❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫◽◻1️⃣9️⃣◻◽▫

Three whole years. That was the time Yoriichi had to overcome his own hardships. It had been a struggle without a doubt, especially for Muzan; but he'd remained patient. In time, Yoriichi had picked himself up and carried on. The only difference was the slight hole in his heart that would never be filled. Of course, the two had come across a slight relief in their travels. It had truly been a new beginning, or at least steady foundation in Yoriichi's opinion.

Having lost his own child, he still held that sorrow. But he had also been offered another chance at that solemn joy. Muzan had been out on travels when he'd stumbled on a young girl, sick and dying. It had been a quick decision, but one Yoriichi cherished. Even if the child was a Demon, the idea of being a parent appeased the Demon Slayer. Made his heart stir with joy and old memories. The young girl was a beauty, her eyes such a frail pink. Midnight black hair with brown tips fell far toward the floor and her kimono sat well on her slimmed figure. Her voice was soft, similar to Tanjirou's own calming tone. While she was not Yoriichi own child, he was willing to keep her close. A family was his dream and part of him hoped she'd ease the feeling of regret; for failing his only child. 

"Yoriichi... What's on your mind?" the young girls voice stirred Yoriichi from his mind as he focused his attention, giving a gentle smile. Being the only human had become natural to the older male. It felt normal. 

"Now Nezuko, we've spoke of this before. No calling me Yoriichi. You agreed to call me as family." She lowered her gaze before taking the spot beside the maroon haired Slayer.

"I understand, I just feel it is awkward." Yoriichi gave a confused glance before she offered a partial smile, her hands holding the keychain that was placed beside the bed. "I asked Muzan of the meaning behind this keychain. He hesitated, claiming he knew little, beyond one definite fact. That Tanjirou had been the name of his own son he'd never met. I just feel this place in the family is not mine... You know? I'm sure this Tanjirou would be upset to find him forgotten!"

"I understand your fears, Nezuko. But he's gone. I will never forget him, my own child. But time mends and with it, I must keep moving. I agreed to take you as family to ease myself, but because you needed one. I know of the scene Muzan stumbled on and you deserved better. For that, I was willing to offer such options. My Tanjirou will always be my child in my heart, but he's somewhere better. The world can not harm him anymore." Nezuko widened her eyes, holding the keychain toward Yoriichi. 

"I believe you. Might I know something about him?" There was a long silence, a short chuckle filling it.

"Where to begin. He was a ray of sunshine, always the optimistic individual. But he was curious. I kept him sheltered, tried to keep him from the world."

"But why?" Yoriichi smiled, running his finger over the words on the keychain.

"Because he was a miracle. He was born half human and Demon, the first ever. I feared the world would hate him. Hurt him. So I kept him from the evil beyond. But the longer I kept him caged, the more he desired to step beyond. I only wish I'd noticed sooner. The day I lost him, was the day Muzan had found me. I was taken back here and my house was burned. In the end, maybe it was best. That house had harbored two deaths after all." Nezuko hummed, swinging her feet slightly. 

"What did he look like? I am curious, with your description of his personality."

"Well, he had maroon hair and a small scar on his forehead. A single horn on his right side and maroon eyes. His skin was flawless, a mix of Muzan and I. He always wore a checkered Haori in the past, his favorite. But it burned up in the fire, I'm sure. That and my earrings." She raised a brow before Yoriichi drew them out, showing her. "Hanafuda Earrings. They symbolized me. I nearly never took them off, but they fell off that dreadful day and even going back, there was not much left beyond old ash and burned timber. Everything was gone."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Even so, Tanjirou sounded like a pleasant person. I wish I had the chance to meet him." Yoriichi chuckled, pulling Nezuko into a hug.

"You and me both." Nezuko snuggled slightly closer, taking in the warmth. "Now, I believe it's morning, so why not rest. Muzan needs to talk with me, so I'll have to take my leave."

"I understand. I appreciate you telling me all that. It made me happy, to be trusted." Yoriichi smiled before rising from the bed. He tucked Nezuko in before turning to leave. As he opened the door, he stopped before speaking. 

"Sleep well and maybe once you wake, we'll go out in the evening." Nezuko nodded, chewing her lip. As Yoriichi stepped into the hall, she raised her tone, though she couldn't see the expression on Yoriichi's features. 

"I'll be looking forward to it, Otousan." 

Yoriichi remained in the halls, keeping silent. His heart shifted about, trembling as he heard a lingering voice. The words echoing so gently. So calming and consistent. It drove his mindscape mad, swallowing him whole with old feelings that crashed over him like a tidal wave. Those same words that once were his joy seemed to only drown him further in grief. 

'Otousan!'

'Otousan..'

'Otousan...' He felt his teeth bite his lip, warm tears rolling down his face as he placed his head in his hands. His voice was so broken, but soft where none would overhear. So fragile; as if a whisper that would be taken with the wind. 

"I'm so sorry Tanjirou... I'm so sorry..."

〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰🔆〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Some might have wanted to see what Yoriichi was up to, so here it is. Also, decided to add Nezuko, though she'd not related to Tanjirou in this. She is a Kamado, where Tanjirou is technically a Tsugikuni. Later chapters will explain more of Nezuko's origins. 

Please leave feedback. It's always appreciated! (✿◡‿◡)