Demon Slayer: Like Shards of Glass (Giyu Tomioka x OC)

8

"What?"

It's the first time you've seen Giyu so outwardly surprised, but you're not exactly in the mood to relish the moment. Your words bring up unwanted memories of snow and blood, leaving a bitter taste on your tongue that you don't know how to wash away. But since you've already brought it up, you feel that it's only right for you to explain, at least partially.

"It's exactly like I said. I'm the only survivor from my year." you repeat. "No one else made it out. I was the only one to become a demon slayer. So you can imagine there was really no one to go on joint missions with."

Giyu's gaze holds what you guess is some shred of sympathy, but you refuse to say anything else. Even though he must be curious about the details, he doesn't press you for more. That's one thing you like about him.

***

"Breath of Light, Third Form- Light Refraction."

"Breath of Water, Fourth Form- Striking Tide."

You and Giyu work together surprisingly well- perhaps it's from training with each other all the time, but it's almost like you can predict each other's movements to a certain extent. You unleash a flurry of slashes, each stroke curving from its original path in sharp angles. The unpredictability of your blows seems to throw the demon off, burrowing into its defenses and leaving a dozen gashes on its body as its blood sprays into the air. Almost immediately, Giyu's blade joins yours, its path curving around your blade like a river, graceful yet deadly. While you restrict the demon's movements, Giyu easily slices off its head, dicing up the rest of its body as well.

"That should be the last one." Your eyes linger on Giyu's blue blade as he slips it back into its sheath. Although you've trained with him, seeing him in an actual battle instead of a spar is different. You find yourself wondering how long it took him to develop the grace and skill his performance has shown you today.

Giyu glances around, as if to make sure that the job is complete. "Let's head back," he says once he's satisfied, sheathing his sword and starting to walk back down the mountain. You nod, although his back is to you, and follow behind him on the trail. You stop, however, when the both of you end up near a town at the foot of the mountain.

"Wait a moment, Tomioka-san," you say, pointing in the direction of the town. "Why don't we grab something to eat? You must be hungry after finishing that assignment." Truth to be told, it's you who's hungry. The excitement of moving into your estate caused any thoughts about meals to slip your mind- you haven't eaten all day, so the idea of dinner sounds quite appealing.

"I'm not hungry." Giyu's response is short, as always, and you shrug as you start walking off toward the brightly-lit town. You've finished your job quite quickly, so it's not quite midnight yet.

"Suit yourself, then." You call out without looking back. "I can eat by myself. Feel free to head back alone." You don't hear a response from him, and you merely shake your head as you continue walking. If he's fine with starving to death, that's his problem.

Once in the town, you make your way over to the first restaurant you see. The delicious smells in the establishment makes your mouth water as you head to the front to place an order. Thankfully, there's only a few people in the restaurant right now, so you're able to order quite quickly.

"Can I get a bowl of Udon, please?" you order the dish, looking forward to slurping down the warm noodles already.

The chef nods, jotting down your order on a piece of paper. "Of course. And what will the gentleman have?"

You blink in confusion. "Who?" You spin around, only to be greeted by the sight of none other than Giyu standing behind you. He ignores your deadpan expression, staring past your face to order himself a bowl of salmon daikon. "Tomioka-san, didn't you say that you weren't hungry?"