❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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Morning had been blessed with voices that woke Tanjirou from his slumber. He blinked numerous times before sitting up, something hovering before his face. It took a moment to recognize what it was, the smell intriguing. Taking the wooden bowl, Tanjirou thanked the other. Giyuu gave a chuckle, taking the spot beside Tanjirou's bedding. He too had another bowl. 

"Morning Tanjirou! How did you sleep?" The smaller male giggled, smiling.

"I slept well. I really owe you all for the help." Giyuu shook his head, waving it off before he started to eat. Tanjirou took a moment before digging in. The soup was well made, the tender taste of meat and vegetable all simmered in a broth. It was on par to some of his father's foods. Although, Tanjirou claimed no one surpassed Yushiro's cooking skills. 

"We were wondering where you rushed off too. I see you've got yourself a new friend already. Such a shame; to think we'll be replaced Makomo!" Sabito feigned hurt as Giyuu sighed, finishing his food. The other two took the spots around the bedding, starting more conversation. It left Tanjirou conflicted. Unknown to him, his expression made that obvious and drew concern from Giyuu. 

"What's wrong Tanjirou?" Giyuu's soft voice drew Tanjirou to reality as he shook his head, forcing a smile. He placed the bowl still partially full on the floor before pulling his legs to his chest.

"I'm just not used to this. To have other people to talk. I was raised sheltered, never getting to meet others. My father said it was for my safety, as if he feared the outside. He told me to be weary of everyone, but you guys are great. It's the first time I've felt so alive, not that I wasn't happy with my family." Makomo had been silent for a moment before she smiled, a small hand resting on Tanjirou's head.

"Your father was worried about you. It's what parents do, to protect their children."

"I'm pretty sure that's called being overprotective." Sabito spoke low, Makomo frowning as she lightly hit him, leaving Giyuu to chuckle. That alone made Tanjirou feel slightly better. To know that there was still good among the stories his father always shared. 

"You mentioned a Father, but what of a mother?" That question from Sabito drew Tanjirou's gaze in, the youngest of the room chuckling as he rubbed his head.

"I don't technically have one. I have two dads, though I've never met the other and my current father refuses to speak about him. I've never dared to ask. A few times I've heard my uncle and father speak to each other about the subject, but I never hear a lot. The only fact I picked up on was that my father was in love once, a long time ago..." Giyuu let his brows furrow, glaring at Sabito who wore a regretful expression. He wanted to apologize, but Giyuu spoke up first.

"No worries, Tanjirou. My parents died when I was young, from disease and sickness. It left only me and my sister. Your father wasn't wrong on the idea that the outside is dangerous. My own sister and last of my family was killed by a Demon the night before her wedding." Tanjirou widened his gaze, letting his legs fall away from him. He could smell the sorrow, bringing Tanjirou to frown as he shifted. The movement caught all three as arms wrapped around Giyuu's chest, making the raven haired male flinch just slightly. After a moment arms embraced the smaller. 

"I'm sorry something so tragic happened. I can tell you never deserved that fate." Giyuu forced a chuckle, enjoying the warmth the hug gave. It left him feeling happy, a reminder of those that were his newfound family.

"It happens Tanjirou. If there is one thing I've learned, it's to never hold anger of the matter. Karma is dished to those deserving. The world is not black and white, but limitless. I've learned to embrace the fate given to me." Sabito and Makomo smiled at those words, joining in the hug. It left Giyuu and Tanjirou trapped together, laughter filling the room as Sabito forced the pile to fall over.