Archive of Our Own

After a long day of work, your favorite way to decompress is lounge around at home in pajamas watching anime and buying merchandise online. You’re proud of the collection you have displayed all throughout your apartment, a simple one bedroom with a spacious living area. You were so lucky to find it a year ago, with ample space for your hoard of anime and manga merch. There is at least one figurine on every flat space throughout your home, and posters spread on your walls.

You’re particularly proud of your set up beside your TV, set on a stand between two bookshelves. After work, you love sitting on the couch and appreciating your hard earned collection, and especially the Demon Slayer shelf. Figurines and plushies litter the cramped bookcase, including your most prized assortment- the Rengoku Kyojuro shelf. The single slot is dedicated only to your current fixation, which has been a fixation for the better part of a year, so you assume its safe to say you’re in love with him.

But really, who isn’t?

Especially today, coming home to the sight of your beloved Flame Hashira is just what you need. Work went long and hard, your feet protesting with every step. You’re only too glad to kick off your shoes before putting them in the basket by your door, tucked against the corner and keeping your defensive baseball bat standing.

“Kyojuro, I’m home!” You call into the dark of the apartment, at least turning on the lights in your kitchen. Plopping on your large, fluffy couch, a true value steal from your local Costco, you huff in silence. “Welcome home, little flame,” you say to yourself, trying your best to make your voice drop an octave without much success.

“How was work? Oh, work was wonderful, just the usual, Becky is still a bitch and Tom won’t get off his lazy ass.” Your gaze turns to the poster of him in your hallway. You had it framed, commissioned from one of your favorite artists on Instagram. “I’m sorry, little flame, how about some cuddles? A shower? Maybe I could rub your shoulders- yes, yes, my love, that’s just what I need!”

You pull yourself up off the couch, continuing your imaginary conversation with Kyojuro, scrubbing down in the shower with some relaxing scents, then changing into shorts, a tank top, and your favorite piece of merchandise of all. Tying your hair up so the wetness doesn’t soil it, you then put your arms through the flowing sleeves of a flame patterned haori, made to look reminiscent of Kyojuro’s. Its light, soft, and most nights, it provides enough coverage you don’t even need the blankets. It could almost be like his warm embrace.

Determined to fully relax this Friday evening, you bound into the kitchen and heat up a meal you made at the beginning of the week, as well as throw some biscuits in the oven to have with it. You pour yourself a glass of wine, soon padding over to the couch and turning on the TV. It seems your thumb knows where to go before your brain does, selected the Funimation app and queuing up Mugen Train. You lean to open the end table drawer, fetching a box of tissues in preparation for the inevitable tears.

“Watching a movie without me, little flame?” You eat a forkful of food, responding to your imaginary partner while chewing, “Why, yes, my love, would you like to join me?”

A sad thought tingles the back of your mind. Here you are, a grown adult in your mid twenties, working a full time job in a place that makes you miserable, sitting on your couch stuffing your face while having a fake conversation with a man that doesn’t even exist. You throw these thoughts aside, seeking comfort in your favorite movie, taking your phone out to browse for new fanfiction. Any will do at this point. Any.

You wish more than anything he doesn’t have to die. You can’t help but think how warm he must be, sad the world of Demon Slayer has to go on without his shining smile and brilliant personality. How cruel. Did he really have to die?

Of course you already know the answer. Without Kyojuro’s death, Tanjiro never would’ve grown the way he did. Or maybe he would’ve under the guidance of the Hashira? You can only imagine as you watch the the usual suspects enter the train car of the famous UMAI scene, just how they could’ve turned out if Kyojuro had lived.

Fuck Akaza. But also fuck Akaza.

There’s no denying how good looking that damn demon is.

You finish your glass of wine, looking longingly to the poster on your wall. Maybe some ice cream is in order? As you make your bowl, eyes occasionally flicking up to the TV to read the subtitles, you can’t help but wonder what Kyojuro’s favorite ice cream flavor would be. You, among many others, have your own headcanons for him, but this is one you haven’t considered yet. Pondering as you plop back on the couch, you think…you don’t really know. Maybe Neapolitan?

Giving a shrug, you turn off the kitchen light as you take your place back on the couch, pulling the lever on the side to kick back and relax, snuggling among the pillows and plushies of varying characters, holding your Kyojuro one close, throwing a blanket over yourself. It was a moving out gift from your mom, the memory making you smile.

The movie goes on, the dark of the apartment, the comfort of the pillows, the soothing sound of Kyojuro’s deep voice, its all too alluring, sleep calling to you. Finishing the bowl of ice cream, you set it on the end table, leaning into the warmth the blanket provides more, eyes heavy, almost impossible to fight. So you give in, the dark consuming you.

Your dreams swirl, the sounds of the movie faint over the colors surrounding you. Orange, yellow, and red is all you see, a vast ocean of the colors of the sunset. Or maybe more than the sunset, at least to you. You run, picking a random direction, not caring where you’re going or what you’re leaving behind. The colors are too pretty, impossible to resist. So why bother? You resign yourself to happily chasing after the colors forever.

Of course, as you run, they become increasingly familiar, especially as a silhouette crawls over the horizon far in the distance. You run faster, legs leading you, one foot after another. The shape takes form, the unmistakable haori on its shoulder’s inciting you to pick up the pace further, pushing yourself to limits you didn’t know you could pass. Reaching your hand out, you call to him, wanting more than anything to throw yourself on him, tell him not to leave, not to go on the train. The man, with his signature hair and outfit, slowly turns to you, the sound of your voice calling to him. You make brief eye contact, shocks running up your body, freezing you in place.

A loud bang and tumble snap you from your peaceful slumber, jolting your whole body in alarm. Your eyes scan the room, the faint light of the TV screen casting an eerie glow, just the art signaling the movie’s finished on display, shadows seeming to jump out. You pull your blanket up to your nose, wondering just what made that noise. Did someone break in? Was it the neighbors? They can be noisy once in a while. A cat outside maybe? What, no, why would it be a cat?

A low groan almost makes you jump out of your skin, clasping a hand over your mouth to hold in your startled whimper. In the darkness of the hallway, something moves. Your breath catches in your throat, blood freezing. What the fuck? The fuck is that? How’d it get in? Is it dangerous?

Shakily, you stand, trying to quietly shuffle over the extended couch and to your front door to grab your bat. You try and keep your eyes trained on the movement in the shadows, the weary groans, and once you feel the wood handle of the bat, relief starts to swell inside you. You wind the weapon back, lightly stepping as you make your way to the hall, hoping more than anything you don’t make any noise.

For whatever reason, your body seems to hate you.

Just out of sight behind the corner of the hallway, you take a step, every bone in your ankle and knee popping, your face draining in pure terror as the groaning stops, a man’s deep breath, maybe of shock. Its now or never!

Putting your weight on that foot, you spin around the corner, bat whizzing through the air as you make your attack on the invader. It all happens quicker than you realize, the intruder’s hand grabbing the bat midair, the other pressing on your chest hard, slamming you against the wall, your breath knocked out of you.

You wheeze, squeezing your eyes shut, the clattering of the bat falling to the floor making your body freeze in fear.

“Don’t hurt me!” You plead, keeping absolutely still.

Surprisingly, the hand on your chest relaxes, but then resumes its pressure. “Who are you?”

That voice…is oddly familiar. You were just listening to it. Slowly, you pry your lids open, terrified at what you might find. Your jaw drops, knowing just who those fiery eyes in the dark belong to. No way…

“U-Um..” You can’t speak, can’t breathe, can’t even think, not as you look up at him in absolute wonder. All you can manage, “I w-won’t hurt you.”

“You just tried.”

“I-I thought someone got into my house…”

There’s a brief silence, as if the man is thinking. “…This is your home?”

“Yes.”

The man releases you, stepping away. You take a deep breath, trying to keep them even so you don’t pass out.

“It seems…I apologize, I don’t know how I got here. I didn’t mean to startle you. What’s your name?”

You can’t believe it. In flesh and blood, Rengoku Kyojuro stands before you, speaking English, but his voice matching that of his Japanese voice actor’s. Regaining your bearings, and trying to keep yourself from screaming in glee, you answer, “I’m (Y/N). And you’re Rengoku.”

“Well- wait. How do you know my name?”

“I can’t believe its you,” you whisper, your thoughts now becoming vocal as you struggle to come to terms with reality. “I must be dreaming.”

“Dreaming?” Kyojuro’s eyes study his surroundings, brows furrowing. “Yes…that could be what this is.”

“I’m gonna turn the lights on, don’t freak out,” you whimper, flicking the switch near you. The hall lights shine, startling the man, his eyes finding yours immediately, only to widen and slowly drag down your body. Only in this moment you realize how ridiculous you must look to him, flushing at the realization you’re in shorts with freshly shaven legs, a tank top, and a piece of clothing that starkly resembles his.

“Wh-Where am I?” He stutters, eyes ripping from your legs to the odd shapes and things around him.

“My home…”

“But where ?” There’s a slight panic to his voice, and you can tell his mind is going a mile a minute.

“You’re in the United States.”

“What? North America?” He leans a hand against the other wall, his breaths getting noticeably faster. “I was just- I was- Japan- but-“

“Woah, woah, its okay,” you say, hands reaching out in an offer of friendly comfort. “I don’t know what’s going on either. How about we sit and figure this out?”

“Um, yes,” he murmurs, observing the lights, the weird walls, the artwork adorning them that are stylized in a way he’s never seen before. His attention can’t help but flick back to your strange attire, then zeros in on your haori. “That’s…mine.”

Your face noticeably pales. “Oh, this? Um, you don’t need to worry about this right no-“

“You know my name, dress in my colors, now I’m in North America in a strange place…are you a demon?” His eyes narrow accusingly, making you gulp and fervently shake your head. “Is this a Blood Art? Where am I? What’s going on? How do you know my name?!”

The man takes a step forward, making you squeak and whimper. He’s taller than you thought he’d be, but maybe that’s because you’re average height. “I-I don’t know! You don’t think I’m scared?!”

This makes him think, eyes softening. “You’re right. I apologize. This is…startling.”

“No kidding,” you exhale on a shaky breath. “Um, would you like some water?”

“I would. Thank you.”

Timidly, you shuffle over to the couch and offer him a seat, to which he nervously accepts as you go to the kitchen, getting ice from the freezer and water from the RO faucet. You watch him from your spot behind the sink, his gaze passing over the room, his face contorting in absolute confusion, especially landing on the Kyojuro shelf.

You return, cold water in hand, the man’s eyes widening from the ice floating in it. You sit at the other end of the couch, giving him a respectful distance, nerves fluttering around in your chest. God, he’s so handsome! But that’s not what the focus is right now. Right now you need to figure out why the fuck Rengoku Kyojuro is sitting on your living room couch.

“Its ice,” you say, snapping his eyes to you. You offer your kindest smile. “Its just really cold water. Take a drink.”

He does so cautiously, surprise overtaking his features. “It tastes good.”

“Good. Now…how are you in my living room?”

“Why am I on your shelf? And..this?” He holds up the plushie of himself, unsure what to feel about it.

“Right…” Your voice trails off. There’s no easy way to tell him. “That’s not an easy answer.”

“Then how do you know my name?”

“You’re,” you chew your lip, “uh, famous.”

Kyojuro blinks. “I am?”

“Yes! People all over the world know who you are.”

“Wha- How?”

“You’re, um, in a movie. And a book.”

“How could I be in a book? How could people everywhere know me?”

“I’m going to need you to try and stay calm but, uh, you’re in the year 2021.”

He blankly stares. “No. What? How?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. What was the last thing you remember?”

“I was on a train,” he mutters, staring down at the ice in his cup. The sentence makes your blood freeze. No way… “Demons attacked the train and me and several juniors saved everyone. And then…”

“Akaza.”

The caution is back in his eyes as he regards you. “Yes. You know my name, the demon’s name. How much do you know? Who are you? Do you work for Muzan?!”

“Muzan’s dead!”

He freezes. “What?” The man whispers breathlessly.

“That’s the book,” you sigh. “Its the story of Kamado Tanjiro, the kind hearted child who’s family was taken from him. Let’s…start over.” You take a deep breath, placing your hands over your heart. “My name is (Y/N), and I am a huge fan of yours. I read the story Demon Slayer in a series of books, books you’re part of. They tell your story from a hundred years ago.”

Kyojuro’s face is more confused than before. “So that’s why you’re wearing that?”

“Oh, yeah. Must be weird, seeing yourself all over my house.”

“And I’m part of a story? From a hundred years ago?”

“Well, the thing is, uh, its fictional. But it takes place during the Taisho era of Japan.”

“Fictional? You mean…I’m fictional?” He shakily points to himself, your heart throbbing at something seeming to break behind his eyes. “I’m not real here? I’m not an actual person? But- wa- how?”

“But you are real, look at you!” You want to cry for him, seeing his mind grind in quick succession, eyes lost and glassy as he tries to process. “Maybe it is real? I mean, maybe its just a whole different world than mine and somehow you came here when you died?”

“Died? I’m dead? Is this Hell then?”

“No, no, you’re alive. I’m gonna do something, don’t freak out on me.” You scoot closer, Kyojuro watching you as if he’s a cornered animal. Slowly, you raise your hand to his cheek, giving it a gentle pinch. “See? You’re flesh and blood. You’re more than real, and more than alive.”

“Yes. It seems so,” he muses quietly, hand touching where you pinched. The mild pinch of his skin indeed felt real. He pinches himself on the wrist, eyes swimming in relief. “I’m alive. I’m real.”

“Yup!” You smile happily, glad to see its beginning to process for him. “I know this must be scary, but you can trust me. Let’s figure this out more. Do you have more questions?”

“Yes! You said Muzan is dead. What do you mean by that?”

“It means he died at the end of the story.”

“Really?” True happiness floods his features, your whole body thrumming from how beautiful his real smile is. “Wonderful! That’s a relief!” But his smile falters. “What happened after I died?”

“Well, Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke mourn you. As they’re healing Tanjiro takes your advice and goes to your estate. He met your brother and they became really good friends! In fact, towards the end, Senjuro helped Tanjiro realize the Hinokami Kagura is actually Sun Breathing and there’s 13 forms. So in a way, he helped Tanjiro kill Muzan.”

“My Senjuro did that?” The beautiful shake in his smile is so wrenching, you could cry from the sight.

“Yes! They became close pen pals too, meaning they often wrote letters to each other. Oh! And Senjuro gave him your guard, and it helped protect him and many others along his journey. So really, even after you died, you kept protecting people, because without having met you, Tanjiro wouldn’t have managed to grow the way he did.”

Kyojuro’s close to tears, his body shaking. Its so much information, information that’s alleviating his heart but heavy on it at the same time. “And what of my father?”

“I cried at that part,” you say with a sad smile. “Not just me, anyone who loves you and read that part.”

“Loves?”

“Yes. I love you.” His eyes widen, gasping a little at your honesty. “Sorry, I know. Anyways-“

“You love me? As in you’re in love with me? Without ever having met me?”

“Me and millions of other people. I’m nothing special, just a huge fan. You could say I fell in love at first ‘umai.’” This makes you laugh, Kyojuro utterly surprised his quirk that makes him strange to others is something that attracted you. “Yeah. Your father mourned you too. He was sobbing after Senjuro told him your final words. I can get the volume, do you wanna see?”

Kyojuro gives a slow nod, watching as you stand and approach your Demon Slayer shelf, fingers grazing over several black books. You pick one and pull it out, sitting across from him, a little closer now that you’re both more comfortable, knees almost touching.

“This is the cover,” you smile, “and one of my favorite works of art of you. This is also the volume you died in. I’m sure you don’t want to see that, though, so we’ll just flip-“

“I wish to see it!” His eyes are full of determination, and with a soft smile you nod, opening to the page and handing the book to him. The man takes it gingerly into his hands, marveling at the artwork. Together, you both read over the scene, you talking as he listens.

“This is when I really fell hard,” you say, amused with yourself. You’ve never been so open with how you feel to someone, but there’s just something about him. No, its easy to know. Its because it is Rengoku Kyojuro you’re comfortable saying these things. He watches you with curious eyes, flitting between the pictures in the book and your face. “Your morals and personality. Your speech on what it means to be human is what really did it. I was cheering you on, I wanted the bad guy to die and for you to live, because that’s how it goes in stories like these. And when I got to this panel…I think I died a little inside. And then the flash back to your mother, and your final stand, fuck, I’m tearing up right now.”

Kyojuro can’t take his eyes off you as you tilt your head back, dabbing away the tears with your thumbs. “How much…do you know about me?”

You can’t help but smile. “A lot, but not everything. I know your favorite food is sweet potatoes.” The man blinks in surprise. “I know your father is an alcoholic, emotionally distant, I know how much you love your brother. I know the values your mom gave you, and I know you believe your hair is the way it is because an ancestor ate so much tempura!” This brings a slight smile to his face. “I know you trained Kanroji Mitsuri and her appetite is just as bad as yours. I also know how brave and honorable you are and how much you care about your comrades.”

“It seems you may know everything!”

“And you’re handling this extremely well! You’re definitely a Hashira.” You flip to the chapter Tanjiro meets the rest of the family, watching in silence as he reads it. Emotions flicker across his face, breath hitching as tears pour down his cheeks. He hands the book back, rubbing his eyes.

“My father really cried? My father?”

“Yep.” You hesitantly put a comforting hand on his back, rubbing up and down. He seems to tense, but relaxes. “Is this okay?” Kyojuro nods. “Good. Just tell me when to stop.”

He doesn’t. You both sit in silence, Kyojuro soaking in the strange comfort you seem to give. Looking up, he finds you politely keeping your eyes elsewhere, trying not to stare at him. “So you’re in love with me? I’m sorry, I just don’t understand. In your world I don’t exist.”

“Well, its normal for me to crush on fictional characters, but I do think you’re the only one I’ve fallen this hard for. I can only explain it as love. You’re just amazing.”

His eyes widen at this. “I’m not amazing. I died.”

“You still affected so much, Rengoku. You inspired Tanjiro with your words, and it wasn’t just him. Your words have inspired so many more, including me. Every morning I get up, I tell myself those words and I feel ready to take on the day. Work is hard, but I think if you can slay demons for a living, I can handle my job and the people there.”

“Which words were these?” His cheeks seem to tinge a faint pink, never having been complimented so much before.

“‘Set your heart ablaze,’” you proudly say, puffing out your chest. Remembering your clothing, you blush and move the haori to cover yourself better. “I think it would be best if we got some sleep. You can stay here as long as you want and I’ll help you get used to the modern world. Its gonna be a lot, though. Will you be okay if I leave you out here?”

“Um, yes…”

“Be honest with me. Anything you need?” You give him your best smile, which seems to relax him a little.

“If it isn’t too much to ask, I would appreciate a new set of clothes.”

“Sure! I think I still have some of my ex boyfriend’s clothes somewhere, I’ll take a look around.” And you wander to your room, practically skipping, thankful you live on the first floor of your apartment complex. Kyojuro watches after you, thinking how curious the whole situation is. His curiosity grows, crossing the room to admire the shelf with all the figurines and plushies of him, and now noticing weird shiny stands with pictures of him and other miscellaneous him themed objects. “Here you go! I hope they fit. Do you need the bathroom?”

His face heats as if he’s in trouble, but your bright smile calms him. You’re so nice, offering him a place to stay and clothes. “Now that you mention it, I think I do.”

“Follow me.” You lead him down the hallway. “The door on the left is my room. Feel free to knock if you need anything. This is the door to the bathroom.” You let him pass you, watching as he gawks at all the mysterious things. “This is the toilet. If you’re the relieve yourself while standing kind of guy, please clean up any mess you make and close it after. Then you just press down on this and it flushes.” You model for him, pressing the lever, his eyes sparkling in fascination. “Then when you’re done, wash your hands here. Turn the knob to the left for hot water.”

“You have hot water on demand?” He asks incredulously.

“Oh, yeah,” you laugh. “I’ll show you more tomorrow. Deal?”

“Yes!” And truly for the first time that night, Kyojuro beams his signature smile. You swear you feel your heart burst, face flushing pink as your hand instinctively holds your heart. You turn away before he can notice, even if he already did.

“Well, I’ll leave you to your business and get the couch ready!” So you leave, closing the door behind you. Kyojuro eyes the toilet and then the stack of clothes, finding them odd in comparison to the lounge wear of his era. Nonetheless, he does as you showed him and changes, walking out of the bathroom with his soiled uniform and haori folded neatly in his arms. He watches from the hallway as you finish moving the plushies around, stacking some real pillows as well as blankets. You turn to him and smile, walking up to him to gently remove his clothes from his hands. “I’ll get these washed for you in the morning.”

“Thank you!” His eyes follow as you walk to a small door at the end of the hall, opening it to reveal a stacked washer and dryer. Of course, he doesn’t know what they are, simply gawks as you set the pile on top of a hamper.

“I’ll show you what these do later. Let’s just get you comfortable.”

“Do you work tomorrow?” He asks curiously, remembering you mentioned having a job.

“Nope! Thank goodness too. I only work during the week, not weekends.” You stand off to the side as he lays down, appreciating the somewhat tight fit of the shirt around his upper body. You’ve always wondered what hid under there, and you’re the only person in the world who knows. The thought is exciting, but you keep yourself under control. You won’t take advantage of him. You love him too much.

“Thank you very much for your kindness, (Y/N),” the man smiles up at you, pulling the blanket up to his chin. “If not for you, I can only imagine what would’ve happened.”

“You’re giving me too much credit. Please try and sleep well. See you in the morning.”

“Goodnight,” he whispers, the tired ache of his body consuming him. You turn the lights off as you leave, eyes passing over the poster on the wall. You stop, eyes wide as you stare at it. He’s gone! The artwork of Kyojuro you spent $120 on is gone! Your gaze slowly shifts to his sleeping form. That must be how he’s here. The poster must’ve connected him to your world. How strange.

Its almost too much excitement for you to find sleep again, but you eventually manage to, letting its soft touch embrace you once more, excited for what the next day will bring.

~~~

Your alarm blares in your ear, your tired eyes having a hard time focusing on the clock on your nightstand. Rubbing them, you slam your palm on top of the clock, silencing it before groaning and dragging yourself to sit on the edge of the bed. What the fuck happened last night? What time did you go to sleep? Doesn’t matter, bathroom needs to happen. Bathroom is the most important thing on the planet right now.

As you cross your hall, a soft snore sends shivers up your spine, attention going right to your living room. You almost scream at the sight of the fictional character of your admiration laying there sleeping soundly, mouth parting as he softly snores. Your nerves calm, the events of last night come flooding back. That’s right! Now you hold in an excited squeal, shuffling quietly into your bathroom, taking care of yourself quickly before washing your hands and making for the kitchen.

You’ll surprise him with breakfast! Yummy smells begin to float in the air as you cook hash browns and eggs, making some over easy and others scrambled, excited to find out which he’d like. There’s so much you can learn about him now, a privilege and you’re the only one who gets it!

Kyojuro stirs, the smell of food rousing him, scents he’s never smelled before. As his eyes open, he briefly panics, sitting up and taking in his surroundings.

“Good morning, sleepy,” you call to him, his head turning quickly. He relaxes as he remembers what’s lead to this moment. His muscles ache as he stiffly gets up, walking over to see what you’re making.

“You cook?” He asks through a sleepy yawn, something you find absolutely adorable.

“Yup! I wouldn’t say I’m really good at it, but I can at least make things edible!” You laugh at yourself, making him smile. He can’t help but think you have a nice laugh. “I know American food is very different from Japanese food, so while your palette gets used to it, I can try and cook more Japanese food.”

“You’ll be feeding me as well? You…are very kind.”

“Well why wouldn’t I? You’re my guest now. Besides, what am I gonna do? Let you figure all this shit out on your own? No, I couldn’t live with myself if I did that to you. Now how do you like your eggs?”

He blinks. “Pardon?”

You move to the side, giving him a view of the eggs. “Which do you want?”

Kyojuro shrugs with a big smile. “I’ll try both!”

“Both it is!” You hand him his plate, soon making yours, all while showing him the features of your kitchen. He finds using a fork strange, but luckily you have spare chopsticks lying around and offer them to him.

“These are metal,” he gawks.

“I also have others with different patterns but they’re in the dishwasher.”

“Dishwasher?”

“Yup,” you grin, gesturing to the shiny stainless steel appliance. “It does my dishes for me.” Kyojuro can’t even chew, just looks between you and the dishwasher with wide eyes. “And this is the fridge. It keeps my food cold.”

“Are you wealthy?” He blurts.

“What? No, why?”

“Refrigerators are a luxury in my time.”

“Oh, oh!” You giggle. “No, I’m definitely not wealthy. Most homes have these appliances.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, the middle class has really grown. Most homes have TVs, air conditioning, kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, flushing toilets. You name it.”

“This is truly amazing!” His hair fluffs, just the way you’ve always imagined it. You have to resist staring at him like a love struck puppy as he looks around your kitchen, his eyes sparkling like a newborn baby’s.

“Which eggs did you like?”

“Both! They were delicious!”

“Umai!” You tease, a big toothy grin. Kyojuro smiles at this.

“Umai!”

Hearing it in person, God, you could die on the spot and say you’ve lived a happy life. You take him through the apartment, showing him the shower, washer and dryer, and finally you both sit on the couch to turn on the TV. If his eyes were sparkling before, they’re sparkling more now, the man amazed at the moving pictures. You can’t resist, queuing up the movie you had watched just last night.

“This is the movie made after the book I showed you last night.”

“It is?” He blinks, eyes widening at the sight of him on the cover art.

“Its beautiful, one of my most favorite movies. The animation is superb, the voice acting, the visuals, the colors, the story line, the choreography, just wow!” Your eyes are sparkling now, gushing on and on about the movie to your new found friend. He can’t help but admire your passion, finding it cute almost how you can go on and on. “They did a wonderful job with your character too, and the scene with your mother was so beautiful I cried every time I watched it. The music is just, mmph, I can’t even. The music is just perfect.”

“You really love this, don’t you?”

You meet his gaze, almost losing yourself in just how deep and gorgeous the colors are. “U-Um, yeah, sorry. It must be weird, seeing yourself in a movie.”

“I saw myself in a book last night,” he chuckles, the deep rumble of his voice bringing color to your cheeks. “I think I can handle a…movie? Its called a movie?”

“Yeah. Because it, uh, moves.”

“Oh! Haha! That’s clever!”

Kyojuro laughs, loud and beautiful. To hear it in person is just, ugh, you don’t know how you’re processing any of this. None of this can be real. You find you’re pinching yourself all over, trying to wake yourself from this beautiful dream. He seems to notice.

“Are you okay?”

“Um, yeah!” You answer quickly. “I just can’t believe this is happening! You’re sitting on my couch, just ate food I made you, actually willing to watch the movie you’re in. With me!” You tuck your knees to your chest, head swimming. “This can’t be real, this is like out of fanfiction! Or anime! This is amazing, you’re amazing, this has to be a dream!”

“Do I need to convince you you’re real now too?” Kyojuro laughs, head tilting a little as he grins.

Your face flushes with embarrassment. “Oh, hah, maybe you do.”

And just like the previous night, he reaches over and pinches your cheek, a beaming smile on his face. “Yup! You’re real, (Y/N)!”

“Wow…” Cheeks burning, you can feel yourself turning red all over, hiding your face behind your hands. “This is just wow. I’m burning up all over.”

“Because you’re in love with me?”

“Yes, that may be why.” Your eyes find his. “This really does have to be a dream. You’re like perfect!”

“I wouldn’t say that,” he smiles sadly.

“I would! You’re kind, passionate, honorable, and strong! And I will tell you that as many times as I need until you believe it too!” Your brave expression slowly melts as he just smiles amusingly at you, making you fidget with the hem of your haori, grabbing the remote and just pressing play. “I, um-“

“You’re very kind too! I’m fortunate to have landed in your home.”

“I’m watching a movie with Rengoku,” you whisper to yourself. “This is really happening.”

As you watch the movie, you introduce Kyojuro to this wonderful thing called pudding, and he says delicious with every bite, all while unable to take his eyes away from the movie. He’d say “that’s me!” Or “I remember that!” And other things you find more and more endearing. You thought you loved him, but now you’re sure you’re completely in love with him, giggling with his every little outburst. Naturally, as it comes to his death scene, you’re a crying mess, blowing your nose into tissues, especially as his theme starts to play.

“Why are you crying? I’m right here,” he chuckles, putting a tentative hand on your shoulder. He doesn’t know how you respond to boundaries, but he isn’t sure how else to comfort you.

“I-I can’t help it!” You sniffle, resting your hand on top of his. Curiously, you take his hand in yours, eyes examining his callouses. They’re rough and worn, telling of how many years he’s dedicated to his sword. Which makes you smile. “I have a bokken if you want to keep practicing.”

“You do?” He blinks. “You have many things!”

“I do,” you smile bashfully, releasing his hand. “Oh! This is how the rest of the Hashira react to the news.”

As the scene plays, you watch the emotions pass over his face. It turns sad, his deep frown causing your own lips to curve downward.

“Even Iguro? And Shinazugawa?”

“Yup. Tomioka was also upset, even if he didn’t show it.”

Kagaya’s words are what really hurt Kyojuro’s heart, his master’s praise bringing the former Hashira to tears. His shoulders shake, hand over his mouth as he tries to keep the sounds locked inside. But you move his hand away, offering soothing words as you stroke up and down his back. You know he’s rarely been validated, or acknowledged by the people he’s needed it from. Namely his father.

To your surprise, he leans his head against your shoulder. You, a stranger, he’s putting his trust in at this moment, completely vulnerable to you. Determined to protect his vulnerability, you wrap an arm behind his shoulders, a hand petting through his soft golden hair. So it is soft? Another headcanon proven right. Rather than talk, you just let him cry, knowing he needs to let it all out, and that he must’ve been carrying this the whole night.

Finally, he’s done, just shaking now, finding he doesn’t want to leave this comfort you’re providing him.

“You know what usually helps me feel better when I’m sad?” He hums in response. “I like to take long, hot showers.”

“That…sounds really nice,” he admits softly.

“Come on, then. I’ll show you which soaps to use.”

You’re soon laying on your bed, watching the fan spin by above you. The poor man. He died in his world, then is thrust into a new one, finding out so much information, seeing people he’ll never get to talk to again. You…haven’t even told him which will die.

Maybe he shouldn’t know.

Fuck, how would he respond to that? You can let him read all the manga, but what if he gets survivor’s guilt? Granted, he didn’t really survive, just woke up in a strange new country, with strange new technology, and strange speaking mannerisms, all of it strange. It must be so overwhelming for him. Your heart yearns to hold him more, do anything you can to comfort him. Because you love him, and more than anything, you want him to be okay.

You hear the water stop, sitting up on your bed to patiently wait, swinging your legs. A fun thought occurs to you, closing your door just enough there’s only a slight crack, moving over to your drawers. You take your shirt off, fishing around for a suitable bra, the sound of the bathroom door opening not even registering. Just as you pick one, the door opens.

“Thank you, I really- oh!” He pauses in the doorway, jaw dropped as he blinks. You’re turned to him, stunned, mouth opening and closing as you’re trying to think of something to say. Kyojuro’s face flushes tomato red, unable to look away from your chest. They’re so pretty! “I’m sorry!”

“Look away!”

“I’m sorry!” Turning, he shuts the door fast behind him, breath heaving, unable to banish the sight in his head. Your tits are so round and plump, so soft looking, with such cute nipples. He shakes his head, his effort to stop the thoughts. You’re his host! He should’ve knocked instead of walk in like he owns the place. Sighing, he drags his palm down his face, hoping he didn’t mess all of this up. He jumps as the door opens, looking down to find you thankfully fully clothed. Hurriedly, he bows. “I sincerely apologize! I should’ve knocked! I didn’t mean to abuse your hospitality!”

“I-Its okay! I should’ve closed the door all the way. No need to bow.” You chuckle the last sentence, smiling as he rises, his face totally red. “You abused nothing. Don’t worry about it, really.”

“You’re too kind,” the man mumbles, avoiding your eyes.

“And your hair is still soaked! Where’s your towel?”

“I hung it up, like you asked.”

You lead him back into the bathroom, picking up the slightly damp towel and ruffling it over his hair. He watches you with fascination, unable to believe you’re really okay he saw you topless after just having met you. But maybe its because you claim to love him you’re okay with it? He’s pulled from his thoughts as you hang up the towel, digging through one of the counter drawers and opening an unused hair brush.

“Turn around,” you smile. He does so, gasping softly as the brush passes through his locks. “Are you fine with me doing this or do you want to?”

“Y-You can.” After walking in on you like that, surely he can handle letting you brush his hair.

“Pony tail or half pony?”

“Pardon?”

You softly laugh. “Want me to tie all your hair up or half of it?”

“Half.” Kyojuro’s response is quiet, obviously still embarrassed, which you find adorable. He’s a gentleman at heart, something that has yours throbbing.

“I thought I’d take you out for something to eat.”

“Really? Even after?”

“Well, I was planning to before it even happened, which is why I put on something a little nicer. I’m taking you to this place called McDonald’s.”

“Is it far?”

“Maybe a mile away. Doesn’t matter, we’re driving.”

“You have a car?” He gawks, looking over his shoulder. You turn his head to look forward, using a hair band to tie half his hair up.

“Most people do in this century. They look very different compared to what you know. A lot of things do, so when we leave, you’re going to experience this little thing called culture shock.” You finish tying his hair, putting his brush in one of the drawers next to yours. “You can use this brush whenever you want. Oh! I should find you a toothbrush. Yellow or green?”

“Yellow.”

“Alrighty! I’ll find you some shoes and then we’ll go!” You skip off, Kyojuro lingering in the bathroom, eyes flicking back and forth between you and the brush. Such an interesting person. He prays to his gods, thanking them for being kind enough your home is the one he was dropped into.

Shortly after, you lead him to your car, smiling as he looks around with wide, scrutinizing eyes. You open the passenger door, the man clearly impressed by your vehicle. Soon, you’re driving down the road, Kyojuro looking from one thing to the next, asking question after question, making comments on how similar yet different the sights of your home are similar to the Tokyo of his time. You almost look forward to showing him pictures of what the city looks like now.

There’s so much you can’t wait to show him. As you pull up in the drive through, you explain what the food items on the menu are, telling him not to be afraid to order as much as he wants. Of course, he orders seven of the two cheeseburgers, just the burgers, not the meal. You made it very specific to the lady taking your order. You settle for your usual meal, ordering him a drink, and then patiently wait to move through the line. You answer each of your new friend’s questions, which now mostly have to do with all the buttons in your car.

“This one changes the volume, this one changes the radio channel, this one is for the air conditioning…” you go on and on, thoroughly enjoying every second of it. He’s so curious, seeing the world through a new lens, almost like a newborn child. And its all adorable. Then came a different kind of question.

“So if I’m famous, won’t people recognize me?”

“Its certainly possible. If people come up to you, complimenting your ‘cosplay,’” you make air quotes, which he copies with a puzzled expression, “and ask to take a picture, you can say yes or no.”

“Take a picture?”

“Yeah!” For the first time, you show him your phone. “I can take a picture any time I want with this. And it doesn’t even take a second.”

“Really?!” The man gushes, eyes sparkling. “That is fascinating!”

“It really is, I’m familiar with the technology and even I think its cool.”

“So what is cosplay?”

“You know all those characters all over my apartment?” He nods. “They’re from this genre of animation called anime, like the movie I showed you today. People love dressing up as their favorite characters. I actually did a female version of you last year.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, let me find the pictures.” You let him go through the album on your phone, showing him how to swipe to change pictures. As you pay, you smile listening to him gasp in awe.

“You’re very attractive dressed up as me!”

This makes you sputter, the cashier giggling as she passes your card back to you before closing the window. Your face is bright red, but thankfully he doesn’t notice, too preoccupied with all the pictures of you posing with other people dressed up.

“That was a fun photo shoot. Some of my friends and I met up at the park to take goofy cosplay photos.”

“Goofy? You’re quite stunning in many of these. Oh! That one’s dressed as Kamado!”

Stunning?! Oh, your heart can’t take this! You have to resist wheezing as you pull up to the next window, gratefully taking the bag of food. The smells has Kyojuro’s mouth watering, trying to look in the bag but you shoo him every time.

“Wait till we get home.”

“Ah, if you insist,” he sighs. “Oh, your phone needs a passcode?”

“Its ‘fuck.’”

“Pardon?”

“Just tap the keys that would spell fuck.”

“Ohh…that’s vulgar!” He laughs at this, clearly amused, which you greatly appreciate. You hear shit constantly from your mom about your potty mouth. “Um, (Y/N)?” You hum, casting him a glance. “What are nudes?”

“Don’t look at that!”

“I’m sorry!”

Kyojuro never opened the folder, but he could tell from your flustered reaction its incredibly private. Which is a shame. He wonders how many have gotten to see the sight he got today. Thinking it would be better if he just put down the thing called ‘phone,’ he turns his gaze outside, watching all the different cars drive by, the afternoon sun bright and shining. There’s so many kinds, so many shapes! Some are massive and others small. Such strides have been made since his time period.

In no time you return home, presenting him his stack of 14 cheeseburgers. You both dig in, your jaw dropping from how quick he’s going through so much food. You’re going to have a hell of a time keeping up with his appetite, that’s for sure. Kyojuro, through the storm that is him feeding himself, praises the new tastes, a “delicious” spared every other breath he decides to take. Its amazing that in no time, as you’re still working on your fries, he’s already done, patting his stomach with a happy exhale.

“That was delicious!”

“I can tell,” you grin, scrolling on your phone. He seems a little interested.

“What are you doing?”

“Buying you more clothes,” you say with a shrug. “You can’t have one set of normal clothes. I was hoping I had more shirts of my ex’s but couldn’t find any.”

Kyojuro smiles sadly. “I do not wish to be a burden. You’re giving me a place to sleep, food in my belly, a place to keep myself clean. For you to clothe me as well, its just…” He huffs, trying to find the words. “I do not want to take advantage of your kindness!”

You just blink, and then burst in a fit of laughter, a confused expression flickering across his face. “I’m sorry for laughing, its just that’s ridiculous. How could you be taking advantage of me when I’m doing this voluntarily? Besides, it would make me a terrible person to just abandon you somewhere strange and foreign. And I really like the idea of taking care of you.”

“You do?” His brows furrow, truly trying to understand how he got so lucky.

“You’ve been fighting and protecting others for a really long time right?” He nods. “Well, time to sit back and let me protect you.”

Kyojuro’s face warms. “Because you love me?”

“You keep bringing that up. Is it so weird?” You put the trash from your meal in the McDonald’s bag, rolling the top and shoving it in the trash.

“Not weird. Different. No one’s ever said, other than my family, that they love me before, especially someone who loves me without ever having met me.”

“Well, I look forward to getting to know the real you, Rengoku.” And you say it with such a brilliant smile, Kyojuro can’t help but smile back.

“Please, call me Kyojuro! You allow me to address you by your given name, please address me by mine!”

“Alright then, Kyojuro, have any more questions about the modern world?”

“Many!”

~~~

Over the next weeks that pass, you’ve only gotten closer to your guest. In the mornings you wake for work, you get dressed, eat some granola bars, and pass Kyojuro on your way to your car. He practices with the bokken diligently each morning, maintaining a semblance of something familiar from his past life. And he always gives you such a brilliant smile, a wave, and encouraging words that has you powering through your day.

Not to mention the absolute show you get to witness as you get your things together in the car. Kyojuro is just as ripped as all the fanart you’ve seen, except its better, because its real. Its real sweat glistening on his arms, his abs, his back. The fire in his eyes too, they ignite yours everyday. You always leave before he can catch you staring, though he has a few times felt your eyes on him.

But your favorite thing has to be coming home. Because now when you greet Kyojuro walking through the door there’s a real response. There’s a real conversation now, a real person, and he knows who Becky and Tom are by now, often laughing as you share stories from work with him.

He insists he finds work too so that he may contribute, but he sat on the couch utterly stumped once you started explaining he needs a social security number, a bank account, a phone, several other things, all that had his head hurting by the end of the night. But if he can’t work, he shows his appreciation of you in other ways. Everyday when you come home, the dishes are done, the laundry done, the cleaning done, the mail waiting patiently on the counter for you to open. And you thank him so much seeing the efforts he puts in.

Today, as you walk up to the front door, you smile in excitement getting to come home to him again. You love how much of a grateful and appreciating person he is, and truly impressed at how well he’s been adjusting to modern life. So you bring him a present, clutched in your arms. It almost feels as if you’re a couple, but you don’t kid yourself, you know exactly what the situation is. While he’s said some flirty things, and is more than aware of your feelings, you know he just doesn’t feel the same.

Oddly enough, you’re okay with it, because getting to watch over him and figure things out with him, guide and teach him, has been more than a blessing. Scratch that, ALL of it has been a blessing. You don’t know what heavenly authority decided to give this to you, but you’re thankful. Its something that has been on your mind a lot. Why you? What makes you so deserving of this? There are millions of other people who would kill you for this opportunity.

Especially waking up everyday to an exceptionally fit man working out on your front lawn.

But that’s besides the point. You put all thoughts aside as you unlock the door, your smile shining as you enter, heart fluttering in your chest. “Kyojuro, I’m home!”

“Welcome home!” The man comes rushing from your room, his hair tied back and a dusting towel in his hand. Damn, he looks so good with his hair tied up.

You could really throw yourself on him, definitely after the day you’ve had with Becky up your ass about every little thing, but his beautiful smile somehow melts away your irritations. You’re just happy to be home. With him. Winking, “I got you something.”

“Did you really? You didn’t have to, you’ve given me so much already.”

“I know, I know, but I like doing these things for you. It makes me happy knowing I’ve done something for you.”

“You’re really too kind to me,” he half heartedly laughs. “I don’t do very much. I truly don’t deserve your kindness.”

“Hey, now. I’ll chose who deserves what from me.” You point confidently at yourself, passing him the gift. “And I know you deserve everything I’ve got. So come on, open, open!”

Everything you’ve got huh? Kyojuro’s face can’t help but flush at that, opening the box in his hand, eyes widening. “You really didn’t-“

“I did! You’ve been here for a month and a half now, I figured its time you have one.”

“My own phone?” He holds the device, gasping. “Its newer than yours. How much-“

“Don’t you even worry your pretty head over it, Kyojuro. You’re my guest, but most importantly, you’re my friend.”

His soft smile makes your heart flutter. “Thank you for this, (Y/N). This is an amazing gift.”

“I’ll grab my laptop and help you set it up. Give me just one minute!”

“Oh, uh-“ Kyojuro doesn’t get to finish, his nerves buzzing. He found this odd thing in your nightstand that looks just like a dick but made of plastic and forgot if he put it back. When he heard the door open, he was just so excited you came home it completely left his mind. He…really was excited wasn’t he? Wandering to the door, his blood freezes seeing your flushed face putting something in the nightstand. You feel his eyes on you, looking up to meet them, face darker. “I- Um, was cleaning. And. Well…I’m sorry. I went through your personal things.”

“Its, uh, fine. Its your house now too.” Your words make him bashfully smile.

“It was still wrong of me to do. You’re very forgiving of me.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do? Get mad? You were cleaning right?”

“Yes, and thought I’d put something away in your drawer and then saw that…uh, what is that?”

“I wish there was more for you to do throughout the day. It must get lonely. And boring.”

It doesn’t escape the man that you’ve completely avoided his question. “I am not bothered at all!” His hair fluffs, making you giggle. “I find plenty to do! I spend a lot of time practicing with the sword as well. Interestingly, there are some people who have come up to me asking for pictures and complimenting my ‘cosplay.’” With a wide grin, he does air quotes similar to yours.

Your laugh makes his joke worth it, the joyful ringing pleasant to his ears. He’s come to realize he loves making you laugh, especially with little inside jokes. There’s just something about your company that soothes him, makes him feel like the whole situation is fine as long as you’re there.

“About your, um, question,” you say, your laugh slowly tapering, “that was a something called a dildo.”

“There were many interesting objects in there,” he muses aloud. “Why is it shaped like a cock?”

His blatant speech has heat rising in your cheeks. “Its, for, um, not having a partner.”

“Not having…?” A connection is made, realization shocking his eyes wide. “Ooohh…”

“Yeaaahh…” You squirm on your feet. “Welp, I’m gonna take a shower! I’ll be right out.” Grabbing your robe, you shuffle past him and into the bathroom, closing the door behind you and turning on the fan. You really wish you got the chance to grab the toy and bring it in with you, it having been the one thing keeping your sex drive in line, but it seems just the shower head will have to do.

As you shower, Kyojuro sits on the edge of your bed, thoughts cascading through his mind. So the plastic dick is used in place of a partner? Do you…fuck yourself with it? For some reason, his skin heats up, a weird pit forming in his stomach. Is he getting jealous over a piece of plastic? Wait, why is he jealous? There’s no need to be jealous, its not like he’s your boyfriend. You can do whatever you want.

But what if you did do whatever you want? He really believes you’re in love with him by now, what with the looks of pure admiration you give him, but the thought of a plastic dick, or even someone else’s real dick, stealing away your affections has him mad. Should he really be thinking of you this way? You allow him a place to stay, a safe place of warmth, food, and company, and he’s getting mad over you fulfilling your needs? What if he could fulfill your needs…?

Kyojuro studies his hands. What is wrong with him? You’re a grown woman, actually a few years older than he is. You have every right to live your life how you want to. He lays down, the thoughts too much to handle. The smell of your body wash waft up to his nose, almost enough it makes his mouth water. He wouldn’t mind sharing a bed with you. His eyes linger to the spot you usually lay. He wouldn’t mind…holding you as you sleep either. The thought is exciting actually.

With a deep, heavy sigh, he pulls himself to his feet, pick up your laptop from its charging spot on the dresser, then walks it to the kitchen counter, plugging it in so its ready when you come out of the shower. Like the first night, he finds himself examining the shelf dedicated to him, eyes widening as he notices a new plushie has been added. You’re still buying things when he’s right there? Its such a you thing he laughs and shakes his head. You’re precious.

Yeah. You kind of are.

Hearing the bathroom door open, and then your bedroom door close, he goes back to sit at the counter. Not long after, you’re walking out of the bedroom, dressed almost just like that night.

“Alrighty!” You happily cheer, in the middle of tying your hair up. “Let’s get your phone ready! Its the first step to getting you out there in the real world. We’ll have to solve the social security number issue, but once we get that, you can get a job. If that’s what you still want?”

“I would like to contribute more!” Kyojuro beams.

“Okay, let’s get this done!” You both hover over the laptop, following the instructions provided so you can add it onto your plan, the phone up and running in no time. The man watches you out of the corner of his eye. He thought you were attractive before, but now there’s all sorts of things standing out to him, like your long eyelashes, the curve of your bottom lip, the curves of your hips. His eyes eventually fall down to your shaved legs. They look so soft he could reach out and touch them. He wants to touch them.

But he forces himself to pay attention. This is a gift you got for him after all, he needs to show he’s grateful of your thoughtfulness. It is, truly, his favorite thing about you.

“And its done,” you smile, handing him the device. “Now you can set it up however you want. I’ve already connected it to the WiFi and added my number. You can text me whenever I’m at work now.”

“I’ll definitely be doing that, thank you!” Kyojuro surprises himself, pulling you into a hug. You weren’t expecting it, going a little rigid, but quickly relaxing. He’s so warm, warmer than anyone else you’ve met. The headcanons were right!

You return the embrace, stroking up and down his back. “Of course, Kyojuro. Now you can take plenty of your own pictures.”

“I will. This was really a great gift, I’m not sure if I’m deserving of it.”

“Oh, hush,” you pretend to scold, pulling away to pinch his cheek. “You more than deserve it.”

Kyojuro is blushing the next few minutes, putting the laptop away as you get comfy on your couch. As he walks out, he catches his reflection in your jewelry box mirror. His hair has gotten incredibly long. He hesitantly walks out, his question tipping around on his tongue. “(Y/N)?”

“What’s up?” You delightfully smile.

The sight warms his heart. “I was wondering if you’d cut my hair?”

“Well, depends. How much do you want taken off?”

“Just shoulder length.”

“I should be able to handle that!”

You’re both soon in the bathroom, wetting his hair as you stand in the tub, the man sitting with his back to you on the ledge, a towel over his bare shoulders. You have a pair of hair clippers, another left over remnant of your ex’s hair kit, as he had a beard he kept trimmed, so after dipping them in cleaning alcohol, then washing it off in the sink, you’re good to go. You pour the cup over his head gently, washing it with the shampoo you bought him.

“I did already wash my hair today,” he says, but his relaxed smile is really saying he’s enjoying it.

“But this is the salon experience,” you smile. Honestly, you’ve always wanted to wash his hair. Its so wild and soft and bright, and it means so much to you he’d trust you to cut it.

“Then I’m enjoying this experience.”

“Good.”

You go through the process, conditioning it, rinsing it, then parting it in the middle, going slow to make sure you get the trim even, occasionally stopping to make sure he’s okay with the length. He’s more than happy with it, loving the feeling of your soft fingers running through his hair, giving soft pulls and tugs, and will sometimes catch a glimpse of your focused eyes in the mirror. You have beautiful eyes.

“(Y/N)?”

“Mhm?”

“Why did you fall in love with me?”

You blink, not expecting such a question. You take a few moments to compose your best answer. “Because you’re a wonderful person.”

The blush that paints his cheeks makes you giggle. “You really think that?”

“Of course I do! I’ve told you over and over I think you’re kind, thoughtful, I love your passion, dedication, courage, your sense of justice and duty. All the things that make you you, Kyojuro.”

“And even after getting to know me?”

“Its only gotten worse,” you shrug. “Why ask all of a sudden?”

“You’ve been very respectful, despite your feelings. I want you to know how much I appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know what I would do without you, to be honest.” He looks over his shoulder to you, a wide grin. “Truly, I am so lucky the gods chose your home when sending me to this world! I’d be lost without you!”

Kyojuro’s never been more satisfied with himself than now with how red crawls down your neck, you nervously chewing your lip as you turn his head to look forward, resuming your work. He continues to smile, seeing the red still hasn’t gone away in the mirror, and at some point you’re done.

“Thank goodness I didn’t butcher it,” you sigh with relief.

“It looks great! You did a wonderful job.”

You walk quickly out of the room before he could see more of your flushed face. “You’re welcome!”

By the end of the night, you went to bed red as a strawberry thanks to all the subtle flirting on Kyojuro’s part. As you wrap yourself in your blankets, you can’t help but wonder where all these advances came from. Were they even advances? You don’t want to convince yourself there’s something there when there isn’t. But what if you extended an invitation?

Rolling on your side, you sigh heavily. These thoughts have kept you awake for the last few hours, which isn’t so great when you have work in the morning. At least its one more day of work before the weekend. And your throat has gone unbelievably dry, making swallowing a little painful. Getting up, you quietly open the door, not wanting to disturb Kyojuro. You step as softly as possible to the kitchen, opening a cabinet to retrieve a glass. Your eyes pull up to the sleeping man on the couch, a quiet huff escaping your lips as you wonder what it would be like to sleep next to him.

“Couldn’t sleep?” The man’s voice makes you freeze, but you quickly relax.

“I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“You didn’t. I’ve been restless as well.”

You pour your glass, getting ice from the freezer now that you know you won’t be disturbing him. “Do you want some water?”

“I’m okay, but thank you. Thank you for everything.”

“Of course.” You stand in the hallway, giving him a smile. “You’re very special to me.”

“Because you love me.” Its a statement, no longer a question.

“Yes, Kyojuro. Because I love you.” The sweetness of your voice makes him blush, but its hidden from you in the dark of the room. There’s a brief silence. “Is it the couch that has you restless?”

“Its a possibility.” No, its thoughts of you that has sleep eluding him.

“Well,” you start slow, taking a quick gulp of water, “if the couch gets too unbearable, you’re welcome to, erm, um…”

“Are you offering to share your bed?”

“Y-Yeah. For tonight.”

The offer has his heart thumping in his ears. “I’m grateful for the offer. If the couch becomes truly too unbearable, then I will make sure to knock.”

“Sounds good. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

You’re a little disappointed he didn’t accept right away, but it was really just to see if there’s a possibility he could return your feelings. Then again, there’s the rest of the night to find out.

You settle back in bed, using your thinnest sheet to cover yourself from the waist down, a faint tingle of exhaustion slowly climbing its way up from your mind. Just as your eyes begin to get heavy, a knock sounds from the door. Sleep is instantly forgotten, feeling your whole body perk up. He’s here!

“Come in.”

You can barely see in the dark of the room the door opening and closing, familiar footsteps crossing the room.

“Is it okay if I join you?”

“Very,” you smile, now able to see his expressions a little in the dark. Moonlight pours in through the faint cracks of your window blinds behind you, his face becoming ever more illuminated as he lays down. You’re facing him, sensing a slight tension in the air between you two. Is this sexual tension? You’re not sure, its been a long time since you’ve had it. “Welcome,” you tease, you both laughing softly.

“Thank you.” The man’s voice is deep, enough so your body flushes a little, especially farther down. There’s a comforting silence, the only sounds are yours and Kyojuro’s breathing. You adjust yourself, still a little restless. “Still having trouble sleeping?”

“A little.”

“Would you want to…?” His arms, which were laying in front of him, open, as if inviting you. The action has you beaming.

“I’d love to.” You snuggle in, one of his arms under your head while the other fully wraps itself around your waist, pulling you close against him. Your heart beat is pounding, flutters erupting from your cunt. But with a deep breath, you control your urges, simply enjoying the immense warmth he radiates. You nuzzle closer, pressing your nose against his chest. “You’re so warm…”

“Am I?” He softly chuckles, the hand on your waist now rubbing circles into your back. “Is that bad?”

“Not at all. I love it.”

This makes him smile. “You seem to love many things about me.”

“I do,” you admit, without an ounce of shame, your own hand timidly finding its place on his waist. “Is this okay?”

“Of course.”

The warmth he gives off is so inviting, so comforting, you could spend forever there, right in his arms, and be the most fulfilled person in the world. He seems to sense your happiness, pulling you as close as you could get, which also has his hips flush against yours. Its starting to become difficult to resist your baser urges, but with another deep breath, your control is back, releasing a happy sigh.

“You like this?” Kyojuro whispers.

“Its really nice,” you say, muffled by his shirt. Its thin cotton, thin enough you can feel the hardness of his chest. How you’d love to see it all.

Surprisingly, his hand moves from your back to your cheek, his thumb stroking so softly it leaves you breathless. He’s so gentle, it has you craving for more. “I’m enjoying this as well.”

He wants you to look up, oh so gently tipping your chin up. Kyojuro smiles down at you, his soft touch tracing along your jaw. You can’t bring yourself to look away from his eyes, they’re so beautiful, especially with how the moonlight glistens, the gold hues dancing like flames. Oddly, his eyes keep getting closer, and closer, your eyes widening as realization sets in. His lips tenderly press against yours, every inch of your skin suddenly burning in happiness, a small gasp slipping. The kiss is soft, your lips meshing together, slotting so perfectly it has your heart reeling with excitement. Kyojuro is kissing you! HE is kissing YOU.

You exhale the softest of moans, stretching a little to push against him. He pushes back, his hand moving from your cheek back down to your waist, holding it firmly. Desire lights between your legs, wetness gathering in your panties. Your hips squirm, moaning slightly louder than the last as he bites your bottom lip. So you bite back, the man growling, suddenly rolling on top of you, kissing more feverishly, more desperately. The kiss turns hot, heavy, hands roaming, you unable to hold in your sweet, soft sounds.

Much to your disappointment, the man pulls away, softly panting as he admires you underneath him. “You’re so pretty.”

“Kyojuro,” you whisper, your eyes glazed in lust.

He moves to kiss along your jaw, sucking on the sensitive skin under your ear, your back arching into his chest as he places more open mouthed kisses on your neck. Your sultry moan stirs something deep in him, the thoughts from before of anything else becoming the object of your affections inciting him to suck a dark bruise on the crook of your shoulder, his hand moving to your hip to pull it flush against his. You gasp, lashes fluttering, his hand cupping behind your head pushing so you can’t escape his lips.

“Tell me,” he purrs against your neck, making you softly moan, “does that plastic dick also get you to make these cute, soft little noises?”

“Hnn, yes,” you answer, a little dizzy from the wonderful sensations blooming from your neck.

“I wonder how loud I could get you with my cock?” His filthy words has your heart beat throbbing from your heat, heart thumping loudly, desire roaring in your ears. You whine, hands running up and down his chest. “If you’d allow me?”

“Yes, yes!” Your hands find his hair, pulling him back in for a searing kiss. The hungry way he claims you, tongue thrusting past your lips to stroke yours almost has you delirious, the heat between your legs unbearable. You rub your thighs together in a vain attempt to alleviate the burn, it becoming especially worse as his erection grinds down against you. Oh, fuck, how he knows just where to drag it, shivers running up and down your body as it brushes over your clit. You’re moaning into the kiss, softly tugging at his hair. You’ve never wanted, needed someone so bad before.

Kyojuro breaks the kiss, loving the blush across your cheeks, lusty gaze, swollen lips. “Truly,” he pants, hand dragging up to cup your breast over your shirt, “you’ve done so much for me. Allow me to make you feel good.”

“Fuck, Kyojuro,” you whimper, hips squirming more under his touch. “I-I need you. Please, please make me feel good.”

“Then I’ll have you screaming,” he growls, voice rough and husky, your skin lighting up with furious desire. He’s back on your neck, tongue hot on your skin, breath puffing in your ear, pinching your nipple through your shirt. It has you moaning from your chest for him, loving his touches, his touches a dream.

All of it, it has to be a dream, there’s no way this is real. Rengoku Kyojuro is on top of you, his hand on your tit, leaving hickies on your neck, growling about how good he’s about to fuck you. Oh, God, he’s going to fuck you! You can’t help your joyous laugh as he kisses you, bringing a smile to his face.

You’re precious, so precious, he wants you so desperately, to shower you in affection and appreciation. He’s come to terms he’s dead in another world, but he’s read the whole series over the days while you’ve been at work. Its sad so many of his comrades died, its had him crying and mourning, but to know that Muzan is dead and the survivors are now living in a demon free world, well, he has no qualms with living the rest of his days with you.

The thought of it, life spent with you; a realization settles in. That could mean children. The possibility has his skin heating, a powerful base desire to fill you with seed almost taking away his rationality. But that can come later. He promised to make you feel good, and feel amazing you will. This isn’t the first time he’s slept with a woman, however he can only hope he performs well for you.

So following along that train of thought, he gives a tug at your shirt, smiling as you squirm to help him peel it off you. Kyojuro bites his lips, the sight of your beautiful tits in the moonlight making his shorts that much tighter. “Fuck, baby, you have such pretty tits.”

“Oh~” you moan, his large rough hand groping your chest making your pussy tingle in pleasure, his praise heating your body.

“I’ve wanted to touch them since I first saw them,” the man shamelessly admits, both hands playing with the fleshy mounds. “Just beautiful- so soft and cute.”

“Kyoo,” you sigh, breaths becoming quicker with desire.

His eyes don’t leave yours as he leans down, flattening his tongue on your right nipple, swirling around the bud and giving it little flicks as he pinches and twists the other with his fingers. And how your back arches into his touch, begging for more has him groaning on your tit, giving small rolling sucks, your succulent noises stoking the raging flame in your lover.

Oh, wow. He’s your lover now.

Your fingers thread through his hair, delighting in the softness of his locks, eyes in a haze from the sharp waves of pleasure that cascade through you. It feels amazing, it truly does, never having been given this kind of attention before.

“Mmm, you’re so soft, sweet flame.” Kyojuro changes to your other nipple, but his hand strokes up and down your tummy, barely ticklish tingles making you squirm, the pet name making your heart soar, your moans deep. “I love the noises you’re making, so beautiful, I love the sound of your voice.”

“Kyojuro, oh~ it feels good.”

“I’m glad, sweet flame. I want you to feel so good tonight.” His lips kiss the other side of your neck, a hand bracing under your head as the other dances along the waistband of your shorts. “May I?”

“Please,” you groan with a desperation you’ve never heard from yourself before, hips bucking.

His hand slides under your shorts, under your thong, the other garment he’s feeling piquing his curiosity. But he’ll see it in a moment, no rush. To his utter surprise, your pussy’s baby smooth, cupping it with his large hand, he smiles against your skin. “You’re shaved even here? How sinful~”

“Don’t tease me,” you breathlessly whimper, hips bucking.

“Even your pussy’s soft, baby. I can’t wait to put my mouth on you.” Your mouth parts as his middle finger dips between your folds, pumping into you slowly, the man sucking hard on your shoulder as he groans. “Fuck, sweet flame, your pussy’s so tight. You’re gonna feel so good~”

“Ahhh~” Your face erupts in different shades of red, his impossibly filthy mouth turning you on more than you could’ve imagined. You pull up his shirt as much as you could, making him chuckle, your hands wandering his smooth, hard muscled back. Your hips move to meet the thrusts of his fingers, breaths shaky from the bliss in your veins. Gasping, you moan louder at the feeling of a second thick finger slipping in, scissoring your hole deliciously. Oh, you feel full with just his fingers, moans high pitched and breathy as they stroke the spongey wall of your sweet spot, your body reacting in a truly sinful way. Your hips buck hard, nails digging into your lover’s back, thighs shaking from the pure waves of pleasure.

“Are you gonna cum, little flame?”

Your dream pet name being whispered so teasingly in your ear brings you to release, singing your noises as your body goes rigid. “Oh, oh, Kyo~!”

“You’re so good for me, baby,” Kyojuro groans, the sound of you moaning his name like that making his cock twitch with the need to be inside you breeding you the whole night. He pulls his hand from your shorts, your mess all over his fingers making him chuckle. Smiling down at you, he sucks each finger clean in a sexy show, the sight has your cunt throbbing for more despite just having an orgasm.

“I’ll always be good for you, Kyojuro,” you moan, giving soft tugs on his hair, wanting to kiss him now more than anything. He gives into your whims, kissing you sweetly with tongue, the taste of yourself heavy on it, arousing you more. As you kiss, he pulls your shorts off, throwing them to the wayside, soon joined by his shirt. He moves from your lips to your jaw, down your neck, fluttering kisses leaving your skin in violent tingles, bumps rising on your arms.

He’s especially loving on your tummy, his eyes glowing in the moonlight as he lathers it with kisses. “I’m gonna put a baby in you tonight.”

He has a breeding kink! The smut fanfics were right! “Please, please knock me up!”

Kyojuro’s whole body crawls with carnal need. You would really want that? The hairs on his arms stand, cock so hard, pulsing in his shorts. “Not much longer, little flame, and I’ll give you all the cum you want.”

“Ohhh, Kyojuro~” you moan sinfully sweet.

“But right now, I wish to taste you~” The small garment that leaves little to the imagination turns him on more, barely hiding your plush pussy from him, the way it accentuates your hips wicked in how it makes him drool to sample your juices. He slides it down your legs, throwing it away, groping and massaging the softness of your thighs, groaning from the feel of your flesh under his grip.

“Your shorts,” you murmur, his eyes rising to meet yours. He grins, knowing what you want.

“Want to see it, sweet flame?”

“Please~”

“Very well. I couldn’t say no to you.”

Its a dream come true. You saw the moonlight shine on his bulge briefly, hinting at his size. As his shorts and briefs fall away, his stiff erection slaps against his abdomen, your eyes widening at the sheer girth of it. Your mouth waters. A dick that pretty shouldn’t be allowed. His balls are heavy, cock flushed, veiny, a blunt round tip, precum beading. Kyojuro’s grin widens at your reaction, hand wrapping around his dick to give it a few strokes, almost teasing. For you, true male perfection stands on his knees before you, the moonlight doing its job and highlighting every muscle, every curve.

“You’re hot,” you say without thinking, “like its unfair how hot you are. You’re beautiful, perfect.”

“You think so?” He blushes at your words, a happy smile from your praise showing off white teeth.

“Y-Yeah…” Fuck, you’re drooling just looking at him, your legs spreading on their own, almost as if in acceptance this man is going to fuck the hell out of you and you’re going to love every second of it. “Look at yourself. You’ve never thought you’re attractive?”

“I never thought much of it,” he replies honestly with a shrug of his shoulders. “But if you think so, sweet flame, it must be true.” Fully resting on his haunches, the sexy glint in his eyes as he holds your hips and pulls you to him has your body throbbing in excitement. You even giggle as you slide down the bed. “Fuck, love, I can smell you from here, you’re gonna be delicious.”

“Oh, fuck!” You cry out, biting down on your lip as he sucks on your clit, holding your hips up as if eating a meal. His tongue delves into your cunt, growling on your pussy lips from just the taste of your gloss. He eats you out hungrily, aggressively, lapping at your drooling pussy as his hands knead your hips, addicted to the feeling of your flesh bunching under his fingers. Your body is addicting to him, tasting so good, feeling so good, smelling so good, sounding so good, you appeal to all of him.

“Fuck, little flame,” he sucks hard on your clit, flicking it with his tongue, an action that has your while body quivering in his grip, “I can’t wait to fill you up, load after load, mmm, get your cute belly swollen with my child.”

“Ah~ ah~” you moan, thighs quivering, whole body shaking as he adjusts his grip on you so his fingers are playing with your clit, devouring your cunt with monstrous need, tongue thrusting and curling against that magical spot. His unholy words has your cunt tightening around his tongue, body flexing as you approach the deep abyss of pleasure. “Kyojuro, oh, hah, Kyooo~”

Growling on your cunt, rubbing tighter circles on your clit, Kyojuro moans as your body spasms in his hold, hips grinding mindlessly against his mouth as you become lost in the euphoria, the intensity of your climax ripping through your nerves. You clap your hand over your mouth as you groan from your chest, body so rigid and tense. Your lover pops up from between your legs, licking his lips and chin, dripping with your gloss.

“You’re delicious, my little flame!”

The preciousness of this man has you laughing in joy, his sweet, almost loving smile as he watches you laugh making your heart throb. But you don’t know yet that it absolutely is love in his smile. You return his smile, the man gasping from how heavenly, angelic, ethereal you look smiling at him like that in the moonlight. He can’t resist, gently setting your hips down and crawling over you to capture your lips in a gentle heart thumping kiss. Your arms curl behind his neck, his under your waist as he moves you back to the pillows. His fingers play with a nipple, other hand tracing up and down your side, groping and grabbing your flesh tenderly. Your lover’s tongue is so sweet, performing a delicate dance with yours, you both moaning unabashedly against the other.

Finally, you pull away for breath, both panting, adoration brewing in his eyes as he admires your delicate features. He smiles his beautiful smile. “You’re beautiful, (Y/N). I love you.”

Your heart stops, looking up at him with large eyes. “What?”

“I love you. I love you, little flame, I wish to spend the rest of my natural life with you.”

You blink, his words not quite registering. “But you haven’t known me long at all.”

“And you’ve loved me despite having never met me. I know my heart, (Y/N), and I know that I want you to carry my children. I want to marry you. Now that I have the chance to grow old in a world without demons, it is my wish to grow old with you.”

You’ve never felt so happy, tears pouring down your cheeks as you beam up at him. “I want that too, Kyojuro!”

“Then may I?”

“Please, please!”

Kyojuro smiles so impossibly wide as he brushes away your tears with his thumb, finding you just so cute. You’re his precious little flame, he can’t wait to spend his life loving you every minute. He wraps your legs around his waist, one hand on your hip, the other on his cock, gliding the tip up and down your slit, smearing his pre all over your pretty cunt. The slickness has him shivering, and with one last look for permission, he gently pushes in.

A rolling groan rips from your throat, dripping in pleasure as his thick cock stretches your walls, filling you to the brim with his girth alone. Kyojuro’s eyes roll, your inviting warmth, tight walls, oh, gods, its going to take everything he has not to just fuck you like an animal. Regaining his composure, he pushes a little deeper, relishing in the filthy sounds you’re making, truly vile in the most sinful, wonderful way. You manage to accommodate half his impressive cock before he starts shallowly thrusting, gauging his speed and force carefully by the expressions on your face.

You’re already blissed out, a moaning mess, eyes lost as the only thing you can bring yourself to focus on is the cock deep in your pussy, stretching you so deliciously, your blood pumping knowing you’re about to get thoroughly fucked by the man of your dreams. You reach your arms out to him, your lover chuckling as he moves from standing on his knees to leaning over you. He cups your face, other hand holding your hip just above your ass cheek. You happily grab onto tufts of his hair, pulling him in for a kiss.

As your lips mesh together, he rocks more steadily into you, pleasure rippling in massive waves through your body, moaning filthily into Kyojuro’s lips. With an aggressive snap, he bottoms out in you, your legs tightening around his waist as you groan.

“Did I hurt you?” He asks worriedly.

“That felt so fucking good,” you almost sob. “Ohh~ Kyo, please, please, fuck me! Knock me up!”

“Oh, my little flame, I’ll fuck you hard, over and over, fill you with cum till we know you’re pregnant!”

“Hard, hard! Fuck me hard!” You beg, clinging to him as his hips snap against yours, such a perfect fit the way they slot against you with no effort at all bringing you closer to your orgasm. His hand looses itself in your hair, pulling so your head tilts back, exposing your whole neck to him. He lathers your collarbone with a fury, painting your skin in purples and blues, the sight so erotic he’s slamming even harder into you, grunting and growling like a beast.

Your nails rake angry lines into his back, drowning in the pleasure, body already so deliciously tense. Then he changes his angle, abusing the perfect spot on your cervix, brushing your g spot with every stroke, the angle that has you cumming before you even realize it, pussy throbbing and pulsing around him.

“Oh, fuck, you feel so fucking amazing, baby,” Kyojuro groans, his hand moving from your hip to push your thigh back, rolling his hips into yours, never letting up against that magical spot that’s just undone you. Your body, now so wonderfully sensitive, quivers and shakes, only unholy sounds leaving your lips, eyes rolling into the back of your head, tongue lolling out the side of your mouth.

The sight of you in such a state sends Kyojuro further in his frenzy, readjusting his weight so he’s standing more on his knees, both hands pushing your thighs back, allowing him to reach deeper. His thick cock leaves not a spot of your cunt untouched, your completely fucked out body limp underneath him, the only strength left in your hands as you claw and scratch at your lover, needing the purchase to reality as the ocean of euphoria continues to batter against you.

“Fuck, I love you,” Kyojuro groans, his release coming, the way your cunt grips him stoking his desire to breed you even more. “I’m gonna fill you with cum, so much cum, baby, make you the mother of my babies. Want my babies, little flame?”

“Yes, yes, daddy! I need your cum!”

For whatever reason, you calling him daddy shatters all his restraint. “Yeah, I’ll be your daddy, my good girl, give you lots of thick cum!”

“AhhhAHH~!”

His savage hammering into your spent cunt sends you over the edge, a shaking mess under him, covering your mouth as you completely scream. A string of curses leaves Kyojuro’s lips, throwing his head back as he cums, thick ribbons painting your insides, filling you with such warmth your scream melts into a heavy moan, hand flopping uselessly to your side as his thrusting drags to a slow.

You both remain this way for several minutes, senses finally returning, smiling silly at each other, both out of breath. Kyojuro moves to pull out, but your whine stops him.

“What, love?” He pants.

“I, oh, hah, want to keep your, hm, cock warm.”

“I’d love that, sweet flame,” he grins. Kyojuro releases your legs, pulling you against him by the waist and plopping you both on your sides, slinging your leg over his hip to keep himself snugly fit inside you. He holds you just as he had earlier, keeping you flush against his sticky chest.

“I guess I’m calling in sick tomorrow,” you laugh, nuzzling into his chest.

“Good. I can keep putting babies in you then.”

Your face turns red, giggling softly to yourself. “That sounds amazing.”

“Little flame?”

“Yes?” Oh, how that pet name makes your insides flutter.

“You called me daddy.”

“Oh! I’m sorry, my daddy kink slipped out.”

“No need to be sorry.” He purrs into your ear, “I loved it.” Shivers run up your spine as you grin. “I would love it if you kept calling me daddy.”

“And I would love to oblige.” You suck a hickey on his pec, making him laugh, stroking up and down your back. He turns, stretching to grab his new phone off his nightstand. You watch him with curious eyes as he unlocks it, smiling as he punches your name in for the passcode. He opens the camera app, further confusing you as he briefly sets it down, hiking your leg up higher before picking it up. You blush furiously as the flash goes off, your lover checking the photo.

“Perfect!”

“Lemme see.”

And your blush only gets darker, seeing he took a picture of his cock balls deep in your cunt, white pearls of cum dripping around it.

“I can’t wait to take more!” He beams, eyes sparkling. Putting his phone back, he holds you even tighter, nuzzling the top of your head. “I love you so, so much, my little flame!”

“I love you too, Kyo,” you sigh in absolute bliss.

“Its daddy, bad girl,” he mumbles sleepily, kissing the spot he nuzzled.

“Sorry, daddy,” you say with a teasing giggle.

“So bad…I love you…” Kyojuro slips away into sleep, leaving you happily thinking of every moment that has lead to this. Truly, you’re the luckiest woman in the world. Your dream came true, every bit of it.

Now if it could keep coming true, that would be perfect.