The blonde woke up that morning terribly, not only his illness but the other day's accident made him feel even worse. He looked around the room, happy to see no one. Sliding the door open, he hoped to find no one in the hallway. To his luck, his wish came true.
Same in the kitchen while taking some food. He stopped when he saw burgundy hair in the corner of his eyes. Zenitsu headed to the garden making an effort to look good.
Of course, once in the garden, he saw the male heading outside.
Zenitsu: 'Are you kidding me?'
The blonde had his doubts to go outside the estate, his older brother insisted to stay there. Well, he also said to stay in bed so I guess it didn't matter. The boy walked outside and followed his favourite sound.
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.
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It had been thirty minutes and the burgundy male was still walking.
Zenitsu: 'How long has he been walking?! This is so stupid! Why did I even follow him?'
-
Tanjiro has felt the blonde presence behind him this whole time.
Tanjiro: 'This sweet scent of peaches...'
The male stopped.
Tanjiro: I know it's you, Zenitsu. You shouldn't be here.
The blonde came out his hiding spot.
Zenitsu: How did you know I was here?
Tanjiro points at his nose.
Zenitsu: Ahg! I always forget that!
Tanjiro: You shouldn't be here.
Zenitsu walks towards him.
Zenitsu: I know. I just wanted to tell you something!
Tanjiro gives him a look to proceed.
Zenitsu: About the other day-
Tanjiro: No! I don't want to talk about it!
Already ready to leave, the other holds his hand in order to stop.
Zenitsu: Please. I'm begging you.
Tanjiro looks at him, he turns around to face him.
Zenitsu: I wanted to tell you that I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! I was going to tell you. But I got so scared! I thought I would be no use to all of you and you would stop being my friend. And then I would be all alone! Of course I'm stupid to think that but it's true. No one has ever loved me that much, I was scared. Please forgive m-
A tight embrace interrupted him.
Tanjiro: Stop saying those things, it hurts me. I'M sorry. I have been ignoring you because I was so scared to face the truth. Zenitsu, I don't want you to leave!
The blonde felt warmth in his cheeks.
As the taller male let go of him, he smiled at him miserably. At the verge of tears. Zenitsu had never seen Tanjiro so sad.
Tanjiro: I promise you to save you! I'll stay with you forever.
Zenitsu was just getting red at this point.
Zenitsu: I really appreciate that...
Tanjiro: All for you!
Tanjiro smiled brightly making the other smile too. They stared at each other's eyes.
After a few seconds, Zenitsu realised something.
Zenitsu: Shit! I should go. If not, Kaigaku will kill me!
Tanjiro: You are right... I'll help you, you looked like you are struggling to walk.
Zenitsu: No, no. Don't worry. I can go by myself.
It doesn't matter how much he insisted, Tanjiro helped him.
Zenitsu: Whatever.
.
As soon as they arrived back home, Kaigaku came rushing towards his brother.
Kaigaku: Where were you?! I was so worried!
Zenitsu: I was taking a walk?
Kaigaku: A walk? You are not allowed outside!
Zenitsu: Kaigaku. You know going outside is not going to change anything?
Kaigaku: Uh- Look- Just listen to me!
Zenitsu: Fine, fine.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu walk past the oldest.
Tanjiro: Wow. We nearly didn't make it.
The blonde chuckles.
Tanjiro: I'm serious! Oh and Zenitsu?
Zenitsu: Hmm?
Tanjiro: I was wondering.... I know you can't go outside. So how about we do a night all here? Maybe we could play some games!
Zenitsu: That sounds really nice! I would love to do that.
Tanjiro: Really? I'll get the rest then!
Zenitsu smiles at the cheerful male while nodding.
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.
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The sun setting, our group has been gathered.
Tanjiro: As you can see, you all here for a game night!
Giyuu: I'm regretting this now...
Insouke: AHAHAHAHA I'LL WIN EVERY GAME!
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Tanjiro: Ok, let's see what you got Shinobu!
Shinobu looks at a scrambled paper.
Shinobu: It says we are going to play Charades! How fun~
Rengoku: We'll have to make groups of three!
Tanjiro turns to Zenitsu.
Tanjiro: Zenitsu, do you want to-
Before he could finish, Mitsuri and Rengoku grab Zenitsu's shoulders.
Mitsuri: Sorry he is with us!
Zenitsu: I am?
Mitsuri: Yes you are. And we are going to win.
Rengoku: I didn't know you could be this scary Mitsuri...
Mitsuri: What? Don't say that, I'm being sweet!
She smiles innocently.
Rengoku: Okay then...
At the end of the night, Mitsuri's team won every game except two. Rengoku and Zenitsu were exhausted while Mitsuri was cheering the win. Inosuke was mad he didn't win a single game.
Tanjiro: Don't worry Inosuke. We can win next time-
Inosuke: SHUT YOUR MOUTH MONJIRO.
Tanjiro: I tried.
His sister pats his head.
Sanemi: We should go now. Do I need to remember you we have training tomorrow?
Genya: I almost forgot about that.
The group said their goodbyes, everyone went to their houses.
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Zenitsu and Tanjiro were walking through the hallway.
Zenitsu: Sorry about that.
Tanjiro gazes at the blonde.
Tanjiro: About what?
Zenitsu: I didn't know Mitsuri would be so.... competitive.
Tanjiro: Right. Well, I had fun.
Zenitsu: Me too! I didn't laugh like this in ages.
Tanjiro: I could say the same, we haven't really been happy since-
Tanjiro stares at Zenitsu.
Zenitsu: Since?
Tanjiro: Never mind.
