Demon Slayer One-Shots (Part 2)

Play (Hashiras)

KANAO + TANJIRO POV 

It was the early morning. 

But the sun hadn't been shining. What did she expect? It was winter, after all. Winter is where the sun doesn't shine and animals hibernate to avoid the temperature of the outside world. The futon seemed heavier than normal as if the gloominess of the Earth.  

All the patients of the Butterfly Mansion had recovered for the winter season, and they had all headed out, per Shinobu-san's orders. Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho had all taken a break, as had Aoi, who went out with Inosuke-kun to the nearest village. 

"Are you sure she's asleep?" a grumpy voice asked, which was slightly familiar to my awakening ears. Peeking out the window, a butterfly haori fluttered out of the entrance, which I had recognized as Shinobu-san's. 

The mysterious companion wore a half-and-half haori which was strangely familiar. His raven-black hair was cut short, and Oneesan seemed happy as she flashed a smile at her companion. 

Kanao had decided to follow them. Oneesan was a careful woman, but she could look out for her all the same. 

"Kanao-chan?" Tanjiro suddenly called, as she crept out of the Mansion. She froze in her position, her winter cloak suddenly felt warmer around her body. 

"Tanjiro-"

"What are you doing?" he asked, confused. She hesitated. 

If she stayed and talked to Tanjiro, she would lose track of Shinobu-san and her mysterious companion. They were already starting to get out of earshot.

Deciding to abandon the conversation, Kanao simply waved goodbye and fled, watching her footsteps underneath the crunchy snow.

"Kochou. The snow-"

Kanao's eyes widened as she caught sight of a snowball being hurled towards the stranger, as he barely dodged. She almost stepped in, but she noticed a giggle erupting from the Insect Pillar. 

She was... 

Laughing. 

The man seemed exasperated but enjoyed the attention, as he hurled a snowball at her adoptive older sister. Staring curiously at the pair, she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She whipped around, stifling a shriek. 

Tanjiro was confused. More than confused. 

He was perplexed. 

"Who are you watching-"

He peeked over her shoulder, seeing the two engaging in a snowball fight as Kochou lost her balance. The man headed towards her to break her fall but merely fell on top of her as Shinobu became even more flustered. 

"Tomioka-san?" Tanjiro whispered under his breath. 

Kanao's eyes widened. 

True to his word, the Water Pillar fell over onto his back, as Shinobu erupted into a fit of laughter. 

"You're flustered, Giyuu-san!" the Insect Pillar was a fit of giggles as she rolled around on the white snow. Picking himself up, the Water Hashira dusted himself off and offered a hand.

Gratefully, the Insect Pillar took it. He was still red as Shinobu wrapped her arm around his. 

"Dating-?" was the only word that escaped the Sun-Breathing Demon Slayer. 

Shinobu seemed happy. More than happy. 

The pair headed off into the woods, as Kanao and Tanjiro sat down on the snow, confused by the situation and curious as to Hashira's relationship status.