#no one should see him as anything less than the hashira he must be in his father's stead.

[reineydraws]

Is the renkaza a crackship?

nope! on ao3, they're the third biggest kny ship and the biggest kyojuro ship, actually--not that popularity automatically means a ship can't be crack? hm.

the definition of crackship is debateable lol but to me they're not cracky 'cuz the things akaza was saying during their mugen train fight and akaza's human backstory provide a lot of give in terms of connection points to kyojuro.

they're a ship for all the people who love enemies/rivals-to-lovers plots, and ships that involve a lot of physical fighting and/or searching for humanity, which are some of my fave things to look for haha. they can also just be deeply convoluted and toxic when romantically involved, which is its own brand of fun! (tho i personally tend to look for stuff that ends more wholesomely. angst with a happy ending my beloved. 💞)

i will say that while they're not a crackship, the au's where akaza just fucks off completely (like my au comic haha) or where kyo goes all-in on being a demon right away can come off cracky, but i think that's less "crackship" and more "crack taken seriously".

i hope this makes sense!

[soulofapatrick]

How they react to physical contact

Summary: how Sanemi, Giyuu, Obanai, Muichiro (aged up), Zenitsu and Inoskue react to you showing them any form of physical contact

Words: 3.3K

Warnings: none

Notes: should I do more of this type of thing?

The fire flickers weakly in front of us, the flames struggling to hold back the biting cold of the night. I sit wrapped in my haori, staring at the glow, but my attention keeps wandering to Sanemi. He’s sitting a few feet away, his back against a tree, arms crossed tightly over his chest. The tension in his shoulders and the sharp edge of his jaw tell me he’s trying to act like the cold isn’t affecting him, but I can see the faint tremble in his frame.

Sanemi Shinazugawa, always so damned proud. Always so determined to take on the world alone.

I sigh, pulling my blanket tighter around my shoulders as the wind picks up. A part of me wants to leave him to his stubbornness, but I can’t. Not when I know how much he’s been through. Not when I know how much he’s hurting—even if he won’t admit it.

Standing, I take the blanket with me and walk toward him. His head snaps up, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

“What the hell are you doing?” he barks, his tone rough and defensive.

“You’re freezing, Sanemi,” I say simply, stopping in front of him. “Let me help.”

“I don’t need your help.” He glares at me, his pride practically radiating off him in waves, but I don’t miss the way his fingers twitch slightly, betraying how stiff they must be from the cold.

I roll my eyes, ignoring his protests as I sit down beside him. “You’re impossible,” I mutter, draping the blanket over both our shoulders before scooting close enough that our sides touch.

He stiffens immediately, his whole body going rigid. “What the hell—”

“You’re shivering,” I interrupt softly. “And I’m the Fire Hashira. If I can’t warm you up, who can?”

His mouth opens like he’s about to snap at me, but no words come out. He just glares at the fire, his jaw clenched tight.

Minutes pass in tense silence, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the wind rustling through the trees. Slowly, though, I feel the tension in his shoulders start to ease.

“I don’t need—” he starts again, but his voice is quieter now, less sure.

“I know,” I reply, my tone gentle but firm. “But you deserve it anyway.”

He’s silent for a long moment. Then, to my surprise, he shifts. It’s subtle at first, a slight movement closer, but then he turns, rolling over to face me. Before I can say a word, he wriggles under my arm, pressing his face against the crook of my neck. His breath is warm against my skin, and I feel his arm slip around my waist, holding me with a surprising gentleness.

My heart stutters in my chest, but I don’t pull away. Instead, I wrap my arm around his shoulders, holding him close. His hair tickles my chin, and the warmth of his body against mine feels like a fragile kind of trust, one I’m almost afraid to break.

“Don’t say anything,” he mumbles, his voice muffled against my chest.

“I wasn’t going to,” I whisper back, smiling softly.

His grip tightens slightly, and I swear I feel the faintest hint of a sigh escape him. The fire crackles softly beside us, and for the first time tonight, the cold feels far, far away.

The campfire crackles faintly, its glow barely keeping the darkness at bay. The cold night air wraps around me like a second skin, and despite the layers of my uniform and haori, the chill seems to seep right through. I glance over at Giyuu, lying on his side a few feet away from the fire, his back to me. Even in the dim light, I can see the faint tremor in his frame, the cold getting to him more than he’s willing to admit.

Giyuu is like that—always quiet, always trying to endure everything on his own. It’s a part of who he is, but it also makes my chest ache to see him like this.

The wind picks up, and he shivers again, curling in slightly on himself. That’s it. I can’t just sit here and watch him freeze.

Without a word, I shift out of my spot by the fire, grabbing my blanket as I crawl over to him. He doesn’t move or say anything, but I can tell he knows I’m there; his body tenses slightly, almost imperceptibly, as I settle behind him.

“Giyuu,” I whisper softly, but he doesn’t respond.

Gently, I drape the blanket over both of us and lie down beside him, pressing myself against his back. He freezes completely when I slip my arm around his waist, holding him close. His body is cold, far colder than I expected, even under all his usual layers.

“You’re freezing,” I murmur, my voice barely audible over the wind. I bury my face in the back of his shoulder, feeling the rough fabric of his haori against my skin and the faint, shivery rise and fall of his breath.

“I’m fine,” he finally mumbles, his voice quiet and distant.

“No, you’re not,” I say softly but firmly, tightening my hold on him. “Just… let me do this, okay?”

He doesn’t answer, but he also doesn’t push me away. His body stays stiff for what feels like an eternity, as if he’s bracing himself for something he doesn’t know how to handle.

Slowly, though, I feel him start to relax, his shoulders dropping slightly, his breathing evening out. He’s still quiet, but there’s a subtle shift in the air between us—something softer, more vulnerable.

I close my eyes, letting the warmth we’re sharing push back the cold. “You don’t have to do everything alone, Giyuu,” I whisper against his shoulder.

This time, there’s no response, but the faint way he leans back into me, just enough to close the last bit of space between us, says more than words ever could.

The evening is quiet, the air heavy with the sounds of crickets and the distant rustle of trees. I can feel the tension in the space between us, but it’s not the kind that usually lingers—this time, it’s something different. Something… softer.

I sit across from Obanai, watching him as he sharpens his sword, his focus intense, his usual guarded expression set in place. His snake-like eyes dart over his work, lips pressed into a thin line. He always carries himself like there’s a wall between him and everyone else. I don’t mind it; it’s part of who he is. But sometimes… sometimes I just wish I could break through that wall, even if it’s just for a moment.

The urge to reach out to him hits me unexpectedly. It’s a simple gesture—a soft touch on the arm, just to show him that I’m here. Just to remind him that he’s not alone in all of this.

I shift a little closer, my hand brushing his arm as I rest it there, my fingers lightly grazing his skin.

For a moment, there’s nothing. No reaction, no change in his posture, just the soft scratch of his sword against the whetstone. But I can feel the slight tension in his muscles, the way he stiffens, like he’s unsure how to react.

“Don’t,” he mutters under his breath, his voice low and strained. “You don’t have to do that.”

I pause, but I don’t pull my hand away. Instead, I let my fingers linger for just a moment longer, tracing the line of his sleeve, a quiet reassurance. “I know. But I want to.”

His hand falters, his grip tightening on his sword, but he doesn’t withdraw from the touch. His breathing hitches just once—so quietly that I’m not sure I even heard it—but it’s enough to tell me that my presence is reaching him in a way he hasn’t let anyone else see.

“You’re not good at this, are you?” I tease softly, my thumb brushing against his skin.

His gaze flicks up to meet mine for a split second, and for the briefest moment, his eyes soften. “I don’t need anyone’s pity,” he responds, but there’s no bite to his words, just a faint flicker of vulnerability.

“I’m not giving you pity, Obanai,” I reply, my voice sincere. “I’m just offering you a little comfort. You deserve it, you know.”

His mouth tightens, a stubbornness still present, but he doesn’t move away. The warmth of his body still radiates through the fabric of his uniform, and for the first time in a long while, I sense him letting himself feel something other than the weight of his own isolation.

“You’re an idiot,” he mutters under his breath, but this time, there’s a quiet, almost fond tone hidden beneath the words.

I smile at that, gently squeezing his arm. “Maybe. But I’m your idiot.”

And for the first time since I met him, I catch the briefest glimpse of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It’s fleeting, but it’s enough.

He doesn’t pull away, and neither do I.

The sky above is dark, stars scattered across the expanse like tiny pinpricks of light. The mission has left us exhausted, but there's a strange calm in the air tonight, the kind that settles between us without a word being spoken. Muichiro sits next to me, staring into the distance, his usual distant expression making it hard to tell if he's lost in thought or just simply existing.

I watch him for a moment, the way he’s so still, almost like a statue, his hair falling neatly over his eyes. Despite his calm demeanour, I know Muichiro has been through more than most people can understand. And sometimes, I wonder if even he understands it.

I don’t think about it much longer before I shift, deciding to inch closer to him. The night air is chilly, and it feels right to just share a little warmth. He doesn’t move as I settle next to him, just the faintest tilt of his head in my direction.

Without asking, I lean over slowly, gently resting my head on his shoulder.

The moment I do, there’s a sudden tension in his body, as if I’ve triggered something deep within him. He freezes. His whole body becomes a statue, no longer just his face, and I can feel the slight tremor in his muscles as his breath catches.

For a moment, there’s nothing but silence between us.

I raise my head slightly to look at him, but his gaze is fixed forward, his pupils slightly dilated. His usual calm demeanour is shattered, and I can see the way his fingers twitch, like he’s unsure what to do.

“I… um…” Muichiro starts, his voice trailing off awkwardly. “Why are you doing that?”

I smile softly, not pulling away, enjoying the rare moment where he seems just a bit off-balance. “Because you looked like you needed it.”

His face flushes slightly, and I can see him shift uncomfortably, his usually smooth expression faltering just a little. He tries to compose himself, but it’s clear I’ve caught him completely off-guard.

“I don’t need…” His voice is almost too quiet to hear, like he's struggling to find the right words. “I don’t know how to… what do I do?”

I can feel the warmth of his body close to mine, but the awkwardness is tangible, almost like the air around us is thickening. I chuckle lightly and lean back into him again, my head resting against his shoulder.

“Just… relax, Muichiro. There’s nothing you need to do.”

For a long time, there’s no response. He doesn’t push me away, but I feel him hesitate, unsure, still trying to wrap his mind around why this simple touch is affecting him so much.

His breath steadies, but it’s still a little shaky as he shifts, allowing himself to relax just a little into the contact. I smile, feeling the faintest pressure against my shoulder where he shifts slightly closer, almost imperceptibly.

And in that moment, I know: I’ve done something to him. Something that breaks through his usual reserve. I’ve short-circuited his calm, and for the first time in a while, Muichiro Tokito doesn’t know how to respond. But he doesn’t pull away. And that, in itself, is enough.

The night is quiet, the faint rustle of trees in the breeze the only sound besides the crackling of the campfire. Zenitsu sits a little further away, staring at the fire with that familiar, anxious look in his eyes. He’s trying to seem tough, like he always does, but I can see the way his shoulders are tense, the way his hands fiddle with the edges of his haori as if the night itself is too much for him.

I can’t help but smile at the sight. Zenitsu, for all his shouting and bravado, really is just a bundle of nerves. He’s brave, yes, but sometimes I just want to pull him close and remind him that he doesn’t always have to be alone in his fears.

I move toward him quietly, watching his back as he stares at the fire. He doesn’t notice me at first, too caught up in his thoughts. I stand behind him for a moment, debating how to approach him—he’s sensitive, after all. But then, the feeling of wanting to comfort him, to ease that tension in his body, overtakes me.

I step up and, without a word, wrap my arms around his waist from behind, pulling him into a hug.

Zenitsu’s body stiffens instantly, his breath catching in his throat. I can feel the surprise ripple through him, and for a second, there’s a beat of silence between us. He doesn’t move, doesn’t speak, as if he’s trying to process what just happened.

“W-What are you doing?!” His voice cracks in that familiar, panicked pitch. “W-Why are you hugging me?!”

I rest my chin gently on his shoulder, holding him a little tighter. “Just because. You looked like you needed it.”

His body remains rigid for a moment longer, but then I feel his shoulders relax—just slightly, enough for me to tell that he’s letting it sink in. “But… but I’m a mess!” he protests, his voice still tinged with his usual self-doubt. “I-I’m not good enough for you, I’m always screwing things up!”

“Zenitsu,” I say softly, pulling him a little closer, “You don’t need to be perfect. I don’t need you to be perfect. You’re more than enough just the way you are.”

His breath hitches again, but this time it’s quieter, softer, as if my words are reaching him in a way he’s not used to. I feel him melt just a little more into the hug, his hands falling to his sides instead of trying to pull away or push me off.

“I…” His voice is quieter now, almost embarrassed. “I don’t know how to handle this…”

I can’t help but smile against his shoulder. “You don’t have to handle anything. Just let me hold you for a moment, alright?”

Zenitsu doesn’t respond right away, but I can feel the way his breath slows, the way he’s leaning into me ever so slightly. I know he’s still nervous, still anxious, but for a brief moment, he allows himself to be held. And to me, that’s enough.

“I… I’m glad you’re here,” he finally murmurs, his voice small, but sincere. “I… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I squeeze him just a little tighter, letting him know he’s not alone. “You’ll never have to find out, Zenitsu.”

The air is thick with the scent of the forest, the faint rustling of leaves in the night breeze adding a quiet undertone to the silence around us. Inosuke sits on the ground, grumbling about something, his head lowered as he scowls at the fire, but I can see the way his eyes flicker toward me every so often. He’s never been one for subtlety, always so brash, so full of energy. But there’s a different intensity in the air tonight—like something unspoken is simmering beneath the surface.

I watch him for a moment, the way his sharp features soften when he’s lost in thought. He’s so wild, so untamed, and yet there's something so endearing about him that I can’t help but smile.

Without thinking too much about it, I step closer, drawn to him in a way that feels natural, almost like it’s meant to be.

I slide up behind him, close enough to feel his body heat through the layers of his boar pelt, the familiar roughness of his demeanour still there, but now there's something almost vulnerable in the way he’s sitting—open, waiting, like he knows something is about to change.

“Hey, Inosuke,” I call softly, my voice warm but steady.

He grunts in acknowledgment but doesn’t turn to look at me, his attention still locked on the fire.

I take a breath, feeling a flutter of uncertainty in my chest, but I shake it off. This is Inosuke. He’s not the type to need careful handling. So, without overthinking it, I move in closer, wrapping my arms around his waist from behind, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Inosuke freezes immediately. He doesn’t flinch, but there’s a moment of complete stillness, like he’s trying to process what’s happening. He doesn’t respond right away, so I bury my face into the back of his neck, just resting there.

At first, he doesn’t say anything, his body tense under my touch, almost as if he’s unsure what to do with the sudden closeness. But then, I feel him relax just a little, a deep breath escaping his chest as he shifts slightly.

“What are you doing, huh?” he mutters, but it’s not the usual brashness or annoyance in his voice. There’s something softer in it, a hint of confusion mixed with curiosity. “You’re hugging me?”

I smile against the back of his neck, letting my fingers trail gently along his sides. “Yeah. I am. Is that a problem?”

Inosuke shifts again, his broad shoulders tightening, but this time, he doesn’t pull away. “Tch, not a problem,” he grumbles, but I can tell it’s more to cover up the slight flush in his cheeks than anything else. “Just didn’t expect it, that’s all.”

I laugh softly, letting my arms tighten around him just a little, feeling the warmth of his body under my touch. “I think you needed it. You’re always so tough on the outside, Inosuke. But sometimes you need someone to hold you, too.”

For a brief moment, I feel his hands twitch, as if he’s considering pulling me away. But then, much to my surprise, I feel his hand slowly come up and rest gently on mine, his fingers curling slightly around mine.

“Don’t get any weird ideas,” he mumbles, but there’s a softness to his words now that wasn’t there before. “I’m not some damsel in distress.”

I can’t help but chuckle at his attempt to keep his tough exterior intact. “I know you’re not. But you don’t have to be all tough all the time, you know.”

There’s a long pause, and when he speaks again, his voice is quieter, more subdued than usual. “I’m not used to this,” he admits, his hand squeezing mine just slightly. “But… I like it.”

I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face, and I squeeze him back just a little tighter. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

Inosuke doesn't say anything more, but he doesn’t pull away either. And for the first time, his usual restless energy seems to soften, like the calm of the night has finally found its way to him.

Demon Slayer Masterlist To be made TAG LIST - updated 12th Oct 2024

[whimsyvixen]

✣ 𝕀 𝕊𝕖𝕖 𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕐𝕠𝕦 ✣

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Fic

Rating: 18+

Pairing: Gyutaro x Female Reader

Synopsis: The monster that visits you at night wants a different taste this time.

WARNINGS/TAGS: dark smut, explicit sexual content, non-con, extremely dubious consent, non-consensual touching, biting, mild blood, forced pleasure, dacryphilia, vaginal fingering, slut shaming.

Author's Note: This was just supposed to be short drabble, but I got a little carried away. Mind the tags and hope you enjoy!

✣✣✣✣✣

He tore away at the neck of your kimono, intent on exposing your soft flesh to his ravenous gaze. 

You couldn't stop the tears that flowed as he towered over you, your fear of being eaten causing you to shake like a leaf in terror. "I didn't know he was a Hashira, I-!" At the slight brush of his lips on your bare skin, you sobbed in earnest, anticipating excruciating pain in the seconds to come. 

“Please,” you sniffled, “anything but this. T-there must be something I can… oh God, don’t please, p-please, please!” Your voice rose in pitch when he scraped his teeth on your chest, leaving red welts in their wake. 

You felt the sleeve of your dress tugged further down, baring a nipple to the cool air of the room. Despair was all you could feel as you realized he was about to tear your heart right out of your chest and not give you a quick death. You shut your eyes and muttered prayers to the gods, hoping they’ll listen and save you from your fate.

~

Weak pleads for mercy tumbled out from your trembling lips, the pathetic display filling Gyutaro with sick satisfaction.

There was nothing no one (much less any god) could do to stop him from devouring you. He’d only kept you alive these past few days to heighten your fear– terrorizing you in your sleep, threatening to hurt your loved ones should you attempt to escape him, explaining in detail how he’d eat them then you, reminding you that you were nothing but food to him– anticipating how sweet your screams will be once he's fully consumed you. 

You’d be dead already from his poison if not for the vial of liquid he forced down your throat every night. He didn't want you dying on him too quickly. It was fun having a dumb little human to entertain him when he felt the need to play with his food. 

Gyutaro paused at the sight of your bare tit, tilting his head curiously at your heaving mounds of flesh. 

Ignoring your pleas, he parted the dress completely, his eyes drinking you in in all your naked entirety. Possessiveness filled him at seeing his marks all over your body, the once unblemished and pure flesh now riddled with cuts and bruises. 

“What a sight you are,” he breathed, his blood rushing south as he continued to leer at you. “You’re much prettier than the whores I’ve consumed recently.”

Gyutaro brought a hand to your bosom, tracing a line around your areola. His touch had you quivering, the rough pads of his fingers brushing your nipples and causing them to stiffen. "Oh? What's this?" he chuckled right as he pressed down on your buds. He saw you bite your lip, muffling any noise as he continued with his exploration of your chest. "I could be wrong but it looks like you're enjoying this." He groped your chest then, squeezing the pliable flesh with his eager hands. It pulled a lovely little gasp from you, your eyes widening in alarm as you looked at his cruel hands then the twisted grin on his face. 

"These are very nice," he moved his hands under your bust, seeming to test their weight in his palms. "It's almost tempting me to keep you alive. If only to," he bent his head, his breath tickling your chest, "play with you a little longer." 

He opened his mouth, his tongue rolling out to flick against your nipple. It brought forth a squeak from you, Gyutaro not giving you time to think before he engulfed it in his mouth.  He ignored your hands pushing frantically against him, too intent on suckling on the pebbled bud to pay any mind to your protests.

When you pulled on his hair hard enough to annoy him, he opened an eye to glare at you, opening his mouth wider and biting down on the soft tissue in retaliation. It had you screaming in pain, his razor-like teeth breaking the skin and making blood flow into his mouth. 

Gyutaro moaned hotly at the sweet flavor, hollowing his cheeks to suck more of you as his other hand came to fondle your neglected globe. He was immune to your sobs, your blood like ambrosia, making his mind drunk on your taste as his throat muscles swallowed all you had to give. 

Refraining from tearing a chunk out of you, Gyutaro reluctantly pulled away from your tit. It was soaked in his spit and flushed an angry red, the tender skin sure to scar in the coming days. "You stupid woman. Try to upset me again, and I'll make your death a slow and agonizing one." He squeezed his hand around your throat to drive the threat home, twisting your sore nipple between his fingers to make you cry for him. Once you nodded weakly, he removed his hand and diverted his focus to your other breast, paying it the same attention as its twin.

He loved the way your flesh gave under his grip, paying no mind to how hard he was squeezing your tits as he molded them like dough. Content with the hickeys and marks he left there, Gyutaro used his tongue to lick away any residue of blood left from your wounds. "Keep being a good girl and maybe you can convince me your life is worth something." He pushed your breasts together, placing his face between them to nuzzle them with a groan. 

He trailed his nose up to your collarbone, biting gently there before continuing his ascend. When he reached your neck, he nipped and suckled the area, intent on marring you further with his teeth. He wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed your plush frame against his lithe one, his faux hug doing little to calm your nerves.  

“G-Gyutaro, I…!” you gasped when he sunk his teeth into you, your nails digging into his shoulders as you cried out from the pain. 

~

It hurt and everything ached. 

The bruises on your body stung immensely and brought a fresh wave of tears in your eyes. You could still feel the underlying pain of his teeth on your chest, a trickle of blood cascading down to your stomach and pooling around your navel. Utter revulsion filled you at hearing his audible gulps so close to your ear, his contentment with your blood almost nauseating you.

You couldn’t help but yelp when he removed his teeth, his incisors having dug so deep that it had blood oozing from your neck. You saw him observing his handy work, tracing the inflamed skin with a smile on his face. “You look real nice like this. All bloodied and disfigured. All because of me.” He purposely pressed down on your bruises, laughing when you jerked under him from the pain. “Let’s continue, shall we?”

You looked at him tiredly, just wanting this to end already. If his poison didn’t kill you soon it was his rough handling of you that would. 

It was the caress of his fingers near your pubic hair that startled you to attention. You stared at him wide eyed, ice coursing through your veins as you realized what else he wanted. 

“No…” you whispered, shaking your head as you shut your legs.

“Wrong answer, sweetheart.” He placed his hands on your knees, rubbing on them almost lovingly before forcing them open and exposing your heat to him. 

A scuffle ensued, Gyuatro having to hold you down as you fought against him. You thrashed with all the energy you could muster, scratching at him and trying to pull down the hem of your clothes to cover your modesty.

In the end, your efforts were for naught. Subduing a human was nothing difficult for a demon. You were just exciting him with the little fight you had in you. It wasn't long before you felt your limbs get tired, unable to do anything to stop Gyutaro from placing his hands between your legs.

Soon enough, you made it easy to figure out where he needed to touch you to get the most reactions out of you.

He pumped his fingers harder and faster, his hand moving in a blur between your legs. You made little helpless cries, the continuous plunging of his fingers inside your wet heat wrecking your mind into a hazy stupor. Hearing the indecent squelching of his fingers retracting and burying themselves back inside your tight pussy made your face burn with humiliation. 

Your body trembled in shocked pleasure, your legs flailing in desperation as your orgasm drew near. "Nono-! I can't-" you babbled, shaking your head in refusal as a thin line of saliva escaped the corner of your mouth. 

Digging your nails into his arms did nothing to deter him, instead it led to him curling his fingers in a come-hither motion, using his nails to scrape against your tender walls to find the spongy tissue to stimulate you further. It wasn’t long before he located it, your own body betraying you as your hips moved in tandem with the motion of his hand. 

"You filthy fucking whore," he swore under his breath, feeling your walls spasm erratically around his fingers. "You have to be all kinds of fucked in the head to be enjoying getting your cunt fingered by a demon. You're gripping me so tight, I can barely pull my fingers out." 

He slowly began pulling his hand away, making you look at your wetness streaked across your thighs and his pale hand. The obscene view of your pussy lips clinging on to him had you mortified, unable to formulate any words at such a sight. 

He let you bask in your shame for a few seconds before shoving his fingers back inside. Using the palm of his hand to rub against your clit, he worked your body until he had you screaming for him.

~

The scent of your sweet cunt caused his mouth to salivate, a thin line of drool escaping him before he wiped it away with the back of his hand. His cock was heavy and throbbing, straining in the confines of his pants, wanting to replace the fingers lodged inside your sweet orifice.

Gyutaro wanted to feel those tight, fluttering walls around his girthy mass, clenching on his manhood as he brought you to completion again and again. He could only imagine what other reactions you’d make, forcing you to enjoy your own ruination by him and envisioning your pretty pussy swallowing all he had to give.

Gyutaro just knew you were going to feel amazing wrapped around him. 

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The NSFW Art ft my OC here -->(⁠｡⁠・⁠/⁠/⁠ε⁠/⁠/⁠・⁠｡⁠)

[colourstreakgryffin]

Yandere! Romantic! KNY Kocho Shinobu Headcanons

(Aaaaah! This one is gonna be scary! Hope all of my little glass angels like this one too!)

Shinobu as a romantic Yandere has the Yandere traits of; Manipulative, Possessive, Delusional, Overprotective, Deceptive, Violent/Murderous, Insensitive and Psychotic

- Shinobu will never admit it but she’s fallen hard. Off her pretty purple and aquamarine wings, she has fallen for you. The newest addition and the completion of the incomplete nine, the Ice Hashira. Shinobu never thought she’d have anybody to love, she thought she’d either die to a demon or live the rest of her life alone

- She developed a cute harmless crush on you at first, she clung to you and did all kinds of little but nice nicknacks. Made your bento for you, tied up your hair, held your hand to show you around. You thought Shinobu was just being friendly as you didn’t notice the way she looked at you. Completely lovestruck

- She doesn’t want to be alone anymore, once she knows her truth. She wants you, and she will do whatever is needed to have you as her own

- Shinobu could be considered one of the hardest Hashira to turn Yandere as she is actually quite closed-off then as she seems in public but personally, I believe that once she is deeply in love and then sees her love interest with other people, her overwhelming jealous anger would begin shaping her Yandere self. One jigsaw piece at a time

- Why do you like him/her? What does he/she have that Shinobu doesn’t?! Height? Strength? You nor Shinobu need those! Shinobu has brains! And that should be enough. She is loyal and will remember everything you tell her, devotion is more attractive, isn’t that obvious?!

- I’m sorry to all Shinobu fans but Shinobu is definitely a very abusive Yandere to her love interest. She doesn’t like hurting you, she wants to love you more than anything but you always constantly misbehave and stir up trouble, she must punish you and those punishments usually leave you torn-up emotionally, starved, freezing and bandaged with a broken limb or two chained to the futon besides her futon as she puts you to sleep by force with a sleep-inducing poison from her katana

- For real, all of her smiles are genuine around you. Her happiness is genuine too, you make her feel less alone and that she can be her real self with you. She is attached to you because you’ve changed her, gave her a reason to smile that she actually agrees with for once

- And she won’t lose you to somebody like Kyojuro or Mitsuri. Starting now, Shinobu’s obsession and plan comes into clear view. You’ll be her lovely little girlfriend, Shinobu knows of it and is excited for her fantasy to come to life

- Shinobu’s a stalker, like Kyojuro. She follows you everywhere you go in secret; to the fleek market, to your estate, to your unwell mother’s household. She knows every single detail of your travel schedule and waits eagerly behind trees or buildings to catch you. She watches from the sideline with her bug-like eyes forming into love hearts at the sight of you in such a gorgeous kimono

- She can’t stop thinking about you but she loves it. In battle or whilst taking care of the Kamaboko Squad, you litter her mind that she sometimes randomly blurbs out your name. You plague her thoughts, her fantasies so much that Zenitsu swears he can hear Shinobu’s thoughts in detail fall out of her ears

- Shinobu, also just like Kyojuro, is a very split-faced Yandere, and swaps between her Yandere self and her ordinary self. She, as mentioned in the Kyojuro post, is very good at hiding her Yandere behaviours as she regularly hides all of her emotions so it’s like second nature and uses it as a means to manipulate. Manipulate your emotions

- “That’s… quite harsh, Myōji. Don’t you think? Why would I kill somebody? That’s a heavy accusation. It… almost seems like you don’t like me as a friend… that hurts. Oh, you’re sorry? Apologise to my grave because clearly, you want me dead”

- Shinobu wholeheartedly views herself as your destined true love, and that you’re being brainwashed by everybody around you into dismissing that you’re just as in love with her. Delusion at its finest, she doesn’t even notice how afraid of her you really are, how her fantasies aren’t true in a single bit

- Oh! And she’ll make you your own Butterfly Hairpin and force you to wear it 24/7 as a symbol of her ownership of you. All will back off if her mark is dug deep into your figure, that single cute butterfly-styled hairpin of your favourite colours

- Every injured Hashira goes to the Butterfly Estate for treatment, right? But it’s different for you. Whenever you’re injured, you’re end up staying there longer as Shinobu mixes your medicine with sickness-inducing poison to keep you unwell for longer. As cruel as it is, Shinobu has no ill intentions. She merely wants your love and by making you sick, she has a better chance to refine her relationship with you

- “Oh my, Myōji-chan. Your temperature is quite high and you’ve been coughing so much, you’re losing your voice. Hmm, it seems that the symptoms point to a case of the cold. Sadly, a strong one too. But, please, do not worry. I will take wonderful care of you! We do need our Ice Hashira as soon as possible, and I’ll make sure you are in perfect health”

- Shinobu lies to you all the time, especially when you start to pick up on that she may be harming you on purpose to keep you against your will at the Butterfly Estate. What? Don’t be ridiculous! She’s a doctor, why would she make a problem, she solves them!

- Her tactics of making you sick is her form of kidnapping. She won’t actually kidnap you at all since her Estate is way too occupied that it’s quite possible her girls will find you. So, she’ll just keep making you unwell so she can treat you and just HOPE you get injured again so she can repeat the process

- Shinobu is VERY-EXTREMELY likely to kill potential love interests, sharing this Yandere trait with Sanemi and Obanai, but does not care at all if you know. She is very clever in her methods that keeps her hands clean of blood and everybody else except you in firm belief that she had nothing to do with the ‘accident’; she befriends the person, poisons their food/drink, brings them to her estate to “treat them” then kill them in the most brutal fashions before disposing every inch of the body with her impeccable range of poisons

- Shinobu is the most manipulative Yandere Hashira out of the whole nine. She manipulated everybody around her all the time from the beginning of Kanae’s death and it just became a habit to trick the human mind with her silver tongue and a fake but convincing smile. You can’t blame her for the deaths of your potential love interests, she’ll twist your words and viewpoint till you’re apologising for “misaccusing” her

- Tag-teaming with her Manipulation, Shinobu is deceptive! She misleads everybody, including you into believing she couldn’t hurt a fly. Sure, she kills demons but she doesn’t like it! Don’t you believe her? She is so harmless, she just wants to love the world!

- Such talk makes Shinobu feel sick. Her? Like demons? Please, she wishes the most horrible deaths on every single demon in this world, including that Nezuko. And no human is safe either, anybody that wants your love is a demon and must be executed

- Shinobu is violent. Horrifyingly violent towards everybody else but slightly violent towards you. She’ll break a bone or maybe another on you in which she sees as inevitable whilst she’ll badly mulitate her enemies, no matter if they may be human or demon. You know of this as she brings evidence of her work to gloat and there is no way you’ll ever see Shinobu again without intense fear

- Her forced but sugary sweet smile clashing with her lifeless purple eyes makes your spine buckle in pure terror as she tilts your chin up with the sharp tip of her stinger katana. What does she do with you? At the end, she’ll hurt you then she’ll heal and love you

- Yandere Shinobu is also insensitive and psychotic, this being when you get more insight of her Yandere side. She is insensitive to your problems with her behaviour. What’s the matter? Who cares if a few people you liked died, you’re mother is dying, it happens to everybody. She is, as well, psychotic. Her head is cracking and chipping like glass, she is losing her sanity over you and her eyes are playing tricks on her too

- Wait a second, since when did you get in the bathtub with her? Whoa, you’re getting in her lap?! N-no way, you’re about to kiss her! BAM. Shinobu snaps back to reality and sighs in pain. She doesn’t care that she is suffering hallucinations, she cares that what she saw didn’t actually happen. She would have gladly killed the Master for a fun time in the bathtub with you

- Now, who do you belong to? Yes, Shinobu! And she will drill that into your head. Meaning, you’re not seeing anybody else ever again, family or friends. You’re hers, her little Rosy Maple. Why do you need other people when all the love, all the luxury and all the attention one could want in over twenty lifetimes exists in the Butterfly Estate, the home of the Insect Hashira. The one and only, who is willing to destroy, kill and die for you

- Hashira and lower-ranks alike may call Shinobu the Butterfly but you’re the real Butterfly in this situation’s deadly pinchers. You’re the helpless prey to Shinobu’s powerful predator. She has you trapped in her cocoon and she’ll paint it red with blood as much as she needs to keep you trapped

- “Here, my precious Rosy Maple. Try this kimono on! Why, yes. It matches mine, I got it specially ordered for you so go on, be quick and don’t be annoying by messing around. Just put it on and show it to me. Very easy, I know you can manage that���

[meffuyu]

𝐇𝐘𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋

(Supposed or assumed true, but unproven.)

Part I , Part II

Revelation...

tanjiro. k x afab! reader

a/n :: I have to say, Tanjiro is one strong dude... 😔

In the two years since that treacherous discovery, much had changed. 

At the age of fifteen, almost nothing had fazed you. You went through trials and temptations getting through the growth of defending yourself. You had learned that there were these creatures that weeded their way into this world. Those creatures were referred to as demons. 

The hideous mutants, who were scavenging for blood, were responsible for the deaths of those you knew.

Outside, you waited for the Love Pillar. 

"I'm sorry it took so long; the other Hashiras must be waiting for us!" Mitsuri exclaimed with worry. 

"Let's go right away, I don't want Master to be upset that we are late!" She confessed. 

There had been a summon for all of the Pillars to discuss something important again. The agenda was a demon slayer keeping a demon alongside their battles. Many protested permitting a young boy and his demonized people for exemption. 

You knew it was serious, considering the water Pillar: Tomioka Giyuu had some consequential involvement regarding the situation. 

All you did was nod. You weren't even supposed to attend this so-called summon strictly for Hashiras alone. Although you felt as if you were intruding, Mitsuri was persistent in having her student accompany her. She wanted you to converse with other Pillars and students, even if you had no intention to. 

"Poor Giyuu, who knew he would commit a crime like this? I hope he'll be okay." Mitsuri expressed her deepest concerns for the fellow Hashira. If anything, she was primarily rambling to herself. "[Name], you look troubled. Is something wrong?" She inquired suddenly. 

Behind your cold demeanour, Mitsuri always determined your current mood state. You weren't surprised. Judging on how often she spoke with the Serpent Pillar, she read him like an open book. 

You sighed dramatically. 

"I just find this whole thing unnecessary." 

"Eh? Unnecessary?" Mitsuri questioned further. 

"Yeah, unnecessary. They should at least punish the kid and kill the demon quickly. That way, nobody would get hurt. Demons aren't friendly." You said. The two of you entered through the clear gates of the Demon Slayer Corp Headquarters. 

Mitsuri understood that you saw this whole meeting as entirely pointless. She knew you always managed to come up with the most straightforward solutions. 

You saw her stifle a laugh which caused you to furrow your brow. Her palms met with her lips, making you hear her little giggles. 

"Why are you…" 

"I'm sorry [Name]! I'm sorry, it's just; he looks no less than your age… so it's funny hearing you call him a kid!" She croaked in between snickers. 

Fifteen…

Eventually, it drew the attention of others, and in no time, the Flame Pillar and Sound Pillar waved to you both.

"Great to see you, Kanroji! And we meet again [Name]! Quite the ruckus we have here, don't we!" Rengoku Kyojuro was the first to make noise in your presence.  

Tengen Uzui was next since he also used his loud and booming voice. "I see that you made it! Fashionably late, and that's your student, right? [Name], was it!?" 

You kept quiet while Mitsuri became flustered. 

Since you were not a Hashira, you needed to keep your distance from the event. Your relentless training hadn't made you worthy, no matter how many scars you had acquired.

Even though occasionally, the headmaster of Demon Slayer Corp would praise you. He always complimented you in a way that you had a 'strong heart' and 'good soul.' 

Such heroic nature. 

Afar was the Hashira of this day and age everyone looked up to. They stood proud before this young boy who appeared to have been knocked around before arriving here. 

He was tied up, and the moment he had awoken, he looked more confused than surprised. Mitsuri was right about one thing, he looked around your age. His hair was a burgundy colour that tousled around because of his thrashing and squirms. 

When the boy found his ground, he looked enraged. Sanemi had messed around with the demon hidden inside the wooden box.

You, just like everyone else, wondered why he got so worked up like this over a demon. 

But then you noticed something which stole your breath away. Those earrings… those earrings! 

Tanjiro? 

No, that was a lie. Tanjiro was dead, along with the entire family of Kamados. There was no mistake in that, you saw their bodies with your own two eyes. But why on earth was he wearing Tanjiro's earrings? 

"Wait." You sputtered; only Muichiro heard you.

The boy stood his ground in front of the Wind Pillar, despite being told that the people around him were of the highest rank among demon slayers. "Anyone who hurts my sister… Hashira or not, I won't let you get away with it!" 

"Yeah? Come on then!" The older man roared with a haughty laugh. 

“Master is arriving! Settle yourselves!” The Water Pillar warned. 

Charging with incredible speed, the boy landed a hit on Sanemi. Everyone was surprised, even yourself. 

You were dumbfounded; what was going on here? Did he just say, sister? Drawing various inferences, you did a process of elimination in your mind. 

His sister is a demon? 

While the Hashiras were getting restless, you took this opportunity to move independently. It wasn't a great idea for you to intrude the meeting, but you felt something in your gut telling you to do so.

The boy's angry expression did not falter; all he felt was anguish for what they did to his sister. 

Then he saw you, towering over him, with the most unreadable expression. Mitsuri, was worried for you. She clasped her palms together and had no clue what to say. 

"[Name]..." She uttered. 

"Just what do you think you're doing [Name]?" The Serpent Pillar inquired from above, resting on the branch of a tree.

All eyes are on you. 

"Tanjiro Kamado?" Was the first thing you asked that boy, whose expression changed from a furious fire to quite flabbergasted? 

"E-Excuse me?" 

His response caused your eyes to widen and fingers to tremble. Those around you were baffled, especially since everyone knew his name, but why was it a shock to you? 

You reached out to him, which caused Tanjiro to jerk back. He didn't know if you were here to hurt his sister as well, just like the Wind Pillar had done. 

"Don't you dare touch Nezuko! Don't come closer!" He shrieked, which made you register that he got the wrong message. You were in the middle of processing all of this, you felt an incoming headache.

A nostalgic scent filled the young boy's nostrils while you cautiously approached him. 

It was like he knew this scent from somewhere. 

But your short, evenly snipped locks didn't ring any bells. Not even the visible scars, markings and maybe piercings he could not identify. Your eyes visually displayed no life, not an inch of happiness he found within your irises. For all he knew, you could have been another one of the Hashiras.

"It's been years, I thought," You choked. "I thought you died- the both of you died." 

The walls were crumbling, the walls you had put up years ago. It all started when you, yourself, confirmed that they were dead. Only a miracle could explain this foolishness before your eyes. 

Tanjiro was quiet, and the Pillars were silent. 

"It's me, [Name]. I know, I look different, but that's beside the point-" 

 "[Name]?" He interrupted. 

This time, Tanjiro stepped forward, inch by inch, closer to you. It would have been nice if he could have touched your hair, but he wasn't permitted to do so. He was trying to remember you. The young boy knew you were important in his life, especially since you knew about the massacre of his family. 

He just needed time. 

Before you knew it, he was in front of you, swallowing the bitter feeling of nothingness. 

Among the small crowd was the culprit who antagonized both Tanjiro and the little demon Nezuko. Sanemi was heated. 

"I underestimated you, kid! If that's how it's going to be, then…" 

Just as you were going to respond, someone yanked your forearm. It was the Insect Pillar, and she looked very annoyed with the unfolding situation. 

"We do have policies about students attending Hashira summons. But I think you've caused a bit of noise." She had a tight smile plastered on her face. 

You ripped your arm out of her hold, and she didn't display any surprised expression. Your attention was returned to Tanjiro, who took his time to think. 

"Do you remember our promise?" You encouraged. 

He stood there and shook his head. 

"I'm sorry, I … don't remember." 

"You said you would always look for me ... But, this time, I found you." 

With that, a smile crept on your face, and Tanjiro looked amazed. 

He remembered you. 

"[Name], I'm happy to see you again." 

[little-lee-froggie]

Hellooooooo, I’m here with headcannons for Giyuu! There will be three different sets of Giyuu headcannons in this post, and I’ll put the third one under the cut cuz it has some triggering topics, but you won’t see it unless you want to! So first we have Giyuu x Trans reader, then Giyuu x short reader, then the last one (more info about the last one later). Also, I keep checking to see if the cut worked, but for some reason it isn’t on my dash, so please let me know if it is for you. I’ve tried everything I can think of, so if it’s not working for others, I just post the last one separately. With that, let’s get into it:

_________________________________________

Headcannon set #1: Giyuu x trans reader (platonic)

warnings: swearing (please tell me if I missed any)

when you first came out to him, he was a bit worried. Not in a shitty transphobic way, but about what you had been going through, and alone no less

However, he immediately is accepting of you

He somehow remembers new pronouns and new name right away

He got it wrong once, then immediately corrected himself, and that was the first time for him using them. He hasn’t gotten in wrong since 

(If FtM) He’ll find some of his old clothes and if you like them, he’ll let you have them. He’ll also help you cut your hair if you want

(If MtF) He’ll ask Shinobu or Mitsuri if they have any old clothes. If you’re not out to them yet and they ask what for, he’ll just say “project” and not say anything else. They get more confused then before, but if they have anything they’ll give it to him

(If trans nonbinary) He’ll ask if you want new clothes and/or cut your hair, and if you do, he’ll help you. He has no problem wrapping his head around the nonbinary identity cuz I feel like he studies plants and fungus in his own time (idk why), and some fungi have hundreds of different sexes

He will CORRECT ANY DEMONS who you’re in battle with if they call you by the wrong pronouns. The first time it happened he didn’t cuz he wanted to make sure you were ok with it, and you said: “oh my gosh, please do, it’s always been my goal to see a human correct a demon on something they can’t argue with them about”. This made him smile a little at the fact that that was your goal

Bestie is a supportive ✨KING✨

————

Headcannon set #2: Giyuu x short reader (platonic)

warnings: swearing (please tell me if I missed any)

Soooo… he’s not like, mean about it, but he will do things that you THINK is teasing, but you can’t tell cuz he says it with a completely blank face and monotone voice.

Yeah, I take that back, he very clearly teases you, and is somewhat mean, but not mean enough to hurt your feelings, but just enough to piss you off a little.

(Also, in theses head cannons you’re like short-short. Like shorter than Shinobu, and she’s 4’11.)

There was this one time where you were trying to reach something just barely to high up for you (like one fucking millimetre), and he’ll just watch you and randomly say something like “you know, if you stand there long enough, you might grow the little bit you need to reach it”, and then just walk away, leaving you whining cuz he could easily get it for you.

He also now puts things there as much as possible just to tease you a little.

You don’t mind it to much though. Don’t get me wrong, it annoys the shit out of you, but it’s rare that he’s so playful, so it also makes you kind of happy, but in a pissed off way.

There was even this time where you wanted some floating shelves in your room, so Giyuu said he would get some of the helpers around headquarters and the Hashira estates to do it, but when he was asked how high up they should be, he told them to measure the place where you just barely can’t reach to. He got you a stool for it after about a day though, he still wants you be able to use it, he just likes to tease you in his own ways.

He’s the only one allowed to do things like this though, anyone else must have a fucking death wish.

Once Shinobu tried to tease you about your height, and Giyuu just perked up, but like… in anger (what-), and Shinobu hasn’t tried that since out of fear of what would happen, and that girl fears NOTHING.

Yeah, he’s THAT friend, but we love him for it <3

————

ok, so if you don’t want to read the last one, those were my headcannons!! I hope you liked them, and have a great day/night, byeeeee!!

————

TW under the cut: Self-harm, mental illness

Now, for those who stayed, let’s re-get into it:

_________________________________________

Headcannon set #3: Giyuu x self harming reader (platonic, comfort kinda)

warnings: Self harm, mental illness, swearing (please tell me if I missed any)

He noticed little things about you that seemed a bit off pretty early on in your friendship, and was a bit worried, but didn’t really think about it 

It wasn’t until the day when he saw the little marks on your body that didn’t look like they came from demons (ie: small burns, little cuts, random tiny scabs, ect) that he gets really worried 

When he first noticed the marks, he chose to keep track of them and see if any new ones showed up between missions or if you were hiding the place he noticed them so he can figure out if they’re self-inflicted or not 

The day he confirmed his worries was when he finally confronted you about it 

Once he said the first sentence, you broke down into tears

You couldn’t lie to him about it. To you, that seemed worse then what you were actually doing to yourself, even though you knew inflicting harm on yourself was awful 

He doesn’t know why you would ever do something like that to yourself. You always seemed so happy

You explained to him about what you were going through to the best of your abilities, and how one day you passed by a knife/razor, ect, and you just snapped 

He does his very best to help, and he made sure to check you every night for any new wounds 

He also has you journal you progress, what might have triggered a re-lapse, if anything had healed and how you felt that day

He does his best to prevent you from harm of all kinds, and it hurt him so much to think about what kind of emotional pain you must have been going through to do such a thing 

Makes sure to keep whatever you used far away from you at all times and pays close attention to your body language 

If you look like you might have a re-lapse or just look sad in general, he does his best to comfort you, but he’s not the best when it comes to things like that 

If anyone else finds out, he gets worried cause it causes you to panic, which can trigger a re-lapse, so he takes extra good care of you that day to try and help more. He’d make you your favourite food, you two’d watch your favourite movie, and he’d do little things that he knows you enjoy 

He just gets really worried, but does his best to stay calm. He cares about you so much, and it hurts him to think about you harming yourself 

ok, those were all my headcannons! I hope you enjoyed, byeeeee!!

-Froggie :p

[silverynight]

Can you write a oneshot about the kamboko squad and their mission during the Entertainment District Arc? I could imagine the hashiras just keep on visiting Sumiko. (The poor ladies must be so confused on why Sumiko is so popular 😭.) If you want, you can also write about the boys putting on their make up before the mission. Either way I feel like the chaos would be great >:D (Sorry for my bad english!)

(This is not going to follow the main events of that arc, only Tanjirou posing as a courtesan for another mission)

***

If he's being honest, Tanjirou doesn't think too much about appearances, not even then as he's trying to pretend to be a girl. He just needs to find the demon who's been terrorizing the whole Red District and then go back to his friends.

"You're really pretty, Sumiko," one of the girls (her name is Kana, if he remembers correctly) comments carefully removing Tanjirou's makeup after he's been helping all of them carry heavy stuff around the house. She had said she wanted to pay her back by helping her with something. "You just don't know how to apply makeup. Don't worry, you have me now."

He thanks her sincerely, feeling grateful for the kindness the girl has showed him, but he doesn't even waste his time finding a mirror to look at the final result; he keeps moving around the house, helping all the girls while trying to get new information.

"You're so nice to us, Sumiko!" One of them almost sobs, wrapping herself around him. Tanjirou immediately feels bad again for hiding his true identity from all of them. They deserve so much better. "I really wish you find a nice, wealthy person so they can get you out of here!"

"But you know most of them wouldn't buy a scarred girl," says another, earning glares from the ones around.

"It's alright, really!" Tanjirou assures them with a huge grin. "It means I'll get to stay with you and help you as much as I can!"

Suddenly, he's surrounded by girls in an embrace that for a moment, makes him feel like he's back at home with his family again. He holds back a sob.

When he's back in his room he gets another letter from Zenitsu; despite him being usually talkative in most of them (he mentions Nezuko a lot, which Tanjirou is very much glad about) this just contains a couple of words, which surprises him.

All the hashira found out about your mission.

Tanjirou frowns, looking around to see if there's another page on the ground, another piece of parchment with more information.

He has no idea why Zenitsu thought that was something he should know.

***

Kana is aware the House she was sold into is popular, but she's never seen something like that before.

The first swordsman that arrives both scares the girls and attracts them at the same time; he's the most handsome man they have had in a while and of course everyone around wants to be the one to entertain him.

He's tall and even though he's completely covered from his neck to his feet in some sort of uniform, they all can see he's pure muscle underneath.

He's blond, but has red tips that make him look like a torch all the time. All about him screams fire.

Oh, they all like him.

The woman in charge looks at him with such a pleased expression as soon as she sees the money he's carrying.

"Let me show you the girls..."

Right then though, Sumiko walks out, carrying a huge chair over her shoulders; she leaves it near the entrance. Honestly, that girl is unbelievable strong.

Her dark red hair is a mess, her makeup is already falling off, but her cheeks are still pink because she's been doing nothing but heavy chores since she arrived.

The woman in charge is already pushing her away so the customer doesn't see her (because that woman believes the scar on her forehead is too ugly and therefore no one would ever want her).

"I want that one," the client says without hesitation.

"But she's–"

He purposely ignores her and takes Sumiko in his arms.

For a moment, Kana wonders if she's witnessing what some people call "love at first sight" because the man looks so in love already.

When he walks away with her, she thinks that maybe she'll never get to see Sumiko again and feels a little bit lonely because of it. The girls in the house have really grown fond of her rather quickly.

***

Sumiko returns and the beautiful people keep walking in the place asking about her.

A man with dark hair and deep blue eyes and a permanent neutral expression on his face arrives the next day. He's really handsome, but Kana notices he's less popular among the girls because of his somber demeanor.

"Leave him to me," one of Kana's friends winks. "I love quiet ones."

"I want to see Sumiko," he says, surprising everyone again.

Then, before he takes her, Kana swears she sees a fond smile quirking his lips up as Sumiko beams at him.

"Tomioka-san! Hi! Do you want a report?"

The last sentence doesn't make any sense so Kana convinces herself she just imagined it.

***

They have lost the ability to get surprised; as the third one walks in (a tall man with huge arms and a flamboyant personality) this time, they all know he has come to see Sumiko.

She's really popular now; Kana and her sisters (as she calls the other girls that work with her) have accepted it a while ago. However, they have never felt jealous of her; they really love her, the girl has charmed her way into their hearts with kindness.

"Look at you," the man grins at her; he's so tall he has to kneel in front of her. He's so clearly flirting with Sumiko, Kana has no idea how she isn't a flustered mess already. "So pretty. You look like my future wife."

Sumiko chuckles, like she's used to hearing things like that.

"You're so funny, Uzui-san."

***

It's not unusual to get female customers; many girls arrive at the House, looking for a pretty girl to have some fun with.

No, what surprises them is that the girl is really beautiful; she has long, pink hair and an innocent look on her face that tells Kana she doesn't get to visit that sort of places very often...

Perhaps it's her first time.

However, her shyness vanishes as she sees Sumiko, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer before kissing her on the cheek.

Kana gives the other girls a knowing look before they all leave Sumiko and the client alone.

***

Kana counts nine; they're nine loyal customers that only come to see Sumiko. They come really often and sometimes bring her gifts that Sumiko immediately shares with the other girls.

"I think it's more than... physical," Kana mumbles, saying out loud what everyone there has been thinking for a while now. "I think they're in love with you."

"Uh?" Sumiko blinks at her in confusion, after taking a sip of her tea. "What are you talking about?"

"The people that visit you," Kana insists, rolling her eyes. She's never met such an oblivious girl.

"They're just being nice."

Kana decides not to keep bothering her with that and instead asks about something that has been troubling her for a while.

"So... About the one with scars all over his chest," shs mumbles, remembering the first time she saw him; he's handsome, but he always looks like he's about to growl or bite someone. "The one with white messy hair. Is he... Has he been gentle with you?"

Sumiko blushes to the tip of her ears, quickly realizing what she's trying to say.

"It's not like that... Uhh, I m-mean, he's... not usually... He knows how to be kind," Sumiko stammers.

Kana nods, recalling the day; how she begged the master of the House not to let Sumiko go with him, but the woman just huffed that he had the money so they couldn't deny him.

She's glad he's not aggressive with her; part of her knows that he's also in love with Sumiko in his own way.

***

Shinobu can't help but smile fondly at Tanjirou as the boy puts back his haori. He seems happy to be wearing his uniform again, even though all the Pillars think he looked really pretty as Sumiko.

"I'm glad the demon won't hurt anymore people," Tanjirou grins, looking at Muichiro who swoons with delight at the attention. "Thanks for helping me fight him!"

"Anything for you, Tanjirou!"

Next to them, Tengen is already begging Mitsuri to give Tanjirou one of her skirts and assuring her he'll convince him to wear it in the hashira headquarters for their next meeting.

Shinobu rolls her eyes.

"Kocho-san, can I bring some of the girls to the butterfly estate so they can start working there?" Tanjirou asks, eyes opening wide. He looks adorable and he probably doesn't even know it. "Please, they don't like working in that House!"

Shinobu sighs, knowing that by "some" he means anyone who wants to come with him, which is probably all of them.

She doesn't even bother to ask her fellow hashira what they think, because judging by the ridiculous, fond looks on their faces they're ready to say yes to anything Tanjirou asks them.

"Fine. We'll get them out of there."

"Thank you!" Tanjirou beams and she can't help but smile in return as she ruffles his hair.

Kyojuro takes the opportunity to put him over his lap as Giyuu glares at the flame hashira, however, he takes Tanjirou's hand in his before kissing it gently.

They're hopeless; Shinobu has no idea how they didn't ruin the whole mission because none of them could stop paying visits to Sumiko. How did no one notice there was something weird going on there?

***

Patreon

[mitsungo]

We are already this far! And this has turned into more of an Akaza x reader story 🌸 I’m sorry Kyo— for now it’s just Akaza, patience, patience. Plz excuse any spelling/grammar mistakes! I’m on vacation right now and I have been adding to this when I get inspired! The next part will be the last part which I hope to finish by Sunday! Because we need closure! No cliffhangers! Not here! 🍡 Enjoy for now! Also time is like super super uh 😵‍💫 just stick with the plot okay! 😭

⭑･ﾟﾟ･*:༅｡.｡༅:*ﾟ:*:✼✿ ❄️ ✿✼:*ﾟ:༅｡.｡༅:*･ﾟﾟ･⭑

Y/n was currently working on a kimono, the client was none other Kocho Shinobu, the insect hashira. It was daytime, so Akaza wasn’t able to be visit her, though he wish he could. He was currently down in the cellar of the mansion. Waiting for Y/n to signal him that sundown was already here. Shinobu was a very good friend of Y/n’s, and she personally would check up on her and the baby. Or babies, as Y/n would put it. Something in her told her that she were going to have twins. It was a gut feeling.

“Y/n, you really shouldn’t overwork yourself. Your body is turning very weak lately, I fear that you will fall ill if you continue working yourself too much.” Shinobu said to her one day when she came to check how Y/n was doing. “I won’t fall ill Shinobu-chan. Don’t worry so much, I’m a strong woman. I can handle this. Come now, sit down with me.” Y/n said softly, patting a spot next to her. Shinobu frowned slightly with concern. “Don’t be worried. Like I said, I am fine. Shine me a beautiful smile would you? I hate seeing a frown on your face! It disheartens me!” Y/n teased Shinobu, letting out a small giggle as Shinobu shaked her head with a smile.

It had passed around six months now, and y/n was getting sicker by the day. Her body was very frail and sickly, she couldn’t really walk around anymore either without help. Her aunt and uncle refused to leave her alone anymore but she would tell them that she needed to be alone sometimes. Senjuro and Shinjuro would come around and visit Y/n often, Senjuro more worried about Y/n’s health than anything else. Mitsuri and Shinobu would drop by too, especially Shinobu who would give Y/n medicine to help with her health and pain that she would have at times. Akaza on the other hand would visit rarely for personal reasons as he told y/n. She didn’t argue, as her energy didn’t allow her to do so. But when Akaza did visit, he would hold her and make sure she had water nearby and the medicine Shinobu gave her. Everyone, including Akaza agreed that y/n should not continue working on anymore kimonos or anything that requires work. Y/n also didn’t argue, since she was too tired to even try and everyone would notice it too.

“Y/n? Dear? You have a letter from Tanjiro-kun!” Her aunt said behind the door. Y/n immediately stopped reading the book she had in her hands. Her aunt slid open the door and gently put the letter down next to her futon. “You finished your tea already. I’ll go brew you some new tea for later.” She told y/n, picking up the tray and leaving the room quietly. Y/n smiled softly, grabbing the letter and opening it. Kamado Tanjiro, he was a very kind and gentle boy that Kyojuro had met during his hashira meeting and his last mission. Tanjiro had come by one day to deliver some last words from Kyojuro to y/n, which made her burst out into tears, then proceeding to grasp Tanjiro into a hug, causing the young boy to cry as well. Ever since that day, the both of them wrote frequently to one another, with y/n telling him about her pregnancy, wishing him luck on his missions and other things. Tanjiro would write about his missions, or his day, or how Zenitsu and inosuke missed her and how much he loved reading about how y/n and the babies were doing. Another point to y/n on how she knew she was going to have twins, when Tanjiro visited her one day during her early months of pregnancy, he assured her that she was having twins. Still, no one believed the two, though Zenitsu too assured her that she was pregnant with twins.

A few days later, Tanjiro and Nezuko had stopped by to pay a visit to Y/n. It had been around two weeks since they had last seen her, and Tanjiro was dying to speak to her. As Tanjiro and Nezuko walked to her residence, he couldn’t help but think about how much of a mother figure y/n was to him and Nezuko. She reminded him of his mother, her gentle and soft spoken nature caused him to think of his mother when y/n spoke or laughed. When she hugged him the first time they met, Tanjiro was left in a state of shock, the warmth was that of a mother, a loving and kind embrace. They both arrived in front of the mansion and immediately saw the gate open. It was Y/n’s aunt.

“Oh! Tanjiro-kun! Nezuko-chan! Good timing! I just brewed Y/n some tea! Come in! Come in my dears!” Her aunt waved, yanking Tanjiro and Nezuko in before they could even greet her. “Thank you very much Mrs. L/n!” “I told you to call me aunt! We are like family now! Don’t be shy dear!” Mrs. L/n giggled, putting a hand over her mouth, her eyes closed. “Ah yes sorry Mrs— erm auntie.” How much he missed visiting the L/n residence.

“She’s in her room! You know where it is darlings!” Aunt L/n said, before leaving to go get the tea. “Come on Nezuko, let’s go see Y/n!” Tanjiro grabbed Nezuko’s hand and they both quickly made their way to her room. “Y/n.” Nezuko softly said. “Yeah that’s right—!” The doors to y/n’s room slid open, interrupting Tanjiro. “Tanjiro. Nezuko. I’m so happy to see you both again.” Y/n smiled softly, her arms wrapping themselves around the siblings. Tanjiro’s eyes widened, “You can’t be up mother!” He quickly realized what he said, his face flushed red with embarrassment. Y/n laughed weakly, still hugging the two siblings.

After getting settled and drinking some tea, y/n pulled a small box out from her drawer. “I want to give you both something. As you both have been very kind to me, my family and my children.” Y/n said, pulling out two small handkerchiefs, one patterned like Tanjiro’s haori and the other like nezuko’s kimono. Y/n handed them to the two siblings, Tanjiro bowed his head, taking the piece of cloth and looking at it closely. It was a snowy mountain, it reminded him of his home, the snow, the trees, the grey sky. Y/n was taken by surprise when Tanjiro embraced her, tears falling from his eyes. “I’m—.” Tanjiro started but was cut off by y/n embracing him back tightly, Nezuko joining in, both children nuzzling themselves into Y/n’s hug. “You both, are one of the many greatest treasures blessed to me. I am so glad to have two wonderful children like you both.” Y/n said in between tears, Tanjiro looked up at her, a warm gentle smiling adoring her face as tears fell from her eyes. The two of them cried softly, Nezuko blinking in surprise at why her two favorite people were crying.

When Akaza arrived later that day, y/n was a bit shocked but she quickly welcomed him into her room. Akaza went to give her an embrace but he stopped midway. She smelt different, and it irritated him. Just who the hell was she seeing during the day? He had gotten familiar with a few scents, her aunt, her uncle, three friends that she refused to give the names of, but these two new scents were just unbearable, he had smelt one of them somewhere before, but he couldn’t remember from where. Y/n picked up on his new mood and looked down slightly, preferring not to say anything, as Akaza could easily get annoyed when he is in deep thought. Y/n sighed, pushing a piece of her hair behind her ear. Suddenly, a wave of pain hit her like a rock, she didn’t know what it was but it was almost as if it was a cramp. She let out a small gasp, covering her mouth quickly so Akaza couldn’t hear her, but Akaza had noticed and was already by her side.

“What’s wrong Y/n? What hurts? Tell me! Where is the medicine? Come on! It has to always be near you! You know this!” He cried, looking around for the medicine Shinobu had given to y/n for pain. “It’s in the cabinet. Top shelf.” Y/n replied, putting her hand on her stomach. As Akaza was looking for her medicine, she started to hum a tune, rubbing her stomach to soothe the babies down. “On wintery days, up on the snowy hills, a house not far from the village—.” A few small kicks from her stomach caused y/n to stop singing. She was surprised, her babies have never kicked once. Akaza froze immediately at how silent the room had become, he swiftly took the medicine and was by y/n’s side in less than a few seconds. “What happened?” He questioned, glancing back and forth at her and her stomach. “The babies, just kicked me.” Y/n answered, tears brimming from her eyes. Akaza was in shock, his eyes moved to look at y/n’s, she looked back at him, her eyes now sparkling like the stars. “Akaza-kun, I want you to know something.” Y/n started, picking up his hand and moving it towards her stomach, placing it on top. “I might die, giving birth to the babies. But it is worth my own life, as any other mother would do the same for their children. These babies, will have a life worth living, they will be able to experience what it is to grow, to love and to cry. Even though, their parents won’t be around.” Akaza’s eyes widened at her words, how could she calmly say such things? Does she not fear death? Why is that? How is that possible? No, he could not let her die, not when she had children to live for. “You can not die. You must not die!” He cried, gripping her hands tightly, causing her to flinch and look at him with surprise. “These children, can not live without a parent! They need you! Their mother! Their mother is most important person in the world! That is why you can not die! Their fathers may not be alive when they are born and when they grow up! But they will have you! And you will tell them all about their fathers, their lives and their wills! So you have to promise me….” He paused, staring intently into y/n’s eyes, who’s eyes have started to spill more tears. “…you have to promise me that you will live! For you! And for our children!” Akaza yanked y/n into a kiss, he could not be able to cry one single tear, as much as he wished he could, but y/n knew this, as she was crying much more now. “I will have to leave you. This is my last visit. I only wish. We could have spent much more time together. If only then…if only, no, this is how it must be. I’m sorry. I—.” The words wouldn’t come out of his mouth, he couldn’t say it, he didn’t have the courage to do so. Y/n gently gripped his hands, bringing them up to her heart. Akaza stared in awe, as y/n’s tears finally stopped.

Why did it have to be like this? Why couldn’t they just be together a bit more? Was it too much to ask for? He was going to be a father, after all these years, and yet he had to leave it all behind. His little affair with Y/n, his own child, his love, his kindness, his warmth, it would be all gone. All of this happiness will disappear after he leaves, after he steps foot out of her mansion, the final battle was approaching, and y/n knew it too. Why was the world like this? No, he had a role to fulfill, he must continue fighting, no matter the cost. Akaza was a demon, he ate and murdered humans. He was a monster, a very strong monster too, yet this woman who someone managed to entangle with his emotions, caused him to see beauty in the world just for a little bit. The woman who’s fiancé he had killed with his own hands, he took her only happiness away and still she found new happiness with him. And now, with twins on the way, she would be happy even more. How beautiful. Akaza felt himself stand up with y/n by his side, going near the window in the room, they stood in front of it, hands intertwined together. She kissed the knuckles of his hands, and opened her mouth,

“You are one of the most understanding, kind, respectful and wonderful persons I have ever met in my life. I am thankful for having such a sweet person with me for this long. I owe you so much Akaza-kun. So please take care of yourself.” She reached her hand out towards his cheeks, his eyes widening with confusion, her smile, was the most genuine he had ever seen on a person throughout his entire life as a demon. “Fight with honor, and do the best you have ever done in your entire life, as this is the last blessing I will give you…” Y/n’s hands fell to her sides, her eyes glimmering with passion and determination. He knew this was it, this was their last day together. As he jumped from her window, into the garden, and onto the fence. He looked back one more time to see her, just to see her before he left for good, his heart aching as he heard her words slip from her mouth.

“Akaza-kun. I love you too.”

[17wishbones]

Chapter 2 for this Demon Slayer Quickie. Seriously, Rengoku is the best! And so are the other characters. And surprisingly, I haven’t read the manga yet but will be after this post! Finished the anime and watched the movie so I am completely down for investing myself into it, especially since finding out Berserk is going back on hiatus. SIGH. - - - - - - -

                                       Chapter II: Sounds in the Night

Your quaint room only resounded with your footsteps after your return from your mission in Osaka. Since Kamado Tanjiro’s visit, it had been your objective to gather whatever information you could.

Kibutsuji Muzan had been here. His aura left a nasty trail, as light as it had been. In an alleyway, there had been a small massacre and it reeked of his blood. You followed the trail as far as you could before you were tested by demons in search of being recognized so long as they killed a demon slayer.

Even after you finished the kills, there were no more trails to follow, as if it was done on purpose. You cursed mentally as you set down your Nichirin Blade. It was hard to accept this small bit of information gathered as nothing more than failure. It wasn’t enough to flush him out, and to find even one of the 12 Kizuki was asking for too much. 

The shōji to your room slid open with slight force. Who could be seeing you this time of night- “Good evening, my Sunflower!”

“Ah, good evening to you, Kyōjurō!” You answered, surprised. “W-what brings you here this late night? I didn’t think I’d see you until the morning.”

“Right!” He stepped halfway into your room with arms open. “I’ve missed you, my Sunflower! Did you miss me?”

He didn’t have to ask you twice as you rushed into his waiting arms and embraced him with all of your might. Since his announcement before the last meeting, you hadn’t seen him in about two and a half weeks. Your schedules were sure to differ, but it wouldn’t deter Rengoku seeing you before heading home.

“Yes, of course, I’ve missed you! It’s been a long 2 and a half weeks since I heard your voice.”

He peppered your face with warm kisses all over, evident of how much he adored you. It just ignited in him a need to love you more. “Come home with me tonight! Senjuro wanted to see you after we both returned!”

“Oh, I bet he’s gotten bigger now. But I can’t stay long…” - ‘Because since our most recent visit, he introduced me to his father as well as announcing that we both became Hashira, but he seemed to care less. His aura felt spiteful and sad.’

“Nonsense! You are always welcome to stay with me! After all, you shall soon bear my last name!”

“Rengoku _____. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

“I wholeheartedly agree! I can’t wait! We should be wed this year!”

“This year!? Shouldn’t we date a little before then?”

Rengoku blinked, dumbfounded. “Hmm? Have we not already been dating?”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“We have already committed ourselves to another three years ago!” You were caught off guard by this. “You gave me steamed sweet potatoes every Friday, slept in a futon with me many times, and entrusted your body to me.”

A blush darkened your cheeks. “Oh-oh? How so? Um… care to refresh my memory?”

“Nn!” He exchanged your waist for your hands, holding them firmly. There was a soft, somber look in his brilliant eyes when his gaze went over your hands. “Your gifts, company, and affection were but quiet signs of your love for me.” He spoke softly, unusual for his energetic and high volume self. He was serious. “Your exuberance burst strongly from your dedication and your resolve to protect others.” His eyes sought yours. “That night, when you looked at me so longingly, I had to consummate our mutual feelings.”

You could almost cry. “Kyōjurō…”

“No one sees what I see. A generous, beautiful, hardworking woman whose heart for justice burns like mine. I’ve only had eyes for you, my Sunflower. And if I must say it a thousand times for you, then I shall!”

His voice began rising, just as it was in his nature. Rengoku’s passion shined bright and ignited everyone’s will to live and fight for another day, for a better future.

You graced him with a kiss. A real one. Not one on the cheek as you’ve done before to keep face, but one on the lips. “That’s what I love about you. So much that I’m willing to put my life in your hands. There’s no one like you, Kyōjurō. No one can replace you.”

Rengoku’s eyes sparked with hot intensity only seen in battle. “Then come with me tonight! I see no point in us spending time apart except on missions!”

“You make a good point there. Do I need to bring anything?”

“Your blade, your uniform, and yourself!”

And just like that, you were zooming hand in hand to the Rengoku Estate. - - - - - - - -  Chapter: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII (Part 1) / (Part 2) / (Part 3)

[uwuwriting]

Affection w/ Giyuu, Sanemi and Tanjiro

Request: Did anyone say demon slayer???? How would Sanemi, Giyuu, annd Tanjiro show affection?

Fluffy stuff because I’m dying here. I don’t know how the bnha fandom is alive right now like legit plus only anime fans, how is it to be living in pure bliss? God I saw the spoilers at 8 am and started bawling no cap. Horikoshi is gonna be the death of me. 💖💖💖

rules

masterlist

warnings: fluff

Giyuu Tomioka 

-Really he’s the Shoto of this universe if I’m being honest and you already know I’ll be simping hard over this man. 

-He’s really closed off and distant, you two must have known each other for a long time in order for any romantic relationship to flourish. 

-You know that he is shy and awkward but that’s what you truly love about him, it’s the gentle and kind nature in a world full of death and despair. 

-He has lost everything time and time again, so having a partner is a huge step to overcome his trauma. 

-I believe he has abandonment issues so once you are his he won’t really want to let you go. 

-He may not show it that much in public but he worries about you. 

 -He worries a lot. 

-During hashira meetings *since you’re both hashiras* he always sits next to you no matter what. 

-The seat is reserved. 

-One time Shinobu sat next to you to fuck with him and he straight up grapped her by the shoulders, raised her Simba style and set her down a little further, taking his seat like nothing happened. 

-The other hashiras , mainly Uzui and Kyojuro, at first didn’t believe that you two were together. 

-Even before you became a thing, you two could always be found together sitting in silence under a tree or training. 

-So they were stunned when Gyuu blatantly said that you were in fact his significant other. 

-In all honesty they couldn’t understand how he pulled you. 

-He secretly links your pinkies whenever he feels the need to.

-Rarely, very rarely, he will hold your hand. 

-Most of the time it’s on your way back to the estate, when you’re going on and on about your day and you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.

-Giyuu will slowly slip his hand in yours, intertwining your fingers and silently guiding you forward, careful to not let you bump into anything.

-Sanemi witnessed that himself once and he never let it go. 

-He just stared at your linked hands all mesmerized contemplating whether not he should mock Giyuu, but then he saw how his eyes twinkled and that dumb little smile on his face and he decided to ignore it….for now. 

-He did bring it up later when the two male hashiras were alone. 

-Kisses are off the table and you are okay with that. 

-You are satisfied with just feeling him close to you. 

-He does though repay you tenfold while you two are alone. 

-At first again he was reserved, never initiating anything himself but after a while he became clingy in private. 

-He always needs to have a hand on you or just a part of him touching you. 

-He needs to feel you next to him, feel your body heat which means that you’re here, that you’re with him and that you’re okay, that you’re alive. 

-It’s a habit he got after Sabito’s and his sisters’ death. 

-You are the only person in the world who is there for him, he just needs the reassurance. 

-Cuddly at night. 

-Loves being both the small and the big spoon, he has no preference.

-His personal favorite is a position where he can feel your heartbeat.

-Baby, I love him. 

 Sanemi Shinazugawa

-Tsundere through and through. 

-He reminds me a lot of Bakugou but with a less insult driven personality. 

-At least towards you. 

-He’s ruthless with the rest of the lot because he doesn’t give a shit. 

-Just like Giyuu he always sits next to you, there will be no debate about that. 

-The rest will not argue because you always keep him in check and you are the only one who can truly calm him down a bit. 

-Your voice alone soothes him. 

-He feels at peace when you talk to him.

- “It’s like an angel is talking.” 

-No signs of affection in public, like none at all. 

-He gets flustered when others see him being vulnerable with someone. 

-Although they know that you two are together and that he is sweet with you since well you are staying with his ass, he can’t really get his brain to work properly when he is around others. 

-Might grab your hand or place his palm at the small of your back when things are getting a little hectic and he sees you becoming fidgety. 

-He knows that you too have your moments when you need reassurance about what you are doing and he will be there to provide you with said reassurance no matter where you two are. 

-He doesn’t like it when you go out on missions without him. 

-It’s not that he doesn’t trust your abilities or believes that you are weak, he’s just worried. 

-Worried that the past will repeat himself. 

-So most likely he’s with you on missions *since you too get worried when he leaves*.

-Since it's just the two of you he goes all out. 

-He will wrap his arm around your shoulders and let you nuzzle your nose against his neck while he will either give you a few kisses or start talking about something random.

-He likes temple kisses a lot. 

-They just come so naturally to him. 

-He is ready to leave the estate for a mission? Temple kiss.

-He woke up first and is going to make breakfast? Temple kiss. 

-He passes by you inside the estate? Temple kiss. 

-His answer to almost everything when it comes to you is a temple kiss. 

-He prefers having you on his chest while you sleep. 

-That way he can wrap his arms around you while you nestle into his chest, the warmth of your body bringing a feeling of domesticity, of normality. 

-For a few moments he isn’t the wind hashira, a fearsome demon slayer, he is just a man with the person he loves basking in her warmth. 

-So wholesome god I didn’t expect that. 

-Kyaaaa.

Tanjiro Kamado

-He is the most affectionate of the bunch. 

-His brotherly instincts kick in with you and he becomes overprotective lol. 

-Its weird because then your mind goes elsewhere and you can’t look at him in the eye for the next 14 business days.

 -Anyways. 

-He doesn’t hesitate to grasp your hand wherever you go. 

-He has no shame in that and moreover he loves seeing you blush or get flustered. 

-The way you hide your face in his chest makes him feel warm inside. 

-Unlike Giyuu or Sanemi he will kiss you in public and will be more affectionate than those two. 

-When I say kiss I don’t mean making out in front of everyone, just a small peck on the lips or on the forehead while he passes by you. 

-Oh forehead kisses. 

-His father used to give his mother forehead kisses all the time and became a very domesticated action in his mind. 

-It’s his way to wordlessly tell you that he loves you. 

-We don’t doubt you honey, we can see it in your eyes. 

-While on mission he prefers to be close to you, so he can deflect anything you don’t notice and maybe push you behind him because he likes feeling like a hero. 

-Once you tell him though that you feel like he’s undermining your abilities as a slayer by pushing you behind him, he stops. 

-You will allow it every once in a while but it's a rare occasion. 

-He asks you if you can place your futon next to his during the night. 

-He’s all blushy and cute not meeting your gaze while he’s scratching his neck. 

-Baby gets shy awww. 

-During the night he will pull you to his chest, it's just something that he does subconsciously. 

-He later apologizes for being so indecent and forcing you to cuddle him during the night. 

-We stan  a considerate king. 

-He loves it when you kiss him out of the blue. 

-When you just wrap your arms around his waist, bringing him back into you and lean up to kiss his cheek before skipping away like nothing happened. 

-Baby will just be standing there with a face as red as a tomato, with Zenitsu screeching at the top of his lungs because he is jealous. 

-Will get you back though so beware. 

-You will be helping around the butterfly estate when suddenly someone will grab you chin tilting it up and turning you around. 

-Next thing you know Tanjiro’s lips are on yours and you are melting into his touch as your knees go weak. 

- “Cute.” is all he says before he gives you one last peck on the nose and just walks away.

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[dudeandduchess]

Kyōjurō (x F!S/O) with Ran: Fuuran (Wholesome Fluff, SFW Scenario)

Summary: A rainy day, partnered with Ran being sick, provides Kyōjurō with the opportunity to reminisce about the day his little princess was born. Note: More Ran content? More Ran content. Hope you like it, bbys. 🥰🍉

***

The sound of light rain pelting against the roof brought with it a serene kind of stillness in Kyōjurō’s normally fast-paced— and action-filled— world. With his daughter snug in his lap, her pink blanket covering her from the cold, and the smell of sukiyaki— which his wife was cooking— wafting from the kitchen, he knew that he had nowhere else he would have rather been.

Gingerly, he lifted a hand up and pressed it flush against his little girl’s forehead; measuring her temperature, and sighing quietly when he still felt that her temperature was higher than normal. She was faring much better than she had been the night before, but it still worried him that she still had a fever.

It was why he had taken the past few days off from his Hashira duties, even though he knew that he had made a promise to protect the weak. He had said all that before, but that was before he had a family; and his family mattered above anything and anyone else; especially his little princess.

Without taking his hand off of Ran’s forehead, Kyōjurō leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head. “Maybe we should go inside, Ran-chan.”

At that, the little girl leaned her head back against her father’s chest, looking up at him with shrewd eyes so identical to his. “But, papa, I want to watch the rain more.”

Her cheeks were flushed with her fever, and she looked sleepy at best, yet the smile that she donned still packed enough of a punch to make the Flame Hashira a little speechless for a moment.

Because, really, how could he say no to his daughter when she acted so cute like that?

“Aren’t you cold, sugar plum?”

Ran’s smile widened into a grin at that, as she took her father’s hands by the thumbs and maneuvered his arms to wrap around her. The little angel even had the audacity to look cheeky; proving to him that she really took after him so much more than her mother. “Not when papa’s keeping me warm. Please, papa?”

“Alright, but only until mama gets done cooking your sukiyaki.” The young man sighed at that, tightening his arms even more around his daughter, and even perching his chin atop her head.

Silence fell over the pair for a while, blanketing them with such a comforting air that it even had Kyōjurō’s eyes falling heavy with sleep. Even with Ran tinkering with his hands, he still found so much comfort with her that it was enough to have him relax to the point of being half awake.

That was, until Ran spoke up, “Papa’s hands are so big.”

A smile lifted the corners of the Hashira’s lips at that, as he opened one eye to see his little girl placing her right hand flush against his left one. It was so tiny compared to his, that he couldn’t resist closing his fingers around her hand; which had Ran giggling as she tried to pry his fingers loose from the makeshift trap it made.

“Your hands were much smaller when you were born; the tiniest pair of hands that I’d ever seen,” The young man mused quietly, going back to the day when she was born; a rainy day much like the one before them.

He had rushed home from a mission, and he was all soaked from running in the rain that he could feel a cold coming on. Still, he pushed past the heaviness he felt and found himself arriving home at just the right time.

One of the midwives already had Ran bundled up in a blanket, and she was squirming so much— only to calm down when she had been ensconced against (Y/n)’s side.

Water was dripping all over the floor, but he couldn’t care less as he crossed the room to get a closer look at his youngest child. The tufts of blond and red hair peeking out had his chest tightening up with so many emotions, that he lifted a hand to absentmindedly rub it— in an effort to soothe himself.

“Hi,” His wife breathed out, looking completely knackered as she sent him a small but warm smile.

“Hi.” Kyōjurō couldn’t believe that his voice had cracked at that one single word, but he couldn’t help it; as tears pricked the backs of his eyes, while his throat got all thick with so much emotions. “I’m home. Did you name him yet?”

“He’s a she, and no… I was waiting for you,” (Y/n) answered, all while leaning into her husband’s touch as he cupped her right cheek. Then slowly, he glided the same hand over to his baby girl— tracing her soft and squishy cheek with the tip of his index finger, before touching her marginally smaller hand.

Instantly, he felt his chest squeeze when she wrapped her fragile fingers around the single digit; clinging on tightly to him that he had to resist the urge to start bawling on the spot.

She looked so tiny, and pretty, and so delicate that he was afraid one wrong move was going to hurt her. It reminded him so much of the rare flowers that he had come across in one of the Wisteria Families’ homes.

Kibana Fuuran, as one of the hosts had called it.

The flowers were a vibrant yellow that were stained with orange and red towards the tips, and they looked so delicately beautiful that he couldn’t bear to even touch them— much like how delicate and beautiful his daughter was.

“Ran. Let’s name her Ran.”

“Papa? Papa?” Kyōjurō was woken from his reverie with gentle slaps to his cheeks; slaps from tiny hands that had him chuckling as he looked down at his daughter— whom had her head tilted back against his chest once more.

“What is it, Ran-chan? Does anything hurt?” The worry was evident in his tone, even as he tried to suppress it.

Gingerly, the little girl lowered her arms once more, looping them with her father’s arms— which were still around her— before stifling a yawn. “I didn’t want papa to drool on me during his nappies.”

Kyōjurō snorted at that, rolling his eyes at the snooty tone that his precious baby girl had most likely picked up from her mother. Maybe she really did take after her, too. He wasn’t quite sure anymore. “Sleepy now, sugar plum?”

“No.”

The Hashira chuckled at that, since it was clear that his daughter was lying. “Why don’t you take a nap?”

Completely adamant, Ran shook her head, even as her eyes drooped heavily. “No. Because papa might leave if I fall asleep.”

Her words were simple, but they packed a punch as Kyōjurō felt his heart drop. He had initially thought nothing of leaving home for missions before— as he knew that it was expected of him— but he hadn’t really stopped to consider how much his family must have been missing him; and how much of the kids’ lives he was missing out on.

It had him selfishly thinking, for once, about hanging his sword up so he could spend the rest of his days with his wife and kids.

Because, really, they were the most important people in his life.

A soft sigh passed his lips at that thought, while he leaned down once more and pressed his lips to the crown of Ran’s head. “I’ll be here when you wake up. I promise.”

[giyuwu-san]

All of the hashiras know that Obanai has a crush on Mitsuri. Tired of him not doing anything, they confront him and tell him to confess."No""Why not?! It's not as if she's dating anyone""...I'm not worthy of her"And so the hashiras team up to make him confess to the one and only love pillar!

I’m sosososososo sorry this took so long. please forgive me, I was trying to come up with creative ideas for this one since it’s my first kny fic so I really wanted to do it justice I hope you understand. and then chapter 200 hit me and I was done for. but!!!! it’s here now after all this time and it’s finally at a point where I’m happy with it, so hopefully the wait was worth it >.

the sound of fireworks.

   pairing : iguro obanai x kanroji mitsuri

   warnings : a little angst, fluff, one curse word (I’m pretty sure)

   summary : the pillars are trying everything to get iguro obanai to confess to kanroji mitsuri in the name of love as a life-changing decision is made under fireworks and starlight.

   word count : 2.2K

tags : @lordexplosionsextra @jojosmilktea

✎

Iguro Obanai had always been in love with Kanroji Mitsuri. This was a fact, a statement known by both him and all his fellow Pillars, except perhaps, Mitsuri herself. 

It wasn’t fear of rejection that kept him from confessing, nor was it the complications that would plague their relationship once he did. The fear that tormented his mind wasn’t caused by the thought of rejection, rather by acceptance. 

He didn’t want her to see him, even if he craved it. He didn’t want her to smile at him, even if he yearned for it. He didn’t want her to love him, even though he pleaded for it.

The smile he loved so much isn’t meant for him. That smile of hers that filled his conscience. That smile of hers that he could never mimic. That smile of hers that he could never have. 

And no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts were the same. The love he held for her would always stay a secret. That’s what she deserved. 

She didn’t deserve someone like him, whose blood was filthy. Someone like him, whose shine could never match hers.

When she could give him such a vibrant smile, what could he give her in return? How could a scarred mouth like his hold the same glow?

He would always give her what she deserved, even if it meant hurting himself. 

It would always be like this, no matter what anyone said. This is how it’s supposed to be.

       - - -  *ﾟ‘ﾟ ☽  ☼  ☾ *.:｡ - - -

         "Now this is just getting ridiculous.“ was what the Insect Pillar, Kocho Shinobu said. Her smile leaving her face with the facade she carried slowly slipping, annoyance seeping in, taking its place.

         "Indeed, indeed!” was the chime of the Flame Pillar standing beside her, “Iguro-san must confess his true love! Let his most profound passions reach her from the deepest depths of his⁠—”

         "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Iguro’s in love with Kanroji, and it’s annoying, we get it.“ Shinazugawa interrupted Rengoku before he could ramble on further. 

Each of the Pillars, minus Kanroji and Iguro, were all bundled together in an empty room located at the Butterfly Estate, with the common goal of finally getting their fellow Snake Pillar to confess his feelings. (Except for perhaps Muichiro, who had already forgotten how he ended up in this room, to begin with.)

All of the Hashiras knew about Iguro’s feelings toward the Love Pillar, but whenever they would approach him about it, he would always reply with the same words. 

‘I don’t deserve her.’

However, things were about to change in the next week, for all of them had made plans to attend an upcoming summer festival in a nearby village. It was the perfect opportunity. 

          “Alright!” said the Sound Pillar, who had been surprisingly quiet until this moment. “Let us execute this plan flamboyantly!“ 

And so, each Pillar walked out of the room. Most of them hopeful that the plan would go smoothly.

       - - -  *ﾟ‘ﾟ ☽  ☼  ☾ *.:｡ - - -

Iguro was sitting next to Mitsuri, watching as she stuffed her face with more sakura mochi. Her cheeks puffing up cutely much to Iguro’s hidden delight, his eyes brightening slightly with his masked smile. 

Although Iguro had no plans of confessing, he had to admit that these simple moments with her made his heart soar. Watching her eat to her heart’s content made him feel like a boy again. Young and in love with the girl next to him. 

Kanroji enjoyed his presence equally as much. The warmth and affection flowing from his eyes that only looked at her made her feel giddy inside. Every meal with him always felt comfortable, and every meal without him always felt empty and incomplete. 

And as she kept chewing, only her happy hums and remarks were heard in the otherwise relaxing silence. 

Meals with him were always the best. 

Mitsuri smiled to herself, her cheeks still full.

       - - -  *ﾟ‘ﾟ ☽  ☼  ☾ *.:｡ - - -

The festival had come sooner than expected, and all the Pillars had gathered at one spot. Eyes already scanning the festivities around them. 

Iguro and Mitsuri (but mostly Mitsuri), were both excited to explore the festival together with all their fellow Pillars. Or so they thought, because when they looked around, the Pillars had already dispersed into their own groups. 

Mitsuri however, had no time to be surprised as her eyes caught a glimpse of a food stall further ahead of them. Turning her head to the baffled Iguro, she quickly pointed forward excitedly.

         "Iguro-san!” she said, her excitement barely containable. Her finger pointing in all directions at the food stalls around them. Her eyes glinting crazily to the point Iguro thought she was crying, and maybe she was.

          “FOOD!” was all Obanai heard until he was forcefully dragged by a hunger-crazed Mitsuri.

       - - -  *ﾟ‘ﾟ ☽  ☼  ☾ *.:｡ - - -

It had been a good hour since they arrived at the festival, yet there had been no progress made in the field of love as Iguro merely followed Mitsuri around in her pursuit of culinary enlightenment. 

The plan, however, was not in vain just yet, for the Pillars had more tricks up their sleeves.

The pair made their way about the various stalls until they catch sight of Shinazugawa, who seemed to be waiting for them in front of a game stall. The Wind Pillar points at Iguro, much to his confusion.

          “Whoever scoops the most goldfish wins." 

Iguro was not expecting the sudden challenge. To be fair, this was his first time playing kingyo-sukui, but after looking towards Mitsuri whose face held nothing but excitement, he was in no position to back down.

Iguro had surprisingly won against the competitive Sanemi. Who of which completely forgot that he was supposed to let Iguro win and played for real. Much to his dismay. Face scowling (and pride damaged), Sanemi turned on his heels and walked away. 

The person manning the stall then gave Iguro more snacks as a prize, only for them to quickly disappear inside Mitsuri’s mouth.

The series of strange events and interferences kept occurring throughout the summer festival, such as Kocho running into them and momentarily stealing Mitsuri for ’girl talk’, allowing Muichiro to sneakily shove some flowers he found wandering in the field into Iguro’s hands, Rengoku coming over to the pair to give them an impromptu love poem recital, and Giyuu even tried his best by directing them towards a more intimate food stall that didn’t have many people.

As the night progressed Iguro felt himself becoming more and more flustered by the events that have taken place thus far. With Mitsuri holding the flowers Muichiro picked, they walked silently alongside each other, all the food that Mitsuri ate had finally caught up to her. 

Noticing this from their respective hiding spots, the Pillars finally threw into action their last and final hope: advice from the man with three wives.

Gyomei approached the two, seemingly coming from the shadows as he asked to steal Mitsuri away for a moment to talk about cats. Mitsuri happily complied, but with less enthusiasm than usual as she could feel her impending food coma creeping closer.

Iguro then stood alone, even more confused than he already was.

That was until he saw the Sound Pillar jump out from the bushes, Obanai wasn’t even surprised anymore. 

          "You’re really taking your sweet time aren’t you?” was what he said as he crept closer towards the Snake Pillar, who only blinked at him. It wasn’t that Obanai hated the Sound Pillar, it was just he never really spent the time getting to know the man, or the other Pillars for that matter, minus Kanroji.

So he wasn’t exactly thrilled at the idea of the two of them being alone when he could have been basking in Mitsuri’s warm presence, but that was beside the point.

          “What do you mean?” he tries feigning innocence, even if he knew exactly what Tengen was entailing. He noticed all the things that had been happening since the start of the festival. He may have been slightly dense, but he wasn’t completely oblivious either.

The two men started walking side by side, as their conversation continues.

          “Don’t play dumb with me Iguro-san.” Iguro could only sigh and raise his eyebrow at the man.

          “Your point?” he said, not wanting to have to repeat the same words he’s said to all the other Pillars again.

Tengen knew that the chances of him somehow convincing the Snake Pillar to change his mind were slim. Yes, he had three wives. He has experienced love and continues to experience it throughout his life, but he did admit that helping a man overcome his self-loathing was going to be challenging for anybody. Nonetheless, he put away his eccentric side, for now, focusing purely on the assignment he was tasked with.

          “My point is that you should just tell her.” he said bluntly, he knew flowery words were no use with Obanai, instead opting to give it to him straight. “She deserves to know.”

          “No, she does not.” was the Snake Pillar’s retort.

          “And why is that?” Tengen was barely fighting off his sigh.

          “She doesn’t deserve someone like me.” At this, the sigh that Tengen was holding back finally made itself known. He couldn’t tolerate this any longer.

          “You can’t decide that for her.” he said, sighing once more. “She’s the one who decides that. That’s her choice to make, not your’s Iguro-san." 

Tengen wanted to help him, and that’s a lot from someone who typically didn’t care much about the well-being of other people, only having a few people he genuinely treasures. But even with Tengen’s way with words, he knew that Obanai himself had to be the one to change. Tengen knew that his words alone couldn’t solve this, and frankly, he had nothing left to say.

Sighing, he walks away to leave Obanai to his own thoughts, as the man stopped walking along with him anyway. 

Besides, the fireworks show was about to start.

       - - -  *ﾟ‘ﾟ ☽  ☼  ☾ *.:｡ - - -

Obanai sat idly next to Mitsuri, the two of them being left alone by the other Pillars, an act that, Obanai assumed was another one of their stunts. He sighed, lost in his thoughts as Tengen’s words started to settle in. It wasn’t as if he had never played with the idea before: that Mitsuri at least deserved to know. But he was still conflicted, even if he did say it, who would want someone with a scarred mouth? Someone with a bloodline so wicked and cruel. 

He couldn’t do that. He wouldn’t.

His mind was made, and no one could change that.

          "Iguro-san…”

Iguro turned his head around to the drowsy Mitsuri, her head starting to tilt forward as sleep was slowly sinking into her. He hummed lightly in reply, listening to her words carefully.

          “You know, I’m really glad I got to spend the festival with you.” she smiled at him, much to his frustration as his cheeks fought off a blush. “I didn’t regret a single moment.” her smile grew wider.

          “And that’s exactly how I want to live my life!” she suddenly pointed her finger upwards towards the sky in sudden triumph, her sudden burst of energy quickly subsiding, however, as her head started to tilt over again, but this time towards Obanai’s shoulder.

          “I want to live my life with no regrets…” she yawned midsentence, still trying her best to not succumb to slumber. Her hands holding onto the flowers tightly.

Iguro however, pondered over her words, a sudden heat rushing towards his cheeks, feeling the adrenaline rush in.

He wanted to live his life with no regrets too.

And with the sudden adrenaline and correlation, his brain felt like it was taking a crash course. He adjusted slightly on the blanket, attention not leaving the girl beside him as his heart started ruling over his brain.

         "Kanroji-san.“ he said.

Kanroji hummed slightly, her droopy eyes looking over at him. And for a moment, Iguro wondered what the hell he was doing, but he couldn’t stop now, he didn't want to.

          "I want to spend all my meals with you." 

Obanai wasn’t expecting the large smile to take over her features, nor was he expecting her to understand what he meant in the state she was currently in. Nevertheless, as he looked at her underneath the starlight, its ethereal glow highlighting her face in ways that knocked all the air out of his lungs, he couldn’t help but smile, his heart feeling lighter. He wanted to laugh at himself. He was so adamant about not confessing, but here he was, with her by his side.

He said he wouldn’t do it, but he did. 

His mind was made, but only she could change that.

And as she finally let her head fall against his shoulder, Kaburamaru slithering from his neck to nestle on top of her head, and the fireworks finally dancing around in the sky above them in loud explosions and tremors, he couldn’t help but smile, his eyes glowing. The light from the fireworks only illuminated her serene features, painting it in all its colors, and at that moment, Obanai was at peace.

He couldn’t feel anything else, he didn't need anything else. As he sat on the blanket, he closed his eyes and sighed happily. He felt perfectly content. 

Just the three of them, and the sound of fireworks.

✐

[sazzafraz]

dropped a cup of coffee on myself at breakfast lets gooo

nodus tollens is my favourite chapter its not even close

like i actually LIKED writing it. i like writing in general but its about being someone represented with all the scary sword cards in tarot readings not actual fun. still annoyed i didn’t think of anything better than fucking HEMMINGWAY

A year and a half into working for Giri and Sasuke is sitting cross legged on top of a boulder looking out at a clear blue sky. They’re sitting by the edge of a huge cliff in Fire Country resting between assassinating some small time village leader and their next mission which promises to be heavy on full contact fighting. The sun is dipping towards the horizon, warm air ruffling their hair. Yumi is trying to throw Hiki off the cliff into the lake below, Haru is defleaing his dog and Sasuke is debating his next move in the long distance tactical game he’s playing with Juugo and Karin. It’s an Uzushio classic, like shogi but the board is made of three interlocked spirals and the movements of the pieces are based on the tides. Karin is slaughtering him. 

fun fact: literally started designing that uzushio game because i’m a psychopath. it’s also the first of three references, two in the same chapter, of sasuke and his teams, and then one at the end where everyone gets together. to make fun of sasuke. as they should. 

  There are seven graves by the edge of the sea with a bright blooming flowers planted in the centre spilling over the cliff. Tall markers stand as high as three metres in the air wreathed with ribbons in the colours of dawn and day... Sasuke spares a look back as he enters and sees those graves and flowers. The flowers have colonised the side of the cliff, growing strong and sure halfway down the rocks, slipping into crevices and tangling around each other as they race towards the ocean. Huge blooms of colour, bright reds, light pinks and creamy yellows are knocked about by the waves crashing against the cliff.      

if fuyuki even knew how much this colours sasukes opinion of her she’d beat the shit out of him. i think this was the second bit i wrote for her, after a few pieces of her and itachi. actually if she knew how much both of them are coloured by knowing her past she’d commit a crime. its pretty apparent to sasuke that these are memorials to children/those that died young and unfair. how would he know haha. i always intended the hashira and the uchiha as parallels. i think the lack of depth given to other clans sucks, especially when they have literally a thousand years of interaction. the only other one we have are the hyuuga which might have been an intended one but like. i’ve never bought it. 

anyway, back to sasuke. dude loves kids. he doesn’t figure it out until he has nine of ‘em, but he has a view of children that’s incredibly sincere. i pretty much decided that on my own cause: a) its funny, b) he was fucking SWEET as a kid and i’ll kill you before i let you tell me that kid went away, c) he’s from a huge close knit family/community and liking kids is the only way to get through that,

oh. also fuyuki does cotton on to his emotional compromise and IMMEDIATELY lies so he likes her more. morals who?

“It seems,” Fuyuki says into the silence, “that Sunagakure has decided we have a problem. I sent Mamoru as a goodwill ambassador to Wind a few months ago. It went well, and as Suna is a largely neutral player in most conflicts I did not see the problem in allowing a small ambassadorial group into Oto to further the relationship. At the fourth meeting one of the Suna delegation proved themselves to be a puppet and assassinated Mamoru. They were in the process of trying to loot us when they were killed.”

haha oh my god gaara fucks himself so hard here. we’re gonna talk about it. 

Now it’s leaving time and Sasuke is walking fast downtown, faces passing him as he’s bound for home base.

only two people ever commented on this. vip behaviour. 

Shikamaru raises a hand and waves.

Sasuke waves back.

Shikamaru looks at him expectantly across the crowd. Distantly Sasuke notes that he’s the taller of the two. Head’s bob and weave around the marketplace, someone drops an avocado which is swept up a child and her friends, the scent of cooking spices drift down from the top of one of the buildings. Sasuke and Shikamaru stare at eachother.

i never wrote the short for this but this is shikamaru’s nightmare scenario. finding sasuke when naruto is not with you is the k12′s personal hell. because konoha and giri are tentative allies it would be poaching to bring him back and thats something people still take seriously. shikamaru goes and gets FUCKED UP so no one trusts his report and he can claim that it was ONLY MAYBE THE PRETTIEST MAN IN THE FLEA MARKET. naruto finds out like a decade later and is extremely pissed even if he gets it. 

It’s a tale as old as the dust of the desert or the mountains that divide the nations. There is a boy who loses something. His honour, a cow, a sword. He has to leave his home to find it. He has to grow strong enough to do what has to be done. In the Son of Nobody the titular Son has to journey to the city to meet the princess and while he is away his family is murdered by a group of wandering bandits. Along the way he meets a beggar girl, the princess in disguise, and he allows her to tag along. There are many twists and turns, the Son becomes a noble shinobi protecting the princess and falls in love with the beggar. He finds the bandits that destroyed his home and avenges his family. But! Disaster strikes! The samurai have been told a lie about the princess and feel that their honour must be avenged. A group sneak into the princess’ room one night and defile her. One of the samurai is late to the scene and feeling so sick and ashamed of their actions kills them and ignites a real war between samurai and ninja. The disgraced samurai takes his own life in front of the princess as appeasement. When this doesn’t work the Son goes on to win the war and marry the girl.

this is just hatake sakumo. some creative liberty but its just the story of how he died embellished. i think some shinobi stories filter out and become like folk tales? like we’re gonna get to it. but there's no way they can have that kind of presence and no cultural impact. 

‘Heart, liver, eyes ’ Kabuto says when he’s done, ‘and put the rest in the garbage.’

for sensible reasons kabuto is the scary one. 

. Illuminated in the light of the lone flickering candle, bundled in odd cloth and grime, Kabuto looks faceless and formless. His skin has no color, his hair is limp, his eyes are turned completely inward searching himself for an some answer, some lodestone for the next leg of his journey. He looks like an orphaned version of himself. Sasuke has a brief moment of complete self-awareness. He stands above himself and looks down at the length of his hair, the uneven tan on his hands. His own eyes look at his boots, his non-descript travelling coat, the way he is never carrying more than enough money to carry him to the next town. He recognises nothing original, nothing remarkable. He’s as interchangeable as any soldier capable of swapping hands at a moment's notice. Many tools, many masks, many uses. He realises that that shifting formlessness is as much a part of him as his burning rage. It forms him just as fully.

i remember having a moment like this and it was so shocking it took me years to write about it. this nearly got cut, even though i now think its important. becoming ‘just a knife’ is important to sasuke’s development towards being just a guy. relating to kabuto is so personally disturbing that its sort of his turn towards leaving giri. kabuto actually disgusts him. unlike orochimaru.

“We called her the Fruit Eater after the foul seeds she planted in others which grew into giant poisonous fruit trees. When they’d plundered and destroyed the world enough for her foul tastes she’d eat the fruit from the trees and crush them to bone and blood under her feet. Her own children plucked out her organs one by one and cut them up into pieces. What they couldn’t eat they threw to the animals who turned into nine ravenous demons. They brought the demons together and sealed them into the form of a beautiful princess who was coveted by all.”

goddamn space aliens. i hate it less than most. i think i was still deciding if they’d show up at the end. either way i thought i’d just put them in in case i did. again, there SHOULD be a cultural footprint. 

The problem is that the Uchiha are predisposed to have thick hair and the main branch, the one that descends directly from Madara’s betrayed brother Izuna, comes with a tendency for...unruliness that Sasuke has gotten threefold. At this length it seems to be largely growing up and out, gravity be damned.

aww my loving rendition of his stupid duck butt. i have unruly hair so his maintenance is essentially mine. its such a distinctive thing i think people should take more advantage of. i wrote in crashing tides that he’s just an awful fashionista and i think that holds true. he tries new hair oils ALL THE TIME. 

[yellowcanna]

Summer Sleet

Summary:

When Kamado Tanjirou first saw him, he was mesmerized. The young boy had never met anyone as beautiful as Tomioka Giyuu. Ink black hair with skin as white as the snow around him and eyes that reminded Tanjirou of the sea...he was the Omega of every Alpha's dream.

When Tanjirou's family was slaughtered at fifteen, he never expected to be pulled from the mundane life of a human and into the world of Alphas and Omegas. He also never expected that he only has five more years to live, much less falling in love with his mentor.

Rating: T

Genre: Yaoi, Fluff, Comfort, Omegaverse

Pairing: Tanjirou x Giyuu (Alpha Tanjirou, Omega Giyuu)

Author: Yellow_Canna

Chapters: 2/3

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CHAPTER 2

AUTUMN DRIZZLE

Dear Giyuu-san,

How have you been, Giyuu-san?

It’s been a week, but I’ve settled at the Butterfly Estate. Kochou-san and everyone here are very kind to me and Nezuko. I’ve been continuing my training and haven’t stopped using the Total Concentration Breathing you’ve taught me. I’ve also met Kochou-san’s Tsuguko, Kanao-san. We’re training together every day. Kanao-san is very strong, we’ve fought ten matches so far, but they were all ties.

Nezuko is also doing great! It seems that she has a talent in medicine and is learning under Kochou-san with the other Omegas in the estate. Nezuko has been making lots of friends; one of them is Aoi-san, an Omega who is the same age as her!

I’ve also met two other Alphas my age! One of them is Zenitsu! Like me, he was born in the human village and knew nothing about Alphas and Omegas. It was the retired Thunder Hashira that found and raised him. He might cry a lot, but he's strong when he put his all into it. Though he tends to cause a lot of trouble to the girls here...

The other friend I met is Inosuke. I’m not sure how Inosuke ended up in the Corps, all I’ve heard was that he was born in the mountain and raised by a boar. The Breathing Techniques he uses are called Breathe of the Beast! He created them all by himself and he’s super strong in close combat! He's a really amazing person!

It’s been fun here every day, but I still miss the times with—

“Heeey, Tanjirou!”

“Ah, Zenitsu!” Tanjirou looked up from the letter he was writing. Zenitsu was standing by the door, having half of his head poking out and looking at him as if Tanjirou was the biggest scum on the planet.

“Z…Zenitsu?” Tanjirou blinked, not sure why Zenitsu looked and smelled so…angry.

“That's the second time you've written a letter since you got here," Zenitsu stated sourly, remaining half hidden behind the door and glaring at him with one exposed eye.  

“Uh…yes?” Tanjirou blinked, wondering what was wrong.

“Whenever you write, your heart rate even spikes.” The blonde added.

At that, the redhead’s face began to heat up and that was all Zenitsu needed to kick open the door and jab a finger at him.

“I KNEW IT! YOU HAVE A SECRET LOVER DON’T YOU, YOU BASTARD!!”

“Zenitsu! It’s the middle of the night! Quiet down!”

“SHUT UP!! YOU TRAITOROUS BASTARD! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW JEALOUS I AM?! WHO IS THE LUCKY GIRL?!”

“It’s not like that, Zenitsu!”

"YOU LIAR! I CAN HEAR YOUR HEARTBEAT SPIKE FROM DOWN THE HALL!!"

“It’s just one-sided!” When Tanjirou shouted that out, Zenitsu immediately stopped screaming. He stared at Tanjirou with wide eyes before a disturbing smile broke over his face.

“Tanjirou~! If you have any love problems, you can share it with your best friend here!” What Zenitsu really wanted to say was for Tanjirou to share some pain so he could feel better at all the rejections he has gotten over the years.

Tanjirou looked down at his half-written letter.

“The person I like is an adult. He doesn’t see me as anything but a kid.”

“Adult?!" Zenitsu gapped as he stared at Tanjirou in a new light. Even he didn’t dare to propose to an adult! Such boldness! “Don’t tell me it’s…Kochou-san?!”

“No!” Tanjirou was a little flustered at the accusation. “It’s…he’s called Giyuu-san.”

“Giyuu?” Zenitsu furrowed his brows. That name was familiar, but where did he hear it from? One thing’s for sure, it wasn’t anyone from the Butterfly Estate. Zenitsu had memorized all the girls’ names on day one.

“Wait…” Zenitsu paled as a name that matched with Giyuu suddenly flashed by his mind.

There was only one person he knew with that name.

After all…who doesn’t?!

But it couldn’t be, right?

“T-Tanjirou…” Zenitsu held up a shaky finger as he pointed in his companion in disbelieve. “D-Don’t tell me this Giyuu is that Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu?!”

“Zenitsu, you know Giyuu-san?” Tanjirou beamed while Zenitsu fell over.

“YOU’RE IN LOVE WITH THE WATER HASHIRA?!”

“QUIET DOWN!” The voice of the girl howled from the doorway.

The two boys immediately snapped their mouths shut and looked to the doorway. There stood Kanzaki Aoi, in all her fuming glory. “Stop screaming in the middle of the night and go back to your room!”

“Hiiie!” Zenitsu tried to shrink away, but the raven-haired Omega was having none of it. She grabbed the Alpha by the back of his collar and yanked him out of Tanjirou’s room.

Tanjirou watched the leave, closing the door behind them as they go. The redhead let out a small chuckle before turning back to his letter. He didn’t care if anyone knew about his crush on Giyuu. He didn’t think it was a shameful feeling that he should hide, nor did he have any intention of hiding it.

He picked up his brush again and continued writing.

The very next day, Tanjirou had his Kasugaigarasu go deliver his letter. The first time he tried getting the crow to send it, the Kasugaigarasu—or Matsuemon Tennouji as it called himself—nearly pecked his eyeballs out.

The bird gave him a long lecture which basically came down to—how dare you want the great me to deliver letters for you?!

It was only after Tanjirou had promised the crow with high-quality food did the crow begrudgingly agreed. The crow flew off reluctantly, but returned ecstatic and wouldn’t stop pestering Tanjirou for more letters.

It wasn’t hard for Tanjirou to learn why. On the crow, the young Alpha could smell tuna—fatty tuna, as well as scents of other seafood like salmons and shrimps. He couldn’t help but smiled knowing that Giyuu had fed the picky crow for him.

During his stay in the Water Estate, Tanjirou was no stranger to the Kasugaigarasus’ diet. He sometimes helped the Kakushis feed the crows, and seafood was not on those crows’ menu.

Giyuu’s scent was heavy on the crow as well, which meant that he must have been the one to take care of his crow, not anyone else in the manor. Knowing this made Tanjirou all warm and fuzzy inside. He didn’t mind that Giyuu never responded to any of his letters. Just knowing he had received and read them was good enough for him.

Tanjirou watched the crow took flight with the letter gripped tightly in its talons. He stood there, staring until the bird was nothing but a speck of black in the blue sky before he turned—only to yelp and jump back in surprise.

“K-Kochou-san!”

Standing right there behind him, with her face only an inch away, was the Insect Hashira—Kochou Shinobu.

The female Omega was wearing that usual smile on her face with her orchid purple eyes locked on Tanjirou.

“A wonderful day today, is it not?” She asked brightly.

“Yes, it is!” Tanjirou responded automatically.

“I’ve heard of an interesting rumour, Tanjirou-kun~” She closed in on Tanjirou again. “That you are in love with Tomioka-san?”

Tanjirou was only stunned for a second before a smile stretched across his face.

“Yes, I am.”

Kochou blinked, obviously not expecting the boy to be so upfront. She stared at Tanjirou for a moment before she broke out into a laugh. This wasn’t her usual strained laugh, but a genuine laugh from the bottom of her heart.

“Well then, I wish you the best in wooing him.” She chirped as she walked away, her butterfly kimono fluttering around her as she moved.

She was already plotting all the things she could do with this information. More than that, she was curious to see just how far this boy can get into Giyuu’s heart. When she first heard it from the Love Hashira, Kochou honestly didn’t believe a word. After all, it was hard to imagine an aloof Omega like Giyuu was capable of any affection.

This was certainly going to be interesting.

The Insect Hashira wasn’t joking when she said the rumour had traveled around. By noon, everyone knew about Tanjirou’s crush on his mentor and caretaker. Many even came to ask him about it. The Alpha never denied anything and always happily answered any questions that were asked. With Tanjirou so openly talked about his feelings like this, many people gradually lost interest in his love life.

By the evening, the impact of the news had already died down.

“You…like the Water Hashira?” Aoi had come over to where he, Zenitsu, and Inosuke had been sitting during dinner. She had a deep frown on her face as she stared at Tanjirou.

“Yes.” Tanjirou smiled as he repeated the answer for the umpteenth times this day.

The furrow of Aoi’s brows deepened. She looked like she wanted to say something, but Zenitsu beat her to it.

“But you said it yourself that he just sees you as a kid. He’s an adult and on top of that, a Hashira!”

“Is he strong?!” Inosuke immediately asked over his mouthful of food.

“Of course he’s strong! What part of he’s a Hashira don’t you understand?!” Zenitsu yelled. “And don’t speak with your mouth full! That’s disgusting!”

“I’ve heard that the Water Hashira is an extraordinarily beautiful Omega.” Aoi suddenly said, still looking straight into Tanjirou’s eyes.

Zenitsu and Inosuke stopped fighting, not because of Aoi's words, but the sudden change on Tanjirou’s face.

The boy’s cheeks were dusted in light shades of pink as his lips stretched out in the brightest smile any of them had ever seen.

“Yes, Giyuu-san is the most beautiful person I’ve ever met!” He said as if it was something for him to boast about.

“…I see. Then if you’ll excuse me.” Aoi grabbed her tray of food and left, stomping across the cafeteria and disappearing from their sights.

“Aoi-san seemed angry for some reason?” Tanjirou tilted his head, not sure what had he done to displease the girl.

“You don’t know how to read the mood, do you?” Zenitsu muttered while Inosuke went back to stuffing his face.

“What do you mean?” Tanjirou asked with such an innocent tone that just made Zenitsu wanted to punch him in the face.

"So…is the Water Hashira that pretty?” Zenitsu asked, deciding to change the topic back. There was no way he’ll tell Tanjirou about his popularity with the girls here.

“Yes!” Tanjirou said with such confidence that it made Zenitsu a little curious of what this Water Hashira looked like. Just a little.

“Well, whatever, no one can be prettier than Nezuko-chan!”

Tanjirou smiled as Zenitsu swoon over his sister like usual. Despite being an Alpha, Zenitsu grew up with humans, so the blond only had eyes for females.

The redhead took another bite of his food and wondered what Giyuu was doing right now. Although they had only parted for three months, it felt like forever. He wanted to see him so much that it hurts. He wanted nothing more than to rush back to the Water Estate, just to get a glimpse of Giyuu and see how he's doing.

Three more years—he would tell himself whenever his feelings became too unbearable.

All he needed to do was to wait for three more years. In these three years, he’ll become strong. He’ll become so strong that Giyuu won’t be able to look at him like a child that needed to be protected.

“Inosuke, let’s spar after this!”

“Now you’re talking, Monjirou!”

“It’s Tanjirou!”

◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌

“Hmm…exquisite~”

“Why does a bird know such big word…?” Murata muttered, the corner of his lips twitching as he watched the Kasugaigarasu picked out another slice of tender meat and swallowed greedily.

No, more importantly, why the heck was a bird eating out of their Hashira’s bowl?!

He was certain that this stupid crow was purposely choosing dinner time to come back. The feathery creature was rolling around on their Hashira’s lap with said Hashira’s hand gently stroking its feathers!

Whenever it wanted food, all it had to do was reach up and stick that filthy beak into the bowl in Giyuu’s hand to eat the food specially made for the Omega!

The gyudon made for the Hashira just turned into plain rice! That flying black chicken even ate the eggs and pickled ginger!

Murata wasn’t the only one frustrated. The Kakushis were also glaring at the crow. Some of them were even leaking out tears from anger. A couple of minutes ago, the chief came running with the kitchen knife when he heard that damn crow had come to eat their Hashira's food again. It took everything from the other the kitchen staffs to drag him back into the kitchen before he was spotted by their Hashira.

Giyuu was blissfully oblivious of his people’s internal crises as he looked down when he felt a tug on his sleeve. The bird was looking at him with those beady black eyes. Giyuu glanced at his bowl of rice before carefully using his chopsticks to pick out the rice that was soaked in the meat juice and held it to the bird. The Kasugaigarasu gobbled it up happily. When some of the juice dripped down the side of its beak, Giyuu used his finger to carefully wipe it off.

Finally satisfied, the crow flipped over on Giyuu's lap with its wings sprawled. Giyuu resumed his dinner (rice), only to stopped when he heard snapping sounds of wood.  

He glanced across the dining room to where the Kakushis and Murata were sitting on the other side.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, blue eyes spotting the broken chopsticks scattered over the tatami, all of them snapped in two.

“N-nothing!” Gotou quickly laughed it off while trying hard not to let the veins on his forehead show. “It must be those merchants again! They keep selling us broken goods! I’ll give them a good lecture the next time I see them!”

“…I see.” Giyuu nodded, easily buying the lie and not even questioning it. This made Gotou felt extremely guilty as if he had betrayed his Hashira's trust.

“T-there’s some salmon daikon in the kitchen!” Gotou shouted. “Would you like me to get you some, Tomioka-sama?”

At the mention of his favourite food, Giyuu’s eyes light up a little and nodded.

Gotou brightened. He jumped onto his feet, about to run off when the Kasugaigarasu spoke.

“I want some too!”

THAT DAMN BIRD—was all of their thoughts as Gotou’s happy spirit was instantly swallowed by rage.

After a long, painful dinner (for the Kakushis and Murata), the devil finally left. The Kasugaigarasu flew away with such large belly and it was a wonder it could fly at all. They stared at the cloudy night sky, wondering if there could be a chance of a lightning bolt striking that damn thing down.

Of course, those were just wishful thinking. Even if a lightning bolt was to miraculously come down, they all knew that bird would survive. Of all the Kasugaigarasus they have, Tanjirou’s was the most capable one since it was Giyuu who raised it. While insanely intelligent, the downside was that aside from training, Giyuu pretty much gave it anything it wanted.

In other words, that crow was spoiled rotten.

Since Giyuu’s personal crow was getting too old, that Kasugaigarasu was trained to become the Hashira’s next crow. When Giyuu had given it to Tanjirou, they were all overjoyed. They thought at the very least they’ll have a couple of quiet years, but no. That damn bird was exploiting every opportunity it has to act even more spoiled than before! If it was in the past, even that crow wouldn’t dare to roll around in Giyuu’s laps and eat his food!

It knew Giyuu needed it to look after Tanjirou and was using it to its advantage!

Later that night, Murata headed for Giyuu’s room, carrying a tray of snacks the kitchen had prepared considering half of Giyuu’s meal went into a certain bird’s stomach. After knocking a couple of times, Murata found that Giyuu wasn’t in his room, so he headed for the garden. Just as he thought, Giyuu was sitting there, bathed in the moonlight as blue eyes gazed upon the letter in his hand.

The Hashira looked up when Murata approached him before turning his eyes back to the letter.

“Is that from Tanjirou?” Murata asked curiously, receiving a soft nod from Giyuu. He down set the tray of snacks next to his Hashira. Just as he thought about leaving, his eyes trailed to the letter in Giyuu’s hand and finally asked the question that had been bothering him for a while.

“It’s been four months. Are you sure you’re not going to reply? He might be waiting to hear from you.”

“…There’s no need.” Giyuu responded, eyes never looking up from the letter but his tone leaving no place for Murata to continue the conversation. With a quiet sigh, Murata walked away, but not without looking over his shoulder and to the lonely back of his Hashira.

No one ever talked about it, but they were all worried since Tanjirou had left…especially how he left.

The whole confession was a huge surprise to them, but once they got over that, they were thrilled. After all, they all thought Giyuu would just…well, live out the rest of his life like this. They never once thought their reclusive Hashira would have an admirer—even if that admirer was his own Tsuguko.

Sure Tanjirou was a child right now, but he’s an Alpha. On top of that, they were only six years apart. For Alpha and Omegas who live out an average of three hundred years, this can’t even be considered an age gap.

Murata didn’t worry about Tanjirou, because he knew that boy would follow through his words. But he knew Giyuu even longer and knew that Giyuu wouldn’t so easily accept the boy’s feeling, even when he comes back as an adult.

“Aaaah! Why is it so complicated?” Murata furiously scratched his head and looked up to the night sky.

Just like this, the seasons quietly begin to pass.

The flowers of spring withered the land began to warm under the blazing sun.

The colours of summer leaves began to change, painted into red and gold.

The frosty air blew from the north, plucking away the last leaves of autumn.

Snow melted as winter ends.

The cycle continued to repeat, never-ending.

Live goes on within the Water Estate. It was a quiet peaceful life they led, yet they had never found it to be so mundane until they welcomed the two children into their home. Now that those children were gone, a hole has been left in the manor, unable to be filled up.

Every week, Tanjirou’s Kasugaigarasu was sure to show up at the Water Estate to deliver Giyuu a letter.

No one knew what the content of those letters was, but they knew that Giyuu never once wrote anything back.

He never even had the Kasugaigarasu deliver a verbal message.

Despite that, the Hashira would always be sitting in the garden before dinner, staring at the sky expectantly.  

Then finally…three years had passed.

It was July and in the middle of the scorching summer heat.

Since the Water Estate was on the mountain top, the heat was welcoming as everyone worked. However, as they work, they couldn’t help but feel anxious. After all, it was July 14th, the day of Tanjirou’s birth. It was also the day that he will undergo the painful process of the growth spurt.

No one slept that night.

They were all waiting impatiently for the news.

Did Tanjirou make it?

He has to make it…the Insect Hashira was the one who checked his body.

A whole day has gone by, yet no news of Tanjirou came.

On the third day, just the Kakushis were breaking down from the lack of sleep; a Kasugaigarasu flew to the manor. It was a Kasugaigarasu from the master himself, announcing to them that Tanjirou had survived the growth spurt.

The boy they knew was now physically and mentally an adult.

The Water Estate threw a huge celebration before everyone retired to their bed.

The only one that stayed outside was Giyuu.

He stood in the garden beneath the drizzle, eyes gazing off into the distant sky.

Since then, the Kakushis had cleaned up the manor in preparation for the Alpha and his sister’s return. When days passed and still without a sign of the siblings, they convinced themselves that Tanjirou must be still worn out after the change.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.

Neither of the two children they once knew returned. There weren't even any more letters from Tanjirou’s Kasugaigarasu. Under the pressure of the Kakushis, Murata hesitantly asked Giyuu if he could maybe send out a message to ask if the two were alright.

Giyuu, worried about the Kamado siblings’ safety as well, sent out a letter to the master. The response he received was that after recovery, Tanjirou and Nezuko had gone to other Hashira’s regions. The master didn’t specify which, but it was enough to confirm that those two were safe.

Since sending that one letter, Giyuu never wrote a second one. The Kakushis and Murata didn’t believe that Tanjirou wouldn’t come back, but under Giyuu’s stern order, they no longer talked about it.

Tanjirou had made his choice.

He wasn’t going to return to the Water Estate.

Perhaps now that he had grown into an adult, he realized just how foolish his feelings had been.

Life in the Water Estate went on, like the steady stream of flowing water.

With the coming of autumn, the mountains were dyed in beautiful shades of vibrant colours. Two Kakushis were at the front door sweeping the endless leaves being blown into the manor when their Hashira appeared.

“Tomioka-sama.” They bowed to Giyuu who nodded, acknowledging their existence as he walked by them.

There were no words from their Hashira as they quietly watch him leave.

They waited for a good half an hour before they dare to speak. After all, Omegas have very keen senses and on top of that Giyuu is a Hashira. His ability wasn’t something they dare to underestimate.

“Tomioka-sama hasn’t been himself lately…” The female Kakushi sighed.

“Can you blame him?” Her companion muttered, keeping his voice as long as he could. “Even now, I can’t believe that Tanjirou-sama hasn’t come back.”

“I’m telling you, something must have happened!” The female beta hissed. “We should—”

“What? Ask Tomioka-sama to look for him?” The male Beta cut her off. “What if Tanjirou-sama and Nezuko found elsewhere to live?”

“But…but…” The female Beta looked like she wanted to argue, but couldn’t come up with anything convincing.

“Either way, Tomioka-sama has been going to the spring again this year.” The male Beta said, changing the topic as he looked towards another mountain in the distance. With the speed of an Omega, Giyuu could easily cross the land and arrive there in a matter of minutes, but instead, he chose to take his time to stroll over.

“Is it really alright to let Tomioka-sama go alone like this?” The female beta frowned disapprovingly. “So far nothing has happened, but what if—”

“If what?” A third voice suddenly cut in, startling the two as they whirled around to see the head Kakushi standing right behind them.

“Gotou-san!”

“You two sure have guts gossiping behind a Hashira’s back like this.” Gotou huffed with his arms crossed over his chest.

“W-well, we’re just worried…” The female beta scratched the back of her head sheepishly.

"If there was danger, we'll just get in Tomioka-sama's way." Gotou sighed. "Even in Heat, Tomioka-sama can still take down any Alpha that tries to approach him. Now if you understand, get back to work! The leaves are piling up!”

“Eeeeeh?” The two betas whined, but they have no choice but to continue sweeping.

◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌

As the sun slowly sank into the horizon, Giyuu arrived at his destination at the top of the mountain. His face was flushed and his head was spinning. He stood in front of the small spring with water gently flowing down the rocky edges of the mountain. At the heart of this tiny spring, there was a crack within the rocks, continuously providing fresh water from deep within the heart of the mountain.

The raven pulled out his sword, setting it on the edge of the spring before he began to untie his kimono. He took off the outer layer, leaving only his inner white kimono as he folded the clothing and set it next to his sword. He then removed his socks and sandals, setting them neatly onto the rocks.

The moment his bare feet touched the water, the Omega shivered lightly and heaved out a small breathe of relief. He sank into the water, letting the coldness envelop his feverish body until the water reached up to his neck. He rested his head against the edge of the spring and closed his eyes, letting the water to nurse his broken body.

Despite seemingly resting, Giyuu was spreading his senses around him. He was listening to every little sound and smelling the changes in the air. He didn't need to see the darkness behind his eyelids to know the sun had gone down.

The crisp night air filled his nose as the melody of crickets rang next to his ears.

A chilly breeze blew by, brushing some of his raven hair into his face as the rustling of leaves echoed into the night.

At that moment, Giyuu’s eyes snapped open in alarm as he caught a faint trace of scent in the wind. Although it was only for a moment, Giyuu knew what he had smelled.

It was the smell of an Alpha.

His eyes dilated and his body instantly sprang into action. He grabbed the sword by his side, unsheathing it as his blue blade glowed under the moonlight. He leaped out of the spring in a splash with droplets of water flying around him.  

He waved his sword, creating a flow of water around him.

Breath of Water Fourth Form: Striking Tide.

Giyuu’s eyes were locked on a particular red maple tree as he swung his sword forward.

Catching a blur of shadow darting out from behind the tree, Giyuu changed the course of his blade, chasing after that figure. He only saw a flicker of red light from the other’s sword before flames burst out, meeting his strike head-on.

The moment the two blades collided, a burst of mist erupted around them, created by the water and fire. While Giyuu couldn’t see through the heavy mist blowing out from between their clashed sword, he was able to see the blade of his enemy.

His eyes narrowed at the crimson flames erupting from the other’s blade. The first person that came to his mind was Rengoku. After all, that is the only Alpha Giyuu knew with red blade and Breathe of Flames technique, and this person before him was not Rengoku.

However, there was no doubt that his strength was on par with that of a Hashira.

Giyuu could tell the moment their swords clashed. Due to the Heat, his body was greatly weakened but he should still be able to overpower most Alphas and Omegas. Right now, Giyuu was putting all his strength into his sword, yet the hand holding the sword blocking his was steady. That meant whoever this Alpha was, he wasn’t putting all his strength into meeting the Water Hashira’s attack.

For someone with such strength and capability, there was no way Giyuu wouldn’t know of him, which meant he’s not part of the Corps.

This was a rouge.

Giyuu gritted his teeth. Of all time to encounter a rouge Alpha, it has to be when he’s in Heat. Though that was no excuse for being weak.

The raven-haired Omega leaped back, breaking away from their deadlock before charging towards the Alpha again.

“Please wait!” The Alpha in the mist shouted. His voice was deep and a little hoarse. Just the sound of the Alpha’s voice nearly made Giyuu’s legs give out, but the raven bit down on his tongue. The pain from his throbbing tongue immediately cleared his head as he swallowed the coppery blood pooling inside his mouth.

In an instant, the two of them were engaged in a high-speed battle. Echoes of metals rang from the mountain top as Giyuu attacked the Alpha with smooth and quick swordsmanship. Despite not being able to see the enemy clearly, all his attacks were aimed at the enemy’s vital spots.

It was only after the first initial exchanges that Giyuu noticed something wrong.

This Alpha wasn’t attacking back. From the very beginning, he had only been defending from the Omega onslaught…

“Giyuu-san! It’s me!” The voice yelled again.

Giyuu frowned. He was certain he didn’t know anyone with that voice. As for scents…due to the heavy water vapours in the air, the scent was diluted, but Giyuu was certain sure he had never smelled this scent before.

Had he not been in Heat, Giyuu might stop, but he was. In his current weakened state, he can’t afford to make any mistake. It was possible that this was part of the enemy’s trick—to pretend they were acquainted to get his guard off. Such underhanded tactics weren't uncommon among the rouges and sadly, these tactics have worked many times.

The Omega slashed his sword down as their blades clashed again.

“Giyuu-san, it’s Tanjirou!”

That made Giyuu stop. He froze, sword stopping mid-swing as he stared at the silhouette of the person within the mist.

Giyuu only a stream of bright flames as the mist around them were evaporated, revealing the face of the Alpha Giyuu had been attacking.

“Tan…jirou?” Giyuu stared in shock at this boy—no, this man in front of him.

The man was half a head taller than Giyuu with long auburn hair tied into a ponytail that flowed down his back. His bangs that were once combed back were now framing this man’s face. His facial structure had become sharp and define, losing baby fat from his child's body. Those rounded ruby eyes grew narrower, giving him a more mature look.

And finally…that red birthmark on the left side of the boy’s forehead.

There was no mistake.

This was Tanjirou.

“Giyuu-san.” The man in front of Giyuu smiled. Despite how different he now looked, that smile never changed…

“Are you stupid?!" Giyuu roared the second he got over the shock. Anger distorted his face as he glared at the Alpha that was now taller than him. “I could have hurt you! Why are you on this mountain?!”

“I’m sorry!” Tanjirou hastily sheathed his sword and held his hands up. “I was on my way to the Water Estate, but then I smelled Giyuu-san so I—”

“If your nose is functioning then you should realize that I’m in Heat! Don’t you know it’s dangerous to go near an Omega in Heat?!”

“I’m sorry, Giyuu-san!”

Giyuu couldn’t stop the anger from rushing out. He had never felt such rage before. He was angry at Tanjirou’s carelessness, but more than anything, he was angry at himself. Now that Tanjirou’s body had changed, it was only natural for him not to recognize his voice and scent. Had Tanjirou not been able to block and deflect his attacks, he could have killed him.

“Leave the mountain! Right now!” The Omega ordered. Perhaps it was the rush of anger, or perhaps he had been shouting too much and used up more oxygen than he was breathing in. His vision suddenly turned black for a second—or at least, it felt like a second to him.

When Giyuu came to, he found himself cradled in Tanjirou’s arms. The redhead was stroking Giyuu’s back as Water Hashira gasped for breath. Each breath he took in, Giyuu found his lungs being filled with the Alpha’s warm summer scent. This only further fueled the flames he had been trying to suppress inside him.

“Giyuu-san!” Tanjirou held Giyuu tightly as he looked down to see the Omega squirming in pain.

Tanjirou immediately picked up Giyuu and ran over to the spring. With great care, Tanjirou lowered the Omega into the water. The moment the Alpha's hands touched the water, he realized just how cold this spring was. Just for being in the water for a couple of seconds, his hands were already starting to grow numb.

After setting Giyuu into the water, Tanjirou took off his crimson kimono with black patterned flames. Since changing into his adult body, his old kimono didn’t fit anymore, so Tanjirou was given this one by Rengoku.

He folded his kimono and lifted Giyuu’s head. He paused for a second, unable to help but marvel how soft the raven hair before tucking makeshift pillow underneath. The moment Tanjirou’s fingers left Giyuu, the Alpha heard a soft sigh escaping Giyuu’s pink lips.

That made Tanjirou dropped his gaze and gawked at the peaceful sleeping face of his mentor. The instant he began to stare, he could no longer pull his eyes away.

Giyuu was truly stunning. During these years apart, Tanjirou could only see the man in his dreams…but here he was right in front of him. He was even more beautiful than he remembered. Perhaps it was because his body had finally grown up. Right now, Tanjirou wanted nothing more than to hold Giyuu in his arm and smell the exotic scent exclusive to the Omega.

Realizing what was going through his head, Tanjirou snapped out and swallowed the saliva threatening to leak out. He hastily averted his eyes—only to land on Giyuu’s body.

Tanjirou’s face exploded into various shades of red.

Giyuu’s body…or rather that kimono on his body…it was practically see-through!

The white fabric was barely hiding anything on the Omega’s body as it floated within the water! Since Tanjirou had been so busy blocking Giyuu’s attacks before and trying to explain, he hadn’t looked away from Giyuu’s eyes. And afterward, because Giyuu collapsed, the only thing going through his head was how to help Giyuu.

Never once did Tanjirou took notice of Giyuu’s body…until now.

“Hn…Tanjirou?”

“Y-yes!” Tanjirou sputtered, face burning even hotter as he ripped his eyes away from the Omega’s body. The moment he saw the pain Giyuu’s face, the fire burning in him was quelled and was replaced with worry.

The Alpha leaned over the spring and carefully put a hand against Giyuu’s cheek. “Giyuu-san, are you alright? Is there anything I could do?” He asked in a hushed whisper, as if afraid he'll startle the Omega by speaking louder.

Giyuu groaned as he closed his eyes and leaned into the warm palm against his cheek. Tanjirou stiffened, but didn’t pull away and just continued to watch Giyuu. Eventually, Giyuu’s breathing began to even out, falling back into slumber.

Tanjirou smiled as he slowly pulled his hand away. The feeling of the Omega’s soft cheek lingered in his palm. His eyes then dropped down to the Omega’s neck. When Giyuu had turned his head, his hair fell to the side, exposing the scarred mating gland on the left side of his neck.

Tanjirou had seen it before, but he never thought much about it in the past. Now…now he knew exactly what that scar meant. During these years, training wasn’t the only thing he had done. He had also been learning more about both Alpha and Omega dynamics.

He had also met up with Urokodaki who came to visit him after hearing him staying at the Butterfly Estate. Reuniting with Urokodaki led him to learn more things about Giyuu…such as his Heat.

Due to their long lifespan, having offspring was hard for Alphas and Omegas. In their entire life, an Alpha Omega couple might only get one child. Though if they mate with a human or Beta, the chance of having children will be higher, but unless the Alpha or Omega came from a strong bloodline, children born from humans or Beta were generally weaker.

That’s why Alpha and Omega have something called a mating cycle. For Alpha, this was called a Rut. For Omega, it was Heat. During this cycle, their body’s fertility will go up to heighten the chance of producing offspring.

In order to have mating cycles, they must first need to be mated.

Only mated Alpha and Omegas can smell the special pheromone rolling off their partner during the mating cycle. It was said that the smell was like a sweet aphrodisiac. Unmated Alphas and Omegas may able to smell a Rut or Heat, but they won’t be affected. That was what made this dangerous, as these unmated Alphas and Omegas could use it to their advantage.

Alphas and Omegas suffering Rut or Heat were extremely vulnerable, as their bodies were greatly weakened for the sake of mating. There were always people who might exploit that—such as rouge Alphas and Omegas that had no morals of their own.

Giyuu was a victim of that.

From what Tanjirou heard from Urokodaki, Giyuu had been forcefully marked during the attack on the Water Estate. The attack back then was nothing more than a hunt for the rouges. After all, the Alphas and Omegas in the Water Estate were nothing but children.

They hunt them down, slaughtered them and those unfortunate to catch their eyes were forcefully marked. Giyuu was one of those that got marked. He was also the only one to survive as the others couldn't accept being marked and committed suicide.

The moment Giyuu was bitten by an Alpha, Sabito was fortunately nearby. He was able to kill the rouge by catching him off guard before using his sword to shave off Giyuu’s marred scent gland. Since the Alpha had just begun to inject his pheromone into Giyuu, the pheromone wasn’t given the chance to spread into the Omega’s body before Sabito cut it off.

Nearly mating then losing his scent gland made Giyuu’s body go into shock—making him incapable of fighting. Had this happened after Giyuu turned into an adult, the scent gland wouldn’t have grown back. But since he was a child, the growth spurt reshaped Giyuu’s body and his scent gland was grown back, but the scar left by Sabito’s blade remained.

The empty scar on his scent gland made Giyuu’s body think that he had mated and since then Giyuu would suffer the burn of Heat every year in autumn. The only way to subdue the Heat was through the spring water exclusive to this mountain. The coldness helped maintain his body's temperature from reaching too high while the rich mineral content in the water nursed the Omega's body.

Just the thought of everything that Giyuu had suffered through made Tanjirou angry. It also made him wanted to gather the Omega into his arms and treasure him as he should be.

Ruby eyes shimmered beneath the autumn moon as they gazed gently at the person lying in the water.

“Giyuu-san…” The whisper of his beloved’s name was carried away by the gentle breeze. Despite how that person was within an arm’s reach, Tanjirou found himself unable to cross the barrier separating them.

◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌ ◌

When Giyuu opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a familiar ceiling. He frowned, feeling that something was off, but his head was too drowsy to come up with any proper thoughts. He raised an arm and covered his eyes.

He lay until his mind began to function again. Memories of the night slowly drifted back, pieces by pieces.

The moment Tanjirou’s face flashed across his eyes, Giyuu was instantly awake. He shot up, looking around to find that he was back in his room. He looked down at the white kimono on his body. It wasn't the same one he had been wearing, but a thicker one…one that he always used for sleep. From it Giyuu could smell a faint whiff of Murata’s scent, meaning the other Omega must have been the one who changed his clothes.

Giyuu pushed the quill off his body and hurried to the door. The moment he slid it open and took a step into the hallway, he stopped. There was something soft and silky right under his foot…

The raven-haired man dipped his head and saw a lock of auburn hair being crushed under his pale foot. The Omega quickly pulled his foot away as if he had gotten turned. Ocean blue eyes followed the hair until they landed upon the person sitting right beside his doorway.

“Tanjirou?”

The Alpha was bathed within the bright moonlight as he smiled up at him.

“Giyuu-san.” Tanjirou greeted as he stood up. When Giyuu had to lift his head to meet the other’s gaze, he was reminded of just how much the other had grown. “How are you feeling?”

“…I'm fine," Giyuu replied before frowning at the sky that was still dark. "How long was I out for?"

"Two nights now," Tanjirou answered.

Giyuu nodded. That would explain why it was still nighttime.

The Hashira looked back to Tanjirou before remembering how soft and silky the hair felt when his foot accidentally stepped on it.

“You grew your hair out.”

“It just became like this after my growth spurt.” Tanjirou laughed weakly as he brushed some of the longer strands of hair off his shoulder. “I hadn’t found the time to cut it yet. I’ve been busy training under the other Hashiras.”

Giyuu just nodded in understanding. The two stared at one another for a moment before Tanjirou smiled and took a step forward.

“Giyuu-san—”

Giyuu didn’t know what came over him. The moment Tanjirou stood that step, Giyuu became hyperaware of how close they’ll become so he took a step back to maintain their distance.

Tanjirou seemed stunned at Giyuu’s action, the rest of his words forgotten.

The Water Hashira instantly regretted his action. It wasn’t his intention to hurt the other. He didn’t know what came over him. He glanced at Tanjirou, but instead of looking sad or hurt, the Alpha was…smiling.

“Giyuu-san is finally looking at me.”

Giyuu’s dark brows furrowed. Why was Tanjirou talking as if he had never looked at him before?

“I love you, Giyuu-san.”

The Omega's breathing hitched.

“There hasn’t been a day gone by without me thinking of you. Becoming an adult only made me realized how much more I feel about you.”

“Tanjirou, I—”

Giyuu struggled to find a way to phrase his words. He didn’t think that after all these years, Tanjirou would still tell him this. Except this was different now…now, Giyuu can no longer tell Tanjirou that he was just mistaking his feelings. It was also at this moment that Giyuu thought that perhaps when he told Tanjirou he had misunderstood his feelings, he was also finding an excuse for himself to not face the issue head-on.

“There are better Omegas for you.” Giyuu sighed, turning his head away. “There are many Omegas within the Butterfly Estate, surely—”

“Giyuu-san!”

Giyuu stiffened at the change of Tanjirou’s tone. Although it was only for a split second, Giyuu had felt a dangerous sensation coming from the Alpha.

“Please don’t belittle my feelings for you." Tanjirou breathed out slowly as if trying to control something inside him from bursting out. “The one I love is you, Giyuu-san, and that won’t change.”

“…It wasn’t my intension to belittle your feeling.” Giyuu explained, eyes still refusing to meet the Alpha. “There are simply better options for you. You’ve become strong, Tanjirou. There’s no need for you to be bound to someone like me.”

“Then why aren’t you looking at me when you say that, Giyuu-san?” Tanjirou demanded.

Giyuu’s hands underneath his sleeves slowly curled into fists. His nails dug into the palm of his hand, leaving small crescent dents from his blunt nails.

The Water Hashira didn’t know how to respond, so he settled with not responding at all. He turned to walk away, but he didn’t get far when a large hand grabbed his, stopping him in his track.

Giyuu turned to see Tanjirou standing behind him, his grip on his hand tight, but nowhere near painful.

“Tan—”

“I, Alpha Kamado Tanjirou, formally challenge the Water Hashira, Omega Tomioka Giyuu to a duel!”

Giyuu sucked in a sharp breath as he stared at the Alpha as if he had gone crazy. Perhaps he has.

“The location of the duel will be at Oyakata-sama’s manor in one week.”

“Do you know what you’re saying?” The Water Hashira demanded.

“I do.” Tanjirou tightened his grip on Giyuu’s hand. “If you want to reject me, you can ignore my duel request. But if Giyuu-san would give me a chance, I will prove to you that I’m worthy of standing beside you.”

With that, Tanjirou released Giyuu's hand. He turned to leave but seemed to remember something so he looked back to Giyuu who was still rooted to the spot.

"Also, I would appreciate it if Giyuu-san does not insult the person I love.” With that, Tanjirou was gone.

In just matters of seconds, Giyuu knew that Tanjirou had already left the Water Estate.

Tanjirou really did become strong.

Giyuu stared at the empty spot Tanjirou once occupied. He retreated into his room and closed the door. In the darkness of his room, Giyuu leaned back against the shoji and looked down at the hand Tanjirou had held. He could still feel the lingering warmth of the Alpha on his skin.

After fighting an inner war with himself, Giyuu hesitantly brought that hand up to his face and took a small sniff.

It was as if a rush of adrenaline had suddenly overcome his body. Giyuu felt his heart pounding faster and his blood boiling inside his veins as his senses were engulfed by the Alpha’s heavy scent. Giyuu let out a sharp gasp as he fell onto his rear. His legs were shaking so badly that he could no longer hold himself up.

The Omega pulled his hand as far away as possible from his face and leaned back against the shoji. To think his body would react so violently at Tanjirou’s scent…something like this should only happen if their bodies were compatible.

Giyuu shook his head to clear his thought.

No, it must be the Heat still affecting his senses.

The Hashira crawled into his futon and pulled the quill over his head. He decided to get some sleep and refused to think any more of this matter.

Unfortunately for him, Tanjirou had no plans to give Giyuu any more time.

The very next day, Giyuu woke to the entire Water Estate in an uproar.

The moment he stepped outside of his room, he was greeted with the entire residence of the Water Estate gathered by his door. They were all looking at their Water Hashira with complicated gazes. Before Giyuu could even ask, Murata stepped up and handed him a letter. The letter was delivered this morning by none other than Tanjirou’s Kasugaigarasu.

On the front of the letter were the words, “Duel Request”.

It was no wonder why all the Kakushis and Murata were looking at their Hashira like that. In their world, duel can only mean one thing.

Tanjirou was challenging Giyuu for his hand in marriage.

Duels were old practices used by Alphas and Omegas in ancient times. Back in those days when power meant everything, the Alpha would challenge Omega in a match to show that they were worthy of standing by their side and become a father to their future children.

Duels must take place under public eyes with other authoritative figures attending to ensure the fairness of the fight. Should the Alpha lose, it means that that Alpha was not worthy of becoming the Omega’s mate and can never go near the Omega ever again.

Nowadays, such an extreme method of courtship was no longer used. Alpha and Omegas would just get together normally like how humans would. Though duels were not used anymore, it wasn’t forgotten. Since Giyuu—a Hashira—would be involved in this duel, then that meant the master of the Corps himself will need to be present, as well as the other eight Hashiras as witnesses.

Murata felt like fainting just thinking about it.

What in the world did that boy learn during these years?! Didn't he know that if he lost, then he could never go near Giyuu again?! No, before that, if Giyuu rejected Tanjirou's duel, then the result will be the same!

“Tomioka-sama!” Gotou stepped up and bowed respectfully at his Hashira. “Will you be…accepting the duel?”

Giyuu opened his mouth, but no words could be formed. The Water Hashira couldn’t find an answer to that.

Was he going to accept?

The Omega stared at the letter in his hand as his heart skipped a beat.

The next couple of days passed by agonizingly slow…but it wasn’t slow enough for Tomioka Giyuu. Since receiving Tanjirou’s challenge, the raven-haired man could be seen sitting in the courtyard every day instead of training.

From early morning to late in the night, he would just…sit there.

No one dared to go near him, nor do they dare to talk around him. Everyone in the Water Estate agreed to not go near the yard unless absolutely necessary. None of them wanted to disturb their Hashira, though that didn’t stop them from peeking at the Omega from afar.

Since then, the entire Water Estate became even quieter than usual.

Aside from eating and sleeping, the Water Hashira was basically a stone statue.

It was fine.

Their Hashira needed to think, they understand.

This was a big decision to make.

The Kakushis all understood that. However, when the fifth day rolled around, they could no longer keep their cool and were starting to panic. There were only two more days, and their Hashira didn't seem like he was going to graduate from being a statue anytime soon.

After a long debate, they threw out poor Murata into the garden. When it comes to these sorts of conversation, it was only natural for Omega to have a heart to heart talk with another Omega.

Murata never wanted to curse these Kakushis so much, yet he knew there was no going back.

“T-Tomioka-san…” He had intended to shout out the Hashira’s name, but the moment his mouth opened, his short-lived resolve crumbled into pieces. In the end, his call to the Hashira was barely louder than a mouse’s squeak. If it was under normal circumstances, even a mouse’s squeak wouldn’t escape Giyuu’s hearing…yet it did.

Giyuu continued to doze off in a trance, completely oblivious to Murata’s approach.

“Tomioka-san…?” Murata called again.

There was still no response.

“Tomioka-san?”

“…”

“Tomioka-san!”

“…”

“TOMIOKA-SAN!!” Murata screamed with all his might, causing the Kakushis hiding in the distance to jump in fright.

Ocean blue eyes blinked as Giyuu moved for the first time since sitting down that morning.

“Murata.” He called the other Omega’s name as if just realizing he was here.

“T-Tomiok-san! D-do you want to t-t-talk?” Murata stuttered, constantly tripping over his words as his heart raced.

Giyuu looked at him, then he looked back to the garden.

Murata stood awkwardly.

What did this mean?

Was this a yes?

Or a no?!

“You met Tanjirou.” Giyuu suddenly said.

Murata blinked. He stared at Giyuu while his head rapidly worked to decipher just what that sentence meant. It took a while, but once he understood, he immediately let out a loud (fake) laugh in hopes that Giyuu wouldn’t notice the momentary silence.

“Y-yeah I did!” He laughed nervously. “Man, I couldn’t believe it when I saw him! He grew up, hasn’t he?!”

Murata sweated as he waited for Giyuu’s response. After what felt like an eternity, Giyuu nodded. Letting out a small breathe, Murata slowly and carefully sat down next to Giyuu—keeping half a meter’s distance of course.

“How do you er…see Tanjirou, Tomioka-san?”

That seemed to be a bad topic to bring up as Giyuu looked down at his hands that were on his lap. His lips slowly turned downward and his brows furrowed.

"Aaah!" Murata shouted while sweating bullets. "Speaking of that night! Tanjirou was…he uh…he was um…"

Murata wrecked his brain to come up with something, but that ultimately failed. Just when he thought this conversation was hopeless, Murata suddenly remembered the look on Tanjirou’s face that night.

The way the Alpha was cradling a dripping wet Giyuu so tightly in his arms with his face filled with worries…he looked like he might cry.

“Tanjirou’s seriously in love with you, Tomioka-san," Murata said without giving much of a thought.

The Hashira looked at his companion in surprise.

“I was scared to death when he came knocking at my room with you in his arms. Since it was dark I couldn’t see properly thought he was a rouge…”

Murata didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the memory of that night.

Scare was an understatement of the century.

Murata had nearly died from a heart attack when he saw a tall Alpha standing in the dark with an unconscious Giyuu in his arms. Murata was instantly reminded of that day when the Water Estate was under attacked. He screamed before the Alpha could even open his mouth to say anything. In an instant, the entire manor was awake with Kakushis flooding towards them.

And then…well, they all screamed at the sight of an unfamiliar Alpha in the middle of the night holding onto their Hashira. Since Murata was standing at the doorway of his room, his sword was lying beside him. He grabbed his sword while the Kakushis grabbed anything they could use as weapons.

Some picked up rocks while others ripped off branches from a bush nearby…

It took a lot of shouting back and forth (mostly on their end) before they realized that the Alpha was Tanjirou, not some rouge that broke in.

“He was worried because he couldn’t wake you up no matter how much he tried, and with your Heat ended, your body turned cold due to the temperature of the spring. Even after I assured him that you’re fine, Tanijrou insisted on watching over you in case something happens. He sat outside your door for two whole days and nights, waiting for you to wake up.”

“…I see.” Giyuu mumbled softly.

“Well! T-that’s all I have to say! Sorry to disturb you, Tomioka-san!” Murata stammered before running off, leaving Giyuu alone once more.

The next day came and it was bound to be another restless night for all of them. The duel was tomorrow, yet the Water Hashira sat in the garden as usual. None of the Kakushis could even work as they watched at the Omega from the distance with panic written all over their faces.

They all tried to convince themselves that it was alright, that there was still time left.

It may take months for them to travel on foot to the master’s manor, but for an Omega like Giyuu, it should only take two to three hours.

There was plenty of time—or so they told themselves.

As the sun slowly fell and the stars began to shine across the night sky, they were getting more and more worried.

Giyuu still didn’t move.

He was just gazing up to the stars before a hand came up to grip onto the left sleeve of his kimono. It was a gesture of Giyuu’s that everyone in the manor was familiar with. Whenever their Hashira was down or if something was troubling him, he would grip the side of his kimono that belonged to Sabito just like that, as if seeking comfort.

Quietly, the Kakushis exchanged glanced with one another before they shuffled away, leaving Giyuu truly alone for the first time in days.

When morning came, Tomioka Giyuu was no longer in the garden.

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[tobiramainprofile]

6: Supernatural (AU) (Yes, like the TV show. Yes, I am sorry)@madatobiweek

In which the Uchiha are psychic and the Senju are angels. Or, Madara and Izuna are sort of Sam and Dean, and Tobirama and Hashirama share the role of Castiel without much success.

-

Madara stomps down the hallway, yanks open his front door, and yells, pointing an accusing finger, "You're late!"

The two men lurking outside his door startle. Madara ignores the taller one and jabs his finger into the paler one's chest. "Izuna's been gone for a MONTH, and I can't find him without you."

The man, with his pale skin and paler hair and eerily reflective red eyes, gives him an unimpressed look. Madara bares his teeth at him and turns around to grab his duffle bag from behind the door.

A hand on his shoulder stops him. "How did you know we were coming?" the pale man asks, his voice startlingly deep.

Madara snorts. "I'm a psychic, dipshit. Of course I knew. Now hurry up and get in the car."

"Don't you want to know our names first?" The taller one deploys distractingly effective puppy eyes, blinking down at Madara like it will make him give in.

Madara looks away first and the rat bastard takes it as an invitation.

"I'm Hashirama," he says, ignoring the way Madara snaps his head up to gape at him. "And that is my little brother Tobirama!"

Madara narrows his eyes, then reaches out tentatively with his mind. If it is Hashirama-

"It is you!" Madara grins, slight and crooked, "Where have you been you flaky bastard? You're ten years too late for that meeting with the family I promised you."

Hashirama blinks at him, accepting, but blank. Madara opens his mouth to try and jog his memory, but before he can, the pale one, Tobirama, catches his eye and gives a slight shake of his head.

Trust him, his powers whisper, and they haven't steered him wrong yet. Madara snorts. "You always were an idiot."

Hashirama visibly wilts. "You sound like my brother."

Madara flicks his eyes over to the brother in question. His face is flat and stoic, devoid of any humor. It's easy to imagine him insulting Hashirama.

The thought puts Madara's hackles up.

He spins on his heel and walks for his truck.

-

Hashirama blabbers on from the backseat - something something angel of the lord, something something apocalypse, something something seals. Madara tunes him out, and listens to his brother, giving quiet directions from the passenger seat.

Whatever they need him to do, it doesn't matter. Madara would burn the world down to see his brother again.

-

They stop at a hotel once it gets dark, more for Madara's benefit than anything.

Hashirama isn't human. They established that back when Madara was nine and dumb enough to talk to voices from thin air. Some monsters need to sleep, but Madara doubts he's one of them.

So Madara isn't surprised when someone follows him out onto the roof. He's only surprised that it's Tobirama, and not his brother.

"Where did you meet my brother?" Tobirama asks, with all the tact of a brick wall.

Madara glances up at him through his lashes. Tobirama stands like a tornado wouldn't move him, feet shoulder width apart, back perfectly straight, hands clasped behind him. He's not looking at Madara, but Madara isn't sure he could stand the weight of those eyes. Even now, he's almost glowing against the night sky.

"Why should I tell you anything?" Madara shifts, swings his feet over the edge of the roof.

"You've already decided to trust us." Tobirama points out, as though it is as obvious as the crescent moon on the horizon.

"I've decided to trust you," Madara corrects. He lets out a soft sigh, then shuffles around so he can see Tobirama's face. "Hashirama showed up when I was about five. One of my brothers had just died and I was pretty messed up about it. I needed a friend."

"I can't imagine your family was happy about that." Tobirama murmurs.

"They're hunters." Madara gives an expansive hand gesture. "They hate everything. Hashira never did anything more malicious than steal me chocolate."

"Did you tell them he was an angel?" Tobirama inclines his head so he can look at Madara's face.

"Angels don't exist." Madara turns to look back out at the badly lit parking lot.

Tobirama makes a scoffing noise. "Did you listen to nothing my brother was saying?"

"Was he saying anything important?" Madara kicks his heels against the building.

"I am an angel of the Lord," Tobirama intones. "As is my brother. Everything-"

"Prove it," Madara says.

"What?" Tobirama blinks at him. If he were any less stoic, he'd be startled.

"The angel thing," Madara clarifies. "Prove it."

Tobirama looks at him blankly. Madara suspects no one's ever doubted he was an angel before. It gives him a perverse sort of satisfaction, watching the icy bastard at a loss.

"Very well," Tobirama eventually says, still sort of nonplussed.

Madara expects some sort of lightshow, something with wings and the voice of God or something similarly dramatic.

Instead, Tobirama bends down, hooks an arm beneath Madara's knees, and lifts him, bridal style. Before Madara can protest, the world blurs.

-

"Put me down," Madara shrieks, wriggling in Tobirama's grip. The other man's grip doesn't falter, which is annoying. Madara isn't a weak man, or a small one, even though he's shorter than the other.

"Stop blustering and look," Tobirama says impatiently.

Madara does, and the sight freezes him in Tobirama's arms. They're hanging in the night sky, which Madara might have accepted as proof - most supernatural creatures can't fly without wings. But when Madara looks down, there's no ground within seeing range. Instead, far, far away, he can see a tiny blue orb with patches of brown and green.

"Holy shit," Madara breathes, then pushes himself up to look over Tobirama's shoulder. Sure enough, the moon is hanging in the sky, brighter than Madara has ever seen it.

"Holy shit," he says again, "No way, this isn't possible."

"With God, all things are possible." Tobirama intones. Madara smacks him.

Gently, and on the arm that isn't supporting most of his weight.

"I'm not going to drop you." Tobirama sounds amused. Madara really ought to get his hands off the bastard's shirt.

"This must be some kind of trick," Madara mutters, "There's no way- isn't the earth moving?"

"Yes," Tobirama says calmly, "We are also moving. Quite quickly, as it happens. I am also attending to the matters of oxygen and air pressure."

"Yeah." Madara says faintly, "OK, that's great. Let's go back down now."

"As you wish," Tobirama says, and there's that same whooshing noise.

-

Madara is torn, when they land on the hotel roof, between dropping and kissing the filthy concrete and clinging to Tobirama harder - it feels, somehow, like his own two feet are less safe. Because he's a mature adult and also because Izuna would mock him, he does neither, settling for sitting down a bit too quickly when the angel releases his legs.

"Right," Madara says, "Okay. You're an angel."

"I am," Tobirama says. "And the world is ending."

"Great," Madara says faintly.

"Not great," Tobirama corrects firmly, "It will mean the end of all life on this earth."

"I-" Madara stops, deciding explaining sarcasm to an angel isn't what he'd like to do with his evening. "You know what, nevermind. Why are you bothering with me, then?"

Tobirama visibly freezes. Under Madara’s curious gaze, he twitches away.

“There are sixty six seals holding back the apocalypse. We are here to prevent them from breaking. We require your help.”

“No you don’t.” Madara scrubs a hand through his hair. Tobirama looks vaguely panicky.

“I thought psychics could not understand the thoughts of angels.” Tobirama even sounds sort of panicky. Madara kind of wishes he had a camera.

“I can’t,” Madara says, “Not without burning my eyes out. You’re just a shitty liar.”

Tobirama narrows his eyes at him.

Madara gives him a shit-eating grin. “You might want to start with not confirming that you lied the minute you get found out.”

“There is no use for deception in heaven,” Tobirama grumbles, folding his arms and looking off into the distance.

Madara shrugs. “Whatever. S’not like I care what you actually need me for. As long as I get my brother back, we’re even.”

“The seals are more important.”

“Not to me,” Madara says, and whatever he sounds like, whatever poison is dripping from his words, it’s enough to get Tobirama to give him a sharp look. “The seals have kept this long, and you’re going to take me to my brother anyways. Why not do it now?”

“The seals must come first,” Tobirama says, but there’s a flicker of doubt in there.

Madara’s not nearly a good enough person to ignore the opening.

“One seal,” Madara bargains, “Then we get my brother.”

Tobirama’s obviously not used to haggling. He hesitates, his eyes flicking over Madara’s face, then nods.

Madara feels his face stretch in a grin.

-

Hashirama’s the kind of person who won’t shut up on roadtrips.

Madara may or may not be feeling a little bit guilty for not listening to him yesterday, so he doesn’t tune him out this time around.

Actually, it’s kind of useful knowledge. He’s talking about the seal, which apparently entails spilling innocent blood on some kind of sacred rock. Tobirama corrects him, says it’s blessed, but Madara doesn’t listen too much about the differences.

He’s more interested in the practical stuff - how many demons are going to be there, what kind of defenses they’ll set up, how many innocent people need to be killed. That kind of thing. Hashirama’s much less flaky if you’re questioning him with a definite goal in mind, and there’s something about him that makes Madara think he really wants the seal dealt with.

There’s a sort of quiet dignity about him when he talks about people dying, an air that makes Madara want to sit up and listen. Tobirama always reminds Madara of the sort of stuck up brownnosers who do well in military schools, but Hashirama-

Madara could believe that Hashirama is an Angel of the Lord, caps and all.

Then, of course, he runs out of tactical deals to ask about, and Hashirama starts entertaining himself by demanding that they stop at every roadside attraction, farm, and gas station they pass on the highway.

Eventually, Madara buys him a chocolate bar to shut him up, and tries not to notice how much nicer Tobirama looks when he’s smiling at his brother.

-

They arrive at the little town - called Sacred Rock, because human creativity is limitless - a little before midnight. Hashirama insists that they need to find a hotel to stay in for the night, and Tobirama doesn’t side with Madara when he insists that he can skip one night of sleep.

Tobirama ends up bundling him to the room they pick up in the shitty little family owned motel Hashirama decides to stop at, while the other angel lurks at the bar and ambushes unsuspecting patrons for their life stories.

Madara can’t sleep, of course.

Two hours of staring at the dark ceiling later, he hears voices outside his door. Tobirama and Hashirama, their voices raised in some kind of argument. Madara rolls over, and drags a pillow over his head. He doesn’t want to hear what they’re saying about him, what they actually want.

Sometimes, it’s better that way.

-

All in all, Madara gets about two hours of sleep - just enough to make him feel more tired, and spends the morning binging on complementary breakfast coffee. Hashirama hovers over his shoulder - and Tobirama hovers over his, and Madara ignores them both, except to shush Hashirama whenever it looks like he’s going to start in on something.

By the time the hostess has started glaring at him, he’s depleted enough of the coffee to feel up to dealing with demons, so he lets Tobirama chivvy both of them to the car.

“Was that a hangover?” Hashirama asks in a hushed whisper.

“No,” Madara grunts. “Hangovers are much worse.”

-

The rock is thirty miles out of town, in the middle of sandy-yellow ground and some scraggly looking sagebrush. Madara grabs a bit of deadwood of the ground to poke at it, and nothing happens. There’s not even a picture of Jesus sandblasted into the rock, which he’s actually kind of disappointed about.

“So,” he grunts, settling by the rock, “We just sit here and wait for the demons to show up.”

“Yes,” Tobirama replies, “We might be able to find them in advance if Hashirama and I searched, but they would almost certainly sense our presence and flee.”

“Sounds like that’d stop the seal from being broken too,” Madara points out, absently flipping his pocket knife between his fingers.

“They’d just come back as soon as they saw us leave,” Hashirama sighs, “I think if we want to stop this for good, we’re going to have to fight.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Madara says, giving Hashirama a feral grin.

“Violence should always be a last resort,” Hashirama says sternly, crossing his arms over his chest and shooting Madara a stern look.

“Aren’t angels supposed to be heaven’s soldiers or some shit?” Madara gives Hashirama a narrow eyed look. “Didn’t think you’d be so squeamish.”

“We could be more than that,” Hashirama says, that same air of seriousness settling over his shoulders.

Madara opens his mouth - to point out that they don’t actually have free will, to ask what he means, to scoff, but he’s interrupted by something cold tapping against his shoulder.

“Water,” Tobirama says, clipped, his eyes on Hashirama and his hackles up, “Don’t get dehydrated.”

Hashirama, being himself, immediately jumps on the gesture, grabbing the other angel around the neck and squealing about how his brother is being selfless.

Madara watches Tobirama’s face, the tension in his shoulders and how it slowly fades as Hashirama gets more distracted, and he wonders.

-

As it turns out, the demons really weren’t expecting company. Hashirama deals with the screaming innocents when Madara’s dragged them out of the line of fire, and Tobirama-

Well, Tobirama pounces on the demons like an overgrown cat. It’s kind of hypnotic, actually, and Madara has too keep tearing his eyes away from Tobirama’s dance with the knife and the shadows. He falls into and out of the darkness like it’s his home, slipping through the demons’ grasping hands like water and coming up on the other side, his angel blade bright in his hand.

The demons fall like dominoes, and Tobirama shakes the fight off like he’s only put for the effort of a single push. The woman closest to Madara, the one who’s been watching him watch the angel asks, in her shaky voice, “How can you stand to look at that?”

Madara tilts his head at her and doesn’t answer. He’s not sure how to say he’s seen much worse on a regular basis, that he’s been fighting long enough to appreciate the grace of a predator, that there’s something about Tobirama’s form that makes him want to keep looking.

He’s not an idiot. He knows the pretty face probably isn’t what Tobirama really looks like, and that his actual form might burn Madara’s eyes out. Still, he can’t keep from looking.

It’s Hashirama that his eyes are drawn to, though, on the way back into town. The angel should be riding high on the victory - he always did celebrate even the smallest things. But he’s being quiet, withdrawing into himself as they cart the people home, two-by-two, in Madara’s truck.

When they’re finished, they stop back by the rock to pick up Tobirama, who was standing guard. Instead of throwing open the door, Hashirama looks at Madara, and jerks his head outside.

Madara follows.

This isn’t something the other angel is in on, judging by the way his eyes flicker between them.

“Madara,” Hashirama begins, looking out to the horizon. “There’s something I think you should know.”

“Brother!” Tobirama hisses, bristling like an angry cat.

No, Madara thinks, watching him. Not like an angry cat. Like a scared one.

“I’m the commander for this mission,” Hashirama says, an edge of biting steel in his voice. “Unless you’d like to challenge that, Tobirama?”

Madara’s sure he should be watching Hashirama. He’s the one about to reveal some kind of lifechanging secret. But he can’t keep his eyes off the unhappy expression on Tobirama’s face.

The other angel looks away, not meeting Hashirama’s eyes.

“Good,” Hashirama says, “Madara, the truth is, the angel hierarchy-”

There’s a flash of brilliant light. Before Madara can even flinch, before he can even blink, there are arms around his shoulders, dragging him against a hard chest. There’s a noise, like a thousand voices screaming in unison, like a massive sheet of glass shattering, like the emptiness in his ears after a bomb goes off.

Madara presses closer, squeezing his eyes shut, withdrawing his psychic presence from the burning, consuming light.

He’s still dripping something sticky from his eyes when the presence abruptly fades.

“Tobirama,” he gasps, stepping away from the other man, “What just- Where’s Hashirama?”

Tobirama shuts his eyes. Madara can make out the edges of grief twisting his expression. The angel holds out a hand, and glowing runes draw themselves around his feet, around Madara and his car.

“We don’t have much time,” Tobirama rasps, “And I find myself in the unfortunate position of needing your help.”

-

“The angel hierarchy is wrong,” Tobirama says, bluntly - though it’s belied by the nervous skittering of his hands on his leg. “They’ve become - corrupt, somehow. My brother - he isn’t. He is difficult to control, even on the best of days and nearly impossible to kill. The solution they’ve arrived at is wiping his memory, whenever he does something they don’t like. They came to - retrieve him, because he was trying to help you.”

“And you were supposed to be his handler,” Madara accuses, watching Tobirama’s face crumple with guilt.

“I want him to be safe,” the angel whispers. “I want us to be as we were - oh, Madara.”

Tobirama glances at the sky, some kind of horrible grief creeping across his face. “Once,” he whispers, “Hashirama was an archangel. Once, I was worthy to stand by his side. I wanted that back. But it seems I will have to settle for a lesser good. Madara, I know where your brother is.”

Madara opens his mouth - torn between comfort and yelling - but Tobirama harshly shakes his head.

“There’s no time for that. Your brother is in hell. Should he break there, the first seal of the apocalypse will open. I’m offering you a trade - you save my brother, and I will save yours.”

“How the fuck can I do that?” Madara bites the words out, searching Tobirama’s face for answers, “In case you didn’t notice, I was useless back there.”

“You are the chosen vessel for the Archangel Michama,” Tobirama says, “They will avoid doing you harm, and your very presence in Heaven will force it into a form you can comprehend. You have a better chance than I do.”

He reaches to his belt, and Madara watches the angel sword appear in his hand.

“Take this,” Tobirama proffers the blade, “You might need it.”

“What about you?” Madara demands, not touching it. “Won’t you have to get past - oh, I don’t know, archdemons or something?”

Tobirama glares at him. “My blade isn’t my only weapon, and I am not as fragile as a human. I will not fail. Take the blade.”

Madara grabs it, and shoots Tobirama a glare of his own. “I was- oh fuck it.”

He steps forward, gets a hand in Tobirama’s collar and tries to drag him down. The angel stands still as a wall, so, with a roll of his eyes, Madara gets on his tiptoes so he can press a kiss to the angel’s mouth.

“Come back alive,” he says, blunt as he ever is.

“I don’t understand,” Tobirama whispers, eyes wide. “You can’t know me well enough to want that.”

“I’m a psychic, remember?” Madara grins, bright and sharp, “I always know. Come back alive.”

Tobirama stares at him, then leans forward to press a kiss to Madara’s forehead. “I will do my best. I’m opening the door now - please, hurry.”

Madara nods, and spins on his heel. He’s got something to come back to now.

[dudeandduchess]

Reading all these Rengoku requests got me angsty but I love your writing so much Jen. Can you do a scenario where Kyojuro has been in love with the reader and hasn't told them yet? Like the reader is away on a mission so he plans on confessing once she gets back but never has the chance because she unfortunately died during the mission

Okayyyy, since I wanted it to bring max pain, I made the first half of it really fluffy— just so Kyō can experience the pain of an almost-love kind of relationship. So imagine me bawling my eyes out at 4 AM while writing this. Hope you like it, bby. 😂

For songs, I listened to It’s You by Henry (that While You Were Sleeping song, bc I love it so much), and Last Kiss by Taylor Swift. So please give a listen to those songs, if you bbys want to. 😌💜✨

***

Kyōjurō x F!Reader: Last Kiss (SFW Scenario):

Warnings: Angst, Character Death, Heartbreak, Almost-Relationship

Kyōjurō’s heart felt like it was about to leap right out of his chest with how frantically it was pounding. His total concentration breathing had even faltered for a moment, as his eyes never left the striking ones that were right across from him.

He opened his mouth to say the words that were burning on the tip of his tongue, only to close it when his nerves got the better of him. It wasn’t often that he got nervous or shy, but (Y/n) always rendered those two emotions out of him whenever she was near him.

It wasn’t because she was scary or anything negative, but his nervousness all stemmed from the reason that he was in love with her; truly, madly, deeply in love with her.

To the point where he had tried to muster up the courage to confess to her lots of times before, but had backed out of each and every single opportunity— all because he thought his heart was going to give out with how fast it beat inside his chest.

Those failed confessions, however, were some of the best memories he had— since, in every single one, he was afforded a close look at (Y/n)’s absolutely breathtaking smile. And the clincher was that it was always aimed at him during those moments.

So, it was safe to say that he committed each and every one of those moments to heart.

Especially that very moment, because there was just something in the Snow Hashira’s eyes that pulled him in closer; she seemed to radiate excitement, almost. And the slight flush on her cheeks really wasn’t helping with keeping his heart calm because, if anything, that blush made her look even more beautiful than she already was.

Slowly, a small grin lifted the corners of (Y/n)’s lips upward, making her eyes crinkled up at the corners— as her cheeks had lifted up as well with the sincere action. She couldn’t hold it back no matter how hard she tried, because she already had a clue as to what Kyōjurō had called her attention for.

Just like all the other times that he had purposely sought her out, it was pretty obvious at that point that he was going to confess.

But, each and every time he did so, he always backed down and told her a compliment instead; but her favorite moment was when he had pulled her close and whispered how much he had missed her while he was away on his mission.

To that day, she always relived that memory inside her head— especially when she missed him.

And she would be damned if she let another opportunity to tell him that she loved him back pass by. So, she took the initiative and cupped his cheeks in her hands— then pulled him in for a kiss.

It was nothing more than a quick peck on the lips on her part, but she was positively surprised when the Flame Hashira’s arms wrapped around her waist to pull her flush against his chest; right before he caught her lips with his once more.

However, just as things were getting good, a squawk from above had both Hashira pulling away from each other— as if they had been caught doing something much worse than kissing.

Kyōjurō cleared his throat, as his eyes flickered down to look at his feet out of shyness. While (Y/n) bit down on her bottom lip, as she tried to form a coherent sentence in her mind.

“(L/n) (Y/n), head on your mission. To the West. To the West. Hurry!” The young woman’s crow squawked, which had her deflating slightly at the notion of being summoned away when both her and Kyōjurō were about to verbalize their feelings.

“I guess that’s my cue to leave,” She whispered, with a wistful tone coloring her words. “I’ll see you soon, Ren-... Kyōjurō.”

Her use of his first name made the Flame Hashira’s gaze snap up to her, but it was to see her beginning to back away from him. He opened his mouth to speak, but was ultimately silenced— once again— when she spoke words that made his heart stop.

“I love you.” With that, (Y/n) smiled at him one last time, before turning on her heel and running down the dirt road.

He couldn’t even move a single muscle to chase after her, as he was too stupefied at her blatant admission of the same words that he’d always wanted to tell her. Hell, he could only blink and stare at her retreating form, as he whispered, “I love you too.”

They would see each other when she returned, and he would be lying if he said that he wasn’t already excited for that.

So he waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Until two weeks had passed and not a single letter from her had arrived via her crow. He had even taken to visiting her home, because he had been hoping to walk with her to the Ubuyashiki estate; only to find out that her home was only being taken care of by her father— as well as a kakushi.

She still wasn’t home from her mission.

So, with a heavy feeling in his gut, he tried to push his thoughts of her to the back of his mind— if only to focus on the emergency Hashira meeting that he had been summoned to.

When he got there though, it was to a somber atmosphere. Everyone was already patiently waiting for Oyakata-sama, and he didn’t dare to question what was going on; he simply took his place between Uzui and Kanroji— but part of him felt so unused to having Kanroji beside him, as it was always (Y/n) whom he was next to during their meetings.

The minutes ticked by slowly; so sluggishly that the thick silence had begun to unsettle him so much. Something was terribly wrong, and he couldn’t put his finger on what exactly it was.

But it was enough to warrant all the Hashiras’ unnerving silence, as well as everyone’s somber expressions.

Kyōjurō was just about to give in and ask Kanroji if she knew what was going on, when the announcement was made that Oyakata-sama had arrived.

Everyone straightened up in their kneeling positions, and bowed their heads in respect for the head of the Demon Slayer Corps. And once the pleasantries had been doled out, the somber atmosphere came crashing down upon them once more.

“I’ve called all of you here, my children, as I have something to give all of you— from (Y/n).”

Kyōjurō’s eyes widened at that and, immediately, tears sprung up into them before spilling down his cheeks. His breathing had ceased, and his vision was blurry— hell, he knew that he must have looked like a slack-jawed prick with his reaction, but he couldn’t care less.

He’d just felt like his entire world had been pulled from beneath his feet, yet he still pushed himself to accept the sealed envelope that a kakushi was handing to him.

With shaky hands, he broke the wax seal on the envelope— which bore (Y/n)’s initials— and carefully unfolded the letter; her last letter for him.

Before he read through the letter though, he looked at his comrades on either side of him and saw that they received items; like Uzui who had received a sparkling, red ruby— and Kanroji whom had received a very intricate hair pin.

He couldn’t even bring himself to look away from the hair pin, not because he was envious of not getting anything materialistic, but because reading through (Y/n)’s letter would mean that she really was gone.

Because that’s what the meeting had been for; to give out her final presents to all of her fellow Hashira.

His gaze fell back on the letter in his hands once more, only to cradle the pristine, white parchment against his chest— as the most most pained cry left Kyōjurō’s lips. He gritted his teeth, in an effort to subdue his wails and sobs, but it did very little good for him as he doubled over and held (Y/n)’s letter even closer to him.

Everything inside him told him not to read the contents, because to read it would be to accept that she really was gone— yet he clung on to it as if his life depended on it; even though the very knowledge that it existed ripped his soul at the very seams.

Because it was the last thing that he had to remind him of (Y/n). Even if it was a simple piece of paper.

--

((P.S. Should I write down the contents of the letter???? And how Kyō came to read it???? Bc I planned on doing it, but it would be even sadder. Lmao.))