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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

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Got me on the floor, literally

The Pickpocket - Part 30

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Pairing: Heimdall x fem!Reader

Word count: 6.4k

Summary: A morning after to remember.

A/N: omg 30 chapterssssss!!!!!🤯🤯 waaa that's absolutely nuts. to celebrate i decided to make this the first one that made me cry while writing! aksks (the daddy issues got to me okay) that said, i feel like i have to put a disclaimer for the corporate rat here bc the latter half is basically ariel fanfic i noticed LMAOOAJSKS

***

Part 30

"I. love. you."

You knew what had to happen. You knew that this would not last.

You would not last.

But in that one, perfect moment...

You closed your eyes and whispered back: "I love you, too."

...you could at least pretend, until the two of you faded into the night.

+++

As soon as you regained consciousness, your heart jumped out of your chest. But then you became aware of the darkness in the room, and, more importantly, the warm body behind you, and you calmed down again.

At least as far as possible, under these circumstances.

You closed your eyes again and took a deep breath. Not for the first time in the past few hours, you were overcome with remorse for something you hadn't even done yet. But this was the only way, you knew that by now with irrefutable certainty. As much as it would hurt him and, thus, you as well. After all, hurting at least meant being alive - whatever that would look like.

You bit your lip and tried to think of something else. Because you knew that you were right, that it was only logical – or, well; at least your mind knew. Your heart spoke a completely different language, however, and the longer you pondered, especially about the "afterwards", the louder it seemed to get, until it threatened to drown out your thoughts. But you couldn't allow that, you couldn't give in.

The only way...

You had to be strong for both of you.

Despite this decision and your iron will, you still hadn't lifted a finger minutes later and found yourself in the exact same position. The knot in your stomach was getting bigger and bigger, but you just couldn't bring yourself to break loose from the embrace. Fear gripped your heart, fear of what lay ahead. Fear and love and pain.

Yes, you had to be strong, like never before. And exactly for that reason you allowed yourself to be weak one last time. To immerse yourself in Heimdall and to enjoy him with all your senses. To let yourself fall, one last time, into what had evolved between you, what had endured against all logic, all adversities and difficulties. A miracle, really. Full of emotional highs and lows, beautiful uncertainties... Curiosity and discovery, passion and tenderness, growth and joy and... warmth.

The most pleasant warmth, all around you.

A small smile played around your lips as you snuggled even closer to him. You let your fingers glide down his arm, over his muscles, the soft hair, down to his hand resting on your stomach. There you paused, burying your fingers in the crevices between his own. Your smile grew even wider as this made him press you closer to his naked chest. Then he suddenly draped his leg over yours, successfully pinning you in place and practically pressing his entire naked form against you.

For a brief moment, you felt him lazily grind his hips afterward, but then he paused again, sighing against your hot ear. You swallowed as you instinctively remembered last night, but then his steady breathing suddenly turned into a soft, rhythmic - and entirely uncharacteristic - snoring that made the corners of your mouth rise again and you had to suppress a giggle.

It wasn't long before you fell back into a light slumber, aided by the heavy, slow release of his lungs and the rise and fall of his chest against your back. Your breathing involuntarily adapted to his own, and you let yourself be carried away by the gentle, measured rhythm... A reflection of the man you had fallen in love with. What he was really like, underneath all the protective layers he had piled up around himself like armor. Something he had only let you see because he cared for you in return. Loved you in return.

No sooner had this thought crossed your mind than you thought you could feel him pressing his hot forehead against yours again, his breath fanning over your mouth...

"I. love. you."

Setting you alight, burying you under the weight of your feelings, making him your whole world for that one moment - and beyond.

Suddenly, you felt as if you had only had a vague idea so far, if any, of what Atreus had meant back when he had said that Kratos' death would be worse than Ragnarök even. But now you understood. Nothing seemed more plausible, more true.

And just like him, you, too, would pull out all the stops to keep your world from ending, no matter the cost. Even if it would end up hating you in the process.

So the next moment you pressed your lips together and let your determined gaze wander through the dark room until it stopped on the bedside table where Heimdall had placed his most precious possessions the night before...

The. only. way.

So the next moment, you peeled yourself from Heimdall's embrace, as carefully as possible, even though your heart was screaming for you to stop, bleeding tears. But you ignored it and swallowed its cries, letting it form a large lump in your throat instead. After every movement, no matter how small, you paused and listened to Heimdall's breathing, but it remained deep and even.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, your upper body turned toward him, you looked down at his sleeping form for a few moments, your eyes now so well adjusted to the lighting in the room that you had no trouble making him out in the darkness below.

His head was resting on his left arm, his right arm stretched to where you had just been lying. His legs were half wrapped in a blanket; you vaguely remembered him spreading it over both of you the night before, whereupon the rather unimportant question popped into your head, who of you had then kicked it back to the end of the bed.

Your eyes then wandered back to his face, his half-open mouth, his relaxed eyebrows, the disheveled hair... A symbol of calm and serenity. He seemed almost like a different person entirely. It was the first time you saw him in such a vulnerable position, although you already had been intimate several times in the past. But not once had you spent the night together afterward. Not once had he allowed you to wake up next to him in the morning.

More proof of how deep your bond had become, your trust...

You got the urge to brush a stray strand from his cheek, but as soon as you raised your hand, you quickly pulled it back again and bit your lip. No, you didn't deserve that.

Not when you were about to destroy your trust forever.

The thought made your stomach churn and you almost felt sick. Abruptly, you turned your face away again and tried to compose yourself. Eyes closed, fingers gripping the sheet, you took a few deep, shaky breaths.

You felt like dirt. The worst person in existence. And your throat tightened at the thought that he would never know anything about it. No, your regrets would be completely meaningless in the face of your actions. They would only confirm Heimdall's worst beliefs, that people were only out to lie and cheat. He would only sink deeper into his misanthropy, isolate himself even further, wrap himself in a cocoon of hate and contempt...

But he would be alive.

And that was all that mattered.

Suddenly you had the urge to laugh. But all that came out was a low, broken sounding sob. Gods, it was so unfair...

You were just about to rub your wet eyes with the back of your hand when, all of a sudden, there was movement in the bed beneath you and your heart stopped. You didn't even have a chance to turn around before you felt a touch on your back, and a sleepy voice murmured:

"Why are you awake... Something wrong...?"

You tried to keep the tremor out of your voice as you replied into the dark room: "I-I just have to go to the bathroom."

"Mmh...", Heimdall mumbled while his hand stroked your back, "But don't take too long, I already miss my bed warmer..."

The corners of your mouth twitched. "Oh, so that's all I am to you, yeah?"

"Mhm, that's right." His hand wandered lower and then gave you a few pats on your backside.

Despite everything, you couldn't help but roll your eyes.

But before you could get up, there was movement in the bed again and you suddenly found yourself in a tight embrace once more, his chest pressed against your back, hair tickling your bare skin, before he whispered in your ear:

"Apart from the object of my desire, of course. The apple of my eye..." He lowered his head and pressed his mouth to your shoulder. "The air that I breathe..." Each word was accompanied by a feather-light kiss.

Each word made it harder for you not to burst into tears.

So unbelievably unfair.

You forced out a laugh, hoping he would mistake the hoarse undertone for your own sleepiness. "Well, guess I'll really have to hurry then... Wouldn't want you to suffocate without me."

He let out a soft snort, planted one final kiss on your neck, and then released you from his grasp to lie back down. "Of course not. You can't live without me either, after all."

You stood up and slowly walked around the bed. "Really? May I remind you that air even exists without anyone breathing it?"

"Sure, but what's its point then?"

"Oh, shut up!", you laughed, shaking your head at his amused, twinkling eyes, which followed your every step until you left the room - greatly appreciating the view, no doubt.

But as soon as there was a thick wooden wall between you, you immediately stopped laughing and all you could think was:

Shit.

What now? Now that he was awake, how could you still put your plan into action...? Oh, why did you have to get so sentimental earlier?? Damn his good looks!

Your mind was running at full speed when you stumbled back to the bedroom after a little while, not realizing how much your naked form was shivering on the way.

Perhaps this was a sign... A sign that your plan had been doomed from the start... It had been on rather shaky ground to begin with, after all.

Starting with the simple fact that out of the two of you, it was him who was the early riser. Even worse, according to his own statement, he didn't even need any sleep to begin with! The probability that you would wake up before him then, was vanishingly small. And it made it all the more annoying that you hadn't seized the opportunity earlier, but had instead waited until he had woken up and noticed your absence. It might still be the middle of the night, much too early to get up, but you strongly doubted that such an opportunity would arise again in the early morning...

Which meant that you would have to wait for your next chance. You would have to spend another day in Asgard. Another day that Odin could use to finish you off for good, and this time without any silly disguise tricks even.

If it would only take one more day, that was, until there would be another chance. Maybe it would take a lot longer. Damning you to a life in fear. Fear of Odin, fear of your family disowning you because they would think you had defected. Fear of waking up one day and being told that Heimdall hadn't come back from a mission...

This last thought made you dig your fingernails into your palms so hard that they left little, burning crescents. No. No, you couldn't let that happen. You would prevent it from coming to that, at all costs. You would find a way, wouldn't rest until you came up with something different, something that-

You stopped as soon as you reached the door to the bedroom and blinked into the darkness - and in the direction of the god who was fast asleep again.

You were so stunned that, at first, you even held your breath, making Heimdall's slow and deep breaths and the pounding of your heart in your ears the only two sounds in the room. Then you slowly put one foot in front of the other, as quietly as possible. It almost seemed to you as if your body was moving all by itself and you were just a spectator. Passing by, your hands reached for your clothes; not once did you let the Aesir out of your sight, you didn't even dare to blink. Always prepared to find yourself face to face with two glowing purple orbs again, prompting you to explain yourself.

But none of this happened. Heimdall was still asleep when you finally reached the bedside table with his valuables. There, for the first time, you turned your eyes away from the god and stared down at the objects in front of you. They weren't bothered by the little light in the room; you still had the impression that they were somehow glowing in the darkness.

As if they beckoned you closer, beckoned you to reach out, to take-

You jumped when you suddenly heard your name, a low murmur in a questioning tone.

But you didn't make the same mistake twice. This time you didn't let yourself get distracted, but quickly reached out with your free hand and grabbed the ring, missed it, grabbed it again, pressed it into your palm, and finally wrapped your fingers around the cool grip of Gjallarhorn.

Only then did you raise your head, but immediately wished you hadn't.

Because in the meantime, Heimdall had sat up and turned his upper body in your direction, and was now furrowing his eyebrows at you in obvious confusion.

"What... are you doing?"

You could almost see him putting two and two together as his eyes darted back and forth between the things in your arms and your alarmed expression. Finally it dawned on him, but by then it was already too late.

The transformation his face underwent in the next moment would be burned into your retina, you were sure of it. As you willed yourself back to the Realm Between Realms with all your might, you saw a jolt go through him as he reached out with his body, his eyes, his voice- and for a moment it was unclear what exactly he was reaching for, the horn, or you-

"No- Wait! NO!!"

Your vision blurred and you bumped against the wall behind you as you jerked away from him, already half believing that it didn't work, that the ring didn't work, not when its counterpart wasn't worn, that Heimdall would reach you before you made it across-

But then you remembered that there shouldn't actually be a wall behind you, at least not this close...

And suddenly there was light. It made you gasp, wanted to force you to close your eyes, but you stood firm and returned Heimdall's desperate, wide-eyed gaze until the very end. Until the bedroom disappeared completely. Until your name faded from his lips.

Until the tears that you had been trying so hard to hold back rolled down your cheeks.

...It is done.

You began to tremble, and a little later found yourself on the floor of your room in the Realm Between Realms, your back pressed against the shelf behind you, which was digging painfully into your skin. But you didn't care, no pain could compare to the one that was now exploding in your chest and seemed to be tearing you apart inside. For a brief moment, you just sat there, staring blankly at the wooden floor in front of you as tear after tear dripped down your face... until the pain finally raced up your throat and released itself in such a loud, broken-sounding wail that it was no surprise when the door flew open shortly thereafter.

But you barely noticed, just as you barely noticed the words that were addressed to you in the next moment. Instead, you just curled your upper body over the objects in your arms, and sobbed and sobbed...

+++

It wasn't easy leaving behind someone who was burned into every fiber of your body. Who was nestled in every corner of your mind. Who was responsible for both the best and the "so bad you wanted to die" experiences of your life. And you'd be lying if you said you didn't regret what you had done.

As expected, your guilt almost consumed you whole. Even though you knew it had been a necessary evil... If you had been given the chance to undo it now, you wouldn't have hesitated for one second. It hurt this much when you remembered how Heimdall had looked at you just before the ring had torn you out of Asgard. It hurt this much when you thought about what you had ruined in that moment.

It hurt this much that the love you had just discovered for each other was now already gone again. This thought hurt more than everything else combined.

What you had felt a few days ago, when you had still believed that Heimdall had been the one who had pushed you into the Bifröst, had only been a distant echo of what was raging inside you now. After all, you still had had some hope back then, small as it had been. But now... now it was all gone.

He would never forgive you for stealing Gjallarhorn. Even though you did it with the best intentions, he would never understand. If he would even find out about that at all. This was it, after all; you would never see each other again.

Never again...

Again, a sob rose in your throat, but this time you made an effort to swallow it back down, because that was really the last thing you needed right now, when you were about to be interrogated.

It had been several hours since your return, even though it hadn't felt like it. Everything had been a blur of tears and attempts at consolation. At some point, you had found yourself dressed and wrapped in a thick blanket, sitting at the dining room table in front of a steaming bowl of soup, which you were still looking at; only the steam had dissipated by now, even though the contents of the bowl had not diminished. You felt as if you had something stuck in your throat. You couldn't have swallowed a spoonful even if you had wanted to.

Your gaze remained fixed on the object in the center of the table. Gjallarhorn's golden ornaments shimmered in the glow of the fire, but otherwise the horn looked almost insignificant... Innocent. As if it hadn't just ruined your life. You would have liked to avert your gaze, forever, but you couldn't; for as much as it pained you, it also gave you comfort. After all, Heimdall had carried it with him for so long that it was as if it had become a part of him.

As if that would still make him part of your life.

You bit your lip, but before this maelstrom of negative thoughts could drag you down again, you were distracted by a hand that suddenly slid into your field of vision and placed the two Bifröst rings next to the horn.

You lifted your head to look at Kratos, who at that moment withdrew his hand and then crossed his arms. You shrank a little under his gaze. Although it was not quite as harsh as you had feared, "not quite as harsh" was still quite intimidating coming from Kratos. And the firelight behind him only added to that impression.

He had taken a seat across from you in front of the fireplace. In front of him on the table sat Mimir; his gaze was also quite reproachful, though it shared the space with no small amount of concern. This concern was also reflected in the faces of Atreus, who stood to Kratos' right, and the dwarf brothers to your left (although Brok's grim expression was, as always, a little harder to read). The gathering was completed by Týr, who sat to your right, the soft gaze of his golden eyes also marked by concern and a great deal of understanding.

For some reason, his gaze was even more difficult to withstand than Kratos'...

"What were you thinking."

You winced and looked guiltily at the soup in front of you.

"Going to Asgard", Kratos continued, "To him. After he tried to kill you. What has possessed you to do this?"

You remained silent and kept your eyes lowered.

"Do you have a death wish?"

"...No", you finally replied meekly.

"Then what is the meaning of this foolishness? This is the opposite of what I have taught you!"

As soon as he had finished speaking, you heard a soft chuckle to your right.

"Are you sure, Kratos?", Týr then asked, "It seems to me that recklessness runs in your family."

You held your breath (and you were sure you weren't the only one) when Kratos' gaze grew even darker as he landed on the Aesir.

"You don't get to talk about recklessness", he growled, "You are not free of blame here. We are also sitting here because of your carelessness with the ring."

You couldn't take this. Apart from Atreus, Týr was the only one who had been willing to listen to your point of view. Who had tried to understand you, even. So you couldn't just let him take the blame for you now!

"It- It wasn't Týr's fault", you therefore blurted out the next moment, "I stole the ring back from him, he had absolutely nothing to do with-"

But then said god stopped you with a raised hand. "I appreciate you wanting to defend me, child. But Kratos is right." He turned his head to the Spartan and said with a firm voice: "I do indeed bear full responsibility for her getting into Asgard once more. However, I do not regret it."

Kratos narrowed his eyes. "You should."

"As I have already told you many times before, I don't think her association with my half-brother is as reprehensible as you make it out to be. On the contrary, it could even be beneficial to us. And, as you can see" He nodded at Gjallarhorn. "I was right. Moreover, I thought it wrong to take that decision away from her-"

"And now look what has come of it", the Spartan bit out.

"-she may not be hundreds of years old, but she is still an adult, Kratos. With a good head on her shoulders-"

"A good head she is lucky to still have."

"-and it is her ring. She should be able to decide for herself what to do with it-"

"No!", Kratos finally yelled, making everyone wince and Týr immediately shut his mouth, "No. It is not. It is Odin's ring. It was given to her only to manipulate her into doing his bidding."

Mimir cleared his throat. "I completely agree. Týr, a few days ago you talked much the same. What changed?"

The tall god exhaled loudly; it almost sounded amused. "My opinion, old friend. Nothing more. I took my personal advice and tried to form my own opinion about the situation, so as not to be guided by prejudice. And after we both" He glanced at you. "had a long talk, I came to the conclusion that this was the right course of action."

Suddenly Brok crossed his arms and snorted. "Psh. The right way to ease yer own conscience and once again play the great moralist, perhaps..."

Týr turned his head toward him, his eyebrows drawn together.

But before he could protest, Kratos growled: "This was not your decision to make."

"We all agreed it would be better to keep the ring in a safe place", Mimir said, "Freya only gave it to you because you agreed to submit to the interests of the group."

Týr bowed his head. "And I deeply regret this misjudgement, believe me, Mimir-"

"Oh, great, so yer remorse does work", Brok interrupted him, "But don't ya think it would be more appropriate to start with the girlie here? Huh?"

You frowned. What...?

"You saw 'er when she came back", the blue dwarf continued, waving a hand in your direction, "Who knows what that nutcase did to 'er, all wound up like she was!"

...Oh.

"I can imagine it all too well", Mimir remarked grimly.

Oooh.

"Wait, no, Brok-", you started.

"And I don't even wanna imagine what she had to do to escape this prick's slimy fingers!"

"Brok, he didn't do anyth-"

"After all, he's not exactly known for being squeamish with his captives, that rotten, miserable-"

"Brok!" You finally managed to get his attention. "You misunderstand, that wasn't... He didn't... I wasn't a prisoner and he didn't hurt me, if that's what you're thinking."

No, you thought bitterly and swallowed, I did that all on my own...

He furrowed his brows. "What do you mean he didn't hurt ya. You were sitting there like a naked heap of misery! Couldn't stop crying yer eyes out!"

Heat shot into your face. "Th-That may be, but that was not because he-"

"Ah, yes", Sindri, who had been following the conversation silently up until that point, suddenly spoke up, "I know a great deal about repression. And let me tell you, my dear friend, it rarely leads to peace of mind."

"I'm not repressing anything", you said, rolling your eyes, "Look, it was all very different from what you think. He really didn't-"

"Oh, believe me. I also know a whole lot about repressing repression."

You felt your temple begin to twitch and fought to stay calm. Sindri and the others only meant well, after all. But then why couldn't they understand that–

Suddenly you heard a soft snort and your gaze found Atreus'.

Who looked as if he could barely hold back his laughter when he said to the dwarf brothers the next moment: "I... don't think you're listening."

At first the room was quiet except for the crackling of the fireplace.

Until Brok blurted out: "What's that supposed to mean?"

His brother was just as confused and at first only looked back and forth between you (and your scorching hot face) and Atreus. But then he paused, his eyes suddenly as big as plates, and formed a perfect "O" with his mouth.

Brok was not far behind. Though instead of reacting in the same quietly aghast manner as his brother, he immediately exclaimed rather loudly: "Well, shit fire and save matches! You don't mean, you and that freak have...??" He looked equal parts appalled and disgusted.

This whole thing would be hilarious if you weren't so mortified by the direction this conversation had taken. And it got even worse.

"You did what."

You did not dare look at Kratos. Never had you ever felt a greater urge to run. Or slide under the table. And then into a hole in the ground. Never to be seen again...

"N-Nothing!", you burst out instead, panicked, "I- We didn't do anything, I swear! I swear. He didn't hurt me, but we also didn't do... that." (One look in Atreus' direction was enough to see that he didn't buy that lie in the slightest, but you didn't really care as long as you could convince the others.) "There's a middle ground, you know..."

"Yes. And this middle ground is serious enough already", Kratos grumbled, "You should never have gotten involved with him, girl. Let alone go back to Asgard and-"

"But what else was I supposed to do?!", you exclaimed, jumping up from your chair in agitation, "All I could think of was... I couldn't just... couldn't just do nothing and sit idly by and let everything happen as it was predicted! Not when there was a real chance of averting it all! I just had to try. For Atreus' sake" You swallowed, but then defiantly raised your chin. "But also for Heimdall's."

Kratos' gaze hardened further at the mention of his name, but before he could explode again, Atreus beat him to it.

"Wait, what do you mean, 'for Heimdall's sake'? He's not in any danger. After all, father has decided that..." He frowned as he saw you press your lips together. Then he looked back and forth between you and Kratos for a moment until suddenly it dawned on him and turned his gaze accusatory. "But you said... You said that we would forge our own path... That you wouldn't kill him, that you don't want war!"

"Atreus", his father warned.

But the young giant only shook his head and stepped away from him. "So... what. It was all a lie? But why...? Why did you-"

"It wasn't a lie", Kratos growled, then took a deep breath to calm himself, "War is the last thing on my mind. But when it comes to your life" He looked at his son. "I can take no chances. If Heimdall must die for you to live, then Heimdall must die. I will not allow harm to come to you."

He turned back to you and you returned his gaze with burning eyes. "I do not seek war. This hasn't changed. But Freya is right, Heimdall is a threat. And if he wants to hurt you - any of you - then don't doubt the lengths I will go to."

"And I understand that, I do! But..." You searched for the right words. "But that also doesn't mean this has to end in the worst possible way, does it?"

You felt like you were walking a tightrope, which made you feel terrible. Of course, you weren't really arguing against him; you understood Kratos' point of view. He was just trying to protect the people he cared about.

But that was exactly what you wanted, too, why couldn't he see that??

"Especially because", you tried again, pointing down at Gjallarhorn, "Because we have the horn now! The upper hand! Doesn't that make any bloodshed in the future even more unnecessary?"

"Hear, hear", Týr agreed and you gave him a grateful look.

Before Kratos could give you an answer, however, Sindri surprisingly beat him to it and asked confusedly: "Excuse my ignorance, but... What exactly does the horn even do...?"

"Prophecy says that Gjallarhorn is the Herald of Ragnarök," Mimir explained.

Atreus nodded. "Yeah, I read about it in Odin's library. Supposedly, if blown by a god, it sounds through all the realms and... 'harmonizes' the space between them, so to speak. That means if you blow it somewhere like Týrs temple, it would be like opening up all the realm travel at once."

"And then start Ragnarök...", Sindri murmured with a newfound fear in his eyes, "I see..."

"I've always wondered, actually, why Odin didn't just destroy it... After all, it was quite the vulnerability", Mimir mused, "Evidently."

"But does that even matter? What's most important is that we have it now", you drew everyone's attention on you again, "It's not him who controls the start of the war now, it's us. So we can avoid it! Can... Can negotiate, or-"

Mimir scoffed. "Odin doesn't negotiate, even though he may make it look that way at first. But in truth, he always has an ulterior motive in everything he does and says. He must come out on top, he won't accept anything else. That's also why I can't imagine him simply accepting what happened to Gjallarhorn. No, you may have robbed him of the Herald of Ragnarök, but he will find other ways and means to turn the situation back in his favor."

Kratos nodded. "I agree. This changes nothing."

You thought you had misheard. "Wha-? Yes. Yes, it does! This changes everything! There is no war without Gjallarhorn, you said so yourself! And if there's no war, then..." You bit your lip, fully aware of what your next words would unleash again. "Then there's also one less reason to target Heimdall."

As expected, a kind of annoyed murmur went through the room, sending the heat back into your face. But you forced yourself to remain calm.

"This has to stop", Kratos finally said in a firm tone, "This... fixation of yours has gone on long enough. It puts us all at risk, time and time again-"

"I might as well say that to you!", you blurted out before you could stop yourself; for a moment you were startled at yourself, but now that the words had been said, you decided to stand firm, "We have the horn, Atreus is safe, and yet you still talk about killing Heimdall!"

You had barely finished talking when Kratos suddenly stood up, and though you tried not to be intimidated, you couldn't help but cower a bit under his fiery gaze.

"I am trying to protect my family from a very real threat. You, on the other hand, are recklessly putting yourself and others in danger for nothing more than immature illusions. Heimdall is a son of Odin-"

"But that's just it, that's not all he is!", you exclaimed, almost desperately, but in the next moment you reminded yourself to stay calm; you knew that it wouldn't do any good to just yell at each other.

"Look. I know him well enough by now to say that he has indeed changed, okay?" (Brok scoffed loudly, but you ignored him.) "Odin is fooling him just like everyone else, and Heimdall has come to realize that as well. Now he just wants to make sure nothing happens to his home. Which is understandable, right? And... basically not that different from what you want. So if you two could just come to an understanding, then-"

"'An understanding'?", Mimir repeated incredulously, "This is Heimdall we're talking about! Who gleefully tortured me at Odin's command! Who has killed countless innocents and destroyed even more lives! You may think you know him, but take it from someone who really does know him, and has so for hundreds of years even: The version he has presented to you is not his true self."

You searched for the right words. "I don't want to minimize his deeds, Mimir, but... But then you must also know about the influence Odin had on his life, right? After all, Týr also said that-" You quickly bit your tongue, not wanting to indirectly put even more blame on the tall god. "I mean... Of course, hundreds of years of manipulation can't be undone in the course of one night, but-"

"I'm sorry, lass", the smartest man in the world sighed, "But just because I don't think we should put the bloke on a hit list doesn't mean I think he has renounced Odin. Not even remotely. The Heimdall I know would rather have his arm chopped off. Especially now that you've stolen Gjallarhorn, his most prized possession! I mean, he's always been a spiteful, vicious little shit, but I'm afraid he will truly go off the deep end now."

"But-"

"There is no 'but'", Kratos snapped at you the next moment, and this time you couldn't stop yourself from flinching, "You will see reason and abandon this path you have chosen. At once."

You stared at him in disbelief for several seconds before slowly saying: "I can't believe that... Of all people, you should know best that even the worst people can change!"

"Lass!"

Even before Mimir's rebuke, while you had still been talking even, you had already known that you had gone way overboard. But at that moment you didn't care, you just wanted to vent your frustration - and maybe distract yourself from your growing fear that there was some truth in their words, after all...

That all has been in vain-

"Nobody is a lost cause."

"Yes, people can change", Kratos said, "But only as long as they have the will to do so and-"

"But there is will!", you almost pleaded, "Believe me, I have experienced it myself!"

Kratos shook his head. "Heimdall has his mind firmly set on who he is-"

"Isn't it actually proof enough already that I'm even standing here right now-"

"-and there is no changing that-"

"-instead of rotting away in an Asgardian prison somewhere and-"

"HE IS OUR ENEMY!"

You fell silent immediately. And although you did your best, you couldn't prevent your vision from blurring again shortly after, while your heart pounded in your ears and you had to clench your trembling hands into fists again to keep from giving yourself away.

It was so fucking unfair.

"...And I love him."

It was all that should matter. The argument of arguments... But you weren't delusional either; you knew that in reality it would only make things worse. Endlessly worse. And yet you couldn't help it, because a part of you still harbored the faint hope of a spark of understanding from the people who meant so much to you, more than anything else in your life-

"Then you don't know what love is."

At first, you returned Kratos' gaze almost uncomprehendingly. You had heard the words, but it was as if they were suddenly in a foreign language. Intangible. Senseless. Your mind simply refused to comprehend them.

After all, you had expected every reaction, every kind of response.

Just not this one.

And when it finally seeped into your consciousness and revealed its meaning, it was as if a hole had opened up beneath you, as if you had suddenly lost all support and were floating; farther and farther away, out into an infinite black mass...

You felt as if you were looking down at your own body as your mouth said: "I... certainly thought I loved you all." The silence that had fallen around the table was deafening. "I guess that's not true then, huh? Good to know."

You didn't dare look up again before your legs started to move, so you also couldn't quite make out who called after you in worry. No, instead you ran back to your room as fast as you could, slamming the door behind you before the first tears could find their way down your cheeks again.

***

reader/ariel: "but daddy i love him!!" kratos/triton: "NO..." /shocked face/ AKSKSLS trying to lighten the mood again after that angst filled ending

hope you enjoyed thiss<3 as always, feedback is welcome and very much appreciated!!

tags: @shinyportalsandthings @nuclearwinter88 @tiababylo @suzumi-hiddenmistclan @cynder-ire @that-doesnt-help4245 @lavenderqrts @astronautspacesailor @grievedeeply @plzfeedmebread @gamergirl5125 @urdarkestsecrets @lacm-ac @zyrart @nonpoppin @gxrdenofthxrns @lillyxsj @malumxsubest @r0siee3 @httptaegi @visionsofmagic @shobi-enzo @lunaryasha @11queensupreme11 @anime-roberts @loirsavette @a-bunny13 @carmoon218 @lei-leigha @pyrostatic @spezler @black-star1472 @dijanur @maniplague @judyfromfinance @nepeta-cata @delyeceamaitare @crpsclr @local-fanfic-addict @mephistominion @tragicdruid

lmk in the comments if you also want to be tagged (or untagged)☆ if your tag doesn't work it's probably bc of your settings!!

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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

Text

⎯⎯ All of Me

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Heimdall prides himself in his presentability — refined, composed and tidy — but he can't always be like that...and you're so glad you get to see that side of him

contents: gn! reader; mornings with heimdall; hair braiding; lots of affection; soft heimdall...like insanely soft; reader teases him; maybe a little too intimate in one scene??; FLUFF

word count: 800+

a/n: here to give u some fluff, heimdall fans ♡♡♡ it took me awhile but it's finally finished ( ‘́⌣’̀)

reblogs and comments appreciated! ♡

"Seems you're finally awake, sunshine."

His lips kiss your forehead, trying to coax you out of slumber whilst the cold nipping at your skin's dragging you back in. The warmth of the covers is all the welcoming, and you're convinced to drift back to sleep until a chilled knuckle grazes your cheek. It's Heimdall's failed attempt of waking you up that only gravitates you to the warmth of his bare chest — which he laughs at.

You're sure it's the drowsiness in your lids, but Heimdall looks more breathtaking today.

Perhaps it's the way his head is propped against his palm, like he's splayed out to be painted. Or the way his dewy skin radiates greater than the candles scattered around the room. Maybe it's because his usual tidy braids are replaced with flowing, tousled locks. Your hand curiously caresses his face, his stubble brushing against your fingertips.

He's so unkempt, so vulnerable, so not Heimdall.

"You don’t look too good yourself, love.” he scoffs.

He'd usually savor the adoration seeping from your gaze, but it seems more overwhelming today. His pounding heart makes him feel too vulnerable, and he didn't want to give you another reason to gawk over this rare side of him.

"Make yourself useful, come braid my hair.”

His weak attempt at diversion seems to work. You scramble out of the covers to reach for the comb residing on his nightstand, promptly following him to the edge of the bed as his back faces you.

You gently work the teeth between his locks, releasing the knots as you work up to his roots. Your fingers indulge in the silkiness of it, letting the strands linger between your fingertips. Leisurely yet meticulously, you weave the middle section of his hair, softly humming to yourself.

“Don’t be long now. The All-Father requires my presence.”

His tone's impatient, but his body seems at peace. With slacked shoulders, his back's leaning into you, welcoming your fingers into areas they can't quite reach; and the faint sigh that escapes him doesn't go unnoticed. His usual antics would satiate you, but today was different.

And he knows it too. He knows you're scheming something, but your mind won't let him on the finer details. He knows what you want, just not how you'll get it.

So he waits.

And he waits.

And nothing happens.

Minutes pass while you braid his hair, and he knows you're deliberately avoiding the topic. He's rummaging through your mind, but nothing's useful. The gentle pull on his scalp tells him you're tying the braid near his pierced ear — that the moment you share is almost over. But the moment your arms snake around his torso, jaw planted in the crook of his shoulder, he knows it's far from over.

“Finished, dear,” you sweetly whisper. Your hand inches upwards, wondering how far you could go — see how far you could pull out the lesser known parts of him.

The hot breath against his ear makes his nerves tense, while the sweet nothings you coo tinge his cheeks pink. He knows what you want and how you'll get it, but he still turns into putty as you teasingly kiss along the cuff on his ear, greedy hands wanting, needing to feel every inch of him.

He doesn’t have to look into your eyes to know what you're asking, especially when your fingers seize and splay themselves over his heart.

How much could you have of him?

“All of me,” he answers fondly, “I'm forever yours to keep.”

He guides your palm to his lips, kissing it with so much adoration it flusters you. It's the first time he's been honest this morning.

The first time he's said and shown you.

The first time he's laid his heart bare for you.

You’re not sure whether your heart flutters more from his gesture or from this newer, softer side of him, but it didn't matter. It only mattered that you're leaning over his shoulder to connect your lips with his, showing you were his to keep too.

You detangle yourself from him, gaze trailing his every movement as he parts from the bed, getting himself ready, resembling more and more of the Heimdall others saw.

Before he departs, he looks at you with a blank face; but when your eyes meet, you realize there's much more brewing in those fuschia orbs.

He wants you to say it.

He wants to hear how badly you want him to stay, how badly you need his loving embrace to help you drift back to sleep. Like the thread that holds you together while you're apart makes your yearning increase tenfold. He needs you to say how much you love him, because he can't say it himself.

The words are on the tip of his tongue, yet, he refrains — and you were fine with that.

He was learning to love, anyway.

"Don't miss me too much," he jests, turning his heels to reach for the door.

"I'll try not to," you smile.

The door opens and shuts, leaving the silence to keep you company. You pull the covers flush against your body, indulging in the lingering scent of him.

You ruminate over his words, and can't help but laugh — wondering if they were meant more for you or him.

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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

Text

all i can think abt when i see heimdall is just him getting ready in the morning & braiding his hair

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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

Text

𝐊𝐲𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟒

+ 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬(𝐊𝐲𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢'𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫)

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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

Note

I just found you today and Im in love with your writing! If you don't mind could I request some relationship Headcannons with Kyojuro and Sanemi! (separate)

If you write this thank you in advance! <3

-🍷

tysm ♡ i sincerely appreciate it :') and on another note: for these headcannons i decided to add a little bit of everything i could think of! Hope you enjoy them!

𝐊𝐍𝐘 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬!

includes ;; kyojuro. sanemi. content ;; fluff. like a dash of angst. domestic fluff. a/n ;; this turned out. like i mean there's a ton of hcs but (in my defense) i did try to include a bit of everything!

☆☆☆ # kyojuro rengoku !

kyojuro is one of the most open people you'd ever meet (especially with his s/o) why hide anything? he pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve!

compliments you a ton! and doesn't just dump them on you, they're always genuine things he notices: how amazing your hair looks in the sun, your smile, the way you light up when you talk about something you like. . . all the good things

pretty decent cook, the food will taste amazing just. . . the kitchen is now a hazard zone.

(if your soft spoken ♡) his hearing is a little shot. he'd be so embarrassed of himself for asking you to repeat yourself over and over again (like it has his heart-racing and ears burning) ❛god your precious❜

oh my goodness, kyojuro would write you so many letters when he's away (or even before your relationship) he'd add little dried flowers for you. the best was probably the primrose!

hugging you is a comfort, so sometimes he'll just quietly walk up to you and hold you.

always smiles and brightens up when your around

rengoku nuzzling his nose into your face when he's happy, like literally trying to bury his face into yours

is wholly protective of you, and 100% speaks his mind if he feels someone is mistreating you/doesn't let anyone lay their hands on you (threatening to break their wrists move) also note that he doesn't like to resort to violence.

always opens doors for you, or holds your hand when you stepping down stairs.

it would take a whole lot to witness him cry. and he'll never cry for himself. not when he's hurt. not when somethings weighing on his mind. nothing. except when it comes to you and your happiness.

when fights or arguments happen he needs a moment (a long moment) to think and reflect. . . he puts himself in your position until he finds out what he needs to do.

he comforts you to no end though if your upset, lots of hugs and communication

☆☆☆ # sanemi shinazugawa !

i feel like he doesn't just casually kiss you (?) when you're around him he just holds you, firmly. sanemi always has a hand resting on you: shoulder, lower-back, linking his pinky with yours. at some point he (and probably you) wouldn't even notice the habit it anymore.

when he does kiss you its a whole ordeal, lifts your chin up, slow, passionate to full blown make-out session. usually never just a ❛quick kiss❜

the love aggression he'd feel sometimes-! just watching you. . . exist is so overwhelmingly adorable (he'd never say that exactly) just clenches his fists together and strings together a bunch of frustrated, mumbled swears

honestly, he's very competitive if you two were to play a game together. (a sore winner and loser)

when you're sick his way of comforting you is just quality time, he'll get your favorite snacks and make you as warm as possible, even laying down with you to keep you company. ask him for anything and he'll get it for you or make it better (maybe just this once)

(first) date ideas? none. he'll bring you somewhere that means a lot to him, even somewhere quiet where you can just. . . talk. if sanemi opens up a bit he'd be up for some fun (which usually involves danger or mischief) call it. . . part two of the date!

sometimes you'd just catch him smiling at you, a subtle peaceful stare with the ghost of a smile on his lips. (god, how did he get so lucky?)

fights would be the toughest. not usually because of the initial argument, but because of his inability to talk to you afterwards. disagreements get him frustrated for all the wrong reasons (usually at himself), and instead of dealing with them, he'd rather ignore them.

best thing he considers: is waking up with you next to him, just resting your head on his arm.

ooohh, actually after a while he wouldn't be able to sleep without you. ❛slept like shit❜

all relationships require work, and its definitely worth it! you're already his entire world, he just needs to learn how to show it more

and by god, this man would fight for you. need I explain? he worships you.

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eyes-closedmind-open · 8 months

Text

somewhere along the lines, learning to love Kyojuro meant learning to love yourself.

It made your chest tight to think that some of his warmest smiles and the root of his deepest peace came from the product of your own well being.

It started with small things - you couldn’t help but notice the subtle swell of his chest when you slowly learned to take his complements to heart, instead of bashfully brushing them off. Seeing the pride he took in you made you carry yourself a bit taller, and you could sense his satisfaction.

Even in the more physical sense, he wasn’t able to complete his day without knowing that you were fed, bathed, and without a care in the world. On the days where you got carried away in the day to day tasks of the estate (that you had thrust upon yourself despite his many encouragements to rest) and maybe skipped a meal or two, he fussed like a hen (much to your dismay) until he saw with his own eyes that you had properly eaten. You always tried to dissuade Kyojuro, telling him it was silly to worry about you while he was off risking his life to the night. It wasn’t until you came down with a severe sickness, likely due to your own exhaustion, that you finally understood his fretful doting on you.

You had never seen him so anxious. You, not a stranger to falling ill due to your somewhat weaker disposition, had never imagined it would send your beloved into such a spiral. By your side every spare minute he had, he diligently assessed your condition, changed your rags, fed you homemade meals by hand, and touched you like you were made of glass. You knew him well enough to notice the shakes he hid behind the hand rested on your forehead as he checked your temperature. Even with the rapidly declining energy you had, you gave your all into giving him the warmest smiles and a mountain of murmured reassurances, seeing the dark thoughts he never dared to voice clouding over his eyes. You had known what happened to his mother, but you felt so foolish, selfish, and cruel to realize it took your bedridden state to understand why your well-being was his utmost priority. You weren’t sure he could handle another loss like that. You made a promise to yourself that day - a promise that from that moment forward, you would view yourself as precisely what you were to him - something precious and irreplaceable.

As you eventually recovered, largely due to kyojuro’s desperate and devoted care, you made sure to make good on the promise you made to yourself. You rested when you needed it, never missed a meal, and stopped teasing him for his coddling nature. Seeing the way his shoulders began to relax and the warm, peaceful aura radiating from your husband made you feel like a monster for ever depriving him of it in the first place. You could hear the sound, gentle rhythm of his heartbeat through his now uninterrupted sleep, and saw the tension ease a bit more each time he left for a mission, knowing you would be well taken care of in his absence.

Seeing the drastic improvement in his health and anxieties, you knew you would do anything to keep him that way. You laughed to yourself, thinking about how out of all the things you imagined when you thought of what you would do for love, the mirror was the last place you would have decided to look. It was then that you realized kyojuro was pure, unadulterated love.

A love that was so selfless it made you want to cry the moment you met his warm, adoring gaze.

you were his happiness, just as he was every bit of yours.

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

Text

The Hashiras in a Relationship| Kyojuro Rengoku

Word Count: 4800?

Setting: Kyojuro Rengoku x gn!reader (there is one mention of kids in the future, but it's not implied how they will enter the family).

Content Warnings: none 🔥

Summary: headcanons Kyojuro Rengoku as a relationship partner, what it would entail. Dating to commitment.

[image is not mine]

To be loved by the Flame Hashirais to know comfort and warmth. To be loved by Kyojuro is falling nights, evening hours beneath stars that twinkle in the sky. The soft glow of cinder illuminating silhouettes, soft touches that at a moment’s notice deepen. Its security, an embrace beneath a blanket, two bodies coiled within another. It’s his breath against the back of your neck, snuggled close together. Savoring the tender notes of Japanese Red Cedar, tender as the embers cool. The fragrance of smoke, delicate and hazy. Dulling the senses as the warmth threatens to drift you off to sleep. The touches of smoke, destined to dance across your flesh. Lingering in the warmth, savoring one another, and perfuming your pores. To be loved by Kyojuro, is to stand next to a bonfire. Dance beneath the stars, warm and playful, to twirl in smoke, to bask in the crisp scent of leaves, and embrace comfort. The sweet caress of Orange Osmanthus. To know that regardless of where you may go, the scent of smolder shall remain, just as his love.

To be loved by Rengoku is to understand that you will need to embrace him. To accept the warmth of his smile, to respond to his laughter, to bask in the soul-piercing questions.

It’s to bare your deepest desires, and return his own. To welcome his confessions, to caress his tears, to cradle his insecurities.

To be loved by Rengoku is to be loved in every sense of the word. It’s to know the reliability of the rising sun; to know that regardless of the darkness that may claim the night, the dawn will always come. The warmth of embers upon your flesh, plush blankets, and the tender brush of his nose against yours.

It’s to know sacrifice, to know the honor of a Hashira, of a partner, and of a good man. Whether it is the haori off his back, relinquishing his bento to a hungry stranger, derailing a date to help a little granny carry a parcel home, to more extremes such as defending a child who impeded upon a nobleman’s honor, to staring death in the eye to protect mizunoto.

To be with Rengoku means accepting filling his empty tummy; it’s for the best his cooking is… questionable. It’s not he’s actually a bad cook, it’s more like he’s overzealous in the kitchen. Bare in mind the era, alongside his rank amongst the Demon Corps, Kyojuro likely wouldn’t have many opportunities to interact with the kitchen outside of amusement.

While he can follow the recipe well enough, I mean he is no stranger to scavenging the forests of Japan. Ultimately, his own excitement coupled with so many options—what is mitsuba? He’s confident he has seen [YN] use it in the kitchen. It MUST be tasty!

In it goes. He’s never been properly been given the opportunity to interact with a vast variety of spices and seasonings, and so, Rengoku is quick to deviate from the recipe.

To be with Rengoku means that, colds are in your future. His over generous heart very well will have him giving up his bed for a stranger while out on a mission, donating his haori for a passerby, so I recommend brushing up on caring for a patient.

Especially one as unintentionally stubborn as Kyojuro. It’s not that the Flame Hashira aspires to bring home a cold, or he means to be a burden while he’s ill. It’s rather that, it’s because he doesn’t want to burden you with his condition that he will attempt to hide it.

He will struggle against being cared for, insure you that he will manage. Please, don’t mind him. You will have to be firm, remind him that you WANT to care for him, and even resort to some under handed tactics to ensure he remains in bed.

I suggest reaching out to Shinobu for wellness supplements, vitamins, and rations for him to carry on his missions if he doesn’t give them away. You may have to resort to simply adding it to his daily routine, he certainly won’t reject the idea if you reassure that it’s because you care.

Despite his fuss, he loves that you’re taking care of him.

Regardless of what route you take in ensuring his physical wellbeing, the day will come. The day you pray will never cross your paths, when a kakushi delivers the news no one wishes to utter to a lover.

To be with the Flame Pillar is to accept that he will offer up his life for the sake of others. It is, after all his duty. Bestowed upon him by birth, gifted from the gods, and gently instilled with the pride of his mother, the day will come, and to be with Rengoku means to accept that one day, he will not return.

That your bed, will be empty, devoid of laughter. His curiosity and jovial smile will be absent from the kitchens, and your nights will be robbed of his enigmatic gaze.

This is the duty of his lover. One that pains him to impart on you, but one of which, he cannot avoid.

Just know, that every moment he dedicated to you were the happiest of his life.

[YN], I’m so sorry I won’t be home for dinner.

Reminiscing of the first bento you had ever made, the pride in which you had presented to him, the brightest smile touched to his face as he passes from this world.

Your first meeting, would be an everyday event. One where you went about your duties.

Whether it was to report for duty, under Oyakata-sama’s watchful gaze. The tilt of your head, eyes well trained to avert from another’s gaze. The polite bend of your back to even the kakushi that rushed through the halls, to the depth of your bow as you greeted superiors, well-practiced and mannered. The soft, humble smile tucked at your lips as he passed you by.

It could be on an average serving day, employed at a local tea house. Disbursing tea and treats with a dutiful bow, and gratitude upon purchase. Welcoming all those who passed the business. The deep bow from those that frequented your shop regardless of station. The way you had tended tend to an elderly man, who had struggled with his meal. His later years betraying his body, making him jumpy and unstable. How you had quickly preserved his honor without so much as a second thought. Willing to take the blame for offering him such cold food that it had sent a chill down his spine, both of you knowing that the meal before him was well prepared, all while maintaining the bend of your back.

Truthfully, the first day you would encounter one another, would be an ordinary day. It would be your average day. One born of duty, of survival, of tasks to be accomplished, and yet, the way you had conducted yourself.

Respectful, dutiful, kind. Not a day in which you would expect attraction to ember. The touch of cinders had ensnared him, drawn his attention.

The days to weeks to follow, you find yourself caught under his gaze. The touch of embers drawing your curious attention, embarrassed to be appraised. Bashfully averted, prioritizing manners whether of station or employment.

The warmth of crisp fall leaves, captivating the ambers of autumn, engrossed in the warmth of fiery red enough to draw the heat to your cheeks.

Unlike some of the Hashiras, Rengoku does not require as much time to pursue you. While he’s not as intentionally flirty as some of the Hashira, he is also not as hesitating either. I would say, he’s a fair middle ground.

He craves a deep connection, and a genuine partner. His approach to ensuring he has glimpsed at the truest version of you, would be similar to Shinobu.

The Flame Pillar will take some time to observe you. Nothing as in depth as the Insect Hashira’s approach no one will be as thorough as Kocho. It will be small drop-ins, interactions made in passing.

Never intending to snoop, but he could not resist the way his eyes followed you, the way you had pulled from an onigiri from your pocket, offering it to a small child who’s stomach knew of hunger. Could not ignore the gentle way you had consoled them.

Nor the time when he was out securing bentos for his journey, ensnared by the way you had placed yourself between an innocent bystander, and a fowl temper drunker.

He would have intercepted the interaction, but it was evident that the lecture you had elicited had more than sobered the man up, and shamed him more than any smack Kyojuro could have provided.

No, he really wouldn’t need that much time before he approached you with the intentions of taking you on a date, or seeing you more casually. He certainly has no qualms about making the first move.

Should you decide to reject him, it will be met with a sincere smile, and apology for disrupting your day. However, in the event you have elected to turn him down, you will have to make the first move if you’ve changed your mind.

Kyojuro is a tolerant man, and he will take you up on your offer despite his bruised ego, but he will not ask you a second time.

It’s not that he’s no longer interested, rather, your reject was clear—he is not one to force himself on you, or anyone else for that matter. He does not enjoy playing games.

That being said, his willingness to approach you first is a breath of fresh air amongst the Hashiras, not many of them will approach you first, or willingly announce their attraction in the way that the Flame Pillar, nor as openly.

The positive is that your relationship, is not expected to progress slowly. The first date will be set as soon as Rengoku has determined that he is in fact interested. This stage can move as quickly as his interactions with you.

If you happen to work together under the Demon Corps command, you can expect things develop fairly quickly.

However, if you are not a member of the slayers, then your opportunities are limited to the interludes between his missions.

To be clear, Rengoku is not averse to a more casual relationship. Although he approaches them with trepidation. While he is flirtacious intentionally or not, he has very little desire for a fleeting attraction.

He wants a spark, a flame that bursts upon impacts. The rumble of hearts, merged to one, singing of more than simple cravings of the flesh, but rather the desperate plead of souls pledged to one another.

The steady flames of true love, he is looking for a partner one in which will satisfy his desire for a deep connection, not a passing fling.

For this reason, Kyojuro is not likely to engage in a casual fling. That being said, while such fleeting interludes are rare, they do happen. If this is the arrangement you desire, your best bet is to be forthcoming with your expectations.

If you are insincere about your relationship expectations, you will likely be met with a critical reaction before the bond is without a doubt, severed.

To be loved by Rengoku is to engage in deep, intimate conversations. His desire to connect with you will not be satisfied without such interactions.

He wants craves to know the truest you. To delve into the depths of your soul, to know the warmth of your smile. He yearns to dance upon midnight with you, to play in the snow as though you were children, and to witness to your tears.

To comfort your fears, to quiet the depths of your mind, and the doubts that fester there. He desires nothing more than to understand you. To care for you, to know the you, you would only dare share with him. Him alone. Rengoku is more than willing to exert all of his time to unfolding the layers you bare.

Discussions of your future, and the possibilities that accompany them will be common place. While he savors the present, the warmth of your smile, how lovely your eyes are alight in the daylight, and your scent as delicate and earthy as sweet potatoes, the Flame Hashira’s heart is towards the future.

Even on your first tryst, Kyojuro’s core is considering the life ahead of you. Whether you will marry, or engage in a promise of souls. If you would want children, or rather, how many children would you be willing to care for.

How you might turn the Rengoku estate into your own, would the home smell of tea and yaki imo? Would you great him with daigaku imo on harder days? How do you prefer to express your affections? How would he achieve this? How would you ensure in all the years to come, that you will always know his affections are for you, and you alone?

the man is already considering names for the fur ball he would bring home for you.

Kabocha for a rabbit. Kaki for a dog. No, wait. [YN] may a cuter name like Mochi, or Chibi.

Prepare yourself, he will not hesitate to approach a heavy topic. He wants to know the profundity of your dreams. Savor the taste of your aspiration.

There is a chance you may be blindsided by his abrasive approach, rare is the man who would impede on these topics on the first date, but I suspect that the natural warmth and acceptance that Rengoku radiates, will have your lips moving in no time. Whether you are shy or not, I imagine that he will find a way to have you talking. He’s so good nature, that I doubt it would be a forced situation.

He may have offered too man alcoholic drinks, unaware of your low tolerance. The spew of confessions to follow enough to shame him for not cutting you off sooner—he should have been more thoughtful.

Or perhaps he noticed the way your eyes sparkled when you passed by an artwork, inquiring if you yourself, are a crafter. Your excitement to share your passions betraying your attempt to maintain intrigue. I

t’s okay, he finds the way you overshare the intricate details of your passion adorable even if he doesn’t understand the terminology.

For this reason, your first date may last far longer than you ever suspected.

Truthfully, you’ll notice fairly early on that Rengoku supports these pursuits. The Flame Hashira would not shy away from bringing back tokens of affection on his journeys.

If perhaps you were interested in seamstress work, he would bring back interesting hand-dyed patterns he had passed in the different regions. Eager to share them with you.

If perhaps you had a pension for reading, he would bring back any oddity transcript he had happened to pass along the journey home.

Ironically, while the Flame Pillar is able to elicit the smallest of details from you between honeyed words, and lending an ear, you will find that Rengoku will require some time to open up. Although this will not be as lengthy of a transgression as most of the other hashiras, it’s difficult for Kyojuro to share his vulnerabilities.

It will come, and such topics will be approached in time and naturally. Such as the first time you visit his home, and inquire of his mother, he will express with a distant gaze of her passing. You’ll know when the time to delve deeper will come, but until then, know that it’s not that he is attempting to conceal his past from you rather, he’s worried that it may change your opinion of him.

Dates with Kyojuro would be as diverse as the man himself. Some activities, will be energetic and playful. Implicative of childhood memories, challenging you to catching fireflies in the summer. Playfully daring you to a sparring match, maybe even sumo if the mood strikes him.

Other times, the dates will be intimate. As deep and connected as the conversations he elicits from you. Fingers interlocked, blazing glances. The touch of your footprints etched along the sand as you stroll through the beach with one another. Nights gazing upon the stars, laid along his haori. Snuggled on the veranda as the day wanes, worn out from the hiking expedition he had spirited you away on.

In time, you’ll discover that Rengoku considers your happiness as though it were his own. He will do anything he can to bring the smile to your face, to light up your world whether in small gestures, or grand it does not matter. Whatever crosses his mind, he’s like a puppy eager to please.

Determined to stay at your side when work allows him to do so. Whether this means simply basking in your company while you pursue your passion, or attempting to assist you as you do so if sewing is your joy, you will have to place him in charge of simply handing you needles, he is not adept with thread.

He is so very, eager to please. At times, you may even feel that you are not meeting his expectations. In his over enthusiasm, you may feel rather than the gentle nudge he intended, that you are being shoved down the pursuit. Taking it at an expedited pace than you may prefer.

As with any relationship, this can lead to resentment, or inadequacy between the two of you, and really, he never intended for you to feel negatively. He genuinely wants to support all of your desires and pursuits, so much so, his over eagerness inflicted harm. If you choose to leave it to fester, you are both likely to end up battered and bruised, but should you choose to approach it rather than shy away from it, Rengoku will immediately apologize.

Again, all he ever wanted to do was support you—tell him how you view support that way you desire. A hug after a long day? Will do. A cup of tea while you work, he’s got the pot boiling, hands off, oh gods he will dutifully fight remind himself.

Just be sure to verbally praise his efforts, while he does these acts out of the goodness of his being, he still loves to be praised appreciated.

In fact, Rengoku is so eager to please, that you will discover rather quickly that his over generosity will lead to exhaustion, illness, or burnout. Whichever may come first.

To love the Flame Hashira, is to accept that there will be times in which you will need to fast guard his health, mental, emotional, and physical.

As I’ve already mentioned—he will neglect to do so himself, so this will be a long-term source of frustration for the both of you. One which you will likely have to repeat for years to come. but, it’s why you love him.

Along with the herbal treatments Shinobu will gift you, you will also have to make sure that he has regular interactions with his friends, and reassure him that you will enjoy your night at home, or with your own friends while he does so. He is so prone to prioritizing you, that his other relationships often fall to the waste side.

The gentle reminder, and encouragement to pursue these connections will be greatly appreciated, and do his heart some good. He is after all, a social butterfly. With the verbal reassurance, he will greatly appreciate your attention to his needs.

Don’t worry, he’ll behave regardless of where Tengen’s antics lead him.

When he falls, he falls hard. Like a meteor crashing to earth, embedding the earth’s surface. Permanently carved across the exterior, Rengoku is a goner.

For all that he is willing to give to you, every ounce of his time, his energy, his affections, his very heart, Kyojuro expects the same commitment from you as well.

In love, Rengoku is highly in tune with his partner. He’s able to sense the shifting of moods, of growing needs. He is the ultimate cheerleader, and will always be your side.

Rengoku, as you already know is a family man, and friends are at the center of his universe. Regardless of how dedicated he is to these relationships; he will always ensure that he has time to spend with you.

Just be sure to remind him to engage with others from time to time, he is at risk of getting lost in you. don’t let him lose himself in you.

As a partner, Kyojuro is understanding, and when it comes to understanding your needs, he is quick to adapt. Rather, he has a natural ability to care for those around him, and read the room. Should you have an off day from time to time, he is quick to overlook it as he retains the best version of yourself that he has grown to know.

Eager to please, quick to assist you whether it’s washing dishes, chopping vegetables, hanging the laundry, or even more intensive tasks such as hauling water from the mountains. He thrives with a happy and supportive partner, and as long as he is cared for in the same regards. He will not blink regardless of the requests you make of him.

Rather, one of the most difficult obstacles you are likely to encounter is the Flame Hashira’s inability to relinquish his burdens. While he understands that any part of a healthy relationship is carrying one another’s loads, he struggles with the concept of burdening you with his own.

Far too willing to accept yours as his own, but stubborn to accept your aide. Nor confess his desires for you to offer. Yet, the moment you break through his façade, he will crumble.

Tears that roll through a smile, joyful to have been accepted. To be supported. The child who had to accept the loss of his mother, to care for a small child well beyond his age, and capabilities. The very child who had met nothing but disapproval and rejection, embraced in your support.

Hold him.

You are a source of true joy, and meaning in his life.

It goes without much saying that Rengoku is a very, very protective lover. Alongside his natural desire to shield others, you have garnished a special place in his heart, and he will rise to any threat that pursues you.

A demon, he will stand between you and death. If someone has infringed upon your honor, he will safe guard your reputation without a moment’s notice. Should the situation require it, blows will be traded. He will always, protect you.

Where a lot of the other Hashiras have their difficulties with communication, you will not find this is the case for Rengoku. In fact, it’s rather the opposite.

In the event you yourself struggle with communication; he is quick to adapt. He’s open, and engaging, and if you find your struggling, don’t worry yourself too much. Kyojuro will adapt to suit your communication needs. If you are the type to need space, he’s more than okay with this.

Openly express that you need a moment he still needs the reassurance that your love is his own, and he will happily give you the time you need. If you are a fast talker, well, he is more than capable of matching your speed.

Truly, the only difficulty that you will meet in conveying yourself to one another, is in the event you are jump with loud noises. Remember, he doesn’t necessarily for his voice to boom. It’s his enthusiasm, but with his damaged ear drum, you will find that he’s naturally… loud.

After succumbing to hearing damage with his encounter with the flute demon, he struggles to hear soft voices. Patience, and adaptive communication, you’ll have this sorted out in no time—and your relationship will be better for it.

The first time you utilize this communication (signing), he will gush. To do something such as learn another language for him. he’s melting.

The embrace he will trap you in upon realization of your fingers moving, the words falling between your gestures. It’s going to hurt, snap your spine, and force the air from your lungs, hurt. Mitsuri warned you. He doesn’t mean for it to; he’s just so happy.

The playful, bashful laugh as he runs his fingers through his hair upon realizing how he openly grasped you in public.

While the swordsman is communicative, there will also be points in your relationship where you will notice he has a slight passive aggressive side to him.

His intentions are never to hurt you, but the reality is that Rengoku was not given a lot of opportunities to appropriately navigate tension in relationships. In these moments, you will have to re-center yourself.

Remember your boundaries, and your worth, remember that you love him. Compassion will go a long way with him, and give him space to work through what little thing has set this agitation into play. He really is sorry. He didn’t intend for his jealousy to ebb him that way, and what was such a little thing—he told himself that your attention to the grocer was nothing to concern himself with, and yet, that small piece of him nagged.

Succumbed to his own low self-esteem, and thought, perhaps, maybe you were interested.

While the Flame Hashira is not one to back down from a physical challenge he loves the opportunity to prove his growth as a swordsman, Kyojuro is quick to avoid confrontation in his relationships.

He favors harmony between the two of you, and a majority of the time, will avoid it at all costs. You mean so much to him, he really doesn’t want to fight. He just wants to snuggle.

Yet, disagreements are a natural part of any relationship, and when they rear their ugly heads, he is willing to do just about anything to disperse them as fast as he can. His haste actually puts even the smallest of disagreements at risk of maturing, and infecting, left unresolved over time.

However, as long as he is given the appropriate space, and by which, I mean, you reassure him that he is as valued to you as you are to him, he will rise to the challenge, and face the spat head on.

In reality, Rengoku is one of the Hashira at risk of jealousy. There may be moments where jealousy and low self-esteem fuel tension between the two of you.

While at times he appears to be the most confident member of the Demon Slayers Corps, the reality is that from time to time, distant whispers of his life will surface. Hushed reminders of doubt, of worthlessness. In these times, he is sensitive to things around him.

Such as another person openly attempting to engage you in flirting. He is mature enough to know that it is not your fault, nor does he intend to burden you with his past but it’s still a part of him.

It’s rare, far and few between that these moments surface, but there will be times in which they are dredged from the depths. At these times, jealousy may follow.

Because of this, it’s important to note that Kyojuro is a loyal partner, and as long as his self-esteem is intended to appropriately, you will find no more a devote partner. Through thick and thin, he will always stand at your side, but should his needs be ignored, he is not validated, and trust break down in the relationship...

I would say that he is at risk of straying outside of your relationship parameters. and he is horribly ashamed for the betrayal

One thing that you will have to understand in moving forward in a relationship with the Flame Hashira, is that Kyojuro places a large importance of continuing on his blood line, and duties.

While it’s true that he is accepting of Senjuro’s rejection of the responsibilities of being a demon slayer, he still feels a source of pride that his brother lives on. Because of this, I believe that Rengoku would want a few children of his own—not that he would ever force them to undertake his position.

Rather, I suspect much like he embraced Senjuro’s break from tradition, he would support the childrens deviation. If in the event one of them did decide to accept the obligation, I don’t feel that Rengoku would draw special attention to this from the other children.

I suspect that he would boast about ALL of his children’s accomplishments regardless if it were slaying a difficult demon, tending to children of their own, or embarking on their studies. Really, he would just want them to pursue their dreams regardless of what route they may follow, but this does mean, children are in your future.

For Kyojuro, he thrives on words of affirmation. To be openly praised, shamelessly bragged on whether it’s his attention to details, his dutiful physical tasks, or even adoration for him having picked up dinner, he thrives on this attention. It’s the fastest way to ensure that he feels important in your relationship, and treasured.

For the Flame breather, words of affirmation come just as easily as breathing. In fact, he’s quick to disburse his praise, and it takes absolutely no effort on his part.

He will shower you in applaud. Shamelessly declare you the best partner of all, regardless of your surroundings. If this is your love language, you are in luck because he will satisfy every flattery you could ever hope for.

In fact, at times he may go overboard and risk it falling on meaningless applause.

If in the event that it’s not, it’s okay that you’re shy from the private eye. He’ll learn to whisper it in private moments rather than so openly, but it will take some adjusting.

In terms of gift giving, I also see this being a strong suit of his. He has no aversions to physical intimacy, nor shies away from displaying it in public. I suspect that he would be more than content to lay his head in your lap, stare lovingly into your eyes, brush the strands of hair that fall before your eyes behind your ears.

The fire of his desire is not one to stray, but I imagine that he would comfortably the role of physical affections. Fingers interlocked during strolls, and allowing you to rest your head on his shoulder when you are tired.

Although his over enthusiasm for your touch may result in a few moments turning heated. are you really mad though?

The Flame Hashira would also be fairly forth taking with gift giving; his travels for missions have him sprouted all throughout the region, and his overly thoughtfulness will result in him bringing you a wide variety of tokens of affections.

This little kappa reminded him of how you loved to soak in the bath, this flower it’s dead, but it was as beautiful as you in its prime, this bento has your favorite snack in it—you get it.

Where ever he travels, you are always on his mind, and as long as you express your appreciation, he will never hesitate to bring home present after present, after offering of devotion.

He’s giving, overly so. Prepare yourself.

Acts of service is without a doubt, going to be met. As it’s already been expressed, whatever you ask of him, he will more than deliver.

Asked him to bring water down from the mountains? Oh, he did, he also utilized it to wash the laundry, hang it to dry, and utilized the leftover to prepare a warm bath for you.

He is literally a man of service.

Ultimately, I believe the area in which Rengoku would struggle to express his affections is actually in the quality time together department.

It’s not that he doesn’t savor moments with you, he adores the opportunity to have you at his side. However, the Flame Hashira’s determination to serve, leads him to feel that any, ANY small moment can result in restlessness.

He should be doing something. He should fold laundry. He should run you through self-defense drills to ensure you are safe while he is away, he should—his mind struggles to rest. He really and truly, is eager to serve.

SO much so that if your needs rely on quality time spent together, you will have to quiet the doubt of his mind. Reassure him that the extra time in bed together in the late morning, is all you need to be happy.

The reality is, to be in love with Rengoku is to know support. It’s to know devotion, and unwavering loyalty. To have someone always in your corner, always on your side regardless if you are in fact, wrong. It’s to know dedication, and warm smiles. To savor sweet words, as sincere as the heart they blaze from. It’s to know that despite the distances you may face, you are always on his mind. In his heart. To be loved by the Fire Hashira is to know the passion of the heart, of devotion, of the flesh. It’s to know that you are everything to him, your bond as close as destiny itself. To be loved by Kyojuro is to know love, the depths of a flame so smoldered and that the ardor will never be snubbed out. It is to be truly embraced as you are for who you are. A romance secured by soft touches, endless praise, unwavering support in pursuits of joy. To know that you are his joy. To know that he will love you.

Even in death.

In this life.

And the next

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

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head empty no thoughts just rengoku x ice hashira!reader

you joined the hashira ranks shortly after he did in your late teens

you were incredibly put off by him at first as his unrelenting enthusiasm made you uneasy

you thought it was hard to read him because of how jovial he seemed all the time

but after getting to know him, you realized that there's no reading him at all; he states very plainly how he feels whenever he feels it

he also asks you how you're feeling directly and will call you out if he believes you to be lying

"hello! how are you doing today?!"

"i'm fine, how about yourself?"

"you do not seem fine! as you have not eaten today and sustenance is essential for survival!"

"it just slipped my mind, i'm okay. really-"

"i will fetch you something to eat! do not move!"

"kyojuro-"

"I SAID DO NOT MOVE!"

he fixates on getting to know you better after you're assigned to a joint mission and is fascinated by your frost breathing technique

he admires that when you're fighting, nothing else matters to you but curbstomping your opponent (not the correct language but you get what i mean)

the mission goes smoothly despite never working with him before and you find yourself a little frustrated how you naturally gravitate to him in every single room you share

it's just instinctual to be by his side, and you notice the same sentiment in his body language too

during meetings he's always next to you, even if you two don't speak

you're a little cold guarded around him but he doesn't give up and you gradually let down your walls as you work with him on more missions

he's actually really fucking funny because of how straightforward his words are

"is that man bothering you?!"

"he was just looking at me funny, let's just keep moving-"

"i will not hesitate to verbally reprimand him for disrespecting you if that is what you wish!"

"kyojuro-"

"I CAN ALSO PHYSICALLY BEAT HIM TO A PULP!"

as you start warming up to him and opening up about yourself, you find he's an incredibly good listener as much as he likes to talk

you share about your family and your techniques and your dreams for the future

being a hashira is a taxing line of work but he's stable, probably the only stable thing you have at this point

when you come back late at night from a particularly tough mission, he's waiting for you in the butterfly mansion

upon your return and taking in your exhausted body language, he softens his voice and asks to pick you up to bring you to your room

you oblige, too tired to question him, and his arms catch your knees when they give out, supporting your back while you slump into him

he gently cradles you into his chest and your head falls on his shoulder

he's warm like a fireplace in the dead of winter and smells like smoke and citrus

when he lays you on your bedroll you shiver at the sudden chill after you overwork your technique and quietly ask him to stay with you until you drift off

he stays with you until HE drifts off, baby

you wake up later in the day with your head under his chin and his arms protectively wrapped around your body

you just look at him sleep so peacefully it's the first good night of sleep he's had in months

his hair's a fucking mess all over your pillows and he's hogging the blankets but you don't mind since he's literally a furnace

when his eyes flutter open, his voice is raspy and low

"good morning, love. did you sleep alright?"

so yeah

he cares about you a lot right

and would do anything for you if you only asked

but here's the final nail in the love-struck coffin, okay?

so you're on a mission together and he's working his technique to the absolute bone

you've hit a wall with your ability and he stepped up to defend you against your wishes for him to retreat

he's dangerously close to surpassing the limit of his limits and after the demon's head is rolling across the floor, he falls to his knees

his temperature is fatally high and any longer at this temperature, his blood would boil and burst

you're there to catch him and activate one of your forms, using the frigid air generated by your breathing to cool his sweltering skin

your hands are steaming against his cheeks but all he could see is you and he never stops smiling, constantly reassuring you that you both were going to be okay

once his temperature lowers to a safe number you kiss him for the first time

or maybe he kisses you, you can't really tell who initiated it because you both leaned in at the same time

whatever, you kiss each other

afterward he gives you a fiery red promise band and you give him an ice blue one

while you're together, he says i love you about 10 times per minute and means it every single time

the man's love language is LITERALLY words of affirmation can you blame him

missions together after you become official are filled with non-stop praise

"that attack was incredible, darling!"

"you're doing great, my love. just keep fighting."

"have i already told you how much i adore you? no? well i do!"

and sometimes he's less...composed....like

"YOU ARE VERY ATTRACTIVE WHEN YOU ARE KICKING ASS!"

when you're apart, the only thing on his mind while he's fighting is you

and it always will be you, in this life and every life afterward

hahahaha don't you love at the end of mugen train when rengoku just takes a long NAP at the BUTTERFLY MANSION and he's SAFE and everything is FINE

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

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Dealing with Unwanted Attention - The Hashira

An exploration of how the Hashira (+bonus) help you deal with unwanted attention from a neighbour.

Modern!AU!Demon Slayer (and female!reader).

Adult!Hashira (except for Muichiro and Tanjiro and co who are all teens)

Rating: T

Pairings: Nothing explicit but suggestive... (aside from Tengen&wives)

Warning: swearing, some violence/threats, mention of possible stalking (they've been staring at them for a while), slight poisoning, neighbour being a creep, mention of them wanting to watch women make out.Un-beta'd.

Word count: ~ 4800

Notes: Based on true events (mainly the neighbour staring and stopping the reader to confess their feelings). I wasn't planning on writing this in 2nd person pov, but it kept trying to change into it as I wrote, then when I was trying to choose between 2nd and 3rd, my friend chose 2nd and a random wheel picker chose 2nd...so I gave in to the universe. This got long. Enjoy!

Please let me know what you think and if I got the characterizations right. One of my fave lines I've written is in this, see if you can guess lol.

What they arrive to:

You try to be polite to your neighbours. There’s no need to be rude, even if you’d rather be left alone by them, but you didn’t expect it to lead to this. You know the man has been watching you. You could feel his eyes on you when you were outside and he was on his balcony, but you’ve never said more than a thank you to him for holding open the door for you so you’re not entirely sure how you’re in this mess.

He’s confessing to you. This man that you’ve never officially met until right now, who might actually be younger than you, who is telling you he’s an alcoholic but that he’ll change. For you. How does he think this is appealing? You’re trying to find an exit, you don't want to be completely rude since you live in the same building and you’re likely going to see him again, but you want out. Now.

The reactions:

Sanemi

“Who the fuck is this?”

You let out a breath at the voice, relief setting in deep in your bones. “Sanemi,” you turn with a smile, grateful for his timing.

He’s not looking at you. His eyes are on the man standing in front of you, who’s still trying to reach out to touch you. Again. Sanemi moves, stepping forwards until he’s in front of you, blocking the man from your view. He stares at you for a moment, taking stock of the relief he can practically feel radiating from you. “Are you ready to go?” he asks. You don’t have any plans, but you don’t care. You’ll follow him anywhere right now.

“Yeah. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Tch. You should be,” he says. He sounds irritated but you know him better by now.

“Excuse me,” the man behind him interrupts. “We’re in the middle of something.”

You watch as Sanemi’s expression shifts into something slightly murderous as he slowly turns to look at the other man. “Did I fucking ask?” The man steps back and Sanemi takes the motion to move forward, getting into his personal space like he tried to get into yours. “You know him?” Sanemi directs the question to you despite not looking back.

“He lives here.”

“I’m introducing myself,” the man says. “We’ll be friends.”

“Friends?” Sanemi scoffs. “She has enough friends.” He steps forward again, forcing the man back. “You ever make her uncomfortable again or even try to touch her again, I’ll break your fucking hands, got it?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Good. Fucking creep,” Sanemi turns back to you, ignoring him. “Come on.” He waits for you to move, keeping himself between you as he leads you away from the building. “He ever bothers you again, you tell me.”

You grin up at him. “I will. Thank you.”

“You just got lucky I showed up.”

“...why did you come by?”

He doesn’t answer.

Shinobu

“My my, what’s this?”

You turn to look at the voice, relief setting in that at least you won’t have to do this alone. Shinobu doesn’t offer you a hug, but she stands next to you, glancing at the man before looking back at you. “New friend?” Shinobu asks, a light smile on her face.

You know better than to assume that your friend is being polite. “A neighbour,” you confirm, ignoring the flash of anger you catch on the man’s face. Great. Another thing to deal with.

Shinobu hums lightly before she turns to the man. “Is there something you needed?”

The man blatantly looks over her before smiling. “I am introducing myself. Hopefully, we can be friends. All of us.” He is either unaware of the danger the small woman presents or ignores it. Either one marks him as an idiot.

“Oh? Are you incapable of making friends?”

He blinks in surprise and you know he’s unsure whether or not to take offence. Shinobu has a way of saying things in her light voice that most men don’t realize are as cruel as she intends them to be. “What?”

“Are you unable to make friends?” she asks again, smile still in place. “I assume that’s why you’re cornering a woman who’s clearly not interested. It’s a bit pathetic, don’t you think?”

“Pathetic?” he catches the insult and scowls at your friend.

“Yes,” Shinobu nods. “Does that make you angry? There are ways to fix it, that don’t involve my friend.”

“I’m not pathetic! I was–” he’s cut off as he reaches forward. Shinobu’s hand grabs his wrist before he can reach you. He tries to pull back and frowns slightly as her nails scratch him as he pulls away. “I was introducing myself,” he continues.

“Then you’re done and now you can leave,” Shinobu nods. He looks as though he’s going to protest but he sways slightly before blinking rapidly.

“Did you do something?” you ask Shinobu, who looks at you innocently. You know better though.

“Hmm…it might be a reaction to the latest experiment. Perhaps it got on my nails. I’m sorry,” she smiles at the man. “You should be fine with some rest. It’s not nearly enough to be fatal.”

The man pales. “What?”

“You should go,” Shinobu says. “Unless you’re willing to be a test subject. I’m sure no one will miss you if you’ve cornered women before. Perhaps you should be more careful, no?”

The man basically runs from her and you watch as he leaves.

“What was really on your nails?” you ask, looking at Shinobu.

“A mild paralytic. He’ll survive,” she says. “I came to ask if you wanted to join me for dinner?”

“After that? Absolutely.”

Gyomei

Someone calls your name and before you can even turn to look, you see the man in front of you blanch. You know the voice and it’s entertaining to see firsthand how intimidated someone can be by your friend behind you. Especially when you know that he’s the kindest one of you all.

“Are you alright?”

“Gyomei,” you greet warmly. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see if you would join me for the afternoon. Are you busy?”

You look at your neighbour who is still staring at the tall man in shock.

“Oh,” Gyomei says. “My apologies for interrupting.” He turns to the man. “I am Himejima Gyomei.”

Your neighbour introduces himself and you try not to be annoyed at how he’s stepping back now that someone else is here. Especially when it’s another man. “Are you friends?” your neighbour asks.

Gyomei looks down at you. “I am very lucky to have her in my life.” It’s not an answer and you have a feeling he’s done it intentionally. Whatever. You’re not going to complain if it gets you out of this.

You smile up at him. “I think I’m the lucky one,” you say. You mean it too. Gyomei is a calming presence in your life, someone steadfast that you know you can rely on. He rests his hand on your shoulder and you relax under it. You’re safe with him.

He turns back to your neighbour. “Please, continue your conversation. I can wait.”

“No,” your neighbour says. “It’s fine. I didn’t realize…” he trails off before wandering away without saying goodbye.

“Are you alright?” Gyomei asks again.

“Yeah,” you say. “I am now.”

Obanai and Mitsuri (because ofc they're together)

You notice when his gaze shifts from you to something behind you. Then you hear it.

“You’re outside! Did you know we were coming?”

You turn to see Mitsuri heading towards you, Obanai behind her, his eyes already on your neighbour who is staring…at Mitsuri. You turn and move, just enough to block his view. Mitsuri doesn’t have a problem showing off any of her assets, but that doesn’t mean your creep of a neighbour could stare. Ew.

Misturi crashes into you with a hug, as though it’s been years since you’ve last seen each other and not days. You hug back just as tight, grateful for the company.

“What are you doing here?” you ask.

“We came to take you out!” Misturi pulls back and motions towards Obanai. “We missed you!”

You weren’t sure if that was the truth but a quick glance at Obanai shows that he’s moved to stand between you two and your neighbour. He nods toward you and you can’t help but smile back.

“Where are we going?” you ask.

“Dinner,” Obanai says.

“Excuse me!” your neighbour cuts in, moving to the side so that Obanai is no longer blocking him. "Hey, we were talking.”

“Oh!” Mitsuri turns to face him. “I’m sorry!”

Obanai glares at the interruption. “Who are you?”

“Her neighbour. We were just getting introduced.” He gives his name again, this time reaching for Mitsuri’s hand. He does not get far.

“You often touch people without them wanting you to?” Obanai asks, his grip tightening on the man’s wrist. Your neighbour tries to pull back but is unable to.

“He was just introducing himself,” Mitsuri says. “Weren’t you?”

“Of course!” Your neighbour says. “Can’t people be friendly?”

“No.”

You have to hide a smile as Mitsuri giggles at Obanai’s response.

“Go ahead,” Obanai says. “I’d like a word with your neighbour.” He doesn’t look at you, keeping his eyes on the man whose wrist he’s still holding.

“Okay!” Mitsuri grabs your hand and starts pulling you away. “Nice to meet you! Don’t be too rough, Obanai, okay?” Once they’re far enough away, Misturi lets go and looks at you. “Are you alright? You looked uncomfortable.”

“Yeah,” you say, smiling softly. “He came out of nowhere. I’m glad you were there.”

“Don’t worry, Obanai will let him know you’re not interested. Besides, you have us!”

You hug Mitsuri again with one arm. “I do!”

Muichiro

You step back as your neighbour moves forward, reaching for your hand again. Why does he keep trying to touch you?

“I don’t think she likes that,” a voice comes from the side. Both of you look and your face lights up when you see who it is.

“Muichiro! What are you doing here?”

His head tilts slightly as he looks at you. “You said I could come any time.”

You smile slightly as you nod. “You’re right, I did.” The kid was always welcome but it was rare to see him without his twin. “Where’s Yuichiro?”

“He said he’d come later. He thinks he’s figured out a move that will beat me in shogi.”

“Is this your brother?” your neighbour cuts in. He smiles at the younger boy and introduces himself. Muichiro ignores him.

“Are you going out?” he asks. “Can we join you?”

“Yes,” your neighbour adds. “We can walk with you. Get to know each other better.” You recoil from him reaching for you again and step back.

“Not you,” Muichiro cuts in. “You are not invited.”

“What?”

“You’re not invited,” the kid says again. “I don’t think you should touch her anymore. She doesn’t like it.”

“Listen, brat, no one asked you.”

“Hey!” you cut in, scowling. Why was it always easier to defend someone else than it was to defend yourself? “He’s right. You can’t just invite yourself. Thank you, but I’m not interested.”

He reaches for you again but Muichiro knocks him over as the boy moves forward. “She said she’s not interested.” Muichiro stares at the man on the ground for a moment. “You shouldn’t bother women who aren’t interested.” He looks back at you. “Should we call someone?”

“It’s fine,” you say. “Come on, let’s go meet Yuichiro on the way. I’ll buy dinner.” You both leave the man to pick himself up and you silently pray he gets the hint.

Giyu

You almost don't hear your name being called. The lack of reaction doesn’t stop Giyu from moving forward and standing next to you.

You look up at him in relief. “Giyu!”

“I called,” he says. He glances at your neighbour who is watching you. “Are you busy?”

“No,” you shake your head, hoping that he’ll be able to at least get you out of this. Even as hopeless as he was socially, you know that he’ll pick up on your hints. You’ve known each other long enough.

“We��re in the middle of a conversation,” your neighbour says, looking unimpressed that you’re dismissing him.

Giyu looks at him before turning back to you. “Are you hungry? I wanted to talk.”

“Sure!”

“Excuse me,” your neighbour interrupts again.

Giyu gives you an unimpressed look but turns to face him. “Can I help you?”

“You’re interrupting. I was just getting to know your friend.”

Giyu stares at the man for a moment. “I don’t think she wants to know you.”

Your neighbour’s jaw drops. “Who are you to say that?”

“Her friend.” Giyu looks at you again. “Do you want to stay?”

You shake your head slightly, just enough to convey your desire to leave. You might have to never come back. Or maybe you could convince him to move. “Let’s get something to eat.”

“There’s no need to be rude!” your neighbour snaps.

“She’s not rude,” Giyu says. “It was clear she wasn’t interested before. You should pay attention.” You try not to laugh at Giyu of all people pointing out ignoring social cues. You adore him more for it. “Let’s go.”

“Hey!” your neighbour reaches out, aiming for Giyu’s shoulder to stop him from leading you away. He doesn’t make it. Giyu steps to the side, turning as he grabs your neighbour’s hand and directs the motion straight to the ground.

You can’t stop the gasp at the sound of him hitting the ground.

Giyu holds him there for a moment. “Are you done?” he asks. He finally releases him and steps back. “You should keep your hands to yourself.” Giyu looks at you again. “Can we go now?”

“Yeah,” you smile. “We can.”

He offers you his hand to step over your neighbour and leads you away. “If he bothers you again, call us.”

“I will.”

Kyojuro

Someone shouts your name and as soon as you hear it, you calm down. Things are going to be okay. You turn towards the voice and grin. “Kyo!”

“I hoped you were home!” He strides forwards towards the two of you. He looks between you both. “Am I interrupting?”

“No!” you exclaim as your neighbour says “yes.”

Kyojuro looks at you both before he nods. “I see. My apologies regardless.” He smiles at your neighbour and offers his hand. “I am Rengoku Kyojuro. Who are you?”

You watch as your neighbour introduces himself almost warily as if he’s not sure what to make of the situation.

Kyojuro turns to you, stepping closer and smiling down. “Are you free today?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent. Continue your conversation, I will wait.” He crosses his arms over his chest and turns to face your neighbour. The man looks stunned to be pinned by Kyojuro’s gaze. You know the feeling but you wait to see if he’s going to continue to confess under your friend’s stare.

“I uh…” your neighbour glances at Kyojuro again before he looks at you. “As I was saying, I want to know you more! If you don’t like that I drink, I’ll stop.”

You look at Kyojuro whose expression hasn’t changed but you can see the tension in his form. You wouldn’t notice if you didn’t know him like you do. “I heard you,” you say carefully. It’s safer now, you feel, to decline his interest outright with someone else with you. “Thank you, but I’m not interested.”

“You haven’t even given me a chance,” your neighbour says. You don’t want to. “We could just spend time together.”

“No thanks,” you say, shifting closer to Kyojuro without thinking.

Your neighbour steps forward, reaching for your hand again. “I’m not trying–”

“She has made herself clear,” Kyojuro interrupts, his hand on the man’s wrist, preventing him from touching you. “Do not dishonour yourself further and press for her attention.”

“Dishonour? I’m just trying to ask her out!”

“And she refused,” Kyojuro says, still staring at the man. “I fear that if she should accept, the flame of her heart would be drowned by the weight of your desire. I cannot accept that!”

“I didn’t ask you,” your neighbour snarls.

“You did not! But I am here regardless and thankful for it, if only to protect her from your refusal to hear her disinterest. Leave now.”

“You can’t just–”

“I can! I trust that you will not embarrass yourself further. Should I hear that you continue to push or attempt to take advantage, I will not be as forgiving as I am now.”

The man stares at him for a moment before Kyojuro finally lets go. Your neighbour stumbles back slightly. He glares at you both, rubbing at the wrist Kyojuro held before he walks off, heading to the building. Kyojuro watches until the man disappears into the building before he turns to you. “Are you alright?”

You move without really thinking, wrapping your arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. “Thank you.”

He pauses for a moment before he brings his arms around you, holding you against him. “It’s alright,” he says softly. “I am just glad I was able to be here.”

You pull back. “I appreciate the help. What brings you around?”

“I wanted to see you, of course!” He lets go as you move away. “As you are not busy, would you be willing to join me? I have something I wanted to show you!”

“Of course! Let’s go!”

Tengen

An arm drapes itself over your shoulder. If you weren’t familiar with the weight of it, the scent of the man who pulls you into him, you would have recoiled. “What’s this then?”

You look up at the built man who towers over the rest of you. “Tengen! What are you doing here?”

“Came to see you, of course! Who’s this?” Despite the cheerful tone, he doesn’t take his eyes off your neighbour.

“My neighbour,” you say after a moment as you realize the man in question is still looking at Tengen.

“Hm,” Tengen leans down, putting his face next to yours and ignoring your neighbour. “You miss me?” He grins as he asks, eyes on you.

“Didn’t I just see you the other day with the others?” you quip back, used to his flirting.

“Who are you?” the man finally speaks up.

Tengen glances over at him and you can practically see him considering if he wants to deal with the man. He straightens, keeping his arm around you, and grins. “Uzui Tengen! Flashiest man around and the love of her life!”

“You’re not the love of my life,” you say automatically.

“I could be,” Tengen says. He leans down closer again and his voice lowers. “Don’t you want to give us a chance?”

“We’re talking,” your neighbour cuts in again. “In fact, if she’s not interested, it’s all the more reason she should say yes to going out with me.”

“I would think that the she in question should make the choice,” you mutter.

“Why would she date someone as unflashy as you?” Tengen asks, looking unimpressed.

Your neighbour seems taken aback by the question. “What? Why wouldn’t she?”

Tengen makes a point of looking the man up and down. “You have no flair! No flamboyance! In fact, it’s very unflashy of you to keep ignoring her like this while you talk about her, right Angel?”

“Hmm,” you nod in agreement.

Tengen tightens his grip slightly “Do you want to go out with this boring man?” He asks.

“No.”

“There you have it. Now,” Tengen leans towards your neighbour. “In fact, I don’t think you should bother her again and if you do, well…I’ll show you how flashy I can be.”

The man swallows slightly, as though he’s suddenly reminded of Tengen’s size. “Uh sure,” your neighbour says. He glances at you. “Sorry.”

You don’t get a chance to respond because Tengen leads you away, arm still around you and heads towards your building.

“You’re not going out anywhere, are you? Thought we could order in. Unless you want to go out. Karaoke?”

“Are we going to invite the girls?”

He grins at you. “Of course!”

Bonus!

Tengen & his wives!

You hear the squeal first and then Suma crashes into you. You hug the woman back, used to how affectionate she is.

“What are you doing here?” you ask, completely distracted from the situation with your neighbour as you look to see Makio and Hinatsuru heading towards you.

“We missed you!” Suma says, pulling back.

“Will you let her go?” Makio demands, yanking Suma back as they get close. “You’re interrupting!”

“Sorry!” Suma lets go. “I was just excited!”

“It has been a while since we’ve seen you,” Hina agrees. She looks over at your neighbour before turning back to you. “Sorry for interrupting. We hope you don’t mind that we dropped by unannounced.”

“Not at all,” you smile at the three women that now surround you. Makio has shifted, taking point to be in between you all and your neighbour. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I bet,” Makio says. There’s a brief moment where you all communicate silently with each other. The slight widening of the eyes, the nod and shifting of the shoulders. The way friends have communicated about the people around them for ages without words. It’s enough that the three women are all aware that you’re uncomfortable and are grateful for their help.

“Excuse me.”

They all turn to look at your neighbour who looks delighted at the sudden prospect of more women to interact with. It probably helps that all three of the new ones are gorgeous, well-endowed and wearing low-cut tops.

“What?” Makio asks, unimpressed. Suma shifts slightly to stand closer to you.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says before introducing himself. The women all stare at the hand he offers but none of them reach to take it. He pauses before finally dropping it, but he steps closer. “We were just getting to know each other,” he says. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?”

No, you think. You don’t get a chance to answer though because Makio turns her back on the man and faces you again. “Have you eaten?” Makio asks.

“Oh yeah!” Suma grabs your arm and you feel a rush of affection for these women who have shown up and are trying to help. “If you have, we could get dessert!”

“You’re not busy, are you?” Hina asks.

“No,” you shake your head.

“Hey!” your neighbour cuts in again. “There’s no reason to be a bitch. You could have just said you were into girls. I wouldn’t have minded…especially if I can watch.”

Your jaw drops open and you can see the way the others nearly shake with anger. Before any of them can step forward, your attention is drawn behind him as Tengen appears.

“Oh ho! What’s this?” His hand slaps down on your neighbour's shoulder. You can see his grip tighten. “I didn’t just hear you call them something so unflashy, did I?”

“Tengen!” You all call out, your voice tinged with a little more relief. As glad as you are for the company of the girls, you don’t want to subject them to your neighbour more than you have to.

Tengen grins at the four of you before focusing back on the man he’s holding. “Now, what were you saying?”

“What? Nothing!”

“Liar!” Makio snaps.

“He called her a bitch, Tengen,” Hina says softly. She loops her arm around yours on the side that doesn’t have Suma.

“He said he wanted to watch!” Suma adds.

“Oh really?” Tengen’s eyes narrow. “Perhaps you girls should go ahead and I’ll catch up…after I teach this one some manners.”

“Good,” Makio nods.

“We’ll let you know where we decide to go,” Hina says softly. “Come on.” The girls usher you away from the building where Tengen is still keeping your neighbour in place. The man looks slightly terrified now but Tengen waves you all off with a grin.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Suma exclaims, still keeping her arm around yours as they walk.

“Yeah,” Makio agrees. “How long has that creep been bothering you?”

“He’s been staring for a while but just came out of nowhere today, telling me he liked me and wanted to go out. He said he’s an alcoholic but would stop for me.” You see the look the women give each other.

“Maybe you should stay with us,” Hina suggests. “Just for a bit.”

“Yeah!”

You laugh slightly. “I don’t know. I’ll have to go home eventually, right? I’m sure he got the point.”

An arm wraps around your shoulder as Tengen appears, inserting himself between you and Suma. He laughs as you both adjust to the new position. “He sure did!” He towers over all of you but Tengen has never felt threatening. At least not to you. “He won’t be bothering you anymore. And if he’s still staring, call us. We’ll deal with him,” he promises.

You smile up at him. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank us,” Hinatsuru says softly. “We’re happy to help.”

“Yeah!” Makio adds. “He’s lucky Tengen showed up before I got to him.”

“I don’t know about that…” Tengen says, “but I know I am with such flashy girls!”

AND

Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu and Inosuke

The man is holding your hand in a light grip that tightens as you try to pull away. You’re trying not to be rude but his hand is clammy and you never wanted to be touched. You have a feeling you’re going to have to snap and then deal with the repercussions later.

Your attention shifts to the sound of feet hitting the pavement and a familiar voice calling your name. You yank your hand from your neighbour before turning and moving back, managing to avoid Inosuke’s attempt at a tackle. You shift and watch as Zenitsu falls, his attempts to hug you failing. You’re used to these kids and at this point, it’s a game when you meet.

Zenitsu whines at your avoidance.

“Haha!” Inosuke slides to a stop and turns back to you. “You won’t avoid me again!”

“Stop tackling her!”

You ignore Zenitsu and Inosuke as they start arguing and turn to Tanjiro and Nezuko as they stop next to you. “What are you all doing here?”

“I hope you don’t mind,” Tanjiro says softly. “We were passing by and saw you. We thought we’d stop and say hi. I tried to get them to stop from running at you. Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” you wave him off. “I’m glad to see you.” Nezuko moves forward and offers a hug and you hug back, noticing the way Tanjiro moves between you and your neighbour. Your gaze softens. He’s such a good kid. They all are.

“It’s been awhile,” Tanjiro agrees.

“Excuse me,” your neighbour cuts in, moving around Tanjiro. “Didn’t realize you were so popular with children. Are you related?”

“No,” you say, not willing to give more than that.

“Who are you?” Inosuke shoves himself between you and your neighbour. You can see the man trying to move around the kid, but Inosuke has a way of making himself known. “Fight me!” he demands.

“What? I’m not going to fight a kid.” Your neighbour looks for you but you let go of Nezuko who raises her eyebrows, silently asking if you’re okay.

You nod back, smiling at the girl.

“You think you’ll beat me?” Inosuke says. “You couldn’t touch me. I’m the greatest!”

“Who is that?” Zenitsu asks quietly, coming up to your side now that Inosuke is distracted. “Do you know him?”

“He’s my neighbour,” you say. “He was just…introducing himself.” You wince as you say it.

“You didn’t seem comfortable. Do you want to leave?” Tanjiro asks, focused on you as Inosuke drags your neighbour to more open space in his demands to fight. “We can walk you to where you’re going. Or inside,” he offers.

“Thanks.” You smile in relief, even if they’re just kids, you’re grateful you’re no longer alone.

“Fuck off!” All of your attention turns to the sound of your neighbour yelling at Inosuke. “You freak!”

“Excuse me?” You move around the children, striding towards your neighbour. To hell with being polite. “What did you just say?” He turns to you, surprise crossing his features as though he’s forgotten you were there.

“I–I was just–”

“Just what?” You snap. “He’s a kid and you’re swearing at him?”

“He’s not leaving me alone! I’m trying to talk to you!”

“I don’t want to talk!” You stride forward, aware of the eyes on you. “I haven’t shown the slightest interest and you kept pushing and trying to touch me!” His eyes widen but you don’t stop. “They’re fifteen! And they have more sense and observation than you do. You don’t treat people like that, even if they’re annoying and you don’t keep pushing your attention on to someone who doesn’t want it!”

“I’m sorry,” he reaches for you again.

“Fuck off!” you use his own words against him. “Come on, Inosuke, don’t waste your time fighting him. You’d likely win in seconds. Let’s go.” You turn and walk back toward the others.

“You’re so cool!” Zenitsu cheers as you return.

“That was impressive,” Tanjiro agrees. “Hopefully he’ll listen.”

“If he doesn’t, I’ll come back and show him how weak he is!”

You smile at Inosuke and reach out to ruffle his hair. He ducks out of the way. “Thanks. Come on, let’s get out of here. You guys want to walk me to my friends?”

“Yeah!”

“Let’s go!”

“I’m going to get there first!”

“What!? Wait for us!”

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An Offering - Rengoku Kyojuro Oneshot

Title: An Offering Rating: PG Fandom: Demon Slayer Warnings: Spoilers for s2. Talk of death and the afterlife. Summary: He didn't expect what came after.

Notes: We all agree that I have no control, right? I had to get it out of my head. This might be a prologue to something I'm playing with that I haven't shared or it might just be me working my way through what happened lol. This is my first time writing him (and I've only seen the anime) so forgive me if I make a mistake. Inspired by the poems Fire Island by May Swenson and Rewriting Icarus by Fiona (@wearealsoboats). I listened to Elegy for the Arctic by Ludovico Einaudi on repeat while writing this.

He remembers dying.

He was not successful, not in ensuring that the demon could not harm another, but still he was at peace. He gave his final words. He had faith in the young around him.

The sun rose and Kyojuro faded.

Was this death?

He finds himself standing, whole and free, staring at a dark ocean. The sky is alight with stars, more than he can remember ever seeing in his life. They sparkle against the water, giving a glimpse of a never-ending abyss before him. If the waves were not crashing against his feet, he would think it still. He does not feel the water. Not entirely. The memory of the action, the feeling of his feet sinking into the sand, teases the edge of his mind. He knows what it should be and yet it is not.

“Strange, isn’t it?”

He looks to the side, trying not to show his surprise at the sudden presence. He did not feel their approach. He did not sense them.

“Knowing what it should feel like without being able to do so,” they explain. They step closer and he can make out more of their features. Strange how he can see them clearly when the only light above them is the stars and a fading moon. He thinks it is a young woman but then something shifts and he finds himself uncertain.

“Where am I?” Kyojuro asks. It seems to echo in the darkness despite his hesitant tone.

“Walk with me,” they offer instead. They turn and Kyojuro finds he has to follow. There is something familiar about them. He knows he has not met them before, as certain as he knows he has died, but he cannot explain the comfort they seem to radiate. He falls in step next to them.

“I am dead, am I not?” he asks.

“You are,” they nod.

“And what is this place? Is this where people go when they die? Are you to lead me to my next life?”

“If that is what you want,” they give him a small smile. “You are an interesting creature, Rengoku Kyojuro. Your soul is bright, strong with all that you have been through.”

He tries not to frown in his confusion. “I do not understand.” He looks at this person next to him. They are somehow taller now. “I have done what is right, what all those who are stronger than others should.”

“You have,” they agree. “And it has brought you death.”

“Death is inevitable. It is part of what makes us human. It gives meaning and beauty in life.”

“There are few who realize such things,” they say.

They walk in silence. The beach seems neverending, stretching further with every step on the dark sand. His feet sink into it and yet he feels nothing. He does not like it.

“Do you have any regrets?” they ask, looking at him now. They are shorter again.

Kyojuro thinks of it. Did he? He would regret not being able to see his family again, to see his brother grow into the man he knows Senjuro will be. He regrets that his death, inevitable as it was, caused pain to the people he cares about. But in his life? He cannot regret his choices. He has done what is right. What is just. How could he regret that?

“We see.” The person, if he could call them that, stops. They turn to the ocean. The moon that hangs above it is brighter now, somehow fuller than before. Kyojuro steps up next to them. “It is rare,” they say, “to find a soul that burns as yours does.”

“I do not understand.”

They smile and he is struck suddenly by why they are familiar to him. They remind him of Oyakata-sama. Similar energy and yet…this was somehow more. He had the sense that they only reminded him of the Leader of the Demon Corps because they chose to. For him.

“No, you would not,” they agree. “Many will die in the battle you have given your life for.”

Kyojuro tenses. It is not a surprise and yet he wishes it were not so.

“They will succeed,” they say. “But all victories come at a cost. All choices have their repercussions.”

“Their success is what matters,” Kyojuro says. “I would mourn for my friends and comrades as they will mourn for me, but all of us made the choice to act. We would gladly give our lives for the safety of the innocent people around us.”

“We would expect nothing less,” they say softly. “You are not one who flies too close to the sun, Kyojuro. You were one in your own right, a star guiding those around you and warming all who reached your gaze.”

He blinks in surprise. It was the kindest thing said about him, particularly from one he did not know. “My thanks but I only did what I could,” he replies. “I only aimed to help others.”

“We know.” They shifted again, something that he could not place but he was reminded suddenly of his mother. He had thought he would see her again.

“Why am I here?” Kyojuro asks. He does not understand. What is the purpose of this conversation? Is he to move on? Is he to remain here on a beach of black sand and an ocean of stars?”

“It is ash,” they say. “Not sand.” They look back at the ocean. The moon has changed again, he realizes when he follows their gaze. A slim crescent. “We spoke of choices and the consequences they collect. A spark can light a candle or set a forest ablaze.” There is a beat of silence. “We enjoy your soul, young Kyojuro, and would offer a choice.”

He frowns slightly. “A choice?”

They look at him, eyes as dark and endless as the sky above. “To continue and renew. To return. Another chance to allow you to experience the fleeting life you admire.”

The offer strikes him. It is not a choice to live as a demon, but as a human. And yet… “It is not the nature of things to return from the dead.”

“No,” they agree. “It is offered.”

“At what cost?”

They smile at that and look at him. “It is not a sacrifice for you to make.”

“I will not accept anyone giving their life for mine.”

“Will it comfort you to know that is not the cost?”

“You have not answered what is!”

“And we will not. It is a choice, Kyojuro and it is offered on our terms. Continue or return.”

He does not trust this. He does not know this being who changes shape as easily as it is to breathe. He will not sacrifice an innocent. He gave his life to protect people. He does not regret that. But he cannot deny the desire to see his brother again, to fight alongside his comrades and see the success this being spoke of. He will not accept if that success is broken.

“Agreed,” they say. “We accept your choice.”

“Wait!” He calls out as the world seems to fade around him. “I did not choose!”

“You did,” their voice echoes in the darkness. They are no longer there and Kyojuro is alone again. “Look for our gift, young Kyojuro.”

“What gift? I did not accept!”

“They will find you.”

“Wait!” But nothing responds and Kyojuro stands in the emptiness. “I do not understand!” There is a faint sound of laughter before his vision goes black.

taglist: @raith-way @chrissymunson @veetlegeuse @chickensarentcheap @residentdormouse

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

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Kicking my feet cause I think the modern day Rengoku family would be such a loving one. You have Ruka, who didn’t succumb to illness and is still around to see her two sons grow up. Shinjuro who never had a reason to fall into a depression and bad habits. Kyojuro, who’s in college, double majoring in teaching and history. And then you have baby Senjuro who’s about to start middle school. Then there is you, who came into the picture during Kyojuro’s sophomore year. The two of you grew from lab partners to friends, from friends to lovers. Now, you’re mentally preparing to meet his family. You fully trust your boyfriend when he says his parents are kind, that his little brother will love you, but that doesn’t settle your nerves. “They’ll love you, y/n, honest.” You sigh, eyes closing as Kyojuro placed a kiss on your forehead. “And what if they don’t?” Your palms are clammy, clasping together in order to keep yourself from fidgeting with your clothes. “Nonsense.” Was all Kyojuro said, pulling your hands apart so he could hold one. He’s dragging you up the pathway to his family home, watching as your eyes widen by the sheer size of it. “You weren’t joking…” the Rengoku family was extremely wealthy. Kyojuro is chuckling now, not giving you any time to prepare as he pushes the front door open. “Mom, dad, we’re here!” Instead of a response, the most beautiful woman you had ever seen is rounding the corner and greeting you both with a warm smile. “Mom!” Kyojuro is letting go of your hand to hug her, you’re smiling at the two, stiffening a bit as Kyojuro’s father rounds the corner. “You must be y/n. Kyojuro has told us so much about you.” He holds his hand out, you’re holding your breath as you take it because you’re terrified he’ll feel how nervous you are. Shinjuro is a handsome and towering man, it truly looks like he copied and pasted himself to get Kyojuro. “It’s so nice to finally meet the two of you! Kyojuro has talked so highly of the both of you” Kyojuro finally parts from his mom, allowing the woman to walk over to you. You’re frozen in place as she gently places her hands on your cheeks. “You’re even more beautiful in person. Kyojuro sends us pictures all the time…” behind her, Kyojuro is turning red and yelping out a small “mom!” She ignores him, smiling softly as your cheeks grow warm. “I want to thank you for making our son so happy, to do that, I’ve prepared a few of your favorite dishes.” You’re ready to melt on the spot, though you shouldn’t have expected anything less from the two people who raised such an amazing man. “That’s so kind of you!” You nearly squeak in response. “No need to stand in the doorway, go make yourselves comfortable. I’ll go find Senjuro, he’s a bit shy.” Shinjuro smiles at you before Ruka motions the both of you to follow her. Maybe this wouldn’t be so terrifying after all.

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eyes-closedmind-open · 9 months

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imagine matching with rengoku kyojuro on tinder...

❀ tinder date kyojuro who has a long ass bio, written in all caps and with an excessive amount of exclamation marks and fire emojis, but his introduction is so sweet and endearingly to the point that you ignore the possibility of him being another weirdo.

❀ "about me: HI! I'M KYOJURO!!! I LOVE EATING AND KENDO TRAINING 🔥🔥 SET YOUR HEART ABLAZE AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 NOT LOOKING FOR HOOKUPS!!!"

❀ tinder date kyojuro who has only uploaded three pictures of himself: a selfie featuring the most intense eyes and radiant smile you've ever seen, a shot of a table covered in various delicious-looking dishes and a full body shot of him right after a training session, displaying a very sculpted and very sweaty upper body.

❀ tinder date kyojuro whose friend, uzui, was the actual mastermind behind the idea of introducing him to online dating (and who is to blame for the addition of that third picture everyone say thank you tengen).

❀ tinder date kyojuro who isn't partial to the idea of matching for a hook-up because that's far from his style.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who feels so pulled in by your profile when it appears that he doesn't even swipe right, he superlikes instead.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who forces himself not to stare at your swimsuit pictures because he thinks it's disrespectful, but at the same time can't stop admiring how pretty your face and smile are.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who feels so ridiculously giddy when he matches with you (even more if you had already swiped right on him before he superliked you) that he messages you immediately.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who couldn't come up with a pick-up line to save his life, so he just started with a very simple, very straightforward "HI! I'M KYOJURO! I THINK YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!! 🔥🔥😃"

❀ tinder date kyojuro who is admittedly bad at replying because he's generally very disconnected from his phone, but when he does answer he can engage in hours-long conversations if nothing else demands his immediate attention and, of course, if you're up for them.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who respectfully ends chats with other matches the moment he becomes hopeful and optimistic about the direction of his conversations with you, because he would never, ever ghost other people if he stopped being interested.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who has actually taken notes of the hints you drop from time to time, like preferred date types and spots, hobbies, your favorite flowers, what kind of drink you order at coffee shops...

❀ tinder date kyojuro who doesn't rush meeting you in real life because he's genuinely content just chatting with you and learning more about you, but is unmistakably excited when you decide to exchange phone numbers.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who is smitten with the first voice note you send him, especially because it was of you wheezing at some funny inside joke he had referenced, and he had thought you had the most stunning kettle laugh ever (he lets you know that).

❀ tinder date kyojuro who physically fist bumps the air when the topic of your actual first date together comes up, and he can't help gushing to uzui about every detail he arranges with you. "a picnic, tengen! isn't it just the most wonderful idea for a first date?"

❀ tinder date kyojuro who turns up at the park only a few minutes later than you, apologizing for making you wait with a lovely bouquet of your favorite flowers.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who is absolutely delighted (and, flankly, a little blown away) that you had prepared some homemade food for the picnic (some of which he remembers having mentioned he likes).

❀ tinder date kyojuro who hasn't even held hands with you yet, but thinks he could marry you on the spot after the first bite of your cooking; he's the literal embodiment of the saying "the easiest way to a man's heart is through his stomach" (and yes, of course he goes "UMAI").

❀ tinder date kyojuro who loses track of time when he's with you, and visibly deflates like a scolded puppy when it gets dark because it means it's time to say goodbye. it helps, just a little, that you ask him to walk you home, and he complies without hesitation.

❀ tinder date kyojuro, whose disappointment at having to part ways with you is easily fixed when you confess that you'd love to see him again as soon as possible, and he has to actively fight the urge to squeeze the life out of you right there by your doorstep.

❀ tinder date kyojuro who deletes his tinder account as soon as he gets home because he knows it in his bones that there's no need for further searching.

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eyes-closedmind-open · 10 months

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My precious doll

Rengoku Kyojuro x gn reader headcanon

⦁ When he first heard of you, it would be from the book his mother read to him and he was so fascinated by the protagonist of the story that he plead his mother to read him over and over again when she is not tired.

⦁ One spring he heard there is a puppet show that is recreated from his favorite story, so he begged his parents to take him there.

⦁ his parents didn't understood entirely why he loved that book so much, but they took him there anyways, seeing their child so happy didn't took to much of convincing.

⦁ They got the first row seats and once the light dimmed and the stage got lighted up he swore his world stopped for a second once he saw your doll, pretty just as he imagined, the flowing hair as they made you to move along in your story and the never changing gentle smile they painted on your porcelain face, it's almost like you are real but that feeling went away just as fast as it came

⦁ His eyebrows crunched into confusion momentarily before shrugging it off and continuing to watch his favorite story play out into the puppet show.

⦁ After the show he couldn't stop talking to his parents about it all and then they understood why he liked the story so much, you were such a lovely written person, gentle soul with a burning heart with the love that seems to never end for the people.

⦁ he vowed to himself to become somewhat like you so others could experience your kindness through him.

⦁ And as they were going home he saw a shop through the corner of his eye, it was a puppet shop! and it had you in it.

⦁ His parents saw it and they also saw how fast Kyojuro’s eyes lighten up, by then they knew they had no chance of saying no, so his father just did a hand gesture that meant "go for it"

⦁ He, of course, picked out you with such a enthusiasm that it shocked a shop keeper for a moment then he laughed about it while calling Kyojuro an adorable biggest fan of you.

⦁ Once he got handed a box with you in it, he felt like he was holding a world in his hands: he swore he will love and cherish you, so you will never have a chance to question his love for you and never felt lonely, a doll or not, you are a precious gem to him. Whenever he knew why or not, his child self didn't cared for as long you are there, everything will be okay

⦁ And when he came back home, he unpacked you with such a carefulness, like you will shatter if he will grip you too tight and too hard even if momentarily and once he was done with unpacking he sat you on the floor and stared at you for a while admiring your human like beauty.

⦁ His mother suggested on brushing and styling your hair and she will teach him how to style your hair in many hairstyles and just like that it became one of his favorite past time

⦁ But as time went on his mother got sick and he needed to pay attention more to his training and his brother, you got less and less played with and talked with

⦁ while you understood as why, you still longed for the boy who looks so much like flame and has fire embers for eyes to come back and talk to you as you were a person and not a puppet.

⦁ Your porcelain skin cracked in the corner of your fingertips and your once perfectly smile faltered, while its not so visible to the human eye, he will see it, if he will come back to you.

⦁ But after his mother passing, he barely had anytime at all for his little past times, so one evening he came back to his room after a long day, the so little kyojuro wasn't so little anymore, you thought to yourself, he is growing and he is growing fast, you just wished you could see more of it.

⦁ And for the first in the long while, he saw you. even if you were always there when he came back, he finally saw you. he stood there for a bit, recalling all the memories with you. he felt guilty for leaving you all so suddenly, but life is demanding for his attention and his precious doll will have to wait for him to come back. "as long you come back, i will wait for you for eternity"- a foreign voice whispers to him in the corner of his mind. but that foreign voice doesn't sound all that foreign at all: it sounds familiar, like he heard it somewhere long ago before.

⦁ He came closer to his doll, to hold them and talk with them like he did all those years ago and for the first time in long a while he felt burden being lifted off his shoulders: being heard and seen even, even if it's by the doll. but his heart is telling him something different: like you are not just a doll, like you are more than that. but he doesn't know, neither does he has words to put his feelings to, so for now you will be just his beloved doll who makes him feel safe to express whatever is on his mind.

⦁ And so you became his safe place everytime he has a bad day, not so great mission or the house is more colder than usual, you're his place he goes to when his father is drinking his life once more, he wonders everytime why.

⦁ why he feels such a strange connection to you, maybe because it hold the memories of his mother? holding the memories of his father before he succumbed to his depression? or there is simply something about you he has yet to find out.

⦁ He tells you everything that's happening in demon slayer corps, from Tomioka saving a demon kid to a kamado being brave and standing up against Sanemi and defending his sister regardless of the consequences he may face and all while he goes off about his day from the corner of his eyes he swear your smile became little bigger and brighter, but when he turns you look like your usual doll self, he shrugged it off and continues on.

⦁ Before every mission he always make sure to hug you as a good luck charm, he hugged you a little tighter before he set off to catch on the train, he had a feeling something may go wrong, but he didn't let his thoughts consume him too much and remained positive.

⦁ If only that saved him.

⦁ He knew he was finished with his demon slayer career the second he saw his mother, but its okay, he saved everyone and sometimes sacrifices must be done for others to live on, right? he thought to himself, he didn't wanted to leave, he still got so much to look forward, he promised to three not-blood-related brothers he will train them to become stronger, he promised to Senjuro he will come back, he promised it to you.

⦁ Once he closed his eyes once and for all, he opened them again, but this time he is in different place, with his mother by his side, he sat up very quickly to hug her

⦁ "I missed you, mom"

⦁ "I missed you too, kyojuro" she smiled at her son as she hugged him back "but you still have someone to visit"

⦁ and before he knows it, he appeared in his room, he looked around and noticed his doll is nowhere to be seen, as he was ready to go and look around he heard a sniffle and a hiccup.

⦁ He follows the sound and sees his photo on the shrine next to his mother and his weeping brother, he ran up to try and comfort him but his hand went through him and that's when it actually hit him.

⦁ He is dead.

⦁ He is gone.

⦁ he can't comfort his brother anymore, he can only sit next to him hoping he will sense his presence and hopefully it will bring him some peace, while sitting next to Senjuro he finally saw his doll, sitting on the top of the shrine, beautiful as ever, but their expression seemed to be more, sad? how a doll can be sad? he thought to himself

⦁ "Because I'm not just a doll"

⦁ he wiped his head to the direction of the voice and there they were, in all their glory who looked exactly like his precious doll.

⦁ "what?" he asked while he looked back and to the person standing "I was real all along, just couldn't really talk to you through my porcelain crafted body" They smiled while looking at his still shocked expression, he then noticed something on his pinky, a red string!

⦁ connected to the person in front of him, who was his doll.

⦁ "I got trapped into a doll while trying to reborn and I couldn't escape" they kneeled beside him to honor his shrine "so that's why we didn't met this lifetime, but Kyojuro, your love set me free from the porcelain body and for that i must thank you" they looked at him once finished the prayer all meanwhile his mind is trying to put all the dots together.

⦁ "So was it you that i felt the presence of the entire time? and that whisper, was it all you?"

⦁ "it was, did I spooked you?"

⦁ "no! It was comforting actually, not to be alone, thank you" he smiles at you and then he made a shock expression "Oh! I almost forgot to ask, what's the person who been looking over me name?" his smile was ever so gentle even in death.

⦁ "I am Y/n" they smiled back at him

⦁ "Nice to meet you Y/n, you can call me Kyojuro and it sounds like we got a lot to catch up" He hummed in thought

⦁ "that we do, but for now, lets sit for a while, two presence is stronger than one, so I'm sure your brother will notice it and bring him some comfort" they said as they sit side by side.

⦁ Once Senjuro had calmed down and ready to go finish his chores without breaking down again, Y/n and Kyojuro are ready to move on, but before that Kyojuro wanted to say goodbye to his father, so he walked to his room and entered, and he saw something he didn't expected, his crying father, but no sake in sight

⦁ "I'm sorry Kyojuro, for not being there for you..." he said in the whisper, it's like if he will speak any louder the realization will hit him once more.

⦁ And with that he knew Senjuro will be taken care of "Take care of yourself, dad, me and mom will be waiting for you both, don't come too soon though!" He smiled for the last time as he went to Y/n to go further into afterlife. ⦁ "All set?" They asked

⦁ "Yeah, let's go!" he grabbed their hand and disappeared into nothing more but sakura petals.

⦁ Senjuro could swore to himself he heard his brother laugh from the distance, "he is okay" smiled as he thought to himself while looking up to the sky.

#rengoku #rengoku kyojuro #rengoku x reader #kny rengoku #rengoku kyōjurō #kyojuro #kny kyojuro #kyojuro x reader #kyojuro rengoku x reader #demon slayer kyojuro #demon slayer #that's my first fanfic #scary business

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eyes-closedmind-open · 10 months

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hey!! have a spring lockscreen with the loveliest boy huhuh <3

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eyes-closedmind-open · 10 months

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"LET ME PAY YOU!"

Pairing(s): kyojuro rengoku x reader

Synopsis: how kyojuro met his civilian wife

Genre: fluff

Warning(s): n/a

Kao's Notes: just something to put out there while i work on requests in the meantime :) enjoy! <3

"EXCUSE ME, MISS!"

"OH MY G—!" *BANG* "OW!"

you hit the top of your head on the bottom shelf of your stall as a loud voice rang through the night. you ran a popular food stall in the small, lovely town you call home. people loved coming by your food stall for the service, the food, and for a chance to talk with a beautiful lady. each day, you decided to try a new recipe, and everyone was eager to see what you'd be serving every day.

"forgive me," the loud voice called again. "it was not my intention to startle you!"

"i-it's alright." rubbing the crown of your head with a slight pout, you rose to look at the owner of said voice. "i–um–wasn't expecting many people to come by this late, so you caught me by surprise."

taking in the man's appearance, you quickly gathered he was a demon slayer. the distinct design of his haori, the nichirin blade at his hip, and the obvious uniform was a dead giveaway.

you smiled, "would you like something to eat while you're here? i'm making gyu kushi(beef skewers) on top of rice, along with some mochi tonight. you'd be the final person i'm serving!"

the man's smile nearly blinded you, "yes! i would appreciate that very much!"

"great!" his smile was so contagious. you couldn't help but to deliver one as well. "how many orders would you like?"

"that depends," he stated loudly, excitedly slamming his hands on the counter and smiling at you. "how many are you willing to make?!" that's...the first time you've received that response.

"o-oh...uh..." you looked beneath your stall again. "well, i could make the rest of my inventory for you..." you lifted your head to look at him with a nervous laugh. "although, it's a considerably large amount of food, sir."

he laughed, "if you are willing to make it, i am willing to eat it! and no need to call me, sir! i am rengoku kyojuro!" you couldn't stop yourself from laughing along.

"then i'll be happy to make it for you, rengoku-san!"

kyojuro watched you gather the ingredients and quickly get to work on prepping his food. it was clear this was like second nature to you. you worked so diligently and moved with unwavering certainty.

"so," you began as you continued cooking but kept your gaze on kyojuro. this caused the hashira to look at you. "what brings you by this late?"

"a mission," he stated proudly, his smile never leaving. "it is completed, but i always stop by to check on towns nearby!"

"well, that's nice of you," you stated before finishing his first plate of food and handing it to him. "here, have a taste before i make the rest."

he loudly thanked you before placing the beef skewer between his teeth, pulling one of the chunks of meat off with his teeth.

"TASTY!" another bite. "TASTY!" a bite of rice. "TASTY!" a bite of mochi. "TASTY!"

you clapped your hands in delight, overjoyed that the hashira found your food so tasteful.

"so, everything tastes okay? would you still like to have the rest, rengoku-san?" you asked, although you're sure you already knew the answer.

"yes! i would love the rest!" he began fishing around in his pocket. "how much would it be?!"

"oh no," you quickly shook your head and quickly began preparing the rest of the food with a content smile. "i never charge the slayers that pass through. it's the least i can do for you all."

"please!" he slammed a pouch of coins onto the counter, causing you to shriek at the loud noise. he leaned forward, eyes boring into you with conviction. "ALLOW ME TO PAY YOU!"

"i-it's no trouble, really!" you jumped back from the close proximity. he only leaned in closer.

"THIS AMOUNT OF FOOD WOULD SURELY MAKE A GREAT PROFIT FOR YOU!! LET ME PAY!!!"

"b-but, the sales i've made today are more than enough already!!!"

"TAKE MY MONEY!"

"i don't need to!!!"

you two continued back and forth like this as you finished cooking the remainder of his food, packaging them nicely in cute boxes, which only fueled his desire to pay you. as you had given him the last box, he beckoned you to him.

"if you will not let me pay," he placed his free hand on his hip. "then allow me to escort you home!"

placing a hand on your chin, you paused to mull it over. it was pretty late, and you did live on the other side of the town. even if it was small, it would grant enough time for a demon to stake its claim on you.

"alright," you finalized with a greatful nod. "sounds fair!"

on the way, you both engaged in a quiet, lovely conversation. topics ranging from your cooking, his work as a slayer(at least the parts he could tell you), or your childhood, the atmosphere around you was peaceful. now, the current subject of the conversation was family.

"yes, you're right," you respond with a smile as rengoku concluded a story about his little brother. "it can be difficult to care for little siblings. especially if the parent is...more or less present." you cringed at your lack of better term, but kyojuro didn't mind at all. "my parents, unfortunately, fell victim to a demon, so i understand."

"very much so, and i am sorry to hear that! my condolences to you!" he responded with a solemn nod before asking his next question. "i take it you have a sibling then?"

"mhm," you nodded with delight as you drew nearer to your house. "i am the eldest of seven."

"SEVEN?!" he immediately fished the pouch of coins back out before shoving it in your direction. "SUCH A LARGE FAMILY! NOW YOU REALLY MUST TAKE MY PAYMENT!!!"

"i told you already," you pushed it back toward him in defiance. "i don't need it!" he tossed the pouch towards you, leaving you no choice but to catch it. "hey! take it back!" you tried to hand the coin pouch back to him.

"my apologies," he exclaimed after using his other hand to hold the food as well, even though he didn't need to. his smile never faltered as he blatantly ignored your attempts to return his money. "but my hands are full! i can not hold anything else!"

"but you were carrying it one-handed this whole time! you can just–"

"my hands are full!"

"but–"

"i can not carRY ANYMORE!"

"ren–"

"IT IS A PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE REASON AS TO WHY YOU MUST KEEP IT!"

you gave up.

kyojuro–1

y/n–0

upon reaching your house, you turned face kyojuro and gave him a polite bow.

"thank you for walking me back, rengoku-san," you stood straight. "you really didn't have to...nor did you have to pay me."

"it was no trouble at all," he smiled down at you. "and please, call me kyojuro."

you opened the door, and entered the doorway to your home chorus of "NII-SAN" called out to you. fondly shaking your head at your siblings(who were supposed to be in bed by now), you turned back to the hashira and returned his smile.

"alright, well," you placed a gentle hand on one of your little brother's heads, who'd been tugging on your shirt to get your attention, and replied in a hushed voice. "goodnight, kyojuro. have a lovely evening, and please travel safely."

he visibly brightened once he heard his name fall from your lips, and a gentle smile was bestowed upon you.

"goodnight to you as well, and thank you."

as you closed the door, kyojuro happily went on his way but stopped. he couldn't believe he forgot such an important piece of information.

oh well, he'll simply have to find his way back to you because he never got your name.

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