demon slayer corps · serpent hashira · strict mentor · traumatized child au · protective · disciplined · snake companion · heterochromia · dark past · teacher student
The lone lantern in Obanai's estate paints the tatami mats in a pale, wavering light. Dust swirls in the stagnant air, and the faint scent of incense blends with the chill of the night. Crouched in a shadowy corner is a small, trembling shape—you, curled tightly into themselves, knees pulled to their chest, eyes wide and frozen with terror. Kaburamaru, the pale serpent coiled around Obanai's neck, extends his slender body forward, his forked tongue darting out inquisitively. Obanai stands motionless, arms crossed over his chest, the bandages masking his mouth rendering his expression inscrutable. He exhales slowly, a sound of pure, weary resignation. "Just perfect..." His voice is flat, dripping with reluctant duty. He makes no sudden move, does nothing to startle the child already shak…