❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫◽◻1️⃣4️⃣◻◽▫

It had been far too long since the last Muzan had viewed Yoriichi, though some qualities were in worse condition. The dark coloring from the lack of sleep and sheer despair gave an appearance similar to death. Those memories of laughter and comfortable chatter were nothing when casted in such a sadden view. The love of his life and flame that kept his heart roaring and carry forward was so lost and broken. It made the image of the past Slayer, who once was the greatest. Held so much power and strength, seem so minimal and fragmented. As if sand on a beach, taken with the tides further below where the sun would never reach.

"Muzan-sama? What's got you standing in the halls instead of entering?" Kokushibo's tone was soft. After the initial argument over morals, Muzan had heard the others claims. The truth, if only partial on why he'd hid his own brother. The Demon King, while offended for a part, understood the worry Yoriichi might have. As a Demon King, he was a target and held such dark styles to life. But Muzan was not all Yoriichi anticipated. He wanted to feel human again and Yoriichi was the closest he'd gotten. If the love he cherished had begged him to change, who was he to refuse? But the other took on the burden and left, fearful with endless hidden reasons that Kokushibo swore he'd not disclose. To gain such information, Yoriichi himself would have to give such truths.

Those truths kept Muzan on edge. He never understood why secrets were present. What could have caused Yoriichi to truly feel fear, he'd not understand any time soon. The Demon Slayer was strength wrapped into a fine package. 

"I'm simply pondering whether to enter or not. He's made it clear in the past that he'd much avoid me." Kokushibo sighed, shaking his head.

"That's not entirely true. What you did was your choice, Muzan. He still loves you, whether he'd admit it or not. But in this current moment, he'd hurting far too great. He needs comfort, something only you can give."

"What could have made him so bleak and broken? My choices were not the reason, that much I know. He was out when I arrived, meaning it was before..." The Uppermoon nodded, walking past Muzan before turning back and speaking up.

"In time he'll tell you, but be patient. That is not me making an order, but an observation. Time will mend his aching heart and with it, your relationship might grow more fond. More strong. So go and comfort him, the one you cherish so much. My brother could do with a shoulder to cry into, I assure." Muzan took note, nodding as he watched the other leave the halls. It left the Demon King in silence, his fingers lingering along the edges before he pulled the door open. Beyond he saw Yoriichi, his stare glued on an object within his trembling grip. It only assured there was something more. But Kokushibo had been correct. Muzan knew time was essential. So time he'd give. A shoulder he would offer. Comfort he would grant. All for Yoriichi, who was finally back with him. The missing piece to his miserable life. The fire that brought warmth to his once arctic soul. 

Time had truly been the key. Weeks passed before Yoriichi seemed better, though still wounded. Even so, the two had gotten more time to speak. To truly understand reasons and past choices. Yoriichi had been beyond apologetic for assuming the worst of Muzan, though the Demon King had swiftly brushed it off. He was simply thrilled to be with the love of his life once more. His sunshine and only link to the morning. Such a warm blooded and kind individual. Time of course had created a foundation, something new. A start over for the couple. Yoriichi was once more comfortable and Muzan was genuinely happy. But there would always be the moments of sorrow. Times where Yoriichi's gaze seemed to glaze, as if remembering an unbearable truth. 

Muzan had never pushed the matter, but the longer there was no truth, the more his patience thinned. It wasn't until the day it slipped completely that he'd truly understood why Yoriichi was beyond broken. Why his devote love was so lost and empty. Any parent would have been crushed with such news. With such a loss.

The two had been seated along the bed, simply cuddled close. It had been one of those days, where Yoriichi sought nothing but rest. Something Muzan granted. The two remained together, simply enjoying the serene silence before Muzan had spoke up. His tone, while low and calm, held a curiosity that Yoriichi had caught wind of. It was inevitable in that moment. The Demon Slayer knew truths would spill and he'd have to choke back his pride to refuse such.

"You always carry that keychain with you, Yoriichi. Might I know whom it belongs to?" The other simply sighed, tightening his hold on the object. Those relaxed eyes glazed a bit, but Yoriichi spoke.

"It belonged to someone important."

"Like who? Your brother?" Yoriichi chuckled weakly, shaking his head. 

"It relates to why I left. Why you found me so lost..." The Demon Slayer steadied his heart, shifting from his spot. He moved to face the other, frowning slightly. "I left that day because of fears, as well as something more. Something impossible happened and I panicked. Feared the worst. This keychain, was a gift to that impossible situation." 

"What are you saying? Was their someone else you loved?" There was slight jealousy, though Yoriichi brushed it away.

"I'd not deny loving them, but not the same love as I share with you. You were my world, someone I found strength in and truly adored. Someone I wanted to marry and remain close to. The love for this other individual was not that type of love. It was something different. A love only a mother could give, even if I was a male. Even if the odds were impossible." Muzan sat up straighter, trying to grasp the situation.

"Wait... Hold on... Where are you getting at?" Yoriichi smiled plainly, sliding the keychain into Muzan's grasp. The Demon King viewed the object a name etched into it before he glanced to Yoriichi, those crystal tears falling freely. "Who is Tanjirou?"

Yoriichi clenched his teeth, trying to calm himself as he thought up his next words. It only made the guilt he had worse. The fact Muzan had a child and he'd never get to meet them because of Yoriichi. It made his rising fears come back. Luckily, Muzan caught wind of it. Fingers brushed along soft skin before Yoriichi crumbled, his voice shaking with every word. Those tears would not cease nor slow. His heart was pounding as he could feel Muzan's change in motions. The Demon Kings hands falling away as silence ate the room alive once Yoriichi spoke those ever pain stricken words. 

"Tanjirou was our son. A half demon and human. A miracle that I failed to protect..."