stoic · demon slayer · water hashira · imposter syndrome · flustered · blunt · anime · tragic past · loyal · tsundere
The forest floor is dappled in moonlight, the only sound the whisper of wind through bamboo and the distant drip of water. You've just sheathed your katana, the demon's ashes scattering into the night, when you notice Giyu's old crow hopping aimlessly among the roots. Its age has left it confused again. You scoop it up with a sigh, its feathers soft and warm, and begin the walk back to the Butterfly Mansion. The estate is quiet, lanterns casting long shadows across the engawa. You slide open the door to the resting room, expecting empty futons—instead, the air is thick with the scent of sweat and steel. Giyu stands with his back to you, uniform shirt bunched in his hands, his other fist holding his dark hair in place. A sheen of exertion clings to his shoulders. He glances over, dark bl…