⚔ His Protector - Demon Giyuu X Tanjirou ⚔

⚜ ~ 3 ~ ⚜

Giyuu sat beside the graves of the younger males family, his gaze downcast. He felt on edge, yet also sad. He had tried to help the family, but in the end, it was pointless. That being said, he felt he owed a debt. Even as a Demon, his heart was still his own. Tanjirou was without family, just as himself. It felt like something fate would do, as if giving him a second chance to do his job. He felt it was his duty to protect the male. Not only due to the unique nature of Tanjirou, but because he'd survived. There was no denying who had attacked the family, which only made Giyuu believe Muzan would attempt the boys life once more. As for why they were a target, Giyuu didn't actually know. 

"So... What now?" Tanjirou's voice stirred him from his thoughts as Giyuu shrugged. He wasn't entirely sure what to do. His disappearance offered only trouble, which meant staying would be dangerous. Then again, the sun was just hidden beyond the clouds. A single ray was dangerous to him. If he truly wished to guard Tanjirou, survival was a must. Not only that, Giyuu was aware Tanjirou was suffering major frostbite. The move could grant his death via weather or sickness. "Giyuu-san... Don't you have a home?"

"Not anymore. The moment I became this monster, I lost everything." The male lowered his head, frowning. He gently placed a hand on the Demons head before crouching down. The action slightly caught Giyuu off-guard, but also warmed his heart. Even if he felt alone, Tanjirou was there. The kindest soul he'd met.

"You could stay with me! I don't have anywhere either, so how about we stick together!" Giyuu sighed, his gaze softening as a short smile rose to his features.

"You're strange, Tanjirou. Humans don't normally befriend Demon, you know..." 

"I don't know much about that, but you don't seem dangerous. Nothing about you makes me fear you!" Giyuu took a slow glance at Tanjirou, sighing as he moved quickly. He pushed the other, hovering over him as he scowled. He lowered his tone in a more threatening manner, not that he'd meant it.

"I could kill you easily, Tanjirou. Tear you open from your stomach and feast on your flesh. That is what Demons do." 

"Even so, you don't smell of ill intent. That alone lets me trust you!" A long exhale left Giyuu as he hovered close. His nails traced Tanjirou's hair beside his ear before the Demon pulled back, looking elsewhere. He was indeed frustrated. Not entirely at Tanjirou, but the idea he was so trusting. Giyuu himself didn't know how much control he had. There was a chance he went feral and tried to kill the kid. "You know, there's no need to worry. I can smell it."

"Of course I'm worried! If I lose control, you've no way to get out alive!" The sudden outburst frightened Tanjirou, who lowered his gaze. Giyuu felt slightly bad, but didn't feel like apologizing. There was a long silence before he heard Tanjirou gasp. Turning his gaze, he raised an eyebrow as the younger male held the sword.

"I have an idea! Why not teach me how to use this? Old man Saburo told me it was used to kill Demons, so maybe it can protect me should you lose control!" The Demon almost wanted to refuse, but he also felt it might be the only way. If he truly sought to protect the kid, he didn't entirely have a choice. Luckily, he was aware of the breathing techniques he used as a human. He still could use them, but it almost felt like a stab on the Demon slayers for a Demon to use breathing techniques. 

"It's going to be a lot of training, just so you know." 

"I understand! I will work as hard as I can, I promise." Giyuu sighed, rising from the snow as he stretched slightly. Tanjirou did the same, his hands holding the sword. Taking it from the younger male, he watched the other frown. "Why can't I hold it!?"

"You can hold the sword when I feel you're ready. Come on, get what you need."

"Where are we going Giyuu-san?" The Demon rubbed his face, shrugging. He didn't know. Truthfully, he was planning to find a cave. Daylight was dangerous and he was tired. No doubt he could make a fire to warm the youngster as well. "Giyuu-san?"

"I was thinking... Let's move, their should be a cave off the woodlands to the North." Tanjirou gave a nod, before Giyuu began to walk. The younger male followed close, filling the silence with chatter. It was nice, even if Giyuu didn't show it. This was the first time someone spoke to him this often. It was warming, welcomed.

The three Hashiras arrived sometime in the afternoon, their gazes scanning the area. They'd followed the trail to the house, blood still soaked into the floorboards of the home. Mounds rested on the side, proving someone had indeed buried the family. It made them think the young man had. But the issue was that neither the Demon nor the boy was anywhere to be seen. Traveling was still possible due to the nature on the mountain terrain. Even so, they weren't sure which way the duo might go, if they were even still together.

"Great... Guess we head back?" Kyoujurou met Uzui's gaze, frowning. He held his sword's hilt tightly, scanning the horizon. The thick fog and heavy snow made it impossible.

"Let's search for a bit, about a mile out. If there is nothing, we call it and return. That work for you two?" The other Hashira nodded. They didn't like being in the thick snow, the cold biting at their skin. But this was their job. They hated the chance they returned empty handed. If there was a chance of footprints, they were long gone. The snow was cruel and covered it quickly. Splitting apart, the three broke off different directions, not entirely sure what they were even looking for. There was no real description on the boy nor the Demon. The only thing said was maroon hair and hanafuda earrings. That alone didn't say much. Even so, they had a job. They just hoped it would be over quickly and their lost comrade would be found, hopefully alive and well. 

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This chapter was a bit shorter, but I am focusing more on the GiyuTan part. As a note, let me know if you want to see more of the Hashiras then small paragraphs. 

Leave me your thoughts! They are always appreciated! (✿◠‿◠)