Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

35 minutes before dawn.  

Muzan was cornered, even if at first, he had the advantage in term of strength alone, the sun would soon make an appearance.  

Tamayo drugs made him grew weaker by the time. He could fight and kill every demon slayer that where present, but it would also mean risking his life.  

He couldn’t do it; he couldn’t give up his throne , nor his life, because all he wanted from the beginning was to live. But to achieve that, the most reasonable solution was to retreat even if it’ll give him some headache in the future. He could regenerate in the meantime become even stronger and conquer the sun.  

But he was so close to his goal!  

A bunch of Hashira died; a demon conquered the sun; and Tamayo was dead. He just needed to slaughter them all now. Some bugs, not even Hashira were launching on him, he could easily get rid of them if he gave it’s all.   

Unfortunately, that would mean not being able to regenerate. He would sacrifice himself to kill everyone leading to a world without the main folks of the demon slayer corps.  

What a useless way of thinking.  

If he’s not alive, it’s worthless. He thrives to live.  

Between a few clashes of hit, Muzan managed to draw further from the crowd, he struck a few time Inosuke and Tanjiro running at him while throwing away a charging Obanai.  

But still, it would be such a waste to leave like this.  

So, he turned Tanjiro into a demon.  

Let the newly made demon continue his slaughter, become a distraction for him, and kill them for Muzan. Even if he proves to be useless, it will still buy time for him to run away.  

And now, Tanjiro Kamado would be erased from this world.  

As the demon Tanjiro is the only one present now.  

The Hashira, Inosuke, Zenitsu and Kanao had to slice his head. As hard as it was, there was no other choice as Tanjiro was violent, and all the medicine was forced on Muzan. And unlike his little sister, he seeks flesh and blood.  

Tanjiro was drooling, unable to resist the urge to attack and eat, in fact, just like Muzan, he wanted to live. As much as it was against his will, his new cells told him to live. 

He rushed to every person that appeared in his vision and attacked restlessly. Zenitsu and Inosuke tried to resonate him, but the Hashira yelled that it was impossible, and they couldn’t restrain or supervise him like they did to Nezuko. Right now, Tanjiro was just a wild beast that couldn’t be tamed, with no other option than to be put down, thus a final blow was sent towards Tanjiro and Giyuu was the one to launch it.  

And as his blades was approaching the demon’s neck at a high speed, it clashed against another sword. It was Zenitsu who blocked it, as Inosuke jumped on Tanjiro to inject some tranquillizing that he found in the pharmacy and wrapped his mouth with a bamboo, similar to the one Nezuko had.  

“Come on!” Inosuke yelled as he grunted, we could hear that he was out of breath, and deep down, Tanjiro smelled a great fear with a tint of despair, well everyone was like that. Expect for Zenitsu that couldn’t control the small tears coming out of his eyes.  

Zenitsu pushed back Giyuu, which made him baffled for a moment and shouted to have an explanation. But neither of them responded, as they just slashed their swords everywhere while protecting the demon.  

“Do you have any plan?! Or are you just blindly following your belief!” Giyuu yelled out.  

He couldn’t comprehend their action, there wasn’t any hope for him. So, if they could explain why, explain if they have a plan or if there is any sign of hope that he couldn’t see. Then he wished to know about it so he could have hope too and help .  

“We have no idea.” Was all they could stutter; no more word was coming out as too much thought was rushing through their mind. They could only spit out the truth, the reality of the situation.  

They wished to see that bit of hope too.  

Giyuu was numb from their simple response, now the only things left is to discard his emotion.  

Giyuu went back to attack them, without restraining his strength and slashed his sword at the two demon's slayers. Ultimately, they created a path to escape, and Inosuke grabbed Tanjiro by the arm. He replied growling, but still followed even if he tried sometimes to sneak an attack from behind.  

But it was proof. How could they abandon him when he responds to their calls and gesture. Tanjiro knew who they were, he trusted them more than anything else. They couldn’t abandon a friend, not someone that risked their life for them, not someone that were always there for them, not someone that loved them.  

Not someone that they loved.  

And ultimately, the Hashira failed, Muzan flee the battle without any possibilities of knowing his whereabout and current status. And the newly made demon, Tanjiro, was still alive, as he, Inosuke and Zenitsu ran away.  

They ran the further they could, while they both constituently checked behind them if there was any slayer.  

As morning start to rose, the trio hid in an abandoned house, where they put Tanjiro in the deepest corner, where light could not be seen.  

He didn’t move and kept tight his leg in his arm. He knew what he has done, but he was still relieved that he didn’t fatally injure anyone. But his sister... His sister has no idea of what happened, she doesn’t know that he became a demon, thus leading to the slayer attacking him. And now that they ran away, she must be awfully worried.  

Tanjiro couldn’t think of anything else but his sister, but soon, his name reached his ear, he didn’t notice, and the second time he lifted his head.  

Zenitsu was there, looking straight at him in the dark. He had a weak lantern in his left hand that didn’t go far enough to fully lighten Tanjiro. In the contrary, the demon could clearly discern Zenitsu figure, with the light flickering against his face and glimmering his dried tears. His face showed pure sadness and despair. And he understood that, he knew that he wasn’t in the same position as his sister. Since unlike before where he would go to Zenitsu and clean his face with a towel, reassuring him. Right now, he didn’t want that, and his focus wandered to his wound, and not for the same reason as it was before .  

He was hungry. But it didn’t want to eat, as he knew what it meant.  

“Tanjiro, are you alright?” He asked in a weak voice.  

The demon didn’t answer, nor did he move, he just stared.  

“Do you feel any pain? Or... do you need something?” He asks as he takes a tiny step forward while kneeling in front of him on one leg. He waited for a few seconds, in a hope of having a response. But it was hopeless. Inosuke made an appearance from behind and stayed at the door. The demon noticed him but kept quiet and diverted his eyes again to the boy in front of him.  

Zenitsu still looked at his demeanor, it was hard to understand the demon since he didn’t make any expression or any sounds that he could interpret, it was mixed with a new one that was unknow to him. But maybe It’ll get better with some time.  

“We’ll go get something for you... A place better than here.” Zenitsu made a tiny soft smile, and after a good 10 second, he got up and turned around. Both the boys looked at each other but didn’t say anything. They both left and closed the door behind them.  

Now Tanjiro was alone in the dark. He couldn’t do anything, nor that he wanted to do something .  

Now, their only hope was to find the cure again, to fabricates it and give it to Tanjiro.  

And in the meantime, keep him alive. And keeping the other around him alive .  

The birds were chirping, the freezing cold of the night became warmer, and the street were getting filled. Dawn was there.  

Chapter Text

The first day of Tanjiro being a demon went quite chaotic. The demon slayer scattered around to find the demon or the two boy that escaped with him. The Hashira tried to search for him too, but most of them where in a bad shapes from the battle with the demon king. Even though they were hopeful that Muzan would soon die from the drugs and his injuries, they now had a new target to kill. Since there wasn’t any antidote left, and no upper moon left alive, they couldn’t save him, it was too late and there was no hope.  

His sister, Nezuko, wandered around the mansion screaming his brother's name, with the belief that he would come back for her. For an hour she went around, looking for him and occasionally asked the different slayer she came across to give her some news. But no one was found, no rumor spread among the villager, no trace. There was nothing, fortunately and unfortunately.  

Meanwhile, Zenitsu went around trying to find a knife and a bamboo to replicate the one Nezuko had, or a sturdier one. Inosuke was searching for a new shelter for Tanjiro, or something they could move him with. But who knows if he’ll be able to change his size like his sister, nothing was sure, it was all new.  

Time passed fast; the sunset was right around the corner. It felt like they didn’t have enough time on their hand, that just an hour passed since they left the house, though it has been eleven hours by now.  

But for Tanjiro, those eleven hours felt like an eternity.  

He was trapped in this room, not being able to get out, scared of the outside and scared of himself. Scared that they may not come back, but also hoping for it. He was chained in his own thought. He was alone. And he was hungry. He couldn’t stop thinking about food , the longer he waited, the longer his mind trailed around that thought. Is this how a demon usually thinks? It made him go insane just thinking about what his sister endured, but still managed to overcome. Yet he, was on the verge of breaking.  

It hasn’t even been a full day, but he was so hungry that he couldn’t think clearly.  

And 2 hours after they left, Tanjiro lost himself.  

And for the next 9 hours, he waited, like a demon waiting for his prey to enter his territory.  

Just like a demon .   

They went back to the abandoned house at 7pm, eleven hours after they left, and right before the night took place.  

But as soon as they reached it, they sensed the lust around the house. The bloodlust was unmeasurable, as if the demon inside didn’t eat for two weeks, a murderous intent that everyone coming near could feel. So tight and thick that even Inosuke took a step back. They could feel how dangerous it was inside.  

But it was Tanjiro waiting and emitting this hunger for flesh. And they knew that Tanjiro noticed them, but he still didn’t move, he was still in the same place.  

So, they decided to get in, together at the same time. Zenitsu took Inosuke by the arm, as the other slayer was leading and entered the house. The first step inside where the hardest, they could feel and hear their heart beating profusely every time they got closer to the door, where the demon stayed.   

Inosuke opened the door, he was calm, and was waiting patiently for anything that could come. Zenitsu got a bit relived when he remarked that the demon didn’t move from his spot.  

Zenitsu slowly sat in front of him, still examining every change in his behavior. Inosuke then followed and sat by Zenitsu’s side. The demon just stared at them. Zenitsu got some cooked meal out of a bag and put it in front.  

“Do you think you could eat that for now?”  

The demon glared at them, then at the food, and steadily watched the blond guy unwrap the food. It was a cooked rabbit with only meat in the plate, no vegetable or anything else.  

They told themself that for the next meal, they’ll get something fresher than this. But for the first day, the demon had to deal with it.  

He pushes the plate to the demon and they both backed away. For two minutes, the hungry demon kept looking back-to-back from the dish and the two humans. He could see their anxious state, and they didn’t move an inch, nor did he.  

He finally went for the rabbit, and as soon as he reached for the plate, he heard a sight from the boys, and checked while moving back to his corner. Zenitsu got relaxed instantly, even though Inosuke was still reluctant to give in.  

As he started eating, the demon got in a more comfortable position, as they could determine it was lowering his guard. They instantly felt relief, and a new hope was formed. They still backed away to the opposite wall and started eating on their side too. They got the same dish as him, but it only had a single piece of rabbit and the rest being the vegetable. As they gave nearly all the meat they had, now it was only accompaniment.  

Tanjiro still noticed it. Again, they didn’t change, or maybe they took example on him when Inosuke was sick, and as he gladly accepted all the food Tanjiro gave him.  

Tanjiro was self-conscious of his situation, and it made him remember the past.  

And that he wasn’t sick.  

Just a demon.  

The demon stuffed his food in his face in a desperate way to calm his hunger. The two slayers were now facing each other, eating the half dish they got for themselves.   

After they all finished eating, Inosuke and Zenitsu conversed where they would sleep, or if they should sleep at all and move Tanjiro during the night.  

Meanwhile, the demon just stared at the window he opened beside him, he blankly stared at the moon.  

And suddenly, his hunger rose again, it was not enough.  

He launches himself at the boys and grabbed Inosuke by the arm. Zenitsu had time to react, and pushed him with his hand, but it’s not with bare hand that you can stop a demon. Tanjiro bit on Inosuke’s arm and didn’t mind the pushing hand on his head nor the insult of the black-haired boy. He sucked the blood coming out of his wound and his mind could focus again. He realizes what he has done and quickly back away, gotting unkownwingly closer to Zenitsu who tried to separate them.  

“Tanjiro...” Zenitsu had tears in his eyes, and the demon got up and backed away a few steps. The 2 slayers stared in shock, with Zenitsu trembling, and tears rolling down his cheeks, and Inosuke just gripping at his arm, trying to stop the blood coming out from the bite.  

They were scared. A demon was in front of them, and tried to suck their blood, if it wasn’t to kill them.  

The situation was out of control, they couldn’t think properly or make proper judgement. And even though it looked bad, that Inosuke was bleeding, that Tanjiro couldn’t resist the urge to taste human and that Zenitsu couldn’t do anything about it.  

Would you look at that, wasn’t he doing much better? After only a few sips?  

It was like again, a newly found hope, they had to reassemble every piece to keep the Tanjiro they knew. And if he could last off little blood, their blood, they could protect and keep Tanjiro by their side.  

A desperate hope.  

The demon backed away again, in response, Zenitsu instantly reacted and quickly got up to grab the demon by the shoulder, now Tanjiro was the one with a desperate and anxious face.  

They locked eyes for a few seconds and Zenitsu whispered with a soft smile.  

“It’s alright, we’ll figure it out together...”  

Now Zenitsu was calm and determined to help him. Inosuke watched him as he was bandaging his arm, but he would soon realize that it might be useless, since the wound was practically healed as it may be one of Tanjiro’s abilities.  

“If needed we’ll gladly help.”  

Zenitsu hugged him, Tanjiro opened his mouth to gasp for air, and was to the point of crying.  

A few tears rolled down his face, before he dug his teeth in Zenitsu’s neck.

Chapter Text

The duo covered up their wound and went to a different room to recover and take a nap. In the other room, Tanjiro was full of guilt, he wasn’t like his sister, he wasn’t as kind and gentle as her. It would have been enough if he could just sleep off the hunger. But now, just thinking about not eating anything made him sick, he didn’t understand how his sister could hold. And now, he hurt his friend, it was the worst thing he could’ve done. And if he couldn’t resist the hunger against human, who knows if he’ll try anything further to satisfy his craving for food .  

Should he just end it? Accept his fate and die? By the hand of a demon slayer, or by the sun. In the end, now that he was demon, he can’t fight, nor can he survive without eating anything.  

He could live off blood, but he didn’t want to be a monster, not one savoring their friend.  

Tanjiro doesn't want to hurt them.  

The demon was now thinking of running away, but if he did that during the night, he might attack villager. The best was to wait for the day.  

In the other room, Zenitsu removed his self-made bandage, as he noticed it doesn’t hurt or bleed. With the help of a broken mirror that practically made his height, he saw that the wound closed, the only things that was left was a bright red bite mark. He tilted his head a little and caressed the mark, it made him blush a little, remembering what happened, even though it wasn’t in that way.  

He turned around and went back to Inosuke who was sitting on an old futon.  

“Has your wound healed too?” Zenitsu asked calmly while sitting next to him.  

“Yeah, this fucker next time I'll bite him too.” He pouted annoyed as he lay down on the futon. Zenitsu snickered at his remarks and just stayed silent. It was good to laugh it off, since Tanjiro was a demon, he felt like he would cry every minutes.  

He then listened, if he could hear Tanjiro and know how he’s doing right now. It would be great to leave this place in a few hours, to search for a more stable and remote house. But he still didn’t get any better. Inosuke started to annoy him with his leg, putting it on Zenitsu, and just rolled around.  

While listening to what was around, he noticed fast footstep, people running, just two. And at the pace that they were going, it was slayers! Fortunately, they weren’t heading to this abandoned house yet, but it still made Zenitsu panic and jump.  

“Slayers are in the town! We need to leave!” He said ending in a high-pitched voice.  

“Oh yeah.” He replied.  

Zenitsu felt his blood boil and glared at the laying boy. He was so unconcerned that he wanted to hit him.  

“Get up, we have to get out of town!” Zenitsu exclaimed as he slaps Inosuke’s left leg. He replied kicking him with the same leg he got slapped at.  

“Why leaving! We can just fight them!”  

“Nooo????” He slapped him again and ran away, he got tired of explaining and just left to get Tanjiro. Inosuke jumped instantly and followed as he was pissed off. None of them cared how much noise they made, not that they had time to think of that anyway.  

The blond guy barged in the Tanjiro’s room all panicked and out of breath, and before he could say his name, Inosuke rushed in Zenitsu and was pushed to the ground.  

Zenitsu got up and went to Tanjiro, as his priorities wasn’t that as of now.  

“Get up! We’re leaving, there’s slayers near us!”  

He grabbed the demon by the arm and forced him to get up. He screamed at the black-haired guy to just run and find somewhere safe.  

Tanjiro just ran behind them. They were gasping for air as they ran at full speed. They couldn’t use their breathing style since they didn’t know if the demon could keep up, he was still not used to this new “body” and the blood inside.  

Tanjiro thought about what to do, he looked at them, then at the smell of his fellow demon slayer. If he goes out of their grasp, he can run to them, and get his head sliced. Since everyone is against him now, wherever they run to, slayer will come for his head.  

The demon contemplated the environment, until a cold little flake dropped on his nose. He looked back at the duo, then up, and saw that it started to snow. He was still behind both, but he was deep in his thought. The falling snow on his skin made him feel colder but calmer.  

He can’t die, he needs to live to protect Zenitsu, Inosuke and Nezuko. Demon still existed and they were roaming around killing countless people. Muzan, as though he was half dead, still managed to escape, and who knows what happened.  

His past, his present, his future.  

He couldn’t give up now, as they couldn’t give up on him.  

They ran for a full 30 minutes at full speed, before arriving at a new town. They looked around for a place to spend the night, and Tanjiro followed quietly by their side without Zenitsu having the needs to hold him.  

Finally, they found an inn where they could stay, the price was low, but since they were demon slayer, they got offered to stay for free. They happily agreed and went to their chamber. Thankfully, the young girl at the reception didn’t catch that Tanjiro was a demon.   

They each installed the clean futon in the same room, and both boys were forced to stay in there. They couldn’t get another room, nor could they leave the demon alone.  

They still feared that the demon would get hungry again, or that it would hurt them. How would Tanjiro react once he’s fully transformed? Would it be even possible to find a new cure? With new upper moon? Or do they have to hunt down Muzan for his sake? The future was blurry, even more the present, it was hard to make a choice.  

They all sit together, with Zenitsu and Inosuke in front of Tanjiro. Unlike last time, the atmosphere wasn’t tense, they were all relaxed. But just in case, the slayer still had their katana near them. But in spite of that, they didn’t give Tanjiro the bamboo to cover his mouth.  

“Tanjiro.” Inosuke started. “Are you hungry again? We ran pretty far.”  

Tanjiro just nodded sideway, and mumbled a little no, as if it was a bit hard to speak. Maybe he imitated his younger sister, or it was a coping mechanism, transforming into a demon still hold a lot of mystery, especially for the Kamado family. Despise that, it made them sad, as if they lost their old cheerful Tanjiro, but maybe with time, they’ll be able to talk and do much more as they did before.  

“Please tell us when you are hungry again. We need to figure out how much blood you need per day or week and what your physical capacities are like, also with your blood demon art.” Zenitsu said. The red-haired guy just listened as he continues.  

“Based on how much you need, we’ll feed you taking tours.”  

It made Tanjiro tense up a little hearing that. He couldn’t hurt them again as he did before, it would be unforgivable for him.  

“Since it heals almost immediately, it wouldn’t be a problem.”  

“But!” Inosuke jumped in and grabbed one of Tanjiro arm and his shoulder. “You can’t go anywhere else, we’re the only one who can feed you! We’re the only human you can have .” Inosuke glared at him, fully confident of what he just said, and determined to get a response out of him. “Understood? Understood?!”  

Tanjiro was shaken by Inosuke, both because of his word, but also because of Inosuke was literally shaking him. But he still managed a response despise all of that, and slowly said each word.  

“Ah... Yes, you are the only one for me...” It was still hard to speak, but he was getting his sense back faster, maybe because he was a strong slayer, or with the kamado bloodline.  

Inosuke stopped shaking him and step back, sitting in his original position. Zenitsu just stared in awe, processing what he said. A light pink made through his cheeks and moved his arms around, diverting his eyes from him.  

“Ri-Right, we’re on the same page then. You need to immediately tell us if you are hungry.” Zenitsu said as he covered his mouth, it was stupid to stutter at this time, it was immediately giving him away. Inosuke was just feeling all fluffy, it was as if there was butterfly in his stomach when he backed away. Well, it’s a feeling that they haven’t felt since a long time. Between the battle with the upper moon and Muzan, then Tanjiro transforming into a demon, everything followed too quickly.  

Seeing them like that, Tanjiro was happy that they were together, he was happy to be alive and have them by his side.  

Even if it was scary for both sides, they will overcome any hardship that will come at them.  

The duo talked of what was coming, where they’ll go and how they’ll advance. Tanjiro just nodded and responded from time to time.  

And some minutes later, they went to bed, and all fell asleep. Tanjiro slept in the middle futon, like always, and slowly drifted asleep. It was odd and scary, but he also dreamed that he could ease his hunger with it. It was his first night while being chased by slayer, and the first night after the escape of Muzan.  

But also, his first night as a demon.  

They slept peacefully at the inn, and their night went extremely well, as if a weight has been removed.  

But unfortunately, rumors travel fast.  

Chapter Text

As morning started, the two slayers got up first to prepare for tonight. They needed to move frequently as they were hunted. But since Tanjiro showed sign of progress, they could hope of getting him back in the demon slayer corps and keep him in the mansion. Though, it’ll only be possible once he’s fully stabilized.  

Zenitsu went back to their chamber and sat beside the sleeping demon. He touched Tanjiro’s chest, caressing it before putting his ear on it. He could hear his heartbeat up close and could discern a faint sound of his human self. It felt so nostalgic, as if they had been apart for month. He almost teared up and didn’t want to leave, he wanted to stay a full hour by his side.  

However, he needed to go to get him to safety for at least a few days. So, he got up, sad to leave. He left a little note to Tanjiro and then joined Inosuke outside.  

The boys went to the forest and searched for some animals to hunt. They haven’t tried to get him fresh blood from an animal yet, and they had to search trace of other demon.  

Now they had to start from scratch, find the new advanced demon and withdraw their blood to conceive a new cure.  

Zenitsu tensed up, he heard a demon, and it was a demon feasting. He couldn’t even say anything that Inosuke was already after it. He just followed screaming at him.  

Well, “Monitsu” had to move faster.  

They climbed up to the mountain, where a house was located at the top. It was a well-preserved house, but due to the terrain, no folks were roaming around. Arriving at the house, Inosuke quickly opened the door, with Zenitsu swiftly following him.  

The sight was just blood, a demon eating his full off a human. It had his guts open, and the pair of legs were detached, surely to lower his chances to escape.  

A feeling of adrenaline came up to both, but also a sweat of fear came down. That was a demon. And the slayer couldn’t stop thinking of Tanjiro, as that might be what he can do. Especially since the girl lying down, was still alive, and looked dead in the eyes the two slayers, she couldn’t say anything, and could barely move her arm to notify them of her thrive to survive. The cold sweat on their face and hands made them freeze. Just like the girl, they couldn’t move, nor could they speak.  

Unexpectedly, Zenitsu made the first move and went to slice the head of the demon. But he missed, and when the demon turned around to attack, the slayers looked at his eye, Zenitsu backed away to protect himself. Time moved as if it was in slow-motion, and their mind became clear again, with a raging desire to kill the demon. Since it had a number in its eye.  

The number 12.  

Demon had already been replaced, and it indicated of Muzan quick activity. He didn’t lose time. And as much as they could easily get blood now, it infuriated them that they lost so many people against Muzan for it to survive.  

They rapidly went to attack him, which the demon replied by blocking their ambush. Seeing as the 2 were slayers, he had to escape, he couldn’t fight right now per the demon king order. Moreover, the slayer fitted the description, so he had to report back their where-about. He planned to flee, but since it was sunny outside, he couldn’t go far from the forest.  

However, it didn’t matter if he died, he just had to deliver the information.  

The demon pushed off one slayer against the other and barged outside, he hastily ran to the forest, but was caught as soon as he reached the grass on the floor. Zenitsu sliced off his arm, with part of his chest and ears, but he failed to cut his neck. He went to prepare one his breathing, but as soon as he got in position and went to attacks, the demon made a whistling noise. The pitch was so high that even Inosuke was having a hard time focusing. Meanwhile Zenitsu stopped almost instantly, as he was on the ground in pain. The sound was so strong that he felt as if his eardrum would pop.  

Just as Zenitsu fall, Inosuke quickly followed and attacked the demon, slicing his head in one go. But even after his head dropped to the ground, he continues to screech. And after a few second, he stopped before disappearing.  

“What a shitty demon, can’t fight alone and had to scream for help? Pussy.” Said Inosuke, mocking the demon.  

He turned around and saw Zenitsu, making him instantly concerned. He ran up to Zenitsu, who was still closing his ears with his hands, as his head was on the ground. Inosuke went to check up on him, if he could get up, or if he could still hear.  

“You okay?”  

“Yeah...” Zenitsu replied, he moved slowly his head up, tears were falling down his cheeks and poured down the ground. He was shaking, and he felt stupid to even stop fighting because of that.  

“Those type of demon are truly the worse...” He slowly gets up at the help of the other slayer.  

“Put on some earplug then.” Inosuke said full of seriousness. Zenitsu hit him and just screamed at him.  

They got back to the house as soon as they could and went to check on the girl. Unfortunately, she was already dead.  

They dug a hole deep enough to put the body far from the house, more in the forest, making a little coffin for her. They retrieved all her body parts and put it inside before covering it up. Zenitsu prayed for her and put a little flower on top of it. Inosuke watched the scene from afar, he still couldn’t comprehend why there was so many steps just for burying a body he didn’t even know. Zenitsu finished his prayer, and got up, at the same time Inosuke dropped off a white lily that he picked carefully in the forest. The whiter one, the one shining the most for her grave. Even if he didn’t understand, he would still do it out of mutual respect, and that what Tanjiro would do and told him to do.  

All of it happened in silence, as they got up and went back to the house. If they remove all the blood, it would be a good place for Tanjiro.  

During this time, Tanjiro stayed inside the inn, but he was envious of the people around him going in and out. He wanted to be able to follow his friends, but the sun was too bright. The sky was clear, as if it was to mock him, the brightest time of the month, and no shadow could spare him if he went outside. He couldn’t do anything, and it dawned upon him. He felt useless.  

Soon enough, he picked a new smell. It made him surprised for a second, since it was a slayer. If his sense was right, he was talking to the reception lady.  

He had to leave right now.  

The lady was now stomping closer to his room. The slayer didn’t follow, which intrigued him. What happened? Did she tell him? Or just making sure that it is him .  

The door opened, and the lady just stepped in calmly.  

“The slayer left; I told him that there was no slayer in the inn.” She smiled shyly. Tanjiro was stunned, was that out of pity? He didn’t know her, so it wasn’t out of admiration or anything.  

“Why?” He said slowly, with a hidden suspicion. He carefully got up while staring at the girl and stayed straight and firm. The girl approached confidentially.  

“I know who you are, you and your sister. It was truly mesmerizing to know that a demon fought on our side. So, I hold a lot of respect.”  

“Oh, I see, thanks.” He let out a small smile, not a genuine one, he still felt tense as if he was cornered. So, she did know him that’s why she helped, maybe other can be convinced, or other slayer that didn’t take part of his extermination.  

“You’re just like your sister, right? Not eating any human.”  

Tanjiro froze, he suddenly felt dizzy as if he got stabbed.  

“I guess it’s in your family, or your desire to kill demon? But really, the Kamado are amazing.” The girl said smiling brightly, she sent warm smile all over and all her action and expression showed how much she appreciated him. In the contrary, Tanjiro was tense, he just froze in place, his expression showed fear, but he still managed to deliver a sweet smile, a fake one.  

The lady finally left. Tanjiro stayed still for a few minutes before sitting back down. What a foolish dream to think that people will accept him. They won’t, it’s his sister that they accepted, the one that never touched a human, not even some blood or an animal.  

He will never be able to live off normally now, even if he goes back as a human, he won’t be treated the same. Everything changed.  

As night came down, the slayer came to take Tanjiro back. Inosuke came back sooner to keep the demon some company.  

They bid their goodbye to the receptionist and left. Tanjiro was marching quickly, as he wanted to get as far as he could from this place. He felt threatened.  

The slayer asked him why he was going so fast, and the demon just responded that he didn’t feel safe in the middle of the town. They understood his fear and went fast to the house.  

The only way to prove himself, was to fight against demon. He needed to get stronger, even if he might get feared because of it. But if he knows his limit, he’ll be able to hunt demon and protect the slayer and the people from the other demon. He is with humanity, just like his sister.  

He’s not just a bloodlust demon.  

Chapter Text

They installed themselves inside the house. It was peaceful and calm, no human or demon, only the animal and the leaves brushing against the wind. No distant sound, no unfamiliar smell, or endangered one. Nothing.

He did smell the fresh blood, but he didn’t mind, it didn’t make him feel anything, no hunger. And if the place was cleaned, it means that they took care of it and of the demon.

They agreed to let Tanjiro wander around in the night, and that he’ll sleep during the day. He could guard the place while they were sleeping tranquilly, plus their soothing sound made him feel happy.

Now he could train, he needed to find out what his blood demon art was, or how to even activate it. He mediated for a few hours but couldn’t get any grasp of it. How did Nezuko managed it without any help?

Suddenly, he felt a rush down his blood. A demon was near, he could sense it. And while he couldn’t smell anything out of the ordinary, he knew where they are, and that they were heading over here.

Before the uninvited demon could get here, Tanjiro rushed to them. He didn’t think for a second, just that he needed to get rid of the pest coming near. In a few minutes, he was intercepting their run, and blocked the path.

“Why are you here?” Tanjiro asked. His eyes were not shining pink, but red, no, blood. Unconsciously, he stood there menacingly, as he waits for their response. The demon felt a rush of fear, as if he was facing a moon. He stuttered before responding and formed an attacking pose.

“I’m here to get you with us mate. Slayers just want your head.”

“I’m fine as I am, no need for you to escort me either.” He responded annoyed.

“C’mon, the demon king wants to see you.” He started to get impatient, and came closer, step by step, as if he was approaching a wild animal.

“What if I kill him?”

The demon started to laugh, he didn’t expect that, not even the thought of it could cross their mind.

“Then you’ll be the next demon king! Just come!”

“I’m too weak for that, he doesn’t need me.”

“Nobody cares! You’re still a Kamado!”

Hearing that name made his name boils, he knows too, it feels like everyone knows that he’s a demon and that he’s Tanjiro Kamado. It irritated him, now he was targeted by both the slayer and the demon. Were they also after his friend? The slayers no, but the demon...

He stayed still for a few second, and as the other demon started to move, he jumped right at him and scorched him with his hand. The demon wanted to reply, and as he was preparing for an attack, he froze.

“Blood demon art.”

The demon stayed a few second completely unmoved, fear overtook him, it didn’t feel like he was standing in front of a moon. It felt like he was in front of an upper moon.

The number one.

“Blazing sun”

The demon backed away and fell on his legs, he kept looking up to Tanjiro and just felt fear and despair, he wanted to run away but he couldn’t get up, he wanted to speak but he couldn’t open his mouth. Right, just like Tanjiro wanted.

His blood demon art shined throught the forest, perforing the flesh of the other demon if they came up close. It was an unpleasent presence that ressourced the worst memories for demon, what was standing in front of them was as if the sun was here. The perfect tool for demon, just like in his slayer era, he felt like he got his katana back in his hands as he could feel the same warmness emanating from it.

“Tell the other demon to not come back here, to not come back near us. If I see you around, and if you attack my friend. I’ll hunt you to death.” Tanjiro exclaimed angrily; he couldn’t contain his emotion.

He let the demon get away hoping that they’ll get his message known and went back to the house.

During his walk he couldn’t stop thinking about their conversation. Why was the demon king after him? Why did he send some unknown demon after him? And why him? Just because he’s a Kamado? If the demon king compared him to his sister, he is completely off.

He needs answer as it could harm his boys, so he must get stronger and fully control his art.

Right, now he managed to use it to protect the slayers. But, if every time it made him hungry, how long will he last on battle?

Tanjiro came back, he came with lust for blood, as if he was starving, as if he got back to square one. But it wasn’t like before, his mind was clear, he just felt discomfort on his abdomen, as if he was hungry like a human.

He wasn’t like a monster like before, not like some animal that hunted their prey. He had the same needs as a human, he could say that he just changed his base nutriment.

Feeling like he has the choice, the possibilities to change things and not give in, made him utterly happy, it was pure bliss.

Since the beginning it kept falling, destroying each hope they had as the hours passed. But now, even him was hoping for it, for a miracle.

He’ll work to death for that miracle.

Once he reached the house, he went straight to their room. They were peacefully sleeping in the same bed, snuggling a bit. Well, more like Zenitsu tried to snuggle and Inosuke... just slept. Tanjiro always found them cute together, their hands gripping onto each other, as they breathed softly, their face glowing against the moon light, and their mesmerizing scent. He was enchanted each time he woke up by their side, even now, he couldn’t get tired of it. He loved them so much, that he could give up everything for them.

His precious boys, the one he loved.

He didn’t dare to wake them up, so he searched around for what to eat, and discerned some cut up fresh meat. Based on the smell it was some rabbit. He remembered that he got told some food for him was left under the counter. He gets it and start reluctantly gobbling it.

It was good, the meat was savoring, but only as an appetizer, he was hungry. Even though it gave a constant unpleasant feeling, he waited until one of them woke up, in the meantime he trained his physical capacities as a distraction.

A few hours pass, and one of them finally woke up. Tanjiro catches the scent of it and went inside rapidly.

It was Zenitsu that woke up first. Tanjiro walked up to him and kneeled to his bed, Inosuke was asleep soundly with his arm still around Zenitsu’s stomach as he was seated, oblivious of the situation. His eye of amber reflected against the blue light of the night; he opened his eyes with difficulties as he tried to look up to Tanjiro. He still felt sleepy and brushed his eyes with his hands.

“Do you need something?” Zenitsu said in a feeble voice.

“Um, you said that you could help me to eat?”

Zenitsu looked at him straight, as his mind got clearer, he knew what was going to happen and it made him a little excited and curious. But he wasn’t scared, what was in front of him was only Tanjiro. And a bite that could heal in less than a minute, was nothing for him.

“Well, I'm hungry right now.” Tanjiro felt a bit shy saying it, as if he was revealing a deep secret, he justified his word as if he was guilty.

“I tried the rabbit, but... It wasn’t enough.”

Zenitsu listened, then smiled softly. He grabbed him by the collar and got closer to him, almost getting on top of Tanjiro.

“Ok, but is it only the neck? Can you go to... somewhere else?” He asked, not in his sleepy voice, but more in a teasing one. Tanjiro got a bit thrilled because of it, almost feverish as he could feel his face burning up. Zenitsu was always shy and the first one to get embarrassed, but when they were alone, he liked to play around and tease him, Inosuke blindly followed him sometimes. Which created... Interesting situation.

Soon enough, Inosuke came to wake up, and unlike Zenitsu, it wasn’t ‘peacefully’, ‘calmly’, ‘slowly’. He sits up straight almost instantly thus leading to Zenitsu letting a scream out. It scared him and jumped in Tanjiro arms.

“What! Why are you all touchy touchy?!” Inosuke exclaimed screaming.

“Because you scared me, you wild boar!” He screamed back.

Tanjiro replied that he got hungry. And Inosuke pointed right at Zenitsu.

“You do it.”

“I was already doing that!” They got into a quick argument, before Zenitsu focused back on Tanjiro. He looked at him in the eyes and sat in front of him.

Zenitsu placed himself on the bed while Inosuke went to get some breakfast for himself.

“Is it okay if I lay down? Won’t the blood spill?”

“No, it’s alright, I'll made sure not to leave any trace.” Zenitsu just contemplated as Tanjiro was on top of him, his red hair falling down his face and his piercing red eyes felt like it was glowing. Tanjiro was really handsome, he could have pulled anyone with his cheerful nature, but even with that, he was focusing on them, even right now.

As Tanjiro talked, he briefly saw his fangs. They became sharp and long, being the symbol of a demon. And Zenitsu didn’t like sharp things, even a needle scared him, so now it was like two BIG needles, which was worse obviously.

But he had to get used to it, even if it hurt it was for Tanjiro’s good.

And...

It felt like Tanjiro was marking him as his.

“It’s great that you can talk better.”

“Yeah, I guess I can say it’s thanks to you both.” Tanjiro smiled wholeheartedly, which gave little butterfly in Zenitsu’s stomach.

Tanjiro looked at Zenitsu’s neck and noticed the pale red bite mark on his right. It was his first bite on him, and after much thought, he decided to go on the left to not touch the other one, so that both will be visible after.

With his hand, he took Zenitsu chin and moved his head to the side, leaving space for Tanjiro. Zenitsu was gripping the back of the red-haired boy. Tanjiro left a kiss on his neck before his teeth entered the skin, Zenitsu leaned his head back a little, letting go of a little groan as his grip was strengthening.

Zenitsu couldn’t help but moan and groan a bit as he was out of breath, he placed his right hand on Tanjiro head to restrain him in this position. In the meantime, Tanjiro was enjoying sucking the blood all the while his hand wandered Zenitsu’s body. Starting to his shoulder, next to his back, then to his waist.

Inosuke was watching on the side sited on the floor, he stared, and started to feel a bit jealous since he knew Tanjiro wouldn’t go for him after. Maybe he should’ve proposed, but then it’s Zenitsu who’ll feel jealous. Then maybe do a 50/50? But oh well, next time would be his turn anyway.

Finally, Tanjiro and Zenitsu split, Tanjiro licked the leftover blood and contemplated the new mark.

He looked at the slayer, to see his reaction.

Zenitsu eyes were closed, as he could still feel the sensation of his fangs in his neck. It was an odd sensation, it wasn’t a demon feasting on the blood, it just felt like Tanjiro was just being intimate. He liked the feeling, maybe a bit of his sadist side was showing up.

He opened his eyes and looked straight at Tanjiro, which was staring at him. He could discern a faint taint of red on his cheeks with a shy face.

They looked at each other for a moment before Tanjiro moved away after confirming of Zenitsu wellbeing. As soon as he moved an inch, Zenitsu launched himself at Tanjiro, hugging him forcibly with his arms around Tanjiro’s neck.

The red-haired boy just accepted his embrace and hugged him back.

Inosuke just watched the scene as he could tell why Zenitsu acted so impulsively, Tanjiro had made quite the impact on Zenitsu, which made him a bit excited.

Now inosuke was wondering when will the next time be that Tanjiro would feed off them, since it would be his turn. It made him impatient.

Chapter Text

The morning came back up, Tanjiro was now the one that was due to sleep while the other two were preparing themselves. Zenitsu was putting on his uniform and looked at himself through the mirror, he moved his turtleneck away by an inch to observe the two bite marks. One has nearly fade away, while the other kept the bright red color as it was newer. Inosuke came besides him and looked at it too, he had the same marks on his shoulder, but he didn’t hide it unlike Zenitsu. I mean, he wasn’t shy about it, actually it was kind of a showoff for him, to tell the world that he is taken by a mate. But Zenitsu and Tanjiro couldn’t understand his genius vision, even before he was always told off by it.  

As they were ready to leave, Tanjiro came from behind and hugged them both, startling them. They were surprised by his action but gladly accepted his hug. They turned and hugged each other to fully embrace him, with both of their head having their respectful place on his shoulder.  

They stayed in each other arms for a full minute before departing.  

The journey continued; the slayers searched for any threat nearby, for any suspicious sound, movement or behavior, but fortunately nothing was found. It seemed calmer than it was yesterday, or it was just themselves that seemed at ease, like a weight dropped off their shoulder.  

The sky was bright blue, shining through every corner that it could reach, illuminating the forest and their feet as it touched a ray of light. It was warm and calm as the morning rose, as if everything was gone, there was nothing to worry about.  

It was a subtle feeling, but soon enough, everything was slowly stabilizing, taking its rightful place as it was meant to be.  

Tanjiro was getting better and so would they.  

Now they didn’t have to worry about hunting animals as they decided to give up on it. It was proved to be inefficient for Tanjiro and if the only things needed was to give a bit of blood, there was no reason to go to such length when there was a solution right in front of them, right in them.  

Everything was going smoothly, especially since he adapted so fast, and if he continues to this pace, he could soon return to his late self, return to them and to his sister.  

Now it was just a cycle, Zenitsu and Inosuke were monitoring the day, looking for any slayer nearby, supervising any rumors circulating around them. As Tanjiro had the night to himself, searching for any lurking demon near his home while developing his strength.  

But this switching time made them miss one another, as they couldn’t see each other often, just for a few hours per day, or more if Tanjiro needed blood.   

This planning ran around for a few days, going up to a week as one was looking after another, day after night.  

But if it meant the safety of the other one, they did not care about anything else, even if deep down it could hurt more than they thought.  

And as time passed, unexpectedly the horizons seemed more peaceful for both sides. The demon and the slayer were passive, no one was searching for them as intensively as before.  

Have they given up? But for what reason? Do they believe in Tanjiro, or do they just think the two slayers accompanying him are dead?  

There was an infinite possibility that they couldn’t think of. But maybe time was the solution, they needed to prove on the long run that Tanjiro was not aggressive, his circumstance was just a bit different.  

Maybe.  

Nonetheless, they could now move more freely. If there wasn’t any slayer at their feet, they could even all sleep during the day. It’s a feasible but risky option, if they are suddenly ambushed while sleeping, they will not be able to defend themselves thus leading to their defeat, endangering Tanjiro in the process.  

Furthermore, Tanjiro wouldn’t be able to run away, he will be stuck in the house with no way to escape as the light will mock him from outside.  

But they’ll be able to move faster and further as the night are longer, so it must be taken into consideration, that’s why Tanjiro proposed it.  

“Let’s travel during the night and let me fight demons along with you.”  

The two slayers looked at each other, dumbfounded, they understood the change of the situation, but it was still a bet.  

Travelling with Tanjiro at night would also mean giving him more way to train himself, to even go back to his late demon’s slayer performance. It was safer for them and Tanjiro too, as he would not be left alone at any time.   

So, they agreed, but the demon had to follow their order, and not go too far from them. To not push himself too far when fighting, and to alert them when he needs to replenish his strength.  

It was all the condition for the agreement, or they would instantly stop, even if deep down, they’ll get persuaded to continue if Tanjiro said so.  

Tanjiro accepted; he didn’t care about the condition since he’ll follow them anyway. Honestly, he just proposed that solution to stay with them, his safety was important, but he was confident about his strength and his ability now.  

The only thing that mattered right now, was their wellbeing and their happiness, he did not care about anything else.  

The new plan would take place tonight, since it was the beginning of the day, the slayers decided to stay inside the house, to conserve energy, but also to keep company to Tanjiro.   

They conversed joyously, as if they were back to their little committee, without any of their comrade threatening to kill one of them. Tanjiro could talk and move freely; he didn’t have any sudden urge that he couldn’t control. It was like he was back to being a human, his past self. There was still some noticeable change, especially with his piercing red eye.  

They kept the turns for feeding Tanjiro, but his eating habits was shorter than they thought. He needed to be fed at least every day, if not more if he fought against powerful enemy. As time passed the marks on their body grew in numbers, and since it took more than five days for it to completely disappears.  

And the more it grew, the more Tanjiro was overtaken with guilt.  

As much as they like it right now, they would come a day where they would get tired of it or won’t have enough forces to be able to continue due to him demanding more.  

And since he’ll be fighting more from now on, he’ll try to reduce his intake of blood.  

But against all odd, they anticipated his needs.  

“Aren’t you hungry?” Asked Zenitsu.  

Tanjiro thought for a second, while the slayers were casually chatting. He nodded and mumbled a yes. As soon as Inosuke heard that, he turned to him and smiled, his feature was truly beautiful, even if he always had a sharp expression, no, angry one, he still couldn’t take his eye off him.  

He was truly surrounded by beautiful and cute person; he couldn’t get enough of them. He was especially enchanted with how they acted towards him and him only, he felt special.  

Now that he thought about it, it has been a while since he gifted something. Tanjiro often gave flowers, chocolate or something special that he came across during his travel with his sister. Zenitsu sometimes gifted present, even thought it was rare, meanwhile Inosuke never gave anything, apart from things he found quickly, but he always waited for what Tanjiro would give him.  

It gives him the idea to go get something for them, not to buy but to prepare since he didn’t have any money on him, Zenitsu had it all and asking for some would be suspicious. A flower bouquet would’ve been nice, but since they are always moving, travelling with it would just be troublesome.  

For now, he didn’t have any idea, but he has time to get something for them, right now he just needed to focus on Inosuke.  

Right, why was his thought wandered somewhere when Inosuke was stripping in front of him.  

He removed his shirt easily since he didn’t put any button on, he wouldn’t even have it if Zenitsu didn’t force him to put it on.  

Tanjiro was cross sitting in front of him and watched as he came and sat on him. He wrapped his hand around his neck while sitting in a straight position and leaned back, his leg was wrapped around Tanjiro who just grabbed his side.  

“So where are you going to bite?” Inosuke ask excitedly.  

Zenitsu, on the sides was just profusely embarrassed, can’t he be shyer? More teasing? Why was he so straight forward without an ounce of shame. It was all over his face what he wanted and didn’t hide any of his emotion, well like always...  

Tanjiro was now used to Inosuke way of asking to literally be bitten, like, if it would not be for blood, there’ll be a chance that he’ll still ask.  

He scanned his body, thinking about his question to find a spot without a mark while his finger travelled around Inosuke’s body. Going from the waist to his back and his neck, while his other hand made his way with his thumbs to his stomach, descending to his leg.  

Inosuke shivered from his touch and unlike before, Zenitsu joined and kissed him, while Tanjiro finally chose and went to bite Inosuke left arm.  

As the day passed, while Zenitsu or Inosuke was bitten, they got closer and took the habits to join the other one during this time. Honestly, it was nothing, apart from the fact that they kissed while being bit. They kissed plenty of time before, they even went all the way from time to time, even if it could be counted on one hand since they began their relationship not that long ago... Well, more like they were scared to do it, expect a certain someone who’s currently moaning from Tanjiro’s touch.  

He got his fill of blood and was now trailing Inosuke’s neck with his tongue slowly climbing up to his Adam apple, he placed a soft kiss there before going to Zenitsu. He kissed his neck, more violently as he left a hickey. He made him squirm, letting out a shy sound.  

He then planted a kiss on the mouth, waiting for him to reply. Inosuke was giving him smooches all over while his hand moved around Tanjiro’s body alongside his own.  

Tanjiro felt like he was slowly losing himself, the more he touched them, the more he wanted it. Their scent was particularly irresistible, even more their taste. He removed Zenitsu t-shirt and leisurely went down to his chest as he licked the middle of it. He had them both by the waist so they couldn’t escape, even if Zenitsu was laying back from the feeling as his nipple was being carefully played with.  

Suddenly, Inosuke went down Tanjiro’s pants, which made him shiver, and like a scared cat, he quickly reacted by digging his teeth in Inosuke’s neck, diverting his attention solely to him. He didn’t sip any blood, it was just a warning not to go too far, as he asked to not have intercourse until he can fully control himself and his desire.  

Well, it was something stupid, but he was particularly scared of biting something sensitive .  

He glared at Inosuke after releasing him.  

“No touching.” Tanjiro said as he teasingly tapped his forehead with his finger. Inosuke just pushed it away and was growling at him. Zenitsu was also pouting from the situation, he understood his fear, but he was also annoyed about it. He didn’t want to advance further if he couldn’t get his hands on Tanjiro.  

“Well what?”  

Inosuke lifted himself up and pushed Tanjiro to the ground, letting out a loud sound as he hit the floor.  

“Just don’t move and we’ll lead yeah?” He said confidently as he stripped Tanjiro, not getting no as an answer.   

He removed his pants and before Tanjiro could get up to say something, Inosuke shouted at Zenitsu while pointing at him.  

“Tie him up!”  

“What?!” He shouts back.  

“What?” Tanjiro followed.   

He was too embarrassed to say anything and just laid down again with his hands covering his faces. He tried to convince him again, maybe he’ll calm down Zenitsu’s not too into it. Or at least if he could get him calmed.  

“Maybe let’s wait a little... for next time, right?”  

Inosuke crawled up to him as he was talking, slowly reaching his face.  

“You know I can’t do... well... much without hurting you...”  

Tanjiro finished his sentence as Inosuke was right up to his face. In the meantime, Zenitsu was undressing while they were talking... So he couldn’t count on him, well he was fucked anyway. His only hope could be Inosuke... Looking at his situation, he thought that he was done for.  

“I know you can’t kiss ‘cause of your teeth and can’t finger me ‘cause of your nail, I know that damn well.”  

Inosuke got up and sat on Tanjiro’s stomach as he moved his hand behind his back.   

“You should know that I can do it myself, just sat down and lemme do it dumbass.” He finished as he slapped him on the head. Tanjiro was already tied up by Zenitsu so he couldn’t protect himself.  

But he didn’t feel like moving anyway, with the sight he had in front of him he couldn’t help but stare. He could clearly see his defined abs from where he was. First off with his chest, his pink round nipple that was always sensible to his touch, down to his toned body where he could see every curve as well as his legs filled with bites. When training, seeing him half naked doesn’t do much, but when he was in the mood, it’s like a new perspective was created.  

Before Inosuke could start anything, Zenitsu just pushed him slightly which annoyed him and glared at him, gritting his teeth like an angry animal.  

“I’ll start, I already prepared myself.” He said teasingly as he looked straight at Tanjiro, smiling. The red-haired boy didn’t even notice that Zenitsu completely removed his clothes or even had time to prepare himself.   

Inosuke grunted, but still let him take place. For Tanjiro, there wasn’t much he could do more since he was already hard, Zenitsu noticed it and teased him about it, which made the boy blush even more now and tried to cover up his face but he forgot he was tied up.  

Well, he couldn’t help it with what was in front of him, each of their movement made him feel euphoria, he was bewitched by them. They could do anything to him, he didn’t mind.  

And he could do anything for them.  

The blond started to touch Tanjiro’s hard member. Since it’s been a long time since he was touched down to his sensitive parts, it made him groan slightly. As Zenitsu heard it, it made him feel happy to be able to make him feel good. But well, he wasn’t that confident into this position since he hardly did it like that, well only once so he was a bit cautious to not make things go sloppy.  

Zenitsu observed him thoroughly as Tanjiro was lying down, he had a more toned body than himself, but still less than inosuke. His hair was falling to the back, so he could see his face and his fire mark well.  

He never understood how he got a boy so gentle and affectionate with a face and a body like this. He literally struck gold, ten out of ten, how did a human like that was created. The kamado family was blessed for that, if their genes were showing in every kamado children, he wondered how his will be.  

Well, too bad he fell for them, now Nezuko is the only hope for this family.  

Tanjiro was looking directly at him, switching between his face and his hand, waiting for him to put it in, but Zenitsu just continued to watch the boy while touching him. With Tanjiro’s arm up to his head and his wrist attached, his well-build torso could be seen even more.  

Man, if he continues to get older and more handsome, Zenitsu will have a heart attack. He has a weakness for girls but also boys like that, in different way.  

He finally carefully gets down to let it enter his behind.  

As he slowly made his way, Tanjiro moaned slightly again, but it was so hard to control himself, Zenitsu was really torturing him while taking his time like that.   

In one go, he dropped down entirely and made himself whimper loudly, on the other hand, Tanjiro responded by moving his legs slightly up and tried to move his hand up to Zenitsu, but in his action, he was stopped by Inosuke that sat on his arms.  

Now he could feel his ass sitting on Tanjiro’s arms, his warmth was spreading all over him and now he was pinned down from both sides.  

Tanjiro didn’t know where to look, he felt a bit overwhelmed from this moment, even more if he couldn’t do anything.  

The blue-haired boy took Tanjiro face and forced him to look up at him, they glared at each other upside down and Inosuke whispered before getting close to him.  

“Now you’re stuck between us, you can’t escape.”  

He kissed him, at the same time, Zenitsu started to move slowly as he got more speed. Tanjiro let out a muffled moan as he was kissing Inosuke while getting teased by him with his tongue.  

Inosuke was playing with Tanjiro’s mouth, entering vaguely inside with his tongue then instantly retreating it. It made the red-haired boy annoyed that he couldn’t taste him longer, but it was his self-made rule that got him in this position, so he couldn’t say anything. Maybe he could take a quick bite from his bottom lips or tongue to warn him, but Inosuke was too slick to let himself get played at his own game.  

Zenitsu was pleasuring himself with Tanjiro’s dick, holding himself with his hand on his bare stomach. He was a bit uncomfortable with this position, he couldn’t get as fast as he liked and kept moving around restlessly, it was tiring, but he got the grasp of it as time passed.   

Inosuke was stroking himself as he was kissing the boy and gripped his hair to keep him in place, he was also moving around a bit to stimulate himself a bit with Tanjiro’s arms. Between each of his kiss, Inosuke was moaning as he gasped for air.  

After some time, Zenitsu was coming close, he could feel the tingling feeling as he moved faster and moaned more exhaustively as he was tired from that unknown position. Tanjiro also felt like he would come, but he still managed to keep it in as Zenitsu didn’t finish. But thankfully, after a few second the blond stopped as he falls on Tanjiro, he still had his dick inside as it was still hard and wanted to keep the feeling for a little longer.  

Right after, Tanjiro released himself, glad that he finished before he would explode.  

However, Inosuke didn’t finish, he stopped kissing the boy and put his head on Tanjiro shoulder. He stroked himself faster as he could feel he was close and moaned and grunted at the feeling and gripped his other shoulder more strongly, nearly leaving a mark of his fingernail. Tanjiro could hear every of his breath and moans clearly since it was right by his ears, each time it made him a bit more excited than he already was. And finally, he came in his hands, he released his grasp and relaxed instantly as he could take fresh breath of air freely.  

Zenitsu put it out and laid down to hug Tanjiro, he kissed him before burying his head on his left shoulder. The red-haired boy wanted to hug him back, but he was still blocked by Inosuke that didn’t move for a full minute. He finally moved away and set free the hand that he holds hostage, he removed the rope and went by Tanjiro right side, lying down on him just like Zenitsu.  

One on his left, one on his right. Everything was done in silence as they hugged him, and as Tanjiro could move freely, he hugged them both back.

Chapter Text

The night went down, each of them were preparing to depart after their nap and little intimate time. They closed every door and cleaned anything they could, even if the house was inhabited. If anyone comes or needs a house, they’ll be able to settle in comfortably.  

The trio left and entered deeper in the forest, they moved at a fast pace, as fast as they did when they were all demon slayers.  

No, now they were all back to being demon slayer since Tanjiro would now be fighting by their sides. Even if he won’t be able to kill them directly, he could make them fear him and stay put to make things easier for the two slayers.  

As they were running, Tanjiro started talking about something he was thinking for a while.  

“For the next few days, or even weeks, I will try to drink less blood.”  

Zenitsu turned his head up to him, guessing what he meant.  

“You think your body will adapt?”  

“Yeah exactly, just like how you train to stay stronger, I can train to hold my hunger, Nezuko managed to do it.”  

“True even human do that.”  

“Even I do that!” Inosuke interrupted, insisting on the ‘I’. “I can not eat for five days straight!” He says proudly while pointing at himself.  

“That’s really bad Inosuke! Don’t do that! It’s bad for your health you know!” Replied Tanjiro as he was concerned.  

“Don’t worry I'm strong!”  

“But if you don’t eat to your fill, you will not be able to fight at your full force, so you will lose your strength.”  

Inosuke got stunned, as he felt like he heard a revolutionary and impossible thing that could happen. He got even more conscious about it since Tanjiro was reprimanding him.  

“No don’t worry about that you can starve yourself.” Said Zenitsu.  

“What?! I eat more than you anyway so I'm stronger!”  

Inosuke and Zenitsu started bickering while Tanjiro stayed in the middle, keeping them apart. The blond got tired of him and ran straight ahead, Inosuke quickly followed as if it was a competition while Tanjiro just went to their pace trying not to lose them. The lost trio got back together, the only thing missing was now Nezuko, but knowing that she was in a safe place didn’t worry them much. In fact, it felt better especially for Tanjiro who always looked carefully after her.  

One or two hours passed, the moon was high up in the sky, illuminating partially the road leaning to the entry of the village. It wasn’t a cold night, just a decent feeling of a cool breeze, but they could see the steam coming out of their mouth as they were talking or breathing. It snowed a bit last day, but not enough to form ice. The road was wet with some bit of freezing water that broke as soon as their feet touched.  

Suddenly, a villager ran past them at full speed in the direction of the village, looking absolutely terrified. They guessed it, no, they could feel that a demon was around, and right at this moment, it was active .  

Quickly, they shouted to ask where they were going, but the villager did not respond. They followed him, searching for any demon nearby while letting him take them to his destination. Zenitsu heard the scream of the demon coming from a faraway place, it was outside the village where no villager were located.  

Well apart from where the villager took them, they couldn’t sense any of the folks from any other place. Fortunately, they seemed to have all escaped the demon as Tanjiro couldn’t smell any blood.  

“Come inside! There’s a demon nearby! Quickly!” Shouted a man at the villager that guided them.  

It felt odd that every villager from this village came to one place, a single demon wouldn’t hunt a whole village, a house at most but that’s all. Especially if it would scare off the villager, that was the biggest threat and the most important thing to take into consideration.  

But if they are two, it also doubles the chance to attack, for a larger prey, or a bigger group .  

And as the villagers all assembles in a single place, it will be simpler to slaughter every single human without any of them escaping, since they were brought into a huge safe.  

Guarded by a demon.  

The last villager entered the house, passing by the demon that were looking around for any other survivors . He counted them all, leaving no execption, apart from the new visitors.  

“Are you travelers? You need to go inside it’s dangerous out!” He said, before noticing the katana they were holding. The demon instantly knew they were slayers.  

At the same time, both the slayers and the demons prepared to fight. Zenitsu jumped first past the demon, getting behind him to try and slice his head, but the demon reacted and backed away before he could get even one strand of hair sliced.  

At least, now Zenitsu is inside the safe place, and the demon with blue hair is cornered between the two slayer and Tanjiro.  

Until another demon charged at Inosuke, and now the initial demon could back away since Tanjiro was fighting off this new enemy.  

Havoc begins to take place inside the hut, seeing as the one who helped the chief get all the villager here was being attacked. That was until Tanjiro came through the entrance, and right away the villager asked in a loud tone what was happening outside.  

“Dangerous people are roaming outside; it is advised to stay here in the meantime until we take care of it!” Tanjiro shouts back before closing the door. He quickly went up to Inosuke and Zenitsu as each of them were attacked by a demon. He was analyzing which one of the demons had a quirky blood art that would be difficult to deal with.  

That was until he smelled something coming up from the forest, a third demon. It travelled at a fast pace and came to them after two second being identified. Tanjiro launches himself at the appearance of the new demon to not let him attack Inosuke. He punched him in the stomach hard enough for the demon to stay still as he could go help one of the slayer.  

However, the demon that fell on the ground created a stone wall in front of him, stopping him in his track. Tanjiro punched the wall out of frustration since he couldn’t get through it.  

His blood demon art only hurt demon and other being from its touch, as it burns their skin, but it seems useless in any other situation. Plus, physical damage was out of the question as he was not strong enough since he didn’t have his katana.  

Maybe if he had it, he could do much more damage than now.  

And his breathing style is still difficult to adapt to the demon body. So, the only things he can do now is tanking the attack and get close to do damage.  

But he had to give his all as his peers were fighting, at least to strain him before they finish him off.  

“Blood demon art-”  

“ Blood demon art- ”   

Both the demons activated their art at the same time, Tanjiro tried to advance as the other stepped back.  

“Blazing sun.”  

“ Mountain shrine .”  

As both their art activated, the space around them changed, Tanjiro was familiar with this type of blood demon art, a demon that can create their own space, blocking them from the external world. Now there was no way he could get back to them, so he must deal with this demon the fastest he could.  

The space was full of rock, to the floor, the ceiling, the wall, everything was made of stone. But as he moved around, this place seemed to have the layout of a house. And as he entered a new room, he could smell the odor of the demon. He noticed him on the second floor as he was on the first, it was an open space compared to the rest of the house.  

Tanjiro leaped in front to attack the demon, but was soon greeted by a wall, it came launching out of the ground. It seems that the demon has the capacity to create a closed space that he can modulate to his will with stone. It would be hard to deal without his breathing capability, but it wasn’t hopeless.  

He tried to scratch the wall with his hand, but it didn’t seem to break nor smelt. Instead, he went around it by jumping on the wall, but as he stepped up, another one formed suddenly directly at him. He managed to evade it by balancing his body with his hand on it by justness, then helped himself with the newly made bridge that was created across the whole room.  

One by one, pillars of stone formed around Tanjiro as he dodged each of them, that was until the space suddenly changed, clearing the room instantly and make it smaller in size. He was two meters up in the sky, but now he was on the ground with the ceiling right up his head, he couldn’t even fully stand up with how narrow the space was. As he was astounded, one hit him on the side without being able to block it.  

Now he has taken a hit and didn’t even manage to get close to the demon, and the time was getting tense which each seconds passing.   

He needed to calm down and concentrate, even if he couldn’t use his breathing to its absolute, he could use its base.  

Tanjiro took a deep breath, concentrating to his surrounding just like when he was a slayer.  

He is still the same.  

He is Kamado Tanjiro.  

As soon as he localized the demon, Tanjiro ran to its direction, avoiding each of the attack the demon was sending him. The layout of the house was getting messier with time, as if the demon was getting destabilized, moreover, the wall and ceiling had slight gap between them as he rushed to create them. After a few steps he finally reached the demon that created a wall to make some distance for him to run.  

Tanjiro extended his hand to catch the demon, only for it to get cut by the pillar, but he didn’t stop at that, as he swings his head up to the wall, cracking in it in two as he reached with his other hand to catch the escaping demon by the neck.  

He already sliced a stone with his katana and fought again a demon as hard as a rock. He could take on a simple wall, and burn it.  

The demon screeched as he was burned alive, it felt as if it was the sun itself, the scorching hand that engulfed his neck. He couldn’t move and slowly the space deteriorated, leaving only the ash of the demon.  

“Sorry.”   

The demon looked up to Tanjiro, which was looking straight at him.  

“If we had taken care of Muzan, you wouldn’t have ended up like that.” He said with a tint of sadness in his face.   

Dried tears were forming and evaporating as soon on the demon eyes, till he disappeared completely. Now his arm has healed up and the separated space broke down, revealing the two slayers fighting against a demon as it seems like the other has fallen.  

Tanjiro rushed up to them to finish him off and flashed the demon with his demon art, which stunned him for a few seconds. Enough for the two slayers to cut off his head.  

Finally, the last head of the demons has fallen, they could finally lay down to take their breath. Tanjiro watched the last demon evaporate in a dazed state, before his name was brought up. It was Inosuke calling for him as he checked up on him, before saying they need to verify the perimeter. Meanwhile, Zenitsu opened the door to the safe and told everyone that it was good, but they should be careful in the future for any disappearance or situation of the sort.  

After a while they left the village since there were no demon left. They continued their route, though they had to stop as they stayed in a spot twelve minutes away from foot from the village.  

Zenitsu sat down on an old tree, too tired from even moving as it feels like the accumulation from the past week came rushing to his body.  

“Are you not hungry Tanjiro?” Asked Inosuke as he stayed besides him.  

The red-haired boy noticed that he pronounces his name right more frequently now, with Zenitsu too, he was trying his best in his own way to show affection and comfort, which was really cute from Tanjiro perspective.  

“I’m alright” He replied. “I can feel that I'm a bit hungry, but that can be ignored easily.”  

It wasn’t much of a lie since he could resist the urge to eat, but it wasn’t the truth if he was just a bit hungry. But he already felt this sensation in the past, so if he continues like that, he could not intake blood for a few days and get used to it slowly.  

Inosuke felt relieved from his response, he nudged him a bit with his shoulder before sitting beside Zenitsu. He laid down using him as a pillow, but Zenitsu said nothing as he was too tired for it. He was even falling from sides to sides, trying to stay awake and not fall over.  

He feared that he might collapse, but Tanjiro sat beside him to hold him. The red haired was sitting with his legs of each side of the tree to hold his ground better and supports him as Zenitsu leaned in his arm. He hugged him with one hand as he was caressing Inosuke heads on the other. Just like that they slept through the night as Tanjiro was still monitoring the area.  

Seven hours later, the moon was still up in the sky, but ready to leave in two hours at last. Inosuke was the first one to wake up, as he was the first one to sleep. He got up from Zenitsu lap and observed the two snuggling, he approached Tanjiro and checked his condition as he twirls the red hair around. Inosuke wanted to wake him up to talk or to snuggle too, but he wouldn’t want to disrupt his nor Zenitsu sleeps.  

Tanjiro looked good, even his injuries just healed right after, but Zenitsu bruise was still visible. He didn’t know what to do to heal it, so the most he could do was to gather some flower around accompanied by some nuts to embalm the bouquets. In the ends it was just three types of flowers crushed together as he ran around to find something pretty. The only things that didn’t got crushed was the nuts.  

And obviously, Inosuke concluded.  

Nuts are the best! They are always the best gift! The best gift a mate can give!  

Right, he’s the best!  

However, Zenitsu didn’t seems to get the same idea as a boar handing mashed flower and nuts in front of his face as soon as he wakes up. In fact, he screamed in his face and hugged Tanjiro in terror.  

“What?!” Screamed Inosuke back.  

At that point, Tanjiro was awake, wondering what the noise was all about, though he already had some idea but still hoped for a change. Even so, he didn’t feel like moving.  

“You scared me! Don’t stand in front of people like that, why-”  

“What! I do what I want! That’s why I got you this.”  

Inosuke was still on his feet, balancing himself to not fall while sitting to reach his height, he handed again the self-made bouquet in front of Zenitsu. The blond staired at it for a few seconds, Tanjiro just looked at it over his shoulder, with his eyes slightly open.  

“Ah, huh... For me?”  

Inosuke just nodded and Zenitsu thanked him, even though he could and should learn how to make better gift, he still appreciates it. And while Inosuke happily jumped around, the rest got up to depart, they needed to get to a new shelter and get Tanjiro away from the sun.  

As they walked, they finally came across an old, abandoned house, a really old as the floor and the roof were cracking down and falling. Thought, some place deems to be without any ray of light.  

As they got everything in place, and a bit more acceptable of a house, little chirp came from the door. Zenitsu instantly recognized it and turned around before being greeted by Chuntaro, his little sparrow.  

He put his hands up and the bird perched on it. Everyone stopped in their track, and the bird stared at Zenitsu for a few seconds before chirping more enthusiastically.  

“Chuntaro...” Zenitsu said emotionally as he felt like he would start crying. “It’s really you.” He felt an incredible sense of nostalgia as if it has been a few months since he was a slayer and as seen him. Even if in the past he sometimes despised this bird, he couldn’t help but be glad to see him.  

Tanjiro approached and stayed besides him listening to the little chirp of the bird. Chuntaro turned around to face Tanjiro and flapped his wings happily.  

“Happy to see you too.” Said Tanjiro in response to the lively bird. A few tears dropped on Zenitsu face and stuttered as he tried to speak.  

“You- you won’t tell on us, right?”   

The bird looked back at him and chirped, and by the sound, Zenitsu could tell that was a good thing.  

“He said not to worry, and the Hashira crows won’t either, so now we’re sure that we are free of our movement.” Interpreted Tanjiro.  

Zenitsu nodded and smiled at the bird, expressing a little thanks. They discussed for a brief time, getting updated on the state of the slayer that took place in the battle against Muzan, if he was still alive, and how was Nezuko. Unfortunately, he couldn’t response to some of the question as Muzan was still hidden, and Tanjiro couldn’t comprehend what he tried to explain when talking about his sister, apart from knowing that she was worried.  

It pains his hearts to knows that his dear sister must be searching for him and worries about his whereabout. But still, nothing could be done for now, not until he could get in a better shape, and the most important things was her well-being.  

Finally, the bird left, bidding his goodbye before returning to the mansion. But Zenitsu knew he would be back soon as he will be telling him if there’s any demon in action nearby, just like before but in discretion.   

Processing further might be risky. if they go back to being slayer, they will put Tanjiro in great danger as he has yet tamed his abilities. However, they cannot stop now as the demons are growing in number based on Chuntaro little chirps. Compared to before, Muzan seems to attack more fiercely and rapidly.  

But that might also be good for them, as the number of demons grow, the weaker they are. The upper moon might even be at the level of a lower moon now. And as he scatters his blood around all demon, it may be easier for them to create a cure.  

It’s just a hypothesis, but it is worth the try.  

Now they can only adapt to the situation.  

Chapter Text

The hours were painful.  

Each time, he heard a sound, smelled an odor, felt something, it made him sick. He just couldn’t think properly because of his surrounding, and he was just so hungry that he felt like even as a demon, a fever that was progressing rapidly. It wasn’t like the first time, feeling like a beast waiting for his prey, it was more like he was battling with himself to leave the left-over food for his brothers and sisters if there wasn’t enough during the harsh winter. It happened rarely but still took place.  

It was sufferable, even if it made him a little feverish. Nonetheless, if he could still walk and use his demon blood, then he was good to go.  

He just had to wait a little longer, he needed to get used to it, to drink less blood to the point where he wouldn’t need it.  

He was strong, he could keep it in.  

Just a few more day.  

Tanjiro tried to sleep it off, hoping he could somehow gain the same capabilities as his sister even if was proven to be in vain. He still hoped to have a little effect on him.  

And three hours later, Tanjiro woke up. The sun was setting, vanishing from sight in less than thirty minutes. And the two boys were now by his sides, snuggling up to him in this abandoned home. They used him as a pillow, and he didn’t mind that at all, but the pressure from their head on his arm and chest made it hurt, it felt like every time they moved slightly, his clothes was burning him.  

It became quite insufferable, but that was just a passing stage, soon he’ll be moving around, and he’ll feel much better.  

Or so he thought.

After the night settled, the three of them moved to search for new demons and grasp any hint to the whereabout of Muzan. The slayers felt that Tanjiro seemed off, but he brushed it off as a slight inconvenience and reassured them if he truly needed any blood, he’ll ask for it.  

Obviously, they were still concerned but they tried their best to believe in him, even if he was a bit of a push over, well maybe not as much as Inosuke.  

They went to the direction where the last demon came from yesterday. Retracing his track to search for another pack of demon, or anything out of the ordinary.  

The walk was long, as it took at least an hour, and as they travelled down their path the little sound of chirping came back. Chuntaro came to deliver the news of a demon nearby, where slayers were called before but unfortunately only left a carnage behind.  

Accepting indicates to encounter another slayer, risking exposing Tanjiro to other slayer again. But giving up this opportunity implied to not give him the chance to prove himself, postponing his reintegration.  

There wasn’t any reason to refuse, it was their duty to take care of the demon and Tanjiro could fight normally without attacking any human.  

Just like Nezuko used to.  

It was the moment to prove that he was not a mindless demon, or a blood driven one, that he was just like his sister... With some quirk.  

They ran straight to the demon as Chuntaro indicated, facing directly the bloodbath that was left behind. Two slayers died by the hand of the demon and based on the smell, it was recent, like a few minutes ago.  

The group could feel that the demon was near as the ground was vibrating every few seconds, clashing sound came towards the forest and bloodlust could be smelled.  

The closer they got to the demon, they slowly could feel the aura surrounding the area, it wasn’t just a normal demon but a moon at least. As they came close enough, they finally discerned the demon.  

It was getting attacked by another slayer of a rank higher than them, and to their surprise, the demon was indeed a moon, but it was even an upper moon with the number four.  

They quickly went to help the slayer, and Tanjiro was the first one, as he went up to the demon and blocked the next attack that was directed to the man.  

The demon rapidly took a step backwards, dodging the upcoming attacking from the two slayers.  

“It is you!” Exclaimed the demon contently, but as he contemplated for a moment Tanjiro, his playful demeanor dropped. “So, you are on their side. It was indeed a failure.” He said disappointed.  

“Failure to be on your side?” Said Zenitsu as he launches an attack to the demon.  

The demon snickered. “Exactly.” He countered his offensive by moving swiftly to the sides, as one of his blades came straight at Zenitsu. He tried to slice it but failed to do so as he just managed to block it partially before cutting the sides of his arm. It was a slight scratch, but deadly to anyone who wasn’t an experimented slayer.  

Fortunately, his sword didn’t break, and so where the blade that attacked him. It wasn’t just something normal nor was it something that could break easily.  

It had the form of a thin square made of metal with sharpened side, it was the size of half a human body and seemed to be controlled by distance from the demon. Only two was spotted, both in an offensive position.  

Inosuke was the first to charge up front to the demon after he skillfully dodged the blade coming up to him. As he quickly closed the gap, another blade went, targeting his stomach from the side. Expecting it, he jumped up and extended his katana to slash the demon. But instead of the blade going under him, it changed its rotation, pushing Inosuke away from the demon to the right. Before he could react and get out of the situation, the square stopped to go back to the demon as he strikes Zenitsu and Tanjiro.  

Tanjiro couldn’t react soon enough to dodge the blade as his arms got sliced, it didn’t stop him greatly enough as he took a step forward, regenerating fast. Zenitsu followed as he escaped using his breathing, synchronizing with Tanjiro to strike him at the same time.  

Still, as they got close to the demon, each got launched far away. Even though the demon didn’t move an inch it was impossible to get near with these two blades.  

As the demon moved the square all around the place, Inosuke managed to get back on track, and with Tanjiro distracting one of the blades from the opposite side of the demon, he got close to him again. The demon tried to slice him with the blade focused on Tanjiro, but body blocked it with both his hand, extending it in front of him, keeping it in place despite it moving around. It leaved Inosuke free of any danger as he could slice the demon. However, he only cut as far as his left hand off, far from the neck.  

Before he could take another shot, the blade that Zenitsu was struggling with came at high speed to Inosuke, slicing his entire upper back and continuing his track to Tanjiro, right at his head. He released the other blade as he saved himself from being decapitated, he managed to stop it but the other that was stuck on him sprinted back at the demon.  

Unfortunately, he hasn’t managed to grab it, letting it go, tired of tanking two blade one after another. Not even one second after leaving, the blade came rushing back at them at a greater speed, one made Tanjiro fall back as his torso got pushed by the blade that left earlier to the other blade that left to gain momentum to came on his sides, slashing part of his leg. As he was immobilized for a second, one immediately went for Inosuke, still trying to get him further away from the demon while the other was sent to Zenitsu. He dodged by a hair as it came at a flashing speed even with his breathing in use, leaving back like a boomerang at Inosuke that tried to squish him on both sides.  

He still stopped them with both of his sword, but as they pressed greater force, the sword cracked. Before he could even decide to leave, the blade rotated, cutting his stomach and back again. The wound was not fatal, but enough to leave a slayer in a hard position.  

Zenitsu came to help, but it was then him that got pushed back, followed by Inosuke on the opposite direction.  

The demon still hasn’t moved from its place as he was confident in his capabilities.  

Still, that was a good thing. They can distract each blade with one person to launch an attack. Plus, it seems to be his only way of attack. They just had to somehow cut the blades or stop it forcefully.  

Tanjiro couldn’t approach the demon, but unlike the rest, he could stop the blade for a few second, though he couldn’t take on two.  

As Zenitsu and Inosuke fought against the demon, the slayer from the beginning approached suddenly.  

“I can bait one blade.”  

Tanjiro got taken aback from the sudden approach, startling him a little. As he heard his word, his head suddenly got lightheaded from the realization and a rush of blood came to his head because of the battle. He looked at the slayer before pondering for a moment, to finally agreeing to his help. He didn’t consider the fact that he was a demon right now and that he was researched, right now, only this demon mattered.  

They got back against the enemy with the slayer, charging directly at him. The blades that focused on Inosuke and Zenitsu suddenly changed its course as the two were now far, leaving only Tanjiro and the slayer close to him. Tanjiro quickly grabbed the blade before taking a few steps back from the recoil. The slayer ran away from the blade as he tried to slice it, making the square follow him.  

Before the demon could even make another decision, Inosuke swiftly ran on him, charging directly at his neck from the side, while Zenitsu who was behind his back used his first form to guarantee the death of the demon.  

As he called his blade back, the one behind him was stuck thanks to Tanjiro, who used his art to maintain the blade in place, his handprint was left as the iron became red, nearly melting it.  

The other blade, however, came rushing to Inosuke, though he was already up to his neck in less than two seconds.  

Only if it wasn’t for the blade camouflaged on his back, as it came undone, slashing Zenitsu directly in the chest and part of his shoulder. Inosuke looked in horror as he saw the blond getting pushed back by yet another blade. He still advanced and went for the head, succeeding, but not fast and deep enough as the blade came slashing his leg.  

But a few cuts weren’t enough to make them bow down.  

Even if the blades came rushing at them again as they took a step back, they managed to predict their direction. Since there were three blades now, it was getting harder to get closer to him.  

Inosuke used his beast breathing and went straight ahead to the demon, one blade was now constantly around him which pissed him off. So instead of dodging it, he stops and took a chance to face the square and slashed his sword right at the middle, cutting it in half. Inosuke still got the aftermath of the sliced blade going after him, but as the distance grew, the blade fell on the ground.  

Now it was only two blades going around, just like in the beginning.  

Until it was made into one, since Zenitsu easily cut through the melted square without even using his breathing.  

It seems like Tanjiro’s art was greatly affective against the demon’s one.  

Thus, Tanjiro went to get another one, but as he started to move in its direction, he suddenly stumble as his vision became blurry and unfocused. He couldn’t differentiate the smell anymore and couldn’t feel his leg, even if he tried to get up, his arms nor leg were moving an inch.  

Zenitsu and Inosuke noticed it in the distance as they thought against the leftover blade and instantly got worried. Did he not get enough blood? Or did he use too much of his force during the attack? Either way, now he was in a bad shape, and needed to gain his strength back.  

So, they had to kill this demon right now.  

Inosuke went first, to get the demon to focus on him as he could take on the blade easier. And after five second, Zenitsu used his seventh form.  

Flaming thunder god .  

As the last blade was on Inosuke, Zenitsu could neatly perform his breathing as the demon didn’t have enough protection around him, leading to his head falling on the ground. The last square also disappeared as it touched the ground.  

Before the demon died entirely, Zenitsu took a sample of the blood needed for the cure.  

Now they only had to get two more.  

Inosuke and Zenitsu rushed to Tanjiro as they screamed his name. They found him hunched over the ground as he was breathing heavily, the slayer went to his side as he tried to help him, but Inosuke put himself in front of him, nearly pushing him as he grinded his teeth.  

The slayer still spoke as he saw their distress.  

“It’s alright I'm not injured so I can take care of him while you rest, I'll just help him go to a nearby house for him to sleep. I’ll watch over if there is any demon.” He said confidently as he tried to reassure them, but his words made the boys even more anxious. Even if he said the truth, Tanjiro needed blood right now , and couldn’t leave it to some innocent slayer, neither could they let another person feed him.  

They wouldn’t allow it.  

Zenitsu and Inosuke stared at him, still in a defensive position, not moving an inch.  

“It’s alright.” Started Zenitsu without an ounce of emotion, just fear. “We’ll take care of him.”  

Greater fear than when they thought the demon.  

Their gaze was focused on the slayer, and Zenitsu was stressed as he didn’t blink nor move.  

“We just need a house to stay in.” Followed Inosuke as he was impatient to get out of this situation.  

“A-Ah, sure! There’s a house by the lake, it’s usually made for slayers, so it’ll have everything you need for your wound. And- And if you want, I'm quite specialized in this field, so tell me if you need anything, I'll be up by the mountain.” He finished, a bit embarrassed by the situation, as if he butted in something, or did something he shouldn’t.  

Zenitsu thanked him, and before departing, the slayer stopped them one more time.  

“Kanao’s waiting for you!”  

The group paused and turned around to face him.  

“Everyone! Kanao, Nezuko and the Hashira are waiting for you all!” He expresses enthusiastically.  

Tanjiro was still feverish, but he understood what he said briefly and formed a weak smile on his faces, expressing his gratitude as his eyes were still fuzzy.  

“That-That’s all.” He said before bowing and bid his goodbye as he turned around.  

The conversation was a bit odd and tense, but in the end, it ended well and even came with great news. But it might mean nothing if they cannot accept the fact that he needs to drink blood.  

And it would be useless if Tanjiro also doesn’t understand.  

After at least twelve meters, Zenitsu threw Tanjiro to the side of the tree, landing on his back. He catches himself on the tree trunks but got instantly grabbed by the collar by Zenitsu.  

“Are you stupid? Didn’t you say you would ask for blood if needed? You need it right now!” Zenitsu got angry at him, he understood his desire to overcome his hunger, but starving didn’t feel like the right solution.  

“Just a bit more, I can still resist a little, just an hour...”  

“I don’t want to wait an hour!” Zenitsu said as he branded his bloody palm in front of him. Tanjiro diverted his eyes away but turned his gaze reluctantly. He was now completely sitting on the ground as he couldn’t get himself up, both because of Zenitsu pinning him down and because of his own force that were leaving him.  

“Don’t fuck around and just drink.” Inosuke angrily said as he stomped up to Tanjiro and cut his own flesh to feed him. Tanjiro couldn’t protect himself as Zenitsu opened his mouth with his finger, leaving an open space for blood to come in.  

Inosuke approached his arm, and as the first drop of blood came in Tanjiro mouth, it made him grunt and move around in a protest. Seeing as it wouldn’t work, the blue haired boy came up with a wild idea.  

“Drink it or I'll make a deeper wound on my arm.” It was a menace, but it seems to work on him as he took a few licks of his wound.  

However, after a few second, a warmer saliva touched his skin. Tanjiro removed his tongue, leaving a completely healed forearm with no marks of a previous wound.  

“Don’t hurt yourself.” Replied Tanjiro, his gaze still unfocused as he looked up to Inosuke, forming another, yet weak smile.  

“Then bite me, I like it a lot more than a blade.”  

Even if he became a bit more docile, he still doesn’t want to drink blood, and it was quite infuriating.  

But then, an idea also came up to Zenitsu’s head.  

He took back his mouth and opened it with his finger to let his tongue in, piercing it on Tanjiro’s fangs to draw blood and let it flow. He dared him to lick it since it would be bleeding a lot. It made the red-haired boy a bit shy and reluctant to give in, but he couldn’t ignore all the blood pouring out. Especially after Inosuke said he liked to be bitten, and surely, the same goes for Zenitsu.  

So, he did as he wished and explored his mouth to get as much blood as possible from his wound, though Zenitsu might have not noticed that the injury has closed in a second. He was too focused on the sensation of being played around, but he should, since he was getting out of breath. It felt like he was drowning in kisses.  

Zenitsu broke it to recover his breath and leaned backwards, Tanjiro stared at him as he was thinking what to do next, but Inosuke catches him up to that as he kissed him vigorously. He cut his tongue in the process, though he wasn’t paying any mind to it and just continued to savor Tanjiro.  

He soon stopped to go again, but Tanjiro kissed his chin and up to his throat. After slowly calming down and seeing that Tanjiro got some of his strength back, the blond boy indicated to leave the area and go to the lake house as they were still injured.  

They both agreed and followed the track leading to the large lake.  

Chapter Text

It was a beautiful and maintained house that was just a few meters from the lake, in an uphill way to not get flooded by heavy rain.   

The perfect place to rest peacefully, as they could hear the water rumbling on the rocks and the calming sound of the night owl and the cricket laying all around the lake. Even for Zenitsu it was a pretty nice place with a soothing sound.  

They entered the house to check it out, how it was and if there wasn’t anyone else. Without Inosuke, of course, as he was already and finally stripping down to take a dip in the water.  

The house had two bedrooms with a living space and a kitchen, it was a spacious place with enough food to last for a year. If it wasn’t a coveted site for slayers, it would have been the perfect hideout for Tanjiro, he could even stay out of the house thanks to the shading terrace.  

They still had three and a half hours until the sun gets up, in that much free time they could took a quick dip by the water, though Inosuke was already swimming in it anyway.  

Tanjiro removed all his clothes apart from his fundoshi, but Zenitsu commanded him to remove it too, as they would clean themselves completely like a bath. It made him blushes profusely at the thought of it, yet he followed along. Zenitsu followed Inosuke in his track as Tanjiro was getting ready to get in the water, he was the last one to get in while they were already in the middle of the lake rattling against each other.  

Tanjiro watched as he approached Zenitsu and Inosuke, which the blue haired boy used this time to swims away trying to catch a fish. Zenitsu stared at the boar that tried to “fish”, in a disgusted state at just the thought of the smelling fish.  

As the red-haired boy got closer, he slowly remarked the rest of the bruise on the blond’s body, as he couldn’t see well before with the clothes on.  

“You put me first even though you were in such a state, is Inosuke like that too?” He asked concerned as he grasped his hand in his.  

Zenitsu instantly glared at him in an angry state.  

“Well, you!- were dying! So OF COURSE we had to take care of you first.” Screamed furiously Zenitsu as he poked his chest angrily.  

“I’m sorry.” Said Tanjiro in a defeated voice. “I won’t do it again.”  

“Better be!”  

He still poked him in frustration before Tanjiro took his wrist that he used to poke him with and licked the slight cut on his arm as he extended it in front of his face, slightly forcing Zenitsu to take a step closer.  

“Let me help you heal in return.” Tanjiro said as the cut closed. It made Zenitsu a bit bashful and giddy from it but nodded after a few second.  

The red-haired boy continued to lick the wound on his body. Up to his arm, shoulder followed by the neck in a single motion, his collarbone, chest and his other arm among with the tiny cut around his finger.  

All of the wound he licked was healed, and Tanjiro was content of the results and turned Zenitsu around to see his back. It wasn’t as bad as the front, but it still had some scratch, so, he put his hand on Zenitsu’s waist and stomach to keep him in place as he trailed every cut on his body with his tongue. Zenitsu arched his back a bit from the sensation as he was a little ticklish, he barely managed to keep his voice in during the whole process, but still managed to overcome it. And as Tanjiro turned him back to see if he hasn’t left any behind, he spotted the reaction Zenitsu had to his tongue. It made him blush a lot as he didn’t expect or thought about it in the first place.  

“You’re going to stop?” Zenitsu asked softly as he looked down at him, with slight tears in his eyes as he gripped Tanjiro’s shoulder.  

But still, that wasn’t something Tanjiro would miss.  

“No, I must take care of every injury on your body.”  

He took him next to a rocky platform, close enough to still have some water splashing up to Zenitsu stomach as he lay down.  

Tanjiro went to lick down to the waist, too close to Zenitsu private part in his opinion, and too stimulating as he went planting a kiss in his inner tight, possibly to tease him since he smiled slightly at him as he took his leg up his shoulder to heal the bruise on it.   

He licked his ankle as he went down, carefully going around to his other bruise as he approached closer to Zenitsu his own left leg, trying to reach from below the knee.  

It got the blond boy in quite the position as he was completely exposed, plus he didn’t have anything to grab on, only the rocks crack behind him. So, he did that, and covered his mouth with the other as Tanjiro still played with his body.  

He followed the route and got to the right leg as he cured all the cut up to his knee, before downing in places where there weren’t even any injuries. He got to his inner thigh as he licked him, Zenitsu couldn’t resist anymore as he was getting teased too much. Tanjiro got to his hole as he swiftly put his tongue around, he could taste Zenitsu as the water got in his mouth. He lifted both his leg to elevate him from the water to have full access and licked it again, slowly entering his tongue in there. Now he was also fully hard and wouldn’t want to stop now.  

“Wait stop! I’m not clean!” Zenitsu said as he smashed Tanjiro’s head. It got him confused, as the blond got out of his grasp, he just stared in shock from the scene.  

“I can do it...”  

“No you can’t !” He said, exaggerating the last word as he went away.  

“I can.” Tanjiro lifted his hands, revealing the clean-cut fingernail. It got Zenitsu quiet as he thought that indeed, now he can, somehow. He didn’t question it and slowly got back to him as Tanjiro sat down on the rock, waiting for him. He crawled up to Tanjiro to sit nicely on his lap, with his leg around him.  

He started to slowly push a finger in, before making it two. It wasn’t sliding nicely as there wasn’t any lube in, but it was sufficient to just put two finger in. Tanjiro stroked Zenitsu’s penis as he hit his sweet spot that he knew by heart. Zenitsu moaned from this feeling, the red-haired boy responded by giving a slight kiss on his shoulder before leaving a hickey on his neck. Both had been hard by now, so the stroking hand took both the cock and started to go faster. Tanjiro was licking and sucking on his nipple, Zenitsu could hear that Tanjiro would come soon. He gripped the red hair strongly without noticing and left a mark on Tanjiro’s left shoulder, that came from him clutching as he let himself enjoy the present.  

Finally, both came on Tanjiro’s hand, they slowly catch their breath and after a few minutes, Tanjiro let go of Zenitsu and gave him a quick peck on the nose. After their little time they decided to go back to the house, so that Zenitsu would be able to prepare far more than he is now.  

As they left, Inosuke came running from the water with fishes in his hand, proudly putting them up in the air.   

Tanjiro noticed him and approached as Zenitsu quickly left in a desperate manner to not get near those fish.  

“Good job Inosuke!” Tanjiro exclaimed, Inosuke felt all giddy from inside without any knowledge of what happened to the group beforehand his little find. As he catches up to Tanjiro running happily while trying his best in the water, Inosuke got kissed on the cheeks as his waist got hold.  

He freezes for a moment to understand what happened while letting himself get kissed, still holding his fish up in the air.  

Inosuke felt the rush of blood and excitement around Tanjiro’s body, and turned his head to him.  

“Wanna fuck me?”   

It got Tanjiro off guard, though he kind of anticipated this question. He still responded with a blush on his face.  

“After you put down the fish.” He said as he released him awkwardly. Inosuke agreed and left as he called Zenitsu to look at his fish, which he obviously got rejected. Inosuke went to put them down in the basket near the lake as Tanjiro followed him, still unsure of the situation, especially since Inosuke’s hands smelled like fish now.  

Tanjiro watched him as he cleaned his hand in the water with some soap Zenitsu put down before, it got him happy and a bit more excited to see him attentive over him, maybe all the nagging got into his head.  

As Tanjiro observed him, he could see that he still has bruise over him, since he only took care of Zenitsu and didn’t touch Inosuke at all.  

So now, it was his turn.   

As he finally cleaned his hands, Inosuke came back and immediately held Tanjiro, followed by a kiss on the mouth. Tanjiro gladly accepted his hug and kiss, returning it by holding him more tightly.  

The blue-haired boy didn’t lose time and touched Tanjiro’s cock. It made him shudder at the touch, as butterfly traveled down his stomach, but he wanted to tease him before that. He removed his hand to make place for Inosuke’s stomach as bend down to lick at the cut that was right up his belly button. It made Inosuke squirt as he was much more sensible, leaving a quiet moan from his mouth.  

Inosuke was just so, so cute getting teased. But he couldn’t tease him as much as he does to Zenitsu, since it would be overstimulating to him, he doesn’t want to go overboard.   

So instead, he stopped and got up to look at Inosuke’s face. He was completely dazed already, with his mouth hanging open and slight pant, as he gazed over at Tanjiro’s eyes to see what he’ll do next.  

He just gave a slight peck on his cheeks before guiding him inside, leading him by holding hands.  

Zenitsu was already on the bed as he was preparing himself with some lube he got. He always carries a bottle of it in his pocket, so that if something happens, he could always be in his best form. Though, he always cursed a little at Inosuke, since he didn’t need any as he was producing enough mucus to be used as lube, even more recently as it become at automation for him. So, while he had to get prepared, Inosuke could already enjoy Tanjiro.   

Even right now, Inosuke sat down on the bed waiting for him as Tanjiro kissed Zenitsu, slightly going around his body. Zenitsu broke it so he could get back on himself and get ready for when they are finished. In the meantime, Tanjiro focused back on Inosuke, he started to put a finger in, then two, then three, he didn’t need much time to get prepared as he was already loosened, so he removed his finger and elevated his leg, getting enough room for putting it in.   

As it went in, Inosuke moaned more loudly than before, leaning his head back as he closed his eyes and tightened his mouth after opening it unconsciously. His breath elevated his chest, exposing every bit of his muscle, with the red part on his shoulder because he felt hot inside and to the touch, and with the redness of his bruise because of the last fast with the demon.  

Tanjiro didn’t lose time to thrust in and out, as Inosuke just stayed still as he let Tanjiro do the job, he just let himself get guided. Tanjiro moved his hand around his body, touching every part of his injuries at the front, healing it at the same time.  

Right, now he didn’t need to use his tongue, especially his saliva to heal wounds, it was just a thing for them, but he couldn’t overdo it on Inosuke as he wouldn’t be able to take it.  

After he finished at the front, Inosuke felt like he could only feel the sensation from inside, leaving no space for anything else, for anything to disturb him. Suddenly he felt getting pushed on the sides and got rotated around to lay on his stomach.  

Tanjiro lifted his hips and got back inside; it made Inosuke slump back on the floor with his hips up for Tanjiro as he arched his back. Zenitsu got close to him as he handed him a pillow to rest his head on. Inosuke lifted his head as a sign of acceptance and took the pillow in his arms willingly. He let himself get taken as he enjoyed the moment, while Zenitsu moved up to Tanjiro as he begins to feel left out, he went to kiss him, and Tanjiro deepened it by putting his tongue inside. Zenitsu wanted to play a little, but the fang he wanted to use to cut his tongue were not there, in fact, it was just normal teeth, just like when he was human. Just his eyes, his piercing red eyes in his as he smirked in a playful manner.  

Inosuke felt like he would come soon and arched his back a little more to feel this sensation a little longer, a little stronger . Tanjiro also felt like he would soon come as he moved a bit faster, not even concentrating a bit on Zenitsu.  

Finally, he let go of his hold and let Inosuke slump down on the futon, his cum traveling down his back as he positioned to his sides to get more comfortable. Tanjiro went up to him as he cleaned his back and removed the protective layers on his futon. He gently nudged him to the sides as he went to bite his neck without drawing blood, just leaving a mark and a moan from Inosuke, still having his eyes closed.  

Suddenly, Zenitsu frantically grabbed him as he kissed Tanjiro, leading him closer to him as he went back, forcing the red-haired to get closer. He gladly accepted his advance as he kissed him back, while Zenitsu placed his legs around Tanjiro, wrapping his arms around his neck.  

He placed his hand on his red hair as he clings to his back, he leaned closer to his ears as he whispered in it.  

“No need to take it out, you can come inside.”  

Tanjiro flinched as he heard it, making him blush slightly, which deepened as Zenitsu locked eyes with him.  

“Really...?”  

Tanjiro went down to kiss him on the lips, not giving him time to respond. Zenitsu laid on his back as he grabbed the boy with his legs, not letting him go as he felt some pressure against his hole. Tanjiro slowly pushed in as he was biting on his collar bone, before lifting his head up to lick and give a hickey on his Adam’s apple.  

Zenitsu struggled to keep his voice down as he felt the pressure deepening inside, slowly making him hotter, losing track of his ability to breath.  

He could feel himself tighten around Tanjiro in an automate manners, he tried to loosen up but he instantly clenched from the sensation out of his own will. The feels of Tanjiro’s tongue tickling his nipple while his finger trailed his waist made him completely drown in ecstasy.  

He couldn’t focus as he held his leg around Tanjiro, making way for him as he thrusted in and out. Zenitsu let out a moan as a tear made out of his eyes, he couldn’t form another sound as Tanjiro kissed him, having his boundaries being pushed.  

Tanjiro did just as he wanted, though some more intense idea came to his minds, but he pushed it aside as they still had to move tomorrow, they couldn’t stay here for a few days.  

Finally, Tanjiro released inside just as he was instructed, still feeling the heat from inside and enjoying it. Zenitsu could feel the sensation tickling inside him, he let go of Tanjiro as he let himself feel the pleasure coursing through his body. He panted and lumped onto the bed, before quickly going back up to kiss Tanjiro, throwing his hands back onto Tanjiro’s back and neck.  

He returned the kiss as he pulled out, before breaking up the kiss to grab a tissue from the side.  

Zenitsu observed every of his action, from going a bit to the side while still holding up to him, to taking a tissue with one of his hands, to slowly focusing back on him and wipe the semen on his stomach. As he cleaned him, he went to kiss him again, then onto the chin down to the neck before biting it.  

The blond enjoyed every bit of it as he tightened his holds around him.  

Tanjiro wanted to give him another kiss, but he was interrupted by Inosuke grabbing his arm softly by the side, barely putting forces on it. He looked at Inosuke that was sitting on his legs, with one hand in between that held him up. His jewels like eyes pierced right through his as he looked at him with a slight frown accompanied by a slight blush.  

He looked cute, almost too much as he felt his heart bursting out, racing just by looking at him. Finally, he spoke with a voice that didn’t match his face, but it suited him perfectly.  

“Why did you only do that with him? You could’ve done it with me too.”  

Inosuke said a bit angered, or at least as he tried to make it appear. He approached Tanjiro as pushed him away from Zenitsu with his hands on his shoulder, planting a kiss in the meantime as he put his hand on Zenitsu chest, standing right in front of Tanjiro.  

“Do it right now.”  

The red-haired boy stared at him as he straddled Zenitsu.  

“Are you not tired?” Asked Tanjiro as he was concerned, but already excited from the moment.  

“Of course not.” He said as he turned around to glance slightly at Tanjiro while being on top of Zenitsu, which had his eyes glued on him, having a bit of a reaction on himself.  

“I’m the king of the mountain.”  

Chapter Text

Zenitsu was the first to wake up, slowly getting up of Tanjiro grasp as he observed him at the same time. He sat up and stretched his arm while Inosuke and Tanjiro were peacefully sleeping, and Zenitsu couldn’t stop staring at them. Still, he had to rise himself to go to the toilet, but before that, he gave a slight peck to each of them on the forehead.  

After he was done, Zenitsu sat down on the dock looking at the sunset while listening to the sound of the water splashing the rocks. Even though it was such a great place, they needed to advance again to search the new moon.  

But, maybe after all this time, they can get back to the mansion? After all, it was their friends, his friends waiting for him. And his sister surely was worried to death. Would it be selfish to not go? To keep him by their sides and insure his well-being by themselves?  

Maybe it was, but at first, they were the only one desperate enough to protect him and because of their effort, he got better.  

They could try, if they have something that might help him, it would be the best option for Tanjiro.  

Worst case scenario, they can still run away and return to being little vagabond.  

In the end it would be worth the risk, the slayers know they are alive and if the Hashira really wanted, Tanjiro would have been dead by now. Moreover, if things go great, he could get protected by the personal from the mansion, lowering the danger for him.  

As Zenitsu was lost in his thought, Inosuke emerged from behind and sat beside him. They didn’t say a word to each other for a minute as they observed the horizon.  

“Would it be alright to go to the butterfly mansion?” Asked Zenitsu.  

“...I’m sure he wants to see Nezuko.”  

“Right... But I'm still scared of it... But we’ll somehow make it work right? At least, he would be safe, and it’ll be faster to track Muzan.”  

Inosuke agreed and reinforced his conviction by demonstrating some of his forces and listed what they did since the beginning. It made Zenitsu giggle and calm down after hearing him. At the last, if they are with him, everything will be alright, they will make it alright for him.  

They talked until the sun set while occasionally arranging their equipment, leaving once again only the moon in the sky. Tanjiro woke up soon after, he didn’t need sleep, but it was just a thing for him to pass time, plus, the two boys liked it when they slept together.  

Inosuke was the first one to get up from the dock, followed by Zenitsu. They sat down next to Tanjiro’s bed and explained their next destination and its motive for it, and of course, Tanjiro happily agreed to it since he would be able to meet all his late friends and his sister. Especially since he couldn’t check up on them after the fight against Muzan.  

He was joyful just from thinking about it, but then a thought got to his head.  

Right, how could he forget something like that since he has been thinking about it for a long time.  

“Zenitsu, Inosuke, there is something I wish to give to you. You can refuse it if you want.”  

Tanjiro sat formally on his leg to speak to them and face them directly, before he removed both of his earring. It got both questioning themselves as Tanjiro put the earring in his hand, handing it to them.  

“I wish for you to have it. Since you are the most precious to me, I figured that would be the best gift for you, and it will always remind you of me.” Tanjiro smiled softly as he finished, while Zenitsu could already feel the tears in his eyes.  

“Really? For us?” Inosuke still knew how important his earring was for him and couldn’t even imagine him without it before, so removing them was out of the ordinary.  

“Why...” Zenitsu asked in a weak voice.  

“Because I know you would protect them, and to promise you that I'll always be by your side.”  

Zenitsu felt the heat building up in his face as he looked straight at Tanjiro, slowly getting deformed by the tears forming in his eyes. It instantly threw him off, and he couldn’t control his emotion as Tanjiro still smiled at him.  

Inosuke didn’t know how to react completely, he just started to feel a little sick in the stomach, even if he didn’t eat anything bad the day before. His mind went a little blank, making him lightheaded.  

“Won’t you regret it?” Zenitsu said as he went to hug Tanjiro with Inosuke. His tears wouldn’t stop rolling on his faces now, as he felt grateful but also doomed with an unknown sadness. Inosuke was still trying to process, he felt anxious as if he did something.  

“Isn’t- Isn’t it for the Kamado? We aren’t...” Zenitsu stopped in his track as if he realized something, but Tanjiro quickly reassured him by putting at ease his concern.  

“You are the one and only that I love, so of course I'm giving it to you. You're my family and my precious lover.” He said as he kissed their head. A blank filled the place as Zenitsu tightened his grip on Tanjiro, he felt happy about it, but still believed that he should keep his family heirloom.  

It was only for the Kamado.  

“I’ll accept it for now, but once you become human again, we’ll give them back.”  

Tanjiro got taken aback and looked at them in a confused state, he couldn’t comprehend their process of thought. Did they not want it? Was it too much for them to be part of his family as his lover?  

“At that time, we want to get another gift.” Said Inosuke as he followed Zenitsu in his track, slightly understanding what Zenitsu wanted, and what he wants too.   

Tanjiro got relaxed instantly at their response, thought it still made him a bit sad that they wouldn’t accept his earring entirely, even if their thinking process was normal and valid. At first, he thought it was ambitious too.  

He closed his eyes as he let out a sight, before Zenitsu continued Inosuke’s sentence.  

“A ring.”  

Tanjiro face lightens up as all his doubt disappeared, he did think for a second that he was getting rejected, but then he couldn’t ask for a more perfect response. Still, it got him a bit flustered as he didn’t expect them to want something with a deeper meaning than his own earring.  

“Sure.” Tanjiro sighed happily, leaving a chuckle between it, both could feel his worries dissipating. Zenitsu and Inosuke looked at each other while in his arm, understanding what to do next. They both leaned to him and kissed his cheeks, which got him even more flustered but laughed slightly before hugging them again.  

They stayed like that for at least thirty minutes, relaxing in each other arms as they exchanged about their worries and hopes.  

Zenitsu and Inosuke took one of his earrings each and asked for Tanjiro to leave the room. He obeyed without asking question, though he felt dejected not seeing them putting it on.  

Zenitsu was the first one to pin it, putting it on his right ear as it throbbed a bit before leaving immediately, he observed it for some time as he played with it. It made him incredibly happy, maybe too much as he felt like he got proposed, though he may have been the one to do so.  

Meanwhile, Inosuke tried to put it randomly in his ear and before he could pierce a random part, Zenitsu rapidly stopped him. They bickered for some time to prove that he can do it, but in the end, he reluctantly gave in and let Zenitsu put it on. Even if he wouldn’t admit it, he did prefer if Zenitsu would do it since he didn’t want to mess it up, as it would make the boy quite anxious. But he couldn’t admit that.  

Finally, Inosuke got his earring on his left side, completing the pair on Zenitsu’s right side.  

They both admired themselves in the mirror as Zenitsu added to the fire that it will automatically tell people who knows Tanjiro, that they are his lover. Maybe it was a bit delusional from him, but it made him all giddy as he jumped around happily.   

Inosuke put his boar mask back on and looked again in the mirror. Since it was covering his entire face, the earring wasn’t visible, making him a little depressed.  

“What do I do?” He asked completely disappointed. Zenitsu turned around to see what the problem was and just saw Inosuke standing in front of the mirror with his boar mask on. Right, we couldn’t see the earring like that! But he couldn’t think of anything, so now they were both a little depressed.  

Two solutions could be seen.  

One: Put the earring on the mask boar. Which would be useless if he removes it.  

Two: Don’t put the mask boar. Which wouldn’t be possible for Inosuke.  

So, three: Put the mask on and hides the earring. Which would only be visible when removing the mask.  

It was a great dilemma that was put on Inosuke, but even so, out of the two possibilities he chooses the third one, which was the same as the start.  

Finally, after resolving their great concern, they came out to join Tanjiro that was quietly waiting outside, dazed in the stars as he couldn’t fully contain his excitement. But when they walked out, he suddenly felt calm and anxious as he turned around to face them. It was truly a sight, seeing them with his earring, he could only feel his face burning as he couldn’t utter a single word. Even with such a little thing, it felt like he announced his love for them.  

“You look good.” He exclaimed shyly.  

“Nothing changed apart from the earring.” Zenitsu quickly said as he walked away to the forest, feeling embarrassed.  

“You always look good.”   

Tanjiro smiled brightly with a slight blush, and it made Zenitsu feels butterfly in his stomach. Couldn’t he stop being handsome for a second? It would really help him to lower his constant high heartbeat.  

Inosuke just went ahead as he couldn’t face Tanjiro, the blond hastily followed him for the same reason. On the other hand, Tanjiro got along with them quietly as they went in direction to the butterfly mansion, where Kanao and Nezuko must have stayed.  

It would be a long walk as all they did since Tanjiro turned into a demon, was to go as far from the Ubuyashiki estate and the butterfly estate.  

But now that everything got put in orders, it wouldn’t take as long as when they left. In fact, they could go twice as fast if they don’t encounter any demon.   

They moved from village-to-village, and unlike before, while confronting a demon they could take care of it much easily since Tanjiro could heal them with his art and freely use his fighting capabilities. He still needs to drink the same amount of blood as it didn’t increase fortunately, but it didn’t decrease either.  

He did think about how he could divert his art into himself, since he could heal a human, maybe it could be beneficial for him. Though, his flames just felt warm when he put it on himself, so he couldn’t think how to changes it and use it.  

Guess he has to train just like when he was a slayer.  

But the only time he could put it in action was when the day was here, as Zenitsu and Inosuke were asleep. And since it was proven over the day that sleeping didn’t help his hunger, he just stayed awake to monitor the area and train, or slept if they asked for it.  

With that, he could concentrate his art onto his body, but as he moved his flame around, he couldn’t feel any difference. It wasn’t the same as when he healed someone, either it was a cut or an open wound it would have closed on itself as he put the flame around it. But as a demon he healed instantly, his art deemed useless in this part.  

If only he could alter it to get enough nutriment into his body, just like how Nezuko used to do in her sleep.  

But for now, it seemed to be useless as he couldn’t found any way to sustain his hunger slightly.  

Still, he proceeded to try for the following day, not giving up as they slowly got closer to the estate.  

It took them four days to travel to the last village before the mansion, it was currently midnight as they went through the main path.  

The night set an hour ago, the moon was low in the sky as it was just the beginning of the night, the temperature was chill, and the snow started to get piled up as it slowly increased in centimeters. The snowflakes fell on Tanjiro’s hair and face, cooling him a little. He didn’t feel the need to immediately remove it as he is used to the sensation, however, Zenitsu wasn’t on the same pace as he kept removing the cold touch of water on his face and hair. Inosuke was just minding his own business as usual, still without a shirt as the snow fell on him.  

Tanjiro asked if he wanted anything to cover himself up out of concern, but he refused as he ran around helplessly.  

Since they walked closer to the mansion, demon has been spotted less, either because they fear the slayers around it, or because they are killed as soon as they come near.  

Tanjiro walked peacefully, still careful of his surroundings.  

Suddenly, a dull noise was heard on the side, as if something fell. Zenitsu heard it too as he turned his eyes in its direction, Tanjiro looked at him before seeing what the noise was about. It was a man with his chariot that fell, apparently from slipping on the ice.  

Zenitsu got worried for the man since it’s dark and the road can’t be seen well, but before he could say anything, Tanjiro stepped first.  

“Are you alright?” His voice echoed around the street as he trotted to his sides.   

He helped him get up and collected the stuff on the ground, he double checked if the man was alright before asking where he was going, to make sure that he would be able to go home safely.  

Zenitsu looked at the scene, where Tanjiro helped the one in needs before he could even comprehend what was happening, it was like a second nature to him, something he couldn’t have. He wasn’t selfish, but his first thought wouldn’t be to help directly, but to observe the situation before doing anything.  

Maybe he was afraid to intervein, or to be rejected because he helped, or worst, completely ignored.  

Though, it also depended on the situation, if it was a bickering between people, he wouldn’t go immediately, but if it was a demon or a clear show of violence, he wouldn’t think twice.  

Inosuke on the contrary would just fight anything bothering him without any thought. In this aspect he was a bit closer to Tanjiro.  

Speaking of the devil, Inosuke came back as his troupe didn’t follow him, wondering why they just stopped in the middle of the trail.  

Zenitsu didn’t notice him at first as he was too focused on Tanjiro, reading every bit of his expression, and listening to every sound he made.  

Each of his action reminded him of the past, the past when he was a slayer, when they were travelling all three with Nezuko, and when their only concern was to defeat Muzan and his peers.  

It was useless to rethink of the past and to regret it, but still, it felt nice to have their old Tanjiro back. And he was glad that he could overcome this demon situation, he was still the same. The one that everyone loves and cherish, the one person who overcame the slayer's trial and protected his sister who transformed into a demon.  

“What he doing?” Asked Inosuke as he ‘poked’ Zenitsu shoulder. He stumbled a bit but managed to respond, a bit annoyed by his sudden appearance.  

“The man fell down, so he helped him up”  

“He could have gotten up himself.” Inosuke said as he moved around endlessly.  

“Just stay put, stupid boar.”  

Inosuke reluctantly said nothing, but didn’t stop moving as he was too energetic and wanted to leave.  

Thankfully, Tanjiro finished with the man and bid his goodbye. Inosuke stopped moving as he saw him coming back, and both the boy stared at him.  

His heartbeat was calm and reassuring, almost soothing as he approached step by step. His feet sunk in the snow with each of his stride, creating an echoing sound and leaving the mark of his shoes in the ground. He stopped as he reached up to them.  

“We can go.” He said, as the steam came out of his mouth, disappearing nearly after the top of his head, as his eyes glimmed in the night.  

And he smiled brightly at them.  

Chapter Text

Finally, they could see the butterfly mansion as they entered its territory. The trail was calm, and the snow has stopped falling, clearing the view in front of them. Crow flew above their head as they peacefully walked.  

But without any notice, a person emerged from the shadow. The group could instantly tell who it was, either was it from smell, sound or the way they walked.  

And as they turned around, the sight of Kanao confirmed it.  

She was breathing heavily as she ran down the mountain at full speed. It was a slayer that informed the mansion of their presence, leading to her immediately searching for them.  

She still couldn’t believe it as she examined the slayers, they were perfectly fine, and Tanjiro... was indeed a demon. But in her eyes, he was still Tanjiro, just like how his sister described him and how he looked the last time they saw each other. Unchanged, as if he didn’t become a demon just as hoped, a strong-willed person who would still be on humanity sides after transforming. But she couldn’t deny the physical change with his piercing bloody eyes and the demon mark that traversed his body, not that it mattered to her.  

Kanao finally made a small smile as she felt relieved. She managed to form a single sentence in her weak voice, which took all her will and power.  

“Welcome back.”  

The group smiled back at her as they could feel all the emotion rushing in. Tanjiro replied to her first as he smiled warmly, a smile that Kanao thought she wouldn’t see again.  

“We’re back.”  

Kanao could feel her face burning up as she looked at Tanjiro, all the emotion came rushing back, all the fear and sadness that she had to repress during those two weeks.  

She drew a bigger smile before talking to each other, so many things that they wanted to say with such a short time. But Kanao quickly interrupted the conversation as they had to go to the estate to converge about their situations with everyone, with the people waiting for them. Kanao urged them to go up the mountain as fast as they could to not waste time.  

They obediently followed as they feared what she could do if they didn’t follow, deciding not to revolt.  

Kanao pushed the boys slightly when one of them slowed down and at Tanjiro’s turn, she got a bit anxious for a moment, but still extended her arm to push him forward. Tanjiro smelled how she felt for a moment, still being able to overcame it at the end, which made him delighted. Plus, he couldn’t stop thinking about the people he’ll finally see again and talk with.  

Especially his sister, Nezuko, as she suddenly lost her brother to Muzan and flee away from her. Though it was also ironic at how the situation got reversed, but he wouldn’t want to put her in harm way now that she was human, he vowed to protect his little sister. Nevertheless, he still couldn’t stay with her when she needed it as he didn’t even give any notice as he left.  

Coming back up this mountain made him feel guilty, but he will face any harsh comment if it means staying with them. If it means being accepted again.  

Ultimately, they were in front of the butterfly estate. Tanjiro could still smell the familiar scent of medicine around the mansion with the same cherry tree and personal in the building.   

He felt a bit uneasy as he looked at the front door, but Inosuke grabbed his sleeves to reassure him, Tanjiro turned his gaze at him and smiled lightly.  

It seemed like a huge storm was waiting for him, but with his boys at his sides he didn’t need to be fearful, only to look ahead.  

As he took one more step to the door, Tanjiro instantly smelled a new familiar smell, far more familiar than the rest. The one that stayed the longest by his sides, the smell of the charcoal merged perfectly with a sweet scent of flower.  

The door was rapidly opened as Nezuko rushed out of the mansion, launching herself at Tanjiro. He quickly reacted by grabbing her as he tried to maintain his balance. She instantly hugged Tanjiro, without even caring that he is now a demon, after all, he accepted and protected her with all his might when it was her, the demon.  

“I missed you! I really did.” She said as the tears rushed down her face. She couldn’t contain her emotion as soon as Tanjiro was spotted around the nearby village, she was impatiently waiting for his return, even having the thought of going herself, but Kanao persuaded her to wait as he would come back eventually.  

“I thought you were gone, I'm so glad you came back well and fine.” She was extremely delighted to see him again as the tears wouldn’t stop pouring.  

Tanjiro felt incredibly warm as he hugged her and felt as if a weight left his shoulder, he couldn’t stop thinking of anything else but his sister. He finally got reunited with Nezuko, his dear sister as if it was a dream since it felt like a nightmare ever since he became a demon. And Tanjiro followed Nezuko, as tears fell slowly on his cheeks. They soon couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down as they hugged each other tightly.  

“I’m sorry.” Tanjiro expressed himself as he felt awful for leaving her.  

“You’re a dummy.”  

“I’m sorry-” he repeated.  

Zenitsu and Inosuke felt sad to see them like this, paining their heart to see them cry as it started to make them feel a bit emotional too.  

Inosuke suddenly initiated a new hug, to embrace both Nezuko and Tanjiro, and Zenitsu went soon after as he also felt tears rolling down.  

“I missed you Nezukoooo...” Zenitsu cried as he holds them all, he wouldn’t stop to waggle as he felt happy to be here, but Inosuke punched him and told him to stop moving like a worm. It made the Kamado laugh, and as they faced each other, they finally smiled brightly to one another.  

Kanao seemed content to see Nezuko happy after those two weeks, and seeing how Tanjiro was. It seems being transformed into a demon didn’t affect him, which reassured her.  

After a full minute, they finally let go of each other, even if tears were still falling, it was slowing down as they got better.   

Then, another person appeared from the door, Tanjiro couldn’t sense who it was since he was too focused on the moment. And as he looked, he instantly felt overjoyed as he saw Giyuu.  

“Giyuu! I'm back.” He said as he waived happily with tears in his eyes as he looked awful with all the crying. Giyuu smiled slightly as he saw Tanjiro was well, and apart from his demon mark on his face, he didn’t act like one.  

“You successfully returned; you’re a strong person Tanjiro.”   

The red-haired boy took the compliment to the fullest, as he felt ecstatic to hear that.   

After the little reunion was over, they could finally enter the mansion. Nezuko stayed close to Tanjiro to not part ways again, which he gladfully accepted. And now that he composed himself, he could sense the other person waiting for them, and with its strong smell, it was Sanemi.  

They got led to the room where he was in, when the door opened, they could see him waiting sitting on a cushion. Tanjiro greeted him too, as well as the two boys. They all sat down on a cushion around the table, he sat right in front of Sanemi with his sister on his right side and Inosuke on his left. Zenitsu was besides Nezuko, as the other sat on the other side of the table, with Sanemi.  

The white-haired slayer was the first one to start.  

“So, you’re alive, glad to see it. But let’s go straight to the point, can you control your desire for blood and flesh?” He asked seriously, he couldn’t let his guard down even if it was Tanjiro. He reluctantly accepted Nezuko in the past and wouldn’t want to make a mistake just because of his feeling, so he will give the same treatment as he did before.  

“Yes, I can resist the hunger.” It wasn’t a lie, but he still couldn’t confess of his eating habits by fear of getting rejected, he knew Sanemi was careful, but he also believed in his own ability to overcome it as he was working hard to resolve this issue.  

“You sure? I'll give you the same test I gave your sister in the past.”  

Even though Nezuko trusted Tanjiro, it still made her unsure as she remembered how it was like at first when she was a demon, it was the first time she encountered a person with a special blood, but it was after more than two years not touching any human. Tanjiro, that just got transformed a few weeks ago wasn’t on the same ground.  

On the contrary, Zenitsu and Inosuke felt incredibly anxious as he never came across someone with Sanemi’s blood, it was all new to him. Plus, he only tasted their blood even if he was starving, so they didn’t know how far a demon hunger could go, how he would react.  

Still, they accepted to come here as they were confident in his ability, he could overcome this small task, though they didn’t know to what extant he would react.  

“It’s alright, I'm sure I can take it on.”  

Sanemi nodded and prepared his blade to cut his forearm. He slashed a small portion of his vein so the blood would flow in a controlled amount, and as the first drop hit the table, Sanemi approached his arm. The red-haired could feel his body heat up as he felt a twitch in his right hand. But still it wasn’t that hard, even Tanjiro thought that he would struggle with it, but he didn’t feel the need to drink it, in fact, he doesn’t want to at all. The only things the blood did to him, was remind him of Zenitsu and Inosuke, though it wasn’t the time for it.  

After a full five second, Sanemi snickered as he was pleased with the situation.  

“Well done.”   

“Ah wait, put your arm in front again.”   

Sanemi got confused for a second but still sticked out his arm at him. Tanjiro lifted his hand as he went to Sanemi’s cut, overlapping it with his finger as he traced it with his thumb. He still didn’t know how to use his flame in ‘long distance’, so that was the only way he has as it didn’t go far from his hand.  

As he released him, the cut was completely closed, he wiped the rest of the blood on his hand with a towel. Sanemi and the rest were stupefied of his ability, and before anyone could ask anything, Tanjiro announced:  

“That’s my demon art; I can heal human to some extent and create a heat like sun ability that kills demons.”  

“That’s close to my art!”  

Tanjiro turned his head to look at Nezuko and smiled brightly.  

“You’re right!” They were both in their own world as if the other wasn’t there, until Giyuu interrupted.  

“After two weeks you managed to retain yourself as a human, even I had no hope when I first saw you transform. Still, in those two weeks you slept the whole time? To keep your sanity in such a short period?” Giyuu interrogated Tanjiro curious, almost suspicious . Now the conversation has come to it, he couldn’t run any longer and had to face reality, yet, with what he did and proved since the beginning, he hoped they wouldn’t change their judgment.  

“Unfortunately, I... couldn’t resist a sip of blood.” The room fell into silence, as he felt an instant pressure being put on him even if it was just his imagination of his own stress. He didn’t want to utter any other word, but also couldn’t stop himself as he talked again.  

“I can’t sleep off the hunger, I need a bit off blood just like Tamayo did.”  

He felt guilt and couldn’t stop thinking about how disappointed they must be. He’ll have to convince them to the best of his capacity. He still had some argument up his sleeves, so he just hoped for the best.  

“But- I can resist my hunger to the point I can starve.” He laughed nervously. “But I'm searching for a way to stop it with my art, I'm getting close to it!”  

“And with what do you satisfy your hunger?” Sanemi asked, with a cold tone that he didn’t show before.  

“I-”  

“We do it.” Inosuke interrupted as everyone looked at him. “Zenitsu and I are feeding him.” He felt nervous from the situation, as if drop of cold sweat appeared on his body.  

“It’s just a quick one; we don’t feel any difference and are not affected by it.”  

Tanjiro could feel the pressure drop, he remembered he wasn’t alone, right, they were with him to help, he wasn’t fighting by his own. And Zenitsu and Inosuke were ready to advocate for him. Nezuko on the contrary was shocked to hear his statement, but she felt relief as it was his friend taking care of him. And thanks to them Tanjiro returned to her, she could only be grateful for their helps.  

“A blood bag can make it so? That’s good.” Giyuu sighed, it wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t the worst too, he truly did imagine that Tanjiro must at least need some flesh of a human. “We have a few stocked in case of emergency, you can take that-.”  

“No.” Zenitsu cut Giyuu talks. “He can’t drink another blood for... personal reason.” He finished his sentence as he was ready to debate, until he realized what he said not even one second after, he felt a light blush rushing to his cheeks but still managed to compose himself. On the other hand, Tanjiro was blushing profusely as he remembered what they vowed before.  

“Alright. “ Giyuu and the rest nodded it off, expect for Nezuko that asked to get more detailed information. Tanjiro tried to brush it off as Nezuko was teasing him. And unfortunately, it didn’t stop there as Sanemi asked what the extent of his feeding was, which Zenitsu replied the simplest way possible, without dumping anything too sensible.  

In the end, Tanjiro still got accepted but at one condition, that he can take care of his feeding habit before leaving the mansion. Even if it would take a month, he is prohibited from going out, though Zenitsu and Inosuke protested about it but agreed in the end.  

It would mean he’ll be safe and will not be hunted by slayer nor demon.   

After the meeting, everyone stayed seated to keep chatting, happy that the trio was back safe. On the other hand, Sanemi got up and left, and before he could go far Tanjiro went quickly after him.  

“Sanemi!” He shouted as the latter turned around to face him. “Thank you.” He said as he smiled brightly.  

The white-haired boy turned around again without saying anything and as he walked, he said.  

“That’s only natural.”  

That was his only word, but Tanjiro knew everything he meant by it and was grateful, he bowed one last time before going back.  

They discussed of their prowess, the change in the demon world, in the butterfly mansion, the slayer, their fight, their day, their night, everything that could be said was done.  

Soon Nezuko was getting drowsy, and Inosuke could also feel his eyes closing slowly. They decided to stop for now and will talk again when they wake up. It was now 4 am, but the wake-up time is usually 6 am in the butterfly mansion, though, today an exception to the rule has been set and will be delayed by two hours.  

The bedrooms has been already decided, and Nezuko was merciful enough to let Tanjiro go with Zenitsu and Inosuke.  

Finally, they closed the door behind them as they were alone, the three of them, once again.  

“I’m glad everything went well.” Zenitsu started as he placed down the two futon he had in hand while Inosuke throwed the other one as he lay on it.  

“Right.” Tanjiro replied as he fixed Inosuke’s futon, still laying down as it moved around. “I’m glad we came back, even if I had doubts, you still supported me.” He looked up to Zenitsu as the latter went down to his height to hug him, Inosuke quickly followed the lead as he took Tanjiro in his arm.  

“I’m really happy to have you.” He hugged them back, feeling utterly happy and serene, it was a long time since he felt like this, since he thought a day like this would come back.  

He would never, never regret loving them.

Chapter Text

Light came through the tree and the curtain, the flashing sun was illuminating everything in its path, lighting and warming every possible corner. Expect for the room sealed away in the middle of the mansion, deemed without light as they wished, for Tanjiro safety.  

It was a special room made especially for him as he didn’t need sleep.  

Still, the group still trained at the same time even separately. He kept using his power on himself to see if there was any change, there was, but not strong enough to say it was a success.   

All day he concentrated on himself and his art, he could use it a bit better, to the point he didn’t need to use it through his hand but could envelop other part of his body. It was progress, but it felt like at this rate it would take more than a few days or weeks.  

The boys trained till afternoon, Nezuko however, went to visit his brother, and even if Tanjiro told her to visit him anytime, she still knocked on the door, not opening it as she asked if they could talk, her voice muffled by the wall as Tanjiro looked at the door. He evidently agreed, and sled the door to let her in.  

They discussed of the past, their family, when they first met Zenitsu and Inosuke, when they encountered all the Hashira or when they nearly killed Muzan. It was regrettable, but now it was a thing of the past.  

They talked about everything, and out of nowhere, Nezuko mentioned his earrings. She was insightful enough to see that Zenitsu and Inosuke was the one wearing it, though everybody must have noticed. But she had a feeling on what it means, in fact, she already knew it all. Maybe it was too obvious on their sides, or just the way her brother looks at them.  

Either way, Tanjiro was trapped as he couldn’t get out of the room, nor could he ask his sister to leave. He just had to be honest, though this wasn’t how he was thinking of announcing their situation.  

“I gave it to them… because we’re in a relationship…” He admitted in a bashful state, wanting to close his eyes until he couldn’t even hear what was around him, to completely erase any sense he has left. Tanjiro clutched his fist sitting stiff as he felt his heart racing, he didn’t even feel this amount of nervousness when he confessed to them.  

“Yeah, I know that but that’s the earrings you cherished.” She dumped in a stoic tone, Tanjiro face glanced up at her completely blanks, shocking to hear her accepts it immediately, but also not surprised if she knew everything beforehand. He chuckled nervously before continuing.  

“It’s temporary, until I get back as a human.” Nezuko stared at him exhilarated as he talks waiting to hear the drama and romance that unleashes between them. Those earrings are the heirloom of their family, giving it away is the responsibility of the bearer, just how it was given to their family.  

“In exchange, I will get them rings...”  

Nezuko ears couldn’t function for a second, before she suddenly launched herself at him and screamed.   

“You’re going to propose to them!”  

Tanjiro shushed her as she was moving around in her seat feeling all happy and giddy, she couldn’t believe her ears, now having them have his earrings makes much more sense if they’ll be part of the kamado family. She was too happy to contain her excitement as she embraced Tanjiro.  

“Don’t let it be known, especially not to them! I assumed they want it to be a surprise for the rest... And- it’s personal...”  

Nezuko put her thumbs up as she closed her mouth while having a big smile on her face.  

He asked if the examination was done and Nezuko responded positively before hugging him one last time as she left. She wanted to ask much more question, but she knew her limit and didn’t want to enter an area too personal. Thought she was thrilled to imagine it.  

Finally, Tanjiro was left alone, he felt like all his energy got drained in just a few minutes.  

He tried to forget about their interaction as he continued to train, there wasn’t any noticeable change as time passed slowly, until it hit to 7 pm with the sun completely settled.  

Zenitsu and Inosuke fetched Tanjiro as they had come back to eat. The rest of the slayers keep training while Sanemi and Kanao got called for a demon nearby. Nezuko got to sleep early, so they were only three as they picked up the prepared onigiri on the table. It was one of the three sister who made it since they were still resident of the butterfly mansion, and after all these events, it was impressive that they stayed.  

Small talks filled the room as they degusted their plates, it was with laugher and bickering, and one with Tanjiro admitting of Nezuko interrogation.   

Zenitsu asked what she said, but Tanjiro didn’t want to elaborate further as he already felt his cheeks flushing.  

Though Zenitsu was persistent, he gave up on it to finish his food.  

Finally, the last bit of rice got eaten, as the plate was spotless.  

“Now it’s your turn to eat.” Said Inosuke as Zenitsu walked up to Tanjiro, moving his uniform off the way, revealing his shoulder.  

Tanjiro gladly accepted the offer as he dug his teeth in it, sipping a bit of blood, the same amount as he always does.  

He placed his tongue around the bite mark as the wound slowly closed, it was only to them he was doing this procedure, even if he could heal it with only his hands, it was exciting to do it like that for him and them.  

Zenitsu suddenly pushed him, which confused him greatly.  

“Can’t go any further or we’ll get discovered.”   

It made Tanjiro flinch a little as he distanced himself out of reflex, he furrowed his brow slightly as he tried to defend himself.  

“I wasn’t thinking of that...”  

“But I was.” He said as he stood up, following Inosuke to the door as Tanjiro was left alone in the kitchen. He stayed for a few seconds to collect himself before going back to his room along with them.  

They seemed to have calmed down too after walking to their room and being left alone for a minute, though the space still seemed to be filled with this kind of thought.  

Tanjiro sat beside them as the two slept together, he stayed as he concentrated to feel his art around his fingertips, then to his palm while occasionally glancing down to them, taking in their sleeping form before closing his eyes again. After an hour, he decided to go outside to train.  

When it was the day, he focused his demon art on himself, and when it’s night, he could train to reinforce his body or mind, to defend or attack. Plus, he could control the area in case a demon was around, even if it was unlikely, or nearly impossible.  

The day continued with the same routine and Tanjiro could slowly feel some sort of advancement. He could only retard his feeding needs by a few drops of blood, it wasn’t much, but it felt like he achieved the harder parts.  

One night, while everyone has eaten and prepared to go to sleep or go to a mission, Tanjiro went outside to the sanctuary that was a few meters away from the mansion.  

He could hear the night owl as the echoed step ran through the forest. He walked slowly to the sanctuary until he could finally see the tip of one of the tombs. Tanjiro went to the center to it, looking at all these graves and the names imprinted on it, he felt sad and a deepening sense of regret to when he unconsciously helped Muzan escape.  

He kneeled in front of the graves and paid his respect.  

After a moment of looking at all the name, he finally got up and decide to leave.  

He will make sure to not let their effort go in vain and fight once again the demon king, swearing to kill him with his own hand.  

“Tanjiro! Tanjiro!” He heard screaming from a distance. “Come to the mansion- we have news of Muzan!”  

Tanjiro couldn’t believe what he heard as the slayer came running towards him. Suddenly, he sprinted to the house as he thanked the slayer before passing by rapidly.  

After a minute, he finally barged through the front door, arriving to the room they first received him.  

They were all already here apart from Kanao. Giyuu was in the middle of taking a seat as Tanjiro opened the door, he quickly followed as he sat in front of him. After a short moment, Kanao also appeared, now that they were all gathered, the crow started to speak.  

“Demon slayer- We learnt of Muzan state.”  

The crow paused each time to form a new sentence, the room was tense while waiting impatiently for the rest.  

“Muzan is dead.”  

Dead?  

How?  

The word kept repeating in Tanjiro head, Zenitsu and Nezuko became pale, for the rest, their minds had gone blanks. It couldn’t be possible, if Muzan was dead, so would the demon race.  

And Tanjiro.  

“He was replaced.”  

It was a bad scenario, but not the worst in Inosuke’s mind. He preferred to have Tanjiro than exterminating the demon race. It was a foolish decision, but he didn’t care, he only lives to survive and fight, and he wouldn’t have the force if he wasn’t there.  

But it also explained the change in demeanor, thought Zenitsu. Since Muzan escaped, demon had been more active and larger in number, which wasn’t in his habits.  

“The new demon king was spotted in the ash village. Currently turning human into demon. It has grey eyes. Jet black wavy long hair. 1.67 height. Thin. Wearing a kimono.”  

The crow finished explaining the situation as all slayers got up at the same time.  

Before Tanjiro could left, his sister grabbed his sleeves.  

“Tanjiro.” She looked concerned, and now that she wasn’t a demon, she couldn’t follow them like before and protect her brother, especially since she decided to not become a demon slayer to help the best she can in the flower mansion. Instead of fighting demon, she learned medicine and the late cure for the demon that was used on her, as she is now the most well placed to understand it.  

“Don’t worry Nezuko, I will come back.” He said gently as he patted her head. Nezuko reluctantly let go of him and bid her goodbye to everyone.  

“I will prepare for your return! Be safe!” She waved at them as Tanjiro, Kanao and Zenitsu was the only one to wave back.   

Now they had to go to the village quick to lesser the damage.  

They all run through the forest and accessible roads at full speed before seeing a glimpse of the village. Zenitsu could already hear all the scream vividly as it came from all around the village, the other could only hear it faintly to distinguish that the situation was already bad. This village could have counted 500 villagers, but now a quarter of them got turned into a demon, and a few can move and survive as such.  

With the newborn demon, it could mean that the king was still in the village. It could be an easy prey, but if they manage to defeat it, Tanjiro will die.  

But they can’t let village get burned to the ground because of one person they wish to protect, could they?  

And even if it might be immoral for the group, Inosuke and Zenitsu wished that the king had fled.  

They sprinted to the village as they saw the dozens of corpses lying on the grounds.  

It wasn’t the peaceful village that it was before, it was a blood path filled with cries and fear. Both from the human and the demon.  

“Help- Help me.” A faint voice was heard from under a wooden plank, Zenitsu immediately went as he heard it first and Tanjiro quickly went after him.  

He lifted up the planks as Zenitsu looked under it, only to find someone with half of his body cut, and by the time they came, his last cries of help were heard by them.  

“Tanjiro, Zenitsu!”  

Shout in their back was heard, they had to go even if they have to left the body here, now they couldn’t take care or save everyone they come across. Since a demon would still be around relentlessly killing anything in its path.  

Zenitsu and Tanjiro looked at each other, the same thoughts rushed in their mind as they had the same expression, the one of despair. Tanjiro let go slowly of the planks as they came rushing back at the one who called them.  

Suddenly another call for them was heard, far from the left compared to before. Tanjiro was about to leap in its direction before Zenitsu grabbed his shirt.  

“Don’t go, it’s a demon!”  

It was calling for them as if it was their friend or another slayer talking, imitating another person to fool them.  

They had to regroup, there was much more demon than anticipated and who knows if the demon will target all together one of the slayers. They had to be extra careful.  

Finally, they reunited with the rest of the group as they left for the center of the village, where all this abomination started and followed.  

Piles of corpse was found from one sides of the village to another; the scent of decay hasn’t even started to fill the town as it hasn’t even been more than a few hours that they died. The roads were tainted red, leaving practically no space for its original color. The sound of wind brushing the leaves couldn’t even be heard, and the only things that was left was the demons killing the rest of the villager, and the demons that couldn’t even walk.  

Most of the demon didn’t take the transition well, but only a handful of people died as a human, the rest are full on demon, but so weak that even a villager could resist them. The blood given by the king must have been dilated to be able to spread to a whole village, and so weak that they can’t even function normally.  

But in the end, each of those demon searched for one things, blood and flesh. They couldn’t save those people; they couldn’t deal with every one of them and had to be killed to prevent further damage.  

All the slayers prepared themselves to fight, and each occupied an area while dealing with the demon.  

Tanjiro ran to an area where there were at least five demons, two being able to move enough to be considered dangerous, one on the ground, not moving but still breathing, one hiding inside a house, and another barely walking.  

They didn’t even look like demon, more like zombie from the tales his mother used to tell him.  

As he observed the situation, a demon finally took notice of him. He knew Tanjiro was a demon, but something felt off as he looked at him.  

The demon tried to run away with his leftover, but Tanjiro catches him before he could take another step, burning his neck, engulfing him in flames as he died in less than five second.  

Tanjiro felt awful as he burned the demon alive, he knew how painful it feels for a demon to go under the sun. In spite of that, he couldn’t find a way to mobilize or kill them faster and painlessly.  

As he looked at the ash of the demon disappearing, he thought about how his water breathing would be the most convenient for him to kill those poor souls.  

Suddenly, the other demon launched at him from behind, he turned around quickly and grabbed his arm to neutralize him on the ground, succeeding easily as it wasn’t strong.  

The other, on the contrary didn’t care about him at all, or maybe they haven’t noticed him yet.  

He tried his best to cover the demon’s neck with his flame whole, not to make it long, just a needle passing through rapidly. The demon screech ringed in his ears for just a second before it disappeared. Tanjiro looked at the ground, prior to slowly getting up painfully, as if he had been on the ground for more than two hours, his legs heavy like he just ran down the mountain at full speed. He scanned the area, leaving only three demons around him, he first went for the demon on the ground, and quietly killed him before going for the one walking aimlessly.  

It did nothing, not even crying, not debating, he just endured it as he continue to walk until he turned into ash.  

The only one left was the one hiding inside a house.  

As he stepped inside the place, he could hear a faint sound of cry, one he couldn’t discern with his smell because he was enveloped in the demon’s arm.  

He looked at the demon protecting with his body what seemed like a human baby on the ground. As he stepped again, the demon suddenly looked up as she grunted.  

It was a woman protecting a perfectly fine baby, it seemed like she protected it from the demon around the house.  

The baby wasn’t injured, but the demon had blood around her mouth, indicating that she had eaten something else. And maybe, hopefully not, she was keeping this one for later.  

He had to take the baby away from her, either to protect it from other demon like she wished, or to protect it from herself.  

He kneeled in front of the woman as the demon glared at him.  

“Are you protecting your baby?”  

No response, the demon just stared, Tanjiro tried once again.  

“We are here to protect the people from the demon, we can take your baby in a safe place.”  

He could feel a cold sweat going down his face as he tried to convince the demon girl.  

Unexpectedly, the demon started to release the child, slowly getting up. Tanjiro couldn’t believe it, as he didn’t move an inch, just his eyes following her as he tried not to scare her off.  

But as the woman let go of the crying baby, a villager ran in the alley they were in. The demon immediately jumped to him as it bites his arm. Tanjiro reacted quickly before it deepened his teeth, tearing off its flesh.  

“Are you going to fight a human in front of your child?”  

Tanjiro screamed as he restrained her, but the demon kept debating as it tried to grab the villager, clacking his teeth at it. He couldn’t do anything; he had to kill this demon as he posed a threat to the village and he already lost too much time.  

He moved his palm to the demon neck, clenching it as the demon's saliva was dripping on his hand.  

But was that the right decision? He hesitated for a second. The demon had feeling, it protected its baby and even gave it to him. The only problem is that it was hungry. If only she could taste a bit of blood, just enough to satisfy her hunger. However, that wasn’t the case as she had eaten before he even came here. It was a bottomless pit, completely irreparable.  

He finally made his decision as time was running out, and he decided to kill the demon. The villager escaped before Tanjiro could say anything. Still, he didn’t go after him as the baby was still laying in the wooden flooring.  

He ran straight to it as he crouched down to look at the baby. It was red all over, still crying as it stretched its arm around, it looked barely more than a month old. Already lost his mother at this age and surviving the cold harsh night as his village gets attacked.  

He picked it up carefully, perfectly remembering how he carried his baby brothers and sisters in the past.  

Tanjiro looked back one last time, as he contemplated the ash of his mother disappearing, before he ran to the rest of the group.  

He had to search for a shelter for the child, a sturdy and warm one. He finally found a barn which was untouched, the horse around it will make a diversion in case any demon come here.  

He carefully put down the child in the hay on the second floor, not making any noise as he fell asleep after all the crying, before making his way back outside.  

Tanjiro smelled the air around, as he searched for any slayer or demon around. The group of slayers was a few blocks ahead and a lesser demon roamed around his path. He rushed up to it as he held out his hand on the one that was on the road, burning it before continuing his sprint.  

He finally catches up to the group as he spotted another demon, one that wasn’t easy to deal with as it seems the other were struggling.  

The demon seemed too focused on the human that it didn’t even notice Tanjiro sneaking up behind and catch his neck before he could react in anyway. His hands became hotter as the demon debated to get out of his grasps, while the demon burned, it turned around the most it could, directly looking at Tanjiro. Anger showed in his eyes, not an ounce of sadness. It must have been a demon that lived longer than the rest, or close to the demon king, but it wasn't a moon.  

But it didn’t affect him, as Tanjiro only showed calmness, not accompanied with a smile, as this demon didn’t deserve it. He didn’t feel anything towards it.  

As the demon disappears, he took sight of his fellow slayers, fighting against a bunch of demons. They seemed to notice him as half of them looked in his direction, it seems like the one he just killed was the most eventful for them, it was a good riddance.  

The lot quickly diverted their eyes as demons attacked frontally. Tanjiro advanced to help them, but even with him and everyone on the group, multiple demon appeared one by one, leading to a total of thirteen together.  

Thirteen demons out of an entire village that got transformed into a demon against their will. A full outburst that never happened in the past. One that Muzan never envisaged as it was such a large scale, useless to his plan.  

But the new demon king seems to be searching for chaos, death and disorder in the human society.  

A bold move that would expose the demon race to the folks, leading to the multiplication of the slayers or to their despair.  

Tanjiro fought the best he could with the other slayers against the demons, not focusing on the one that didn’t pose a threat, while the other had his full attention.  

He saw a child, five mans, three womans, two elderly and two unrecognizable demons.  

It was a true sight of horror as he witnessed the downfall of this village, with the thirteen demons slowly decreasing in number.  

He couldn’t save them, just put down their misery by killing them. But... putting a direct hit to a kid’s head hurt his heart as he couldn’t even approach it, reminding him of his little brother that used to run after him, another slayer however took on the responsibility and sliced his neck.  

Tanjiro approached as he kneeled, patting the demon head that was growling in anger under his touch. The demon didn’t even retain his last memory, he was just a mindless demon hunting for his survival.  

Tanjiro got up, as his name got called and the demon disappeared, staring at the ground before turning around, smiling slightly at the slayers.  

All they had to do is try to search for any survivor, any leftover demon and to take care of the injured.   

It was a long and quiet night as the support came to help the slayers; each got a different opinion on the matter.  

But a hint of terror implemented into their minds, as the reign of demons hasn’t stopped.  

Chapter Text

Last day was chaotic, with the news of Muzan death and the new demon king that wreck havocs around villages, with the consequence that followed it.  

They didn’t have any time, and needed to act now with the quick activity of the king.  

Every slayer available was disclosed to track demons, especially the moons, but since the attack on the village, they weren’t as noticeable, to the point where they stopped to appear completely. Maybe the king was getting more cautious since the slayers was at their feet.   

Among all those chaos, Tanjiro was left at the mansion with his sister while the rest took care of the situation. Though it was a bit frustrating to not fight, he needed to protect his sister and the mansion in case a demon came close.  

It was hard the first few days, to make the schedule work with Zenitsu and Inosuke, each taking turn one day after another to feed Tanjiro. They had to keep this up until he could control his blood intake, or at least increase it to more than just a day.  

It made Tanjiro feels awful as Zenitsu and Inosuke just came back to feed him, he even proposed to feed himself through blood bag, but they intently refused.  

And so, once again he waits by the patio, for Inosuke this time. The red-haired quietly sat down as he looked up at the full moon. It unusually made him feel drowsy, even if he didn’t need sleep, maybe he was just hungry.  

Finally, he picked up Inosuke smell, with the leftover of some demon as he approached the mansion. As usual, Tanjiro waited behind the mansion, where the slayer immediately goes to. He finally catches sight of him as he walked up to the patio. He already had his boar mask in his arms as he was prepared to see him, though he didn’t have much time to spare. Tanjiro silently watches him as his steps became clearer. He smiled at him before Inosuke kneeled in front of him, putting his head in Tanjiro’s lap with his hand wrapped around him. The red-haired boy caressed his back for a moment and asked him.  

“Did your fights go well?”  

Inosuke closed his eyes as he let Tanjiro touch him and simply replied with a relaxed voice, almost feeling like he would sleep at any moment.  

“Yeah.”  

Inosuke felt comfort by staying by his sides and since he has been slicing demon for more than a week, it was exhausting to not see him or be around him. Zenitsu felt the same way, they exchanged their thought during their time together, and right now, he must be currently fighting. Thankfully, they weren’t far from the mansion by at least an hour run from there. Though they would soon be able to take further mission as Tanjiro feeds habits grew in distance.  

A part of them broke knowing that, him not biting onto their skin, and having the excuse to come see him every two days. But they couldn’t stay here, to the risk of not finding a cure nor could they take him as he would be targeted.  

And though it was hard to accept, he was slowing their research.  

They had to make a decision.  

Finally, Inosuke straightened to look up at Tanjiro as he pointed to his neck.  

“You gonna do it?”  

Tanjiro could sense his sadness as he asked it, even if he wouldn’t admit it, he could see it in his eyes and smell. Each time when they saw each other, it was difficult to see Tanjiro as they feared they might not want to leave, sometimes they did stay longer than usual, but then it was Tanjiro that reminded them to go.  

It was such a shame to depart each time, but they still got through it as it was needed even if it was displeasing.  

So once again, after not feeding for an entire day, he dug his teeth in his neck. Inosuke didn’t complain and just pressed Tanjiro’s head deeper on him.  

Tanjiro slowly removed his fangs from his neck, and kissed it, contemplating the closed wound forming a red bite mark.  

It was time to leave now, as he completed his objective. And before departing, Inosuke kissed him on the lips as a goodbye. It was their little move that Zenitsu and Inosuke both started. And Tanjiro didn’t mind it, as it would mean he would get one each time they came, making the wait a little more bearable for each of them.  

Thus, Inosuke left as he turned one last time to the red-haired waiving at him, he waived back before turning one last time. He put his boar mask as Tanjiro could smell one last bit of his emotion, even though he tried to hide it by leaving quickly.  

He waited as he sat on the patio for a few more minutes, closing his eyes, he laid back with his hand supporting his head. He could still discern the moonlight as it didn’t set completely, the blue light it emanated from it was calming to him. The wind brushed his hair as he smelled one last time the fresh scent of the mountain before going back in.  

Days went by.  

Culpability grew.  

Sorrow grew.  

Sadness too.  

And hope, as Tanjiro figured how to reduce his blood intake after two weeks, to the point where he doesn’t even need it. Although it came with a downside, since he felt sick the entire time after not taking a sip of blood for three days straight.  

Still, he managed to do it, and when Zenitsu and Inosuke heard of it, they quickly came to the mansion. The sun was up high at the time, so Tanjiro stayed inside. Since there was less resident, he could stay in one of the bedrooms with all the window closed.  

As they set foot in the residence, Inosuke asked where Tanjiro was to Nezuko, even if he had a rough idea, which she gladly told him as he was staying in their old bedroom. After hearing the response, they rushed in to not waste time.  

Nezuko went back to folds the clothes with the children as she hummed, it was nice to see them together after a long time. And she was especially happy since it was for his brother. He seemed more delighted each time they visited, obviously she preferred that instead of his gloomy face.  

Though she had also hoped they would come to give her a sample of a moon.  

Inosuke was the first to barge through the door, but before he could take one more step, Tanjiro hugged him tightly, before taking in Zenitsu too.  

“I managed to control my hunger!” He said enthusiastic. Zenitsu and Inosuke hugged him back, happy of the situation as it showed progress, and that Tanjiro, just like his sister could overcome the biases over demons.  

“So, you are good now! Though it is reducing your capacities greatly I heard.” Zenitsu said as they sat down on cushion in front of each other, with Zenitsu besides Inosuke, and Tanjiro on the opposite.  

“To the point of a normal human.” Tanjiro looked straight at him, as he responded. “Right.” He said calmly. A void filled the place for a second, as realization came on their head, each had a different vision on the matter, still, it concluded the same. They wouldn't see each other for some time if they decide to pursue the demon king.  

“The best for us is that I stay here.” Tanjiro started, the slayers agreed even if they didn’t want to. It was a fact that it will be hard to part way, but it would mean that they could search for a cure more hastily.   

They smiled to each other before Inosuke continues.  

“We’ll make sure to turn you back into a human.” He said as he smiled softly, it was the most genuine smile Inosuke ever gave. His green eyes reflected the light as it was slightly watery, showing an emerald like color. It was the most beautiful, but it also saddened him as he scented the sadness it provoked to both of them.  

Nevertheless, he smiled back warmly as he resisted the few tears that tried to form in his eyes. He approached them again and embraced them softly, they gladly accepted the hug as they grabbed his back tightly, burrowing their head on his shoulder.  

“I believe in you.” He said as he kissed their shoulder near the neck.  

“I’ll wait here for you. But promise to come back some time to visit me.”  

Zenitsu and Inosuke listened as they didn’t have the heart to face him, they just stayed silent until they hummed shyly. He patted their back as they keep hugging him, Tanjiro wanted to stay with them a little longer, but he didn’t know if that would be worst to depart now and look ahead to the time they’ll reunite, or stay a bit longer and retards their progress. Still, he proposed the idea as he didn’t want to let them go.  

“Do you want to stay? At least for a week before going.”  

They still had their head deep in his shoulder, and once again they hummed softly.  

It felt like as they advanced and accomplished more thing, they grew lonelier, a blessing but a curse at the same time.   

After a few minutes, they finally broke the embrace still keeping each other at arm reach.  

Tanjiro reached to their ear where the earring was, caressing it as he lowered to each of the opposite ear, getting in the middle of them, flapping their earring a little before caressing their cheeks with his thumbs and whisper.  

“I love you.”  

A week passed in the blink of an eye.  

In this week, they saw the difference from when Tanjiro drank blood, unlike before, he always feels like his eyes were closing even if he wasn’t sleepy, he didn’t move much nor could he comprehend everything right. His sense became dull, and most of the time he was baffled.  

He couldn’t defend himself as it was hard to use his demon blood, or to even regenerate himself. It pained them to see him like that. Thankfully, he was protected in the mansion by the few slayers on standby, that came to lend a hand after Tanjiro couldn’t protect the manor alone.  

And his sister was by his side, where could he be safer than here?  

But worried as Zenitsu is, it wasn’t enough if he didn’t see him every day, to be sure that he was safe. Still, he’ll have to force himself to not come back before some time.  

And finally, the night of their departure came, they were at the front porch while Zenitsu and Inosuke hugged Tanjiro one last time. As they let go of each other, Nezuko jumped at them, wishing them good luck, Zenitsu greatly appreciated it as he thanked her while the outer just nodded prior to putting his boar mask back on.  

As his last gesture, Tanjiro smiled fondly to them with the small strength he had. Zenitsu smiled back forcefully even if tears fell down his cheeks. And at this moment, Inosuke was glad to have put his mask on.   

They waved at each other from a distance before turning their back. The sound of cricket and wild animal was prominent, but Tanjiro could still focus on their step, on their smell that was fading as they walked away.  

“Tanjiro?”  

Nezuko noticed him not moving, staring at the shadows where the slayer once was. He contemplated for a moment, as he felt it was odd, almost wrong to let them go without him. After a few second, he moved slightly, turning around by just a few centimeters as Nezuko could only see his side profile.  

“Yeah, I'm coming.” He said slowly in a low tone, before finally turning around to enter the house.  

They both went to the main room as they sat down at the table, while looking at the moon through the back door. Tanjiro stared at it, while Nezuko gaze turned to her brother.  

“Are you okay?” The question put him out of his trance as he glanced back at her.  

“Not really.” He said as he knew lying would be ineffective. “But I will get stronger to not let them... anyone down.”  

Nezuko could see his determination, even if he was tired with no way to help, his perseverative side never left him. She admired his strength even right now; he was the greatest brother anyone would wish for and was glad to be of little aid to him.  

She advanced to his side as she hugged him, Tanjiro gladly accepted the hug as he embraced her, and just like he used to do, Nezuko patted his head.  

“I promise I'll cure you. I’ll turn you back into a human.”  

Tanjiro kept her in his arms tightly as he closed his eyes.  

He needed to get stronger.  

For everyone.