Reader’s gender and age isn’t stated but reader is older than Tanjiro and Nezuko, thinking about 18 years old
Dynamic with the siblings
They adore you, absolutely worships the ground you walk on
Remember Tanjiro’s Mr. Giyuu? That’s both of them with you
They’re your little ducklings 🥰
Both of them are relatively clingy, but Nezuko is definitely more open about it than Tanjiro
You absolutely have to force him to relax and rest, especially when he bends over backwards to help everyone
Both of them like to sneak into your bed and lay there with you, just like they did before Muzan came
They’re your #1 supporters for life
Nezuko loves to turn into her toddler form and just be held by you
Tanjiro just holds your hand a lot, still remembering that he’s a child too. He can take a break
Dynamic with Kamaboko squad + Kanao and Genya
Sooo you’re the squads’ big sibling
You have to deal with their shenanigans that may or may not get a normal person killed
But good thing none of you are normal people
Inosuke wants to fight you for “leader”
Zenitsu begs you to tell him everything about Nezuko when she was a child
Genya gets so flustered around you and tries to push you away, but you really remind him of ‘Nemi before everything happened so he won’t fight back for long
Kanao was definitely the one to recognize the older sibling affection you have and silently asks for it like a puppy just begging with wide eyes
Dynamics with hashira
Mitsuri absolutely eats up all of the older sibling affection, she’s the eldest sibling herself but she wouldn’t mind experiencing being the younger sibling for a change
Shinobu really gets taken back to a time where Kanae was alive, it’s bittersweet for her but will never ask you to stop
Big brother giyuu finally gets a break.. wrong. He gets adopted into the sibling dynamics. He has no say
Obanai most likely doesn’t like you at all, but since you’re older he does tolerate you
Muichiro is adopted. Not by your choice. By his.
Kyojuro honestly asks you to watch over his younger brother for a bit since he certainly doesn’t want him alone in the house with his father
Gyomei is just very happy to be in the presence of a pure and loving sibling relationship from both sides
Tengen insists for you to be his student since your younger brother and his friends are so impressive
Sanemi mellows down with you, it’s honestly kinda scary but you make him nostalgic for a time before
Taisho era secret:
I heard that Muzan screamed when he saw you because he thought you were the first user of sun breathing
𓂃⋆.˚ ( kny ) "shut up, mom!" prank on kny men !
⤷ ゛tengen, giyu, gyomei, rengoku, muichiro, obanai,
sanemi, muzan ˎˊ˗
tw yelling (as part of the prank), pregnancy, child is at least
a young teen in each scenario, minimal violence
part two here
masterlists
────────────────── tengen uzui
"Shut up, Mom!" your son yells. You're reclined on the couch, fighting against the instinct to laugh. before you can deliver your line, "excuse me?", you feel a weight lift from beside you and hear the footsteps of your husband.
You almost break your neck when you turn around, eyes darting from Tengen to your now trembling son - he agreed, quite eagerly, to prank his father, but that eagerness didn't make tengen any less intimidating. Standing tall at 6'6, it's hard to look at him and not think twice about everything you say around him.
"You'd've had it easier if you said that crap to me," Tengen hisses, grabbing his son by the front of his shirt. He leans down to place his face mere centimeters from his son's, and you're perched on the edge of the couch now, ready to interfere should the situation escalate.
"You can disrespect me all you want, but your mother? You're sick in the head, boy," he says lowly, before wrapping one strong arm around your son's shoulders and resting his forearm around his neck, putting him in a chokehold without the force. "Imma teach your disrespectful ass some manners."
From your position, you can see the veins enunciated and pulsing in his neck and arms, prompting you to shoot up from the couch and rush over to them. "He didn't mean any arm by it—it's just teenage hormones," you tell Tengen, trying to pry his arm off your son.
He gives you an evidently softer look than the one he was directing at his son, but doesn't let up. You see the devious smile on your son's lips and have to shake your head in warning, hoping he doesn't open his mouth to worsen the situation.
"Nah, she's just been annoying the hell out of me," he says.
Tengen sees red and you see a murder charge.
"It's a prank! it's all a prank, a joke, you know? just... messing with you," you finally reveal, placing your hands on Tengen’s arms placatingly. When your son nods in agreement, confirming your declaration, Tengen lets up and lands a gentle smack on the back of your son's head.
You let out a relieved sigh and pull a still-tense Tengen into your embrace, stifling a laugh. You’re overjoyed that he was so quick to defend your honour, but you can't help but want to frustrate him even further. When he spots the glance you give him, your son pales and shakes his head.
You say, "though, ahem, that last bit wasn't in the script," and it's all the warning your son needs to take off sprinting upstairs.
You feel your husband disentangle himself from your embrace and chase after the poor boy. "You hurt him and i'll make you eat glass for dinner!" you call out after the hunk of muscle, seeing him hesitate at that before resuming his chase.
────────────────── giyu tomioka
As agreed, you finally hear your daughter scream "shut up, Mom!" after you tell her to wash the dishes. Perfect line execution, in your opinion; very convincing.
"What?" Giyu snaps, his voice low and brows furrowed as he turns to face your daughter. your husband has never been one for extravagant and loud displays of anger, but even in quieter displays like this can you feel the heat radiate from him.
"She's always on my case about the dishes, dad! i don't wanna—"
"Shut it."
You press your lips together to contain your laugh and steel your expression into one of disappointment. "I’m sorry, sweetie, it'd just be nice to have some help around the house," you say, sighing dejectedly.
Your (feigned) sadness doesn't escape Giyu’s detection, and he begins approaching your daughter with measured steps. You see the flicker of fear in her expression before she, too, steels her features. He reaches a hand out to place on her shoulder and lowers his head to stare directly into her eyes, face-to-face.
"Your wants are not expressed through childish tantrums," he warns, tightening his grip on her. "Especially not when addressing your mother. She doesn't work herself to the bone so that you can fuss about what you want."
"But—"
"No. Apologise immediately."
You stare at your daughter expectantly, pleased that your husband is so adamant about protecting you, both physically and emotionally. She purses her lips, glances at you, then looks back up at Giyu.
"It’s just a prank, Dad."
Giyu remains silent, waiting for her to do as he asked. He clearly isn't convinced that this is all a joke and you're tempted to let this keep going. But you feel bad, having put your daughter at your husband's mercy, so you snicker quietly and wave a dismissive hand at him.
"She's not lying, honey," you say. Giyu looks at you then and raises a brow, piecing together the situation until it finally dawns on him. He sighs like he's dealing with two children instead of just the one that is his daughter.
"When i say that you'll be the death of me," he starts, patting his daughter on the head apologetically, then walking over to you and kissing your forehead, "it's not always hyperbolic. My blood pressure can attest to that."
And even then, he can't help but smile and shake his head indulgently.
────────────────── gyomei himejima
Admittedly, you were scared to even think about putting your daughter in the line of fire, but you know about Gyomei's soft spot for her, so you think it balances out. Even so, your body trembled from the difficulty of containing your laughter and the anticipation.
Gyomei notices this and calls out, "are you alright, my love? You’re shaking."
You wave your hand, making a small 'mm' sound in response. That gives him pause, but he turns back to the bookshelf in front of him with you on the forefront of his mind.
As you wash the dishes, you look over at your daughter on the couch, clutching the tv remote. "Have you hung the laundry yet, sweetheart? The sun will be setting soon—"
"Gosh, Mom, just shut up!"
You hear the slam of a book being shut and the thud of it being placed on the coffee table, before Gyomei passes by—not without kissing your temple—and heads straight towards your daughter. Your daughter, who is now trying to busy herself with the remote and avoid her father's eyes at all costs.
Gyomei stands in front of her, effectively blocking her view of the tv. His huge arms flex as he crosses them, his pale eyes piercing. "The laundry. Now."
Your daughter knows better than to respond with anything but a nod of her head. She gets up to comply, but he stops her with the clearing of his throat. She turns to face him again and he nods his head in your direction pointedly.
She swallows anxiously and mumbles a small, "sorry, Mom."
You smile and walk over to embrace her, just as Gyomei says, "I forbid such insolent attitude in this house, especially towards your mother."
Placing a gentle hand on his chest, you whisper, "it's a prank."
Gyomei relaxes a little at that—completely when your daughter nods her head to confirm. The two of you are then pulled into his strong arms and held against his chest. His hands smooth over your and your daughter's hair. "You girls are more trouble than I anticipate sometimes."
────────────────── kyojuro rengoku
"Shut up, Mom!" your son shouts from his room in response to you asking him to hoover the house. You caress the swell of your pregnant belly and waddle to the stairs, placing a hand on the railing to look up at your son's bedroom door.
He makes it sound so convincing that your first instinct is to yell right back, but you remember that this is all just a prank and reign your emotions in. "It'll only take a bit, an hour tops!" you call out, knowing full well that the house Kyojuro bought for you is not one that can be cleaned in 3 hours, let alone 1.
You feel a gentle hand on the small of your back and a tender kiss on your cheek. "I'll deal with him, sweetheart. Go relax," Kyojuro says quietly, his gaze soft but burdened with a steely resolve demanding discipline.
He heads upstairs with a very weak smile in comparison to what he usually adorns, and you can see his right eye twitch and the way his breaths are inhaled deeper.
You hear him enter your son's bedroom, who argues his case for a maximum of five seconds before it turns concerningly quiet. Your brows furrow and your mouth opens to ask if everything's okay, only to shut when you see your son trudge down the stairs, the back of his shirt held up by his father's tense grip.
Your breath catches in your throat.
"Honey, don't hurt the boy," you say with a sigh.
"He's lucky i'm not," Kyojuro says, more so growls.
"Dad, listen—"
Kyojuro tightens his grip so that the neckline of the boy's shirt is practically choking him. Your eyes widen imperceptibly and you follow them as your husband leads, well drags, your son to the storage closet. He shoves the hoover into his hands before taking him into the living room.
"Clean, boy. You'd do well to preserve your energy for something useful." The way Kyojuro's eyes flash dangerously has you giddy.
Yes, he's disciplining your son, but that's... well that's kinda it. His protectiveness is so attractive.
"It's a prank," your son mumbles. You run your hand up and down your belly, pursing your lips.
"That it is, but I'm not complaining about the result," you say, grinning at the sight of your son hoovering obediently. "Not that you wouldn't have done as I told you, right?"
Kyojuro has relaxed his tense posture somewhat, but at your question, stares at the young man expectantly.
Your son nods, mirroring your grin.
────────────────── tokito muichiro
As your son heads upstairs to shower and undoubtedly game for the next five hours, you shout, "make sure to do your homework!"
He groans—nice added touch to the performance—and stomps up the last few stairs. "I know, mom! Shut up about my damn homework!" you hear the bathroom door shut behind him shortly after.
It takes a minute for you to hear any movement from Tokito, who's washing the dishes, and even then you're unsure as to how he'd react. All you can do is watch as he turns off the tap and dries his hands, then casually walks over to the small door under the stairs. He pulls it open and flicks off the electricity supply to the bathroom, effectively cutting off all the hot water. He shuts the door and walks back to the sink without a word, turning the tap on again.
You wait with deviously bright eyes and pursed lips. Then, after about 30 seconds, you hear a yelp and dejected laugh from the bathroom. Your son scurries out with a towel around his waist and a pleading expression directed at you.
You're snickering now, impressed by Tokito's prompt response. When you make no move to tell your husband, your son glares and rushes downstairs to poke his head into the kitchen.
"Dad, it was a prank, I swear. I feel so gross right now and I just want a hot shower, pleeeeease."
"That was hilarious," you finally say, having to cover your mouth at your son's desperation. He glares at you again. "shut up," he laughs out, before realising his mistake. "N-no, I didn't mean it like that—Dad, wait!"
You watch Tokito turn the tap off again, dry his hands again, and walk after your son, who runs back upstairs. "He really didn't mean it like that—it was a prank anyway!" you call out after your silently seething husband, who gives you no response in return.
────────────────── iguro obanai
You and your son share a knowing glance before you commence your roles. "Did you get the groceries I told you to?"
"Uh... no."
You feign annoyance. "We need them for lunch. can't you go out and get them now?"
"Um, no, Mom. I'm tired. I'll probably just order some food anyway."
"Alright, well your father and I still need to eat—"
"Gosh, Mom, shut up! Just uber it or something."
The two of you fall silent then, waiting for something to happen. You glance over at your husband, who's reading on the couch and in the process of taking his reading glasses off to place them on the coffee table. Kaburamaru hisses, slithering around Obanai's neck until the majority of its body is leaning over his shoulder, facing your son.
"You ill-mannered brat," Obanai snarls, shooting up onto his feet and stalking towards the young man beside you. "I'll cut your disrespectful tongue out and shove it down your throat—"
"Woah, woah, c'mon Dad. It's just late now, y'know? I can have them delivered, from my own pocket too if—eek!" your son manages to rush out before scrambling away from the snake on his dad's shoulder. "Why does mom let you keep that thing—no, please! I'm sorry, dad! I'm sorry!"
Obanai's hand shoots out and grabs the neckline of the teenager's shirt, using the leverage to drag him out the living room and to the front door.
You're confused as to what Obanai intends to do until you see him pull the door open and fully try to drag the boy out under the rainy sky. He would have already succeeded in doing so if said boy wasn't clinging to the door for his life, laughing and pleading breathlessly to be let go.
"Look! Look behind you!" he screams, pointing at the shopping bags by the shoe rack. "I already bought everything Mom asked me to, t-this was just a prank! I swear—Mom, tell him!"
"So now you seek out your mother's kindness?" your husband hisses, mirroring the sound the reptile makes.
"No really, Iguro! It's a prank—bring the poor boy back in," you laugh, rushing over to help your son up, who dusts himself off once on his feet and points an accusatory finger at you.
Obanai growls at that, and he drops the finger immediately.
"I'm never agreeing to prank this man again, you hear me?" he says, placing his hands on your shoulders. "You sentenced me to death."
────────────────── shinazugawa sanemi
Pranking Sanemi promptly activates your fight or flight, which is why you're slightly tense as you lay your feet in his lap and scroll on your phone. His scarred hands rub your ankles and heels subconsciously and you try not to let the soothing ministrations distract you from the task at hand.
Your daughter has more to worry about, though. Sanemi has never raised and will never raise a hand to his daughter, but he doesn't need violence to intimidate or make a point.
"Hey, sweetie?" you coo, looking over at your daughter, "could you make me some tea?"
"Later, Mom," she sighs, scribbling something in her homework book.
"I'm sorry to ask, it won't take long—"
"Shut uuuup, Mom! I said later!" she yells, flinching when Sanemi carelessly throws his phone to the floor and turns his full, searing attention to the disrespectful young lady.
"Get your ass up and apologise. Homework or no, you do as your mother asks," he snaps, tense and coiled like a snake prepared to strike.
When she hesitates for a split second, he shouts, "now!"
You shake your head to stop her from obeying, curious to see where this will go when she doesn't. Anxious and somewhat reluctant (but equally curious), she keeps her mouth shut and turns back to her homework, essentially ignoring Sanemi's order.
A beat passes before Sanemi lets out a disbelieving laugh. "Oh, so you think you're too good for this family, huh?" he mutters, taking care to not hurt you when he removes your feet from his lap to place them on the couch, before launching to his feet.
He doesn't even take a step before you're grabbing his arm and your daughter is laughing from sheer panic. "It's a prank," the two of you say simultaneously, making Sanemi second-guess himself for one of the very few moments in his life.
His top lip curls up. "Hah?"
"She didn't actually mean it, we just wanted to see how you'd react," you explain, running your thumb along the veins on his forearm. "I swear."
"What?" he snarls in an equally confused tone, face flushing red at the fact that he just fell for your masterfully devised plan.
When you simply grin and tug him back down onto the couch, your feet quick to settle in his lap again, he leans his head in one hand while the other resumes its ministrations on your ankles. Your daughter takes the opportunity to gather her books and hurry out the living room, stopping to kiss her dad's temple apologetically, earning a grunt from him.
"I love you," you say, grin widening when he hesitates.
"Damn you, woman," he grumbles, leaning down to rest his head on your stomach. He huffs out a quiet laugh when you smack his shoulder in protest. "I love you too."
────────────────── kibutsuji muzan
Are you dumb? Why in the world would you think to prank this man? He's crushed skulls with a few flicks of his finger and slaughtered his own kind for the slightest display of insubordination—are you looking to sign your death warrant?
No, because Muzan (as much as he won't admit it) has a soft spot for you. Rightly so, considering he married you and has left you wanting for nothing ever since. That and the fact that there's a 16 year old kid of his living under his roof.
You had to execute this smartly and, more importantly, safely. He's never hit you or your daughter, but he's certainly not against locking them somewhere to discipline them—the last time he did that was when she was 3 and wouldn't take no for an answer regarding the pet she wanted. Because... a rat? really? Muzan would incinerate the creature at the slightest squeak.
Luckily, your daughter was strong-willed and wasn't sensitive in the slightest. That meant she developed zero trauma from the experience and did not grow up to hate her dad in the slightest.
Good. This should go well, then.
“Could you get the fire going in the living room?" you ask your daughter, who adopts her role immediately and rolls her eyes.
"We have servants for that, Mom."
"Need I remind you that the remaining two are busy cleaning the house?" Two instead of the initial twenty, because Muzan can't find the patience to tolerate anything from anyone. "Please?" you ask again.
"No."
"D/n-"
"No! Please just- shut up! Gosh," she huffs out, eyes already bright and curious to witness her father's reaction.
You turn back to the book you're reading and almost scream when you see Muzan standing to your left, your daughter still on your right.
"What was that?" he asks, voice smooth and low. You shiver at his tone, not from fear, but for a reason you'd explore later. "Insolence in such youth?"
He places a clawed hand on your head, not quite gently because his body is not accustomed to such, but soothingly. Enough to remind you who his anger was directed at.
"My spawn dare lash at her mother with such invective?" He sounds deceivingly calm, his hand leaving your head to stalk towards your daughter. "Well? Answer me, girl."
You see his claws extend and his veins protrude, almost disgustingly so. He's trembling from the self-control he's exerting to not do as he usually does and rip the offender's throat out. It's taking a toll on him psychologically, because you see the manic glint in his eye and the cruel curl of his lips.
Even at the sight of her father's enraged state, your daughter manages to stay standing and not plead for mercy at her father's feet.
"You forget your place. You are afforded no right to such speech. Cleanse the filth from your tongue and apologise at once.”
It is then that your daughter sees the emotion in her father's eyes—he was undoubtedly willing to murder her if she persisted. She wishes she could photograph the sight to show you the next time you doubt his love for obsession with you.
"Sorry, Mom."
"It's alright, sweetie."
Muzan calms then, claws still extended and veins still pulsing. His body remains much too tense, even as he turns to pat your head again and pull you to his chest, looking over his shoulder to glare at his daughter.
Demon Slayer Characters React to Drunk Y/N Complaining About Not Having a Boyfriend (While Being Married to Them)
I thought this would be sorta funny...
🌸 Hashira
🔹 Giyuu Tomioka → Blinks. “But… I’m your husband.” Watches as you dramatically flop onto the counter, groaning about how unfair life is. Giyuu, completely lost, gently pats your head and mumbles, “Did you forget?” You grab his haori and whine, “But everyone ELSE has one!” He sighs, picks you up, and places you on his lap. “I’m literally right here.” When you wake up sober, he’s staring at you expectantly, waiting for an apology.
🔹 Sanemi Shinazugawa → Nearly chokes on his drink. “Huh?! The hell did you just say?!” Stands there, completely baffled, as you cry into your ramen about how you’re “so lonely.” He yanks your face up and growls, “You’re married to ME, idiot!” If you keep whining, he’ll grab your face and kiss you aggressively just to shut you up. “Say that again, I dare you.” The next morning, you wake up to him giving you the silent treatment.
🔹 Kyojuro Rengoku → BURSTS OUT LAUGHING. “AH! MY LOVE, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ME?!” Immediately picks you up and spins you around in his arms while declaring, “Fear not, for I shall be your boyfriend and husband both!” He’ll then spend the next hour showering you with compliments until you’re giggling again. The next morning, he teases you endlessly about it.
🔹 Tengen Uzui → “Oh? You don’t have a boyfriend? What a tragedy!” Smirks and plays along, even pulling out a fake tear. His wives giggle in the background as he dramatically sighs, “If only there were a dazzling, flashy man who would devote himself to you~” Eventually, he cups your face and whispers, “Oh wait. That’s ME.” The next morning, his wives keep reminding you of your ‘crisis’ just to fluster you.
🔹 Muichiro Tokito → Completely deadpan. “You’re married to me.” Watches as you dramatically sob into your drink. “You literally have a ring on your finger.” He tilts his head. “Do I not count?” You mumble, “You don’t count ‘cause you’re too perfect.” He pauses, blushes a little, then sighs. “You’re so dumb when you’re drunk.” Carries you to bed but secretly enjoys the attention.
🔹 Mitsuri Kanroji → GASPS. “OH NOOO, MY LOVE!!” Immediately cuddles you and reassures you that you’re the most loved person in the world. “I’LL BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND AND BOYFRIEND IF YOU WANT!!” She even makes a whole list of reasons why you’re adored. The next day, she excitedly asks if you remember her ‘love speech.’
🔹 Obanai Iguro → “...Are you serious?” Looks completely betrayed. You keep whining, not noticing how his grip on his cup tightens. “You’re MARRIED to me. How the hell do you not have a boyfriend?” When you drunkenly say, “You’re my husband, not my boyfriend,” he stares at you like you’ve committed a crime. Kaburamaru hisses in agreement. The next morning, he ignores you until you apologize properly.
🔹 Gyomei Himejima → Soft sigh. “I see.” Gently wipes your tears as you ramble about being ‘unloved.’ Then, with zero hesitation, he pulls you into his lap and starts listing all the ways he cherishes you. “You are loved beyond measure.” The next day, he reminds you that even in your drunkest moments, he will always reassure you.
🌓 Upper Moons & Muzan
🔹 Kokushibo → Silent for an entire minute. Stares at you as if you just grew another head. “You… do not have a boyfriend?” Watches you dramatically throw yourself onto the table. “Impossible.” Finally, he exhales deeply and pulls you against his chest. “You are MY wife. That is beyond a mere boyfriend.” The next day, he reminds you that your ‘foolish drunken words’ made him question your intelligence.
🔹 Douma → GASPS SO LOUDLY. “OH, HOW COULD THIS BE?!” Dramatically grabs you and cradles you while fake-crying. “HOW COULD YOUR BOYFRIEND ABANDON YOU LIKE THIS?!” Then he kisses your forehead. “Oh wait, that’s me~” He spends the next hour teasing you, calling himself your ‘brand-new’ boyfriend.
🔹 Akaza → “WHAT?!” Nearly falls out of his chair. “You—you don’t—Y/N, I’M RIGHT HERE!!” If you keep complaining, he grabs your face and forces you to look at him. “I’M YOUR BOYFRIEND. YOUR HUSBAND. SAY IT.” When you refuse, he gets pouty and hugs you from behind, sulking. The next morning, he’s grumpy until you remind him he’s your favorite.
🔹 Muzan Kibutsuji → Does not move. “Excuse me?” Raises an eyebrow as you drunkenly cry into your soup. Watches you go on and on about being ‘so single.’ Finally, he tilts your chin up, smirking. “Would you like me to find you a new boyfriend, then?” (Translation: Say yes, and you die.) The next day, you wake up to him watching you. “Say it again. I dare you.”
🎴 Main Three + Genya
🔹 Tanjiro Kamado → SO CONFUSED. “But Y/N… I’m right here?” When you keep whining, he gently takes your hand and kisses your wedding ring. “Does this not mean anything?” He patiently waits for you to realize before wrapping you in a warm hug.
🔹 Zenitsu Agatsuma → STARTS WAILING EVEN LOUDER THAN YOU. “YOU DON’T HAVE A BOYFRIEND?! BUT YOU HAVE ME!!!!” Literally grabs your hands and shakes you. “DO I MEAN NOTHING TO YOU??” Probably ends up crying with you. The next morning, he reminds you dramatically of your betrayal.
🔹 Inosuke Hashibira → “WHAT?!” Looks around like he’s about to fight someone. “WHO STOLE MY GIRL?!” When you say, “No one, I just don’t have a boyfriend,” he snarls, “I’M YOUR BOYFRIEND, DUMBASS!!” (Is ready to throw hands with the air.) The next day, he’s grumpy and demands an apology.
🔹 Genya Shinazugawa → COMPLETELY SHORT CIRCUITS. “H-HUH?! BUT WE’RE M-M-MARRIED???” Face turns BRIGHT red. When you keep whining, he stammers, “B-But I thought—D-Does this mean nothing to you?!” When you wake up, he’s still sulking. “So… do you still think you don’t have a boyfriend?”
₊°ᗢ₊˚✧☕Writer's Note: Sorry, I didn't write for Tengen cuz hes already got 3 wives, I don't write poly and because I couldn't think of a scenario to write😭
The night was quiet, save for the steady hum of cicadas in the summer air and the faint crackle of incense burning nearby. The moon hung high, silver light spilling across the temple courtyard where Gyomei had asked you to meet him.
When you arrived, you found him waiting on his knees before the shrine, prayer beads clutched tightly in his massive hands. His head was bowed, lips murmuring a prayer so soft you almost didn’t catch it. You’d seen him pray countless times, but this felt… different. There was a trembling weight to it.
When he finally raised his head, you noticed his eyes shimmered, not just with moonlight, but with tears.
“Forgive me if my words come clumsy,” he rumbled, voice deep and fragile at once, “but I cannot keep them caged in my chest any longer.”
He reached for you then, carefully, like you were porcelain. Despite his immense size, his touch was feather-light as he guided your hands into his own. You felt the warmth of his calloused palms, the steady rhythm of his pulse, the unspoken devotion in the way he held you as if you were the most sacred thing in the world.
“All my life,” Gyomei began, tears rolling freely now, “I have prayed for strength to protect, to guide, to carry others’ burdens when they falter. And yet—” His voice cracked, his breath catching as he squeezed your hands gently. “—you have been the one to carry mine. Your laughter… your kindness… the way you simply exist has saved me more times than I dare admit.”
He bowed his head again, tears dripping onto your joined hands.
Then, with a trembling exhale, he shifted onto one knee. His size alone made the gesture overwhelming, the towering, unshakable Stone Pillar kneeling before you like a humble man with nothing but his heart to offer.
From the folds of his robes, he produced a small, hand-carved wooden box. It wasn’t polished gold or expensive velvet, it was simple, yet smooth and lovingly shaped, as if he’d worked on it late at night with nothing but patience and prayers. When he opened it, you saw a ring inside, the band etched with delicate lines resembling prayer beads, a tiny stone glimmering at its center like a captured star.
“I have little to give this world that is not strength,” he whispered, voice breaking under the weight of his tears. “But every part of me, my prayers, my days, my heart belongs to you. Will you… allow me the honor of spending the rest of my life at your side?”
The cicadas quieted, the incense smoke curled higher, and for a moment the whole world stilled, as if holding its breath for your answer.
And when you said yes, Gyomei sobbed openly, clutching your hands to his forehead as if he were giving thanks to the gods themselves. His tears stained your knuckles, but his smile, gentle, broken, radiant was brighter than the moonlight itself.
───────୨ৎ───────
The world was drenched in warm orange as the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in fire. Rengoku had dragged you out to the fields just outside the city, saying he had something “most important” to show you.
He stood there, back lit by the sunset, his wild hair glowing like molten flame. His usual booming grin was on his face, but there was a certain nervous flicker in his eyes that you’d never seen before.
“[Name]!” he called, voice carrying like a war drum. “I’ve fought countless battles in my life! I have faced demons without fear and walked the edge of death itself!”
Then, in an uncharacteristic break, his voice softened, still strong, but trembling with raw emotion.
“Yet nothing has made my heart race like standing before you now.”
You blinked as he suddenly bent down, hands fumbling behind his back. When he straightened, he held something out proudly, a lacquered wooden box, decorated with a phoenix motif that he’d clearly burned into the surface himself.
But before he opened it, he grabbed your shoulders with surprising urgency, eyes blazing brighter than the sunset.
“You are my reason to keep moving forward! My fire burns brighter because you are by my side! Every moment I spend with you fills my chest with joy so strong, I could laugh until my voice breaks!”
And then Rengoku, the man who never once wavered in the face of death, actually blushed. His voice lowered, gentler, so unlike his usual roar that it made your chest ache.
“So please, allow me the honor of making you my family… for the rest of my days.”
With a decisive motion, he dropped to one knee. The box flipped open, revealing a golden ring with a ruby set in the middle, burning as fiercely as his spirit. The band itself looked like dancing flames, carefully crafted, shimmering with life.
He held it out, eyes locked on yours, and for the first time you saw vulnerability flicker in the flame.
“Will you marry me?”
The sunset behind him seemed to ignite, and in that moment you could swear the entire sky was cheering with him. When you said yes, his face lit up even brighter than the fiery horizon, and he laughed, a booming, joyous laugh that echoed across the fields. He scooped you up in his arms, spinning you around until your cheeks hurt from smiling.
“FLAME AND SOUL! TOGETHER FOREVER!!” he shouted to the sky, as if he wanted the gods themselves to witness it.
And honestly? You knew they did.
───────୨ৎ───────
It wasn’t candlelight or a sunset. It was late at night, just the two of you sitting on the engawa outside his home. The cicadas had gone quiet, and the air was cool enough that you could see your breath. Sanemi was sitting beside you, a flask of sake in his hand, scars catching the moonlight like pale threads stitched across his skin.
He hadn’t said a word for a while, which was unusual even his silences usually buzzed with tension, like he was daring the world to piss him off. But tonight? He just looked… restless.
Finally, he shoved the flask down and barked,
“Tch.. damn it. I can’t keep this in anymore.”
You blinked at him, startled, but before you could ask, he was already dragging a hand through his spiky white hair, jaw tight. His voice was sharp, but underneath it trembled something uncharacteristically fragile.
“I’m no good at this shit. I don’t… I don’t say things right. I’m rough, I’ve got more scars than I can count, and I’ve lost more people than I’ll ever admit.”
His fists clenched on his knees. He looked away, teeth gritted like the words were being dragged out of him.
“But you- damn it, you stuck around. You didn’t flinch when I pushed you away, didn’t run when I showed you the ugliest parts of me. And for some reason—” His voice cracked, low and raw. “—you made me wanna live for something other than fighting.”
He stood abruptly, pacing like a caged animal, then finally whipped around and dropped to one knee so fast it was almost clumsy. From his haori, he yanked out a little pouch, rough leather, clearly handmade. He shoved it toward you with shaking hands.
When you opened it, you found a silver ring, simple but strong, with little wind-carved etchings along the band that looked almost like scars, and yet somehow, beautiful.
Sanemi’s voice shook, but his eyes burned into yours with a ferocity that left no room for doubt.
“I ain’t promising perfection. Hell, I’ll probably screw up a thousand times over. But I’ll fight for you. I’ll bleed for you. I’ll protect you with every damn breath I’ve got left.”
Then, almost too soft to hear, he added
“…So marry me. Please.”
The word please broke something in your chest. Sanemi never begged. Never asked. But here he was, trembling, scars and soul laid bare, holding his heart out like a bloody offering.
When you whispered yes, he exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for years. He pressed his forehead to yours, rough hands cupping your face, muttering curses under his breath except this time, they weren’t angry. They were shaky little prayers, like “shit, I love you so much” and “don’t you ever leave me.”
And when he finally slipped the ring onto your finger, his lips brushed over your knuckles, not delicate, not practiced, but desperate. Real.
───────୨ৎ───────
The rain had just stopped, leaving the world dripping and fresh. You found Giyuu standing by the riverbank, where the moonlight shimmered across the water like liquid silver. He was always drawn to places like this. quiet, still, where words didn’t feel so heavy.
When he noticed you approaching, he shifted slightly, his haori swaying in the breeze. He didn’t smile, but his eyes softened, a gentleness reserved only for you. For a moment, the two of you stood side by side, listening to the water rush over stones.
Then, in his usual abrupt way, he spoke:
“There’s… something I need to say.”
His voice was low, almost drowned out by the river. His hands were at his sides, clenching and unclenching as though the words themselves were sharp.
“I’ve spent most of my life… watching people disappear. Every time I cared, it was taken from me. Every bond I made was cut short.”
He glanced down, unable to meet your eyes, his brows furrowed like he was scolding himself.
“When you came into my life, I thought it would be the same. That if I let myself hold on, the world would tear you away too. So I tried—” his voice wavered, “—I tried not to hold on at all.”
Your chest ached as he finally turned toward you, and for the first time, you saw fear. not of demons, not of death, but of losing you.
Slowly, with shaking hands, Giyuu reached into his uniform and pulled out a small cloth pouch. He untied it with fumbling fingers, revealing a ring inside: silver, delicate, carved with a pattern that mimicked rippling waves. Clearly something he’d chosen carefully, even if he never said so.
When he looked at you again, his eyes glistened, not from the river’s reflection, but from unshed tears.
“I’m not good with words. I’m not… easy to be with. But I know this: I can’t imagine a world without you in it. And I don’t want to anymore.”
He swallowed hard, then dropped to one knee, his voice trembling as he held the ring out to you.
“So… will you stay? With me? For the rest of our lives?”
The river roared quietly in the background, but the silence between you was louder. When you whispered yes, his breath hitched like he didn’t believe it. He slipped the ring on your finger with unsteady hands, his lips parting like he wanted to say more, but all that came out was a broken, relieved exhale.
He leaned his forehead against your hand, tears dripping onto your skin as he whispered the words he’d never said out loud before:
“Thank you… for not letting go.”
───────୨ৎ───────
The mist rolled gently across the mountainside, curling around the trees like pale silk. Muichiro had brought you here, but his favorite spot to watch the clouds drift endlessly above. He was lying in the grass, eyes fixed on the sky, his expression calm and far away as usual.
For a while, he didn’t say anything. You thought maybe he had forgotten why he asked you to come here in the first place. But then, out of nowhere, his voice floated into the air, quiet and thoughtful.
“The sky looks endless, doesn’t it?”
You hummed in agreement, glancing at him. His pale eyes stayed fixed above, but there was something sharper in them, a rare focus.
“I used to think life was like that, too. Endless. But then I lost everything. My family, my time, even myself.”
He turned his head toward you then, his expression soft in a way that stole the breath from your lungs.
“And then… you appeared. Like sunlight breaking through the mist.”
Slowly, Muichiro sat up, reaching into his sleeve. His hands moved with unusual certainty as he pulled out a tiny wooden box, carved with cloud patterns. He held it gently, like it was something precious, before offering it to you with both hands.
When he opened it, you saw a ring, delicate silver, the band etched with tiny swirls that resembled drifting mist, a small aquamarine gem set at its center like a captured piece of the sky.
His voice, usually airy and detached, was firm now, quiet but unwavering.
“I forget a lot of things. Names, moments… sometimes even my own worth. But no matter how foggy everything gets, one thing always stays clear.”
He took your hand, his slender fingers brushing against yours with surprising steadiness. His pale eyes locked onto yours, filled with more emotion than words could carry.
“I love you. I don’t ever want to forget what it feels like to be with you. So… will you stay with me? Always?”
The mist curled thicker around you both, as if even the world itself was holding its breath. When you whispered yes, Muichiro’s lips parted in the faintest smile—small, rare, and more radiant than the rising sun.
He slipped the ring onto your finger, then leaned against your shoulder, his hair brushing your skin. His voice was a murmur, already softening back into dreamlike tones:
“Good. Because I think… with you, I’ll never feel lost again.”
───────୨ৎ───────
The night air was cool, lantern light flickering faintly inside Obanai’s home. You were curled up beside him on the tatami floor, Kaburamaru lazily coiled across his shoulders. Obanai wasn’t speaking. he rarely did when silence was enough but his mismatched eyes kept flicking toward you, watching like you were something fragile he was terrified to lose.
Finally, after what felt like hours, his low, quiet voice cut through the stillness:
“I don’t… deserve you.”
You sat up a little, startled, but he didn’t look at you. His gaze stayed fixed on the floor, his hand absently stroking Kaburamaru’s scales.
“My blood is stained. My family’s sins are carved into me. All my life I’ve believed I was filthy.. something cursed, undeserving of happiness.”
His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his usual sharp tongue softened into something trembling, bare.
“But then you came along.”
Slowly, his mismatched eyes lifted to yours. For once, there was no scowl, no sharpness, just a raw, aching vulnerability that nearly undid you.
“You… you look at me like I’m worth something. Like I’m not the monster I’ve always seen in the mirror. And it terrifies me, because—”
His voice cracked, and he reached into his robes with shaking fingers. When his hand emerged, he held a small, black-lacquered box, the edges worn like he’d carried it for months, too afraid to actually open it.
“—because I don’t know what I’d do if I lost that.”
Finally, he moved closer, dropping to one knee in front of you. Kaburamaru slithered down his arm, curling delicately around your wrist, as though even the serpent was part of the vow he was making. Obanai opened the box, revealing a slender silver ring shaped like two intertwining serpents, their heads meeting to hold a tiny gem between them.
His voice was barely above a whisper, raw and stripped of all armor:
“I have nothing pure to give you. Only this flawed heart that beats louder whenever you’re near. But if you’ll allow it—” his breath trembled, “—I want to spend what remains of my life at your side. As your husband.”
His mismatched eyes burned into yours, terrified and desperate all at once.
“Will you marry me?”
When you answered yes, Obanai let out a shaky exhale, like he’d been suffocating until this very moment. His hands trembled as he slid the ring onto your finger, and when he leaned forward to press his forehead to your hands, Kaburamaru nuzzled against your palm too, like the snake was sealing the vow alongside him.
Obanai’s voice broke, barely audible as he whispered:
“…thank you, for choosing me. For making me believe I could be loved.”
───────୨ৎ───────
The festival lanterns glowed warm and pink, strung above the bustling street. Mitsuri had dragged you out, practically bouncing on her feet the whole way, her hair swaying in candy-colored waves as she pointed excitedly at every food stall you passed.
“Ooh, [Name]-chan, look at the taiyaki! And the dango! Ohhh, and that stall has candied apples—so cute!!”
Her enthusiasm was contagious—you couldn’t help laughing as she tugged you from one stall to another, insisting you try everything. By the time you sat down at the edge of the festival square, you both had your laps full of snacks, lantern light reflecting in her green eyes.
But then Mitsuri grew oddly quiet. She fiddled with the stick of her dango, cheeks already pink but deepening with something other than excitement.
“[Name]-chan…” she started softly, voice trembling. “I—I love eating delicious food. I love bright colors and laughter and warm moments. But more than all of that… I love you.”
You blinked, caught off guard, as she set her dango aside and turned fully toward you. Her hands were shaking as she dug into her sleeve, pulling out a little pink silk pouch.
When she opened it, your breath hitched. Inside was a ring—delicate gold, with tiny engravings of blooming sakura around the band, a small pink gem set at its center. It sparkled in the lantern light, but it was nothing compared to the way Mitsuri’s eyes glistened.
She dropped to her knees right there, not caring about the crowd, tears welling up as she clutched the ring like it was her entire heart.
“I know I’m a lot. I get loud, I eat too much, I talk too much, I feel everything so strongly… and sometimes I’m scared that it’s too much for people to handle.”
Her voice cracked, and she smiled through the tears, trembling but radiant.
The festival noise seemed to blur away, lanterns flickering softly around you as she held the ring out, eyes pleading but glowing with hope.
“But you—you’ve never made me feel like too much. You make me feel like I’m just right. Like I’m perfect the way I am. And I want to spend the rest of my life making you feel that way too.”
“[Name]-chan… will you marry me?”
Your yes barely left your lips before Mitsuri squealed—loudly. She threw herself into your arms, knocking over your plates of food, hugging you so tight you thought you’d burst. The crowd nearby clapped and cheered, but Mitsuri didn’t care; she kissed you over and over, tears running down her face, laughter bubbling from her chest.
She just grinned through her tears, slipping the ring onto your finger and declaring to the entire festival square:
“SHE SAID YES!!!”
The lanterns swayed, the fireworks cracked overhead, and you realized—you’d just agreed to spend forever with the brightest, sweetest, most unapologetically loving woman in the world.
───────୨ৎ───────
The garden behind the Butterfly Estate was quiet in the evening, the air rich with the scent of wisteria. Shinobu had asked you to join her, saying she wanted to “show you something.” When you arrived, she was already waiting, kneeling by the koi pond with a lantern glowing faintly beside her.
She looked up with that trademark fake smile.
“You’re late. I almost thought you’d forgotten about me.”
Her tone was light, teasing, but there was a tremble to her hands as she folded them neatly in her lap. You sat beside her, watching the koi ripple through the water. For a long while, she said nothing—just let the sound of the insects and the faint rustle of wisteria fill the silence.
Finally, her soft voice cut through the night.
“You know… when Kanae died, I thought my heart couldn’t hold anything good again. I thought I had to lock everything away—keep smiling, keep fighting, keep pretending.”
“And then… somehow, you appeared. And you were patient with me. You saw through the teasing, through the mask, and you still stayed. You made me feel like I wasn’t broken.”
Her smile faltered, eyes glistening in the lantern light.
Her hand brushed against yours, light as a butterfly’s wing, before she slowly pulled something from her sleeve: a small lacquered box, painted with purple flowers.
She opened it to reveal a delicate ring, silver and thin, with tiny engravings of wisteria climbing along the band. At the center sat a violet gem, soft and shimmering like moonlight on water.
Shinobu let out a tiny, nervous laugh, biting her lip.
Then, in an uncharacteristically vulnerable move, she shifted to her knees, lowering her head slightly as she held the ring toward you. Her voice was steady, but her eyes shone with tears she was too proud to shed.
“I’m a poison, you know. I can be sharp, biting, sometimes even cruel. But if you’ll let me… I promise to spend every day making sure my love is the antidote.”
“So… will you marry me?”
When you said yes, Shinobu exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for years. She slipped the ring onto your finger with careful, trembling hands, then leaned forward to rest her forehead against yours.
Her smile returned—gentle, teasing, but this time unmasked.
And as the wisteria swayed above you, you realized you wouldn’t dream of it.
“Good. Now you’re stuck with me forever. Don’t think you can take it back.”
Rengoku would take your timidity as something precious. He’d adjust himself without dimming his warmth: speaking reassuringly, never mocking your shyness… He’d always make sure you’re comfortable before initiating affection or public displays.
He’d say things like: “Ah! You don’t like crowds? Then we shall dine somewhere peaceful! I will handle the noise.”
His optimism is protective, not overbearing. He respects your nature, and because he’s naturally confident, he becomes your anchor in social situations, helping you shine when you’re ready.
GIYUU
Giyuu would be the most at ease with a timid partner. Silence doesn’t scare him. He’s quiet himself, so your shy demeanor would feel natural to him. You two would share peaceful companionship: side-by-side reading, long walks, quiet meals.
He’d say things like: “You don’t have to talk. I like being here with you.”
He’s awkward, not pushy. Giyuu wouldn’t pressure you to open up, but his presence would make you feel safe enough to eventually do so. He’s patient, because he knows how it feels to struggle to speak.
SANEMI
At first, Sanemi might scare a timid partner. He’s loud, rough around the edges. But once he realizes you’re not avoiding him, just shy, he’d immediately soften. He’d tone down his volume (somewhat), speak more gently and become surprisingly protective.
He’d say things like: “If anyone gives you trouble, you tell me. Got it?” (while pretending he’s not blushing himself)
He’s been through hell; he knows vulnerability deserves protection, not ridicule. Your gentleness would melt him. Deep down, he’d find it grounding.
TENGEN
Tengen would find a timid partner fascinating. Instead of trying to change you, he’d treat your quiet nature as part of your elegance. He’d be very careful not to overwhelm you. His usual flashiness would soften into tenderness when you’re together.
He’d say things like: “When you whisper, I listen harder. It’s… quite enchanting.”
Beneath the flamboyance, Tengen is deeply attuned to emotion. He knows how to balance extravagance with reassurance. He’d protect your space while slowly helping you step into confidence, but never by force.
MITSURI
Mitsuri would be delighted by a timid partner. She finds shyness adorable rather than frustrating. She’d instinctively lower her voice, soften her energy and make sure you never feel overwhelmed. Expect warm smiles, gentle hand-holding, and endless encouragement.
She’d say things like: “You’re so cute when you blush! Oh no, I didn’t mean to embarrass you! Sorry, sorry!” While she giggles.
Mitsuri’s heart is huge; she thrives on emotional connection. She wants you to feel safe opening up, so she’d shower you with affection until your walls slowly fall. She’d never rush you, just nurture your confidence lovingly.
OBANAI
Obanai is reserved, so he’d instantly connect with a timid partner. Your quietness wouldn’t bother him, he finds it calming. His affection would be subtle: sharing food, walking close beside you, quietly checking if you’re okay in crowded spaces.
He’d say things like: “You don’t have to force words with me. Just stay close.”
He’s self-conscious about his own appearance and voice, so a gentle partner makes him feel accepted. Your timidity would draw out his protectiveness; he’d go to great lengths to make you feel secure.
MUICHIRO
Muichiro, especially post-memory-recovery, would be captivated by your timidity. He’d mirror your calm energy, offering simple gestures like holding your hand, leaning close as comfort. He’d listen carefully when you speak.
He’d say things like: “I like your voice. Even when it’s quiet.”
He knows what it’s like to feel disconnected or small. Your gentleness resonates with him. He’d never pressure you to change; he’d just make sure you feel seen and valued exactly as you are.
SHINOBU
Shinobu would tease, but never cruelly. She’d use humor to draw you out, keeping things light so you never feel cornered. She’d initiate touch slowly, brushing your hand or adjusting your hair, to gauge your comfort level.
She’d say things like: “It’s alright. Take your time. I’ll wait for you to speak, darling.”
Shinobu understands emotional fragility, she carries her own pain beneath her smile. She’d respect your pace, cherishing every small step you take toward openness.
GYOMEI
Gyomei would treat a timid partner with the utmost respect. He’d speak softly, always mindful of how his size and voice might intimidate you. He’d offer comfort through prayer, gentle touches, and reassurance.
He’d say things like: “Do not rush your heart. It will bloom when it is ready.”
Gyomei sees beauty in vulnerability. To him, timidity is not weakness: it’s sensitivity, and that sensitivity deserves reverence. He’d be endlessly patient, providing safety and grounding.
pairings: g. himejima, t. uzui, g. tomioka, o. iguro, s. shinazugawa, k. rengoku, m. kanroji, s. kocho, m. tokito x gn! reader
warning: not proofread coz both of my prooreaders won’t reply and i haven’t had an inch of sleep
g. himejima
he accidentally stepped on one of your handmade charms while sweeping and didn’t even notice until later when you pointed it out
he gently apologized, but you were still bitter he hadn’t noticed sooner
so you give him the silent treatment, which deeply unsettles him
he tries to gift you small things all afternoon: pressed flowers, a bracelet, even sharing his favorite prayer beads
eventually, you forgive him when he kneels and apologizes like you’re the last light left in the world
you feel bad and end up crying with him over a new charm you both make together
t. uzui
he called you “plain” during a loud, flashy conversation with his wives and you
and he did not realize how it came off
even though he meant it lovingly, when you heard it and you were not happy
your payback: you ignore him and only talk to makio, suma, and hinatsuru
the girls are on your side and make him suffer through being iced out for hours
tengen goes all out to earn your forgiveness: fresh flowers, sparkly kimono fabric, dramatic poems
he ends up cooking dinner himself and declares you the flashiest person to ever look at him in the world + hinatsuru, makio, n suma
you just rolled your eyes but your lips betrayed you and curved into a smile
g. tomioka
giyuu didn’t noticed the hairpin that you bought
and it made you sad
you didn’t say anything at first, but you grew quieter and giyuu noticed this to he reached for your hand
giyuu, didn’t notice at first, until he saw the hairpin then it flashed him
when he finally got his vision back, he asked you if something happened and you just answered with a no and left
he realized he messed up so he stood up and to follow you and before he can leave the room he spotted the hairpin on top of the table
feeing so guilty, he grabbed it and went to the kitchen where he found you quietly preparing lunch
he approached you and hugged you from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder. “i didn’t notice, it’s beautiful. it suits you… i’m sorry.”
you just rolled your eyes, pretending to still be sulking but your lips betrayed you and curved into a smile. “you’re lucky i love you,” you muttered, leaning into him as he kissed your temple in apology
o. iguro
he scolded you for staying out too late picking herbs, saying you were being careless
you know he was just worried, but he didn’t need to raise his voice
it made you sad because he rarely raises his voice at you
so you spend the afternoon pampering kaburamaru instead of him
obanai becomes incredibly jealous of his own snake
he awkwardly stands nearby, pretending not to care as you feed kaburamaru tiny bites of fruit and pet his head
and as if that wasn’t enough, kaburamaru will slither himself to your neck and rub his head on your cheek
when he finally had enough, he sits beside you and says, “you could’ve gotten hurt. i just didn’t know how to say i was scared.”
you forgive him and pull him into a hug
s. shinazugawa
the heat of the afternoon only made your small disagreement worse, what started as a passing comment turned into him snapping, his voice sharper than usual, startling you
you weren’t afraid since it was sanemi, but you were hurt because you don’t like it when people scream at you and he knew that
instead of yelling back, you simply stared at him, then walked out of the room with your sleeves wiping at your eyes, leaving him alone in silence
it took a while for sanemi to cool off
when he finally did, he came looking for you, he found you tending to the garden, your back to him and you didn’t look up when he called your name
he is so awkward with apologies, so he just sat beside you in the dirt, quiet for a moment before gruffly muttering an apology
you didn’t respond at first, still trimming a stem, but you softened when you saw his callused hand awkwardly offering a poorly-picked camellia from the garden
“next time you shout at me, you’re sleeping outside,” you warned. he nodded, seriously. “fair enough.” and you leaned your head on his shoulder
k. rengoku
he forgot your lunch date because he spent the afternoon training new slayers and returned nearly two hours late, still sweating
so you gave him the cold shoulder and served everyone else a full meal, leaving him a tiny portion—it’s not that obvious that it's less than the others but he can tell
then he realized you were upset
he quietly ate his portion without a complaint
after lunch, he spent the rest of the afternoon making it up to you like washing laundry, sweeping the engawa, and preparing hot water for your bath
he even ran to the market—still in his uniform—to buy your favorite snack
he also carefully set up tomorrow’s lunch in advance: fresh vegetables from the garden, cleaned fish, and steamed rice already prepped, hoping you’d join him the next day
and of course you gave in because you just cannot be mad at this man for too long
m. kanroji
you had been looking forward to a picnic with mitsuri all week as she promised to take a break from her duties just for the two of you.
you prepared everything ahead of time: handmade sweets, her favorite fruit slices, and even flowers decorate the picnic cloth
but as the sun climbed higher in the sky, she didn’t show up
when you finally went to look for her, you found her happily chatting and eating with the other hashira under a tree, completely forgetting your plans
you didn’t want to cause a scene, so you just turned back with the untouched basket in your arms
back home, you quietly sat on the porch, slowly eating the mochi yourself, blinking away your hurt
then hours later, she came running to the house, petals in her hair, flustered and breathless. “i’m so sorry! i lost track of time! i forgot—” she paused, seeing the empty basket and your distant expression
she immediately dropped to her knees and hugged your waist, nuzzling into you with teary eyes. “i’ll make it up to you! tomorrow! a whole day, i promise! just us!”
you gave her a playful cold shoulder for a bit, arms crossed, but your heart softened when she nervously offered a pink daisy she’d picked
“one more chance,” you murmured, trying to hide your smile and she grinned so brightly it almost erased your sadness
s. kocho
she teased you in front of other slayers, calling you “her cute little civilian.”
it came off as demeaning even if she meant it playfully
so you decided to act overly formal with her all afternoon calling her “kocho-sama” whenever she called you. and if she didn’t call you, you simply ignored her.
she notices immediately and tries to laugh it off but you keep it up for hours
it confused her, when she called for you, you’d either ignore her completely or respond with something so formal that it caught her off guard.
she finally corners you with sweet dango and apologizes
and you tried calling her that again but she just placed a hand on your lips
m. tokito
muichiro forgot you existed for three hours while hyper-focusing on cloud shapes, flowers and his sword—anything but you
you were trying to talk to him and he just walked away
your payback? hide his blanket that he uses when he lays down on the grass
muichiro is confused. “where’s the one with the soft corners?”
“must’ve floated away.”
he narrows his eyes. “you’re mad.”
you just clicked your tongue
eventually, he gives up searching and just hugs you, murmuring an apology because he might be forgetful, but he’s no fool—he knows he’s done something wrong
you melt immediately and hand him the blanket again. he curls beside you, burying his face in your hair, holding your hand
☆ synopsis ☆: the title is pretty self explanatory
☆ in this post ☆: rengoku kyojuro, iguro obanai, muichiro tokito, giyuu tomioka
a/n - there will be a part two of course so if your favorite isn’t here they’ll probably be in part two so bear with me school is kicking my ass
☆ Rengoku Kyojuro ☆
It happens in the simplest way.
You’re together, walking back from a particularly draining mission. The night air was cool, a stark contrast to the heated battle you just won. You’re exhausted, your feet heavy and dragging against the soil, but when you see his tired eyes glance your way you flash him the brightest smile. His chest feels warm way warmer than any flame he could muster up during a fire battle. It’s the good kind of warm, like sitting in front of a crackling fireplace. You’re smiling like the fact that you’re both injured, exhausted and on the verge of collapse just an afterthought. Because right now the only thing that does matter is that you’re alive and together. Rengoku is mesmerized his heart skips a beat and he laughs. It’s loud and wholehearted like usual but with just a hint of softness only for your ears to hear.
“So that’s what it feels like” he thinks to himself.
From that moment on Rengoku notices every little thing about you. The way your smile gets a little wider when you’re surrounded by people you love, the way you’re nose scrunches up when you’re laughing and the way you’re so infuriatingly stubborn and determined even when things are spiraling out of control. Rengoku is certain this isn’t just him admiring the skill and personality of a fellow hashira. This was love, and he doesn’t run way, he embraces it. Because for Rengoku love is something to be treasure and celebrated with the same passion he had for everything else.
☆ Iguro Obanai ☆
For Obanai the realization doesn’t hit like lighting, instead it’s slow. Seeping and creeping into the very essence of his being.
You’re sitting across from him clumsily trying to stitch up the cut on your arm. A small hiss escapes from your throat most wouldn’t notice it but Iguro instantly stands up and walks over to you. “What’re you doing?” you asked as he took the thread and needle from your hand. Without another word he sat down next to you and ever so gently stitched up the cut. His touch is precise, deliberate and far more gentle than his usual gruff self.
“Thank you” you murmur and look up at him with that blinding smile and kind eyes and he’s frozen.
His throat tightens under the bandages and turns his face away to hide the ever so growing blush. Heat rises in his chest it terrifies him, and as much as he wants to run away he knows he can’t. Iguro Obanai hates attention, hates vulnerability but the thought of protecting you, being the person you feel safe around, being your rock it feels right. Almost too right. He walks out in silence his heartbeat echoing in his head and later in the peace and silence of his loneliness he admits it to himself and Kaburamaru- he’s fallen, and deeply.
☆ Muichiro Tokito ☆
For Muichiro his feelings don’t come fast and hard they come gently and slowly like clouds covering up the bright blue sky.
“Not like that you’re supposed to fold this part” he chuckled helping you with some origami. “How’re you so good at this?” you chuckled, gently touching his hands to inspect the small paper crane. Muichiro turns his head away from you hiding his beet red face. He’s a mess his thoughts scrambled and his chest uncharacteristically warm and blooming. He’s confused. The young hashira has never in his life encountered such a sensation. You continued folding the origami in silence the only sounds being the wind rustling some leaves and the cawing of nearby crows and sparrows.
Muichiros thoughts start wandering, but not like usual, they’re not lost or locked behind some wall. Instead of them running towards and getting covered by the fog his thoughts are clear but they’re drifting towards you. Your smile, your precise movements while fighting, your patient nature and your kind smile. All of the things Muichiro so greatly admires.
For the first time in a while the young hashira is tethered to the present and when his mind does start clouding up all it takes is your soft voice and gentle reassurance to bring him back. It’s like no matter how much his mind tries running away from him you’re a constant. Constantly whirling in his head and scrambling his poor brain.
Without knowing who to turn to Muichiro starts closely observing the other hashira. Particularly Obanai and Mitsuri. He sees Obanai blush and loose his footing whenever Mitsuri flashes a smile his way. That’s when it clicks for the young hashira he acts the same way whenever he’s around you. And in that moment he realizes he’s foolishly in love with a person far out of his league.
☆ Giyuu Tomioka ☆
Giyuu was never good with feelings especially not after loosing Sabito. He could never process what he was feelings that’s why his feelings and the realization that he loves you hit him fast and hard.
You’re on patrol the moonlight seeping through the dense forest. That’s how it started at least. With stealthy footsteps and a comfortable silence shared amongst comrades, friends. But all of that went south when an upper moon showed up. What was supposed to be an average, uneventful patrol turned to bloodshed, a fight to death. The usually calm Giyuu was slowly loosing him composure. He would’ve been fine fighting, loosing and dying on his own but with you here it’s much harder. Giyuu will always protect his fellow hashira, but this time it feels different there’s this unexplainable fear gnawing at his bones. He can’t even focus properly on the demons in front of him, his eyes subconsciously drifting to your blurry form.
His heart is pounding, he can practically hear it thumping against his eardrums. Tearing his gaze away from your form he turns back towards the demon until he hears a shrill scream coming from your direction. His hands go cold, his heart practically dropped to his stomach. A wave of fury hits him and in one swift movement the demons head is rolling on the ground as the rest of its body disintegrates. Giyuu is running through the trees his feet carrying him faster than his poor mind can process it. Tomioka draws his blade and slashes the demons head clean off before running to your aid. Your poor body was thrown against a tree stump blood seeping from my mouth.
In that moment Giyuu remembers the final selection process. Watching your unconscious form it reminded him too much of Sabito. Internally he’s panicking and for the first time ever it’s showing on his face. His deep blue eyes are wide with fear his hands shaking uncontrollably. Giyuu isn’t religious he doesn’t know why he’s begging praying and pleading doesn’t even know who he’s praying to. But all of his worries erase in an instant when you tug on the sleeve of his haori. You muster up a weak smile wiping the blood with the back of your hand.
And as Giyuu is carrying you down the mountain he realizes something. You’re too important for him to loose. He doesn’t know what he would’ve done if you had died on this mountain in his arms. For the first time ever Giyuu can precisely say what he’s feeling- he’s in love.
authors note / what a line up, as i’m writing this i can already tell i’m going to regret how many people are included in this (╥‸╥)
GIYUU TOMIOKA
he has long since deemed himself as unworthy of any praise or positive recognition. whenever you compliment him, he’ll look away, ears faintly red, and mutter something a little too self deprecating for your liking like, “i’m not that impressive.”
terrible at small talk. you noticed early on that pressuring him into speaking with you would leave him overwhelmed, so you mostly talk and he listens, which he so happens to be wonderful at.
he sometimes worries he’s “too quiet” for you. that one day you’ll want someone warmer, more expressive. when those thoughts creep in, he becomes distant. not cold, just afraid. your reassurance more often than not is able to anchor him back to you.
he’s surprisingly good at domestic tasks. cleaning, repairing things, preparing simple meals. he does them without complaint.
he prefers sitting across from you during meals, not beside, so he can see you properly. however, if you complain about wanting him closer, he’ll oblige and move next to you.
after saying “i love you” for the first time to each other, there isn’t a day that comes where he doesn’t remind you. whether it’s before he leaves for a mission or before you both go to bed.
he rests his chin on your head during hugs if you’re shorter. if you’re taller, he leans his forehead against yours instead.
SANEMI SHINAZUGAWA
he pretends he doesn’t care what people think, but when it comes to you, he’s painfully aware of how rough he can come across. he worries you’ll see him as too much.
he complains while doing things for you, but never doesn’t do them. “damn it, you coulda just asked,” he says, while already helping.
he believes anyone close to him will eventually get hurt. loving you feels like defying fate, and that scares him.
a ridiculously good cook. he gets annoyed if you don’t eat properly. will shove food toward you without explanation.
nips at your bottom lip whenever he kisses you just because he knows it makes you giggle.
whenever he has to wake up early for a mission, he moves a lot quieter and carefully around the house so he doesn’t wake you. you’d think he was diffusing a bomb.
he’s bad at compliments, but great at observation. “you look… fine,” he says, which for him means you’re beautiful.
he carries you over puddles even when you insist you can step over them.
MUICHIRO TOKITO
muichiro doesn’t realize when he’s fallen in love. it just… happens. one day he’s neutral, the next he’s quietly orbiting you like it’s instinct.
he forgets a lot of things, but your presence becomes muscle memory. even if he forgets details, he never forgets how safe you feel.
he stands a little closer to you than to others. not on purpose. his body just drifts toward yours.
he doesn’t tease much, but when he does, it’s dry and unexpected, “you’re kind of cute when you’re mad.”
he’s very honest with you. sometimes too honest. “i don’t understand why that hurt you, but i’m sorry it did.”
he lets you brush his hair. sits perfectly still, trusting. if you stop, he quietly asks you to keep going.
insists on kissing you goodnight without fail, no matter the circumstances.
will often stay at your estate for days on end, it confuses the poor crows and kakushi and you gently scold him for it.
usually downplays his injuries when it comes to other people, but does the exact opposite with you because he secretly likes being babied.
OBANAI IGURO
he’s awkward with affection at first. stiff, hesitant—like he’s afraid he’ll do it wrong. once he realizes you won’t recoil, he never stops trying.
he’s extremely protective. stands slightly in front of you without thinking. his hand is always ready to grab yours if things go wrong.
jealousy comes easily to him, but he hates it about himself. instead of lashing out, he grows quieter and more clingy.
he struggles with self-worth. sometimes he genuinely doesn’t understand why you chose him. it makes him cherish you even more.
compliments from you hit him hard. he looks away, ears red, voice low when he mutters a “thank you.”
he’s blunt, but never cruel to you. if anything, he softens his words around you more than anyone else.
he prefers private affection. holding hands where no one can see. quiet forehead touches. leaning in close just to breathe you in.
he memorizes the smallest details about you: how you breathe when you sleep, which side you stand on, when you’re about to get overwhelmed.
MUZAN KIBUTSUJI
he expects loyalty—but gives protection in return. no one touches you without consequence.
praise from you feeds his ego more than worship from his followers ever could.
he’s meticulous about your safety. your surroundings, your food, who you speak to, everything is managed.
he’s careful with you physically. his strength is immense, and he never forgets it.
he doesn’t need sleep, but if he’s in a good mood and you ask him to lay with you, he’ll entertain the sentiment.
jealousy is handled clinically. he doesn’t sulk or threaten. people who overstep simply cease to exist.
he allows you to contradict him in private. even argue, so long as you’re honest.
he watches you sleep with something dangerously close to peace on his face.
he dislikes when you hide your emotions from him. not because it angers him—but because he wants to understand you fully.
AKAZA
once you’re his, he is fiercely loyal. akaza does not cheat, does not wander, does not entertain others. his devotion is quiet but absolute.
when he’s worried about you, he becomes restless—pacing, clenching his fists, checking on you more than usual without explaining why.
when you’re injured or exhausted, he becomes surprisingly attentive. bringing you things you need without being asked. hovering just a little.
akaza values honesty above all else. if you lie to him, it hurts more than anger ever could. he’d rather hear a painful truth than a gentle falsehood.
he trains harder when he’s worried or frustrated, and you’re one of the few who can convince him to stop and rest.
you will never catch him raising his voice when speaking with you.
he does chores for you, despite being an inexplicably strong being, he thinks being able to lift duties off of your shoulders and carry out responsibilities for you is one of the highest forms of intimacy.
he’s deeply respectful of your independence, if he catches himself teetering on the line of control, he quickly corrects himself.
DOUMA
douma praises you all the time. your looks, your voice, the way you move, the way you think. it’s excessive, sincere, and almost overwhelming.
he’s extremely protective, though he frames it as concern. “i just couldn’t stand it if you got hurt..”
douma is exceptionally attentive, but it’s observational. he studies you the way one studies a beautiful, complex object, memorizing reactions, habits, emotional triggers.
douma never asks if you’re his. he behaves as though the decision was mutual the moment he made it.
he doesn’t feel guilt when he hurts others for your sake. in fact, he barely registers it, their suffering simply doesn’t weigh against his preference for you.
when you’re gone for too long, he becomes unsettled. not anxious, off-balance. he doesn’t like that feeling, and he associates its absence with you.
douma protects you not only because he prefers you alive, but because harm to you disrupts something internal he cannot name or replace.
he stops certain behaviors around you permanently. not because he feels remorse, but because your withdrawal bothers him more than his habits matter.
if you ask whether he loves you, he answers honestly: “yes.” not because the word means the same thing to him, but because it’s the closest translation.
