DEMON SLAYER ONESHOTS

Without You ➵ R. Kyojuro x T. Giyuu

"Such a lovely evening!" Kyojuro beamed, laughter filling the empty evening air. The sun was beginning to dim into nightfall, the countless of stars making their way onto the navy blue sky. Atmosphere peaceful as always, however, the void in Kyojuro's heart wasn't satisfied. Alone, enjoying a nice warm cup of tea; Kyojuro desired company.

Since the death of his mother, Ruka, Kyojuro had dealt with verbal abuse from his father whom he looked up to till this very day. He strives to be the Pillar that his father once was, head held up with pride and heart set ablaze. But with every insult, each fragment of his confidence was torn into shreds. The facade that he had built by the age of thirteen was enough to keep him going. Not just for him, but for his younger brother Senjuro.

Every of his achievements were in honor of the Rengoku family for he did not feel worthy of such a title or compensation. Kyojuro didn't like to make such a fuss over his won battles, instead, he would enjoy a small cup of tea or a bento box. He was humble, an attribute that every of his peers admired which was quite uncomfortable but he knew better than to show it. His feelings shouldn't get in the way of those feeling proud of him.

Kyojuro sighed, his smile never slipping off once, as he took another sip. His attempt in inviting Tengen over didn't exactly end in success, but hey, at least he was enjoying himself. Another evening alone. Just enjoying himself; a few blocks away from the Rengoku estate.

"I miss you." He didn't know exactly who he was referring to. Perhaps his mother. Or even his father.

"We see each other almost every day but I guess I miss you too.."

Kyojuro quickly collected himself and cleared his dry throat, his fingers grazing the cup as he managed, "TOMIOKA! I didn't realize you were around. Care to join?" He scooted aside, a good margin beside him for Giyuu to occupy.

Giyuu stared blankly at the empty seat before sliding in, "Well.. that's what I'm here for. To accompany you and celebrate your won battle." He said as he accepted the second cup from Kyojuro whom looked to be disturbed.

  "Right.. MY victory. Ha!"

  Giyuu briefly stared at him, his eyes searching his. The vibrancy he would notice in those fiery red eyes was no longer there; Kyojuro was forcing himself to seem so high-spirited. He understood all too well the hardships that came with being a Pillar, the thoughts that you have to subside in order to save yourself from feeling so weak.

"You can tell me. I won't judge."

"What is there to tell? I'm fine!" Kyojuro tried to crack another laugh but a single tear dropped onto the wooden table instead. His attempt to stay strong and show no vulnerability failed, his shoulders shaking as more droplets followed after the last. He couldn't allow himself to feel such negativity, but the man beside him made it quite difficult.

Kyojuro didn't know what it was. Perhaps it was his voice, the softness in his tone, and the warming look behind those beautiful blue eyes. He offered him a sense of tranquility and Kyojuro clung onto that benefit like a leech. He had always admired the Water Pillar. His stoic strong character which Kyojuro managed to break whenever he conversed with him, which he hasn't noticed.

  Eventually, that admiration he held for him turned into romantic feelings. He found himself yearning for Giyuu's affection, his touch, his attention. He wanted to experience the bliss of being in love; Kyojuro would fantasize about the dates he'd take him on and the future they could both pursue. But was it the right choice? His devotion was solely on demon slaying, being the protector of the defenseless, a helpful asset to eradicating a threat to humanity.

  Kyojuro sighed. Being alone wasn't such a bad idea, but it only brought more sorrow to his broken heart. And so, that could be the reason for the vulnerable display, or..

  "Kyo, look at me." Giyuu said. He placed his cup down and turned his body towards him, the palm of his hand resting on Kyojuro's cheek. "I know that something's troubling you and it's killing me to see you like this.."

  Kyojuro sniffled, laughing as he wiped away his tears. He gazed down at the concrete floor, tracing the small cracks between them. The faint whistling of the evening air alleviated the discomfort as the aesthetically pleasing aroma of rosemary soothed him. "I guess I just desire for some company. As in a romantic partner. I want to feel loved, love back, give someone my attention and devotion. Being a slayer isn't what I wish to stay as. I want to build a family with someone.." His eyes began to water, his voice cracking in between his words. Kyojuro didn't think he'd get so emotional but here he was, beside the man he most yearned for.

  Giyuu hesitated for a brief moment, pondering if he should confess his feelings or not. It would be selfish of him, Kyojuro was expressing himself and needed a shoulder to lean on. He couldn't abuse that, no matter how much he wanted to get his feelings across, Giyuu would be there for him.

As a friend.

"I'm sure there's someone out there for you, Kyo. We can't force it to happen, we just have to let things fall into place.." He softly whispered, glancing over to the blonde with hopeful eyes. Maybe, just maybe, Kyojuro would realize the deep meaning behind them. But, it seems like he was too hurt to even look at him.

"You're right. Perhaps I'll meet someone on my mission tomorrow night!" Kyojuro began to lighten up once again, dropping an arm over Giyuu's shoulders, "Thanks. You're an amazing friend." He finished with a smile, returning to his bento box with a light smile.

Giyuu forced down the nonexistent lump in his throat, suddenly feeling as if the air was knocked right out of him. His heart throbbed against his chest, prick after prick, the raven head was experiencing his first heartbreak. How could he have been so foolish, He thought. Dull with no unique attributes whatsoever. Giyuu didn't stand a chance.

  Hell, was there ever one in the first place? He didn't know and he didn't bother to find out.

  "Yeah.. I hope you do."