Chapter Text
“I hate it here, I hate it here.” Zenitsu gritted his teeth. He looked around the vacant train station, of course it was empty, it was starting to snow. “I’m hungry, I’m freezing, and I’m tired.”
“You’re being over dramatic.” Aoi rolled her blue eyes and then gazed around the station looking for two familiar figures. “It’s winter, it’s going to be cold wherever you go.”
“Besides once we meet my sisters, they’ll take us out to dinner.” Kanao smiled a rare and beautiful smile. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen them, maybe since the beginning college…” She thought aloud.
“Ahhh, Kanae and Shinobu.” A dopey smirk tugged on his lips. “You guys truly are goddesses! I’ve never met sisters who all share the same amount of beauty and grace. Kanae is especially a saint-”
“Zenitsu.” Aoi warned.
“Right, right, sorry…” He relented. “It’s just, you guys have always been so welcoming of me. But, are you sure it’s okay for me to tag along this time? I feel like I might be imposing on a touching family reunion or something…” The blond looked down at his feet.
“Just keep your whining to a minimum and you won’t bother us... too much.” Aoi teased.
“We didn’t want you to spend your vacation alone.” The purple eyed girl added. “You didn’t want to go home because of your grandfather and older brother, so it was the perfect solution. And, Kanae asked for you specifically.”
“S-she did!” Zenitsu nearly leaped into the air. “Sweet Saint Kanae! I swear I will worship-”
“Knock it off!” Aoi smacked him up the side of his head.
“Zenitsu getting beat up by Aoi and Kanao just watches, it’s like you guys never change.” Shinobu’s playfull voice called out. Kanao and Aoi gasped as they ran up to her, wrapping their arms around the smaller woman. Shinobu smiled and wrapped her arms around the two of them, bringing them closer. Zenitsu stood there awkwardly, last time he tried to join in he accidently brushed his hand against Aoi’s…
Well, let’s just say he got three consecutive slaps to the face. Kanao saw his horrified and frantic expression and immediately took pity on him. She, however, couldn’t stop the other girls’ wrath in time.
“Zenitsu, how have you been?” Kanae asked when she appeared behind them. Aoi and Kanao gasped as they ran up to her and tackled her. “Oh wow, my girls are getting so big! Especially you, Zenitsu!” She joked. Zenitsu knew he should be offended, but it is still a compliment so his cheeks start to burn. “How do you guys feel about udon? There’s a great restaurant on the way home.”
“As long as we get out of this snow I don’t care.” Zenitsu sniffed.
“Of course he’d want to make sure we came here safely…” He ignored Shinobu’s hushed cryptic words because they only directed towards Kanae, who smiled and continued to listen to the youngest girl’s story.
“... and that’s how we walked in with Zenitsu eating cake in the middle of kitchen floor at 10 o’clock.” Aoi concluded with a smirk on her face. Shinobu blinked owlishly before a snicker escaped her lips. Kanao smiled as she took a sip of her tea.
“Wait 10 in the morning or 10 at night-”
“I hate that story!” Zenitsu whined loudly as he banged his head on the table in defeat. “You literally bring that up to everybody!” He didn’t know if it was hot because of the soup or because he was dying of embarrassment.
“Come on, Zenitsu, I’m sure someone will love you one day for your awkwardness.” Kanae smiled as she rested a hand on his shoulder.
“Wheeen.” He let out a muffled sob. Kanae only cooed as she rubbed the back of his shoulder. Shinobu stopped laughing as she quickly changed the conversation to a different topic. She knew given the chance, Zenitsu would complain endlessly about his vacant love life. He felt tears begin to bubble up in his eyes when he heard something. It was a jingle in the corner of the room.
“Who’s that?” His golden eyes snapped open at the voice he heard. A sound so soft, so kind, so, so loving. He didn’t dare lift his head, because Zenitsu knew if he did, he would’ve tried to find out who could make such a noise.
“Who, Blondie?” He cursed his naturally unnatural hair. He slowly sat up, his cheeks still burning. He looked through his bangs around the restaurant. “Oh, apparently it’s a friend of Aoi and Kanao.” It was coming from the corner of the room, where a group of boys similar to his age were sitting. “Why?” Zenitsu bit down on his lip as he gathered the courage to look up. He snapped his head to look at the group of boys. Deep crimson eyes immediately caught his attention. The redhead’s surprised expression immediately morphed into happiness as his eyes flashed with interest. Zenitsu heard the redhead’s heart skip a beat as he tilted his head and his earrings jingled.
It was such a delicate sound.
“No reason, it’s just, he’s…” The words were drowned out as a silver haired man with three women around his arm came into the restaurant which caused chaos to erupt.
“Kanao, who’s that?” Zenitsu whispered to the girl next to him. The purple eyed girl looked at him questioningly. He didn’t dare gesture with his hands so he frantically gestured with his eyes, hoping she could see in the general direction his was pointing to. She did. Her eyes looked over at the group in the corner and she turned back to Zenitsu.
“You don’t know about-” His phone vibrating on the table cut her off. Usually, he would’ve ignored whoever was calling, more likely than not it was a spam call, but he tensed when he read the caller ID.
“Sorry guys, it’s my Gramps. I gotta take this…” He muttered as he got up. He could feel eyes on him again.
“Oh, okay. Just be careful.” Kanae’s eyebrows furrowed together in worry. “It’s not that the neighborhood is bad, but there can be dangerous people anywhere…”
“I’ll just be right outside!” He waved as he walked towards the exit. “Hey, Gramps!” He answered as he stepped outside. He immediately pulled the phone away from his sensitive ears as Kuwajima unleashed hell onto him. It would be more private if he walked down the side of the building instead of being directly in front of the door, so he decided to stray a bit.
“Ahh! I know I’m sorry okay? I just forgot to call because Kanae and Shinobu we already waiting for us.” He paused, a frown spread across his lips as he continued to get chewed out. “Gramps, how dangerous can this trip be, really? Everyone I’ve held eye contact with smiles at me and there’s no trash on the streets, like how do they do that?! Besides, beautiful Kanae and beautiful Shinobu live here so it must be paradise!” Kuwajima must of known he was trying to change the topic and steered it right back. “Look, I know you’re worried about Kaigaku, but I’m not like him… You of all people should know that…” Zenitsu muttered sadly as he kicked a pebble off the sidewalk.
“How could I ‘run with the wrong crowd’ when I only have three friends, well two and a half… Sometimes I don’t think Aoi likes me that much... ” He’s sadness must have been obvious as he Grandfather decided to cut the interrogation short and wish him a good vacation. “Thanks, and please don’t spoil Chuntaro when I’m gone, she gets mad at me when I don’t spoil her when I come back.” He hung up his phone and sighed loudly. He rubbed his hands together, realizing he went outside without any gloves or a coat.
He shoved his phone in his pocket as he made his way back to the front of the restaurant, but right as Zenitsu turned the corner he ran into someone. The person jumped back, dropping their phone onto the ground. “Oh god, I’m sorry!” Zenitsu panicked as he grabbed the phone. It had landed face down on the ground and so he was expecting to see a large crack on the screen when he turned it over, but there wasn’t any. Instead, what greeted him was the picture of the cutest woman he’d ever seen. “Ah! I’m sorry I wasn’t snooping! I was just scared that I cracked your phone! I’m a broke college student so I don’t have any money for repairs or anything!” He rushed out.
“No, it was my fault! I should’ve looked where I was- ” Zenitsu felt a surge of warmth flow through him at the person’s familiar voice, “going…” The redhead finished as he glanced down at Zenitsu’s face, which was closer than he realized. Zenitsu was frozen in place, the man’s phone in his hand. He could feel the man’s fingers gently touching his, as he grasped lightly the other end of his phone.
Zenitsu’s eyes flashed from the strangers face, to his phone, which was still mostly in Zenitsu’s hand.
“You shouldn't let strangers take your phone, you know.” He chastised as he pushed the phone into the redhead’s hand. “If I were a mugger I would’ve been able to take your phone and have a clean getaway!”
“I don’t think I have to worry about something like that.” There it was again, that infuriatingly sincere smile! And it had to be so cute too!
“Huh? What do you mean? Everyone has to worry about being mugged! Especially at night!” Zenitsu pressed on as he poked the man’s chest, which had some muscle to it. He drew his hand back as if he had been burned, trying to ignore the thoughts rushing through his head.
“You must not be from around here.” His earrings, hanafuda earrings, chimed as he tilted his head.
“Well, no… I’m from the city, but there’s always bad people around, especially at night!” He emphasized as a blush settled on his cheeks.
“But I met you.” The stranger’s teeth poked out when he gave a wide smile.
“Well, well how do you know I’m not… dangerous!” Zenitsu crossed his arms with a fake angry tone.
“Because, I just know.” He laughed. The blond’s annoyed expression melted into something more tender. “I’m Tanjirou, Tanjirou Kamado.” He introduced himself.
“Zenitsu Agatsuma. Nice to meet you, Tanjirou.” Zenitsu smiled bashfully. He waited for the conversation to pick up once more but they just stood there. It wasn’t that uncomfortable silence that compelled him to speak, but it was like they were enjoying each others company. Zenitsu tugged on the collar of his sweater, realizing that he didn’t have a jacket or anything to keep him warm.
“Here, it’s freezing, take my jacket.” Tanjirou already had his leather jacket tugged off his shoulders.
“What, no! I’m going inside soon!” Zenitsu put his hands on his the redhead’s jacket and pulled it back on him. “I just left my coat inside because I… Well I had to take a phone call.”
“Come on, you’re freezing, look at your hands.” Tanjirou emphasized his statement by taking the blond’s red hands in his own. Zenitsu yelped and turned his face away. They just met and this guy is already holding his hand! He prayed that his heart didn’t take this the wrong way and start falling for a guy he just met. “Here, take my scarf.”
“Gah, come on Tanjirou! This is too much! Come on, you’d get cold.” Zenitsu protested, but it was too late, Tanjirou had wrapped the checkered scarf around his neck.
“I run hot.” Was his preppy response. “I know it’s a little rushed, but… In case you need anything.” A tiny note was thrusted into Zenitsu’s hand. “My number.” Zenitsu could only manage a lovesick giggle in response.
Oh, please excuse me while I fall for you, Tanjirou Kamado.
Zenitsu: you know you really shouldn't have given a stranger your scarf…
Tanjirou: Zenitsu! I’m so happy you texted! (⌒▽⌒)
Tanjirou: but you looked so cold and i didn’t want you to get sick
Zenitsu: You really didn’t have to… I have to give it back to you somehow
Tanjirou: I wouldn’t mind meeting up with you sometime... if you’re free (ノ*゜▽゜*)
Zenitsu giggled and clutched his phone into his chest as he rolled around on the floor of the Kochou’s apartment. It was so nice of them to offer their home as a place to stay for the next two weeks. “Who are you obsessing about know? You’ve been staring at your phone since we got home!” Aoi narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Zenitsu ignored her and stopped rolling to type on his phone:
Zenitsu: i’ll tell you in the morning it’s getting late. my friends are suspicious getting about you
Tanjirou: oh okay! it’ll be our little secret
Tanjirou: good night zenitsu (๑•́ω•̀๑)
Zenitsu couldn’t help but giggle again. “Zenitsu? You’re acting weird…” Kanao furrowed her eyebrows in worry.
“I think he actually cracked…” Aoi crossed her arms.
“I met someone…” The blond sighed loudly.
“Who is it this week?” Aoi huffed.
“He’s so kind… The kindest person I’ve ever met. With the sweetest heartbeat I’ve ever heard. He’s really handsome too… with dark, deep red hair.” He was too lost in his own world to notice Kanao’s glance at Aoi. “He even gave me this scarf, to keep warm. He’s truly one of a kind… I’ll never forget you, Tanjirou Kamado…” He finished dramatically.
“Tanjirou Kamado. You’re telling that that,” she points to the scarf that the blond is cradling, “is Tanjirou Kamado’s scarf.” Aoi blurted out. “You met the Tanjirou Kamado and didn’t think to tell us until now?!” She yelled as she threw a pillow at his face.
“Ah, Tanjirou Kamado!” Zenitsu ignored her tone and hugged the pillow closer to his chest. “I can hardly believe it myself! He’s such a nice and caring and cute and-”
“Wait, you do know who Tanjirou Kamado is, right?” Kanao frowned. “Have you been texting Tanjirou this whole time?”
“Yes I do! And yes I have! He has the most comforting, soothing heartbeat I’ve ever-”
“It’s useless, Kanao, Zenni’s too busy fantasizing about… Tanjirou Kamado…” She finished her statement with a bewildered tone. “You better not be thinking of walking around trying to find him, like how you do with everyone that shows you an ounce of attention. Trust me, this is one person you’d want to avoid.”
“What, why?! He’s so nice!” Zenitsu felt tears in his eyes at the suggestion.
“Oh no, that’s not what we meant! Tanjirou is amazing, the whole package.” Kanao rushed out. “One time, when Kanae and Shinobu were gone for two whole days, Tanjirou and Nezuko came over and kept me company. He woke up early to make us breakfast and cleaned the dishes afterwards!”
“Then what’s wrong! I’m already planning on asking him to marry me.” Zenitsu admitted. “Get this, I was going to use this scarf as an excuse to devote my life-”
“Oh my god! Zenitsu I don’t know if you’re stupid with love or just stupid all the time!” Aoi snapped. “Let me ask you, who does Kanae and Shinobu work for.” His silence only annoyed her more.
“The hospital?” He tried.
“Well, he’s not terribly wrong.” Kanao supplied. “But, it’s not that Tanjirou, himself is dangerous, it’s just the people around him are.” She paused. “He’s kind of, well, he’s the leader of an organization that some people might liken to-”
“Yakuza. Mob. Mafia. Organized crime syndicate.” Aoi interrupted and Zenitsu gaped. “Haven’t you heard of the Crimson Dragons?”
“Tanjirou is with the Crimson Dragons?!” He screeched, tugging on his blond hair.
“No, Tanjirou is the Crimson Dragon, of course he’d never admit that. The Kamado’s are the main branch and leadership passed onto him. Kanae and Shinobu are with the Pillars, they protect the Kamado’s and follow orders.” Kanao explained. “Does that make sense?”
“I’mma be honest, no.” Zenitsu frowned. “Wait, why are you telling me all this!? Am I going to be put on a hit list!?” He cried. “Gramps always said I was too curious! I swear I won’t tell anyone. Kanae, who? Shinobu, who? I’ve never met them before in my life.” He rambled on.
“If you don’t shut up for FIVE SECONDS you’re going to wish we hired a hitman-” Aoi started to seethe.
“Why don’t I call Tanjirou to come over? He can explain this to you.” Kanao raised her hands as she tried to calm them both down. Zenitsu jumped at the mention of the redhead.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary!” Zenitsu quickly rushed, but the puppy dog eyes he was giving her was telling her something else. “He’s probably busy, you know. Why Tanjirou stop his whole day for just a stranger.” He couldn’t help but mutter in realization.
“Because he’s nice.” Kanao smiled. “Here, I’ll text him, we can eat lunch with him tomorrow. He’ll come.” She already had her phone in her hands.
“Are you guys that close?” Zenitsu felt a pang of jealousy in his heart.
“No, he’ll come because he’s interested in you.” Aoi smirked like a shark and Zenitsu choked in both embarrassment and excitement.
Tanjirou: good morning
Tanjirou: I’m excited to see you today (〃・ω・〃)ノ~☆
Zenitsu felt warmth spread in his chest. Why is he so weak around sweethearts?
Zenitsu: good morning Tanjirou!
Zenitsu: im excited too. im coming over right now so don’t distract me too much or else ill walk into the street and get hit by a car
Tanjirou: (((( ;°Д°))))
“How’s my hair?!” Zenitsu asked frantically as he kept running his fingers through his choppy locks. He wanted to look his best for Tanjirou without looking like he was putting too much effort into it. They were walking down the main road, towards the Kamado Compound.
Really it was just their house but Zenitsu felt like ‘compound’ was a much cooler word.
“The more you mess with it the frizzier it’ll get.” Kanao advised.
“Gah, I can’t help it! This is so important!” Zenitsu blushed. “Well, at least if I do something stupid I could strangle myself with this scarf…” He muttered as he looked at the green and black scarf around his neck. It felt like a good idea to have his scarf on, but now he was getting antsy, maybe he was coming on too strong.
“I’ll put you out of your misery. Don’t you dare use Tanjirou’s scarf because that boy will literally combust thinking it’s his fault. In fact, give me the scarf to wear and I’ll choke you here with my bare hands.” Aoi pointed out. Zenitsu whined in confirmation and he began to undo the scarf, when a familiar flash of black appeared in the corner of his eye. “Zenitsu, what’s wrong? Why’d you stop?” The girl asked. He realized he froze in his tracks as he focused on the man down the alleyway.
“It’s… Kaigaku…” He was dumbfounded. He blinked owlishly and squinted to try and focus on the distant figure.
“Kaigaku? As your brother who ran away from home?” Aoi stopped as well. “Hey, Kanao, can you try and see them?”
“It’s definitely him. I remember his face from the pictures at your house, Zenitsu.” The girl responded. The purple eyed girl noticed that Zenitsu tightened his fists. “Hold on, he’s with someone…” She took a step closer.
“What an asshole! Gramps has been worried about him for the past two weeks.” The blond hissed and quickly walked towards the group of men.
“H-hold on, Zenitsu! That’s Gyutaro and Akaza!” Kanao called after him, but she knew it was too late, he had taken off in the direction of he black haired man. “Aoi!” She turned her head to the smaller woman.
“Yeah!” They said nothing more as they charged forward behind their friend. Zenitsu could hear their footsteps behind him and he couldn’t help but want to cry tears of gratitude, he many only have 2.5 friends, but they were the best of friends he could’ve asked for! Kaigaku’s friend nodded towards the blond, and Kaigaku turned around, staring at him with the ever present disappointed frown on his lips.
“Kaigaku!” He said breathlessly, boy was he out of shape. His cool sudden appearance was ruined by the shallow breaths. “What the hell?!” He began, but had no idea what he was going to say. Usually, when people(Kaigaku especially) saw him running up to them, they would turn away or simply find an excuse not to talk to him, but this time it was different.
“Who the hell are you?” The tallest of the trio said in a gravelly tone. Zenitsu immediately shrinked away in response.
“Kid’s got guts, I like that.” The pinked haired man smirked. “Do you have the fighting ability to back up your words?” Even though the guy was wearing a thick jacket, he could see the hints of muscle on his arms.
“Please, he’s the biggest crybaby known on the face of the earth. He’s not worth the dirt underneath our feet.” Kaigaku snorted and the pink haired man raised an annoyed eyebrow. “What are you doing here?” He asked.
“What are you doing here?!” He deflected. “Gramps-” Kaigaku verbally grimaced at the mention of their elder. Zenitsu bit down on his lips to keep him from saying anything brash. Why, why did he promise Gramps that he would try to get along with Kaigaku? Everytime he tries, it’s always the same result. How can you possibly befriend a brick wall with fists? “Where have you been?! You just disappear since-” His rant was interrupted by the tallest of the bunch shoving him by the shoulder.
“Hey, you shouldn’t talk to your elder brother like that, have some respect.” He wasn’t sure if he was serious or not because he said it with such a serious tone but smirked the entire time.
“Pick on someone your own size!” The shortest, Aoi, yelled at the green haired man. Akaza muttered something under his breath as he took a step away from the girls.
“Aoi, Kanao.” He reluctantly greeted. “Come on, let’s go guys. I won’t fight a Kochou.” Kanao seemed to ease slightly but Aoi clenched her hands.
“Of course not! They are quite courageous despite their size!” A flame haired man suddenly walked up to the group in the alley.
“Rengoku.” Akaza sneered as he took a step closer towards the male. “You know what, I might say for this fight after all.” Zenitsu choked at the mention of a fight, Kaigaku would obviously kill him at any chance he got, but that would leave the Seaweed Head one to Kanao and Aoi.
“We don’t need to fight, Akaza. Hello Gyutaro, I see you got a new recruit.” The man, Rengoku, laughed out. “But you guys go your way, and we’ll go our way.”
“Blondie over there came up to us first.” The taller man huffed out, not needing to point at Zenitsu. “But I guess we’ll let you go if he stays behind.” Zenitsu felt his soul leave his body. “After all, he wants to talk with his dearest Big Bro.” Kaigaku rolled his eyes at the words. “After all, girls have no place in business like this.” Aoi was practically fuming in annoyance.
“The Crimson Dragons do not leave one of their own behind.” Rengoku responded as he squared his shoulders, a serious expression overtaking his features.
“The Blood Demons get what they want, when they want.” Gyutaro explained as he took a step to stand beside Akaza. Kaigaku stayed where he was and simply stared at Zenitsu with an unreadable expression. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to the checkered scarf around the blond’s neck.
“Well, well, Kyoujurou, having fun without us?!” A man covered in scars yelled as he stepped out from the side of the building.
“It’s not fun unless I’m invited.” A tall silver haired man smirked widely. Zenitsu froze in place, looking at Akaza, then Rengoku, then Gyutaro, and then to the two silver haired men who appeared from thin air. Kanao, being the smartest of the group, slowly reached forward and took Zenitsu by the scruff of his collar, like a mother cat, and began tugging him backwards.
“Zenitsu, come on.” She whispered to the boy when his legs remained rooted on the spot. Gyutaro’s eyes focused on her action and reached out to pull Zenitsu forward. Rengoku was in between them in a flash, his arm stopping the green haired man from moving any forward. Akaza raised his eyebrow and started walking up to the flame haired man, as if he was insulted. The man with scars frowned and calmly started walking up to them. Kaigaku took a step back, watching with tense expression.
“Hey! Kaigaku! Come back!” Zenitsu felt a surge of annoyance in his blood.
“Zenitsu! Shut up!” Aoi hissed and pulled him back. Kanao did the same and before they got caught in the fight.
“But-” He began to protest.
“Shut up, kid!” Zenitsu snapped his mouth shut at the angry voice. The silver haired man was suddenly beside him with a pissed off expression. “You can’t do shit here, you aren’t flamboyant enough to even talk about what you’re going to do.” Zenitsu’s face twisted in confusion. What was this guy talking about? How could he be treating him so roughly after he is clearly having a long day! “You’re under the protection of the Pillars! The toughest fighters of the Crimson Dragons, so stop complaining and follow my commands!”
“The who? Why on Earth would I listen to such a weirdo like you!”
“I said shut up!” Zenitsu received a smack on the back of his head.
“Hey! I thought I was under your protection! Why’d you hit me!” He screeched with tears in his eyes. He got flashbacks of his horrible music and martial arts practice sessions with Gramps.
“I’ll hit you again if you don’t-” Zenitsu flinched when he raised his hand in the air.
“Careful Uzui, Kamado won’t like it if he’s sobbing.” Rengoku laughed as he dodged a fist. Uzui rolled his eyes before looking at Zenitsu. He walked forward and scooped Zenitsu up with one arm.
“So you don’t try anything.” He reasoned. With his other arm he scooped up Aoi who began to protest wildly. “You know Aoi, your so short it’s like you’re compact for traveling.” He mused. Zenitsu shot a disheartened look at his fellow captive and Aoi returned the gesture. “While I would love to stay, I gotta make a delivery.” He announced to his fellow Pillars and walked away calmly, like he wasn’t holding two, well one, fully grown person. Kanao silently followed the pillar behind looking at both of them with apologetic eyes. “So Kanao, Shinobu tells me you got a scholarship for the next year.”
“Y-yes!” She seemed surprised that he was talking to her.
“Hmm, very good! I expect nothing less from Kanae’s and Shinobu’s sister. However, you do seem rather bor-”
“Quit holding a regular conversation like your not kidnapping me?!” Zenitsu flailed.
“Kidnapping? You’re hardly a kid, but you whine like one! You should be thankful to even be in my presence!” Uzui explained. “Now shut up! Don’t you dare draw attention to us! This is a secret entrance to the Kam-”
“ME?! Draw attention? You’re the one kidn- oh I’m sorry, ABDUCTING two people!” The blond yelled. “If you put me down I promise to be nice and quiet, just please, I’m going to die of embarrassment any second…” He whined. Vaguely, he heard Aoi pipe up in agreement. Uzui grumbled under his breath and dropped the both of them. Zenitsu jumped up and prepared to start screaming his head off when he realized the familiar building in front of him. “Wait, the Udon shop?” He spoke.
“Oh, Zenitsu we should’ve told you. The Udon shop has a staircase to the Kamado house.” Kanao explained in a hushed whisper. The restaurant owner smiled widely at the sight of Uzui before nodding his head to the back kitchen. The silver haired man nodded back and motioned for the three of them to follow. They walked through the kitchen and into what looked like a storage closet which lead to a staircase.
“Uzui! Thank you so much for escorting them here! I heard about the Blood Demons making a mover and I was so worried they’d come after… Zenitsu!” Tanjirou smiled widely when he saw the blond enter through the front door. “I’m sorry.” The redhead suddenly bowed formally. “I’m sorry that those guys gave you trouble. I should be more vigilant when it comes to protecting the people I care about.”
“What? No, Tanjirou.” Zenitsu began but didn’t know where he was going. He snapped his mouth shut and simply stared at Tanjirou intensely, who tilted his head (cutely) at his silence.
“Well, I’m going to check on my wives.” Uzui announced and turned around to leave. “Don’t beat yourself up about the Blood Demons, Tanjirou. Don’t waste time on terrible people.” Tanjirou thanked Uzui, who nodded and left back down the stairs.
“Ah, Kanao, Aoi, please come in. Sorry for not noticing you guys earlier.” He sheepishly blushed.
“Tanjirou stop apologizing!” Aoi put her hands on her hips. “Zenitsu likes bad boys.”
“You do?” Tanjirou shot him a hurt look.
‘YOU’RE THE LEADER OF A GANG YOU-’
“No, well, I mean… I like all boys… People! I like all people!” Zenitsu stuttered out. Tanjirou seemed content with that answer and a smile spread onto his lips. “Can we please talk about something else…” He muttered in defeat.
“Nezuko should be coming out soon! She’d love to meet you Zenitsu! I’ve been talking to her about you all night!” He exclaimed and tugged Zenitsu to sit inside the living room.
“Y-you’ve been talking about me?” The sat on the couch.
“Of course!” He beamed. Zenitsu blinked before turning away to hide his bashfulness.
“We’ll go see what Nezuko is up to in her room. Come on, Aoi.” Kanao announced as she pulled the shorter girl along. Tanjirou said nothing and neither did Zenitsu. They just rested on the couch.
“So, Kanao and Aoi told me about you…” The blond finally spoke. “Mob life, huh?” It was an awkward start to a conversation, but it was still a start.
“We’re less of a mob and more like a group of people who protected people in need.” Tanjirou pouted and scooted closer to him. An earnest smile pulled on his lips when his hand rested beside Zenitsu’s on the couch. He watched as the golden eyed boy drew his attention from their hands to his red eyes.
“And you’re the leader.” Zenitsu asked, dumbfounded and frankly shocked. All his life, he imagined the leader of the yakuza as some terrifying old man, just like Gramps. Gramps has the perfect mentality and looks for organized crime. Now, he’s surprise Gramps wasn’t in-
“Well, no… My dad was in charge and when he died he passed it down onto me…” Tanjirou expression softened into something along the lines of sadness. Without even thinking about it, Zenitsu placed his hand on top of Tanjirou’s. “Well, tenchically Nezuko and I.” The redhead slowly wrapped his fingers around his hand. “Apparently my family has been in charge for generations.”
“Oh, so you’re like their king then.” Zenitsu teased when Tanjirou heartbeat began to ease up. He laughed loudly and his earrings chimed in response.
“No I’m not! That makes it sound like they’re forced in.” He nudged him. “I promise you we’re not that bad. Well, some people can be rude…” He confessed. “But we’re good people trying to protect everyone from the Blood Demons. My father told me we have to protect those we care for but ask for nothing in return. If I could protect someone and they live happily and safely, then that’s the biggest accomplishment I could have in my life.” Zenitsu nearly combusted at the fact that his heartbeat was just so beautifully sincere!
“Well I’m worried! No one will take you seriously if you keep acting so nice and noble! You know it’s better to be feared than loved, right?!” The blond narrowed his eyes.
“I think you’re wrong. And besides, I don’t care if people take me seriously, I just want to put some goodness out in the world.” Tanjirou smiled even wider. “I want people to be comfortable, and not worry about being robbed or beaten up by Muzan.”
“Stop. Being. So. Adorable!” Zenitsu repeated as he shook Tanjirou by his collar. “Gah, seriously how could good guys like you exist! My whole life I’ve been surrounded and hounded by jerks and then you step in like… I bet you are so popular…” He whined.
“I’m not popular.” Tanjirou promised as he scooted closer towards the blond. “You think ‘nice and noble’?”
“Are you kidding me? Of course I do! Do you know what Kanao and Aoi say about you?”
“Well, what do you think?”
“Hmm?”
“About me.” Tanjirou finished. Zenitsu gulped when he realized how close they were. He could hear his heart beating wildly in his chest and he suddenly feared he’d go into cardiac arrest. “You’re not scared, right…” Tanjirou whispered and Zenitsu nearly melted. Before he knew it, his hand had snaked its was to wrap around the redhead’s neck, pulling him closer that he felt his breath against his cheek. “Scared of me…?”
“Oh, Tanjirou…” The blond breathed. “I’m usually always terrified, but… But not with you. I feel so at home around you, like you’re so familiar to me.” He confessed, turning away slightly from the deep red eyes that were burning with such intensity. “Is that stupid?”
“No.” Tanjirou spoke. He leaned in and kissed Zenitsu.
“Finally!” Zenitsu tensed slightly when he heard Aoi’s harsh whisper from somewhere in the house.
“What’s wrong? Too sudden? I’m sorry Zenitsu I should’ve ask-” Tanjirou panicked at his unease. He must have not heard the trio of girls watching them like some kind of day time soap opera.
“What, no! No it’s okay Tanjirou, I just… I’ve never been kissed with, uh… such loud intentions…” He muttered in embarrassment.
“Is that a good thing?” Tanjirou tilted his head cutely.
“...Yes…” Zenitsu shyly agreed.