Outside His Flames - Kimetsu No Yaiba

5. Tanjiro

Tsukiko's voice moved through the room like a gentle breeze as she whispered, "Tanjiro."

The redhead stirred awake, his eyes opened and focused on the moonlight outline of Tsukiko. She stood in the doorway of his room, hair dripping wet and her clothes thrown hastily on her but dry. The moon silhouetted her and once again Tanjiro thought she looked like a goddess.

"Are you alright, my love?" Tanjiro called to her, his voice hoarse from sleep. A small smile graced Tsukiko's lips as she nodded at him. His voice, thick with sleep, stirred her soul. Tanjiro sat up and opened his arms, "come here."

Following directions, Tsukiko hurriedly made her way over it him. Small pats could be heard from her feet and the falling of water drops from her dark hair. Tanjiro reached for the towel Nezuko had been using as a cape as she sat in front of him.

"I'll dry your hair for you," Tanjiro spoke softly," what have you been doing?"

A small hum escaped from Tsukiko as Tanjiro started working the towel through her hair. Memories of her childhood surfaced and a warm feeling expanded in the demon slayers chest. Yes, Tanjiro felt like home.

"I've been bathing in a stream under the moon. I found one nearby here that I just came from."

Tanjiro hummed in recognition. She smelled like fresh water and something else.

"You're feeling better," it was less of a question and more of an observation.

Tsukiko had been staying away for months. Relying on Tanjiro being near for a goodnight sleep had become a dangerous crutch for Tsukiko. While she loved him with every ounce of her being, Tsukiko was worried that she would become a burden.

Only a hum came in response to the statement. A comfortable silence covered the room as both knew they just needed the presence of the other. Tanjiro continued his slow drying of his companion's hair. The towel soon became forgotten and discarded onto the floor.

The shirt Tsukiko was wearing had slipped to reveal more of her shoulder. The pale skin glowed softly in the moonlight and caught Tanjiro's eye. A small scar ran between her neck and shoulder. Without realizing it, Tanjiro's head dipped down to kiss the mark.

Tanjiro's lips were soft against Tsukiko's sensitive skin and she shivered at the sensation. Instead of stopping at the sudden movement, it egged the demon slayer on. The woman before him smelled of summer air after rain and her skin tasted sweet against his lips.

Tanjiro continued his way across Tsukiko's shoulder. The star eyed demon slayer hummed as Tanjiro's arm snaked around her waist. Tsukiko leaned her head to the side as Tanjiro cradled her chin with his hand.

His two lips felt like velvet as Tanjiro moved across her shoulder and up Tsukiko's neck.

She had never been kissed anywhere except her face before. The feeling of the redhead's lips on her neck was intoxicating. She could smell his usual scent of charcoal and it coated her throat like honey. Tsukiko was getting lost in him.

"Tsukiko," Tanjiro breathed against her jaw, "my darling."

His voice was hoarse, no longer covered in the haze of sleep but something else entirely. Short pants of breath escaped Tanjiro's lips, keeping ragged time with Tsukiko's own.

Tsukiko brushed her lips against Tanjiro's. The soft touch was met with hands burying in the woman's dark locks, tilting the demon slayer's head to allow Tanjiro to fully kiss her.

Two pairs of lips melted together and something molten hot stirred between the two demon slayers. A small moan escaped Tsukiko's throat as she was drowning in Tanjiro's presence. She only returned to her senses when Tanjiro's tongue slid across her bottom lip before swiping across her own.

Two hazed moons peered out at Tanjiro from behind half closed eyes as Tsukiko pulled away for air. Tsukiko held Tanjiro's gaze for a moment before her eyes widened.

A blush spread on Tsukiko's cheeks and she placed a hand on Tanjiro's chest to gain some space. He released Tsukiko's hair and leaned away from the person of his affection.

"What's wrong?" Tanjiro was quickly coming to his senses and only managed the one question before turning a bright shade of red.

"Nothing, but think we should stop here for now," Tsukiko whispered as she righted her clothing, "I see now why we will have so many children. Let's go to sleep"

Tanjiro sat still, gaping like a fish, as Tsukiko settled under the blankets beside him.

Just what did she mean by that?