❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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I've been told this was beginning to be a bit rushed, so I am hoping to slow it back down a bit. Thanks to whomever stated such facts <3 

Also, finally recovering and doing better. So postings should become more frequent~

One last thing, I apologize if recent chapters are a bit more boring. They are leading to major plot points, so action is bound to come soon. I promise! Not to mention, a certain person is about to be meet Tanjirou here soon <3

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Nearly an hour had passed since the missions completion before the two left outside finally wandered back in. With the inn no longer having someone to run it, both figured they would have to head out. Basically camp along the woodlands. It wasn't really an issue by any means, since it happened at points. But it didn't mean it was all that comfortable or desired. Climbing the staircase once more, Giyuu was the first one to enter the room where Tanjirou was. He was curled on the comfort of the bed, simply relaxed and at peace. At least until he noticed the two who entered. Shifting on the blankets, he faced the two who still wore apologetic expressions. In the end, it made Tanjirou sigh, his smile rising to his features once more. After all, he couldn't stay mad. It simply wasn't who he was. 

"You two work everything out?" Kyoujurou peered to Giyuu, who nodded in response. It left the golden haired male following Giyuu's response. In truth, they hadn't said much. They both knew they were wrong, but it was still hard to accept. Of course, there was no other option in this case. Tanjirou had made a clear point. This job needed teamwork. "Good. I figure since we've finished up here, we head toward the next spot. It's about a days walk, counting in sleep of course."

"Wait, did they already send in another mission?" Tanjirou nodded, holding a piece of paper. Giyuu stepped forward, taking hold of it before his expression once more fell. 

"Apparently they are aware of what happened here, so they are assigning one more person to this group. She'll be meeting us at the next location." Kyoujurou gave a confused glance before seeing the paper, his brows raising. 

"Shinobu? Isn't she the current Flower Hashiras younger sister?" Giyuu nodded, taking the chance to speak up.

"She is. I've met her a few times, same with Tanjirou. We've had times where she happened to be in the area and offered medical attention. Still, why do we need another?" Tanjirou shrugged, sitting up before he rose to his feet. 

"Who knows. Might have something to do with you scuffle earlier. Either way, that's in the past. She's going to be a big help, so try to get along with her, Giyuu." The raven nodded, though he looked displeased. It made sense. Shinobu was painfully honest to Giyuu and often teased him by rude means. Still, she had a bit of a bitter personality that Tanjirou did like. She was able to keep the groups often stable, even if she on occasion was the reason conflict started. 

"So, what now?" Kyoujurou's voice drew Tanjirou's gaze, leaving the smaller of the three to smile warmly. He raised his arms stretching, before he peered to the window. It was rather late, leaving them time to relax still.

"Well, even with the Demon gone, we'll be fine till sunrise. I say we sleep until dawn and head out. We should make it to the next place by nightfall once more." Giyuu sighed, taking a spot beside Tanjirou. It left the maroon with a cheeky grin. Of course, Kyoujurou was still present and completely lost for words. 

"Are you two sleeping in the same bed?" Giyuu gave a face that simply shoved the question aside. As for Tanjirou, he nodded. It wasn't like it was new. They'd been doing it for years. 

"It's normal for us. I've known him for quite a time, so it's just natural. Sleeping is hard otherwise." Kyoujurou gave an awkward nod, spotting Tanjirou toss him something. Catching the key to the other room, the golden haired male gave a short nod. 

"So, I'll see you both in the morning... Should I keep track of the time?" 

"No need. I often do that. Get some rest for the travel." Giyuu's words were so cold, leaving the other in a bitter silence. 

"Good night Rengoku-san. See you early in the morning!" Tanjirou's smile made him falter a bit, ending in him giving one back. He turned on his heels, tugging the door closed behind him. It left the two in a silence as Tanjirou leaned into Giyuu's side, resting his head on the raven's shoulder. "You know, you don't have to be so reserved. You always get a colder front toward everyone else..."

"They simply aren't worth the same as you!" Tanjirou chuckled, nodding briefly. As he moved, his horn drew Giyuu's attention. They hadn't shaved it down in sometime, leaving the raven to bring it to attention. "We should deal with your horn again. It's getting longer." 

"Ah! I forgot it was there honestly... We let it grow since it was just us for a time..." Giyuu nodded, letting Tanjirou sit up. The maroon male slid along the bed, snagging the file from his pocket before handing it to Giyuu. As he shuffled along the blankets, he quickly placed his legs over the raven's. It locked the other in place, leaving Tanjirou to rest still above as those cold fingers rose with the piece of metal. It shifted along the horn, slowly shaving some off with a gentle motion. It always was something soothing for Tanjirou, to have Giyuu treat him so gently. 

"We should start keeping it shorter. So no one thinks much about it." Tanjirou nodded, watching the shavings fall to the raven's lap. It left Tanjirou to gaze toward Giyuu, who met his sightline. Offering a smile, the raven did likewise. 

"You know, I'm glad I have you with me." Giyuu raised a brow, but chuckled lightly.

"I promised to never leave you. I meant every word. Speaking of; what was that earlier? Calling Kyoujurou attractive?" Tanjirou snickered, giving a teasing tone to his voice.

"Someone jealous?" There was a linger silence as Giyuu finished filing the horn down to the forehead. Laying the piece of metal beside him, he peered into Tanjirou's gaze, his arms moving to keep the other still. Tanjirou had tried to get up, but was left in the grasp of Giyuu.

"It's not a matter of jealousy. I simply don't want you to get hurt... If he knew the truth, I'm worried he'd toss you away." The maroon sitting on Giyuu lowered his gaze, feeling his usual grin fall. "I just desire to keep you safe. To keep you happy."

"I know... I guess it's just wishful thinking... To want some friends. To think that I might be considered normal, cause in reality; I'm not!" Giyuu shook his head, leaning a bit forward. He rested his forehead along Tanjirou's, smiling softly as he spoke so calmly. So warm and kind.

"To me, you're normal. But to others, they might not agree. We just have to be careful on who knows the truth. On who we let into our little circle, okay?" Tanjirou nodded, sighing low. He pulled back, sliding off Giyuu in that moment. His hair shifted with his movements, swaying as he flopped onto the bed, letting his head rest on Giyuu's legs. "You know I'll always be here, even if the world hates you."

"I know. It's always been 'us', after all." Giyuu leaned his head along the window, tracing his fingers along the others hair. He couldn't help but hum silently, soothing the maroon into a trance. Allowing them to welcome sleep as the night ticked on, those aqua eyes staying trained on Tanjirou with every intent to guard the other male. That was simply Giyuu's wish. To always be beside Tanjirou through thick and thin. He would always follow Tanjirou, no matter where it led. Whether they had to go through hell and back, they would do it together. Hand in hand.