cuts. It lasted longer than the bruises from large hands that tried to hit him away, and sharp elbows that went into his ribs and made him wince.

It hurt more than the aftermath, his father fell asleep in bed while Kyojuro sat next to a small lantern and carefully cleaned up the wounds to his face, hands, and chest. The medical kit was always stocked in their house. Always in use.

He sits against the wall, outside of the house. Inside smells faintly of sake, and it makes the flame hashira want to throw up. The air outside is fresh and clear, and cold. It makes Kyojuro shiver slightly, but that’s fine. The chill clears his mind.

At least he hopes it does.

He doesn’t know how long he sits there, but when he looks up, the sun is rising. He swallows, his mouth tastes like iron and he knows he should get up to make his father something to eat before he leaves, but there is a tiredness in his bones.

He isn’t sure if he fears the man inside. He knows he loves him, even though his father hasn’t said anything in the past seven years of his life to prove he felt the same. Kypjuro knows that isn’t something he should be comfortable with, but he is.

It isn’t comfort. It’s numbness.

The difference is stark yet he doesn’t quite see it.

So he gets up, body creaking, and shuffles inside to begin making breakfast. The food is simple, there’s plenty of rice in the house, and while he waits he cleans up the spilled alcohol that makes the house feel so dizzying to be in. He knows the scent will take a while to get out of his clothes, and is glad he refrained from his usual uniform when visiting. It sits in a bag he’s hidden outside in the area where he was trained as a boy, safe from the scent of sake and the memories carried within.

By the time he leaves, his father is still not yet awake. He won’t have to visit again for a couple of days, which is good because he knows that being in that house on the night of his mother’s death will only end badly for both of them. It pains him to not be there, but it is for the best. If he does stay, he will only make his father angrier, and Kyojuro doesn’t want that.

He returns to the butterfly mansion that afternoon. The usual smile on his face is missing, but by entering in the back he avoids the notice of anyone who might care. At least he hopes.

Senjuro is not easily fooled however. Kyojuro isn’t sure how, but his little brother always knows when he is near, and that’s why Kyojuro finds a tired looking brother waiting for him by the engwa.

Senjuro never looked good, frowning. He frowns too often for Kyojuro’s liking, eyes familiar to the sight of creased brows and eyes that shine with worry. Senjuro is too old for his age and it shows in the way he sets the broom he’d been using aside and reaches for his brother to check the bandages on his face.

“He hit you.” It isn’t a question.

Kyojuro sighs and sits on the engwa, Senjuro following suit. There is silence for a moment.

“You don’t have to do this for me,” whispers his little brother. “He’s hurting you.”

Kyojuro holds back a scoff. He will never dismiss his brother. “I can handle that,�� he says instead, giving Senjuro a faint smile.

Senjuro shakes his head. “But-”

“Please.” It’s desperate and unplanned, and Kyojuro swallows thickly, suddenly overcome with emotion. There is so much to say, but none of it is right.

Senjuro moves closer and after a moment of hesitation, wraps his arms around Kyojuro. The elder obliges, strong arms wrapping around his younger brother’s body and pulling him close. Safe and secure.

Kyojuro loves his brother. He will do anything to protect him. Even if it means getting hurt.

#kyojuro angst #rengoku kyojuro #rengoku senjurou #my fanfic ig #kny #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #hurt comfort #angst #i do love kyojuro #rengoku shinjuro #rengoku my beloved #kny fanfic

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