Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Mitsuri," she mumbles, turning bright red as her eyes notice the outfit.

"Can I sit on your lap, Mitsuri-sama?"

The blush spreads down her neck, but she nods anyway, although when Tanjirou finally drops on her lap and puts his arms around her neck, she squeaks again, but this time she covers her face.

"Are you alright, Mitsuri-sama? Am I too heavy?"

"No, you're perfect!" She mumbles, blushing even more.

"May I offer you something to drink?"

"I-I-I..."

"Better leave her a alone for a while, pretty. It seems you're too much for her! Why don't you sit on me instead?"

Thinking the newcomer might have a point, since the girl looks really flustered, Tanjirou rises up and quickly walks towards the tall man with white hair.

"That's not fair, Tengen! I was perfectly fine!" Mitsuri complains, although her face is still red.

However, it's too late; Tanjirou is comfortably sitting on the man's... Tengen's lap now.

"Are you enjoying yourself so far, Tengen-sama?" Tanjirou asks, as he usually has to. The girls say the clients enjoy it and makes them feel important.

"Tengen-sama?" A slight blush appears on the man's cheeks at that. He swallows visibly when Tanjirou moves closer to put both hands on his chest.

"Would you like me to use another honorific?"

"No... sama is perfect... It's just... My wives usually use it and it's..." Suddenly he stops, blinking a couple of times, he looks a little bit embarrassed. "I'm not usually like this... I don't get nervous around people."

"There's nothing wrong with being nervous," Tanjirou says sincerely before nuzzling the client's cheek to help him relax, but it has the opposite effect. "Perhaps you'd like a drink?"

"I..." Tengen blinks a couple of times like he's struggling to find a word while he stares into Tanjirou's eyes. "I don't... know."

"You broke two this time, Tanjirou!" One of his co-workers walks by, stopping as soon as she notices Tengen and Mitsuri.

"I didn't mean to!" Tanjirou mumbles with worry, rising quickly from the man's lap before he can even protest.

"It's okay, I'll take care of it!" The she looks over her shoulder at a thin boy. "Tell Kim we need two strong ones."

"How strong?"

"Tanjirou effect strong."

The boy notices Tanjirou then and chuckles.

"Breaking clients again?"

"I don't break them," Tanjirou mumbles, feeling genuinely concerned. "I... I'm sorry!"

"It's alright, dear," the girl assures him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "They all like it and get used to it eventually... Why don't you take a break? I'm sure these two will call you as soon as they feel better..."

Despite her kind words, Tanjirou feels like he's doing a terrible job.

He hopes he doesn't get fired.

"Hi!" Tanjirou greets him, prompting the other to smile at him even more. There's a slight blush on his cheeks, but otherwise he seems composed. "Can I sit on your lap?"

"Of course, my boy!" He nods, looking quite flustered suddenly. Tanjirou smiles back before placing himself on the other's lap, spreading his legs so he can sit facing him. The blush turns into a deeper shade of red. "What's your name?"

"Kyojuro..."

"Kyojuro-sama," Tanjirou grins, saying the name out loud to get used to it.

"You're the prettiest thing I have ever seen!" Kyojuro surprises him by saying that almost immediately. "I'm friends with Tengen and Mitsuri, they told me your name is Tanjirou!"

So Tanjirou was right after all. They all are connected somehow.

"Would you like a drink, Kyojuro-sama?" He smiles, prompting the other to blush even more.

"Actually, Tanjirou..."

"Please, sit on my lap," suddenly, there's another man sitting next to them; his hair is long and dark (tied up into a ponytail) his eyes are deep blue and he looks shy. It's like he's completely the opposite of Kyojuro.

And yet...

"What are you doing here, Giyuu?" Kyojuro doesn't look that happy anymore.

"The same as you," the one called Giyuu says calmly, he takes Tanjirou's arm and pulls it gently.

Tanjirou just nods and moves from one man's lap to the other; everyone told him specifically to give clients anything they wanted.

Kyojuro tries not to, but he can't help pouting as soon as Tanjirou is no longer all over him.

Just like the blond, loud young man, Giyuu's face turns red as soon as Tanjirou is close to him.

"What do you need, Giyuu-sama?"

For a moment it looks like he's going to answer Tanjirou's question, but then he shakes his head before saying: "You are perfect."

Which is definitely something Tanjirou is not prepared for. He's not why all these people are so intense; usually clients don't get that "romantic" until after a couple of drinks, but those two (as well as Mitsuri and Tengen) are completely sober.

They're different from the other clients.

***

Since the new clients give him really good tips, Tanjirou is able to buy enough food for Nezuko and him that week.

Although his little sister is not happy Tanjirou has to work in such a place, she understands they desperately need the money. In exchange she takes care of the little house they pay rent to live in and has breakfast for him ready when Tanjirou comes back home in the morning.

Tanjirou has gotten used to this kind of life, although part of him wants her to have something more... Something better...

"It's okay, as long as we're together," Nezuko assures him everytime he voices his concerns out loud.

When the evening comes it's time for Tanjirou to go back to that place; he hasn't told Nezuko, but sometimes a young man follows him on his way to work.

"I can take care of you... and your sister," he always says, when he stops hiding in the shadows and tries to reach out to him.

But Tanjirou knows he works for Muzan, so he doesn't trust him.

"That's very nice of you Akaza, but we're alright, thank you," Tanjirou mumbles, wondering why he hasn't tried to hurt him yet.

"I don't do this for him," Akaza insists, looking desperate at this point, he takes a couple of steps until he's right in front of the redhead. "He'll never find out."

Muzan always finds out.

Fortunately, someone is coming out of the place Tanjirou works at, prompting Akaza to disappear back into the shadows.

"You're a little bit late, bunny boy," his co-worker chuckles. "They're already waiting for you."

Tanjirou thinks about the new regular customers as he quickly gets out the dressing room with his suit back on. Then he gets surprised when he realizes there are two people he's never seen before: the man with white hair and scars over his chest looks grumpy, while the petite woman with a butterfly hair clip has a constant and tense smile on her face.

Fortunately, that smile turns into a sincere one as soon as Tanjirou gets closer to her. The man next to her stares at him almost in surprise before he deliberately turns his head away as the scowl goes back on his face.

"He's not THAT pretty," he grumbles, prompting the woman to chuckle.

"Then why are you blushing, Sanemi?"

"Shut up, Shinobu!"

"Hi, I'm Tanjirou... Welcome to–"

"We know who you are, darling," Shinobu chuckles, leaning closer to grab one of his hands. "We have come to take you with us."

Confused, Tanjirou tilts his head to the side; they can't do that unless the man who runs the place approves. Tanjirou owes him money and–

"We're gonna pay off your debt," Sanemi tells him, like he's reading his mind. He looks back at him, but the slight blush doesn't disappear completely.

"We're friends with Giyuu," Shinobu explains and although that calms Tanjirou a little bit, he's still not sure if he can trust them. "We're the hashira and we'd like you to... work for us from now on."

"Seriously, work?" Sanemi snorts at that. "Why don't you tell him we actually want him as–"

"We? I thought you didn't like him..."

The white haired man's face turns completely red at that, although he hisses at Shinobu.

"Listen, I really appreciate it, but I also have a sister to take care of and–"

"She'll be more than welcome too. Don't worry, Tanjirou... We just want to take care of you."

There's no way they can pay off his debt, although, if they do, he'd owe them and he'd have to work for them instead.

For a second, Tanjirou is not entirely sure if that's just a dream or not. He doesn't know exactly what's going on.

Can he really trust them?

He wakes up early in the morning; there are a couple of people in the residence that he'd like to help. If he's being honest, he's still nervous about his situation there, although everyone has been nothing but kind to his sister and him so far.

To his surprise, one of the girls with butterfly clips is already up, her name is Aoi, if Tanjirou remembers correctly.

There's a frown upon her face that immediately softens as soon as she sees him.

"What's the first thing I should do? I'd like to help."

"You should be resting, Tanjirou," she says then. "Himejima-san will be here shortly."

So when Kocho said that someone will be in the house with them to protect them, she meant one of the hashira.

"Then I should get everything ready for when he arrives."

There's a little bit of irritation in her eyes, before she sighs and turns around to look at him. As it happened just a few minutes ago, her expression softens.

"I don't know what they told you, but you're basically here as a guest, a pretty one," Aoi tells him, prompting him to blink in confusion.

Tanjirou pouts at the thought, making her chuckle, he doesn't want to be a burden, besides, he's sure Kocho told him he was there to work.

"I want to be of use."

It looks like she considers arguing with him for a moment, but after a couple of seconds, she gives in.

"Alright, this is what you're gonna do first..."

By the time Nezuko and the three little girls that always help Aoi around the house are up, Tanjirou has finished making breakfast.

"Tanjirou-san!" The three say at the same time, fascinated by the food as Nezuko chuckles and kneels next to them at the table.

The excitement in their eyes melts Tanjirou's heart and he finds himself smiling and giving them all headpats like he used to do with his siblings.

When Himejima arrives, Tanjirou greets him happily.

"Welcome home!" He says and notices the tall man's fond smile before he kneels in front of Tanjirou.

Suddenly, his face is being cradled by two big, but very gentle, hands.

"You should be resting, Tanjirou," he mumbles before leaning closer until their foreheads are pressed together.

"But I enjoy helping with house chores," Tanjirou assures him, making him grin again.

"Of course you do," he says before running his fingers through the redhead's hair. "Your heart is so pure."

Before he can say anything else, three beautiful women walk in the house, for a moment it looks like Aoi is rolling her eyes at them.

"We're Tengen-sama's wives!"

"It's really a pleasure to meet you."

"No, the pleasure is ours, believe me," the one who introduced herself as Hinatsuru says before taking Tanjirou's hand and kissing it.

That's when Himejima finally sits on the ground and pulls the redhead closer to him.

"We wanted to meet the man our husband is in love with," Suma mumbles before pinching Tanjirou's cheek. "You're absolutely adorable!"

Since none of them seem upset by that comment, Tanjirou supposes they're just joking about Uzui.

"Thank you."

They start chatting about different things before Nezuko joins them. Honestly, Tanjirou is having a great time, maybe because it's the first day he wakes up with no fear in his mind.

"I really like your voice," Himejima comments at some point, stroking Tanjirou's neck.

He feels himself blush before he notices that Aoi and the girls are still moving around the house, working. Tanjirou quickly excuses himself before getting up to help them.

For some reason, Uzui's wives start following him around. They offer to help him, but when Tanjirou assures them that he's more than fine doing those little chores on his own, the three women stay there watching him work.

"I don't think it's fair we haven't seen you in your bunny–" Makio gets cut off by Hinatsuru's elbow on her ribs.

"Tanjirou," Suma gets closer to him, keeping an eye on Hinatsuru, moving away from her and Makio as she watches Tanjirou put a couple of flowers in a vase. "What about a maid outfit? Would you wear one for us?"

Hinatsuru shakes her head, silently scolding the other woman, even though she's blushing.

Tanjirou blinks a couple of times before wondering if the hashira would like that. He's a worker there, but he supposes Aoi is one too and she doesn't wear a maid outfit.

"I suppose I could do that," he mumbles then, prompting Makio to stare at him with a huge grin. "It's some sort of requirement for the job?"

"No, it isn't," to his surprise, it's Nezuko the one who speaks; Tanjirou didn't actually see her approaching. She's crossing both her arms over chest and looking not entirely pleased at Uzui's wives.

"I apologize on behalf of these two, Nezuko," Hinatsuru says then.

"No, there's no need!" Tanjirou cuts in, a little bit alarmed. "Nezuko, remember we're safe here thanks to them!"

"That doesn't mean we have the right to choose what you should wear," Himejima walks in the hallway. "I believe Shinobu said you could wear whatever you're comfortable with."

"I like you, Himejima-san," Nezuko smiles approvingly at him.

"See? You're making Tengen-sama lose!" Makio hisses, hitting Suma on her shoulder.

"Like you did any better!" She hisses back, before she starts sobbing and asking Tanjirou to forgive her.

"It's alright... I'm not mad," Tanjirou assures her, patting her head, watching as Makio and Hinatsuru get closer until he's being squeezed by the three women.

Himejima gets closer, finds Tanjirou's hand and gently pulls him away from the three women before he takes him in his arms.

"I think it's time for you to take a break, Tanjirou," the Pillar mumbles before kissing him on the cheek. "You've been working the whole day..."

"But Aoi and the girls..."

"They can take a break too while we make dinner," Hinatsuru says, before pulling Suma and Makio with her. "You don't need to worry about anything else, Tanjirou!"

"Thank you..."

He ends up in the backyard with Himejima, Nezuko sits next to them and starts talking about their family. Tanjirou forgets about his concerns for a moment as he sees her smiling...

He still doesn't understand this job really well, but at least he feels like both Nezuko and he can live without being afraid all the time.

During dinner Tanjirou keeps thinking about the maid outfit... Nezuko didn't look happy about it at first and he's not sure how he'd feel about wearing it. Would the Pillars be happy about it? Or it's just some kind of joke? Uzui's wives are just probably saying that to make the others laugh...

Tanjirou is still confused about the type of work he's supposed to do in that house. Everyone's really friendly, especially the Pillars.

Himejima has been making sure he eats properly while giving him a couple of kisses on his cheek and running his fingers through his hair like Tanjirou is some sort of precious thing.

He goes to sleep wondering how both Nezuko and he got so lucky out of the sudden. The fact that they're giving them food and a place to stay in exchange for Tanjirou doing a few house chores seems like he's getting the better end of the deal.

The fact that they all are willing to protect them from Muzan sounds like dream come true.

Tanjirou must find a way to make them all happy.

***

It's Rengoku's turn next day. He's a very loud and enthusiastic person, but Tanjirou likes that about him. At first, the hashira tries to dissuade him from doing chores, but Tanjirou insists so much, Rengoku ends up giving in and following him around just like Uzui's wives did the other day.

He doesn't think what he does is worth watching with so much attention, but he supposes Rengoku is not used to do things around the house since he's been trained as some sort of a swordsman.

So when Tanjirou kneels and starts arranging flowers in a vase, he decides to explain to Rengoku how to take care of the plants and flowers before putting them inside.

Rengoku is giving him his undivided attention so Tanjirou supposes it truly fascinates him.

"I used to watch my mother do that too," Rengoku finally says, prompting Tanjirou to turn around before smiling at him.

"Really? I bet she does it better than me," Tanjirou says sincerely. He used to help his mother, but after everything that happened and the job he got to support his sister, there was no time or enough money to keep their place nice and colorful. "Do you think you can ask her to–"

"She's gone, Tanjirou."

Oh. Tanjirou almost drops the vase, but quickly places it on a table before something else happens. Rengoku is smiling at him, but Tanjirou recognizes the pain behind his eyes.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean–"

"It's okay, Tanjirou. You didn't know," Rengoku says, pulling him into a hug. "She would've adored you."

Tanjirou is not sure about that, but appreciates those words. He moves closer and kisses Rengoku on the cheek to try to ease his pain a bit, but gets confused when he notices how red the hashira's face has turned.

"I'm sorry I should've asked–"

Before he can say anything else, Rengoku leans a presses kisses all over Tanjirou's face.

"Don't apologize, my boy! I liked it!"

Tanjirou relaxes a bit after that, although he gets startled when Nezuko suddenly joins them.

"Just keeping an eye on you," she tells Rengoku with a grin on her face.

"I understand. He's your brother after all."

These kind of conversations always confuse him, but Tanjirou decides not to ask for now because Nezuko doesn't seem to be actually upset. Even though sometimes it looks like she's watching all the hashira carefully, Tanjirou is sure she actually likes them.

***

Iguro keeps his distance at first, although Tanjirou knows he's watching him; he's not sure if it's because he wants to see if Tanjirou does his job or maybe some other reason...

When Tanjirou talks to Nezuko about it, she chuckles, amused.

"I think he's just shy actually," she says, rolling her eyes when Tanjirou looks back at her in confusion. "Even though part of me wasn't completely sure about this at first, I can see how much they all like you."

"They like you too!"

"Definitely not the same way," Nezuko giggles again, confusing him even more.

Having a lot more to think about, Tanjirou goes back to work.

Hours later he sits in the backyard to take a break and notices that Iguro gets down from one of the trees and sits next to him. Kaburamaru, the Pillar's serpent, looks at him with curiosity and wiggles happily when Tanjirou starts petting it.

"Iguro-san, do you think the others would like me to wear a maid uniform while I do my chores?"

Iguro chokes, face turning red in seconds; it's weird because he wasn't actually drinking anything.

"What?"

"A maid outfit. Would it make you happy? I mean you and the others..."

"That would make everyone really happy," he blurts out; Tanjirou can notice the blush on his cheeks even with those bandages on.

"Great! I–"

"However, you shouldn't do something you don't want to just to please us," Iguro cuts him off, looking at him in the eyes. "I know Shinobu told you this was a job, but the truth is that we didn't save you or your sister so you could work for us."

"Then why..."

"We like you, Tanjirou," Iguro scratches his left cheek nervously. "You're a guest here. You could do nothing and just... welcome us here every time we come back from a mission and we'd be more than happy."

Tanjirou pouts, he knows he is because even under those bandages, he notices Iguro smiling at him.

"I like to feel useful."

"I know and if you're happy doing chores that's alright as well," Iguro says. "Just don't do anything you don't want to."

"You're really sweet, Iguro-san, thank you!"

Kaburamaru gets closer to Tanjirou to demand a headpat while Iguro's face turns red again.

He thinks he gets it now. They all want to be his friends!

***

Tanjirou decides to start doing little things for them. When it's Kanroji's turn to stay in the mansion, he offers to brush her hair and braid it again. She squeaks in delight, both hands cupping her own face as she looks at him like he's the most beautiful thing in the world.

"Please, Tanjirou! That'd be lovely!"

He ends up braiding her hair and Nezuko's as well.

"It's done!" Tanjirou says excitedly before Kanroji tackles him to the ground and starts pressing kisses all over his face.

She doesn't stop until Nezuko clears her throat loudly.

"I'm sorry, Nezuko!" Kanroji says, face completely red. "I got a little bit excited!"

"She didn't hurt me, Nezuko," Tanjirou assures her.

"I know."

Then why his sister is acting protective out of the sudden?

Aoi calls him from inside the house then, so Tanjirou leaves the two girls in the backyard before going back to his chores. What he likes about the place is that there's always many things to do.

"I'll be back when it's time for lunch!"

He's never felt so safe before; it's like Muzan or the people who work for him can't touch them there.

Tanjirou is glad he agreed to come with the Pillars and brought Nezuko with him.

The maid outfit is a success; they all seem to love it not only because they're constantly complimenting him but also because they have started to bring him all kinds of gifts.

Tanjirou appreciates every single one of them, although he thinks they shouldn't spend too much money on him; getting Nezuko and him away from that dangerous neighborhood was more than enough.

But not only they keep doing that, they ask some of the girls who work there as well to tell them everything Tanjirou likes and start bringing it to him as well.

He blushes to the tip of his ears one morning when Kanroji gives him a skirt and stockings because she knows he also likes that type of clothing too.

Tanjirou keeps working though; it relaxes him a lot to do house chores, even if they're constantly insisting he doesn't have to.

Sometimes, when they all are there at the same time, they don't let Tanjirou work and instead do things for him like: make breakfast, brush his hair or even carry him around the estate like they don't want him to move at all.

"Good," Nezuko mumbles, looking very pleased for some reason. "My brother has worked most of his life to the point of exhaustion so he deserves everything he wants now."

"Nezuko!" Tanjirou squeaks, extremely mortified in Shinazugawa's arms. His face is red and he feels so embarrassed for a moment.

"And you better give it to him."

They're going to kick them out.

"We'll do it gladly!" Rengoku says immediately, to Tanjirou's shock.

"Does this mean you approve of us now?" Kocho asks, looking almost hopeful.

"Maybe."

For some reason, this answer makes them very happy and the next thing Tanjirou knows is that he's in Tomioka's arms now as he gently nuzzles his cheek.

Even though he doesn't completely understand, at least he knows they're not going to ask them to leave, so he feels relieved after that.

He also tells them he still wants to help Aoi and the little girls.

The rest of the week he spends time with each of them; there's always at least one in the estate per day, to make sure everyone is safe.

Even though Tanjirou is very happy now, there's a part of him that's constantly afraid of some of Muzan's men finding them after all.

Then, he shakes his head and assures himself that he's not that important for Muzan to look for him so he and Nezuko will probably be fine.

And all thanks to them.

***

Everyone is a little bit too protective of him; Tanjirou has offered the butterfly girls to keep them company when they go for errands to the small town, but they always refuse. They don't go alone though, some of the people who come to the estate to train or report to the Pillars usually go with them. Tanjirou has noticed that they are carrying weapons with them.

Nezuko is not that excited about being outside yet so when Tanjirou starts telling the hashira he wants to see the town she stays out of it.

They don't agree right away, they try to tell him it's dangerous, even though they're sure no one knows he's there and it seems he's not even looking for him at the moment.

Of course Tanjirou doesn't want to go against their rules because they have been nothing but kind to them so he doesn't mention it again. However, he still wants to go; he's so used to see new people and go outside that the thought of living his life indoors upsets him a little.

But it's okay, he can get over it.

"Keep doing the puppy sad face and they'll fold in less than a day."

"What?" Tanjirou blinks at her in confusion. "I'm not making a puppy face... I'm just–"

"You can't hide it, Tanjirou. You want to go out so bad and it's written all over your face..." Nezuko smiles fondly at him. "It's okay... I also think they're exaggerating a bit... But be careful."

"But Nezuko, I'm not–"

"Fine," Kocho cuts him off, getting closer to the siblings. Nezuko covers her mouth so Kocho can't see her smile, but it's pretty much obvious she's amused "You can go, but one of us will go with you each time."

It seems Nezuko was right after all.

Iguro goes with him and the butterfly girls the first time; Tanjirou is fascinated by all the things people sell in the town. There are people walking around them, busy and in a hurry, glancing from one thing to the next or using the time as an excuse to catch up with their neighbors.

Tanjirou can't stop grinning.

He helps the butterfly girls with the errands while Iguro keeps a close eye on all of them... It reminds him of the security guards and how they kept an eye on the bunny boys and girls at the place he used to work at.

Which is ridiculous, because the people in the town seem friendly and kind. There's nothing Iguro has to worry about.

"Look at that... That's a pretty necklace!" Tanjirou comments to the little girls who giggle at something behind him.

"Here, you can keep it," the girl behind the booth hands it to him immediately.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to buy–"

"It's okay, it's a gift!" She assures him, cheeks turning slightly pink as soon as she says it.

"I can't take it, I mean it's really beautiful but–"

"Please... It's a pretty necklace for a pretty boy."

This time it's Tanjirou's turn to blush, he looks at the necklace with the tiny Sun and he thinks it's just too pretty for him.

He's about to thank her when he looks up, only to see her batting her eyelashes at him. Then, he hears a very loud hiss and thinks Kaburamaru is angry, but realizes that the one hissing is Iguro actually.

"There's no need for you to give him anything. I can pay for it," he narrows his eyes and this time Kaburamaru does hiss at the girl just after Iguro puts a lot of money over the girl's booth.

"Thanks anyway!" Tanjirou smiles at her because he doesn't want her to feel bad about it. He doesn't approve of Iguro's rude tone, but he's glad he gave her money for the necklace.

When they're back at the estate, Rengoku and Uzui are already there and look in confusion as the girls start giggling and looking for Nezuko to tell her what happened while Iguro keeps glaring at the necklace Tanjirou is now wearing.

"What happened?" Rengoku asks, looking a little bit worried.

"A few of us should go with Tanjirou to the town from now on," Iguro says, confusing the other two even more.

"Why?" Uzui says, getting desperate and irritated. "Are the people there dangerous?"

"On the contrary... They're TOO FRIENDLY!"

Tanjirou honestly doesn't see a problem with that, he still doesn't know why Iguro is so upset over a gift.

They give him gifts all the time.

Tanjirou is really happy there and sometimes worries if he shouldn't think like that and instead think of that place as something temporary. He has tried to voice all his worries when he's with Nezuko, but she gives him the same response each time.

"The only way for us to move to another place would be if you wanted to and I'm sure the Pillars would beg you to stay."

"But–"

"Tanjirou," she cuts him off, smiling fondly before pulling him into her arms. "I can't talk about this too much because it's not my business but you need to understand that all the hashira are very, very fond of you. They'd never kick you out because I bet they want you to stay permanently with them."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Tanjirou moves away, but grins from ear to ear at his sister before joining the butterfly girls; he keeps himself busy by doing the house chores and tries to feel more at ease, even though part of him finds what Nezuko told him difficult to believe. Sure, the Pillars are very generous and kind (they have proven it a couple of times) but that doesn't mean they can't get tired of Tanjirou eventually.

Because there's nothing special about him.

He sighs and makes himself smile; at least he's sure they won't kick him or Nezuko out anytime soon and that's more than enough for him.

***

He likes the skirts Kanroji brings him, besides they're really comfortable to work in. Although Aoi rolls her eyes whenever she sees him wearing one of those and a couple of Pillars appear next to him to help him with the chores.

Tanjirou also enjoys going to the town; he's been there a couple of times but always with at least two hashira behind him.

"Are those your bodyguards, gorgeous?" A man behind a booth winks at him as Himejima and Shinazugawa are momentarily distracted talking with the butterfly girls.

"Of course not!" Tanjirou chuckles. "They're my friends!"

"That's a relief!" He grins from ear to ear, leaning over to get closer to Tanjirou. "So I was thinking... I'm not married, but I've been looking for someone and I thought–"

"No," Himejima suddenly appears behind Tanjirou, looking really menacing out of the sudden. He's not frowning and yet Tanjirou has the feeling he's not very happy at the moment. "The answer is 'No'."

"O-Okay," the man nods, taking a few steps back like he wants to hide in his own booth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to–"

"Let's go, Tanjirou," Shinazugawa scoops him up, before growling at the man and walking away from there as far as he can.

It's so weird that all the hashira are always very desperate to get out of the town as soon as possible. Tanjirou is not sure why they go with him in the first place (they can send someone else to protect him and the girls) if they despise it so much.

***

He starts to worry again when stumbles upon Nezuko talking with the Pillars a couple of times, however, each time they all stop as soon as someone notices Tanjirou.

She always looks so intense when she's speaking to them, whatever she's saying or trying to say must be really important because the hashira give her their undivided attention.

However, they don't look mad at her so he shouldn't worry, right? Even though it's obvious Nezuko is hiding something from him because each time he asks, she says it's just random things about the estate and the security around.

Then one day they call him; everyone's in the butterfly estate that day (at least every single one of the hashira) and Tanjirou wonders for a brief, but concerning moment, that if this is the day that he gets kicked out.

The Pillars look nervous; Kanroji is blushing to the tip of her ears and glancing from the ground to him, giggling like a schoolgirl.

"Tanjirou..." Even Kocho is a little bit flustered, which is a surprise. "We'd like you to consider starting a relationship with us."

"A romantic relationship," Tokito adds.

Tanjirou blinks a couple of times as he feels the blush spreading from his cheeks towards his neck. Honestly, he's not sure that is actually real.

"With all of you?" He blurts out, confused.

"Yes," Uzui nods, blushing a little as well. "And my wives... they love you too."

Tanjirou shivers at the word 'love' because he's always considered it a strong one. Do they really–

"But it's okay if you just want to date one or none of us," Tomioka assures him, even though he looks a little bit sad after saying it.

"This has nothing to do with you staying here. We'll keep protecting you and your sister and we'll still be your friends, if that's what you want." Himejima says.

Tanjirou's heart starts beating inside his chest like it wants to get out. His cheeks are still pink and his mind is trying to process everything at once.

However, a couple of things start making sense suddenly.

The burning feeling of his cheeks gets worse when he realizes that he is attracted to them, to all of them...

"It is really alright for me to... be with all of you? Are you okay with this?"

"Of course!" Rengoku assures him, looking like he's holding himself back from getting closer to Tanjirou. "We just want to be with you!"

Shyly, Tanjirou looks away and starts scratching his left cheek...

"Then I'd like to go on a couple of dates with you... I mean we need to be sure we're compatible–"

"We won't change our minds, if that's what you're implying," Shinazugawa narrows his eyes, prompting Kocho to roll her eyes at him.

"But we can go on a couple of dates... And if you don't want to be in a relationship with us after that, that's okay too," Iguro tells him.

Tanjirou still thinks they could change their minds as well, but he doesn't want to argue.

"Okay... Let's give it a try!"

They're so happy they gather around him to pull him into their arms (one at a time) and kiss him all over the face.

Tanjirou must admit he enjoys the physical affection a little bit too much.

They're very good to him. Each one decides to spend a whole day with him. Iguro and Kanroji have a date with him at the same time (because they also love each other) and Uzui brings his wives to the estate when it's his turn.

It's weird to suddenly get that much of attention (but not in a bad way)... Every date he gets flowers that he always chooses to plant in the backyard and take care of them, but he also gets all kinds of gifts, Shinazugawa makes ohagi for him...

He really wants to do something for them in return; of course Nezuko insists that his mere presence is enough and even though Tanjirou rolls his eyes at her, he must admit that he's more willing to believe that this time. Now that he knows that they love him.

"You know..." Kocho clears her throat, cheeks turning slightly pink as she moves her head away from Tanjirou's lap to look at him in the eyes. "It's... Uhh, I think we'd all appreciate it if you wore the bunny outfit again."

His old outfit from work... Tanjirou still has it with him. And even though he thinks part of it is cute (and tight) he never thought he looked good in it.

"Really?"

"Listen... We think you always look beautiful and attractive no matter what you wear," Kocho explains, prompting him to turn red in seconds. "But you are really... mesmerizing when you put that outfit on."

Suddenly some of the things his co-workers used to say about him make sense and some of his clients attitudes too. Tanjirou covers his face with both hands, feeling overwhelmed with shyness.

"However, if you don't like it or if you're uncomfortable, you don't have to do it. As I said, you look pretty with anything–"

"It's okay!" Tanjirou assures her. Actually, he never felt really uncomfortable wearing that, he just didn't think he looked good. "I'll do it!"

He waits for all of them to be in the estate; Nezuko helps him get ready, but she's constantly chuckling and smiling with amusement.

It starts worrying him.

"Do I look that bad?"

"On the contrary, my dear brother, I think you look so pretty you'll kill them for sure."

"Nezuko!"

"It's the truth!" She laughs and he can't help but laugh with her too.

Tanjirou sighs and stares down at himself; all the time he was working in the Red light District he never thought of himself as pretty, attractive or... sexy, not even when he was wearing that outfit.

"But listen... Don't let things escalate because you just started dating them, okay? I mean a couple of kisses is fine, but–"

"Nezuko!"

"They better not get too handsy..."

"Please stop!" Tanjirou groans, covering his face with both hands again.

"Sorry, Tanjirou, but I worry about you too, you know?" Nezuko says, although she doesn't look sorry at all.

However, Tanjirou appreciates the sentiment nonetheless.

***

"Tanjirou... The Pillars have arrived and they're waiting for you in the–" the boy who's delivering the message suddenly chokes as he looks up at him and turns completely red before his nose starts bleeding.

"Are you alright?"

Nezuko rolls her eyes.

"He's fine. Now go find your Pillars."

Some of the people around working inside the estate watch him walk in the hallway and gasp or start bumping into things...

Even Aoi turns slightly pink as she points at the room the hashira are in.

Although Tanjirou is still worried about the people in the hallway and considers checking if they're actually alright, but Aoi shakes her head.

"Don't worry about them."

Feeling a little bit nervous and shy out of the sudden, Tanjirou walks towards the room, takes a deep breath and slides the door open.

He doesn't know why he's so flustered, he's worn the bunny outfit many times before.

"I'm glad you're all here. I've missed you," he says, before kneeling on the ground without looking up.

However, the sudden silence worries him and Tanjirou turns his head up quickly.

They're just staring at him; Tanjirou worries because it looks like they're not blinking or even breathing for that matter. He's about to ask what's going on when he suddenly remembers there's someone who probably has no idea what's happening.

"Hi, Himejima-san," Tanjirou mumbles, feeling very shy.

"I told you to call me Gyomei, love."

Tanjirou turns bright red and he's not sure if it's because Himejima wants him to call him by his first name or because of the word 'love'.

Probably both.

"Can I sit on your lap?"

"You don't even have to ask."

Shyly, Tanjirou sits on Himejima's lap and starts nervously describing his outfit to him. He has to suppress a gasp when he finally feels the Pillar's big hands on his waist.

"This is very tight," Himejima observes before touching Tanjirou's thighs. "I bet you look gorgeous in it."

He shivers when the Pillar kisses him on the neck, reminding himself that he's actually dating ALL of them.

Part of him doesn't believe it.

"Oi! It's my turn!"

In the blink of an eye, Tanjirou's in Shinazugawa's arms, the hashira smirks before he squeezes Tanjirou's thighs as he bites the redhead's cheek gently.

"I do love your thighs. You look amazing with this..."

Even though Tanjirou makes a mortified sound, he realizes that he likes the attention.

"I'm really glad you decided to put it on, after all," Kocho whispers in his ear, sweetly pulling him towards her. "You're breathtaking, love."

When Tomioka kisses him in the center of his chest and Tanjirou feels his face like it's on fire, he thinks that maybe he was not that prepared for that kind of attention.

It's even worse when Kanroji starts placing quick kisses all the way from the back of his hand to his shoulder while Iguro finally takes his bandages off so he can bite Tanjirou's earlobe.

Tokito is shy at first, but he ends up enthusiastically tracing Tanjirou's back with his fingers.

"You have to wear this for my wives too," Uzui whispers against Tanjirou's lips before kissing him. He's surprisingly careful and patient.

Rengoku is different, he kisses Tanjirou like he's starving and the boy moans again (he's lost count of the times he's done that since he walked into the room). He feels the Pillar's fingers tugging lightly at his hair before looking up at those fiery eyes.

"Wait. Did you walk around the estate in this?"

"Just down the hallway..."

"Did someone see you?"

"Just a couple of people..."

Rengoku pulls him closer as the others protest, no one seems to like the idea.

"But a lot of people saw me in this when I worked in that place–"

"But now you're ours and we don't share," Rengoku whispers before kissing him again, this time taking Tanjirou's breath away.

He shouldn't like them being possessive, but he does, it makes him feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Tanjirou ends up with a lot of hickeys on his neck and shoulders, lips red and little bit swollen because of how many times they kissed him.

He goes back to his room with Rengoku's haori all over him. And he blushes even more when Nezuko looks at him.

"I don't know why I'm surprised..."

"Please don't say anything!"

***

The next day Tanjirou wears something that covers his neck and avoids skirts at all costs because he has marks of fingers on his legs.

The hashira are not that happy to see he made sure to hide all those love bites, but Tanjirou is too shy to have all the people in the estate know what happened.

However, they stop pouting after Tanjirou gives them a couple of kisses and hugs. They're so content they decide to make breakfast and tea.

He promises to wear the outfit more often, although maybe only on special occasions if that's the reaction he's going to get every single time he wears it.