#marble eyes shed no tears ; giyuu tomioka .

[distrxst]

akaza vc [bites giyuu] [bites giyuu] [bites giyuu] [b

" we need to invest in getting you a chewtoy . "

[distrxst]

he should be embarrassed , ashamed . this behavior is pitiable , a shame on his title , a shame on his job . huffing and damn near whining like a starved animal , a puddle in akaza's hands . it's not something he'll want to look back on , being so pathetic , but he hadn't any other way . usually he could jest and prod back , tease and sass - when they had equal footing . but when it was like this , when akaza treated him like a puppet who's strings needed untangled - giyuu was at the mercy of the most cutthroat man he knew , mercy offered - but only if he managed to say those magic words .

words never work in his favor - whether they stress or agitate , he's better with his actions . his body is a better indicator than his tone , easy to read if you knew where to look . so it's a surprise when that low , needy whisper gets him something good . when those hands pull him in and let him get his reward . words did good by him for once , and his prize is suddenly much more important than his pride .

lips press against his and giyuu knows he is in heaven , a puppet , a pawn in god's hands but it's okay because he's still in heaven . his expression grows no less pathetic ; he's a worn stray cat ,, finally allowed something for himself after being starved . lips press against hers with reverence , and when akaza pulls back to apologize ( sorry ? the best sorry offered right now was the warmth brought on by this forceful silence , the only noise being that of the occasional escaped pant or hurried intake of air ) giyuu struggles to keep from diving right back in . the water pillar isn't swimming against the current . he is more than happy to drown .

" please . " the word is drawn out much more easily this time , now that he knows what it gets him . what is he asking for now ? he doesn't know . please kiss me more . please suffocate me . please never make me do that again . he doesn't know , all he knows is that he wants and needs to an embarrassing level . arms reach up past akaza's shoulders , wrapping around his neck and pulling his close , snug . close enough to where there's no room for teasing . close enough to drown himself .

when he finally has to pull away , to stop when the oxygen gets far too low and he knows better , he has to pull himself out of the water and drag himself away to the shore . his breathing is heavy , huffy , so unlike him normally - so different from the man he should be . he settles for resting his chin against the demons shoulder - content not to be looked at . there is a hint of shame in it , in acting like this . but he'll bury that for now , stay content in finally getting what he wanted . finally rewarded .

" that was awful . " lighthearted , quiet against her skin . lips pursed in soft pecks , trailing . " please don't expect me to do that again . i might not be able to pull away next time . "

he could be content in the crook of giyuu's neck forever, truly. finding bits of skin to place kisses on while he awaits giyuu's words. giyuu says his name like something holy -- a plea, begging for a small bit of mercy (bad idea, akaza rarely gives mercy.) he was too cute, genuinely. too adorable, too easy too mess with at times. the hand in giyuu's hair shifts to the back of his neck, pressing him closer. the mouth on his neck nips at skin, can't be helped (irresistible.)

he only pauses when something like a cry leaves giyuu's throat -- and head moves to make sure he hadn't gone too far. giyuu was a strong man, stronger than akaza at times, but akaza pushes too much. akaza digs into skin to reopen wounds, and emotional wounds are the same. simply there to be torn open, to ravage, and watch as the person lost control. but giyuu? he wanted to treat him like gold, even if he tore into him. golden eyes stare at his face, a face softening in sympathy. (so pitiful, so sad.)

then, giyuu speaks what akaza considered the unspeakable. eyes widen, before softening once more. hands return to giyuu's face, holding him like something precious. instead of keeping him held back, he guides him to where he belongs. lips press to his, and a sigh leaves akaza's lips as it just feels right. " i'm sorry, " he mumbles in between kiss. " was i too mean? i'm sorry. "

his hands move to pull giyuu closer, an unending barrage of kisses to make up for the neglect (oh how he loves his spoiled little thing.) a purr in his throat as giyuu can finally take, take, take. and akaza gives him so much -- to make up for being oh so mean.

[kimetsu-no-yaiba-writings]

For your yandere event could you maybe pick quotes you'd think fit yandere's Muzan Kibutsuji, Rengoku Kyojuro and Giyuu Tomioka in a Royalty AU - Maybe with little headcannon thingys too? 人´∀｀)

I am looking ⊙︿⊙ I am looking Anon with great interest~

An Interesting choice for characters and for AU! But it’s a welcome one, you’ve picked some interesting characters and an AU I haven’t written anything for yet - I’ve really, really wanted to write something for a Royalty AU

Also how did you do the cute expression?? 

It’s adorable!

Thank you for requesting! I hope I’ve written it well and that you enjoy ^O^ 

Muzan Kibutsuji – Emperor

A song that fits him as a Yandere - and as an Emperor/King - is the song “Hey, Little songbird” from Hades town cause of the power it oozes and I just think it fits him, I can’t really put it into words excatly why it does but it just does...

Quotes - Things he’s said or thought:

“How Cute”

“In time, you’ll learn to love me in the way I love you”

“I’ll make them suffer for you…”

“I can’t stand seeing you cry... who made you shed such woeful tears? I’ll punish them...”

“I adore you”

Headcannons:

With a reputation for being cold-hearted and Ruthless - something that all Kibutsuji men seem to have in common as Emperor - with a scything tongue of sharp wit,  it wasn’t surprising that none of Muzan’s wives lived for long

In fact, it was expected for them to be sent away or ever heard again because of their unfortunate passing 

But with you? His advisor, coming from a commoner background, raising yourself up through the ranks with your intelligence, he treat with a warm respect 

Smiles - something that usually didn’t cross the marble carved beauty of his face - were so common to see when you were there

A twinkle of something so deep in his eyes 

Where Emperor Muzan went his trusted followed

You received the same treatment as him - the same food and drink - afterall, you were a very important extension of himself 

Many peopled had assumed, had whispered in hushed tones about the potential of the secrets of your relationship with the Emperor - they were never spoken in front or around either or you but words had a way of slithering back to Muzan 

For a brief while they amused him

Until he actually started thinking about it seriously - you’d make such a good couple, powerful and unstoppable

Muzan was many things, patient being one of them, he’d wait, continuing to build up the already stable and friendly relationship he had with you

You’d love him romantically soon

Rengoku Kyojuro – Prince

Quotes - Things he’s said or thought:

“I never wanted you to see how much my love for you corrupted me”

“My love for you burns so brightly that not even a star compares to it”

“Your beauty....It’s something that’s only seen in paintings... How? How can you be so breath-taking?”

“You! It’s always been you!”

Headcannons:

Loved by all, the eldest prince Rengoku Kyojuro could have anybody he wanted - well..within reason of course..

And, for a time, there was somebody - A flower girl of great beauty - someone who held his love and attention raptly 

An arranged marriage was what your relationship started off as - Stiff and unnerving, almost cold 

Childhood friends put together into a marriage unwanted - your heart almost broke when Kyojuro says he had friend called (Y/N) in such a cold way - tears pricking your waterline when he sprouts cold words under hushed breathes, a happy façade for the public 

Kyojuro ignores you for the first two months of living together, only speaking directly to you in short bursts and only when needed 

It takes time, so much time, for both of you to reach a state of friendship

Time that heals the hurt but freezes your heart to love 

Kyojuro remembers in bursts, in dreams and in the small things you do - your perfume, the habit you have of biting your nails when anxious etc - who you are to him

He remembers the love he had for you then and slowly that love comes back...

Kyojuro’s love always starts of as mellow and slow, it builds until it becomes obsessive - until he’s a yandere

But by that time he even thinks of you in a romantic sense, you’ve already resigned yourself to a marriage that’s unromantic and unloved

He’ll make it up to you though, in whatever way possible

You’ll love him again like you had done before, right?

Giyuu Tomioka – King

Quotes - Things He’s said or Thought:

“I’m obsessed with you, why can’t you see that?”

“Love me, love only me, you can do that… right?”

“My heart only beats for you”

“I can’t take it anymore, if I can’t have you, then everybody has to suffer until I get you back...”

Heacannons:

As a painter you were used to not settling down for more then a couple of months before getting requested + commissioned to paint somebody rich again - you were very skilled

You didn’t think about it too much when a person of higher standing called upon you for your skill

Didn’t think too much of the potential danger or obsession

The deep melancholic gaze of King Tomioka - that held such a swirling darkness to them - was one that frequented your canvases and sketchbooks 

Such eyes that held such a dark depth to them..

He was one of your frequent clients

Chat was always civil and polite, he treat you with a polite gentleness 

Spoke words in quiet tones of calmness - he always put you at ease..

You were treat like royalty when you were painting for Giyuu

Giyuu had fallen for your skill before falling in love with you as a person - enraptured by the skilled warm strokes of your brush 

Your paintings - portraits of him and other pieces (like scenes of battle or serene waves of the sea etc) littered the palace walls 

You were his favorite artist

Because a king spoke so highly of you, it meant people commissioned you more, making you more tired as you tried to juggle so many orders but it made you happy - and stressed but that was besides the point.. - so Giyuu couldn’t really do anything about it

Your friendship developed more with Giyuu 

Of course, Giyuu only wants the best for you, only wants to see you strive, so he doesn’t think twice about offer his palace for you to stay in and when you take him up on his offer his heart skips a beat

What a perfect time to continue developing that budding relationship between the two of you..

Giyuu will have to pullout all the stops to catch your love, won’t he?

[distrxst]

“You don’t have to apologize for taking up space.” (From Kyo!!! To you know who!!!)

it's a kind sentiment , the flame pillar is much too kind . friendly . a friend . he'll acknowledge the term , allow himself another friend ( another risk ; how long has it been ? ) but it's hard to accept the statement . no matter how well intentioned , it feels false . wrong . whatever the other pillar sees ( he sees the best in everyone - giyuu's best is an awful lie ) , whatever it is must be misleading .

" you don't get it . "

it isn't condescending,, rude as his tone usually is . more so defeated than anything . giyuu neglects the others gaze , he'd rather not see disappointment make it's way across boisterously resilient features ,, rather not face his own consequence . blue eyes lock onto his own calloused hands , thumb brushing across knuckles to keep his stare occupied .

" this is a space that shouldn't have been mine . i appreciate your kindness , but it is misplaced . " a sigh escapes him , drawn out , brows knitting as he finally makes himself look at kyojuro .

" there was someone better suited for this space . someone dead because of me . it's that simple . "

[distrxst]

" say please. " akaza is holding giyuu's face gently, but his voice is teasing, a smirk on his face that is anything but nice. " be polite, say please. " / ew

all he has to do is say please .

it's that simple ! all he has to do is let that singular word slip free from his mouth and he'll get to have lips on his , a personal taste of heaven . but it's not that easy , not for giyuu . he's bad at asking , elaborating - and akaza's trying to make him plead . cocky . that shit eating grin says it all . he's intent on making giyuu suffer .

giyuu leans back on his knees before the other sitting man - he'd like to lean forward , like to ask with silence , like to kiss akaza like his life depends on it . but that's where the hands come in . hands that punch and poke and prod and claw , holding giyuu's face like he's a treasure to be gazed upon , but also to keep him from what he wants . every subtle lean is met with unmoving hands , that refuse to give in to giyuu's wishes . they'll let him . all he has to say is please .

" you're an asshole . "

a quiet whisper , not a polite one by any means , not one that'll reward him . but giyuu can't say it . he can't draw a plea out . brows furrow , tilting upwards slightly as his lips draw in a straight line . he's sure he looks pitiful , but that is far from his biggest problem . please . he's thinking it . please kiss me 'till i can't breath , he should say , but he doesn't .

" i'm not a beggar .. you know this akaza - don't make me say it . "

[distrxst]

akaza scitters in so fast. " wheres my kid . "

" ... "

" .. i thought you had him . "

[distrxst]

It was so strange. To die, that is. Akazas never felt anything like it -- weirdly calm. Weirdly tranquil. How strange for a creature of war to ever feel anything of the sort. A missing head is not enough to stop him, body still moving to finish this battle before --

He's stopped. An arm held by ... someone. He turns, and the voice rings out clear as day. Haunted by it every second of his life since that day -- now finally returned to the one ghost that he allowed to haunt him.

' let's go home . ' she can hear him say, and akaza doesn't know when he started crying -- just that he was. He moves quickly, wrapping arms around giyuu with a loud sob. He can feel giyuus arms around him, and everything feels right.

" I'm so sorry-- I'm so sorry! "

death was simple , giyuu found . one moment he was there , the next thing he was not . the warmth from his own blood was there , and then it was not . dead by akaza's own hands ( was there any other way for this to end ? ) ,, yet he held no ill will . maybe that's why there was no movement , no trek to an afterlife . only a cold sense of separation from his own body , and a tether to akaza . how strange to be the one who haunts .

has it been years ? giyuu doesn't know . he follows , still . rarely does he separate from her ,, when nothing else is more worthwhile . sometimes he'll lay next to the demon and pretend she can hear him ,, pretend that she can still feel him . following is a waiting game . days , weeks , years , months - with so much of the corps gone , giyuu assumes he'll be waiting for a long time . it's not like he has much else to do . maybe his lack of faith is misplaced . it's hard to have much when he watches swordsman after swordsman fall beneath the bloody knuckles of his husbands fists . but he's hopeful . he always is . a new slayer stepping up to the plate is always met with a prayer to no one , a fruitless wish ;

do what i couldn't .

but there is promise ,, in watching , in waiting . akaza is not at his best ,, giyuu can tell . his aversion to weakness , his snark , his cockiness ,, it's all still there . giyuu misses it . it looks like this will be another win under uppermoon three's ( what a bullshit title ,, his husband seems much more fitting ) belt , another body to keep her afloat .

but then it happens -- giyuu feels it ,, like his tie to the world severing as akaza's head is disconnected from his shoulders . something so freeing . she's dead ,, she's dead and by god he has never been more relieved . hands reach out ; no , no , you're done here , you're done . come home . it's a calling , a pulling , and they are nothing but a strum against the earth . but he is here . giyuu can feel , can touch ,, akaza is dead and so is he . finally .

finally .

words escape from him before he can even register them , but they feel right . home . he doesn't know where that is for them , but it doesn't matter to him . akaza is home . it's a good thing the former pillar is already dead -- akaza is holding him with a ferocity that could break bones were he alive . giyuu missed it , missed him . it's insane how long it's been . how strange is it to be anything at all .

apologies are met with a shake to his head , no , no . giyuu squeezes tighter ,, as long as he can touch and feel , they are okay . they are together . they are just fine .

" don't be , " a whisper , a pull apart ; so giyuu can finally look at him and know akaza is looking back .

" i missed you , akaza . "

[distrxst]

 close your eyes. it'll make it easier if you don't see it coming.  ❜ / thats enough giyuu I'll finish this now. Or something

thud !

he can't get up - he's trying , leaning up on bloodied elbows , bits of his haori and uniform torn askew , but with every attempt to lift himself from the rubble , his body screams at him to stay still . his head falls back against the destroyed bits of rock , wood splintered around him like a fucked up pillow , as he tries to regain himself ,, tries to do what duty orders and face akaza . he's fought her before , so many times , allowed the moons maw to tear into skin and still felt safe . this is different . this is dangerous .

it's hard to move , but he knows he must ; eyes crack open when he feels a presence looming , and he should be scared . breathing is shaky but not with terror . he should be scrambling away , he shouldn't just lay still when she leans yet closer . there are teeth in that mouth he's kissed - teeth that intend to tear him open . he's known this . so has she . but he can't bring himself to squirm , or move , or bleat . no , he is a calm lamb under the hand that fully intends to strangle him .

" no . " it's a croak , such a contrasts to akaza's voice , so smooth , almost loving in it's tone . he's so pretty , giyuu wants - no , needs to seer her ( is that giyuu's blood she's covered in ? is he the sole object of her affections ? ) . his chest heaves and he can't help but stare at the demon who is simultaneously his damnation and salvation . how hard did he hit his head , for blood to drip down his chin and his thoughts to be filled wholly with devotion . will those golden eyes be the last light he sees ( giyuu hopes . )

" no ,, no . i - i need to see you . kill me if that's what you want ,, but let me look at you . please . " i love you too much to look away .

[distrxst]

❛  but most of all, i hate how much i don't hate you.  ❜ / yeah man .

those words are softer than should be . too blunt for how gently their hands meet each others bodies ; like it's been years rather than mere weeks -- how giyuu's fingertips drag across the lines etched into the demons skin . those words should sting , should burn . but they're honest , true enough , and said with that vulnerability that scares the man . they've known their fate has been sealed . and as the buzz grows louder , as the thrumming pulse of the earth shakes beneath their feet -- to signal how fate bounds towards them at such an unfortunate rate . it gets harder to ignore when they stay so still .

a deep sigh leaves his frame . he is a tired man . giyuu leans forward , content to let his head rest against the skin of akaza's shoulder . flesh to flesh . how odd it is to know this may be one of the last moments of peace they'll have . of the love that will grow to be hated . hands trail to wrap around her - he'd like to humor them both before that red string snaps . it's a bittersweet thought .

" i know . i hate it too . " it's a simple way of putting it . giyuu wishes he could despise her . they should hate each other . it would've saved them both the trouble . maybe in another universe , giyuu's throat was slit before he could ever let the demon into his home . maybe in another universe , akaza's head was lobbed off her shoulders before he ever learned the man's name . most disgustingly , giyuu hates those thoughts . he loathes them like no other . their faux happy endings . maybe there was a time he'd prefer to not know the grief he could've felt . but now , he'd rather see akaza tear his heart out , and feel the relief of knowing it belonged to somebody .

( the love is there . it always will be . )

the man tilts his head , cheek pressed against curve of the uppermoons shoulder , to look , look , look at her . to see akaza , to meet that gaze and know . so this is it . this is everything that matters . this'll be the highlight of giyuu's life , no matter what happens in the end . this is everything .

" i know you'll hate it regardless . but please . " there's that word again . that one akaza had to pry out of him , that he'd pry free with a laugh and a kiss to his wounded pride . now ? it's never been easier to say . giyuu would plead with the gods for their sake if he could find one that mattered more than her .

" no matter what happens . remember me . like this . " remember me soft , he thinks . before i have to be cold and harsh , before what we have is covered up and left to rot . before i become tomioka , and you become the unyielding guard dog . that is what giyuu hates . " that's all i ask . "

[distrxst]

she doesn't remember the night before -- just that she got unlucky. a wolf running free, feeling the wind on his fur and the grass beneath claws, forgetting he'd never be free so easy. the hunters had set up enough traps and -- bullets had been shot. he doesn't remember much from dragging himself through the brambles and grass, tired and bleeding.

then, it all went dark.

when he awakes, he expects to be on the floor of his house -- often the case. finding himself on the floor, poorly bandaged, led to lick his wounds in a cold cabin alone. it is what it is. instead, he finds himself somewhere warm. his bed. did he drag himself here? no, the floor wasn't dried with blood like it often was. in fact, there was no blood to be found at all. he looks down, finding bandages where bullet wounds had been. they were too good to be his own (akaza couldn't bandage himself correctly if his life depended on it, and it often did.)

eyes shift as footsteps approach -- someone was in his house. terror fills his body, ready to fight (even at the risk of harming himself again), but the figure that appear isn't danger. blue eyes widen.

" it's you. " hunter mine, lamb mine. " you -- what are you ... what happened last night? " / hey

tired . it's an understatement , as giyuu makes his rounds through the house for what feels like the hundredth time in mere hours . it's all he can do to stay awake and on guard , adrenaline having worn off as the hours passed . he's lucky they've made it this long ; the state he found akaza in was dreadful , the blood , the bullet wounds ,, the exposed insides wrought by other hunters - it was a wonder he managed to get him here alive , with how the man was bleeding . a stain formed on the wooden floors from the incident near the entrance to the home , one giyuu has been working to scrub away .

he's not a nurse by any means , sure there are things about the bandage wraps that shinobu would cringe at , but the wounds are dressed well enough ( you learn well enough after your shotgun misfires one too many times ) . it's enough to keep him calm as usual , for him to move away from akaza - to move his hand and trust that his heart will keep beating as he walks away - but giyuu manages . and thus , begins the cycle . check akaza , scrub the floor , check akaza , chop wood , start fire , check akaza , clean , check akaza . it's a sequence , a repeating action that helps keep his head clear as he tries not to think too hard on the state he found akaza in . as giyuu tries to bite back the thought that he was shot . multiple times . that she could've bled out and died .

no time for that ,, not when he's warming water in a bucket to soak a rag , before making his way down the hall , back to his priority . hobbling , his cast occasionally catching a lifted board , water sloshing with each step .he pokes his head around the corner , and its admittedly a surprise when he finds eyes peering back . awake ? awake already ? a surprise , but a welcome one . better awake than dead . he lifts the bucket , making his way back to the stool set up beside akaza's bed , nightstand littered with gauze and the works , rubbing alcohol with a missing lid . he'd find that later .

" yeah , me . how are you feeling ? " he rolls up his sleeves before dipping the rag into the bucket and wringing it out the best he can . there's a bit of relief in his movements . not fully ( akaza was still shot , he could've died ) , but he's alive . awake . talking . it works to calm him . he's grateful for the thrumming pulse beneath his fingers . for some reason .

" you got pretty beat up . counted three bullet holes . you had me .. worried . "

worried had been an understatement .

brows knit and giyuu gets to work at scrubbing unbandaged skin , to clean speckles of dried blood from the expanse of flesh . he doesn't need to do this , it's unnecessary - especially now that akaza is awake , but he'd like for akaza to at least feel clean ( cared for - a lamb will do it's best to be more than fodder ) , and it gives giyuu something to preoccupy him while they talk , better than sitting still and staring , worrying . maybe it's for the best , to distract him from why he's worried .

" you need to be careful when you're out there . more hunters are going missing . they go out in groups . set up more traps . they'll kill you if you're not smart . "

[distrxst]

[ lovebite ] in the midst of kissing receiver's neck, sender changes tactics and gives them a tender little bite / oh ew

lips that set him alight , boil him alive ; lips that make him yield . dragging across his throat , pressing to the skin with seemingly aimless nature . he bares his throat with an eagerness only akaza can draw out from his stubborn shell , hands rested , making no move to save himself the shame . akaza doesn't need to make his head tilt , a word is enough , enough for him to want .

the kisses are gentle , relaxing , enough for his head to fall back , 'till it rests against the ground and his eyes are fluttering closed . warm . warm lips on his neck , warm hands on his body , and he feels spoiled .

akaza is gentle , a stark contrast to what he should be , and giyuu is like a putty in his hands . weak as an eddy in the sand . easy , when he had lips , soft as the day was long pressed to his flesh , tender - until it wasn't lips anymore .

a gasp escapes him as teeth dig into the meat of his neck , right below his jugular , an inch away from trouble . giyuu swears he feels blood run down his throat , somehow still gentle . it burns , yes , but it's almost just as soft , the way it aches , the way akaza's teeth feel benign despite how close they skirt to danger . maybe he's delirious , maybe he's mad , but the fangs in his throat are just as endearing as the lips that prepared his skin . it's amazing . it feels good .

" ah .. " his voice has a rasp to it , a barely there shift as he tries to move his head to let akaza have better coverage . " can't let me get too comfortable , huh ? "

[distrxst]

❛ clean yourself up. you're getting blood all over the place. ❜

(Might be the last one for now.. but!! From Shinobu!!)

@thunderisen

she's a good friend , she really is . she is also a major asshole . nature says those two things aren't mutually exclusive , and unfortunately for him , he's stuck with both ( when is he not ? ) . her comment on his bleeding makes him sigh ; giyuu feels it's a bit dramatic , to worry about blood , in a hospital . but it's her both er facility and her house , and she can very well make him go sit outside ( he has learned this the hard way ) , so he catches the rag she tosses with little pushback .

" sorry , wasn't focused on keeping the floors clean , with the whole getting torn open thing . " he's no better with the attitude , but he gets to work on peeling his ruined undershirt away from his skin , frowning at the sting of his wounds with each pull of skin . yuck . he tosses the blood soaked fabric into a bin , the contact making an awful wet noise that made him cringe . he looks back to her , finally starting to scrub his arms with the rag in hand , with hopes of being quick enough to escape a scolding for the mess . one he'd ignore . he was an asshole , too .

" how do you keep this place tidy anyways ? you've got half-dead slayers coming through on the daily . "

[distrxst]

" giyuu, " sabito drapes himself over the other -- very common. sabito was a menace when it came to personal space (giyuu liked his personal space. and sabito liked giyuu's personal space.) slowly, a hand lifts to point at akaza -- across the bar, talking to someone else. " put a ring on that guys finger before i decide im bored enough to marry her. "

giyuu's eyeroll is both instinctual and lethal as sabito leans on him , like a weight determined to make him as annoyed and huffy as possible . he's used to it , how can he not be , when the guy's been tormenting him for years ? yeah , he's all too used to his brother and his total disregard for giyuu's bubble .

the bar isn't too crowded tonight , dull chatter as a forgotten old movie plays on the t.v. - something aside from the sports urokodaki pays for in the channel packs . uneventful , giyuu isn't breaking up drunken fights or urging patrons to go home ,, it's easy to catch himself staring at her between drinks , just catching glimpses enough to make him go warm . he thought he was being discreet . not discreet enough , judging by how sabito point's directly at the man he's had trouble tearing his eyes from . a huff escapes giyuu and he's trying in annoyance to push the worlds most evil brother off , giving up when sabito simply leaned more . a curse - code word for raging ass . his brother was a curse .

" ha , you're funny . " his expression betrays no humor , more lighthearted annoyance as he jabs at sabito's side with his elbow . " can't wait to see the headlines : ' husband found dead of arsenic poisoning , spouse and conveniently more bearable brother still missing . '"

it's teasing , just as sabito is , and giyuu chooses to busy himself cleaning a glass , damp rag scrubbing an already clean dish in order to distract himself ( she's pretty , and being caught like a doe - eyed teenager aides him little against the other's jokes ) . but just the thought is enough to make him sigh . despite his mocking , giyuu knows sabito has a point . that does not keep him from wanting to chuck a shotglass straight at his head .

" 'm working on it . " he settles for throwing the rag at him instead . " trying to find a good ring . it just takes time . " the man frowns at the glass before looking back up .

" if you wanna rush me so much , how about you enlighten me , oh wise one . "

[distrxst]

giyuu knows . he knows all too well . he's seen akaza come home , dripping in a strangers blood - hell , giyuu's kissed it off his skin with reverence . he's seen akaza come home filthy , and still choose to close his eyes and welcome him on in . akaza is a demon . people are his sustenance . it's the truest thing about them . it's been true before them , and it'll be true after them . but giyuu can't help how he resents it , the nature they're cursed with .

he hates to see that look in her face , hates it . it should be confirmation enough that she wouldn't , it should . but he's upset ( they both are ) ,, and words that he doesn't mean bubble up . thoughts that aren't quite giyuu's , or at least ones he'd ever associate with akaza . " i like to think that . i like to think i know you , like you know me . but how do you look me in the eyes and say i'm different ? that i'm not just another toy you haven't gotten bored of yet ? " it's unfair , akaza so obviously loves him - giyuu wouldn't be here if she didn't - akaza keeps him here for a reason . but he's still asking . who would've thought a bit of gore would be enough to make the oh so stoic water pillar so uncertain .

" that's -- that's not what this is about - " akaza is digging into his wounds once more ,, expertly - he's good at finding ones you can't even see , poking and prodding at the bruise until the man feels like he's ready to keel over . those eyes are piercing ,, knowing . they've seen him , wholly , in just about every way . akaza knows him like the back of his hand - knows just how to make him tick . giyuu wants the demon to look away , to spare him the gaze - to give him a moments reprieve . stop smiling at him stop looking at him . stop knowing exactly how to upset him .

" that's not what i'm mad about -- stop smiling at me like that -- i'm mad about someone i knew , yeah ,, i'm allowed to be upset about that . "

now it's giyuu's turn to look hurt ,, for that set expression to shift . when akaza's hand finds a new resting place , the pillar feels a sickness stirring . a rising bile in his throat . they've commented on his jealousy , and maybe any other time giyuu would've been sick in the head enough to swoon , to find it endearing when akaza's fingers dance over his skin . but now , giyuu feels ill . he wants to hurl when the hand that took a fellow hashira's life presses to that same spot , a visage of a fucked up reminder . with a hand now free , he presses it against akaza's shoulder , not enough to push away , but enough to make giyuu feel the space , the distance , before he suffocates . they're both going straight to hell , surely .

" i am not . " his voice is stern , quiet ,, but there's a waver there ,, one so unlike him . " i'm upset . " he repeats . at you , at myself - he thinks . make it better ? god , it's nothing but a taunt but giyuu wishes she could make things better . " you're sick . just stop talking like that . you aren't funny . "

golden hues meet blue, and despite how desperately akaza wishes to lose his emotions (to be as cold and as empty as some of the people he knows), it's hard. it's hard when there is so much he feels about giyuu, especially right now. giyuu's words make his eyes widen. " a doll? is that what you think -- " he's cut off by the next sentence, a frown coming onto his lips further. " of course i do. you can't be surprised i do! i'm a demon. you knew that, you know that! "

the next question throws an actual look of hurt in his expression. " i wouldn't. you fucking know that. " hands tighten around giyuu's wrist (not enough to hurt, but enough to keep him close. don't leave.) akaza has to hold back so much, fire in his throat threatening to kill them both.

" oh, i see. " he leans forward, so he can look into giyuu's eyes better. " so when i kill a hashira -- a water hashira, your predecessor -- from eons ago, it's fine. in fact, you're jealous about it. " a tilt of his head. " but when the hashira is recent, when you can put a face to him, when you knew him -- then it matters? then it's bad? it's bad when you know them? " he shouldn't smile. he shouldn't. but he can't help it. " what about the people i've killed that you don't know? is that okay? does that make it better? "

a purr. " are you just jealous again? jealous that i took someone else? do you wish it'd been you? " one hand finally shifts, to rest right on giyuu's solar plexus. " is that it? do you wish i'd kill you? would that make it better? would that make it right? tell me, mighty hashira, what could i have done to make it all better? "

[distrxst]

it must be terrifying for her , too . giyuu knows better than to think himself the only one downright terrified . he's read it in his letters from tanjiro , seen it in the way urokodaki looks at him , the dread he and shinazugawa share when they speak , but especially the way akaza holds him . the way her arms wrap around him , the way he holds him so tight that some nights it feels his ribs will crack . he wouldn't stop him . akaza's scared , too .

her hands grasping his is enough to steady him ( he's keeping giyuu still ) , and his fingers instinctively curl around him . thank you . his thumb isn't nearly as calloused as giyuu's own , and it feels wonderful against his flesh . thank you , he wants to say . thank you .

her small snark brings a tired smile to his face , and he knows she's right . he did marry a fusser ( best decision he made ) , and it's only right for him to worry ; lord knows giyuu frets when she gets hurt . giyuu lets out a sigh - he'll try his best not to worry her , with his shakes and tremors , but it's not wholly preventable .

" i did . " it's tired , yet affectionate . she cares for him , more than she should - and so does he . he is in love with him , and that's what makes the thoughts of his weakness so damned scary . his life is finally right again - there is a hand to hold ,, and he wants to stay with her , until his palms know akaza's so well her handprint can be found on his bone . don't take him away so soon , he prays . " i know . i just don't want you to worry yourself over something so insignificant . "

giyuu can see the confliction in his gaze , it almost feels selfish , to be as scared as he is , when she must be terrified . to tremble and shake when it so obvious he is worried the retired pillar is going to drop any day now . it's awful . but he doesn't want to be mere ( ugly , weak , dying . ) decoration . he wants to help and be with him , to not waste a second standing off to the side - don't make him do that again . please -

so it's a blessing when she gives him a task , and he is nodding . i'd do anything you ask of me , he thinks , anything . hesitant eyes only make him nod , and it takes no time for him to pull akaza's hand up and press a sweet kiss to the top . thank you . thank you , thank you . thank you for giving me something else to focus on , thank you for being here , thank you for being the love of my life . so many thank you's . does he even have time to say them all ?

" won't let you down , boss . " it's teasing , but at the mention of repairs , giyuu shakes his head no . no , no . he has to release that wonderful hand , if only for a short while , but his only remaining one finds its way to her shoulder and squeezes . he'll be stern on this one .

" no , like you said , we can buy another . i don't want you getting hurt because of my mistake , okay ? "

she hasn't noticed, but she can feel it. as the seasons change and summer melts into fall, some kind of anxiety has settled within akaza's chest. perhaps it's just the knowledge that the seasons are changing. that the seasons are shifting, that what was alive is going to die. that warmth is turning to cold. she's never been great with change, even good change took a moment to adjust. so the seasons are changing, and her anxiety is on the rise.

this does not help.

she feels it, his shivering. a tremble that makes his hand uneasy, even as she holds it. slowly, akaza moves her thumb to rub against the back of his palm. she was never fantastic about comforting someone -- born into fire and made of fangs, her way of showing comfort was by killing to protect. but she could try. she did try. she always tried for him. despite the demonic traits long gone, long forgotten, a purr rises from her chest. she's trying to comfort.

" i will fuss all i want. " comes her snappy response, but there is no bite. no claws no fangs no nothing, just worry. just love. love and worry go hand in hand it seemed. " let me fuss. you married a fusser. "

a soft exhale against his hand, and her gaze shifts to him as he asks to help. a part of her wants to say no. to say to go sit somewhere, keep himself safe. so the glass cannot cut him anymore. safe and sound. but she can see it in his eyes -- to reject him any right to help would be ... cruel. he wants to help. (he thinks he's useless. and akaza will never let him think that.)

" if ... if i gather the glass, will you wipe away the water? " she should release his hand first, but she can't. she wants to hold it. hold him. keep him safe. from the world, from his own thoughts, from everything. " maybe if we salvage the pieces i can put it back together ... "

[distrxst]

those hands , giyuu's found , he is very fond of ; fond of how they hold his face , how a thumb not quite calloused as his own presses to his lip . the cut burns only a little bit - nothing he can't handle . he's well aware of how akaza likes to use him like a canvas , put what she wants on him and then step back to admire her handiwork . giyuu has also found , he is quite content being his canvas . his museum piece to show off ,, the thought alone is a nice one .

that grin bodes both promise and peril for him - the former pillar knew exactly what he signed up for , starting their game of cat and mouse - stoicism be damned , giyuu enjoyed the thrill that akaza brought ; the rush that came solely from her . wild look in her eyes , and toothy grin ( he swears akaza's still got some sharper teeth in his maw ,, not as fit for killing , but still sharp . he likes those teeth a good deal ) plastered on her face , and giyuu swears she could kill him . he'd let her , a pathetic voice reminds , but he knows she has other plans .

he knows akaza's plans , but it still catches him off guard , thrown back ; a push and pull between the hold of the earth and claws that are no longer there , despite holding him so tight . stray glances between rolls , and even with the threat that looms ahead , this is love . he is in love . they have a weird way of showing it , but it is love nonetheless .

a quiet groan as his back presses against dirt , but he doesn't mind it . it feels right . the fingers of his good arm intertwine with akaza's and he gives a light squeeze . warm . an attempt to lean up towards his husband is abruptly halted by a strong hand on his shoulder , followed up by an arguably more dramatic groan . deserved , he was being an ass . but that doesn't mean he had to like it .

pretty boy . the name echoes in his head . it shouldn't still get to him , but knowing akaza has seen him at his ugliest , beaten and bloodied and battered and weak - to think she still finds him pretty makes an irrefutable warmth bloom in his chest . she was gorgeous ; and still she found her little devotee to be pretty . that did normal things to him .

" well - " she gives him an option , not that it matters . akaza has proven himself to be just as awful in this regard , a man who could take a taunt and give it back tenfold . it didn't mean a bad attempt at persuasion wasn't in order .

" well , i'm not the best at pleading , " he's dramatic , trying to keep a smile off his face , focused on an expression of faux thoughtfulness . " so to save us both the trouble , you ought to be the bigger person , don't you think ? "

there is something so freeing about being able to do this now. to be able to rough house and roll around the dirt of their home. that's what so nice. that it is their home -- not the estate of the water hashira, their home. where akaza no longer has to sneak in and out to visit him and is restrained to just their bedroom. their bedroom. when did it become their bedroom? when did it become their home? akaza doesn't know. akaza doesn't care, it is bliss this way.

akaza's thumb runs over giyuu's bottom lip, admiring the cut. akaza would rather cut her own head off than ever harm giyuu severely, but there was something about the occasional scratch and mark that made akaza giddy. giddy with the idea that he can do this now. there may be looks and scorn at times but he can show off, finally, that giyuu is his. every scar (like the pretty one on his neck) is a sign. he is hers. she is his. finally.

" maybe i did, " comes akaza's slow response, blue eyes meeting darker blue (oh, god, how he loves those eyes. how he loves the face they belong too.) " however ... perhaps my mean husband forgets .. " a slow, evil smile comes onto her face. " he married someone meaner. "

and, without warning, without any time to let giyuu prepare -- akaza strikes. like a cat, he pounces, taking the other down. roughhousing. playing. flirting. all the same to the ex-demon. they'll roll in the dirt for a moment, before akaza pins him down -- yes. just like old times. she shouldn't be so nostalgic for the past, not when their present is much more interesting, but god ...

" hey, pretty boy. " the nickname just fits. he's always been pretty. he's always been angelic. always, always, always. hands move to cradle that pretty face, humming softly. " what do you think? should i be nice to you here? or should i be mean? "

either way, they're playing. and akaza wants to play with giyuu forever.