⚔ His Protector - Demon Giyuu X Tanjirou ⚔

⚜ ~ 22 ~ ⚜

When everything had ended, Giyuu was left to collapse to the ground. Hard breathing was distinguishable as Tanjirou took a moment to understand what had happened. He wasn't really expecting a miracle, but seeing Kyoujurou's stunned expression gave a different meaning. The wound was healed, minus the blood that still dried to his attire. Both were completely in shock, even Rui. Which brought Tanjirou to his next action.

He slid closer to Giyuu, reaching out steadily before stopping his actions. There was a need for caution, an all too familiar smell reaching him. It resurfaced bad memories, causing him to step back slightly. The others took note, Kyoujurou climbing from the grounds comfort as he spoke up. He'd never regret that more than the moment Giyuu turned to face him. Those eyes that once recognized most were lost, a large haze of desire and hunger. He was exactly what feral would look like.

"Tanjirou are y-" Giyuu had turned completely, drool leaking down his chin as he locked gaze with the closest individual. Which happened to be Tanjirou, unfortunately. The younger Slayer made no large movements, his hand holding his sword. He was glad he had it and was able to use it. It had been years since he'd encountered this issue, so it was heart wrenching for him to see Giyuu lost to his hunger. 

Rui had been close by, noticing the faint movements. Tanjirou had been lucky when Giyuu finally moved. His speed was quick, but Rui took charge. The string that wrapped around each limb held the other demon at bay, keeping him still as he snapped his jaws at Tanjirou. His gaze bore straight through, as if he was no longer seeing the maroon haired male anymore.

"What the hell happened?" Rui's tone was high, worry seeping from it. Both Demon Slayers shrugged, unsure what to answer. No on really understood what happened. Tanjirou had an idea, but he wasn't risking anything. That information was not something he'd disclose, not unless Giyuu desired it as such. Which brought him back to the realization he had to get Giyuu back to reality. To bring him back to them. 

"Rui, make sure he can't break the strings, got it?" The other Demon nodded, wrapping more around Giyuu as Tanjirou moved closer. Kyoujurou was on edge, but trusted Tanjirou. He figured the other had an idea, so he took a large step back to give room. The maroon haired male reached out slowly, grabbing hold of his chin. He held it in place, leaving the other's mouth open as Tanjirou softened his gaze. He pressed his arm close, letting go as teeth sunk into his flesh. It caused him to bite back the pain. "Take it all in and come back to us, Giyuu-san. We need you!"

Giyuu at first increased the pressure on Tanjirou's arm, but soon the tight and painful actions were ceased. His mouth moved back open, Tanjirou taking his arm back as Giyuu lowered his head. He tasted the blood, swallowing the vast amount he had in his mouth. Kyoujurou had watched this all, tensing a bit as Rui released the strings. He gripped his sword tight, as if preparing for the worst. But he was granted a breath of relief when Tanjirou hugged Giyuu, the Demon returning it. Those words were soft, but broken when spoke by the Demon. The only evidence Giyuu truly hated harming Tanjirou.

"I'm sorry... I did it again..."

"Shh... You're fine, I promise. This time was more handled, okay?" Giyuu nodded, pulling him and Rui into the shadow as Tanjirou took a long exhale. He faced Kyoujurou, smiling wide as he noticed the outstretched hand. Taking it, he climbed to his feet before chuckling, his old charm resurfacing. "Welcome back, Rengoku-san."

"Glad to be back. You'll have to let me thank him later. Let's finish up here and head on back. We really should wrap that arm." Tanjirou hummed, noticing a slight scent of wisteria in the distance. He turned on his heels, spotting Shinobu in the distance. She wore a quite unreadable expression, minus the thick jealousy and hate that seeped from her. The closer she got, the more Tanjirou hid behind Kyoujurou. The taller male noticed, accepting it. 

"I came with medical help. Anyone need assistance?" Kyoujurou hummed, moving as he pointed toward Tanjirou. The maroon haired male smiled slightly, giving a brief wave. Shinobu's expression dropped once more. "Oh, I see. Follow me then."

"Okay... Take care of the other's Rengoku-san." The Hashira gave a curt nod as he left, Shinobu leading Tanjirou away. They walked for sometime, finally stopping. Tanjirou found it weird how far out they were, but upon seeing those detesting eyes, he truthfully understood. A firm hand grabbed his wound, causing him to yelp. 

"Shinobu-san?"

"Shut it." Tanjirou fell silent as he waited, cringing every time Shinobu put too much force. Even so, she was talented in medical stuff. He had been surprised when she spoke, her words the real shocker. "It shouldn't have been you..."

"What do you mean?" She glared, sighing. 

"He shouldn't have become a Demon. To make matters worse, he cares for you and doesn't remember me... I spent so long being rude that I missed my chance and it sucks. Makes me wish you didn't exist." Tanjirou swallowed the lump in his throat before Shinobu carried on. "But without you he'd not have been spared. In turn, I hate you, but also owe you. I want to hate you, but it's hard."

"I'm sorry, Shinobu-san. I didn't realize how hard you had it..." The butterfly pillar sighed, finishing the wraps before she rubbed her arms.

"I can't decide who to hate right now. Whether it's you, for taking him from me, or the real monster that took his bright future?" Tanjirou nodded, leaning against one of the trees. 

"Maybe Muzan is the one to hate. In truth, I don't know how you feel. Giyuu is the first person I've felt this way for and I swore to bring him back to being human, no matter how long it took." 

"I see." Shinobu sighed once more, stepping past Tanjirou as she spoke low. "Then I'll hold you to it. I'd like to at least be remembered, even if it does me no good. I can see a losing battle and I'll never have his heart. You already own that. Even so, I'd like to mend things. The day he becomes human, let me apologize to him properly, okay?" Tanjirou hummed, nodding. Shinobu gave a small chuckle before leaving. Tanjirou remained in place, merely thinking as the sun rested high overhead. He truly had his work cut out.