❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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Apologies for my disappearance. In truth, I've fallen into another fandom and have been leaving this one behind. But I have recently come back. I've re-read all the chapters and want to keep this going for you all. I make no promises I will not leave this once more, but for the time, I desire to get this moving once more. You all have been way too patient with me, and it makes me feel guilty; so, I'll stick this one through. You all deserve it <3

On that note, enjoy the chapter and leave me feedback. I'm looking forward to continuing this!   ♪('▽｀)

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Giyuu had risen to his feet without hesitation after water spilled over the dry land. He had shouted out for Tanjirou, alerting Kyoujurou of the incident. The other had rushed over, his sword at the ready as Giyuu kicked his shoes off. He held his swords hilt, glancing only briefly toward the other before he dove in. Kyoujurou had witnessed it, feeling his lungs tighten as he was left observing the surface of the water that seemed to even out the further Giyuu swam into the depths. 

The further Giyuu swam, the harder it was to see. Vision became limited, but it didn't stop him. His lungs felt on fire whilst going deeper, leaving him to ignore the pain as he kicked through the waters. His hand held his sword at the ready, prepared for anything as he felt the way the waters were disturbed. He'd nearly missed the outline of Tanjirou, along with the other figure; but the slight bit of light that still crept through casted a glow along the Demon. It allowed Giyuu to swim forward.

He didn't hesitate to collide into the Demon, his sword shifting through the waters before it pierced into the flesh of the Demon. There was a slight shriek that made Giyuu flinch before he noticed the Demon release it's hold. It was busy taking the sword out, leaving Giyuu to grab hold of Tanjirou. Tugging him into a short embrace, he kicked faster, hoping to get to the surface. He was running low on air and Tanjirou was at his limit as well. Yet he also heard the body moving toward his destination. It left him more so irked as he was feet from the surface. Unfortunately, a hand snagged his ankle. It left him being tugged a bit back down. 

In the end, Giyuu did what he was able to do. He shoved Tanjirou roughly from his hold, pushing him toward the surface as he felt himself being pulled further into the abyss below. Pulled farther away from the source of oxygen his lungs were begging for. Even so, Giyuu had no plans to accept an outcome beyond success. It left him glancing around even as his vision fell a bit blurry. He had noticed the slight shimmer below the water, where the sun hit metal, alerting Giyuu of his weapons position. It left him only a single chance, his other foot swiftly kicking out as it hit directly along the demon's face. The moment the hold on him was loosened, Giyuu wasted no time. He swam as fast as possible toward his katana, feeling his chest constrict as he forced a water filled breath and struck the demon with precision. 

Rengoku had been staying on the dry land, unsure of what it was he could possibly do. As a flame breath user, he wasn't well quipped for the water. But it didn't mean he didn't want to help. That was at least until he saw that head of maroon hair breach the surface. It left him to dive into the waters and reach where Tanjirou was left floating. His hands rolled him to allow his face from the waters hold, Rengoku's legs kicking through the water before he found the edge and climbed up. He pulled Tanjirou along with him, laying the other along the grassy patch of land as he placed his head along Tanjirou's chest. Listened to the heartbeat that should have been there. But only silence followed, leaving his heart heavy and mind clouded. Even so, he did all he could. 

His hands shifted Tanjirou's head a bit, pulling his mouth open as he pressed his hands along the other's chest. Over and over, he tried to push the water from Tanjirou's lungs. It left him laced in a fear and worry that felt so foreign. In the end, he pressed a few more times before bringing his mouth along Tanjirou's. His lips sealed the space as he breathed into Tanjirou, praying it would work. Praying that Tanjirou would be fine. 

Once, twice, three times; it all felt pointless when no change came. When Tanjirou remained still and lifeless. It made Rengoku feel defeated. That was until he heard the faint movements and watched that head of maroon hair shift to the side as water spilled to the grassy patch below. A rough breath shot into the open, followed by coughing as Rengoku felt that sense of relief. Felt his smile rise as he collapsed onto the ground with a trembling heart. 

As if on cue, the water's surface was also breached. It left another body climbing from the water's hold before Giyuu laid on the ground as well. He was soaked and breathing hard, his katana in his hold tightly. He spit up water before slowly sitting up, his gaze landing on Tanjirou. It left his blue eyes to soften as he spoke; his words meant for a certain red- and blond-haired male. "Thank you, Rengoku..."

The other didn't say a word, only sat up and offered a smile, his head leaning a bit to the side as both fell into a calming silence.

It was odd to them both. Where once they had fought and argued, this event had been a first of many changes. They both understood one very valuable piece of information. Their desire to protect Tanjirou was something irreplaceable and absolute. It was a guiding point that offered them strength as well as a sort of understanding for the other. Not only did Giyuu gain an ounce of trust for Rengoku; but the other had become more knowledgeable about what Giyuu wished to never lose. They both had learned something from this encounter; something beneficial and with a positive effect. 

But that wasn't the only thing. Rengoku had learned what it was he sought. What it was he was lacking. Tanjirou had offered him friendship, something his father always looked down on and in that very moment of saving the other Demon Slayer; Rengoku truly sought that friendship. Truly desired that good nature that Tanjirou offered. It left his empty heart feeling the warmth of joy that felt so foreign and odd to him, yet so fulfilling. It all left him aware of a single choice that was his to make. He wanted more than anything to have a place beside Tanjirou. To come to understand the other and cherish that pure heart that was so blinding and innocent. That heart that brought with it a calmness far more potent than even the sea itself.

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Once more, I apologize for the large gap in this posting. I plan to try to keep this story going for all of you! Hope you've enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to this finally getting the attention it deserved <3