𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓝𝓲𝓷𝓮☬༒꧂

In the end, Nakime and Tanjirou's time had come to an end rather abruptly. The moment Nakime sensed Muzan, she seemed to settle back into her silence as she merely listened to Tanjirou carry on speaking. She was grateful he wasn't upset at her for not speaking back. Granted, she still felt a bit bad for being so quiet when Tanjirou had done nothing but be kind to her. "I see Tanjirou is awake. Glad to see you didn't get lost." 

The voice of Muzan pulled Tanjirou's gaze, leaving a calming silence as Tanjirou grew closer to the edge of the area. He leaned a bit over, examining how to get down before he heard the biwa and once more felt the section of flooring move. It lowered him far enough that he hopped down, landing along the soles of his feet before he gave a smile toward Nakime. Shifting his attention back to Muzan, Tanjirou held his delightful smile. "Good morning Muzan... Well, evening actually. I forgot I slept through the day..."

"Not entirely. There is still a glimpse of the sunlight. It's just before sunset." Tanjirou gave an understanding glance before he peered once more around the space. 

"Where is Kokushibo?" Muzan pondered an answer, leaving him to sigh. He'd already grown accustomed to Kokushibo choosing a poor sleeping schedule, not that Demon's truly needed sleep. Kokushibo simply preferred the few human aspects to remain, even when they were irrelevant.

"Seems he's still sleeping, so he won't be joining us tonight. After all, you remember me mentioning heading out to get some stuff for you?" 

"I remember it well. I'm actually excited, truthfully. Though, I'm also a bit nervous returning to the house I grew up in... It's hard to accept that my family is really gone." Muzan stayed silent, merely watching Tanjirou before he laid a hand along the younger male's shoulder. 

"It will be fine, I promise. We'll head there and come right back, if that would help a bit." Tanjirou hesitated, chewing his lip lightly. In the end, he shook his head. 

"It's no issue. I'll be fine, so there isn't a need to cancel the plans you had. You wanted to stop by shops, so don't let me stop you." Muzan seemed content, his gaze shifting as he heard footsteps. His eyes fell onto Akaza, who wore a rather calm demeanor. Even so, Tanjirou couldn't help but take in the smell that radiated from Akaza. It was like freshly fallen snow, so cold, but also somewhat scentless. It was unique. Granted, that wasn't the only thing Tanjirou took note off. He knew right away why Kokushibo had called out Akaza's appearance as so. The lines were indeed odd.

"Good, you're here Akaza. Where is Daki and Gyutaro?" Akaza shrugged, not sure what to say. In truth, he hadn't spoken to anyone on the way to the main area. Why? Simple, he was curious on the human Muzan had brought back. 

"We're right here! Sorry we took so long; I wanted to wear something that wouldn't upset Tanjirou. Look Onii-chan, this is Tanjirou, the one I mentioned earlier." Daki's sudden presence seemed to pull Tanjirou's gaze, leaving him to take note of the rather odd outfit. She had indeed taken in his request to cover more, but the colors were strange to Tanjirou. Granted, the individual beside Daki was a bit more of an attention grabber, especially when the two seemed to stalk closer. While Daki hung along Tanjirou, Gyutaro seemed to study the other as words were passed between siblings with Tanjirou smack dab in the middle. "See Onii-chan! Isn't he the most adorable and attractive person?"

"He's not attractive, just look at that scar. If anything, he's ugly; but that's for the better. Attractive people annoy me..." Daki frowned, sighing.

"You are being too judgmental. He's attractive, plain and simple!" Gyutaro huffed, leaving Tanjirou a bit conflicted with what he heard. In the end, it left him to speak up, his hand rising as it laid gently along Daki's arm that was wrapped around his shoulder. 

"You know, I could be both." Those words seemed to draw a silence as the two listened intently, leaving Tanjirou to carry on. "Think of me as two halves. One half without the scar is attractive and beautiful, while the other with the scar is less so. Wouldn't that suit both opinions?"

Both siblings stayed silent, juggling the thought before they seemed to understand. It left Tanjirou aware Daki pulled him closer, his back pressing against her as he felt his face flush a bit. Of course, Muzan seemed to catch wind of it. "Daki, release him. Are you both done, or should I scold you both for causing a ruckus?"

"There is no need. We apologize." Gyutaro lowered his head, leaving Tanjirou to peer toward Muzan. Meeting those bloody orbs, Tanjirou couldn't help but smile warmly, his hands clapping together.

"It's alright, Muzan. I don't mind. How about that trip?" The Demon King sighed but nodded lightly as he held out a hand. It left Tanjirou to grasp the meaning. When he first got to the place, he remembered Muzan ordering him to keep his eyes close. It left him to grab hold and shut his eyes, feeling how he was tugged a bit closer. His free hand seemed to catch the jacket of Muzan, feeling the soft fabric as he heard the biwa and felt how the floor seemed to drop. It left his heart sinking once more, thought he couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing Daki.

"No fair... I wanted to hold Tanjirou!"

Landing along the ground, Tanjirou felt how softly they landed. It left him to peel his eyes open, noticing how dark it truly was outside. Beyond the moonlight, it was hard to see. It made him thankful he wasn't in the woods, but in the open. Of course, he also hadn't realized he was still holding onto Muzan until he spotted Akaza starring at his hand gripped tightly to the master's clothes. Letting go, Tanjirou took a step back, giving an awkward smile. "Sorry about that." 

"No worries. We arrived at your old residence, so what is it that you need here?" Tanjirou stayed silent before he simply wandered toward the house. It left many questions, but the group remained in place as they simply waited. Although, it didn't stop the arguing between Daki and Gyutaro, as well as the looks of annoyance from Akaza. If Tanjirou hadn't been present, Muzan was sure his patience would have vanished. If anything, the Uppermoon truly had Tanjirou to thank for sparing them the wrath of Muzan. He may not be in a bad mood, but he was still quick to anger, and they were treading a fine line. Muzan only prayed he stayed patient and didn't act out. 

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Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for it being a bit short, but Akaza and the siblings are introduced. Expect chaos to unfold with Daki and Gyutaro present. Either way, leave me feedback and looking forward to writing this once more. There is a schedule already made, so if you're not aware; this story is updated on the days listed below:

A Taste of Humanity: Updates Wednesday and Sunday

Also, yes. This is a off schedule update, but oh well. Enjoy it anyway <3