Day 4: Surprise Gift, Tanjiro Kamado

                                    

                                          
Summary: The season of Winter has always been so unforgiving. However, in time of giving and celebration, Tanjiro gets an unexpected gift from a very unexpected member of the Demon Slayer Corp.
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Snow blanketed the ground in an array of white that was almost blinding to the eye. If Tanjiro focused, he could smell it; the strange clean scent mixed with the earth frozen beneath creating a pleasant and calming scent.
The Ubuyashiki Mansion was brimming with energy, demon slayers and Hashira's training alike, and Tanjiro wiped the sweat from his brow as he sat up; pausing his workout.
The cold that seeped into the mountainside helped to keep him cool while he worked himself to the bone. It was crisp and welcomed as he shivered slightly, rubbing his hands together.
"Man, it's so cold out today...I should probably go warm up before I get sick...I won't be able to train if I get sick."
Tanjiro stood up, stretching his sore limbs, but before he could return inside, your scent wafted into his nose. Tanjiro spun around to see you standing before him and looking slightly uncomfortable.
The Shadow Hashira.
You were a few years older than Tanjiro, clad in your demon slayer uniform and grey-to-black ombre shawl that seemed to flow like smoke when you walked. You were quiet like Kanao, only speaking when necessary (and even then, that was few and far between).
You were a newer Hashira that had come to the Demon Corps, having become a Hashira right when Tanjiro had begun his demon slayer training, and though Tanjiro had never seen you fight, Tanjiro knew that you were highly regarded.
You were the first of your type. Your breathing technique, like all techniques, was derived from Sun Breathing. However, it was mainly about the absence of the sun.
From what Tanjiro had heard, you operated in the shadows and used them to your advantage, and since demons could only roam at night; you were invaluable.
However, like a shadow, you were quiet and preferred to remain as unseen as possible. Tanjiro had only ever heard you speak about three or four times, and at least two of those times were to simply say his name and have him follow you to meet with the other Hashiras during training.
So, for you to be standing in front of him and looking nervous? It had Tanjiro worried.
"Miss (L/n), what a surprise. How are you today?"
You were shifting from foot-to-foot, looking uncomfortable, and Tanjiro was surprised to see your hands slip out of your cloak; holding a neatly wrapped box.
His eyebrows shot up, mouth slightly agape, and Tanjiro blamed the cold for the blush that had spread across his face the moment your quiet voice broke through the winter air.
"I...hear that...in the West, there is a tradition in Winter where you exchange gifts with...with those you care about."
Tanjiro's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed with excitement as he turned to face you completely.
"Yes, it's called Christmas!"
Your head ducked slightly, and Tanjiro calmed the slightest as he looked down at the box within your hands as you held it out for him to take; your eyes looking everywhere but at him.
"So, this...this is...my-er...our Christmas gift for....for you."
Tanjiro's heart was pounding within his chest, his whole body frozen, and he asked softly as he slowly took the box from you.
"You...you got something for me?"
You nodded gently, rubbing your arm and fiddling with the brightly colored cloth that decorated the hilt of your sword; Tanjiro's interest becoming piqued immediately before his attention was back on the box. You seemed to lose your voice, but Tanjiro was understanding.
Carefully opening the box, Tanjiro's eyes widened at the sight of a lapel sitting on a small pillow of satin. The lapel was in the shape of a Lotus flower, and the petals were made up of different metals; tasseled by the same colorful cloth that was on the hilt of your sword.
Your voice broke the enamored silence as Tanjiro carefully lifted the lapel out, his eyes widened and mouth agape with shock as it shined and glittered within the sunlight of the winter day.
"I...told Kanroji and Shinobu...about wanting to use a piece of Rengoku's blade to make a gift for you, and then everyone decided to help. So, this lapel has a piece of all of us so that when you feel alone, you may remember that you aren't."
Tanjiro's eyes filled with tears, his chest tightening as he gazed at the glittering metal of each petal; the unmistakable color of Rengoku's blade shining within the middle.
"Within flame, within light, within shadows, within all that is around you and loved by all; you are never alone in your endeavors."
Tanjiro let out a hic, clutching his chest while holding the lapel close, and his jaw clenched. He was so moved; so surprised that he couldn't help but to double-over and whisper to you.
"Thank you...Thank you...I...I...I don't know if I deserve this."
Your eyes widened, not expecting him to become so emotional, and you knelt down, placing a hand on his shoulder as he cried. Tanjiro's hand came up to clasp around yours, and though you weren't sure if it was intentional or not, it still made your heart race.
"Tanjiro, you deserve this more than you realize. You were meant for great things."
Tanjiro looked up at you, a smile on his face as the tears ran down his red cheeks like rivers, his lips parting to speak, but all that came out was a cry, and he latched onto you, burying his head within your shoulder.
You weren't sure what to do; not having expected such a reaction, but you carefully wrapped your arms around his shaking body. For a while, Tanjiro cried within your arms, and at some point, you had begun to run your fingers through his hair gently to help him calm down.
When he was calm enough to pull away, Tanjiro began to apologize profusely for getting your shawl dirty, and you simply shrugged.
"Don't worry about it. I have plenty more."
Tanjiro was quiet for a moment before he sneezed, and you stood up abruptly, making Tanjiro jolt.
"What is it, Miss (L/n)?"
Suddenly, you were dragging him inside, Tanjiro sputtering the whole way, and there was a plate of steaming food and warm clothes waiting for Tanjiro. You bowed to Tanjiro, whispering softly as your face became warm as your voice shook.
"Merry Christmas, Tanjiro Kamado."
You stepped into a shadow, and the soft scent of burning incense filled the air for second, and then you were gone; melting into the shadows and out-of-sight. Tanjiro glanced around, looking for you, but you were truly gone as your scent disappeared as well.
Glancing down at the lapel in his hand, he held it close, whispering.
"I'll do what it takes to become stronger...so that I can set my heart ablaze and defeat Muzan once and for all!"
Tanjiro was quick to change, pinning the lapel to his uniform proudly before he stepped out of the Mansion, ready to take on his next task with a wide and confident smile on his face; the lapel glittering brightly in the sun.