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

* f o r t y - t w o *

"Badass as always, (Y/n)."

The tips of your nails subconsciously dug into Tanjiro's back, through the soft fabric of his haori. He said nothing of it, only turned his head to examine the source of the voice that clearly unnerved you.

As always..?

Hesitation overtook you in its vice-like grip. Carefully, you tilted your head up and lifted your eyes to the stranger's face.

Admittedly, by normal standards,

It certainly was a beautiful one.

He had a jawline that looked sharp enough to draw blood, and a prominent, yet petite, nose. His fairly tan complexion was a feature not commonly found. Short locks of platinum hair sat upon his forehead, just above his eyes --

Seafoam green eyes, with piercing, cat-like slits for pupils.

You shuddered.

A demon?

The individual adorned a lazy, slightly saddened smile, hands hidden behind his back. The ends of his patternless black kimono fell at his ankles. There was no telling whether or not he had anything hidden beneath its folds.

But as Tanjiro did not seem tense, you had to question if your judgement was correct. If the stranger were in fact hostile, Tanjiro would be preparing to fight, and yet...

"He's a demon, but he harbors no ill intentions," he said aloud, disbelievingly. "And... he hasn't even eaten anyone."

You narrowed your eyes. So it was possible for him to be in a situation like Tamayo and Yushiro, or even Nezuko -- an abnormality.

Regardless, the same question sat at the tip of both your tongues.

How does he know my name?

The demon gave a chuckle, averting his gaze momentarily before stepping forward."Not half-bad. You're correct, Earrings." Tanjiro scrunched up his face slightly at the sound of his new nickname. "I may be part of the 'evil' race, but I don't plan on hurting you. So be at ease."

You couldn't help but flinch. It wasn't exactly the voice itself, per se, but something about his mannerisms and tone seemed oddly familiar. Your stare grew in intensity by the second as you tried to recall such a face.

"You know me," you concluded slowly, releasing Tanjiro and instead tightening your hold on the scimitar. "Which is funny, because I don't believe we've met... You see, I prefer not to associate with a lot of demons. They're typically the unfriendly type."

His mouth twitched.

"Ouch," he laughed. "That hurt. Even after you know I haven't eaten a single human before..."

But despite the way he played it off, the fact that you'd clearly struck a nerve there did not slip past your attention.

Frowning as your head began to throb, the scars on your shoulder and ankle decided it was a good time to give you a bit of hell. Tanjiro took notice, and let you squeeze his hand.

"Let's get to the point. Who are you? We're kind of in a rush to get somewhere."

That's when you remembered that, yeah, you did have to get somewhere. Your house. To get those damn books which may or may not even exist, or be down in that basement, or be able to help. With still no idea of a reliable way to get in without demolishing it.

The stranger raised an eyebrow.

"Respectfully, I decline to answer. Telling you would just ruin all the fun, so I'll leave it to you to remember, (Y/n)." He winked playfully. His tone seemed mischievous, yet sincere -- In spite of it all, you found it kind of funny that this demon had such a bold personality.