A Different Pillar (Tomioka Giyu x Reader)

Training

It had been a week since Giyu arrived at the Water Estate. Both of you anticipating the arrival of your crows. Yet, nothing came and it was starting to bother you. Basing on experience, it was better not to question when things became such.

It had also been a week since you tried to create a bond with the Water Pillar. Yet you kept failing. There was also no one to find out what kind of stuff he likes since you knew zero about him. At least his favorite food would be something to start a conversation with.

"Tomioka-san?"

Today was a rare day. Simply minding your own business, you watched the stream pass by. Listening to the waters calmed you and your messy mind. Because of how relaxed you were, you hadn't noticed the other occupant of the house accompany you.

Of course, there was no response coming from him. You might as well be talking to yourself just to get his attention.

There was a gamble in your head. One that might give you his full attention. But that would end up putting the two of you in danger. Yet, it kept tugging you with the thought that you might be able to build a bond with the male.

"Do you want to train with me, Tomioka-san? Pillar to Pillar."

"..."

"I'll be by that mountain," You pointed to the mountain beyond the stream. It was probably a 20 minute trail from the estate. "If you ever change your mind."

Still silence.

"Thank you for sitting next to me. For a while, I thought you didn't like me, you know." You gave him a smile and left him be.

Heading to your room, you took your Nichirin blade from the rack.

Before leaving, you stopped midway and stared at your closet. You mentally counted how many weeks it had been since you last trained using your real blade. With your body moving by itself, you opened your closet and took the sheathed blade. Tying it to your belt, you exited the room with two swords attached to you. Not that you weren't used to it.

When you reached the ground level, Giyu was there.

"You changed your mind?"

After a week of trying, you finally earned a nod from him.

- -

At the base of the mountain, the two of you were met with a long and winding staircase. It was made of rocks and gravel yet it showed that it was frequently used.

"Oh yeah, we still have to go up." Following you, both of you trailed the stairs.

Climbing for what seemed like a while, you took a turn and ventured off from the steps. Looking at your companion, you saw how his eyes still showed no visible sign of confusion or wonder as to where the two of you were going.

"Can I ask you something, Tomioka-san?"

Adjusting your pace, you were now walking beside him. His gaze glued on what was ahead the two of you.

"What did Ubuyashiki-sama tell you about me?"

His eyes darted to you. Startling you a bit.

"Nothing much."

'Holy moly his voice.' Not expecting him to respond. You felt stupid at how you had reacted. Catching your jaw and blinking yourself back to the conversation.

"May I know what he told you about me then?"

"You trained with Urokodaki."

"I did. But only for a short while. Did you?"