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They had just completed a mission involving four demons who had an appetite for children. Despite the demons being extraordinarily powerful, Tanjiro and Inosuke had managed to defeat them without any major injuries. Perhaps it was a sign of their teamwork improving, their care for each other deepening, or just pure luck.
The quickest path back to headquarters was through the thickly forested mountains. Nearby towns were few and far between, but it shouldn’t be an issue. They had some supplies to get them by for the next day or two during their journey back. Tanjiro noticed while they were running that his breathing was getting heavier. He tried to pay it no mind, believing it was just a sign of exhaustion from their battle earlier. However, he realized his speed was dropping too, as Inosuke was already further ahead. This isn’t good, maybe I actually was injured during the fight?
“Hey, Monjiro! Can’t keep up with me, huh?!” Inosuke shouted out, a boorish laugh following shortly after.
Tanjiro felt his face warm, not because of Inosuke’s teasing but likely because of a fever, and noticed his vision was getting blurrier. He didn’t even have the strength in him to give Inosuke a rebuttal. This sudden onset of symptoms was overwhelming--he didn’t get sick often and it was even rarer for him to not notice his body getting ill. He stopped running and stood in place, trying to control his rapid, heavy breathing. The lightness in his head got worse and he dropped to his knees, unsure of what was happening.
Droplets of sweat fell to the ground, soaking slowly into the soil. Soon enough Inosuke was running towards him, clearly annoyed that they had to stop.
“Hey, Kentaro, I thought you said you didn’t get injured in the fight!”
“I-I...I didn’t think I did,” Tanjiro huffed, each word that fell out of his mouth felt like a punch to his body. His mind tried to remember if any of the demons carried poisoned weapons, or had some type of ability that could inflict an illness. Nothing was coming to mind, however.
Inosuke knelt down and faced him--his mask was still on but Tanjiro could practically see the expression on the other’s face. The other must have realized something wasn't right.
“Don’t worry....I-I’ll be fine.” Tanjiro tried to smile but his face felt so heavy, he wasn’t even sure a smile had formed.
Inosuke took his mask off, revealing that unfairly beautiful face of his. A pair of hands cupped his face and suddenly Inosuke’s forehead was against his own. Tanjiro felt his face burn up, but the coolness from Inosuke’s hands and forehead were enough to make him feel a bit better. It was a nice feeling.
“You’re so weak you got sick!” Inosuke put his mask back on and got up, turning his back towards Tanjiro. “Here, hurry up and get on, dumbass.”
Tanjiro blinked, not sure if he had heard Inosuke correctly. “Um, that’s...that’s okay. I can probably walk.” He tried to smile again and attempted to stand, only to lose his footing and fall into Inosuke’s back.
Once Inosuke made up his mind about something, it was impossible to get him to back down. Instead of trying to protest further, he allowed himself to be carried. He would’ve done the same if the situation was reversed, but that still doesn’t mean it wasn’t slightly embarrassing.
“There’s a river not far from here, we can set up camp there!” Inosuke began running eastward and Tanjiro held on tightly.
Though he was feeling ill, Tanjiro's sense of smell worked just fine. Inosuke's scent filled his nostrils--he was familiar with how the other smelled but at this moment it made him feel comfortable and secure.
The sound of running water became more apparent and they arrived at the small river. The moon was shining brightly, its reflection bouncing off the water and large, old trees dotted the landscape--it was a beautiful place to camp and get some rest.
Albeit brief, Tanjiro did enjoy his piggyback ride. He wondered if he’d ever be able to convince Inosuke to give him more in the future. A quiet chuckle escaped him as he thought what others would say if they say such a spectacle.
Tanjiro leaned up against a tree and watched as Inosuke gathered some nearby wood and got a fire going. Sparks flew and the warmth from the fire immediately seeped into Tanjiro.
While poking at the wood in the fire, Inosuke mumbled, “So, what does a weak sick person need to get better?”
There was pure questioning in his voice, not the typical sarcasm and boisterousness he normally exudes. There may have even been a hint of concern hidden in there too.
"Have you never been sick before?"
"Of course not, idiot. I'm the strongest beast around!" Inosuke said proudly. Even after living in the mountains for so long, apparently Inosuke was immune to illnesses.
Tanjiro gave a weak smile, "Ah, of course. I'm not as strong as you, so of course I'd get sick."
Inosuke simply nodded quickly in response.
"But just some rest and food should do the trick." Tanjiro knew if he didn't eat anything, he'd probably just get even worse. Hopefully he'd be able to stomach some food.
Inosuke got up and grabbed his swords, walking towards the river bank, “I’ll catch some fish for us.”
Within a few minutes, several fish were speared on Inosuke’s swords. He placed them over the fire and the smell made Tanjiro’s stomach growl. Food was always the best medicine in Tanjiro's mind.
He reached to grab one of the fish, but Inosuke beat him to it. The other handed Tanjiro a fish and said, "Here. Eat and get better." After handing Tanjiro a fish, Inosuke took off his mask and began devouring the remaining fish, pieces of bone being flung all over the place. What a messy eater...so cute.
The first bite he took of the fish made his mouth water for more. It's not like it was the first time he had grilled fish, but this just tasted so good. Maybe it was because he was sick, or because Inosuke had cooked for him. Nonetheless, he hadn't realized how hungry he was as soon enough the entire thing was gone.
*
After eating, Tanjiro took his haori off to use a blanket so he could rest. Inosuke’s eyes watched him the entire time, almost as if he thought Tanjiro might keel over at any second. He laid down, resting his head against the cool ground; even with his haori over him, he still got the chills. Swiftly, Inosuke moved over and was sitting right beside him, their bodies touching.
"You're cold. Take my warmth." Inosuke avoided eye contact with him.
Tanjiro couldn't help but laugh--he'd never had anyone say something like that to him. It was endearing and sweet, and Tanjiro loved this about Inosuke.
"What's so funny?!" Inosuke, now clearly angry, yelled. Though, Tanjiro swore he could almost see a slight dusting of pink on the other's cheeks.
"You're cute."
Both were caught off guard; Tanjiro couldn't believe he actually said his thought out loud, and Inosuke's face was now beet red. The two remained silent for awhile, but the air didn't feel...awkward. Tanjiro was just happy Inosuke didn't stab him for saying that, and he was happy to be able to enjoy the other's company like this. Soft, quiet moments...a much needed break from their otherwise hectic lives.
Tanjiro glanced over at Inosuke, taking in every feature he could. Those large, green eyes. The way his hair fell on his shoulders, with some pieces going in opposite directions. The small scars and scratches scattered around his torso.
Subconsciously, Tanjiro moved his hand over and wrapped his pinky around Inosuke's. It was a risky move, but Inosuke didn't take his hand away.
“Hey, Inosuke?” Tanjiro whispered.
Inosuke just mumbled in response.
“Thank you.” Tanjiro squeezed the other’s pinky slightly, trying to convey how appreciative he was feeling.
“Gross!” Inosuke blurted and looked away. In a quieter voice he said, “Just shut up and get better, Tanjiro.”
Hearing his name caught him by surprise. It was a rarity that Inosuke got his name right, and Tanjiro was definitely not going forget this moment. Tanjiro felt a squeeze back and he smiled softly. Maybe I should get sick more often.