Previously on Chapter 51

He pulls me closer with his arms around my waist. I yelp at his sudden move. I just smile softly once I got over my temporary shock. I shake my head as I return his embrace. Gosh, Tanjiro... what am I gonna do with you?

-A Heavy Feeling-

Y/N P.O.V

Tanjiro and I have packed our belongings, and now we're all ready to get going on our mission. Nezuko didn't have to use the box anymore since she can walk under the sun. Which makes me glad, because now we can enjoy the journey together. But Tanjiro still insisted on bringing it along, in case Nezuko feels sleepy and needed to rest.

"Are you ready to go, Tanjiro?" I asked, turning to look at him. He turn to me and nod his head. I smile softly at him. "Alright. Let's not waste any more time and get going" I said.

"Yes... let's go" he said. He gently slip his hand in mine. I gently entwine my hand with his, allowing him to have a proper grip. I smile at his gesture. He leans down and places a soft kiss on my forehead. "Come on, Nezuko! We need to get going!" He called out for his little sister.

I smile softly when I hear the sound of footsteps coming towards us as Nezuko comes rushing towards us in her little form. She stops next to me and eagerly grabs my hand. Together, the three of us make our way out of the Estate.

"Remember, Y/N... try not to get into too much battle. Okay?" Tanjiro said, as we walk. I turn my head to look at him with a confused gaze. He notices my look and turn to look at me. "I'll handle most of the fight. So, you don't have to fight too much" he said.

"You're lucky Nezuko is holding my other hand, or I would've pinched you" I said, huffing. I turn my head to look forward. "As always... you're too worried. Don't tell me you actually forgot that I'm a Hashira?" I said.

"Of course I don't forget about that little piece. I know for a fact that you're a Hashira and a strong one at that. But I just don't want you to get hurt..." he said. I let out a sigh at his comment. I turn my head to look at Nezuko, giving her a quiet signal to release my hand. She seems to understand me, and let my hand go. "Ow ow ow!!!" He wailed, as I start pulling on his cheek.

"Look... I appreciate you worrying about my well-being, Tanjiro" I said, as I let go of his cheek so Nezuko can hold my hand again which she eagerly holds. I give her a close-eyed smile and turn to look at Tanjiro who's still rubbing his cheek.

"But I don't need to be protected all the time. I'm capable of defending myself. You don't have to keep constantly getting be worried about me. It'll just causes you to get distracted. And then, you're the one that would end up getting hurt" I said. He just stares at me. Guilt is shown in his eyes. I let out a shaky breath as I move my hand from his grasp and gently cups his cheek.

"I'm worried about you as much as you're worried about me. I don't wanna lose you either, Tanjiro. You were the first person who ever accepted me, even when I was a demon. You love me for who I am. That makes you so precious to me..." I said, staring at him with a sad gaze. I feel my tears slipping down my eyes.

I can't no longer control what I feel. These whole time, I try to hold it in for Tanjiron. So he won't be worried too much about me. He's already dealing with so much pain on his own. Along with his unstable emotions after what had happened to us back at the Swordsmith's village. So I tried my best to push aside my own emotions for his sake.

"Y/N... I'm sorry" Tanjiro finally said. We stop walking as Tanjiro gently cups my cheeks. "I didn't know you feel that way" he said. He pulls me into a hug. I choke out a sob as I bury my face in his chest. He gently runs his hand through my hair. "I'm sorry for only thinking about my own feelings these whole time. I didn't realize that you were scared too" he said.

"I don't want to lose you either, Tanjiro..." I said, my voice cracks a little as I said that to him. I wrap my arms tightly around his torso, as he hugs me closer. He place his chin on top of my head as he stays silent and wait for me to calm down.

"Forgive me?" He said, pulling away after I've calmed down. He leans his forehead against mine. I just nod my head, making him smile softly. He places a soft kiss on my forehead. I know he wanted to kiss my lips. But he didn't want to kiss me in front of his kid sister. He knew I'm not going to let him and he'd get an earful of it if he tries to.

"I promise... we'll fight together to keep each other safe. How does that sounds?" He asked. I smile softly at him, and nod my head in agreement. That's definitely better than having to just watch him fight on his own. I gently pat my head much like he did with Nezuko. I just smile at his loving gesture. I turn to Nezuko who stays back to let us have our little moment, because she understands how much we needed it.

"We should get going now" I said. The two of them nods their heads. Tanjiro grabs one hand and Nezuko grabs the other. The three of us resume our journey as we start to walk once again, heading towards our destination.

***

From a far, I'm able to make out a faint line of a village. It must be the one we're meant to go. The three of us releases each other's hand as we start to run. The faster we get to that village the better.

I stop just as we're about to enter the village. I just stare at the village.

My heart feels heavy. "Y/N?" Tanjiro said, softly. I tear off my gaze from the village and turn to look at him, to see him staring at me with a worried gaze. He must've noticed how tense I am. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine... it's just. This village gave off an aura that makes it feel eerie. There's something lurking in there. Something evil. Don't you smell anything, Tanjiro?" I said, turning my head to look at the village again.

He turn his head to look at the village and sniffs. He shakes his head as he turn to look at me. "No... it smells pretty normal to me" he said. I furrowed my eyebrows at what he said. How can this village smells normal with such a powerful demonic aura? What is going on in here?

*to be continued*