Archive of Our Own ^beta

"How do you do it?" you asked the redhead, who was standing guard at the moment, completely undisturbed by the drastic drop in temperature since the rain started. He turns to you, confused, tilting his head slightly.

You continue to shiver, rubbing your hands in a desperate attempt to keep warm. You had been trying to sleep for who knows how long now. But it was just so cold. It made your bones hurt. And whenever the wind would screech by, it felt as though its cold blade pierced every nerve in your body. You'd had enough of it.

"It's freezing!" you cry, waddling your way over to him, still swaddled up in the thin blanket that you were so sure was going to be enough since "winter was over."

"Are you really that cold?" he asks considerately, "Here, try wearing my haori. That should help." Before he can even remove it, however, you're throwing your arms up in protest.

"No way!" you argue, "You need to stay warm! You've been standing guard for some time now. And I'm sure being at the front of this cave also puts you at the front of all this wind too."

While travelling, Tanjiro suddenly commented that it was time to find shelter since he had picked up the scent of the approaching rain. A small little cave was now your temporary safe haven. But the cold was still an issue.

"I really don't mind it," he says, "Look, see?" He holds a hand out for you and you reach out for it. Both of you jolt in surprise at the contact. You, from the sudden warmth, and Tanjiro, from the sudden cold and softness of your hand.

"You really are freezing!" he exclaims, taking both of your hands now into his own, bringing them closer to himself, "Come, sit here."

He motions to the wall of the cave, patting the spot just in front of himself. His back resting on that wall, you follow him and sit in-between his legs just as you were told, unwrapping yourself from the blanket so that you can include Tanjiro as you cover yourselves up.

He pulls you into himself, your back now pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped around you. It's difficult for him at first, literally hugging a human-shaped form of ice, but you soon warm up, and he doesn't complain.

"Feeling better?" he asks softly in your ear, rubbing your arms up and down to give them some extra warmth. You're grateful that you're not looking directly in his eyes - too flustered and hoping he couldn't feel how much your cheeks and ears were burning to do so. Even your legs are tingling, since Tanjiro's own legs were pressed against them, his heat radiating from everywhere off of himself.

"Yes," you respond happily, "Much better." He chuckles lightly at this before adding a "Good." It was like he was a castle, keeping you so warm and protected. Without intending to, you fell asleep easily.

It wasn't until a few hours had passed that you finally woke up. But now, you found yourself towards the end of the cave, lying down with your head placed on a checkered haori folded into a pillow. Alone. Your eyes darted around the cave, looking for your companion.

"Tanjiro?" you call out a bit worriedly, voice echoing a bit, making your way towards the exit.

"I'm here!" he answers, his voice coming from outside the cave. It's then that you see that the rain has stopped, and the wind has finally died down too.

"Sorry for leaving you," he apologizes bashfully, "I thought I heard something - so I wanted to check, just to be sure. Turns out it was just Nezuko. She had come out of her box while we were sleeping." He gestured over to the girl who was happily picking flowers, humming to herself.

Upon seeing you were awake, Nezuko skipped to you excitedly, gifting you a small flower. After thanking the girl, the realization of Tanjiro's words hits you and you turned to him.

"Wait. You fell asleep too?" you ask and he scratches the back of his head before nervously chuckling out a "Yes, I did."

In the beginning, it was only you three traveling. Once Tanjiro realized just how cold you were since that night in the cave, he always offered you his haori, his scarf, his hand, and a spot right beside him for cuddling you to sleep.

Sometimes catching you off guard as you two walked by suddenly asking, "May I see your hand?" You'd agree - worried that he had seen there was something wrong with it - but then remember that he was only checking on you, making sure you weren't too cold. If you were, he'd hold your hand, his warmth melting away any cold you had.

But then you met Inosuke and Zenitsu...The first time Zenitsu had witnessed your handholding, he had thrown an enormous fit.

"Why are you two doing such lewd acts?!" Zenitsu shouted.

You looked back at him in complete shock. "Were you doing something lewd?" You and Tanjiro seemed to ask that question to each other through your confused glances.

"What are you talking about?" Tanjiro asked, bringing up your interlocked hands, "We're just holding hands."

"What happens after 'just holding hands?!'" Zenitsu screamed, "Then you start kissing and then you start doing...you know...I know! Don't try to play it off as nothing!"

"None of that is going on!" Tanjiro defended, a light pink dusting his cheeks, "You need to stop thinking like that!"

Back and forth they went until eventually you let go of his hand, fed up with the bickering. If it meant keeping the peace, you were willing to deal with being cold for a few hours. But you couldn't help feeling guilty when you noticed Tanjiro's hurt face. He seemed to catch on to your intent though, and quickly fixed his expression.

"But if you're reaally cold..." Zenitsu cooed, sliding closer to you so that your arms brushed together, "I'd be happy to hold your hand~" Tanjiro immediately stood between you two, giving the blond a glare.

"I'm not cold," you lied, folding your arms over your chest. You all walked grumpily to your mission, a house deep in the forest.

You were now at the Wisteria Crest House, exhausted and recovering from your injuries after fighting demons in Kyogai's house. Although you had gotten off the wrong foot with Zenitsu, and even more so with Inosuke, they actually proved to not be so bad. Though, Zenitsu's constant flirting and Inosuke’s constant challenges to a duel were getting a bit irritating.

But what was even more irritating was your position right now. Alone in a separate room from the boys. The old woman hoped it would make you more comfortable, and not wanting to seem ungrateful, you thanked her and obeyed. Even Tanjiro was a bit glad you would be sleeping elsewhere, fed up with the other two boys' attitudes.

However, he couldn't ignore the fact that trying to fall asleep was difficult. But it wasn't because of their loud snoring, though it was a bit bothersome.

He was lonely in his futon. He had to admit that in the weeks you had traveled together, he had grown accustomed...no...attached to sleeping with you. He missed how you felt in his arms, warmth flowing between your two bodies, heartbeats and breaths syncing, and that wonderful scent of deep trust coming off of you as you drifted to sleep with him. Ironically, it made him feel safe, protecting you from the outside by cradling you close to himself. But now that you weren't with him, he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

How long has it been now? Half an hour? An hour? Two hours? You both didn't know. It wasn't until you finally noticed the sunlight peeking it's way into your room that you knew a whole night had passed.

A sleepless night. A whole sleepless night. Sure, you've had plenty of these before, and you've stayed up for far longer as well, but this time, you felt so tired. So achy. Exhausted. You really were glad that you didn't have any missions until you were fully healed.

Sluggishly walking through the halls, bumping into them a few times. Trying to remember where Tanjiro's room was. Hearing the doctor's voice and following it to its source.

The three of them with their robes opened, bare-chested as the doctor examined how their recovery was going. But sleep was far too heavy on your eyes, vision blurry to the point that you could only make out the vague shapes of the people in the room.

Finished with his examination of the trio, the doctor turned to you and said, "Alright, miss. I'll check how you're progressing as well. We can go to the next room..."

But you didn't hear that. You only heard that he wanted to check on you. Your self-awareness was nowhere to be found as you lazily nodded and pulled down your own robe, eyes too tired to even open.

It wasn't until you heard Zenitsu’s scream, Tanjiro’s gasp, and frenzied footsteps that you were able to open your eyes, just a peep, feeling arms wrapped around you.

"Tanjiro?" you asked sleepily, unsure of why he was now hugging you so tightly. Lying your head on his shoulder, wrapping your arms around him, sinking further into him, a muffled "Good morning," escaping from your lips. Did he really miss you that much?

Finally noticing just how rapidly his heart was beating. What was this feeling on your chest? Obviously it was Tanjiro, you could recognize that warmth anywhere, but it felt different.

Finally opening an eye, you look down to see your breasts pushed up against his bare chest, his robe still disheveled. Shooting your eyes to Tanjiro's face, seeing his head is pointed straight at the ceiling, ears burning red.

Sleepiness completely out the window. Panic overtaking as you cover yourself back up, screaming "S-sorry!!!" as you hurry out of the room.

Yelling into your pillow when you return to your room. Face hot with shame, tears forming just out of the pure embarrassment in your whole system.

How did you not notice? Why did it take you so long to realize it? What are they going to think of you now? What was Tanjiro going to think of you now?

Those thoughts repeating through your mind when the doctor knocked on your door, asking for permission to come and complete his examination.

Back in the boys' room, Tanjiro turned to the other two. Inosuke was completely unbothered, trying to pick out something from his teeth. Zenitsu, however, was turned to the wall behind himself, not facing Tanjiro. One hand planted firmly on the ground to steady himself, while the other was pinching his nose. Zenitsu's face bright red as blood trickled down his face. Breathing heavily and shakily as he tried to keep his nosebleed at bay.

"Not a word," Tanjiro warned, "Never bring this up to her."

"What happened?" Inosuke asked, flinging whatever he had pulled from his mouth.

"Yeah!Uh-huh!Yup!Got it!" Zenitsu agreed hurriedly. Grumbling, Tanjiro left the room to get some air, his own face still burning.

With the breeze against his face, Tanjiro let out a deep exhale, relaxing now that his face was cooling down. Feeling the wind hit his chest though, he began readjusting his robe, pausing when he placed a hand on his chest, rubbing over it as he remembered how you felt.

You were just here. Pressed right up against this part of his chest. Completely bare with him. So warm and trusting as you shared yourself at your most vulnerable with him. Scent so delicate and sweet. Large, lovely eyes shining back up at him, still sleepy and tired. Plushy breasts pressed right into his muscular chest.

"Don't think like that!" Tanjiro scolded himself, trying to force the thoughts away. Fixing his robe, he tried to distract himself by walking around the area, still too injured to go for a run.

He can't be thinking about you like that! Like a pervert! You were his friend! And friends don't think about friends like that no matter how much they like them! No matter how much he's crushing on you!

Tanjiro suddenly stopped in his tracks. Had he fallen for you? Is this the way you're supposed to feel for a friend? He was aware that he cared for you very much, but when did this happen? When did that love of his dear friend blossom into something more? Is it alright for him to feel this way for you?

Is that why he can't stand it when Zenitsu flirts with you? When Inosuke tries to fight you? No, it's because you're his friend. Of course he'd want to protect you. Right?

The rest of the day was...awkward, to say the least. You tried to distance yourself away from the others, too embarrassed to interact with them after such an incident. You had somehow managed to escape breakfast and lunch, but by dinnertime, even you couldn't deny the growling in your stomach.

Sitting at a bench, marveling at the scenery around you, regaining your breath after taking a light jog around the gardens. You weren't as injured as the other three, and you knew that it would be a good idea to get some movement going to speed up the recovery time.

"Y/n?" a gentle voice called. Jolting in surprise, you whip around to see Tanjiro, worry evident by the way he scrunches up his brows, pout slightly forming.

"Yes?" you answered, trying to ignore that tightening feeling in your chest.

"Come have dinner with us. It's important that you eat," he says, smiling gently.

You agree and begin the walk back to the room. You kept more distance than usual, still slightly flustered from what happened earlier. The silence was a bit nerve-wracking and you needed to tell Tanjiro something.

"Sorry about this morning," you apologized, nervously glancing away from him as you rubbed your arm, "I should have been paying more attention."

"No, it's alright," he comforted, "You were really tired. Did you have a bad night?"

You nodded before adding, "It was just really different. Guess I got used to you-" You stopped your sentence, laughing shyly as you tried to change the subject, "But anyways, thanks for looking out for me. I really appreciated what you did."

Still wanting to know what you meant, but knowing he shouldn't pry about it, Tanjiro only replied with, "Of course. I'll always look out for you."

Inosuke still kept being loud and rambunctious, stealing food off of everyone's plate, to which Tanjiro would offer you his own pieces for every one that Inosuke took. Even Zenitsu didn't make as many advances, too busy being bullied by Inosuke to do so.

Telling stories and laughing until darkness rolled in. All awkward tension gone by the time you said goodnight to the boys and began heading to your room.

"Y/n!" Tanjiro called, "May I walk with you?"

"What are you trying to do?!" Zenitsu interjected, "Following a girl to her room at night!? That's pretty sleazy, you know! I'm coming too!"

"I'm just walking her to her room," Tanjiro retaliated.

"Butwhatareyougonnadowhenyougettoher-yeow!" Zenitsu was interrupted by a flying pillow to the face.

"Oh, shut up, will ya?" Inosuke barked, flopping back onto his pillow. The two began to argue and Tanjiro took this opportunity to sneak away, closing the door and walking by your side as you made your way back to your room. Calling you again once you reached the door, you turned to him.

"I want you to have this for tonight," he grins, holding out his haori for you, "Hopefully, it'll help you sleep."

"Are you sure?" you asked, carefully taking the garment from his hands, "Is it really alright?"

"Of course!" he beams, "I just really want you to get a good night's rest. It'll help you heal. And knowing that will make me feel a lot better too. So, please take it."

You hold the haori close to yourself, thanking him before the both of you say "Good night."

Now lying in bed, cradling the haori to your chest, still able to pick up Tanjiro's scent, it gives you more comfort than you realize, and you are able to drift to sleep.

But you dream. And in that dream, you're reliving your memory. Back at that room, undoing your robe, but Zenitsu and Inosuke aren't there. Only hearing the doctor's words, but not seeing him when you open your eyes in the dream to feel Tanjiro holding onto you. Feeling his strong chest against your soft one. But his hands slide down your back, down your sides, resting at your hips, and it's then that you realize - you're completely naked.

You sit up rapidly, the blood rushing to your brain, making your head hurt. The dream over, but your suspicions not proven to be untrue, you cup your breasts to feel the fabric of your clothes. You're not naked. It was just a dream.

Sighing both in relief, but also in disappointment, you realize just how dry your throat is now. Peeling off the covers, you open your door to feel a chill air passing by, making you shiver. Glancing over at the haori, you question yourself if it would be alright to wear it, just for a few minutes, while you get a drink. Another gust of air hits you and causes you to make the decision to put your arms through those sleeves and wrap that haori around yourself.

Tiptoeing down the hall, you note how Tanjiro's haori is closer to the ground when you wear it than when he does. Stepping outside, lowering the bucket into the well carefully so that it doesn't disturb anyone. Unaware of the eyes that stared at you in adoration from the rooftop.

He nearly fell off when he saw you, not believing his nose when he picked up your scent until his eyes fell upon you. You wearing his haori. His heart thumped in his chest and he was worried you'd be able to hear it from how violently it thumped.

He should really stop staring, shouldn't he? But he can't help it. You're practically glowing under this moonlight, moonlight that seems to send a beam straight towards you, making you look even more ethereal.

And even more beautiful when Nezuko runs up to you. Even more beautiful when you welcome her into your arms, spinning her around before placing her back on the ground, giggling to yourselves.

It's like he was meant to not be able to sleep again. Meant to go outside and meditate on the rooftop, focusing on his breathing. Trying to relax himself enough so that he could try again to fall asleep without you. All so that he could catch this moment. This very precious moment.

You and Nezuko are walking back inside, hand in hand. Your soft, gentle hand. He can't take this anymore! His heart is going to burst! He's standing up. He has to tell you how he feels right now!

He miscalculates, excitement getting the better of him, and he slips. Falls with a surprised yelp, but he doesn't hit the ground. Instead, he opens his eyes to look at the sky above him. He can feel two pairs of arms on him- one pair holding him from under his arms, the other wrapped around his waist.

You and Nezuko slowly lower Tanjiro to his feet. "Are you alright?" you ask worriedly, "You're not hurt, are you?" Nezuko frets over him as well, placing a hand on her brother's now burning forehead.

"Yes!" he exclaims, bowing to avoid you seeing his blush, "Thank you! Both of you!" Too embarrassed now, Tanjiro tries to still his racing heart.

It's so hard to sleep now, Tanjiro's heartbeat unable to slow itself as he continuously thinks about you. But he has to sleep. It'll be two nights now that he hasn't been able to! But this fuzziness swims around in his heart, makes him squirm as he hugs the extra pillow he found tighter to his chest.

You wake up feeling refreshed. Tanjiro was right about his haori helping you out. Washing yourself up, you make your way over to the boys' room. Sliding the door open, you're greeted with a very tired Tanjiro, eyebags dark and heavy, hair a mess, stumbling about.

"Good morning," he yawns, "How did you sleep?"

"Good morning. I slept well," you respond, "But, are you okay? You look like you haven't slept at all!"

"I'm alright," he says sleepily, "I'll wake up in a second. I just need to...go...for a jog." He yawns again, heading outside to do some training. Inosuke and Zenitsu continue to snore. Poking Inosuke, you try to wake him up to ask a question.

"Inosuke..." you whisper, trying to coax him awake, only to get a grunt in response, "Inosuke...are you awake?"

He continued to snore and you add, "Inosuke...breakfast is coming up soo-"

He sits up at this, steam shooting out of his boar mask. "Where?" he asks, turning to you.

"I just wanted to wake you up so that you'd be ready when breakfast was," you lied, "But I have a question. Were you guys doing anything last night? Tanjiro hasn't slept at all for a few days now."

"I don't know," he says gruffly, "I was asleep." He flops onto his futon, only to shoot back up in realization. "Monjiro's tired?" he asks. You nod. He began to chuckle maniacally, before saying, "There's no way he'd win in a match, then."

"Wait, Inosuke, now's not the time for a duel," you say, trying to calm the boar before he started another fight. But it was too late. He was already riled up, leaping out of his futon and dashing outside, laughing crazily as you heard him challenge Tanjiro.

Running to the kitchen as your last resort, you grab a handful of different foods, not really paying attention at all to what you grabbed, just hoping it was edible.

"Inosuke!" you shouted, seeing the boar already charging poor Tanjiro who was having a hard time just keeping balance as he stood, "I have food for you!"

He immediately changed direction, dust flying as he hurled towards you. He screeched to a halt before you, holding out his hands expectantly, making grabbing motions with his fingers like a baby wanting to be held. Giving him all that you had in your hands, he plopped onto the ground, lifted his boar mask, and chowed down.

"Tanjiro," you called, making your way over to him. He turned his head to you, eyes closed, too tired to keep them open.

"Come over here," you cooed, bringing him over to the engawa, sitting up and patting the space next to you. He obeyed, sitting up with you until your hands gently brought his head down to rest in your lap. Not fully realizing what you were doing, only following along, until his head was on your thighs.

"Wait, I'm okay," he tried to excuse himself, lifting his head up, but you only shushed him gently, bringing his head back down and patting it softly.

"Just rest for a little bit," you said in a gentle voice, smoothing his hair out of his face, "You helped me sleep, so at least let me help you. It's only fair." Normally, any physical contact with Tanjiro would have you flustered, but seeing just how tired he was was the only thing you focused on right now.

Tanjiro wanted to protest, feeling guilty, feeling as though you were going out of your way to help him with his problem. But, trying to think of anything other than your sweet touch was impossible for him. He thought he felt safe holding you. But you holding him made him feel so much better, so secure.

His temporary peace was disturbed by Zenitsu.

"Yack!" he screeched, "What are you two doing?! In public!?"

"Oh, Zenitsu," you whispered softly, covering Tanjiro's ears carefully, "I have a couple questions to ask you. Is that alright?"

Alright? A girl? A real girl wants to talk to him? Him? He points to himself questioningly and you nod. His voice instantly lowers, asking what it is you want to talk about, his cheeks turning red.

"I just wanted to know how you trained," you say. Thus started your conversation about how miserable training was for him, how convinced he was that he should be dead, that it was a miracle that he even survived.

All the while, Tanjiro slept peacefully in your lap. Not stirring even when Zenitsu's complaints rose in volume. Not even when Inosuke began shouting for someone to fight him, settling for Zenitsu upon seeing Tanjiro was completely out for the count.

Inosuke chased Zenitsu around, desperate to prove his strength. You giggled to yourself, trying to keep still. Unbeknownst to you, though, upon hearing your laugh, Tanjiro couldn't help but smile in his sleep. Gazing at the leaves that fell gently, you relished in the tranquility. The birdsong, the rustling of the trees, the occasional distant shouts of Zenitsu and Inosuke.

"Y-something," Inosuke called, pulling you out of your trance.

"Yes?" you responded, eyes darting towards him.

"He's still passed out?" Inosuke asked, poking Tanjiro's cheek.

You pulled his finger away from him before saying, "Shh, yes he's still asleep. He's been awake for two days now, I think."

"Hmph," he huffed, "Well, the old hag is calling us. So wake him up or get him off ya. We're gonna eat."

"That's alright," you whispered, "I'll wait for him to wake up. Go on ahead and eat."

Another huff and he went back inside. But it wasn't long before he returned, bringing the entire table with him. Balancing it so carefully that nothing spilled, not even the bowls of hot soup.

"I didn't know what you'd want," Inosuke started, placing the table close to your side, "So I just brought everything. Now eat." With that, he plopped down and gorged himself on whatever he could grab.

"Thank you, Inosuke," you smiled, picking up a rice ball.

"Y/n-chan?" Zenitsu whispered softly, carrying a few cups before placing them on the little table, leaving one right by you.

"He must be really tired," Zenitsu commented, motioning to Tanjiro, "It's been a few hours now. Your legs aren't cramping up or anything?"

"Nope," you replied, taking another bite, "But, maybe I should wake him up so that he can eat, huh?"

"Uh-huh," Inosuke somehow made out through mouthfuls of food.

Slowly rubbing circles into Tanjiro's cheek, you coaxed, "Hey, sleepy bear, it's time to wake up now. Tan-ji-ro~" Elongating the pronunciation of his name, tapping his nose with utmost caution. He stirred. Zenitsu gripped his cup tightly, trying to hold back his comments to avoid displaying how jealous he was.

Tanjiro finally opening his eyes, darting his gaze around as he tried to remember where he was and what happened. Eyes softening when he saw you smiling down at him, heart skipping a beat when you giggled, "Have a nice nap?"

Gasping as he sat upright, surprised to see Zenitsu and Inosuke sitting there. Zenitsu unable to hold back his pout and Inosuke choking back up a piece of food he had tried to eat too impatiently.

"I think I fell asleep," Tanjiro finally spoke, making the rest of you laugh.

When night fell once again, and Tanjiro walked you back to your room, just to enjoy your company a little bit more, it was you who called him once you reached your room.

"Hey, Tanjiro," you whispered. Zenitsu’s hearing was superb, so you knew what you had to tell him would have to be said without words.

"Hm?" he turns to you.

You raise a finger to your mouth, letting him know not to speak. Then, you point a finger at him. He points a finger at himself. You nod.

You gesture over to the futon in your room. His eyes follow. Then, you clasp your hands together and place them to the side of your face, pretending to be asleep.

You hoped he understood what you meant. He was just about to agree, but he remembered he was supposed to be quiet, so he nodded. Realizing though, that Zenitsu would be waiting for him to return, it was now his turn to silently give a message to you.

He motioned towards his room and held up two fingers. Then, he made a sleeping pose of his own. Through his gestures, you were able to make out what he was trying to communicate, "When they're asleep, I will...tiptoe over here."

"Okay," you smile, "Good night."

"Good night," he says, making his way back to his room. It's only on his way back that he realizes he agreed so easily. Trying to stop his blush before it forms so the others wouldn't notice and get suspicious, he opens the door to see Inosuke passed out while Zenitsu is sitting up with his arms crossed, fingers tapping his forearm in annoyance.

"Well, YOU sure took forever," Zenitsu scolded, glaring at the redhead. Tanjiro instantly tensed up.

"We just said 'good night,'" Tanjiro lied through grit teeth, already face first in his futon so that he couldn't see how his face curled up from lying.

"Hmph!" Zenitsu pouted, settling into his own futon, "I can tell you're lying! Just admit it already! You were just smooching each other!"

"Zenitsu!" Tanjiro gasped, blush evident as he faced him, "We didn't do that! We aren't together!" His heart dropped when he said that.

"You wish you were though..." Zenitsu teased.

"How can you tell?" Tanjiro asked, eyes wide.

"It's really obvious," Zenitsu stated before he corrected, "No, you make it really obvious."

"I do? How?" he asked worriedly.

"You just do!" Zenitsu cried, facing away from him, "Now, good night!"

Tanjiro waited anxiously for Zenitsu to fall asleep. Not even closing his eyes, he simply lied there, wondering if you would still be awake.

Finally hearing Zenitsu’s snores, Tanjiro slowly rose from his futon. Tiptoeing as best as he could, he made his way to your room, noticing you left the door slightly ajar.

He tried to hold back his excitement. He really did. But now that he could finally feel you pressed up against him, he couldn't help but sigh in relief. He couldn't be this close to you when the others were around, especially Zenitsu.

Not even realizing that he's pulling you closer to him, burying his nose in your soft hair, making your heart thump wildly. Smiling as he drifts to sleep, coziness enveloping you both.

And so this went on for the duration of your stay at the Wisteria house. Tanjiro sneaking off to your room once the other boys were asleep, cuddling with you until the early morning before either getting a start on training, or returning to his own room. There was only one time that you were nearly caught.

"What are we gonna do when we have to go out for missions again?" you ask Tanjiro, your back facing him, "Zenitsu's gonna be hopping mad if he catches us like this. He's gonna put a pole between us."

The two of you laugh quietly at this, already able to hear Zenitsu's jealous screaming in your heads. The creaking of floorboards snaps you out of your laughter, however, and you look towards where you heard the sound.

There's a shadow. It's not the shadow of the old woman though. It's taller. Head drooping as it slumps its way towards your room.

"Don't move!" you whisper, rushing towards the door. Opening and closing the door as you enter the hallway so quickly that you're not even sure if you did it.

"Hi, Zenitsu," you say nervously, only to see that the blond was very much asleep.

He continued to snore, though he did mumble, "Tanjiro...Where is he? I heard him leave." He takes a step towards your room.

"Um..." you fumble with your words, "Why don't you go back to bed? I'm sure he'll be there once you wake up." Your hands are on his shoulders to prevent him from taking another step towards your room.

He pouts, letting out a whine before sluggishly returning to his room.

Making sure that he closes the door before going back to your futon and rushing under the covers, snuggling your face into Tanjiro's chest.

"That was really scary!" you whisper, "I was sure he was going to figure it out!" Tanjiro's heart is beating so fast and he's so tensed up.

"Tanjiro?" you ask, looking up at him, wondering why he was so nervous all of a sudden.

The truth is that this is the first time that you've cuddled him like this. You would always have your back facing him, but now, you were face-to-face with him, arms wrapped tightly around him from your previous scare.

You're so close to him right now. Face just a few inches apart from his. Pretty lips just a few inches apart from his. His eyes go wide and he pulls you close to him, bringing your head back to his chest.

"I'm alright," he says reassuringly, stroking through your hair, "But that was scary. I'm sorry about that. I should have been more careful."

The way he's delicately combing through your hair, the way his warmth seeps into your very core, it's too much for you to stay awake. So deep in sleep that you don't realize when Tanjiro wakes up in the morning, gazing at you lovingly, tucking a strand of hair away from your face.

But your question really lingers on his mind. What were you two going to do when it was time to leave? Would he just sneak off to you when the others were asleep? It'd be quite risky to do so.

Jogging towards your next mission: Mount Natagumo. Tanjiro, offended at how Inosuke insulted the old woman who he claimed "didn't know her own place," took ahold of your hand and dashed ahead from the others. Zenitsu throwing a fit both at being left behind and for holding your hand.

Perhaps it was time to start getting used to sleeping without one another. Tanjiro sighed, turning his gaze to you as you continued to run across the path.

Should he bring this up to you? Would you agree and move on? Or would you pout your pretty lips at him, looking up at him with those beautiful, dazzling eyes, still trying to find a way to stay with him?

He couldn't refuse you, he realized. If you asked, of course he would find a way. He'd even deal with Zenitsu's whining all night if it meant keeping you happy.

It was finally time to stop for the day. Mount Natagumo was still quite a distance away. Setting up a small camp by a riverbed, gathering food and laying out blankets. Inosuke already having called "dibs" on a particular patch of dirt and an oddly shaped rock.

Frying up a few freshly caught fish, staying alert in this unfamiliar place, but still being friendly with one another. Zenitsu complaining that his feet hurt, Inosuke barking that he was still hungry, both you and Tanjiro trying to comfort them.

The moon giving out a bit more light than usual, its crescent shape growing with every passing night. It would be a full moon soon.

"I'll take first watch," you offered, standing and moving away from the others, knowing Tanjiro would try to argue and say he could have the first watch so that you could get some sleep. Looking around for a good place to stand guard at, suddenly noticing Inosuke's position.

He had already fallen asleep, and you couldn't help but feel that the rock his head was on was not going to be good for his spine. Carefully lifting his head and sliding the rock away with your foot, you gently placed the boar's head back down. Instantly, his breathing improved, and you sighed in relief.

Nothing happened during the first hour of you keeping watch. A few scares from tiny animals that were scurrying around was the most that occurred.

However, you were soon approached by Nezuko. Rubbing the girl’s head affectionately, she stood beside you, staring up at the sky. She continued to stare upwards as you gently brought her to walk with you, making a quick sweep around the area to ensure all was clear.

"I'm not looking forward to this mission," you whined and the girl tilted her head. "The mountains are cold," you continued, "And with how Zenitsu is...there's no way Tanjiro and I could-"

"Hmmmmm?" Nezuko hummed teasingly, raising her brow suggestively.

"I mean-!" you started, trying to think of how to make your next choice of words not sound suspicious, "It's just that Tanjiro and I would sleep together!" Her eyes widened.

"No, no, no!" you tried to defend, "Not like that! Like actually sleep! You know! Just to keep warm!"

Her eyes drooped disappointedly. She gave you a stern look that said, "That's not true."

"Wow! Look over there!" you chuckled nervously, trying to change the subject by pointing at a random flower nearby, "Let's go see what it is!"

Leading the girl by the hand, you bring her to the flower. It wasn't much, but it definitely caught the girl's attention and, more importantly, made her forget what you had been previously talking about.

Sighing in relief, you felt a hand on your shoulder and you nearly jumped out of your skin, yelping in surprise only to see that it was a wide-eyed Tanjiro.

"Sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" he apologized, grabbing your hand and rubbing it in a soothing motion so as to calm you down.

"I'm sorry," he continued, "I just wanted to tell you that it's time for you to rest. I can keep watch now. Do you know the way back to camp?"

Through chittering teeth, you answered, "Y-yes, but now I don't want to go back."

Tanjiro apologized again before he offered, "I'll walk you back. Come on. It's not far. Let's go, Nezuko."

He extended his hand for you and Nezuko wrapped her arm around his free one. Together, the three of you made your way back to camp, hearing both Zenitsu and Inosuke snoring loudly.

"It's not cold tonight, so you should be alright," Tanjiro comforted as he tucked the blanket under you. He smoothed your hair down as he continued, "So, get some sleep. If you need anything, I won't be far off. Okay?"

You nodded, and your eyes shot open when Tanjiro stroked your cheek gently with his thumb.

"Good night," he said in an even softer voice, smiling fondly at you.

"G-good night," you whispered back, feeling your face getting hot from the previous touch. Giving a nod, Tanjiro stood upright and disappeared into the darkness.

Trying to fall asleep, attempting to not think about how gentle his touch was. How warm his smile was. How his eyes glowed so beautifully from the moonlight.

All the while, Tanjiro reflected on how soft your skin was in comparison to his calloused thumb, just realizing that he had rubbed your cheek affectionately earlier. His heart jumping to his throat for not noticing his actions sooner.

From the moment you all arrived at Mount Natagumo, you knew that there was something cruel and powerful lurking within its twisted branches.

While Tanjiro and Inosuke went to defeat the demon responsible for controlling the corpses of your fellow Slayers, you stayed to help Murata. Defending yourselves from the attacks that seemed to be endless, until finally, the bodies moved no longer, finally lying on the ground to rest.

It was then that you knew that they had defeated that demon, and your heart was filled with relief.

“We should keep moving,” Murata suggested, “There’s a lot of ground to cover, and I know there’s bound to be more demons here.” You nod and begin to make your way through the forest.

Suddenly hearing a loud clashing boom, like an explosion had gone off somewhere. Both you and Murata stopped.

“We should go over there,” Murata said worriedly, “I’m not sure if that was a demon or a Slayer. If we head-”

Another huge crash, a loud splash of water, and the crackling of bark made him pause.

“There’s multiple fights going on,” you say, turning towards the direction of the splash, “I’ll go that way!”

“Then I’ll go this way!” Murata declared, starting to head towards that explosion.

“Be careful!” you cry out and he responds with, “You, as well!”

Quickly sprinting, zigzagging through the trees, you come across a body of water and a fallen tree. Seeing Tanjiro on top of it and an enormous body trapped underneath, you were about to call out for him until you saw the concentrated expression on his face.

Before you can fully register what’s going on, the demon below is rising to his feet. You rush to Tanjiro, grabbing his hand and trying to take you with him back to solid ground. But the demon is up now, lifting the tree with both you and Tanjiro on it, swinging it around until he throws it into the distance.

Shouting for Inosuke not to die, Tanjiro tells you to hold onto him. You do as you're told and he raises his sword, activating one of his breathing techniques to soften the blow as you crash into a tree, grunting when your back hits the rough bark. Gasping when Tanjiro collides with you as well.

"Are you okay?" he asks, "I'm so sorry! I should have landed on my back so that I wouldn't have crashed into you!"

"I'm alright," you assure him, lifting yourself off the tree, "It's best that I did. Otherwise, your box might have broken. Are you okay?"

"I'll be alright," he answers.

Hearing a girl's wail of pain, you race towards the source of the sound.

Two demons stand before you, one of them crying as she bleeds onto the forest floor, while the other only stares at her with indifference, a spider web in his hands.

"What are you staring at? This isn't some kind of show, you know," the demon boy muttered.

"What are you doing? Aren't you fighting on the same side?" Tanjiro inquired.

"'...the same side?'" the boy repeated, "Don't go phrasing it in such an infantile manner...We're family. We are connected by a powerful bond."

"Regardless...this is between me and my sister. If you insist on interfering..." he warned, "I'll carve you up."

"You're wrong," Tanjiro retaliated, "Family or comrade...as long as you feel close to one another..." - he glanced over to you - "...that's all that really matters! Calling such precious bonds childish...that's not true at all!"

He continued, "Not only that, but those who are strongly connected with each other give off the scent of trust! But all I'm picking up from you two is the scent of terror, hatred, and revulsion!"

"That's not something you can call a bond! It's a fake. A forgery!"

The two demons gasped.

You could feel the thickness in the air...the change in the atmosphere. The rage sprouting from the demon boy.

"Now then...What did you just say...?" the demon asked in a low voice, "You...What did you say to me...?"

"Come on...say it, will you?" the demon challenged through grit teeth.

"Sure! I'll repeat it as many times as you want!" Tanjiro answered, blade unsheathed, "Your bond is forged!"

It happened so fast. Words spat back and forth suddenly became lethal attacks. White webs that slashed around, cutting effortlessly across your skin.

And yet...it seemed like the demon was holding back...

"I just want to let you know..." the demon boy added, an uninterested look in his eye, "I won't kill you with a single blow...Instead, I'll dissect you piece by piece."

"However..." he counter-offered, "if you take back what you said to me just now, I'll make your deaths mercifully quick."

"I won't!" Tanjiro refused, "What I said was the unbridled truth! I won't take it back, not on your life! You know who's in the wrong? It's you!"

Dodging and leaping to avoid the strings that cut through the thick bark of the trees. Tanjiro launching forward to meet the demon head-on as the boy threw another single piece of thread.

Tanjiro raised his sword to cut the web.

The clang! of his sword breaking filled your heart with dread. The string not even moving an inch after he had attempted to cut it.

Not thinking about anything else other than saving him, you tackled him to the ground, just inches away from getting slashed yourself.

"Are you okay?!"

"Yes! I'm fine!" Tanjiro answered, the two of you already on your feet and getting ready to attack again.

You stayed as close as you could to the demon, trying to get in his face in hopes that you could distract him from Tanjiro, who he was so eager to kill.

You weren't prepared for the webs that came from every direction heading straight for Tanjiro.

The demon saw how you immediately abandoned him to dash to Tanjiro.

A futile attempt to save him.

But the most meaningful sign of a true bond.

Seeing the blood that sprayed from both you and Nezuko as you shielded Tanjiro who cried out your names in horror.

"Get her out of here!" you choked, still standing, taking up a fighting stance again, "She got hurt much worse than I did!"

"But-!"

"Go!"

Taking Nezuko away from the fight, he looked to you anxiously, knowing he had to get back to you.

"The girl emerged from the box and defended him. But I'm sure she's a demon like us..." the demon sister muttered, gasping as she turned to her brother, some kind of realization hitting her.

The boy next to her trembled, pointing a shaky finger to you.

"You..." - he asked in a quivering voice - "Is she...are you all siblings...?"

You shook your head.

“Boy!” the demon called, “That girl in your arms, she’s your sister, isn’t she?!”

“So what if she is!?” Tanjiro spat from behind the tree.

“Siblings…siblings…” he chanted.

“R-Rui…?” the demon girl mumbled.

“His sister’s been turned into a demon…” Rui thought aloud, “…but she stays by his side…”

"You risked your lives to protect him..." Rui exhaled, his attention back on you, a mad glow in his eyes, "The younger sister protected the older brother...but...if you're not family...what are you to him?"

You refused to answer his question, focused on keeping an eye out for any sneaky attacks he could pull.

"You have a genuine bond...I want it!" Rui exclaimed.

"Wait! Wait, Rui!" the demon girl blurted, "I'm your elder sister! You can't abandon me!"

"Shut up!" Rui screamed, throwing webs at the demon girl, decapitating her as well as severing her limbs, trees also being cut down in the process.

You couldn't help but be frozen in fear. Too nervous to even attempt to charge, lest you share the same fate as his sister.

"None of you were ever able to fulfill the roles you were assigned," he snarled, "Not even once..."

"Wait..." she begged, her head lying in the dirt, "Wasn't I the elder sister you wanted? Give me another chance!"

"Very well," Rui agreed, "Go kill the humans wandering all over the mountain. If you do that, I'll forgive you for what just happened."

The demon girl's body now regenerated, she picked up her head, saying, "Alright...I'll kill them..." She dashed away.

"Let's talk," Rui offered, his voice much more relaxed, "The truth is...what you and that demon just did for that boy...I found it genuinely moving to behold. I doubt any words exist that can describe exactly how I felt."

"But his fate is death," - he pointed to Tanjiro - "A disagreeable conclusion for all of you, no doubt."

"You care about them, don't you?" Rui asked, tilting his head to the siblings behind the tree.

You said nothing.

“Answer me!” Rui commanded, whipping a thread across your cheek. You cursed yourself for not dodging it.

"Come on, Nezuko," Tanjiro encouraged, hearing more of your uniform tearing after a close call, "Heal...please..." He tried as best as he could to keep her arm intact, her left wrist ready to fall off.

"If you were ready to die for him," he added, "surely you must feel something...”

Your lack of a response irritated him.

"Even though he offended me," Rui continued, "I'll let him walk away. All you have to do is-"

You charged him.

"Settle down and listen!" he shrieked, landing a quick jab that sent you flying straight into a tree.

Even though you were bleeding, you still refused to speak to him, lifting yourself back up on unsteady legs. So Rui turned his next words to Tanjiro, “Listen carefully, and I’ll impart to you how you can escape your fate.”

“Your sister and that girl shall stay with me and become my new family,” Rui said, “If you do so, I will spare all of your lives.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about!” Tanjiro barked.

“As of today, your little sister will be my sibling,” he answered, “and your friend…well…I haven’t decided her role yet. But it shouldn’t be a problem for you since you’re not even related.”

Flickering his gaze back to you, the demon asked, “Would you prefer to be my sister…or my new mother? I’ll let you choose since you sparked such a feeling in my chest.”

“You don’t think I’d actually agree to something like that, do you!?” Tanjiro cried out, “Firstly, Nezuko and Y/n aren't things! They have their own free wills and feelings! Secondly, just because Y/n and I aren’t related by blood, that doesn’t make our bond any less meaningful! They’ll never be your family!”

“It’s all right. You don’t have to worry. I’m stronger than you,” Rui affirmed, “I’ll create bonds with them, ones of terror. They’ll know what happens when I’m defiled.”

“I’ve had enough of you spouting this nonsense!” Tanjiro shouted, coming out from behind the tree, throwing the box to the floor, his blade drawn, “Using fear to keep someone shackled to you, that’s not the bond of a family! And until you figure that out, you’ll never gain what it is you desire!”

“So irritating…” Rui grumbled, “Would you mind not shouting? It’s clear that we don’t agree.”

“I’ll never hand them over to you!” Tanjiro bellowed.

“Very well, then,” Rui sighed, “I’ll just take them after I kill you.”

“Not if I manage to cut off your head first!” Tanjiro replied.

"Now, that's the spirit! I'd like to see you try. That is..." - Rui grinned madly as he pushed back the bangs covering his left eye, displaying the symbol that read 'Lower 5' - "...if you can actually defeat a Twelve Kizuki like me!"

Twelve Kizuki. A member of the Twelve Kizuki. You glanced over to Tanjiro, catching as his grip on his sword tightened. Gulping down your fear, you waited for an opening, for a signal, for something.

"In a family," Rui explained, "the father has his designated role to fulfill, and the mother has hers in return. The parents protect their children...and the eldest children protect the younger ones."

"What are you even talking about?" Tanjiro inquired.

"The way I see it, if you don't understand your own role in life, there's no reason in living it to begin with. What about you? What's your role? It is to relinquish those two to me and then disappear. If you refuse, your only other path is death. For you cannot defeat me."

You were back at Tanjiro's side, giving each other a quick glance before gazing back at the demon.

"Those steely looks in your eyes...I don't like it. What are you two plotting? Don't tell me..." Rui began, raising a hand, "...you think you're going to beat me?!"

Hearing a rustle of a bush and seeing Nezuko dragged through the air by webs, thrown into Rui's hold.

Too distracted to notice the threads creeping up from behind you.

"Alright, I've taken her. Now do you recognize what your own role is?" Rui snarled, hand extended with even more webs ready at his fingertips.

"Let her go!" Tanjiro commanded, launching himself forward.

"But I told you I'd spare your life, at least, if you didn't defile me," Rui commented.

Nezuko squirmed and growled, clawing his face in one quick motion.

"Don't worry. I'll make this easier for you, boy," Rui growled, shooting more webs in your direction. You quickly rolled to the ground to evade them, Tanjiro flipping backwards, but when you arose, Nezuko was gone.

You had no time to react to avoid the webs that suspended you above the ground. The silky strings wrapped so tightly across your entire body, especially around your arms, that you couldn't move your sword to slice through them.

Blood pooling down from both you and Nezuko as the webs continued to tear into your flesh, gritting your teeth to keep the pained scream from spilling out of your throat.

"Y/n! Nezuko!" Tanjiro screamed, gazing up in horror at the sight.

"Stop that hollering...This isn't enough to kill them," Rui began, "Your sister is a demon, after all...although...if the other bleeds out before I can turn her, then she's not even worthy of becoming a part of my family if she's that weak."

"But it looks like I will have to teach them a lesson after all," he added, "I'm going to let them bleed for a while. If you refuse to walk away, I'll make their punishment more severe..."

"If they still don't learn to be docile, I'll just leave your sister like that until daybreak, and let her burn a bit..." he warned, "and for your friend...I could always take a few drinks from her before turning her into a demon...I'm sure the rest of my family will be grateful for the meal after the mess you've caused..."

Tanjiro trembled violently with fury. Veins bulging around his face. Inhaling deeply before charging again.

Seeing bits of his haori tearing after being slashed by more threads, seeing him collapse to the ground before being kicked to a bush. Coughing up far too much blood. Unable to pick himself up before being struck across the face by Rui.

Stumbling back to his feet, blood flowing out of his mouth, panting but desperate to continue fighting.

In contrast, Rui sauntered over to Tanjiro, calmly asking, "Look...you...I'm sure I'm mistaken, but...You don't think that if you get close enough to me, you can chop off my head, do you?"

"Fine by me. Here. Give it a shot," Rui mocked, extending his arms to either side, a small smile on his face.

Tanjiro swung his sword. Rui dodged. The demon landed two hits to either side of his face. Using that momentum, Tanjiro swung again, hearing the clanking of the metal against Rui's neck.

It didn't budge an inch.

"Didn't I tell you? You have no chance against me," Rui hissed, kicking him so hard that Tanjiro was launched into a small hill, the collision bringing about a huge cloud of dust and debris.

This can't keep going on.

"Rui!" you cried out. His eyes widened, a strange feeling consuming him. There was something far too familiar in the way you called his name.

Like someone's done it before.

Tears rolling down your face as you begged, "Don't kill him! Please! I'll be your family! Just let them go! Please!"

"Now you're speaking to me," Rui looks up at you, a pleased smile on his face, "See? Just a little discipline and I've gotten a new bond. Shall I address you as my older sister or as Mother? You seem more like the motherly type to me..."

"Whichever you want," you gulped, desperate to appease him, desperate to save Tanjiro and Nezuko.

“But…” he pauses, “there’s something I still don’t understand. You’re not related to them. So why do you still protect them? Isn’t the bond of a family the greatest one of all?”

“That's not true..." is all you can answer.

Trying with all your might to cut through the webs, Nezuko letting out muffled grunts and cries as she struggled, disregarding how horribly the pain seared into your flesh.

"You're making too much noise," Rui spat, "Quiet down a bit."

The webs tightened even more into you as punishment, causing you both to scream in agony, blood splurting everywhere.

"Stop!" Tanjiro cried out.

"I'm your family now...enough of that infernal wailing..."

Tanjiro gripped onto his forearm roughly, trying to collect himself and prevent his emotions from getting the best of him. Growling whenever he heard your whimpers, doing his best to keep his eyes on the enemy.

Nezuko closed her eyes as though she had fainted.

"Did she pass out?" Rui questioned, "Is she asleep? This demon has a unique aura. There's something about her that's not like the rest of us. Interesting..."

Tanjiro gripped his blade with both hands now. Inhaling deeply, a fiery determination in his eyes as he leapt back onto his feet.

"You still don't realize how futile it is?" Rui muttered, sending out an array of webs.

Tanjiro charged forward, flowing waves emerging from his blade. He cut through the first thread.

The demon gasped.

Rotating and gathering even more speed as he activated his Tenth Breathing Form, a large dragon coming forth and snapping its jaws on every string it came across. Gaining ground, your heart filling with hope.

"Hey...you don't think these threads are at maximum strength, do you?" Rui asked, his hands becoming stained with blood as the red traveled to the webs themselves, "Blood Demon Art: Cutting Thread Cage."

Tanjiro was encaged in the red threads.

"I have no more use for you," Rui muttered, closing the cage further around him, "Farewell."

Using the last of your strength to pull your arm into your body, feeling the skin tearing away from your forearm to your wrist. The disgusting sound, the agonizing pain, it had to be pushed to the side.

Your arm now freed, you aimed your sword and flung it at Rui. You just need a distraction. You just need Tanjiro to slip away.

As the demon began to pull the threads even more tightly, he was surprised by the sudden gleam of the blade coming towards him. Lifting that hand, it pierced right through, preventing Rui from completing the cage from wrapping around Tanjiro.

Suddenly hearing an inhale comparable to that of a whistling, seeing Tanjiro's Water Breathing transform into flames, burning through the webs. Chasing with blazing determination towards Rui, his attacks more powerful and coordinated than you'd ever seen before.

Tanjiro was now in the demon's face, new webs aimed to consume him, but he didn't care. Perfectly positioned to slice his neck.

"Tanjiro!" you screamed.

Nezuko shot her eyes open, extending a clawed hand to activate her own Blood Demon Art - her blood that had trickled down the webs alighting into flames of her own, descending and burning through all of Rui's threads.

Tanjiro finally swinging his sword across Rui's neck, he proclaimed, "The bond between those I love and I...can't be...severed by anyone!"

One final slice and the demon's head flew off. Flames erupting everywhere. Relief overflooding you as the demon's body finally fell to the dirt.

But that was short-lived as the webs that had kept you suspended were now disintegrating to ash. Falling to the ground, pulling Nezuko close, and letting her fall on top of you with a loud thud!

"Tanjiro..." you groaned, vision becoming blurry as you watched him crawling towards you, "...she's okay...she's...okay..."

Tanjiro clutched onto his chest, grunting as he paused his movements, gasping at the horrible realization.

Lifting yourself to your feet, quickly making your way over to him.

Rui's headless body walked closer to him, his head held up by threads.

"Y/n..." Tanjiro exhaled, seeing the extent of your injury. The flaps of skin hanging off your arm as you put yourself between himself and the demon.

"You thought you'd defeated me?" Rui snarled, "You poor thing...Did your pathetic delusion bring you both joy? I cut off my head myself with my own threads before you could chop it off..."

"Enough...I'll kill all three of you..." he growled, "I haven't been this enraged in a long time. But I wonder why none of you are burning up..." - attaching his head back on - "...It was only me and my threads that caught fire, right? I don't know if it's your sister's power, but thanks for getting me pissed off..."

"Now I can carve you up with no regrets...and...return this to you..." - pulling out your sword from his hand, launching it at such a speed, you couldn't think of anything else other than lifting your arm to shield Tanjiro from your flying blade.

It impaled your arm, the tsuba preventing the rest of the sword from going completely through. Gasping as you tried to pull yourself together, knowing you had to fight. No matter how much it hurts.

"Y/n! Stop!" Tanjiro pleaded, watching as you pulled the sword right back out, teeth grinding as blood gushed out from the wound. Taking up a defensive stance, not wanting to leave Tanjiro's side, thinking he would use you two splitting up as an opportunity to take one of you down.

Rui extended his hands out, the webs between his fingers far more intricate as he hissed, "Blood Demon Art: Murderous Eye Basket!"

Webs immediately sprouted from the ground, creating a swirling circle around the both of you, threads enclosing you in. You threw yourself on top of Tanjiro, cradling his head into your chest, letting the strings cut into your body.

Raising your sword up, hearing the grind of metal against the strong threads, you tried to come up with some kind of plan. Some way to escape.

A splashing of waves disrupted the red. Slashing away the webs, the only thing you could make out was a mismatched haori.

"You did a good job holding out until I got here," a man congratulated you two, "Leave the rest to me."

You could only gaze in shock at the dark-haired man before you.

"You're like an endless stream of lowlifes always getting in my way!" Rui snapped, preparing for another attack, "Blood Demon Art: Cutting Thread Rotation!"

An orb of flurrying webs went rocketing towards the man who calmly spoke, "Total Concentration Water Breathing...Eleventh Form...Dead Calm." The sound of a droplet of water falling into a still stream was all that could be heard.

"Eleventh Form!?" Tanjiro gasped in disbelief.

"Who cares about your Eleventh Form?!" Rui cried out, gasping as his threads were nothing more than shreds. His attack had done no damage.

"That's impossible!" Rui screeched, extending his arms once more, "One more time!"

By that point, the stranger had already cut off his head, walking calmly away from him, swinging his sword to rid his blade of blood.

"Y/n!" Tanjiro called, the overwhelming smell of your blood becoming too much for him to bear. Your shivering made his heart ache. But he didn't know where to hold onto you, your body covered in lashes and your arms bleeding far too profusely.

Removing his haori, placing either hands at the center before hearing him tear it in half.

"Tanjiro...what are you doing?" you asked, now lying on your side, your face pressed into the dirt, too weak to lift yourself anymore.

"Please, Y/n..." he began, wrapping one half of his haori around your left arm, "...I have to stop the bleeding. I'm going to tighten this to add pressure, okay?"

It was difficult to focus. The blood loss made you dizzy, nauseous, and woozy. Only able to gasp when he tightened the makeshift bandage on your arm, the pain bringing a few tears to your eyes.

Carefully lying you on your back, Tanjiro worked to bandage up the other arm. Counting up to three to give you time to prepare before he tied his haori around your other arm.

Wiping your hair out of your face, fighting the sobs trying to claw out of his throat.

"Breathe in, Y/n..." he urged, "Come on...now breathe out...Good..." Leaning over you, his forearms planted on either side of your face barely keeping his full weight off of you. Every part of your body that was pressed against his was going cold. Trembling, teeth chattering, you scooted closer to the safety of his warmth.

Tanjiro pressed his forehead to yours carefully, closing his eyes as he cradled your head with one of his hands.

"Tanjiro...he's coming back..." you wheezed, only able to make out the blurry image of the approaching figure in white.

Tanjiro looked back to see Rui's disintegrating, headless body dragging his feet along the dirt, desperately trying to reach you three. He collapsed to the dirt before you, reaching his hand out.

His eyes watered as he placed a hand on Rui's back. Seeing it finally disappear to ash, Tanjiro gasped as Giyuu stood atop Rui's garments.

"Don't waste any sympathy on a demon that devoured humans," the man declared, "It doesn't matter if it looks like a child. It's still a hideous monster that's lived for decades."

"To avenge the people who were killed, to make sure there are no more victims, of course, I'll bring my blade down on any demon's neck without mercy!" Tanjiro retaliated, gripping onto Rui's collar, "But as for those for whom being a demon meant despair, those who regretted their own actions...I will never trample over them!"

"Because demons were once humans, too!" Tanjiro added, "Just like me, they were human, too! Please step off him!"

"They're not hideous monsters at all! Demons are hopeless creatures! They're tragic creatures!"

Tanjiro's words seemed to have no effect on the man. His eyes travelling lazily over to Nezuko. Suddenly remembering something, gasping lightly as his eyes widened, a sense of familiarity in his gaze.

"You're..." he began, suddenly lifting his head up.

Where did the butterflies come from?

Taking a lunge in front of you, unsheathing his blade, the man blocked an attack neither of you saw coming. A woman with a butterfly-patterned haori flipped through the air, landing a distance away from you.

A dispute began on why you were all defending a demon. You knew that explaining the situation to the woman wouldn't deter her from trying to kill Nezuko.

"Tanjiro..." you muttered, "...you have to get Nezuko out of here..."

"I can't leave you!" Tanjiro retorted.

"Can you move?" the man asked, "Make yourself move if you can't. Take your sister and run."

"Tomioka..." Tanjiro exhaled.

"I'll try to keep up," you said, seeing the hesitance in Tanjiro's eyes, "You take Nezuko. I'll take the box. Okay?"

"Okay," - addressing Tomioka, Tanjiro called out as he stood with Nezuko in his arms - "I'm sorry. Thank you very much!"

You leapt to your feet, slinging the box onto your shoulders with a pained grunt as you fled.

"Y/n!" Tanjiro called as you leapt over fallen trees, "Thank you for saving me! For-!"

"Tanjiro!" you interrupted, "Now's not the time for that! Keep an eye out!"

You don't remember what happened after that. Only feeling a sharp pain to the back of your head before everything went black.

Tanjiro was carried in by one of the Kakushi. He was exhausted, and even though Shinobu had given him a drink that also contained some kind of pain-reliever, he was still weak and sore.

"Excuse me," he groaned, trying to get the Kakushi's attention, "I was with another Slayer. Her name is Y/n. Was she also brought to this place?"

But they were cross with him. Thinking they were going to be in serious trouble after Tanjiro's outburst in front of all of the Hashira. They only continued to scold him for his behavior, refusing to answer his question.

Nearly moved to tears as he heard Zenitsu crying about not wanting to take his medicine. So relieved when he saw Inosuke also lying in bed, his pride more hurt than anything else with the exception of his voice.

His heart sank.

Where were you?

"Zenitsu," Tanjiro called, his heart thumping faster with worry, "Where's Y/n?"

"'Y/n?'" a girl with pigtails asked, hands on her hips, "If we're talking about the same person, she's the one causing a lot of trouble for the other Kakushi. She's fighting everyone to get out of bed..."

“Please tell me where she is!” Tanjiro pleaded.

“Let’s get you treated first and once you’re rested, you’ll be able to see each other,” Aoi offered.

Before Tanjiro could protest, a Kakushi barged into the room.

“Miss Kanzaki! The patient is still being…difficult,” he grunted, clutching onto his sore side, “I think we should bring in Miss Kocho…”

“Still?” - Aoi raised a brow - “In that case-”

Tanjiro was on his feet in an instant. He had to act fast. This Kakushi had the faintest trace of your scent, and he knew he could follow it to your room if he ran now.

Dashing out, Aoi shouted, “Wait! Where are you going?” She probably said more, but Tanjiro was already out of the room.

This sudden strength in his muscles propelled him forward, even though seconds ago, he could barely keep himself propped up on a bed. The nagging worry in his heart motivated him to keep running.

He has to see you.

Reaching what he hoped was your room, he heard your muffled voice. He swung the door open and your shouts immediately rang through the air.

“-last time, I’m not just gonna lie here unless you tell me what happened!” you spat, “I was with another Demon Slayer! Red hair! Scar on his forehead!”

The room reeked of worry. Of fear and desperation.

You were pinned down to the bed. Kakushi swarmed you, urging you to remain calm, that you were going to tear up your stitches and risk reopening your wounds. But that didn't prevent you from struggling.

“I thought you gave her the sedative!” one Kakushi snarled, to which another replied, “I did! But she still won’t settle down! She’s just-!” - grunting as he tried to keep your kicking under control - “…hysterical!”

“Y/n!” Tanjiro called and he could see your enraged expression transform into one of shock as you snapped your neck over to him.

“Tanjiro!” - eyes brimming with tears as you beamed with relief. He dashed inside, only to be stopped by one of the people in the room.

“Stay back!” one of the Kakushi ordered, “You’re covered in blood!”

"Please! Let me see him!" you begged, and it broke Tanjiro's heart to see how fervently you pleaded to the Kakushi. How you desperately tried to lift yourself out of bed.

"He'll get your wounds infected!" one warned.

"I don't care!"

Tanjiro knew he wasn't making the situation any better. How badly he wanted to headbutt the man holding him back and keeping him from you.

Your heartbroken cries pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Tanjiro!" you sobbed, "I'm sorry! I lost the box! When I woke up, it was gone! Is Nezuko-?!"

"It's okay!" he tried to console you as you wept even louder, his chest tightening with every tear that fell, "You didn't lose it! Nezuko's in her box in my room right now!"

"Really?" your voice quieter now, breath hitching as you tried to regain yourself.

"Yes," Tanjiro answered, smiling softly, "She's okay."

Your head flopped onto the pillow, the built-up stress finally being released with a long exhale.

"I'm so glad..."

You looked up to the Kakushi and implored again, "Please...please let him come to me..."

Tanjiro could see the hesitation in their eyes, feel as the man holding him loosened his grip for just a second. Nervously glancing from him to each other, silently asking themselves what their next move should be.

"It's okay," the redhead began, knowing he had to be the bigger person, "I'll get cleaned and patched up...and then I'll come see you..."

You frowned.

"But-"

"It'll be alright. Just for a moment."

Tears welled up in your eyes again. Tanjiro scoured his brain for some kind of compromise.

"You-!" Aoi shouted, making the redhead jump, "You were supposed to stay in your room and wait for medical attention! I told you you'd be able to see her once you were better!"

"I'm sorry! I know I should have listened, but I was just so worried! I had to make sure she was okay!" Tanjiro apologized. Aoi was quick to drag him out, and upon you finally calming down with the knowledge that both Tanjiro and Nezuko were alive, the Kakushi left you to take a break, fed up with the trouble you'd caused.

It seemed like eternity passed from the time it took Tanjiro to get his wounds treated, to him returning to your room. It took everything in you not to leap out of bed. But the sedative was beginning to take effect. You could only fight it for so long.

You had your arms spread wide open in expectance the moment Tanjiro came back to your room, sniffling and lip quivering as you ached for him to come to you.

Tanjiro was too scared to hold you now that he was before you, seeing up close with his own eyes the severity of your injuries. Bandages were wound tightly around your arms, your arms that you used to protect him without a second thought. He shuddered when he heard the term "degloving" from a gossiping Kakushi.

"Tan...jiro...?" - your words are starting to slur.

It hurts. It hurts to see you. To see how wounded you are. The cost of his inadequacy on your body.

“Y/n,” he murmurs, slowly making his way lower to you, kneeling at your side, swallowing the lump in his throat.

You want him to hold you again.

You can see the pain in his eyes as they travel all along your form. A sense of embarrassment, of vulnerability, fills you, the awareness that he’s looking all over you to take into account every bruise and slash you received. You wished you hadn’t kicked the blanket off earlier.

You long for that familiar touch.

The light whimper that escapes your lips is the tipping point that cracks the dam. He reaches for your hands, gasping upon the realization.

You're so cold.

"Y/n! Why didn't you say something?!" - he grabs a blanket and the bed creaks as he now positions himself over you, cursing himself for forgetting just how much blood you've lost, but logic makes him pause.

"Maybe it'd be better if I tucked you in..." he reasons. You pout.

"No," you frown, wishing you could get rid of these constricting bandages so you could wrap your arms around him and pull him in close.

“I just don’t want to hurt you,” Tanjiro responds, “Your injuries are severe…very severe…”

“But...” you reply, “I want to hold you.”

He gasps softly at this. But he obeys. Planting his hands on either side of you, watching how you respond to just the slightest addition of his weight. He's searching for the safest place to touch, as though you were covered in needles.

"Let me know if I'm hurting you, okay?"

"Okay."

Perhaps only now is when he realizes that he didn't think this through. This bed is much too small for him to lie on his side, and he can't have you moving so that he can have you resting on top of him.

Maybe it's just a bit risqué, but you need to keep warm. Tanjiro finally lies on top of you, making sure the two of you are wrapped nice and snug in the blanket.

This is different. The way you're holding each other now.

Tanjiro's the eldest. The protector. The provider. His siblings would come and lie on top of him on those cold winter nights, little bodies snuggling close to his chest. The last time he had been held like this was when his father was alive, or when his grandmother would tell him a story after he'd had a nightmare and wobbled into her futon.

He feels so safe.

Even though this was meant to comfort you and bring you warmth, Tanjiro can't help but feel like he's the one being comforted. Though the exposed skin of your collarbone is cold, he nuzzles further into you, rubbing his cheek against you affectionately.

You can feel his face burning when your fingers gently grab ahold of the back of his shirt, tracing imaginary lines along his sides. His warmth seeps into your skin so perfectly, and for a moment, your eyes begin to close, peace finally settling into your bones.

But a tiny splash on your chest makes you tense up.

"Tanjiro?" you call, feeling his body trembling against yours.

"Thank you..." he whimpers, his hold on you tightening just a bit more. His next sentence is muffled by your shirt, but you can still make out what he's saying.

"I'm sorry for you getting hurt because of me..."

You immediately interject.

"Tanjiro, there's no reason for you to apologize. I'm so glad that you and Nezuko are alright. You know I'll do everything in my power to protect you, Nezuko, and everyone else. That's just..."

what love's all about...

"...just how it should be..."

"But, still," he protests, burying further into your chest, his previous bashfulness gone due to this overwhelming need to hold you close to himself, "there was so much that I could have done differently...if I-"

"There was a lot I could have done, too," you interrupt, "Don't put the blame on yourself. I'm just so glad we're all okay now..."

You let out a yawn, and you grip Tanjiro's shirt just a bit more tightly, pressing your cheek against his dark hair. His scent is a bit more herby than usual - evidence that the medicinal tea they tried to make you drink earlier must have been poured into his bath.

"Tanjiro, there's a girl who has your haori..." you murmur, the weight of your eyelids becoming too much to bear, "She was the one who dragged you out earlier...She said she'd take care of stitching it back together."

"Really?"

"Yes...make sure she does fix it..." you pouted, "The Kakushi tried to throw it away...hopefully she didn't lie to get me to stop throwing a fit..."

Tanjiro's heart thumps wildly in his throat. The image of you fighting the others to keep his haori close to yourself, shielding his possession with fiery devotion, makes him feel a bit dizzy.

His heart overfills with adoration.

It happened so quickly. A rushed kiss pressed to your cheek. Before you could even snap your eyes open, Tanjiro hid his face back in the crook of your neck, even going so far as to pull the blanket over his head.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, "I just-I really...Thank you..."

There's a gentle calmness in your heart - one you didn't know you needed. Smiling from ear to ear, you place your own kiss to the top of his head, and you can tell that Tanjiro is smiling too by the broken chuckle that escapes him.

"I'm tired..." you mumble, the effect of the sedatives, the last of your energy after the fight with Rui and the scuffle with the Kakushi finally spent, the overwhelming relief knowing that Tanjiro and Nezuko were alright, it was finally taking its toll.

"Tanjiro, please don't go," you begged, your eyelids far too heavy to keep open now.

"Don't worry," Tanjiro comforts, "I'm staying right here with you."

"Promise?"

"I promise."