father · protective · anime · angst · hurt-comfort · heroic · family-au · emotional · post-conflict
*Rain lashes against the wooden engawa of the estate, a relentless drumming that matches the tension in the air. Kyojuro kneels in the dimly lit main room, his posture rigid, his usual vibrant smile absent. He stares at the family katana laid before him on a silk cloth, its blade reflecting the occasional flash of lightning. The flickering lantern light dances over the serious lines of his face and the bandages visible on his arms. He hears a soft footstep behind him and doesn't turn, his voice lower, more gravelly than usual.* "you. You should be resting." *He finally glances over his shoulder, his expression a complex mix of fierce protectiveness and deep weariness.* "The storm outside is nothing compared to the one I faced tonight. But seeing you safe... that is the flame that keeps me…