❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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Not too long after Giyuu left, the male returned with an older man. He wore a red mask that was slightly positioned from his face. His features were quite damaged, if Tanjirou had to say a single word. It showed countless battles and struggles through life. As his uncle once said, a scar was proof of survival. That life had yet to beat the life before it. It had become something Tanjirou saw as strength. 

The older male took a spot on the floor, Tanjirou glancing between him and Giyuu. The youngster, while being motioned away, decided to remain. It shocked the adult, but he pushed aside his slight irritation at being ignored. Clearing his throat, he picked up the bowl that laid empty. It earned a grunt before fingers reached out, rough skin brushing over Tanjirou's chin. The sudden firm grip left the other shaking, Tanjirou's gaze widening. His emotional pool was obvious, showing through his gaze. It was something Giyuu had learned to take notice of. In that moment, Tanjirou was terrified. How could he not? Yoriichi and those from his home were the only people he'd known. They were the only ones to lay a hand on him. 

Another long silence passed before a thumb brushed over Tanjirou's lip, pushing it upward. It revealed the others teeth, fingers pulling the upper lip and lower apart. The older male studied the teeth quietly before releasing his hold, a drawn out sigh filling the space. It only made Tanjirou feel more terrified. 

"I will ask questions and you answer honestly. Do not lie to me. Do not avoid my questions nor ask your own. Understood?" Tanjirou nodded, glancing to Giyuu. "Keep your eyes on me." 

"Sorry sir..." Tanjirou focused on the older male, waiting as the other begun. Giyuu remained beside the other, hope bubbling inside him. He was excited to have this pass and be able to make a new friend, even if they were younger than him. One of Giyuu's dreams was to be an older brother and this was a chance, should everything go well. 

"Name, age, and race."

"Tanjirou, 8, and Human." A pause filled the space, Tanjirou keeping a straight face. With his life, Yoriichi had prepared him for a ton. If a lie was needed, Tanjirou could give it without faltering. It was part of his resolve, to preserve his own life. He knew what he was. Somewhere between human and Demon. It was a risk if known, so Yoriichi assured Tanjirou would never mess up. Never be called out.

"Good. Tell me how you ended up in the woods."

"I left my home even after being told never to leave. When I was in the woods, I got lost and collapsed from exhaustion." 

"What of this horn?" Tanjirou traced his fingers along it, frowning.

"Birth defect. My father always shaved the end, to keep it dull." The older male nodded, a brief smile being visible. 

"I see. Glad to see someone had some common sense. For now, until the storm passes, you're to stay here. Once it lets up, we'll travel to you home and assure you're safe." Tanjirou's eyes lit up, his smile growing wide.

"Thank you, Mister!" A hand brushed over the youngsters head, a low chuckle resonating.

"No need for such formalities. Call me Urokodaki, or Uro for short." The younger male nodded, Urokodaki rising from the floor. He glanced to Giyuu silently, his voice reaching the other. "We'll talk later about disobeying, but you're free to chat amongst yourselves. Get some sleep, Tanjirou. The cold effects the body differently, especially if you're not used to it. Should he need more blankets, grab him the spare. Good night to you both." 

"Night Urokodaki/Uro." The duo spoke in unison, earning them a chuckle as the older male left them. Giyuu remained silent for a moment, seeing Tanjirou release a heavy breath.

"That was terrifying..."

"How so? I think that's pretty normal, truthfully." Tanjirou shook his head, frowning.

"Not for me. I've never been beyond the gardens of my home. You guys are the first real people I've met beyond my close family." Giyuu raised a brow.

"Really? Isn't that boring? To never have change?"

"Not really. My father always gave me everything I needed. Even the house sitter treasured me. I just hope they are okay." Giyuu took a moment before smiling, his hand pressing to the other's shoulder.

"I'm sure they will be fine, with how you speak of them. You should probably get some sleep. Need that spare blanket?" Tanjirou shook his head, slipping further into the covers as he giggled. His smile was so bright, making Giyuu feel sheer joy at the sight. Tanjirou was like the sun in his eyes, so bright and cheerful. Rising from the floor, he waved before leaving Tanjirou to rest. 

Slipping back into his own space shared with the others, he crawled into his bedding before closing his eyes. He couldn't help but see Tanjirou behind his eyelids. That elegant and cheerful smile. It was so untainted and pure. Such a smile was a blessing to see in the current age. The age where Demons ruined everything around them during the cold and bitter eves. 

In the far off distance, their was panic as villagers struggled to control the flames. The red and orange hues ate the house, leaving nothing within it's path. The outcropping of Wisteria had lined the space, ignited and left to parish. It was the second night the village had suffered a major loss. Once more, a family torn from reality. 

The woman near the back furrowed her brows as she wept, letting the scarf she'd made as a birthday gift for the only child fall to the snow. The family that once lived among them was such a gentle group; reduced to nothing in a matter of moments.

It was a devastating blow to all. To loose not only Kanguro;

But Yoriichi and his built family.

Such gentle individuals left as nothing more than a mere memory that would be taken with the wind by dawn.