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The sun disappeared from sight and the stars ascended over the night sky. Tonight at the city, the streets wouldn’t be ruled by the silver and cold star light because the colorful artificial glow of lamps would illuminate the buildings in order to celebrate the annual festival. Nobody was going to sleep any time soon either because there was just so much to see, try, and taste that it would be a shame to ignore it all to have a proper sleeping schedule. Not that it’d be easy to fall asleep with all this noise, laughter and music.
For the group who had arrived to the city, lack of sleep wouldn’t be a problem, they were already used to be night owls since a long time ago.
Fantastic lights of the establishments, ornamental lamps and sparklers blinded them with a sight that not everyone in the group had witnessed before. This earned a surprised gasp from three of the teens standing in front of the entrance to the city.
“What’s this, Monjirou?!” Screeched Inosuke.
“Wo-wonderful.” Stammered Nezuko before her brother could answer.
“Well,” replied Tanjirou with an amazed tone and his eyes still sparkling “this is the festival but we haven’t seen any like this once before, right, Nezuko?”
The girl hummed.
“Country bumpkins, I thought you had already overcome that phase.” Said Zenitsu while glaring at them.
“It’s cute though,” Added Kanao while taking a place next to Nezuko “right, Genya-san?”
The latter just huffed and crossed his arms, pretending he wasn’t having a good time silently staring at a certain burgundy haired boy.
“Oi,” called Giyuu “don’t forget we’re here for a mission.”
Of course, they weren’t here to have a good time at the annual festival in this impressive city. They were here to make sure everything was alright and not a single person had to lose their lives at hands of some demon. It’s been quite a while since the last time demon slayers confronted any demons, they were pretty sure they were planning something and it was likely that none of them would show up tonight. But they couldn’t be careful enough. People’s safety was always first, and this amount of people gathered together was way too attractive. Even when those monsters probably wouldn’t show up at the middle of the festival, maybe they would on the surroundings, ready to catch any unlucky soul.
They wouldn’t let them take anyone.
Besides, the group of teens have been doing fairly well at the Hashira training so it wouldn’t hurt to miss a day for a mission like this one.
“We’ll divide to cover a larger area,” indicated Giyuu “we’ll divide in pairs, alright?”
“I’ll go with Nezuko-chan!” Immediately squawked Zenitsu.
“No, you’ll get distracted.”
“But, Tomioka-san!”
“I said no.”
Kanao silently interlaced her fingers with Nezuko’s, to which the younger girl responded with a wide grin.
“Then can I go with Tanjirou?” Pleaded Zenitsu.
The atmosphere in the group turned heavy as two glares confronted each other with challenging scowls. The boy with the boar mask puffed his chest out in an attempt to seem bigger than the tallest member of the group.
“You’ll go with Inosuke.” Resolved Giyuu, knowing that those two knew how to work as a team.
“Don’t worry, Zenitsu,” said Tanjirou in a soothing tone, trying to comfort his friend “we’ll go back together anyway and we’ll keep on training together!”
“That’s not the point, silly, why do I have to go with the pig?”
“You should be grateful that you’ll get to go with your boss!”
“Hey!” Interrupted Giyuu before Zenitsu could retort “Behave, you two. And Tanjirou, you’re fine with Genya, right?”
“Sure!”
Tanjirou wouldn’t say it out loud, he’d really be fine with any of his beloved friends, but, deep inside, there was a part of him that was blissed with the idea of spending more time with Genya. Just both of them.
Alone.
Wait.
“But, Giyuu-san!” something clicked in Tanjirou’s mind “Are you really fine being alone, maybe we could-“
“I’m fine. Now we have to divide the areas we’ll cover.”
After assigning a part of the city to each one of the pairs, and Giyuu, they agreed to meet here after the sun rise. Everyone took their way. Zenitsu pretended to be utterly angry with his assigned parter, though the truth is that they got along much better these days. Kanao and Nezuko walked towards the core of the city, holding hands and happily exchanging very few words every now and then. Giyuu waved his hand at Tanjirou and disappeared behind the crowd.
Only Tanjirou and Genya stood in the same place for a few more moments. Their gazes had a quick and shy encounter before Genya turned around and started walking along the main avenue. Tanjirou hurried to catch up with him.
Tanjirou didn’t recall having watched so many people gathered before, not even when his sister and him went to Asakusa. Children’s laugh, excited conversations about the incoming dancers and fireworks later in the night. The blinding lights. A thousand aromas coming from hundreds of different dishes, flower arrangements and the elegant ladies’ fancy perfumes, these ones dressed in a mixture of traditional garments and western clothing. Everything was so appealing and, at the same time, disorienting for Tanjirou.
He would’ve been feeling lost if it wasn’t because Genya was beside him. Walking confidently, as if he knew the city and the festival by memory, as if he belonged here. Tanjirou felt relieved of having him as his companion.
“Stop smiling at me like that,” muttered Genya, glimpsing at Tanjirou with the corner of his eye “we’re supposed to focus, aren’t we?”
“Ah! Yeah! Sorry! It’s just that this place is like… too much for me.” He giggled awkwardly.
Genya raised an eyebrow, gazing at Tanjirou, like trying to read him.
“Is it? I thought you were rather amazed by it back there when we got here.”
“I am! It’s just…”
Genya hummed.
“It’s many things at the same time, right? I get it.”
There it was again. Tanjirou felt a little warmth appear in his chest. Genya became so good at reading him at some point and he didn’t even notice when did it happen. First it was the changes on his demon slayer mark and now this. They’ve gotten closer and there was no way of denying it, specially after the incident with the older Shinazugawa. But did it really begin at that point? Tanjirou feared that it wasn’t the case.
Tanjirou had every person he cared about engraved inside his heart in the form of aromas. But one day, he noticed that Genya wasn’t just a perfume in his memory. It was his long eyelashes, the scar on his face. It was the way he walked, always confidently and sometimes kind of rough. It was the sound of his voice and its variations from irritated to really shy and kind. Tanjirou knew he’d recognize his silhouette several meters away. One day he thought that Genya was really amazing and maybe he started thinking that about him since very early in their relationship, but when did it start provoking a fluttery feeling in his belly?
Tanjirou didn’t know.
But that wasn’t the point, was it? What mattered was that he was happy being with Genya.
“Yes, but don’t worry about me!” Replied Tanjirou “I’ll get used to this in no time!”
Genya shrugged, but he leaned closer to him in an almost imperceptible way.
“Whatever, it’s fine tho, I don’t think we’ll find any demons anyway.”
“Well, we don’t know for sure, so we must stay alert.”
“Sheesh, I know, I know.” Said Genya as he turned away with an annoyed frown.
Tanjirou could only chuckle.
The redhead’s gaze traveled back to the festival, to all of the games, the food establishments, the people dancing around with the traditional melodies coming from an excited group of musicians. Everything was so foreign and wonderful. Maybe, in other circumstances, Genya and him could have a great time here.
“I’ve been in festivals before,” Tanjirou said to the taller boy “my siblings and my parents went a couple of times to the ones that the people of the town nearby organized, but none of them were like this one.”
“I bet, none of them are like the ones in the cities, not even where I lived they were so big and crowded.”
“But you don’t seem as shocked as I am…” Tanjirou tilted his head.
“Yeah,” Genya puffed his chest out “I’ve traveled quite a lot during my lone years.”
Not hesitating even of a moment, Tanjirou showed a beaming grin.
“Makes sense! Even though I’ve also traveled so much in the last couple of years, I still feel like I don’t know much about the world, or even this country.”
Genya lost his focus on his surroundings to lay his dark eyes on the shorter boy, slowing down his walk.
“I didn’t know you were interested in that.”
Was he? Tanjirou didn’t recall ever having wondered what the world was like. Traveling and knowing other places have never been in his hopes for the future. His mind was set since he become aware at a very young age about the responsibility of being the eldest brother. His life was devoted to his family happiness, even now with the last member of it still alive.
Nezuko. He’d do anything for her.
“I- “ Tanjirou mumbled “Neither do I…” Those words were followed by a short lived, yet tense, silence “But… I’m pretty sure my siblings would’ve loved coming here.”
There was something similar to a grimace on Genya’s face for a second, but Tanjirou didn’t catch more than a glimpse of it before the other turned away, scratching his scar loosely.
Tanjirou’s mind traveled to an imaginary scenery of his siblings visiting this very same festival. Takeo and Hanako would’ve surely been head over heels, they’d be interested in everything and would’ve ran away to look at everything, probably dragging Shigeru along the way. Rokuta would’ve been shyer, clinging to Tanjirou like a life line. Tanjirou should’ve had much more control in that situation, in order to give confidence to his youngest brother and take proper care of his siblings. An attitude much more centered than the one he had right now: with half of his mind looking for demon’s signals and the other one dizzy and distracted in colorful lights and aromas.
A deep voice interrupted his melancholic train of thought.
“Hey,” said Genya, pointing to a young child holding a small cup with something creamy and kind of solid inside “have you tried one of those?”
Tanjirou immediately saw the child. A small spoon was dragged throughout the surface of the dessert and it landed inside the child’s mouth. Its smell, even though it was hard to differentiate in this ocean of fragrances, was fruity, sweet and fresh. What was that?!
“I’ve never!”
“It’s called ice cream” Genya sheepishly rubbed his neck, half trying to fix his gaze on the ground and half trying to stay on Tanjirou’s sparkly eyes “Wanna try one? I mean, we can get one later or something.”
Tanjirou let out a gasp.
“I’d love to! Oh, but- I didn’t bring much money with me.”
“Me neither but I’m sure if we team up we can get at least one, they’re not that expensive anymore.”
Showing the brightest of smiles, Tanjirou took Genya’s hand on his and squeezed it.
“Thank you, Genya.”
Blushing intensely, the tallest managed to mutter “Whatever.” But an moment later, after controlling his nerves, he showed a tender and crooky smile.
Moments like this made Tanjirou’s heartbeat raise as he never felt before. A comfortable warmth appeared of his cheeks as he replayed in his mind Genya’s smile. It was always so soft and genuine. The rareness of its appearances only made it more special. For some reason, it felt better when Tanjirou was the one who provoked it.
They were going to try ice cream in a couple of hours and it was beyond exiting. Not because of the curious treat, of course, but for getting to share something new and special with a special person. They would get to enjoy something of this festival. They would get to forget for a moment what was the true reason of being here, and just pretend they were normal people with normal and happy lives who get to share a piece of the festivity.
Tanjirou took a long look of Genya, like trying to memorize his features. Not quite realizing that he was still holding his hand and that his companion would probably melt very soon. Shortly after, Genya got the courage of turning to look at Tanjirou too. This instant seemed to last an eternity.
Much has changed since the very first time they met, right? Genya wasn’t this desperate and rude kid who didn’t care about hurting others if they got on his way. He was now far from being that insensitive and short tempered boy. Genya was actually gentle and caring, kind of shy in some situations. And knowing all that about him made Tanjirou feel grateful and delighted and with a wish to know more.
Maybe Genya deserved to know that.
“Um, Genya?”
But before the redhead could continue, someone hit him on his right shoulder, someone who was running and after a second, they were far gone.
“Watch your step, shithead!” Growled Genya.
“Genya, don’t wo-“
Tanjirou heard a thud right behind them and, immediately after, the salty smell of tears.
In front to them was a girl kneeling on the ground. She was wearing a neat floral yukata. Her dark hair was held in a simple bun at the top of her head. When she let down her hands from her face, they could witness rosy skin and shiny brown eyes that belonged to someone who couldn’t be older than them.
“Oh no,” sobbed the girl “I lost everything, everything!”
Tanjirou quickly kneeled next to her and placed a hand over her shoulder.
“Hey, calm down,” he said with a soothing voice “tell me what happened?”
Genya got closer to them. His frown quivering and getting slightly deeper.
“That man,” continued the girl in between her repetitive sobs “the one who was running, he took everything from me! He took all the money I gained today and what am I gonna do?! My brother’s sick and he needs medicine and now- and now, oh! We’re so poor, there’s no way I’ll be able to buy it” As a tear stream reached her chin, she turned to Tanjirou with a pleading expression “Could you help me, please?”
Before Tanjirou could respond with a determined affirmation, Genya pulled him up.
“No,” the taller deadpanned “sorry.” He added, even though he didn’t sound sorry at all.
After a dumbfounded moment, Tanjirou reacted and offered resistance to Genya’s grip dragging him away from the girl.
“Genya! What?! We can’t just leaver her! She lost everything!”
Genya rolled his eyes.
“Tanjirou, she-“
“Please!” Intervened the girl.
And with that, Tanjirou released himself
“He didn’t mean to say that,” he laughed awkwardly “of course, we’re helping you!”
Tanjirou heared a low and annoyed groan behind him.
“Thank you very much!” Said the girl in a charming voice tone “You see, I gained quite a lot tonight and medicine is expensive and we are very poor, so I’d appreciate any amount you can-“
“No need to worry about that! We’ll chase that man in no time and he’ll give you back what he took!”
For a moment it was like the girl forgot how to breath. With a stunned expression, she stammered “T-That isn’t necessary, that would b-be very difficult, don’t you think?”
“Not at all! I remember his smell, we just have to find him! Let’s go!”
Besides, this way they could still continue his patrolling mission, so it was perfect. Tanjirou started walking, followed by the still dumbfounded girl. Genya pressed the bridge of his nose and chanted a sutra in silence as he convinced himself to forget about his instincts.
****
The sound of footsteps on the tiles became nothing more than a murmur among the many other discordant sounds dancing in the air. It was very much like the stars which covered tonight’s sky. There was no moon today. Today light couldn’t be alone, it could only be accompanied by many others. It’s limits blurred and it’s colors mixed. The young boy with the checkered haori felt like one of those stars: shining where his light couldn’t be distinguished from others.
And of course it was because there was just too much people in this place and because he thought it would be easier to grasp that particular scent in this crowdy ocean. Of course it was because of that and no other reason. Because they had spent more than half an hour and there wasn’t any trace of that man in particular yet. Despite everything, Tanjirou wasn’t ready to give up, actually the idea hadn’t crossed his mind at all.
It was truly a shame that him and Genya wouldn’t be able to spend some quality time together. Tanjirou threw a quick glimpse at Genya. His hands buried on his pockets, his spine slightly bend forward and his eyebrows furrowed. Tanjirou sighed internally.
Well, it couldn’t be helped. He was happy to be able to help this girl. When Tanjirou asked her, she revealed that her name was Ren with a timid voice. She must be so worried and scared. Tanjirou knew how was it like to be in charge of someone who was sick and how deep love towards siblings could be. And even if he couldn’t relate, he’d still be happy to help her!
Trying the best he could, Tanjirou tried to cheer her up talking about festivals back at his home, about his family and friends, and he even tried to get to know her better. In all of the cases, Ren seemed interested but quite shy and closed when it was her turn to talk.
“So do you live here with your brother, Ren?” Asked Tanjirou with a beaming smile.
“I-“ the girl fidgeted with her sleeves and avoided eye contact “y-yeah, we do, even before my little sweet brother got sick.”
And then she crossed her arms and her gaze dropped to the ground. It really seemed like she was hurting, it was probably better to not ask her too much things and just focus on helping her by finding the thief.
“Say, Ren,” Genya’s voice interrupted Tanjirou’s thoughts “what’s exactly your brother’s illness?”
Tanjirou didn’t realize he held his breath. Genya has been quiet all this time, does he really want to know more about the girl? Tanjirou’s eyes widened in amusement.
But what lied in Genya’s expression wasn’t curiosity in its purest form. His scrutinizing gaze felt heavy even from the distance. And the girl surely could feel it. Her cheeks darkened with flush.
“We don’t know exactly, he hasn’t been diagnosed.” She said in a low voice.
Tanjirou tried to loosen the neck of his uniform as a distant memory cradled to the surface. How many times had he seen people of his hometown struggle with unknown diseases because they couldn’t afford a doctor.
“Ah,” cut Genya “then how do you know which medicine does he need?”
The girl fidgeted with her sleeve, clearly uncomfortable in front of Genya’s harsh presence. Even Tanjirou could notice.
“We-“ she stuttered “a doctor checked him once and-“
“I thought he hadn’t been diagnosed.”
“Genya!” said Tanjirou raising his voice for a moment “Please don’t push her, I think she doesn’t want to talk about it.”
“Oh yeah,” he scoffed while glaring at the short girl “I wonder why,” The girl’s eyes trembled for a second, focusing alternatively between both boys “Tanjirou, don’t you see that she’s-“
“I’m so sorry,” Ren cried “I shouldn’t have dragged you to help me, I’m such a burden, please, I don’t wanna waste your time anymore.”
“No, no!” Tanjirou took both of her hands gently “Don’t you worry, it’s alright, we’ll help you.”
Ren tilted her head slightly. Any trace of fear long forgotten.
“But I really don’t wanna waste your time anymore,” she pouted “maybe if you really wanna help me, you could just-“
“See!?” Genya yelled, his features poisoned with anger “There it is again! She’s lying! You just want fucking money, don’t you?!”
The girl gave a step back and raised her arms as if trying to shield herself.
The boy with the checkered haori stared at the other boy for what it felt like forever, even though it was just a moment. The lights from the paper ornaments, the children laughs, everything turned grey and gloomier.
“Genya,” hesitated Tanjirou “stop, you can’t know that.”
“I do! Tanjirou, just everything she says is being-“
“I wouldn’t lie about my brother.” Ren added timidly.
That just seemed to infuriate Genya even more. His fists clenching and his eyes darkening.
“Genya, just calm down.”
“Fuck no! I won’t let this shitty brat to take advantage of-!”
Tanjirou gripped the other’s boy fist, forcing him to focus on him instead of the scared girl behind him. Tanjirou’s breath quivered as he caught a hot and throbbing essence filled with rage and desperation, one he didn’t smell ever since the ending of the final selection.
“What’s-“ Nothing could’ve held back what Tanjirou felt to form into words “What’s wrong with y-“
“No,” Genya pulled back his fist fiercely, releasing it from Tanjirou’s grip “don’t finish that sentence.” His gaze dropped to the floor and, suddenly, he didn’t seem so harsh anymore. When his voice came out again, it sounded broken “Just do whatever you want.”
Tanjirou flinched numbly, not quite sure yet of what just happened. He gave two steps back, his eyes still on Genya, who was determined to not look at him anymore. Something within his heart told him that even though he wanted to reach him, he just wouldn’t, because everything seemed to have shattered.
An invisible bridge broken.
And its fragments resembled pieces from a greyscale riddle.
But Tanjirou had a duty first.
The red haired boy took the girl’s hand and dragged her through the crowd. Half of him just blindly pretending that he knew what was he doing, that he wasn’t confused by the people, the sounds, the tangling feelings within his heart. The other half just hoped that Genya would follow them, despite his unexplainable anger, despite the harm that Tanjirou obviously caused.
Tanjirou didn’t want to leave him alone.
And Genya did follow them.
Several steps back and after a minute of hesitation, he did. Because he wouldn’t leave Tanjirou alone either. No matter what.
****
It was useless. Pointless search for nothing. A thousand echoes of indiscernible chatter as the night kept going forward. Music louder every second and lights brighter as the celebration continued. And hundreds of steps weren’t enough to catch the promised scent.
Tanjirou’s rambling shut up after he thought that he’d get better concentration if he stayed quiet. It was doing nothing to cheer up the girl anyway. Ren seemed more tired and annoyed every step she gave.
Genya followed them maintaining a short distance. Tanjirou stole a couple of quick glances, not to verify what his nose told him, but to catch a glimpse of his expression, make sure that he was alright, probably not since he wasn’t walking beside him as before.
This felt like a nail pinching Tanjirou’s heart.
He’d fix this. As soon as he solved Ren’s problem, he would.
But they just kept going without finding anyone in the immense city. Maybe the man just went to another zone, maybe he left the city, maybe he went inside one of the tallest buildings. There was a ton of possibilities.
Tanjirou felt a tug on his sleeve.
“Um, I think we won’t find him,” said Ren with a soft blush on her cheeks “so, I think I’ll just go back and my brother and I will manage… hopefully.” She added as her gaze dropped.
Tanjirou waved his hand nervously.
“No, no! I understand but maybe I can still help you a little with this”
Ren’s eyes widened as her intense pupils followed the track of Tanjirou’s hand to his pocket. The weight of the coins settled onto the palm of his hand. If only he had more to give her, maybe if he had time to search for his friends, they’d like to help too. His chest ached for a moment with something different. Giving the money to Ren also meant not being able to get that fancy dessert. He didn’t care about the dessert itself, of course, but trying it meant sharing something with Genya, having a special moment with the tall scarred boy. And maybe it was silly, but he longed for it. Tanjirou didn’t really realize how much he longed for it until now.
Until he was about to give it away.
“It isn’t much but-“ A warm hand on his shoulder stopped his words.
“Can we talk?” Asked Genya with a soft voice “In private?”
Tanjirou nodded slowly, his sight blinded by Genya’s dark image against colorful lights, surrounding him like an aura. He was so distracted that he couldn’t catch Ren’s mean glare.
The shorter boy followed Genya several meters away from where Ren slayed, still not being able to gaze his expression. When they arrived to the chosen spot, Genya turned around. No one said anything for a few moments. It was just the breeze waving their hair and the atmosphere becoming denser. Sweaty hands, unstable eyes.
With reddened cheeks and a deep frown, Genya rested both of his hands on Tanjirou’s shoulders. His gaze, heavy and determined, fell on Tanjirou’s.
“I know you mean well,” he began “but you don’t have to do this. I have reasons to believe that she’s not saying the truth but even if she was, you don’t have to save everyone, specially if you have to forget about yourself to do so.”
Tanjirou exhaled when he realized that he was holding his breath. Inside him, there was something that didn’t understand what Genya was saying, but he wanted to, he really did. He wanted to find shelter in his voice, to let himself flow with the stream of those words.
“Tanjirou, can you trust me?”
Suddenly empty of any sound, Tanjirou read the sincerity, worry and care in Genya’s features. And, seizing Genya’s guidance like a rope made of light, Tanjirou decided to go in his direction. This didn’t resolve his inner turmoil, but he wanted to try, at least just once.
“I do, Genya, I trust you.”
Genya smiled after widening his eyes in amusement for a moment. One of those rare and beautiful smiles that only him could give. This time, Tanjirou didn’t only feel warm and fuzzy inside, he also felt more confident.
“What do I have to do?” Tanjirou asked.
“Just tell her no.”
Tanjirou bit his lip unconsciously. Genya’s hand traveled down the other’s arm until he found his calloused fingers. He gave him a small squeeze.
“I’ll be here for you, okay?”
There was nothing that Tanjirou would’ve wanted more than getting himself lost in between Genya’s arms, but he feared that if he did, he wouldn’t want to let go, so maybe this wasn’t the ideal time for that. Perhaps, later they could… Tanjirou let himself indulge for a moment in that fantasy, before returning to reality and choosing to intertwine his fingers with Genya’s. At least, he didn’t have to let go of that. And offering a gentle smile as an answer, they went together to where Ren was waiting.
The girl before them gave Tanjirou a sad look.
This wasn’t making the situation any easier. Tanjirou still wanted to help her, he felt that she deserved it. But then he was hit with the memory of Genya’s words and the comforting feeling they brought with them. He could do this. He gave a little squeeze to Genya’s hand and then he was ready.
“Ren,” Tanjirou said “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to help you.”
The girl opened her big and brown eyes so wide as her jaw dropped. She clenched her fists. Suddenly, the frown that appeared on her face made her look much older than they originally thought she was.
“Why not?” she snarled “He convinced you, didn’t he?”
“It’s not that, Ren” replied Tanjirou with a soothing and lightly embarrassed tone.
“So you made me waste my time?” The volume of her voice was increasing.
“Hey,” intervened Genya as he sensed Tanjirou not knowing what to say “he doesn’t owe you any explanation.”
And then she snapped. She threw her hands and gripped Tanjirou’s haori as she started yelling.
“You just can’t be that cruel! I just wanted some money for my brother!” If she was filled with rage or sorrow was beyond their comprehension.
Genya was about to interfere and release Tanjirou from her desperation but someone else did it for him. He came swiftly as the wind. It was almost as he appeared out of nowhere if it wasn’t for the blow of a familiar aroma hitting Tanjirou’s nose a mere second before he arrived. It was a familiar scent, wasn’t it…
It was the man they were looking for!
Said person pulled Ren back, holding her by the shoulders and close to his chest. Tanjirou got alarmed immediately, this was the thief after all! But before he could do anything, what the man said stopped him.
“Enough, nee-san, this isn’t worth it, we’ll try again later. Let’s go.”
It was then when Tanjirou could examine the man’s features. He looked young but not that much, he was definitely older than them. He wore a dark haori and had a small and brown bag hanging from his body. His face definitely resembled Ren’s.
Ren gave them an awful last glare before she took her brother’s hand and ran away with him, quickly getting lost in the crowd with movements that seemed to be almost practiced.
So they were left alone, a little dumbfounded and shocked, specially Tanjirou. Now there was only them, the soft breeze and the festival.
Tanjirou jumped to Genya’s arms as soon as his mouth stopped hanging open.
“I’m so sorry, Genya!” He cried “You were right all along and I should’ve listened to you since the beginning!”
“There, there,” Genya patted Tanjirou’s head, trying to hide his very obvious blush “it’s okay now.”
Tanjirou held him tighter before pulling back.
“But how did you know?”
“Well,” Genya scratched his cheek “scamming if kind of common in cities as big as this one. But figured it out by the way she acted and talked, her story didn’t make perfect sense and…” he paused for a moment, gazing down to the ground “maybe I just know how true pain looks like.”
Tanjirou hummed. He knew that he wasn’t the best at reading social cues but part of him wondered if there was another reason to why he didn’t see anything of it.
“Anyway, I’m glad she didn’t took advantage of you.” Said Genya with a smirk “Wanna continue with our mission?”
“Of course!”
Maybe Genya was right. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to be a little selfish every once in a while. Something about this thought felt right and it gave the short boy the push he needed.
“Are we still getting that ice cream later?” Asked Tanjirou, tilting his head and with the softest of smiles.
Genya looked at him and hesitated a little before mirroring Tanjirou’s expression and saying “Sure.”
****
It was sweet. Very sweet. It was also very cold. When it met his tongue, it melted almost instantly, only leaving behind the strong vanilla flavor. It was amazing.
Tanjirou had never tasted an ice cream before. That was a luxury for the people who lived in cities or large villages, not for someone like him, who spent most of his life in a lonely mountain, ironically, surrounded by snow for a season of the year. He would’ve never guessed that a treat like this one was even possible. But right now everything seemed astonishing, and this ice cream only added wonder to the atmosphere.
Right now, the city doesn’t seem as grand yet odd as before and Tanjirou didn’t feel dizzy anymore. He just let himself flow with his own amazement.
And everything was wonderful not only because of the cheerful music, that hadn’t stopped every since they arrived, and certainly not because the numerous ornaments and lights, but because he was here, with the tall and grumpy boy who somehow made his heart rush.
Genya looked at him, waiting for a reaction.
“It’s great!” sparked Tanjirou and he took another spoonful of ice cream and puts it in his mouth “It’s cold yet creamy and delicious!”
Genya chuckled.
“I knew you would like it.”
“You were right,” Tanjirou emitted a content sigh “you know much about this new stuff, it’s amazing.”
“Of course not,” Genya scoffed “you’re just a country mouse.”
Tanjirou giggled.
“Maybe I am, but that only makes it more special since I get to share this with you for the first time.”
“Shaddup!” Genya had to physically restrain himself from shoving his hand against Tanjirou’s face.
The latter didn’t really notice, so he just kept going.
“Come on! It’s your turn!” He tended a spoonful of the dessert to Genya’s mouth.
The scarred boy sometimes wondered how he managed to do this kind of thing without even flinching. Well, did he really have a choice?
Tanjirou showed a beaming smile as Genya agreed to Tanjirou feeding him. The heat increased on his cheeks.
The ice cream didn’t last. Soon enough, both of them were left alone in the spot they chose to have a wide view of the city while being able to rest from patrolling most of the night. As expected, no demon showed up and in few hours, the sun would come out again. People were starting to go back to their homes, only in a few places there were still people gathered. One of those was a small park where a group of musicians were still playing music as some couples and children danced.
Despite the cheerful music, everything seemed calmer now. Surrounded by some trees whose leaves waved with the soft breeze. The soft touch of grass underneath their hands. Warm lights falling on their hair and clothes. The faint sweet smell of the cup, now empty, that contained ice cream. Genya’s warmth beside him.
“Genya?” He hummed as a response. Tanjirou’s voice was low, intimate “There’s nothing wrong with you, I’m sorry if that’s what I implied earlier, I didn’t mean it.”
Genya turned to face him. His eyes glistening with soft lights.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does.” Said Tanjirou, putting his small hand over the other’s.
Genya’s brows furrowed a little in a expression that didn’t resemble anger or worry.
“Okay.” He exhaled.
Tanjirou’s serious expression turned into a small smile. Genya’s gaze looked for a distant spot, yet, he didn’t move his hand away.
“I did mean what I said, you know?” Tanjirou tilted his head when Genya spoke “About saving others. We’re doing this for the people and we all have someone who we want to protect but,” His gaze turned back to Tanjirou, those dark eyes that made him feel as if he was being seen for the first time “what I’m trying to say is that you should seek for your own happiness too.”
Tanjirou felt the air leave his lungs and a knot form in his throat. For some reason he felt the urge to cry.
His own happiness? He wanted for Nezuko to be able to become a human again, he wanted for everyone to have a happy life without demons around. Did he really want something for himself? He just knew that he was ready to give his own life to save everyone. Was there a way to do that while also trying to seek for his happiness?
The answer for these questions wouldn’t be found in an instant and he knew it.
But there were some things that he actually wanted. And maybe they were small and futile, but for him, they meant a lot. Maybe that was a good place to start.
“I’ll try.” He promised, as he rested his forehead on Genya’s chest.
Soon, there was a hand on Tanjirou’s back, drawing soothing circles, easing off his tension and releasing a single tear that went unnoticed.
He wanted… he wanted…
Tanjirou scooted closer and folded his arms around Genya’s waist. And he felt that he belonged here, in between those strong arms.
“Genya?” He pulled back a little, his hands not entirely leaving the other’s body “Can I kiss you?”
An intense blush appeared on Genya’s cheeks.
“W-What?” He stuttered in between troubled breaths “I mean, s-sure, just gimme a sec?”
Tanjirou nodded happily, going back to his previous spot: resting his face on his chest and hugging him tightly. Several seconds passed by before any of them moved. It was alright, there was no rush. And a little after, Tanjirou felt a caress tucking a hair lock behind his ear and then traveling to his jaw, guiding him to where their gazes could interlock.
Genya closed his eyes and so did he. Tanjirou impulsed himself softly until his lips felt Genya’s. It was warm and short, but inside him, it felt like fireflies in the darkest night.
They pulled back and opened his eyes. Both still quite incredulous that it actually happened, but not a second later, they were smiling with blushy cheeks to each other and closing their eyes so they could try again. Tanjirou put his arms around Genya’s neck and Genya’s fingers softly combed through Tanjirou’s hair.
Their lips met again. This time more confidently and eagerly. Genya parted his lips to meet Tanjirou’s sweetness and he let him in. Slowly pulling back and forth in between faint huffs and tender bites. Until they finished, resting their foreheads together and exchanging lazy kisses on their cheeks, their noses, their eyelids.
Later, when they finally got up to meet with their friends, they didn’t let go of each other’s hand.
“Do you think we can also spend the night together tomorrow?” Asked Tanjirou on their way back.
Genya chuckled.
“If you insist.” He said as he gave him a loving squeeze on his hand.
He felt the love he had for Genya, comfortably growing as a beautiful flower. And he also felt the one Genya had for him. When was the last time he felt so safe?
Right here, right now, this warmth on his hand, in his chest. This feeling. This moment.
Right here, right now, it was everything for him.
Tanjirou treasured all of this within his heart, where he placed his most beloved memories.
If the red haired boy was sure about something, it was that he wanted to be happy. And if life has taught him anything, it was that happiness existed in precious moments like this one.
In a moonless night like this one, where a thousand stars covered the sky in an immense mass of lights, Tanjirou no longer felt like one of them. He no longer felt like he had to shine at all. His faint sparkle could shine only for himself sometimes and that was fine. Genya’s grip grounded him down and reminded him that the tall scarred boy understood that, and Tanjirou hoped that someday he could do it too.