kammi

Even in the midst of your training with Megumi, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from Nobara and Yuuji. It was rather frustrating for Megumi. He was worried that if he let out an attack that was too strong, he would hurt you because of your distraction. You weren’t taking him seriously as an opponent. Whatever, he would just sit down. There was no point in fighting against an opponent with no intention of fighting back-

And let her underestimate you like that?

Even if he wasn’t present, it was as if Gojo Satoru was standing behind him, eyes judging as his voice rang out in Megumi’s head. That damn sorcerer. But he was right. Megumi was tired of being ignored. “Oi,” he began. You turned your head towards him, humming in response. He was too fast for your eyes to follow. In a blink, you felt your feet give out from under you. The world had turned sideways.

Just before your head hit the ground, you were grabbed by the front of your uniform. Megumi had his fist curled around your clothes, looking at you with his head tilted. “Itadori is not your opponent. I am.” He tugged you up so quickly you lost your footing and almost fell into his chest.

You backed away as he took up a fighting stance. “So focus on me.”

He was giving you a chance to prepare yourself, but you stood quietly, thrown off by his actions. He stood straight again. “Well? I am all warmed up, aren’t you?” He questioned.

There was a surge of cursed energy that hadn’t been there earlier, so strong that even Yuuta and Maki had paused to assess what was going on between you and Megumi. He was completely different from the Megumi that was engaging you in light hand-to-hand combat earlier.

You smiled. It had been rather rude of you to behave the way you were towards someone who had politely asked to be your partner. You rolled your shoulders and neck, stretching your hand out in front of you, towards Megumi. “Couldn’t be more prepared.” You summoned cursed energy to your fingertips, touching the small daggers in your belt. You raised your hand, your cursed technique of telekinesis causing your daggers to float in front of you.

Your technique allowed you to pick up even the faintest cursed energy residuals on anything, using that to control said thing. Whether living or nonliving.

Megumi summoned his shikigami Nue, who began plummeting out of the sky towards you at a high speed. You waved your arm towards it, your daggers slicing through the air. One of them hit the shikigami’s wing, causing it to falter. However, you knew Megumi wouldn’t just rely on his shikigami.

Just as you had suspected, Megumi had closed the space between the two of you, kicking at you with cursed energy he had gathered. You parried, his strike hitting your forearm. The impact caused you to shoot backwards, digging your heels into the dirt to slow yourself down before he caught you unaware.

But he didn’t stop his attacks, coming at you with a high jump, twisting his body to put more force behind his next swing. You levitated off the ground with your technique, and slid off to the side. His fist collided with the earth, dirt and dust flying in all directions. You summoned your daggers back to you, waving your hand in Megumi’s direction.

The daggers shot out towards him and he flipped away in order to avoid them, but there were too many to dodge, a couple cutting his face and body. You realized that Nobara and Yuuji had stopped their fighting when you heard shouts.

“Come on!” Nobara called out to you.

“Fushiguro! You can’t lose to her!” Itadori egged him on.

It was surprising, to everyone, just how evenly matched the two of you were. As the battle ensued, even Gojo had taken some time away from his work to watch beside the other students, his casual smile ever present as he kept his hands in his pockets. Though Gojo could still sense some hesitation in Megumi, he was finally realizing his true potential.

And as you worked up a sweat, panting and smirking challengingly, he knew you were giving it your all too. He wondered how much longer it would be before one of you finally exhausted yourself.

You could feel your body trembling with exhaustion, and by the shaking of his hands, you could tell Megumi was nearing his limit too. Finally, all you have to do is land one finishing blow-

You blinked and he vanished.

What?

You glanced around frantically, causing the sword, that Maki had placed on the ground after deciding to watch, to float towards you. You had to be prepared, you couldn’t be caught off guard. Even if Megumi had somehow turned fucking invisible.

“Boo.” You felt a hand on your shoulder, jerking around and letting the blade fly towards him. He leaned his body to the side, the weapon flying past his head. He grabbed the sword by the hilt before it flew too far. In his distraction, you tried to swing at his face. But he was too quick, crouching down and kicking your feet out from under you. This time, however, he did not catch your fall, letting you hit the ground with a loud thump. He slammed the blade into the ground right beside your cheek.

“I win.” He stated, smirking at the look of silent astonishment on your face. He extended his hand to help you stand. You coughed, the impact of hitting the ground having knocked the wind out of you. He placed a hand on your back. The students were cheering, Gojo clapping as he laughed.

“That was quite the performance Megumi.” He complimented his student. Itadori ran up to him and gave him a playful smack on the back of the head.

“I knew you could beat her!” He said with a grin, to which you frowned. He looked at you sheepishly.

“Uh, no offense?”

You huffed. But Megumi simply smiled.

~~~~

“So, shadows huh?” You asked, sucking on the dark blue popsicle Megumi had bought you after buying you dinner. At least he was kind enough to help you feel better after your humbling loss.

Megumi nodded quietly. You clicked your tongue. “So, how long were you gonna keep it a secret before you decided to kick my ass with it?” Megumi chuckled, causing you to smile.

“I’m not sure. I am still working on it. So far I can only conceal myself for really short periods of time, and that shadow space makes me feel sick. So I have to keep honing the skill.” You nodded in thought. You were sitting on a picnic table as Megumi leaned against it beside you. You sighed, letting your head drop back as the sky was painted a deep red with the sunset.

“Fushiguro, listen. I acted really shitty towards you today, and I wanna apologize. You are truly an incredible sorcerer, and I would like to continue being your sparring partner. I gotta get you back for embarrassing me so hard in front of everyone.” You elbowed him playfully in the leg, and he smiled.

“Yeah, I guess you do.”

The silence was a pleasant one, both of you finishing your popsicles as the sun dipped below the horizon. Jujutsu Tech was truly a unique place, and even with all the dangers that threatened you daily, you considered yourself lucky. And now, you were making friends. People you knew would help you become a stronger sorcerer. And with Megumi offering his hand to help you stand, and walking back with you to the school, you looked forward to the next time you two could fight together again.

————————————————————————

“Um, Lord Douma?” Speak of the devil.

“Yes~?” Douma set the boy down on the floor, letting him crawl as Douma laid on his stomach, watching him intently. He propped his head up on his arms. The baby crawled towards him, reaching a chubby hand up and grasping strands of Douma’s hair. He shoved the whole fist of hair in his mouth.

Toothless, and yet still trying to eat everything. What interesting determination.

Douma’s follower bowed his head. “There are people who would like to see you now.” He spoke quietly. Douma didn’t even look his way, pulling his hair away from the baby’s mouth.

“I will not be seeing anyone today.” Douma spoke casually. The man straightened suddenly.

“But sir, these people have been patiently waiting for their opportunity to meet with you-” “I must’ve not spoken loud enough.” Douma gave him a smile that should be sweet, but felt nothing like it.

He diverted his attention back to the infant, lifting him into the air. “I’ll repeat myself, I will not be seeing anyone today!” He spoke loudly, an edge to his voice that had his follower’s hand trembling. The man bowed again.

“Of course sir, I’ll let them know right away.” As the man turned to leave, he ran into a woman. She fell from the impact, the stuff in her hands dropping to the floor. The man scoffed. It was the woman taking the lord’s attention away from his subjects. Her and her wretched child.

“Get out of the way, pet.” That’s what she was, Lord Douma’s plaything for the time. Eventually he would tire of her and then throw her back out into the forest where she belonged. Before she arrived, Lord Douma never left his subjects to their own whims. It aggravated the man. Who was she, compared to him? He was one of Lord Douma’s chosen priests, spreading his words to his followers. She was just some harlot.

“Now now,” Douma’s voice licked up the man’s spine, causing his hairs to stand on end.

“That is not how we speak to lovely young women, is it?” In a moment, Douma towered over the man, standing beside Kotoha who was picking up the fruits that had been scattered across the floor. She placed them quietly into her basket.

Douma noticed her motions. “Stop moving Kotoha.” He spoke softly, but held all the command. Kotoha stilled, and Douma’s eyes slid lazily back to the man. Douma held the child against his chest. “I thought I taught my subjects how to show proper respect.” He furrowed his brows, pouting with disappointment.

The stench of fear filled Douma’s nose, and his expression faded into his easy smile. He snapped his fingers. “I know how to fix this.” He motioned one of his hands towards the ground, where Kotoha sat frozen.

“Pick them up for her,” the man stood silently. “Now.” The man dropped to the ground, hastily grabbing the basket out of Kotoha’s hands and filling it haphazardly with the fruits that were strewn everywhere.

~~~~

Kotoha watched with wide eyes as the man filled the basket with all of the fallen fruits, sitting up on his knees once he was finished. Having been with Lord Douma for over a month, she still couldn’t tell if his subjects’ blind obedience to him was out of respect for him, or fear of him. He seemed well-enough liked by them, and for as long as she’d been around him, he had been nothing but kind to her and her son.

But the situation was very tense, and even with Douma’s nonchalance, it was obvious that the man was terrified of upsetting him. “Kotoha.” There it was, that indescribable switch in his aura, when he spoke to her. She looked up at him.

“Yes, my lord?” He smiled at her. It was his most common expression. She recalled the way he had been smiling when her husband and his mother had died.

He outstretched his hand to her. “Stand up darling.” It was his nickname for her, and a part of her couldn’t tell if he used it to taunt her, to remind her of her abusive dead husband, or if it was his way of trying to make up for the loss of the man who was supposed to protect her.

She took his hand, always cool to the touch, and stood. He had her son cradled in one arm. Even with a child in his grasp, he exuded a tremendous air of power. The man bowed, head to the floor as his muffled voice rang out.

“My apologies my lord! I was not thinking, I should have treated her with the utmost respect. She is an important member of our temple-” Douma began to laugh. It was unnerving, echoing out into the silence of the room.

Kotoha touched his arm in concern. “My lord?” She asked gently.

“Why are you apologizing to me? I’m not the one you were so disgustingly rude to.” He stepped behind Kotoha, grabbing her by the arm. He lowered his face to her shoulder, voice dangerously low.

“It’s your lady you should be apologizing to.” He murmured, breath tickling Kotoha’s ear. She felt her heart pounding. The man’s eyes finally drifted to hers, wide with shock and disdain towards her. He was quiet.

“Well? Lady Kotoha is growing rather impatient.” Douma stood straight, crossing his arms. The man stared at Kotoha, slowly sinking back to the ground. “There you go~” Douma encouraged, voice barely above a whisper.

“Hashibira Kotoha, my-my lady. Please accept my apology for my deplorable behavior toward you earlier. I will not let it happen again.” His voice was strained. He had no desire to do this for Kotoha, but he did it anyways. Out of fear. Kotoha staggered a step, but Douma placed a firm hand against her back, pushing her closer to the prostrating man.

“So, what do you say darling? Do you accept his apology?” Kotoha felt his hand twitching against the small of her back. His eyes glistened menacingly, the same way they did after mutilating her husband. She knew that if she wasn’t quick with her response, something would happen to this man, something bad.

“I-I do!! I forgive him!” She blurted. She felt Douma’s hand still, his shoulders slumping as he sighed. Had he, wanted to punish the man?

He placed his hand on his hip. “Well, you heard her. Now, get out.” The man scrambled out of his way. She heard his silent thank you as he left.

~~~~

It was as if nothing had happened, the way he lifted her son into the air, giggling as the boy did the same.

“Kotoha, darling, remind me of his name again?” Kotoha smiled softly, walking behind him towards the center of the room.

“Inosuke.”

“Ah, yes. Little Inosuke. The little demon.” His nickname for her son made her giggle. She carefully took him out of Douma’s arms, cuddling him close to her face. He smelled sweet, faintly of a scent similar to the sweetness that poured off of Douma. The way plants smelled sweet to attract prey. It made her realize just how much time Douma spent with Inosuke.

“What are the fruits for?” Douma sat beside the basket that Kotoha had placed on the floor. Kotoha sank down and joined him, placing Inosuke on the floor beside her. Inosuke instantly grabbed a plum, putting it in his mouth and sucking on it. Douma stabbed one with his finger, looking at it curiously.

“Oh, I saw them at the market I visited. They were just so fresh, I had to bring some back for us.” She blushed. Douma glanced at her.

“For us?” He repeated. Kotoha nodded. “You’re welcome to eat them with us.”

Douma smirked. “I am actually quite full, but I am touched that you thought of me. In fact,” Douma scooped Inosuke back into his arms. It seemed he could not tire of her son.

“How about you eat, and I’ll spend time with the little demon.” Kotoha grinned. She was grateful for Douma’s kindness, as strange as the atmosphere was sometimes. Kotoha watched Douma take the plum out of Inosuke’s mouth, crushing it in his hand, and letting Inosuke eat the soft inside.

Kotoha could picture herself living beside Douma for a long, long time.

————————————————————————

Author’s Note: INOSUKE AND DOUMA 🥹 (I love them). And ugh, gotta love protective (ish? Since he doesn’t really have feelings? Idk man I’m working with what I got here) Douma. I hope you love this continuation of my lovely little drabble series.

“You knew I was here.” She responded softly. Sanemi scoffed, fidgeting in his position until he settled comfortably again.

“Of course I did. I’m not deaf.” Kanae sat down beside him, legs folded to one side as she leaned back on her arms.

“He should not send you to the village.” He mumbled again, watching the fish make their way through the river, as quick and determined as he was. Kanae smiled.

“Nobody’s forcing me, Shinazugawa-san. I volunteered to go.” Kanae had offered to complete the mission. She had thought it would be the smartest decision, as the demon would be more likely to hunt after her, since she was a woman. Mitsuri had just joined their ranks, but she was merely a girl, nervous and untested. She did not want to put her life at risk as her senior.

She caught Sanemi staring at her arm. “You’re injured.” He argued. Kanae rubbed her shoulder, laughing softly.

“It’s merely a cut, I’ll be alright. Besides, Shinobu patched me up real nice.” Sanemi looked away once more.

“She’s just a kid, there’s still a lot she isn’t capable of.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that, or else she won’t agree to help you with your injuries anymore.” Kanae teased. Sanemi smiled softly.

“Sanemi.” Kanae’s voice was solemn. Sanemi tensed at the sound of his name.

“When I was told about those village women and girls, I couldn’t help but think of our young Mitsuri. My apprentices at the Butterfly Mansion.” She looked down at her hands. “My sister.” Shinobu’s short hair and butterfly berets flashed in Kanae’s mind. Her throat seemed to close.

“When I think of them, I can’t help but wonder how I’d feel if anything happened to them. These girls, these women, they’re being taken from their homes. Away from their spouses, their siblings, their parents, their children.” Sanemi was gazing at her now, and a part of her was reminded of an owl: the thoughtful, quiet, yet deadly predator of the night. Kanae held his gaze.

“I cannot allow the luxury of my wounds to keep me from saving them, bringing them back to their loved ones.” Kanae’s eyes were blurring with tears, and she blinked them away. Sanemi let out a slow breath.

“But what about you? You’re a liability right now. You will be slower than you usually are. What if the dangers are too much for your current state?” His voice held no anger, not even frustration. Just worry.

Kanae smiled. “Shinazugawa. If I avoid danger because of my injuries, or my fears, would I even be a hashira? Besides,” Kanae had scoot behind him, gently wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his back. She could hear his breathing, feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, against her hands. “Danger is everywhere. It’s the beauty of life. I could just as easily choke on some food, or even fall into the water, as I could get hurt in battle. I could just as easily lose you, as you could me.” She smiled sadly. Sanemi was staring at the grass, hands grasping Kanae’s arms.

“So let’s not worry about those things, hmm? Let’s just live in our present moment, sitting next to this river and enjoying each other’s company.” Sanemi could feel Kanae’s gentle voice vibrate through him, resonate into his very soul. Imitating the frequency of his beating heart, as if they were calling out to one another, created one and the same. Only she could do this to him. Not the smoothness of his blade, the strength of his wind breathing, or the coolness of the flowing water before him.

When Sanemi was with her, the clutter of his mind was emptied, replaced only with a sense of serenity. Her voice was a tether, holding him down with thoughts of a small home in a valley, the scents of blooming flowers and the laughter of children playing on the hills. A world so very different from the one they lived in, but one he dared to dream of, only because she gave him a chance to dream.

Sanemi’s hands moved down her arms, until his fingers interlocked with hers. He couldn’t help the smile that dawned his face.

“Okay.”

————————————————————————

Damn it, why couldn’t you stop panting? Why did every breath feel like a knife? You glanced around. Maybe someone could help him. Anyone.

Tanjiro was still unconscious, breathing labored from all of his injuries. Nezuko lay on top of him, face twisted in pain. Inosuke was covered in cuts, something even he couldn’t recover from that quickly. Zenitsu hadn’t woken up yet either. It was just you. Just you.

You couldn’t help the desperate sound that escaped your throat. For the first time since Final Selection, you were scared. Scared for your friends, for yourself. For Rengoku. You could only watch as Rengoku’s defenses began to falter, the demon advancing far faster than before.

Rengoku’s smile flashed in your mind. Every time he brought you a meal after an especially grueling training session with Tengen. Every time he comforted you when you felt incapable. Every piece of advice he’d given you on how to best use breathing techniques, on how to position yourself for the best defense and for the best attacks. The way he laughed when you and your friends watched him in action with complete admiration.

Here he was, coughing up blood, his glowing hair matted and covered in soot and more red that you could only assume was from his skull. But his sword did not stop, not giving the demon a clear opening to damage him any further. At that point you could tell, he was only worried about defense. It wasn’t much longer before the sun would start to rise. But he wouldn’t make it.

If something didn’t give, Rengoku would die.

He’s going to die.

“BECOME A DEMON KYOJURO!” Akaza screamed at him. “OR ELSE I WILL KILL YOU!”

In that moment, the hashira faltered, the demon’s words throwing him off. For a moment, his defenses weakened. A moment was all Akaza needed.

But it was all you needed too.

You saw the demon swing for the opening, and from the strength in his previous attacks, you knew it would be the final blow. No, no. Every muscle in your body began screaming as you forced yourself to stand. Rengoku would not die, not while you were alive and breathing.

Your legs were covered in deep gashes from the previous fights, and you were positive you had broken a few bones. But the scorching pain seemed to sizzle away as your body heated up to a point that you felt you were boiling from the inside out. Your vision began to dance, and the colors of the stars and Earth seemed to melt into each other like paint rolling off of a canvas. You were positive you were hallucinating, your senses mocking your weakness, your humanness in the presence of such a powerful demon. But at the same time, you had never felt as powerful. As strong. And as quick.

Star Breathing, First Form: Sparkle in the Darkness of Night

“NO!” You screamed, your legs rocketing you forward. You let the inertia of your speed guide your blade, swinging hard.

There was a repulsive crunch that rang out louder than the attacks from before.

~~~~

Blood gushed out of Akaza’s wrist, where a sword had sunk in and got stuck. His attack had been blocked. There was now a small body standing in front of a wide-eyed Kyojuro. The girl was breathing hard, a deep red mark in the shape of a star peeked out from under the collar of her clothes. She was on the verge of losing consciousness. Akaza could sense it.

He grinned. “Now, who is this? Another hashira?” Akaza glanced at Kyojuro. “Hm?”

He laughed. “No, you’re far too weak.” He stared at the girl, pushing his hand harder against the blade. But it wouldn’t budge, even as the girl’s body began trembling.

“I will not.” She growled. She glared at him in pure hatred. “Let you kill him.”

That gaze. It dug deep into his brain, like a rotting cavity. He recognized it. It pissed him off.

Hakuji. A voice called to him..

What? Who the hell was that?

He jerked his arm back, but the girl with the sword would not let go, the blade deep in his arm. Fuck.

His other hand wrapped around the girl’s dainty throat. “Let go of me, you bitch.” He began to curl his fist harder, and he could feel her pulse weaken under his grasp. But the fire in her eyes refused to die, as she continued to stare him down. Her hands still grasped her sword as tears rolled down her face.

Suddenly, he was grabbing a different girl by the throat. A girl with charcoal black hair, glowing pink eyes, and tears that pinpricked her face like glittering diamonds. Her blue snowflake hair pins sparkled in his vision. She was pleading with him.

“Hakuji-san. Hakuji-san, please. I beg you.” She was choking on her words.

His grip slacked, the girl dropping, her sword still in his arm.

“K-Koyuki?” He didn’t recognize the name that came out of his mouth. But the image of the girl kept flashing in his mind.

In his distraction, he didn’t notice as Rengoku swung his katana, cutting the arm with the sword in it clean off. Akaza sprang back, staring at the girl who was slumped against the earth.

Who the hell was she? Why was she reminding him so much of someone? Someone who made him feel stuck, confused, helpless. All emotions he despised. He let out a frustrated growl, running back toward the forest as he felt the first slices of dawn radiate on his skin.

He heard the girl cough violently, screaming at him as he sprinted. “DON’T RUN AWAY!”

There were fast paced steps following him, and he glanced back. She was moving so quickly she was merely a twinkle in the darkness, but she stumbled, hitting the ground hard. He needed to move faster, get farther into the protection of the forest before he burned away to nothingness.

A loud zing sounded in the air, and a sudden pain bloomed in Akaza’s chest. The girl had thrown her katana at him, and hit him square in the heart. His aggravation grew.

How DARE she?

He looked back one more time, to see her on her knees, screaming. “DON’T RUN YOU BASTARD!!”

But it was no longer her voice. It was the gentle voice from his thoughts, now raw and pained and screeching at him. “WE’RE ALWAYS FIGHTING YOU IN THE COVER OF DARKNESS. WHERE YOU HAVE THE ADVANTAGE! SO DON’T RUN AWAY, FIGHT ME IN THE SUN.”

He grit his teeth, the girl’s voice beginning to fade. “WE FLESH AND BLOOD HUMANS, HAVE MORE COURAGE THAN YOU FILTHY DEMONS EVER WILL. COWARD! I WILL FIND YOU! I WILL NOT REST UNTIL I HAVE CUT YOUR HEAD CLEAN OFF.”

Finally, the voice silenced. But remnants of it echoed in his ears, and he came to a stop. He gripped the hilt of the sword, pulling it out and shoving it into the tree in front of him. He pummeled it for each memory that came to him. Of a man, and a girl. Of a bed, and wet rags. Of a well. Of endless blood that flowed down his arms.

Akaza didn’t realize he was screaming too. He was breathing hard, staring at the fractured weapon laying in pieces on the earth.

Whoever she was, he would find her again. And he too, swore to kill her. For everything she made him think about. For the feelings he swore he would not ever feel again.

————————————————————————

~~~~

“No.” Tengen turned away. Zenitsu’s face fell. “What?” He followed after the giant man like a puppy.

Tengen stopped, Zenitsu smacking into his back.

Why did that feel like hitting a wall? Zenitsu rubbed his nose.

You looked at him sympathetically; he was trying very hard. You, Inosuke, and Tanjiro were hiding by the entrance to the training yard while Zenitsu attempted to convince the hashira. Tengen turned around. “It’s too dangerous now. Besides, you begged me to never send you back there again after we got back from the last mission.”

Tanjiro made a choked sound as he kept himself from laughing, Inosuke also clapping a hand over his own mouth as he let out a muffled chortle. You grinned. Zenitsu let out an exasperated groan. “Yeah- but, now I want to see it, since we defeated that demon. Besides,” Zenitsu retorted.

“Didn’t you say you were the God of Festivities? I really haven’t seen you live up to your title yet. That’s rather, unflashy, don’t you think?” He placed a finger to his chin, eyes gauging Tengen’s reaction.

~~~~

They all sat around Tengen in a half circle, his wives sitting by his side.

For some reason (Uzui-san wouldn’t tell them why), they were back in the Entertainment District. This time, his wives were safe and at his side. “I want to show you all my domain when it isn’t infested with demons. I want to give you a festivity for working so hard.” He had told them when they asked what the purpose of the trip was.

Zenitsu had given his friends a knowing wink.

Now they were listening to Tengen’s ground rules, Tanjiro and his wives nodding along enthusiastically. Zenitsu let out a fake yawn.

“I’m bored~” he whined. “If the demons won’t kill me, then your spiel will.” Tengen glared at him.

“What? I’m just saying. We’re not kids, we understand simple rules. Don’t follow strangers, don’t get in fights, be back at this building for the fire works, blah blah blah.” Zenitsu waved his hand around lazily. You stared at him. Did he have a death wish? “You should just let me leave to explore.” He shrugged.

Tengen merely narrowed his eyes. Clearly the kid was underestimating his sharp intuition. Zenitsu had been acting odd, ever since he asked to come to the Entertainment District. What was the reason? Besides the impending threat of demons, what was different now compared to last time? Tengen was quiet as he thought.

What was--?

It hit him. Zenitsu would’ve never come here of his own volition, and he doubted Tanjiro or Inosuke had been itching to come back either. So it must be, you. He was here for you.

Things began falling in place. Tengen’s eyes slid from you to Zenitsu. “Right.” He drawled. Tengen leaned back, crossing his arms. “Very well.” He looked at you. “You’re going with him. Make sure he doesn’t get himself into anything stupid while I finish talking to them.” He pointed at Tanjiro, Inosuke and his wives.

You nodded as Zenitsu stood up excitedly. “Great! See you guys in a bit.” He waved as he began to exit, you following not far behind him. Inosuke began to stand too.

“Not you.” Tengen warned. Inosuke turned slowly towards him.

“WHAT?!”

~~~~

Overwhelming. It was the only thing you could think as you took in all the sights and sounds on the street. Overwhelming in the way an ocean washed a person with an overwhelming sense of peace. Or in the way your family overwhelms you with happiness. Or a field of flowers overwhelms you with it’s lovely sweetness.

There were dancers swaying to music that followed behind them as the marching musiciens seemed to hypnotize them. There were artists, displaying the gorgeous whorls and streaks of color on their canvases. There were magicians, performing tricks for anyone who walked past.

And there were booths upon booths of mouth watering food. You may not have had any money, but your giddy appearance and glowing eyes were enough to convince the vendors to give you small plates of whatever you wanted. Zenitsu however, was not having the same luck. So he stuck to you, picking off your plate like a little orange scavenger. It made you laugh.

You did not let a single event slip past you, prancing with the dancers for a bit, complimenting artists for their talent, in awe of the small tricks the magicians displayed. It was quite refreshing for Zenitsu to see you so carefree, since it seemed you rarely let yourself feel that way.

~~~~

The both of you arrived at a booth by a wide river. Displayed at the booth was jewelry; beautiful necklaces of jade, rubies, and pearls. Bracelets of neatly carved stones of all kinds. You tugged Zenitsu closer to the booth, looking at the jewelry in fascination. You didn’t have much jewelry, it wasn’t smart to wear any when fighting. Zenitsu watched you carefully. Your eyes didn’t budge from one of them. A bracelet of twine with different shades of orange stones woven into a tight pattern. It was very beautiful, and would be easy to wear even when fighting, as you could tell it would wrap securely around your wrist.

The vendor caught you staring at the bracelet. “Do you like it?” He asked curiously. You flinched, nodding shyly.

“It’s a very beautiful piece.” You admitted. He grinned at you.

“In a few minutes, everyone gathered around the booth will participate in stone skipping.” He pointed at the people by the river. “Whoever can skip their stone the farthest, gets to pick a jewelry of their choice to take with them.” You nodded with a small smile, the excitement in your eyes from earlier flickering.

I don’t know how to skip rocks.

As you were lost in thought, Zenitsu scouted for a smooth pebble around the booth. He found one, tossing it and snatching it out of the air with an easy smile. “Thank you sir.” Zenitsu bowed. The man nodded at him in acknowledgement.

You caught up to Zenitsu who strode away confidently. “What are you doing?” You whispered softly. He looked at you with a grin.

“What do you mean? I’m going to skip this stone.” Your eyebrows rose.

“You can do that?” Zenitsu chuckled. “I lived by a river when I was younger. Skipping rocks was basically the only thing I’d do all day.” You nodded slowly.

You and Zenitsu stood beside the line of people by the river. It was wider than it had looked from by the booth, and it made you wonder if Zenitsu could really get it farther than anyone else.

People beside you started tossing the rocks at the water, some of them making it a decent distance, while some just plopped and faded away into the abyss. But the energy of the crowd didn’t fade, everyone seemed to be having fun. Finally, it was Zenitsu’s turn.

You gave his arm a gentle squeeze, and he looked at you with a confident gaze. “Watch.” He muttered.

Zenitsu took a deep breath.

Thunder Breathing.

You didn’t even notice the stone as it flew out of his hand, fast enough that you were certain a spark came off of his fingertips. He was crouched, watching the stone zip quickly over the water. His smile began to grow as it passed where other stones had sunk.

It had passed them, and was almost at the other side.

The crowd’s cheering began to get louder as the rock got closer to the other end of the river. It finally landed in the grass, and the crowd broke out into whoops and shouts, some people clapping Zenitsu on the shoulder. “Great throw son!” You heard people yell at him.

You squealed with giddiness, skipping in circles around Zenitsu. “You did it, you did it, you DID it!” You gave him a quick hug, body buzzing with excitement. Zenitsu beamed, matching your energy. The both of you walked back to the booth, the man watching Zenitsu in surprise.

“Well kid, you definitely earned this one.” He said with a grin as Zenitsu pointed at the bracelet you were looking at earlier. “I would like that one.”

How had he known…?

The man handed it to him. Zenitsu bowed gratefully, turning to you. “Here.” He grabbed your hand, lifting your arm. He gently wrapped the bracelet around your wrist. “So you don’t forget how far I skipped that rock.” You giggled at his teasing.

The bracelet glowed as you tilted your arm back and forth. The orange rocks would serve as a constant reminder of Zenitsu. You smiled at the thought.

~~~~

Finally, it was time for the fireworks. Zenitsu grabbed the sleeve of your kimono as he ran, pulling you with him. You two made it to the building just in time, Tengen and the rest of your friends waiting for you by the door.

Tengen led you up to the roof of the building. You showed off your bracelet to your friends as Inosuke showed off his string necklace (it was a necklace strung with dumplings, but Inosuke had already devoured them), and Tanjiro pulled out a soft green scarf that he bought Nezuko for the winter. Everyone had enjoyed their time in their own way, even Tengen and his wives, their faces colored with beautiful matching designs.

The first sparks in the sky silenced their conversations, and you gasped as you watched the fireworks fall to the earth like a colorful rain. It fascinated you, you had never seen them so close.

“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” You tugged on Zenitsu’s sleeve to get his attention. But you didn’t notice that his attention was already on you. He watched the glitter in your eyes as you stared in wonder at the light show before you.

“Yeah, it is.” He agreed softly. You hadn’t looked at him yet. “Zenitsu! Look there, look there!” You pointed at each firework that went off.

“I’m looking…” Zenitsu was looking, just not at what you were pointing to. Tengen saw him watching you out of the corner of his eye.

The fireworks lit up the dark sky, each one a color that you didn’t realize existed. Some even two different colors at once.

They sparkled beautifully, practically like stars.

Your eyes, that is. The fireworks were okay too, Zenitsu thought with a soft smile. He didn’t realize Tengen had gotten closer to him, putting a hand on his jaw and making him face the fireworks. It made Zenitsu’s face burn with embarrassment, having been caught staring like that. But Tengen only dawned a knowing smile. “Don’t miss the moment.” He whispered to the kid.

Zenitsu nodded absentmindedly, allowing himself to move just a bit closer to you. No, he wouldn’t miss the moment. In fact, he’d probably never forget it.

————————————————————————

~~~~

When you awoke, you realized you were tucked under a blanket, the group of people chattering quietly as they ate at the table not far from where you rested. Suma was the first to notice you had opened your eyes. She let out a small gasp.

“She’s awake!” She squeaked, the conversation stopping as they all looked at you with relieved expressions. You guessed their reactions were supposed to be comforting. But it only pushed you further into embarrassment, for being so incapable that everyone had to take care of you, had to worry for you.

“How long was I out?” You asked quietly. Tanjiro gave you a half smile. “A couple hours, as long as it took for the food to be prepared I believe.”

Hinatsuru smiled softly and scoot over to give you space by the table as you stood up. “Come, sit next to us.” Makio called out from beside her. Inosuke nodded with a wide grin.

“Yeah! The food is amazing!” His voice came out muffled, face stuffed with whatever Tengen and his wives had made.

You stared at the wall blankly.

“No, it’s alright. I’m not that hungry. Thank you.” Before anyone could object, you excused yourself and walked out into the training yard. Zenitsu silently watched you as you left.

~~~~

There was a back exit in Tengen’s manor, and you decided to slip out of it, leaning your back against the outer wall of the property. You stared up at the sky, the stars seeming to wink mockingly at you. Tears pricked your eyes.

How come you couldn’t be like them? Like Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu. Fighting through their fears and holding their own alongside Rengoku. You could barely stand straight after two days with Tengen. Maybe you weren’t deserving of your breathing technique.

“The sky is pretty tonight.” The gentle voice startled you, and you jerked your head in the direction of the sound. Wallowing in your own pity, you hadn’t noticed Zenitsu following you outside. He was also looking at the sky.

You wiped your tears against your sleeve. “What are you doing out here?” You muttered. Zenitsu finally looked at you, eyes muted.

“I brought you some food. You need it after passing out like that earlier. Trust me,” he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. “I know all about it.”

You started trembling, reminded of the embarrassment of it all as you pulled your knees up to your chest and tucked your head away in your arms. Your soft sobs caused Zenitsu to flinch, speaking quickly.

“Oh I’m so sorry! If you don’t like the food it’s totally okay! I can- go grab some fruits or something if you want something lighter-” “I don’t deserve to be a Star Breather.” You whispered.

Zenitsu froze at your words. They echoed another voice he knew far too well. He kneeled down beside you. “You,” he pulled your arm away from your face. “Know that’s not true.” His face was serious, and it was the first time you had seen him look that way.

You looked up, blinking away any more tears. “Maybe I should stop using this breathing technique. I can’t keep up with any of you. I know Tengen hates me. I can see it in his eyes. All of them look at me with pity.” You finally forced yourself to face him.

“Even you.”

Zenitsu scoffed. “If you think what I feel for you is pity, then you’re awful at understanding others.” He frowned.

“I only feel frustrated. That you think you’re allowed to give up and play the victim, when we’re all fighting to keep up.” He slid down the wall to sit beside you.

“I never felt I was right with my Thunder Breathing either. I can still only use one form. There have been many times when I passed out from the sheer power behind Thunder Breathing. But when I had cried to gramps about all of it, he had asked me if I could see myself mastering a different technique.”

He paused for a second, staring at his hands. “And I realized that I couldn’t. One form or not, Thunder Breathing was the only one that felt as comfortable to me as my own skin.” Zenitsu laughed softly.

“When I told him that, he smacked me. Asked me why I was complaining then. He never let me quit. And I tried, many times. But he never stopped believing in me.” He smiled at the memories.

“Then I realized, the only thing that would help me become a better Thunder Breath wielder is to just, keep going. Because whether I like it or not, Thunder Breathing is mine.”

Zenitsu looked intently at you. “Just as Star Breathing is yours.” He paused. “And as long as that technique is the one that comes the easiest to you,” he smiled, sunset eyes glowing with determination. “I won’t let you quit either. You’ll always have me, and I will never stop believing in you.”

He had shocked you into silence. You merely stared at him, wide-eyed as he pulled something out of his orange kimono and handed it to you. “Here.”

His voice was soft, and you were staring at a beautiful pattern of flowers. A crown, consisting mostly of flowers the color of your eyes, and accented with speckles of others. “Did you-“ you looked at him with awe. “Did you make this?”

The seriousness from earlier vanished as he grinned sheepishly, nodding as his face turned pink. “Yeah. I wanted to give you something for working so hard with Tengen. And I’ve always loved crafts, so I made it during our break in training today.” Zenitsu carefully took it out of your hands, placing it on your head, arranging it to sit perfectly.

“There.” He grinned. “It looks perfect on you.” You felt your face heat up, looking at him with a grateful smile. With your sadness beginning to fade, you realized just how hungry you were.

“Zenitsu…” you began, smiling shyly. Zenitsu laughed.

“I know,” he responded, pushing the plate of food that was next to him towards you.

“Here, a plate of dinner from earlier.” He waved his hand toward the plate. “Now, eat. You’re our rare Star Breather after all.” You elbowed him playfully. Every bite of the meal was euphoric.

Zenitsu watched you eat with a soft smile.

Once you finished, you sighed, leaning back against the wall again. “Do you think we’ll ever be like the Hashira? You a Thunder Pillar, me a Star Pillar.” Zenitsu was quiet for a little bit.

“Yeah,” he finally spoke. “I think we will.”

It was all you needed to hear as you leaned your head against his shoulder, both of you watching the sky in a comfortable silence.

————————————————————————

Levi hesitated, finally acquiescing when Gunther suggested that he should go, it would do him good and Eld would have everything under control until they met with him and Petra at Karanes in the morning. Yet as he rode with her, he began to have second thoughts. When was the last time he sat down with someone’s family? Had an actual meal? As a scout he was fed, more than he’s ever been. But even compared to an average citizen of the walls, it was barely any better. Levi spent most of his time quietly splitting his rations for his team anyways.

“Captain?” Petra’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Are you alright?” Levi nodded.

“Sorry, I usually don’t have dinner with anyone outside of the team.” He stated. Petra laughed. It was pretty.

“I promise you, my father won’t bite. Besides, we’re experts in things that bite aren’t we?” She winked playfully. Levi smiled softly. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

They finally arrived, Petra and Levi dismounting their horses. She led him around the back of their house, where she showed him a post to tie their horses to. Walking back to the front door, she knocked loudly.

There was a sound that was similar to a crash, and then fast steps. The door was thrown open. “Petra!” Her father pulled her into a tight embrace, laughing loudly.

“Dad!” She hugged him back. Her father let her go, noticing the figure standing behind her. “Oh? You didn’t tell me you were bringing guests-” his eyes widened as he realized who it was. “Goodness! Captain Levi! I didn’t realize- why are you here? Is something wrong?” Petra gave her father a light smack on the chest.

“Dad. He’s just here till the morning. We have an expedition tomorrow, I invited him to have dinner with us tonight.” Her father nodded slowly in understanding.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Petra is an essential part of my team.” Levi commented. He didn’t fail to notice the slight tint of her cheeks. Her father beamed with pride, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“That’s my Petra!” Petra giggled embarrassedly. “Dad~” she smiled wide. Levi noticed how easy going she was here, with her father. Safe, far from all the dangers of scouting. Why on earth was she there? A girl like her --smart, skilled, with amazing social graces-- she could easily find herself a job that would do a lot more for her.

“Well, let’s not let you two freeze right outside the house, come on in!” Petra’s father motioned with his hand to the home. It was quaint, a fire lit in the hearth, a small table with small plates of food. A large bird, what Levi assumed was goose, was cooked in the middle.

Her father made them sit, both him and Petra insisting that Levi help himself to however much food he wants. As desperately as he wanted to stuff himself till he couldn’t breathe, he limited himself to one plate with a little bit of everything. He quietly complimented her father’s cooking skills --the goose was truly remarkable-- to which he was corrected, her father saying it was Petra who perfected the recipe. He lovingly ruffled her daughter’s hair, to which she shyly stated that she wasn’t a kid anymore.

As dinner was coming to a close, Levi stood, automatically picking up any emptied plate along with his own and looking for a place to wash them. Petra realized what he was doing, quickly pulling the plates out of his hands. “No sir, please do not bother yourself with this. I can do it.”

“Are you sure? I can-” “No, it’s alright Captain. Please, make yourself comfortable.” She jut her chin toward the lounging sofa not far from the table.

Levi reluctantly sat down, stretching his arms across the pillows and crossing his legs. Her father excused himself, stating he was ready for bed and would see them in the morning. He gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead, and a small bow of respect to Levi, which he reciprocated with a nod. He disappeared up the stairs to where Levi assumed were their sleeping quarters.

~~~~

There was a comfortable silence as water ran from the tap and Petra wiped down the plates with a cloth, her back to Levi. Levi laid his head against the pillows, closing his eyes and letting the peacefulness of the moment envelope him. Was this how it would’ve been? If he hadn’t joined Erwin? Grown up without the threat of giant maneating monsters? Grown up with a family? No, probably not. There was no point in pondering things that would’ve never been. Petra, however…

He lifted his head and looked over at where the small young woman with the soft auburn hair continued her chore. “Why are you here?” He asked. Her motions stopped.

“Here, sir?” She laughed. “You probably think it’s silly, none of the other soldiers left. It’s just, I had to come by and see him, I haven’t seen him in at least a year and-” “No,” Levi interrupted.

“That's not what I mean. Why are you here, on my team, with the Scouts. You could have this every day. You could see him every day. Wake up in your warm bed to your delicious food every day.” She turned slightly, the side of her face now visible as she smiled.

Again, there was a short silence. “I want a better future. For my father. For myself. For all of us.” She looked at him. “Sitting around on the side won’t do anything. So yes, maybe I am giving up the safety and comfort of my home to fight monsters. But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifices of all the people dying to give us a chance. It would not be fair for me to remain here, happy and oblivious, when every single one of us should be fighting for a chance to be free forever.” She looked back at the plate in her hand, wiping at it mindlessly as tears welled up in her eyes. “I guess, I’m trying to prove that people did not die in vain. That even though I can’t speak for everyone, I can at least say that even if I die too, I died fighting. And-” her eyes widened and she glanced up at him, blushing hard and stopping herself as she looked away.

Levi cocked his head. “And?” Petra shook her head as she took a shaky breath in. Then she laughed awkwardly.

“And I want a better future for you, sir.” She looked at him. “From what I’ve heard, life has not been gracious to you. Since the day you were born, you have been fighting. Never a moment’s rest.” She put the final plate away. She was facing him with her whole body now. “I want to give you peace, rest; freedom. And if I cannot give you that, I want to at least help ease the burdens you carry by fighting alongside you. So you do not have to carry the battle, the guilt, alone.” She walked over, and sat down beside him on the edge of the sofa. “I will continue to work hard to live up to my promises to you. I will continue to be your strongest soldier. I will give my life and limb to you, and your future.” She took his hand and slid it off the pillows, holding it between both of hers. Her skin was glowing, tears streaking her blushed face. “I swear it.”

Levi did not know how to respond. How long had she carried these thoughts? How long had he been underestimating her faith in him and their team? In humanity? All he could do was squeeze her hand softly. “You’re crying Petra.” He couldn’t bring himself to say anything else. She pulled away immediately, as she realized what she’d done.

“I’m so sorry Captain, I didn't mean to cross any boundaries.” She mumbled her apologies as she rushed to wipe her face with her sleeve. Levi untied the handkerchief around his neck and handed it to her. “Here. It’s alright.”

She took it between both hands, smiling gratefully. Taking a deep breath, she wiped her eyes and stood, walking back over to the small kitchen. She turned on her stove and placed a kettle on it. There was more silence as Levi mulled over Petra’s words. Peace, for him. That was what she wanted. Levi always thought he would die in combat, constantly wondering whether he would live to see the next day. But Petra wanted him to feel peace. And wanted to fight for it.

The sudden heaviness in his head began to dissipate at the sound of the screaming kettle. A minute later, Petra brought over a teapot, placing it on the edge of the dinner table as she sat in the chair beside it. She laid his handkerchief over the back of a chair. She poured out the deliciously deep red liquid, handing him a cup of it as she poured herself one too. Levi gingerly held the rim of the cup as he took a sip.

He recognized the flavor instantly. It was his favorite tea. “Where did you get this?” He asked, staring at the cup. Petra looked at her hands.

“Section commander Hanji once made a joke that the only thing you ever bought for yourself was your favorite tea. So I paid attention to what you drank in the evening with us.” She smiled. “You always have a separate tea bag in your cup, while we just drank from the pot. Since my father is a merchant, I decided to describe to him the tea bag you used. And he told me what tea it was. I bought some and tried it.” She brought her cup near her nose, indulging in the fragrance. “You truly have amazing taste sir.” She sighed.

“And you make keen observations.”

Here she was. Small, kindhearted, fiery Petra. Petra, who thought about Levi and invited him to have dinner. Who spoke to him about his freedom. Who always tried to understand his struggles, even if it was not something she had experienced. Who was curious about his life. Who had paid attention to the things he enjoyed and tried to give them to him, just to make him smile.

Petra heard a quick rustle of clothes, and by the time she glanced over to where Levi had been sitting, he was standing right in front of her. He placed his cup on the table, and before she could speak, lowered his face to hers.

Her cheeks were soft, and she smelled faintly of cinnamon. It made him wonder if she liked to bake in her free time. She was the one who had taught him to make his favorite dessert after all. She tasted like the bitter, rich tea that he so enjoyed. That she knew he enjoyed. And as Levi allowed his senses to wander, he could taste the raspberry tart she had for dessert on her lips.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Levi jerked back. He placed a hand in his hair and curled it into a fist, as if maybe tugging at the strands would clear the haze of his stupid mind. As he racked his brain for a way to explain what happened, he caught a glimpse of Petra’s face. She was completely flushed, panting. Her bright hazel eyes were blown wide. He’d terrified her. He would never forgive himself.

He took a staggering step back from her, and began rushing toward the door. He would have to face her at some point, but he doubted any word out of his mouth would be comforting at the moment. He decided he would just sleep outside, wait till morning to speak to her. To let her leave his squad if she so wished. To beat him bloody if she wanted.

She stood from the chair and grabbed his arm. “Sir, don’t you dare.” She commanded. Well, it would happen now then. Whatever it was she wanted-

She tugged his arm hard, forcing Levi to face her again. Letting go of his arm and grabbing him by the lapels of his shirt, she pulled him back down to her. The bursts of flavor from earlier returned, sparkling on his tongue like fireworks. She was sweet, oh so sweet. He squeezed her shoulders hard, unsure of where else to put his hands.

His mind raced, and he ignored it. Just for one moment, screw this. Screw all of it. Let him be lost in the scent of cinnamon and the savors of herbs and raspberry tart. Let the softness of her lips pull him into a trance. Let her gentle hands remind him of what it feels like to have human touch, warm and alive and thrumming.

For the moment he didn’t have to worry about the outside world. Not of monsters, not of Eren and his strange power. Not of Erwin, or the MPs, or the mission. Just the comfort of the crackling fire, the silkiness of Petra’s hair as he dared to run his fingers through it. The warmth of her hands as she snaked them up his neck. The steady beating of her heart as she pressed closer to him. The racing of his own.

She pulled away for a moment. Levi realized he was panting and attempted to take deep breaths to calm himself. He noticed Petra’s shaking hands as they fiddled with the buttons of her white blouse. They were going too far, too fast. Maybe this is what he needed, what they both needed, but not like this. He wouldn’t let it happen like this.

He reached out a hand, touching hers gently. “Petra.” He spoke softly. They were both breathing hard. Her hands dropped a second later. She sighed. “What am I doing?” She whispered. He watched as tears slipped out of her eyes again. “We’re both exhausted.” Levi stated, as if just making a random observation. But he knew Petra understood what he meant. Understood the exhaustion he spoke of.

The kind that settled deep in their bones and withered them down until they were centuries old. The kind of exhaustion that makes you mourn your losses but dries your tears, as if the ducts themselves were too tired to spill any more. The kind that had long forgotten what safety felt like. What friendship, or love felt like. The kind of exhaustion that was desperate for a breath of something new, but was just too tired to care about the consequences. But also the kind of exhaustion that led to wisdom, to making smart decisions when everything begged for the opposite.

Petra opened her mouth to say something, but her voice betrayed her. She opted to just lean forward and lay her head against Levi’s shoulder, tears flowing uncontrollably.

His hands lingered inches from her small body, when he finally let himself embrace her. He could feel her trembling, the gasps in her breath as she tried to steady herself. He held her tightly, running his hand up and down her back. All the words they couldn’t say were spoken in between their bodies. They stayed like that until the hiccups in her crying faded. Her breathing slowed.

“So, is it true?” Levi barely caught her quiet words.

“Hmm?” She looked up at him, eyes gleaming like glass marbles. “Is it true that you’ve never… been with a woman before?” Levi’s eyes widened. He couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted at her question. Petra hid behind her hands, stepping away from him.

“It’s just- the squad, they told me that!” She sputtered. He gently pulled her hands away from her face. “No,” he responded with a soft smile. “I have been with women before. How about you? Have you been with men before?” Her eyes widened. “Yes I have!” She exclaimed, folding her arms defensively. Levi had never laughed that way in his life. And shortly after, Petra joined in.

After a few moments, they were both catching their breaths. Petra wrung her hands, looking shyly at the floor. “So, I guess that just means you’re not really interested in me.” She stated, voice laced with disappointment. Levi crossed his arms, head tilted to the side. He hadn’t taken Petra for a pessimist.

“No, that does not mean anything. It’s not smart to make a rash decision when emotions are so high-strung. Especially right before an expedition.” Petra tucked her hair behind her ear, and nodded.

“You’re right.” She agreed. Levi smiled softly. “Besides,” he nodded his head in the direction of the stairs that led to the upper floor.

“I doubt your father would be happy to find us in such a compromising situation.” Petra’s eyes widened and she turned redder than she had been a few minutes ago. She put a hand against her mouth.

“Oh my god, my father. I totally forgot he was here.” She whined, flustered.

Levi scoffed. “Let’s get some sleep.” He spoke softly. Petra nodded with a smile. Levi walked to the sofa and laid down, hands resting behind his head as he got comfortable. Petra stood awkwardly beside him.

“Captain, maybe after this expedition…” Levi turned his gaze to her, but she avoided his eyes. “Maybe, you can visit my home more often.” Petra stated, but it came out as more of a question.

Levi nodded, closing his eyes as he took in a deep breath. “Maybe.” Petra smiled, glancing at Levi once more. She wasn’t exactly sure what had happened, but she realized she didn’t mind it one bit, heading towards the stairs to go to her own bed too.

~~~~

That morning, it was as if nothing had happened. Levi and Petra were up and ready to leave before her father could even finish breakfast (although he had fervently pleaded with them to eat anything, to which Levi and Petra took two slices of bread). Levi squad was ready to go by the wall, bowing their heads in respect to their captain.

In Levi’s eyes, Hanji was the nosiest person he’d ever met. They were rather surprised to hear about Petra’s dinner invitation, considering Levi wasn’t the best at socializing.

The squad pestered Petra about dinner, all wanting to know how their captain acted outside of being humanity’s greatest soldier. Levi had become her quiet and calculating Captain once more, reprimanding his squad for being so distracted the day of an expedition. But there was something different now. Something more relaxed in his posture that only a sharp eye could notice. A softness in the way he looked at her that would seem like nothing to an outsider.

But it was reminiscent of the way he had looked at her last night, as if they were the only two people to exist in that moment. A flutter of something stirred her heart. Her captain may never be as open and inviting as others. He may never wear his heart on his sleeve.

But he came up next to her on his horse, and handed her his piece of bread. “Eat. One piece isn’t going to do anything for you.” He explained, eyes forward. And in that bread was all the warmth and comfort Petra could ever ask for. And maybe, once this mission was over, Petra thought with a soft smile.

Maybe it would be something even more.

————————————————————————

“IT HURTS! IT HURTS!” His wailing snapped Muichiro out of his daze. Muichiro bent down in front of his brother, chest heaving in pain as if someone had reached their hand into his ribcage and was slowly squeezing his heart until it stopped.

Muichiro supported one side of Yuichiro’s body as he limped to the corner of their home. Where else could he go? What else could he do? He was trapped. He was useless, just as his brother had always said. He was being toyed with, and could only pray that death would be swift as the creature took his sweet time approaching them.

I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. I will not die. I will not die.

He couldn’t breathe. His throat hurt, it hurt so bad he felt as if he had been breathing in endless smoke. Muichiro’s own screaming sounded distant to him. His heartbeat pounded in his head. No, he would not die.

~~~~

His body ached, covered in blood that Muichiro was pretty sure wasn’t his own. But he only had to walk a little further. Yuichiro. Even if he were to disintegrate into nothingness, it had to be beside Yuichiro. He finally dragged himself over the threshold into his home.

Muichiro would’ve teased his brother for the position he had decided to take his nap in, if the mat wasn’t covered in so much red, if the house hadn’t reeked of a bitter stench that made Muichiro want to heave. He hated red, it was the ugliest color he’d ever seen.

Muichiro didn’t realize he too had fallen to the floor, pulling himself across the wood with his shaking arms. Yuichiro was mumbling, words slurring together lazily as if he were drunk. Muichiro got close enough to hear the whispers.

God, Yuichiro was praying to god.

“God… Buddha… please.” Wasn’t he the one that had told him praying was pointless? That only the weak see value in something like that? Muichiro couldn’t bring words to his mouth, couldn’t beg his brother to stop. To stop praying like he was weak, when he was the strongest person Muichiro knew.

“At least, save my brother. He’s not like me.” Muichiro was gasping. He was gasping and it scared him, more than anything that had happened in the past few moments of his life. All of a sudden, all the air in the world wouldn’t be able to fill his lungs. They were shriveled, each word out of his brother’s mouth a needle poking through the delicate membrane.

“He’s a good boy. He wanted to help people. But I stopped him.” But he couldn’t help people. He couldn’t, right? He was fragile, he couldn’t help anyone. There was no point in being saved if there was nothing you could do in return. Even now, he prayed against Yuichiro.

Take your words back Yuichiro. Please, let me die with you. Please don’t leave me here without you. Stop me, hold me back, do what you want. Just don’t leave me to live this weak life alone.

“I am the one to blame. Let me be the only one who receives the punishment, please.”

Muichiro could not bring himself to say something to his delirious brother. How could he ask to die alone? How could he ask for punishment for Muichiro’s shortcomings? For letting his brother come to his rescue, scared and unable to move.

The rage struck him as his vision began to fade. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for that demon. True weakness was killing a child that had done nothing. True weakness was depriving his brother of his life.

Muichiro let the tears burn down his face as he sobbed. He hoped they etched themselves there as a permanent memory of what the world had dared to take from him. He took Yuichiro’s hand, slick with blood, and held tightly. He gazed at his brother’s face, Yuichiro’s eyes looking back at him, but not truly seeing. Not anymore. Not as the light was seeping out of them, his eyelids drooping closed. He looked much older than Muichiro could recall, much older than a boy his age should look.

To his bitter surprise, he realized his brother had always looked older. Ever since their mother and father had died, and he was left to take care of Muichiro. Muichiro had just refused to see it, admit it to himself. That he was pulling Yuichiro down.

Yuichiro’s voice was barely above a whisper, and Muichiro had to drag himself even closer to his pale body, laying his head in the puddle of his brother’s blood as he listened.

“The ‘Mu’ in Muichiro never stood for meaningless. The ‘Mu’ in Muichiro,” Yuichiro coughed violently.

“Stands for infinite.”

Screw Buddha. Screw whatever higher being sat atop his hill, watching this all play out and doing nothing. They were just as weak as the demon. Damn them all. Infinite he would be. Infinite in his search. Infinite in his wrath. Infinite in his pain, and hatred. Infinite in his hunt for demons. Infinite in his desire to avenge the brother that should be the one alive. Should be the one listening to Muichiro’s mindless mumbling as he died. Infinite in every lifetime, infinite in his will to fulfill his brother’s prayers himself. He would never give up. Never let them win. He would carry his brother’s life with him, infinitely.

No, he would not die. He would not allow his weakness to succumb to the sudden peace he felt. Even as his own eyesight began to darken, even as he felt a gentle presence floating above him. He would struggle, and fight. And survive. He would no longer be the weak, frail brother that couldn’t help anyone.

Yuichiro’s death would not be in vain.

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Author’s Note: Man, this one HURT to write. I cried so hard thinking about the anime/manga during this. My baby Mui;-;.

Anyways, in case people were wondering, my last piece was also a manga inspired rewrite. The reason why I’m doing this is because I’m trying to work on emotional writing. And, at least with this one, I’ve hit the fuckin’ feels.

The name rang in Douma’s mind like wind chimes. “Kotoha,” he tested, and to his surprise, liked the way it sounded on his tongue. He smiled down at her. “You are safe now.” He assured.

Douma wondered if the woman had even realized she was holding her breath as she released it. He felt her anxieties flow out of her, like a murmuring creek spilling into a large river. And he was the river, carrying everyone and their worries inside of him.

“Where did you come from?” He asked as they finally reached the doors. She had been staring at them as if in a trance, when she flicked her gaze to the ground. “A village, on the other side of the forest.” She mumbled. By the way she reacted at the thought of the place, Douma knew she had been running for a reason. Before he could ask about it, Kotoha spoke. “What is this place?” She questioned. Her voice was a birdsong, and once again Douma wondered if she was the human incarnation of spring.

He smiled at her. “This, is the temple of the Eternal Paradise Faith.” He moved his arm in a sweeping motion, indicating to the temple to emphasize his point. He put a slender hand to his own chest. “And I, am its leader, Douma.” Kotoha’s eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees, prostrating. “I am so sorry, Lord Douma. I wasn’t aware-” “Oh no, please stand.” He cut in, smiling playfully. “Your son won’t last much longer if you keep dropping him into the snow.” There was a small silence before she stood. As she opened her mouth to speak once more, angry shouts sounded from the forest. They were loud, and fast approaching.

Douma felt Kotoha tense, and she stared at him with wide, frantic eyes. “Please,” her voice was a squeak. A tear rolled down her distressed face. “They’re here to hurt me. Please.” She pleaded. Her shaking hand was gripping his shirt. Douma looked back at the forest to see a woman and a large man lumber toward them. “You witch! How dare you run from me!” The man shouted.

They finally made it to where Kotoha and Douma stood, gasping for breaths. Hands on his knees, the man looked up at Douma. “Thank you so much for catching her. I apologize, my wife can act quite unlike herself sometimes.” He reached a tired arm out towards him. “I will take her back now. I hope she wasn’t much trouble for you.” He panted.

“Not at all,” Douma responded coolly, like a snake waiting for its prey’s moment of weakness. He still had his lazy smile plastered on his face. He felt Kotoha take a timid step back, standing close behind him. Her hand was still on his shirt. “In fact, I was just asking about her injuries. In her little journey, she seems to have gotten quite battered.”

“Oh, that’s normal. That girl is an awful clutz, after all.” The woman chimed in, as if she was making the situation any better. Douma stood still as a statue, his casual smirk unwavering. Realizing he was making no progress with him, the man tried appealing to Kotoha.

He reached his hand out, almost to touch her, but she shrank away from his grasp. “Darling,” his voice was strained, Douma knew he was barely keeping up his facade. Humans, so easy to read. “Come with me, let's head home.”

Douma looked behind him to the young woman, eyes void of any emotion. “Go on,” he urged. “You can go.” But Kotoha merely shook her head in silence, the scent of her fear overwhelming as she stared her husband down. Douma’s brows furrowed, looking at the man with feign confusion. “Hmm.” Douma crossed his arms. “Seems you wife doesn’t want to go with you. How bizarre.” Douma was practically taunting him, and he could tell her husband was becoming agitated.

For a second, he wondered what flavors the man would have. He’d definitely taste fermented, with all the booze Douma was sure he drank. That was fine, Douma enjoyed intoxication every once in a while. The woman however, would taste like poison. The kind that would work slow, until it had you twitching on the floor, confused as to how you got so ill. Douma would just take his time with her, to give his body time to absorb all the poison from her pathetic little fangs. The man had dropped his hand, curling it into a fist at his side. It trembled.

“I will ask you again, kindly give me back what I own.”

Douma laughed softly. “No.” He smiled menacingly at the man. The man shot him a glare.

“Bastard!” He yelled out, raising his fist in an attempt to attack Douma. Something landed in the snow with a soft thump. The man stared in horror at the blood pouring out of the stump that was once his hand. Him and the old lady both began to scream, the man using his other hand to attempt another assault, this one aimed for Kotoha. “You bitch!” He yelled out.

~~~~

Kotoha blinked, and the man was gurgling, clutching desperately at his throat. Blood was spurting violently from the deep cut on his neck, before Douma reached out a finger to push against her husband’s forehead. The head slumped all the way back, touching his spine and only hanging onto the rest of his body by a few stringy tendons. His struggling stopped, and he collapsed before Douma in the snow.

Kotoha didn’t realize just how much blood a person could spill. The red snow had spread and stained the bottom of her kimono. Douma lightly fanned himself with a gold fan that seemed to have materialized out of thin air. The silver edge of it was covered in thick, red fluid. “Man, I hate working up a sweat.” He sighed, as if he was complaining about some warm weather.

Her mother in law stared at her son’s body, her mouth gaping, eyes bulging to the point that Kotoha was afraid they would drop right out of their sockets. She put her hands up in surrender. “You know what? You can keep her, she wasn’t that important to me anyways. How much would you like for her? Maybe I can bring her stuff here for you! Since she left all her belongings back home. I hope she brings you good fortune and company! Consider this our payment for your kindness in finding her-” She rambled on feverishly, when suddenly she too started to choke, dropping to her knees before Douma.

“You speak far too much, hag.” He spoke, his voice dripping with sugar sweet malice. He glowered at her, face plastered with disdain as if looking at vermin. “Die.” The woman could only let out a petrified squeal, similar to that of a tortured pig. Her body broke apart, each joint sliced to pieces and bleeding.

What just happened? Kotoha wondered if she was hallucinating. Her heart was beating erratically. Eyes wide, she turned to look at the man standing beside her. “What,” she was gasping. “What are you?”

“Hmm?” Douma was looking at the carnage with an idle grin, eyes sparkling as they slid over to Kotoha. “My my, Hashibira Kotoha. It was like you said.” He brought the fan to his mouth, tongue running across the edge. His hand dropped to his side, face smeared with blood. He smiled wide, seeming to have forgotten all about the massacre he was responsible for.

“I’m an angel.”

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Authors Note: YAY!! PART 2!! Thank you for enjoying the first part, it means a lot to me. :) Now, as for more, this is as far as I have for now. I was thinking of writing more for these two (maybe that sad sad scene with baby Inosuke ;-;), but for now, this is what I got! I hope you enjoyed.

To her relief, the person had stopped. The gates did not close. There wasn’t much distance left. The rocks and sticks on the earth tore her palm and knees.

The air seemed to still completely. Time felt slow. There was a shadow looming over her. Kotoha stopped, her gaze following up the silhouette standing in front of her.

A man —in beige pants and a blood-red shirt— watched her with crossed arms, head quirked in fascination. His glowing blonde hair was only surpassed by his glittering eyes. Even with her lack of sight, the young woman gawked. It was the man from the gates.

“You poor thing.” His voice was silk. A gentle caress of warmth in the blistering cold. Suddenly, Kotoha wasn’t shivering as much as she had been. The man looked up, glancing around in every direction.

“Are you alone?” He asked smoothly, as if she wasn’t groveling at his feet. She wanted to respond. To beg for his mercy, to ask for reprieve from her hell. But she couldn’t. All Kotoha could do was hold back a sob as her eyes welled up.

“Angel.” She choked out, voice merely a soft croak. The man flinched, looking down at her. She hoped her eyes could tell him everything her mouth could not.

“You can talk?” He kneeled down onto a knee, at eye-level with the woman who couldn’t stand. “Oh my, look at your face. You’re so young. Such tender, supple skin should not be so mangled.” He brought his hand to her cheek. His touch was cool, the kind of sensation that a breeze would bring on a hot summer day.

It was all clear. The sky, so vast and dark that even the storm-bearing clouds could not cover it entirely. Kotoha felt like she could see every crystal of snow crunching under her weight. Her vision had returned, and as she blinked, the pain too had vanished.

And there he was, clear as day. His skin —almost the color of the snow around them— brought out his eyes. Rainbow eyes, shifting in color like a glimmering opal with each movement of his head. If his eyes were so mesmerizing in the dimness of a stormy evening, she could only imagine what they would look like in the light of day. She knew her voice had been restored, but she was quieted by her awe. All she could do was stare as he stared back, his eyes seeming wider than before.

He pointed a finger, and Kotoha realized how long his fingernails were. “Whatcha got there?” He questioned. He was looking at the white cloth in her arm. Suddenly Kotoha stumbled back, hugging it tighter to her chest. The man stood.

“It’s your child.” He stated matter of factly. He glanced around one last time, before approaching her again and extending his hand. “Come. Let’s get you somewhere warm.” She hesitated, before taking it and slowly letting him help her stand.

Kotoha had done it, she was worthy. “Rainbow angel.” She finally mustered the strength to speak. She looked up at him. Her mouth started to curve upwards, in a smile so true it almost felt as if she had never smiled before. “Thank you.”

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Author’s Note: I really hope you guys liked this! There will be a part 2! We’re not quite done with this first meeting juuuust yet! This is my first real writing post here, I can’t wait to do more.