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“Where is she? Where is she? I want to see her!” Zenitsu whined.
“Zenistu, don’t hover like that,” Tanjiro said. “Onii-chan, can I get you anything? Do you need some water? Something to eat?”
“Tanjiro, you don’t need to fret over me,” You said before smiling at Zenistu. “Here she is, Zenistu. Baby Ruka.”
Zenistu gasped when you opened the swaddling cloth to reveal your three-month baby. She was wide awake, looking up at the three boys before her. The three of them had been away on missions, so they hadn’t gotten a real chance to meet her. Zenistu stared at her before he burst into tears.
“She’s so beautiful and precious!” He wailed. “I can’t believe she’s real!”
“Zenistu, you’ll upset the baby!” Tanjiro said.
“Tanjiro, it’s fine,” You said. “Zenistu, would you like to hold her?”
That stopped him from crying. You handed Ruka over to him, and Zenistu cradled her, staring at her with awe. He had such love for your baby already; it was heartwarming. Inosuke had been silent, but when you handed Ruka to Zenistu, he moved over to stare at the baby.
“Why is it so tiny?” He asked. “It won’t be able to fight like that.”
“She’s a baby. She doesn’t need to fight,” Tanjiro said.
“Everyone needs to know how to fight! It’s important!” Inosuke said. “How can this thing defend itself if it’s too tiny to hold a swo----”
Inosuke’s finger had been close to Ruka. She reached her tiny hand out and grabbed his finger. Inosuke froze, going silent. Then, Ruka smiled at him. You had never seen Inosuke so quiet and still before.
“I’m gonna protect this thing,” He said suddenly. “I’ll kill anyone who hurts it.”
Tanjiro sighed with relief while you giggled.
“She’ll appreciate that,” You said. “You know, I already see you three as her brothers.”
“R-really?” Tanjiro asked.
“Of course,” You said. “You are my husband’s tsugukos; you’re practically family. Besides, I can tell you guys already love you.”
“Well, how could we not? She’s Mr. Rengoku’s daughter.”
“My ears are burning! Is someone talking about me?”
Your husband entered the room, arms crossed and his signature smile. You returned his smile as he marched over to you and kissed you on the cheek. He sat down next to you, wrapping an arm around you.
“How is my little family? Doing good?” He asked.
“We’re good,” You said. “Ruka is having fun with her big brothers.”
“Big brothers?” Rengoku laughed. “This is easier than having three more children.”
“Stop breathing down my neck; I’m holding her!” Zenistu said.
“You’re going to break it! I know you are!” Inosuke growled.
“Now, boys, you don’t need to fight over her,” You said kindly. “Zenistu, let Inosuke hold her. You can have her back afterward, I promise.”
Zenistu glared at his friend.
“Fine, but I’m going to watch him the whole time,” Zenistu said. “Sit down, Inosuke.”
You were shocked to see Inosuke obey. Usually, he never listened to Zenistu. Zenistu reluctantly handed Ruka over to Inosuke. You were shocked again when Inosuke held her properly, cradling her head in the crook of his shoulder. Inosuke raised his free hand, and Ruka grabbed it again, smiling at him.
“Heh, she will be strong,” He said. “She’s got a grip that would leave men weak!”
Rengoku threw back his head and laughed.
“It’ll be a long time before she has to defend herself,” He said. “For now, she has you boys to protect her.”
“Do you hear that? I’m going to protect her,” Inosuke said.
“He said all of us, you dumb boar! And if anyone is going to be the main protector, it’s going to be me!” Zenistu growled.
“Come on, guys, don’t fight in front of the baby,” Tanjiro begged.
You laughed; you couldn’t help it—the scene before you was adorable. Rengoku looked at you, squeezing your shoulder. You looked up at him and smiled at him before kissing him.
“What was that for my little sunflower?” He asked.
“I’m just happy,” You said. “I honestly never thought I’d be this happy. But I have a wonderful husband, a healthy daughter, and three young men who I’d be happy to call family.”
“Okay, time’s up. Give her back!” Zenistu demanded.
“No way! I’m going to protect her, not you!” Inosuke shielded the baby from Zenistu.
“Guys, please stop fighting!” Tanjiro begged.
Rengoku merely laughed.