Taste of Eternity - 🖤Muzan✖Tanjirou🖤

⚜ Chapter Four ⚜

A lingering silence had followed after Tanjirou's remark, neither feeling a need to speak. That silence was calming, much needed after the breakdown. The two stood there, merely watching the stars, each shimmer breathtaking. Muzan had leaned on the wall beside Tanjirou, his gaze scanning the other slowly, taking in each feature of the Demon Slayer. He had hardly believed that he'd fallen for someone who was his mortal enemy, but here he was. Inches away and enjoying the others presence. Of course, he was also aware that he'd have to leave eventually. 

"You think I can meet up with you again?" Muzan's words drew a small smile as Tanjirou met his gaze, his shoulders relaxed.

"I wouldn't mind, though it would have to be our secret. If they knew, no doubt I'd be put on trial and they'd kill Nezuko." 

"Fair enough. I could meet you in the village during the festival a week from now." Tanjirou hummed, his chuckle bringing a wide smile to Muzan himself.

"I'd love that. Never been to a festival, so it'll be a first. You know, I always assumed you were much worse, but you're a pretty good guy." 

"Oh? I would say the same, but you've proven my bias wrong. Until then Tanjirou..." Muzan pushed off the wall before Tanjirou reached out, his fingers snagging the fabric. "What is it?"

"What are you going to do for a disguise? I hate making you hide, but we'll be close to the estate after all..." 

"It's all good Tanjirou. You forget, I live my life hiding. You'll know it's me cause I seek you out, plus, my eyes are something only you decipher. Take care." Releasing his jacket, Tanjirou nodded. He watched intently as the Demon vanished before him, his maroon eyes softening at the plan. His voice was low, speaking to no one in particular. 

"Until then..."

After a couple minutes Tanjirou wandered back, obviously in a better mood. The two ruffians attempted to ask questions, but upon seeking none would be answered, they dropped it. If Tanjirou wished to remain quiet, they'd not push. It was one of the traits he grew to love about the group he was in. The two best friends anyone could have. To Tanjirou, they were not only friends, but his family. He'd risk his life any day for them. That was simply who he was. A family man. It wasn't as if he was replacing his old family, but this was his new family. Even if the rest didn't know, that included Muzan himself. Tanjirou wasn't truly sure when he first took notice to the Demon, but time mended his heart and the earlier encounter finally broke the ice. While he'd never say it aloud for many reason, he couldn't deny that his heart was taken. The Demon most saw as the enemy had captured his kindness with ease.

Arriving back at the estate, the trio hurried to report. It was simple and short, mostly stating the Demon was no where to be seen. It was assumed it moved on, leaving no real tracks. Truthfully, Tanjirou was aware what truly happened. There was never a demon from the beginning. It was a rouse, to get Tanjirou alone. Of course, Muzan was smart, but he'd not planned add-ons. Even so, Tanjirou gave him credit for the effort.

"So there is nothing else to report?" Kagaya's voice snapped Tanjirou back to the present, his head shaking. Most of the room looked at him, all pondering whether to mention the emotional breakdown. Zenitsu was about to speak, but was silenced by Tanjirou himself.

"There was a slight mishap where my thoughts took over, but I am perfectly fine now." 

"Oh? What happened, if you don't mind me asking? Your mental health is also important, Tanjirou. Remember that, okay?" Tanjirou nodded, his head bowing slightly.

"It was just an emotional breakdown, mostly from everything I keep bottled. It's nothing to worry though. I will open up to someone, I promise." Kagaya smiled, his voice soft as he reached a hand out, touching Tanjirou's head briefly. 

"Take care of yourself. You all are precious to me, my own family of a sorts. No more bottling those emotions. It's not healthy."

"I understand Kagaya, I will do my best. I would hate to have you worry, after all. It's bad for the health." The older male chuckled, nodding before the trio was dismissed. Upon leaving the room, Tanjirou passed the box to Zenitsu. The yellow haired Demon slayer glanced at it before giving a questioning glance. "You want to hang with Nezuko, no?"

"I mean, yeah. I just didn't expect it... That's all." Tanjirou smiled, watching Zenitsu take the box.

"I trust you. You and Inosuke. You're my closest friends, so take care of her while I rest. I need some time alone still, but I will come retrieve her later." Zenitsu nodded, Inosuke hugging Tanjirou before hurrying off, dragging the other away. The maroon haired male remained silent, his smile falling. He was making his choice, but was it the right one? Only time would tell him, but if it was wrong, there would be a price. He only hoped it'd never come to that. The day when a choice was truly forced upon him.

~ A Week Later ~

Tanjirou stood outside the room where Kagaya was resting, his hand lightly knocking. Today was the day he'd planned to go out, but approval was needed. He'd done mission after mission, so he hoped the other would understand. Not to mention, Muzan had given him a message assuring Demon's would remain inactive during their meetup. It was mostly to avoid Tanjirou being summoned and their secret being found.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Tanjirou Kamado. I was hoping to get approval on a trip outside the estate." Within second the door was pulled open, Kagaya standing before him. There was a lingering silence, which only made Tanjirou feel on edge. Of course, the gentle smile wiped all that anxiety away.

"You need not ask, Tanjirou. It is a festival, is it not?"

"That's correct. I've never been to one and hoped to finally see what festivities are!" 

"Well then, I urge you to see it for yourself. It's something of wonders. Mind fetching me a souvenir?" Tanjirou nodded, his smile never falling as he felt his excitement grow. Turning on his heels, he hurried off. Upon entering his room, he found Nezuko laying down. Her gaze wandered to him, her fingers pulling the bamboo muzzle off.

"What's got you so happy?"

"Oh! I was going to head to the next village, look around. Mind staying with Zenitsu again?" She gave a soft smile, nodding.

"You seem to be feeling better, which makes me happy."

"You could say that. I will bring you something when I return, okay?" She chuckled, waving him off as she placed the muzzle back on, climbing from the bed. Grabbing the box, she hurried from the room toward Zenitsu without much care, Tanjirou hiding his laughter until she was gone. Fixing his haori, he tapped his sandals before leaving the room. His sword remained leaned on the wall, something he was sure wouldn't be needed. With one final glance back, he made his way toward the front doors of the estate. With one quick pull, he moved down the path lined with thick layers of wisteria. His walk soon turned into a jog, his excitement and anticipation rising. Who knew he'd be so star struck by Muzan himself. Then again, he never minded it. It only proved that maybe peace was possible.

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Hope you've enjoyed this chapter! As a note, the next chapter is solely Muzan X Tanjirou and I guarantee there will be so many moments that grip the heart! Love is in the air, my beloved readers!!! (✿◠‿◠)