Akaza x Rengoku

The meeting

As Nakime stroke her Biwa once more, Akaza appeared in the meeting room. Immediately, Douma ran up to him and wrapped his arms around him.

-"Akaza-dono!! I missed you!" He said in an excited voice, making the older male flinch.
-"Hello Douma-san." He said in a quiet voice as to not upset the taller one.
-"You smell terrible." Said Douma while sniffing Akaza.

Akaza tensed up but didn't answer. Of course he'd smell like a demon slayer if he was wearing his clothes. Luckily for him, Muzan walked in at that time. Akaza got on one knee and bowed his head respectfully while the others bowed down. Akaza was eager to go back to Rengoku. As Muzan talked, Akaza could feel Douma's hand sliding under his shirt, making him shake lightly. He kept looking down quietly but his mind was all over the place. He was scared Douma will take him to his room after the meeting and rape him once more. He didn't want that and was looking for a way to escape. Before he could find a good idea, the meeting was over. Akaza slowly got up and was about to leave when Douma grabbed him.

-"Where are you go-"
-"Akaza. I need to talk to you. Please come to my office right away." Muzan said, cutting Douma.

Akaza looked up. He was so grateful to have an escape. Douma looked annoyed but couldn't say anything.

-"Yes master. Excuse me Douma-san."

He then quickly followed Muzan to his office. Muzan sat down and Akaza got back on his knee. Muzan observed the pink haired demon for a minute and then leaned back on his chair.

-"Akaza. I know you spared a slayer." He said slowly.

Akaza looked up, worried. He was about to say something but Muzan lifted his hand, signaling him he wasn't done.

-"I know what Douma does. I don't care about the relations amongst yourself but this does not mean I agree with him. This is why I decided to let you stay at his place for the time being. You will focus on finding the blue spider lily." He said slowly, glaring at Akaza's face who brightened and showed just how relieved he was.

The sight made Muzan smile lightly. He had noticed the younger's mood in the past months. He wasn't good at showing his emotions. After all, he barely felt any since he became a demon. He knew he liked Akaza in a way. Not romantically. But he liked seeing the pink haired boy happy. Seeing him sad made him feel something displeasing. And god knew Muzan didn't like when something wasn't as he pleased. He took some time before telling all this to Akaza but he wanted the younger male to smile again, the sight warning his heart a little bit. Akaza bowed down until his head touched the floor.

-"Thank you master. Thank you so much." He whispered as he teared up from relief.
-"No problem Akaza. You're amongst the strongest and I like you. Be careful."

He then dismissed Akaza from a movement of his hand. Muzan stayed in his office, a bit proud of himself before shaking his head. He was the demon king, he shouldn't let himself feel like this for one of his minions. But it was Akaza... Akaza walked out only to meet with Nakime.

-"Master told me to wait for you. I'll teleport you where you were before the meeting." She said as she smiled.
-"Thank you Nakime-San." He smiled.

She nodded and a few notes echoed before he was back in Rengoku's room. The slayer looked up and relief washed over his face.

-"You're back!" He said as he got up and went over. "How did it go? Are you ok?"

Akaza chuckled softly and nodded.

-"I'm fine. Master helped me a bit. And I'm allowed to stay here and not kill as much humans."
-"That's good!" He smiled brightly.

Rengoku reached to hug Akaza and, for the first time, Akaza hugged him back. He felt safe with the slayer. They stayed there for a few minutes until Akaza let go. He then bowed down to Rengoku.

-"Thank you for everything Kyojuro. And I apologize for hurting you."
-"No worries. I'm all fine now." He said as he smiled.

They looked at each other, smiling gently. Akaza felt his cheeks heat up and ended up breaking the eye contact first. Rengoku let out a quiet chuckle and then looked away too. There was an appeasing silence between them. Akaza sat down on the floor and Rengoku did the same. They started talking casually of both their lives.