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For the sixth time in a row, Akaza stepped away. He was stronger than Rengoku, and they both knew it, but every time he had the chance to kill him, he stopped. At first, Rengoku was often left bloody and broken; very truly feeling as though he’d had a brush with death. But as their encounters grew in number, Akaza seemed to care less and less about actually hurting him. It was as though he was playing a game; content to simply toy around with Rengoku until he grew bored of him. In fact, he was starting to look forward to their meetings--whether he actually managed to get Rengoku to fight him or if he simply watched him fight weaker demons. There was something admirable about the hunter, and Akaza was enraptured.
This time, however, Rengoku called out to him.
“Why won’t you kill me?” His voice was raspy and he was breathing heavily, but when Akaza turned to face him, there was a fire in his eyes. Akaza paused, realizing just how angry Rengoku was with him.
“You’re speaking as though you want me to. Doesn’t that seem much stranger than leaving you alive?” Akaza spoke matter-of-factly, watching as Rengoku seethed and struggled to stand.
“What I want is to beat you, Akaza. I know each time that you walk away, you’re off to kill somebody else. So if I could stop you, then nobody else would have to die by your hand. Is that really so hard for you to understand?” Rengoku looked livid, and Akaza was almost worried that he’d try to fight again despite his injuries. He sighed, walking closer to where Rengoku had fallen back to his knees. He crouched down next to him and lifted Rengoku’s chin.
“Kyoujurou, you’re far too precious to die like this.” Rengoku froze, giving Akaza the opportunity to make his swift exit. He really didn’t want to kill Rengoku. Or at least, not yet. He almost wanted to stick around, just to keep an eye on him, but reinforcements were sure to arrive soon and Akaza hated nothing more than fighting absolute weaklings. Instead, he simply put some distance between them. It was risky, leaving a Pillar alive, but Akaza found himself ignoring the danger of his consequences time and time again. He shook his head as if to chase away his thoughts and ran a little faster.
Once he reached a nearby town, he slipped into a dark alleyway. He had no doubt that Rengoku would heal quickly, but he still found himself worrying for his safety (despite his injuries being his own fault). He was starting to consider heading back to watch over Rengoku when he heard footsteps approaching. A familiar laugh rang through the alleyway and Akaza grimaced as Douma’s tall form came into view.
“Seems like someone’s been up to no good…” Akaza’s faced curled into a sneer and he made sure to fill his voice with spite.
“What do you want with me, Douma?” His appearance was never a good sign, especially when he tried to mess with Akaza’s affairs. Not to mention, something about him always put Akaza on edge; he was dangerous, but it simmered beneath his easygoing façade. Akaza didn't trust him one bit.
“Oh, I don't have any business with you!” He paused, his eyes meeting Akaza's. “But I just might have business with that little hunter friend of yours…”
Akaza's eyes went wide and within a split second he had his hands around Douma’s neck, shoving him against the wall of the alley.
“Don't you fucking dare.” Akaza’s voice was low, dangerous. In the back of his mind, he knew that he was being stupid; Douma was above him in rank, after all, and could most certainly beat him. But the idea of Rengoku being harmed by anyone other than himself made him feel sick. Thankfully, Douma just laughed, raising his arms in mock defeat.
“Hey now, I was just looking for some fun!” Akaza's hands tightened around his neck. “Alright, alright. I get it. I actually came to give you a little bit of a warning.”
With that, Akaza let go. He was still on edge but Douma had caught his curiosity. “What kind of warning?”
Douma smiled, leaning in close as though he were telling a secret. “You're going to get yourself killed. Or maybe your boyfriend. Or hey, maybe even both!” Akaza made a choked noise at the word “boyfriend” but he tried his best not to show much of a reaction. He was angry enough already. Douma continued, “I’m sure you've realized it already, but the second Muzan-sama finds about that you've spared the life of a Pillar a bunch of times, it's not going to end well. You should probably just kill him, right? I'm actually pretty tempted to kill him myself, I wouldn't want a precious friend like you to die!”
Akaza felt like gagging. Douma was acting far too amicable, as per usual. However, he had a point; Muzan had little tolerance for leaving any demon hunters alive, and very likely much less so for Pillars. Still, Douma just had to phrase it in a way that would make Akaza mad.
“I already told you to leave him alone. And stop following me, this is none of your business.” Douma sighed and shrugged in response. “I suppose you're right… But you're so cold, Akaza! You didn't used to be like this, back when-”
“Don’t finish that sentence.” Akaza cut him off. Douma giggled, raising a hand to cover his mouth. “Oh, you always were so easily flustered. Well, hopefully you'll figure something out! If you can't bring yourself to kill him, just let me know!” With that, Douma walked away, back into the dimly lit streets. Akaza stormed off in the other direction, needing to distance himself from Douma as much as possible. He climbed the side of a building and made his way across the rooftops, anger still burning through him. He had to get away from here, as far away as he could.
Before he knew it, he was facing the Butterfly Estate. He wasn't even sure how long he had been running for but his feet had seemingly brought him here. His mind was cloudy but one thing was clear: Rengoku was inside, he had to be. Why else would he have ended up here? Thoughts of Douma or Muzan reaching Rengoku first had his heart rate accelerated but Akaza managed to calm down enough to think properly. It would be entirely too reckless to simply walk inside--he wasn't in the mood to needlessly slaughter everyone. So he made his way around to the back, quickly climbing a tall tree to get a better view over the fence. He breathed a sigh of relief as he spotted Rengoku, sitting cross-legged on the porch. Akaza could see the bandages around his injuries, but he didn't appear to be in too much pain. And luckily, he was alone.
Akaza was on the verge of revealing his presence when he hesitated. Why was he actually here? Was he just going to watch over him? Douma’s words rang through his head and Akaza’s palms started to sweat. I have to kill him, right? If I don't do it, someone else will. Akaza’s mind set out the logical process; killing Rengoku now would minimize his losses, and end their relationship before it became a weakness . Not to mention, he would be keeping himself out of danger as well. He’s weak here, and vulnerable. If there's a time, it's now.
But then Akaza looked back at Rengoku and hesitated. Even when injured, a fiery passion for life and a compassionate heart shone through every inch of Rengoku’s being. He burned like the sun, surely bright enough to reduce a demon to ashes. He was wonderful, incredible, and Akaza made sure to tell him whenever possible. For a demon like himself, Rengoku was akin to something divine, and Akaza would sink to his knees before him if given the chance. He could feel his heart beating heavily in his chest.
There was no way he could kill him.
The realization struck him hard, and Akaza found that he could think of nothing but Rengoku. As if in a daze, he leapt over the fence, clearly in Rengoku’s line of vision but quietly enough to not wake anyone inside. He saw Rengoku’s eyes widen and he started to stand but Akaza raised a finger to his lips and whispered, “Wait.”
Surprisingly, Rengoku obeyed, sitting back down but his eyes still wide and wary. He was on edge. So Akaza walked slowly towards him, speaking quietly.
“You're injured, I’m not here to fight. I just want to talk. So please, stay quiet.” He reached the house and Rengoku still hadn't spoken a word. Akaza dared to take a seat next to him, and Rengoku didn't move. However, he did speak.
“Tell me why I shouldn't decapitate you right now.”
Akaza raised his hands as if to signal his surrender. He knew that Rengoku was probably confused and angry (those injuries were caused by him, after all), so he tried to tread lightly. “Well for one, you're injured. You shouldn't exert yourself. And for two, I'm here to explain some things.” Akaza took a hesitant breath and continued. “You've probably figured it out by now, but I can't seem to kill you. Unfortunately, that almost puts you in more danger.” He clasped his hands nervously in his lap, and turned to Rengoku before continuing, “I'm supposed to kill Pillars like you on sight, so when Muzan finds out that I've let you live…” Akaza trailed off, sure that Rengoku understood exactly what he meant. He wasn't responding, so Akaza faced him properly and his breath caught in his throat. The sight of Rengoku with his hair down and his face softened by the light of the moon made him freeze. He wanted to reach out and touch him, just to be certain he wasn't a vision, some kind of fantasy. The truth rang clear now more than ever: Akaza was entirely in the palm of his hand. He would do anything for him.
“I understand. “ Rengoku finally spoke. He faced Akaza, the anger mostly gone from his features. “My only question is why? You've had plenty of chances to end my life, so why have you never taken it?” Rengoku was stepping into territory that he really, really shouldn't, but there was no way that Akaza could refuse him an answer; he was completely at his mercy.
“Kyoujurou…” He started, leaning closer to Rengoku. “I think I'm in love with you.”
Rengoku's mouth opened slightly in surprise but he didn't actually seem too shocked. Akaza was still very much in his personal space, and held his gaze. He didn't want Rengoku to think he wasn't serious. Then Rengoku squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked like he was struggling.
“Akaza. Make a deal with me.”
The demon blinked. That wasn't what he was expecting. “Sure?”
“Stop killing humans.” Rengoku gripped Akaza's shoulders and met his eyes. “Do this for me.”
Akaza's heartbeat was getting louder with every moment under Rengoku’s strong gaze. Did he realize what exactly he was saying? Rengoku seemed to recognize the sway he had over Akaza; in truth, the demon couldn't even bring himself to care.
“Anything for you, Kyoujurou.” He whispered, not daring to flash his usual smile. He was sealing himself to this fate, no matter the consequences. Rengoku searched his eyes, as if trying to ascertain that he was actually telling the truth.
“Okay.” He whispered in return. And then he was leaning in and Akaza could feel his heartbeat in his fingertips and he surged forward to meet Rengoku's lips with his own. The hunter was still gripping his shoulders but his touch softened, his hands sliding up to hold the back of Akaza’s neck and pull him closer. Akaza took the opportunity to run his hands through Rengoku’s hair, feeling the soft curls wrap around his fingers. He felt like his heart was going to burst. He sighed into the kiss, his breath brushing over Rengoku’s tanned skin. He wanted to sink into Rengoku’s touch, to hold him tight and never let go. He wanted Rengoku to kiss him until he couldn't breathe. He would sit here until sunrise if it meant that he would never spend another second away from his embrace.
“Akaza…” Rengoku spoke softly, his lips still brushing Akaza’s. The demon hummed in response, tilting his head slightly to kiss him again. Whatever Rengoku was going to say was apparently going to wait because he gladly returned Akaza’s affection, practically melting into his touch. Akaza moved his hand to cup Rengoku’s cheek, brushing his thumb over his spreading blush.
Then they heard light footsteps and both froze, slowly turning to face the house. One of the youngest girls living at the estate walked slowly past the open door behind them, dragging her feet and rubbing at her eyes. But she simply yawned and passed them by without noticing, and they both breathed a sigh of relief. Rengoku seemed to be a little shaken up, however, and Akaza felt his heart sink as a Rengoku's hands were removed from his nape, moving instead to hold his hands.
“Akaza.” Rengoku’s voice was quiet and serious, but his eyes were still soft when they met Akaza’s own. “You know full well that we-” he gestured vaguely to indicate the relationship between them- “aren’t safe here. Tread carefully and I will do the same.”
Akaza nodded in agreement, slightly tightening his grip on Rengoku’s hands. Then Rengoku leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together. His skin was warm, and Akaza cherished his comforting touch. “But you can stay a bit longer if you’d like…” Akaza couldn't help the smile on his face. He pressed a chaste kiss to Rengoku’s lips.
“As if I'd ever turn you down.”