I never needed anybody in my life, I learned the truth too late
Series: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Character(s)/Pairing: Daki, Gyutaro x oc
Content warnings: Gyutaro’s turn for a breakdown this time, as a treat
Word Count: <700
Part of Whumpril 2026. Prompt: They Should Have Been Back By Now (alt. prompt)
Thirteen steps. Turn. Another thirteen steps. Pivot and repeat.
Daki had lost count of how many steps her brother had taken at this point – it had to be in the thousands. He marched the length of the room with a purpose, feet striking the tatami so hard she feared he might wear a path in the delicate fibers. Bloodshot eyes were fixated on the window leading out to the city below, and from where she sat, she could hear his breathing becoming more ragged. Bony fingers flexed as he strode, resisting the urge to claw at himself.
Seeing her older brother in this state made Daki’s heart ache. She cleared her throat, causing the man to startle. “Onii-chan…”
“Where the fuck is she?!” Restraint gone, his fingers found themselves on his neck, drawing blood as they raked angry red lines down to his chest. Daki winced as she witnessed his self-harming ritual.
“Onii-chan, please…” she stood, hesitantly approaching her brother. “This isn’t helping.”
Whirling around as if to ignore her, Gyutaro grasped at the window frame. Daki’s eyes widened as he arched back and took in a deep breath. He wasn’t seriously going to cry out to the streets like a madman, was he?
“FUMI-” his desperate roar was cut short by his sister’s hand promptly clamping over his mouth.
“What are you thinking?! You’re going to draw attention!” She couldn't have the brothel madam think she had an unknown man in her room.
“That’s the point!” Wood splintered beneath his grip as he turned to look at his sister. “I searched the entire city. I can’t find her anywhere!”
It was true; Gyutaro had been gone most of the night, returning only an hour ago looking like a complete wreck. Another argument between the siblings and their living doll had caused her to flee once again. Fumiko had never gotten very far before she was found and dragged forcefully back into her gilded cage. At this point, Daki had assumed it was part of the strange courtship ritual between her brother and his mate – they would argue, a chase would ensue, and then her brother would need to grovel for forgiveness before they inevitability made up.
She suppressed a shudder; she did not want to think about what their make up process entailed.
Turning her attention to the window, Daki bit her lip. She and her brother often shared the blame for the woman’s increased attempts at escape, but this one sat solely on her shoulders. The oiran had a habit of turning her protectors against one another in a bid to allow her more freedom, but maybe she had pushed Fumiko too far this time.
The sky was starting to turn pink now, heralding the upcoming day. If Fumiko didn’t return soon, then…
Guiding her brother away from the window, Daki slowly drew the shade to protect them from the oncoming daylight. “You can’t stay here, the sun will be rising soon..”
The implication hit him like a ton of bricks. Gyutaro seemed to surrender now, sinking to his knees. Slamming his head into the wall, his body began to shake as he erupted into a fit of ugly sobs. Daki’s heart broke as she watched him; she had never seen her brother so emotionally shattered.
Kneeling beside him, she curled against his back. Usually her big brother was the one comforting her as she shed tears; this time, she would try to protect him as best she could. “It’s okay, Onii-chan. Fumiko is resourceful. She’ll find a place to hide out from the sun, and by tomorrow she will be back here, safe and sound."
Gyutaro wiped his face aggressively, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “And if she doesn’t…?”
Daki didn’t want to think about that.
____________________________
The next time they saw her was at the gates of hell.
(AN: Bored at work so I pumped this out during break. No beta, we die like men. Also rarely do I see Daki getting portrayed as having moments where she is the more mature sibling, and I think she deserves her flowers)
