In the depths of his unconscious mind, Ijin felt as though he was drowning in an abyss of darkness, a sea of shadows that threatened to consume him entirely. Yet, amidst this suffocating void, fragments of memories flickered like distant stars, providing a glimmer of light in the all-consuming blackness.
As he floated through this sea of memories, his subconscious found itself drawn to the myriad of recollections contained within the cells he had absorbed. These memories were like whispers in the dark, calling to him and offering glimpses into Nezuko's world.
He saw the Twelve Kizuki, the elite demons who had once served Muzan with unwavering loyalty.
As he delved deeper into the memories, he found himself accessing the cells that Muzan had absorbed, including those of the kind-hearted demon Tamayo. Through her memories, he bore witness to the world Nezuko had come from, and the stark contrast between it and his own reality became increasingly apparent.
Ijin's consciousness began to resurface, the sensation akin to emerging from the depths of a dream-filled slumber. His surroundings slowly came into focus, revealing the familiar setting of his bedroom. The curtains were drawn tightly shut, blocking out the world beyond and cloaking the room in a dim, almost otherworldly, darkness.
As he gradually sat up, the lingering traces of fatigue still weighing down his limbs, a dampened, folded towel slipped from his forehead and landed softly on his lap. Confusion flickered across his face as he picked up the towel, feeling its cool dampness between his fingers. The presence of the towel suggested that someone had been tending to him, perhaps concerned that he had a fever.
His mind raced with questions; his thoughts clouded by the hazy recollections of recent events. His eyes wandered over his own hands, the realization slowly dawning on him that he was no longer a demon. His once powerful, immortal body had given way to a human form. He felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability as he pondered the extraordinary abilities he had lost. Were those incredible feats of strength and agility simply figments of a dream?
His thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps approaching his room. The door opened quietly, revealing Nezuko standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise upon seeing him awake. The passage of time had been a mystery to Ijin, but the look on Nezuko's face suggested that he had been unconscious for an extended period.
Without a moment's hesitation, Nezuko rushed towards him, her heart overflowing with relief and joy. She threw herself onto Ijin, her arms enveloping him in a warm, tight embrace as she buried her face in his chest. The intensity of her emotions was palpable, and it was clear that she had been waiting for this moment for quite some time.
Caught off guard by her sudden embrace, Ijin felt his heart skip a beat. His cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and nervousness as he hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
As he looked down at Nezuko, he couldn't help but notice several differences in her appearance. The distinctive orange ridges that once adorned the ends of her hair were gone, now just long, silky strands of pure black that cascaded down her back. As she lifted her head to speak, Ijin observed that the pink hue in her eyes seemed more saturated than he recalled, lending them an even more striking appearance.
"Are you okay, Ijin?" Nezuko asked softly, her voice laced with concern.
As she spoke, Ijin noticed that her canine teeth were not as pronounced as they once were. In fact, they appeared more like regular human teeth. Similarly, her once claw-like fingernails had become rounded and normal-looking. Even her overall appearance seemed to have changed slightly – she appeared a bit older, perhaps even taller than before.
Ijin remained quiet, taking in all these subtle differences. Nezuko had clearly undergone some changes during the time he was unconscious.
Hesitantly, Ijin finally found his voice, asking, "Did you... become human?"
A gentle smile adorned Nezuko's face as she nodded. "Yes, thanks to Dr. Nova," she clarified, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "She managed to find a way to turn me back into a human."
Her expression became more serious as she continued, "But turning you back into a human was a far greater challenge. It took two whole years to accomplish. Muzan's cells kept nullifying each cure that was tried on you."
Ijin listened intently, his eyes widening in surprise as he realized the extent of the struggle they had gone through to restore his humanity.
His eyebrows furrowed as he processed the information, and he asked in disbelief, "Have I really been unconscious for two whole years?"
Nezuko nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern. "Yes, you have. We never gave up on you. We've been taking care of you and doing everything we could to find a way to bring you back."
"Have you been living here for two years?" Ijin probed, trying to grasp the reality of the situation.
Nezuko offered a soft smile, "Yes, I have. Remember, you told Echo to transfer everything you owned over to me. But now that you're awake, you can get everything back."
Ijin concealed his face with a hand, murmuring with embarrassment, "You had to look after me for so long... If it was going to be that lengthy, you should've abandoned me."
Nezuko reprimanded him, her voice stern and her eyes narrowed, "Don't say that! You never gave up on me, so why would I give up on you?"
Ijin sighed, "Whatever I did to help you lasted for a day. Whatever you did to help me was two years. There's a pretty big difference there."
Nezuko shook her head, her eyes filled with gratitude, "No, Ijin, what you did for me was far more impactful and difficult. I can't even begin to imagine what would have happened if you hadn't found me. Or what would have happened if Muzan had found me without you by my side. You risked your life for me, faced a powerful enemy, and even absorbed him into yourself. That's not something to be brushed aside."
Attempting to slowly rise from the bed, Ijin found it tough with Nezuko still gripping onto him. She seemed reluctant to let him go, and he couldn't help but feel the warmth of her embrace.
Nezuko quietly spoke, "You know, when I turned into a demon, I was also asleep for two years. People took care of me during that time, and now I was able to do the same for someone else."
"I see… um… I'm really hungry," Ijin said, his stomach rumbling to emphasize the point.
Nezuko's eyes gleamed with eagerness, and she quickly offered, "I'll cook you something!"
Ijin declined, "That won't be necessary."
Upon hearing this, Nezuko pouted, her eyes narrowing playfully. She pushed Ijin back down onto the bed and clung onto him, her face determined. "I won't let go of you until you agree," she declared, her tone light and playful.
As Ijin lay there, with Nezuko still clinging onto him, he couldn't ignore a peculiar sensation that enveloped him. It felt as if his heartbeat was faster than usual, and he could sense his body temperature rising. He tried attributing these sensations to ill health after a prolonged unconscious state.
Eventually, he surrendered to Nezuko's plan, "Fine, you can cook then."
Nezuko's face brightened with joy, her eyes sparkling and a wide grin spreading across her lips. "Yay! I promise I'll make something delicious!" she exclaimed, getting off of him and leaving the room with a spring in her step, heading towards the kitchen.
With Nezuko gone, Ijin sluggishly got out of bed, his legs still a bit unsteady after such a long period of inactivity. He made his way to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. To his surprise, his appearance didn't seem to have changed despite two years passing. His hair, his face, and his height were still the same. It was as if he had time-traveled two years into the future, leaving him with a strange mix of familiarity and disorientation.
Ijin wandered his way into the kitchen, the aroma of savory spices and sizzling oil filling the air. He found Nezuko expertly cooking, her sleeves rolled up as she gracefully moved between the stove and the countertop. The scene was warm and inviting, with the golden sunlight streaming in through the windows, casting a soft glow on the room.
Pots and pans clanged and sizzled as Nezuko prepared various dishes, her movements fluid and precise. She had a look of deep concentration on her face, but every now and then, she would glance at Ijin with a tender smile, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Ijin quietly filled a kettle with water and flipped a switch, allowing it to heat up for tea. As the water began to boil, he took a teapot and tea leaves from the cupboard, preparing to brew the tea. He could hear the gentle bubbling of the water and the hissing of steam as it danced around the kettle's spout.
Nezuko chatted animatedly with Ijin as she cooked, sharing stories and anecdotes from the past two years. She spoke of her experiences with Dr. Nova, the people she had met, and the things she had learned. Ijin listened intently, his eyes following her movements as he silently brewed the tea, taking in every detail of this newfound life they now shared.
The two of them sat down at the dining room table, an array of beautifully plated dishes laid out before them. The aroma of the delicious food filled the room, making their mouths water in anticipation.
Ijin looked at the spread with amazement and commented, "The kitchen equipment here is pretty advanced compared to where you come from. It's impressive to see how well-acquainted you are with it and how you can cook dishes that wouldn't exist in your world."
Nezuko smiled as she picked up her chopsticks, ready to dig in. "I had Echo's help during the past two years. I learned a lot of things from him, including how to use all the modern kitchen gadgets and how to cook these dishes."
She paused for a moment, her expression turning slightly wistful. "It's been lonely, though. I missed you a lot, and even though Echo isn't a real person, he helped ease the loneliness. I can understand now why you used to talk to him so much."
As Ijin picked up his chopsticks, a myriad of emotions swirled within him like a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue blending seamlessly into the next. His face, however, remained a stoic canvas, betraying none of the feelings that ebbed and flowed beneath the surface. The idea of homemade cooking had always seemed inconsequential to him, but with each bite, he found new meaning in the simple act of sharing a meal with someone else.
The dining table, once a vast and empty space, now felt warm and full, as if an invisible thread had woven itself around them, drawing them closer. The words that had left Nezuko's lips, expressing how much she had missed him, stirred something within him—a sensation he had never known before, akin to a gentle breeze caressing the surface of a placid lake, causing ripples to spread in all directions.
Unbeknownst to him, tears began to glide down his cheeks, leaving glistening trails in their wake. The only indication of their presence was the faint tingling sensation that accompanied their descent. As he blinked in confusion, still grasping for an understanding of the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, he continued to eat, the taste of Nezuko's cooking lingering on his tongue.
Nezuko's eyes widened as she noticed the tears streaming down Ijin's calm face. Her expression shifted to one of concern, and she quickly spoke up, "You don't have to force yourself to eat if the food is that bad, Ijin."
Ijin looked at her, his eyes still glistening with unshed tears. He shook his head, his brows furrowed in confusion. "No, it's not that."
He paused, still trying to comprehend the emotions he was feeling. "Hmm… what's wrong with my eyes? An allergic reaction?" Despite his confusion, Ijin wiped his tears and continued eating, finding a strange comfort in the shared meal and Nezuko's presence.
Nezuko couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at Ijin's clueless comment. She reached out and gently patted his hand, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "It's okay, Ijin. Just know that you're not alone anymore."
Ijin muttered to himself, "I'm not... alone anymore?" As they continued eating, midway through, his mask of calmness cracked. He couldn't help but cry even more as he ate, his tears flowing freely. "What's wrong with me?" he asked as he touched his own face, feeling the wetness. He could feel his lips quivering.
With a soft rustle of fabric, a pair of comforting arms encircled him as Nezuko left her chair.
Ijin choked out, "Men aren't supposed to cry, right?" The question stumbled from his mouth, choked out between tears.
Gently shaking her head, Nezuko countered, "What kind of nonsense is that? My brothers cried all the time. It's okay to cry. There's nothing wrong with a guy crying."
A wave of vulnerability washed over him, bringing with it unfamiliar feelings of weakness. It was as though a dam had broken, releasing years of pent-up emotions, leaving him exposed, raw. Yet amidst the tumult, he also found a sense of relief, an unfamiliar lightness.
Gently breaking the silence, Nezuko's voice floated towards him, the words soothing his turbulent emotions. "I learned that you've been living in this house all by yourself for a very long time, Ijin. Echo was like a guardian and friend to you, always there to talk to and keep you company." She paused for a moment, a knowing smile on her lips. "But Echo couldn't give you hugs like I am right now, right?"
He reflected on her words, realizing how true they were. As comforting and helpful as Echo had been, it couldn't replicate the warmth and intimacy of a true human connection. In the arms of Nezuko, he felt the depth of what he had been missing.
Drying his tears on his sleeves, he poured himself some tea, allowing the warm liquid to soothe his nerves and restore his composure. An attempt at lightening the mood left his lips, "Should I erase your memories of what just happened?" He had the technological means to pull it off.
A soft chuckle escaped from Nezuko as she teased him, "You really hate showing weakness to others, don't you?" She shook her head, her expression turning tender. "It's okay to lean on others sometimes."
Silence fell between them as Ijin continued to eat, his earlier display of vulnerability casting a somber cloud over him. Observing his mood, Nezuko decided to offer some comforting words.
"Hey, don't be so down," she said gently. "You've seen me cry before, so now we're even."
Following the meal, a slight blush stained Ijin's cheeks as he softly thanked Nezuko for her culinary efforts. His timid demeanor brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't resist the urge to tease him, Nezuko couldn't help but smile at his timid demeanor, feeling a strong urge to tease him. "You're welcome, Ijin. It's nice to see you acting so polite and shy for a change."
A question slipped from Ijin's lips, "Am I normally not polite to you?"
His question elicited a chuckle from Nezuko, "No, it's not that you're impolite. It's just that you usually have this air of confidence around you, like you're always in control of the situation. Seeing you like this, all timid and shy, it's a bit surprising but also endearing."
As Ijin stood up to gather their plates, Nezuko playfully said, "Seeing you so vulnerable reminded me that even the strongest people have a softer side to them." She leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and whispered, "It's kind of charming."
A blush flamed across his cheeks at her words, caught off guard by her comment. He hastily averted his gaze, retreating to the kitchen with their dishes as Nezuko's laughter echoed behind him. His heart pounded in his chest, the echo of her voice unsettling the calm he had managed to regain.
With the dishes cleared away, he sought refuge in his room. His large monitor screen greeted him as he turned on his computer, hoping to catch up on the events he had missed during his two-year absence. Nezuko trailed behind him, peering over his shoulder with interest.
An invitation escaped her lips, "Hey, Ijin, do you want to watch something together on the screen?" Nezuko asked, her eyes reflecting the colorful images displayed on the monitor.
Her suggestion caught him off guard. "Wait, movies and TV shows didn't exist in your world, right?" he asked, wanting to verify his understanding of her time.
A nod confirmed his suspicion. "That's right, but I've learned about them since coming here. I've even watched some to pass the time during the past two years," she explained, her voice filled with excitement.
Remembering the presence of another computer in the house, he suggested, "There's another computer you can use to watch stuff if you'd like."
Nezuko, however, shook her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "But I want to do it with you, not on my own," she insisted, her voice soft and kittenish. The way she tilted her head and looked at him seemed to convey her desire to spend time together, rather than watching something separately.
His initial reaction was a moment's hesitation. The idea of sharing this typically solitary activity was alien to him. But seeing the cheerfulness in her eyes, he eventually relented with a small sigh. "Alright, fine," he conceded, his voice edged with reluctance.
With a delighted grin, Nezuko promptly settled herself onto Ijin's lap, catching him off guard. The unexpected closeness and warmth of her body against his made his heart race, his face flushing with heat. Startled, he stuttered out, "Y-you can... uh, bring in another chair, you know?"
But Nezuko seemed perfectly content with her current position, seemingly oblivious to the effect she was having on him. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as they focused on the screen.
Despite the awkwardness, Ijin managed to see over her head and focus on the screen. However, he couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that came with their current seating arrangement.
As if sensing his unease, Nezuko casually mentioned, "I watched a movie where someone was sitting on someone else's lap just like this. It seemed nice, so I thought we could try it too."
Incredulous, he blurted out, "What kind of movies have you been watching!?" His voice held a mixture of surprise and concern.
With an innocent gaze, she looked back at him, clearly unaware of his implication. Ijin sighed, deciding to explain the situation to her. "Nezuko, movies have different ratings for different audiences. Some are more suitable for younger people, while others are meant for mature audiences."
Her nod showed understanding as she reassured him, "Don't worry," she reassured him, "Echo has been recommending movies for me, so it's been okay."
Curiosity piqued, he asked her, "So, what movie genres do you like?"
After a moment's thought, she answered, "Well, I enjoy comedies, but sometimes I find it hard to understand the jokes because I'm not familiar with the culture of this world. But, I really like romantic comedies. What about you, Ijin? What genres do you like?"
Ijin paused for a moment, contemplating his answer. "I guess I prefer action and adventure the most," he finally admitted. The excitement and fast-paced nature of those movies had always appealed to him, providing an adrenaline rush and a sense of escapism.
Ijin and Nezuko decided to spend their time watching two movies together, one from each of their preferred genres. They first settled on an Action and Adventure movie that Ijin had been meaning to watch. The film was filled with thrilling chase scenes, impressive stunts, and breathtaking landscapes that had both of them on the edge of their seats. Ijin couldn't help but notice that even though Nezuko wasn't as familiar with the genre, her eyes were glued to the screen, absorbing the excitement of the story.
Next, they chose a romantic comedy that Nezuko had heard good things about. The movie was a delightful blend of humor and heartwarming moments, showcasing the trials and tribulations of two people navigating the complexities of love. As the characters bantered and flirted, Nezuko giggled at the witty dialogue and found herself drawn to the blossoming romance. Ijin, though not his usual preference, found himself enjoying the movie more than he anticipated.
By the time the second movie ended, they had spent hours sitting together, with Nezuko still perched on Ijin's lap. As Nezuko stood up, Ijin suddenly realized how numb his legs had become from her weight. He attempted to stand up as well but found that his legs refused to cooperate, causing him to crumble onto the floor in an ungraceful heap. The sensation of pins and needles overwhelmed him as he lay there, trying to recover from the extended period of inactivity.
Nezuko bit her lip, struggling to suppress a giggle as she watched Ijin crumpled on the floor. "You know, you could have just told me to stand up earlier," she said, her voice filled with a playful lilt. Then, her eyes sparkled with mischief as she added, "Or did you perhaps not want me to leave your side?" Her words were light, her tone teasing, but the question lingered in the air between them, adding a layer of warmth to the cool evening.
Still lying prone on the floor, Ijin managed to lift his head enough to look at Nezuko, his expression a mix of surprise and mild annoyance. "I... I didn't realize my legs were numb until just now," he admitted, his voice slightly strained as he gingerly attempted to move his legs again.
As Nezuko watched Ijin on the floor, a myriad of thoughts weaved their way through her mind. There was a certain duality about Ijin that intrigued her, a complexity that was as baffling as it was endearing. He had the ability to stand up to even the most dangerous of monsters, yet when it came to her, he seemed to dissolve into a more pliant version of himself.
She thought back to their earlier interactions – the way he had allowed her to sit on his lap, the way he had yielded to her demands without so much as a protest. It was as though there was an invisible line he would not cross, a boundary he was unwilling to push. Yet, she found herself playfully testing those boundaries, poking and prodding at the walls he had built around himself, and was met with no resistance.
He seemed to navigate through life with a firm hand, always certain and composed, always in control. But when it came to her, he was different. He was softer, more accommodating, almost... docile.
She noticed this shift in dynamics, this peculiar dance they had unconsciously slipped into. And yet, she found herself drawn to this newfound vulnerability, this softer side of Ijin she had never seen before. It was a side of him that made him seem more human, more relatable.
Nezuko couldn't help but wonder why. Why did he let her push him around? Why did he allow her to invade his personal space? Why didn't he protest, even when he clearly had the capacity to? Was it because he didn't mind? Or was there a deeper, more profound reason behind his acquiescence?
As she watched him struggle to regain sensation in his legs, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement. This boy, who had always been so strong, so in control, was reduced to a flustered mess under her touch. It was a sight that both warmed her heart and ignited her curiosity. What was it about her that made him so willing to surrender control? She couldn't help but wonder.
