❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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This has been left for a while, I understand that. But I owe you all updates on this story, no matter the reasoning. I appreciate the patience offered, so here is the reward for such generosity. Not to mention, finally passed 1000 followers; so, it feels right to carry this story on after such a long wait! <3

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Tanjirou seemed to sit on those words, glancing just briefly toward Giyuu; who was still fuming from previous situations. It wasn't like Tanjirou didn't understand both sides. Simply put; Tanjirou was a mystery. He was a slayer who happened to be capable of the impossible. That was more than enough reason to seek answers. To judge truths. But that didn't mean he appreciated being pressured. It wasn't like the breathing techniques were simple. Water breathing; possibly. However, the remaining two were similar, yet differed. They were hard to complete; especially to anyone beyond Tanjirou.

"What do you say to this, Tanjirou? Will you satisfy my curiosities and tame Sanemi's temper?" How those words made the silence feel suffocating. Thing was, there wasn't a debate on it. Tanjirou knew. He had no say, even if it seemed like his choice would be valued. That was something he clearly remembered from his father long ago; 'Humans were greedy.'

"If that is what you wish, who am I to refuse, Kagaya-sama."

"I'm glad to see such willingness." Tanjirou gave a small nod, rising to his feet as his sheathes seemed to click together. It left him pondering a thought that was expressed with words.

"However; I believe demonstrating here would be unwise. Two of the techniques may not be harmful, but one breathing style is quite destructive. Its nature is calm, yet deadly to view." Kagaya seemed to collect on those words, a small smile tipping those rather shaded features. 

"Then I will trust your words. We may step just beyond the estate, where the wisteria offers our barriers. I must admit, I'm fascinated to see whether your words are true." Tanjirou couldn't help but chuckle lightly, his gaze viewing Giyuu rise from his place. It left the maroon haired male to speak, though his tone was rather friendly. Laced in a gentleness that he assured Kagaya had noticed. 

"Then I assure; you'll not be disappointed, Kagaya-sama."

The meeting itself hadn't been long once Tanjirou had taken leave. Those that were not Hashira could not take part, leaving Tanjirou beyond the estate. His back was pressed to the walls, head tipped just a bit back as he peered through the purple foliage. Viewed the glimpse of sunlight beyond. Somehow, the whole scenery felt nostalgic to him, though he couldn't quite place how. In the end, he discarded the thoughts as he heard footsteps, glimpsing Giyuu and his ghostly frown. An expression Tanjirou couldn't remember seeing for some time. That said, it only proved the other was upset. 

"You know, Giyuu... I fear I'll start to dislike you if you grow creases on that skin of yours. There is no need to scowl." Giyuu seemed to fall still, his icy gaze clashing with Tanjirou's. If Tanjirou's gaze was like an autumn or even summer, Giyuu's was like winter. Always seemingly cold to anyone; minus Tanjirou, of course. He was always the exception. 

"I don't understand why you concede so easily. They doubt your words and bother seeking proof..." Tanjirou let it all click as he twirled a strand of his hair, taking a long breathe. 

"Do you fear I'll be unable to appease them? Are you worried I'll fail this trial?" Giyuu seemed to falter. How could he not? Tanjirou was his everything in this life, so doubting the maroon male was near impossible. However, it didn't mean there wasn't a small crack where doubts remained. 

"What if that was the case? You've used Water breathing till now, so how can you be sure your body remembers the movements of the other breathing techniques?" Pushing from the wall, Tanjirou faced Giyuu. Felt the wind swiftly rush by, brushing his strands in a graceful sway. Even his eyes seemed to shine from the small pockets of sunlight that touched his pale skin. That illuminated the outline of where the horn once rested. 

"Do you trust me, Giyuu?" Those words clung to his mind, lingering as Giyuu opened his mouth. As he sought words but could only find silence. Though, Tanjirou already knew their trust was deeper than anyone else. Afterall, Giyuu had accepted him for both sides. His Demon; as well as his human side. "Let me change the question, to make it easier to answer. Do you remember our promise?"

"The one from years prior?" Tanjirou nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair beyond his ear. "Of course, I do, but what does that have to do with the current situation?" 

"I'll always remember the promise, Giyuu. Even everything that led up to the promise presented between us. You told me to trust you. That we'd always be together." Giyuu seemed to hover in silence as his expression seemed to soften. 

"I asked you to trust me with your secret. With everything that burdened you..."

Tanjirou hummed quietly, nodding as he smiled his usual expression. "Exactly. This too, is another burden, is it not? This is my hurdle to cross, but a promise is still guarded by our hearts. I cannot ignore this, so I ask you trust me, Giyuu. This time it's I who desires your trust." 

"You drive me insane, Tanjirou..." Giyuu seemed to lean into the wood of the building as he smiled with a lingering sorrow. One that Tanjirou understood. However, both knew well, this situation was unavoidable. It ultimately left Giyuu to sigh loudly, his hand pressing through his hair before he gave a small nod, followed by words. A small sentence that gave all the assurance Tanjirou needed. That gave him limitless strength. "However, it is only fair. I will always trust you, so I too, must place my trust in your palms. No matter what, I will remain beside you. Now and forever, no matter what may come between us."

How those words lifted Tanjirou as he smiled calmly, both hearing the sounds of voices headed their direction. It left Tanjirou to offer his hand outward, placing his palm along Giyuu's for a mere moment as words were shared between them. No more than a faint whisper that tore into Giyuu like a current. "Then from your palm, I'll gladly treasure your trust. After all, you're my only family. My person of importance." 

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Not going to lie, this chapter felt a bit bittersweet. Either way, I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. Let me know and this is just the beginning. I plan to update this more often, whenever time allows it! <3