❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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The walk had been peaceful for the beginning of it. Near six hours spent wandering along a path, embracing the wilderness around them. They had made a huge stretch of the walk, leaving time to rest. Tanjirou had been able to pinpoint a fresh water source broke from the normal path, leaving them to wander a bit into the dense foliage. It was shaded, a small lake that shimmered from the sunlight that snuck past the leaf overhang. For Tanjirou, he took refuge next to a tree. Leaning along it, he took in the beauty around him, resting his eyes. As for Giyuu, he checked the water, placing some in the bamboo shoot. Sealing it, he sat at the edge of the water, pressing his hands along the surface before spooning some to coat his face. It left Kyoujurou alone, pondering what to do. In the end, he sauntered toward where Tanjirou rested. Sliding to the ground, he glanced toward the other; or at least until he met Tanjirou's gaze. 

"Oh! I didn't mean to bother you..." A short chuckle sounded, the maroon smiling so brightly. It was captivating to see.

"You've not bothered me Rengoku-san. I was simply resting my eyes, since I am still tired from the past evening. Even so, how are you this afternoon? I asked about your rest, but I want to know overall." The question caught Kyoujurou off guard a bit, his hesitation showing before he forced his words.

"Well, I've been much better today than other days. This is the first time they've honestly set in stone my group. The past years were me traveling solo or remaining in a group for a short time. It's nice, to know that maybe there will be time..."

"Time?" Tanjirou tilted his head, watching as Kyoujurou stayed glued to his gaze. Stayed so fixated on his eyes.

"Time to, you know... Make friends. Form some sort of bond!" Forcing a smile, Kyoujurou lowered his gaze toward the ground. It practically offered truths to Tanjirou, who shifted his focus to the cut out in the leaves.

"I can tell bonds haven't been a normal occurrence for you, Rengoku-san. But I also want to clarify something, not because it must be brought up; but because it's the hard truth. You are a part of our group, thus meaning you are valuable. You are what I would consider an ally and friend. To any who follow our path, such relationships can be at a cost, but I desire them. I always want those I can trust without a single doubt. So, I ask you, Rengoku-san; will you be my friend? Someone I can place my entire trust into should trouble arrive?" For the first time in so long, Kyoujurou was speechless. He was caught in every word, his emotions bubbling forth. He chewed his lip, trying desperately to speak. Trying to form words. But they clung to his throat. They refused to surface. All the years of his father's harsh teaching made him falter and it practically ate him alive. But Tanjirou was observant. He could see the conflict and struggle, which led to his next words. Those words that were so gentle and calming. "You don't need to answer now. Think it over, since it's a large oath. To trust someone is not something to take lightly."

Tanjirou took in another breath, rising to his feet as he glanced toward Kyoujurou once more. He offered such a soft and sweet smile, one that took the others breath away. That made his heart pound so quickly and rough. It left Kyoujurou bathed in his own thoughts, seated at the tree's roots. As for Tanjirou, he turned on his heels, wandering toward where Giyuu was placed, just beside the water's edge. As the maroon took a spot, those ocean eyes found their way toward Tanjirou. That sickly sweet voice washing over Tanjirou.

"You really think he's one to trust?" Tanjirou shrugged, still hovering over Giyuu. 

"Who knows. Only time may tell; but I know what my gut tells me. He's someone I feel is worth placing my trust into in due time." 

"Just be careful, for me... I'd willingly take on anyone who dared to hurt you, Tanjirou. you mean that much to me." Tanjirou chuckled, smiling with ease. He bent a bit low, crouching as he placed his hand along Giyuu's hair, letting his fingers roll through the raven mess.

"I know, Giyuu. You're one of the few that I trust completely. My own family and closest ally. After all, we still have the promise of forever; do we not?" Giyuu smirked, raising his hand. His fingers gently carressed Tanjirou's cheek, bringing a faint red to those soft and untouched skin.

"Of course. Our forever is permanent, eternal. Nothing could ever break it." A silence hung over the two, who didn't pay mind to those molten eyes that lingered toward them. That watched them quietly. Tanjirou pulled his hand back, standing straighter as he glanced upward, Giyuu observing him. He smiled so calmly, shifting his head that was laid along the grass. How the day had been so peaceful thus far. 

If only peace was eternal, just like their promise. 

A single moment brought a harsh truth as Giyuu found himself sitting up quickly, his hand reaching out as Tanjirou was torn backwards by something. Dragged over the edge of the water's boundaries and plunged under the surface of those crystalline waters. 

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Hope you've been enjoying this so far. Leave me feedback, since it's always appreciated!

(〜￣▽￣)〜 - Ah yes, my adoration for angst~