Taste of Eternity - 🖤Muzan✖Tanjirou🖤

⚜ Chapter Eight ⚜

The amount of concern and questions never surprised Tanjirou at this point. The idea he'd been out alone without his sword had cause endless panic. Of course, the moment he'd stepped into the estate, the wave of concern slammed right into him. Nezuko had been the only one not present as a meeting had been called with the sudden worry. Tanjirou knew it was a bit much, but it did make him feel better knowing they did worry  for him. That he was indeed important, even if there was a chance it was merely due to his skill. It did make him wonder how they'd have treated him had he not possessed sun breathing or even skill with being a Demon Slayer.

Entering the courtyard area, he knelt with the rest, positioned in the front since the meeting was about him. He kept his head low, a sign of respect, not once glancing up until Kagaya asked him to. Upon meeting those white eyes, Tanjirou could feel his heart sink slightly. He'd not meant to make Kagaya worry, the first beside Giyuu to welcome Nezuko.

"Glad to see you're back. So, how was the trip?" Tanjirou pondered for a moment, creating a lie. Like he'd willingly tell them he'd slept with the enemy. That was a suicide mission, no doubt.

"The village was wonderful, very beautiful and lit. I apologize for worrying you all, since I didn't return last night."

"So you are aware of what this meeting is about? That helps. So, tell me where you've been." There was a heavy silence, some of the Hashira staring down Tanjirou. Of course, he'd been prepared for the attention. Smiling his false smile, he held up a mask. 

"I truly had not meant to worry. After leaving for the village yesterday, I'd realized my sword was still back here. Instead of turning back and risking this new adventure for me, I carried on. When night time broke and midnight hit, I felt wandering back without my weapon was a bad choice. I'd come to the decision to remain at an inn I'd noticed. The keeper was a kind woman, giving me a residence for that night for the price of aid. Due to helping around the inn, I woke later than planned and took up a shower before making the trip back. Of course, I have gotten a gift for you. You all were in my mind, so I got something for you all!" Kagaya released an even breath, most of the onlookers giving brief smiles. They knew Tanjirou as kind, so the thought of a gift was only aiding that image. Tanjirou knew better than anyone they would never suspect the worst of him. He'd never given evidence that he was breaking the laws he was supposed to abide by, not that he cared much. He was happy. "I really do apologize Kagaya-sama... I hadn't meant to leave my weapon behind."

"It's alright Tanjirou, I understand. We all make mistakes, but remember it next time. You did well not traveling at midnight without your weapon, so I see no need for this meeting to continue. You've enjoyed yourself and experienced something new. That alone makes me happy. So, what have you learned during this festival?"

"I learned that festivities are a wonder. They bring joy to all those hearts, even in the darkest times. No threats of Demons, just relaxation and beauty. I'd say it was a blessing." Kagaya hummed before smiling.

"That is what we offer. We fight the Demons to give them a safe life. That is who the Demon Slayer's are. We offer our body and soul to give peace, because that is what the world deserves. How it should be." Tanjirou forced a smile, his eyes rolling slightly beneath his eyelids. He knew the truth behind the lack of Demons. Muzan had called them off. But he couldn't entirely speak out, even if they put a bad name on the man Tanjirou fell for. "Now, I recommend you get more rest. As for the Hashira, I've some tasks to be done, so remain behind."

"As you wish, Kagaya-sama." The Hashira spoke in unison, Tanjirou giving one more bow before taking his leave, Zenitsu and Inosuke following closely. They wandered from the main area before Tanjirou dismissed him, heading toward his room. Nezuko was inside, asleep on the bed. At least until she noticed her brother was present. Her gaze snapped open, joy washing over her as she climbed to her feet and nearly tackled her brother. 

"Where were you? You didn't come back last night, so I got worried... You've been acting strange lately..." Tanjirou gently placed a hand on her head, laying the bamboo muzzle on the table. He smiled before leading them toward the carpet. Taking a seat, he grabbed his journal before opening it. "Can't you talk to me? Explain what's going on?"

"Nezuko... I don't know how to phrase what is happening. Your older brother has become a fool..." She tilted her head before sitting beside him.

"That's not true. You're too kind and gentle. Just like father and mother were!" Tanjirou hummed, his hands scrawling words inside. He paused momentarily to talk, the question catching his sister off guard.

"Hey Nezuko... Could you ever forgive someone who did something terrible?"

"What do you mean? No matter what you did, I'd always forgive you!" There was a faint smile as Tanjirou shook his head, his gaze meeting hers.

"Not me... Someone else. The one person who trampled the things we loved most. Could you ever forgive someone like that, especially if they sought that forgiveness."

"MUZAN?" Tanjirou flinched at the tone, his head nodding in response. "I hate him Tanjirou, for everything. Why are you asking me this?"

"What if your foolish brother forgave that person? What if... He found that instead of hatred was something else. Something that shouldn't be shared between the two?" Nezuko hesitated, her gaze narrowing as she showed her sorrow. She wasn't dumb. With each question, each look, she slowly pieced it together. The truth broke her heart. Her brother was trusting her with this information, sure of the price should it be known.

"Tanjirou... What happened in the past days? You hated him, so how have you come to love our enemy?" Her brother shrugged, his hands closing the book before he twirled the bracelet him and Muzan shared.

"I did hate him at one point. The day I broke down, leaving the group was when I discovered different feelings. He apologized Nezuko, for everything. I thought he was ruthless, heartless. But he apologized. Comforted me. He even sought your forgiveness. It was genuine, something I thought impossible... I'm not saying you have to like him..."

"Do you really care about him?" Tanjirou nodded, his smile hinting his sorrow. "So he makes you happy?"

"More than anything. I am a fool, this brother of yours. To think I've truly fallen for the enemy..." Nezuko held her breath before smiling slightly. Her arms pulled her brother close, feeling his slight tremble. She knew he was truthful to her. His words were like poison, a risk to them both. But she also couldn't help but feel happy knowing her brother had found joy. That he had finally opened himself to someone, even if it was Muzan. Pulling back from the hug, she smiled more cheerfully, her gaze soft.

"Tanjirou, you know I will always be with you. If your heart belongs to him, I have no right to intervene. I will give him a chance to seek my forgiveness, that much I promise. So long as you are happy, I am as well. He better treat you well though, or else he's got one angry sister coming for him." Tanjirou chuckled through the tears, wiping them away.

"Thank you Nezuko." She smiled, her finger held outward.

"No more lies. No more secrets. From here on, we do everything together, no matter how rough the road may get. Make that promise to me." Tanjirou nodded, connecting their pinkies as he chuckled once more, his voice soft, but genuine and kind.

"I promise, Nezuko."

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Hope you've enjoyed the chapter and looking forward to involving Nezuko a bit more in the story! Protective Sister Mode Activate 👀

Either way, leave me your thoughts and looking forward to more cute moments as well as angst~ (✿◠‿◠)