❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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Nearly four years had passed since Tanjirou's birth. To put it simply, the child was a ball of sunshine. He always smiled and held such a curious heart. He sought knowledge far above his age and was gifted in nearly everything. Anyone who knew Yoriichi, would never doubt the connection. Tanjirou was an exact copy, minus the smaller horn that begun to protrude from the little boy's forehead. Yoriichi had claimed it a birth defect, mostly to keep Tanjirou safe. The idea of a baby being half human and demon was a dangerous theory and one most thought impossible. So he'd taught Tanjirou to always claim it as such. That it was nothing more than a defect. 

The four years had been rather peaceful. Yoriichi had learned more about parenting and Kokushibo had even paid secret visits. He'd grown fond of the little boy, often times smiling genuinely. Tanjirou had a sort of gift. No matter the situation, he always found a way to ease the soul. To make the sorrows and pain leave. It was a special talent that Yoriichi favored and treasured. But he also understood that such a gift might bring trouble. The nicer you are and caring, the easier it is to become used. For others to seek said 'gift'. So Yoriichi kept Tanjirou from travel. Never let him wander about and speak with others. Kokushibo had claimed it was unjust and unfair to the child, but Yoriichi's word was law. In the end, Tanjirou never argued. Though he still was growing. He'd yet hit his rebellious stage. If Yoriichi was lucky, he'd be clear for a few more years. Then again, Tanjirou wasn't normal. Anything could happen and truthfully, Yoriichi wouldn't be shocked. His child was a wild card.

"Tanjirou, come down here and eat before the food gets cold. I've got to head into town, but Tamayo will watch you." A small figure raced down the stairs, nearly falling if not for Yoriichi. The father sighed, straightening out his son before chuckling. "Be careful now. I'd rather not have you crack that head of yours open, okay?"

"Sorry, Otousan..." Yoriichi rubbed Tanjirou's head, smiling as he led the way.

"No need to apologize. Behave for Tamayo, understood?"

"I understand. Can I play in the yard for a bit after the meal?" There was a brief hesitation, but Tamayo had entered and smiled.

"I'll watch him, so don't worry. He knows your rules."

"Miss Tamayo is correct. I remember them well!" A smirk tugged on Yoriichi's expression as he took a seat. Tanjirou did the same before noticing the soft gaze.

"Okay kiddo, tell them to me. In order and exact." Tamayo chuckled, joining the two as Yushiro entered the dining room.

"Okay! First is to never wander beyond the Wisteria. Bad men lurk beyond and dangers are around every corner. The second is to talk to no one I do not know. Unless it is you, my father; or Lady Tamayo, I'm to never speak a word. Third is; should someone enter this compound, I'm to hide and say nothing. Remain out of site and do not make a noise. The last rule is that... Uh... Oh! No taking food without permission and do not take fruits nor vegetables from the gardens!"

"Very good Tanjirou. Such a wise child of mine!" Yoriichi smiled proudly. "Now, prayers before eating. You know the rules." 

"I know." Tanjirou dipped his head down a bit, saying out his prayer as the others listened with their heads down. Once done, the four dug in. Beyond Yoriichi and Tanjirou, the other two did not eat normal food. They had a blend of animal blood, something Tanjirou knew about. He was aware of Demons, mostly due to Kokushibo. His only uncle and by far his permanent favorite of the family. Tanjirou had been curious before what animal blood tasted like, but Yoriichi had forbid such a thing. In the end, he ate normal food, which never bothered him in the slightest. It was what his father desired, so he valued such choices.

Once everyone was finished, Tanjirou heard a slight knock. He'd grown to know the smells of others, leading to his next choices. He climbed from his seat before running toward the front door. Even as his father yelled to him, he tore the door open to reveal a somewhat similar copy to his father. It made Tanjirou screech, his feet leaving the floor as he leapt toward the taller male.

"Uncle Koko! Long time no see!" The taller male, Kokushibo chuckled as he held Tanjirou higher. The kid rested on his arms, cuddled close. 

"You've grown so much in less than a year. Look at you, looking handsome already!" Tanjirou chuckled, squirming as Kokushibo tickled the smaller boy. After another minute, Yoriichi rounded the corner, chuckling. He watched his brother lower his child, Tanjirou racing off toward Tamayo before dragging her toward the backyard. Once out of site, Yoriichi sighed. He leaned along the wall, rubbing his chin. "He sure is lively. How has my brother been?"

"Tired. He's a ball of energy, but I quite enjoy it. So, what's brought you here?" Kokushibo shrugged, placing his sword by the door.

"Am I not allowed to see my family?"

"I mean, it's a risk. What if he follows you?" A heavy silence fell over the area before Kokushibo sighed roughly.

"Does he know?" 

"No, and he won't. He doesn't need to know the truth, after all, it's best." The brother's stared at each other for a while before Yoriichi finally broke the contact.

"It's the kids father. He deserves to know. Muzan been-"

"Don't say his name, please. Look, we agreed on this outcome. Stop trying to change my mind, cause it won't change. I plan to give him a normal life. Now, I have to head into town, so please keep your end. He can't know. Not yet at least." Kokushibo sighed, nodding. His brother was dead set on everything. 

"Fine. Be safe and I may be gone before you're back." Yoriichi nodded, hugging his brother before he left quietly, Kokushibo biting his lip. He peered to the courtyard where Tanjirou was running amok. It brought a smile to his solemn features. But it also brought a hidden regret. Kokushibo only hoped his brother's happiness would remain untouched. He wasn't sure the drawbacks if this 'dream' of Yoriichi's came crumbling down on him and he feared ever being a witness to it. 

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Hope you've enjoyed the chapter and please leave feedback. Always appreciated. (✿◠‿◠)