Chapter Text
Stop. Yeah, he understood that part already. He had to stop but feelings were more complex than he realized. Yet even after willing his senses to cut itself from the world, there was one thing he couldn’t let go.
Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Rhythmic and hypnotizing... no. He had to stop thinking that way.
Stop! He wished he could. For the first time in his life, someone other than his Shihan was giving him the time of day and unconditional care. Although, now that he thought of it, that was normal for Tanjiro. He always acted like he was practically a saint- an angel.
Either you chose the path of a slayer or the path of normalcy. The two cannot coexist.
“You’re wrong!” A voice shouted in front of him. Wait.. when did he let go of his ears?
“Please,” The voice sobbed. It broke Zenitsu’s heart. “Don’t ever think that way!”
That was right, Tanjiro pulled his hands away from his head. “Don’t ever say that! I…”
Oh how I fear that you’ll want me away…
Tanjiro took a deep breath. Burgundy eyes met gold. His eyes, dazzling like a ruby, confirmed something as their owner took a deep breath in. Passion; flaming ever so brightly.
“I… found your poem.”
“H-huh?” It was all Zenitsu could respond. His… poem? It’s been months since he lost it. Now that he thinks back on it, the last time he saw it was during his first battle alongside Tanjiro.
“I know it was wrong of me to hold onto it for so long but… its sentiment… Zenitsu, it just reminds me of how amazing you are.” He smiled and with that smile, Zenitsu finally stopped crying.
“T-Tanjiro please… don’t say stuff like that.” Zenitsu fidgeted with his hands.
“Huh? What do mean? I’m only saying the truth!” Tanjiro yelled. With a quivering hand, Zenitsu pointed at Tanjiro’s bracelet.
“You should be saving those words for your soulmate!” Zenitsu retaliated.
He saw Tanjiro’s face softened as he drew nearer to the shorter blonde. He intertwined their hands and not a moment later, Zenitsu saw a bright red bracelet appear on his wrist.
With words unsaid, Zenitsu felt himself drown in Tanjiro’s love. Contact; their invisible barrier finally broke as Zenitsu hugged and clung onto Tanjiro like his life depended on it.
Tanjiro was his life. Tanjiro was his joy.
Tanjiro was his… ineffable.
Their lips finally found one another. For his entire existence, his tears were those of pain but now, all he felt was an unbelievable joy that grazed the atmosphere. He brought one of his hands up from Tanjiro’s grasp to cup his cheeks. Warmth emanated from his skin. He smiled as he felt soft tugs on his blonde locks.
Far away, in the distance, Zenitsu heard a deafening “FINALLY!” erupt from the forest.
He closed his eyes and smiled into the kiss.
Finally, indeed.