⚜ ~ 23 ~ ⚜

                                    

                                          
A couple days had passed since everything, Tanjirou taking the time to recover. He'd spent most of it watching over the two Demons around him, but he hadn't minded. Part of him had wanted to take up more missions, but Giyuu fought him. In the end, he spent nearly two days forced to remain resting. It had it's perks of course. Giyuu had been present for most of it, which made Tanjirou all the more joyful. He'd been able to learn a bit more, including Rui's past. It only proved Demons weren't as bad as what they were cut out to be. They had a past as well, a time when they were human. All evil is cut from the heart and the desires, that was something Tanjirou learned.
                          
Having reached the third resting day, Tanjirou had found his need to roam. It brought him beyond the room, neither Demon in sight. Rui had gone off to aid somewhere else. As for Giyuu, Tanjirou wasn't sure. The Demon simply wandered off and he never thought much of it. How could he? Giyuu was still his own individual, so his choices were his own. 
                          
"Tanjirou? Glad to see you're well!" The cheerful voice stirred Tanjirou back as he smiled.
                          
"The rest was appreciated. What are you up to at this hour Rengoku-san?" The Hashira rubbed his chin, glancing to the sun high overhead. It was barely past noon, which was oddly comforting for Tanjirou. To feel those warm rays and bathe under the watch of the world's sole light. 
                          
"Kagaya-sama has sent me to fetch some stuff for the festive we're planning. A party of sorts!"
                          
"A party for what?" Tanjirou tilted his head, the Hashira chuckling.
                          
"You remember on the train I mentioned you doing that dance? It goes with that. Speaking of, is there anything you need for that?"
                          
"Only the outfit, but that's back at my home... Well, what used to be my home anyway." Kyoujurou hummed, his hand resting on the other's shoulder.
                          
"I remembered you mentioning something, so we traveled there while you were resting. Brought back a couple things, as a memory. They will be brought to your room shortly, but I am looking forward to seeing that dance. I'm sure it will be splendid. Speaking of such festivities, mind joining me to town?" The maroon haired slayer nodded, giving a bright smile. He'd been dying to move about. To use his legs.

                          
"I'd be glad. What are you picking up, might I ask? Oh! Also, might we get some torches?"
                          
"We're getting some food and what not. As for the torches, are they for the dance?" Tanjirou nodded. "Then I'd be glad to snag a few."
                          
"Does anyone else know about the dance?"
                          
"I've kept it our little secret. Sometimes the surprise is more desired, you know?" Tanjirou chuckled, nodding as the two moved from the location. They traveled along the porch before entering the main hall leading to the exit. Tanjirou slid on his shoes before following beyond the door and down the path toward the next village.
                          
The shopping trip had been something to remember, especially for Tanjirou. His presence made many take notice, some offering food items for free. In the end, he got far too much, not the Rengoku had complained. He'd eaten some of it, assuring it would lighten the load. It had made Tanjirou chuckle seeing how the Hashira adored food. They had got everything needed, only two hours having passed. For a walk, it was pleasant. He'd got to talk a bit about his family before, Kyoujurou mentioning his brother. While the Hashira didn't speak much of the father nor the mother, he figured there were reasons, thus leaving it be.
                          
The duo made their way down the path where wisteria grew, Tanjirou noticing Kyoujurou's lingering gaze. It made him confused, but steadily ignored it. At least until he felt a finger brush along his head. It startled him slightly, his eyes widening as he glanced to the Hashira. They held a petal as footsteps filled the silence, Tanjirou feeling arms wrap around him. He was pulled back gently into someone's chest, the smell lingering close to his heart. It was one he adored more than anything. Tilting his head slightly back, he stopped himself from speaking upon seeing those eyes. They held such intensity, a threat to the Flame Hashira, no doubt.
                          
"Glad to see you well, Giyuu."
                          
"I'd prefer you keep your hands to yourself, Rengoku. You're a Hashira, so know the boundaries!" The Flame pillar smirked, waving his hand as he flashed a brief smile.
                          
"I was simply getting a petal from his hair, nothing more. No need to heed me as a threat. I've no desire for Tanjirou as anything more than a friend and ally." Giyuu gave a low growl, holding Tanjirou tighter.
                          
"I'll trust those words, but keep your distance. I don't normally bite, but I'll gladly harm those who touch what isn't theirs!" Even though those words were filled with a threat, it brought Tanjirou's heart to life. The loud beating was overwhelming. It was only soothed when the Hashira met Tanjirou's gaze, offering a short smile.
                          
"Well, I enjoyed our trip to town. We should do it again sometime. The party will be later this evening, so look for the items needed for the surprise, okay?"
                          
"Y-yeah..." The maroon haired male offered his best wave, watching Kyoujurou carry everything inside. It left Tanjirou and Giyuu in the wisteria, the petals fluttering past as the wind carried them. The silence was heavy, but not unsettling. It held a calming tone. Of course, there was only so much silence Tanjirou could handle. Not only that, he could smell the slight change in Giyuu. A sad hue. "Giyuu?"
                          
"Yes, Tanjirou?" The maroon haired male sighed, leaning more into Giyuu. It no doubt startled the other, but they accepted it.
                          
"Are you mad?"
                          
"Not really, just upset that I didn't get to go. I feel threatened by him for some reason." Tanjirou nodded, pulling free from Giyuu's hold. He spun on his heels, facing the Demon.
                          
"There's no need. You know better than anyone, I have my heart set on one person."
                          
"Less person and more Demon, but sure." Tanjirou flattened his expression, hitting Giyuu lightly on the arm.
                          
"You get what I mean. You make my world whole, same with Rui. I always told myself that I'd not ruin what we had, that we'd stay friends. But my heart doesn't follow that thought. Your always the main topic of my thoughts, Giyuu-san!" The Demon grunted, a small smile twitching at his mouth. It made Tanjirou giddy. 
                          
"I heard about a party tonight. I have a request."
                          
"Go on!?" Giyuu hesitated, but finally gave a genuine smile as he spoke. His tone was low, only meant for Tanjirou.
                          
"After everything, can we go out walking. You and I? I want a moment to speak, somewhere only we'll be." Tanjirou widened his gaze.
                          
"Of course!" Giyuu chuckled, pulling Tanjirou into a hug. One that was returned. When it broke, Tanjirou gave a short wave, turning as he hurried inside, his words reaching Giyuu, stirring his heart to life as it echoed in his mind. "It's a date then, Giyuu-san~"
                          
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Hope you've enjoyed the chapter and leave me feedback. Much love to you all! Glad to have someone be enjoying these stories of mine! (✿◠‿◠)