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Kokushibo prides himself on his discipline, honed to perfection after many years of rigorous training, indestructible and battle ready. But he was still just a man. It seemed no matter how hard he fought, Kokushibo could not stop his gaze that lingered far longer than it should. Every time he found the power to look away and bring his attention elsewhere, even to something as minuscule as a dust particle, his eyes betrayed him and willed themselves back to its draw. Nakime.
Kokushibo tore his eyes away, scowling at the floor. He needs keep his focus elsewhere, after all what kind of swordsman would he be if his discipline was broken over something so trivial. He should spend his time practicing his forms, that would be a better use of it.
Before he could stand, that sentiment was shattered and his discipline was cracked, his peripheral betrayed him, taking in the sight of her raising a severed limb to her captivating lips, it was futile. He remained seated and returned his furtive gaze. He doesn’t understand why that is what brings his attention to her the most.
The simple act of watching her sink her sharp canines into supple flesh, the blood mixing deliciously with her lipstick and never soiling her face and body. Nakime was never one to make a mess after all.
Her glorious and beautiful silk kimono, never harbored a single stain or tear. Her hair perfectly straight and never a strand out of place. No, never will she be in a state of disarray. Even if she was vulnerable in her current state, she took care to keep herself presentable, taking diligent bites of her food
Kokushibo wondered if his skills were depleting. Every time he would stare she seemed to feel it, peering in his direction to confirm her growing suspicion. If she tried to catch him, he could sense it before she even attempted and close his eyes in a simple meditation, but it didn’t stop his blood from pumping at the feeling of almost being caught.
He shouldn’t be watching, after all if another demon were to watch him eat, he’d fill with blinding rage and bestow unimaginable pain for the disturbance of his meal with their disgusting stare and mawls filled with slobber. Unranked demons were akin to disgusting animals begging for food, they would steal or fight for it. They couldn’t wait for the sun to go down to get their fill, like rabid animals they’d tear each other apart for a sliver of blood. It was deplorable.
Was he no better? his gaze was not one of hunger, it never left her mouth.. but it was only present when she was eating.. was he just as uncivilized as them?
No. No. He isn’t, he is nothing like them, he is an upper-moon. You do not get this position being an animal.
Was it disgust? No. Not Nakime. What a ridiculous thought.
Nakime was just one that warranted attention.
It was a rare sight to see Nakime eat at all, her time was spent practicing her biwa, and singing such heavenly melodies that Kokushibo could listen to over and over. never growing weary of them. It helped Kokushibo think, helped him calm down from unruly fits of rage. A small part of him wanted to believe she played them for him, but it was quickly squashed.
He seemingly put more effort into watching her than have a conversation with her. They had spoken in passing and spoken when Kokushibo was summoned by Muzan. But that’s all their interactions exceeded to. Orders.
After all he was an upper rank, what business would he need with a lower rank?
But he knew better than to perceive her the same as the others. Unlike them Nakime was extraordinary, brilliant, useful, and made the very castle they reside in. To treat her as equal to them would be horribly underestimating her, and disrespectful to her very being.
Kokushibo would keep the rest of his eyes closed, but his bottom left eye was open to watch. Paying attention to every move she made; her slight hunch in posture to lesson any risk of blood staining her beautiful kimono and her very form, the way she adjusted every so often when handling her meal, how her hair kept away and didn’t disturb her, but her bangs still covered that eye of hers. And of course, her mouth.
He watched as her teeth became full of delicious crimson, they rip into the flesh of that severed arm like a seamstress would tear her fabrics.
Nakime licked her lips and her tongue trailed the blood seeping down the forearm, not wanting to waste any of its delicious nectar.
Kokushibo swallowed thickly, his mouth suddenly dry and his pulse quickening. He couldn’t take his eye away from her, the way her nails dug into the flesh enough to keep it still but not enough to break the skin.
She wasn’t an animal like the rest of these disgusting creatures, she was dignified and virtuous. Her bloody teeth sank into the fat, tearing at the meat and bringing a good amount into her mouth before chewing it.
Those lips of hers.. they looked so soft.. so beautiful. Blood only pooled at the sides of her mouth but they never dripped, they danced in the winsome lines of her lips only to be licked clean by her crimson stained tongue and swallowed back. It wasn’t long until she took another bite, this time at the muscle and tearing the deep veins with little difficulty from their place, silently slurping and licking any blood that dared to escape anywhere but her lips.
Nakime made everything bewitching, her beloved biwa created this beautiful intricate castle. Her singing alone could lure anyone to her, everything about her was just as gorgeous as her musical ability.
Even when she would have her own moments of rage, plucking at her biwa to make the castle shift and twist, rise and fall. Becoming a nauseating ride for anyone unfortunate enough to stay inside the castle during her rampage. There was something captivating about those moment of rage, the creeks of wood, shoji doors opening and shutting rapidly, some opening to other parts of the castle.
His favorite was when she would make new tall buildings only to tear them down not even half way through, sending wood chips and bamboo flying.
Kokushibo never left the castle during those times and the shifting was perfect for honing his reflexes.
Of course Muzan would scold her if it ever disturbed him, but seldom it did, the only time it disturbed him was when the noise was an excessive racket.
No matter what, it seemed everything she did could captivate any one, it was no different when she would eat.
Kokushibo’s breathing was steady, but his blood seemed to run throughout his body faster. Had he still been human he would’ve assumed he was in danger of some kind. But that feeling was so addictive, he couldn’t understand why he got it from just watching the simple act of Nakime eating. He refused to believe it was any thing deeper, anything human.
He knew nothing about her, aside from the stories she sang to be a reminiscent of the past. But this was just a faze, what was driving him to act so disrespectful will pass.
___
Months had passed and it seemed his new habit was becoming routine. Nakime’s rare sites of eating turned semi-regular, and he was lucky enough to witness it almost every time.
As much as he denied any affection towards her. He became more bold with his stare the longer it would take her to notice.
Barley hiding it by only keeping one eye on her anymore, instead shifting to keep three of his eyes on her form while the rest were closed, he adjusted his seating to slightly face her direction and get a better view.
It must be the strength he admire— No, not admire. He wasn’t so foolish to use such fond words. Those feelings are left for humans, the weak and vulnerable.
He holds the title of upper-moon one. What should he admire from a lower rank demon such as her? He should be admired, be desired, watched, respected.
Desired?.. No. that isn’t the right word..
Kokushibo felt a slight tingle run along his back, it wasn’t the usual one he would feel when he knew she was going to catch is gaze, so he ignored it in favor of her lips as the familiar sight of blood darkened her lipstick. He watched Nakime swallow and dart her tongue to lick up any blood that may have stained her lips, prompting him to unconsciously lick his own.
“Upper-moon one,” Nakime softly spoke, breaking him away from his trance. He opened all of his eyes and fully faced her direction, letting her know she had his attention. Though she’s had his attention for so long now. Her head did not move from its straight forward position, that’s why it didn’t feel the same as before. “May I ask why you stare at me so? Have I done something to offend you?”
Kokushibo stayed silent, keeping his composure and tried not to show any indication of just how fast his blood seemed to flow throughout his whole body. “You have done nothing wrong, Nakime.” He stated simply, it was the only words he could force out.
Kokushibo was struggling to speak, even forming new words made his throat go dry. Why was this so difficult? what is wrong with him? He felt like a child being caught doing something they shouldn’t, he wanted to look away out of his own shame but kept his gaze firm and strong.
“Forgive me if I’m stepping out of line, upper-moon one. But you stare every time I eat.” Nakime noticeably seemed to squirm a little where she sat, “are you hungry?” Nakime’s hold on the severed leg eased. Knowing her, she would put everything on pause and open the shoji doors to any place she could visualize if he told her yes. “No.” His hands clammed on his hakama pants, that feeling bubbled in his chest and seemed to travel, he wasn’t sure how long he could keep his facade. She wasn’t scolding him or chastising him, so why did he still feel that shame crawling. “Do not let me disturb your meal, continue as you were,”
Nakime tilted her head in Kokushibo’s direction causing Kokushibo to stiffen, he felt her gaze before but never had he met it. A fleeting thought; wanting to push back her long black hair, and reveal that beautiful eye to stare deeply into it, was forced down, like the many others that were so intimate about her. Why would she want someone so repulsive to look at her, anyway. That must be why she’s upset. Why she felt she had to finally speak out. How selfish of him.
“Would you like to join me? I wouldn’t mind the company,” in that moment all his self-deprecating thoughts dissolved, his shame replaced with confusion. Kokushibo wished he could’ve known what she was thinking. Why would she be so kind to his clear disregard of her privacy? He never wanted to disrespect her, yet months later he was doing that exact thing by disturbing her moment of peace.
“Please, do not feel obligated to be kind, It is not warranted for someone like me.” he held himself back from fidgeting as he spoke, only noticeable if you were paying very close attention. But Nakime was. “It is no obligation, upper-moon one. It will be enjoyable for both of us.” The corner of her lips turned slightly upwards. That’s what did it for him, his cheeks suddenly burned and his breathing seemed to get tight.
Who knew a smile could cause a warrior to bend at the will of its wearer. He thought her lips looked captivating before but now, that’s all he wanted to see every passing moment until the earth crumbled in on itself. A smile that forced itself into his heart whether he wanted it to or not.
Kokushibo’s body had a mind of its own, with great speed he was adjacent to her. He put a distance between them, having noticed how intimately close they were when he arrived. His chest longed for the close proximity but he clung to his lingering discipline and knew better than to entertain the idea of listening. Nakime adjusted her seating, it almost seemed like she wanted to get closer.. No, what a foolish thought.
Nakime focused her attention back onto her meal and began to eat again, her elegance was more potent within this distance. Try as he might, he cannot stop himself from focusing solely on her in this moment.
What a hypocrite. Mere moments ago he was scolding himself for disrespecting her.
He should be ashamed, but he isn’t. He should stop, but he doesn’t.
He wasn’t hiding it, not anymore. Keeping all of his eyes open as he faces her. O’ how he should’ve come down sooner. he didn’t know just how much he longed for this. He will never go back, what a fool he was to deprave himself of this luxury.
Watching her was equivalent to watching an artist paint their greatest masterpiece, how could he tear his gaze away? Alluring pale skin, red lips still glistening with blood, and her shining black hair that reminded him of the blackest ink, she radiated perfection and beauty. She doesn’t seem to be bothered by his attention, only continuing to solemnly eat her meal.
___
After that day, every time either would eat, they would keep each other company. Sometimes they would converse, it seemed a lot easier than Kokushibo thought it would be to keep a conversation flowing with her, she wasn’t difficult to talk to. But they both were content with remaining in silence.
Just as Kokushibo would watch Nakime enjoy her meal, and she would return his attention when he had his meal. He tried to be as graceful as her, but he would still have blood slowly drip down from his mouth to his chin. It felt humbling to be slightly messy with an audience, he was taught better than that, and if she noticed any abash, she didn’t comment. Any time any blood would dribble from his lips, he swore he would see her lick her lips but he never fully faced her when he feasted, it could be his imagination.
They began to eat more privately soon after, it was unspoken but one day before they could begin their meal, Nakime plucked her biwa and they were transported to another part in the castle, another pluck and walls surrounded the sides of the platform, and a high ceiling forming above. She made a special room just for the two of them, where they remained undisturbed.
Kokushibo didn’t complain, he enjoyed that they could continue without the potential of being seen, it wasn’t as if they were doing anything wrong.
Yet, at the same time, it did feel wrong.
Now with walls covering them he had a wave of confidence. Instead of sitting a distance beside her, he sat across from her with a shorter distance than previously settled, Nakime wasn’t expecting his sudden close proximity, even if he was still a distance away he inched closer than previously beside her, but she didn’t reject him. Contrary, she seemed to enjoy it.
They both didn’t comment on the flustered expression they each held.
It was during these private moments that he finally learned more about this great woman; her past, her aspirations, how she came to possess her beloved biwa. As he listened to her, he lingered on her every word she spoke. When she would reach difficult parts where she would pause for long periods of time, he would remain patient.
It took him longer but he would let her learn about his past as well, and as difficult as it was to speak of it aloud he reminded himself that she had done the same. Just as he was patient for her, she was patient for him, and she listened to every little detail, giving him her full and undivided attention.
As they learned more of each other, the more bold they became with being close in proximity, it was barley noticeable but they would hide their flushing faces when either moved even an inch closer by the passing days.
They would never comment on it, and sometimes silence is all that would occupy them afterwards.
Their meals together became semi-regular, once a week they would meet and dine together.
It seemed that neither wanted to be the one to leave first after they would finish. Was it a fear of being rude? The sense of rejection if one left the other first? They would stay for hours, staring at each other. Neither would move but they weren’t uncomfortable by the long string of silence followed with uninterrupted gazes, it felt weirdly comforting, a warmth would envelop them with each passing second.
Nakime would notice any twitch in his eyes, every detail of his features, every bob of his throat, every slight shuffle of his body.
Kokushibo would take in every breath she released, every line on her lips, every change in posture and expression. Nothing would get past him, so long as it involved her.
They would have to leave eventually. And every time it would feel like a stone pressing on Kokushibo’s chest, stabbing needles in his feet with every step away from her.
Nakime was no different, her fingers would feel like cotton, her mouth turning to a frown, a tightness in her breathing that engulfed her slowly.
Occasionally after their meals they wouldn’t leave, just silently sit and bask in each other’s presence. Sometimes Nakime would bless his ears with her beloved playing and even more of a gracious gift with her singing.
They refused leave for as long as they could, allowing each other to act freely in the other’s presence, and often Nakime would grant Kokushibo’s request to play a song while he practiced his forms. Any time he became frustrated the more the melody seemed to calm him down.
Muzan had been very demanding as of late. But it’s to be expected. He was planning the infiltration, and needed everything to be perfect. They were all aware and ready to do anything and everything he asked.
And soon without realizing, their last meal together had arrived.
__
In their designated room, Kokushibo sat close across from her, their knees nearly touching, it seemed cleanliness was an afterthought in this position.
Neither minded.
As Nakime was finishing up the hand she was eating, it was clear her gaze was solely on him, and the gaze was returned. In all these months together he still hadn’t seen her eye. Only feel it peering at him, he wish he could see it just once.
Kokushibo would pause in the middle of his meal just to watch her. How he longed to feel those lips against his. Why even deny it any more? soon they will defeat the slayers and start anew. Her sharp fangs tore into the small muscle and he watched her quickly lick any blood that may try and escape her lips.
He swallowed hard and raised the severed arm he was eating to his lips, not taking his eyes away from her lips as he ate. Without noticing, he allowed drops of blood to dribble down his chin and they dripped onto his lap. When he noticed his sloppiness, he quickly tried to hide away only for Nakime to reach a slender hand out and gently place it on his cheek to prevent him from turning away. There it was again, that smile.. if her touching him didn’t cause him to blush, that smile definitely did.
“Do not be ashamed upper-moon one,” she spoke softly, her thumb stretching out to gather the trail of blood from the corner of his mouth, then moved her hand to gather the rest of the blood that dripped on the other side. After gathering all the crimson, she brought it to her lips and sucked off the delicious nectar.
Kokushibo’s lips parted, gaping at her display. Just how much more perfect could she be? She pursed her lips and licked off any remaining blood from her thumb. “I’m afraid your meal tastes better than mine.”
Kokushibo’s pulse quickened again, and it became hard to breathe, just like the first time she offered her company. He swallowed thickly, the lingering feeling of her touch stayed warm on his face. There was no doubt he looked pathetic but he didn’t care.
“Then.. perhaps you would.. would like to trade?” he offered, holding out his meal to her, silently cursing at himself for stuttering “I wouldn’t want to insult you by offering my scraps, this is hardly a meal for a warrior such as yourself, upper-moon one.” Her smile never left as she spoke.
Kokushibo’s hands lowered, he hadn’t thought about it like that, his own feeding was an afterthought and only wanted her to enjoy the meal she said tasted better. Though maybe it was insulting to feed her the scraps like some dog. “I wouldn’t be insulted, I want you to enjoy a meal rather than subject yourself to mediocrity, but I’m afraid I insulted you by offering a meal I have already begun eating. You deserve more than left overs,”
Nakime looked down, trying to hide her face, Kokushibo reached out, gently grabbing her chin and making her look back into his eyes, a soft blush was barely noticeable thanks to her bangs. Kokushibo’s thumb lightly rubbed her chin, slowly traveling up to her lips. “You are so kind to me, upper-moon one,” Nakime whispered, her smile long gone but replaced with a nervous twitch and slightly parted lips. “Please, do not address me so formally” his thumb lightly grazed over her plump lips, both unintentionally sighing in satisfaction over the slightest touch. “Forgive me. Kokushibo.”
Kokushibo breathed in deeply, a tingle ran up and down his spine making him shiver. The simple use of his name was enough for him to become lightheaded, such a feeling can never be replicated by any other. Their limbs moved on their own, setting aside their meals to solely focus on each other. Food once again an afterthought.
Staring at each other and basking in the silence, Kokushibo unintentionally was leaning towards her. He stopped halfway after realizing just how close he was getting, but he couldn’t stop the words coming out in that moment, “May I see your eye?” Nakime let out a shaky breath, nerves making her visibly tense, “I’m afraid you won’t like what you see, Kokushibo,” she silently admitted, her hands that were resting on her lap gripped tightly at her kimono. “How can you be so sure?” His gaze softened as his thumb continued to lightly graze her bottom lip, every time she spoke it would bump into his thumb, making both of them long for more.
“You may.. may find it repulsive…” she tried to turn her head away from him but he kept her in place. “I find many things repulsive, you will never be one of them,” he reassured, his other hand rested on the side of her cheek. “Then.. I will allow it.” Nakime’s pulse ran quick, her hands tightening their grip as a form of relief from her anxiety. He barely moved and it made her want to hide away, feeling his hand trace up from her cheek and gently move her hair out of the way.
Nakime held her breath as her hair was gracefully moved from her eye. She tried to maintain eye contact as he finally saw what she had kept hidden for so long. Kokushibo let out a breath and his hand went back to her cheek, softly caressing it.
As if it were possible for her to be more stunning. Her eye was a delightful shade of pink, ‘upper-moon four’ written to show how powerful she was. And veins winsomely decorating around her eye. Now with her hair away from her face he could see just how flustered and nervous she was.
Kokushibo shifted his body closer to hers, their knees finally touching making them both jolt a little from the feeling, as if it were possibly more intimate than their current hold. Kokushibo regained his composure and his bottom eyes took the rest of her appearance, while his other eyes peered deeply into her singular. He couldn’t look away from it, he wouldn’t dare. The way her eye creased slightly due to her anxiety, her blush so potent on her features, and her adorable nose. All of it was devine, he could live in this moment forever.
Kokushibo’s caress to her face never ceased, and the thumb at her lips seems to finally rest on her bottom lip, gently feeling her lightly press a kiss to the pad of his thumb. How had he gone so long without this? Now that he had seen heaven, he’s not sure he ever wants to leave it.
“Nakime, never feel ashamed of your exquisite features again. That’s an order from your superior.”
Nakime’s eye widened, her blood moving fast in her body. Who knew such words could cause a lady such as herself to crumble, her breath shuddered and she moved out of her own volition. Nakime’s hands surged forward and gripped his haori, she blinked away the tear threatening to break free and when she came to her senses, she tried to let go and mumbled an apology in response. Only for the hand, that was once on her cheek, be pressed against her own to keep in place. “You have nothing to apologize for, please continue..” Kokushibo muttered back.
They stayed unmoving, reveling in their closeness, until eventually that wasn’t enough any more. They needed to be closer.
Nakime’s hand trailed up from his haori to the crook of his neck, causing Kokushibo to unwillingly shiver. Kokushibo’s hand that rested on top of hers traveled down the arm and to her waist. He wanted to guide her onto his lap but didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable or rushed. All he wanted was to be closer, feel her warmth against his own, to feel and taste heaven.
“May I kiss you?” His lower eyes remained on her lips, they never looked so desirable, so supple, so inviting. He watched as Nakime’s lips curved up into a nervous smile. “No man has ever asked permission before,” she speaks as if talking to herself, “May I?” He repeats. Nakime pursed her lips tightly, only to relax and nod her head.
Kokushibo leans forward, moving his thumb from her lip and gently caressing her jaw. He watched as she closed her eye, making his own follow suit. Once his lips lightly grazed hers he couldn’t help the shudder that left him before finally gently pressing his lips to hers.
Her lips were warm, soft, and plump. They felt just as good as he imagined, and the lingering taste of blood on her lips made his head spin. She alone was intoxicating but he finally understood why she said his meal was more desirable than hers. His hand moved from her jaw to gently threading his fingers through her hair, it was silky and well groomed, he expected no less from a woman of such grace.
Nakime sighed in satisfaction, his lips were very soft, and just like her own, he had a lingering taste of blood on them, making her long for more of it. He truly was so kind, she felt so cared for, she wanted him to feel the same way. She deepened the kiss and leaned more into his body, wanting to feel more of the comfort of his body heat.
Nakime was the first to pull away, their lips making a click sound when separating. Kokushibo leaned forward to try and capture her lips again but stopped when the hand on his haori kept him in place. He worried he did something wrong, if he overstepped in some way and made her uncomfortable.
Their eyes met once again and she softly laughed, looking down before looking back at him again, “Please forgive me, Kokushibo. But I have left a stain on you,”
Her laugh.. oh that laugh.. it was a symphony he wish he could hear play over and over.
He pulled his hand away from her hair and and wiped a finger at his lip. Her lipstick had left its mark, yet sat perfectly untouched on her lips.
“It matters to me not, Nakime,” he said simply, making her let out a breathy laugh.
“I suppose it would not,” if she saw him a fool, he’d be a fool for her to laugh at every day just to hear this.
“Allow me.. please.. allow me to kiss you again..” it was pathetic to see someone as high-rank as him beg for a lower-rank’s affection, but he’d revel in it if he could feel those lips again. Nakime’s smile grew wide, “I will, so long as you hold me while you do so.”
Kokushibo quickly adjusted himself to sit in a comfortable position for both of them.
He placed his hand back on her waist and gently guided her to his lap, like he previously wanted. “So forward, Kokushibo,” Nakime said pleasantly, she was teasing him, but he didn’t mind it when she did it. Only her.
Nakime sat comfortably in between his legs, her legs draped over his leg and her hand resting comfortably on his shoulder blade, while the other found home on his cheek.
Kokushibo’s arm curled around her back, his hand staying respectively at her waist. His other was moving back any hair that threatened to move back across her eye.
They remained unmoving, simply breathing in eachother’s air and caressing.
“If I may.. I wish to ask a question..” the blush resting on Nakime’s cheeks seemingly more prominent “You need not ask for permission, you may speak freely when you choose to do so,” his grip on her waist slightly flexed as he stared at her sheepish expression. “Why did you watch me?”
Kokushibo wished he could properly answer that question, any answer he could come up with didn’t seem right or the full truth, “I couldn’t stop looking at your lips, and how virtuous you are, you captivated me..” he needed to answer her, but even those words didn’t grasp the true feelings he harbored. “Forgive me, words alone cannot express the truth. For it is not only your beauty that has entrapped me, but every bit of you. For your soul has seemed to reach out and swallowed mine.”
Nakime brushed a tuft of hair away and tucked it behind his ear, her heart began to beat rapidly. Never would she have believed someone she admired so, would speak about her in such a manner. “Then.. then let us stop using our words..”
When Nakime leaned forward for another kiss, Kokushibo met her halfway and immediately pressed his lips against hers. His kiss was a little more aggressive but calmed down as their lips found home with each other.
Kokushibo sighed deeply, enjoying that wonderful feeling of heaven, he never wanted to let her go. Never let this feeling stop.
Nakime had never felt so loved than in this moment right now, his warmth alone was calming. But nothing could beat the gentleness of his touch, his kiss.. no matter how aggressive, it proved that he wanted her just as much as she wanted him.
Kokushibo pulled away, his breath heavy but his gaze soft. “Nakime.. please.. when we defeat the slayers, let us conquer the sun together..” his words carried a weight she never knew, her gaze was loving and her lips turned to a bright smile “Yes, let us start the new kingdom with each other… my love..”
Kokushibo felt his heart skip a beat, and he pressed another loving kiss to her lips before she could see his reaction to her words.
Once this fight was over, he’d rush to her side and they’d conquer the sun, hand in hand.