(Masterpost)
He was not your lover by any means. Despite trembling legs and lithe hands, the small moments in between the fears of passion. Stolen glances from across the room. Quick kisses in dark halls. Tugging on his sleeve to stay just a little while longer in bed before the sun threatened to rise.
He pushed your damp hair back and kissed your forehead. Thumb traced slow circles on your shoulder until you fell asleep. He left when you were asleep.
You’d antagonize him about it.
Tease him back into bed the next night.
He’d be gone by morning.
Giyuu was hardly what you would call betrothed material. Too close to be friends, too distant to be lovers. Too involved to be nothing.
Why did it hurt when he called you nothing?
Tear welled up but dared not to fall. Your jaw tightened, “You harbored a demon in the corps Giyuu!”
Unfeeling glance over you as he turned away. “I hardly see how that’s your concern.”
“Do not upset me Giyuu,” You scoffed yet he didn’t stop walking away. You harshly gripped his shoulder. “You’re staking your life on that demon! And your master’s?! Have you lost your mind?!”
“You don’t have to worry about me-”
“Well I do!”
How could a man go from looking at you so softly to so empty now? You thought over time you’d gotten good at reading him. He stared at you with those same empty eyes he did everyone else.
“Answer me…” Your voice softened.
“I’ve already explained myself. I can’t help it if you’re unsatisfied. I’ll bear full responsibility for the Kamado siblings.”
A dark chuckled built up at the back of your throat. “Heavens above you are so dense.”
“I don’t understand why you’re upset.”
“Of course you don’t.” You laughed. “He made it through training, final selection and missions with a demon and you didn’t tell me!”
“Why should I tell you?!” He lashed back. Never once had Giyuu yelled at you before.
“Because!” You screamed. “If something happens to you what would I do?”
“You would be fine. There’s no reason to worry.”
“Why are you treating me like I’m overreacting?! Like there is no reason I wouldn’t be scared?!”
“There isn’t.”
“So there’s nothing between us now?”
Seconds felt like lifetimes as you waited for Giyuu to say something. Anything. Your fist balled at your side. He stood silently.
Your voice trembled, “Tell me.”
He stood silently.
“Tell me we’re nothing. Look at me Giyuu.”
Unmistakable blue met your eyes. In a dull tone he answered. “There’s nothing.”
You slapped him. The stinging to your hand was nothing compared to the stabbing in your chest.
That was the last time you two spoke.
✧ ₊˚.⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ♡ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ♡ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
The Master’s mansion was lively this morning. You placed what was left of your report on the table left. Normally you wouldn’t have to but, life has been anything but normal since Kamado. You’d hope to slip out unnoticed but faith wouldn’t let you have such luck.
You avoided the main garden exit as to not interrupt the Hashira. Choosing to go out of the lesser used side but of course by some miracle there he was. Dark hair tied back, half patterned haori. For a moment it looked like Giyuu was going to speak to you but you simply walked past him without even so much as a glance.
You moved through Hashira training pretty quickly, one of the few to finish early. Still not out on mission you enjoyed your small window of free time. You thanked chef as you paid for your lunch. Faith’s cruel hand had rested on you again, colliding directly with Giyuu on the way out.
You instinctively stepped back to catch yourself but Giyuu had already grabbed onto your waist. This familiar scene…
You quickly righted yourself before bowing to him. “Thank you, Tomioka.”
Kamado smiled. “Don’t be, it was our fault.”
Giyuu seemed in a daze. Frozen in place in the awkward spacing between you. “What..?” He asked, barely above a whisper.
You bowed to them both again and slipped out the door.
From dawn to dusk, you couldn’t shake the feeling of something following you. You turned down winding alleyways, between restaurants and store fronts. Reaching a secluded area you drew your sword ready to strike what was behind you.
Giyuu stood, hands in the air yet, unafraid. You sneered, “Here to rub it in?”
He said nothing.
First time seeing him in so long and your patience was wearing thin. “If that’s all I’m leaving now.”
You sheathed your blade. He reached for you but you pulled away. “Can I help you, Tomioka?”
“You don’t call me that…” he said.
“That’s your name.” You tutted at the absurdity of him.
“Not to you-”
“Last time I checked, I was nothing to you Tomioka.” Venom dripped from your lips. “If you excuse me-”
“You cut your hair.”
A strained laugh escaped you. “Thank you for the compliment, how kind! Can I go now?!”
“Please, it’s been a while. I wanted to know-”
“No.” You snapped. “That’s not your concern. You don’t get to throw me away and pick me up again when you’re bored.”
“That’s not what-”
“Or are you here to gloat? Your demon girl didn’t eat anyone and can be in the sun! Kamado manifested a mark! Congratulations Tomioka, good job!” You gave him a sympathetic round of applause.
Those damned blue eyes scanned over you. What was he hoping to find? Tears? Remorse? Regret? “I hurt you, I should have worded myself better. I’m sorry.”
“No need. You meant what you said. So did I. I’ve already let you go Tomioka.” You pushed past him with little resistance.
Too far to be friends, too broken to be strangers. It’s better to be nothing at all.
✧ ₊˚.⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ♡ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ ♡ ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
If I go see Infinity Castle I will make a part 2. I play with continuity and timeline like dolls tbh. Canon compliant (if you squint).
