When Tanjirou wakes up Kokushibo learns that after he wakes up, the boy is just as energetic than before. Kokushibo watches as Tanjirou slowly begins to wake up. The boy is still sleepy, his face scrunched up in that adorable, disoriented way that only children can manage. He leans forward a little, waiting for the boy to fully wake up. Once Tanjirou's eyes flutter open, Kokushibo speaks in a soft voice.
"...Good morning, little one."
Tanjirou blinks in what seems confusion, and then smiles brightly. He stands up from the moss patch he was sleeping on and runs up to Kokushibo.
"Morning!" He chirps gleefully, clinging onto Kokushibo's arm as if wanting to give a hug again.
Kokushibo feels a pang of affection at Tanjirou's cheerful greeting and innocent eagerness. The boy's smile is so bright and innocent, it's impossible not to feel warmth in his cold, demon heart. He allows the child to cling on to his arm, and he can't help but let out a soft huff of amusement at the boy's antics.
"Did you sleep well, little one...?"
Tanjirou nods. "Uhuh!"
He chuckles softly at Tanjirou's response. The boy's childish innocence is both endearing and heartwarming. He places his hand on Tanjirou's head, gently ruffling his hair. Tanjirou giggles when Kokushibo ruffles his hair, and then perks up.
"What's your name, sir?"
He feels a small pang of surprise at the boy's question. In the midst of everything, he had completely forgotten to introduce himself. He huffs softly, a hint of a smile crossing his face.
"...My name is Kokushibo, little one."
"Koku!" Tanjirou chirps, already giving Kokushibo a nickname.
He suppresses a chuckle at the nickname. It's been centuries since anyone dared to give him a nickname, let alone shorten his name like that. He gives Tanjirou's head an affectionate pat.
"...Close enough, little one."
Tanjirou simply giggles, leaning into the headpat. Kokushibo lets out a soft chuckle as Tanjirou leans into the headpat. It's been a long time since he's felt this kind of tenderness towards another being, he feels a pang of affection as Tanjirou leans into the headpat, his tiny form warm and soft beneath his hand. He lets out a soft huff, unable to suppress the feeling of protectiveness that washes over him.
"What were you doing... in the forest alone so late... at night anyway, little one..?"
Kokushibo knows the answer already, but he wants to know how Tanjirou sees the situation.
"Some of my neighbors brought me to this forest and told me to go on an adventure and find new friends!"
...Poor boy. He doesn't realize the situation he is in. He isn't on an adventure to find new friends, he was abandoned. Kokushibo knew the truth, but hearing Tanjirou's innocent answer still managed to make his heart ache. The boy is so young, so naive, completely oblivious to the cruel intentions of his neighbors.
"...Is that so..? And have you... found any friends yet...?"
"Uhuh!" Tanjirou nods and then points at Kokushibo. "You!"
Kokushibo doesn't fight the smile that spreads across his face. Tanjirou's words and innocence never fail to catch him off guard. He lets out a soft, huffed chuckle, and gently pats the boy's head once again.
"Me..? We've barely just met, little one..." He huffs softly, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
"...Oh..." Tanjirou looks down at the ground. "Does that mean that you can't be my friend?"
YOU ARE READING
Raised by the darkness ||Kny FanFic||
FanfictionWhen the night began, Kokushibo didn't expect for the next night to start with him having a young human boy under his care... Oh well, you can never be so sure when life decides to throw something unexpected at you. (Or: Tanjirou gets orphaned and l...
