❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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From the poll on the previous chapter, it seems there will be a time skip. I am going to make it a three to three year leap, placing them at a different age. They will be marked just below, to clarify and offer that information to you all. Enjoy the chapter and lets get this rolling~  ^_^

Ages:

Tanjirou - 14

Giyuu - 16

Makomo - 15

Sabito - 16

Rengoku - 17

(The ages will be a bit different, since originally the gap was a bit too much, so I am lowering the gap. Especially between Tanjirou's age and Giyuu & Rengoku.)

Other ages might be listed later, but not many matter in this moment. Also, from here on out, there will be a couple chapter on Yoriichi, though not many. It will begin to focus solely on Tanjirou from here on out, along with his choices and problems. Hope everyone is excited to get this going and please leave feedback. Always appreciated. 

Ever have questions, go ahead and ask! I always try to respond to the best of my ability! ^_^

This chapter will also be a bit shorter, but it's to get things rolling. Still, enjoy the treat I've offered to you all <3

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(3 Years Later)

Tanjirou let out a long sigh as he sat on the boulder closest to him, the sun being pulled behind the dense foliage. He held his bamboo shoot, carved out and filled to the brim with water, bringing it to his dried mouth as he basked in the cool liquid. Swallowing the contents, those maroon eyes glided along the space. They washed over familiar sapphire eyes that glowed like gemstones, so unique and beautiful; at least in Tanjirou's opinion. Of course, he'd have carried on staring if not for the sudden eye contact. Breaking the view, he offered his water toward the raven who slowly approached. 

Over the three years, both had grown relatively well. Giyuu's hair had become much longer, though trimmed by none other than Tanjirou himself. As for the maroon male, he simply enjoyed the long hair. The weight of it and the way it flowed with his breathing as he moved swiftly. He'd been warned it could be a problem, but in the end, he valued his own looks. After all, he looked so similar to his father. It was probably the only reason he kept it so long and cared for. Though, hair wasn't the only thing to grow. Both had hit a growth spurt, getting taller, more toned, as well as capable. Their stamina was much higher after so many missions. Over all, there had been a lot of change in their life. 

On the topic of change, the biggest one was when the group of four had been split. It had happened a year prior, leaving the raven and Tanjirou to remain by the others side. While it was hard to adjust, the duo made do. They worked around the gaps and covered for the other. They had perfect teamwork, after all. Watching the other take the spot on the boulder, Tanjirou leaned his head back. He glanced to the stars above that were beginning to reveal themselves before he let his voice trail into the calming silence before them. 

"Any clue how long we have left to travel?" There was a momentary silence before that smooth voice reached Tanjirou. How it washed over him with such a cool and crystal clear sound. 

"It shouldn't be more than another mile or so. We're close, that much I assure." Giyuu glanced toward Tanjirou, making eye contact as the smaller one gave a cheeky smile. In return, the raven gave a soft frown. "I still don't understand why we're having someone else help us. We've been successful without a third person..."

"Is someone upset there won't be anymore one on one time?" Tanjirou gave those words with a teasing grin, something he'd begun to do. In the end, it was never minded by Giyuu. With the years they'd known the other, there was always this strong bond that was impossible to break. 

"Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, I just don't feel there is a need for someone who might drag us down!" Giyuu took large sips of the water, leaving Tanjirou to chuckle. He shifted before leaning into Giyuu, closing his eyes. 

"They might be incredibly strong though!" Those words only earned a scoff, leaving the maroon haired male to shrug it off. Sitting back up, he undid the ribbon that held his hair together. It came free, rushing toward his back before he felt the hands that trailed the strands. Peering toward Giyuu, he watched how the other viewed him. How those eyes like water seemed to glimmer and dance about so gracefully. 

"May I fix your hair?" The question was simply habit, even if Tanjirou never desired those words. If Giyuu was around, he'd simply allow the other his way with the strands. So here he sat, viewing the moon rising in the sky as hands gently swept through every strand. As every knot was picked apart before those soft hands pulled it all back and together. It was always something soothing to Tanjirou. Feeling the ribbon fall a bit, he took in a long breath as his earrings were tugged by the soft breeze. 

"You know, I feel I'll miss these moments too..." Giyuu gave a low hum, signaling Tanjirou to carry on. So he did. "It will be odd having someone around who doesn't know my secret... Makes me a bit nervous."

"You know that should trouble come, I'll protect you. There is nothing to fear." Tanjirou nodded, smiling as he raised a brow. He shifted his head, falling back onto Giyuu's lap; feeling how those hands that once went through his hair now held him from falling off the boulder. 

"My Prince Charming~" Giyuu sighed, but smiled lightly. He softened his gaze, glancing toward the sky. How he cherished these moments. How they both did. What once was such a friendly bond had become something deeper. Both could see it. Held by a single secret that the two bore the weight off. It was the reason Tanjirou felt so close to Giyuu. So human. "Do you want to rest for a bit before heading toward the mission?"

"I would enjoy that. After all, there are only so many clear nights available to see the beauty above. The box of jewels so bright and stunning!" Giyuu nodded, finally dropping his gaze. He let his mind linger, his thoughts running free. He was only glad the words never broke into reality. How embarrassed he would feel, even if he meant every one. So he kept watch over those stunning eyes. Over the individual laid before him, so calm and perfect. Simply enjoying the silence around them in the growing eve. 

'To me... No star is as bright and flawless as you, Tanjirou.'