𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓿𝓮☬༒꧂

I'm finally back! Man, it's been a long time... I feel bad for just vanishing for a length of time, but I am officially back and attempting to update ongoing stories; so please bear with me. <3

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Upon landing beyond the village, Tanjirou found himself settling his heart on the past matter. He was caught between his words and the reality of the situation. Had he truly done the right thing? To outcast his own sister, the remaining family he'd searched for. It left him feeling oddly heavy, like his mind slowly sought to numb itself. However, he didn't get to think on it much when he heard a familiar voice that made his heart sink. Made his whole train of emotions swell together and collide. 

"What happened, Daki? Akaza? Why does he seem like he's seen a ghost?" Tanjirou couldn't help but glance toward the figure, Muzan. The other individual that had become his world. 

"We're not entirely sure. I was walking with him when this woman stopped him and called him by name. It seemed she knew him and was startled to see him at that... The guts on that brat, to dare to touch Tanjirou." Daki seemed to seethe before Muzan approached Tanjirou. Placed a hand on his head as he frowned softly. 

"So, did you know her, Tanjirou?" There was a lasting silence as Tanjirou seemed to weigh the choices. There was no doubt that he'd remain with Muzan and the others. They were there for him when he needed it most, unlike Nezuko. But his sister would always be considered family. If he claimed she was no one, would it protect her? 

"I..." Tanjirou felt the words stick in his throat. Made him choke on his breath as he felt his heart tumble within him. He wasn't sure what to feel, truthfully. Who it was he yearned to be with. Muzan and the rest never did anything to harm him and weighing the pros and cons was much more desirable than that of his sister's. She's left them all behind, so it brought the question to Tanjirou. Was she even worthy of being family. He would always have a part that would look out for her, but she'd shown her back to him. To her own family and when tragedy struck, where had she been?

Not only that, but Tanjirou clearly remembered her pointing that blade toward Daki. To dare to tarnish them with blame that wasn't theirs. It made Tanjirou angry, much to his surprise. She had dared to threaten those that had welcomed him warmly, something her encounter had not offered. She'd merely spoke in orders and with her current presentation of herself, she was capable in combat. If so, couldn't she have saved their family? Prevented all this? 

Lost in thought, Tanjirou hadn't noticed Muzan crouch down. Hadn't noticed the hand that fell to his shoulder and the voice that invaded his mind in a rather gentle tone. It was only when Tanjirou instinctively met Muzan's gaze that he fell back to reality. Felt his expression soften from the rather irritated one it had taken up. An expression that hadn't suited him and made the air seem stale. 

"Tanjirou, you need to settle down. There is no reason to be angry, as none of us will feel differently on an answer presented. I merely want to know the relation to that woman." How Tanjirou admired Muzan's patience. It left him finishing off his thoughts as he peered above to the sky overhead. Watched the stars glimmer and shine as he felt a small smile twitch along the edges of his lips. 

He didn't see now why he thought on it so much. It was clearly obvious which he still preferred. Nezuko had abandoned them. Muzan had welcomed him with open arms. There was simply no reason to stress on a matter that was clear. That already had answered itself. After all, Tanjirou had sworn to remain with them. He knew their secrets and things that no one else knew. He was trusted and adored. He was someone special to them all. 

Bringing his gaze down, he held contact with Muzan as he took a long breath, completely steadying his heart and ultimately sealing his resolve. He'd simply hold onto what he had currently. He didn't need something of the past. All he sought was those before him. Those that made his heart warm and soul dance with joy each and every day. Whether human or demon, Tanjirou would always stay by Muzan's side. His loyalty was his to offer and he'd long since given it to the Demon's that the world had deemed to hate. His 'Family'.

"I don't know her, truly so. She is of no importance even if I had, as she doesn't bare any weight in my memories." Taking a step back, Tanjirou placed his hand on his chest as he held a clear gaze. Never once looked away. Never stuttered. He desired to show his resolve, one that made the silence seem breathtaking as neither Daki nor Akaza spoke a word. Not even Muzan dared to move at the resolve before him. "I shall remain loyal to you, Muzan. Those memories of the past, people I once knew, or places I'd once been... None of those matter to me anymore. My present is with you all, no matter the road I must cross to be here."

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Apologies on the shorter chapter. With this being the first chapter I've written in a time, it might not be the best. I kept it short to ultimately finish the previous chapter. Hopefully you all enjoy this chapter and please leave feedback. I'm excited to be back and here's to hoping you all are as well. Looking forward to keeping these coming! <3