midnightsummer-glow

[midnightsummer-glow]

Aetherbound Hearts

Thancred Waters

It was nearly two years later, after countless adventures and just as many near-death experiences, that everything came to a head.

The two of you had been tasked with investigating strange aetheric disturbances near Ishgard. The bitter cold of Coerthas was a stark contrast to the deserts of Thanalan where you’d first met, but Thancred was just as vibrant as ever, cracking jokes even as the snow threatened to bury you both.

“Remind me again why we couldn’t have left this to someone who doesn’t mind freezing their arse off?” he muttered, pulling his scarf tighter.

“Because we’re the best,” you replied with a smirk, earning a laugh from him.

The mission proved more dangerous than anticipated. A rogue voidsent ambushed you in a frozen cavern, its dark energy nearly overwhelming. But you and Thancred fought side by side, just as you always had, and managed to vanquish the creature.

When the battle was over, you collapsed against the cavern wall, catching your breath. Thancred sank to the ground beside you, his usual composure frayed at the edges.

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he said suddenly, his voice hoarse.

You turned to him, startled by the raw emotion in his eyes. “Thancred, I—”

“No,” he interrupted, shaking his head. “Let me say this. I’ve spent years telling myself it was enough to have you by my side, as a friend, a comrade. But today… seeing you in danger, I realized how much more you mean to me.”

Your breath hitched as his words sank in. Thancred, who always seemed so untouchable, was baring his heart to you.

“I love you, Y/N,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I’ve been a fool not to tell you sooner.”

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the sound of your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

“I… I love you too,” you finally managed, your voice trembling.

Thancred’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked as though he couldn’t believe what he’d heard. Then, his grin returned, softer this time but no less genuine.

“Well,” he said, leaning closer, “it seems I’m not the only fool here.”

You laughed, the tension breaking as you leaned into him. The cold of Coerthas seemed to fade, replaced by a warmth that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the distance.

From that day forward, your relationship with Thancred shifted in ways that were both subtle and profound. He was still the same charming rogue you’d met outside Ul’dah, but now there was a depth to his affection, a tenderness that made your bond even stronger.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he teased one evening as the two of you sat by a campfire, much like you had so many years ago.

“For what?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“To deal with me in all my infuriating glory,” he replied with a wink.

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I think I’ll manage.”

Thancred laughed, pulling you closer. “Well then, my love, I suppose there’s nothing left to do but continue our grand adventure. Together.”

And together you were, through every challenge and triumph, proving that even in a world as tumultuous as Eorzea, love could flourish.

[midnightsummer-glow]

FFXIV Masterlist

*ೃ༄ G'raha Tia *ೃ༄

A dreamers heart

*ೃ Thancred Waters*ೃ

Aetherbound Hearts

[midnightsummer-glow]

A Dreamer’s Heart

G'raha tia x reader

G’raha Tia has been acting strangely around you for days now.

At first, you thought he was just tired from recent missions or maybe caught up in his research. But then you started noticing the lingering glances, the way his ears would twitch and his cheeks would turn pink whenever you spoke to him. It became unmistakable – G’raha was hiding something, and whatever it was, it seemed to involve you.

It all comes to a head one afternoon when you overhear a hushed conversation in the Rising Stones.

“G’raha, if you don’t tell them soon, I swear I’ll do it for you,” Thancred is saying, his tone somewhere between amused and exasperated.

G’raha’s response is barely more than a mumble. “I know, I know… I just – I don’t want to make a mess of it.”

Curiosity gets the best of you, and you round the corner to see G’raha, Thancred, and Alisaie all gathered around a table, talking intently. When they see you, G’raha freezes, eyes widening as his ears flatten against his head.

“Y/N!” he says, his voice jumping an octave. “Uh… I didn’t expect to see you here.”

You smile, tilting your head. “What are you three up to? Seems like a serious discussion.”

Thancred raises an eyebrow at G’raha, clearly enjoying his embarrassment. “Just a little… planning session. G’raha’s been working on something special.”

G’raha glares at him, though the blush on his cheeks gives him away. “I… ah, well, yes. A bit of a project. Nothing important!”

But you notice how his eyes flick away from you, the way he fidgets with his sleeve, and a small, fond smile touches your lips. “You know, G’raha, if there’s something you’d like to tell me, I’m all ears.”

G’raha stares at you, visibly struggling to find his words. Finally, Alisaie takes pity on him.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake!” She rolls her eyes, giving him a firm nudge. “G’raha wants to ask you out, Y/N.”

There’s a beat of stunned silence as G’raha’s face turns bright red.

“Alisaie!” he hisses, but she only crosses her arms, looking entirely unapologetic.

You feel a warm flush rise to your cheeks as well, but you’re delighted by the revelation. “G’raha… is that true?”

He rubs the back of his neck, staring at the ground. “Yes,” he mumbles, too embarrassed to meet your gaze. “I… I wanted to ask you on a… on a date. But I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.”

Thancred, apparently eager to lighten the mood, claps a hand on G’raha’s shoulder. “We’ve all been trying to help him plan something nice. He wants everything to be perfect for you.”

G’raha manages a bashful smile, finally looking up to meet your eyes. “They, uh… they insisted I make it memorable. I just didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, Y/N.”

“I’d love to go on a date with you, G’raha,” you say warmly, watching as relief floods his expression. “Whatever you plan, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful.”

G’raha looks like he’s just won a battle. His eyes light up, and his tail swishes happily behind him. “Truly? I… well, all right, then!” He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure. “It’s… it’s a surprise, so I’ll tell you more later. But, thank you, Y/N. This… this means a lot.”

Thancred and Alisaie exchange a smirk, and you can’t help but laugh, charmed by G’raha’s obvious nerves.

The Day of the Date

The day of your date arrives, and G’raha has arranged to meet you at the edge of the Central Shroud. As you approach the meeting spot, you see him standing there, a woven basket in one hand and a slightly anxious smile on his face.

“Y/N! You… you look lovely,” he stammers, his cheeks tinting pink as he takes in your appearance.

“Thank you, G’raha,” you reply, beaming. “And you look… incredibly prepared.”

He chuckles, a little self-conscious. “I may have had some help, to be honest. But… I wanted this to be special.”

You reach out to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m just happy to be here with you. No need to be nervous.”

His shoulders relax, and he leads you down a secluded path that winds through the trees, golden sunlight filtering through the leaves. Eventually, you come to a small clearing beside a quiet stream. There, under the shade of a sprawling tree, G’raha has set up a simple but charming picnic – a blanket, some soft cushions, and a spread of snacks and treats. You notice a small bouquet of flowers resting near the basket.

“Oh, G’raha, this is beautiful,” you say, touched by the effort he’s put into the setup.

He scratches his ear, clearly flustered. “I… I wanted to make sure you enjoyed yourself. The others helped me pick out the food – apparently, Estinien is quite the critic when it comes to cheese.”

You laugh at the thought, sitting down beside him on the blanket. “So, it was a team effort?”

“Very much so.” He grins, reaching into the basket to offer you a drink. “Alphinaud gave me advice on conversation topics. He was worried I’d bore you with too much Tower lore.”

“And Y’shtola?” you ask, amused.

G’raha winces slightly. “She told me to ‘just be myself’ and not make a fool of myself. Though she didn’t seem terribly convinced I’d manage it.”

You giggle, feeling warmth spread through you at the thought of all your friends helping G’raha with this date. “Well, I think you’re doing wonderfully.”

He lets out a relieved sigh, smiling shyly. “Thank you, Y/N.”

The two of you settle in, enjoying the spread of food G’raha has brought. Between bites, you fall into easy conversation, sharing stories and laughing together. G’raha’s usual shyness gradually melts away, and he begins sharing tales of his travels and the time he spent studying the Crystal Tower. His eyes light up as he talks, and you find yourself captivated, not by the tales themselves but by the passion in his voice.

“I could talk about that Tower forever,” he admits, catching himself. “It’s been such a big part of my life. But… well, I don’t want to bore you.”

You shake your head, smiling. “Not at all. I love hearing you talk about it – it’s clear how much it means to you.”

He blushes, looking down at his hands. “It’s… easier to share it with you, I think. Knowing you’re here… it just makes it feel more meaningful.”

His words make your heart flutter, and for a moment, neither of you speaks, content to simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You watch the way the light catches in G’raha’s eyes, the gentle smile on his lips. It’s as if the whole world has melted away, leaving only the two of you in this quiet, sunlit haven.

Eventually, G’raha clears his throat, glancing at you nervously. “Y/N, I… I wanted to tell you something. I… well, you must have noticed by now, but…”

You raise an eyebrow, smiling. “What is it?”

He takes a deep breath, visibly gathering his courage. “I… I have feelings for you,” he finally says, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve felt this way for some time now, but I didn’t know how to tell you. I thought maybe… maybe you’d see me as just a friend, or that I wouldn’t be enough for someone like you.”

“G’raha…” You reach out, taking his hand in yours. “You don’t have to worry about that. I care about you, too.”

His eyes widen, a look of pure relief and happiness crossing his face. “You… you mean it?”

“Of course I do,” you say, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. And spending time with you… it’s become one of my favorite parts of every day.”

G’raha looks as if he might burst from joy, his ears perking up and his tail flicking back and forth. “I… I didn’t dare hope you’d feel the same way,” he says, his voice filled with wonder.

The two of you share a quiet, tender moment, simply holding hands and basking in the warmth of each other’s presence. Eventually, G’raha leans a little closer, his gaze flicking down to your lips and back up to your eyes, silently asking permission.

You nod, and he closes the remaining distance, his lips brushing yours in a gentle, heartfelt kiss. The world seems to fade away, leaving only the warmth of his touch and the softness of his breath. When you finally pull back, you find him staring at you, eyes shining with

[midnightsummer-glow]

A Connection Across Worlds

Leviathan x reader

You’ve always loved multiplayer games. Something about the shared camaraderie of players scattered across the world, working together to defeat monsters or solve puzzles, made the experience richer. For years, you’ve been playing the same game—a fantasy MMORPG with intricate mechanics and sprawling lore. The one constant in all your game sessions is your online friend, Leviathan, or “Levi” as you know him. Despite never meeting in person, you’ve built a strong connection with him. He’s quirky, a little shy, but when you’re online together, he’s also one of the most loyal and skilled players you’ve ever met. You’ve been online friends for almost three years now, spending hours in Discord voice calls while you traverse dungeons, engage in PvP, or simply chat about the game.

Your real life has always felt ordinary in comparison, but all that changes the day you receive a letter—a very strange, ornate letter—inviting you to participate in an exchange program at the Royal Academy of Diavolo. You’re hesitant at first, unsure of how real the letter even is, but something in the back of your mind urges you to accept.

The day you arrive at the House of Lamentation, the grand mansion where you’ll be staying, you’re overwhelmed. It feels like a dream—demons are real, and not only that, they seem to know a lot about you. Lucifer, the eldest brother, welcomes you with a cold politeness, while the others introduce themselves in varying degrees of warmth or disinterest. But there’s one name that catches your attention: Leviathan, the third eldest.

The moment Leviathan shuffles into the room, nervously fidgeting with his hands and mumbling under his breath, something clicks in your mind. His appearance—a lanky, blue-haired demon wearing an anime-themed hoodie—stirs a sense of familiarity, but it isn’t until you hear his voice that it all falls into place.

“Y-You’re the new human, right?” Levi mumbles, avoiding direct eye contact. “I-I mean, whatever, it’s not like I care or anything… I’m just… checking if you’re real… that’s all.”

Your eyes widen as recognition dawns. That stammer, the nervous cadence… could it really be?

“Levi?” you ask cautiously.

His eyes dart up, wide and panicked. “H-How do you know my name? I didn’t even introduce myself yet!”

You smile, disbelief mixing with excitement. “Wait… Levi… It’s me! Y/N? From the game?”

Levi’s face freezes in shock, his yellow-orange eyes locking onto yours. He blinks a few times before shaking his head as if trying to wake himself from a dream.

“N-No way… No freaking way… Y/N? From Celestial Crusaders? The one I’ve been playing with for three years? You’re the human in the exchange program?!”

You nod, still processing the sheer absurdity of it all. “Yeah… I think we’ve been online friends this whole time.”

There’s a long pause as both of you try to wrap your minds around the coincidence. Then, suddenly, Levi lets out a loud squeak, his hands flying to his face as he tries to cover his embarrassment.

“NOOOOO, this can’t be happening! Y-You mean the person I’ve been talking to for years… the one who knows all my embarrassing moments in the game… is standing right here?!” He sinks to the floor dramatically, covering his head. “This is the worst thing ever… No, wait, maybe it’s the best thing ever? I don’t know! I’m conflicted!!”

You can’t help but laugh at his reaction, even though you’re just as stunned. “Honestly, I can’t believe it either. We’ve been friends for so long, and now here we are.”

He peeks up at you through his fingers, still sitting on the floor, his face flushed. “I-I guess it’s kinda cool. I mean, it’s not like I was obsessing over this or anything… But maybe this isn’t so bad…”

You smile softly, leaning against the doorframe. “I guess we’re going to have a lot more time to game together now, huh?”

Levi stands, still flustered but slowly starting to calm down. He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “Y-Yeah… I guess so. But, uh, maybe not in front of everyone… You know, I don’t want them to think I’m getting all soft or anything.”

You laugh again. It’s strange how natural this feels. After years of gaming together, the idea of finally meeting face to face (or rather, face to demon) feels oddly comforting.

Later that evening, you and Levi find yourselves in his room, surrounded by posters of anime characters and shelves lined with limited-edition figurines. The room is dimly lit by the glow of multiple computer screens, the familiar hum of gaming equipment filling the air. It feels just like your usual Discord calls, except now you’re physically in the same space.

You boot up Celestial Crusaders on Levi’s secondary computer while he logs in on his main rig. There’s a comfortable silence between you, something born of years of playing together. Once you’re both logged into the game, the familiar interface fills the screen, and you can’t help but smile. You’ve done this a thousand times before, but now, it feels different.

As you slip on your headset and settle into the chair, you catch Levi sneaking a glance at you.

“You ready?” you ask, smiling.

He fidgets with his controller but nods. “Y-Yeah. Let’s just… let’s do this. We’ve got that raid to finish.”

You both log into the voice chat in-game, and for a while, it feels like old times. You’re running through a dungeon, communicating through strategy and banter, Levi’s high-pitched yelps of excitement or frustration filling your headset, though now you can hear the real-life version too.

“Watch out, Y/N! That’s a mob spawn!” Levi shouts.

You dodge just in time, grinning. “Got it, thanks!”

After a particularly tough boss fight, the two of you pause to catch your breath. Levi leans back in his chair, sighing deeply.

“I can’t believe you’re actually here,” he mumbles, more to himself than to you. “It’s like… every time we played together before, I used to wonder what it’d be like to meet you in real life. And now… well, here you are.”

You glance over at him, surprised by the vulnerable admission. “Yeah, I get that. It’s kind of surreal. I never thought I’d actually meet my favorite gaming buddy in person, let alone in another world.”

He blushes at the word “favorite,” his eyes darting away from yours. “Y-Yeah, well… I guess it’s kinda cool having you here. I mean, if anyone’s gonna survive this crazy demon school with me, it’s you.”

You laugh. “Let’s just hope I don’t get eaten by demons before the semester’s over.”

“Don’t joke about that! This place is dangerous! But… if anything happens, I’ll protect you. I’ve got your back. Just like in the game.”

You smile at his sincerity. “I know, Levi. I’ve always known.”

Months Pass: A Deepening Bond

Over the next few months, you and Levi spend most of your free time together. Whether it’s gaming in his room, watching his favorite anime, or simply hanging out in the RAD library, you grow closer. The rest of the demon brothers notice how inseparable you two have become, and they often tease Levi about it, much to his embarrassment. But he doesn’t seem to mind as much as you expected.

One evening, after a particularly long day of classes, you and Levi retreat to his room again. As you both settle in, the familiar sound of Discord’s notification chime fills the air—a sound that has become almost nostalgic. Levi smiles as he adjusts his headset.

“Ready for another dungeon run?” he asks, his voice casual, but there’s an undertone of excitement.

You grin and nod, booting up the game. “Of course. Let’s show these demons what we’re made of.”

The raid progresses as usual, but as you’re nearing the final boss, you notice Levi has gone unusually quiet.

“Levi?” you ask, glancing over at him. His face is focused, but there’s a nervous energy in the air. “You okay?”

He fidgets with the edge of his hoodie. “Y/N, there’s… something I’ve been meaning to say.”

You pause the game, sensing the shift in tone. “What’s up?”

He doesn’t look at you directly, instead keeping his eyes glued to his screen. “It’s just… well, these past few months have been… really great. I-I mean, not just because we’re in this weird demon world or anything, but because… because you’re here.”

Your heart skips a beat, and you don’t say anything, waiting for him to continue.

“I know we’ve been friends for years online, but having you here in person… it’s different. I don’t know how to explain it, but… I’m really glad you’re here. Like, really glad.”

You feel warmth spread through your chest. Levi, in his awkward, roundabout way, is trying to tell you something important. You smile softly, reaching out to gently place a hand on his arm.

“I’m really glad I’m here too, Levi. I’ve always felt like we had something special, even when we were just online friends. But now, it’s… different

[midnightsummer-glow]

"What a view! Maybe escorting Warlords isn't that boring after all!"

--

Careful, Kuzan, that's Dragon's wife you're looking at.

@decayingbrainrot suggested "Dragon and Aokiji looking at Croc's tits? Given that Aokiji likes boobs." I have no idea if Aokiji does like boobs but I found the prompt very funny.

Dragon who stayed in the Marines for some strategic reason is probably always one moment away from blowing up Marineford though. *lol*

[midnightsummer-glow]

High Stakes and Heartbeats

Mammon x reader

The night air in the Devildom was heavy with mischief, as usual. As you lay in your room at the House of Lamentation, flipping through some textbooks half-heartedly, your D.D.D. suddenly buzzed, the screen lighting up with Mammon’s name.

You sighed with a soft smile, already suspecting that whatever Mammon was about to suggest, it was going to be nothing but trouble. After all, you had been at the House of Lamentation long enough to know that if Mammon called you this late, he was probably up to something. And that something was probably not a good idea.

Before you could even hit the answer button, your door burst open, and in strode Mammon—The Great Mammon himself—with that characteristic cocky grin on his face.

“Hey, (Y/N)! Guess what?” he said, rubbing his hands together like he was cooking up something big. His golden eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Mammon, you’re supposed to knock, remember?” you reminded him, rolling your eyes but not actually annoyed.

“Ah, don’t sweat the details,” he waved you off, before hopping onto the edge of your bed. “Listen, I’ve got somethin’ way more excitin’ planned tonight. Forget about studyin’. I got word that Gold Casino is openin’ up tonight with some big-time prizes, and yours truly plans to clean ‘em out. I’m tellin’ ya, I’m gonna make a fortune!”

You arched an eyebrow at him, sensing where this was heading. “You want me to come with you?”

“‘Course I do!” Mammon nodded eagerly, a gleam in his eye. “What’s the point of winning a ton of Grimm if I don’t got someone there to celebrate with me? C’mon, (Y/N), it’ll be fun! We sneak out, hit the tables, and make a night of it! I’ll even split the winnings with ya. Whaddya say?”

You glanced down at your books and then back at Mammon’s hopeful face. A part of you knew that going with him was risky. Lucifer had been keeping an eye on Mammon lately, making sure he wasn’t getting into trouble—again. But Mammon had a way of pulling you into his schemes, even when you tried to resist. Besides, a small part of you was curious. How bad could it really be?

Sighing, you gave in. “Alright, fine. I’ll go. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you.”

Mammon let out a triumphant cheer, pumping his fist in the air. “That’s the spirit, (Y/N)! Ya won’t regret this. The Great Mammon’s gonna win big tonight, you’ll see.”

Sneaking out of the House of Lamentation wasn’t exactly difficult, but the thrill of it still made your heart race. The two of you slipped past Cerberus and into the dark streets of the Devildom, making your way toward the infamous Gold Casino. The building loomed ahead, its neon lights flickering in the night, a beacon for gamblers and demons alike.

Mammon’s eyes gleamed as you approached the entrance, his excitement contagious. “This is it, (Y/N)! We’re gonna be rich tonight!”

You couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Just don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, alright?”

Mammon scoffed. “Pfft, as if I’d ever lose! I’m the Avatar of Greed, remember? The money’s practically beggin’ to come to me.”

Once inside, the casino was buzzing with energy. Demons of all kinds were seated at tables, their eyes fixed on the cards, dice, and wheels of fortune. Gold chips clinked together as they were exchanged, and the low murmur of voices filled the air, punctuated by occasional cheers or groans.

Mammon wasted no time, leading you straight to one of the high-stakes tables. He grinned at you, already pulling out a stack of Grimm to buy in. You watched as the game unfolded—Mammon’s confidence was palpable, and at first, he was doing well. Really well.

“See?” he whispered to you between rounds, flashing a smug grin. “I told ya I was good at this.”

But, as the night wore on, things started to shift. A new demon joined the game—a tall, shadowy figure with piercing red eyes. The moment they sat down, the atmosphere at the table changed. Mammon’s winning streak hit a wall, and his pile of Grimm began to shrink.

“Hey, don’t worry,” Mammon said, though his voice lacked the confidence it had earlier. “This guy’s just gettin’ lucky. I got this.”

But as the next round played out, Mammon’s luck didn’t turn around. In fact, it got worse. The demon across from him played with a smug, calm expression, raking in the Grimm while Mammon grew more and more frustrated.

“(Y/N)… things aren’t lookin’ too good right now, but it’s all part of the plan!” Mammon muttered under his breath, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

You frowned, leaning closer. “Mammon, maybe you should call it a night. You’ve already lost a lot.”

“No way!” he hissed back, his pride getting in the way. “I can win it all back, just one more round!”

The demon across the table raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused by Mammon’s desperation. “Care to raise the stakes?” he asked in a smooth, menacing tone.

Mammon gulped but nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it. I’m not afraid.”

But then the cards were dealt, and it became clear—Mammon had made a mistake. A big one.

The final round ended with Mammon’s stack of Grimm completely gone. The demon grinned wickedly, leaning back in his chair. “Looks like you’re out of money, Avatar of Greed.”

Mammon stared at the empty table in front of him, his mouth hanging open. “I… I can pay! I just—just need some time, ya know?”

The demon chuckled darkly. “I don’t like waiting. You should have thought of that before betting more than you had.”

Before you could react, the demon’s eyes flickered toward you, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “But maybe… you have something else to offer as collateral.”

Your blood ran cold as the demon’s gaze locked onto you. He stood and snapped his fingers, and in an instant, shadowy tendrils wrapped around you, pulling you out of your chair and pinning you in place.

“(Y/N)!” Mammon cried, lunging forward, but the demon held up a hand.

“Ah, ah,” the demon said smoothly. “You lost, Mammon. You don’t get to make demands anymore. Unless, of course, you can pay up right now… I’ll just take this human as collateral.”

Panic surged through you as the tendrils tightened around your arms, immobilizing you. Mammon’s face went pale, his eyes wide with horror.

“N-No! You can’t take (Y/N)!” Mammon shouted, desperation clear in his voice. “Look, I’ll get the money, just give me more time!”

The demon tilted his head, clearly enjoying Mammon’s distress. “You had your chance. If you want to see them again, you’d better come up with something quick.”

With that, the demon vanished into the shadows, taking you with him. The last thing you saw before the world went dark was Mammon’s terrified expression.

When you came to, you were in a dimly lit room, the cold stone beneath you sending a chill up your spine. The shadows that had held you in place were gone, but you were still trapped, unable to see a way out.

“Mammon…” you whispered, fear tightening your chest. Would he be able to find you? What if he couldn’t?

Time passed, though you had no way of knowing how long. All you could do was wait, your heart pounding in your chest, until finally, you heard voices outside the door.

“Mammon, you absolute idiot! I cannot believe you dragged (Y/N) into this!” a familiar voice growled, filled with fury.

Lucifer.

The door burst open, and there stood Mammon, looking frantic and disheveled, with Lucifer right behind him, his expression a mix of anger and concern.

“(Y/N)!” Mammon rushed to your side, dropping to his knees beside you. “I’m so sorry! I’m gonna get ya out of here, I promise.”

Lucifer stepped forward, casting a cold glare at the demon who had taken you hostage. “Release them. Now. Or you’ll have more than just Mammon to deal with.”

The demon, who had been lounging in the corner of the room, stood up slowly, clearly unnerved by Lucifer’s presence. “I was only collecting on a debt,” he said, though his voice wavered.

“You can collect on the debt without involving (Y/N),” Lucifer snapped, his eyes glowing with deadly intent. “Let them go, or I’ll ensure you regret it.”

The demon hesitated for a moment, before waving his hand dismissively. The shadows that had held you in place dissolved, and you stumbled forward into Mammon’s arms. He held you tight, not letting go for a second.

“(Y/N)…” Mammon whispered, his voice shaking. “I’m sorry. I shoulda never brought ya into this.”

You could feel the guilt radiating from him, and despite everything, you couldn’t bring yourself to be mad at him.

[midnightsummer-glow]

High Stakes and Heartbeats

Mammon x reader

The night air in the Devildom was heavy with mischief, as usual. As you lay in your room at the House of Lamentation, flipping through some textbooks half-heartedly, your D.D.D. suddenly buzzed, the screen lighting up with Mammon’s name.

You sighed with a soft smile, already suspecting that whatever Mammon was about to suggest, it was going to be nothing but trouble. After all, you had been at the House of Lamentation long enough to know that if Mammon called you this late, he was probably up to something. And that something was probably not a good idea.

Before you could even hit the answer button, your door burst open, and in strode Mammon—The Great Mammon himself—with that characteristic cocky grin on his face.

“Hey, (Y/N)! Guess what?” he said, rubbing his hands together like he was cooking up something big. His golden eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Mammon, you’re supposed to knock, remember?” you reminded him, rolling your eyes but not actually annoyed.

“Ah, don’t sweat the details,” he waved you off, before hopping onto the edge of your bed. “Listen, I’ve got somethin’ way more excitin’ planned tonight. Forget about studyin’. I got word that Gold Casino is openin’ up tonight with some big-time prizes, and yours truly plans to clean ‘em out. I’m tellin’ ya, I’m gonna make a fortune!”

You arched an eyebrow at him, sensing where this was heading. “You want me to come with you?”

“‘Course I do!” Mammon nodded eagerly, a gleam in his eye. “What’s the point of winning a ton of Grimm if I don’t got someone there to celebrate with me? C’mon, (Y/N), it’ll be fun! We sneak out, hit the tables, and make a night of it! I’ll even split the winnings with ya. Whaddya say?”

You glanced down at your books and then back at Mammon’s hopeful face. A part of you knew that going with him was risky. Lucifer had been keeping an eye on Mammon lately, making sure he wasn’t getting into trouble—again. But Mammon had a way of pulling you into his schemes, even when you tried to resist. Besides, a small part of you was curious. How bad could it really be?

Sighing, you gave in. “Alright, fine. I’ll go. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you.”

Mammon let out a triumphant cheer, pumping his fist in the air. “That’s the spirit, (Y/N)! Ya won’t regret this. The Great Mammon’s gonna win big tonight, you’ll see.”

Sneaking out of the House of Lamentation wasn’t exactly difficult, but the thrill of it still made your heart race. The two of you slipped past Cerberus and into the dark streets of the Devildom, making your way toward the infamous Gold Casino. The building loomed ahead, its neon lights flickering in the night, a beacon for gamblers and demons alike.

Mammon’s eyes gleamed as you approached the entrance, his excitement contagious. “This is it, (Y/N)! We’re gonna be rich tonight!”

You couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Just don’t bet more than you can afford to lose, alright?”

Mammon scoffed. “Pfft, as if I’d ever lose! I’m the Avatar of Greed, remember? The money’s practically beggin’ to come to me.”

Once inside, the casino was buzzing with energy. Demons of all kinds were seated at tables, their eyes fixed on the cards, dice, and wheels of fortune. Gold chips clinked together as they were exchanged, and the low murmur of voices filled the air, punctuated by occasional cheers or groans.

Mammon wasted no time, leading you straight to one of the high-stakes tables. He grinned at you, already pulling out a stack of Grimm to buy in. You watched as the game unfolded—Mammon’s confidence was palpable, and at first, he was doing well. Really well.

“See?” he whispered to you between rounds, flashing a smug grin. “I told ya I was good at this.”

But, as the night wore on, things started to shift. A new demon joined the game—a tall, shadowy figure with piercing red eyes. The moment they sat down, the atmosphere at the table changed. Mammon’s winning streak hit a wall, and his pile of Grimm began to shrink.

“Hey, don’t worry,” Mammon said, though his voice lacked the confidence it had earlier. “This guy’s just gettin’ lucky. I got this.”

But as the next round played out, Mammon’s luck didn’t turn around. In fact, it got worse. The demon across from him played with a smug, calm expression, raking in the Grimm while Mammon grew more and more frustrated.

“(Y/N)… things aren’t lookin’ too good right now, but it’s all part of the plan!” Mammon muttered under his breath, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

You frowned, leaning closer. “Mammon, maybe you should call it a night. You’ve already lost a lot.”

“No way!” he hissed back, his pride getting in the way. “I can win it all back, just one more round!”

The demon across the table raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused by Mammon’s desperation. “Care to raise the stakes?” he asked in a smooth, menacing tone.

Mammon gulped but nodded. “Yeah, let’s do it. I’m not afraid.”

But then the cards were dealt, and it became clear—Mammon had made a mistake. A big one.

The final round ended with Mammon’s stack of Grimm completely gone. The demon grinned wickedly, leaning back in his chair. “Looks like you’re out of money, Avatar of Greed.”

Mammon stared at the empty table in front of him, his mouth hanging open. “I… I can pay! I just—just need some time, ya know?”

The demon chuckled darkly. “I don’t like waiting. You should have thought of that before betting more than you had.”

Before you could react, the demon’s eyes flickered toward you, a sinister grin spreading across his face. “But maybe… you have something else to offer as collateral.”

Your blood ran cold as the demon’s gaze locked onto you. He stood and snapped his fingers, and in an instant, shadowy tendrils wrapped around you, pulling you out of your chair and pinning you in place.

“(Y/N)!” Mammon cried, lunging forward, but the demon held up a hand.

“Ah, ah,” the demon said smoothly. “You lost, Mammon. You don’t get to make demands anymore. Unless, of course, you can pay up right now… I’ll just take this human as collateral.”

Panic surged through you as the tendrils tightened around your arms, immobilizing you. Mammon’s face went pale, his eyes wide with horror.

“N-No! You can’t take (Y/N)!” Mammon shouted, desperation clear in his voice. “Look, I’ll get the money, just give me more time!”

The demon tilted his head, clearly enjoying Mammon’s distress. “You had your chance. If you want to see them again, you’d better come up with something quick.”

With that, the demon vanished into the shadows, taking you with him. The last thing you saw before the world went dark was Mammon’s terrified expression.

When you came to, you were in a dimly lit room, the cold stone beneath you sending a chill up your spine. The shadows that had held you in place were gone, but you were still trapped, unable to see a way out.

“Mammon…” you whispered, fear tightening your chest. Would he be able to find you? What if he couldn’t?

Time passed, though you had no way of knowing how long. All you could do was wait, your heart pounding in your chest, until finally, you heard voices outside the door.

“Mammon, you absolute idiot! I cannot believe you dragged (Y/N) into this!” a familiar voice growled, filled with fury.

Lucifer.

The door burst open, and there stood Mammon, looking frantic and disheveled, with Lucifer right behind him, his expression a mix of anger and concern.

“(Y/N)!” Mammon rushed to your side, dropping to his knees beside you. “I’m so sorry! I’m gonna get ya out of here, I promise.”

Lucifer stepped forward, casting a cold glare at the demon who had taken you hostage. “Release them. Now. Or you’ll have more than just Mammon to deal with.”

The demon, who had been lounging in the corner of the room, stood up slowly, clearly unnerved by Lucifer’s presence. “I was only collecting on a debt,” he said, though his voice wavered.

“You can collect on the debt without involving (Y/N),” Lucifer snapped, his eyes glowing with deadly intent. “Let them go, or I’ll ensure you regret it.”

The demon hesitated for a moment, before waving his hand dismissively. The shadows that had held you in place dissolved, and you stumbled forward into Mammon’s arms. He held you tight, not letting go for a second.

“(Y/N)…” Mammon whispered, his voice shaking. “I’m sorry. I shoulda never brought ya into this.”

You could feel the guilt radiating from him, and despite everything, you couldn’t bring yourself to be mad at him.

[midnightsummer-glow]

Obey Me masterlist

*ೃ༄ Lucifer *ೃ༄

*ೃ༄ Mammon *ೃ༄

High Stakes and Heartbeats

*ೃ༄ Leviathan *ೃ༄

A Connection Across Worlds

*ೃ༄ Satan *ೃ༄

*ೃ༄ Amso *ೃ༄

*ೃ༄ Beel *ೃ༄

*ೃ༄ belphie *ೃ༄

[midnightsummer-glow]

Home in Your Embrace: A Night Beneath the Stars

Kyōjurō x reader

It had been weeks since Kyōjurō Rengoku had left on his latest mission, and you could feel the quiet of the house settling around you in his absence. The warmth that usually accompanied his presence seemed to have dimmed, leaving an empty space that you eagerly waited to fill when he returned. He was always so full of life, his booming laugh, his fiery spirit, the way he always made you feel like the center of his world, even with the constant threat of demons lurking.

You had been thinking a lot lately, wanting to do something special for him when he returned. After all, Kyōjurō always did so much for you. He always made sure you were comfortable, safe, and loved, no matter how hectic his life as a Hashira became. It was time for you to show him just how much he meant to you.

That’s when you decided you would plan a surprise romantic dinner.

For days, you plotted everything down to the tiniest detail. You scouted the markets early in the morning, buying fresh ingredients and making mental notes of the things he enjoyed the most—grilled fish, rice seasoned with furikake, and of course, his beloved sweet potatoes. You even found a rare bottle of sake that you knew would pair perfectly with the meal. You imagined the look on his face when he walked through the door, tired but content, only to be greeted by the smell of his favorite dishes and the warm glow of a perfectly set table.

As the day of his return approached, you grew more excited. You spent the entire afternoon preparing. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the sky as you set the table outside, underneath the stars. It would be a peaceful evening, you hoped, just the two of you, away from the chaos of his duties. You draped the table in a soft, cream-colored cloth, placed a few small candles in the center, and sprinkled fresh flower petals you had gathered earlier in the day. The ambiance was romantic, exactly what you were aiming for.

You sighed as you finished plating the food, taking a moment to admire your work. The savory scent of the grilled fish and the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes filled the air, making your mouth water. You quickly adjusted the collar of your yukata, smoothing the fabric nervously. Would Kyōjurō like it? Would he be surprised?

Just then, you heard the unmistakable sound of the front door sliding open, followed by the heavy yet steady footsteps of your beloved Hashira. Your heart raced in anticipation. This was it. You quickly wiped your hands on a towel and rushed to meet him.

Kyōjurō appeared in the entryway, looking as radiant as ever despite the fatigue that clung to his expression. His bright, golden hair with those vibrant red tips caught the fading light, making him look almost ethereal. He hadn’t noticed you yet, his focus still on removing his haori, which was splattered with dirt and the evidence of a hard-fought battle. His eyes flicked up when he sensed your presence, and the tiredness in his face immediately melted away.

“Ah, Y/N!” he called, his voice full of the usual warmth you missed so much. “I’m home!”

“Welcome home, Kyōjurō,” you greeted softly, smiling as you approached him. “You must be exhausted.”

“I won’t lie, it was a challenging mission,” he admitted with a chuckle, wiping the sweat from his brow. “But nothing I can’t handle! The flame of my soul still burns brightly, thanks to you.”

His eyes softened as he took in your appearance, the subtle changes in the house, the fragrant aroma of the food wafting from outside.

“Wait… what’s this?” he asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

You felt a flutter of excitement as you took his hand gently and led him outside to the dining area you had prepared. The moment he stepped out and saw the table, his mouth fell open slightly in surprise.

“Y/N… did you do all this?”

You nodded, your heart swelling at his reaction. “I wanted to surprise you,” you explained softly. “You’ve been working so hard, Kyōjurō. I thought you deserved something special.”

For a moment, he just stood there, taking it all in. His usual exuberance was replaced by a deep, quiet gratitude. He turned to look at you, his eyes soft and full of emotion.

“You never fail to amaze me,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

His words made your chest tighten, and you squeezed his hand a little tighter. “You don’t have to do anything, Kyōjurō. I’m just… I’m just happy to have you here.”

His expression brightened again as he let out one of his booming laughs. “Well then! Let’s eat before all your hard work gets cold! I’m starving!”

You couldn’t help but smile as you guided him to his seat, taking your own across from him. He immediately dug into the food with his usual enthusiasm, exclaiming how delicious everything was. His praise made your heart soar. He took a particularly large bite of the sweet potatoes, his favorite, and closed his eyes, savoring the flavor.

“These sweet potatoes are perfect! You always know how to make them just the way I like!” he said between bites, giving you that dazzling grin of his that never failed to make you blush.

“I remembered,” you said, a little shyly, “I know how much you like them.”

His gaze softened again, lingering on you as he placed his chopsticks down for a moment. “You always remember the little things. I can’t tell you how much that means to me, Y/N.”

You could feel the warmth of his gaze, and your heart fluttered in your chest. “It’s because I love you, Kyōjurō,” you said softly, your eyes meeting his. “You mean the world to me, and I just want you to know that.”

There was a beat of silence, and then Kyōjurō reached across the table, taking your hand in his. His grip was firm, warm, comforting—the same way he always made you feel when he was near.

“I love you too, Y/N,” he said, his voice quiet, but no less full of passion. “More than anything. You are the light that keeps my flame burning.”

His words sent a wave of emotion through you, and you squeezed his hand, feeling the familiar warmth and safety that only he could provide. The two of you stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying the moment, the food, and each other’s company. The stars twinkled above, the candles flickered softly in the gentle breeze, and for a while, the world seemed to melt away.

After dinner, Kyōjurō insisted on helping clean up, despite your protests. “I can’t let you do all the work!” he said, laughing. “Besides, it’s the least I can do after such an incredible meal.”

You couldn’t help but laugh as he clumsily tried to balance the dishes, his exuberance making even the most mundane tasks feel like an adventure. Once the cleaning was done, the two of you returned to the table to enjoy the final part of the night—a quiet moment together with the bottle of sake you had saved for this special occasion.

You poured each of you a small cup, raising yours with a smile. “To you, Kyōjurō. And to all the battles you’ve won, and the ones you’ll continue to fight.”

Kyōjurō’s eyes gleamed with pride and affection as he raised his cup to meet yours. “And to you, my love. For always being my reason to keep fighting.”

The two of you sipped your sake, the warmth of the alcohol mingling with the warmth of the evening and the love you shared. There was something so peaceful about it all, sitting there with Kyōjurō, watching the stars together.

Eventually, the night grew late, and Kyōjurō’s tiredness began to catch up with him. He stretched, yawning as he leaned back in his chair, but his hand never left yours.

“You know,” he said, his voice growing softer as sleep crept in, “I never thought I’d be this lucky. To have someone like you, waiting for me. Loving me.”

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words, and you squeezed his hand gently. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Kyōjurō. I’ll always be here, waiting for you.”

His eyes fluttered shut as a contented smile spread across his face. “And I’ll always come home to you, Y/N.”

And with that promise, the two of you sat together, quietly watching the stars, knowing that no matter how many battles lay ahead, you’d always have each other to come home to.

[midnightsummer-glow]

The Sun and the Shadows

Yoriichi x reader

The warmth of the sun filters through the trees as you make your way toward the small, isolated village where Yoriichi Tsugikuni lives. The forest around you is peaceful, with the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Yet, despite the beauty of your surroundings, there’s a weight in your chest that only grows heavier the closer you get. You’ve known Yoriichi for as long as you can remember—since the days when you both were still children, playing by the river, racing under the sun’s rays. He’s always been more than a friend to you. He’s been like a guiding star, a presence that made you feel safe, no matter how chaotic or uncertain the world became.

Today, however, that safety feels threatened by the news you heard just days ago—news that Yoriichi’s wife and child were dead, slaughtered by a demon while he was away. A feeling of helplessness washed over you when you first heard it, and now, as you reach the village, it claws at your chest. You know Yoriichi—how quiet he is, how deeply he feels everything. You don’t know how he’ll recover from this.

The sight of his small house, nestled against a hillside, brings a pang of sorrow. The quiet seems wrong. You were used to the gentle laughter of Yoriichi’s wife and the soft coos of their child whenever you visited. Now, it’s silent.

You walk up to the door and knock softly, hoping that your presence can bring him some comfort, even though you know no words could ever truly heal the wound he’s suffered.

The door creaks open slowly. Yoriichi stands there, looking as if a piece of his very soul has been taken from him. His usual serene expression is strained, and his deep, red eyes hold a grief so profound that it takes your breath away.

“Y/N,” he says, his voice soft, almost hollow. He steps aside, letting you in without another word.

You step inside, taking in the simple furnishings, the quietness that fills every corner. The house is neat, yet there’s a heaviness in the air, a feeling that something irreplaceable has been lost. You turn to Yoriichi, who stands quietly by the door, his head bowed slightly as if the weight of his sorrow is too much to bear.

“Yoriichi,” you begin gently, “I’m so sorry.”

He doesn’t respond right away. His eyes remain fixed on the ground, and for a moment, you’re not sure if he even heard you. Then, finally, he speaks, his voice low, almost a whisper. “I couldn’t protect them.”

The words cut deep. You take a step closer, wishing you could take away even a fraction of his pain, but knowing you can’t. “You couldn’t have known,” you say softly. “You’re only human, Yoriichi. You can’t be everywhere at once.”

He shakes his head, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “I’m not just human. I’m a Demon Slayer. I swore to protect them. I failed.”

The silence stretches between you as the weight of his guilt and sorrow presses down. You want to reach out, to place a hand on his shoulder, but something holds you back, knowing how raw his emotions must be. Instead, you sit down across from him, offering him what little comfort you can by being present.

For a long time, neither of you speaks. You simply sit together in the quiet, letting the stillness settle around you like a blanket. You’re not sure how long it’s been when Yoriichi finally breaks the silence.

“I don’t know how to go on,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “Without them, what is the point?”

The vulnerability in his words tugs at your heart, and you find yourself standing, moving closer to him until you’re sitting beside him. “You go on because they would want you to,” you say softly. “You go on because you still have something to fight for—because you still have a purpose. Yoriichi, you can still save others from the same fate. You can still make a difference.”

His eyes meet yours for the first time since you arrived, and you can see the turmoil within him—the battle between his grief and his sense of duty. “But the pain…” he begins, his voice breaking, “how can I carry it?”

“You don’t have to carry it alone,” you reply, your voice steady. “I’m here. I’ll be here, no matter what.”

There’s a long pause before Yoriichi nods slowly, his gaze drifting to the floor again. He doesn’t speak, but there’s a faint sense of acceptance in his posture, as if he’s allowing himself to lean on you, even if only a little.

You don’t leave that night. You stay with him, sitting in the silence of his home, a quiet presence that he can lean on when he’s ready. Over the next few days, you help him with small tasks, not pressing him to speak, but simply being there whenever he needs you. Slowly, he begins to open up again, though the pain is always there, just beneath the surface.

It’s not long after that when Yoriichi returns to the Demon Slayer Corps, and you make the decision to join him. You’d trained on your own for years, but now, seeing the devastation that demons could cause up close, you knew you wanted to fight alongside him—to protect others from experiencing the same kind of loss.

The morning sun breaks through the misty forest as you and Yoriichi train together, the quiet rhythm of your movements in sync with the rise and fall of the world around you. Training with Yoriichi is an experience unlike any other. His skill, his precision, the way he wields his blade—he moves as if he’s part of the very wind itself, untouchable and graceful.

One morning, after an intense session, Yoriichi turns to you, his face calm, but with a hint of something more serious in his gaze. “Y/N,” he begins, “I’ve been thinking… You’ve become stronger—much stronger. And I believe it’s time for me to teach you something… deeper.”

You raise an eyebrow, curious. “Deeper?”

He nods, his expression unwavering. “Sun Breathing. It’s the most ancient and powerful breathing technique—the very origin of all other forms. I want to teach it to you.”

The weight of his words takes a moment to settle in. You’ve heard legends of Sun Breathing, how it was said to be the technique that could rival any demon, no matter how strong. The fact that Yoriichi, the only known user of this form, is offering to teach it to you—it feels almost unreal.

“You think I’m ready?” you ask, your voice a mixture of awe and doubt.

“I know you are,” he replies, his voice firm. “I’ve seen your dedication, your spirit. Sun Breathing isn’t just about strength—it’s about balance, about understanding the flow of life itself. And I believe you already have that within you.”

The trust in his words fills you with a quiet sense of pride. Yoriichi has always seen more in you than you sometimes see in yourself, and now, as he offers you this chance to learn from him, you feel the depth of your bond growing even stronger.

He steps forward, drawing his blade, the metal gleaming in the sunlight. “The first form is called Dance. Watch carefully.”

With a single fluid motion, Yoriichi moves through the first form, his blade cutting through the air with such precision and grace that it seems as though the sun itself responds, shining brighter with every step he takes. The air around him shimmers, and for a moment, you feel as if you’re witnessing something divine.

He finishes the form and turns to you. “Now you try.”

You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. Drawing your own blade, you try to mimic Yoriichi’s movements, feeling the flow of your breath aligning with the rhythm of the earth around you. The first few attempts are clumsy—you trip over your own feet, your blade catching awkwardly in the air. But Yoriichi is patient, offering gentle corrections, his calm presence a steady guide.

“Don’t force it,” he says after one particularly off-balance attempt. “Let the movement flow through you. Sun Breathing isn’t about aggression. It’s about understanding.”

You take his words to heart, focusing on the feel of the air around you, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Slowly, you begin to find the rhythm, the dance becoming more natural with each attempt. By the end of the day, you’ve managed to complete the first form, though not with the same effortless grace as Yoriichi. Still, there’s a sense of accomplishment as you sheathe your sword, turning to face him.

“Well done,” he says, a small, rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You’re learning quickly.”

You can’t help but smile back, feeling a swell of pride. “I have a good teacher.”

For the next few weeks, your training intensifies. Yoriichi teaches you each form of Sun Breathing with the same patience and precision as the first, guiding you through the intricate movements and helping you refine your technique. The bond between you deepens as you spend hours together, practicing, learning, and pushing each other to grow stronger.

There are times when you catch glimpses of the pain still lingering in Yoriichi’s eyes—the loss of his wife and child, the burden he carries as a Demon Slayer. But he never lets it consume him. Instead, he channels that pain

[midnightsummer-glow]

Bothersome beast, comforting friend

[midnightsummer-glow]

I got a free blaze so now you all have to look at pictures of my cat. Look at my precious daughter.

[midnightsummer-glow]

Home in Your Embrace: A Night Beneath the Stars

Kyōjurō x reader

It had been weeks since Kyōjurō Rengoku had left on his latest mission, and you could feel the quiet of the house settling around you in his absence. The warmth that usually accompanied his presence seemed to have dimmed, leaving an empty space that you eagerly waited to fill when he returned. He was always so full of life, his booming laugh, his fiery spirit, the way he always made you feel like the center of his world, even with the constant threat of demons lurking.

You had been thinking a lot lately, wanting to do something special for him when he returned. After all, Kyōjurō always did so much for you. He always made sure you were comfortable, safe, and loved, no matter how hectic his life as a Hashira became. It was time for you to show him just how much he meant to you.

That’s when you decided you would plan a surprise romantic dinner.

For days, you plotted everything down to the tiniest detail. You scouted the markets early in the morning, buying fresh ingredients and making mental notes of the things he enjoyed the most—grilled fish, rice seasoned with furikake, and of course, his beloved sweet potatoes. You even found a rare bottle of sake that you knew would pair perfectly with the meal. You imagined the look on his face when he walked through the door, tired but content, only to be greeted by the smell of his favorite dishes and the warm glow of a perfectly set table.

As the day of his return approached, you grew more excited. You spent the entire afternoon preparing. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue across the sky as you set the table outside, underneath the stars. It would be a peaceful evening, you hoped, just the two of you, away from the chaos of his duties. You draped the table in a soft, cream-colored cloth, placed a few small candles in the center, and sprinkled fresh flower petals you had gathered earlier in the day. The ambiance was romantic, exactly what you were aiming for.

You sighed as you finished plating the food, taking a moment to admire your work. The savory scent of the grilled fish and the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes filled the air, making your mouth water. You quickly adjusted the collar of your yukata, smoothing the fabric nervously. Would Kyōjurō like it? Would he be surprised?

Just then, you heard the unmistakable sound of the front door sliding open, followed by the heavy yet steady footsteps of your beloved Hashira. Your heart raced in anticipation. This was it. You quickly wiped your hands on a towel and rushed to meet him.

Kyōjurō appeared in the entryway, looking as radiant as ever despite the fatigue that clung to his expression. His bright, golden hair with those vibrant red tips caught the fading light, making him look almost ethereal. He hadn’t noticed you yet, his focus still on removing his haori, which was splattered with dirt and the evidence of a hard-fought battle. His eyes flicked up when he sensed your presence, and the tiredness in his face immediately melted away.

“Ah, Y/N!” he called, his voice full of the usual warmth you missed so much. “I’m home!”

“Welcome home, Kyōjurō,” you greeted softly, smiling as you approached him. “You must be exhausted.”

“I won’t lie, it was a challenging mission,” he admitted with a chuckle, wiping the sweat from his brow. “But nothing I can’t handle! The flame of my soul still burns brightly, thanks to you.”

His eyes softened as he took in your appearance, the subtle changes in the house, the fragrant aroma of the food wafting from outside.

“Wait… what’s this?” he asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

You felt a flutter of excitement as you took his hand gently and led him outside to the dining area you had prepared. The moment he stepped out and saw the table, his mouth fell open slightly in surprise.

“Y/N… did you do all this?”

You nodded, your heart swelling at his reaction. “I wanted to surprise you,” you explained softly. “You’ve been working so hard, Kyōjurō. I thought you deserved something special.”

For a moment, he just stood there, taking it all in. His usual exuberance was replaced by a deep, quiet gratitude. He turned to look at you, his eyes soft and full of emotion.

“You never fail to amaze me,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

His words made your chest tighten, and you squeezed his hand a little tighter. “You don’t have to do anything, Kyōjurō. I’m just… I’m just happy to have you here.”

His expression brightened again as he let out one of his booming laughs. “Well then! Let’s eat before all your hard work gets cold! I’m starving!”

You couldn’t help but smile as you guided him to his seat, taking your own across from him. He immediately dug into the food with his usual enthusiasm, exclaiming how delicious everything was. His praise made your heart soar. He took a particularly large bite of the sweet potatoes, his favorite, and closed his eyes, savoring the flavor.

“These sweet potatoes are perfect! You always know how to make them just the way I like!” he said between bites, giving you that dazzling grin of his that never failed to make you blush.

“I remembered,” you said, a little shyly, “I know how much you like them.”

His gaze softened again, lingering on you as he placed his chopsticks down for a moment. “You always remember the little things. I can’t tell you how much that means to me, Y/N.”

You could feel the warmth of his gaze, and your heart fluttered in your chest. “It’s because I love you, Kyōjurō,” you said softly, your eyes meeting his. “You mean the world to me, and I just want you to know that.”

There was a beat of silence, and then Kyōjurō reached across the table, taking your hand in his. His grip was firm, warm, comforting—the same way he always made you feel when he was near.

“I love you too, Y/N,” he said, his voice quiet, but no less full of passion. “More than anything. You are the light that keeps my flame burning.”

His words sent a wave of emotion through you, and you squeezed his hand, feeling the familiar warmth and safety that only he could provide. The two of you stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying the moment, the food, and each other’s company. The stars twinkled above, the candles flickered softly in the gentle breeze, and for a while, the world seemed to melt away.

After dinner, Kyōjurō insisted on helping clean up, despite your protests. “I can’t let you do all the work!” he said, laughing. “Besides, it’s the least I can do after such an incredible meal.”

You couldn’t help but laugh as he clumsily tried to balance the dishes, his exuberance making even the most mundane tasks feel like an adventure. Once the cleaning was done, the two of you returned to the table to enjoy the final part of the night—a quiet moment together with the bottle of sake you had saved for this special occasion.

You poured each of you a small cup, raising yours with a smile. “To you, Kyōjurō. And to all the battles you’ve won, and the ones you’ll continue to fight.”

Kyōjurō’s eyes gleamed with pride and affection as he raised his cup to meet yours. “And to you, my love. For always being my reason to keep fighting.”

The two of you sipped your sake, the warmth of the alcohol mingling with the warmth of the evening and the love you shared. There was something so peaceful about it all, sitting there with Kyōjurō, watching the stars together.

Eventually, the night grew late, and Kyōjurō’s tiredness began to catch up with him. He stretched, yawning as he leaned back in his chair, but his hand never left yours.

“You know,” he said, his voice growing softer as sleep crept in, “I never thought I’d be this lucky. To have someone like you, waiting for me. Loving me.”

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words, and you squeezed his hand gently. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Kyōjurō. I’ll always be here, waiting for you.”

His eyes fluttered shut as a contented smile spread across his face. “And I’ll always come home to you, Y/N.”

And with that promise, the two of you sat together, quietly watching the stars, knowing that no matter how many battles lay ahead, you’d always have each other to come home to.

[midnightsummer-glow]

[midnightsummer-glow]

[midnightsummer-glow]

[midnightsummer-glow]

all cats deserve a self portrait