𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 // Akaza x reader (+18)

Chapter 30 | Falling Edge

The forest around you is thick with shadows, the only sound the steady rustle of the wind through the trees and Akaza's footfalls as he carries you deeper into the wilderness. Every step feels like a sinking weight, dragging you further from the safety of your friends. Your heart races from the gnawing fear that the lie you've crafted with Akaza's help could unravel at any moment.

"Stay quiet," Akaza's voice is low and calm as he carries you through the night. His words are not just a command but a reminder of the fragile position you've placed yourself in.

You press your eyes shut, trying to steady your breath. The deception you've created - pretending to be gravely injured, pretending to be in Akaza's grasp - is a gamble, a dangerous one. You can't let it fail. If Tanjirou, Zenitsu and Inosuke realize you're alive, or worse, if they think you betrayed them, the consequences would be disastrous for everyone. The whole plan could fall apart.

As much as the thought torments you, you know you can't let your friends discover the truth just yet. It's too soon. They need to believe you're dead, to give you the chance to figure out a way to end this without losing everything.

Akaza moves with purpose, navigating the dense forest with ease. Despite his earlier words, you still can't read his intentions completely.
Does he truly intend to keep you alive? Or is this just another manipulation in a game you don't yet fully understand?

You can't afford to ask those questions, not now. You need time. You need a way out of this.

"Where are we going?" you ask quietly, your voice hoarse, the position you're currently in making it harder to speak.

Akaza glances down at you, his eyes narrowing. "Somewhere safe," he replies, though his tone has no warmth. "For now."

The words send a chill through you, though you hide your fear.
No one will be there for you in case Akaza turns mad. There’s nowhere to go. You have to fully rely on Akaza.

He stops abruptly, setting you down on a bed of fallen leaves and crouches next to you. You don't dare move, though the urge to turn back and apologize to the boys claws at you from within.
Akaza looms over you, his presence oppressive, watching you like a predator watching its prey.

"You're getting stronger," Akaza says flatly, his eyes piercing. There's no admiration in his voice, only a cold acknowledgment of the growing threat you represent to him.
"But that doesn't change anything. You're still just human. And I'm still stronger."

You don't reply, knowing better than to provoke him further. But something inside you stirs. You've come further than you ever thought possible, this strength, this fire inside you, it's real. And Akaza knows it. You can feel his gaze on you, like he's starting to realize just how dangerous you could become if you push yourself any further.

Before you can respond, there's a sudden noise from behind, a snapping of branches. You stiffen, instinctively tensing for a fight. Akaza's gaze flicks over his shoulder, his posture shifting, all predatory instinct as his eyes scan the surroundings.

"They're close," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. He doesn't move to pull you away, but his grip on you tightens. His eyes remain alert, his senses sharp.

You can hear the crunch of footsteps approaching and the voices calling your name, distant but growing louder. The plan is at risk of failing. The lie is on the verge of being exposed.

Akaza doesn't move, doesn't make a sound. He's perfectly still, as if blending into the darkness around you.

Finally, after what feels like forever, the footsteps begin to fade, the voices growing quieter as they move in the opposite direction. You exhale, silently, and Akaza looks down at you with an unreadable expression, his gaze sharp, calculating.

"They almost found you," he says, his voice colder than before. "You need to be more convincing next time."

You don't reply, still too shaken by how close it came to being exposed. But there's no time to dwell on it. Akaza looks around as if weighing his next move. His eyes settle on the dark path ahead.

"We move now," he orders. "We need to get further away. They'll come back eventually. When they do, you need to be ready."

You nod, not knowing what he meant with the last part.
Akaza picks you up again and carries you deeper into the woods.
With nothing to do but lay still, your thoughts get louder and louder.

The deception may have held, but for how long? What about your Kasugai Crow? What should you do now?
How much longer before Akaza's awareness of your growing power becomes a real threat?