Ashen Demon

18

"Why can't I go with yooou? Why do I have to be stuck with babysitting?!"

Byleth is very much prepared for the constant whining and protests she is getting from Douma, as she is leading him to where Dimitri is staying. Rui, on the other hand, is being cradled within her left arm as the latter did not seem to mind. 

She had noticed since Dimitri's arrival and the fact she is spending less time with them than usual, Douma had become very sulky.

Rui was bothered from the lack of attention at first, but then he was quick to get over it as he instead spends time with either the butterfly triplets, Nezuko or Tanjiro when he had time from training. The spider demon is beginning to see them all as his siblings through bonds, genuine bonds at that. The older Kamado was beaming with delight and happy when he noticed this.

Douma, however, remains pouty and sulky.

He prefers having Byleth spending time with him, and wanting to have some cuddles or head pats from her. Basically any sort of things to get rotten spoiled by her, and he'll do the same thing in return. If she gave him permission to let herself become his dress-up doll, that is. He rather not hang out with anyone else besides Byleth.

Douma can barely tolerate the squad, knowing that hurting them for real is a big no-no if he wanted Byleth to hate him. The Hashiras, though, the least he can do without attempting to provoke them is just smile and wave very politely. 

Most of the time, they tend to ignore that he is there while some just glare at him and wander off(Sanemi, Obanai and Shinobu). On the other hand, Kyojuro and Mitsuri were the only ones willing to have conversations with him, so he's willing to put up with them if it meant getting praises from Byleth.

Imagine how he felt when he learned that one of Byleth's closest friend was found and suffering amnesia, with her spending time with that very friend to get him to be friends with her again in hopes of his memories being jogged up. He was not a happy demon at all, with nasty feelings brewing up within him.

Just thinking about it had him holding his fans so tightly, cracks were formed. The kakushi who were nearby can practically sense his killing intent leaking from his form, the smile on his face twitching as a vein popped on his forehead. They were scared shitless, and ran off terrified as they don't want to be his meal.

So when Byleth came to him and telling him and Rui about the mission she was given, he was in cloud nine as this would be the opportunity to spend quality time with the mint-haired beauty.

 Only to find out he would be left behind to watch over her friend for her, while he is being taught by the Flame Hashira.

"I want you to be there in case something happens while I am gone. While I do trust my friends here, but I feel much more relieved with you being there." Byleth tells him, making the tall demon to puff out his pale cheeks.

"Well he can take care of himself, can he?!" Douma questioned.

"Yes, but he can be reckless. I want you to make sure he doesn't get into trouble, even when no one is around."

"Does he know about demons?" Rui asked, as Douma simply crossed his arms over his imposing chest and let out a bratty-like 'hmph!' as he pouts. "You did tell us that he is from the same country as you."

"He does. I even told him that I have you both with me, since he already knew about Nezuko." Byleth nods to the Lower Moon, before looking over to Douma with a soft smile. He tries to make himself look upset, but she knew he cannot resist seeing her appearing that way as her smile is divine.

Her smiling is rare treat for many around her.

_____________

 "Since you've met Nezuko, I'd like you to meet my own companions."