Oneiron | Oneshots

2 | Kamado Tanjiro

Too Far Apart (2)

Tanjiro couldn't help but notice the familiar scent he had been looking for days. After proving Nezuko's innocence, that certain odor kept disappearing everytime he'd come close to it. He hadn't got any closer who held the familiar scent and he'd end up deciding to get back to it after training. But during the rehabilitation, the aroma grew stronger, he didn't know why.

Well, before the training started, Shinobu-san stated that there will be another tsugoku besides Kanao that will look after the three and train them as well. Assuming it was the aroma, Tanjiro waited for his appearance. In the end, he could only see Inosuke being annoyed by this certain tsugoku while Zenitsu in the other hand, had his face incarnadined every now and then. Zenitsu would share his experience in training with the tsugoku, saying that her eyes always showed radiance-same as her aniki, Kyojuro-senpai. Inosuke would just mumble curses, not being able to reach the desired target that the tsugoku challenged him for.

Speaking of tsugoku's, Tanjiro did recall Kyojuro-senpai saying that he has a successor. Not only that, the hashira also stated she is rarely found in the halls due to her doing her usual hobbies. Still, when she is called, she obeys. She is one of Oyakata-sama's favored child, for she always tends and helps around the field and flowers in the Butterfly Estate.

One day, Tanjiro decided to join the two for the usual training with the tsugoku. He saw Inosuke pulling with all his might the rocks that acted like a balancing scale against his strength. What caught Tanjiro's eye the most is the sitting figure in the opposite of his friend, who gladly waved a tempura around Inosuke's face. Zenitsu ended up gawking and chuckling with the maiden.

Her back met Tanjiro's, so it was hard to see her face to face. But then, she gave the tempura to Zenitsu and gestured for him to sit on her place. She stood up and grabbed a couple of boulders with ease and a spare rope, tying both things to what Inosuke struggled carrying. Then, it was the time Kamado heard her voice.

"Ara, ara, Inosuke-kun. No stopping." She waved her pointy finger side to side, before stating, "eighty-three more and you're good to go!" The tsugoke chuckled.

Tanjiro came closer. It was the familiar scent-she was the Tanjiro always visited whenever he can. It was the girl who gleefully smiled when she sees him despite her heart being anguished with sorrow and forlornness.

The tsugoku turned around. She faced Tanjiro's dark red eyes with her iro orbs. The female demon slayer tensed up at the sudden apperance of the boy she longed to see. Kamado was astonished by the swordsman before him. His mouth was left agape at her features, her iro eyes where the light gently danced around her pupils, her cheeks flushing into a deep color of crimson. This was her, two years before he had last seen her. Two years of anticipating for her appearance-this was worth the wait.

Zenitsu carefully witnessed the quiet exchange of telephatic compliments between the two. He would not like to interfere, but he was already pouting and glaring at Tanjiro. Thankfully, both him and the tsugoku snapped out of it as Tanjiro's gentle voice welcome the girl in front of him.

"Onamae-chan." The demon slayer looked at her with gentle eyes and a soft smile. He placed his right palm on to her soft cheeks. Onamae couldn't help but feel the welcoming warmth. She dug her face deeper into his palm and held that hand with hers. She looked up at him, the look of delicacy visible through her eyes. This was the moment she was waiting for, and he felt the same.

Tanjiro sighed, blinked and smiled once more. With his thumb, he slowly caressed the rosy cheeks of Onamae. "I missed you."

You sat down on top of roof, embracing both of your knees together. The one who sat beside you was Tanjiro, who finished his quiet mediation. He wanted the comfort of knowing you were there, so he invited you to join him. You just gladly admire the stars that danced within the clouds and twinkled around the moon.

Tanjiro started the conversation. "What you did with the fields is wonderful. I couldn't even recognize you easily with your scent running anywhere in the Butterfly Estate." He chuckled and you scoffed in reply.

"I didn't have the courage to meet you. I only wanted to watch from a far. Did the flowers I left with Nezuko gave it away?" You glanced at him.

He rolled his eyes. "I always see the ends of your haori when you turn the corner." Tanjiro smirked when he saw you pout. "What I didn't expect was to meet you here, as Kyojuro-senpai's tsugoku."

You snorted. "I didn't either. My wonderful aniki and Oyakata-sama took me in. It's nice to have a family after three years." You sighed and placed your head on top of your arms that still hugged your legs. "Yet, I'm happy to see you here alive and well with your sister. I hope you finish your goal."

"Thank you, Onamae-chan." He looked at you with worry visible in his eyes, so he asked. "Are you alright?"

You'd grinned. Of course he'd notice it. "I'm still moving on, but I'm really thankful for aniki and everyone in the butterfly estate," you paused lightly, and took a gander at him once more. "Thank you for your concern as well, Tanjiro-kun." You looked up to meet the moon and its light shining above the two of you.

"Come here." You looked at him with confusion as he widely opened his arms as an invitation. You chuckled. "Stop teasing me, you know I hate that."

Yet he knew you only hated it because you haven't experienced the warm of an embrace in years.

He dropped his arms and somehow you felt relief. Though you didn't expect the sudden gesture of your companion as he lightly pulled you towards his side and placed his palm on your head. Your face met his broad shoulders. He then started caressing with you iro locks in one repeated motion. Your eyes widened at the situation, yet you softened as he nuzzled his head to your shoulder. This warmth, oh how you missed it. Both of you stayed in the position for a few minutes, cherishing each other's presences.

Tanjiro closed his eyes and exclaimed in a soothing matter. "I'll make sure you won't be alone again."

Extra

"You're going with Kyojuro-senpai tomorrow, right?" You asked and Tanjiro nodded in response. He also stated that Zenitsu and Inosuke will come as well.

You smiled. "Please take care of him for me."