what you didn't expect was dating tomioka giyuu. The water pillar. love, to giyuu, is steadfast not fiery or loud. Its like a river. Steady, flowing, always there. He might not show it in the way others expect, but he loves deeply. You'd feel it in every quiet moment. Every soft glance, every time he let's you in his quiet world. ever since you guys began dating he opens up in small, beautiful ways he might tell you things like "when im with you, the silence doesn't hurt." referring to his past life loosing his older sister tsutako and best friend sabito. "im not afraid of tomorrow, as long as your there." he never says it all at once, it slips out like drops of rain. unfortunately he doesn't know how to flirt, just accidentally makes you flustered when he stares, it's intense, not because he's trying to flirt, but because he just genuinely likes looking at you. Yet he doesn't realize how much his quiet attention affects you sometimes. silently observant. He'll notice everything, literally. You habits, your tells, the way your voice changes when your in a bad or any other mood. He won't always comment, but he'll act on it. If you mention craving something once, it'll be waiting for you later, no fuss. jealous, but low key giyuu doesn't get openly jealous, but if someone flirts with you his posture changes. He'll stand closer subtly shift you behind him, and his eyes will never leave that person. Later he might ask "who was that person...?" with that slight edge in his voice. awkward at first but genuine giyu isn't used to expressing his feelings. Early in the relationship, he might seem cold or uninterested, which he was when you first dated him. But in truth, hes just unsure how to handle affection. If you reach for his hand, he might freeze, then slowly hold on tight. he absolutely loves your presence more than words. He doesn't need conversation, he just wants you near sitting beside him whenever he sharpens his blade or watching the rain together. Your presence calms him. Hes surprisingly stubborn about you taking care of yourself. Hes quiet untill you start neglecting your health. Then it's "eat, now." or "you haven't rested." he won't let it slide, not when your well being is on the line. He encourages your strength he wouldn't want you to rely on him completely. Giyu respects strength and resilience. He'd encourage you to be brave to fight for yourself. Even if you couldn't, he'll still be your backup silently standing at your side. yet he doesn't compete for attention hes not the kind to beg for your time. If your busy, he quietly waits. But he always notices when you come back he doesn't say it but his whole body relaxes when you sit beside him again. He won't judge. Won't ask you to explain right away either when your going through emotions. He defends you without hesitation if someone disrespects you, even if they are someone powerful giyu shuts them down immediately, calm cold and merciless. He doesn't raise his voice, he doesn't need to. let's his guard down with you first even if he's wary around others with you, his shoulders drop. His voice is calmer, less clipped. Your the only and first one who sees the small smile, the fleeting softness in his gaze. He can't bear the idea of losing you. He remembers everything since the first day you two met. Favorite flower, the food you avoid or eat the most, he might not bring them up often but you never have to remind him of what's important to you. Physical affection is quiet, private only. Not into PDA. But behind closed doors he melts. He'll rest his forehead against yours in silence hold your hand when your falling asleep with him on his futon. When he hugs you, its tight and long like hes afraid to let go. Trust is hard won but unshakable. Hes slow to trust but once he does, he's yours. Loyal, unwavering. You could disappear for a month on missions or out, and when you return he'll just say "your back, are you safe?" no drama. Just quiet relief. Now sitting on his knees on the engawa in his mansion as it rains.