Our Halcyon Days || Reader x Tanjiro | RESUME 2022!

* f o u r t e e n *

Yushiro lead you into the room where the demon doctor kneeled patiently. You couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Nezuko, who rolled back and forth on the floor in child-like boredom.

"Nezuko, that's not polite," Tanjiro scolded gently as he took a seat on the mat next to you. The lady smiled. "It's quite alright. Please, make yourselves at home."

You paused.

My Nichirin Sword. Where...

Looking about you, you spotted the scabbard that housed your mother's precious scimitar leaning on the wall. It seemed that subconsciously, your mind had been searching for it, making sure it never strayed too far away. That strange, spiritual connection between the sword and its former wielder... You hoped to never lose sight of it.

Your attention returned to the hostess as she parted her lips to speak.

"I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Tamayo." She gestured with an open hand to her assistant. "This child is Yushiro -- though, I'm sure you picked up on that already. Please try to get along with him."

You gave a wide grin, deliberately ignoring the despising looks Yushiro boldly threw your way.

Somehow, I think that'll be impossible. Ahaha...

The teeth wounds on your left hand flared up in pain, and you watched as more of your bandages became stained crimson. Tamayo noticed this, for she reached into a cabinet off to her side and brought out fresh strips of cloth. With a relaxing smile, she beckoned you forward. You scooted up a little and presented your arm to her.

"Ah, pardon me if I'm being rude in asking this, but..." you faltered, grimacing as she re-treated your hand.

Maybe I shouldn't ask this.

You went for it anyway. "Do you ever feel... uncomfortable, treating the wounds of humans?"

She blinked, showing even less expression than you'd expected her to; Yushiro, on the other hand, well... something visibly snapped inside him. While you didn't appear to have offended Tamayo, it was clear you had offended him. He swung his arm swiftly in a temper, attempting to slap you (or punch? you couldn't quite tell).

It didn't really matter though. Tanjiro blocked Yushiro's strike with the side of his forearm before Yushiro could even come close to hitting you.

A small sigh of relief escaped your lips.

My debts to him are growing by the day...

"You think demons treat humans while choking back their own saliva at the smell of blood?!" demanded Yushiro.

Shame showed itself by tingeing your cheeks with red. "I'm sorry," you apologized. "I just -- I was wondering why you two differ from the other demons. Most of them seemed to have lost their humanity, and their ability to communicate. And even those who can speak coherently are hell-bent on devouring humans..."

The one in particular that came to mind was that horrible Hand Demon. Just thinking back to that whole ordeal made you nauseous...

Tamayo halted her progress in wrapping up your hand. "Stop it," she apprehended Yushiro strictly. "Why must you resort to violence? And on a patient, as well-!"

The boy made a 'tch!' noise and responded by glaring daggers at the floor. The doctor only resumed her work.

"To answer your question," she began to your surprise -- you'd have thought she wouldn't answer you after that -- "it is not really uncomfortable. It is true I have an easier time with it compared to normal demons."