"He wondered if your silences came from the same kind of fear that had ruled so much of his early life, the urge to stay invisible, quiet, and out of harm's way."
✦ Pairing — [Giyu x Reader]
✦ Rating — T
✦ Warnings/Tropes - [Protective Giyu, Runaway Reader, Yoshiwara District, Oiran Reader, Artist Reader, Hurt/Comfort, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Badass Giyu, Giyu is Bad at Feelings, He Thinks Love is a Fever, Touch-Starved, He literally buys her freedom, Mutual Pining]
✦ Status — In Progress
✦ Summary ✦
Escaping the Yoshiwara district as a runaway Oiran was supposed to be a death sentence. You were prepared for the harsh wilderness to take you out, but you weren't prepared for Tomioka Giyu.
After a chance encounter in a hollowed-out camphor tree during a storm, the famously stoic Water Hashira decides to become your personal protector. Now, he's determined to buy your freedom and escort you to a safe haven, even if it means fighting his way through every mercenary in the city.
——— ✦ ———
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✦ THE MAIN UNIVERSE ✦ Love my writing? Check out my Gothic Romantasy novel— Liquid Sunlight.
"Fuck." I said aloud as I realize the egg was ruined. I tossed it into the basket with the dozen others I had made poorly. I couldn't serve her this trash. I needed everything to be perfect. Or close to it anyway.
I don't think she realizes it, but before she fell asleep she told me she loved me.
More surprisingly, it made me feel all fluttery and shit inside.
I'm not gonna say I feel the same. But, it felt good to hear. And I had a dream about her. And woke up happy to see her. Now here I am trying to make her the best damn breakfast she's ever had.
She's not too bad. Not as irritating as she used to be. Gorgeous.
I released the breath that built up in me. I don't have time for these feelings and shit.
Great, this egg is finally perfect. I thought to myself.
I carefully placed it on top of her dish. This would help her with her healing. She needs to eat well.
I grabbed our bowls and walked to my bedroom. We could eat in bed. Something she's newly got me doing.
I walked in through the already opened door to see she was still sleeping.
I sat our bowls on the small table I had in the room and then kneeled beside her on the bed.
"Hey, wake up Siren. I've got food for you." I told her lightly laughing at the nickname.
She stirred lightly. Letting out a small stretch with a cute little smile on her face before opening her eyes. I just knew she was going to say something steamy. I found myself looking forward to it.
When our eyes locked I smiled, ready to hear whatever stupid compliment she had.
I was so caught off guard by the look in her eye that I didn't register that she had sat up and punched me.
"What the fuck?"
She punched me again, and this time I knew her hand broke.
"What are you doing?" I asked catching her arm by the wrist before she could hit me, and hurt herself again.
She got up in a frenzy and grabbed the table, the food I worked so hard on falling to the ground, and then threw it at me.
What the fuck! I thought.
"Did I do something wrong? What happened? What's the matter?" I asked her. I was so confused. She was smiling when I woke her but when she looked at me it all changed. I don't think I did anything wrong. So I don't know why she's so upset with me.
"Y/N?"
She grabbed the chopsticks that fell on the floor and charged at me. I snatched the chopsticks out of her hands then I grabbed her arms to stop her from approaching me.
"What's going on Y/N?"
She screamed.
I dropped the chopsticks and my arms. Now trying to observe her. She was hitting me anywhere and everywhere. I realized she was still hitting with the broken hand and snapped out of it.
There was clearly something wrong. That hurts like hell and there's no way she'd just be hitting me with her broken hand. She's clearly not in her right mind. Could she be sleep walking? I thought.
"Hey. Sweets? You in there?" I asked reaching out to touch her face.
Just for a moment, she faltered. She blinked slowly once, twice, and then she snapped again.
She bit my hand. It probably wasn't a good idea to put it on her face but I didn't think that far ahead.
She bit me like she was trying to take a chunk out of it. I tried to get her to let go by trying to shake my hand out but she wouldn't let go.
I was starting to feel really stressed. I didn't want to hurt her, but getting my hand out of her grip would require me to force her jaw open.
"Y/N....please." I said, growing more exasperated the more pain I felt from her bite as she had broken the skin already.
I grabbed her wrists with my free hand. Finally preventing her from hitting me.
"I'm sorry." I told her before knocking her unconscious. It felt less extreme than forcing her mouth open. She fell right into me, her jaws slack now.
I ran my thumb across her bottom lip, wiping the blood she drew from my hand away. I began to feel something like sadness in my chest looking down at her face. I was feeling so guilty for hitting her. I picked her up and then laid her back in the bed, before I cleaned up the mess.
While in the kitchen I made more food for her. She would really need to eat.
Whatever is going on with her I hope the sleep helps.
————
I sat anxiously in the sitting room while I listened to her wake up.
"Ouch." She mumbled. I could imagine her rubbing her jaw. I really should have done it a different way. I can't believe I hit her.
"Sanemi, where are you?" Her songbird voice, slightly scratchy, called out.
"Out here. I'll be right back, just go ahead and eat."
"I don't feel so well." She replied after a few seconds. "My hand looks swollen."
"Hurts actually." She added after a few beats of silence.
I released the breath I was holding. "Do you remember what happened before you went back to sleep?"
"No. What do you mean?" She asked. Her tone one of confusion.
"Okay, well eat your food and I'll be in there in a second okay? I'll refresh your memory."
"Okay." She said.
I sighed.
She'll eat and I won't get beaten. Sounds like she's back to herself as well. That was so weird. I don't know what happened earlier. Maybe she was sleepwalking.
"You done?" I called after maybe 10 minutes, looking at the doorway in case she got up.
"Yeah." She called back. "I thought you were coming back."
"I am." I braced myself before getting off of the couch. I was hesitant to face her again.
"When?"
"Now."
"Okay." She answered.
I walked quickly to the door and peaked in, stepping back just before she noticed me.
One final breath.
"Did you like your food?" I asked her fully stepping into the room.
"Yes! It was inc-". She stopped talking the moment she laid eyes on me.
It's like all the light left her eyes and she just flipped again.
I took a step back, feeling anxious and sick. She's already harboring a broken hand, something is definitely wrong.
There are no words to describe what I felt when her eyes zeroed in on my sword in the corner of the room.
My speed had never been an issue. Ever. But I felt like I was moving in slow motion trying to stop her. I made it to her just in time of her grabbing it, and was holding onto her wrist and the sheath, keeping her from pulling the sword out.
"Sorai!"
"Caw! Yes?"
"Get Gyomei here would you? I need someone to get her to the butterfly mansion for me."
"Yes. I'm on it."
I knew my crow would get the message delivered quickly but would it be quick enough that I wouldn't have to hurt her again?
She struggled against my grip, never once relaxing her hold on my sword.
"I need you to stop Doll." I told her quietly.
Her response was a grunt.
"Let go please." I said, pushing her hand holding the hilt, so the sword would go back inside the case.
A menacing snarl left her mouth, taking me aback. It didn't sound like her and was so foreign.
I snatched my sword from her, and tossed it to the side then grabbed both her wrists in one hand. I pushed her against the wall. Her hands were now raised above her head, kept in place with my grip.
She wasted no time snapping at me, trying to bite me again. I grabbed her jaw with my free hand, pressing firm enough to hold her head in place against the wall, ceasing her movements.
I looked in her eyes. She clearly was not there. I felt infuriated and relieved all at once.
"Who the fuck are you?" I murmured mostly to myself.
She was lost. There was nothing but blinding rage in those eyes that used to look at me with adoration.
I hated whatever did this to her. She didn't deserve to be lost. Detached from her own thoughts.
My grip loosened unconsciously. She took full advantage, attempting to head butt me.
I sighed.
"I'm so sorry Songbird." I said.
I could feel her body almost trembling, trying to break free with all the strength she had in her body.
"I'll fix this for you. I'll get this fixed."
Of course there was no change in her reaction. She was still trying to hurt me, no thought or desire stronger apparently.
As I waited for help to arrive I could tell she was becoming restless. I don't know if she was fighting to gain control or what but she started to make grunting noises, her eyes watery and red. She was most likely uncomfortable.
I let go of her arms and almost immediately she tried choking me.
"Sorry." I mumbled as I grabbed her wrists, and pulled her hands from my neck. There was no part of me that wanted to be rough with her.
I was so worried about hurting her, I didn't recognize I was leaving myself open in other ways until her teeth clamped down on the tendon between my neck and shoulder.
Now how the hell am I supposed to get her off without hurting her? I thought as I tensed up. She was trying to break skin, that's for sure, any minute now she'd draw blood. Again!
"Stop please." I said placing my hand on the side of her face.
Nothing. Still no sign of her.
I could feel the separation growing from where she was starting to tear between the muscle.
"Sorry." I muttered before knocking her out again.
I couldn't stop myself from gently kissing her forehead apologetically.
Her weight now slumped against me, I laid her down slowly onto the bed. It was like dejavu.
————
I'm not sure how much time passed but the footsteps outside the door told me it wasn't who it should've been. My gaze was already on the door when Genya came into view.
"What the fuck are you doing here! Where's Gyomei?"
"He was busy so he sent me instead."
"Absolutely not. Sorai I need someone else!"
"I'd like to help. I- I'm here."
"No." My mind was racing thinking of who I could get. Then it hit me, the answer was obvious really. Her roommates. They could stay with her until I can get Kocho here.
But it would probably be hard to get them to leave after.
I sighed as I realized that wasn't gonna work for me.
Maybe beef brain. Or one of his wives maybe.
The gentle stirring from her caught my attention. I was running out of time. And if my theory was correct I needed to be out of here before she saw me.
Fuck!
I stood quickly, and grabbed my sword, pushing Genya out of my doorway and into the living room.
"Listen here idiot. If anything happens to her I'll kill you. All you need to do is make sure she's comfortable and safe. Don't let her leave. Keep your fucking hands to yourself. If she tries to attack you, let her. Suck it up and take it, don't you dare lay a finger on her. Don't even slightly raise your voice at her. Protect her with your fucking life if it comes to it. Got that?"
Genya nodded frantically, his eyes wide.
"Say it!"
"I've got it. I promise."
I grabbed him by the hem of his vest. "I will kill you if anything happens to her."
"Yes I understand."
I threw him to the side before leaving.
I couldn't worry. I didn't want to anyway. These feelings were making me uncomfortable and reminding me why I don't do this. It's way too much. If Shinobu can't help us I would never be able to live it down. Whatever is wrong has to be my fault. I know it.
—————
"Sanemi..." you mumbled. Your head was throbbing and your hand was feeling heavy but almost numb. It was the strangest sensation.
"Uh...um. Hi. Er he's not here." A voice answered coming from the doorway.
Your body tensed up at the sound of the unfamiliar voice. You didn't know what was happening and you began crying and shaking uncontrollably. You couldn't see your hands in front of you through the blur of your tears.
"I'm sorry." The voice spoke out.
"Where is he?" You managed to get out without stuttering.
"He left to get you help."
"Who are you?" You sniffled.
"I'm Genya Shinazugawa. I'm....his brother." He hesitated.
You remembered Sanemi insisted he didn't have a brother. You were in pain, you were confused, you didn't know what was happening but you knew Sanemi wouldn't leave you alone unless he really had to. Not after last night.
You wiped your tears away with your good hand. Despite the trepidation in your heart, you turned your head to look at him.
This Genya was standing near the door way. The steady afternoon light from the window basking him in a warm glow that allowed you to see him clearly.
You felt relieved seeing his face. He looked so much like Sanemi. Down to the scars on his face, you could tell he was his brother. This helped you feel at ease despite seeing the weaponry on his hips. You recognized the similarity between his outfit and the one Sanemi wore for work, although he was wearing a purple vest over his.
"Hi Genya. I'm y/n."
He nodded stiffly, but then bowed quickly. "It's nice to meet you."
You smiled, noticing both hesitance and nervousness in his actions. The fact that Sanemi denied having a sibling, is likely the reason he didn't seem comfortable. Or it could simply be because you're a stranger.
"Do you know what happened?" You asked him quietly. You were no longer shaking. Feeling a significant ease compared to when you first heard his voice.
He shook his head no. Genya had no idea what happened with you and why Sanemi wanted Gyomei to look after you.
He could see that you were in distress and clearly injured but that's all from observation. He had nothing else to go on.
"You don't?" He asked you.
"No. I just remember waking up a little while ago I think, I don't really know when. Eating, and now I just woke up again. I don't know. Maybe I have a concussion."
He hummed in response to your statement. That could very well be true. "Your hand is broken." He stated. "Do you know how that happened?"
You looked at your hand surprised. That would explain the strange sensation going on with it right now. It was obviously swollen. You don't remember it being broken when Sanemi came to get you, but you were so out of it then, it could've slipped your mind.
"No." You replied.
There was a long stretch of silence before either of you spoke. "I think I have to use the bathroom." You told him.
You could see the surprise in his eyes. "Do you n-need help?"
"Just getting up I think." You answered. Your body felt heavy. If your hand wasn't broke you would probably crawl to the bathroom.
He walked over to you and held his hand out. You placed your free hand in his, feeling pain radiate throughout. You winced but still pulled yourself up. You really did need help you thought as you took your slow supported steps. Once you reached the door you carefully let go.
"Thanks." You mumbled as you walked into the bathroom closing the door behind you. Inside you did your best but felt really sluggish. Washing your hands was difficult too but you made it through without shedding many tears.
When you opened the door Genya walked over to you and held his hand out. You took it and smiled.
"Thank you."
"Welcome." He responded.
"Can we go to the living room. I like to sit on those fancy couches your brother has." You joked. You've told Sanemi before that he was boujie for having western styled furniture instead of what's traditionally found around here. His response of course was just an eye roll.
Genya lead you to the living room but didn't say anything. Once you sat down you were inclined to tell him he could have a seat, or do whatever he wanted but you stopped yourself. Knowing Sanemi he'd probably tell him the exact opposite.
"So, Genya are you a demon slayer too?"
"Yeah."
"Is it like a family...thing?"
"No." His eyes widened.
"I'm sorry, that was a stupid question to ask." You apologized. You probably shouldn't ask anything about family or demons.
"Did your brother say how long he would be?"
"No." Genya answered.
You nodded, mostly to yourself.
After a few minutes of silence between you, Genya finally spoke.
"I know it's not my place to ask, but are you and my- I mean Sanemi, together?"
You laughed lightly. "I wish. But no. We are kind of friends though." After a couple beats of silence you added. "We'll, scratch that. We are definitely friends."
"Oh wow."
"Yeah, but I forced him to be my friend. Which you could probably guess." You snorted.
You didn't know this right away but your candidness about yourself and Sanemi made Genya feel relaxed and comfortable. He'd even share with you what caused the riff between he and Sanemi. You felt bad for both of them to be navigating this scary world without fully having one another.
You were a bit overjoyed to be getting some snippets into how Sanemi was as a child. It surprised you that Genya was sharing as he didn't strike you as a talkative or open person. You took it as him needing to talk about it. Needing to reminisce on the positive relationship they had before.
"I feel like I've talked for hours. I'm sorry for rambling."
"Oh no, don't be. I enjoyed it. I feel like I know you now and it's been a pleasure. You're here to look out for me, the least I could do is listen to you talk." You smiled.
He returned the smile and nodded lightly. "Are you um, hungry or anything?" He asked.
"Only a little. You?"
"Only a little." He mocked.
"Well, I'll make you something. I'm sure San has food in here."
"Oh no, it's no worry-"
"I'm feeding you Genya." You cut him off with a smile but pointing your finger at him to let him know you were serious.
He smiled a shy smile and nodded.
————
You were placing the final tray of food on the table when you heard Sanemi return home.
"I just cooked! I hope that's fine." You semi shouted out to Sanemi. You figured it wouldn't be a problem but you wanted to mess with him anyway.
Shinobu walked into the room first.
"Hi, I wish I could say it was nice to see you again."
You nodded. You know what she meant. "I'm sorry to cause you more work."
She seemed to be waiting for something, which you assumed was Sanemi since he hadn't appeared yet. You also noted that Genya became visibly tense and had not touched his food yet.
Sanemi slowly walked into the room, his eyes down.
He seemed tense as well, but also defeated maybe? Something was off.
You stared at him until he looked up at you.
"Hi." You said. Finally smiling now that you made eye contact.
His eyes widened slightly, his mouth opening. It's like he was shocked. He looked at Shinobu and then quickly back at you.
Your head tilted to one side you asked, "cat got your tongue?"
Something akin to a dry laugh left his mouth before he rushed over to you. He dropped to his knees and grabbed your face with both hands. His eyes searched yours fervently.
"It's you." He said.
"Yes. What's wr-"
His lips captured yours in a desperate kiss. You were surprised, frozen in your spot. He was kissing you in front of people.
Sanemi.
On his own.
As much as you wanted to just kiss him back you were starting to worry.
Pulling back, but resting your hand on his face you asked, "what's going on? Did I do something?"
"I'll explain in a little while." He said laying his hand on top of yours, lightly leaning into your touch.
You nodded and kissed him quickly, stealing one of your own.
"May I?" Shinobu interjected softly.
Sanemi stood, kissing your hand before dropping it to move out of Shinobu's way. You sat still as she took Sanemi's spot in front of you. She pulled some small vial out of her pocket, and took your injured hand. She poured a couple droplets on the top of your hand, placed the vial down and then began to rub the mixture in gently. The pain in your hand was still mostly numbed but you could feel much less the more she rubbed into your skin.
Almost casually she began popping bones back into place you guess. You could only move your thumb on this hand while you cooked and assumed you sprained it. You still couldn't remember your hand being damaged.
"There appears to be only one simple break, there was mostly dislocation. You'll have to keep your hand wrapped for atleast 2 weeks."
"Okay." You answered.
"Now could you look at me."
You followed her instruction. You didn't flinch when she leaned very close to your face, unblinking and staring into your eyes.
"How do you feel about Sanemi?" She asked suddenly.
"What the hell?" Sanemi practically barked.
"Mm...I like him very much." You smiled, unphased by the question.
"Would you ever hurt him?"
"Never." You replied.
"But you did."
Your brows furrowed in confusion. "I did not."
"You did. Today. Don't you remember?"
You opened your mouth to speak and then closed it. You honestly don't remember much. Just waking up a couple times, eating, and then the time that was just spent with Genya.
"No." Was all you answered.
"You tried to kill him."
Your heart dropped to your stomach. You looked away from Shinobu to Sanemi. The look on his face, plus his silence told you what you needed to know. The only other surprised person in the room was Genya. Eyes wide and mouth agape.
"I would never....do that." Your voice fading as you finished the sentence. You didn't know what to say, and you couldn't remember even remotely.
At the end of the day, you weren't strong enough to kill Sanemi. That made you feel better. Whatever you did probably caused him no harm. Right?
"How?" You asked.
"His sword." She answered.
"Why?" You asked now. Your voice a whisper.
"Well....you're possessed."
This time, your heart jumped into your throat. You couldn't describe the terror you felt if you tried.
After a minute of you not speaking at all, Sanemi spoke up.
"Could you explain what we have to do to change that."
"Yes so one, we need to find the demon that did this to you. If we kill it you're free from its hold.
Or, we could possibly treat the infiltration site, and when that's healed his hold should be released."
You heard what she said. You just couldn't respond. Shock would be an understatement.
"Treated how?" Sanemi asked.
"Medicines of course." Shinobu replied. "How does that sound?" She spoke to you. Although her tone never changed, her eyes softened as she watched you, waiting on some type of response.
"Okay." Was all you said.
"I'll get started on some medicines. It may not be a smooth process but we want you comfortable. Further we would have to make sure you're safe and this demon can't find you again. I would want you to come to the butterfly mansion."
You haven't seen your friends in a couple of days you think, you really don't know how long it's been since you were attacked. The thought of them not knowing what was going on with you when you could be gone for who knows how long, just didn't feel right.
"Can I go home first?" You asked.
"I'm afraid not tonight. It may be a risk for you to be outside with the sun down. You're safest right here for the time being with us, or at the butterfly mansion. Maybe if things go well tomorrow I can allow you to stop at home before coming to the mansion."
Shinobu left with the promise to see you tomorrow.
Genya was still sitting at the table, food untouched.
He felt like he was encroaching but was also perplexed by the news. He didn't know if his duty was done or if he was needed.
"I-"
"You can leave." Sanemi said to Genya as if he was just reminded of his presence.
Genya was taken aback but nodded anyhow.
"That was rude lover. Genya, you're fine. You can finish your food and take your time." You told him. Some fire back in your eyes. You hated to hear Sanemi speak to Genya that way knowing how much Genya just wants to make him proud.
Sanemi's eyes softened as he looked at you.
"You can join us, I made enough for everyone." You told him, turning to face the table.
Sanemi said nothing as he sat his sword down and sat down beside you. He started to eat and kept his eyes on his food.
Genya slowly started to eat as well. More timid and tense than you've seen him in your short time together.
Your mind wanted to replay the conversation you just had, but you kept it at bay. You knew you would feel terror and overwhelmed which you didn't want. You just wanted to be okay. To live a normal life, to feel good, to have fun.
Getting possessed was not what you had in mind.
What a short and depressing life you've lived huh?
"You're not eating." Sanemi said.
You picked up a piece of fish and dropped it after a few seconds. Tears prickling your eyes. You couldn't eat. You felt sick to your stomach with worry and fear.
"San....your brother-"
"I don't have a brother."
You sighed. "Genya deserves to have his brother in his life. You deserve to-"
"Don't." Sanemi huffed.
"Please. I don't want you to be alone."
"Woman, what are you talking about?" He turned his body to face you, his fist now clenched in frustration. "Why would I be alone huh? You thinking of going somewhere?"
You were caught off guard. Your mouth dropping open, leaving you floundering like a fish.
"I-"
"You what? Thinking about giving up? Hmm? When it hasn't even been 24 fucking hours? We haven't tried to fix it yet, but you're throwing in the towel? Just made a fucking plan and it means nothing? You feeling defeated already? Suck it the fuck up. You're not going anywhere."
"Eat your food." He added before turning back and angrily chomping on his own.
A part of you felt a spark lighting within you. You could have a more positive attitude. The other part didn't understand even remotely how you could come out of this situation.
You tried eating the rice. Successfully eating 2 spoons.
"I uh-should get going." Genya spoke up.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. It was a um, pleasure, meeting you and helping you." He said stacking his dishes back together.
"Likewise. Please take care. I hope I can see you again soon." You replied standing when he did. He was slightly confused when you approached him but was absolutely flabbergasted when you hugged him.
"Thank you so much." You added grabbing his hand. "I'll walk you out."
Genya could only nod. He had to ignore the daggers Sanemi glared at him.
Genya bowed to you after putting on his shoes. "Please be well Miss y/l/n."
"You too." You smiled and waved back.
Once he disappeared through the gate you closed the door back. Turning around you saw Sanemi walking out of the kitchen.
"You got a crush on my kid brother or something?"
Instead of entertaining his foolish question you walked over to him and hugged him. He immediately wrapped his arms around you, hugging you back.
"Can we sit out back?" You asked him.
"Unfortunately, no. You shouldn't be outside tonight. Just in case."
Your embrace dropped causing Sanemi to grab your arms and pull them up around his neck.
"I have a better idea."
"What?"
"You know what." He smirked.
You of course laughed. He was so attractive, and the spontaneity and joking he's been doing lately was so good. He's a natural.
"Okay." You replied.
"That's my girl." It was pathetic the way something so small had you clenching around nothing. Eager to have him over such small praise.
————
Sanemi insisted on giving you a massage afterwards. He wanted you to stay relaxed and at ease no matter what.
You were laying on your back with your foot in his lap as he rubbed soothing patterns on your calf and around your ankle.
"You have beautiful skin." He told you.
"Thank you." You replied.
"Beautiful legs, beautiful body, beautiful face."
You smiled more. Heart truly fluttering at the repetitive compliments from him.
"You're being so sweet San."
He rolled his eyes playfully, switching to your other leg.
You laughed at his fake attitude and tried to let yourself sink further into the mattress.
"What are you thinking about?" Sanemi asked.
"You."
"What about me?"
You contemplated whether you should actually tell him or not. You watched him, as you mulled over your thoughts. His face was neutral. He stared back waiting on you to tell him.
"You deserve so many good things." You paused, gauging his reaction.
He remained neutral, and didn't say anything.
"I think, you're amazing, and you're a great person, and always have been. Learning about your past I realize that you care so deeply about the people you love. You just want everybody to be safe. It's made me so much more attracted to you. I admire you. And I'm happy I got to meet you, and know you. Thank you for letting me."
Sanemi was listening while fighting every urge to withdraw from your praise with a smart remark. It made him feel good about himself. Like he was worthy of such praise. It felt foreign. Shocking. At the end however is when he felt displeased with your statement.
"Why does it sound like you're saying goodbye?" Sanemi asked you.
You've been around Sanemi long enough to know that he was upset. You could see that he was holding it back, and you appreciated that. You didn't want him mad at you. You didn't want to upset him. You meant every word you said, and you could understand why he was peeved.
"I'm not lover." You smiled. Ignoring the lump in your throat.
His eyes narrowed as he watched you. They were fiery and didn't lose any intensity as he sat your leg down on the bed and leaned forward. He slid his hand beneath your back and easily lifted you up so you were face to face.
"You don't get to lie to me."
You were tempted to tell him you weren't. While this wasn't your goodbye, it was implied. It was the start of your goodbye. You didn't think you would comeback from this. It was so bizarre. You didn't want to be defeated but having no memory at all of what happened made you feel like you had already lost a piece of yourself.
You nodded your head.
"You are going to get through this, and get back to normal. I'm going to help make sure you get back. I'm fighting for you. You need to fight too. Got that?" He asked you,
"Yeah." You replied.
"I'll get you back." He said aloud but it felt like he was speaking to himself.
Although you weren't feeling positive about the outcome, you knew Sanemi would try. He didn't seem the type to half ass anything, so if he said it, you knew he would do everything in his power to make it happen. He's never told you anything he didn't mean.
You settled on a half truth.
"I believe you."
—————
You woke up expecting to see Sanemi but was instead greeted by a horribly destroyed room. Your head was ringing and you were certain something bad happened.
"San." You called out standing slowly from the mattress.
"Hey. Um, he's not here right now." Genya responded to you, his voice floating from the living room.
"Did I? You know?" You asked walking carefully to the doorway.
"Yeah. I'm here to walk you to the Butterfly Mansion."
You nodded your head solemnly. "Okay." You took your time to change, not wanting to make the pounding in your head any worse. Genya said nothing as he waited for you.
You eventually met him in the doorway, ready for your trip.
The walk began quietly as your mind raced wondering when you'd get back to normal. Genya remained silent, not wanting to be a nuisance. He had a little trouble with it, being that he felt anxiety for you. He felt like you were going to be a friend to him; you had defended him. He wanted to be of help to you too.
He could tell you were in your head, but he didn't know how to help you. He didn't know how to distract you. He didn't know what he should say.
Once you made it to the butterfly mansion Genya stayed with you until you got settled. You were placed in a room separate from others healing. You were instructed to wait for Shinobu to arrive.
"Is there anything I can get you, or do for you?" Genya asked after you sat down on the bed.
You shook your head.
"Would it be okay if I visited you during this process?"
"Of course!" Genya noted this was the first time you smiled since you woke up.
He nodded and slightly bowed to you. "I'll give you some space. But I'll see you again soon."
"Thanks Genya."
You watched silently as he left the room. He was a sweet kid. Despite his rough disposition he had good intentions. You laughed to yourself at the similarity to his brother.
A knock on the door stopped your thoughts.
"Come in." You said.
"Hi. How are you feeling?" Shinobu jumped right in as she walked into the room.
"Sad." You answer truthfully.
"I'm sorry. I can understand that." She replied. "I was able to curate a medicine that I believe will help to minimize the effects left on you by the demon. Now we just have to find the site."
You nodded. Releasing a breath you hadn't realized you were holding.
"I will have too look over your whole body. Will that be okay?"
"Yes." You answered.
"I believe the mark will be somewhere you wouldn't normally look or pay close attention to. Possibly the back of your foot, or maybe behind a knee. They wouldn't want it to be visible."
"Okay." You mumbled.
"You can lay in bed or you can stand. What's your preference?"
"I'll lay down." You replied getting fully on the bed and laying on your back.
Shinobu was gentle and quick. "Ok could you turn over please?" She asked. Once you laid on your stomach, she lightly grazed your neck. You squirmed a bit feeling a slight discomfort.
She caught this, and leaned closer. After a long minute she spoke. "Found it." She lightly pressed on your neck making you tense up.
"I'm going to apply some medicine here." She added.
It felt weird. Touching the area sent waves of uneasiness through your body, but when she applied the medicine it was painful. Down to your nerves. Every nerve ending felt like it was on fire.
When she finished she asked if you were okay. You told her no.
"It feels like I'm burning."
"That means it's working. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can get you in the mean time?"
"Sanemi?"
"Oh yes, he's eager to see you, but I think we've figured out the problem. You see, when you look at him, you snap. Or I should say, the possession takes over. He can greet you outside the door, but I'm afraid you can't see face to face until tomorrow. We need to keep the trigger at minimum.
"Okay." You replied.
She bowed politely before leaving the room.
Just a couple of minutes later you heard a knock at the door.
"It's me." Sanemi's voice called out.
"Hi." You responded sitting up.
"How are you feeling."
"Really weird honestly. I think I'm gonna lose it San. I feel like I'm going crazy."
"I understand. What can I do?
"I don't know." You sighed.
There was a brief pause of silence. "I'm sorry." He told you.
You got up and walked to the door, leaning your head against it.
"Me too." You replied. "I miss you." You added after a few seconds.
"I miss you too. So fucking much." There was an audible bang against the door. You imagined it was his fist.
"I want to see you."
"You will. Real soon. Okay?"
You nodded. You knew he couldn't see you but it was all you could manage.
"I'll be here everyday. Until you can come back to me."
"You promise?"
It was selfish to want him to promise to spend his free time here with a door between you, but any decency you had was nonexistent right now.
warnings : virgin reader!, afab reader!, established relationship, service dom!(dub if you squint) yoriichi
Authors note: I wrote this AGES ago so please excuse the horrendous writing
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Yoriichi is the definition of a gentle giant, hes so gentle with you for your first time. Whether you are a virgin or not, he'll still ask for your ok, where you want him, does it feel good and "is this okay?". God he tries so hard to hold back, especially when he first slips into your pussy, hes in euphoria. Yoriichi knows he’s big, and he just doesn’t want to hurt you :(. He wants you to be comfortable the whole time but you notice hes tense doing so.
Although...you soon noticed after a while the way he bites his lip and stops pushing into you halfway, you decide to coo his name. He almost cums when you tell him its okay. Though he reassures you hes fine, judging by the small dots of blood under his lip, you weren’t buying it. (Baby just doesn’t want you to hear how loud he actually is <3). You cooed at his trembling form again, telling him you want him to fuck you, that you want him to feel good with you. And fuck he almost whines at that, burying himself into your neck and begins to push the rest of his cock into you with a loud moan.
It was so worth it, his soft moans were so pretty, you love the way he squeezes your hand when he cums.
"Every man you had ever known would have raised his voice, demanded your obedience, or forcibly grabbed your arm to make you follow. Giyu just waited."
✦ Pairing — [Giyu x Reader]
✦ Rating — T
✦ Warnings/Tropes - [Protective Giyu, Runaway Reader, Yoshiwara District, Oiran Reader, Artist Reader, Hurt/Comfort, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Badass Giyu, Giyu is Bad at Feelings, He Thinks Love is a Fever, Touch-Starved, He literally buys her freedom, Mutual Pining]
✦ Table of Contents
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Chapter Two: A Minor Detour
The heavy rain lashed against the ancient camphor tree for hours, a relentless drumbeat that eventually lulled your exhausted body into a restless sleep. You curled tightly around your canvas sack, resting your head against the rough bark of the hollow.
Across the small enclosed space, Giyu remained still. He didn’t need sleep. The night was his domain, the specific time when the real monsters prowled the earth. He was accustomed to the dark, to the biting chill of a damp uniform, and to the heavy burden of staying vigilant while others rested.
As the long hours stretched on, Giyu allowed his mind to settle into a calm, meditative state, though his sharp blue eyes occasionally drifted toward your sleeping form. He watched your face, now relaxed but still carrying the harsh ghost of the terror you had exhibited earlier.
A tiny sense of gratitude washed over him in the darkness. The salted salmon onigiri you offered had been a small gesture, but he was genuinely hungry after his messy mission, and the unexpected kindness resonated with him. He had nothing to offer you in return, only his silent protection from the shadows.
His gaze fell briefly to your right wrist, hidden beneath the oversized sleeve of your stolen uniform. A twinge of guilt pricked at his conscience. When you lunged at him with that hairpin, he had reacted on pure survival instinct, grabbing your bare skin with enough force to instantly neutralise a perceived threat. He knew his own raw strength. He sincerely hoped he hadn’t left a bruise on your soft skin. He was a Hashira trained to obliterate demons, not to manhandle frightened runaways seeking shelter.
And you were undeniably running from something terrible. He didn’t know the specifics of your life, but the jagged, hasty cut of your hair and the ill-fitting male garments painted a very clear picture of desperation. Being out in these woods alone was a fatal mistake for anyone, let alone a woman relying on a clumsy, unconvincing disguise. The forest belonged to demons. If he had not sought shelter in this exact tree, and a demon had found you instead, your story would have ended in a brutal, bloody mess. He silently thanked whatever forces guided him here tonight. You were safe, at least for now.
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The violent storm finally broke just before dawn. The heavy downpour reduced to a light, misting drizzle and then finally stopped, leaving the forest saturated and quiet. The first bright rays of morning sunlight pierced through the thick canopy overhead, casting golden slants of light onto the muddy forest floor.
You stirred, your muscles aching from sleeping on the hardwood. You rubbed your eyes, the rough cotton fabric of your sleeve scratching your cheek, and slowly blinked away the remnants of sleep. The air smelled incredibly fresh, a sharp, clean mix of wet earth and crushed pine needles that felt foreign compared to the suffocating incense of the Yoshiwara.
You turned your head and froze in surprise. Tomioka-san was still there. He sat in the exact same seiza position as the night before, his hands resting lightly on his thighs, his posture impeccable. His eyes were closed and his breathing slow and even. You assumed he was sleeping, finding it somewhat miraculous that anyone could rest comfortably while sitting so straight.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, you allowed yourself to actually look at him. Stripped of the adrenaline from last night, you realised just how striking the man truly was. The morning light caught the sharp angles of his jawline and the straight bridge of his nose. His dark hair, no longer plastered flat to his face by the rain, fell in unruly, spiky sections around his shoulders. He possessed an elegant beauty, vastly different from the loud, gaudy, aggressive men who frequented the entertainment district. There was a solemnity about him. Even while sitting still, he exuded a strength. He was odd, yes, sitting in silence for hours without moving a muscle, but he had respected your space entirely. He felt like a guardian spirit assigned to watch over your hollow.
You continued tracing the lines of his face, admiring the stark contrast between his pale skin and the vibrant, mismatched patterns of his haori. You felt a strange sense of safety blooming in your chest, a feeling you had not experienced since you were eight years old.
"Are you feeling rested?" he asked.
You jumped so violently that your elbow slammed hard into the bark behind you. His eyes were suddenly open, those piercing blue irises locked directly onto yours. He had been awake the entire time. He had felt the weight of your stare and patiently waited for you to finish your visual inspection before speaking.
A burning heat rushed straight to your cheeks. You scrambled to sit upright, clutching your canvas sack to your chest like a protective shield. You were caught staring like a lovestruck fool.
"I— yes, I am," you stammered, the flush on your face spreading rapidly down to your neck. "I’m sorry, I thought you were asleep."
Giyu watched the red bloom across your cheeks. He noticed the way you ducked your chin, suddenly shy, the ends of your short hair framing your flustered expression. A strange, unfamiliar sensation flared in his chest. It was a rapid, singular thump against his ribs. You looked… cute. The thought formed without his permission, startling him immensely. He was a demon slayer. He did not have time for distractions, nor did he understand the sudden, inexplicable tightness in his throat.
He looked away sharply, turning his attention to the opening of the tree hollow. His expression remained a mask of flawless stoic indifference, burying the brief moment of confusion under years of disciplined training.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice steady and flat, betraying none of his internal bewilderment.
You took a steadying breath, trying to calm your racing heart. "I’m planning to go to the nearest town. I need to find a carriage, or maybe a market where I can trade some things for travel fare."
Giyu stood up in one fluid motion, brushing a speck of dried dirt from his dark uniform pants. "I will escort you."
You blinked up at him, entirely surprised by the sudden offer. "Oh, no, that’s okay. You don’t have to do that."
He adjusted the sword at his hip, his gaze returning to you. "I’m going in the same direction anyway."
It was a lie. Headquarters and the Butterfly Mansion were in the exact opposite direction. But the idea of leaving you here, a runaway with zero combat skills, no weapon besides a fragile hairpin, and a disguise that barely held up to basic scrutiny, was unacceptable. He would walk you to the town, ensure you were secure, and then resume his journey. It was a minor detour, one he was more than willing to make.
"Tomioka-san, really, I don’t want to inconvenience you," you insisted, pushing yourself up onto your aching legs, ignoring the sharp pain of your stiff joints. "You must have your own duties to attend to."
Giyu didn’t argue, nor did he offer a reassuring smile or a polite insistence. He just stood there and stared at you. His unblinking gaze felt incredibly heavy. The seconds ticked by, the silence stretching into awkward, unfamiliar territory. You shifted your weight, unsure of how to break the stalemate. Every man you had ever known would have raised his voice, demanded your obedience, or forcibly grabbed your arm to make you follow. Giyu just waited, letting his silent presence do the talking.
After a full minute of silent staring, he simply turned his back, stepped out of the hollow, and landed lightly on the wet grass.
"Follow me," he said over his shoulder.
He didn’t wait for an answer, and he just started walking into the brush.
You scrambled out of the tree, clutching your sack tightly, and hurried to catch up. The forest was vibrant and alive with morning energy, birds chirping loudly in the canopy, and heavy dew dripping from the green leaves.
Giyu initially set a punishing pace. He moved with a gliding, effortless stride, his dark sandals barely making a sound against the mud and fallen branches. You, on the other hand, were struggling immensely. Your thin straw sandals offered zero traction on the slick terrain, and your legs, unused to such rigorous physical exertion, burned with every single step. You jogged slightly, panting, trying desperately to keep his mismatched haori in your line of sight.
After ten minutes of silent, gruelling travel, Giyu heard your laboured breathing echoing behind him. He glanced back, noticing the slight limp in your step and the exhausted slump of your shoulders. A brief flash of realisation crossed his mind. You were not a trained slayer accustomed to moving at top speed through treacherous terrain.
He stopped abruptly, making you nearly crash right into his broad back, but you caught yourself at the last possible second. He resumed walking, but this time, his pace was drastically slower, matching your strained, shortened strides perfectly.
"Thank you," you breathed out, incredibly relieved to be walking at a normal, human speed.
He just gave a single, curt nod, keeping his eyes fixed on the path ahead.
"Also…by the way…my name is..." You hesitated for a fraction of a second, remembering the immense need for caution, but this man had protected you all night. He deserved to know who he was guarding. You told him your full name.
Giyu registered the syllables, committing the sound to memory. It was a pretty name. It fit you well, matching the elegance you carried despite your messy, desperate disguise. He gave another silent nod, mentally filing the information away.
The journey continued in silence. It wasn’t the oppressive silence of the Yoshiwara that you were used to, where quiet meant someone was listening, but it was still noticeably awkward. You walked slightly behind his right shoulder, constantly stealing side glances at his profile. You wanted to strike up a conversation, to fill the quiet with something normal, but he radiated an aura of unapproachable focus.
Your eyes drifted naturally to the unique garment he wore over his black clothing. It was split perfectly down the middle. One half was a solid, rich crimson red, and the other half featured a striking geometric pattern of green, yellow, and orange squares. It was unconventional, yet strangely captivating.
"Your haori is very beautiful, Tomioka-san," you said softly.
Giyu’s sandal caught slightly on an exposed tree root. It was a microscopic stumble, one you barely even noticed, but for a Hashira with flawless physical balance, it was a monumental lapse in composure. The compliment caught him completely off guard. Most people found his haori strange or jarring, a patchwork of ghosts he carried on his shoulders to honour the fallen. No one had ever called it beautiful.
He recovered his footing instantly, his stride smoothing out, but he remained silent.
You bit your bottom lip, cursing your own loose tongue. You thought you had seriously offended him. Perhaps it was a sacred family heirloom, and it was highly inappropriate for a stranger to comment on it so casually. The silence stretched on for five long minutes, and you nervously prepared to offer a formal apology for overstepping your boundaries.
"Thank you," Giyu finally said. His voice was quiet, almost swallowed by the rustling leaves, but the sincerity in his tone was undeniable.
You smiled, a warm flutter settling in your chest. He was not angry at all. He was just painfully slow with his words.
You spent the next mile studying the sword strapped securely to his left hip. The hilt was wrapped tightly, the metal guard intricately designed. He wore a distinct uniform, sturdy and dark. Was he a wandering samurai? A ronin? A specialised mercenary hired by the government? The Taisho era was changing rapidly, swords were strictly banned in public spaces, yet he wore his openly and with unapologetic authority. You burned with curiosity, desperate to ask him what he did for a living, but his reserved nature held you back. Pestering him with endless questions felt rude after everything he had done. You decided to keep your internal musings to yourself, content to just follow his lead through the winding trees.
The sun climbed much higher in the sky, warming the damp air, and the dense trees finally began to thin out, hinting that the edge of the forest was near. You were just starting to relax into the steady rhythm of the walk when a sudden, loud flutter of wings broke the tranquillity of the morning.
A large, sleek black crow swooped down aggressively from the branches overhead. It circled Giyu once before landing with a soft thud directly onto his right shoulder.
"Caw! The storm is over! The storm is over!"
You stopped dead in your tracks, your eyes widening to the size of tea saucers.
The crow adjusted its sleek wings, settling comfortably on Giyu’s shoulder, and tilted its head to look directly at his face. "Where are you going, Giyu? This is the wrong way! Caw! The Butterfly Mansion is in the exact opposite direction! Opposite!"
Your jaw dropped open to the ground. The bird was talking! A literal bird was speaking, forming clear, coherent sentences. You rubbed your eyes fiercely, wondering if the exhaustion and the freezing rain had finally caused your mind to snap, sending you into a vivid hallucination.
"Quiet, Kanzaburo," Giyu muttered, his face remaining impassive, though a slight, annoyed tension tightened his jawline. His cover regarding the travel direction was instantly blown by his own messenger.
The crow, Kanzaburo, ignored the command completely. Its dark, beady eyes snapped toward you, scrutinising your messy hair and your oversized male attendant clothes with intense judgment.
"Who is this? Caw! Who is this beautiful-looking boy? No, wait! Is it a girl? Caw! Why is she dressed like a boy? A disguise! A disguise!"
You stumbled backwards, gripping the rough strap of your canvas sack like a lifeline. "Tomioka-san," you gasped out, pointing a trembling, pale finger at the animal. "The bird. The bird is talking."
"Do not point, it is rude! Caw!" Kanzaburo squawked, puffing out his dark chest feathers indignantly. "I am Kanzaburo! Proud Kasugai crow of the Water Hashira!" The bird hopped in place on Giyu's shoulder, his tone shifting rapidly from accusatory to incredibly smug. "This detour is accepted! Yes, accepted! Giyu is helping a pretty lady! A very pretty lady! Caw!"
Giyu let out a long, weary sigh. He lifted his hand and shooed the old bird off his shoulder, treating the talking creature like a common house pest.
"Go away," Giyu said flatly, waving his hand to usher the loud menace back into the sky.
Kanzaburo took flight with an indignant, loud squawk, circling a few feet above your heads. "A pretty lady! Giyu has a lady friend! Caw! Caw!"
You watched the loud crow fly ahead, your mind reeling from the absurdity of the situation. You looked over at Giyu, who was staring fixedly at the dirt path, a faint hint of exasperation finally cracking his otherwise flawless stoic mask.
He didn’t say a single word about the talking crow, nor did he address the glaring fact that he had lied about his travel direction just to keep you safe. He simply gestured forward with his hand, silently urging you to continue the walk.
To Be Continued...
——— ✦ ———
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"Usually, he dropped them off, nodded, and forgot their faces by sundown. But your face stuck in his mind."
✦ Pairing — [Giyu x Reader]
✦ Rating — T
✦ Warnings/Tropes - [Protective Giyu, Runaway Reader, Yoshiwara District, Oiran Reader, Artist Reader, Hurt/Comfort, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Badass Giyu, Giyu is Bad at Feelings, He Thinks Love is a Fever, Touch-Starved, He literally buys her freedom, Mutual Pining]
✦ Table of Contents
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Chapter Three: The Mercenaries' Mistake
The walk from the forest edge to the village took another hour, and you were incredibly grateful when the unpredictable mud finally gave way to a packed dirt road, then smooth paving stones. The smell of damp pine faded, replaced quickly by the comforting, bustling scent of woodsmoke, boiling miso, and fresh morning bread. It was a lively little hub, full of merchants setting up their wooden stalls and farmers hauling heavy carts of produce. You stuck close to Giyu, hiding slightly behind his broad shoulder. Even in your stolen attendant uniform, you felt dangerously exposed. The jagged ends of your hair brushed against your neck, a constant reminder of your hasty and illegal escape.
Giyu noticed your apprehension immediately. He adjusted his stride, subtly shifting his position to shield you from the curious glances of passing villagers. His unique haori drew plenty of stares on its own, acting as the perfect distraction. You soon found a modest inn nestled near the edge of the market square. It looked clean, safe, and most importantly, anonymous.
He walked right through the sliding doors with you, his zori sandals making soft thaps against the wooden floorboards. The innkeeper, a stout woman with keen eyes, took one look at your ragged clothes and opened her mouth, likely to tell you to find another establishment. But Giyu stepped forward. He didn't speak; he just let his cold, authoritative presence fill the small lobby. The innkeeper's mouth snapped shut. She quickly handed over a brass room key, her eyes darting nervously to the katana strapped to his hip.
He didn't leave you at the front desk. He escorted you down the narrow hallway, checking the corners to ensure the space was secure. When you finally reached the small, sliding door of your room, he slid it open and gave the interior a quick, sweeping glance. Only when he was satisfied did he step back into the hall, giving you room to enter.
You stood in the doorway, clutching your canvas sack. The relief of finally having four solid walls and a roof over your head was staggering, but it was immediately overshadowed by a heavy, sinking feeling in your chest. This was it. He was leaving.
"Thank you, Tomioka-san," you said, your voice thick with exhaustion and genuine emotion. You bowed to him, bending low. "You went completely out of your way for me. I wouldn't have made it through that forest, or that storm, without you."
Giyu stood rigidly in the hallway. He looked down at you, watching the way your uneven hair fell forward as you bowed. He heard the gratitude in your voice, and it made his stomach lurch. He didn't feel like a hero. He carried a mountain of ghosts on his back—Sabito, his sister Tsutako—people who died because he was too weak. He spent his life believing he didn't deserve to stand among the Hashira, let alone receive such earnest praise from a civilian he had roughhoused in a tree hollow just hours ago.
He turned his face away, unable to meet your bright eyes. "It is fine," he muttered, his voice strained. "Thank you."
He shifted his weight, feeling a strange, nagging apprehension tightening his chest. You were safe in the inn, but you looked incredibly fragile. You had a tiny sack of belongings and a disguise that wouldn't fool anyone looking closely. He hated the idea of walking away.
"Will you be alright?" he asked, his blue eyes flicking back to your face.
You forced a smile, desperate to reassure him. "I'll be fine. I'm going to rest, then figure out my next step. Don't worry about me."
It was a lie. You secretly wished you could just tag along with him, staying in the quiet, safe bubble he naturally created. But you knew you couldn't drag him into your mess.
Giyu stared at you for a long moment. He wasn't entirely convinced. Slowly, he reached inside the dark fabric of his uniform. He pulled out a small, heavy leather pouch. The distinct clinking sound of coins echoed in the quiet hallway. Without a word of preamble, he held it out to you.
You stared at the pouch, your eyes widening in shock. "What is that?"
"Take it," he said flatly.
"I can't take your money!" you gasped, taking a step back. "You've already done too much. I have a little bit saved up, I'll figure it out—"
"Take it," he repeated, stepping forward and pressing the heavy pouch directly into your hands. "I don't need it."
As a Hashira, Giyu earned an exorbitant salary, far more than he could ever spend living his spartan lifestyle. He had a massive estate back at headquarters and virtually zero expenses. To him, the pouch was just dead weight. To you, it was a lifeline.
Your fingers closed around the warm leather. It was enough money to travel across the country, to buy new clothes, to start a new life. The weight of his kindness crashed over you, bringing a sudden, hot sting of tears to your eyes. He asked for nothing in return. He was just a genuinely good man.
You bowed again, deeper this time, clutching the pouch to your chest. "Thank you. I'll never forget this."
Giyu felt a fierce flush of heat rush up his neck, turning the tips of his ears a bright red. He wasn't equipped to handle this level of emotional vulnerability. He gave you a single, incredibly awkward, curt nod.
"Goodbye," he mumbled, turning sharply on his heel. He practically fled down the hallway, leaving you standing in the doorway with a heart full of gratitude.
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Giyu hit the dirt road leading out of the village at a blistering pace. Now that he was alone, he didn't need to regulate his speed. His sandals propelled him forward as the trees and fields blurred past him. He needed to get back on track. He was supposed to report to headquarters, and this detour had cost him valuable time.
Yet, despite his speed, his mind felt sluggish and weighed down. He felt a strange emptiness walking by himself. For the last several hours, he had grown accustomed to the soft sound of your footsteps trailing behind him, the resilience you showed despite your fear. It was highly unusual for him to care about a civilian's whereabouts once a rescue was complete. Usually, he dropped them off, nodded, and forgot their faces by sundown.
But your face stuck in his mind. The way your eyes lit up when you handed him the onigiri. The elegant, unnatural grace of your posture. The frantic cut of your hair. You were running from something, something that terrified you enough to hack off your hair and brave a forest in the dead of night. He found himself burning with curiosity. Why was a woman who looked like she belonged in a palace masquerading as a filthy errand boy?
"Caw! Slow down! Slow down!"
A loud flutter of black wings broke his concentration. Kanzaburo dropped out of the sky like a stone, landing ungracefully on Giyu's shoulder. The bird's sharp talons gripped the fabric of his haori, flapping wildly to maintain balance.
"What do you want?" Giyu asked, his tone dropping into its usual annoyed register. He kept walking, ignoring the extra weight on his shoulder.
"You left the pretty lady! Caw! Left her all alone!" Kanzaburo squawked, puffing out his dark feathers. "She was a nice girl! Very polite! Not like you! You have terrible manners!"
"Quiet."
"She smiled at me! Caw! She liked Kanzaburo! You should have kept her! You need friends, Giyu! You are too lonely! Caw!"
Giyu gritted his teeth, his hand twitching toward his sword hilt out of reflex. The bird was a menace, old and senile, constantly broadcasting Giyu's most guarded insecurities to the entire forest.
"If you don't shut up, I'll leave you in the next tree," Giyu threatened, though his voice lacked any real bite.
Kanzaburo just clacked his beak, thoroughly unfazed. "Lonely Giyu! Lonely Giyu!"
Giyu tuned the bird out, fixing his gaze on the winding path ahead. The sun was high now, beating down on the dirt road. Up ahead, the trail narrowed, flanked by steep, rocky embankments. Coming down the path from the opposite direction was a group of four men.
They were loud, shoving each other and kicking up dust as they walked. Giyu instantly read their body language. They carried themselves with the sloppy, arrogant swagger of hired muscle. They wore ragged yukatas, smelling strongly of cheap sake and unwashed bodies, even from ten yards away. A few of them carried crude wooden clubs; the leader had a tarnished katana tucked into his sash.
Giyu kept his face blank, moving slightly to the edge of the path to pass them without incident. The thugs stopped their joking as he approached. They eyed his mismatched haori with open disdain, sizing him up for a potential mugging. The leader took a half-step forward, his hand drifting toward his cheap sword.
Then, his eyes caught the weapon resting on Giyu's hip. The Nichirin blade was forged with unmistakable quality, the wrapped hilt screaming of lethal, disciplined training. The thug's bravado evaporated instantly. He swallowed hard, taking a quick step back and signalling his men to let the strange swordsman pass.
Giyu didn't even look at them. He kept his steady pace, slipping past the group. He was ten feet away when he heard the leader speak up again, his voice dropping into a harsh, excited whisper.
"Forget him. We need to hurry if we want a cut of the payout."
"You really think she's in that village?" one of the flunkies asked, his voice grating and loud.
"It's the only logical stop," the leader replied, spitting onto the dirt. "A pampered Yoshiwara Oiran committing Ashinuke? She won't last two days in the wild. She'll head straight for an inn. Those other mercenaries are already at the village waiting. If we get there before they find her, we can drag her back to the madam and claim the bounty ourselves."
Giyu froze. His sandals ground into the dirt, halting his momentum instantly.
Kanzaburo squawked in surprise, nearly tumbling off his shoulder.
The pieces crashed together in Giyu's mind with clarity. The flawless, soft skin. The elegant posture. The stolen attendant uniform. The ornate, incredibly expensive hairpin she had attacked him with. The jagged hair, cut in a frantic attempt to hide her identity.
You were an Oiran. You ran away from the Yoshiwara. And those men—the mercenaries—were already at the village. They were waiting for you. You had walked right into a trap, and he had personally escorted you to the center of it.
Dread spiked through his veins, instantly followed by a surge of white-hot adrenaline.
He didn't think; his body just moved.
Before the lead thug could take another step toward the village, a violent gust of wind blasted his face. Giyu materialised directly in front of him, moving with a speed that defied human logic. The thug gasped, stumbling backwards, his hand fumbling uselessly for his sword.
"Who are you talking about?" Giyu demanded. His voice was no longer flat, and his blue eyes locked onto the leader, radiating a suffocating pressure.
"Hey! Back off, man!" one of the flunkies yelled, raising his wooden club and swinging it blindly at Giyu's head.
Giyu didn't even draw his blade. He simply shifted his weight, dodging the clumsy swing by a fraction of an inch. With a swift motion, he slammed the heavy scabbard of his sword upward, catching the thug right under the jaw. The man's eyes rolled back instantly, and he crumpled to the dirt like a dropped puppet.
The remaining three men panicked. The leader finally drew his tarnished katana, letting out a terrified battle cry as he lunged. Giyu sidestepped the thrust effortlessly. He grabbed the leader's wrist, twisted it sharply, and drove his knee straight into the man's stomach. The cheap sword clattered to the ground as the leader collapsed, wheezing and gagging for air.
The last two men dropped their weapons, falling to their knees, begging for mercy.
Giyu stood over the gasping leader, his face a mask of furious, terrifying calm. "The Oiran," he said, his voice slicing through the men's pathetic whimpering. "Tell me exactly who is looking for her, and where they are waiting."
"I don't know the exact inn!" the leader choked out, clutching his stomach, tears streaming down his dirt-streaked face. "I swear! A bunch of bounty hunters tracked her footprints from the district! They arrived at the village this morning! They're searching every room! They'll drag her back alive, the client wants her punished!"
They arrived this morning. They were already searching the inns.
Giyu dropped the man's collar, stepping back. The thugs scrambled away, dragging their unconscious friend, but Giyu wasn't paying attention to them anymore. His heart slammed against his chest with an anxiety he hadn't felt in years.
He left you there. He left you alone in a room, completely defenceless, carrying a bag of his money that wouldn't do a damn thing to stop a blade.
"Kanzaburo," Giyu barked, his voice tight. "Go."
The crow took to the sky, sensing the intense shift in his master's demeanour.
Giyu pivoted on his heel, facing the road back to the village. He utilised Total Concentration Breathing, flooding his lungs with oxygen, pushing his leg muscles to their absolute breaking point. The world around him blurred into a streak of green and brown as he sprinted down the road, his sandals kicking up clouds of dust.
He prayed to whatever gods were listening that he wasn't too late. He wouldn't let you be dragged back to that hell. He just had to get there in time.
To Be Continued...
——— ✦ ———
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Shades of Blue — Chapter One
THE ART OF ASHINUKE
"This quiet, undeniably awkward stranger was giving you the greatest luxury you had experienced in a very long time: peace."
✦ Pairing — [Giyu x Reader]
✦ Rating — T
✦ Warnings/Tropes - [Protective Giyu, Runaway Reader, Yoshiwara District, Oiran Reader, Artist Reader, Hurt/Comfort, Strangers to Lovers, Slow Burn, Badass Giyu, Giyu is Bad at Feelings, He Thinks Love is a Fever, Touch-Starved, He literally buys her freedom, Mutual Pining]
✦ Table of Contents
—— ✦ ———
Chapter One: The Art of Ashinuke
You gazed at your reflection in the bronze mirror, and for the first time in your life, you hated the face looking back at you. The heavy white makeup felt like a plaster mask that cracked with every forced smile you had to offer.
You were only nineteen, an Oiran—a high-ranking courtesan—who had climbed the ranks of the Yoshiwara, the city's famed entertainment district, in record time, but the glamorous title felt like a death sentence. The air in your extravagant room reeked of stale sake, cheap perfume, and the scent of burning incense left behind by the client who had just walked out.
He was a wealthy merchant, loud and aggressive, prone to backhanding the attendants when they poured his drink a second too slowly. He was a nightmare wrapped in expensive silk, and he had just gleefully informed you that he bought your company for the next six months.
Six. Months.
The thought alone made you nearly throw up. You knew, right then and there, that you were done. You would honestly rather die than spend another night pretending to laugh at his awful jokes while dodging his wandering, bruised hands. You had real dreams. You wanted to paint. You wanted to capture the colours of a sunrise over a real mountain, not the artificial electric glow of the entertainment district.
So, you made a choice. You were going to commit ashinuke, the forbidden act of escaping from the pleasure quarters. Running away was illegal, a crime punishable by severe beatings or worse if you got caught, but staying was just a much slower form of dying.
You knew time was of the essence, so you worked fast.
First came the water, vigorously scrubbing the white powder from your face until your skin was raw, flushed, and bare. After that came the clothes. You stripped off the layers of heavy silks and tossed them carelessly onto the tatami mats. Earlier that week, you managed to swipe a male attendant’s uniform from the laundry area, sensing you might need it. It was slightly too big, but the dark cotton fabric was sturdy. You pulled it on, wrapping the sash tight around your waist to hide the feminine curve of your hips, and doing your best to flatten your breasts under the folds.
Next was the hardest part. You picked up a pair of heavy shears. Your black hair tumbled past your shoulders, glossy and perfectly styled. Inhaling a deep breath, you grabbed a thick handful and squeezed the metal blades shut. The sound of tearing hair echoed in the quiet room. You hacked away with zero hesitation until the long locks pooled on the floor, leaving you with jagged, uneven hair that brushed the nape of your neck.
The cut looked terrible, but it worked. It was still long enough to hide the cloud-shaped birthmark exposed on the right side of your neck. You finally looked at yourself in the mirror, and you looked like a ragged errand boy. Perfect.
You grabbed a simple cloth sack and only packed what mattered. You gathered your bamboo brushes, a small block of rich ink, and your vibrant pigment powders. Then, you reached for the wooden box on your vanity. Inside rested a single, ornate hairpin. It belonged to your mother, a former Oiran who lost her status after having you, dying when you were just eight years old. It was your only real connection to her. You slipped it into your sash, pressing the smooth metal against your ribs. You added a small pouch of coins you had secretly hoarded and two salmon onigiri wrapped tightly in bamboo leaves.
It was time to go.
You slid your door open a fraction. The hallway was empty. The Yoshiwara was sluggish during the day, resting and recovering before the chaotic rush of the night. You snuck down the wooden stairs, wincing intensely at every single creak of the floorboards. Just as you reached the ground floor, a door directly next to you slid open.
A young female attendant stepped out carrying a stack of towels. She froze, locking eyes with you. Her eyes fell instantly to your jagged hair, the stolen male uniform, and the packed sack in your hand. Your heart felt like it was about to beat out of your chest. If she screamed, it was all over. The madam’s guards would drag you back by whatever hair you had left.
You held your breath, silently pleading with your eyes to spare you, and the girl hesitated. She knew exactly what you were doing. Everyone trapped in the district dreamed of Ashinuke, but almost no one actually tried it. Slowly, keeping her eyes focused on the floor, she turned her head away, stepped backwards into the room, and slid the shoji screen shut.
Relief poured over you like a waterfall, and you didn’t waste the chance she gave you. You practically flew down the corridor, slipping out the side entrance and into the dusty, crowded streets.
The sun was getting lower, painting the sky in colourful strokes of amber and lavender. You kept your head down, mimicking the hurried, stomping walk of a working boy. The towering main gates of the entertainment district loomed ahead. A few imposing guards stood watch, chatting among themselves and smoking. You wedged yourself into a busy crowd of incoming merchants, holding your breath until you stepped past the threshold and beyond the walls.
You did it. You were outside.
The initial adrenaline rush carried you for miles down the dirt path. But soon, the high faded, replaced by the harsh reality of the open road. The nearest village was at least a half-day walk away. You had no carriage, no escort, and the shadows around you were growing longer by the minute. You kept to the side of the road, desperately hoping a traveller with a cart might pass by so you could offer a few coins for a ride. But the road remained empty.
Your feet quickly began to ache. You were used to sitting perfectly still for hours on silk cushions, not marching miles in cheap, rough straw sandals. The rocks cut into your heels, and your legs were as heavy as lead. As the last sliver of the sun vanished beneath the horizon, the temperature fell, sending shivers down your spine.
Then, the sky burst open.
A roll of thunder shook the ground, vibrating right through the soles of your sandals. A dazzling flash of lightning shone on the ominous black clouds above, and then the rain started. It started as a mild drizzle, but then quickly turned into a torrential downpour, hitting the earth in punishing sheets. Within seconds, your stolen uniform stuck to your skin, which felt ice cold from the rainwater.
"I have to get out of this," you whispered to yourself, your teeth chattering loud enough to hear over the storm.
You abandoned the main road, plunging blindly into the tree line to seek cover. The forest canopy offered slight protection, but the heavy rain still seeped through the boughs, soaking you further. You stumbled over exposed roots, your flimsy sandals sliding dangerously in the slick mud. Your soft hands gripped the straps of your sack, terrified that the water would seep through and ruin your precious art supplies.
Up ahead, a large shape appeared in the darkness. It was a giant camphor tree, its trunk easily wider than a merchant's carriage. And as you drew closer, you spotted a dark, wide fissure near the base of the roots. A hollow.
You scrambled inside on your hands and knees, dropping onto the dry, decayed wood. It carried the smell of the earth and old leaves, but it was miraculously out of the wind and rain. You pulled your knees tightly to your chest, wrapping your arms around your shivering frame.
You just had to wait out the storm.
━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━
Meanwhile, walking through the same unforgiving woods, Tomioka Giyu was annoyed.
He wondered, not for the first time that night, why trouble always seemed to find him long after he had finished battling an actual demon. His thoughts drifted between the exhaustion of the fight and the urge to simply disappear into the solitude the forest offered. The emptiness out here fits him.
His dark uniform was soaked through, clinging uncomfortably to his broad shoulders. His mismatched haori dripped water onto the muddy forest floor. He had just successfully dispatched a demon three towns over—a messy, frustrating fight—and was making the long, quiet trek back to the Butterfly Mansion and the Demon Slayer Headquarters when the sky decided to punish him.
He wiped the cold rain from his eyes, scanning the dark woods. He was incredibly strong, but staying out in a torrential freezing storm was just a foolish risk. He needed shelter immediately. A bright flash of lightning revealed a towering camphor tree a short distance away, its massive trunk boasting a dark opening at the roots.
Giyu adjusted the grip on his Nichirin sword and approached the hollow. He stepped inside the dark space, shaking the heavy water from his hair, relieved to finally be out of the freezing wind.
But inside the hollow, your body froze in terror.
A man had just entered your sanctuary.
And he was armed, carrying a large sword on his hip, and wearing a strange half-and-half haori. Fear seized your throat in a vice grip. Did the madam send him? Was he a mercenary hired by your vile client to hunt you down and drag you back? You didn’t have the luxury of time to think logically, and your survival instincts triggered in.
You dropped your canvas sack, your right hand flying instantly to your sash. Your fingers curled tightly around the sharp metal of your mother’s hairpin. As the strange man took another step forward into the dark, you sprang from the shadows, thrusting the pointed pin directly toward his chest.
Giyu didn’t even need to think. His reflexes, honed by years of surviving brutal, high-speed demon encounters, took over instantly. Before your makeshift weapon could even graze his haori, his hand shot out in the darkness.
His strong fingers clamped around your wrist like a vice. He twisted your arm downward with force, using your own forward momentum to spin you around effortlessly. With a quick movement, he shoved you against the interior wall of the tree hollow, pinning your arm firmly behind your back.
The harsh impact forced a sharp, and unquestionably feminine cry from your lips. Your fingers went numb from the pressure, and the hairpin clattered loudly onto the wooden floor.
Giyu froze.
The high-pitched sound you made was unmistakable. He blinked, the heavy fog of his battle-ready instincts clearing away in an instant. He leaned back slightly, his blue eyes adjusting to the dim light of the hollow. The person he had forcefully pinned to the wall was wearing a messy boy’s uniform, but the slender frame, the delicate wrist secured in his grasp, and the terrified voice told a very different story.
He immediately released your arm and took a large, quick step backwards, giving you space.
"What are you doing here?" he asked. His voice was remarkably calm, level, and devoid of the violent anger you expected from a hired thug.
You spun around, rubbing your sore wrist aggressively, your back pressed flat against the rough bark of the tree. You stared at him as your chest heaved with fearful breaths. You could not believe he had seen through your carefully planned disguise in a matter of seconds. But then again, your scream had given it all away.
Still, you were utterly terrified. He had a lethal sword at his side. He was incredibly fast, his raw strength overwhelming you without him even trying. You opened your mouth to speak, to defend yourself, but the words caught in your throat. You just trembled, pressing yourself tighter against the bark, wishing you could merge with the tree itself and disappear.
Giyu quickly realised you were scared of him. He could see the wide, fearful whites of your eyes in the dark, the way your shoulders hitched upward with every shallow breath. He needed to show you he was not a threat, that he was safe.
But Giyu was famously terrible at socialising.
He stood there, trying his best to soften his facial expression. He didn’t smile or offer any reassuring words to calm you down. Instead, he just stared directly at you with a blank, unreadable, deadpan expression. He blinked slowly.
The silence stretched between you, filled only by the pounding rain outside. The awkwardness in the small space was thick enough to cut with a knife.
You watched him cautiously, waiting for him to draw his blade or bark a harsh demand, but he just stood there like a stone statue, blinking at you in the dark like an owl.
"I’m sorry," you finally managed to choke out, your voice trembling violently. "For... for trying to stab you. You just scared me. I didn’t know who you were and you came out of nowhere."
Giyu kept his calm gaze fixed on you, his mind rapidly piecing the entire situation together. He took in the specific details he had missed during your sudden attack. Your dark hair was short, but the edges were heavily frayed and jagged, clearly cut in a mad rush with dull shears. He noticed the flawless skin of your face and hands. There were no calluses on your palms, no signs of hard labour or rural hardship.
You carried yourself with an incredibly elegant posture, keeping your chin levelled even while backed into a corner like a frightened animal. You were far too clean and far too beautiful to be a wandering peasant boy. His sharp eyes drifted to the side of your neck, catching a clear glimpse of a faint birthmark shaped exactly like a cloud.
He deduced the truth immediately. You were a runaway.
The thought landed in his mind with clarity: no street orphan moved with that elegance, and no errand boy disguised himself so poorly unless he was desperately trying to hide. Most likely, you came from a wealthy, oppressive household or an entertainment district, given the stolen, ill-fitting attendant clothes and the panic in your eyes.
For a brief moment, Giyu felt the faintest echo of recognition—the old, hollow ache of being trapped in a world you did not choose. He wondered if your silences came from the same kind of fear that had ruled so much of his early life, the urge to stay invisible, quiet, and out of harm's way. This hesitation was unfamiliar; usually, his instincts told him only to measure threats, but now, as he pieced together your story in the dim light, his chest tightened with something almost like empathy.
"You are safe," Giyu said finally, his tone flat but genuinely gentle. "I’m not here to hurt you."
You let out a long, shaky breath, your rigid posture softening just a fraction. He didn’t sound like a vicious man looking to collect a bounty. He just sounded exhausted and wet.
"Who are you?" you asked hesitantly, your voice still a whisper over the roaring storm outside.
"Tomioka Giyu," he answered simply, offering no further explanation about his strange clothes or the deadly sword strapped to his hip. He knelt down slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the dusty floor of the hollow. He spotted the piece of metal you dropped during the struggle.
He picked it up gently, wiping a small smudge of dirt from the silver. It was an ornate, expensive hairpin, far too valuable for a lowly errand boy in a cheap cotton uniform to carry. He held it out to you, resting it flat on his open palm.
You hesitated for a tense second before reaching out, your fingers lightly brushing against his as you snatched the hairpin back. You quickly tucked it away in your sash, fiercely protective of the one thing linking you to your mother.
"Thank you, Tomioka-san," you murmured, clutching your arms tightly around yourself again as another harsh chill wracked your damp body.
Giyu retreated silently to the opposite side of the large hollow. He sat down near the opening, deliberately putting his own body between you and the violent storm outside. It was a tactical, protective choice, ensuring nothing could enter the tree without going through him first, but you did not know that. To you, it just felt like he was keeping a very polite, respectful distance.
You sank down slowly against the wall, pulling your canvas sack safely into your lap. The adrenaline crash hit you incredibly hard. Your muscles ached, your empty stomach rumbled quietly, and your damp clothes offered zero warmth against the freezing night air.
You watched the strange man sitting quietly across from you. He sat in seiza, his posture perfectly straight, his blue eyes fixed intently on the thick sheet of rain falling outside the hollow. He didn’t ask you why you attacked him. He didn’t ask why you were dressed like a boy, or why you were hiding in a tree in the middle of nowhere. He just let the quiet hang in the air between you two.
It was exactly what you needed. You had spent years trapped in a place where silence was a rare commodity you could not afford, forced daily to fill every waking moment with charming banter, fake giggles, and flattering lies for horrible men. This quiet, undeniably awkward stranger was giving you the greatest luxury you had experienced in a very long time: peace.
You carefully unwrapped one of the green bamboo leaves from your sack. The rich smell of the salted salmon onigiri made your mouth water instantly. You hadn’t eaten since breakfast, far too anxious about your risky escape plan to stomach a full meal. You took a small bite, savoring the salty, comforting flavor.
You glanced up at Giyu. He hadn’t moved a single inch. He looked freezing, his wet, dark hair plastered messily to his forehead and cheeks.
"Tomioka-san," you called out softly.
He turned his head slowly, his striking blue eyes locking directly onto yours.
You held out the second wrapped onigiri across the hollow. "Are you hungry?"
He stared at the food, then looked back up at your face. For a long moment, you thought he was going to ignore you or politely decline with that same blank, unreadable expression. But then, he reached out his hand and took the small package from your grasp.
"Thank you," he said softly.
You smiled genuinely for the first time in what felt like years. You leaned your tired head back against the rough bark of the camphor tree, listening to the steady rhythm of the rain, feeling the comforting, heavy weight of your art supplies in your lap. The dark road ahead was uncertain, and you were miles away from true safety, but sitting here in the dark with this strangely quiet swordsman, you finally felt free.
To Be Continued...
——— ✦ ———
Thank you for reading. ♡
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✦ THE MAIN UNIVERSE ✦ Love my writing? Check out my Gothic Romantasy novel — Liquid Sunlight.
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Tagging: @ynackerman9499
Subjects: Angst, Fluff, Smut, Violence, Gore, Death, Blood, Vulgar language, Mature Language & Content, other sensitive subjects
8 Chapters
Chapter 4
Chapter includes: Explicit language, Smut, Fluff
6k words
You woke up to the smell of some tantalizing food. Your eyes fluttering open slowly as your lids still felt heavy with sleep. As you took in your surroundings you were confused. You were in Sanemi's room.
You were in Sanemi's room.
You woke up in Sanemi's room.
Sitting up quickly you looked around. The sun was beaming brightly into the room, despite the curtains being drawn, you were still naked. Memories of your clothes being torn coming back to you.
You were about to get up when Sanemi walked into the room with a bowl of hot steaming food. The smell that woke you, making your mouth water.
"Hey Sleepy head." Sanemi mumbled.
You would've been taken aback if you weren't so hungry. "Hey." You smiled up at him.
"Here." He said louder as he handed you the bowl.
"Thank you." You replied before digging in. Smiling at the fact that he brought you a spoon. "Where's yours?"
"I ate already." He replied "while I was out."
You simply nodded. You had so many questions, but you weren't going to ask them.
"You have to stay here." He told you suddenly.
Your eyebrow quirked up at his remark. "Forever?" You asked between bites. You were just joking but you were a little confused.
"No just until a little while later." He answered.
You smiled at him. Of course you knew that, you just wanted to mess with him. You nodded your head.
"How'd you sleep?" He asked.
Surprised but determined not to show it you nodded once more. "Really good. I didn't realize I was so tired."
Now it was his turn to nod.
As you continued eating he stayed standing beside the bed. Arms crossed as he mostly looked at the floor. He was always a little stand offish but you were getting subtle different vibes from him this time. You chocked it up to him being regretful for being rough with you, which is a surprise in and of itself.
"Why are you just standing there?" You smiled.
He shrugged.
"You don't want to sit down?"
"No not really."
"Oh okay." You nod, almost finished with your rice in the short amount of time.
"So you left me here?" You added as the room grew silent again.
Instead of rolling his eyes at you like you anticipated, his eyes widened before he quickly tried to cover it. "Yeah, is that a problem?"
"No. It's just...really trusting of you to leave me here."
Now he rolls his eyes. "We see each other every single day. You think I don't trust you?"
You loved messing with Sanemi. He was so easy to annoy although you're sure partially your presence was annoying to him in general. "Well it's not that really, it's just....leaving me here gives strong boyfriend vibes."
There he was. The Sanemi you were used to. The Sanemi you loved despite how cold he could be.
He was holding the bridge of his nose. Teeth barred in annoyance, as if he was trying to get himself under control.
"You need to let that go. I don't want to hear that word from you today."
"What word? Boyfriend?"
He responded with a pointed glare at you.
"What? Maybe if you stopped acting like one I wouldn't have to suggest that's what you are."
"For fucks sake, shutup." He said.
You smiled finishing up your meal. When you were about to stand Sanemi stopped you. Reaching out for the bowl and gesturing irritably with his hand for you to hurry and give it to him when you froze.
He took it from you and left the room before coming back. Of course he came right back into his spot beside the bed, folding his arms like it was his job.
"Okay, why are you just standing there peering down at me. Am I in trouble?" You smile.
Sanemi adverts his eyes. He shrugs.
"Why are you so quiet? You usually talk more than this."
"I do not."
He's right. But you were messing with him. It was your second job after all.
"Why are you standing there? Afraid to sit with me?"
And the smallest flash of worry and hesitation passed across his features but you managed to catch it. It made your heart rate speed up. Reminding you of how gentle he was with you just a few hours ago as he bathed you.
"Hey, you know....about earlier....I'm not mad at you or anything right?"
His response you weren't ready for. You don't know what you expected but it wasn't for him to sound so.....tiny. Almost....saddened.
"Why?" Was all he said, but his tone spoke volumes.
"I-I know you didn't mean it."
"How?"
"You've never spoken to me like that before. You've never.....held me tighter than you needed to and never ignored me." You quickly added "never ignored me during sex I mean."
He slowly nodded. Sitting down beside the bed cross legged.
You could see his remorse...or maybe it was shame....radiating off of him.
You tried not to, you really did, but like a moth to a flame, you were drawn to him.
You laid down so you were right in front of him. Your head propped up on your arms.
"Do you....maybe want to talk about what upset you?"
You're not sure what was going through his head but you could see some sort of turmoil brewing behind his eyes. He gritted his teeth and crossed his arms once more. "Not really no."
"Okay." It was your turn to nod. You quickly changed the subject for him, not wanting him to sit in anger.
"You got some clothes for me to wear or am I just going to walk around your house naked?"
Sanemi, ever observant, saw that little glint in your eye. He chose to ignore it however, opting instead to stand and walk over to his dresser. He pulled out a robe and threw it at you.
"Thanks sexy." You laughed, sitting up to put it on.
"Don't start." He told you.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm just calling you by your name." You joked.
As you stood up, you realized that the robe almost fit you perfectly. But of course, Sanemi liked to show off his body of course he wouldn't buy a robe that could actually close over his deliciously sculpted chest.
"So, are you going to let me finally look around your house now that you've demanded I stay here for a while?"
"Sure." He answered walking over to his door.
You were stunned, but in an effort not to upset him, you kept your shock hidden. You followed behind him out to the kitchen. "I'm pretty sure you've seen this before."
"I've never been in your kitchen lover." You said casually looking around. It was a nice kitchen, and it was large. It was unsurprisingly clean as well. You learned in the last couple of months that although Sanemi himself was a storm, his cleanliness and home was not. It was spotless. Atleast what you could see, which was always the dark living room, his bedroom and his bathroom.
After the kitchen he walked you into the dining room. Which was also dark and clean. Accents of green popping out from paintings on the wall and small sculptures that comprised of leaves and bamboo. It was actually quite nice.
Next he lead you to another bathroom. It was simple, and this one had a shower. After, he led you upstairs. There were 2 other bedrooms and one bathroom.
"So that's it. Nothing special." He said as he led you back downstairs after letting you look through the bare rooms.
"And outside?"
"What the hell do you want to see outside for?"
"Don't you have a garden?"
"I guess."
"You guess that you have a garden?"
"I mean I guess that you want to see it."
You laughed at his words, and the bored look on his face. He shook his head but lead you out the back door, onto his veranda. In front of you was an expanse of lush green. There was a stone walkway leading to various areas of the garden. Looking down at your toes, you saw how shiny and nice the floor beneath you was. His backyard was massive and you didn't even know where to begin.
You pointed to this area off to the right where the large stoned walkway lead to a large space with a mixture of stone flooring and grass. There were rocks, some covered in moss, in various sizes, a large tree off to the side, and you couldn't help but think that it was a designated area for something. It just looked too cool not to be.
"What's that?"
"Um...the garden?" Sanemi furrowed his brows at you.
"No. No I mean like....why does it look so different from everything else?"
"Because it does."
You sighed. "Sanemi." You shook your head. "I hear water." You said suddenly.
"Yeah there's a pond back there."
You gasped. "Can I see it?"
"Sure." Sanemi shrugged.
Before he could stop you, you stepped down from the veranda barefooted, happily walking over to the large stone near you. You purposely stepped on the large rocks, making your way along the trail until you reached the back of the garden. The rock path went all along the long "pond" just before the gate signaling the end of his property. Along the gate were trees and more shrubbery, some sculptures placed here and there. It was beautiful back here. In the pond were more rocks strategically placed in differing tones of light and dark. When you saw a orange and white fish swim past you almost squealed in excitement. When a yellow one swam past you lost it.
"You have fish!?" You exclaimed, getting on the ground and leaning over the pond to look closely at them.
They were so cute, you've never seen fish like this in person. They looked almost elegant.
You sat staring at the fish as they swam, unfazed by your presence. When you caught a glimpse of an all white one you gasped again. Just how many fish does he have? You thought to yourself. You caught a glimpse of a black and white fish, and you got up to follow it. Fascinated by it as it swam slowly, all the way to the other end of the garden. Down here was a small bench, with a lamp post just behind it. With the sun out it was light enough to still see clearly but you can imagine with the cover of the large trees on this end, it would be pitch black here at night. You sat down on the bench. Taking a deep breath to inhale the fresh aroma and clean air around you. It was nothing like home.
You loved it.
As you sat you realized you zoned out. Your mind had gone completely blank and you had no idea how long you had been sitting there.
You got up quickly saying bye to the fish, before following the stone trail back to the house. When it came into view you could see Sanemi sitting just within the doorway.
————
Sanemi's POV
"She lives." I said sarcastically as she came walking back towards the house. She was out there for 30 minutes.
"Sorry." She laughed. "I zoned out by accident. Why didn't you tell me you had fish?"
She's so fucking cute. How the fuck can she be cute and sexy all at the same time? She's going to be the death of me.
"They're just fish." I told her watching her step back up onto the veranda.
"Your fish. I didn't know you had any why didn't you tell me." She repeated slightly pouting as if I was holding some big secret from her.
"They're not my fish. They're just fish."
"You bought them didn't you? And they live here at your house in your pond. They're family. They're your fish." She said walking over to me.
I did my best to hold in the exasperated sigh I had for her. They certainly were not my family, but I guess they were my fish.
I gestured for her to sit down.
She obeyed, saying nothing but searching my face for an explanation.
I pulled over the bucket from beside me and then held my hand out to her. She was about to give me her hand when I pushed it away.
"Your foot."
"My foot?" She asked but lifted it out to me.
As expected it was filthy. I grabbed it and began scrubbing it with the sponge from the bucket. She bit her lip turning her head to the side.
"Grow up." I told her.
"Sorry." She mumbled still holding her laugh in. When I finished I dropped her foot in my lap and then started on the other. When I finished she let out a big breath.
"Child."
"Shutup." She smiled.
"Next time, put some slippers on before you go out."
"Okay." She answered.
I pulled her up with me, grabbing the bucket before leading her back into the house.
I went to dump the water in the shower while she stopped in the living room. When I came back out she was leaning down looking at my beetle in his terrain.
"What's this bug called again?" She asked pointing to it.
"You ask a lot of questions."
She only turned to look at me, an expectant look on her face.
I walked over towards her and sat on the couch. "It's a rhinoceros beetle."
"Does it bite?"
"Stick your hand in there and find out."
I wasn't expecting her to really do it, but she did. He began hissing.
"You're pissing him off."
"Oh." She said abruptly taking her hand out. "Sorry Beetle sir." She said lightly tapping the glass.
Fucking cute. Ugh.
"Do you know what time it is?" She asked moving to sit on the couch opposite me.
"No."
"I have work tonight. So I'll have to get going soon."
For some reason, I felt discomfort in my chest. But I spoke anyway. "Okay."
She cocked her head at me. "So, what exactly am I waiting for?"
I shrugged my shoulders. I'm not going to tell her. It's supposed to be a gift. She's gonna have to wait and see.
"If you don't want me to leave you can just say that. I wouldn't be surprised that you're finally acknowledging your feelings for me."
I was choking. Choking on my own spit. She was a mess. It was only after I stopped choking that I realized she was waiting for me to say something.
"Shutup." Was all I could manage, making her laugh out loud.
She laid back on the couch, crossing her legs at the ankles. "Thank you." She said suddenly.
I didn't ask what she meant. I knew what she was referring to. She's only been begging with her stupid fucking expressive eyes to stay over here and spend time with me since we started having sex.
"Don't think you can stay all the time. I don't need any distractions."
"I don't need any distractions." She mocked me in an obnoxiously low voice that didn't sound anything like mine.
I gave her the finger, to which she only waved off.
"Sanemi?" She spoke after some time passed of us sitting in silence.
"What?"
"Tell me something about you, that nobody else knows."
"We fuck everyday."
She sighed heavily and I felt no remorse. This is not a conversation we are going to have.
It appeared she was going to drop the topic though. "What should we do?" She asked, repositioning herself on the couch so that now she was laying flat on her back, eyes up at the ceiling.
I shrugged.
"You want to go somewhere?"
"You don't have any clothes right now."
"Oh yeah." She said rolling her eyes. "I think I know what we can do."
"What?"
Instead of answering with words, she uncrossed her legs, obnoxiously seductive somehow, and began to rub slow circles against her clit.
It shouldn't have surprised me. The fucking minx was insatiable. But it still managed to take me by surprise anyway. She opened her legs giving herself better access. I could only watch her as she touched herself. It was so hot the way she seemed perfectly into it. Sounds of her slick filling the room in the short amount of time.
Fuck it, I thought as I sat up to get a better look at her. Just a few seconds later she pushed one pretty finger deep inside her core, letting out an equally pretty moan.
That was enough for me. I got up to close the distance between us. Sitting between her legs, I lost the little amount of restraint I had. I pulled her hand from her cunt and leaned forward until I could taste her. Licking a fat strip up her clit, savoring her sweet essence, earned me the cutest fucking whimper.
I lapped up all that she gave me, licking and sucking on her perfect clit. Her sounds motivating me to continue. She could go for a while, I learned in my time with her, so it surprised me when she came so quickly. It had only been maybe 4 minutes.
I looked up at her. Disappointed in her inability to last longer for me because I was enjoying myself. Enjoying her. "What the hell was that?"
A small smile appeared on her face as she let out a little huff of air. "Sorry. I don't know, you're just so skilled San."
My eyebrow quirked, caught off guard. "San?"
"Yeah." She smiled more.
I wanted to tell her not to shorten my name. It would've irked me if someone else had done it. But I didn't feel irritated by her doing it.
I pushed the thought out of my head as I stood to untie my robe. It was no time at all before I was back between her legs, grabbing onto her hips and pushing into her sopping core.
She gasped as I bottomed out. I rolled my eyes though I felt no annoyance. "You act like you don't know what to expect."
"Just feels so good." She murmured grabbing onto my wrists.
When she pulled them, I got the message. I placed my hands on either side of her head, as much as the couch would allow before leaning over her, burying myself deeper into her. She responded with another small gasp, before biting her lip.
I inwardly shook my head at her. She had a way of acting like it was our first time doing this together. I however, liked the sound, so I kept my pace slow, pushing my self as deep as her heat would allow each thrust, letting the tip of my head rest again that soft gummy wall inside of her that always made her gasp or squeak. A small almost unnoticeable shudder happened each time I slowly pulled away from my favorite spot. It was fascinating watching her. Rewarding even. No one had ever been this expressive before. Sure they've been loud, they've scratched my back, they've screamed, some cried, they shook and trembled too, but somehow always remained anxious.
But her, she was completely relaxed. Every part of her reacted to me simultaneously but softly. She was comfortable. It's something I can't quite explain but it's like she would completely melt, or like she was always fully giving herself to me. Fully immersed into what we were doing together.
I let my eyes rake over her perfect body beneath me. She looked so soft; she was; always. I leaned down on my forearm, shifting my weight to rest on the one arm while I let my left hand roam across her. I gathered her perfect breast into my palm, squeezing softly what I held. Her breathing hitched momentarily at the action. She let out one of those cute whimpers I like when I squeezed again.
Releasing her from my palm I trailed down her side, my thumb grazing along the softness of her abdomen, all the way down until I reached her hip. I softly squeezed her here too. I didn't realize that while watching her, to wait for her reaction I had stopped my strokes. It wasn't until she spoke.
"Sanemi please." She whined. But it wasn't annoying, and it didn't piss me off. It was cute.
"Sorry." I answered quietly, heat rising to my ears. Luckily her eyes have been closed so she couldn't see me. I made sure to keep my thrusts measured this time, not letting my admiring of her body distract me from fucking her.
Damn it, what the fuck is wrong with me. That's literally what I'm doing. Admiring her. Fucking hell.
I put my hand back up beside her before shifting my weight back over her, now on both forearms, the heat from her body rolling into mine.
I was caught off guard by her hands softly grabbing onto my sides, gently pulling me closer to her. "You're so good San." She mumbles, a small smile on her face as she watches where I disappear into her.
I ignore her compliment focused now on how close we were and how good it feels inside her. Her thumbs gently rubbed against my abdomen and it felt like too much. My hips stuttered, it caught me off guard again. She was being gentle with me. Admiring me.
My suspicions were confirmed when she brought both of her palms up the planes of my chest, beginning to caress me. I wanted to roll my eyes at her but the look in her eyes stopped me. She looked to be mesmerized. Instead of feeling confident and maybe repulsed like I would if it was some other woman I felt shy.
Like a fucking loser.
She let her hands glide to my back. The sound of her slick still the loudest in the room. When I felt her hands travel down to my hips pulling me deeper I felt turned on all over again, a small growl leaving my throat on its own.
I wasn't looking at her, purposely, but I could hear her smirk. I let my gaze meet her face this time, only to find her already looking at me. Before I could look away she let out the prettiest moan I've ever heard. Her eyes fluttered closed as I made sure to repeat the stroke. She quickly bit her lip, holding back a whine it seemed like.
I kept up my pace watching her face as I fucked her. Nice and slow. The way she loved apparently.
When a rather abrupt shudder went through her, I knew she was close. Her legs clamped against mine, her grip on me tightened and her breaths became short pants. Her walls were milking me for everything I had. I had to bury my face in her neck, to keep quiet. I bit her neck as I came, or else I would've made a fool of myself. I would've moaned louder than her.
I felt her come before hearing her come. It felt like a waterfall. Followed by the sound of her sinful moans.
As I sat waiting for her to finish I realized she wasn't stopping. She was still trembling, still holding me tight and still moaning.
Her brows furrowed cutely as each tremor shook her.
A surge of pride began building in my chest, realizing she was having this long of a response. She was overstimulated and it was quickly making me grow back hard.
I couldn't help myself as I pushed myself deeper into her.
"Oh fuck. Sa-San-Sanemi!" She said, her legs trembling more.
That was all the motivation I needed to keep fucking her. And this time it only took a minute tops for us to come together again.
"Thank you." She mumbled hugging me briefly as I rested atop of her.
"For what? Fucking you?" The tiredness of my voice pissed me off but I ignored it.
"Yes." She laughed.
"Anytime." I answered playfully before pulling out to stand up. "We made a huge mess on this couch." I said as I absently held my hand out to help her up.
"Sorry. I'll clean it."
"Good. Damn minx ruining my furniture."
Her answering laugh was loud.
And cute.
I hated it.
I didn't realize I was still holding her hand until we got to my bathroom. I quickly let go and grabbed a cloth, running it under the faucet. I handed it to her before wetting another for myself.
She remained quiet as we cleaned ourselves but I could honestly feel the questions she wanted to ask me.
"What?" I asked.
She made a face. One of confusion before speaking. "Are you hearing things? I didn't say nothin'."
"No, I know. But you want to. I can feel it, so what is it?"
She giggled. An actual fucking giggle.
"I'm just thinking about how handsome you are. No questions."
"Don't start." I told her while tying up my robe. "Put your cloth in there." I pointed over to my hamper beside the sink before walking out of the bathroom.
Not long after she came into the room behind me.
"What are you looking at?" She asked now standing beside me at the window.
"Nothing."
She shrugged and stepped closer to me, following my gaze.
"You have a really nice house." She spoke after a few moments of silence. "A really cool yard too. I like how it's hidden almost."
I looked at her. Her eyes were scanning across the front. Considering she's come here almost everyday for 2 months, you'd think she'd be less dorky about it.
"You walk through the yard everyday to get here. Don't be weird like you've never seen it before."
She faked a look of shock. "Oh hush San, I'm just saying. I know I've never told you so I'm telling you now."
"Mhm." I answered.
She tightened her robe and then turned to leave the room, but not before pushing me.
I didn't pay her any mind and I relished in the newfound absence. I needed to think.
There were too many thoughts in my head, conflicting thoughts, and it was driving me mad.
—————
You were sitting on the veranda out back when Sanemi finally came to you.
"Your clothes are ready." His voice, deep and demanding, called.
You stood and followed him back inside. When he gestured to a pile of folded clothes you pursed your lips in confusion.
"What's all of that?" You asked.
Sanemi grumbled something under his breath. You only stared at him, waiting expectantly.
"It's yours. I....I'm sorry about your dress. I got more to make it up to you. Because it was a really nice dress. These aren't as nice as what you usually wear but it's the best I could get it in just one day." By now he's almost rubbed the skin on his neck completely off with his nervous movement.
"Sanemi..." you started, surprised. "I....thank you." You settled for the shortest answer. Coming from Sanemi this was a big deal. Not to mention the quality of the fabrics were clearly top tier.
"She um...tried to fix the one I tore but she said it would take her more time."
"Thank you." You repeated with a nod, letting your hand graze down the folded pile gently. "I guess I'll get dressed."
You grabbed the one on top, it was a deep red, and went into his bathroom. After getting it on, you were surprised at how well it fit you. It was very comfortable and although it wasn't your usual style it was pretty.
"What do you think?" You asked Sanemi when you came back to the living room.
He nodded his head quickly, eyes darting all over your figure, taking in the ensemble.
"Do you like it?" He asked.
"I do."
He nodded his head in finality. "Okay."
After a few beats of silence you spoke. "I guess that I'll get going. I have a show tonight and have to get ready."
"Alright." Sanemi said from his place beside the couch.
You gathered all of your new clothes and tried your best to ignore the big heavy sinking feeling in your chest.
"I'll um....see you tomorrow?" You said as you walked over to the door.
"Yeah. Tomorrow." he answered.
"Okay. Have a good evening Sanemi." You slid your feet into your shoes and grabbed the door handle.
You're used to Sanemi being quiet, you're used to him not responding to basic courtesy's, but for some reason the silence this time was leaving a dull ache in your heart.
At this realization, you were quick to get away from there.
This is bad you thought, as you hurried out and down the walk way to the outer gate.
You were so attached. Too attached.
————
Your heart leapt into your throat when you saw Sanemi in the crowd during your performance. You knew you were feeling his stormy presence but when your eyes landed on him you almost lost your breath and was just slightly off key on your note. Of course no one noticed but the boys.
You winked at Brass's questioning expression in an effort to let him know you were fine. You continued your performance without anymore mess ups.
It was to your surprise that when the crowd dispersed Sanemi was still there. He appeared to be waiting for you.
"We'll pack up, you can go talk to your boo thing." Brass playfully batted his lashes at you from where he knelt at his cases.
"Thanks." You smiled before walking down the stairs at the back of the stage. You felt nervous as you made your way back to the front to meet him. You don't see him twice in one day often, and if you do, he's usually gone before the performance ends, but now he's waiting for you. What could that mean?
Nevertheless, you smile when you reach him. "Hey."
"Hey." He replied. His hands were in his pockets and he wore loose gray pants and a loosely tied matching top.
"Did you like the show?" You asked.
"Yeah I did."
You nodded. The question you wanted to ask you thought might upset him so you let it sit on your tongue, contemplating whether you should ask or not.
"Your hair."
"Oh, yeah. I uh straightened it." You smoothed down your freshly styled hair. Patting down the areas that felt poofy from sweating while performing. Normally you would've styled it but you ran out of time to do anything special.
Sanemi's stormy eyes had not met yours yet, instead he's been taking in your appearance slowly. Looking everywhere but your face.
"Hm. Did it take a...long time?"
A question about your day. That was new.
"Yes actually." You smiled.
"Hm. So you made it back in time?"
"I did."
"You have plans for the night?"
Those subtle nerves turned into big butterflies. Filling your belly so much it was almost uncomfortable.
"I don't." You paused. You wanted to ask why. Tease him and ask if he was trying to take you on a date, but your newfound nerves would not let you.
"Good."
Your heartbeat was erratic at this point. It only worsened as he finally met your gaze.
"Why?"
Sanemi gave an exasperated look. "You know the answer. Now come on." He responded walking the direction to your home. Once you got there he quietly follows you to your room.
"Grab some clothes." He told you as he stood in the doorway.
You didn't ask him to specify, you simply grabbed something you would wear on a typical day. After putting all your things in your bag you turned to look at him.
He nodded once and then turned to leave the room. Strolling downstairs like he owned the place. When you walked out you ran into the guys.
"What's going on here, you two having a sleepover?" Frank asked, a smile on his face.
"Yep." Sanemi replied not faltering at all in his stride.
The shock on their faces was clear. You felt it too. You've never spent the night with him and he also usually ignores remarks like that; the kind that suggest there is anything more between you two besides sex.
"Well have fun you two. See you later." Frank answered.
You waved at him giddily while Muddy shook his head playfully. "Wrap it up." He said.
Rolling your eyes at him you waved him off.
Of course Sanemi paid no attention to any of you as he lead the way.
You walked in silence not wanting to irritate Sanemi, eyes taking in the familiar route around you.
When you made it back to his house, you stood quietly in the entryway as he locked the door and slid his shoes off. He took your small bag out of your hands and then walked into his bedroom. You still stood in the entryway wondering if you were supposed to follow him or not. There was nothing left to wonder as he came back out and walked over to one of the couches in the living room; propping his feet up on the coffee table.
Before he could say anything you joined him, however sitting on the couch opposite him.
Sanemi crossed his arms behind his head and stared at you.
"So? What do you usually do when you invite women over?"
"I don't."
"Oh so this is new?"
"Obviously."
You cracked a smile. "Why?"
Sanemi rolled his eyes. “You ask a lot of questions."
"Not enough really."
"Hah, humor me."
"How old are you Mr. Sanemi?"
Despite your playful nature, Sanemi's eyes opened wide and he dropped his hands from his head.
"21....you?"
You told him and watched as he sat back, returning to his relaxed posture.
"Okay." He answered. "What else do you want to know?"
"Anything you want to share."
Sanemi only stared at you. Unsure of what he wanted to tell you. What could he tell you? None of it matters really.
"Actually, you don't have to say anything. I'm sorry." You spoke up with thoughts of your own life filling your mind. Your experiences are certainly things you wouldn't want to share, so it was probably for the best not to pry with him.
With narrowed eyes Sanemi leaned forward. "Why?"
"Just....doesn't really matter right now. You'll tell me when you're ready. Right?"
He nodded in acknowledgement.
"Good." You smiled. "Now. I must say I'm very excited for this sleepover. Is there anything in particular you want to do?"
His shoulders raised and then dropped just as quickly. "I don't know."
"Do you want to sit out in the garden with me?" A small smile on your lips as he pondered your question.
"Sure." He answered eventually, prompting you to stand.
You walked to the back door and waited for Sanemi to join you. You'd forgotten that he said not to go out without slippers until he dropped a pair at your feet.
"Thanks!" You beamed after sliding them on and opening the door.
Sanemi followed behind you as you walked to the back of the garden. You gestured for him to take a seat on the bench while you got down on the ground and peered into the path like pond. A smile took over your face as the all black fish came your way.
From where he was seated, he just observed you. Wondering why you were so excited about these damn fish. He could practically hear you smiling.
He let you watch in awe, all entranced, for a long while before his first question came to mind.
"Do you not see fish where you're from?"
It didn't go unnoticed to Sanemi, the way your shoulders tensed up.
"No."
It also didn't go unnoticed that there seemed to be a further explanation on the tip of your tongue. So Sanemi stayed silent. Waiting.
When you did finally speak your voice was monotone. Void of any emotion or humor, so unlike how you usually speak.
"I couldn't go to the lake in town."
"Why?"
"Wasn't safe." You let your finger tips tap gently atop the pond.
"Why?"
Where you're from, no one would ask why. They would know. They would know exactly why.
How do you explain to a foreigner that where you come from you aren't wanted there? Although you were born there, your family before you were purposely brought there, you were despised. Hated. The worst of the worst.
You settled for the easiest answer. "People don't come back home from the lake."
"Demons?" Sanemi asked. His curiosity genuinely piqued.
"You can say that." You laughed humorously.
You didn't know this, but thats when it clicked for Sanemi. Hearing that hard laugh.
The silence that followed wasn't tense. It was sad. But you didn't want to sit in it for too long.
"Did you eat dinner?" You asked him suddenly.
"No. You?"
"Yes. I can make you something if you want."
"Aren't you a guest?"
"I guess, but i don't mind. I'd like to really."
"Do you even know how to cook?"
You turned to look at him, a look of sarcasm on your face.
"Please boy, do you know who I am?"
Eyebrow cocked in amusement. "I guess you'll have to show me, because I don't know."
"Tuh, say less." You replied standing from your spot. "Watch me work." You added before marching into the house, discarding your slippers at the door.
When you reached the kitchen, you wasted no time scavenging his fridge and cabinets. You pulled out many things, most you weren't too familiar with if you're being honest but, you could figure it out as you go.
While you cooked Sanemi watched from the counter he'd leaned against, his eyes intently watching everything you threw together. A lot of the practices you used were quite different from what he was used to. He was intrigued.
"Now.....here. Try this." You said as you scooped the steaming food into a bowl.
"A curry?"
"A gumbo." You corrected. Now it was your turn to watch him carefully.
Sanemi took the bowl carefully into his hands glancing at it curiously.
"Now it may not taste the way I was hoping, you have different spices than I typically use. I'll have to cook for you at my place another time maybe."
Sanemi nodded and then finally tasted what you served him.
His eyes widened briefly and he peered up at you.
"Well?"
Sanemi's heart hammered at the hopeful look in your eye.
Why did you care about pleasing him so much? Who cares what he thinks?
You were going to be the death of him. He knew it.
"It's good." He answered moving to sit at his small table in the living room.
It's going to be a long night. Sanemi thought as he fought not to be affected by the beautiful warm and pleased smile you wore at his response.
It's just one night. I can stay in control of myself for one night. Sanemi said to himself.
As it turns out, Sanemi could not have control over himself with you
He tried.
He really did.
But you were so perfect.
You were attentive at the right times. Quiet at the right time. You weren't pushy, surprisingly, and you were actually pleasant to be around.
It was horrible.
He found himself zoning out just staring at you while you talked, or while you slept.
He had to pull himself out of bed and into town to slay demons. He felt....guilty about feeling so much comfort next to you. Trying to sleep next to you, you looking at him with those expressive fucking eyes, your desire to please him anyway you could, it was too much.
Much more than he should have.
He had one goal. One desire. One purpose. But for some reason none of it mattered as much when he was with you.
That scared him.
—————
Sanemi's POV
"Hey handsome, where'd you go?"
A deep sigh left my chest before I could stop it. It seemed like I was exasperated with her compliments.
Good.
She didn't need to know it was because the sound of her sultry voice did things to me.
"Out." I replied, removing my clothes .
"Obviously." She smiled lazily, cocking her head at me. "Did you have to work or something?"
"Yeah." I answered.
"How was that?" She questioned.
"Fine."
I could see her eyes brighten, but just as quick as it happened she lowered her eyes and looked away, before nodding and replying "Good." With a soft smile on her face.
Damn those fucking beautiful eyes.
"Ask your question." I sighed beginning to remove my clothes.
"Are you sure?"
"Until I change my mind...."
"Okay okay, what is it that you do....exactly? I know I asked before and you said kill. I don't really...um...care what you do....for work.....I just....am curious. You're not just....a...killer...right? Are you....like a um....bounty Hunter or something?"
I have never heard her sound so unsure, mumble, or even say um.
By now I was totally undressed.
"Maybe I'll wait until I finish bathing to tell you exactly what I do."
Those eyes again. They widened. She seemed nervous. Worried that I was going to tell her I just murder people every night I'm sure.
"Okay." She nodded, and then laid back down.
I closed the door to the bathroom and ran my bath.
My mind was conjuring up all the ways it could go wrong telling her that I'm a demon slayer. Are there demons where she's from? It sounds like she has other worries from back home and I've never heard of any stories about demons there.
Who am I kidding?
There's fucking demons here so who the fuck cares if it's a scary thought? It's a fact. It's reality. No sense in sugar coating it. If I don't tell her someone else will eventually. Or she'll see for herself.
————
"Perfect timing" The fucking vixen said as she brought a plate of food to the living room center table.
"How was your bath?" She asked once I sat down.
"Good." I answered ignoring the wanton look on her face. She was shameless.
"I.....ooh um nevermind. I'm sorry."
My eyes darted back to her face quickly.
"What the fuck is up?" She was being unlike herself. I understood the weird behavior about my work but was she trying to stop herself from flirting with me?
Since fucking when has she cared about coming on too strong. It doesn't even bother me anymore.
"What do you mean?"
"Why are you acting like you can't ask me questions."
I could see a guard go up in her eyes. "You always tell me to stop asking questions-"
"That's never stopped you before!" I threw back. It was petty. But I didn't care. I wanted to get to the bottom of her being cryptic.
"I just don't want to upset you." She replied.
"Since when?" I asked putting the food down untouched.
I was starting to get angry. Is she implying that she can't trust me? Like she doesn't know who I am or something? She's never cared if I was upset with her or not. Atleast she never acted like it. It never stopped her from calling me names I don't like, trying to get to know personal things or doing something I told her not to.
"Sit down." I said before she could say anything else.
She sat down across from me.
"I don't kill people." I said.
She sat on the couch quietly, and nodded slowly.
"I kill demons."
She blinked. And appeared to have froze. After 2 minutes of complete silence she eventually spoke.
"Okay."
"Okay?" I echoed.
"Yeah."
Now I was confused.
"So you've already encountered demons?"
"No."
"You don't have any questions? Other remarks?"
"No." She answered with finality.
I searched her face for any signs of her wavering. I couldn't find any.
"Well do you feel better now that you know what my job is?"
"Yep." She nodded.
I sat and stared at her. There was definitely something wrong. But I truly didn't have the words to convince her to talk to me. Beyond that, she doesn't dive too deep when I'm in a "mood" as she calls it.
I began scarfing down the food she made me. She remained quiet while I ate. Proof that she was still not being herself or was in her head.
When I finished, I got up, and grabbed her off the couch, throwing her over my shoulder.
"Whoa! What are you doing?" She exclaimed.
"About to fuck you back to normal." I replied with a swift smack to her butt.
"Oh really?" She asked. Her seductive voice sounding more like usual.
That's my girl.
—————
Shocked would be an understatement but since you were at a lost for words that's what you were going to stick with.
Sanemi was sleeping, soundly, and pulled you to his chest himself.
You really couldn't believe it, but you knew better than to comment on it.
Maybe he really did like you too.
Honestly, who were you kidding? He has to like you too. You would never be at his house after spending a night with him, laying on his chest while he slept if he didn't.
These were truly boyfriend behaviors. You knew better than to ask him what this meant for your relationship though.
As you looked at his silver lashes, you tried to keep your hands where they were instead of touching his handsome face. He looked so much better up close. Getting to stare unabashedly without the distraction of euphoria, really had you wondering how you could ever get so lucky as to be tolerated by this stone of a man.
No, scratch that. Liked, by this man.
Demons.
You quickly shook your head at the intrusive thought.
That was the last thing you wanted to think about but now that you were no longer busy, you knew realistically you would have to face it.
You looked at the scars on his beautiful face and it hit you again.
Demons.
That had to be the cause for the extensive amount of scaring on him. A man as sure of himself and as mean as Sanemi had to face off against something extreme to be injured so badly.
You lightly traced the scaring across his chest with your fingertips.
Demons.
You inwardly rolled your eyes.
You had to do something. You couldn't just sit there, and sleep wasn't an option.
Slowly, you separated from Sanemi and left the bed as quietly as possible.
Once you were dressed, you left to the living room to find a note pad where you wrote "don't wait up. See you soon."
You had to busy yourself. If you stayed busy, your mind would be busy, and you wouldn't have to face that startlingly discovery.
———
You walked around town until you came across a trinket shop. You spent a lot of time there after talking to the owner who sold many of his handmade jewelry and knives. You spoke with him in great detail about his designs and his craftsmanship. He seemed delighted to discuss those things with you too, a huge smile on his face as he spoke to you.
By the time you left you had purchased way more than you intended to. You were happy though, and it was a good amount of time keeping the anxiety off of your mind for a while.
You decided to head home for a little while too. However you noticed as you got closer to the house, the more that dread crept up your neck and made you feel sick.
When you made it home you were not as relieved as you thought you would be to see the guys.
"Hey! Didn't expect to see you so soon." Brass greeted you from where he was lounging on the floor beside the couch.
Above him Frank was laid out on the couch while Muddy sat in the chair adjacent.
It appeared they had been working on music.
"Yeah, same." You replied.
"We'll why are you back? And what do you have?" Muddy asked.
"Jewelry, and because. It's....a lot."
No one spoke for a while.
"Okay and?" Brass responded. "We're all sitting here, not going anywhere so go on and tell us."
Frank sat up and gestured for you to sit next to him.
"I don't....I don't really know how to....say." You mumbled taking the newly open seat.
"Try." Frank said patting your back when you sat down.
They were all worried. You weren't usually one lost for words.
Muddy sat forward in his seat, eyes zeroed in on you. "Did something happen with Sanemi?"
The way your eyes showed a series of emotions at the mention of his name gave Brass pause, making him sit up from the floor.
"Did he do something to you?" He asked.
"No no no." You said, tone far away. "He told me....well....hmm...what if he's crazy?"
"Crazy how?" Muddy asked.
"Like....delusional."
"Aw hell. What did he say?" Brass groaned.
You glanced at Frank and his eyes were piercing as he waited for your answer. He nodded to you, encouraging you to continue.
"He said he fights demons."
Silence.
"Yeah don't we all." Muddy laughed.
"No. Listen. He fights demons for work. Physically, in real life."
This time, the guys all exchanged a look. You couldn't read this one.
After atleast 4 minutes of silence, "Somebody say something." You said.
"So, someone else told me about demons here before too." Muddy answered
"Honestly, the whole town thinks there are demons."
"I believe them." Brass said.
"Wait, you've never heard this before?" Muddy interjected.
"No." You answered.
"How?"
"The important question is, do you really think Sanemi is delusional? I mean now that you know majority of the people we encounter believe there to be demons here, you'll be fine right?" Frank asked
"Of course not! Because the alternative is that there are demons!"
"She has a point." Brass said.
"I need a drink. Anybody else?" Muddy said standing up and going into the kitchen.
"Yeah."
"Me"
"Sure." The three of you answered simultaneously.
———
"Hey, we should go see if we can find a demon." Frank said.
Immediately Brass started laughing.
"This always happens, why do we let Frank drink? Here Frank stick to smokes man." Muddy said pushing the ashtray across the coffee table towards him.
"What do you mean? That would help us confirm if these demons are real." Frank answered casually grabbing the wooden pipe from the tray.
"If they are in fact real, what do you think would happen to us when we're in front of them? They take human souls!" Brass basically shouted.
"Yeah, pure souls! We have nothing to worry about.”
To your horror, Muddy and Brass seemed to accept this explanation and ponder over it.
"Okay. No. That's enough. Nobody is going to look for demons, also our definition of pure and a demonic definition of pure may be two different things. Let's drop it. Please!" You said.
"Oh yeeeeah, you're right." Brass nodded.
"Well maybe we can ask lover boy Sanemi about it." Muddy said.
"No to that too."
"We can't do anything." Frank sighed.
You sat back further into the couch. You felt bad for leaving Sanemi while he slept after he had been a completely different person to you, but you really couldn't think there. You were overwhelmed with this new information and didn't know what you should think. What you should do.
Are you supposed to just keep living life as normal? How?
It was insane to even consider.
Ironically, alcohol seemed to calm your nerves. While still anxious however, you felt significantly less stressed.
"I'm gonna go back to Sanemi." You said out loud.
"Sounds good." Muddy nodded.
"Yeah he's probably worried. His feelings are probably hurt. He probably thinks he ran you away." Frank said.
It felt like you had been dunked in ice cold water as realization hit you. Frank was right.
Considering everything, you had chosen the worst possible time to "clear your head".
"Oh no." You groaned. "I've gotta go."
You stood, feeling the effects of the alcohol you drank. Little silver stars were dancing around your vision.
"Should we walk you? Does he live far from here?" Muddy said.
"No, you'll probably slow me down. I'll be okay." You answered.
"You look a little drunk."
You shrugged. A little is nothing. You've done more than simply walk to someone's house while under the influence. You'd be back to normal halfway through the walk.
You gathered all of the new things you just purchased and grabbed more clothes just in case.
The more you thought about it, the more you realized you were running out of time. It had been too many hours since you left with no explanation. Your little note probably meant nothing. You had to hurry.
———-
The trees cast an extra shadow over everything around you as you made your way through the thick forest. You weren't expecting it to be so dark so soon but you hadn't accounted for the cover of the forest. The walk wasn't as comforting as it was in the mornings or mid-day.
You had just gotten more comfortable with the minimal light when someone fell into step beside you.
What the….?
It was so sudden you couldn't fathom that someone could've been following you but they had to have been behind you.
You slowed your pace, planning to stop walking. To your surprise the figure slowed their pace as well. You glanced at them seeing that they were covered in a dark cloak so you couldn't make out any details.
Abruptly you stopped walking. This was mirrored by the individual in the cloak.
"Can I help you?" You asked ignoring the sinking feeling that began growing in your gut.
"Yes you can." The voice was something from a nightmare. It didn't sound human at all, and it sounded malicious. It was haunting. Something that you hear and immediately know it's other worldly.
You took a step back but froze when the head of the cloaked figure snapped in your direction.
"Where do you think you're going? I haven't even introduced myself yet."
The cloaked figure then laughed. Your blood ran cold at the sound.
"I've seen you before. You walk through my woods often. But I got the biggest treat of all seeing you with that damn Hashira. He's usually always alone. So I was surprised to see him with someone. A woman no less."
Another laugh. This time more high pitched.
"I'm gonna have some fun with you. Im gonna use you. You see, it's a weakness of mine to play with my food before devouring it. That wild hair Hashira seems unbreakable. But I think I've found just the thing I need to break him." A more deranged laugh sounded in the air. "A friend, or a lover perhaps!" His tone crescendoed with each word. He was excited. This shook you to your core.
You were rooted to your spot, your brain trying to understand what was happening, your body tremoring with fear and disbelief.
The cloaked figure removed his hood.
Your legs gave out before you could even register what was happening. You had never seen anything like what was before you.
It wasn't human. You knew this but seeing it made a difference. His, or it's, skin was grayish green, his teeth were sharp, too big to fully close his mouth, he had multiple horns protruding from the sides of his face, and his eyes, they glowed sinisterly.
But that wasn't even the worst part. The fact that he was drooling was the nail in the coffin.
"I'll take...just a little piece. Nothing big, just something small but noticeable."
You couldn't even hold eye contact any longer once he began stalking towards you.
Every single step he took toward you sent a tremor down your spine. You kept your head down, too afraid to catch another glimpse at him. Too afraid to move. Too afraid to stay really but you were paralyzed with fear.
A single cold but firm hand grabbed your chin and raised your head up slowly. You kept your eyes squeezed tight.
The last thing you heard was that haunting laugh.
————
You woke up in a lightly lit, unfamiliar room. You felt strangely relaxed despite being in an unknown room.
Vaguely you registered that someone else was present. Before you could take in anymore of your surroundings, the sound of feet padding down the hallway came. You didn't know whether to be afraid or what, but your body responded on its own. A deep violent tremor shook you. Enough to catch the attention of the person in the room.
"Hey. you're awake now? Don't be frightened, you're safe here."
Your eyes met the owner of the voice and you felt a tiny sense of relief. It was a young girl. A human. Something worth noting now. She didn't give you any negative vibes. In fact, the more you came to, you could see that she was caring for you. She was mixing medicines and herbs together where she was seated.
Only then did you register that you were hurt. Or had been hurt. You looked down at your arms and noticed your left forearm was bandaged. There was a tender ache and slight burning present. You raised your arm and that's when the true extent of your experience hit you.
It felt like you had fallen from a 5 story building. Your entire body felt weak and achey.
The young girl in the room began to speak but was quickly cut off by the door being thrown open.
Sanemi walked quickly over to you in the bed and looked over you. His body was tense but his eyes were in a frenzy. He snatched the covers back looking over your legs. He appeared to relax a bit as his eyes did a final once over your whole body and sight landed back on your bandaged arm.
"Can you walk?" He asked. His voice slightly raised.
"I-" you tried to speak, voice cracking from not being used.
"Mr. Sanemi, she shouldn't-"
The young girl stopped speaking when Sanemi's head turned to her.
"Sh-sh she....really shouldn't l-leave." She finished despite the obvious fear, her hands clasped together.
"That's too bad isn't it?" He all but growled.
"Please," she tried again but this time Sanemi ignored her, grabbing you and throwing you over his shoulder.
You didn't have a chance to protest and truthfully you didn't think you would. You felt relieved to see him. Being in his arms, although unconventionally, made you feel so much better.
You didn't speak as he made his way outside.
It was only when you neared the forest that the urge to speak came to you.
Sanemi didn't need to hear you though. He felt you before you got any words out. Your body tensed as you realized you were starting into the woods.
"Relax. You're with me. Nothing is going to happen to you. I promise." He told you sincerely.
It was like a blanket of warmth was thrown over you. Just a few simple words and you felt at ease. Of course you didn't know Sanemi long, but you trusted him with every fiber of your being. You knew he would keep you safe.
You'd never know the satisfaction you'd given Sanemi with just your body language. He felt like he's just conquered the world feeling you relax beneath his fingertips. The fact that you believed him after who knows what happened to you made him feel incredibly warm inside. He both loved and hated it.
You continued on in silence. Sanemi's grip on you strong and comforting. You hardly felt jostled despite the fact that he was walking. You were so relaxed you could sleep.
His effect on you was unique. You were almost airheaded with him. So much so, you didn't even register that he basically threw you on the ground. You were perplexed but the swirl of wind, leaves, and twigs around you, told you something was going on. It took a second for you to realize what kind of commotion was happening around you. A loud roar rang out before you felt a slight tremor on the ground beneath you. Your eyes followed the direction of the noise and you saw the largest grotesquely built thing you've ever seen. With yellowed glistening skin, something akin to an ogre came running at you, a spiked club in hand.
You knew that you needed to move, but you could barely feel your legs. You tried to get up, you really did, but it was going to be too late. He closed in on you fast, and you could only brace yourself. The attack never came though. A gust of wind wafted onto you and you opened you squinted eyes, wondering why the monster stopped. Just a few more seconds and you could see. A thin red line was visible, running directly down the center of his body, Then it grew. His body splitting into two halves.
You faintly registered Sanemi's voice saying "fuck" as your vision grew dark. You were fighting the strong urge to vomit, feeling super nauseous after what you witnessed.
"Get up!"
Sanemi's command was loud and urgent. You couldn't see him, and you couldn't tell where he was. Your nausea making it that much harder to focus on what was happening around you.
You were trying to stand when you felt Sanemi grab you and move you to a different spot. The sound of snarls and grunts surrounding you. What you couldn't see before you were able to see now that Sanemi was right in front of you. There were numerous demons coming at you two, from all sides. You wanted to be better, stronger, to help him somehow but you just felt sick to your stomach. You didn't care what happened to you but if Sanemi got hurt you would lose your mind. How would he be able to get out of this?
Your question was answered when you felt that powerful surge of wind around you. Sanemi was almost a blur moving around you and killing each and every one of those things. Your head was spinning.
You're not sure what happened after, but the next thing you see is Sanemi taking off his bloodied jacket, turning it inside out and wiping your face. You just watched him, seeing a calmness in his eyes that you only seen once before. When he finished he slightly smiled at you.
"You okay?" He asked.
Your heart skipped a couple of beats for sure. "Yes." You answered. Your voice coming out just above a whisper.
"Come on." He replied, lifting you up from the ground to your feet. "I can carry you if you don't mind a bit of demon blood."
You could only nod this time. Reeling from both the softness in his voice and the thought of what just happened.
He picked you up, and held you bridal style before continuing on his path.
You were both silent the rest of the way to his house. It wasn't until he placed you on your feet in front of his door that he spoke again.
"Would you want to bathe together?" He asked opening his door and then taking your hand to lead you inside.
"Yes." You said quietly.
Sanemi led you to the bathroom, and helped you undress. He then got the bath ready before coming to you with a wet cloth and wiping down the small splatters of blood that were on you.
When he finished he told you not to move before leaving the bathroom. You waited just a couple of minutes before he walked back in clean but also dripping with water. His hair pushed back showing his handsome features.
He walked over to his tub and stopped the water before pouring what looked like oil into the water. After moving the water around, mixing the oil, he came and took your hand, to help you into the warm water.
He sat down and then pulled you to sit on his lap. He wrapped his strong arms around you and sunk a bit deeper into the tub.
"Just relax." He said.
And that's exactly what you did. The pain in your arm more noticeable now that you were still. It was nothing though, in the grand scheme of things. Minor really.
"I'm sorry." You said suddenly.
"For?" Sanemi asked. His deep voice smooth and even.
"For worrying you."
He let out a long sigh. Then he patted the top of your head. "Who said I was worried?"
You turned your face toward him. To look into his eyes.
"I'm serious." You told him.
"I am too." He smirked.
"You use the one time I'm serious with you to joke?"
"Isn't that what you would do?" His smirk grew.
You couldn't even help the smile that bloomed. He was so handsome, and he looked even better when he was smiling, and happy.
"Okay lover, you got me there." It was your turn to smirk. Using one of the many nicknames he hated.
"Watch it vixen, or I might just have to put you in your place."
"Oh please do."
His eyes widened momentarily, before he started to laugh. "Already back to normal huh? You're something else. But I'm with you if you're ready."
You couldn't believe it. "Reeeally?" You mused.
"Yesss." Sanemi echoed your tone, dragging out his answer like you did.
You wasted no time in positioning yourself just right so that you could guide him inside of you.
"I think I really enjoy this playful, meeting me where I am, San." You wiggled your bottom slightly, making sure you were perfectly perched on his member. "I may need to get hurt more often." You laughed lightly. Already heating up from having him inside you.
"Not funny. Too soon." Sanemi replied, his grip tightening around your waist, while the hand that was lightly resting atop your head tangled into your hair, pulling your head back gently.
Before you could say anything else he kissed just below your ear. It was soft and it was sensual. It set the tone for the night.
————
You had been laying together, in all your post sex bliss, for atleast an hour. Mostly just cuddling or caressing one another. You could tell Sanemi had something on his mind which is why you stayed quiet. You appreciated that he didn't push you away and was being almost romantic. Even if just for the night, you wouldn't take it for granted.
Of course, unbeknownst to you, Sanemi was truly relieved you were okay. After all of this time, he wouldn't be able to go on the way he used to if something happened to you. He genuinely cared for you.
It's why you were shocked to hear the uncertainty in his tone when he asked you a question.
"What happened? Last night I mean. Do you want to talk about it?”
It took you a few seconds to answer. To be honest, you don't remember anything after he, or it, grabbed you.
Answering truthfully, you told Sanemi just that.
"Do you remember what it looked like?"
"No."
He nodded. "I guess that could be a good thing for you."
You could tell he wasn't satisfied with your answer.
"I can try to remember." You told him.
He shook his head. "No, it's okay. Don't worry about it. No need to have any bad memories." He said running his hand down your back soothingly.
"I'm sorry."
"No more of that," he answered.
"If I remember anything, you'll be the first to know." You smiled lightheartedly.
"Thanks." He said. "Now, get some rest."
You smiled but said nothing as you followed his orders. You turned away from him, now facing the window, with your back against his chest. You grabbed the hand that was on your back and pulled it to your chest.
Sanemi got the memo, and scooted closer, securing you against him in a warm embrace.
He kissed your temple and said "goodnight".
"Goodnight San." You mumbled before easily drifting off into sleep. Unaware of just how much rest you needed.
