❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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Time had passed along for Yoriichi. He'd once been able to do physical labor, but his pregnancy was farther on, leaving his stamina taxed. In the end, he spent most days with Kanguro in the village. They sold quite a lot, especially with the news of the expected child. Most took a liking to it, offering gifts to Yoriichi. He had of course tried to refuse, but alas, Kanguro forbid such actions. In the end, there were countless items that Yoriichi favored. His main one was a large blanket, made by hand. The fabric was soft and light, allowing him to clip it over his shoulders to keep him warm. He was nearly two months out from due and winter was arriving soon. It left a brittle cold.

That being said, they'd gotten a house sitter, as well as someone to aid in the babies birth. It had been a young woman, a Demon. She had been running, in hopes of breaking free from Muzan. That alone made Yoriichi aid in such goals. In the end, she swore to follow him, mostly due to her medical knowledge. She'd known from the very beginning he was carrying and was more than willing to help with child birth. Of course, Lady Tamayo was not alone.

She'd found a younger male along her travels, though the origins were a mystery. The young lad often times was protective of Tamayo, another Demon. The duo were strange, but welcomed. Even Kanguro was grateful. His once empty home had become a house of four, so lively and warm. It left the older man so cheerful. 

"I've brought you something warm, Yoriichi. How are you? Temperature why's..." The soft voice of Kanguro pulled Yoriichi to reality, those gentle eyes softening further.

"I appreciate the drink. I'm doing well, mostly due to the blanket. Remind me to give a thanks to Ms. Gracey." Kanguro nodded, handing the warm cocoa to Yoriichi. He smelled it before carefully taking a sip. The warmth pooled him, bringing a slight chill before it settled. "Winter sure is coming, it's gotten oddly colder."

"That is true. On the plus side, your child will be a winter baby. Those are splendid, to be graced with such a pretty season. The crystal snow as the sun shimmers off the frozen surfaces."

"Winter is indeed pretty. That makes me remember something." Kanguro gave a questioning glance. "I've come up with a name."

"Oh? Might I know what it is?" Yoriichi nodded, chuckling.

"I figured if my child is a girl; I call her Takako. If it's a male; I call him Tanjirou. I remember your sons name was Tashiro, so I did a mix. A bit of his name, to honor the son you've lost. It was the least I could do..." Slowly Yoriichi glanced to Kanguro, who was far too silent. Those tears startled Yoriichi, who sprang up from his seat. He flinch at the slight pain, but grew closer to Kanguro. "What's wrong? Did I offend?" 

"Not at all..." Kanguro wiped his face, pulling Yoriichi into a hug. The embrace was gentle, similar to a father's embrace with their son. "Your words simply made this old man happy. To think I've been graced with this change, to have a son to cherish. You Yoriichi, are special. A gift from the gods." 

"I can not thank you enough for everything, Kanguro. You gave me everything. A home and life to live. A chance." The hug broke off as the older man took in a long breath. He steadied his breathing before fixing his expression. 

"I would offer that chance every single time, Yoriichi. Now, let's finish this for the day and head on back. I'd like to look at those trees you've planted. Never took the time to appreciate them." Yoriichi laughed, nodding as he turned to take his seat once more. He only stopped when something drifted past his view. Glancing to the sky where thick grey clouds rolled by, Yoriichi watched the slight snowflakes flutter to the ground. The first snow of the year. It left the duo silent, simply observing. It marked a new beginning. A moment of peace.

But peace does not last forever. 

Nothing lasts forever.

Two months after the first snow, a silence had fallen over the house. The day had been blessed with a birth, a small male who was so special. Yoriichi could see it. A mix between Demon and human. A child that fit into both categories. Kanguro had been able to witness the birth, to hold Tanjirou. 

But the older males time fell short, his last breathes slipping into the eve. He passed in peace, a smile etched into his features. After all, his one greatest wish had been granted. He'd been able to see at least one of his grand children. To him, Tanjirou was the key to becoming free. 

Time is so precious. So frail. It was something Yoriichi realized.

So he made a promise to protect Tanjirou with his life. To give his child who was so unique a chance to be normal. Not only that, but to always remember the real reason they survived. 

To forever remember Kanguro and all he gave.

Their savior and new found family.

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Hope you've enjoyed this chapter and we are headed into more Tanjirou moments. Looking forward to carrying this story on and please leave feedback. Always appreciated! (✿◠‿◠)