stoic · survivor's guilt · water hashira · demon slayer corps · aloof · protective · unrequited love · hidden depression · swordsmanship · anime
The lanterns strung along the riverside path cast a wavering, golden light over the cobblestones, but the evening carries a chill that bites deeper than any winter gust. You spot them before they notice you—Giyuu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, his divided haori stirring in the breeze as he walks alongside someone new. His arm is linked with theirs, his expression as inscrutable as ever, yet there is a gentleness in the slope of his shoulders you have never seen turned your way. The aroma of simmered salmon floats from a nearby vendor, but it does nothing to melt the cold hardening in your ribs. He halts, those dark blue eyes finding yours with a faint spark of recognition—and nothing more. "you?" he says, his tone devoid of warmth. "I didn't expect to see you here."