"I'll do it instead! I can hug you! I can even kiss you too! I'll do anything so long as you stay happy and leave Nezuko alone!" Tanjiro's cheeks began to burn a fiery red as his words began to settle in.
"Have me instead, Zenitsu!"
(Sorry, I'm not...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
(Chapter 6: Have Me Instead) •°•°○●○°•°○●○°•°•
"I should be the one that's sorry. It's my fault for falling in love with you and for realizing it too late,"
A shuddering breath left Tanjirou's lips as he held onto himself for false comfort. His hands clenched tightly around his arms as he trembled slightly.
They'd stayed silent, Tanjirou staring quietly at the floor, small hiccups sounding out through the room as Zenitsu tried to think of something to say, his eyebrows furrowed in deep thought.
He couldn't just say that he loved Tanjirou as well. Not after this. The poor boy was shaking and he was sure it was because he was afraid of him.
His heart pounded against his chest harshly, Zenitsu could hear it loud and clear. And he could see the bit of fear that dulled his otherwise bright ruby eyes.
No, he couldn't. He'd lost his chance.
They hadn't talked to each other at all after that. Tanjirou had asked for Zenitsu to leave his room, saying he wanted to be alone. The look on his face shattering his heart into pieces.
Zenitsu left without complaint, his ears not missing the heart wrenching sobs from the other side of the door. He wanted so badly, to open that door, to hold Tanjirou close, to kiss those tears away, but Zenitsu knew better. It was his fault that he was in pain. So he simply walked away, tears of his own cascading down his cheeks.
As morning came, so did their missions. Each having one of their own, meaning they were all splitting up for the time being.
To say Tanjirou was relieved was an understatement.
While a part of him would ache for the blonde, and worry about his well being, Tanjirou knew he needed the time away from Zenitsu. Just until he could get himself together.
It'd be better that way, for the both of them.
So with that thought, Tanjirou got dressed in his uniform, wrapping the belt around his waist as he secured his sword. He grabbed his haori, slipping his arms through the sleeves and grabbing Nezuko's box, before making his way outside where the others stood waiting for him to commence their departure.
Tanjirou stood in between Zenitsu and Inosuke, not missing the side glances that the blonde had given him, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips in a tight frown.
The edges around his eyes were red and irritated as well as the tip of his nose. There was a slight discoloration underneath his eyes, which was caused by lack of sleep. Tanjirou also took notice of the visible tear stains on Zenitsu's cheeks.
"You guys be careful, alright? The mountains can be pretty rough so watch your step Zenitsu. And Inosuke, don't go yelling and causing more trouble for others in the villages,"
"Shut up," he simply chuckled at Inosukes words, not missing how quiet Zenitsu had become, as the air went tense.
It was awkward, so unbelievably awkward. Inosuke, who was usually thick headed towards such trivial matters, could sense it. He'd glance between the two, as silence over took them. Watching how fidgety the blonde had gotten, and how sad Tanjirou looked.
"Well I better get going. Be safe you two," Tanjirou broke the silence after sighing, giving them a little wave before turning, his silhouette becoming smaller the farther he got.
"C'mon Monitsu!" Inosuke had grabbed Zenitsu's by the back of his uniform, dragging him away from the entrance of the butterfly estate, and away from Tanjirou.
Zenitsu didn't fight back. He didn't complain. He only let Inosuke drag him away as he watched the burgandy haired boy walk away, never turning his back once.
