Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He found her in the middle of the road, not too far from his estate. Her pristine white kimono was splattered with red, and over a dozen of mangled corpses were scattered around her. And yet, despite the gruesome scene, she was calmly sitting at the very center of the carnage, seemingly unperturbed by the blood dying her hair and soaking her hands. Her eyes lingered into the nothingness of the night, her pale irises reflecting the moonlight without really seeing it, and she didn’t even flinch when he suddenly appeared before her.

What a pretty little one I’ve just stumbled onto…

She was young, probably no older than sixteen, but her traits were already gracious and defined, just like a perfect little doll made out of porcelain.

“Good evening.”

Her voice, somewhat eerie, broke him out of his thoughts. Crouching before her, he easily noticed how her eyes didn’t follow him and came to the logical conclusion that she simply couldn’t see him, as unfortunate as the notion was.

“Good evening,” he replied, offering her a pleasant smile. He had gotten into the habit of smiling whenever he met someone since it was expected. “Are you the one who did this?”

“If by this, you mean the bloodbath, then no,” she replied evenly, offering a light shrug. “These men did this to themselves—quite literally.”

“Yet you are still alive. Why not leave?” he asked, sitting down more comfortably. He was bored, and he wasn’t in a rush, either. What was the harm in playing around with his food for a bit? “Surely you have better things to do than keep company to dead men.”

“Do I?” she replied, a tad dryly. She then shook her head, heaving out a sigh. “Trust me, I would if I could. The stench of blood, wastes, and decay is simply atrocious if you couldn’t tell, and sitting amongst corpses isn’t exactly a preferred hobby of mine.”

“What’s stopping you, then?”

For only answer, she lifted the edge of her red-stained kimono, revealing her legs. It was quite the perturbing sight, what with the limbs so mangled and atrophied, and the numerous scars marring her skin was a distinct proof that this wasn’t merely a disability she was born with.

“They can’t support my weight, and I can barely move them, let alone use them to walk,” she revealed, putting the kimono back in place. “Now that I’ve answered your questions, do you mind answering one of mine?”

“What is it that you wish to ask?”

“Are you going to kill me?”

He stilled, before offering another smile. “What makes you think that, Little Blossom?”

“Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I can’t see anything,” she replied, a tad cryptically. “I can see your aura from miles away—quite a beautiful shade of red, might I add—and I can see beyond your fake smiles, too. Your emotions are… lacking, for a lack of better words.” Suddenly, it felt as if her unseeing eyes could pierce his very soul—ironic, considering he wasn’t supposed to have one. “You’re a demon, a very powerful one. So, are you going to kill me?”

“Eventually.” He tilted his head, now genuinely curious—and wasn’t that surprising? When was I ever curious about something? I can’t remember… “Are you not scared? Sad? Miserable?”

“I’m not.” 

He could tell she wasn’t lying. “And why is that?”

“Because, even if you were to kill me now, at least I’ll have died free.” She offered him a small, bitter smile. “My father was not a kind man. He was consumed by greed, and he was obsessed with keeping me safe, or so he said. He kept me locked away in the same little room for years, treating me more like a doll than a person and I think that, eventually, he even forgot that I was his daughter. He used all sorts of treatment to render my legs weak and useless and, as time passed, the years spent in the darkness of my room took their toll on my sight and I gradually became blind.” At that, she turned her head left and right, as if taking in the landscape she couldn’t see. “I know I’m in a forest, yet I can’t see the trees, and I feel the blood drying on my skin, yet I can’t distinguish its shade. It’s quite frustrating, if I’m to be honest. But scared? Sad? Miserable? If anything, I’m happy to be dying here and not there.”

What a strange little human… “Then, why are you here, and not there?”

“Oh, I was kidnapped,” she answered, a tad too casually. “I am, technically, the heiress of a rich, ancient, and powerful family. As soon as word of my father’s death got out, that bunch of guys dropped out of nowhere and kidnapped me. Probably hoping for a ransom or something.”

“So your father’s dead?”

“Yeah, he was eaten by a demon,” she confirmed, smiling dryly. “It broke into the mansion and practically tore his arms off. Father did beg me to run and fetch help, but…” She gestured to her useless legs. “No could do, obviously. It was rather ironic, really.”

“I can imagine,” he mused, honestly entertained by her odd tale. “Though, I must admit, I still fail to understand how all of these men died, yet you didn’t.”

“Their greed. Their selfishness. They turned against one another, their emotions spurred by unsettled quarrels and old conflicts.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Humans are such stupid creatures… I’m sure you can agree, what with being a greater being and all that jazz.” She then shook her head, scrunching up her nose. “Say, the smell is really starting to get to me, so do you mind if we wrap up our business here?”

“Eager to die, are you?” 

“Eager to get away from that mess,” she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “If anything, I suppose I should be grateful. You coming along to eat me saves me the trouble of suffering through a slow and painful death due to starvation, hypothermia, and the likes.”

He was used to people crying and suffering. He was used to people begging for their lives. Hell, he was even used to people threatening him and calling him a monster! What he wasn’t used to was for one of his preys to give up and say thank you, of all things.

“… You really are a strange human,” he finally said, tilting his head in wonder. “Do you not have any regrets, then?”

“I… suppose there is one.” She offered him a small, wistful smile. “I’ve always dreamt of exploring this world from which I’ve been kept away for so long. To see it with my own eyes… Though, that’s not going to happen any time soon, is it?” She gestured to her eyes and her legs, letting out a humorless laugh. “I’m obviously not going anywhere, and I’m obviously not going to see anything. So, might as well get this over with.”

He spoke without thinking. “And what if we made a deal?”

She paused, before snorting. “A deal with a devil? How cliché… Though, it’s not like I have anything to lose. What do you have in mind?”

“I find you… amusing, Little Blossom,” he then admitted, reaching out to her. His sharp nails just shy of piercing her fine skin, he pushed aside a few strands of hair. “Also, I believe it would truly be a shame if your beauty didn’t get a chance to bloom in its entirety. I’m quite fond of beautiful people myself, you see?” He grasped her chin so he could get a proper look at her now unhidden face. “Tell me, how old are you, Little Blossom?”

“I believe I turned fourteen last week. Why?”

“Then, let’s say… six years.” He released her chin, his hand sliding upward to stroke her blood-splattered cheek. “Yes, six years. In those six years, we will go everywhere you wish to go, experience everything you wish to experience, and I will show you everything you long to see. Then, in exchange, on your twentieth birthday, when your beauty has fully blossomed… I’ll eat you!” He beamed like a child would at the thought of receiving a birthday present early. “Doesn’t that sound just wonderful, Little Blossom?”

“… it does.” She offered him a bright smile, placing her hand over his. “You’re rather kind for a demon, aren’t you? Thank you.”

He didn’t answer right away, however, too focused on where their hands were now touching.

He could feel something.

What is this feeling?

“It’s my warmth,” she suddenly said, as if reading his mind. “And my hope. You’ve never felt either of those before, have you?”

“How…?”

“I’m an empath,” she answered simply, fully grasping his hand with her own. “I’m not nearly powerful enough to manipulate other people by creating artificial emotions, but I can enhance emotions they are already feeling… and, most importantly, I can share what I feel.” She brought his hand against her heart, closing her eyes. “I could tell from the beginning, you know? It’s not that you don’t feel anything… it’s just that your emotions are too weak for you to take notice of them. So, I’ll share everything with you. In those six years that we will be together, I will share all of it, and you will finally feel those emotions that have always denied you. What do you think?”

“I think… that eating you is quite worth the wait, Little Blossom.” Without any warning, he suddenly lifted her off the ground, an arm supporting her back and the other supporting her useless legs. “What’s your name, dear one?”

“I don’t have one.” She frowned, thinking over it. “I think I had one… but then Father stopped using it, so I eventually forgot.”

“Well, that won’t do at all, will it?” he mused as he started to walk. “I’ll find you a suitable name later. Right now, we’ll return to my estate so you can have a proper bath. After all, while I am a demon, I’m not that fond of the stench of blood myself.”

“Well, sounds like we’ll get along just fine,” she replied, amused. “So? What do I call you?”

“You may call me Doma, Little Blossom. Now, off we go~!”

Chapter Text

He hadn’t thought things through, that much was obvious. He had gone out for a snack, and he ended up coming back with a human pet. Though, the longer he thought over it, the faster he found himself warming up to the idea. In the end, it was nothing more than a long-term investment, right? It would truly be a shame if he didn’t get to eat her while she was in full bloom, and what were six measly years in the life of a demon like him, really? As long as this little whim of his didn’t get in the way of Muzan-sama’s plans, then there’d be no problem.

 Plus, he was greatly intrigued by her abilities.

An empath, hm…?

He gazed down at her relaxed, sleeping expression. With her head resting on his lap in such a way, though, she truly appeared defenseless—reminding him of a doll made of the finest porcelain. So easy to break with a single flick of his fingers… Instead of cracking her skull open, though, said fingers found their way to her hair. Now that she had been properly bathed, he had found out that what he first thought to be white hair was, in fact, of a very light shade of pink. It was long and smooth, truly fitting of her graceful, yet still childishly rounded features.

Like the petals of a cherry blossom…

Then, her eyes flickered open, and silvery irises soon revealed themselves. More out of habit than anything else, he offered her a pleasant smile, his fingers still running through her hair.

“Slept well, Little Blossom?”

“Quite. I hadn’t realized I had fallen asleep,” she admitted, gazing up at him curiously. “You needn’t smile if you don’t feel like it, you know?”

“Oh? How could you tell I was smiling?”

“I don’t know. A feeling.” She offered him a smile at that—a real one. “It’s okay. Before my six years are up, I’ll see you smile for real.”

“It appears you have high hopes, but I’m afraid your quest is already doomed to failure,” he replied, more amused than anything else by the ridiculous thought. “I’ve never truly smiled once in my entire life, both as a human and as a demon.”

“That’s because you didn’t have me,” she retorted, a tad cheekily. “Me making you smile is as inevitable as you eating me.”

“Confident, aren’t you? But do as you please.” He then thought of something as he started mindlessly braiding a few strands together. “Did you know that you have pink hair?”

“I do?” She paused, then frowned. “I take it that it’s an unusual color, then?”

“Unusual would be an understatement. I’ve never seen someone with pink hair before…” He trailed off, before snapping his fingers. “I know! Sakura would be a suitable name, don’t you think? It would be quite fitting, really.”

“Sakura…” She tested it a few times, before smiling again. “I like it!”

“Sakura it is, then.” He let go of the now braided strands and helped her sit up. “Well, now that you are awake, I believe it is time for us to depart. There is so much to see, and so little time~!”

“Well, what are we waiting for, then?” Grinning from ear to ear, she extended her arms to him so he could pick her up. “Let’s go!”

Chapter Text

As it turned out, traveling during the day was simply impossible—for more than one reason. After all, while Doma couldn’t go during the day unless he wanted to be turned to ashes, Sakura also found out the hard way that she was allergic to the sunlight, so to speak. After so many years spent inside, away from the sun, her complexion had also grown weak and staying out in the sun for more than a few minutes resulted in painful sunburns.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow…”

“Why do you keep on going out in the sun if it hurts you?” sighed Doma, helping her apply some ointment. He found it in the room of the master of the house but, since said master was dead, he surely wouldn’t miss it. “You’ll make your beautiful skin scar if you keep that up.”

“So- sorry…” she groaned, flinching when his fingers brushed somewhat roughly against her irritated skin. Her forearm was sporting a large sunburn, now. “I just- I can’t help it. Even if it ends up hurting… at first, it feels wonderful.”

“I don’t understand.”

Right, I forgot who I was talking to for a moment.

She really wanted him to understand, though. So, grabbing the ointment and putting it aside, she then extended her arms to him. He picked her up without a word, apparently intrigued by what she was planning to do, and she gestured for him to sit just beside the shoji door. Careful not to open it too wide—she didn’t want her traveling companion to go up in flames, after all—she then placed her uninjured arm outside. She reached out until sunlight hit her fingertips, its warmth spreading over her skin, and she tightened her grip over Doma’s hand.

“Do you feel that?” she asked, a tad hesitantly. 

“It’s warm,” he remarked lightly. He could see her arm outstretched beyond the safety of the inside, her pale skin practically glowing under the sunlight. “So this is… the sun…?”

“It’s warm and gentle,” she whispered—then flinched, quickly pulling her arm back inside. “Until it isn’t. But it’s something I’ve never been allowed to feel before… So, even if it hurts, I can’t help but want to feel it again—as brief as the experience is.”

She released his hand, closing the door. She probably wouldn’t try that again for a while, considering how invisible fire was now spreading on her skin. Then, without warning, Doma abruptly grabbed her hand, his thumb brushing over her burnt fingertips. She flinched at pain flashed through her hand, but he didn’t release her, gazing at their joined hands with childlike wonder.

“Is this pain?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Y- yeah. Surely not the worst, but still rather uncomfortable.”

“I noticed. Is this how it feels all of the time?”

“Well, no. Those are sunburns, so they won’t feel the same as breaking a bone or being stabbed, for example.” She cringed when his thumb brushed once again against her injury, pain sparking again. He didn’t seem bothered by it, though. “Still pretty painful, though.”

“… I see.” He plastered on one of his fake smiles, finally releasing her hand, and he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “You told me you would share everything you felt with me, didn’t you?”

“Yes…?”

“In that case, share your pain as well.” His fake smile was still in place but, for a brief moment, it appeared as though it was genuine. “I find it quite… entertaining.”

Chapter Text

They had to travel at night and seek shelter during the day. Adapting her living schedule to his hadn’t been easy but, after a few days of the same routine, Sakura finally managed to get used to the demon’s way of life. She had to sleep through the entire day, and he carried her during the night, but she didn’t really mind. If anything, she was grateful for the chance she had been given, even if it was only a temporary truce.

 And, when they reached their first destination, her last doubts—if there were any—truly vanished.

“This is… a city…?”

There were people—thousands of them. Even if it was already late in the night, there were still so many people roaming the streets! She had grown used to a life of darkness, which was now disturbed by the constant red aura emanating from her traveling companion, but here… It was a sea of colors like which she had never seen before, and it felt fantastically overwhelming. 

“Doma, give me your hand,” she breathed out, frantically looking around to try and grasp all of the colors.

Somewhat intrigued, he did as told… and was instantly submerged by her own emotions. He let out a startled gasp, instantly pulling his hand away, but it had been enough.

He felt it. All of it.

“What was that feeling?” he asked, a little breathless as he gazed at his hand, dumbstruck.

“Wonder. Happiness. Awe. Everything I’m feeling and more.” She gasped when a warm, sweet smell reached her nose. “What’s that smell? It smells delicious!”

Well. 

This would be an interesting adventure, alright.

Chapter Text

They stayed an entire week in the city, if only because of the great variety of meals offered there. While Doma didn’t have any interest in human food, he did get to experience some novel tastes when Sakura suddenly decided to share her first dango experience with him. It certainly didn’t satiate his hunger for human flesh, but he couldn’t deny that the sweet taste left a good impression on his tongue. 

 So, all of the different fruits, meals, and sweets offered at the market were thoroughly sampled by the two travelers, for better or for worst. By the time they moved on to experiencing something other than food, Sakura swore her love to this thing they called chocolate, and Doma swore to erase daikon from existence once he figured out how to do it.

“We should head to our next location soon.”

“Is something the matter?” she asked curiously.

“If we stay for too long in the same place, we’re bound to be tracked down by some slayers, and I’d rather we didn’t have our precious time interrupted so early on. So—“ He showed her her newly packed bag. “—we’re leaving. Don’t worry, though! There’s still so much to see~!”

She could only smile at that, accepting the bag. “Alright, then. It’s not like I can go anywhere on my own, anyway.” She grabbed his hand. “So, where to next?”

“Well, there is one last thing we ought to see while we’re still here…” He looked down at their linked hands, curious. “What is that feeling?”

“I’m excited,” she admitted with a grin. “Everything’s amazing, and I just can’t wait to see everything!”

“Excited…? What a strange emotion,” he mused, lightly patting her head. “Well, let us waste no more time, in that case.”

Chapter Text

Sakura woke up with a start, a cold sweat running down her back. For a moment, the darkness she had grown used to appeared even darker, even colder, and it took her a moment to realize that she couldn’t see the familiar red aura of Doma. Her breath caught in her throat as the cold air of the evening made the branches above her rattle. She could feel the grass underneath her fingers, so she knew she was in a forest, but the last thing she remembered was falling asleep in a room, back in the city.

How did I get here? What’s going on? Where’s Doma!?

Breathing became more difficult as panic started to rise. Frantically looking around to try and catch a glimpse of that deep, crimson aura, all she found was utter darkness—darkness and cold and silence. Tears pricked her eyes as flashes of her captivity started messing with her head, ghost pains flaring in her useless legs as her father’s wretched coos and praises scratched her ears and made her blood boil with fury but, most of all—

“Little Blossom…?”

The darkness parted, leaving place to this lovely shade of red she had grown accustomed to. Her breath hitched as the soothing voice chased the remains of her memories and, without thinking, she latched onto the hand that had been reaching out to her. She felt Doma’s grip tightened as she unconsciously shared her burden.

“Doma… Doma, I don’t care if you kill me… I don’t care if I die now…” She grasped his hand, tears now falling freely from her eyes. “Just don’t leave me alone… I can’t be alone… Not again…! So please, please don’t leave me…”

“… I’m not going anywhere, Little Blossom. We made a deal, didn’t we?” An almost violent shudder ran through her whole body as he carefully picked her up like one would with a child. “Now, what was that about?”

“So- sorry,” she choked out, rubbing her eyes to stop her tears. “I- I panicked. When I woke up, I thought- I thought you left me and I- I got scared.”

“Scared?”

“What you felt… was my fear.” She let her head fall on his shoulder. He was warm, and she was tired, now. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel that.”

“Fear… So that’s what it feels like, then?” He thought back to those humans he had killed not an hour ago. Their faces were scrunched up, and tears had been streaming down their faces as they begged him to spare them… “I see. How… disagreeable.” He didn’t like it. It was uncomfortable, and it rubbed him the wrong way. “You poor thing, feeling this way…” He started stroking her hair, humming under his breath. “You needn’t worry, then. Once we’ve become one, you’ll never have to feel this fear ever again.”

Chapter Text

They had been slowly making their way toward the nearest village when, without any warning, about a dozen people in black uniforms surrounded them. They were all wielding katana, and they all shared dark blue auras that made Sakura avert her eyes. 

Red is prettier.

“My, my, it looks like they caught up to us after all,” mused Doma, gingerly putting her down. She could tell he was hungry. “I’ll be quick about it, Little Blossom~.”

“Please, don’t make a mess,” she simply replied, knowing there was no other way around it. “It’s bad taste to play around with your food.”

“I daresay it’s quite a hypocritical thing for you to say, my dear,” he mused.

She snorted at that. “Right. Forgot about that part.”

Chuckling lightly, Doma then turned around to properly face the slayers who had caught up to them. None of them were Pillars, that much was obvious, and they were obviously scared out of their wits. Seeing him approach, they all tensed up but didn’t back down.

“Well, how about we get this over with?” urged Doma in a pleasant voice, clasping his hands together. “I’m afraid I’m in quite the hurry, you see.”

“You’re- you’re not going a- anywhere, demon!” bravely replied one of them. “You’re—argh!”

All of his companions froze as his body collapsed, blood spurting everywhere, while the demon offered them a blank smile, now holding the slayer’s head in his hands. Horrified shouts followed and, at once, the rest of the slayers charged at the demon.

 What followed was, quite simply, a merciless carnage.

“Ah, you should have known better than to face a foe obviously stronger than you,” he sighed, licking the blood off his hand. “It’s—“

“M- miss! Please, run away!”

Oh, I missed one.

He turned around, mildly curious about what the last standing slayer was trying to do. He was urging his Little Blossom to run away, that much was obvious, but why? The girl appeared confused, but also a little disbelieving.

“Come on, just go—“

“Are you an idiot?” she finally dared to ask.

“U- uh?” He then noticed the sorry state of her legs and paled dramatically. “Oh, God… Erm, I- I’ll carry you! Just hang on, I’ll get you out of here!”

“Please don’t,” she replied in a flat tone. “I don’t like when strange men touch me.”

“But you’re—“

He didn’t get to finish his sentence, his head flying off his shoulders. Blood rained down on the girl before him as his body collapsed into the grass, and she scrunched up her nose.

“Ew, ew, ew! Was that necessary!?”

“Oops. My bad, Little Blossom.” Doma carelessly kicked aside the headless body. “I didn’t think the hit would actually decapitate him—I was merely trying to crush his skull.”

“Yeah, well, look at how that turned out,” she huffed, frantically rubbing her face. The red was sticking to her skin, though. “Argh, it won’t come off!”

“Here, let me~.”

For one reason or the other, she was completely drenched in blood while he was morbidly clean. So, using the sleeve of his large coat, he started wiping away the blood on her face, but, as he did so, a strange feeling started creeping up on him. It made his skin crawl and his stomach churn, but it wasn’t like anything she’d made him feel before.

“What’s this feeling?”

“Disgust,” she grunted, shaking a bit. “I am utterly disgusted. Blood is disgusting. It smells bad, tastes bad, and it just doesn’t come off! I need to wash right now!”

He had never seen her so riled up before which, admittedly, amused him. She kept on shaking her arms and her head as if to get rid of the stickiness, and she was cursing under her breath like a sailor—just where exactly had she learned such dreadful vocabulary, really?—and, most importantly, rivulets of red were streaming down her face and her neck, greatly contrasting with her pale skin. And, while there was no denying that red strangely suited her, there was something… bothering him, about the sight.

The blood of another is all over her, tainting her wonderful scent… He picked her up again, his nose scrunching slightly as understanding finally dawned on him. I see. So this is disgust, then.

Chapter Text

“More will be coming soon. We should hurry.”

The village they had finally reached wasn’t exactly friendly with strangers, even more so when one of them was completely drenched in blood. So, they had been forced to return to the forest at once and, after a while, Doma managed to find a little stream in which Sakura could clean herself. She had wasted no time in getting rid of her dirty kimono, apparently unbothered by the thought of undressing before a man, but he didn’t comment on it and simply sat underneath the closest tree, watching her from afar.

“Yes, well, I wouldn’t have to waste my time bathing if someone hadn’t splattered blood all over me,” she huffed, rubbing her skin. The water was dreadfully cold, but anything was better than the stickiness of blood. “Ugh, and it got in my hair, too…”

“Should I help you, then?” he asked, more teasingly than seriously.

She paused, though, apparently giving his offer some serious thought. 

Then, she nodded. “If you don’t mind. If I keep going like this, we’ll be stuck here ‘til the morning comes, and I don’t think either of us would appreciate that.”

Doma was used to two types of women: those who were timid and bashful, all blushing and hiding away as they revealed their bodies little by little—and those who were shameless, showing off their attributes and moving with confidence. 

 Sakura was neither of those. Sakura just genuinely didn’t care.

Although broken, the Little Blossom is quite pure, still, isn’t she?

The thought made him feel light on his feet, for some reason. Knowing she remained untouched only made him all the more eager to devour her. Virgins always left such a sweet aftertaste, after all! But no, not now, he had to hold back for a while longer. She was still nothing more than a child, and he truly wanted to see her beauty bloom in its fullest. So, he’d bid his time and, soon enough, he’d reap the rewards of his patience.

 So, humming under his breath, he quickly came to sit behind her. As he started running his fingers through her damp hair to try and get rid of the blood sticking to it, though, she chuckled.

“What is it, Little Blossom?”

“Nothing much. I just didn’t think my answer would make you this happy, is all.”

“Happy…?” He paused, thinking it over. “Am I happy?”

“You may not be able to recognize it, but I can feel your emotions,” she pointed out. “What you’re feeling right now is happiness—I can tell.”

Happiness…

It felt strangely fitting, so he guessed she was right, and he patted her head. “You’re so bright, Little Blossom~! You teach me so much~!”

“Well, it’d be a little ironic if an empath couldn’t identify an emotion,” she snorted, splashing some water on him. “Now come on, help me get rid of that blood already. Aren’t you the one who told me to hurry up?”

Doma simply started cleaning her hair again, humming under his breath once again.

Chapter Text

Unfortunately enough, the poor girl’s kimono couldn’t be salvaged. There was simply no way to get the blood out, meaning they would have to find her proper clothes in the next village they visited. So, in the meantime, Sakura had to settle on Doma’s coat—which was, obviously, way too big for her. She looked as if she was swimming in the clothing, and anyone looking at her at that moment would have thought of a three-years-old babe trying on one of her mother’s dresses for the first time. However, there was no denying that it was a better idea than just going around naked, so she simply accepted the cloak and didn’t comment on it.

 Then, about a day later, they finally found a small village and, although it was late in the evening, a few shops were still open—including a kimono shop.

“There’s a festival in town next week,” the old shopkeeper told them when Doma questioned her about it. “So, we get a lot more clients, even after the sun went down. I take it you too young folks would some appropriate wear, then?”

“Any wear would be welcome,” grumbled Sakura, still only dressed in her underwear and Doma’s too-large coat.

“Now, now, be nice,” mused Doma, patting her head before sitting her down on the nearest chair. “I’ll go out and grab some food, so be a dear and let the kind lady find you something nice to wear, alright? Don’t go causing any trouble, now.”

“Not like I could anywhere to cause said trouble. And shouldn’t I be the one telling you that?”

He simply patted her head again, before heading out. Rolling her eyes, she then reported her attention to the old shopkeeper. The woman simply offered her a kind smile.

“Well, shall we?”

When Doma finally returned to the kimono shop, he found his young protégé happily chatting with the old, wrinkled woman. She was telling her about their travels with a bright smile, gesticulating excitedly as she shared the different experiences—minus the demonic parts, obviously—and the old woman was simply listening with a small smile, obviously enjoying their little chat. There was also his cloak, folded on the girl’s lap, and he then noticed the new kimono she was wearing. Much to his surprise, it was of a vivid red, with a delicate golden and black design of flowers. A hairpin of the same color theme was also holding together her hair in a somewhat intricate bun, fully exposing and even enhancing her beautiful features.

She’s…

“Oh, Doma!” She beamed when seeing him, waving cheerfully his way. “Look, isn’t the kimono beautiful? Do you like it?”

She’s…

“Uh? Doma?”

Without a word, he went over to her and pulled her into a hug, a faint blush on his cheeks.

She’s adorable!!!

Chapter Text

The town which they reached about a week later was as overwhelming as the first town they visited, but for an entirely different reason: as told, there was a festival. And so, while Doma left to go and find someone to satiate his hunger, Sakura sat at one of the tables set up in the town square, enjoying the nightly life, the good food, and most of all, the music. It had been deafening at first, what with how she had grown used to the silence of her room, but she had grown to appreciate the harmonizing sounds. Adding to the music was the chatter and the laughter of the people around, of course, and, as the night went on and the party grew ever wilder, she glanced down at her legs.

If only they weren’t so useless…

“Ooh? What’s that look for, Little Blossom?” A familiar hand fell atop her head. “A little more and one would think you were trying to make your legs combust with your glare.”

“Well, maybe I am,” she huffed, averting her eyes.

His hand slid from her had and onto her cheek, stroking it lightly. If there was one thing Doma had come to understand from his little companion, it was that she didn’t fully control her empathic abilities and, while she could consciously share her emotions with other people, it was also an unconscious habit: as soon as she made physical contact with someone, she ended up sharing her emotions with them. So, sometimes, he found himself reaching out to her.

 Like now.

“What would this feeling be?” he asked, scrunching up his nose a bit.

“Envy, I suppose,” she sighed, glancing toward the people who were dancing a little further away. She couldn’t see them, per se, but she could see the flash of colors moving around, and she could hear their laughter… “I just wish I could be like them… Normal, I mean.”

“If you were normal, I’d have eaten you weeks ago,” he dryly pointed out, before patting her head. “You needn’t be like them. You’re perfect just as you are.”

“You’re saying that to the girl who can’t even walk on her own,” she scoffed, some of her frustration showing on her face. “Can’t walk, can’t run, can’t dance… I can’t do anything, really.”

There was a moment of silence. Then, without any warning, Doma suddenly pulled her up, his arms slipping around her waist as her own instinctively wrapped around his neck. 

“What- what are you doing?” she asked, startled, as he made his way to the dancing ring.

“Honoring our deal,” he replied, seemingly amused by her reaction. “I’ve told you, didn’t I? I will show you everything you long to see. I’m here because you couldn’t have come here on your own, aren’t I? In that case, rely on me without any worry.” He suddenly spun her around, earning himself a started shout. “I am yours for those six, measly years, Little Blossom. Do as you wish with me.”

Honestly taken aback, she then let out a short laugh. “You’re probably the worst demon I’ve ever met. What kind of demon says cheesy stuff like that?”

He simply chuckled, feeling her sudden joy submerge him a bit. “You’re not exactly an exemplary human either, are you? I suppose we’re meant to make quite the pair, then.”

On which he made her spin again, and she could only laugh once more. They surely looked ridiculous, what with how he held her up so high her kimono barely brushed the ground, but she no longer could find it in herself to worry.

 Not when she had Doma by her side.

Chapter Text

If there was one thing Sakura never expected to experience in her life, it was snow. When imprisoned in her own estate, the room she was kept in didn’t have any windows, and there were so many layers of blankets and clothes over her that she couldn’t get cold even if she wanted to. So, any winter was just like any summer, with the only difference that her father fretted over his precious doll even more.

 So, snow was the last thing she expected to feel while they were walking down a dirt road.

“It’s so cold…!” she gasped, feeling it drop on her face and quickly melt away.

“Is it?” Doma mused. He was carrying her on his back, so he couldn’t see her expression, but he was ready to bet that she looked delighted right now. “Should we take a little break, then?”

“Uh?”

Because while it was the first time they were outside while snow gently fell from the sky, there was already a good amount of it piling up on the road, having fallen during the day. So, Doma simply put her down, and she let out a startled squeal when more cold met her palms. Gasping, she instantly plunged her hands into it.

“It’s cold! It’s so cold!” She started laughing. “This is great!”

Doma simply sat on the side, letting her enjoy her first snow. Once her hands grew too cold, she simply lifted her head and pulled out her tongue, trying to catch the snowflakes. After a while, growing bored, she simply returned to playing with the snow on the ground. However, what she hadn’t expected was for there to be ice underneath it and, as she leaned forward to try and gather more snow around her, the hand she was using to support her weight slipped, and she fell face-first into the little amount of snow she had piled up before her.

“Gah!” She instantly sat up, spitting out some snow. “Cold, cold, cold! This is too cold!”

Doma stared at her in heavy silence for a total of three seconds… before barking out a laugh. It was short and sharp, a little throaty and breaking on the higher note, but it was a laugh nonetheless—the first one she had ever heard Doma make. So, she did the only thing she could do in such a moment.

 She threw a snowball in his face—and, somehow, she hit her target with terrifying accuracy.

“Oof!”

Snow dripped down from his face and, though he couldn’t really feel the cold, he still felt the impact. He shot a startled look at Sakura, who was pouting a little… before she started laughing, the sound echoing throughout the empty land surrounding them and stroking the depths of the night. She laughed, laughing so hard that she ended up collapsing in the snow as she held her stomach, her face flushed from the cold and the emotion.

This time around, though, Doma didn’t need her to tell him what emotion it was.

So this is… joy. As he gazed upon her laughing face, his lips twitched upward ever so slightly. I see. It suits her.

Chapter Text

As it turned out, playing around in the snow and wearing soaked clothes for over a day was the best way for someone to get sick. As a demon, Doma never had to experience such a thing, but Sakura was a human with an already frail constitution. So, really, it shouldn’t have come off as much of a surprise when, barely a day after their little snow fest, Sakura became ill. A heavy fever had taken over, plunging her into a coma-like state, and her usually pale complexion was now flushed and sweating.

 Doma didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all.

Humans are weak creatures. They’re too fragile, too easily broken.

Not having much of a choice, he managed to find the doctor of the village and, despite the late hours, the man agreed to look after the sick girl. Giving her a room, he administered a few medicaments and placed a wet towel on her forehead.

“Will she be alright?”

“I’m afraid only time will tell. She’s suffering from a very nasty fever, and there’s nothing much we can do other than wait and see,” answered the doctor with a sigh, putting away his tools and his ointments. “I will retire to my room for the night. If her state worsens, then come and wake me right away.”

“Understood.”

The human doctor left the room, the door sliding shut behind him. The room was plunged in darkness, saved for the flickering flame of a candle that cast ghastly shadows on the scrunched up face of the young girl. The demon hadn’t expected things to take such a drastic turn so suddenly, and knowing that she could very well end up on the verge of death in the next few hours greatly troubled him. He hadn’t done all of this for naught, had he? 

“You must heal and regain your strength, Little Blossom,” he murmured, brushing away some locks of hair sticking to her face. “If you die here, then what of our little deal? Are you planning on leaving me, hungry and unsatisfied?” 

Of course, she didn’t answer. The silence stretched, the light grew dimmer as the candle slowly melted, and Doma only then noticed the uncomfortable feeling churning his guts. It was hollow and disagreeable, as if he was yearning for something he couldn’t have.

What is it? What is this feeling?

“Won’t you tell me, Little Blossom…?”

He wanted to do something, but he couldn’t. No, all he could do was sit and wait, watch as his little protégé suffered and grew weaker each passing hour.

 But then, she moved.

“Do… ma…”

“I’m here, Little Blossom.” He grabbed her hand, and she opened her eyes. “You should rest.”

“Don’t- don’t feel… that way… I’ll- I’ll be… fine…” she mumbled, slurring a little.

“What way?”

But she didn’t answer, falling unconscious once again. He sighed, brushing away some more of her hair. Seeing as she had woken up, even for only a few seconds, surely meant she would be able to properly recover after a few days. However, even knowing this, the uncomfortable feeling stuck to him like a second skin, a single thought lingering in the back of his mind.

I can’t do anything.

Chapter Text

…

…

…

She grabbed his hand.

…

…

…

“What’s that feeling?”

“Boredom.”

“Ah. Knew that.”

…

…

…

“How much longer do we have to wait here?”

“No idea.”

“Great.”

…

…

…

“Any other feeling?”

“Nope. Just boredom.”

“Okay.”

…

…

…

Three days after she was brought to the doctor, her fever finally disappeared and she slowly started regaining her strength. Unfortunately, since she was at risk of falling sick again if she returned outside so quickly after gaining back her health, they had to stay inside for a few more days, at least.

Needless to say, they couldn’t wait to get back on the road.

Chapter Text

Time passed and things got better. They traveled some more until they reached a city bustling with energy and people. Another festival was being held, and they had spent the night enjoying the festivities. Now, so late in the night it was almost morning, as they gazed upon the fireworks exploding in the sky, Sakura could only smile. Albeit she couldn’t fully see them, the lights were so bright they still managed to pierce through some of the darkness, and the experience was simply mesmerizing. So, she grabbed Doma’s hand.

“Ooh?” He felt warmth flutter in his chest. “What would this one be?”

“Gratefulness. Thank you, Doma.”

“Gratefulness…” Could this be how his precious disciples felt whenever he ate them and freed them of their eternal torments? The thought made something in his chest flutter. “I see. I like it! What a truly wonderful feeling~.”

“Doma…”

“Yes, Little Blossom?”

She grinned. “You’re smiling.”

Confused, he reached up to his face, only to find that the corners of his mouths were unconsciously pulled upward and that he was, in fact smiling, without him having to force it.

“… well, I’ll be damned,” he chuckled, lightly patting her head.

“You already are.”

“Cheeky little thing, aren’t you?”

Her grin simply widened. “But I was right, wasn’t I?”

“It would appear so. Aah, you truly are worth the wait, Little Blossom~!”

Chapter Text

They were walking through a small, rundown village when they stumbled upon quite the sorry spectacle: three boys, not even in their teens, were beating up an old, mangy cat that couldn’t even run away because of its infected injuries. The beast truly was hideous, and the children laughed as they kept on throwing rocks and poking it with sticks. They didn’t even notice as the two travelers passed them by, but Sakura saw them.

And what she saw made her blood boil.

How dare they… How dare they…!

“Freak! Monster!”

“It’s useless! Can’t even run on its own! Ah!”

“It’s disgusting! Let’s kill it!”

HOW DARE THEY—!

“Sakura.” Doma stopped walking, and she only then realized that she had been projecting her emotions to him without any physical contact. “What was that?”

They had turned the corner, and neither the children nor the cat were in sight anymore. She cringed a little when realizing that she had probably overreacted.

“… anger. And helplessness.” She shook her head, leaning against his back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel all this.”

“What made you feel that way?”

“… the way these kids treated the poor beast, I guess. It’s just…” She shuddered a bit. “If they saw my legs, they’d probably treat me the same way… But it’s just a dumb thought. Don’t pay it any mind, alright? Let’s just—Doma?”

He carefully put her down. “Give me a moment.”

“What—“

He was gone in a flash. A little confused, she decided to simply wait for him—not like she could go anywhere, really. After a minute or so, though, he reappeared before her… and she only then noticed the heavy silence now weighing in the air. As he lifted her onto his back once more, understanding dawned on her, and she heaved out a sigh.

“You ate the children, didn’t you?”

He simply licked his fingers, getting rid of whatever blood was left. “I felt up for a snack.”

Chapter Text

One thing Doma had grown used to during their travels was Sakura’s nightmares. Oh, he wished he could simply take them away, but the only way he knew how was to simply devour her, and he couldn’t do that, not now, not yet—so, all he could do was be there when she woke finally startled awake, drenched in sweat and tears brimming her unseeing eyes. Every time, she reached out to him, and every time, he grabbed her head, her fear and her emotional pain washing over him like a bucket of cold, murky water.

But, as said, he had grown used to it.

“So- sorry… I can’t help it…” she choked her, rubbing her eyes.

He simply hummed under his breath, rocking her back and forth like one would a child as she sat in his lap, seeking out his warmth—because, strangely enough, demons were just as warm as humans, according to her. He knew that no words would ever be enough to reassure her, so he simply kept on humming a little tune under his breath and, eventually, she returned to a more peaceful sleep.

“Thank you, Doma…”

“What for, Little Blossom?” he couldn’t help but ask.

She always had such interesting answers to give him, after all.

“For always… comforting me like this…” A small smile graced her lips as she leaned closer into his arms. “You- you really are… a good friend…”

“Friend…?”

He had used that word many times in many lifetimes, without really knowing what it meant. He knew it was a way to design people who shared a close companionship, so he always used it whenever he ran into one of his fellow Upper Moons, but he always failed to fully grasp the meaning attached to it. Even though he cried when they eventually got killed by one slayer or the other, there was no real feeling behind it: he called them his friends if only to make himself believe he had people like that.

Now, though… now, it was different.

Friend?

He gazed at the girl now asleep in his arms, her breathing even and her gracious traits peaceful, if not a little tired. If someone had told him that, someday, he’d carry around a little human girl who’d eventually call him his friend, he would have laughed in their face—a fake laugh, of course. And, if someone had told him that, someday, he’d actually understand what it meant to actually have a friend, he’d have cried—fake tears, because that’s what was expected.

Not anymore, though. There was no need for fake laughter and fake tears, because this beautiful blossom of his had succeeded where everyone always failed: she made him feel. And, as stupid as it sounded, the powerful demon had grown somewhat… attached.

I see, he mused internally, one of his fingers gently twirling a few locks of pink hair. Is this what it feels like… to have a friend…? I see. I see!

He’d have to ask her in the morning, though, just to make sure. She always had the answer, so he knew he could count on her to satiate his curiosity for a while longer.

Chapter Text

Doma and Sakura fell into a routine as they slowly made their way through the entire country, little by little. Seeing as they didn’t use the public transports—for obvious reasons—and since the demon couldn’t exactly bring her outside of Japan because of his own duties, they took their sweet time in exploring the country in its entirety. And, ever since that time when he smiled while they watched the fireworks, Doma happened to smile on his own from time to time, though, not as often as Sakura would like—yet.

“Ooh, Sakura! Your beauty blooms a little more each day~!” Doma raised his glass, his lips straining into a wobbly, tipsy grin. “Kanpai, kanpai~!”

She rolled her eyes a bit as her served himself some more sake. She didn’t know demons could get drunk, but it would appear that a sufficient amount of alcohol could affect even non-human beings like Doma. However, she couldn’t really blame him: they were celebrating her seventeenth birthday and, for him, this meant that he only had to wait three more years before their deal reached its termination.

As for her, even if already half of her remaining time had gone by in a flash, she couldn’t bring herself to regret a single second of it. Some would probably dread their impending death, and others would probably beg for a few more years, but she didn’t really mind. She had already experienced so many incredible things! It wasn’t in her nature to be greedy: she’d take what little time she had left, and she would make the most of it.

“Sa-ku-ra~!” Doma whined, his head falling on her lap as he laid down. “Pay attention to me~!”

Chuckling, she lightly stroke his cheek, and he instantly relaxed, closing his eyes.

“… what is that feeling?”

“Serenity.”

He smiled—one of his real smiles. “I learn so many new things with you, Little Blossom~.”

“And I, with you.” Without thinking, she leaned down and lightly pecked his forehead—and he instantly froze, his eyes snapping open. “Doma…?”

“What- what was that one?” he asked, seemingly breathless.

“I didn’t do anything, silly,” she chuckled, messing with his hair a bit. “You probably had a drink too much, is all.”

“N- no! There was—something! Definitely something!”

She simply laughed as he frantically, drunkenly tried to describe whatever he had just felt.

I wish this happiness would never end…

Chapter Text

“Hey, little lady~. Whatcha doing out here?”

“What a pretty face, too! Say, did you come alone?”

When Doma had left her at an inn to go fetch some food, she hadn’t expected anyone to come and talk to her. The woman in charge of the small restaurant was currently busy answering to some other customers, so she hadn’t noticed the two men who had approached the girl, and Sakura was growing a tad uncomfortable with the emotions she could feel swirling around in their hearts. It was greatly enhanced by the alcohol, but there were distinct desires and lust mingling, which she didn’t really know how to handle.

“I’m with someone,” she answered simply, hoping they’d leave it at that.

“Really? I don’ t see no one ‘round,” replied the one with the greenish aura.

“You wouldn’t be trying to get rid of us, would ya, little lady?”

“And what if I was?” she huffed, growing a little annoyed.

The overly frank answer visibly surprised them, and they stayed shell-shocked for a few seconds before their own anger rose to the bait.

“Ain’t no way to talk to us, you know?”

“Yeah, we just wanted to chat.” One of them grabbed her shoulder, making her flinch. “Don’t go being a smartass, sweet cheeks. You’re new ‘round these parts, so you might not know exactly who you’re dealing with, but—“

“Is there a problem here?”

They instantly stiffened, obviously sensing the danger. Sakura relaxed lightly as none other than Doma appeared by her side, tightly holding the man’s wrist. Then, without a second thought, he snapped his wrist in two, earning a howl of pain. The man collapsed as his companion stumbled backward and hit the nearby table, the ruckus obviously drawing the attention of the other costumers present in the inn.

Doma offered them a cold, pleasant, fake smile.

“Don’t touch her again.”

“Y- yes sir…!”

On which the two of them ran outside without another look behind. Once they were gone, though, a light chuckle escaped Sakura, and Doma spared her a glance.

“What’s so funny, Little Blossom?”

“Nothing much. I simply never imagined you as the jealous type,” she grinned.

“The what now?”

“Or maybe possessive would be a better way to describe it…?”

Understanding dawned on him, and he took the seat next to her, pouting lightly. “What’s wrong with that? They shouldn’t lay their hands on what doesn’t belong to them.”

“Whatever you say, Doma,” she replied, clearly amused. She patted his head in comfort. “I belong to you and no one else, so no need to fret.”

That did cheer him up a bit, which only amused her all the more.

Chapter Text

Sakura wanted to thank Doma for everything he had done for her. The last few years had been simply amazing, and she never thought she’d once day be so happy. Now, any normal person would consider being a demon’s future snack quite unfortunate, but she didn’t mind one bit: her life truly was a measly price for six full years of joy and freedom. And, even if it was merely because of their deal, Sakura really wanted to express her gratitude toward her traveling companion. He had, unfortunately, refused when she offered him one of her fingers, so she had had to look for more usual methods of thanking.

After a while, they stumbled upon a rich estate, which agreed to take them in for the night. Sakura instantly took a liking to the young heiress, and the feeling was reciprocated, so Doma agreed to go hunt elsewhere for his food. And, while he was gone, the young heiress taught Sakura how to make flower crowns. She didn’t think it could fully express her gratitude, but she had a feeling that he would like it—he always liked pretty things, after all.

So, when he came back, she didn’t waste any time in giving it to him.

“What is this?”

“A gift. As a thank you, for everything you’ve done for me.”

A tad hesitantly, Doma grabbed the flower crown she was handing him. It was quite delicate and it was made out of cherry blossoms, fittingly enough. It also had her scent all over it, and he couldn’t really feel anything other than genuine surprise at the gesture. Many of his followers had given him offerings and even sacrifices sometimes, but a gift was something new.

“Do you like it?”

After a moment, he smiled lightly and put the crown on his head. “It’s wonderful. Thank you, Little Blossom. I’ll cherish it.”

She simply offered a bright, warm smile at that, and the warmth seemed to spread throughout his chest until it reached his supposedly dead heart. The feeling was quite foreign, but not disagreeable, so he simply let it be.

He’d think it over later.

Chapter Text

As per usual, Doma was carrying her on his back while they roamed the nightly streets, leisurely making their way out of town to head to their next destination. Just as Sakura was about to ask him to teach her some more about the stars (they had started to read books on astrology in their spare time, since she was curious and he was the one doing the reading), however, her companion abruptly stopped walking.

“Doma? What’s wrong?”

“We have company, Little Blossom.”

“Uh? What do you—“

“Release the girl at once, demon!”

Doma turned around halfway, and Sakura looked behind them. There was a woman with a beautiful and imposing lilac aura. Also, killing intent was radiating off her in waves, and the young girl suddenly realized that this woman was probably one of those “slayers” Doma sometimes mentioned.

“Release the girl!!!” she repeated firmly, gritting her teeth.

“And what if I don’t want to, little slayer?” taunted the demon, fully looking her way.

She stiffened at that, fear creeping up on her. “You’re… an Upper Moon…!”

“Quite an astute observation, my dear.” Despite his earlier taunts, he did put Sakura down, and she was well forced to sit since she couldn’t stand. “It’ll take but a moment, Little Blossom.”

“Don’t underestimate me, demon!”

The woman pounced at him as soon as he stepped away from the human girl. She didn’t really understand what was going on between those two, but she wasn’t about to let that demon get away with his prey. However, no matter her determination and her skills, there was no denying that this wasn’t a fair fight. Even if she was what they called a hashira, Doma was an Upper Moon with little time to spare. The night was still young, but every minute spent fighting that woman was a minute with Sakura lost—and he didn’t exactly have an endless amount of those. The years were slowly drifting away and, soon, it would be time to claim his dues—and when he did, then who knew when he’d meet another girl like her? Probably not for another few centuries, so he intended to make the most of the time they had left together.

In other words, he didn’t intend on wasting his time with that woman slayer, as cute as she may be. However, just as he was about to kill her—

“Doma!” He froze, his hand just shy of impaling the woman’s chest. “Stop! Don’t- don’t kill her! Please, don’t kill her!”

“And why shouldn’t I, Sa—“ He stiffened. “Sakura…?”

Tears were streaming down the girl’s cheeks.

No, not tears—blood.

“Because- because if you kill her… you will die,” she choked out, visibly shaken. “So please, please, don’t kill her. You can’t- you can’t die! I- I don’t want you to die! Please! Doma!”

Without a second thought, he dropped the woman slayer and rushed to Sakura’s side. As soon as he got close enough, she grabbed his hand and shared with him everything. He let out a strangled gasp, overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of unknown emotions, and it took him a few seconds to notice that he, too, was crying now.

“… I see.” Without another look for his previous opponent, he swiftly picked up the young girl and started walking away. “Let’s go.”

“N- no! Don’t you dare—“

“Please, give up.” The woman slayer froze in place upon hearing the pink-haired girl’s plea. “If you don’t, you’ll die, and then your sisters will cry. So please, give up.”

The woman stiffened, her eyes going wide but, before she could reply anything, the two of them vanished from sight. The demon easily gave her the slip, taking away the human girl while he was at it, and he didn’t stop running until they reached the cover of the forest, a few kilometers away from the town they had just left. Once he deemed they were far enough, he gently put Sakura down, helping her sit on a large rock, before kneeling before her and getting started on wiping away the crimson streaks the blood tears had left on her cheeks.

“… what was that feeling?” he finally asked, in an uncharacteristically subdued voice.

She reached out to him, gently brushing away his own tears. “Despair,” she simply whispered.

Chapter Text

Sakura was uncharacteristically quiet as they made their way toward their next destination. She wasn’t overly chatty per nature, but she wasn’t all that fond of prolonged silence, so she often initiated small talk every few minutes (the silence reminded her too much of that time spent locked up in her room, she told him once). Of course, there were times when she was simply too tired to say anything, or too awed by whatever sight they stumbled upon to utter a single word, but Doma knew for a fact that neither was the case right at this moment.

He could feel it crawling under his skin—a weight in his stomach and an ache in his heart.

“Whatever troubles you, Little Blossom?” he finally dared to ask.

She startled, apparently snapped out of her thoughts.

“It- it’s nothing. Don’t mind me.”

Unfortunately for her, she was a very bad liar, even more so when she unconsciously shared her emotions with the demon. Heaving out a small sigh, Doma stopped walking and unceremoniously dropped her on the ground.

“Oof!”

She groaned, rubbing her sore butt. She hadn’t expected the move, but the numerous layers of clothes along with the soft grass had softened her landing. Before she could snap and ask why he dropped her, though, Doma crouched before her and grabbed her chin so she’d look at him (even if he knew she couldn’t see him, it was a little unnerving to talk to someone without them looking at you).

“While I’m usually quite fond of playing, Little Blossom, I’m not particularly in the mood for guessing games right now,” he stated, a tad more harshly than he intended.

But who could blame him, really? Because of their sudden flight from the last city, he hadn’t been able to eat for three days, now, and his hunger was beginning to show. He felt a little more irritable than usual, and his Little Blossom’s continued silence and disagreeable feelings didn’t help in making him feel any better.

After another moment of silence, Sakura cracked.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He paused, now unsure. “What for?”

“For making you leave like that. For making you give up your prey. For- for making you go hungry.” Her head instinctively lowered, but his grip tightened ever so slightly, forcing her to keep on staring at him. “What- what you’re feeling is my guilt. I’m- I’m sorry, for being in your way…”

He frowned, releasing her. “Why would you think such a thing?”

“Aren’t- aren’t you mad at me?”

“Mad? I haven’t had the opportunity to feel quite that way, I’m afraid.” Shaking his head, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, bringing her into a hug. “Why, I could never be mad at you, dearest Sakura. True, I am quite hungry right now, but I would have been a fool to ignore the warnings of a Seer.” Without really thinking, he placed a light kiss on her forehead. “You have saved my life, Little Blossom, and I feel… grateful? Yes, I think that is what you called it before.” Sensing her doubt, he grabbed her hand, smiling lightly. “You can tell, can’t you?”

After a few seconds, she finally relaxed, smiling back. “I can. Thank you, Doma.”

“Why, I believe I should be the one thanking you, Little Blossom.”

Chapter Text

For the nth time that day, Sakura slightly slid the door open, just wide enough to peer outside and take a good look at the forest. They had had the chance to stumble upon an abandoned, humble abode on their way toward one of the larger cities, but she couldn’t help but feel like they were sitting ducks.

“You’re fidgeting, Little Blossom.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” she sighed, sliding the door shut.

Another reason why they had taken refuge inside that abandoned house so early in the night was because, barely a few hours earlier, Doma had sensed the approach of numerous demon slayers, and Sakura’s warning still rang loudly in his head. So, for once in his life, the demon had decided to act cautiously.

“You needn’t worry, Little Blossom,” he assured, easily picking her up so she wouldn’t sit by the door any more. “Even if those slayers do find us, they won’t be able to lay a single hand on you.”

“You’re the one I’m worried about,” she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “”If that woman slayer is a part of the group chasing us, you’ll be forced to kill her, and that will get you in trouble.”

“Then I’ll kill all of the others and knock her out,” he shrugged, unperturbed. “One way or another, however, I sincerely doubt we have to worry about them finding us. They’ll use the daylight to regain their strength and strategize and, by the time they get here, we’ll be long gone.” He sat on the somewhat dusty floor, Sakura falling onto his lap. “So, you can close those pretty little eyes of yours and rest easy, Little Blossom.”

“I- I guess you’re right,” she mumbled, now feeling a little silly for worrying so much.

Humming under his breath, their fingers instinctively intertwined, and he made a little, displeased face at the feeling that washed over him. Her hands were moist and slightly trembling, and he could feel her pulse under her fingers—wild and unrestrained.

“What is this feeling?”

“Uh? Stress. Or maybe more anxiety, at that point.”

“I don’t like it.”

She snorted at that. “Trust me, no one does.”

Chapter Text

They were found a week later.

“Over there!”

“The demon!”

They were caught unprepared, separated. Doma had gone out to hunt, leaving Sakura in the room of the inn they had rented, and the slayers had shown up out of absolutely nowhere. Neither she nor Doma had expected them to make a move smack in the middle of the city, and they were now paying for their carelessness.

Doma is strong, he can handle himself. But there’s a lot of them!

A tad worried, she peered outside the window. Doma appeared as aloof as usual, a fake smile hanging to his lips as he observed the dozen or so of slayers now surrounding him. The nightly street was entirely empty save for them, and she was wondering how exactly all of the commotion hadn’t already drawn out some curious onlookers.

Though none of them are attacking, and Doma isn’t the type to make the first move—he loves playing with his food too much. Why aren’t they attacking? What are they—

The door of the room suddenly slid open—loudly. Startled out of her thoughts, she looked away from the window and froze upon seeing the dark blue aura of a slayer.

She could feel his panic mingling with killing intent.

“I found you, demon!” he spat, raising his sword.

“I’m not a demon,” she assured, doing her best to keep her cool.

“You won’t fool me!!!”

All pretense of calm went out the window when he suddenly pounced at her. She practically threw herself to the side, unable to run, and his sword grazed her shoulder, cutting through the kimono and drawing blood. She let out a pained yelp, trying to crawl away, and (not for the first time), she cursed her useless legs.

If only I could get up… Run away…

“Stop acting like a defenseless lady already!” She cried out as his boot suddenly slammed down onto her back, pinning her against the floor. “We know your true colors, demon!”

“I’m- I’m not… a demon…” she gritted out.

She froze upon feeling his blade just against her neck. “Liar. If you truly were human, you wouldn’t be traveling with a demon, would you?”

She didn’t have much of a choice. As much as she hated using her powers in such a fashion, she needed to kill him if she wanted to survive and honor her deal with Doma. So, clenching her fist, she then projected the most dreadful feeling she could muster. The sudden onslaught of absolute terror made him stumble back, his eyes going wide as a single thought started running through his head: I’m going to die.

Just as she was about to make his heart stop, though, another wave of killing intent washed over the entire room—this time, though, it was directed toward the slayer.

“Doma…” she murmured, relieved.

She attempted to get up, but her wounded shoulder throbbed, making her fall back down with a groan. Upon noticing the red now tainting her kimono and seeping into the wood of the floor, Doma’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he snapped his attention to the cowering slayer.

“I was unaware that slayers now attacked defenseless civilians,” he growled, all semblance of pleasantness having disappeared. Then, his face twisted into a murderous scowl. “How dare you lay your filthy hands on her, how dare you spill her blood, how dare you hurt what is mine!?”

The trembling slayer didn’t have the time to answer—his head was already flying off his shoulders, blood splattering against the wall. A heavy silence fell upon the room as Sakura could only gawk, dumbstruck. It was the first time she felt Doma so genuinely angry.

No, not angry—enraged.

“Doma…?”

As if breaking a spell, Doma snapped out of his daze and instantly returned to his usual self. He still appeared somewhat angry as he crouched beside her to take a better look at her injury, but she knew it wasn’t directed at her and, frankly, she felt safer now that he was back by her side.

“I should have known they’d try something so underhanded,” he muttered, his fingers grazing over her wound. She flinched slightly, and he sighed. “What was a waste…”

“Are you- are you okay?” she asked as he helped her sit up.

He blinked a few times, surprised, before chuckling. “You ought to worry more about yourself, Little Blossom. As you should know, I can take care of myself. Now, up you go~.”

He picked her up effortlessly, and she couldn’t help but sigh in relief. Really, there was no safer place to be than in the arms of an emotionless, psychopathic, bloodthirsty demon.

Chapter Text

They soon forgot about the incident, moving on with their lives. Time was slowly slipping away, both well aware that their time together was running out, and so they intended to make the most of whatever measly months they had left. However, ever since the little incident, Sakura started noticing a strange change in Doma’s demeanor. Although they were always joined at the hip while traveling (both literally and figuratively), he now rarely ever left her alone. Even when he went out to hunt, he only ate the bare minimum before rushing back at whatever place they were staying for the night.

Most noticeably, though, he was always touching her. Holding her hand, stroking her hair, pinching her cheek—every second they spent together, he was touching her in one way or the other. And, while some might have found it suffocating, Sakura was merely confused, and even a little worried.

“Doma, are you sure you’re alright?”

The man simply offered her one of his small, genuine smiles, patting her head. “Of course, my Little Blossom. Why would you ask?”

“Well, I don’t know. You’ve been acting a little… strange, since what happened at the inn.”

His traits darkened a bit at that. “Yes, well, I was merely reminded of how fragile you actually were, is all. Humans are so easily killed! I’d cry if I could.” His fingers trailed up her neck to her jawline, and his hand cupped her cheek as he pressed his forehead against hers. “You’re not allowed to go anywhere, my Little Blossom, and you’re certainly not allowed to die just yet.”

She rolled her eyes, flicking his nose. “I’m well aware, but I’m not entirely helpless, either. I can take care of myself, all right? So stop fretting like a mother hen already.”

He scrunched up his nose at that. “I’m not fretting, and I’m most certainly not acting like a mother hen.”

“Then why are you holding my hand right now, as if I was going to run away and smack into some trouble as soon as you let me go?”

He paused, seemingly surprised. Then, he looked down and noticed that, indeed, he was holding her hand. When had that happened? He hadn’t realized that he had become much more touchy-feely in the last few days. However, he couldn’t help himself. The thought of losing her to the hands of that filthy slayer had made him lose control for the first time in his life, and something else had stirred inside of him upon seeing her covered in her own blood.

And she was warm. So, so warm.

“I don’t know,” he finally admitted, bemused. “Aren’t you the empath? Why don’t you tell me how I’m feeling right now?”

“How about you figure that one out by yourself?” she grinned, a tad teasingly.

He simply pouted, which made her laugh. As powerful a demon as he was, Doma really was clueless when it came to his own emotions—but she wasn’t about to make it too easy for him.

Chapter Text

It was the little things.

How she looked at him. How she smiled. How she laughed without a second thought. How she teased him. How the hours they spent talking felt like minutes. How she shared her emotions with him. How she trusted him.

How she called out his name.

“Doma!”

She was beautiful—more beautiful than he thought possible. All of those years had truly been worth the wait, for her beauty made the cherry blossoms she was named after pale in comparison.

It was the sweetness of her voice, the softness of her skin.

It was the tantalizing scent of her blood, how it sang for him whenever he was nearby.

It was the sincerity in her eyes, her genuine adoration.

“Doma? What are you standing around for?” she grinned, gesturing to the empty space beside her. “Come on, join me! It’s my last sakura viewing, after all, so come and enjoy it with me!”

Nodding mutely, the demon swiftly came to sit beside her, the tree under which they were seated showering them with soft, pink petals. As wonderful as the sight was, though, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

It was how she felt for him.

It was how she made him feel.

It was the little things.

“Sakura…” She looked up at him, surprise evident in her eyes upon hearing her name, and the warmth that had started growing in his chest suddenly bubbled, rising up in his throat like liquid fire. “What- what is this feeling?”

“Hmm?” She grabbed his hand, and smiled. “I think you already know. Just let it out, you’ll love it!”

So he did. Unable to stop himself any longer, he let go of any restraint… and started laughing. It started off as soft chuckles, which quickly turned into a full-blown laughter fit, and Sakura was quick to join him. It was the first time he laughed so openly, so genuinely.

He didn’t know what came over him, but he did know it was thanks to Sakura.

It was the little things.

Chapter Text

“Doma, how much longer do you plan on messing around with your human pet?”

Something churned in the demon’s guts. It was uncomfortable and it left a sour taste in his mouth, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. It was more tamed than anger, but nowhere close to joy. Strange, he thought he’d feel happy upon seeing his demonic brethren after such a long time, but it would seem there was something else. He didn’t know what, though, which made him scratch his head. Sakura was usually there to tell him whatever it was that he was feeling but, for very obvious reasons, he hadn’t brought her along to the other dimension. So, since he couldn’t put a name on whatever emotion he was feeling at the moment, he simply plastered on his usual fake smile.

“Akaza~! It’s been so long!” Even if he was smiling, though, the strange feeling wouldn’t go away. “I missed you, and everyone else, too~!”

“Tche. You say that, but you’ve been gallivanting around with that pet of yours for quite a while, now. She’s becoming a distraction. Why don’t you just eat her already?”

“Ooh?” The feeling was stronger, now, bubbling in his stomach and rising in his chest, and his smile finally dropped. “What does it matter to you, Akaza?”

There was a tension in the air, now. Apparently noticing it, the older demon stiffened, carefully examining his fellow Upper Moon. He’d never seen Doma so serious before and, frankly, it made his skin crawl with legitimate fear.

“… it doesn’t,” he finally answered, turning around. “Just don’t let your pet get in the way.”

When Doma returned from the demonic dimension, he found Sakura waiting for him by the window, like she always did whenever he left her to accomplish his own business. When he came to sit beside her, though, she chuckled, apparently amused.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because it’s the first time I’ve felt you feel this way,” she admitted.

He perked. As expected, she knew! “What way?”

She chuckled again, patting his head. “You’re annoyed.”

“Annoyed…?” At last, something clicked into place. “Aah, that makes sense. Annoyed… You’re so bright, my Little Blossom~!”

She let out a startled yelp as he suddenly picked her up and placed her on his lap. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he then placed his chin on her shoulder, his nose falling in the crook of her neck as he inhaled her scent.

Blood and cherry blossoms… How fitting.

“… he called you a pet,” he finally said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. He pouted a bit. “A didn’t like it.”

“Why?” she asked curiously, glancing up at him. “Isn’t he right?”

“He’s not.” His hold around her tightened. “You’re not a pet.”

“Then what am I?”

“… I don’t know.”

He didn’t say anything else, and they both fell silent again.

Chapter Text

“Good evening,” he replied, offering her a pleasant smile. He had gotten into the habit of smiling whenever he met someone since it was expected. “Are you the one who did this?”

“If by  this,  you mean the bloodbath, then no,” she replied evenly, offering a light shrug. “These men did this to themselves—quite literally.”

::

A small smile graced Sakura’s lips as she gazed at the starry sky above them. Although she couldn’t see them, she still enjoyed the experience.

She was with Doma, after all.

“What are you smiling about, Little Blossom?” mused the demon, curious.

“Nothing much. I simply remembered the first time we met,” she replied, chuckling a little at the memory. “To this day, I still don’t really understand what went through your mind when you made that offer, but…”

::

“Tell me, how old are you, Little Blossom?”

“I believe I turned fourteen last week. Why?”

“Then, let’s say… six years.” He released her chin, his hand sliding upward to stroke her blood-splattered cheek. “Yes, six years. In those six years, we will go everywhere you wish to go, experience everything you wish to experience, and I will show you everything you long to see. Then, in exchange, on your twentieth birthday, when your beauty has fully blossomed… I’ll eat you!” He beamed like a child would at the thought of receiving a birthday present early. “Doesn’t that sound just wonderful, Little Blossom?”

::

“But, I’m grateful. And happy. I owe you a lot, Doma.”

“Is it something that humans do?” he wondered, their fingers intertwining. “Recalling the past when their future is about to end? Seems like a waste of time.”

“That may be so, but those are memories that I cherish dearly,” she pointed out. “Thinking back on them simply makes me realize how far we’ve come since then, and helps me appreciate even more what we have now.”

“… What a strange little feeling,” he murmured, tilting his head as he held her hand. “Content, yet sad. Bittersweet.”

“Nostalgia,” she answered his unasked question. “I wish we could have had more time together but, since I am to die, I’m happy that it’ll happen by your hand.”

He clicked his tongue at that, letting go of her hand so he could wrap his arms around her waist, letting his chin rest atop her head.

“Soon, my Little Blossom,” he murmured, his guts churning uncomfortably and the words feeling like sand on his tongue. “Soon, but not tonight.”

“Not tonight,” she agreed, unperturbed. If she could feel what he was feeling now, she didn’t comment on it. “Tonight, let’s enjoy the stars.”

Just a little longer, they both thought.

Chapter Text

“Oh, hello. Would you happen to be Muzan-sama?”

The man had entered like a thief, yet his presence was that of an Emperor—intimidating and breathtaking. His aura was of an even darker shade of red than Doma’s, almost pitch black, and so it wasn’t difficult to guess his identity. Slowly, gracefully, the man stepped out of the shadows and came to stand beside the young human girl sitting on the edge of the koi pond. Her distinct pink hair was swaying gently under the midnight breeze, and she looked up at him with pale, silvery eyes which reflect the moonlight.

Well, there was no denying that Doma had good tastes, he mused internally.

“Doma is out feeding at the moment,” she then informed, her tone a tad too casual for someone who spoke of people being murdered. “There is tea in the kitchen, though, if you’d like some. I’d offer to make it myself, but I’m afraid walking isn’t an option for me.”

“… you know who I am. Are you not scared?”

She smiled lightly, the question strangely nostalgic. “I’m not.”

“You should be.”

“Probably. If I’m to be honest, though, I think humans are much scarier than demons,” she admitted, looking down at her useless legs. The atrophied limbs laid unmoving in the pond, and there was no denying that the sight was mildly perturbing. “Though, you surely didn’t come all this way to hear me rant. Doma should be—“

“You’re the one I came to meet with.”

Surprise showed on her face, then she bowed her head deeply. “I’m honored. How may I be of assistance to you, Muzan-sama?”

He stared at her for a moment. She was genuine in her sentiment, which was admittedly surprising. Really, what a strange little human Doma had picked up…

“I heard you could see the future. Is it true?”

“I did—once,” she confirmed, before frowning slightly. “However, it’s not an ability I can control, and I didn’t have any other vision since that first time.”

“What if you became a demon?”

“Then I would surely die,” she replied without missing a beat. She had apparently been expecting the suggestion. “My body is weak, and my will to live is fickle. Even if you were to try and turn me into a demon now, I’m not strong enough to withstand the process of transformation.”

“… I see. May you enjoy whatever little time you have left, then.”

“I will. Thank you, Muzan-sama.”

On which he disappeared amongst the shadows through which he first came from, and Sakura returned to playing around in the koi pond.

Chapter Text

“I’m turning twenty tomorrow, Doma.”

“I know.”

“Thank you. For everything.” She smiled at him, their fingers intertwining. “I had a wonderful time.” There was a pause. “Tell me, has my beauty reached your expectations?”

“Sakura…” He gazed upon her, his eyes sparkling as his free hand stroke her cheek. “Your beauty has fully blossomed at last… and you’re even more beautiful than I expected…” He placed his forehead against hers, smiling lightly. “What is this feeling?”

“It is…” She placed a chaste kiss on his lips, then pulled away. “Love. It is love.”

“Love…?” His smile widened, his rainbow eyes practically shining with awe. “I see. I see! So, this is love…” He could feel himself growing warmer, seeking more of her touch as he pressed his lips against her palm. “And this…?”

“Passion,” she answered, her voice now no more than a whisper. “Passion and desire.”

“Sakura…” he called out, his breath now ghosting over her lips. “Be mine…!”

She simply smiled again as he pulled her closer, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I’m all yours, Doma.”

Chapter Text

“Ne… Doma…”

“What is it, Little Blossom?” he asked, stroking her hair as he cradled her in his arms.

“We had… a fun time together…. Didn’t we?” A soft smile graced her lips as she leaned closer to him. “Ne… Doma… Let’s meet again in our next lives… and go… on all sorts of adventures again… okay? Someday… Someday…”

“We will. Someday, Little Blossom,” he assured quietly, still stroking her hair.

“Pro- promise…?”

“I promise.”

“Then- then… it’s a deal…” Her eyes closed, fully at peace. “Then… see you later… Doma…”

Silence ensued as, at last, she fully got absorbed into his body. Yet, even if his stomach was now full, his chest felt hollow. He had been craving to eat her for years but, now that she was gone, he felt strangely empty. This emptiness was clawing inside his chest where his heart used to beat, burning his throat and making his head spin and, for one reason or the other, tears started falling from his eyes.

“What is this feeling…?” he whispered, his voice echoing in the heavy, suffocating silence. “Tell me, Little Blossom… This feeling… Why do I feel this way?” He had been warm when he was holding her but, now, it was cold. Cold and empty and lonely—“ Won’t you tell me… Sakura…?”

But she didn’t answer.

She was gone, now, and he was alone again.

Chapter Text

“Before we start fighting, would you mind answering a question for me?”

The woman slayer narrowed her eyes. She didn’t have the time for mindless chitchat, she needed to kill the Upper Moon and go after Muzan, else their plan wouldn’t work. However, there was something in the demon’s eyes that made her pause

“… What do you wish to ask?”

A very faint smile grace his lips for half-a-second, but it quickly vanished. “Everything hurts. There is this hollowness in my chest that has been ripping me apart for months, now. It hasn’t even been a year since we’ve last been together, yet it already feels like an eternity. I thought I could satiate my hunger with other humans, but they’re now bland and tasteless.” He brought his hand up to his chest, and tears welled up in his eyes. “I’m completely empty, save for this weight that crushes my heart a little more every passing second. I think of her every day, longing to hear her voice at least one last time, longing to hold her hand, longing to feel again… and I do feel, but it is only pain that I feel now.” He was looking at her again, the tears streaming down his cheeks. “Tell me: what is this feeling?”

“… Are you talking about the pink-haired girl who was with you?” It was hard to forget the young civilian girl who had saved her life. “Did you eat her?”

“It was our deal,” he murmured, still crying. “I would let her see the world, and she would be mine. I thought finally eating her would make me happy, but I’ve grown crippled with a loneliness I can no longer bear. I can’t even muster the strength to smile anymore, even to fake it… but I never had to fake it with her, did I?” At that point, he was mostly talking to himself, and the woman slayer didn’t know what was the most unsettling—his tears, or his words. “I ate her, completely unaware of the curse that would befall me… Tell me, tell me! What is this feeling? Won’t you give me the answer I seek…?”

She looked at him for a long time, unsure of what to say.

He wasn’t lying, that much was obvious, so she steeled her nerves and answered.

“Grief. Sorrow. And regrets.”

His sobs died down, though the tears kept on falling, and he looked at her with something akin to hope. “Regrets?”

“Yes. She plagues your thoughts, haunts your dreams. You see her in everything you experience, everywhere you look. You wish she was still by your side.” At last, she lowered her sword. Even if he was a demon, she couldn’t help but sympathize with his pain. “You wish you hadn’t eaten her.”

At that, his eyes widened even more. “Yes… Yes! That’s it! So those are… regrets…”

He closed his eyes, as if at peace now that he had his answer, and she moved. Not making a sound, too fast for the human eye to follow, the woman slayer pounced at him and, without an ounce of hesitation, sliced through his neck. Her blade cut through his skin like a knife through melted butter, and she released the last of her breath, her heart pounding wildly.

“… you could have avoided my blow.”

“I know. But, for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to move.” At once, his head fell off his shoulders. The headless body collapsed, and he found himself staring at the ceiling, more tears streaming down his face. “I’m so tired now… An eternity without her… isn’t an eternity worth living… Can you answer another question…?”

“Of course.”

“Will I see her again…?”

At that, the Flower Hashira smiled softly, kneeling beside him. “I’m sure you will.”

“I see… I see…!” Then, for the first time in months, he managed to return a smile of his own. “It will surely take a long time… but we’ll see each other again…”

“She’ll wait for you,” murmured the black-haired woman. “And I’ll pray that you be reunited one day, no matter how long it takes.”

The demon didn’t answer, simply closing his eyes as his body turned to ashes. Soon enough, he completely vanished from existence, leaving behind wet splotches of tears on the floor, and also a bundle of pink cloth. A tad curious, the woman slayer picked it up and carefully unwrapped whatever was inside.

It was a small hair ornament—a sakura flower made of pink quartz, mounted on a golden pin. It was simple, yet elegant, and she knew exactly what it meant.

::

“Nee-san, do you really believe that, one day, humans and demons will live peacefully together?”

::

Carefully, she wrapped up the small hairpiece, then tucked it away in her pocket. Then, turning around to face the spot where the demon had disappeared, she joined her hands together.

May they know peace and joy. May their love withstand the rift of time.

May they be reunited again, and enjoy the peace they couldn’t find here.

After what, she quickly rushed out of the room—she still had a mission to accomplish, after all. As she ran, though, strange warmth spread over her chest, where she had put the hairpiece and, for a moment, she could have sworn she heard a woman’s voice in her head.

“Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Tokyo, Japan

Modern Times

He was walking at a leisure pace, checking his phone on the way to the lecture hall. He’d surely be late, but he didn’t really care. He was the kind of man who liked to do things at his own pace and, even if it was the first day of school, he wasn’t about to hasten his pace just to please an old, boorish man who already hated his guts anyway. Just as he reached the building, he stopped before the doors, scowling a little.

Hopefully, this’ll be my last year…

Just as the thought crossed his mind, though, he heard a voice in the distance.

“Ex- excuse me! Please, can you hold the door?”

A little surprised to find out he wasn’t the only student late to the lecture, he turned around and… whatever he found, it wasn’t what he was expecting. His scowl dropped, one of his eyebrows quirking up as he watched a young, pink-haired woman approach as quickly as she could manage in that wheelchair of hers. In her haste to join him, though, she bumped into the railing of the ramp leading up to the entrance, and the books that had been placed on her lap went flying, scattering on the floor along with some notes and pencils.

“Oh, no…”

The noise of books smacking against the floor snapped him out of his daze, and the young man found himself walking down the stairs to join her. He didn’t really understand what he was doing or why he was doing it, his body was moving on its own, but something about the young woman seemed to draw him in, begging him to come closer and closer—

His feet bumped against one of her books. He picked it up without really thinking and, while he was at it, he quickly gathered the rest of her stuff.

“Here, you dropped this,” he stated plainly, handing all of it back.

“R- right! Thank you so much!”

She reached out to grab her books, and their eyes met at last. Almost instantly, he froze, an electric shot running through his entire body.

She’s beautiful.

“Are- are you okay…?”

“Ah, yes! Sorry about that!”

He was flustered. Since when did he get flustered? But his heart was beating fast, too fast, and his palms were all sweaty, and all he could think about was how he just wanted to hold her in his arms forever and never let go.

She was going to be late.

On her first day!

Gah, and I told mom that I would be all right on my own, too…

She was moving as fast as she could, but she wasn’t used to the layout of the university, and every little bump she ran into felt like a mountain. Her arms were starting to tire from spinning the wheels, but she really wanted to learn to move on her own. Even if she couldn’t use her legs, it didn’t mean she had to be dependent on someone else!

But now, my pride will be my downfall, she groaned internally, the building in which the lecture was given finally appearing in sight. I can’t believe I’m going to be late for class. How lame is that? It’s already hard enough to make friends in my state…

Not for the first time in her life, the young woman cursed the useless legs, which she was born with. However, now was not the time for a pity party, because someone else suddenly appeared in sight, heading inside the very same building where she needed to go. Knowing it’d be a real pain in the ass to get through the doors (the automatic buttons didn’t work, some sort of technical problem, and another reason why she was late), she did the only thing she could do.

“Ex- excuse me! Please, can you hold the door?”

The man, who had stopped just before the door, paused and turned around. She couldn’t really see him from so far away, her sight was shit and she had forgotten her glasses at home, but she was hoping he’d be nice enough to wait for her, even if he, too, was apparently late. As she tried to pick up the pace in order to go up the ramp leading to the entrance, though, she miscalculated the distance, and one of the wheels bumped against the rail. Instantly, all of the books she had carefully piled up on her lap went flying.

“Oh, no…” she groaned, mortified.

That was the last thing she needed, seriously. Bending over to try and pick up the nearest book, she was pleasantly surprised when a set of shoes appeared before her, and the rest of her books was handed back to her.

“Here, you dropped this.”

“R- right! Thank you so much!”

Straightening up in her chair, she looked up while grabbing her stuff, and froze. The man before her was extremely handsome, and his eyes were… mesmerizing. As if all of the colors of the rainbow had been poured into his irises. The strangest thing, though, was how familiar they appeared. It didn’t make sense, though. Surely, she would remember meeting someone with eyes like these before, right?

Then, she noticed that he was also frozen in place, his mouth hanging open as he stared at her, seemingly in a daze.

“Are- are you okay…?” she asked hesitantly.

“Ah, yes! Sorry about that!”

Growing a little nervous under his insistent stare, the pink-haired woman pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, biting her lower lip. She fiddled a bit with the cherry blossom hairpin in her hair, before finally finding the courage to speak up.

“Thank- thank you, for picking up my stuff. And for waiting for me.”

“Of course.” He tilted his head, offering her a pleasant smile, and warmth spread in her chest while butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Are you alright? You didn’t hurt yourself, did you, Little Blossom?”

The nickname had slipped out all on its own. He had no idea where it came from, but it simply felt… right. She startled a bit upon hearing it, her eyes widening ever so slightly before she returned his smile, and his heart stopped.

“Ah, yes, I’m fine. I was in too much of a hurry, I guess.”

“Are you headed for Iguro-sensei’s lecture?”

“I- I am.”

“Then, would you care to accompany me? I’m headed there myself.” He then spared a glance for the wheelchair. “I can push you if you want to go faster.”

“O- oh, I don’t want to trouble you like this!” she protested, embarrassed.

He stared for a moment, before nodding. “In that case, let me at least carry your books. I’m sure it’ll be a lot easier to move around without having to worry about those.”

He didn’t know what he was doing. Never before had he felt anything of the sort, and he never went out of his way to actively help someone before today. And yet, as their eyes met again, he felt his heart throb almost painfully, almost as if it was reaching out to her.

And then, much to his astonishment, she started crying.

“U- uh?” It took her a few seconds to notice the tears now streaming down her face, and she instantly started rubbing her eyes. “I- I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me!”

Her heart was aching, yet the hollowness in her chest that she had grown to ignore over the years had now completely vanished, and she felt…

Happy. I’m happy. Why am I happy?

“I don’t- I don’t really understand, I’m very confused, I—“

“It’s alright, Little Blossom.” His smile softened. Her heart skipped a beat, and he handed her a handkerchief. “It’s probably just the stress of the first day.”

“N- no, nothing like that…” She was quick to wipe her eyes dry, inhaling deeply in hopes that it would calm her racing heart. “It’s just… I don’t know. I’m very happy, all of sudden, but I don’t know why.” She looked back at him, his beautiful eyes staring right back at her, and she felt her breath get stuck in her throat. “Have we… Have we met before?”

“… How strange. I do feel a certain familiarity, but I don’t think so, no,” he mused, tilting his head in a curious manner. He then smiled again. “Who knows? Maybe we met in a previous lifetime.”

She laughed a bit at that. “It sounds unlikely, but also quite poetic.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” The bell suddenly rang, and he paused. “What’s not as poetic is what Iguro-sensei will do to us for being so late to his first lecture.”

“That bad, uh?” she cringed.

He nodded, picking up her books before she could protest. “He’s not exactly known on the campus for his amicable personality. Plus, he hates me, so he’ll probably end up hating you by association, unfortunately.”

If the little nickname he had dubbed her with had been instinctual, their light banter was ten times that feeling. For one reason or the other, it felt like they had known each other for years, and talking so casually just came… naturally. He still didn’t really get it, but it felt right, so he wasn’t about to fight—and neither was she, by the looks of it. She appeared to be feeling the same way as he did, and decided to play along too.

“Hate you?” she echoed, curious, and amused at the same time.

He scrunched up his nose at that. “He called me a demon, once.”

She laughed openly at that, and the sound was practically music to his ears. His heart ached again, as if longing to hear more of it yet weeping with nostalgia.

What the hell is wrong with me, seriously?

“A demon, really? Is he the kind of man who ended up being a teacher even though he hates students, teaching, and school as a whole?”

“Most probably. And, if we actually show up an hour late to his lecture, it’ll probably end in a bloodbath,” he chuckled. He started walking, slow enough so she wouldn’t have a problem keeping up with his pace, and they started making their way toward the door. “So, we should probably hurry up. Even if I’m supposedly a demon in his books, I’m not that fond of the stench of blood.”

Not many enjoyed his somewhat peculiar humor, so he was pleasantly surprised when she laughed again, unperturbed by the morbidity of his joke.

“Well, sounds like we’ll get along just fine,” she replied, amused. “So? What should I call you?”

“You may call me Doma.” They stopped before the door, and he looked back at her, asking back the same question even though he somehow knew the answer. “And you, Little Blossom?”

She smiled at him, and it felt as if the entire world came to a halt.

That’s her, murmured a voice in the back of his head. That’s the one.

“Kocho Sakura. Nice to meet you, Doma!”

He blinked, a little startled when she extended her hand to him. Then, a smile stretched his lips as he reached out and shook her hand, warmth spreading through his entire body.

“Likewise, Sakura.”