Taste of Eternity - 🖤Muzan✖Tanjirou🖤

⚜ Chapter Eleven ⚜

At some point the following day, he'd decided to head out for a bit. Being dropped just beyond the village, he wandered toward the direction of his old home. It was a somewhat lengthy walk before he arrived, the building abandoned. Tanjirou never blamed anyone for not purchasing the area. It was stained with a bad past, leaving most to believe it was curse. Glancing toward the side of the area, he noticed the piles of dirt, snow freshly covering them. Stones rested at the ends, marking them all. He felt his face fall as he approached slowly, his knees touching the ground as his hands came together. The cold snow pressed through his pants, sending chills through him.

He remained silent, ignoring the approaching figures as he finished paying his respects. Those maroon eyes opened slowly, head turning to see two Hashira. It brought the truth to light. He'd been found out. Smiling lightly, he noticed Kyoujurou's glance over. It never ceased to surprise him how careful the Hashiras were. It was a need in their line, that much he knew.

"Where is your sword and sister?" 

"I will say nothing. You've come for a reason, so state it." Tanjirou knew it was over. There was no more hiding. Even so, he'd not drag his sister into this. 

"You're to be brought back for a trial. Come peacefully, my boy." There was a soft hum, Tanjirou rising as he nodded. His earrings swayed as he faced the two who'd escort him. His expression caught both off guard. Most would bare their guilt or try to run, but Tanjirou was steadfast in his spot. He wore no regret. Only acceptance. "Be truthful, Tanjirou. Did you betray us?" 

"Kyoujurou, you know the truth already, so don't ask foolish things." 

"Why? Why would you do it?" There was a long pause as Tanjirou hummed, his gaze shifting elsewhere as he began to walk. His voice was soft, laced with honesty. The morning sun shimmered off those orbs as he stopped once more, meeting Kyoujurou's gaze. His smile was warm, just as the flame Hashira remembered. It was so gentle. "It makes no sense... Why would you turn on us? What was so important that you would willingly risk your future?"

"Love. It's that simple. I followed where my heart led, even if it led me to death. Betrayal has not touched me once, for I knew my duties. I loved the enemy, but will always be a Demon Slayer. That Kyoujurou, is my one and only answer to you." 

The trip to the estate was indeed long, Tanjirou aware Muzan had become aware of his disappearance. Even so, there was nothing Tanjirou desired done. This was the outcome he'd foreseen since the beginning. He would willingly take his sins and all the guilt to the grave with him. It hurt knowing Muzan's wrath would be endless, but he wasn't sure he desired the only other outcome. 

Stepping into the estate, he was led toward the cells in the back. Kyoujurou let him walk in himself, sealing the door as he met the other's gaze once more. He would never understand why Tanjirou had done what he did. Giving a slight sigh, he left, leaving Tanjirou alone for a time. At least until a familiar scent reached his noise. Tanjirou glanced upward, seeing the one person he no doubt hurt the most.

"Giyuu. You seem well."

"Cut the crap! Why Tanjirou? Explain to me why you lied? Why you aided our enemy?" There was hesitation in Tanjirou, his gaze softening. 

"You've got it wrong. I did not aid the enemy, but loved the enemy. I can not deny what my heart desires." Giyuu frowned, his fingers grabbing the bars tightly.

"You'll be put to death! You know that, right?" Tanjirou hummed. He didn't know why he was exactly calm in this situation, he just was. "They'll make you do it painfully... B-but, I could always volunteer to give you a quick..."

"Enough, Giyuu. I appreciate the thought, but I deserve this. This is the consequence to my actions, okay? Let me at least die with my pride. Even if no one believes I truly still had good in my heart, at least I can know you believed me. After all, you'd not offer such mercy if a part of you didn't still hold hope. I am sorry to disappoint you, Giyuu-san..." The Hashira crumbled before Tanjirou, his legs giving way.

"Why does everyone I know leave me?" Tanjirou frowned, growing closer. Reaching past the bars, he placed his fingers on the pillars head. Those emotionless eyes were gleaming with tears and sorrow.

"I apologize. But you seem to forget, the dead will always be with you. They will be here..." Tanjirou placed a hand on the other's heart, offering his most sincere smile before taking his seat once more. His gaze rose to the sky, a slight sigh leaving him. He merely watched as Giyuu scrambled to his feet, swiftly leaving. The pain the pillar felt was obvious. Tanjirou could smell it. He waited till the other was gone and he was alone before those warm tears trailed his cheeks. He was a fool. That much he knew. But he could never forget the emotions he had. The love. That would forever belong to Muzan. Holding up the tube, he closed his eyes as his mind wandered freely. It brought a main conflict forward. The one question that haunted his mind in that moment of isolation. In the cage where he'd spend his remaining time before ultimately meeting death himself.

What truly did he desire? Was he really going to welcome death and leave those he loved behind? Or take up an option he'd once seen impossible? All those questions were looming over him and he only wished he'd had more time to think them over.

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Hope you've enjoyed and next chapter will be an interesting one. Leave me your thoughts, especially since they are always appreciated! Either way, take care and see you all next chapter~ (✿◠‿◠)