❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫◽◻4️⃣◻◽▫ + ▫◽◻Art◻◽▫

Before the chapter, here is an image of RenTan I drew. Spent approximately five hours on it, so hope you like it! (✿◠‿◠)

Now, onto the chapter you all have waited patiently for. 💕

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The following week had been productive for Yoriichi. In the mornings he was in town, aiding Kanguro with his sales. By afternoon he was headed back to the house to work on the room. To put it lightly, the work was effortless. It was something Yoriichi was skilled with, not that he'd found much he wasn't able to accomplish. That was how he was, skillful. Even so, he'd be lying if he brushed the job off. It was still long and tedious. By evening, Yoriichi would always have made a small dent, though nothing noticeable truthfully. There was simply too much to be done. The walls were in terrible condition and the amount of webs and insects was shocking. Of course, the room was not the only thing he did.

He'd been able to purchase some wisteria seeds, planting them around the home. It would take time for them to grown, but it was desired. The protection for them all. Yoriichi would rather die then let the older man succumb to the Demons hunger. The trees were for both Kanguro and his unborn child, a miracle that was always on his mind. Truth was, he was slightly worried for numerous reason. First was if the child would be healthy due to the fact the birth was 'impossible'. The second was how to actually care for a child. He'd seen children before when he was hunting Demons, but having his own to care for brought on countless worries. Of course, Kanguro was aware of such things. He'd kept an eye out for a housemaid, someone to aid in the child's birth when it arrived. But that wasn't for a while. At least another five or so months. 

Another thing that had lingered on Yoriichi's mind was how much he had changed. His emotions were beginning to become hard to control. Along with that, there was the very detail of his stomach that was beginning to become noticeable. He'd tried clothes that bagged on him, but it left him feeling quite fat. In the end, Kanguro insisted to buying him some clothes meant for pregnancy. Shortly put, Yoriichi was caught between being thankful and wanting to deny it all. To refuse the aid. He was still the same in that sense, never taking things for granted. 

Yoriichi had been fiddling with some of the rotting wood, pulling it free from the floorboards as the doors slid open to the entrance. The sun was beginning to set, Yoriichi hearing those faint footsteps grow closer. Tossing the wood into the bin, he rose from the floor before meeting Kanguro's gaze. Items rested in the older males hold, Yoriichi taking them as he offered a short smile. The fabric was soft, leaving him almost excited to change. The current attire was becoming restricting, especially with the sudden weight gain. 

"You've made progress I see. You know, it's not a good idea to stress over this. Stress is bad for the baby." Yoriichi nodded, giving another small smile.

"I'm aware, I just want this room done before then. I am hoping to build a crib for it." Kanguro nodded, leaning on the frame of the door as Yoriichi finished up tearing the rotting floor. 

"Have you thought about names?" The question halted Yoriichi for a moment. 

"Not really. I was going to decide after having the child, once I find out the gender. Which reminds me, have you found anyone suited to help with child birth?" Kanguro let out a sigh, shaking his head swiftly. It wasn't surprising. The village, while friendly and reliable, did not house a medic suitable. Those who got sick had to send for aid from other villages nearly a day out. It was absurd, truthfully. "It'll be fine. I'm sure fate will grace us with what we need. Staying positive is the best solution."

"Wise words Yoriichi. Sometimes I feel you're the elder, with that speech of yours." Yoriichi chuckled, rising from the floor as he snagged the bin. The two made their way into the kitchen, Yoriichi slipping the bin out back. He sealed the door for the evening, pressing the clothes on the table as he stretched slightly. Kanguro worked on dinner, leaving Yoriichi time to himself.

"I think I'm going to bathe before eating, if that's okay."

"Go for it. You've worked a lot today, so relax. I'll call when it's done." Yoriichi smiled, taking the clothes once more as he walked down the hall. He went along the last hall, slipping into the bathroom. He readied the water, placing the clothes to the side as he slipped into the warmth that blanketed him. His muscles relaxed, bringing him to ease. Strands of his hair fell to the water below, hovering on the surface. He took in a long breath, beginning to wipe the dirt from him. Every second was soothing. Eventually he finished up before smelling the aroma of the food. Smiling, he took care of the dirty water before working to dry off. Wiping down, he stretched once more before climbing into the clothes. The measurements were perfect, bringing joy to him. For once he didn't feel overly large. He felt normal-ish. There of course was always the constant reminder of the sickness that he was not entirely normal. 

Slipping from the bathroom, he moved down the halls once more before entering the kitchen. He noticed the stove was off, along with Kanguro being nowhere in sight. Confused, he moved closer. The food was done, but it only made Yoriichi worry. He snagged the sword he left by the front door, holding it as he maneuvered through the space. Slowly he crept for the living room, the sun completely down. Candles and lamp light illuminated the space, Yoriichi feeling his grip on the sword fail as he widened his eyes. Kanguro was seated in the area, talking to the one person Yoriichi was not expecting. His presence became known as the figure stood, that voice sending so many thoughts at him.

"It's been a while, brother."

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This is a bit shorter of a chapter, but it's solely to re-introduce Kokushibo to the story! From here on, things will start to progress more. Pregnancy takes up to nine months, so I am planning a couple more chapters before Tanjirou is born. As a note, I have a pole that needs voting. Let me know which you'd prefer, mostly cause I can't choose!

1.) Tanjirou is born earlier then planned. (This is also an angsty route.)

2.) Tanjirou is born around nine months. (This one is normal. Nothing special.)

3.) Tanjirou's birth has issues (This is the one of the angsty routes.)