You Started Dating Kita Shinsuke Your Second Year Of High School.

you started dating kita shinsuke your second year of high school.

you met him at the beginning of the school year when you asked him for help with your math homework. he happily obliged, and by the end of it he had earned your phone number.

the next few weeks were filled with late nights texting each other, talking about nothing at all. you learned his favorite color, and you told him about your favorite songs. he asked you to be his girlfriend a month after.

that was eight years ago. red is still his favorite color, and he still has your favorite songs on his playlist.

the first two years of your relationship was filled with tests, study sessions under his grandma’s blossom tree, and many volleyball matches. you never missed a game, not even the far away ones. always in the crowd to cheer him on while he gave you a small smile, ears red and cheeks pink.

kita picked you up for your first date in a old farm truck. you heard him coming yards away as the engine hummed through the neighborhood. the paint chipped and exhaust sputtering as he parked in the driveway, palms a little sweaty as he fixed his hair in the rear view. he about jumped out of his skin when he saw that you were already at his door. he still drives that truck, using it for chores and deliveries, but you’ll never say no to a ride when he asks.

that same truck got the two of you into trouble. the sound alone made it almost impossible to stay out late, cutting sneaky last minute kisses on your front porch short. one particular night, you had begged your mom to let you stay out late, to which she agreed as long as you were home by midnight. at 11:59, in a fit of giggles, the two of you came racing into the driveway.

kita pulled you in for a kiss, only to be illuminated by the the kitchen light flicking on. you jumped out of the truck, running into the house with a dopey grin on your face while you made up an excuse to your mom, blaming non existent traffic for slowing you down.

kita wasn’t off the hook either that night. gran heard him coming from down the road, waiting for him in her rocker with raised eyebrows.

after graduation, the two of you spent every moment you could together. delivering kita snacks while he worked in the fields, having picnics under the stars, even joining his friends on trips to the lake.

when it was time to head to university, kita was the first to offer to help you pack. he calmed your nerves and dried your tears, promising to be there for you whenever you needed.

he called you every day while you were at university, even traveling to see you between holidays.

after you got your degree, gran so graciously offered to let you live with her. your family had moved away, and you couldn’t bear to be away from kita any longer. you spent your days at work, only to come home and enjoy dinner cooked by gran with the man who had your entire heart.

as if you had any more to give, kita asked for the rest of your heart at the end of harvest a couple years ago, proposing with a family ring that he had been saving. you could only nod as tears streamed down your face, being spun around under the evening sun. kita didn’t even change, still wearing the work pants and stained t shirt, dusty boots and sun hat that he donned earlier that morning. he couldn’t wait any longer.

your wedding was everything you could have imagined. full of friends and family, dancing and food. kita spent weeks with his friends fixing up the yard, making it fit for a queen and her king on their big day. lights hung from the trees, flowers from your garden littering the grass and tables, all while your friends laughed and sang along to soundtrack to your love.

three years later, you and kita sit in the back yard after dinner in an attempt to cool off after a long day preparing for harvest. the summer sun hung low in the air while you filled kita in on the phone call you had with your mother.

“she found a few boxes of my things,” you sighed. “stuff from school, photos and things. i told her to set them aside.”

“anything good?” kita’s back is on the grass, and his feet are flat on the ground. the knees of his pants are soiled brown from the fields.

“photo albums, note books, random odds and ends i think. i’ll grab them from her eventually,” you pick at the blades of grass at your feet. “i’m sure we could have a good laugh at some of them.”

your husbands mud stained hand comes to rest on your thigh.

“do ya remember when i first brought ya home to gran?”

you smile. it was an absolute disaster.

“i thought i would never be welcomed back,” you laugh, and kita snorts.

“she loves ya too much,” he closes his eyes as you play with his hands. “what did ya break again? a plate?”

“a drinking glass,” you nod. the memory is as vivid as ever. you had offered to help with dinner, but while you were turning to grab a hot pad you ended up knocking a drinking glass off of the counter. you apologized over and over, no matter how much gran waved you off and assured you that it wasn’t a big deal. i’ve got a cupboard full of them, she said.

“ya know what she told me after i dropped ya off that night?”

“bubble wrap her next time?”

“no,” he playfully flicks your leg. “she said how much she liked ya, how she thought ya had great manners. she loved how sweet ya were too,” he says. “gran told me that night that i would never be bored with ya,”

you grin. “and gave you been bored?”

“not recently,” he teases. “i have never been bored with you. i love sharin’ this life with ya, no matter what we’re doin’,” he sits up next to you and wraps his arm around you.

“even dishes?” you rest your head on his shoulder and he chuckles. as long as you’ve known him, that’s been his least favorite chore.

“even dishes,” he nods and takes a sip from his glass. “do ya wanna go for a drive?”

you eye his truck, still as faded and beat up as the first time you saw it. except of course for the scratch on the tailgate from when you tried to drive it for the first time.

“always, shin. where are we heading tonight?” you dust off your legs and his before you walk towards the driveway.

“i didn’t have anywhere in mind,” he opens the door for you, as always, shutting it before walking to the drivers side. “is that alright?”

“it’s perfect,” you look out towards the fields, now slightly golden from the sinking sun. the irrigation sprinklers would be going off soon. “maybe we can stop by gran. i have some things from the garden to give her,”

kita nods, placing his hand on your thigh. the middle seat between the two of you won’t be empty for long. usually after a few minutes, you slide over to sit right next to him.

the two of you pull out of the driveway and down the road, taking in the farm land around you. rows and rows of corn, grass, wheat, and rice. some fields of livestock, some empty for the season. kita drives with one hand, and you can’t help but smile when the light catches his sparkling wedding band as it shines against his tan fingers.

you don’t know how you got so incredibly lucky all of those years ago. you’ve never wanted anyone else. no matter what, no matter where, you’re always going to choose kita. the man who holds your bags for you, picks you a flower on his walk from the fields, the man who has a polaroid of you on the dash of his truck.

the man who has loved you fully from the start.

The Hashiras in a Relationship | Giyuu Tomioka

Word Count: 823

Setting: Giyuu Tomioka x gn!reader

Content Warnings: none 🌊

Summary: headcanons for Giyuu Tomioka as a relationship partner, what it would entail from dating to commitment.

[image is not mine]

To be loved by the Water Hashira, is to know reliability and stability. His affections are as dependable as the seasonal shift. Just as the way that spring will one day bloom into summer, the sakura blossoms will break the veil of winter, and the night will yield to the day, such is to be loved by Giyuu.

To be loved by Tomioka is accepting that to enter into a relationship, you will need to have patience. Just as a child eager for summer break, and to throw a way homework, you’re eager, and excited—I cannot blame you. Look at him, but apart of the attraction to him is that… well, he’s reserved and aloof. Not just when it comes to his duties, it’s who he is, and it will bleed over to your relationship.

It's apart of the reason youre attracted to him, right? The distant blue gaze, one that is capable of peering into the depths of your soul, and claims your thoughts. The way he frets over the littlest of things, all while completely unaware how he has captivated you. So cute.

It’s nothing personal, and it’s not that he’s necessarily trying to keep you at arm’s length although he did initially, Giyuu is the type to believe that the biggest contribution to a relationship is stability time. He would want things to develop naturally, and gradually. A slow burn love is the key to his heart, so for obvious reasons, if you’re in for a difficult time if you’re pining for a fast paced, whirlwind romance, please consider one of the other Hashiras.

A fast paced relationship would make him feel exposed, nervous, and anxious, is he doing this right? Are you onboard? Is he pressuring you.

No, slow burn is best. His heart can't cope.

The positive is that, while he may drag this out in a way that is sweet, agonizing, he is it in for the long haul, so for him, why would he want to rush it? You’re worth it.

He is the type to draw attraction to a childhood friend.

To have been attached to the sweet smile that met him in his youth, early memories of running through the field, playing kagura kagura together, sharing dango together, the early foundation that would grow natural. Mature over time, what was sweet innocent childhood laughter evolved to gentle laughter, the realization you had grown, the change in your voice and body evident. The hand that would once casually grasp his head and guide him forward in childhood delight, replaced one that is a little shy, hesitant, aware of implications of touching him so casually.  Walks, or small errands pushed by parents, the sakura petals in your hair, summoning the bravery to tenderly graze your mane, touch your cheek.

The type to fall for a coworker over time, his junior that he had assisted, taught the tricks of the trade. Assisted through their early times in the corps company if modern AU, distracted Shinazugawa and Iguro to ensure you would dodge a scolding. Leave a tea can coffee for you to discover after long hours. Dinners that took up time, offered opportunities to grow attached to one another, to know each other better, and before he knows it, —that’s the sort of love he craves. A slow one that grows naturally, without force or resistant over the years

That is as natural as th way your fingers fit between his own.

Alongside his pragmatic nature, Giyuu struggles with others, and this will be something that you will struggle with, especially in the beginning stages of attraction.

He hates being a burden. When met with Shinobu’s teasing that no one likes him, he really began to worry that he was forcing his company on others—he hadn’t realized he had made so many people uncomfortable.

This Is a source of frustration and general concern. His over consideration for others will have him skipping out early if he feels his presence is burdensome, avoiding conversations if he believes that he’s forcing his time on others, I imagine he would go so far to actually skip meals if he felt that his presence could give his peers stomach troubles.

In reality, while it’s sweet and adorable to witness his internal struggle, it can also result in him missing a lot of cues.

Did you ask him on a date? No—no, everyone is going. It’s work related—oh no, it’s work related. Shinazugawa will be there. That’s okay, they can get along—ah no wait, the last time the Wind Hashira saw him, he challenged him to a death match. Why was that? His face? Right, right, his face—what if he does it tonight? What if his face bothers everyone? Will they be able to enjoy their meal?

Stomach troubles, his face will bring them stomach troubles

Dear [LN], forgive me. I’m afraid that I cannot make it tonight. my face is a curse I promised Urokodaki-sensei I would visit him.

So many missed opportunities ahead, victim to Tomioka’s internal monologue.

It’s been touched on, but really needs to be expressed, Giyuu really does struggle with being judged by others, and I think this alongside his fear of growing connected after such devastating loss, he worries about being judged, or unwelcomed. So, it’s easier to just provide distance rather than admit that he would love the opportunity to be included.

To soak in the warmth of his company, to listen to their discussions, content to just smile into his cup of tea. In fact, this is likely how your relationship took root. When you requested he join you for an afternoon tea, giggling over dango. Sharing anything and everything taht came to mind.

His heart, he could live in that moment forever.

 B-but with the invitation was obligatory? What if they’re uncomfortable? Time to leave.

He needs reassurance that you want him there as much as he wants to be there (at least for the first part of your relationship). In the time to come, joining you will come as naturally as the flow of a stream.

Without resistance, or thought. Content to drift along, soothed to the summer days in the gentle breeze, a float in your company.

If you haven’t figured it out, his communication skills may be another obstacle you’ll have to overcome. Together.

To his credit, it’s not that Giyuu has an aversion to conversation itself, or intends for his additions to the discussion to come across as rude or cold. It’s really not his intent; the reality is that Giyuu welcomes you to carry the conversation.

It’s not that he’s lazy, or pushing the responsibility of carrying the discussion, it’s that he loves listening. To get to know you. To hear about your day. To learn about likes and dislikes, to hear the sway of your voice. To learn the early detection of exhaustion, of annoyance, of joy, of any emotions you would share with him. For him, it’s an opportunity to know you.

When you offer a break, an expectation for his response, he will respond with the most thoughtful, sincere addition. It will blind side you with how considerate he is, and validate that he was truly absorbing everything you shared, and considering it over.

I feel that as the realtionship matures (think the later stages going into marriage/or committed relationship), Giyuu would love discussions, and sharing disagreeing points, as long as things were to remain respectful between the two of you.

Big discussions, such as kids, for or against, discuss it with him. He’s willing to consider your position. You’re his partner after all. Big decisions should be discussions rather than arguments.

That being said, Giyuu can be stubborn as he can be giving.

While he is more than willing to consider changing his viewpoints on things that retain to the relationship, and you--- you are his PARTNER, not an object, but things that pertain directly towards himself, exclusively. He will not relent easily.

These things would be fairly run of the mill, every day things that can easily lead to a dispute or two, small petty things such as the socks by the hamper. He does not understand why you cannot just put them in the bin.

Drop in guests that intend to spend a while, it’s not that he hates your family/friends staying a while, it’s just--- why didn’t they say anything? It’s enough to give him a stomach ulcer...

To his credit, the swordsman is private by nature, and has a tendency to be reclusive aside from his social struggles.

The reality is that, as I’ve mentioned, he wants time. Time to get used to you, time to use to sharing his inner personal world, to well, everything. It’s not that he necessarily intends to keep things under lock and key, it’s just who he is.

Out of all of the slayers, Shinobu is the only one to have ever witness his love for daikon and salmon—despite years of service, he’s just that private. Please give him time.

If you are prepared to face all of this proceeding forward, with the utmost consideration and patience, you’re prepared to handle dating. Again, remember, in Giyuu’s world. It’s an endurance run, not a sprint to matrimony.

His dating will be nice, and slow, and probably more traditional than you may like. Amongst the Hashiras, he is one of the few that will drag this stage of a relationship out (I can see Obanai taking as much time, if not more). Expect it to last anywhere from two to five years, in a modern setting.

In the Taisho period, the dating period was essentially, meeting up with a matchmaker if you were lucky. I imagine that this would potentially be entertaining for Tomioka you.

Let’s be honest, the traditional route of relationships in this time period were an agreement, that followed a quick betrothal. In which case, I imagine that… he’ll stick to tradition, but it will be an awkward dance until the proper bond has begun to form.

Just because you’re married doesn’t mean that the Water Hashira will spill everything to you.

This would look like late nights, anxious and unsure of how to approach the pushed together futons. The blush of his face as he awkwardly, contemplates whether he should pull his to the far side of the room and elicit a screen, or if he should simply risk a cold with a night on the veranda.

he's sleeping on the veranda until you reassure him that, it's okay for him to share the room.

he's still scooting his bedding over; you refused to allow the screen.

How else will you grow to enjoy each other's company?

The first night he tossed and made accidental eyecontact, flustered him near to his death. He swears he saw the shinigami that night.

He did not sleep, spent hours staring at the wall. Dared not to roll over again, his eyes squeezed tight. THe blush evident on his face enough to draw his bedding to his brow. Listening only to the distant sounds of your slumber over soft huffs of breath. The realization enough to draw the blush down his back, and ponder if this was a bad idea.

No, no disappearing in the middle of the night would probably hurt your feelings. There he laid. Wondering if it was the gods smiling upon him, or teh devils taunting him.

All things considered, dates with Giyuu would prefer to be one-on-one affairs. He would have a strong preference for dinner/movie dates, picnics, walks, even more athletic thing such as hiking, bowling, just please… don’t surprise him with a double date.

It’s not that he reject you out right, he wants an activity that you both can enjoy, and if spending time in a group setting is something you enjoy, well, give him time to adjust and marinade on the idea before just pushing him into the social pool.

He’ll do it. For you. But he needs a moment.

While the beginning stage of your relationship, such as dating and getting to know one another may be… taxing, do not believe for one moment that is his attempt at dodging commitment.

In fact, I believe it’s the opposite. Giyuu is one of the most susceptible to a long-term bond. He is dependable, and stable, and while it may not be the most “exciting” in terms of romance, but in its own way, its sweet.

It’s faith, it’s comfort, it’s safety, it’s sharing burdens, overcoming obstacles together as a unit, in sickness, in health, to honor and to cherish. He is committed to you, to your relationship, to forever.

In disagreements, Giyuu’s stubbornness can and will rear its head. Again, he needs time to consider everything over. He’s not avoiding the conflict well maybe a little, the Water Hashira needs time to consider every aspect, every side, and any potential danger to you, to the relationship, and to himself.

Sadly, this could result in a few conflicts that he will not fold. Hold on to that give and take, he’s not confrontational by nature. He prefers peace, desires a happy home, happy spouse and happy house.

Really, he is very willing to go to extremes to avoid conflict between the two of you, so if he has opted to stand his ground—there’s something you may have missed.

Tomioka is independent by nature, and as you can imagine, he doesn’t find it easy to lean on others, or depend on them. At times, this may be a challenge for him to overcome.

He knows that commitment means carrying one another’s burdens, and while he is quick to take the load off of your shoulders, he is less so when it comes to his own troubles.

He’ll get there, but those first few years are-- *sigh*.

To be clear, independence isn’t a bad thing, he may need time for himself. Every healthy relationship needs moments such as these, and he is more than willing to give you your space, but he expects the same respect from you.

If you attempt to rob him of his independence, or reveal a lack of trust, like blowing up his phone when he has gone out for a walk, a late business dinner, or a late trip to the store, he’s likely to stand his ground, and very well can result in a break down in the relationship.

Of all people, knowing that he has not earned your trust over these years is, hurtful.

To be clear, he’s not just going to walk out in the middle of the night, he will let you know he’s going out for air, will message you letting you know work has run late, again, he’s a considerate partner. he's not one to run out in the middle of an argument either, but he will request a moment to himself. to gather himself.

Just as he needs his independence, he respects that at times, you will too, and you may think. Jealousy? Is a romantic fight in order, one that has met with suspecting jealousy whether it’s a coworker that has captured your attention, work that has taken long nights—it’s not likely.

He’s human, and there may be small moments of envy like an elderly couple. I imagine, he would be like an old grandpa who feels comfortable and steady in your love, but upon being met with your first love, he may bie jittery and quick to prove your bond.

But truthfully, it’s just not that likely. To Giyuu, your long-term relationship is proof enough that he can and will trust you. I know, I know... jealousy in a relationship has its perks, but in the long term, you’ll be grateful for this dynamic.

Don’t get me wrong. The Water Hashira is PROTECTIVE. If you have made it this far, you are his. He will do anything to protect you, to avoid any harm.

From something as simple as a flue that is circulating the area, he will be sure to disinfect everything he can think of, to finding out that a coworker has spoken ill of you, he will do his best to shield you emotionally.

He will without hesitation, take an attack intended for you. Even if it means, he cannot properly parry it. Giyuu will do everything he can to keep you from harms way.

In a way, that’s his sentiment. You’re not likely to regularly receive words of affirmation (unless you have laid out that its necessary for you, in which case, he will oblige), Giyuu struggles with emotions.

Whether positive and joyful ones, or arguments and frustrations, putting his feelings into words is… a struggle. One that he will face as it comes and with reservation and hesitation, but he will. Time. That word you’re growing to hate.

It’s not that he doesn’t have sentiment, or attachment, it’s just that to him, love is not expressed verbally. It’s a lifelong commitment, one that is proven rather than lamented.

Watering plants. Paying bills. Bringing home, a stable income, attending your events whether family, business, or friends.

Picking up dinner when you’ve had a long day, or loading the dishwasher/washing the dishes.

Waking up with you in the morning, rubbing your back when you’re ill. Making soup when winter hits.

Giyuu expresses love through service, fufilling his commitment. He will gladly take over any small tasks/projects/favors for you. He’s not one to miss an anniversary, and will have the gift in tow. He’s reliable, and while this is the way that he expresses his love, he will become flustered if you show your appreciation.

You’ll see his smile from outer space if you express your gratitude for his attentiveness, and it will stick with him for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, all his actions are selfless devotion, but to know that you noticed that he saved you the last dumpling, he’s internally swooning.

Pray for him, Shinobu will target him afterwards.

To be clear, while Giyuu is one to rely on acts of service to express his affections, if you make it clear that you are recptive to other another love language, he will do his utmost best to satisfy those needs, but gods help him… quality time will come naturally to him.  He values one-on-one time.

Gifting will be a little time consuming. He will spend hours fretting over whether he has made the right selection. The first round of gifts would be something... probably a little abstract. He tends to take things literally, so if you shared that yuo loved ducks, he will likely bring home a duckie charm.

He's trying.

Words of Affirmation may be stiff, and seemingly unauthentic. He means them, every word, but it may seem like a hostage negotiation the first few attempts. Physical Acts. Take a deep breath, and take your time.

He’s going to try. He is. The first few may just be extremely awkwardly, painful head pats.

You’re not a child, but… it does feel nice to feel his fingers thread through your hair. Slowly, over time, he’ll catch your hand while walking. In intimate moments, he will be receptive to your needs more willingly.

Offer his lap for your head to rest, rub your back, and thread his fingers through your hair. Delicately trace the freckles/moles that line your features. All loving careful it could go deeper, but that’s for another day.

In public, well as time goes on, he will hold your hand, maybe whisper in your ear, but anything else may be uncomfortable.

You’re sure to fluster and panic him over manners and appropriate behavior if you were to kiss his cheek why is his blush so cute.

Nope, please behave in the public eye, he’s a traditional, modest man, but when you get home, revenge he’ll make sure you’re reassured of his affections.

The cute note of his traditional nature, and observant personality is that Giyuu will notice any change in your mannerisms and behaviors.

He will be able to detect when you’re falling ill, when you’re overworked, or upset.

While he may be willing to let a few moments go, he’s respectful of your privacy and wants to allow you time to approach him if that’s what you need, he will also respond accordingly.

Skipping over something greasy because your tummy is uneasy, he’ll prepare extra miso soup for breakfast.  Missing a friend? He’ll notice your eyeing a memento, and he’ll be sure to reach out to them and request a visit.

But in the same regard, he wants the same thing in return.

He wants his partner to know him. To notice the smallest deviation in his behavior, and return in favor. Tomioka will not expect it in the first few years, but like an elderly couple in years to come, he savors the day you know what that little dimple between his eyebrow signals.

For him, he’s ridiculously responsible and sensible. He will often stick far too favorably to this.

For more spontaneous partners, it could be a source of frustration. Understand that it’s because he wants to ensure that you will always come home to a warm home, soft sheets, a roof of your head, food to fill your belly, and all the love in the world.

That being said, he really isn’t high maintenance. He doesn’t want for much, has an obvious preference for simpler things, he may struggle to understand a partner that craves more lavish things. He’ll do his best to indulge you, but he does value security.

On the positive side, he is the type of partner to accompany you to family events, business venues, doctors appointments, and ensure that every bill is paid, and there is extra in the bank for you to spend however you may like expert budgeter.

The reality is, to be in love with Giyuu is to know love, to know security. To know what it is to wake up to a warm embrace every morning. To know comfort in sickness, and support in health. Realiability through the years, and devotion as the grays claim your features, and the wrinkles of time etch into your face. To be known as you are, in all aspects, and accepted as you are.

Giyuu will never give up on you.

Until death do you part.

If you're looking for comfort headcanons for Giyu, take a peek here.

“I need you to know how unbelievably pissed I am at you.”

You interrupt the peaceful folding and stocking of your clothes at your in-laws house with your threat. Immediately, Shoyo tenses up and whips his head to look at you, eyes wide and dancing over your face, waiting for you to continue your rant and fury.

When you don’t, merely continuing to glare at him, he gives a frantic, “what did I do!”

“Lower. Your damn. Voice,” you grit, and his hands clap over his mouth childishly. You take a deep inhale to calm down, “you told, your sweet and old parents…”

He looks at you expectantly again. You flare your nostrils and hike up your voice in an obnoxious nasal:

“We’re huuuuungry!”

Instantly, at your mocking tone, he breaks down into laughter, trying to stifle them to keep your anger at bay.

“So embarrassing!” You snip.

“Baby, we were! They don’t mind, you know that-“

“THEY STARTED COOKING! FOR US!”

“You know they’d rather eat with us than have us go out to eat!”

“Shoyo,” you snarl, rising to your feet and approaching him; with nervous laughter, he shrinks back. “It is eigHT IN THE EVENING, AND YOUR MOTHER IS MAKING NIKUJAGA!” You grab a pillow and start whacking him with it, ignoring his pleas and sheltering arms. “For the love of the gods, she should be relaxing!”

“She’s fine!”

You stop swinging and look down at him in shock. He makes a grab for the pillow and you whip it away, and he whines around some giggles.

“You do not make that decision for her,” you growl, throwing the pillow to the side and shoving him on his back before quickly crawling on top of him. “I would rather us both starve and rot away, before I tell your sweet, old parents that we’re hungry. ESPECIALLY at 20:14.”

“Baby, it’s fine,” he giggles, his hands settling on your hips. “They’re totally fine; you know my mom lives to make you happy!” You cross your arms over your chest, and he snickers as he raises up on his elbows, “just a quick bite to eat, a few laughs, then we can all go to bed, right?”

You exhale through your nose, and he tucks his lips in nervously.

“You know what?” You begin, relaxing your shoulders.

“What?”

“You’re right. You’re right! They’re just cooking. It’s fine.”

“Exactly! They’re fine.”

With that, you swing your legs off of your husband and scurry to the closet, and before he can ask, you grab a random stack of blankets to throw at his head. He screams at the sudden impact.

“Since they can whip up dinner, you can whip me up a bed on the couch. Since APPARENTLY you are just so okay with spontaneous forces of labor.”

He cackles some more as you mimic his “we’re hungry!” at random volumes, putting your clothes away in the drawers until his sweet old mother calls you both to the kitchen to eat, not too dissimilar from how she did when you were younger.

“I’m going to bury you alive,” you snarl at him, leaning into the arm tossed around your shoulders as you make your way down the hall to eat. “Watch your damn back. I’ll put cyanide in your food tomorrow, try me bitch.”

He merely snickers as you threaten him with the most bizarre forms of torture you can conjure, all while the smell of a hot supper fills the air around the house.

based on this video bc I love Lori and Noah 🥺🩷

Cherish You Forever | Kyojuro Rengoku x f!Reader

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Content Warning: Mention of night terrors, Kyojuro survives but he retired yay, Kyojuro being a loving husband T^T

Word Count: 1.3k

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You awoke upon hearing a loud crash coming from outside your room and sat up immediately. The lamp was turned off and it was still dark outside. The sound of crickets signaled that it was still the middle of the night—or, at the very least, early morning before the sun rose.

You touched the space next to you to wake up your husband, fearing that it was a burglar. Your husband, however, was not in your shared futon. You instantly realized what had occurred: your husband was awake and probably made that sound.

You left your warm futon and made your way out to look for your husband, worried. You tried hard not to make any noise with your steps, worried of startling your husband. It was not difficult to find him because the kitchen door was wide open.

When you peeked inside, you saw your husband kneeling and scooping something up from the floor. His cane was resting against the counter.

"Kyojuro-sama?" You called out his name softly as you turned on the light switch.

Kyojuro glared over his shoulder, a dark circle beneath his eye apparent. He stopped picking up the shattered porcelain cup he had dropped on the floor.

You snatched a rag from the kitchen counter and crouched next to him, helping him in picking up the fragments of the cup.

"Another night terror, dear?" You asked calmly as you wrapped the pieces and tossed them into the trash bin. You took his hands in yours and lifted him up, gave him his walking stick. Kyojuro kept his gaze fixed on the ground and did not respond to the question you asked. "Why don't you wait in the dining room, hm? I'll make you a cup of tea, yeah?"

You let go of his hands and went to make the tea, filling one of the kettles and boiling it on the the stove. A strong arm wrapped around your shoulder as you switched on the the stove. Kyojuro sighed and leaned his chin against on top of your head.

"I'm sorry," he croaked out, "It was your favorite cup, wasn't it?"

"Well, yeah but they still sell it in town. It doesn't matter, dear." You turned around, staring up at your beautiful husband.

Kyojuro kept his eye on you while his hand placed yours on his left cheek, near his eyepatch. Your lips tugged up in a small smile.

When you first met Kyojuro, you were curious about what had happened to his left eye. However, you did not dare to ask him about it. You had only recently met. You didn't want to be impolite, especially with your parents, his father, and Senjuro in the room. After all, you'd be marrying the man in a year. You had plenty of opportunity to get to know him.

Kyojuro only told you about his left eye incident on your first night as newlyweds. He let you open his yukata and his eyepatch. You uncovered what was beneath the patch after a year together. Deep scars sewn over his blind eye, as well as a massive scar on his abdomen. Kyojuro kept his gaze fixed on you as you stroked your gentle finger over his battle scars.

Then he told you about what happened while he was a Hashira. He was almost killed by an 'Upper Rank Demon,' but he was lucky since dawn was approaching and the demon fled. He had to go through numerous treatments to heal his wounds. Kyojuro's recovery was challenging, especially when he began having night terrors regarding his near-death experience. The ease with which the demon's hand pushed into his abdomen, the pain he felt when he was carried back in a stretcher, the moment he saw his late mother and realized he was about to join her in the afterlife. Kyojuro, who was half-blind and forced to walk with a walking stick, had no choice but to retire from the corps. That's when his father came up with the proposal of matching him with you, a daughter of an old acquaintance.

Nothing had ever prepared Kyojuro for the moment you told him he was strong and beautiful despite his wounds. He still got flustered now, even with the fact that you've been married for two years.

You caressed his cheek and drew him in closer, kissing the tip of his nose softly. Kyojuro's brow furrowed, and his nose pricked. You laughed and lightly slapped his chest.

"Go wait in the dining room, dear. I'll bring you tea."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The water was quickly brought to a boil. You put some tea leaves in a teapot and filled it with hot water. You carried the teapot and two cups to your dining room on a tray.

Kyojuro sat on the tatami floor, his legs hidden beneath the warm kotatsu table. He appeared to be feeling better, with a faint smile on his lips as he watched you sit down next to him and place the tray on the table.

"So," you started, "how are you feeling?"

"Much better, now you're here." Kyojuro answered. He got back to his usual cheerful tone, though not as loud. Understandable, since the two of you just woke up in the middle of the night.

You sighed and hugged his torso from the side. "Why didn't you wake me up?"

"Of course I didn't want to disturb you." Kyojuro kissed the top of your head. "Besides, this is something I've grown accustomed to."

"I know, but I still want to be there for you, I want to help you."

"(Y/N), dear, you're already helping me. I lost my career, I had no idea where to go, what to do. You gave me a reason to keep living."

You looked up to your husband, waiting if he wanted to continue talking.

"You were supportive when I said I wanted to study history, hoping that I can be a teacher someday. You always take care of me when I'm sick, or helping me when I'm struggling to do something... even if I say I can do it on my own. You befriend my ex colleagues. Tengen and his wives, Sanemi and Giyuu, even young Kamado. You were so patient whenever I had my night terrors, holding me in your arms until I calmed down. You do it every time, for two years until it got better lately. You've done a lot of things to help me already, (Y/N)."

You hummed, not really knowing how to respond to Kyojuro.

"I used to feel pathetic, defeated, useless. All because of these," Kyojuro waved his hand, motioning to his body, "But now I see it as a blessing. Because without these injuries, I wouldn't have marry you, the best partner I could ever asked for."

"Kyojuro... sama..."

"I love you, (Y/N)... and I'm going to cherish you forever, even in the afterlife, even in our next life." Kyojuro lifted up your chin and pressed a chaste kiss on your lips.

You slowly took off Kyojuro's eyepatch and kissed his left eye, before you kissed his nose again. He giggled and pecked your forehead.

"I don't know where you learn to speak like that." You covered your face out of embarrassment.

"Ah... Tengen, perhaps?"

"Perhaps," you patted his cheek and turned to the teapot. "Come on, let's drink our tea and get back to bed."

"I'm not sleepy yet, though."

"We can talk until we fall asleep."

Kyojuro grinned from ear to ear, "I would love that."

You poured the tea into each of your cups and the two of you drank in silence. It was comfortable, it felt right.

"Oh, by the way..."

Kyojuro turned to you and raised an eyebrow.

"I love you too, Kyojuro-sama. Always will."

────────────────────────────────────────── I wrote this at one am bcs i'm under the weather and i miss Kyojuro T^T

Thank you for reading! Find me on Ao3 and Twitter

You write L so wonderfully and so in character. I had a request if they’re still open: Could I request Reader (any gender) giving L his first kiss, teaching him how to kiss in the process, and L discovering that he really enjoys the sensation of kissing? I headcanon L as so mentally devoted to his work that his physical form has kind of taken a backseat, and so something like a kiss or touch from the right person can ignite in him a new understanding of himself. Thanks for reading! 💖

So, I was gonna answer this later because I have a truly astounding amount of homework to get done, but how could I keep you waiting? Anyways, I tried my best to adhere to your request, and I'm so sorry if it's disappointing, I've never really done this before. Please let me know if you want anything else written or rewritten, or literally anything. Your wish is my command. Also, thank you so much for your kind words! I am trying to write him as realistically as possible because I saw too much ooc L, and so I'm doing my best.

“Cake?” You asked, setting it down in front of him gently so as to not disturb his setup. 

“Thank you.” He responded. His eyes never left the screen as he picked up the fork and began to eat. 

He had arrived at your apartment last night and in typical L fashion, had given you little notice before knocking on your door with a briefcase of files and papers. He had turned your living room into a crime scene, and as far as you knew, hadn’t slept a wink since he had gotten here. 

You didn’t want to ask him any questions or bother him, despite how incredibly curious you were, but you did want to be sure he wasn’t wasting away under your watch. If that meant feeding him desserts every hour to ensure that something was being consumed, then so be it.

“Cake for dinner,” You said softly to the air, shaking your head as you served yourself a slice. “I’m living my childhood dreams.”

Taking a seat next to L, you very carefully pulled a blanket up to your lap. You watched him cautiously, worried that your movements might distract him.

“You are not bothering me.” He said abruptly. 

You froze “Are you sure? I can just go to my room if - “

“No, I quite enjoy your presence.” He turned to you. “And if anything, I should be the one worried about bothering you. I have completely taken over your living room with my research.”

In furious denial, you responded, “No not at all! I love having papers about - “ You pick up a paper and skim the first sentence. “ - mass murders…on my couch…”

L let out a soft chuckle, to which you gave him a smile in return. “I should be thankful that you have not yet tired of my existence.”

“How could I ever? You’re my best customer.” You gestured to the state of your messy kitchen - a result of all the baking and cooking you had done for him since he had arrived. 

He responded with a little laugh, and turned back to his screen. You admired how much he devoted himself to his work, however it worried you nonstop to see how it ate away at him, both mentally and physically. 

You didn’t pretend to understand what he did. As far as you could tell, he was a spy or detective of sorts. He never confirmed or denied your guesses, but there were certain aspects of his routine that allowed you to infer what you could.

What you were sure of, however, was that the only time he was ever able to properly relax was when he was around you. Which only made it that much more saddening that he was so immersed in his research at this moment in time.

But you said nothing. It was never your place to interfere or say anything. That was how the two of you worked.

You picked up your book from the table in front of you and began to read. It was nice, being near him and the two of you being allowed to do your respective things. In fact, the book you were reading was one he had suggested for you after you told him it had been a while since you found a good book.

So far, you were quite happy with the recommendation.

After a couple of hours of just being next to each other and occasionally exchanging words, you began to doze off. The book slipped out of your hands and your head dropped onto L’s shoulder.

For the first time in hours, he was completely taken out of his work mindset. The weight of your body slumped against his was so warm. He knew it probably would be best to let you sleep, but how was he meant to get any work done if you were right against him?

Lucky for him, you started to stir, yawning as you awoke from your brief nap. “You’re here?”

“I’ve been here since yesterday.” He replied quietly.

You quickly noticed how much of his personal space you had accidentally invaded and shot straight up. “Shit, I didn’t mean to - “

L reached over and took your hand. It was a bit of an awkward grab, but you understood he meant it to be comforting. “You do not bother me.” His words were firm. 

“Right,” You breathed out, unknowingly lacing your fingers with his. “I forgot.”

“You also seemed to forget that I was here,” He noted. “You were surprised.”

Your cheeks heated up at his observation. “I think…I’m not used to you being so present next to me. It was a bit shocking to wake up practically sleeping on you.”

He was silent for a moment, and then, “Elaborate. On the part about me being present.”

“It’s not a matter of you being physically absent, but I mean you’re always so absorbed in your work that it’s like you forget I’m here or even where and who you are. Mentally, you are on another planet almost ninety percent of the time.” You explain, embarrassed. 

This seemed to bother him. You noticed the way his grip on your hand loosened and his shoulders deflated even more. 

“I never meant to make you feel that way.”

Your heart broke at how defeated he sounded. “Not at all! I just want you to be aware that you’re allowed to relax around me. You’re under no obligations here.”

He nodded. “Then you should also know that I don’t mind you being close to me.” He looked down at where your hands were still intertwined. “I’ve come to enjoy being in contact with you.”

You laughed lightly, relieved. “Thank goodness. I could kiss you right now, you know?”

“You could.” He confirmed quickly. “It would certainly be an experience I’ve never had before.”

To that, your laughter stops. “Never? You’ve never been kissed before?”

“I think I, of all people, would know if I had been.” He said dryly. 

“Would you want me to kiss you?” You asked him, your words hushed and curious. 

He pondered it for a moment. “I would want you to, of course. I have no expectations on whether or not I will enjoy it, as I have no previous experience to form them from. However, based off of what the vast majority of the population would - “

You decided you had enough of his talking and leaned forward, pressing your lips against his and using your free hand to hold his face gently as you did. 

By kissing standards, it was not perfect. It was soft and awkward, but to you it was pure bliss. And as you pulled away and saw the gratified look in his eyes, it was fairly evident he felt similarly.

“How was that?” You asked teasingly.

“I’m not sure,” He replied. “I think you should do it again, for me to provide you with a satisfactory answer.”

You let out a laugh and leaned against him. “To be entirely honest with you, I haven’t kissed many people before.”

“In comparison to them, how did I do?” 

“Well, that was just a basic kiss.” You explained. “If you really want to be memorable, you should try a little harder.”

He raised an eyebrow at you. “And how should I do that?”

You gave him a sly smile and moved until his back was pressed against the couch cushions and you were positioned slightly above him, your legs on either side of his lap. 

“Just open your mouth…” And like the obedient boyfriend he was, he did. “...lean forward…” Your lips met his again and you pulled him in closer; so close that you could feel his heart pounding against your chest.

The two of you quickly fell into a rhythm, and for someone who claimed to have never been kissed before, he was oddly passionate.

Breathless, you pulled away and beamed at him. “I would say that was pretty good. You?”

“If I wished to rank it, I would have to kiss other people to properly make a comparison.” You met his eyes, a teasing spark illuminated within them.

You scrunched up your nose. “Don’t joke. You are horribly unfunny.”

“Your lies do not concern me.” He placed a small kiss on the tip of your nose, much to your surprise. 

“It appears you like being kissed then?” 

“If it’s by you, then yes.” He sighed, a mixture of content and sadness. “I apologize for making you feel so unwanted around me while I work. I truly appreciate your presence and your efforts to distract me.”

You nodded acceptingly. “Well, do they at least work?”

L smiled. “They do.”

With a little exhale of relief, you rested your body against his and closed your eyes. “Anyways, you’re pretty good at that whole kissing thing. Maybe we can make it a habit.”

He squeezed your hand lightly. “I would like that.”

Because there was something so satisfying about kissing you, or even touching you, that made him only crave it more. L, whose mind was forever restless, had come to a complete halt the moment your lips had touched his. 

It appeared that the only tried and true thing that could ever relax him and bring him out of an overworked state of mind, was being with you. 

It was selfish. So incredibly selfish of him. To be with you, knowing the dangers, knowing the consequences, all because it made him feel good.

But he couldn’t help it. Not if it meant the possibility of kissing you again. And so he solidified this resolve in his mind that he wanted you, and only ever you. He knew there could be nothing good to come of this in the long run, but for now, you were both content in each other’s company.

L never stopped thinking about this moment. It might have been one of the only ones where he could truly say he was happy. 

You left him for two minutes. All of two minutes.

On the rare days off that you and Shoto get to spend together, it’s almost always spent curled together on the couch or in the bed, watching him work out for fun before making him cheat on his diet, anything that lets the day drip by slower than any other day of the week.

You left him to pee. That’s it. Placing the bowl of sour candy down, you slip out from his lap, give him a kiss before moving down the hall like any standard, subconscious person would.

Two. Minutes.

“Shoto, what’re you doing?”

“You like the strawberry flavor the best.”

By the time you come out, he’s got a pile of pink candy, separated by the other colors except for purple, which is in its own little pile. “You don’t like the grape flavor.”

You quirk a brow and walk back over to him, watching as he continues to segregate the candies, “baby, I would’ve been more than happy to just pick around them, you didn’t have to do all of this.”

“But you don’t like them,” he repeats, looking up at you with those doe eyes that you love to get lost in. “You look down every time you reach for one. I thought I might help ease the burden slightly.”

Burden. Your first world problem of not liking sour grape skittles should be the farthest thing from a burden to him.

But to shoto, it’s not one, and it’ll never be one; little acts of services like these aren’t new, small details just to make hour by hour tasks and privilegies just that much easier.

It’s something he’s always done. Something he’s always going to do. Because he loves you.

With a smile, you slink back into his lap, your head nuzzling against his stomach while the tv drones on about whatever he put on while you were gone. You kiss the warmth of his tummy to feel the muscles constrict under the affection, and you bury your hand into the bowl of candy right after.

“Don’t be cheeky.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” you hum. A hand rests on your head, thumb gently rubbing over the warmth of your crown as silence fills the room once again.

Popping a skittle into your mouth, your face quickly grimaces, and he hums in acknowledgement.“Eugh,” you grumble, and he looks down at you, silently asking you what happened.

And you want to lie. Truly! It’s better for everyone if you do, just tell him you bit your tongue and let him think nothing more.

But apparently, you don’t.

“Missed a grape one,” you tease.

“….”

“Sho?”

“Spit it into my hand.”

“Sho, no-“