𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓔𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽☬༒꧂

By the time Tanjirou woke, he could only assume it was closer to evening once more. With what he'd remembered Muzan bringing to mention, most that he lived with, if not all, ran by the cycle of being awake during the nights and resting during the day. In truth, it was a hard habit to grasp, since Tanjirou was used to working on things around his old house early in the morning, just before dawn. But here he was, feeling how dusk seemed to weigh on his mind a bit and how his body almost wished to have even something that might give him a recollection of what he was accustomed to. It was probably what led him to the idea of finding some sort of chore to put his mind at ease. He was truly appreciative of having a new home and those that would no doubt care for him, but he didn't like the idea of staying for free. It felt 'wrong' to him.

That said, it led Tanjirou bare foot along the halls, not paying much mind to where he was wandering. It wasn't like Muzan listed areas that were off limits. Still, Tanjirou was oddly surprised at the expanse of space that seemed almost endless. The halls felt infinitely long in a way. It was a bit like a maze, leaving Tanjirou a bit lost. Granted, he couldn't help but hear the subtle sounds of a biwa that somehow put his mind at ease. It made him feel light as he merely walked on, not noticing much. Not visually seeing how the surroundings seemed to distort and alter until it stopped before a larger room that finally broke Tanjirou from his mind and to the present.

He stood along the halls entrance, his gaze overlooking a large space that was hard to understand. Magic was an accurate term for Tanjirou, seeming as the platform was set higher from the rest. It left Tanjirou to peer over the edge just briefly, that was until a voice reached out toward him. One that was calm and laced in a kindness that while sheltered, was distinguishable to Tanjirou. "I'd suggest being careful leaning along the edge like that. It's rather dangerous."

Tanjirou shifted his focus toward the new voice, spotting the figure sat along a higher section, an instrument close in her hands. Her black hair stayed long, and bangs hugged her face, covering her eyes. It left Tanjirou oddly curious, though he kept his curiosity to a minimal. "I appreciate the words of caution. Might I know your name?" 

"Nakime. I warned you under the words of Muzan. I'd prefer not to report of injury on my behalf." Those words confused Tanjirou momentarily.

"How would me falling become your fault?" 

"I had the duty to observe and be sure you were safe. If harm came, I did not do my job assigned to me." Tanjirou made an understanding expression as he sauntered a bit closer. He wanted to reach Nakime, leaving him to glance for a way. In the end, he was more so startled when the floor seemed to move and rise a bit higher. High enough that Tanjirou could climb to where Nakime was seated. 

Once on the new platform, Tanjirou slowly crawled a bit closer before taking a seat, his gaze wandering the area. "This place is amazing, I must say."

"Your words are appreciated. This is our master's home, after all. It was meant to be something glorious. Tell me, Tanjirou; what are your thoughts on our master?" Tanjirou seemed to linger on silence for a time before he smiled gently. 

"He's someone who saved me. In a way, he's someone great in my eyes. Without him on that mountain, I may have very well died out there. I owe Muzan everything." Nakime gave a small hum, her fingers ceasing its movements on the biwa.

"Even loyalty?"

"I see no reason to refuse. He gave me a chance once more, a place to have a home. I'd be more than willing to do as asked to pay back the kindness I've received."

"Kindness... huh?" Nakime stayed silent as Tanjirou glanced toward her, noticing the slight tension. Granted, it was broken with Nakime's own voice once more. "Kindness is a rare sight from our master, but I can understand why it happened to be given toward you. You are also kind, even I can tell. He let us know what happened on that mountain, but I curious about you myself. I'm glad we got time to speak, if only for a moment. It's been one of the more rememberable moments."

"You keep calling Muzan; 'Master', how come?"

"Simple. He is who we serve. I can't share much, but we devote ourselves to him and his very existence. The same existence he's decided to offer toward you. That, makes you special Tanjirou, compared to many others." Tanjirou was at a loss for words, leaving him to smile in silence. At least until he finally glanced toward Nakime completely, took in her features. It made him curious of her eyes beneath.

"How come you have your bangs hung over your eyes?" As innocent as the question was, it wasn't one that Nakime answered. She chose silence, only leaving that curiosity to rise further in Tanjirou. It left him more to act, than rationalize what he was thinking. Which left his hand moving and fingers sliding the strands a bit out of the way as he saw what lay beneath. He only released the strands of hair when a hand brushed his away, Nakime looking away.

"You really shouldn't pry into things, Tanjirou. I hide my appearance since it's not the most appealing, compared to some in this place." Tanjirou lingered on those words before he sighed, feeling Nakime glance at him from beneath those bangs.

"Appealing or not, it makes you who you are, Nakime. I believe everyone is beautiful, whether that correlates to an inner beauty or external. You have a good heart, so that makes you much better than most. Looks don't mean everything, I assure." 

"You... You think so?" Tanjirou chuckled lightly, his head nodding as he once more reached over and brushed those bangs aside. It left him peering into her singular eye.

"Absolutely. Your qualities define who you are, along with your heart and choices. I truly believe your absolutely stunning." Nakime felt herself smile as she peered into his maroon eyes, holding such a firm expression that made the moment so calming. It was new, even to her. Fear always ran the place under Muzan's rule, but things felt different. Just being around Tanjirou allowed the room to breathe. It was a feeling that she desperately clung to and cherished more than anything. It was something she'd never take for granted.

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Hope you all enjoyed the little bit of Nakime and Tanjirou talking to one another. I wanted something adorable, so I figured; why not have Tanjirou allow Nakime to open up. To feel happy and less quiet and gloomy. So, here she is, taking a liking to the living ball of sunshine<3

Hope this chapter was to your liking and Akaza will be in the next one, along with Gyutaro and Daki. So, be looking forward to the siblings being chaotic and Akaza being a moody individual. Got to love the walking basketball, am I right? XD