The eye of the storm (Sanemi x Reader)

40| Little games

The sun shone brightly over my hair, tied up in a ponytail, as the breeze caressed my knees and the grass pricked at my ankles. Sitting on the limestone bench in the lush garden of the Butterfly Mansion, I waited for Tanjiro for our first training session. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Still, I was excited about trying out a new breathing style-specifically his. Just imagining myself performing the moves of the Fire Dance, which Tanjiro had told me about, made my heart race and my hands grew sticky with sweat.

I felt just as I had when I left the Wind Pillar's mansion yesterday, except for the tingling sensation in my lips and stomach left by Sanemi after kissing him. Something was definitely happening between him and me, something intimate and unspoken, entirely ours. Yet, I still had no idea what the future held for us or what kind of relationship we currently had since we hadn't talked about labels. It felt like we were both avoiding the topic. At some point, we'd need to talk about it, but in the meantime, I was enjoying our moments together.

At least I knew for sure that he cared about me. The night before, after we'd said goodbye, I noticed his crow flying just a few meters above me on my way home, keeping its distance but clearly watching over me. It didn't leave until I'd entered my mansion. Sanemi must've sent it to make sure I got home safe. Even though he knew I could defend myself, he had this need to protect those he loved. I really liked that about him.

"(l/n)!"

I was grinning like a fool when I looked up and saw Tanjiro running toward me, clearly in a hurry.

"Sorry for making you wait," he said, leaning on his knees to catch his breath. "Aoi wouldn't let me leave until my fever was completely gone. I only just managed to escape."

"If you're not feeling well, we can always leave this for another day," I offered, worried I might have rushed things. Demon slayers as young as him usually took longer to recover. I scolded myself for not considering that.

"No!" he exclaimed. "I feel perfectly fine. I've been dying to get back to training. And if I teach you the Fire Dance, we can both use it in battle." He gave me one of his genuine smiles.

"In that case, let's get to work!"

Tanjiro nodded eagerly, and I immediately stood up. The garden was calm and empty, so no one would disturb us. The sun hung high in the sky, coloring the flowers, and the heat was becoming noticeable. Tanjiro gripped his katana with both hands and positioned himself in front of me. He began executing the famous Fire Dance, a technique he had learned from his father as a child. I was surprised by how well he remembered the movements. Thanks to him, I felt I had a chance to recover something my ancestors had lost over time.

Just because Yoriichi, my ancestor, had mastered it didn't mean I could. That harsh reality became clearer with each passing hour as I failed to execute even the simplest movements with the katana. I had been so certain-so convinced that the tingling in my hands when I watched Tanjiro use Sun Breathing was a sign that the same power slept within me, waiting to be awakened. But I couldn't have been more wrong. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't manage a single technique properly. Mimicking the motions seemed straightforward in my mind, but translating them into action with the katana felt worlds apart.

Tanjiro, however, remained endlessly patient. He never pressured me or let a hint of frustration show. Instead, he calmly explained everything as many times as needed, demonstrating each movement again and again until I grasped every subtle detail.

After what felt like my fortieth failed attempt, I finally lowered my katana, its tip barely grazing the ground. My chest heaved with labored breaths, and a faint tremor ran through my hands from the strain. I glanced at Tanjiro. Despite his calm smile and unwavering readiness to help, there was a weariness in his eyes-he looked more exhausted than I felt.