❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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The two had been drenched and beyond cold by the time the others found them. Giyuu had done his best to shield Tanjirou from the bitter breeze that froze over the rain that had soaked into their garments. That said, the raven had never been happier then when he saw the lights that flickered in the harsh darkness. The moment that rough voice called out, he replied back. It was at that point that Urokodaki and the two others had entered the slight break in the foliage, where they came to Giyuu's side, who was tightly holding a trembling Tanjirou within his soaked haori's embrace. It made the raven smile lightly, knowing the secret that they both shared. It was a heavy weight, but Giyuu meant every word. If he could shoulder some of the burden, he would gladly take it on. 

"You two really are a hand full! What has got into you both, to come to an area I forbid?!" Giyuu had made eye contact, holding the other a bit tighter as his voice came out soft. With the crying, it was rather scratched and ruined. 

"It was my fault, Urokodaki... I didn't warn Tanjirou about this area and night fell before I could find him..." The older male sighed, judging the response. Luckily, he took it. While he had his doubts, the male knew the cold weather would no doubt bring some harm to the two the longer they remained drenched. Motioning Giyuu, the raven carefully rose, bringing Tanjirou with him. Tanjirou had ended up falling asleep, so it left Giyuu to carry him. Not that the raven truly minded. He assured the other would stay warm as he transferred Tanjirou to his back, his own haori placed around the maroon male. Sabito had noticed the sword, taking hold of it as he offered a partial smile; one that Giyuu returned. 

"Tomorrow you both owe an explanation, understood?" Giyuu nodded, keeping quiet as he followed the others back. Even as the night seemed to get colder and darker; Giyuu felt oddly warm. As if a flame was ignited within his stomach, roaring to life as he felt the way Tanjirou's arms seemed to tighten along his shoulders, the soft breathes rolling along his neck. Even though he knew he was going to be scolded, he still felt content. After all, he was closer to Tanjirou after the recent events. He truly did mean it; that he would remain by the others side. Both had lost everything, yet found something else along the path they walked. No matter the way the world would view Tanjirou, Giyuu would always see the slayer as who he was; his own family. No matter the Demon blood that ran through Tanjirou, Giyuu knew for a fact Tanjirou still was human. His emotions showed that. That alone was enough for the raven. 

By morning, Tanjirou was the last up. He had sat up slowly, feeling the way his body felt crusted. He peered to his hands, layered in mud that had dried. Beside him was his sword, forged from his father's. He grabbed it softly, pulling it closer as he took in a breath. Hearing voices beyond the space he was laid, he scrambled to his feet. With slow movements, he sauntered toward where the talking from, noticing how Giyuu was slightly cowering in on himself. His eyes remained glued to the floor, at least until he noticed Tanjirou's presence. It was only then that saddened and pained expression morphed into a look of relief. 

"Seems you're up Tanjirou. That works out nicely, since I've yet to scold you." Tanjirou tensed slightly, fears circulating before the older male sighed, rubbing his features. "But I'll be lenient this time. You didn't know better and Giyuu took the punishment. Of course, you're to help him."

"I understand, Urokodaki." The older male nodded, rising from the floor. He glanced toward Giyuu, who also rose to his feet, meeting the others gaze.

"Explain what you two are doing. I've got to head out for a time, so behave. Sabito and Makomo are required to keep an eye on you two, so do not wander anywhere." Both nodded, though Urokodaki paid more mind to Giyuu. He gave a sigh before wandering toward the door and heading into the outside. As the wooden door came to a close, two sets of eyes peered from around the corner. Of course, both Giyuu and Tanjirou took note of them.

"Some punishment, let me tell you. Least me and Makomo don't have to do anything today!" Sabito smirked before feeling a hand hit his head, Makomo frowning. 

"We still have duties, just ours are outside. Giyuu would have explained, but I'll shorten it. You two are supposed to clean everything inside, whilst Sabito and I train outside. If you need anything, just call on me." Tanjirou nodded, Sabito speaking up once more. 

"You wouldn't be so calm if you dealt with Urokodaki's scolding... Giyuu took it all for you while you slept, Tanjirou."

"Shut it, Sabito. It doesn't matter." The pinkish haired male frowned, showing his disbelief. 

"It does. Why should you take all the fault? Your story was made up anyways, even Urokodaki knows that. You willingly lied for Tanjirou and I want to know why?" Giyuu chewed his lip, Makomo trying to speak up before the raven cut in.

"That's for me to know, Sabito. What I did, was my own choice. Let it be." The taller of the four scoffed, but looked away. He frowned before meeting Tanjirou's gaze, who broke it quickly. Sighing, Sabito left the cabin, leaving Makomo to play catch up as the door closed loudly. It left Giyuu and Tanjirou alone, both unsure what to say. At least until words fell from Giyuu. "I apologize for his words."

"Was it true? Did you cover for me?" Giyuu nodded, leaving Tanjirou to grind his teeth. "Why?"

"Because it felt right. You trusted me with a secret that was dangerous, something I promised to keep. Didn't I tell you? I'm not going anywhere. If I must shoulder some of your burden, I'll willingly do so."

"But I'm a Demon..."

"You're still human, Tanjirou. You may be a part Demon, but I see the human in you. You feel real emotions. You eat normal food. Bathe in the sun. You even hold such a pure heart. To me, you've always been human. No horn, nor demonic power can change that view." Those words sank in quickly, Tanjirou feeling a small smile rise. He felt the warm tears that rolled along his cheeks, wiped away by Giyuu who had grown closer. Those arms that were so familiar, pulled Tanjirou in as the raven began the hug; feeling how Tanjirou accepted it. It left him speaking softly, like a whisper. A hushed promise between the two, forged by the secret that rested within both hearts. "No matter what, you will always be yourself. So long as you never change, that is good enough for me. That is the truth, Tanjirou."

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Welcome back! I have arrived and offer forth another chapter. It's been a time, but I'm back for good this time. Time to get this rolling, so leave feedback. Always enjoy reading you're comments!!!

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