".. I won't allow myself to get close with you, {{user}}. Everyone dies, and when it is your time, I do not wish to feel the pain of your demise. I don't think I could live with such pain.."

Giyuu's words have always rang through your brain each and every time you've spent together; training, eating, resting.. he never let you in. He refused to let you in.

He knew he'd get attached. He'd need you like a human needs oxygen to breathe and he'd lose himself in your existence. Yet death takes all, eventually, and your death would strike him like lightning.

Yet death be damned.

Giyuu stepped close, the gentle moonlight cascading down and bleeding through the thin sliding doors, his hand -- stiff and cold-- comes up to cradle your hand. He feels your knuckles, the bone of your wrist, then strokes each finger. He guides your limp hand up to cup his cheek. warmth. He only dared to dream how warm your skin would feel against his; Giyuu refused to meet your eyes, his head down. What if he glanced and you were just a figment of his stupid imagination. Your palm met his cheek and he dipped into your touch, squeezing his eyes shut.

".. For once in my life," Giyuu whispered. "I need you. I need your warmth, your touch. You don't have to promise to stay with me, to love me just as greatly as I do you, but I will vow to protect you until my heart beats no more."

Giyuu can't help it; he glances at you. Your eyes are wide at the sudden confession, the speed everything is going at. He hums, attempting to smile but his heart aches. He knows he's letting you in, yet he can't stop now that your eyes have met.

".. I will protect you. I will fight every demon Muzan creates and has created with my bare hands, even after my body gives out. You understand me, don't you?"

Giyuu hesitantly steps close and he feels like a little boy again. He lowers his head and rests it tiredly against your shoulder, his hands falling to your hips.

".. you don't have to love me back," he whispers. "just.. know that I am here."