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Chapter Text

Muzan gazed upon the wreckage he caused at the Kamado home. Only two survivors. The children.

He recalled their mother screaming their names…

Nezuko and Tanjiro.

Nezuko, the infant, was wrapped in blankets and held by her older brother, a toddler barely big enough to hold her.
"Mister? Have you seen mommy?"

Muzan was so heavily tempted to crush the boy's tiny head on his hands. To pop the infant's skull like a bubble.

The boy was the spitting image of… him.

The hair, the eyes…

… the earrings.

However, a new thought crossed the mind of the demon king.

Perhaps… the children could be of use.

He kneeled to the child's level.
And he lied.

"I do not know the whereabouts of your mother, but if she has left two children alone in a world like this, perhaps she was not a fitting parent to begin with."

He reached his hand out to the boy. "Come, I know someone who can care for you, and your sister."
_______

Turning a toddler and baby into demons was… undesirable, to say the least. The last thing Muzan needed was two demons stuck forever as babies. So, he had to try something a little different.

Half-Demons. They won't be as strong, but they will age. He can make them full demons once they have become adults and will no longer be issues.

And by then... they will surely be loyal to him.
After all, as far as they are concerned, they're family.

However, he had no desire to be around children more than what was necessary. He needed someone else to do it.

An Upper Moon Meeting was in order.

"Nakime, bring them to me."
…

Muzan stared down at his loyal soldiers.
Who to choose.

He made eye contact with Douma. Absolutely not.

Then, his eyes locked on the Upper Moon 6. Or rather, one of them.

"Daki."
"Yes, Lord Muzan?"

"I need a word with your brother."

Daki blinked in confusion, but obliged. Gyutaro separating from her being.

He stood up and stretched, having not been awaked in some time.

"Gyutaro. I have a new mission for you." Muzan's steely voice called.

"Yes?" Gyutaro tilted his head, eager to hear the rest.

"You raised your sister, did you not?"

Now, it was Gyutaro's turn to blink in confusion. I'm definitely not the question he was expecting.
"Yes..?"

Muzan pursed his lips and hummed.
"Come here." He beckoned Gyutaro with his hand.

The man, as well as all the other demons present, remained confused, but Gyutaro did not object, leaping up to meet Muzan on his platform.

"I need you to care for these two."

Muzan snapped his fingers, queuing Nakime to strum her biwa.
In a blink, two very small children appeared before Gyutaro.

It happened so fast, one moment, Gyutaro was asleep, the next, Muzan had made him a father of two little halflings. Leaving him no room to question the decisions made for him.

"Raise them as your own. I trust that you can make them formidable allies when they grow."

Gyutaro, wide-eyed, a small child in each hand, could only stand in shock.
"Do not give me reason to change my mind."

Gyutaro stared down at the children's glowing pink eyes staring up at him.

Gyutaro smiled.
"What are their names?"

Chapter Text

It had been a while since Gyutaro had spent time around kids.

Of course, just hanging out with a baby is different than literally parenting one, but it didn't help his situation.

Especially since Muzan had so abruptly made him a father of two.

The first bump in the road for him was the fact that Tanjiro and Nezuko were only half demons. The first of their kind as far as Gyutaro knew. And that brought many difficulties.

Number one- feeding them. They were both too young to hunt.
Nezuko didn't even have teeth yet!

He first realized this issue when Daki put an entire human arm on top of Nezuko, waiting for the baby to eat it.

Tanjiro was just hesitant to eat it at all.

Gyutaro was at a loss. The two of them slept a lot, which seemed to hold them over for reasons Gyutaro just could not fathom, but suddenly three days later Tanjiro whined about being hungry. And Nezuko did what babies do best- cry.

It began to stress Gyutaro out more than he'd care to admit. He ended up losing his temper on Tanjiro accidentally.

"If you're so hungry- WHY WON'T YOU EAT!?" His voice boomed, causing Tanjiro to hide from him in fear.

The way the kid looked at him, in complete terror, it felt… familiar. A small but jarring sting shot through his chest.
He had to find that kid.
...

He spent a good amount of time looking for the child.

He found the boy in a cupboard, he was still so small, especially tucked into the corner of the cabinet.

Gyutaro sighed, "Tanjiro," he called.
The only response he got was when the boy sniffled.

Gyutaro shifted awkwardly. He scratched at his neck.
"Hey, look, I.." He paused, trying to find his words.
"I'm sorry, you're not in trouble, okay?"

No response.
"I know you're hungry, I just want to feed you. You gotta eat something."

Tanjiro buried his face in his arms.
Gyutaro scratched at his neck harder.
He had to think.
Maybe… Do these kids need some variety in their diets? Or maybe the image of eating humans was too threatening to them.

"Hey, how about this?"
No response.
"When the sun sets tonight, I'll take you to the shops, and let you pick out some things. Maybe we can find something you like. Sounds good?"

Tanjiro peeked up at him, wiping his nose on his sleeve, and nodded. "OK."

Gyutaro tried to smile more gently, to be more welcoming.
"Alright, why don't we head to bed for now, and I'll wake you up when it's time to go, alright?"

He reached his hand out to the boy, Tanjiro's hand was so small compared to Gyutaro's hand.

So small.

So… fragile..

As promised, Gyutaro went into town that night with Tanjiro. He hid his visage under a hooded robe. He had Tanjiro wear a scarf as a face mask. No need to draw the attention of a Hashira right now.

He expected the kid to go crazy, hunting down candies and sweets, but instead, he just wanted kelp rice balls.

Although he did also nab some milk for Nezuko from one of the vendors.

When he got back "home", he found his little sister awaiting his arrival. Daki held a wailing Nezuko in her arms.
"Ugh, about time you came back. Nezuko's hungry you know!"

"Yeah yeah I know. Hand her over."
Daki did so eagerly, she was having a rough time adjusting to the kids.

Gyutaro sat on the floor, moonlight drifting in through the windows of their makeshift home.

He hoped Nezuko would finally eat- or drink, after days of not doing so.

She and Tanjiro still needed to eat human meat to gain strength. Tanjiro, upon gathering the rice balls, was a little easier to feed.

Daki actually helped by cutting the meat into tiny pieces and adding the ingredient to the rice balls. Tanjiro scarfed it down like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted.

Gyutaro knew what that was like. Being so hungry you'd eat anything halfway edible thrown your way. Thankfully Tanjiro and Nezuko were just picky eaters.

Gyutaro, having watched his sister's cunning feeding strategy, decided to emulate her a bit. He squeezed the meat over a bowl, allowing juicy, red blood drip into the small milk vase.

The concoction turned pink as red blood mixed with white milk. It reminded Gyutaro of Nezuko's pink eyes.

And just like that, Nezuko guzzled it down.

He couldn't believe it took him three whole days to think of this. It seemed so simple now.

Once fed, Tanjiro just wanted to play.

Gyutaro spent the rest of the night either holding Nezuko or playfully chasing Tanjiro. Until the sun began to rise, and it was time for bed.

Chapter Text

None of the upper moons expected it. Of course, they were unsure of what to expect to begin with, but this was just unprecedented.

Muzan making a strange new types of demons, or rather, half demons, out of children, neither older than three at most, and on top of all of that-

Lord Muzan apparently decided that Gyutaro was an adequate guardian for them.

Akaza was in disbelief, flabbergasted. As well as mildly disturbed by how quickly Gyutaro seemed to accept it.

Of all people, of all *creatures* to leave two children in the care of, was Gyutaro what Muzan thought was best?

Akaza could follow some of his master's reasoning. Hantengu would probably break down the second either of the two brats so much as sniffle.

Douma was… Douma.

Gyokko could have worked, but he was busy making art all the Damn time, he'd probably forget about the kids.

Kokoshibo was Lord Muzan's right hand, and one of the demons Muzan spends the most time with. It makes sense that the demon king wouldn't pawn the kids off to someone he spent the most time with, especially if he didn't want to spend time with the two himself.

Although he had realized that out of the 6 Upper Moons, Gyutaro wasn't the worst option, Akaza could argue that he himself could do a better job.

But… Muzan gave an order, and it was inappropriate for Akaza to question his Lord.

He looked at the two children, whom he had learned were named Nezuko and Tanjiro.

Gyutaro was allowing Tanjiro to ride on his shoulders, while he held Nezuko in his arms.
Well… Gyutaro was holding her right, supporting her head, keeping her from falling, the works.

He'd keep an eye on Gyutaro, just to be sure. He didn't know the guy too well, he didn't hate him per se. He'd rather spend time with Gyutaro than Douma any day.

He just really hoped Daki's influence would at least ensure that the two kids would take baths.
…

A month later, Akaza arrived at the building Upper Moon Six dwelled in, within the Entertainment District. Under the cover of night, he approached.

He actually decided to bring gifts for the children.

Most humans were asleep by now, so he was luckily not spotted. Doing one last check to ensure no one saw him, he knocked on the Kyogoku House's door.

After a few moments, Daki appeared in the doorway, fully disguised. Her stern face led him to believe she assumed he was some sort of intruder, but it was replaced with recognition and warmth.

She allowed him to enter, and greeted Akaza with a hug. Which he did return. "Brother! Akaza is here!"

It didn't take long for Gyutaro himself to appear, holding two tiny halflings.

He was slightly more of a mess than usual, covered in colorful tiny handprints and stains.

Though, weirdly enough, he hardly seemed annoyed by it.

Akaza shifted awkwardly. While he didn't harbor animosity towards Gyutaro, he did feel conflicted about the man.

His strength and love for his sister were admirable traits, but his demeanor was unsettling. It was hard to explain why.

And yet, before him, Gyutaro stood, seeming less intense than usual.

How odd, usually people get more irritable after having kids.

Akaza had never seen new parents look well rested, at least.

Gyutaro raised a brow at Akaza's presence. Right, he should explain himself, not gawk at Gyutaro.

"I brought some things, for the little ones." Akaza offered, holding a bag out in front of him.

Gyutaro let out a neutral huff, before sitting criss-cross on the floor with his two little ones.

Akaza sat down as well, the floorboards creaking beneath him as he moved.

Akaza noticed Nezuko, burying the side of her face into Gyutaro's collarbone.

He reached into his bag. "I saw this, and it made me think of Nezuko." He held out his hand this time, holding a small, stuffed doll of a panda.
Gyutaro held her out to Akaza. Her eyes went wide, and she babbled happily while grasping for the doll.

She held it on a vice grip (or rather, the closest thing a baby can get to a vice grip), and of course started chewing on its ear.

Gyutaro chuckled, "Looks like it's been approved." He mumbled, gently rubbing the girl's head.

Next up was Tanjiro, whom Alaza had just then realized was watching him from behind Gyutaro. He peeked around Gyutaro's gaunt figure shyly, before hiding again.

"Tanjiro.." Gyutaro gently called, "Come here," he patted his leg, the boy hesitantly scooched into view.

He made eye contact with Akaza. He crawled into Gyutaro's lap, his staring at Akaza unbroken. As if he was on guard, keeping an eye on Akaza.

Akaza pulled out his other gift. Another toy, this one however, was a stuffed crow. Another handmade creation sewn together.

"This is for you, little one." He explained gently, gingerly placing the toy on Gyutaro's knee, near the small boy.

Tanjiro inched closer curiously, crawling on Gyutaro's leg like it was a log, and poked the toy. He jumped back a bit, but when the toy did nothing to retaliate, he did it again.
Of course, the toy did nothing still, as it was, well, a toy.

After the second test, he seemed content with its presence. He grabbed it and rolled off of Gyutaro's leg. He approached the one who had given him the gift, locking eyes with Akaza.

He smiled down at the child.

Tanjiro averted his eyes briefly, suddenly bashful. He held the stuffed animal behind him. And with a sheepish smile, said: "Thank you."

Chapter Text

Toddlers.

Oh god- toddlers.

One would think that being a demon would make parenting somewhat easier, demons had more strength and energy, surely that would make things easier, right?

Oh what a fool he had been.

As it turns out, demons can get tired.

For the first time in a little over a hundred years, Gyutaro actually felt the need for sleep.

These kids absolutely exhausted him. They were loud, even Nezuko, who, while still not having said her first word yet, loved to either laugh or shriek, there was no in between, Gyutaro learned. Now that she was old enough to walk, Gyutaro had two little shits to chase around the house.

These brats were messy too. Throwing things, spitting up substances that Gyutaro, while used to it by now, still did not wish to describe, and rolling around in dirt and other muck.

He couldn't even bathe them without some sort of struggle. They'd splash and paddle about, getting soap in Gyutaro's eyes on multiple occasions.
And Tanjiro, while still sweet, was just old enough to start developing a bit of an attitude.

...
"Oi Tanjiro! Get back in the damn tub!"
Gyutaro barked as the child climbed out of the tub. He slipped away from him, running down the hall naked, covered in soap suds and water.

"I don't wanna!" The boy spat, sticking his tongue out.
"If you don't, you'll stay filthy and reek!" He barked back, gaining on the child.

Just as he grabbed Tanjiro, the boy threw a curveball at him. "So!? You stink too! You don't take baffs!"

Though the boy had mispronounced the word "bath", Gyutaro loathed the fact he was right. He didn't bathe often enough, it was an...undesirable habit he had acquired during his human life.

Though, there was no one stopping him from bathing now, was there?

So, he started bathing himself regularly, and while Tanjiro still had aversions to baths, he seemed more willing to take them since.
...

Then, there was Nezuko, who had developed an obsession with putting things in her mouth that didn't belong there.

Basically anything she could fit in her mouth, went into her mouth.

Gyutaro's fingers? Chew toys in her eyes. Random pebbles? Apparently snack material. Sticks? Crunchy salad as far as she was concerned.

Gyutaro still remembered the days when she wouldn't even drink milk, yet now she'll eat dirt.

Toddlers.

Messy, loud, filthy brats.

But for every frustrating, infuriating, exhausting memory, there were these little moments…
Moments that made Gyutaro feel things he struggled to describe.

He wasn't sure what it was at first, it was familiar, yet so new.

It was the little things at first.

Tanjiro once found a pretty yellow rock, and gave it to Gyutaro because it "looked like his eyes".

Or the times Nezuko would try to share her favorite candy with Gyutaro.

Or the way the kids fell asleep in his lap after playing.

Or the time the kids found some red spider lilies and made flower crowns for Gyutaro and Daki.

Each of these little moments made the inside of Gyutaro's chest feel warped on the inside. Like tiny hands were grabbing his heart and squeezing it every time the kids looked up at him with their pink, earnest eyes.

It wasn't until a certain night, that he knew why.

Anyone who's ever raised kids knows this:

"The worst things always happen when you aren't looking."

The same was true for that night.

...

Gyutaro let out a yawn. The sun would be rising in an hour or two, but he allowed the kids to play outside while he watched, just for a bit longer.

They chased each other, laughing and playing hide and seek.

He was thankful that he and Daki managed to snag a house further from town. Better privacy that way. Though his sister still went into town disguised, usually leaving him with Tanjiro and Nezuko.

Tonight, however, Daki had come back, the siblings talking on the front steps to their home.

Gyutaro couldn't remember what they were talking about, all he remembered was how quiet it got, and looking towards where the kids were playing.

Only to see they were gone.

He sprung up in a panic, yelling the children's names.
"Nezuko! Tanjiro!" No response.

He ran into the woods, they couldn't have gotten far, right?

His heart beat so hard, feeling as though it were slamming against his ribs with every pulse.

The sky started turning from a black to a deep blue, the stars slowly disappearing.
The sun.

It would rise any minute now.

He started pulling bushes from the ground, perhaps the kids were hiding.

"No more games you two! Come here!"

He didn't know when his breathing became so uneven, but he was struggling to keep a consistent breath. His hands trembled.
Where are they?

Where are they??

Then he heard it.

Two tiny voices screaming.

He blindly stormed towards the sounds.

He found a clearing-

And saw his children burning in the sun. Their skin peeling away.

Without thinking, he bolted into the morning light, his back already burning away.

He shielded the children from the sun, holding them close to his chest as they wailed in agony.

He couldn't hold back the wetness in his eyes. The heat was so intense.
He stumbled, struggling to get to his feet. They'd all die if he didn't act now!

Even the rocks beneath his feet burned, like standing on tiny lava rocks that pierced and burned through his feet.

He leapt into the shade of the trees, the sound of screaming children and the smell of burning flesh overwhelmed his senses. His body moved on its own accord running between rays of sunlight to stay in the shade as much as possible.

Their home came into view, Daki safely inside, holding the door open for him.
She wailed for him to come quickly.

One last dash through the sunlight. Just. One. More.

He did one last leap through the light. Only in the sun rays for a few seconds, the agonizing burning made it feel like a hundred years.

His body collided hard with the wooden floor. Smoke wafting from his burned body.

His breath was shaky, his whole body shuddered with every gasp of hair he inhaled. Tears poured from his eyes in seemingly endless streams, and he curled himself around Tanjiro and Nezuko, holding them tight and close.
The two of them held him as tight as they could, burying their small burned faces into his chest as they wailed.

"Brother!" The voice of his terrified sister cut through the screams. She had already shut the door, and blocked the light from coming through any windows.

He suddenly felt something cold and wet touch his back.
She put some small wet cloth on the children's burns.

Ah, so that's what it was on his back.
Daki's belt coiled around the three burnt demons, helping them onto a bed.

Gyutaro swallowed a lump in his throat. He didn't want to look. God, how he didn't.

But… he had to know if they were okay.

He gently pulled the children away from his chest, resting them on the bed beside him. His back protested any movement, but he tried to ignore it.

He reached for the cloths covering the children's burns, and slowly pulled them away.

He checked Nezuko first, she was so small still, it felt like a miracle that there was any of her left.

He pulled the damp fabric away.

She actually wasn't burned too badly, relatively speaking. Her feet had gotten the worst of it, and there were random burns on her arms and back, but she would heal from it.

He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. She was gonna be okay, that's what mattered. He wrapped the damp cloth around her again.
Time to check Tanjiro.

Gyutaro wanted to throw up.

Tanjiro was missing parts of his face. Gyutaro could see the boy's muscles under the skin on his forehead.

It took every ounce of willpower he had not to empty his stomach right there.

He had seen so many injuries of the sort, hell, he had caused many more that were worse.

But right there, seeing the torn up face of Tanjiro made his stomach churn.
Would that even heal properly?

Tanjiro, for the first time in a while, opened his eyes, and upon locking his gaze with Gyutaro, teared up even more.
He reached for Gyutaro, and through sobs cried out three words. One sentence. The one thing that completely destroyed any sense of composure that Gyutaro was clinging to.

"Daddy, it hurts!"

Gyutaro broke. His cheeks dampened with tears.
'Daddy'...

Gyutaro's feelings finally made sense.
It was only then that it really sunk in.

These two children, these two innocent babies…

They were his…

Gyutaro pulled Tanjiro and Nezuko close.

"I'm so sorry," he began, his voice cracking as he struggled to stay any sort of calm. "I know it hurts. It's…"

He held them tighter. "It's gonna be okay.."

"Daddy's here."

Chapter Text

He looked down, in his arms as he held Nezuko. His daughter.

She had yet to utter her first word, but her personality was there if one paid attention.

She looked up at Gyutaro. Her big pink eyes altered Gyutaro's train of thought.

Nezuko was a bit smaller than Tanjiro, and her personality was still being discovered every night.

Much like her brother, she had this… kindness to her. But unlike her brother, she had this mix of erie calmness and aggression.

Two nights ago. Gyutaro was sitting on the front steps of their porch, watching the night sky. Enjoying one of the few moments of peace he had nowadays...

That was when he heard a shifting of plants nearby, he noticed a serpent had slithered its way to his feet.
He didn't care too much, the kids were inside and whatever venom this slithering, scaly mass had wouldn't be strong enough to really hurt him.

It wasn't deterred from attempting it however, as it reared up to strike.

But before it could even try, small footsteps approached rapidly, and the snake's jaw was met with a small foot.

In a blink, Nezuko had kicked the thing in the face. Hard.

Gyutaro was certain he had heard a snap.

Nezuko's veins were popping, and her eyes glowed at the creature she just kicked.

When the snake began to move again, she growled, and stomped on it.

Repeatedly.

Again.

And again.

And again

Dirt kicked up around her, as her furious stomping disrupted the ground beneath her.

Soon, the dirt brown and plant greens were stained in red.

She paused, gazing at her work.

She let out a puff of air, apparently satisfied. Her eyes met her father's.

She approached Gyutaro, climbing into his lap.

She was trying to protect him.

The memory,in an odd way, brought him joy.

His little girl was already getting tougher.

Chapter Text

Hantengu was too scared of hurting the children (and the wrath he'd face from Gyutaro for it) to be around them himself, but that's why his clones existed.

Urogi was the first to arrive, as he was able to fly.

Just as Akaza had done, he knocked on the door, bearing gifts for the children. Daki appeared, and let him in, although she wasn't as enthusiastic about it as she was upon seeing Akaza.

Gyutaro was even more surprised by Urogi's arrival. Urogi brought little candies for the children (well, for Tanjiro, he was just then realizing that Nezuko was still too small for hard candy).

The small boy, just like with any other stranger, hid behind Gyutaro.

This time, however, he tiptoed towards the stranger when he smelled something odd about him.

It was then, Tanjiro fully saw their guest. Touring before him.

"Pretty birdie!" The boy shouted with glee. His small voice caught all the adults in the room off guard.

Gyutaro did his best to hide his fond, soft smile. His son did love birds.

Urogi's wings fluttered with excitement. A large grin spread across his face.

Urogi bounded up to the boy, and in a blink was sitting on all fours in front of the child. Posed like a sphinx cat.

"Pretty birdie?? Is that me? Am I a pretty bird!?" He pointed at himself for emphasis.

Tanjiro returned a smile, booping Urogi's nose. "Pretty bird," he affirmed.

Urogi couldn't resist chirping happily.

He held his hand out to the boy, "My name's Urogi! You are…?"

The halfling grinned bashfully, and attempted to hold Urogi's hand properly, but his toddler hand was so much smaller in comparison. He was only able to wrap his tiny fingers around one of Urogi's bird-like fingers.
"T-Tanjiro.."

His heart melted a bit at the small soft hand gripping his index finger.

Urogi held the boy's hand with his index finger and thumb, content to shake his tiny hand.

"Can you fly?" Tanjiro asked.

Urogi beamed.
…

And thus started a playful bout of giving Tanjiro piggyback rides, in the air.

Urogi wanted to fly higher than the roof of the building, but the look Gyutaro gave him told him enough.

Urogi got a little daring however, and a mischievous grin grew on his lips.

"Hey Tanjiro! Wanna see something cool?"
"Yeah!"
"Okay, ready??"

Urogi held the boy in his hands, preparing himself for this little stunt.

"One… two… THREE!"
He threw the boy straight up, easily more than 10 feet.

Just as Tanjiro reaches the peak of his trajectory, he giggled and cheered maniacally.

And Tanjiro began to fall, but Urogi swooped up and grabbed him, holding him protective to his chest.

"Daddy! Did you see that!? I flew! I flew!"

Gyutaro did see it.

He didn't like it.

But he tried to save face, Tanjiro was finally socializing with others. A skill Gyutaro didn't develop all that well, to be honest.

His mind drifted to what it was like before.

The hunger, the nights he spent out in the snow, the way others recoiled at the sight of him.

He could never get the image out of his mind. The way their faces would scrunch up in disgust. Or the parents who would cover their children's eyes, worried that his hideous visage would haunt their child's thoughts.

He scratched at his neck. The more he thought of it, the more he clawed at himself.

He could still feel his back ache, like there were still heavy stones colliding with it.

He clawed some more.

The way his mother would-

Suddenly a small hand bopped him on the face.

He looked down.
Nezuko.

Her pink eyes bore into him. Her judgment was as clear as glass.

Gyutaro sighed.
"I know, you hate it when I do that."

"How sad it is, being so young, and already worrying about those around them." A soft voice replied.

Gyutaro spun to face the source- Aizetsu.

"What are you whining about *now*?"

The sorrowful demon squeaked in alarm. Easily intimidated by Gyutaro, despite being above him in rank.
"I-It's just- she is… so young. So small… And yet, she worries already. Most children at her age are… less insightful."

Gyutaro grit his teeth in annoyance. Hantengu was (and his clones were) annoying.

This blue one however, despite Gyutaro's snappy behavior, was gradually growing on him. Though he hadn't figured out why. It had been over a hundred years, and only recently had he felt this way.

Something about this clone felt… Familiar. Whenever he looked into those sorrowful, blue eyes. The way he spoke so softly.
But no one's ever spoken to Gyutaro that way. Well no one but his shy son Tanjiro.

Gyutaro sighed. "All you ever do is worry."

"It is a blessing, and a curse, is it not?"

Gyutaro raised a brow at the question. Queuing him to continue, as Gyutaro rocked Nezuko.

Aizetsu squirmed under Gyutaro's intense gaze.
"To worry for others… It means you care, but caring hurts."

Gyutaro was tempted to say something snarky, but bit his tongue as Aizetsu looked up at him.

Those blue pools of sorrow he called eyes met Gyutaro's piercing yellow ones.

Gyutaro couldn't help himself. The sudden pang in his heart seemed to take control.

Perhaps being a parent has made him more soft, or maybe Aizetsu was to blame, but either way, all he could think about was comforting the blue demon.

His hand found itself on top of Aizetsu's head.
He patted it in a soothing motion. The same way he did whenever his sister was upset.

His calloused fingers messaged Aizetsu's scalp, combing through the soft blue locks of hair.

Nezuko shifted comfortably in his other arm, as his hand soothed Aizetsu.

To his surprise, Aizetsu's eyes fluttered shut, and he seemed to lean into Gyutaro's touch.

Gyutaro's mind wandered… Maybe Aizetsu had a point about Nezuko. She was rather observant.

His scratches had already healed, like always, and yet she always seemed so bothered by them.

Part of him figured it was due to her not understanding regeneration. But he couldn't help but wonder…
Was there something else?
Was there another reason she always grew fussy at him scratching?

Though… he likely wouldn't find out until she was older. If she'd remember any of it by then.

A nibbling on his arm brought his head back to earth. Nezuko was biting him.

Looks like it was time to feed her. And if she was hungry, Tanjiro likely was too.

He pulled his hand away from Aizetsu at last. More than a little embarrassed or the realization he had been petting the man the entire time he was zoning out.

He huffed. "Come on. We have some food in the house." Gyutaro quietly barked at Aizetsu. Who only nodded as he obliged.

As if summoned, the other clones finally arrived.

Sekido looked as agitated as ever. Something he and Gyutaro had in common, to be frank…

Karaku barely paid any attention to Gyutaro, immediately drawn to Tanjiro.

Which started a whole aggravating competition for Tanjiro's attention. A lot of "look at this" "isn't it cool" and other attention grabbing nonsense, as Gyutaro watched from across the table.

At least, normally Gyutaro would be absolutely annoyed by it, but… seeing Tanjiro's bright happy eyes, dazzling with wonder at the two smiling, playful demons… it warmed him a bit.

Sekido was seated to his left, just beyond Nezuko.

Sekido's piercing red eyes gazed down at Nezuko. The girl had no reaction. His expression led Gyutaro to believe he was… suspicious of her?

Gyutaro wasn't exactly known for having unending patience. "What?" He barked at Sekido, who didn't even flinch.

Aizetsu jumped at the harsh tone, despite it not being directed at him.

Sekido, did nothing to hide his judgment. "Shouldn't she be talking by now? For someone of her age, she's rather quiet."

Gyutaro grit his teeth. "What do 'you' know about toddlers?"

"Getting defensive, are we?" Sekido, for the first time since he'd shown up, grinned. A small, sly smirk.

Gyutaro growled. "I'm not getting defensive." He snapped. Not at all helping his case.

Nezuko, unbeknownst to either of the demons, had stopped eating. She gazed up at the red-eyed stranger.
His hand was resting on the table..

Gyutaro bared his teeth. "I'd like you to try parenting before you start telling me how I'm doing."

Sekido glared again. "I don't need to to see she's falling behind-"
"She is NOT 'falling behind', she's just quiet!"
"Too quiet. She doesn't make any sounds! Talking or otherwise- ARGH!"

Sekido was interrupted, jerking his hand back.

Gyutaro watched as Sekido inspected his own hand.

It was bleeding a bit. Gyutaro noticed a small, but somewhat deep bite mark with a tiny gang stuck in the flesh near Sekido's pinky, just before Sekido's regeneration kicked in.

Gyutaro recognized the bite.
Did she really?

Gyutaro looked down at his daughter, who was smiling proudly, blood dripped from her mouth, which was missing a tooth. A small fang.

Daki gasped.

"Nezuko lost her first tooth!" She exclaimed.

Gyutaro scooped Nezuko up into his hands. His large hands held her in front of his face, allowing him to get a better look.

Nezuko looked at Gyutaro wide-eyed.

"Losing her first tooth, biting someone…" Gyutaro muttered.

He grinned, and laughed. He nuzzled noses with her. "Hehehe. That's my girl!"

Daki reached for Nezuko, "Brother, let me see!" She pleaded. Gyutaro obliged, allowing Nezuko to be held by her aunt.

The excitement led to Urogi and Karaku swarming Gyutaro. Urogi, of course, was the first to reach Daki.

"Oh! Oh! I wanna see! Lemme see!"
Karaku elbowed him. "I want to see her too, Urogi! Let me see her face!"
Urogi stuck his tongue out at Karaku, "You snooze, you lose! I made it first!"

"You already have Tanjiro on your back! Let me hold her next!"

"Wait, be careful-!" Aizetsu called, afraid all the commotion would hurt Nezuko.

Gyutaro reached to his right, ready to snatch Nezuko back from Daki-

"Wogi!"

Everyone froze, as a new, soft voice interjected.

Gyutaro blinked. "... What?"

"Wogi!"

It was Nezuko…

Gyutaro was hit with a tsunami of emotions.

He fell back into a sitting position and froze.

Nezuko… his little girl, just uttered her first word…

And it was that bird's name!?

'No. No. It's fine.' Gyutaro thought, attempting to not feel bad.

'I don't have to be her first word. I only raised her, and- and taught her how to walk-! What's in a word, anyway!?'

"I'm sorry," came a soft voice. A pair of blue eyes gazed into Gyutaro's yellow ones.

Aizetsu.
Gyutaro jolted back a bit- when did he get there??

Aizetsu continued, "I'm sure you wanted to be her first word. But… even though that's not the case, I'm sure you still matter to her."

Gyutaro jumped a bit when Aizetsu put his hand on Gyutaro's back. When Gyutaro did nothing to remove his hand, his hand slowly moved its way up his back.

Tracing over each bump of his spine, stopping at his neck, and tracing his spine back down.

It was probably the only time someone, other than his sister, had touched his back so tenderly…

It was… nice…

Chapter Text

“Ugghf!”

Tanjiro grunted as he was thrown to the ground. Again. 

“Come on, Tanjiro! Hit me! You can do better than that!” Akaza cracked his knuckles as he stared down at the boy. 

Tanjiro struggled to get up. His mentor was so tough. He couldn't stand a chance. 

Still, he tried, left hook, right, sweep the leg, and-!

“UGHF-!” 

Get punched in the gut, apparently. 

Winded, Tanjiro collapsed for what felt like the hundredth time that night, clutching his abdomen. 

Tanjiro gave in. 

“I can't do it…”

Akaza sighed. 

“We'll take a break.”

Tanjiro winced at the thought. Training with uncle Akaza really sucked. Every hit Tanjiro tried was blocked. Every time he tried to dodge he was caught. 

Akaza crouched in front of Tanjiro. 

“Are you ready to go again?”

“It's been like, five seconds!” Tanjiro whined. 

Akaza chuckled at the twelve year old boy. 

“It's been long enough. Get up, on your feet, Tanjiro.”

Tanjiro grunted and winged as he strained himself to stand. 

He stood, taking form, balling his fists. 

“Tanjiro, your stance isn't right.” 

Akaza noted, he circled the boy, grabbing and guiding him wherever he saw weak points in his stance. Which was in a lot of places. 

Tanjiro felt like a slab of meat being judged whenever he and Akaza trained. Judged in quality like a product, and he left each training feeling sore and tenderized. 

“Can we do something else, uncle? My… everything hurts.”

“Not until you get the basics.”

“How long are we going to do this?”

“As long as it takes.”

Tanjiro groaned. He really should have expected that answer. 

…

Hours later, it was Nezuko's turn. Her kicks were strong, and she was fast. 

But she still hadn't landed a hit on her uncle yet. 

She swung her leg hard, but Akaza blocked it with his forearm. 

“Aha! Look at you go, Nezuko! Getting stronger! But you've still got a long way to go.”

He grabbed her ankle, and swung her around. He tossed her onto her back. She growled. 

“Come on, Nez! Try again!”

He didn't need to tell her twice. She charged at him, aiming another kick.

Her leg was caught by Akaza. He shook his head, his expression fond. 

“Nezuko, we talked about this. Remember what I told you last time?”

“Grrrrrr…”

“Variety, Nezuko. Don't use the same move over and over. It makes you predictable.”

She bit him. 

It barely felt like anything to him. She was only ten, after all. Her tiny fangs weren't substantial. But Akaza admired the change in strategy. He chuckled. 

“Well, it is different!”

…

Akaza started training and tutoring the Shabana children a few months ago, seeing as they were 12 and 10 years old respectively. 

Nezuko seemed to be thriving! She was getting tougher! Of course, she was far below Akaza's power, but that's to be expected this early on. 

Tanjiro… Struggled. 

They all could see the boy's building frustration. He was initially excited whenever Akaza came over, but he started dreading it. Despite the fact that Tanjiro seldomly complained, Gyutaro could see it in his eyes. 

The previous night's training was particularly rough for Tanjiro. The boy sat outside on the steps of their home. Gyutaro walked up behind him. 

Tanjiro didn't turn around, “Hi dad…” 

Gyutaro sat on the porch, next to him. Even hunched over, Gyutaro was so much taller than the boy. 

“Still feeling upset?” Gyutaro already knew the answer, but he had noticed that Tanjiro was more open to talking about things if he was asked.  

“...” Tanjiro hugged his knees to his chest. He avoided looking at his father.

“An older brother is meant to protect his little sibling, son.” Gyutaro reminded him. 

“I know…” Tanjiro mumbled shamefully. 

Gyutaro started petting his son's head, a gesture he often did to comfort his loved ones. 

“That doesn't mean it isn't hard.”

“It feels impossible. I'm not getting better, Nezuko is already super strong. I'm just there getting pummeled.” 

Tanjiro mumbled a mini-rant, gradually getting louder and raising his voice. He threw his arms up in the air out of frustration. 

“I don't get it! I'm trying really hard! Why am I not getting stronger too? It feels like everyone knows what they're doing except for me! You keep all of us safe! And I can't even keep uncle Akaza from punching my face.”

Tanjiro curled up again, shrinking into himself.

“I don't know how you do it, dad… You're really strong, and you know what and how to do things quickly. You're so.. On it!”

Gyutaro had to take a pause. 

On one hand, it felt a bit reassuring for Tanjiro to think so highly of him as a father. 

Since he didn't exactly have a frame of reference when it came to parenting, Gyutaro has felt clueless from the start. It's been years, and he still feels so lost. 

On the other hand, was he really doing that good of a job? 

He swears he remembers feeling the same way as Tanjiro once, but… he can't quite recall when. 

Strange. 

But the pang in his heart feels… familiar. Yet new. 

“How do you know what to do, dad?”

“I don't.”

Gyutaro's eyes widened immediately after the words passed his lips. They seemed to tumble out of him naturally. Tanjiro was looking at him stunned. 

Gyutaro hadn't meant to say that! He just blurted it!

Tanjiro stared at him wide eyed, yet hopeful? Waiting for his father to continue. 

Gyutaro stared back. 

He couldn't help but glance at the scar on Tanjiro's head from when the sun had burned him years ago. Did Tanjiro even remember that?

Gyutaro certainly did. 

Subconsciously, Gyutaro rubbed his thumb over the mark. Tanjiro looked at him, just as before, but a little bit more confusion in his eyes. 

“It's… hard to know what to do sometimes. Even for me.”

‘Especially for me,’ Gyutaro thought. 

“That's why your uncle Akaza is training you. So that you two are ready for the world. Then, one day, when you and Nezuko are old enough, Lord Muzan will allow you two to become full demons. But you have to be ready for it.”

“But what if I'm not?”

“You will be. That's at least 13 years from now for you. You have plenty of time.”

“I don't think Akaza can put up with me that long…” 

Tanjiro remarked solemnly. 

“... He always smells really annoyed.”

Gyutaro raised a brow. “Smells annoyed?” He repeated. 

“Yeah, whenever we train, he smells annoyed, didn't you smell it too? That's why you came out to talk to me, isn't it?”

Gyutaro mulled over it for a moment. Tanjiro has always had a sensitive nose, but… just how sensitive was it?

Then an idea struck him like a rock to the back of the head. 

“Tanjiro. Why don't you and I practice something for tonight?”

Gyutaro grinned. His sharp, yellow teeth glinted in the moonlight. 

Tanjiro's eyes sparked with curiosity. He could already tell that this was going to be different.

…

And it was. 

Gyutaro wanted to see how much Tanjiro could really smell. So, he decided to try a new approach. 

He got some loose fabric from inside the house and made a blindfold for Tanjiro. 

“I'm going to hide. I want you to find me with only your nose, alright? Just point to where you think I am.”

Gyutaro wanted to start simple enough. But his curiosity was bubbling. 

What can this boy really do?

Gyutaro would move fast and quietly into new locations. Low to the ground, high in the trees, didn't matter, Tanjiro pointed to the right spots. 

“Let's make this a little harder.”

Gyutaro conjured one of his blood sickles, he held it to Tanjiro's nose. “Smell this, remember this scent.”

Tanjiro nodded and leaned forward ever so slightly, and took in its smell profile. 

Gyutaro threw it, made it fly. He let it spin out into multiple areas, before launching it in a random direction. 

“Find it.” 

Tanjiro nodded. He tilted his head back and sniffed the air. He took tentative steps, he seemed uncertain at first, taking steps in a few different directions before it seemed he had chosen one to follow. His steps grew more certain, although cautious because he couldn't see where he was going.

Gyutaro followed. 

He watched over, as his son went from uncertain paces, to a slow walk, to a confident stride. Hopping over rocks and fallen trees. 

Gyutaro watched from above, in the tops of the wooded trees.

Tanjiro charged forward. Finding some new conviction.

Tanjiro sprinted. Leaves and sticks crunching beneath every step he took in rapid succession. 

 Tanjiro found a small clearing. He sniffed the air, reached his hand out, and grasped it. 

Pinned in a tree trunk by the blade, was the blood sickle. 

Tanjiro pulled it, as hard as he could, when it didn't budge, Tanjiro used both hands to grab it, he put his foot on the tree, pushing and pulling against it. 

He ripped it out, the bark splintered, he fell back. 

He sat on the ground, stunned.

Gyutaro was too. 

He did it. 

He actually did it!

They walked a town's length away from their house. And Tanjiro found it. 

Gyutaro would tell Akaza next time he came. 

He didn't have to wait long. Akaza returned in a few days. 

…

Akaza smiled to himself as he approached the Shabana home. 

He had to admit, he enjoyed training them. He looked forward to it. 

But when Gyutaro pulled him aside, he got… worried. 

Yes, Akaza was a higher rank than Gyutaro, but the man was still strong. And he had a tendency to be very protective. 

Even more so since having the kids. 

Gyutaro had settled into the fatherly role pretty well, as far as Akaza could tell. 

And thankfully, his prayers about Gyutaro bathing more often were answered. 

Akaza couldn't even knock on the door before Gyutaro grabbed him. For once, he wasn't in the house when he arrived. He awaited Akaza outside, next to the front door. 

“Hello, Gyutaro.” Things were still… tense between them. 

“I want you to try something in Tanjiro's training today.”

Gyutaro's uneven voice was laced with what Akaza could only describe as mischievous pride.

Akaza blinked. He was sure Gyutaro was scheming something or other, but at the same time… Tanjiro was struggling with training. 

Akaza grinned. 

….

Akaza could see why Gyutaro was prideful. This was an impressive ability for a half-demon. 

No matter what angle he charged at Tanjiro from, or how quiet he was, the kid always seemed acutely aware of his location. 

Now he just needed to improve his reaction time. 

Tanjiro wasn't good at blocking, or counter attacking, but Akaza wasn't too bothered. They'd work up to that.  

If anything, he was glad to see this kid's potential. 

Tanjiro seemed more hopeful as well, less defeated. Good. 

Akaza jumped down at Tanjiro from behind, Tanjiro moved out of the way just in time. Barely avoided the attack, honestly.

Then it happened. 

Just as Akaza's kick missed, right when his heel hit the forest ground, he was struck in the cheek. 

A mild sting. Sure, Akaza recovered almost instantly, but progress was progress.  

Tanjiro headbutted him. He had a hard skull, a good choice using it. 

Akaza laughed. 

“There we go! That's what I want to see!”

Akaza prepared his stance, “Let's keep going, I want to test that head strength of yours.” Akaza praised, tapping Tanjiro's forehead for emphasis. 

“And while we're at it… NEZUKO!” Akaza called, and the girl immediately ran out of the house to meet up with him. 

Akaza's fist collided with a tree, and he split the wood apart with his hands. 

Target practice. 

He held a thick log of wood out horizontally, in front of them. He kept a firm grip, and smiled. 

“Alright kids. I want you to break this while I hold it. Nezuko, you try first.”

She nodded, and glared at the log in concentration. She raised her leg, and gave it a firm kick. It peeled the bark, but didn't break it. 

“Come on, you can do better than that. Again!” 

Akaza encouraged, she growled, and jump kicked it. It took about four hits for her to start breaking through the wood. 

Akaza grinned proudly as she tore into the wood. 

“Good start,” He picked up another log, holding it out. 

“Tanjiro, your turn.”

Tanjiro narrowed his eyes, he walked up to it, and violently slammed his head into it. It only took two tries with his head for the log to be shattered to splinters and chips. 

Progress.