Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He holds tightly onto the edge of the headboard, fucking into the young man with abandon. Under him, the man sobs his pleasure into the pillow.

They have to be quick. He thrusts into him faster, trying to reach his orgasm before anyone within the church could catch them.

His father would kill him. Burn him alive for it only desecrating the church, but with a man. He’d be a dead man. He’d lose his father’s fortune.

But, fuck he can’t resist. He shudders quietly covering his mouth as he empties inside of the man, still thrusting as his hole spasms around his cock.

“Quickly.” The man below him is already reaching for his clothes.” I love when you fill me.”

He turns around to places chaste kisses on his mouth, dipping his fingers into the ends of his long hair and pulling.

“My father will be busy next weekend. I could sneak you past the dogs.” He said, observing the long haired man’s face. He’s thinking about it, and ultimately nods his head.

“Ok.”

“See you then.” His clothes are on quickly and he escapes through the back exit. Muzan sat there, slowly pulling on his clothes.

He’s ashamed. He’s guilty. He doesn’t know why he can’t find women attractive. He can’t like the women his father introduces him to.

He always finds something wrong with them to report to his father. His father is beginning to believe there’s no woman in the world that could satisfy his son.

And he’s right. There isn’t. There isn’t a woman who’s taller than him and muscular with a voice deep like coal. There wasn’t a woman who could be a man for him.

If there were a way around this, he’d kill to find a solution. Anything.

Maybe he’s just perverted and enjoys touching men. He tells himself that.

He finishes getting dressed and heads towards the front of the church. He looks around slowly, coming from behind the statue of Christ, his eyes scanning the floor. Only two people were inside of the church.  The priest, and a man sitting towards the back, his eyes locked on Muzan the moment he came from the back door.

Red eyes that follow his every moment, as if mapping out the flow of each muscle as he walked down the three steps.

He begins down the aisle, bowing his head to the priest with a kind, unsuspecting smile.

There were only two people in this world he needed to respect. His father, and the priest. And even then his father easily controlled the church. He doesn’t have a real reason to bow to the priest or be friendly with him. He’s just following orders.

“A little late to be inside a church?” Muzan says to the man nervously.

He gets a better look at him. Now that he’s up close. But even then he was still blurry.

Muzan’s eye sight was going. He was sick, and with each passing day he grows sicker and sicker

The man’s hair is tied back in a ponytail. He’s clad in a black suit. In fact, the only colorful thing on his person is his hair.

The man slowly turns his head, he observes Muzan’s nervousness and turns his head back to the priest.

“I heard what you did back there, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Muzan’s blood seems to run cold.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Muzan furrows his brows. He made sure no one would hear them. He’s was so careful in every step.

“Sodomy is a sin. Apparently.” His eyes are dead. The man overall looks dead in his eyes. His face doesn’t even break to flash a disgusted look.

“I did no such thing. Are you accusing me of-“

“Take me to the man you slept with, and I’ll keep my mouth shut.” His voice is quiet, speaking barely loud enough for Muzan to hear. Or maybe his hearing is beginning to go as well.” Take me to his home.”

Muzan reels back a little, looking up at the priest at the top of the aisle. His eyes widened, fully turning his body to give his full attention to the sight before him.

Blood. Nothing but blood dripping from the priests mouth and eyes. His mouth is moving as if he’s speaking but nothing leaves his lips but blood. The rest of his body frozen in time.

“Will you do what I say? Or do I have to kill you?”

“I-I know where he lives.” Muzan lifts his hands in defeat.

“Good.”

The moon is bright. The man sits across from Muzan as the carriage climbs a tall hill leading up the his home.

It’s huge, the house. Built for a noble and his family, the house is beyond beautiful. But inside it’s ugly.

Slaves. Rapists. Women in the house only meant to clean, cook and be fucked by the very man Muzan just slept with. And his father.

Muzan doesn’t care, truthfully. Some people are born into poverty and they can only sell their daughters to feed their sons. He doesn’t have an opinion on it.

It’s life. That’s all this is.

They get out of the carriage and he orders it to be sent back down.

“Wait here. I suppose it would be helpful having a nobles son. You seem to know how to obey.”

Muzan stands there quietly as the man walks into the house. The dim lantern lights are shining in almost every room.

Muzan feels a change in the air, muffled screams coming from inside the house, banging, loud banging. Women screaming, men crying. Dogs barking before swiftly silenced.

Muzan digs his nails into the soft skin of his palm, swallowing as blood splatters on one of the windows upstairs.

He steps back, feet shuffling until he’s standing in the soft grass behind him. He breathes heavily, tears threatening to prick his eyes.

Was he next? Would he be next? Why did he bring him if he wouldn’t be immediately next.

The young man’s runs out of the house, nearly falling and clamoring to find his footing again.

“Muzan! Muzan thank goodness! There’s a—“

The man doesn’t finish his thought. Mouth open and his body stuck in place. His neck is uncomfortably pushed to the side.

Reddish smoke materialized into the man clad in black, biting into the side of the young man’s neck.

Muzan falls back into the grass, losing strength in his legs as he looks up at the horrific sight before him.. The scent of blood hits his nose. Iron and fire and death. Muzan’s eyes widen as the man pulls his teeth free from the young man’s neck. Letting his lifeless body fall onto the pavement, uselessly becoming nothing but another piece of trash to pick up.

His blood stained mouth, dripping down his chin and down the stretch of his neck. He hummed, licking his lips as he looked down at Muzan.

“Please don’t—don’t hurt me.”

“I won’t. This man you’ve slept with is a rapist.” He nudges his body with his foot, kicking him to his back so he can look at his face.” Him and his father shouldn’t have been allowed to live that long. You knew, but you didn’t do anything.”

His gaze shifts to Muzan’s frightened eyes.

“What am I to do? I—I’m sick! I’m a sick man, the doctor said I wouldn’t live to see 20! I cannot fight, I can’t—“

“You can talk. A lot.” The man takes slowly steps to Muzan as the human crawls back, kicking grass up haphazardly and fearfully. All he knows right now is fear.

He knows he’ll die soon. But he doesn’t want to die now.”

“You are just as guilty as them. You knew.”

“I did, and I’m sorry!” Muzan cries. Tears streaming down his face, sobbing like a caught child would. He fears his punishment wouldn’t be just a slap on the wrist.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please don’t hurt me, what am I to do? I’m a nobles son, I can only watch!”

“You will help me. A woman whose daughter was sold to this house wrote to me. I don’t know how she knew me, but she knew what I was. I bought her daughter back from this house. I seen quite some things in there.”

“This has nothing to do with me, I swear!”

“You turn a blind eye. That woman informed me you have the most access everywhere without question because your father is an important man. Because you are sick, people let you do whatever you want. No one questions you. No one tells you no.” He reaches into his breast pocket, pulling out a handkerchief to clean the blood left on his lips.

“Who told you that? I assure you they are lying to you.” Muzan laughs nervously. The man stands in front of Muzan’s feet, placing the handkerchief back in his pocket.

“I will use you to feed. This town is filled with disgusting vile people and I should be fed well enough while I’m here. It’s good to get rid of scum.”

“What are you?”

“I am Yoriichi Tsugikuni.” He bows his head, as if this greeting meant anything. He was a blood thirsty monster who displayed powers Muzan didn’t know was possible.” I am a vampire, and you have just become my familiar.”

“I am not involved with this. Please sir, I am sick! I cannot help you!” Muzan pleads with him, beginning to back up again. Yoriichi grabs his the top of his head, pulling his hair to force him to stand up. Muzan screams, more in fear than pain.

Yoriichi plucks his glove off with his teeth and spits it onto the ground. Using his fang he cuts a slit up his thumb and shove it into the humans mouth.

“Drink.”

Muzan protests at first, pushing at the taller mans arm and trying to shove him away.

He tastes his blood dripping savings his tongue. He licks it, hungrily. Soon his arms are gripping Yoriichi’s wrist to suck the blood out himself.

“You are healed. Whatever sickness you had is gone for now.Now come.” Yoriichi commands softly. Muzan hears the tail end of his words before his brain seems to come back from being fuzzy. His blood tasted so good. Like a sweet drug he’d crave for the rest of his life, however long he had left. He never knew something could be so full of flavor.

He pulls his thumb from his mouth, wiping it against his lip and cleaning the blood there.

“I was born sick. I cannot just be healed.”

“Well you are.” He extends his hand, his glove floating to his palm. He puts it back on.” If you want to stay this way, you’ll need to drink my blood.”

Muzan’s vision is the first thing he notices. The man isn’t blurry anymore, he can make out his features now.

There’s a mark at his forehead, almost reaching his eyebrow. It’s something he’s never seen before, something the town of imbeciles would kill him for and accuse him of being a demon.

He can see. He can see the long hair flowing down his back and over his shoulder. The detail on his suit. The ironic cross pendant against his neck in gold.

“I…I feel warm.”

“Are you done?” The man asks.” I suppose you’re tired from your activities in the church. I’ll get you dinner and send you to bed.”

“I cannot just—I have to go home to my parents!”

“Your parents are not important.”

“What!” Muzan screams. He follows after the man. He’s fast. Fuck he’s fast, he can run without pain shooting in his knees.” Hey! What do you mean, I need to go home!”

“You belong to me now.” Yoriichi turns around to stop his running and shouting.” You can come quietly or I can drag you.”

Muzan doesn’t become overconfident. He takes a step back from the man. He’s afraid. He’s afraid of his eyes that have obviously seen more death than Muzan has seen life. He’s afraid of what he can do to him in the blink of an eye.

Muzan brushes his hair away from his face. He nods his head.

“Good choice, now let’s go. You’ll be rewarded handsomely if you obey. If not, I’ll kill you.” His voice was cold and chilling.

He looks at the man’s back as they walk down the hill. He’s no need for the carriage now, he can properly walk. He can feel the night breeze without shivering and hear the small creatures of the night.

Whoever this man was, he had no choice but to follow him.

Chapter Text

Restlessly he taps his foot, looking between the door and the man silently reading in the corner. 

“You’re supposed to be a myth.”

“I suppose I am. But yet I’m sitting here in front of you.”

“You’re not a vampire. You’re a demon from Hell meant to take my soul. My sins have caught up to me.”

“Maybe they have. You sleep with men. Do your parents know their teenage son is going around having sex with grown men?”

“I’m an adult.”

“You’re 19.”

“I never told you my age.” Muzan snaps defensively.

“I can read your mind.” Yoriichi closes the book, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.

Muzan quietly looks down.

“No, you can’t kill me. At least not in your current state. I’ve been alive for a thousand years, and I’ve survived things you couldn’t dream of.”

“How can I make you not read my mind? That’s creepy. I’m entitled to my privacy.” Muzan crosses his arms defiantly. He's still a spoiled brat after all.

“Why would I tell you that?”

“I am a nobles son; I will not be held captive here. My father—“

“Your father’s rank means nothing to me.I’ve drank from kings. I’ve drank from gods and emperors alike. You all taste the same. You all die in the end.” He throws the book down on the coffee table, offering only a scoff before standing up.” You can’t threaten me with your father.”

“He would burn this earth for me.”

“For his sick son? Who’s supposed to be the heir to his fortune? Your father wants you to marry and have a child so when you inevitably die—and you will die—he’ll pass it on to his grandson. If you can deliver a son.”

“You don’t know me or my father.” His anger bubbles under his skin. Because in some sick universe, in some world where Muzan is useless and insecure in his own head, his father doesn’t care about him. And this lifeless, undead man is correct.

“I know your father very well.” Yoriichi inspects the ends of his hair.”Sodomy must be hereditary for you.”

“What did you just say? You watch your fucking tongue, or I’ll cut it out of your mouth.”

Muzan had never been spoken to like this. Everyone he knows thinks before they speak to him. The fear of him surviving his sickness and taking over where his father left was still on the table. Or the wrath of his father, either way, people handled Muzan with gloves and a pretty attitude.

“With what knife?” Yoriichi, unimpressed, stands up. He easily towers over Muzan, a small sliver of the sun breaking through the curtain barely separating them. Just a gleam hitting the side of Yoriichi’s face where his mark lies.”Your father is no different from a whore.”

“Shut up! Do not speak—“

Yoriichi grabs his wrist, pulling Muzan closer to his chest. He freezes immediately; a bead of sweat clings to his forehead as he shakes with fear. He slowly looks up at his dead eyes, staring into deep reds that have seen many souls die and will see many more.

“Your father isn’t the man you think he is. You have a lot of family secrets.”

Yoriichi’s grip falters, and he lets Muzan go. The young man stumbling back into the chair behind him. He breathes out heavily, feeling his body revert back to what it used to be.

Cold and sick. Suffering in pain, nearly blind. He grips his hair at the scalp as he feels the promising throb of a headache begin to swell.

“I see it’s worn off already. It can't be helped. I didn’t give you that much to begin with.”

“Help me.” Muzan pleads quietly. Reaching out for Yoriichi. Being so rude to his savior and demanding his blood two seconds later.

“I think this is where I remind you where you stand against me. You are a servant. You are no longer a nobles son, but my property. Threatening to cut out my tongue doesn’t work against me.”

Yoriichi reached into his side, pulling out a small blade. It’s what Muzan would assume he needs to kill the vampire. He opens his mouth.But Muzan isn’t looking.

”I wonder how many times you’ve said that.” Yoriichi can tell Muzan flies off the rails pretty often. He doesn’t control his temper, he’s not a man yet, still a boy with no respect.

So he tilts the human's head up towards him, forcing him to look up at the vampire as he slices into his own tongue. 

He cuts it, all the way across until the tip of it falls off into Muzan’s lap. Face unchanging, eyes unaffected. Keeping eye contact with Muzan even as the beginning realization of terror forms.

He screams.

“Oh my God! You monster! You demon!” He tries to brush it away from his lap, the wet texture of it making his throat close up into a gag.

“Get it off! Get it off!” He gags, covering his mouth as if he’d throw up.

Yoriichi tilts his head back up, grabbing his jaw and forcing his mouth open. As quickly as he was disgusted, his face transformed from apprehension to pleasure. The blood falls from Yoriichi’s mouth into Muzan’s, dripping onto his tongue to taste the delicious sweetness of his blood.

Muzan stands, growling hungrily, long hair falling over his shoulders as he grabs Yoriichi’s face to connect their lips.

His lidded, hungry eyes look into Yoriichi’s, sucking the blood from the open wound of his tongue. 

If he could describe it, it’s sweet like cake. A delicacy he couldn’t refuse. He moans into his mouth, holding onto his face as if Yoriichi would deny him. As if he’d pull away and leave him hungry.

His tongue had healed quicker than he anticipated, pulling away with what was left dripping from his bottom lip.

He catches what he can in his fingers, sucking them clean as he looks up at Yoriichi’s unimpressed eyes.

“You’re an eager one.” He inspects Muzan’s eyes, pushing his hair aside to view him properly.

He’s pretty. Maybe too pretty for a bratty human. Surprisingly he doesn’t look like his father, but favors his mother instead.

“Get away from me.”

The sun had gone down only slightly. It was close to 6 o’clock, maybe 5:30. Muzan hadn’t had the courage to check. He didn’t have his watch, and he’s afraid to ask the vampire.

“You’re going to grant me access inside a private brothel. You’re welcome to enjoy yourself.”

“You’re going to kill people in there? Innocent people like how you killed that family last night?”

“I’m not going to kill innocent people. I’m going to kill one man and get information from another. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.”

“And if I refuse? You’ll kill me or let me feel my pain once again. I don’t care. I know I’ll die anyway.”

The carriage stops, the sound of the horses hooves pacing in place and the gentle huffs and snorts of their exhaustion.

Yoriichi leans forward into his own knees, too close for Muzan’s comfort. He tries to back up, but he can only go so far inside the carriage.

“You are afraid of death,” Yoriichi says.

“And what about you? You’ve been alive a thousand years; aren’t you afraid too? You continue to live endlessly.”

“I have nothing to kill myself with. If I could save my eyes from the horrors I’ve seen within the last thousand years, I would. If I could be blind and deaf to it, I would.” He lets out a long breath, opening the curtain to look at the young men clambering into the brothel.

“I’ve been granted an extended life to get rid of people like that. Men who take and torture. Men who kill and rape. I’ve been given a job. I am the judge and executioner.”

“God is judge and executioner. Not you.”

Yoriichi hums softly.

“You still believe you’re favorable in God's eyes. You’re a sinner.” Yoriichi opens the carriage door. The sun was still going down; it wouldn’t be long before the man he’s looking for will be gone from his eyes.

He can smell him. He can smell his sins.

“God forgives sins.”

“How many times has God forgiven you for sleeping with a man? You are a pervert, Muzan.” They walk across the street to the brothel. Weaving between bodies of drunks and sex workers promoting the brothel alike.

“I—am I so wrong to enjoy the flesh of another person? To want to be touched.”

“Sex outside of wedlock. Disobeying your parents and elders, you are on a roll.”

“What do you know of God?” Muzan quickly walks in front of him to stop him from walking.” You’re not better than me. You’re a demon from hell!” He takes the cross from Yoriichi’s neck and snatches it free. Holding it in his hand tightly.

“You don’t deserve to wear this around your neck.” Muzan shoved the pendant in his face to show him the god he worships.

“It was just a disguise anyway.” Yoriichi disregards him, walking around Muzan, who keeps the cross in his hands. ” To blend into the church, I mean.”

“How are you allowed inside a church? You should burn once you step in one.”

“Just do your job.” Yoriichi shoves Muzan forward towards the entrance of the brothel, standing closely behind him.

“Kibutsuji!” The man fumbles with his alcoholic drink and stands to bow deeply to the nobles son. ” And you’ve brought a friend. Business partner of your father's?”

“Yes! I am showing him around the places I frequent while he and my father take a short break from business endeavors.” Muzan looks back at Yoriichi, making up an easy lie on the spot.

“Lovely, just lovely. We have a room made up perfectly. The best guest suite is always saved for you.” The man opens up the door towards the inside of the brothel and lets the two in.

“You don’t sleep with women.” Yoriichi’s soft voice sounds behind him.” You seduce men here. Is that how you met that man?”

“Mind your business.”

“You are my business now.” He follows behind Muzan.” Go to the guest suite, I suppose. I know where I need to go.”

“No, I’m coming with you. I want to know what’s so important to torture out of a man in a brothel. I’ve grown up knowing these men. They are honorable men.”

“We’ll see. I think your biases keep you blind. I mean you were aware of what your little boyfriend did.”

“I—“ Muzan begins, holding back what he could’ve said. Because Yoriichi was right.

Muzan was no different from these men. He’s right at home with them.

Yoriichi begins to come in front of Muzan, following his own line towards a door. Not a private guest room, but a room that’s been used over and over again, uncleaned.

Just paid quickly for a quick fuck. Yoriichi opens the door with little care, walking into the room with a woman riding atop a man, fake moans echoing against the paper-thin walls from all sides, it seems.

Perfect.

Yoriichi stands at the side of the bed, waiting.

“What the fuck? Get out! Wait your fucking turn.”

“Move.” He waves his hand to shoo the woman. She hesitated briefly. Looking between Yoriichi and the man she was ontop of. Yoriichi looked more dangerous, felt like he’d kill her more easily.  She gets up, the wet sound of his cock leaving her and flapping against his fat stomach. 

She clutches her breasts, almost bumping into Muzan on her way out the door.

“Close it.” Yoriichi briefly looks at Muzan. The young man closes the door. They don’t have locks.

“Where is Paradise Faith located?” Yoriichi reaches out to take his cross back from Muzan, holding it in his hand before letting it float over his palm.”That’s all I need from you today.”

“Paradise Faith? That some kind of church?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. I know you’re a very smart man.” The cross floats over, the gold clasping around his neck easily. It was loose at first, the man looking down at it in disbelief before its tightening up close to his neck. He doesn't spare Muzan. The young man wanted to see, so he'll let him see.

“You’re a doctor, right?”

“What are you doing?” Muzan grabs Yoriichi’s arm in panic, trying to shake the vampire to pull his eyes away from the older man. “Stop it, that’s Dr. Kawasaki. You can’t just threaten him.”

“And why’s that?”

“He funds half the town.” Muzan angrily whispers.”He’s an important man.”

“All men seem to be important to you. Did he fuck you too?”

“Excuse me?” Muzan gasped, hitting Yoriichi’s arm. ” Let him go, now. He’s seen my face; he’ll kill me.”

“I need my information first.”

“Can’t you read his mind?”

“I made that up.” Yoriichi pushes Muzan away. The man is choking beneath the cross of Christ, the chain slowly cutting into his throat, not enough to cause any damage, but enough to motivate him to think quickly. He has someone to kill.

“I—I don’t know.” He chokes out.” I never heard of that; I don't know, I swear!” He tries to grab and claw at the chain, pulling at the pendant for any release from this.

His breath comes out in hoarse rasps, and his face slowly turns red as Yoriichi squeezes tighter.

“Do you need better convincing?” He walks closer to the bed, Muzan taking a step back as Yoriichi lifts his hand.

He punches down over his ribs. Muzan imagines the man would scream if he had the breath too.

It seems like that’s all it took. Dr. Kawasaki always spoke about how tough he was and his younger days of getting involved with gangs. How he had to fight for his place in med school and kill other students to get to the top.

Maybe they were all lies, because he’s crying.

“Paradise Faith isn’t in this town! That’s their cover-up name! It’s a cult within a cult; Paradise Faith is to throw the government off!”

“How so?”

“It’s a stupid religion that doesn’t exist! Some rainbow-eyed deity they worship, but it’s fake. The real cult hidden is the 12 Kizuki.” 

He drinks in a large gulp of air, cradling the blood seeping from his neck. Surface wounds. A ring of blood was beginning to drip down into his collarbone and chest.

“And what do you know about the 12 Kizuki?”

The man is silent, as if his words could get him in dangerous trouble.

But as Yoriichi lifts his hand, he realizes he’s already at the mercy of a man with magic beyond his understanding.

“Speak.”

“6 men, that’s all I know of! They are recruiting to make 12! They lost 6 after they were dropped in by the police. Someone tipped off their location.”

“And what happens when they become 12?”

“They cannibalize women, something about their wombs holding the secrets to eternal life. That’s all I know, I swear!”

“I think you may have a little more for me. Do you recognize the name Michikatsu Tsugikuni?”

“I’m sorry! I don’t, I’m sorry! I don’t know anything; no one knows any of their names. They go by different names!”

“Ok, let me simplify it for you. Have you ever seen a man who looks exactly like me?”

“No one has seen them. No one.” Dr. Kawasaki says seriously. He's sweating like a pig in the bed.

“I think you have. 7 months ago you dropped off sixteen girls spanning from 14 to 21. Some of them weren’t virgins, so I doubt it’s any kind of sacrifice. One of them was pregnant; unfortunately, it was a 17-year-old. You delivered those girls with two other men. Where are they?”

“The girls?”

“No, I know they are dead. Where are the men who helped you deliver those girls?"

“We don’t exchange names or keep contact. Those are strict rules! We are chosen from across Japan; we don’t know each other.”

Yoriichi tilts his head. Menacing enough to make the man sob real tears.

“I don’t know them! I swear! They make sure we don’t know each other, I swear to you! Please don’t hurt me any more, please!”

“You have no idea where those two men are?”

“They could be dead for all I know! I don’t know, sir, please! Have mercy! I don’t know anything except what I was told!” The man’s wild eyes flicker from Muzan to Yoriichi. ”That young man knows I’m a truthful man! Muzan, tell him I’m trustworthy. I have no reason to lie to you!”

Yoriichi doesn’t give him the chance to answer. 

“I believe you. I'm sure a cult wouldn’t share information with a random man who isn’t a part of their cult. So why deliver 16 girls if you have no ties to them? I'm sure it was difficult for you to purchase and move that many bodies without any suspicion or inconvenience.”

“They told me I would be rewarded if I contributed to their cause. Anything I wanted, and I only asked to be reimbursed for my purchases, those girls took nearly half of my wealth to buy.”

“What made them so expensive?”

“I don’t know! The girls were preselected. I was given a list of names and pictures to go by.”

Yoriichi hums and tightens the chain enough to slice the man’s head clean from his shoulders.

Muzan screams; the blood has splattered over his face and his shirt.

“Are you insane! You killed him, you killed him! We’re dead! Everyone saw us come into this room.”

“I suppose we will have to kill every man in here then.” Yoriichi suggests, turning to look at Muzan’s fearful face behind him.

“We? What do you mean, we?” Muzan asks. He looks down at the brothel. Maybe 17 or 20 men down there drinking and harassing the innocent women.

“It’s time to prove if you’re worth my blood that keeps you alive and pain free.” Yoriichi takes the same small knife he used to cut his tongue from the inside of his suit pocket. This time, unsheathing it and handing it to him.

“I’ll be waiting outside when you’re done.”

Chapter Text

There’s been this cold air to him since he seen him inside the church. The man is completely vacant. He hardly reacts, he never shows anything other than his blank expression.

But tonight, he raised a brow at Muzan as he walked down the steps. Muzan panicked and afraid and holding the small knife in two hands, trying to return it to the vampire.

“I grew up sick, I can’t fight, I don’t know how.”

“Figure it out.”

“I don’t think you’re hearing me.” Muzan nearly trips down the steps, catching himself on the railing. He’s reminded of his own mortality. Had he landed on the knife he’d die in seconds.

“I cannot fight.” He grabs Yoriichi’s arm, stopping the vampire from reaching the last step.

“I suppose you’ll die here or you’ll die later without my blood.”

“What happened to being your property? You told me I was a servant, that I don’t matter! I have pull in this town, you are a nobody without me.”

“You are very annoying.” Muzan’s heart nearly stops as he takes the last step and watches Yoriichi walk to the door.

Alone, hes got blood on his face and the front of his shirt and a knife in his hand. He breathes in, looking at the men drinking and laughing together.

He doesn’t need him anymore, Muzan thinks. Like any person with property, Muzan has to prove he’s worthy of something.

The thousand year old vampire has what he needs. Whether he takes Muzan with him or not isn’t important.

Muzan takes the first step slowly, grabbing a drunk man and slicing his throat before letting his head fall against the bar.

“Oi!” A more sober man next to him yells, standing up before the blood can drip into his fresh pants.” Are you stupid! That was my mate!”

“I-I’m sorry”. Muzan still holds the knife in his hand, awkward steps fumbling back until he meets the hard chest of a tall man.

He grabs his long hair and pulls. They don’t care about the knife in his hand. He’s a useless boy to him.

“It’s the Kibutsuji boy!”

The men share a loud laugh that echoes throughout the room. It’s mocking, it’s degrading and it makes his skin crawl.

“You really look like your mother.” A man in a bright green kimono stands up, walking closer to Muzan with his head low enough to inspect his features.” Pretty like her too. I see you here, but I never see you with any of the whores.”

He leans down to get eye to eye with the younger man, using his finger to curl some of his hair around it. He waits for the young men to answer. Riddled with fear or maybe the pain of his hair being pulled.

“Speak up, boy.” The man holding his hair smacks the side of his face.

“You come here chasing something else with your little private guest suite? Are you one of the whores for sale?”

“You promoting your father!” Another degrading remark from the back. All of their eyes are on him.

He wants to shrink and fall into the floor as the men laugh at him again. The man picks up the nearly empty cup of the poor drunk who was Muzan’s first victim.

“Let’s see what we’re working with.” He takes the last sip of what’s left.

“What? Hey, stop!” The man holding his hair lets him go in favor of his hips.

“Turn him around and hold his arms.” The man in the bright green kimono commanded.  Muzan doesn’t know this man, but he knows the rest of those men. The man holding him is Mr. Suzuki.

They are just going to watch him be touched like this? They are sitting there, laughing at him.

“Such pretty hair, too. Must be nice to pull.”

“Get your hands off of me, if my father finds out about this—“

“Oh, your father. I suppose we just cut out your tongue and keep your quiet.”

“Fuck him good enough and he’ll keep quiet himself.” Mr. Suzuki holds his struggling body tighter and breathes into his ear. Helping the man in green loosen Muzan’s pants.

“My my, look at that.” He spreads Muzan open, pressing into his lower back as he looks at his hole.” That’s definitely been used.”

“Let me see!” Mr. Cho, a man he thought he respected pushed a woman from his lap, his cane clicking against the floor as he walked across the brothel.

“Spread your legs, boy.” He taps his inner thigh harshly, urging Muzan to open his legs wider.

“You think your father would still come for us if we punished you for this. You are quite stretched back here.”

Mr.Suzuki holding him reaches down to grab his ass, only needed one arm to keep Muzan still.

“Maybe we should all get a turn for our promised silence.”

“Speak boy. You’re so quiet. Got any more ramblings about your father?”

“Please let me go. I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean what I said.” Muzan stumbles over his own words. His eyes welling up. Would Yoriichi really leave him here, just wait outside until he assumes he’s dead.

“Oh, what a sweet voice.” The man with the cane smiles.” I’d love to hear that in my ear. Take off his clothes and tie him to the table.”

Muzan squeezes his eyes shut, his mind preparing for the rough treatment of his body these men are larger than him stronger than him, older definitely. He’s stiffly standing arising the man’s chest as his arms hold him tightly.

He grew up knowing these men. Not just in the brothel, but some have done business with his father. Shared a cup of tea with his father, knew him when he was just a little boy.

He’s preparing for something that never comes. He opens his eyes slowly, looking up at the man holding him. His face is stuck in a permanent smile. Frozen.

He turns to the man in green, his face stuck in whatever he was saying, his perverted eyes still staring at Muzan’s exposed ass. The other men who laughted, the whores, the bartender, frozen within the bar as if they are sculptures of ice.

“Pathetic.”

He snaps his head to the left. Yoriichi was leaned against the very table they threatened to tie him to. Arms crossed over his broad chest, his necklace cleaned and sitting on his chest once again.

“H-help me.”

“These are the innocent men you defended?”

Muzan puts his head down. Silently praying that Yoriichi wouldn’t just leave him here like this, his ass exposed, these men touching him, prodding at him.

He prays he doesn’t leave him here to be raped.

“Please…I’m sorry, I only killed one man. I-I may not be useful to you, but I’m a fast learner. You can teach me how to fight.”

“I don’t need you to know how to fight. I wanted you to see who these men are.“

“You said—“

“You think I need you?” Muzan turns his head to look at the extent of Yoriichi’s power.” I don’t need you. But you are still my property and I have to tend to you. Get your pants up.

Muzan blushes violently, looking down at his naked half. He tries to move his arms, but the man frozen holding him still has a strong grip. He looks at Yoriichi sheepishly.

Yoriichi sighs. He opens the man’s arm maybe too harshly. It might be broken.

“Thank you.” Muzan says softly.”

“I didn’t expect you to kill even one man in here. You are fragile.”

Muzan pulls his pants up and locks his belt around his middle. Still covered in blood and sweat, and maybe a bit of his own tears. He looks down at himself.

He is a mess.

“Do you want me to kill them?” Yoriichi asked softly, but there was a darkness to his words.

“What?” Muzan’s head snaps to the vampire.

“None of them spoke up. Any one of them could’ve and you’d have been spared.”

“They all laughed at me. They—they all wanted a turn.” Muzan looks around the bar, the faces of men he vouched for. Humans are evil, disgusting creatures.

“Pitiful.” Yoriichi caresses the side of Muzan’s face, moving his hair away from his eyes to see the sadness in them.

“Who will my father do business with?”

“There’s plenty of businessmen in the world.” Muzan nods his head after a short stretch of silence.

“I need clothes.” Muzan feels likes he’s asking for too much. He’s being burden. He looks down, shamefully.

“We’ll find something for you. And I suppose I’ll teach you how to fight. That could’ve ended badly for you. Maybe.”

Muzan’s eyes widened, defensively and angrily crossed his arms, still a brat at heart.

“I don’t fuck just any man.”

“I’m sure. Lets go.” Muzan smells the burning of flesh. The man in the green kimono was burning fight in front him, the fire spreading down to the floor and the stool.

Yoriichi has a hand at the small of Muzan’s back, escorting him out and closing the door behind him.

Outside, everyone is moving just fine. No frozen beings stuck in the motion of their day.

“How do you perform dark magic?”

“Dark magic? You read too many children’s books.”He opens the carriage door and gets inside, Muzan climbing in after him.

“So what is it?”

“Some vampires have abilities. Usually just one, in rare instances we have two or more.”

“There are more of you?”

“Only a few. We are careful who we make vampires. There are maybe 20 or 25 vampires in this world. I am the oldest of them, along with my twin brother.”

“You have a twin? Is he as friendly as you?” Muzan’s head lulls back against the soft cushioning of the carriage.

“He is lost. He is what you would call a demon.”

“What do you mean?”

“He paired up with a cult leader of Paradise Faith. But I suppose the 12 Kizuki is his real affiliation. I can walk in the sun, my brother cannot. No vampire can.”

“So why can you?”

“I don’t have an answer for that. Vampires are supposed to burn in the sunlight. I don’t. If I knew why I’d share it with my brother in a heartbeat. I’ve tried to share my blood with him. I’ve tried operating on him, nothing worked. He was enraged and set out to find his own answer.”

Muzan notices the way Yoriichi softens when he speaks about him. He isn’t as emotionless. There’s a drop of regret behind his eyes. He loves his brother.

“When was the last time you seen your brother?”

“Maybe 200 years ago. Give or take. Before then I would run into him from time to time. He had a family. A wife and two children.”

“Are they like you?”

“Dhampirs don’t have the same immortality of vampires. His children were elders while he still looked young. His wife died long before that. I used to ask him why he didn’t change his wife and his children. He never answered me.”

“So your brothers children are…dead.”

“Yes. Their grandchildren live, but I’ve lost track of them. The last name changed.”

“You said I had a lot of family secrets. What do you mean?” The horses fuss a little they pull the carriage, the loudness of alcohol bottles exploding and the building beginning to collapse in.

“Your father is a man of many secrets.” Yoriichi looks through the curtains of the carriage to see people are now noticing the fire. Running to attempt to help anyone inside.” He had threatened to sell you on many occasions. He seen no use for you if you are sick. At one point I met your father while he was 20 or 22 years old. He told me he hated his life. His wife only bearing daughters and his oldest son is dying in front of him.”

“What did you just say?” Muzan sits up quickly, almost hitting his head at the top of the carriage.” I don’t have any siblings. You are mistaken.”

“You’ve had 4 or 5 sisters. They’ve all been discarded discreetly.”

Muzan covers his mouth with the back of his hand, looking at Yoriichi with disgust in his eyes before motioning to the door.

“Stop the carriage.”

Muzan runs out to throw up the little he’s eaten, nursing his sick stomach with his hands.

“You’re lying! I’ve never seen my mother pregnant! I don’t remember her ever being pregnant!”

“I do.” Yoriichi says to him inside the carriage door.” 4 or 5 times.”

“That’s not good enough! Is it 4 or 5!” Muzan shouts angrily.

“Well I believed your mother lost a child half way through the pregnancy. It was a girl, but I can’t confirm it. 4 or 5”

“Who discarded my sisters?”

“Your father or the priest. Your mother always cried. Usually two or three weeks later she’d be pregnant again, until she wasn’t becoming pregnant anymore.”

“How did you meet my father? How would you ever know him?”

“I had sex with him outside of a bar.”

Muzan pauses in his walk back to the carriage, looking at Yoriichi where he sat. Judging him.

“You slept with a married man.”

“A married man slept with me. I didn’t know he was married at the time.”Yoriichi looks away, maybe the first and only time Muzan would see the vampire be bashful.” I had sex with him and we went our separate ways.”

“You’re lying. My father would never…he’d always talked about it as a sin. He would never sleep with a man!”

“He slept with me. And I’m very much a man.”

Muzan offers a breathy laugh. Turning away to wipe his mouth. The moon is up now, pretty in the sky, her turn to see the world and the shit people like Muzan have caused.

“You.” Muzan points to Yoriichi and the vampire nods his head.

“You slept with my father. You fucked my father? One of the most important men in this town.”

“Well back then he wasn’t important.” Yoriichi shrugs.” He was trying to be. On his way to becoming important. But he doesn’t get my respect any more. To almost every man with money he met, he offered you to them. Including me.”

“Wait. Who was on top?”

“Are you serious?” Yoriichi’s brow twitched. “That’s what’s important to you right now?”

“Answer the question.” Muzan’s eyes darkened. Yoriichi held the bridge of his nose, an annoyed sigh in the way, but he he’d it back.

“I took your father’s virginity.”

“You sick bastard!” Muzan runs to the carriage, rage evident in his eyes. His fists balled up as he hits the side of Yoriichi’s arm.” You sick, perverted bastard! You’re nothing but a maggot!”

“Get in.” Yoriichi grabs his arm, effortlessly pulling Muzan into the carriage and closing the door.

Muzan doesn’t say another word to him for the entire carriage ride across the deep fields outside of town.

He watched Yoriichi sit there with his eyes closed. He looks asleep, but he also doesn’t. it creeps him out. He’s so stiff even as the carriage moves with the bumps and lumps in the road.

Muzan leans forward. Inspecting Yoriichi’s supposedly sleeping face.

“Yes?”

Muzan hops back quickly, trying to pretend he wasn’t inspecting the vampire.

“Are you due for more blood?”

“I don’t need your stupid blood.”

Yoriichi opens his eyes and lifts his head. “We’re here.”

“Where’s here?”

“Your home. Your father might know something about Paradise Faith or the 12 Kizuki.”

The blood Muzan’s body runs cold.

“I saved you from a brothel fight.” Yoriichi taps the side of Muzan’s face.” Our conversation helped me think. Thank you.”

Yoriichi opens the carriage door as it stops. Stepping out, the lanterns had just been lit.

Muzan’s father hasn’t been looking for him. There were no signs for him out in the town, he thinks. He hasn’t been home in two days.

“Who is driving your carriage?” Muzan tries to look around the carriage but Yoriichi grabs his arm and pulls him back to his side.

“Don’t look him in the eye.” He warns. It’s a dark figure clad in black. He’s unmoving. He just holds the reins and moves when Yoriichi tells him to move.

“But who is he? Or what is he?”

“I told you not to look him in the eye. Shut up and listen.”

Yoriichi leads Muzan to the door of his home and knocks on it quite loudly. The carriage doesn’t move, sitting there silently. Even the horses quiet down.

It only takes a few short moments for his father to appear at the door. Sleepiness is replaced with shock.

“Tsugikuni. What a lovely surprise.” His father completely ignored him and opened the door wider to let them both in.

“Your son was in a bar fight.” Yoriichi says softly, looking down at his father. The man’s shock turned into confusion.

“My son? My son is sick, he couldn’t possibly—“ his father’s eyes find Muzan finally, the young man’s shirt and face spattered with dried blood.

His brows furrowed but he doesn’t question it.

“Go bathe and change boy. Let your mother know you’re home.” While his hair was shorter, he pushed it back as if to fix his appearance.

“I suppose you had a long ride here. You can stay here for the night.”

“Wonderful.” Yoriichi smiles.

“I’m sorry about my son, he’s never been particularly one to fight.”

“Really? He threw a few good punches.” Yoriichi lies as he walks deeper into the house.

He looks for anything hanging up. To his knowledge Paradise Faith always have some kind of religious banner inside the house. It’s required to show faith.

For now, he finds nothing.

“My wife is asleep.”

“I’ll have a drink. Whiskey is fine.” Yoriichi dismissed the man, walking into the large family room to inspect it. He’s getting a strong scent from a particular incense but he’s not seeing anything lit.

Something smells wrong.

“You look like you haven’t aged a day.”

“Thank you.”

“And thank you for bringing my son home in one piece. The doctor came for him this morning. It was quite embarrassing to inform him that I didn’t know where my own son was.”

“I’m sure it was. We wouldn’t want to wake your wife, would we, Touma?” Yoriichi says quietly, taking a step closer to Touma.

The man stumbles to back up. Muzan is so much like his father. Easily flustered.

“Yoriichi, I—I have put those days behind me.”

“I could’ve left your son to be torn apart by those violent men. I don’t get a reward?” Yoriichi brushes Touma’s hair away from his face to tuck it behind his ear.

He then brings his cool hand down the side of his face to touch his bottom lip.

“I deserve a little reward, yes?”

“Yoriichi, I—I can’t.”

“You don’t want me?” Yoriichi drawls softly almost sounding hurt. He’s anything but.

“No! I mean—I do but it’s not like that! I can’t just—I’m a man of God. I’m a husband.”

“Mmm” Yoriichi hums quietly, prodding his thumb into Touma to roll his tongue around it.” It has been a long time.”

Yoriichi is aware he’s attractive. He’s aware of the effect he has on people when he applies the proper stimulation. But he’s not conceited.

He personally prefers to use more psychological methods for getting what he wants.

“The God I worship does not look kindly on…on this kind of relationship.”

“The God you worship? Why do you say it like it’s any different from my God?”

“He is. He’s…” Touma brings his voice down holding Yoriichi’s hand in his own as he comes closer to him.” He’s The rainbow eyed deity. A man chosen by God himself from birth. He was constructed in the image of God.”

“Really?” Yoriichi tries his best to sound astonished.

“He promises fortune to those who follow him. And my business competition has been dropping left and right. I’ve been getting deals I’ve never seen before these last few years. I’ve been blessed, Yoriichi.”

“Have you?”

“I want you to be blessed too.Go to Mount Natagumo. There’s a temple hidden within the trees. On the southwest side of the mountain.”

“And what do you worship there?”

“Eternal life. Eternal prosperity. Since I’ve worshipped him I haven’t had bad fortune yet. I’ve prospered, truly.”

“What do I have to give? What do I offer to give my faith?” Yoriichi tries to sound interested. But he’s sure his tone fails him.

“You need a wife for that. If you’re willing to be prosperous, you must give him newborn daughters. Keep your sons and he’ll help them become as prosperous as you. Your family name will live on for decades.”

Yoriichi takes a step back from the human, his face changing into dread. No—disgust. Nothing but disgust lingering on his face.

“Daughters are useless, but he will bless your sons and guide them throughout their life. Look at me.”

“Your son is still sick, yes?”

“Yes, but I believe that will change soon. You’ve brought my son to me saying he was in a bar fight. Maybe he has heard my prayers and has made my son better. Maybe my son is meant to take over after me.”

Yoriichi shakes his head.

This is wrong. This is all wrong. This is too much for him.

In his thousand years alive Yoriichi has heard religious propaganda so stupid that a child could see the falsity.

But he as he looks at Touma’s face, he feels nothing but hate and disgust. For the first time in a long time, Yoriichi feels overwhelmed.

“My wife cannot bear anymore, but Paradise Faith will provide us with young women to impregnate. That’s how I met my wife. Through Paradise Faithshe was gifted to me. We keep the sons to extend our legacy and continue the worship of the rainbow she’s deity.”

“Do you know what they do to your daughters?” Yoriichi asked. He couldn’t hide beneath an act anymore. He’s horrified.

“Kill them, I don’t know, and I don’t care. Every daughter I’ve had up until now has went to my God. Unfortunately I haven’t had another son yet.”

Yoriichi narrows his eyes. He’s had enough of this. Just as his patience has begun to run thin, Muzan took slow tentative steps down the steps.

“Father?”

“Go to bed, boy.” He snaps harshly.” I’m talking to an old friend. Your appointment is early tomorrow morning and you won’t be late to wake up.”

“Muzan.” Yoriichi says lowly without breaking eye contact with his father.” Come here.”

“What? He needs to go to bed.”

“Does your son know about your practice.”

“He will when he accepts a wife. He doesn’t need to know about it right now.”

“I think he does.”

-

Muzan’s wide eyes drip tears, looking down at his father’s squirming body, attempting to free himself from the harsh grip of Yoriichi’s hand.

The vampire looked so angry. So undeniably angry, nothing but emotion flashing across his face.

“Your father has told me you have more than 4 or 5 sisters. Many more sisters over the course of your life.”

“Y-Yoriichi.” Touma grabs his arm, attempting to get any freedom to breathe. His eyes are slowly rolling back, face red and nearly lifeless.

Yoriichi drops his father before he can fully enter unconsciousness. The loud thud heard before the man attempted to claw away from Yoriichi.

“Muzan.” Yoriichi looks down at the young man.” Kill your father.”

Muzan seems to be stuck in shock. His brain is still attempting to process the information that’s been fed into his brain.

His life is a lie. His family is a lie. His father has lied to him all his life and his mother was just breeding stock.

“I—“ Muzan’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, looking between his father on the floor trying to breathe and Yoriichi.

“I said kill him.” He stands behind Muzan, shoving the handle of the knife into his hand, his other hand touching his waist and urging him to walk forward.

“You’ve been lied to all your life. You deserve this. You deserve this release.”

Muzan holds the knife tightly in his hand, his breath shaky. Until he begins to realize he’s walking in his own, and Yoriichi’s hand is no longer in him.

He’s moving with his own rage, his own blood lust. He straddles his father, pulling the knife above his head as he looks down at his disgusting face.

It all makes sense to him. The women offered to him. Women with no family names, no daughters of nobles or princesses or any woman of high class.

They were dressed up and offered to him. Forced to spend the day with him. His father is a fucking liar.

Muzan growls, his breath only growing the longer he stares into the fearful eyes of the older man. He drives the knife down with a blood thirsty growl.

Chapter Text

The silence. He thinks that is what makes his head spin. The smell of iron seeping into the wooden floor, kneeling into it, knees stained with his father’s blood.

He had not blinked once. His father’s blood dripping down the side of his face, the valley between his nose and eye, dripping into the seam of his lips as he breathed heavily through his nose.

“Muzan, what’s going on? Muzan?” The sound of a woman’s voice followed with quick little steps. Yoriichi doesn’t let her see. He’d rather let her die without the image of her son’s balls fists holding a knife. Straddling her husband, killing her husband.

She doesn’t know right from wrong. She knows what she was bred for, she only knows her purpose. To serve a higher being.

Yoriichi makes it quick. Holding his gloved hand over her eyes as he squeezes her throat, hard enough to hear the snap, gentle enough to feel her last breath gasped from her pale lips.

Muzan is slow to crawl off his father, sliding away from him and dragging blood along the floor.

“I’ve only met you three days ago. I’ve killed one man and my father. I’ve learned my life has been a fucking lie; my family is big yet so fucking empty.” His voice slowly raises into a rage, Yoriichi gently laid Muzan’s mother on the floor, closing her eyes as if this was some mercy. Like he was putting her to rest for the greater good.

“I’ve been degraded, touched by the men I trusted, covered in blood and now I watch my mother’s dead body on the floor across from my father. In three days. In three fucking days, Yoriichi!”

“I did not make your life how it is.”

“Then who did? The men in the bar? The priest?!”

“Your father. His business endeavors, his friends and his God.” 

Muzan looked down at his hands, the burn of tears threatening to tumble down his blood-stained face.

“Is this your life? Death everywhere you go, your version of justice? You are not a God!”

“I never said I was.” Yoriichi walks away from Muzan. Silently moving in the very home, he grew up in as if it were his own. 

He’s only gone from his sight briefly, coming back with a a cloth from the kitchen and squatting down in front of Muzan.

He wipes the fresh blood from his lips first.

“Leave it.” He tries to smack his hand away. Yoriichi doesn’t, patting away at his forehead instead.” I said leave it!”

“You’re in pain. Grieve, Muzan.” Yoriichi softly wipes the blood, maybe the gentlest touch Muzan has felt. He closes his eyes and instead of crying, he takes in a deep breath, trying to steel himself for what is to come. This won’t be the end of it.

He wants to be unfeeling. He wants to be like Yoriichi. Letting life pass him without a tear or any form of anger, sadness, or resentment. No regrets, no happiness, no delusion or excitement.

He wants to be blank as he is. A body moving through the water of life.

His eyes find Yoriichi’s lips, licking his own and tasting his father’s blood on his tongue. It’s not like Yoriichi’s. It’s not sweet or smooth. It is clotted and disgusting. Tastes like shit.

“I need more blood.”

Yoriichi hums.

“Maybe I made a mistake. I think I should let you die.”

Muzan’s brows furrow.

Regret. Yoriichi looks down at the state he’s brought Muzan to. Had he not met the boy, had he not found him he would’ve came home to see his dead parents.

He would have had to make do on his own. Take over his father’s business while being sick. He wouldn’t even know Yoriichi.

Or he would’ve killed Muzan along side his parents and left him to be nothing but more blood on the floor. He knows he could.

Could he? Could he really?”

As he looks at Muzan he starts to wonder if he could raise his hand to the young man. If he could kill him the same way he killed his mother.

“You seem to be in more pain than me. Your grieving is long overdue.”

Yoriichi hums softly. Maybe the human is right. He would know. Muzan hasn’t been human in a long time. He is lost what it means to be human, to feel human. To feel emotions.

“I will give you blood, if you’re willing to continue to follow me.”

“Where would I go? What would I do? I would be a blind boy running the streets screaming for a doctor.”

Yoriichi moved to take off his glove, but instead Muzan shakes his head, grabbing his hand and putting it down.

“I want it from here.” He brushes his hand along Yoriichi’s lips. Soft for a man claiming to be so old. Soft for a man so stone cold. 

He watches in awe as he punctures his tongue, his chin cupped. Blood pours into his mouth, lips connecting in a static that shocks them both.

Muzan drinks hungrily, tasting every crevice of Yoriichi’s mouth for more. But once the bleeding stops, and Yoriichi’s delicious blood no more floods his mouth, he doesn’t pull away.

He sinks his fingers into the thick hair flowing down his back, pushing forward to kiss Yoriichi more deeply.

“Muzan.” Yoriichi says against his lips. A warning. Maybe a warning he should heed.

Maybe he should stop. Muzan opens his eyes, his fingers brushing over the smooth outline of Yoriichi’s face. And then he kisses his motionless lips again. 

Yoriichi holds himself back, as if Muzan would stop and realize what he’s doing. But the human doesn’t stop. In fact, he pushes too far, sliding his hand down Yoriichi’s abdomen as if he had a mind of his own. 

He palms him, and his wrist is swiftly grabbed tightly, pulled away from his slowly hardening cock, a sensation he hasn’t felt in years.

“You don’t know what you’re doing. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.” He lets him go, tearing his eyes away from Muzan.

Yoriichi stands up, and Muzan swiftly follows, grabbing Yoriichi’s arm and pulling the vampire. He’s not strong enough to actually turn him if Yoriichi didn’t want him to. He lets Muzan turn him.

“You want me.” Muzan says. His egotistical way of begging Yoriichi. His way of saying he wants the vampire.” You want me and you’re trying to hide it. Didn’t you say I was yours?”

“Cut it out.”

“I want you.” Muzan finally says.

“You’re poisoned with human emotion.” Yoriichi snaps. Maybe the first time Muzan has heard anything from the older man’s voice.

“I am human.” Muzan points to his own chest as if his body was in pain. As if the pain has never subsided.

Yoriichi isn’t exactly sure if he can trust Muzan like this. Men are weak. And Muzan is showing him a weakness.

“Come to me.” Muzan grabs the vampire and tugs his head down, connecting their lips once again. This time, Yoriichi doesn’t stop, grabbing Muzan’s waist tightly and grinding his hips firmly against the him.

“That’s right. Come to me.” Muzan pants, fisting his hand in Yoriichi hair tightly to smash their lips back together.

“I can’t do this to myself, Muzan.” Yoriichi grasps the back of his head, fingers tangled in the thick mess of dark hair.” I can’t keep doing this.”

“Doing what.” Muzan whispers against his lips. Chaste, wanton. Hungry. He’s so fucking hungry.

“You will die. And I will be alone again. I will be left all alone until another poor soul finds interest in me.”

“Yoriichi.” Muzan holds onto his arm, even as the vampire slowly pulls away from the human.

“I will not continue to torture myself. I shouldn’t have got involved with you. I should’ve left you alone.” The words tear through his voice like a serrated knife.

Muzan’s bloodied face hosts nothing but confusion before it turns to anger. And then rage.

“So you’ll leave me alone. My parents are dead, and you’ve shown me I can’t trust anyone. I have no one Yoriichi, but you.”

“You don’t have me.” He shakes his head

“Then who do I have!” His arms shake as he screams at the man. Yoriichi is silent, staring down at his own hands with discomfort.” I have nothing. The men I knew are dead. The ones who are still alive cannot be trusted, my life has been a lie. How many more lies am I supposed to uncover before I blow my own head open!”

“I’m sorry.”

Muzan scoffs.

“You’re sorry? You?” Muzan points to him and Yoriichi begins to stand up, Muzan follows soon, storming after the vampire.

“You’re fucking sorry? No, I’m sorry for being in the church! I’m sorry for my sins somehow involving you! What are you going to do?”

“Finish my hunt.” Yoriichi opens the door. Muzan slams it back. Yoriichi could’ve overpowered him, but he let the human slam it and seethe into his ear.

“You are a confusing man.” His voice shakes. Yoriichi can’t decipher if it’s still angered or turned to sadness.” You are an empty, confusing and sick man. I have nothing! And I—I’ll die once your blood wears off because I’m not sure if I can trust the doctor without my father alive!”

“I have to go.”

“Pick me, choose me. Why aren’t you choosing me? You’ve dragged me all alone this way. I have seen things that will haunt me at night because I am to sleep alone with no comfort!” Muzan sobs.” Why would you leave me alone?”

“I’m not choosing anything. You barely know me, Muzan. Why would— “

“Because…I don’t need to give you a reason. I just don’t want to be alone. “

“I’m going to kill my brother and his coven. You could die coming with me.”

“I’ll die if I stay here.” 

“At least I’d know it wouldn’t be my fault. I have enough sympathy for you, Muzan.” Yoriichi seemed to want to say something else. He’s holding back. His eyes soften as they meet Muzan’s.

“I’m coming with you, and you can’t stop me.”

“I very much could.”

“You can’t.” Muzan opens the door, pushing past Yoriichi and walking towards the carriage. The horses seem to wake from the commotion.

Yoriichi could stop him. It’s not out of his power. He lets the young man get inside the carriage first, following after him to sit across.

“You’re an idiot child.” Yoriichi shuts the door, he’s not angry. He’s amused really.” We have a few stops on the way. I need to make sure he doesn’t know I’m on my way to him.”

“How would he know?”

“He’s paranoid. He always keeps his ear out for me. I smell his blood on some of the humans. He has plenty of familiars. Or worshippers of the cult, whichever they want to call themselves.”

“He takes sick people like me and gives them his blood.” Muzan looks down at his hands. He inspects the color change of his skin. It looks like his blood is flowing. His fingertips aren’t cold to the touch.

“Sometimes. He will  keeps old humans alive with his blood. It seems like he prefers to be looked at as a God. He wants to be worshipped and prioritized. He wants to be feared. Deep down I think he wants to be loved. I don’t think I have a choice in killing him.”

“He seems to have a big ego.”

“Not at all. He’s as insecure as they get. I’ve never met a man more aware of his weaknesses.”

“Do you think he loves you?”

Yoriichi lets the question sit on his shoulders for a moment. Truthfully, he didn’t know. He couldn’t peer into the head of his brother. He hasn’t spoken to him in centuries.

“I don’t think so. I think his hate for me had festered like a disease. At one point he loved me, I’m sure. I think he seen me as a useless, weak child in comparison to him. The hate began when I became strong. When our father looked to me differently than him. Maybe when I left to study abroad to do more than terrorize the humans.”

“Are you sure you can kill him?”

“I will do what needs to be done. Its not about what I feel.”

“It can be.” Muzan leans forward to place a hand on his thigh.” You have been alone for so long you forget what it feels like to matter. Your feelings matter, Yoriichi.”

“You should rest. We have a long way to go. Besides, we need to make a stop.”

“Where?”

“At a church. Your favorite place, apparently.” He smiles teasingly, lightening the air a bit.”

-

“You want me to what?”

“You will replace the priest in there. I haven’t fed in some time, and I’m hungry.”

“Feed from me.”

“And what could you possibly give me. You’re barely 120 soaking wet. And as I said, I’m hungry.”

“What did you do to the last priest?” Muzan recognizes this church too well. His rendezvous over time has became riskier and more scandalous each time. He’s fucked while it’s been full.

Yoriichi takes a step inside first, the body of the priest he had killed still laying on the ground. No one had discovered him yet. Or maybe someone had, but they refused to say anything.

“Take his clothes and put them on. We need to change your identity anyway. I’m sure many people would want to kill you for your colorful attitude and your father alone.”

“Colorful? What’s that supposed to mean! I’m nice!” Muzan pokes at the priest's body. His eye sockets stained with dried blood the same way his hands and mouth were. He still had his cross necklace in his hands as if he were in prayer.

“You are a brat.” Yoriichi walks past him to sit down in the front row.

“I am not.”

“To make it worse you’re a rich brat. Well, you were a rich brat. You don’t have access to your father’s funds anymore.” He takes off his gloves to pick up the Bible, inspecting its pages before putting it back down disinterested.

Muzan had begun stripping his blood-stained clothes, dropping them carelessly on the floor. 

“Ugh, he stinks.”

“He’s dead.” Yoriichi shrugs.” What do you expect him to smell like?”

“You didn’t answer my question. What did he do?”

“I needed him to perform a ritual for me. Through a priest you can temporarily view a specific person based on their soul's disposition.”

“Whatever that means. Thanks for the answer.” Muzan rolls his eyes, further proving he is in fact a brat.

“I thought you were educated.” Yoriichi sighs.” I can look at someone from extremely far away. Is that better?”

“Very. Who did you look for?”

“I tried to see my brother. But it’s an easily detectable and avoidable spell. A priest is the simple version, but a witch would be a better person for help. Unfortunately, you’ve no witches in your town.”

“Witches aren’t real.”

“They very much are.” Yoriichi watches closely as Muzan pulls the priests pants up his legs. His body looks fuller with his blood. He actually has color, redness to his cheeks. Muscle under his skin. His hair does not look so stringy, but healthy and voluptuous. He blinked away, avoiding looking at his body as he buttoned up the shirt and adjusted the collar. Lastly he needed to clean the blood stained cross.

“So, he died because you needed to see him?”

“You need a priest eye to project someones soul. With a witch they would just cast a spell.”

“Witches aren’t real!” Muzan finally walks up to him angrily, hands balled in tight fists. Yoriichi leans his head back, looking at Muzan in waiting.

The human looked like he’d hit him. Yoriichi is waiting patiently.

“How can something you aren’t even sure about be unreal?”

“But, I am sure. I know for a fact there are no women on broomsticks flying around and casting spells.”

“Well, those types of witches don’t exist. No broomsticks. And there are male witches.” Yoriichi smiles.” I’ve had an entanglement with a coven of witches. They passed me around.”

“How lovely.” Muzan narrowed his eyes. It seems is isn’t the only one who commits sins.

“They’re all dead now. Old age.”

“For a man who appears so uninteresting, you’ve lived an interesting life. May I ask you a question?” Muzan is looking down at Yoriichi unamused. Maybe a little jealous.

“That’s all you ever do. Go ahead.”

“Is God real?”

“Not the version you think. This book.” He picks up the Bible, to show Muzan.” That’s not your God. God isn’t all good. It is an entity, and like all entities they get bored. And like all entities people discover them and make them their God.”

“Have you met God?”

 “I have. But it goes by other names. Many names over its time alive. Your version of God is a coping mechanism. The real God is something you wouldn’t worship if you seen it.”

“Why’s that?”

“You wouldn’t be able to comprehend it. Your mind would turn to ash, you would go insane. The same way you would not be able to understand other entities of this world. They are not meant for human eyes.”

Muzan quietly finishes wiping off the chain and clips it around his neck under his hair.

“What did God say to you?”

“It doesn’t speak a language that can be deciphered. It’s images. I couldn’t explain it to you because it would have no meaning to you. But it has individual meaning to me.”

“But- “

“Ring the bells. After I eat I will get rid of the bodies, and you will have time to do whatever you want I suppose. Go buy something to eat or kill a rabbit,I don’t care.”

“Yoriichi. Why don’t you want to touch me? Everyone else has wanted to touch me. They’ve called me pretty and complimented me. They’ve asked me to meet them at the church or the brothel or in a bathroom and they make love to me.”

“They don’t make love to you, Muzan. Is that what you think it is?”

“They make me feel good.”

“Pleasure and love are not the same.” Yoriichi shakes his head. He puts a hand on Muzan’s shoulder. He wants to say it right, but he can’t really find the words. Muzan is young. he’s naive. He’s stupid. He’s a hothead, obviously. But he’s still human.

“Love doesn’t involve pleasure.” He leaves Muzan to think on it. He’ll ring the bells himself. It was nearly sunrise anyway. 

-

Not many people showed up. Yoriichi assumes enough humans seen the priest's body. Muzan stands in front of the small crowd of 6 or 7 men and women. The doors close loudly as everyone finds their seats. Some together. Some scattered.

Muzan doesn’t know what to say. He’s never pretended to be a priest before.

“H-hello.” He waves, his fingers clasping around the cross tightly. Yoriichi sits next to a woman. Her entire body seems to pause in time separate from the rest of the patrons.

Yoriichi didn’t want them to panic. He didn’t take pleasure in panic and fear. He just wanted to eat and be done with it. His dependence on blood was the one thing he hated.

He didn’t like killing innocent people. But he didn’t think to drink from the men who’ve done wrong. His rage inside makes him kill them before he can consider his hunger.

When he pulls away from the woman, she slumps off the side. Yoriichi stands up and snaps his fingers.

“What are you doing?” Yoriichi snaps.

“I don’t know what to say?”

“You’ve never been to a church?”

“I’ve never paid attention! My father was more closely aligned with business than religion.”

“You have no personality outside of your father.” Yoriichi sighs and looks back at the frozen people, blood staining his lips red. He likes knowing he let them go peacefully. But today will be the exception.

He keeps them frozen. Feels their fear rising when they realize they can’t move. When they feel the piercing of his fangs into their neck, sucking against their skin until their eyes close. Until they can no longer hold their fear, and it evaporates into death.

He drained every man and woman. And then he opened the door for reveal the bright sunlight cascading into the church. Bringing life into a place where so much death has happened in a matter of minutes.

Muzan threw down the book and walked down the aisle to Yoriichi looking up at the sun. As if he were some benevolent God, some being beyond his comprehension.

“You fed, now let’s go.”

Yoriichi turns to him. His eyes weren’t the normal maroon, but bright blood red. Beautifully dangerous.

“Nothing could stop me from drinking your blood.” He trails a hand up Muzan’s arm.

“Not the sun. Or you, your fucking God or it’s devil. Nothing.”

“Yoriichi, what are you doing?Ow! You’re squeezing my arm, let go!” He hits Yoriichi’s face, stone hard like a boulder, unmoving no matter how hard he hit him.

He pushes the human back into the church and slams the door until it closed with a boom.

“Yoriichi, you’re not yourself! You’ve…are you still hungry. We can find more people, the town—“Yoriichi grabs his neck tightly, squeezing and cutting off any further words of promise from his lips.

“Yoriichi, please…” he chokes out. Yoriichi sits down, pulling Muzan into his lap and tugging him down by the collar.

“I’ve always had a thing for priests' blood.”

“What has gotten into you!” Yoriichi blocks over his pulse and Muzan shudders.” Are you going to kill me?”

“Not sure. Haven’t decided yet.” He breathes against his neck. When his teeth enter his skin there’s an immense euphoric, feeling building up under Muzan’s skin that he can only describe as orgasmic. His entire body relaxes into Yoriichi. Only his hand grips his suit tightly, his thighs clenched as if he’d fall off of his lap.

Muzan pants, grabbing, Yoriichi’s hair and pulling him deeper, encouraging him to shove his fangs as deep as they’d go into his skin

He grinds down, feeling his hard cock become trapped in his pants. Tightening until it’s unbearable.

He sinks into him, eyes rolling back from pleasure and blood loss alike, he’s dying and he’s never felt freer.

And then he comes, shuddering and grinding and sobbing his pleasure into Yoriichi.

He can hardly hold his head up when Yoriichi pulls away. He’s not dead. Maybe it’s Yoriichi’s blood still in him. Or maybe he changed his mind on killing him.

“Please, dont stop.” He begs the vampire to kill him.” I want to come again. I want it. It’s been so long. Please. Please Yoriichi give me what I want.”

“What you want? You’ve always been a brat. No matter what, it’s always what you want.”

He rips through his pants. Well, the dead priest pants, exposing Muzan to the crisp air of the church and the statue of Christ right on the wall.

He rips the pants off all the way, shredding them, and Muzan can see the huge mess he made in the front vent discarded in the seat next to them.

He was beyond pent up. Too much and he is not getting any relief to shave off the tension in his cock.

“I’ll give it to you. I’ll give you what you want.”

“Please…”

His eyes lid and grow blurry, and he’s almost passing out. He sees double of Yoriichi whenever he blinks. His hands are pale, his mind hazy.

“Drink.” Yoriichi’s bloodied wrist and thrusted towards his mouth.” I want you wide awake for this.”

Chapter Text

He never pictured a more perfect death for himself. Filled to the brim, his hole quivering and clenching around Yoriichi. His God bestowing his reward. His gift for being a loyal disciple.

He cried into Yoriichi’s neck. Half of his strength left is used to bounce on his cock, but not much, it’s barely anything compared to how roughly Yoriichi thrusts up into him.

There was a time he seen taking cock as an action for bitches. Men less than cattle, whores, men with no self respect. The men he fucked were easy to forget, and just as easy to slip inside of. Loose and worthless.

And then he took it for the first time. And his mind exploded, his pleasure, his tears and his body filled with shakes and aches that were so good.

But none like this. Yoriichi fucked him like the inconvenience he is. Like a brat who deserves to be fucked into silence.

“Get up.” It was pointless to say it, Yoriichi pulls his hair and forces him to stand in his wobbly legs. And carelessly he lets him drop on the ground between the benches. He kneels between his legs, tugging Muzan closer before slipping back into his slick hole.

“Oh god.” He begs inside of the church, back arching as he grips Yoriichi’s suit jacket, trying to find some purchase, something to sink his nails into.

Pathetically he can’t even hold on, quickly left with nothing to hold as he cries out, moaning like the whores in the brothel, eyes clenched shut.

“If only you knew what you looked like.” Uncharacteristically, Yoriichi smiles, the corner of his mouth lifting and showing blood stained fangs.” You just let anyone between these legs?”

Muzan’s hums softly, looking down and nearly crumbling at the sight of Yoriichi’s cock pressing against his skin.

He look all of him, every inch looking like it’s strained against his stomach. Any deeper and he’ll feel him in the back of his throat.

“Use me.”

“Like everyone else?”

He feels a bit of life come to him. A drop of some kind of maleficent power surging through his body. His veins, his teeth, even in the tips of his hair.

He grabs Yoriichi’s shoulder and tugs him down roughly, feeling his hips jerk.

“No, fuck me like you want to kill me.”

He laughs. He actually laughs, eyes narrowed down like it’s a challenge. His stupid little human. His dumb cock sleeve.

Muzan is flipped over before he realized what he said to an immortal, blood drunk possibly feral vampire who hasn’t been touched in years.

The back of his neck is gripped, face shoved into cold unforgiving floor of the church, looking up at religious symbolism that abhors this very behavior.

“Mmm…” is all he can muster out, every thrust of his hips is rough, tantalizingly delicious. He can taste the pleasure on his tongue. Feel it between each taste bud like wine flooding his cheeks.

“Sensitive. So fucking sensitive, every inch of you.” He his hands travel down his sides to his ass and grip the plump flesh there, spreading his cheeks open to watch his cock disappear inside.

Muzan felt like a heartbeat, throbbing, moving, shifting inside of him. And then he comes, and hes about to come, shivers shooting down his spine. Yoriichi doesn’t let up behind him, nearly crushing his neck as he leans over him.

“Yoriichi—“ he chokes out, tapping the ground quickly, giving up as the bone crushing grip makes a drop of fear ripple through his body” Yoriichi I—“

“Mmmm” he shakes his head, pulling back with a laugh that makes his blood boil. Is this what vampires were? Cruel? Mean evil fucking things.” Not yet.”

“Not yet? Not fucking yet? Fuck you!” Muzan whines.

“Don’t raise your voice to me.” The grip on his neck tightens and he feels the blunt tip of his cock promising to kiss his hole again.” We are no where near the same level. Right now, you’re just a slut waiting the come.”

“I can make myself come. I don’t need you!”

“But you want me, and that makes you dependent. But you’re still human, and your little two minute show lets me know how long it’s been since someone touched you.”

Muzan gasps, his head lifted, the grip never waning and he nearly crushes him to shatter like glass.

“You mad at me, baby?” Yoriichi coos in his ear, teasing him, a cat playing with its food.” Are you mad at me? You frustrated?”

Muzan growls. His cock fisted in Yoriichi’s large hand, stroking up and down so slow he wants to grab his wrist himself and fuck it.

“You’re fed up?”

“Yes…” Muzan manages to grit out between his teeth. The pressure, the fucking pressure. He isn’t even inside him and he feels him. Feels his cock like a threat weighing over him.

“I want…I want you to fuck me.”

“I just did fuck you, and you almost came. What fun is that for me? He frees his fingers from his neck in favor of spreading his hole, long digits pushing and Muzan’s mouth falls open.

“Is that supposed to get me off?”

“Oh God!”

“God can’t save you here.” Yoriichi says against his ear, fingers fucking into him at the same pace of the hand around his cock. Slow, annoyingly slow.

“You’re a toy, Muzan.”

“I’ll be your toy, I’ll be your fucking toy just give me your cock.” He whines pathetically

Yoriichi hums quietly, thinking to himself as he breathes Muzan in, his blood and his lust. His throbbing cock in his hand. He stops, stops curling his delicious fingers and pulls them out slowly.

“You’ll last long enough for me?”

“I’ll do whatever you want.” Muzan moans, feeling his cock bump between his legs, getting closer to where he wants him, closer to the very heat that begs for Yoriichi.

“Muzan, I’m sorry. I was so hungry I just…I’m sorry.” The spell has dropped, his full cruelty dissipated as the taste of human blood left his mouth.

“Don’t stop.” Muzan tried to grab him, pull his hands back on his skin.

“I’m taking advantage of you.”

“No…” Muzan turns to the taller man.” No, no! Look at me.” He grabs his face. His eyes were brighter, glowing in the dimly lit aisle of the church, they didn’t do that before. He avoids him, looking down at the mess he’s caused.

“I want this. I want you.” He wraps his legs around Yoriichi and grinds up against him.” I really do.”

“I’d kill you, I can’t trust myself.”

“Trust me.” Muzan pulls his balled fists from his side to touch him. Opening Yoriichi’s hand to lay on his waist.” I’ll tell you if it hurts, just trust me. Look at me, please.”

Yoriichi hesitates.

“I was drunk, I-I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“Just trust me.” Muzan wants to look into his eyes the entire time. Reassure the vampire to trust his judgement. But once he pumps his cock back into him his eyes roll back, biting into his cheek to stifle his sweet moans.

His rough words dissipated from his lips, left to just a quiet man with a blush against his cheeks. He’s careful, not as rough as he held Muzan down before. He treats the human delicate, barely holding his hips as he rocks into him.

“Come on, Yoriichi.” Muzan urges him, pulling one of his hands from his waist to latch onto his neck, looking up at him with those hungry eyes.” Come on, fuck me. I can take it.”

Yoriichi doesn’t squeeze, he doesn’t dare to squeeze as he did before. Muzan takes him so well, rolls his hips with each of his thrusts.

“You’re blushing like a virgin.” Muzan strokes his fingers up the hand around his neck, before his eyes close. He wasn’t as rough as before. But he still feels good, holding onto Yoriichi’s arm as the vampire slowly grows bolder, a step away from gentle but not quite rough.

Muzan bites into his bottom lip, brows furrowed until he can’t hold it in anymore.

“Right there,” he moans, sultry and hungry for more. He arches his back like some whore.” Right there! Don’t stop.”

The world feels like it’s coming to a slow stop, the brakes pumped until it stops spinning at just the right time.

Muzan’s eyes lined with greed, his chest heaving and rising with every thrust, as if he’s fucking the air right out of him.

His lips glossed with his own drool.

Yoriichi’s hands brush down his front, over his perky pink nipples and down to his lean stomach. The gentle touch sends a frenzy up his sides as he comes back up to his arms.

Muzan comes just like that, squeezing tightly around Yoriichi. Wound up so tight he feels his orgasm being pulled from him by force, panting, crying, his tongue between his teeth as the arch in his back finally dies and leaves him flat on the ground.

He hums his last few moans, looking up at Yoriichi’s nervous face.

Muzan would go again, but the blood loss was evident. He was pale, and whatever blood he drank from Yoriichi was enough to keep him conscious. He needed time to heal. He needed to eat.

“It takes me a little longer.”

“I’m sure you’ve had experiences much better than me.” Muzan sits up, looking down at the mess he painted across his chest.”I can suck you off.”

“You’re so vulgar.” Yoriichi slowly pulls out.” I apologize for before. I should be more careful about not eating.”

“I enjoyed myself, Yoriichi. Every bit of it.” Muzan draws an adventurous little finger down his neck.” That’s the kind of treatment I look for.”

“We need to go.” But Yoriichi hadn’t pulled out yet or let him go.” If we want to make good time, we need to go to a witch. I need a pendant made for you.”

“Giving me gifts?” He wants more. He’s greedy, looking up at Yoriichi through his messy bangs.

“It’s an eternity pendant. My magic is too simple to make one, it has to be forged by silver and enchanted by a witch. It will protect you when I’m not around, and you won’t need my blood while you have it on.”

“I like drinking from you.”

“I may be unable to come for you for days. My brother is strong. We could be fighting for days. Weeks even.”

“You’d get tired, that’s ridiculous.”

“Last time we fought it was for…three months. Rain or shine we crossed swords. He told me he hated me.”

“Maybe the sight of you will wake him up.” He cups Yoriichi’s face.” You ripped the only pants I had.”

“The witch can make you some. He’s rather crafty.”

-

The carriage ride was quiet and awkward. Yoriichi had his head down and his eyes closed and Muzan just watched him. Whether the vampire was sleeping or not was still a mystery.

He’s laid across the seat, the small space he’s made for himself was comfy, using Yoriichi’s jacket as a cover over his exposed legs.

“If you want to say something, say it.”

His skin seemed less dull. Brighter even since he fed. His eyes were bright a beautiful light in the darkness. Muzan fears he may be more powerful than before, he could most certainly snap his neck while he’s fed.

“I enjoyed myself. And I feel bad that you didn’t finish.”

“Muzan, be quiet.” Yoriichi instantly says.

“You said say it!”

“I am too old to care about an orgasm.”

“You deserve it at least. You’ve kept me alive. You protected me. You fed me.”

“Feeding you makes you happy?” Yoriichi cocks his head uncrossing his arms to lean back against his seat.”My mind always wanders. I’m wound up too tight anyway, I doubt I could finish with a human, I’d need someone that could withstand me. Or a spell to alter my state of mind.”

Muzan traces his fingers against the cuffs of Yoriichi’s jacket on his legs. Just picking at it, something to do instead of looking at his piercing eyes.

“It’s not you, it’s me.” Yoriichi finally says.  He is a little confused why the human isn’t satisfied with his own pleasure being quelled.

“Oh, I’m fully aware it’s not me. I’m irresistible.” Muzan says confidently.” I’m great in bed.”

“You’re resistible.”

“Am not! I was the most handsome boy in my church!”

“I bet you were.” Yoriichi rolls his eyes as the carriage comes to an abrupt halt, the horses loudly neigh and pant their feet, waiting idly by as Yoriichi opens up the door..” Make sure you cover yourself. The witches here would try to get in one of your holes.”

“What? What’s that supposed to mean?” Muzan gasped.

“They aren’t exactly the best witches to stumble across. If you aren’t immortal at least.” It’s a small cabin. It looks cozy and it fits right into the trees and bushes surrounding it. He’s sure he could pass it without even noticing it’s there.

Before he can step out of the carriage the door creeks opens, leaning against the door is a man with cup in his hand, rings adorning his fingers as they tap against the cup with a loud ring.

“I hope you didn’t come for revenge. I’ve got silver this time.”

“You know that hardly hurts me.” Yoriichi rolls his eyes.

“A familiar? You finally decide to open up, how sweet.”

“Don’t patronize me, Obanai, I’m here for a pendant.”

“What kind?” He steps aside, letting the two in but he pays awfully close attention to Muzan.” Mmm, he smells like you. And he stinks of priest.”

“An eternity pendant. And he’s my familiar, he’s had my blood. Of course he’ll smell like me.”

“A little more than blood.” Obanai blinks.” You’re welcome to look around or stay for the night. I’m sure you’re tired after your…activities.”

“Obanai. The pendant.”

“It will cost you.” Obanai flicks his hand and the far back wall turns to the other side. Necklaces with pendants as big as Muzan’s head, or small enough to be a discreet piece of jewelry.” I don’t want gold this time, I want what you promised me.” He pouts.”

“I just said that to get you off my case.”

“I have the book.” Obanai purrs, taking a closer step and tracing his finger over Yoriichi’s arm.” The succubus is hungry and I have to feed her. And you made a deal.”

“ I lied to you.” Yoriichi says simply. It was easy to lie to witches. He didn’t expect Obanai to be alive for this long.

“Well my prices have changed so unless you pay accordingly I cannot sell you an eternity pendant.” Obanai crossed his arms over his chest defiantly.

Yoriichi sighs.

“Then make him some pants please, in the meantime”

“I believe the prices of all my items have changed for tonight. I can bundle the pants and the pendant together.” He smiles.

“You’re very conniving. I bet you thought about this since our last meeting.”

“That was a hundred years ago, get over yourself. Your familiar can watch if you’d like.” Obanai waits for Yoriichi to give him the answer he wants.”  You know, you’ve been a stranger to me lately.” His voice trails off.

“Watch what, exactly?” Muzan has been so distracted by the enclosures. One housing a human hand. A little watering dish and leaves and branches as if it were a lizard. Another has a snake. Various animals in tanks he wasn’t sure were animals of God, but hybrids meant to never exist.

“He has a succubus book that he keeps for his sadistic needs.”

“It’s more of a hobby.” Obanai furrows his brows.” She gives me access to certain stretches of dark magic unknown to human hands.

“He’s been trying to get me to…agree to laying with said book. It creeps me out.”

“You?” Muzan is in disbelief.  How could anything creep out the vampire? His diet is based on blood.”What’s so bad about it?”

“It has tendrils and it’s slimy.”

“The slime is an aphrodisiac. It helps the body relax. You get the pendant and you get a little pleasure. Let me have you all night and I’ll throw in something extra for free.”

“Oh please, nothing from you and your coven is free.” Yoriichi waves the witch away.” I’ll pay with gold.”

“Pay with witches silver so I can see your hands bleed.” Muzan is confused at the attempt of seduction. The smaller man seemingly praying on Yoriichi. He gets closer, stalks him like an animal.

“You’re too close.” Yoriichi shoves his forehead back with a single finger.

“Must you always be difficult to bed?”

Muzan feels…outcasted watching them speak. He can’t exactly place the feeling. He’s not sure he’s felt such a dark pull in his chest.

He wants to throttle this Obanai. Shove his face in the dirt until he backs off and learns to be professional in his business.

He hates him.

“Yoriichi.”Muzan calls to the vampire, but he hasn’t answered him, enraptured in the conversation with the witch. He comes to a conclusion.

Something has happened between them, and it wasn’t just sex. It was more than that.

The annoyance laced with a flirtatious flavor. There was something more. Something electric. The way Yoriichi’s eyes narrow as he denied the witch. He wasn’t serious or actually annoyed or disgusted.

He was teasing. Yoriichi was flirting.

Maybe a form he couldn’t yet understand. But it was something made between those two only for them to understand each other. An inside knowledge.

Obanai understands his rejection is only temporary.

Yoriichi smiles and turns away. He wasn’t exactly blushing but he had severed his eye contact. Obanai won.  He understands his victory as he reached behind Yoriichi, toying with the ends of his hair and pulling it around to look.

“Your ends are never split, I’m jealous.”

Yoriichi sighs.

“I will indulge you for one night. But we really must go, I have things to do.”

“I’m feelings generous. You have priest magic on your hands. I could show you whoever you need to see. Maybe your twin?” He offers subtly to interest Yoriichi.

“I would appreciate it. You wouldn’t have seen him lately?”

“I have. He purchased a few organs from me.”

“What kind?”

“Yoriichi, I cannot just give that information.” Obanai shakes his head.” Not without payment.”

Yoriichi nodded his head, he was a little more eager

“Priest boy, one of my coven mates can give you food and wine if you’re hungry.”

“I’m not a priest.” Muzan snaps.

“He is spicy, not a priest at all. Come Yoriichi we have payment to discuss.”

“So you’re just going to go with him?” Muzan takes a step forward. Yoriichi turns to the smaller human.

“I need an eternity pendant for you, and he’s a bit demanding.”

“Well I just thought…you know with what happened in the church.”

“Muzan you are a human learning about a large world. I’ve been here long before you and I’ll be here when you’re long gone. Unfortunately, all witches are tricky to deal with.”

“Oh..” Muzan puts his head down. He chews on his bottom lip, nervously. Embarrassed in his own thoughts.

“But my loyalty is to you while you’re alive.” Yoriichi leans down to catch his eyes. He pats his head, leaving Muzan to blush in the middle of the floor, watching his back until his disappears behind a door.

-

“You’re disrupting the house with your priest stench.” The cabin was only the shop. Underground there were channels that looked so beautiful. Each room designed as if it were apart of a mansion. Decorated wonderfully in white and gold. Royal blues and purples. Each room had its own theme.

“Yoriichi hasn’t had a familiar in a long time.”

“What happened to his last one?” The tall man has throws a few clothes to Muzan. Slacks and a white shirt while the priest uniform was discarded. The man has white hair and he is covered in scars from his face down his chest and arms. He imagines they’re probably everywhere.

“Died. They all die, they’re only human. He is a sensitive vampire, he seems to retain his humanity. He had been very close with his familiars.”

“Do you know how many he’s had?”

“Heavens no, he’s been alive for over a thousand years. I’ve never thought to ask him. I know he’s appreciated all of them.”

The room shakes a bit as the white haired man picks up his cup of wine.

“The succubus enjoys vampire prey. She likes to be rough.”

“She seems nice.” Muzan doesn’t exactly know what kind of meat is on his plate but it’s good.

“We borrow forbidden spells from her. Demonology and the summoning of various circles of Hell. She’s helpful when she’s fed.”

Muzan doesn’t want to seem jealous or hateful, but the question brewing on the tip of his tongue can’t be held anymore. He is jealous, he admits. He is hateful. He does hate Obanai.

“What happened between them? Obanai and Yoriichi?” He asked slowly.

“They were lovers. But witches and vampires cannot be lovers, it is forbidden. They are separated by life and death.”

“What do you mean?”

“Obanai would either have to relinquish his witch power to become a vampire, or Yoriichi would need to die and maybe he could summon the vampire from Hell to be lovers once more. But Obanai signed his life away to the Succubus for the coven. Therefore he can never relinquish his power.”

Muzan nods his head as if he understands.

The white haired man can see his confusion.

“The contract keeps them separated.” He says simply. Muzan nods once more. I believe they still love each other but they show it through lust even though they cannot touch. He uses the succubus to have Yoriichi, it’s honestly sad.”

“They cannot touch? Obanai touched him quite a lot.”

“Lovingly, you moron. You sound jealous.”

“I am not.” Muzan punctuates by stabbing the meat. The man just sips from his cup.

“Don’t get attached. Yoriichi has fallen in love a million times, I doubt he can fall in love again. He is hurting himself over and over again.”

Muzan looks down at his plate, pushing his stabbed meat in a sauce before lifting his eyes again.

“Do you know of his carriage driver?”

“Shut your mouth, now.” He points at Muzan in warning.” Did he not tell you to be careful about speaking of him?”

“He did! But he never explains, I am just curious as to who is driving us.”

He sighs annoyed already with the human.

“Maybe 500 or so years ago Yoriichi fell in love with a witch. A woman. She got pregnant and that was the result. A curse. Witches and vampires are not meant to mix, vampire blood and witch magic are detrimental to the world. It could very much end the world all together, that is why it’s forbidden. He broke the rules. And that mess outside will never leave him.”

“He is his son? How is he dangerous when all he does is drive the carriage?”

“He is an entity of blood and magic, do not mistake him for just a driver. That is not his son, he is a mistake. They are bound for eternity. Yoriichi cannot die until he atones for his mistakes.”

“He is a vampire, would he not be immortal anyway? Love is not a sin, you are mistaken. The carriage-“

“Listen to me you little fuck. Do not speak of him. Don’t look at him. Do you just think all vampires are immortal? No, they die from silver, the sunlight, a stake to the heart, they could die from falling off of a cliff as any human would, but that…abomination is proof of his mistake. The manifestation of his unholy love is that curse.”

“You are wrong. Yoriichi cannot just ignore his child.”

“I’m wrong? What do you know?” The man snapped harshly at Muzan.

Muzan gets up and the white haired man watches him.” What are you doing? Where are you going?” He holds his arms open, figuring Muzan is just storming off out of jealously and anger.

Muzan climbs the steps of the underground home. His own ignorance leading him past the loud moaning and hissing behind the door, to the outdoor of the cabin.

“Carriage driver, what is your name? You are his son yes?”

“Are you stupid!” Another coven mate grips the door way as Muzan speaks to The black mass.

“What has he done to you? Why do you not have a face? Please speak to me, I have ignored you for far-“

Muzan feels nothing under his feet. Nothing but air as he looks up at the black mass. He wears his uniform, locked in a domain of emptiness.

The world seems frozen. Neither cold or warm. But empty.

“You’ve spoken to me?” The voice of a child stuck inside his body.

“You’re his son?” He cannot hear his own voice leaving his lips. But he knows he’s speaking as the black mass drifts closer.

“You have acknowledged me.”

“What is your name?”

“Mother, do you love me?”

“Mother?” Muzan reels back. But he can’t escape, he can’t see around him or feel’s direction to run in. A shiver of panic shocks him.

“Will you give me a name? Will you love me forever.” The black mass hugs Muzan.” Do not kill me again mother.” He sobs.” I didn’t like it. It hurt.”

Muzan without thinking, hugs the black mass and he falls to his knees, hugging Muzan harder as he sobs.

“Don’t leave me mother!”

“I won’t leave you.”

“Please mother! Will you name me this time? Please name me, don’t kill me, give me a name.” His voice cracks out of fear and desperation.

“What would you like to be called?” Muzan pets the top of its head.

“Any name mother, I will answer when you call. From anywhere, I will always answer mother, I promise.”

“Tanjiro?” Muzan offers gently. And the black mass nods his head and he seems to calm down. Muzan moved the masses head to look down at him.

He has a similar birthmark on his forehead to Yoriichi, but other then that he has no definite features. Just tears escaping his face and flowing down to drop off of his chin.

“Please don’t forget me, mother.”

“I won’t forget you. I promise, I’ll never forget you.”

-

When the emptiness dissipates and his feet touch the hard ground, he turns, the black mass looming over him protectively.

“What did you do?” The first voice he hears other than the calm sniffling of the mass. His clothes are rightfully disheveled, hair loosened from his ponytail as he approached Muzan.

“He’s your mistake , so you ignore him!” Muzan scolds him quite confidently.

“You are so fucking ignorant. He is an unstable entity, he still has the mind of a baby! One tantrum he could tear through the earth, do you understand that?”

Muzan takes a step back from Yoriichi, his seething gamer reflected in his bright eyes.

“Why don’t you just listen? You act without thinking, you are carelessly stupid.”

“He cried to me because you never gave him a name. He said you killed him?”

“Killed him? He’s right in front of you, if I could kill him, I would’ve done it a long time ago!”

“He is sad and you treat him as if you do not love him!” Muzan holds the black mass as if it were his own child.

“He doesn’t even know what he is! And now you’ve spoken to him he can figure it out! What if he decided to eradicate the human race? The other planets, the Sun or the moon. You mess with things without knowing anything. Sometimes I forget you are just a spoiled brat!”

“Don’t abandon me, mother.” Tanjiro looks down at his hands, nervously fidgeting.

“I would never do that.”

“Muzan.” Yoriichi begins, covering his hand with a mouth as he finds his next words. He may have to kill Muzan.

“He doesn’t seem unstable to me. He’s just a child. Yoriichi.”

“He is 500 years old, he is not a child.” Yoriichi shakes his head.

“He’s a child! Your child that you just tortured to be forgotten!”

“I cannot believe what I am hearing right now.” Yoriichi rubs his face, stress already climbing up to his neck.” I should’ve killed you.”

“Oh now you should’ve killed me. What about your loyalty being to me! And—and you just go off with that whore.”

“That’s what this is about? Got it. Muzan sleeping with you meant nothing to me.”

“Must’ve meant something.”

“You are still a sheltered child who finds love through sex. I was loyal to you because I enjoyed your company even as you drive me up a fucking wall!”

“You-“

“You think we can be lovers? You are a sick human who cannot survive without my blood. You are constantly on the brink of death, you think I want that for myself? I have lost time and time again.”

“Turn me.”

“Fuck you.” Yoriichi snaps.  He takes it as a sick joke.

“Turn me, I will be with you. I want to be with you. You said your loyalty is to me. You can’t just say that and then yell at me as if you don’t love me!”

“I do not love you. I fucked you, end of story.”

“You feel something for me.”

“I do not.”

“You love me, but you don’t want to love me because you are afraid I will be gone just as everyone else. Turn me and I will be yours forever. And tanjiro, he will love you the same as he loves me. I will…I’ll make up for the years of hate you’ve given him.”

“I never hated him, I understood what I did and what I must do. You just think you know everything?” Yoriichi laughs.” There are rules that are etched in blood that cannot be broken.”

“And you just blindly follow them. Powerful vampire, unkillable, alive for thousands of years and he’s afraid of every little thing across his path. You’ve convinced me you are all powerful just to find out you are a pussy at the bottom of the food chain!”

“Muzan you are an idiot. And as the rules you never follow state: I cannot change you. You’ve made a contract to be this mistakes mother. Eternity may sound nice and pretty and but reality is it’s hard and it’s disgusting. I have wanted to die since I was 60, and now you will be alive for as long as me. I do not grow old, I do not change. I am nothing but an appetite! I am stuck with the emotions I’ve felt for a thousand years!”

“You’re more than an appetite, Yoriichi you are a father—“

“Shut the fuck up.”

“You are a hero. You are still human in your emotions. You love the world around you no matter how you claim to hate it. You are everything you say you are not.”

Yoriichi quietly stares at the black mass holding onto Muzan.

“I can understand him. He craves the acceptance of his father. He wants you to love him.”

“I do love him, but he is the result of my ignorance! I have put the world in danger I have to live knowing that tomorrow none of what I do will matter. Whether I can stop my brother or not won’t matter as long as this exists.”

“Well maybe if we show him love and patience he will turn out like you. Loving and careful and empathetic. He may become a savior who travels the world as his father does and saves people.”

Yoriichi sighs.

“I will not entertain this.”

“Well now you have to. Because he is my son and I will not abandon tanjiro.”

Chapter Text

He still drives the carriage. But this time he watched Muzan when he gets out, follows behind him silently as he stretches his legs.

He is wary of Yoriichi. He tries to stand beside him, but like a child he clings to his mother instead.

“So, will you talk to me this morning or will I have another day of silence?”

Yoriichi kneels down to cup his hands under the river, and splashing his face with the cool water.

“What ever happened to the eternity pendant you whored yourself out for?”

“You made a contract, Muzan.”

“He speaks!” Muzan says loudly, pulling off his shirt and throwing it on the grass.” The great vampire Yoriichi overcame his muteness! What else will he say? Do I need to teach you how to speak again?” Muzan throws off his pants next and runs into the cold river, shivering at first before sitting down and letting the water run over him.

“Insufferable.”

“Get used to it. I’ll be here for a long time.” Muzan hasn’t had any of Yoriichi’s blood in four days over his regular feeding. He feels great. He feels healed. His bodies aches and pains have been completely eradicated.

He’s never felt so free. He’s been saved.

“I think you’ve been alone all this time. And now you are incapable of being anything but solitary.”

“If I wanted to know what you think, I would’ve asked.”

“Yoriichi, you can’t get rid of me.” Muzan whips his hair, standing up to squeeze the water from his hair and letting it untwirl down his back.

He crawls to the vampire, knees sinking into the dirt as he pulls himself up between Yoriichi’s legs.

“You can be rough with me now.”

Yoriichi stands up and walks away.

“Come on don’t be mean to me! I’m trying to—“

“You’re trying to piss me off. I’m going to hunt.” He’s heading in the general direction of a small village.

“Oh, you’re going to eat your feelings away!” Muzan shouts after him.” Good!”

His breathing dies down and he looks at Tanjiro floating there with his hands crossed over his middle.

“I’m sorry you had to see that. Sometimes Yoriichi is a little emotional.”

He nods his head and looks down at Muzan.

“We should go back to the carriage. He’ll be back.”

Yoriichi didn’t return yet. When Muzan hops on top of the carriage to look down at the village he sees the fires had gone out. The last people running and screaming have been silenced.

His head shoots to the left, seeing a figure shake the carriage as he leans against it. Casually, he’s tall. He’s just as tall as Yoriichi actually and for a moment he’s fooled into another mouthy rant.

“You could at least greet me when you return.”

“A human is telling me what to do? But I suppose with your contract you don’t have much to fear.”

Muzan reels back quickly, reaching to his side for the knife Yoriichi gave him. Or he stole, which ever.

“I ran into your entity. He’s strong. He’s a God. And the perfect entity, he doesn’t know much of the dangers that don’t involve him.”

“Who are you?”

“He’s like a child. A fumbling mess interested in flowers and leaves.”

“I said who are you!” In just raising his voice Muzan flinches. Tanjiro is near him in just seconds. He hasn’t anticipated the entity to even respond with violence.

“Careful. My brother is a powerful vampire and the witch whore he fucked was admirable. That child could very well destroy the universe.”

“I’ve been told. It seems like the only thing everyone wants to say to me. Now who are you, I’ll stab you in your heart!”

“I don’t look familiar?” He leans forward, nearly hovering over Muzan. Tanjiro reels back from his presence as well. He’s intimidated, holding onto his mother and hiding behind Muzan.

“You’re his brother.”

“Smart boy.” His voice rumbles.” Why is a human following a vampire as old as Yoriichi? As weak as Yoriichi.”

“He isn’t weak—“

“He has human feelings.” He’s behind him in moments, Michikatsu places a hand on his shoulder. A gentle grip but he can feel the weight of his power below it.

So much power and Yoriichi said he was the weaker brother. He’s never felt this intimidation from Yoriichi on such a large scale. He feels like in one move he could snap his neck.

“But you, I’ve been watching you. You’re worthy of being worshipped as your father meant you to be.”

“You knew my father.”

“I regularly spoke with him. He was a dedicated father, a dedicated follower of the rainbow eyed deity. He is passionate. I went to visit only to find his body riddled with maggots and your scent all over him.”

“He lied to me.”

“And your poor mother. I chose her specifically for your father.” He rubs Muzan’s shoulders.” I knew you’d be special. Born sick yet you’re still alive. I convinced your father to keep you alive.”

“You’re a liar. My father loved me!”

“I very well could be a liar. But what proof do you have?” He says against his ear.” Just as you have no proof that my brother is on the right side of things. A righteous man who feasts on a whole village of women and children.”

Muzan turns to the village as the fire blooms in the various houses. Yoriichi’s turmoil.

“The vampires I work with are merciful. We take from newborns. They don’t feel it, they don’t even know fear yet.” He walks around Muzan, this time letting the human see him move. Now he seems slow and casual.

“They are female newborns. They would’ve been mistreated by this primitive society.” He rolls his eyes as if he’s doing such a great help for them.”Raped by their own family and close friends denied jobs only given a job to give birth cook and shut up.” As if he’s better than them. Superior.

“I know you can only walk in the dark. Unlike your brother.”

“Immortals still feel pain. I doubt you’re old enough to know how to block it out.” He threatened him. His eyes aren’t dim like Yoriichi’s normally are. They are bright red. A well fed vampire. Yoriichi can accomplish what he can only dream on an empty stomach.

“What do you want?”

“I want you to join me. I’ve followed you for some time. Your father made sure I kept an eye on you.” He strokes a hand down Muzan’s cheek.

“I’m not sure if you remember, but when you were six, I played with you while your father dealt with business. I kept you distracted.” His fingers curl around his hair, looking at it as if he loved every bump curl and wave of the Black Sea.

“I don’t.”

“That’s ok. You were young. It’s a fond memory, I loved playing with you. You’ve grown into a handsome young man. You look just like your father.”

As if a switch was flicked, his face burst into a bright red.

It was always his mother. Feminized by disgusting men growing up, he was always told he favored his mother. He looks soft like her, he looks fuckable like her. Brainless like her.

“You…you think I look like him?”

“It’s almost uncanny.” Michikatsu smiles. He hasn’t stopped touching his hair yet, his thumb still caressing the side of his face as he examines him.

Muzan’s body grows hot.

“I asked your father instead of giving up newborns and including you in our feeding, I wanted to marry you when you came of age.”

Muzan swallows hard.

“But your father was determined that it was forbidden in the eyes of God. I let it go. But you are an adult now. You’re more than capable of making your own decisions.”

“Marry me?” He’s hitting every single pressure point in his brain. Muzan forgot why he was holding the knife in the first place.

“Always willing to play while you were sick. You were deeply allergic to pollen but you still played. I admired your strength.”

He was admired.

“I admired how happy and free you were.”

He wanted him. To marry him.

“Seeing you now makes me nervous to admit such things.”

He lets out a shaky breath as Michikatsu closes the distance leaning down, his predatory eyes speak a thousand words. How badly he wants Muzan.

At least that’s what Muzan’s ego tells him. That he needs him. That he craves him like a drug.

“You’re gorgeous.”

Muzan whimpers beneath his close gaze, their lips almost touching.

“Ah, but I shouldn’t.”

“Why?” Muzan touched him for the first time, grabbing the jacket of his suit and pulling him close.” You…you said you wanted me.”

“I’m a thousand years old. I knew you since you were child.” He feigns disgust with himself.” And your father wished that I didn’t, I have to respect him.”

“You said it yourself, I can make my own decisions.” He pullls Michikatsu back. The vampire smirking softly, wrapping his arms around Muzan.” Touch me, I want you to touch me.”

“Shouldn’t I wait until I marry you?” He says softly against his lips, then connects them, chaste, and stopping Muzan from trying to take more.

“No…if you love me, shouldn’t I have you now.”

“What about Yoriichi?”

“He hates me. He isn’t loyal to me. Will you be?” How could he be any different from his stuck up brother.

“I’ve been loyal to you without you knowing. I am a virgin.” He whispers along Muzan’s lips, sprinkling little lies on his hungry lips.” Your life is much shorter than mine, I won’t be upset if you’ve shared your body. But for a thousand years I’ve waited for someone, and you’re that someone.”

He teases the idea of another kiss. Opening his mouth to lick Muzan’s upper lip.

“Let me take you away from here. Bring your entity.” His voice deepens. And he looks over to Tanjiro hungrily.

That power would be useful to him.

“If you love me I’ll do anything for you.” Muzan whispers. His hungry eyes crave it, every touch of Michikatsu against him makes him greedier. He wants to be loved. He wants what Yoriichi won’t give him.

“I’ve been deeply in love with you.” Michikatsu says easily.” I’ve left you alone for so long. You must be so lonely.”

“I’m not…well I’m not lonely I have Yoriichi and Tanjiro.”

“My brother isn’t good at relationships. Every one has failed, he makes horrible decisions. You need me. Tanjiro might need me too. You can be mommy.” He breathes against his lips, locking Muzan against the carriage door. He tried to lift up on his tippy toes. Michikatsu presses his chest until he’s against the door, unable to move to the stronger vampire.” I’ll be daddy.”

He whimpers, slowly nodding his head, wetting his lips as the vampire leans down, brushing their lips together. Finally, fucking finally he rewards Muzan with his soft lips slotting together with his.

Muzan quickly wraps his arms around his neck, pulling the vampire down for more, craving more.

He kisses hard, more roughly than Yoriichi had ever touched him. He grips his hips tightly and slots his thigh between Muzan’s pressing up as he grinds against him.

“Come with me. I’ll make you happy. I’ll spoil you.”

Muzan nods his head. Pulling back and looking up at him with drunk eyes.

-
The horses were massive stallions, but there was something off about them. They had long teeth like a predators, sharp red eyes. their manes dark like the pits of hell.

They snarled and nipped as Muzan got closer.

“Easy boys.” Michikatsu pets one of their snouts.” Horses with vampire blood. Not all of them survive, but these two did. It’s only fitting for your first gift to be as immortal as you. We have to go before sunrise.” He helps Muzan and Tanjiro up his horse then mounts his own.

They move quickly, feral and faster than a regular horse. They sounded more like bears breathing and heaving through the night. Terrifying creatures.

When they slowed down the tune was familiar. It was a song that was played at a festival when he was child. A far back memory, nothing truly important. But it stuck with him throughout his childhood.

Michikatsu was there. He was there with the woman playing the tune. Before he can figure out the original name of the song, he looks up, massive corridors moving simultaneously. Doors closing and opening all together. He’s moving without moving.

He checks his horse. His feet aren’t galloping or trotting, just standing there as they move through the wooden abyss into a room.

“This is the Infinity castle. It’s our home. Managed by Nakime. She’s an example of what Tanjiro could’ve been, had Yoriichi not ignored him.”

“She’s half witch? She doesn’t seem anything like him.”

“I’ve trained her well. As a toddler she locked her parents in here without knowing how to get them out. By the time I met her, her parents had died of starvation.”

Muzan gasps softly, looking around the various floating rooms and upside down doors.

“Everyone here, I’ve trained to the best of my ability.” He walks alongside Muzan’s horse, helping the human down before wrapping an arm around him.

“All of them are outcasts. Mistakes of witchcraft and vampire blood. The most powerful entities tossed aside like they were nothing. I alone raised them. They see me as their father.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

“You can meet them all later. I must claim my prize first.”

Muzan drops down into a room on a bed, separated from Tanjiro.

“Make him feel at home. He will be your new brother.” Michikatsu urges Tanjiro to move forward and mingle before climbing down, landing next to the bed.

He takes off his rings, rounding the bed. Muzan’s head swivels with his movements.

“If you were still human I’d be gentle with you.”

Muzan swallows, watching him take off his jacket, dropping it on the ground carelessly before unbuttoning his shirt.

“I know you aren’t a fan of gentle. It hurt me watching you struggle to get off.”

“You’ve seen me?”

“I’ve kept tabs on you. I do get worried from time to time. As you got older you became more reckless. A bit of a brat.”

Muzan blushes. When Yoriichi said it, it offended him. But right now he’s never felt his cock throb like smashing iron.

“I will take good care of you.”

He flips Muzan over on his stomach. The human flipping his hair out of his face to look back at Michikatsu. He roughly pulls his pants down, lifting Muzan’s hips for him and palming his ass.

“Pretty. So pretty.” he murmurs, locking eyes with Muzan before kissing his cheek, squeezing them as he spreads him open.

Muzan is greedy, pushing his hips back, his head falling down into the pillow as Michikatsu licks over his hole.

His tongue is thick and long, shoved into him impatiently, the vampire moans once he tastes him, grabbing him harshly his cold fingers feeling up his torso until he can brush against his nipples. Perky and hard, it makes Muzan jerk.

“Haa..” he breathes into the pillow, he’s so deep with just his tongue, yet so far from where he really needs him.

“Finally, I get to know you.” Michikatsu chuckles, his tongue pulled free, eyes lidded and drunk.” I want to know more. Want to see what makes you cry.”

Muzan shivers. Arching his back as Michikatsu presses him down into the bed, hard. He feels every ounce of his strength pushing down onto him,

He couldn’t move, he couldn’t even dream of wanting to either.

His cock is thick, slapping against his hole with a wet splat.

“Put it in…” Muzan wiggles his hips, panting as he slowly feels the blunt tip of his cock press into him. He squeezes his eyes shut, teeth grit tight as the pleasurable burn of his hole being spread open takes over his mind.

“Mmm, so tight.” Michikatsu is right against his ear. His hair draped against his back and on the side of his face like a curtain. He watches it wave as he pulls back and thrusting in fully this time and pulling a delicious moan from Muzan’s wet lips.

“Deep…too deep.” He mumbles, but he loves it, soaked in pleasure like a sponge. His eyes roll as he pulls back again, this time thrusting in harder, and harder until Muzan has to grip the sheets to keep himself from shooting into the headboard.

His moans are throaty and deep, Michikatsu giving him exactly what he wanted from Yoriichi. Hard and deep and fucking hard.

Pressing him down like he’s some toy and using him. He hears the bed give a crack. It’s small but it doesn’t make him worry too much.

“Just like that…like that—“ the only gibberish he can get out. He spreads his legs wider, but he’s blocked off by Michikatsu’s thighs on the outside of his.

“I know right where you need me, sweetheart.”

“Hhnnn…..mmmmmm” Muzan’s stomach is filled with butterflies, tingling and fluttering with every thrust. Every crack makes his cheeks sore, contrasting the gentle ticklish brush of michikatsu’s hair against his nose.

“I’m gonna—“

“What? I fuck you that good?” He’s fucking him faster, gripping the headboard and hearing it smash against the wall.” You like that?”

Muzan answers him with a muffled moan, wrapping the pillow around his head and screaming into it. For a moment he tries to pull away. Way too much, the normal build to an orgasm he had began to shoot forward like a slingshot, fast and unpredictable. He feels his cock leaking between his legs, reaching back to push and falling on his side after his failed attempt.

Michikatsu shakes his head and adapts quickly.” Don’t run from me.” He growls.

And just like that, Muzan paints his chest curling and biting the pillow while screaming until his lungs hurt. Only pulling back to get some air.

He’s still hitting his fucking spot, driving him up a wall, he lets it go longer, the overstimulation burning his thighs as he tenses up.

His brain and his body at war but he listens to his body. Cock soft but he loves every inch of Michikatsu’s cock.

“Every drop, don’t fucking waste it.” His world is tipped after his hair is grabbed and his face shoved against Michikatsu’s wet cock, ropes of come inside of his mouth. Lazily he closes his lips around the tip. A mess dripping from his chin and cheek.

After he swallows he opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out. Michikatsu rewards him by shoving his cock down his throat and fucking it.

Muzan can’t help but wrap his hand around his cock, stroking himself even after his mind numbing orgasm.
-

He laid there, used and satisfied, moving with the ocean of his body, he feels like the world is spinning.

Michikatsu doesn’t have a heartbeat. His chest is empty against his ear. Just his cold flesh.

“I can tell Tanjiro is strong. It makes sense he is my brothers child.”

“He’s extraordinary. I think he’s like nakime in a sense that he can make a space.”

“What?”

“He can make a black space. I’ve been in it. Like a void. You can’t hear or move. You’re just there. Like time just doesn’t exist in that space.”

Michikatsu is quiet for a minute.

“I take it Yoriichi hasn’t spoken to him much since you’ve awakened him.”

“No. Not really.”

He nods.

“Those hybrids age differently. Nakime is over 700 years old but she’s no older than a teenager. I imagine it takes them a millennia to become an adult. One time she locked me out and moved to China for a few days.” He laughs fondly.” Turns out she still needs me.”

“How did you find all of them?”

“By luck i suppose. Hantengu, I found him making a scheme. His clones robbed an entire restaurant while he distracted the man upfront pretending he’d been struck by lightning twice. Clever boy. I had him leave the money and come with me.”

-
“Sorry I took so long. I needed a moment.” Yoriichi returns to the carriage. Finding nothing but Tanjiro on top.

“Where’s Muzan?”

“With a bad man. I don’t want to go back.”

“What? You let him go with someone!” Yoriichi blames him.

“He chose to go with him. That man was a bad man. I could tell.”

“What did he look like. I’ll try to track him.”

“Like you.” Tanjiro says quietly. Yoriichi slowly lifts his head to Tanjiro, before furrowing his brows.

“What did you say?”

“He looks like you. He took us somewhere and I left. I came back here.”

“Where did he take you.”

“It not a village. It’s controlled by a woman.” Tanjiro floats down and leans in front of Yoriichi.”

“Mommy is in trouble. I think that’s man wants to use mommy to get me. He has a lot of other people that are like me.”

“Every day Muzan pushes my limit.” Tanjiro pulls back a little bit, folding his hands together.”Nakime is her name, she’s relatively weak. Do you know how to get there?”

“Yes. I can bring you inside. But the woman controls it. Every part of it.”

“I’ll save mommy. But I need your help if there are more like you.”

“They aren’t very powerful. They wield one power. I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just want mommy.”

“I’ll get him back. Take me there.”

“I don’t want to go to the bad man!” Tanjiro shouts, and the earth around him trembles. The boy wraps his fingers around his arm, seemingly calming his temper.” I don’t like him.”

“Tanjiro, Muzan will be tortured if he cannot get to you. You made a contract, Hess be tortured for eternity.”

Tanjiro sniffles. The wind whistles and the trees pick up, blowing hard in the wind, leaves shaking around Yoriichi.

“Tanjiro, stop crying.” Yoriichi stops with the soft voice, stern and authoritative as Tanjiro looks up at him.” Whether you help me fight or not you will take me to Muzan.”

“I’m scared.”

“I’m scared too.” Tanjiro wipes his faceless tears, pressing his body into Yoriichi and looking for comfort. Seeking a hug like a toddler.

“I’ll…I’ll do it for mommy.But I don’t want to fight the bad man.” He shakes his head as fast as he can. His tears slow down, but he’s trembling. A powerful entity, afraid.

“That’s ok. I’ll fight him.”

Chapter Text

“Where is your Entity? I left him with his new siblings.”

“I’m not sure.”

“Nakime, find him. What do you mean you’re not sure? He’s attached to you, you should be able to sense him.”

“I’m new to this, I do not-“ Muzan’s tone must be what’s irritating him.

“You will find a way. Find him. He shouldn’t be able to escape this fortress anyway.”

“Listen, I don’t know!” Muzan grows defensive.” He can move anywhere, I can’t exactly feel him!”

“Listen to me.” Michikatsu’s hands are harsh and mean as he holds muzan’s neck as if he could kill him.” You are meant to know where your entity is. Otherwise what use do you have to me without him.”

Muzan tries to smack his hand away but he’s stronger. Muzan is undeniably unable to combat him. The vampire didn’t even flinch as his nails sink into him, centuries of being desensitized to pain.

“Try harder. Maybe if he feels your danger he’ll come.”

“I don’t….i don’t know how! What is wrong with you!” Muzan chokes out hitting his arm with his weakening might. Eyes rolling to the back of his head.

“I’ve done so much for you and you withhold from me.” He drops Muzan on the wooden ground.

“All you’ve done for me?” Muzan coughs. His stubbornness growing as he grasps his neck, feeling the healing flesh of Michukatsu’s pure strength cutting into his throat.” You’ve done nothing for me! I barely know you!”

“I fucked you. Isn’t that all you need?” Michikatsu seethes.” All you need is a good fuck and you’ll crack like an egg. You’re so easy Muzan, let’s stop the bullshit.”

Muzan’s eyes widened, stepping back as his face shows nothing but repulsion, disgust in those words.

It never hurt this much when Yoriichi said it.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you are!”

“You will obey me. You will bring me your entity, I need him. Nakime, where is he?”

“He’s no longer within the fortress.”

“How did he leave?” Michikatsu growls.

“I’m not sure.” She only puts her head down when the vampire approaches her.

“So you don’t know anything either? Does anyone here know anything at all!?”

“I’m afraid not.” A young man sulks. He bows immediately despite his mocking tone. His hair blonde and it runs down his back. He’s young, or maybe he just appears young. Muzan wouldn’t know. He’s got a smug smile on his face that might get him in trouble.” But he is your brothers son, I wouldn’t doubt him.”

“Watch what you say, Douma.”

“Your ego is too easy to damage.“ Douma waves his hand dismissively, only irritating the vampire more.” This isn’t new information. You’re playing with fire trying to keep him how you keep us.”

“I can mold him into what I want him to be while he’s still young. I could do whatever I want.”

“You’re a weird uncle.” Douma smiles.” He could very well kill us all. He could be trying to figure out how to use his power now for all we know.”

“You told me you loved me.” Muzan angrily growls through gritted teeth.” What the fuck is going on here!”

“Welcome to the cult.” Douma raises his arms dramatically.” Isn’t it gorgeous! You never escape! You serve our grand old master and serve his bitter hatred  for his younger twin and the human race. I’d love to show you around.”

“That’s enough Douma.”

“He told us all he loved us. Don’t you feel the love?”

“I need Tanjiro. Once I have him I don’t need you.”

“Let’s hope you find him so I can get out of here.” Douma rolls his eyes and Michikatsu sighs.

There’s a power imbalance somewhere, but Muzan can’t find it.

It’s not like Michikatsu couldn’t discipline them if he were stronger. But it seems like they rely on him for something that keeps them close. Keeps them obedient instead of killing him.

Hes just a vampire. He’s strong, but as the scarred man said, Vampires can die.

“Someone entered.”

“Is it Tanjiro?” Michikatsu turns frantically. Hungrily his head whips away from the young woman to pace towards Muzan.

“Yes. And someone else. I do not recognize him.”

“Bring them.”

She pricks a few strings on the Biwa, the room shrinks and grows all the same, walls collapsing and falling into place to bring the two visitors to stand a few feet away from Michikatsu.

“Brother.” Yoriichi hasn’t seen him in ages. He smiles, and Michikatsu does as well. The older twin opens his arms to embrace him, hugging him tightly and patting his back.

“I’ve lost track of how long it’s been.” Michikatsu mumbled into his shoulder.

“I know. You’re causing a lot of trouble.”

“I know.” Michikatsu says back. The other entities step back, the Biwa woman closing herself off in a fortress of walls away from them. Preparing themselves for something bloody and wild.

They step away from each other for a moment.

“You stink like a priest. You’ve been in a church recently?” Michikatsu cuts his palm with a fang. Blood drips down his fingertips and a sword is unsheathed from his own blood.

“A few.” A cloud of black and red gives Yoriichi his sword. He lets out a deep breath, readies his stance as their swords touch with the sharp sound of metal ringing.

“I see you’ve met my son.”

“You got another human involved in your emotions.” He nods his head to Tanjiro and Muzan. The entity picks his mother up and carries him away.

“I can’t help it. I never could be like you.” He says it with admiration. A true vampire is how he sees Michikatsu.

Michikatsu scoffs.

“You could never be like me? You humble yourself too much. You created a monster with Uta.”

“He is. But I do love him, Michikatsu. The same way I love you.”

“You look down on me, you do not love me.” Michikatsu seethed. He swiped quickly, missing Yoriichi by a hair but he doubled back, turning his sword to slash across. The bright ringing of their swords makes Michikatsu wince.

“I’ve never looked down on you.”

“That tone! Stop speaking to me like that.”

“Like what?” Michikatsu slams their swords together, while he has two hands shaking, Yoriichi hasn’t budged.

“Like I’m unstable! Like I’ll fall apart in pieces if you raise your voice!”

“Why do we have to fight?” Yoriichi asked softly in that fucking voice again. He felt like a child. He felt like they weren’t both adults, both vampires.

“Because I hate you.” Michikatsu growls it.” I hate you. I hate knowing we breathe the same air. I hate knowing you’re on the same planet as me.”

“Why?” Yoriichi looks down at his hands gripping the handle of the sword.” Can you even give me a reason?”

“It’s just life.” Michikatsu swings first but he fails to even touch Yoriichi, frozen in his anger.” Sometimes people don’t like you.”

To be fair Yoriichi only got stronger since their last fight. Michikatsu just seemed to plateau. His only strength found in the abominations he’s collected. All of them are smart enough to never fight Yoriichi.” You can’t give me a straight answer?”

After what happened to Gyokko. They’d never try. Discouraged by fear they are too afraid to watch. They can only escape while they can and hope Yoriichi won’t track them down.

“Michikatsu you’re all I have left. If I kill you now I will be alone.” The other vampire struggled in the grip but to no avail. Stuck, he’s forced to listen to Yoriichi. Michikatsu screams like a child as he tries to free himself.

“I want us to get along. I want to travel with you. My life has been bleak since our first fight. I have been alone, walking this world looking for a love that can’t be replaced.” Yoriichi wipes his face quickly. Trying to avoid the tears but they come like a flood.” I’ve tried to replace it with lust and I created a monster and killed the woman I loved. I’ve trapped this boy in a contract for eternity. I am utterly broken and pathetic. I need you.”

  Muzan watched the exchange from a secluded corner with Tanjiro guarding him.

Yoriichi so full of emotion and sadness, it makes him regret how hard he’s been on him.

He is suffering an eternity of loneliness. The man he shared a womb with hates him.

“Please. I don’t want to do this.” He lets his sword disintegrate into smoke and lets Michikatsu go.

“What makes you think you can kill me, you arrogant bastard!”

“This can only end one way. I can’t go anywhere.” Yoriichi says tearfully, shaking his head as Michikatsu cuts his shoulder. In mere seconds it’s stitched up as if nothing happened.” I’m never going anywhere. I will outlast the last sunset. Please.”

“I envy you. You walk in the sun! Our kin burn! Our mother burned!”

“It wasn’t my choice!”

“You could’ve pulled out, Yoriichi.” Michikatsu slashes at him again, nothing but meaningless blood that’s gets him nowhere closer to his goal. He slashes and cuts and stabs into him.” You are weak.”

All he’s doing is ruining his suit.

“Can we just talk?” Yoriichi says through the gurgling of his neck. In a much clearer voice he opens his arms.” Please.”

Michikatsu laughs to himself.

“Muzan can’t give you anything. He’s a stubborn brat and Tanjiro follows his mother. As long as Muzan disobeys, Tanjiro will as well, and you’ll be wasting your time trying to break him.”

“I need him, Yoriichi.”

“You can’t break the contract.”

“It’s the only way I can be close to ever hurting you.”

“You already hurt me. Just doing this, you hurt me so much.”

Michikatsu feels the tingling sensation of tears coming. Tears he didn’t approve but they arrive nonetheless.

His sword clangs against the hard ground.

“Let’s get along, Michikatsu.”

“Even if we did. Even if…You’ll leave me during the day. It’s pointless!”

“I’d never leave you. I’ve only stayed away because you’ve kept me away. Let these people go.”

“And run rampant? They are useless without me.”

“They are lost because you’ve made them lost. They are stronger than you yet they fear you.” Yoriichi says the one things Michikatsu hates.

Michikatsu bristles. Turning away from Yoriichi’s kind eyes.” They are just children.”

“They can’t take care of themselves.”

“This is no better. You’ve made a child to seem like a deity. You’ve made children protect you.”

Yoriichi takes a step closer and holds onto Michikatsu’s hand.

“I can protect you if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t need-!”

“Father isn’t here to judge you. You can be honest with me.”

Michikatsu shakes his head. Denied Yoriichi, recoils back but Yoriichi follows him forward. Keeping a tight grip on his hand, he won’t let him go.

“He can’t make us fight anymore.” Yoriichi says softly.” It’s you and me. Alone.”

Muzan stands up from behind Tanjiro, wrapping an arm around the entity as he clings to Muzan.

Michikatsu feels pathetic. Crying like a child. He feels like a weak again. Wiping his tears with his fists and sobbing into Yoriichi.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry I did all this!”

“I forgive you.”

“I’m sorry I said all those things! I’m sorry I wasted so much time!” He pleads with him. Yoriichi looks down at him. No matter what he’s done he’d forgive Michikatsu. All he’s ever wanted was to forgive and hug his brother.

“It’s ok.” Yoriichi pets his head. He really hasn’t changed a bit. Both of them.” I’ve never been angry with you.”

Michikatsu was always emotional and Yoriichi was always understanding.

“I thought father was…”

“He was. He died in the sunlight.”

“When?”

“When we fought the first time.“

“Do you know why?” Michikatsu asked slowly. His chin resting on Yoriichi’s shoulder as the last of his tears framed his face.

“Father and I never really got along. I wouldn’t know.”

“You’re ugly when you cry.” Douma says. It breaks the loving silence and fills it with an awkward one.

“Thank you, Douma.” Michikatsu says sarcastically. Douma shrugs and doesn’t give much commentary after that.

“Are we free to go?” Nakime’s small voice comes from behind the opening of her fortress.

“Yes. To my knowledge many of you don’t drink blood. I don’t expect any problems from you.”

“Gyokko’s mother is still alive. She is a kind woman. She will take care of us.”

“She’s a vampire?”

“A witch. But her intentions were loving. She just wanted a family.”

“I think my greed blinded me from what I was doing. I’m sorry, to all of you. Including Douma.”

“Not accepted, but appreciated.” Douma is the first to leave the space.  Whether he joins them to the witch or not, he’s happy to leave.

-

“You’re an ugly bastard! You manipulated me! I don’t forgive you at all!” Outside the carriage Muzan beats Michikatsu with a stick. The vampire grabs it and breaks it off.

“I should kill you!” Muzan’s outburst continues while Yoriichi got the horses ready. The last horses unfortunately were stolen . Left unattended for too long. Luckily nothing in the carriage was of value.

The cycle didn’t stop since Yoriichi stole two horses from an unsuspecting farmer.

“I suppose my silent treatment is done.”

“It is.” Yoriichi pets his head before shoving him away. Michikatsu crosses his arms and leans against the carriage, watching the two interact.

“You two are good together.”

Muzan looks up at Yoriichi, expecting the vampire to say something.

“He’s a handful.”

“Oh,fuck you!” Muzan spits.” Admit it, I bring the fun out of you.”

“You’ve nearly got yourself killed. A few times.”Yoriichi looks down the horses legs before deeming them perfect. At least for the next few months.

“I’m ambitious.”

“You’re an idiot.” Yoriichi says back, but he accepts the kiss nonetheless. Then pushes him away.” But without you I wouldn’t have found my brother. Thank you for accompanying me.”

“You’re welcome.” Muzan takes pride. He did something at least. 

“Just don’t get too cocky now that you’re immortal.”

Tanjiro is atop the carriage, waiting for them to get inside. Yoriichi and Michikatsu side by side, and Muzan sitting across from them.

“Where will we go now? We don’t exactly have anyone to hunt.”

“We can go back to the coven. They’d accept us anytime.” Yoriichi knows all too well. Obanai is never really satisfied and neither is the succubus.

“Ugh, Sanemi  creeps me out.” Michikatsu leans back.” He’s obsessed.”

“He’s a bit intense. Since the bar fight.”

“Are you joking? Since the rebellion he’s been like that.”

“I think he was pretty tame.” Muzan watches Yoriichi open up. Smiling with his sharp fangs poking his bottom lip.

“Can’t wait to see how excited he’ll be. He’s going to rip you apart.” Yoriichi says tightly, his smile dying slowly in the midst of reminiscing.

“I got my fill of him my last visit.” Michikatsu smiles.” He bites.”

“All witches bite.” The carriage was dark from the curtains. As the sun rose Michikatsu could be within the carriage and comfortable. But he’s so in tune with the time he knows where the sun is. He knows how much time he has constantly.

“Michikatsu. I’m happy I can spend this moment with you. At least I could see you smile again and be next to you.”

“You’re too emotional.” He gives him a playful shove.

“But I know when you’re lying, and I know this won’t work.”

Yoriichi opens the carriage door and shoves Michikatsu out. The vampire has clawed at his brother, his world crumbling and ending in fear.

His fangs bared, his hair burning first as his nails slice down Yoriichi’s arm. Trying to pull himself back in from the brain splitting pain of the heat against his skin.

His ash sprinkled across the grass. Yoriichi closes the door and locks it, putting his head down whist Muzan eyes are widened.

“He was lying? He cried! How do you know he was lying?”

“Vampires can cry.” Yoriichi watches his arm heal, the last touch he ever received from his brother.” We’re brothers. I know when he’s lying. Michikatsu would do anything to have something as strong as Tanjiro.”

Chapter Text

Yoriichi officially has no one. No mother, no father. No brother. His nieces and nephews are long gone and with their last name lost he can never find them, their children or their grandchildren. He doesn’t think he can track them anyway.

“You did the right thing.” Muzan didn’t know what else to say. What was he supposed to say? To a twin who just killed his other half.

“You think I don’t know that?” Yoriichi snapped.

Muzan silently watches him. Trying to find something to say that will maybe ease his pain.

“Why did you go with him?”

“I don’t know…” Muzan feels a twinge of shame in his stomach.

“I smelt him all over you. Tanjiro told me you went with him. With everything you knew, why?”

“I—“ Muzan shakes his head. He doesn’t know what to say without making himself look small. Look desperate. And his pride is too big to ever bring himself that low.

“I don’t know.” Muzan says again. He’s wracked his brain. He didn’t know Michikatsu as anything but a harsh vampire with childish dreams. He knew he was cruel, he knew he was evil and he still left.

“That’s not an answer. It’s not good enough.” He hears the subtle anger in Yoriichi’s voice.

“What do you want me to say?”

“Whatever he said to you was more important than the thousands of dead girls I’ve traced to him as dead.”

“He—he tricked me.”

“He didn’t trick you. He said what you wanted to hear. He told you he’d love you? He’d cherish you?”

Muzan looks down, biting into his lip. He doesn’t have anything smart or rude to say.

“He said the same things to me at one point. I didn’t believe him because I know what he did! He manipulated you with his love the same way he tried with me. The only difference is I know him. And I know he’d never love me as a brother.”

“It’s not my fault.” Muzan growls.

“It is your fault! You listened to him!”

“Stop yelling at me!” Muzan covers his ears, clamming them shut to block it out.

“Ah, no one ever yells at you, no one gets to raise their voice at the pompous dumb fuck of a child! Except his daddy of course, but his daddy is always right! Grow up!” Yoriichi had completely lost it. His temper, gone, his composure, crumbled. Gave Muzan the anger hes been holding onto to.

“What do you want from me!?” Muzan screams.

“I want you to tell me why left with him. From your mouth.” Yoriichi points in his chest. he feels like he’s been married to Muzan for years. Nearly watching the human die from his own body was enough.

“He knew my father! He told me he knew me and that he’d love me! Something you’ve never told me.”

“Here we go with this idea, Muzan you ever think people who advertise to you are liars? I’ve never had to lie to you!” Yoriichi begs him to understand.

Muzan wipes his face on his sleeves messily, trying to make himself look like a man.

“I never told you I loved you and then took a piss on everything I said to you. I mean you fall for it every single time. It is pathetic. I don’t have to tell you because you know.”

“You throw your body around to anyone.” Muzan spits harshly.” What loyalty have you ever given to me!” he hits the door of the carriage angrily.

“This is still about Obanai? Is that why you left with him? He treated you like shit after he fucked you, didn’t he?”

“Fuck you!” Muzan screams so hard it burns his throat.

“He treated you like the rest of the little band of hybrids. You weren’t special to him like he said and that’s the only reason you wanted to leave! And you made it so easy for him.”

“At least he told me a nice lie.” Muzan is being stubborn. Now he has to face the hard conversations that don’t end in silence  for his favor.

“I’ve never lied to you. I did what I had to do because I expected you to stay human. I was going to give you a pendant that would save you from your shit body. You are jealous, just say that.”

“Fine. I was jealous. I didn’t like how he looked at you. I hated how you looked at him!” Muzan hates that word. Jealousy. Growing up with everything he never had to be jealous. And Yoriichi throwing around that world only fueled him more.

“Muzan,I’m not sure what I have to say for you to understand that I physically cannot be with Obanai.” He tried to compose himself. Lower his voice and find some semblance of artificial peace.” If I didn’t love you. I would’ve killed you.”Yoriichi seethes and he means every word of it.

“Why don’t you just say it then? Why do I have to beg you?”

“Because you are psychologically fucked. You have a lot of issues you need to work out, but for now, I love you.”

“Ok!” Muzan remains childish. Still yelling even if he doesn’t have a reason anymore.

“Ok.” Yoriichi parrots.

“Are you going to stop scolding me?”

“When you stop being a brat.” Yoriichi turns away from him. Muzan just looks at him, tears in his eyes.

There’s tense silence in the carriage. Tanjiro holding the reins tightly after the screaming and shouting of swears calmed down. He’s hardly heard Yoriichi yell. He didn’t like it.

“I want you to come with me.”

Yoriichi is silent for a few moments before he turns his head back to Muzan. He swallows, and then speaks.

“Where?”

“With me. I have to take over after my father. Like he wanted. And I want you to be there with me. I’ll take care of you—“

“I don’t need your money, Muzan. Or your sympathy.”

“It’s not sympathy. I want us. That’s all I’ve wanted. I want you to love me and live with me and be there with me. I want to raise Tanjiro.”

Muzan can’t even look him in the eye. Staring at his own hands as he bounces his leg.” Yoriichi, I want you in my life. I’ll be your family. I’ll be your home.”

Yoriichi watches his leg bounce. Feels the bumpy sway of the carriage, listening to his heel tapping rhythmically on the floor.

“I have no one. You have no one.” Muzan finally looks up at him through the loose strands of his hair guarding his forehead.” Let’s have a family. A less dysfunctional one.”

“A vampire, a contracted immortal human and a hybrid as a family.” Yoriichi cocked his eyebrow.

And then he smiled, softly. Nodding his head and his shoulders visibly relaxed.

“And when I piss you off you’ll start a cult too?”

“No, I’ll tell tanjiro to kill his father.” Muzan crossed his arms over his chest.

They share a laugh, soft and quiet in the midst of their trauma.

“I’m sorry I left you.” He grabs his forehead in shame.” Now that I’m here I don’t even know what I was thinking.”

“He was a good liar.” Yoriichi says fondly as if he loved his brother for it.

He did love Michikatsu. Loved his brother deeply.

“He was a very good liar. He was determined. He was an awful brother but I still loved him.”

Muzan’s brows furrow as he meets Yoriichi’s eyes. Tears dripping from his lashes as he scratched his nail into his palm.

“I’m sorry, Yoriichi.”

“I feel empty. I don’t feel him the way I used to. A half of me is gone, Muzan.”

Muzan scoots forward to set his hand on Yoriichi’s knee.

“I don’t know what it is but the world is so silent now. I’ve heard this noise for over a thousand years and now it’s…nothing.” He shrugs.” Nothing but silence.”

“Come here.” Muzan pulls Yoriichi closer. The vampire falls to his knees in the carriage, his head placed in Muzan’s lap as he cried softly.

Muzan pet his head, soothing the tears out of him.

“I’m sorry.” Yoriichi suddenly says, gaining some strength back to his voice.

“Don’t apologize for crying.” Muzan says softly.” You need this. What do you feel?”

”Regret.” Yoriichi began, then he pulls his head up to look up at Muzan. Tear streaked cheeks, his puffy, sad eyes. Muzan wasn’t accustomed to seeing him like this.

He could only wipe his tears for him and cradle his face in his hands.

”Hate. I only hate him now that he’s dead.” He breathes in before trying to calm himself. Sucking in deep breathes through his nose.” I’m afraid of walking this earth without him. Even when we were miles apart, I knew he was still there.”

“It’s ok.” Muzan kissed his forehead. Then his wet cheek, then his sad lips.” Everything is going to be ok. It’s just you and me.”