Died and Born as Douma Brother In Demon Slayer

Douma

(Yano POV)

I woke up in a cold sweat. My human life was over. I'd been reborn as a baby in the Demon Slayer world, with no memories at first.  They slowly returned around my first birthday; I remembered my past life as a doctor who’d died from overwork. Douma was four, almost five. I’d just turned one, and I was starting to grasp the Demon Slayer plot.  Douma was holding me close, cradling me as we escaped our so-called home. They'd made him leader of the "Eternal Paradise Cult." Now, we were walking near a river, Douma's arm a comforting weight around me.

I remembered Douma becoming a demon, one of the Twelve Kizuki.  The thought terrified me. Would I even still be alive by then? Demons live forever, but I didn't know if I'd become one myself.

I longed to see the characters from the manga and anime come to life. More than that, I wanted to stay with Douma, my older brother. In my past life, I wasn’t sure if I was straight or bisexual; I’d never been in a relationship. But even with my crazy work schedule, I'd always found time for manga.  I was obsessed with the Twelve Kizuki.

(Yano POV)

I remembered all the terrible things Douma would do as an Upper Moon, the countless attacks on humanity. But settling into this new life, I was slowly accepting it. Except... I'm still a sucker for attractive faces.  I'm a total facecon.

(Douma POV)

I looked down at my little brother. He was adorable.  Just looking at him made me want to kiss his cheek, so I did.

(Yano POV)

Douma kissed my cheek! "Goo goo ga ga!" I giggled; it tickled. I reached out, my tiny hand exploring his face.

(NO ONE POV)

They reached the riverbank and sat down. Douma carefully placed Yano on the ground, supporting him as he sat.

Yano gazed at the calm water, feeling a mix of wonder and unease.  Memories of Inosuke's mother and Douma's involvement with the cult flashed through his young mind.

Douma noticed Yano's somber expression.  "What's wrong, Yano?" he asked, his four-year-old mind both curious and caring.

Yano could only babble, unable to articulate his feelings. He fidgeted, trying to communicate, but Douma struggled to understand his baby brother's attempts.

Sensing Yano's distress, Douma tried to comfort him. As they sat by the river, Douma's protective instincts towards his younger brother intensified.

After a while, Yano fell silent, overwhelmed by emotions and memories. Douma, despite his own youth, recognized the depth of Yano's struggle, even if he couldn't fully grasp it.

Darkness fell. They had to go home before their mother punished them, especially Yano.

They hurried home, already late.  The looming presence of their mother filled the air as they approached.

Despite being Douma's younger brother, Yano was their mother's illegitimate child, fathered by another man.  Their mother's infidelity stemmed from their father's affair with a cult member.  Enraged, she'd gone to confront him, but encountered a childhood friend instead.  After drinking and talking, she'd slept with her friend.  She left the next morning, never seeing either man again. Months later, she discovered she was pregnant with Yano. She hid the affair from her husband and Douma, claiming another pregnancy.  Douma's father never suspected a thing, until she confessed to Yano when he just was two months old as she thought he won't understand anyway.

(When Yano was born)

Douma had been curious about how his new brother would fit into the cult. But he quickly realized their mother treated Yano cruelly. Unlike Douma, who was spoiled, Yano was treated harshly, even as a baby; their mother would hold him roughly. Douma didn't understand why. He'd initially planned to ignore the baby, but over time, he found having a younger brother wasn't so bad.

(Back to the present)

Their mother waited on the porch, her face stern. Yano knew he was in for it.

As they approached, her expression sent chills down Yano's spine. He braced himself. Douma, however, remained calm; he was always the favored child.

"Yano," their mother's voice was like ice, "Did you make your brother go out again?"

Yano lowered his gaze, afraid to meet her eyes.

Their mother raised her hand, and Yano flinched, expecting a blow. But Douma stepped in front of him, shielding his brother.

"Mother," Douma said firmly, "It was my fault. I lost track of time."

Their mother was stunned. She looked from one son to the other, her anger replaced by surprise. She wondered why Douma always defended Yano.

"Douma, go to your room," she said.

"Hai, Okaasan," Douma replied, taking Yano's hand and hurrying to their room, locking the door behind them. (Note: Hai Okaasan means "Yes, Mother" in Japanese)

"Douma, give me Yano! Stay here, Yano!" their mother shouted through the door.

Douma didn't respond. "I'm going to sleep now, Okaasan, or else I might be sick for tomorrow's celebration," he said.

"Fine," their mother conceded. "I'll go now. Sweet dreams."

(In their room)

An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Douma and Yano huddled together, a sense of unease hanging in the air. Douma glanced at Yano, who looked back with gratitude and surprise.

Douma broke the silence. "Yano," he said, his voice steady. "You're my brother. That's all that matters."

Tears welled up in Yano's eyes. "Nii-chan," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.