Chapter Text
UNEXPECTED MEETING — CHAPTER #52 — NIGHT CONVERSATIONS
...
Dear Miss Tamayo,
First of all, I'm not even sure if this letter will reach you at all, since I know that you and Yushiro are in a new secret hiding place but I can try! I've been busy with a lot of things—mostly doing missions or training daily but I've managed to get the time to write you a letter. How have you been doing? Is everything alright? Is the research going good? How are Yushiro and Chachamaru? Are they fine? In any case, I'm glad that I get to write to you!
The missions have been getting more difficult with each passing day but nothing I can't manage. After the last time we saw each other, things have been mind-blowing! I've been sending you all the blood samples that I was able to get from the twelve demon moons. I hope they are useful for your research and experiments.
A lot of things have happened to me! I've fought the lowest and the highest of the lower moons! There was even one time where the third upper rank demon appeared (he's a bit acoustic but we don't talk about that)! We didn't defeat him but I'll get stronger so the next time I see him, I beat his face! The battles were really challenging but thanks to my friends, the people I've met and the demon slayer around me, we were able to win against them. Even though after each battle I end up getting wounded a lot, the good thing is that me and Nezuko have made so many friends along the way! There's this guy called Zenitsu—he's weird sometimes but unique in his own way (I suppose)! There's also Inosuke! I resented him a bit at first because he acted like an asshole (I admit he has a babygirl face nonetheless) but he ended up being such a nice person (nice in his own way). I've also become friends with Kanao, Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi, Naho, Senjuro, Mister Kanamori and Haganezuka! You know none of them but it doesn't matter. I even managed to befriend some of the Hashira! And mentioning that, the Headmaster Ubuyashiki told me to send his regards to you...? Do you two perhaps know each other? That's a bit shocking but not in a bad way! More like, in a cool way!
Anyways, talking about friends, there's someone I met. I met her right after you and I departed ways. Her name is (L/N) (Y/N). It was such a strange meeting. She was in the middle of nowhere with odd clothes. I got closer to her to ask if she needed help and can you guess what happened? She was a foreigner! She spoke english! I was so surprised but I refused to leave a defenseless girl alone. Things happened and she stayed by my side all the time, which I'm really grateful for. She learned Japanese fast but the surprising part was her abilities! Could you believe me if I told you that she defeated a demon with a frying pan? It sounds dumb but it's true! She also became a demon slayer without having to do the final selection! She's so capable and awesome! She's always full of surprises and she inspires me a lot but, she got tangled in this journey because of me—so I feel the need to protect her and stay by her side all the time, just like she did with me! She's good friends with Nezuko too! Isn't that nice? She gets along with almost everyone. I'm sure you and her could get along great! Well, that is if you two get to meet one day.
Oops, I got sidetracked writing, I apologize. I wrote you this letter to see how were you and Yushiro (and Chachamaru) doing. I hope all of you are fine and healthy. And I hope the research is going good as well! In any case, don't be afraid to ask me for something if you need it! I'll be more than glad to help! Thanks a lot for everything that you're doing, I really appreciate it. Remember to also take care of yourself!
I hope we'll be able to meet soon again but until then, good luck!
Sincerely,
Kamado Tanjiro.
'Shit.' You thought, feeling beads of nervous sweat forming on your forehead. The situation seemed utterly perplexing—how the fuck did you find yourself in this unfamiliar place? The lack of coherence in your surroundings only added to the confusion, leaving you at a loss for explanation. Panic set in as you contemplated how on earth you would justify your presence. This was not looking good.
"...!" A sharp gasp escaped Tamayo's lips, causing the pen she had been holding to clatter to the floor. The ensuing silence hung heavily in the air, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. While you grappled with the mystery of your sudden relocation from the butterfly mansion to this unknown room, Tamayo struggled to cope with the shock of your unanticipated appearance.
She, who had been engrossed in peaceful research and experiments just moments ago, now found herself facing the unexpected intrusion of a stranger into her space. The surreal nature of the situation left her bewildered. How had you seemingly teleported into her room out of nowhere?
Attempting to maintain her composure, Tamayo swallowed nervously. She understood the gravity of the situation—she didn't know who were you and what was your goal. Losing control could lead to consequences for Yushiro and even Chachamaru. With determination in her shaky eyes, she mustered the courage to address you, her fear and unease palpable. "Who... W-Who are you?" It was evident that her attempt at steadiness belied the turmoil beneath the surface.
'Alright, let's keep it cool!' Attempting to steady your racing heart, you reminded yourself to strike a balance between appearing calm and not overly nonchalant. It was crucial not to arouse suspicion in this bizarre situation; after all, a bad first impression could complicate matters. "I'm (L/N) (Y/N). Pleasure meeting you...?" You introduced yourself with a slight bow, aiming to convey respect and friendliness.
'(L/N)...?' The name sounded familiar but she couldn't remember from where she had heard that name. As Tamayo hesitated, you pressed on, determined to offer an explanation.
"I'm not sure how I came here, but I assure you, I don't have bad intentions! I promise!" You earnestly raised your hand, as if the gesture alone could convince her of your sincerity. Realizing the inadequacy of your words, you held onto hope, aware that convincing her in such a short span might be a challenge.
"..." Tamayo's suspicion lingered, her uncertainty apparent. Was there an ulterior motive behind your seemingly genuine words? Her feline companion, Chachamaru, sensing the tension, intervened by affectionately rubbing against Tamayo's leg before positioning themselves beside you. The cat's silent assurance seemed to ease Tamayo's apprehension, as they silently vouched for your innocence. "Meow!"
The unexpected ally in Chachamaru momentarily slowed Tamayo's racing heart. Could the cat be onto something? Still wary but slightly reassured, Tamayo cautiously introduced herself. "I'm Tamayo..."
'Oh god, that was so hot,' Yeah, there was always space for simping. Your internal admiration for her intensified, but you couldn't dwell on it for long. The situation demanded your attention. What should you do now? Keep the conversation going? Would it be weird? You knew she was still wary of you and you needed to somehow make her know that you were truly not a bad person and that you came here without understanding how.
Being busy with your thoughts and looking distracted—Tamayo, perhaps seeking additional assurances, discreetly hid her hand and pinched herself until releasing a small amount of blood to initiate her magical aroma of daylight technique.
'Good move.' Recognizing the tactic, you acknowledged its effectiveness, well-aware of its purpose from your fandom knowledge. If she was using her blood demon art to make you say the truth and not tell any lies, was she planning to interrogate you then? In any case, as long as you don't say anything like you come from another world or that they are characters from a made up story, then you'll be fine.
...
Or at least you hope you'll be fine. God, you are going to need to make sure to not spill anything unnecessary or then you'll be really fucked.
As Tamayo questioned your nature, you chose to be straightforward. "So... are you perhaps a demon by any chance?" You inquired without hesitation, feeling the urge to be transparent in return.
Caught off guard by your swift understanding, she quickly drew into a conclusion. "I assume you are a demon slayer then?"
"Yes, I am madam! My rank is Kanoto!" You proclaimed loudly, the influence of her technique compelling you to reveal the truth. Despite feeling an increasing compulsion to talk, you resisted the temptation to divulge unnecessary details. The need to navigate this conversation with caution became apparent; any misstep could prove disastrous! Be strong, (Y/N)!
"If you're a demon slayer," She began, her voice dropping a few ominous notches as her aura underwent a noticeable change. "Does that mean you're going to kill me—"
"I would never hurt a beauty like you!" You blurted out, a bit too enthusiastically, unable to contain the unintended effect of Tamayo's blood demon art, which had evidently lowered your defenses.
The awkward pause that followed left Tamayo utterly dumbfounded. You felt a heat rising to your cheeks and attempted to recover from your unintentional outburst. Smacking your lips, you feigned a cough and rephrased your response. "I-I meant to say, I have no ill intentions. Yes, I'm a demon slayer, but I don't hate demons completely. I understand most of their circumstances," You explained swiftly, your embarrassment evident. "I even have a demon friend! Her name is Nezuko! She's very nice!"
"E-Eh?" Tamayo's shoulders dropped in surprise at the mention of Nezuko. The sudden revelation seemed to catch her off guard. "Do you perchance know the Kamados?"
"I am! We're close friends, you could say!" You chuckled, picking up Chachamaru, who had been faithfully by your side. Cradling the cat in your arms, you casually began to pet them, a calculated move to ease the tension. Smoothly, you inched a bit closer to Tamayo. "Are you friends with them too?"
"...Yes, I've met them some time ago. They're very nice, as you said." With the confirmation that you were friends with Tanjiro and Nezuko, she visibly calmed herself, the information providing a semblance of reassurance.
'Hehehe, got it!' You couldn't help but smirk, silently reveling in the success of your plan. By strategically revealing your connection to the Kamados, you had gained an advantage. Tamayo, now aware of your association with her acquaintances, seemed to be reevaluating the potential threat you posed. It was a subtle victory in the ongoing exchange, leaving you mentally amused at your tactical maneuver.
"Yeah, well, returning to the original topic," You sighed, taking a moment to gather your thoughts. "I have no intentions of hurting you or anything of the sort! Before arriving here, I was in a place called the butterfly mansion. I was simply resting since just a few days ago, I was involved in a battle against the upper moon six alongside Tanjiro, Nezuko, and other allies."
"W-What?! Upper rank six?!" Tamayo gasped, clearly not expecting such information. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Did you—wait, um—" Tamayo seemed overwhelmed with questions, struggling to find a starting point. "First of all, are you and the Kamados alright?" She exhibited a modest concern for your well-being.
"Haha, I am! Thanks for asking!" You couldn't help but appreciate her genuine worry, finding it heartwarming that she cared despite your unfamiliarity with each other. "As for Tanjiro, he's in a coma, but he's completely fine... I think. And Nezuko, I haven't seen her since then, but I'm sure she's okay."
"That's... good to hear." Relief washed over her as she absorbed the news that Tanjiro and Nezuko hadn't suffered severe injuries, at least according to your account. However, the most crucial question lingered. "Did you... Did you manage to defeat them?" She asked with a mix of nervousness and anxiety.
"Ehhh, more or less," You replied nonchalantly, absentmindedly playing with Chachamaru's paws to alleviate some of your own tension.
"...What do you mean more or less?" Tamayo tilted her head, clearly intrigued yet uncertain about the accuracy of your statement.
"Well, haha!" You chuckled nervously, realizing that your response might be a bit shocking. "You could say that some things happened, and now the upper moon six are on our side, ready to fight against Muzan...?" The revelation hung in the air, leaving an air of uncertainty as Tamayo processed the unexpected turn of events.
...
"What!?" Tamayo gasped in disbelief, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as shock washed over her. You gulped, anticipating her response to the unexpected revelation about the upper moon six joining forces against Muzan. Before she could utter a word, the door burst open with a forceful swing.
Yushiro stormed in, his eyes wide with disbelief and his voice piercing through the room. "WHATTT?!" He exclaimed, his scream echoing in the chamber. Tamayo and you both turned towards the entrance, startled by the sudden intrusion.
Yushiro's eyes flickered between you and Tamayo, suspicion etched across his face. He had heard the commotion from afar, and his instincts had propelled him to rush to Tamayo's side. As he absorbed the information about the upper moon six, his shock only deepened.
"What the fuck is happening here?!" Yushiro demanded, his tone edged with a mix of concern and agitation. Before you could respond, he swiftly positioned himself in front of Tamayo, acting as a protective barrier. His eyes bore into yours, and he hissed. "Explain yourself, outsider! Who are you?!"
You gulped, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The protective stance Yushiro assumed indicated that he perceived you as a potential threat. "P-Please, calm down," You pleaded, attempting to ease the tension.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Yushiro's gaze remained sharp and unyielding. "Explain why you're here and how you know about these matters! I won't let any harm befall onto Miss Tamayo!" He declared, his stance unwavering.
Nervously, you tried to reassure him. "Look, I'm not an enemy. I come in peace. I somehow ended up here, and I was just trying to explain myself. I'm even friends with Tanjiro and Nezuko, and I have no ill intentions."
Yushiro's skepticism only deepened. "You're friends with them? Like I care! Do you want an award or something, hoe? That doesn't automatically make you trustworthy!" He retorted, keeping his protective stance in place.
'Shit!' You cursed inwardly, recognizing the difficulty of convincing Yushiro that you meant no harm. Sweat formed on your forehead as you nervously smiled, desperately searching for the right words to defuse the situation.
Not willing to waste any time, Yushiro determined that you were far too suspicious to let off the hook. Adopting a battle stance, he prepared to confront you—possibly even resort to lethal force. However, just as he was about to make his move, a gentle hand on his shoulder restrained him. "...huh? Miss Tamayo?"
"Yushiro," She called out to him with a soft tone, causing his face to flush at the physical contact. "I truly appreciate what you're doing, but... it's okay. You don't need to harm her."
"HUH?! EXCUSE ME, BUT WHAT?!" Yushiro exclaimed, bewildered. "M-Miss Tamayo, are you sure?! I would never doubt you, but I doubt this obnoxious woman! What if it's a trap?!"
'Am I obnoxious?' You asked yourself with a pout.
Tamayo remained silent for a moment before speaking again, her voice tinged with hesitation. "You can calm down. I..." She paused, turning to look at you, locking eyes. You felt a twinge of nervousness as it seemed Tamayo was peering into your soul. "...I trust her. I sense she doesn't have ill intentions, and in fact, she's friends with the Kamados, as she mentioned before."
"How do you even know that? Did she tell you?" Yushiro questioned, maintaining his guard. "What if she's lying!?"
"She's not," She quickly replied. "Tanjiro not long ago sent me a letter. He mentioned her as his and Nezuko's friend. That's enough to reassure me that she's not lying." She recalled seeing your name in the letter Tanjiro sent her after his battle against Enmu and Akaza on the Mugen Train.
"..." You couldn't help but feel a bit touched by Tamayo and Tanjiro's trust, though you remained silent, not wanting to complicate the situation.
"And even if Tanjiro hadn't mentioned her in his letter, it wouldn't matter since I've observed that she has been honest and hasn't lied to me even once," Tamayo concluded, leaving Yushiro dumbfounded at her conviction.
"But still!" Yushiro pleaded once again, sounding more desperate. "I don't trust her! She just suddenly arrived out of nowhere! How can she explain that?!"
"I think I've deciphered what happened," Tamayo said, directing your attention to Chachamaru, still nestled in your arms. Both you and Yushiro were puzzled by her statement but followed her gaze to the culprit. "Our little friend here might be at fault. While visiting Tanjiro to ensure he was okay, they might've accidentally stumbled upon you, using one of their abilities, which includes teleportation."
"HUH?!" You exclaimed. "THIS CAT CAN DO THAT?!" You were clearly unaware of this teleportation other people ability, wondering if it was even mentioned in the Taisho Secrets that Chachamaru possessed such a skill. Chachamaru responded by gazing at you and affectionately licking your finger, adding an unexpected twist to the unfolding situation.
As the atmosphere settled, Tamayo continued her explanation about their unique abilities. "Chachamaru is an ordinary cat, but thanks to Yushiro's blood demon art, they have gained the extraordinary ability to teleport or turn invisible." She elaborated. You couldn't help but marvel at the supernatural aspects of this demon cat, prompting a subtle grin from Tamayo.
Turning her attention to Yushiro, who was still processing the situation, Tamayo spoke assertively. "That's why (Y/N) simply arrived here by accident and has no intentions of harm or aggression...I hope that's the case."
"T-Tamayo...!" You responded with teary eyes, grateful for her understanding and warmth. However, your moment of vulnerability was abruptly interrupted as Yushiro, feeling a need to assert himself, smacked you on the face. "OUCH!"
"Hey! It's lady or Miss Tamayo! Have more respect, you jerk!" Yushiro scolded you, his irritation evident in his tone. "AND DO NOT LOOK AT HER LIKE THAT!"
"Yushiro! You must not do things like that!" Tamayo scolded him, her disapproval clear. Chachamaru hissed at him, adding to the chastisement.
"I'm sorry, Miss Tamayo (🥺)." Yushiro mumbled, somewhat shyly, clearly uncomfortable with her being upset with him nor being in her bad side.
"I really apologize for his behavior." Tamayo expressed, a sense of guilt in her voice.
"No worries!" You smiled, brushing off the incident with a resilient spirit.
"Yushiro, this is (L/N) (Y/N)," Tamayo introduced you once again, prompting you to bow slightly. "You should do the same." She encouraged him, though his compliance was reluctant at best.
"Ugh..." Yushiro rolled his eyes but eventually offered a begrudging nod of acknowledgment. He looked at you with a hint of annoyance. "I'm Yushiro. And just so you know, if I see you doing something suspicious, I won't hesitate to attack, okay?!"
'Oh gosh! He's so pretty!' Your thoughts momentarily derailed as you found yourself fangirling over the rather stern but undoubtedly attractive character. You were so engrossed in your admiration that you paid little attention to his threats.
"Now that we've introduced ourselves and cleared any misunderstandings," Tamayo gently clasped her hands together, redirecting the focus. "(Y/N), I'm curious about what you were saying earlier."
"About Upper Moon Six?" She nodded. "Oh, okay! I can tell you anything you want!" You responded enthusiastically, eager to share your information and contribute to the ongoing conversation.
"Good." Tamayo murmured, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "It would be more comfortable to speak in another place, such as the living room."
"Then, I'll be in your care." You said, finally releasing Chachamaru. Carrying them for so long had made your arms sore, and the cat seemed to pout, missing the attention they were getting in your arms. Unfortunately, you were too preoccupied to notice.
"Wait. Don't walk here." Tamayo's sudden warning made you freeze in your tracks.
"Eh? Why?" You tilted your head in confusion.
"The floor here is filled with pieces of crystals, and you're barefoot." Tamayo explained. When you arrived, she was holding a crystal vase, but your sudden appearance caused her to drop it, shattering it into pieces now scattered around. "You could hurt yourself."
"Ah, right." You scratched your neck, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Should I help? What do I do?"
"Do not worry. I'm going to clean first, and while I'm at it, Yushiro can help you go to the living roo—"
"MISS TAMAYO! I'M DONE CLEANING!" Yushiro eagerly announced with a triumphant smile. In a matter of seconds, he had efficiently cleaned the floor, and nobody realized.
"Oh, Yushiro! You didn't have to do that..." Tamayo said, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt.
Yushiro shook his head quickly, a wide grin on his face. "It's okay! It would never be a problem to help you with something!" It was the happiest you had seen him in the entire plot.
"Why, thank you." Tamayo smiled at him, and you swore you saw his eyes get teary.
"Damn," You murmured, feeling shocked. "This is what a good pussy does to a motherfucker."
"HEY! I DIDN'T HEAR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT I BET IT WAS WEIRD, RIGHT?!" Yushiro yelled at you, making you jump by surprise. He actually didn't hear what you said but his Tamayo senses were telling him to make you shut up. "I'LL KILL YOU!"
"Oh my god!" You ran and hid behind Tamayo, scared of the demon doing something to you.
"Yushiro, behave yourself, please." She scolded him again, feeling bad that you were already having a hard time.
"Okay, Miss Tamayo (🥺)." He gave her puppy eyes, and she turned around to take you to the living room. As soon as she was distracted, Yushiro shot you a gaze that could kill anyone. You felt shivers down your spine. You remained close to Tamayo, still scared of what he might do.
As the three of you walked, you turned to look at Yushiro behind you, feeling as if he was going to burn a hole in your back. "Hey!" He whispered-yelled at you. "Get away from Miss Tamayo! Who do you think you are to be walking close to her? Even breathing the same air as her, you scum!"
"Well, what am I supposed to do?!" You cried and yelled silently. "You're going kill me the moment Tamayo isn't looking—"
"YOU DONKEY! IT'S MISS OR LADY TAMAYO!" He yelled, grabbing your ear and pulling it as a form of punishment.
"Ahhhh! My ear!!" You whined.
"Mhm? Is something wrong?" Tamayo turned around to look at you both. Yushiro quickly stopped pulling your ear, putting his hands behind his back like an innocent child.
"O-Oh, nothing, Miss Tamayo (🥺)." She nodded, and you kept walking. The house was quite big and had large hallways. Your contemplation on how they managed to find such a place was interrupted when you felt Yushiro's killer gaze drilling into you.
Not wanting to cause any ruckus, you decided to stick your tongue out at him as a form of insult. "Bleh!"
"...!" Yushiro gasped at the audacity. "You bi—"
Tamayo suddenly interjected, diverting the focus to you. Yushiro, attentive to Tamayo's voice, immediately straightened up. "So, (Y/N)." She began. "Could you share more about yourself while we're on our way? If it's not too much trouble, of course."
"Absolutely!" You eagerly agreed, recognizing the opportunity to dispel any suspicions they might have. "What would you like to know?"
"Nothing too profound. Perhaps you could start by telling us how you met the Kamados or how you joined the Demon Slayer Corps?" Tamayo suggested, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity and interest. Though her back was turned, you could sense her engagement in the conversation.
You pondered for a moment, mindful not to divulge certain details that couldn't be easily explained, such as the mysterious circumstances surrounding your initial encounter with Tanjiro on the road. The thought crossed your mind—was Tamayo's Blood Demon Art still in effect? If you were under its influence, the truth would have spilled out already. However, it seemed she had ceased using it, adding to the enigma.
Suddenly, a kick to your back interrupted your thoughts. Suppressing a sigh, you knew all too well who the culprit was. Annoyed, you whispered, "What do you want?"
Yushiro, with a scolding tone, admonished you, expressing his desire to tear your head off. "If Miss Tamayo asks you something, you should respond right away! Where are your manners, you commoner!?"
You couldn't help but roll your eyes at Yushiro's intensity, choosing to ignore him. Shaking off the distraction, you decided to craft a whimsical tale that, while entertaining, would help conceal the more complicated truth. "Well, I used to be really into exploring different countries and stuff. I loved traveling abroad. One day, I was on this train, and it crashed. I blacked out, and when I woke up, I was in the middle of nowhere! That's when I stumbled upon Tanjiro, and let me tell you, it was all so confusing because I was lost, and the funny part is, I'm a foreigner! So, at the time, I didn't speak Japanese; I only knew English."
Tamayo, visibly surprised by the unusual story, responded, "Oh, that must have been chaotic."
"Yeah, and the stress of being lost and not understanding anything he said made me burst into tears the moment he walked away. I guess he felt sorry for me and decided to keep me company and help me out. From there, a lot of things happened, and well, you could say we stuck together all the way..." You paused, reflecting on the memories.
If you could have told your past self that you'd be recounting this story to Tamayo and Yushiro, it would have seemed utterly unbelievable. Even saying it out loud felt surreal.
You hadn't really had a moment to process the entire situation. The fact that you used to watch Demon Slayer videos and edits, wishing to teleport into that world, now you were walking alongside Tamayo and Yushiro, was beyond comprehension.
The realization that the first character you encountered here was Tanjiro, and that he had allowed you to stay by his side all this time, was something that still hadn't fully sunk in—
Oh wait, you're getting distracted.
"And yeah, we met some other guys who became our friends. I joined them on missions, and in one of them, I managed to defeat a lower-rank demon with a frying pan. I guess that impressed them enough to let me become a demon slayer without going through the final selection. Since then, we've been together on various missions and everything." You finished explaining, opting for a detailed summary rather than delving into the complexities.
"Wow..." Tamayo exclaimed with a small smile. "You've been through a lot in a short time."
"Yeah," You nodded.
"...It's good to see that you and Tanjiro are close friends. It's nice."
'Close friends?' You briefly thought. "Um, yeah. You could say that!"
'Are we just going to ignore that she said she defeated a demon with a frying pan...?' Yushiro deadpanned in his mind, surprised by this revelation.
'Is she usually this carefree? She has told us a lot without hesitating even once...' Tamayo pondered, intrigued. The fact that your account aligned with Tanjiro's letter reassured her that you weren't fabricating the story.
After traversing a considerable distance, you three finally reached the living room. The unexpected distance surprised you a bit, but you brushed it off. The living room bore a striking resemblance to the one Tanjiro had interacted with in the anime, albeit a tad fancier.
"I apologize for making you walk so much." Tamayo expressed a hint of shame.
"No worries! It's not a lot!" You reassured her, wearing a silly smile as you rubbed the back of your neck. Tamayo chuckled at your carefree demeanor, inciting a glare of anger and jealousy from Yushiro.
"So," Tamayo clasped her hands together. "If you don't mind, (Y/N), I would like to prepare some tea for you. As our guest, it would be my pleasure."
You blinked a few times, laughing nervously. "O-Oh, there's no need! I'm totally okay!"
"No, I insist. It will be my pleasure." Tamayo smiled with her eyes closed. "It will just take me a couple of minutes. In the meantime," she turned to Yushiro. "keep her company until I return. Can you do that for me?"
"O-Of course, Miss Tamayo (🥺)." Yushiro bowed, slightly flustered.
"Good. I'll be right back." Tamayo left the room, leaving you and Yushiro in an awkward silence. You gulped, unsure of how to initiate a conversation with the intense and difficult character you admired.
Should you try to make small talk? This could be your chance to at least become acquaintances with him.
Clearing your throat, you began. "So—"
"Don't bother yourself." He harshly interrupted, arms crossed, prompting you to gaze at him with doe-like eyes.
"...huh?" You tilted your head.
"I don't know what your real deal is, but I don't trust you. Not one bit!" He declared, his eyes scrutinizing your every move. "You might've convinced Miss Tamayo, but not me! I'm only tolerating you because Miss Tamayo told me to, but the moment I see you doing something suspicious, I won't hesitate to kill you! Alright?" He pointed at you, irritation evident on his face.
'Hmmh... valid.' You decided to remain silent until he finished, knowing you had no reason to fear since Yushiro himself admitted he would only harm you if you attacked first.
"You're weird. Really weird. Your weirdness is creeping me out! You're a demon slayer, yet you're not attacking us? Such petty lies. I bet you're just waiting for the perfect moment to strike! I'm right, aren't I?"
"Hmh..." You thought aloud to humor him. "You're not right!" You smiled.
"Oh? You're saying I'm wrong." A vein popped on his neck.
"Yeah." You stuck your tongue out.
"Bitc—"
"Don't worry. I really have no bad intentions!" You reassured, allowing yourself to relax as you vaguely scanned the room. "I don't kill all the demons I see, since I believe that not all demons are bad. And I know for a fact that you and Tamayo aren't bad at all. So I don't have any plans of killing you."
"..." Yushiro's shoulders lowered a bit, taken aback by your unexpected response. You don't kill demons because you think good demons exist? Is that naïveté or something else?
"Believe me or not, I'm telling the truth. No lies here." You raised both of your hands to signify your peaceful intentions. "I think good demons exist, and that redemption is possible! It's not like all demons became one willingly, so, um, that's that."
Yushiro continued to scrutinize you as Chachamaru jumped onto your lap, ready to take a nap. The cat seemed to trust you, a detail Yushiro couldn't ignore. After a few moments of silence, he sighed audibly, furrowing his brows. He took a few steps closer, sitting on the floor while maintaining a considerable distance.
"I still don't trust you, dumb woman." He declared, eyes closed and arms crossed. He opened his eyes, rolling them. "But you're safe. FOR NOW!"
"Okay." You snickered, pleased with the small progress. "You want to talk about something?"
"No."
"Alright, so you like Tamayo?" You blurted out.
"W-WHAT?!" He choked on air, utterly flustered. Wide-eyed, he looked at you, words failing him. "W-What are y-you babbling about?!"
"Just asking! Do you like her?" You continued with a teasing smile, already aware of the answer.
"I-I—"
"You like her, don't you~? Hahaha!" You grabbed your cheeks, teasingly looking at him. Yushiro's face turned as red as a tomato, unable to respond. He looked down, playing with his fingers, a flustered and overwhelmed expression taking over him.
"I've arrived," Tamayo made her presence known, holding tea and some fancy cups. She noticed Yushiro's red face and, concerned, placed the items on the floor before kneeling close to him. "Yushiro! Are you feeling unwell?" She asked, worried.
Hearing her voice, Yushiro broke from his trance, gazing at her and shaking his head intensely. "N-No, Miss Tamayo! I'm very fine!" He stuttered a bit, but that was okay.
"Are you sure?" She asked for confirmation, making him nod his head rapidly.
"Don't worry, Tamayo!" You said smiling, catching her attention. "He's only like that because I asked him if he liked y—"
"NOO! SHUT UP, YOU FREAK!" He yelled at you, flustered.
"Hahaha!" You laughed, a tear coming out from your eye. "He became so embarrassed when I said that he liked y—"
"SHUT UP ALREADY!" He threw himself at you, using his hands to cover your mouth. "MISS TAMAYO, IGNORE THIS FREAK!"
"T-Tamayo—mhmh!!" You couldn't keep talking, only hysterically laughing at the situation.
"D-Don't worry Miss Tamayo! Everything is alright!" Yushiro, still overwhelmed by the moment, couldn't stop his face from turning redder and redder by each passing second. "She's just acting a bit—EW WHAT THE FUCK!? DID YOU JUST LICKED MY HAND?! EWWWWWWW!!" He separated his hand from your mouth after you licked it, making him gag in disgust.
Licking Yushiro's hand was not in your bucket list but, hooray!
"You obnoxious woman! You're a freak! A creep! A WEIRDO!" He started throwing insults at you at random, feeling flustered by the fact that his secret was about to be spilled out and also for the fact that you licked his hand.
"Shut up, you twink." You stuck your tongue out at him.
"GR—NOW THAT DOES IT!" He was about to throw hands at you. You prepared yourself to fight; you were no pussy. Even Chachamaru prepared themselves by hissing at the demon. But, before any of you could start the fight, something interrupted you three from doing so.
"Pff,"
An angelic, melodic sound.
"Hahaha," Tamayo's graceful laugh made all of you go silent. The poor woman seemed to be laughing so much that she tried covering her mouth, but that was not enough since the sounds of pure joy were still obvious. Her cheeks were a bit pink, showcasing her delight.
'Beautiful...' The three of you (even Chachamaru) thought, being in awe of her.
"O-Oh god, I'm so sorry." She felt ashamed for laughing out loud, trying to stop, but it was futile. Now it was her turn to be flustered by the situation.
"Don't be Miss Tamayo..." Yushiro said by reflex, being distracted by the weird sight of her laughing so genuinely.
"Wow, she's so pretty..." You felt the same as him.
"I know—WAIT, YOU CAN'T SAY THAT!" Yushiro scolded you.
"I really apologize for laughing..." Tamayo said, now calmer. She wiped away a tear that was about to spill from her eye. "It was very rude of me. It's just... since when have the two of you become so close?" She asked with pure delight.
"HUH?! CLOSE?! WITH HER? AS IF!" Yushiro huffed, offended. "Rather drop dead."
"I'm really sorry (Y/N)," She bowed a little. "I know Yushiro can be a bit intense and impulsive, but even though what he says can be very harsh, he doesn't mean everything that comes out of his mouth. He's a nice person." She smiled at you.
You laughed in response. "It's okay! It's fun anyway."
You saw how Yushiro's face turned flustered by Tamayo's words. "It would be nice if you two could become friends."
"Alright! I have no problems with being friends!" You smirked at him, making him get mad.
"GH—STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!"
"Whatever you say, dear friend."
"STOP THAT!" He got shivers from the way you said it and hugged himself.
Tamayo laughed, happy to see that he was getting along with someone rather than herself. She usually felt sad because she thought of herself as the cause of Yushiro not being able to have any friends.
"Hey," Suddenly, she felt her kimono getting tugged. She looked down and saw you there. She was still standing, and you were sitting on the floor. "If it's not too much to ask for, I would also like to become friends with you!" You said with shining eyes and a bit shy at your request.
"...!" Her eyes widened at your unexpected and sudden request. You wanted to be friends with her? How odd was that...? "Um..." You saw how Tamayo got a bit shy too but nonetheless, accepted your request.
"I... I would be very glad to become friends too." You smiled and took her hand, feeling amazed that now you were friends with her.
Yushiro started getting mad after seeing how touchy-touchy you were becoming with her, but without him expecting it, you also took his hand. You happily smiled at him. He was about to insult you but stopped when he saw how happy Tamayo looked right now. Seeing her like that made him restrain himself from possibly ruining this moment and with a huff, accepted holding hands with you for now.
Okay, now you're friends with Tamayo and Yushiro. Awesome!
After that heartwarming moment, the three of you settled on the floor, and Tamayo graciously served a fragrant Sencha tea. "This type of green tea is called Sencha. It's made from tea leaves and is known for its grassy flavor and aroma. I hope it's to your liking."
"Thank you!" You quickly expressed your gratitude, relieved to finally have something to drink as thirst began to creep in.
"Is the flavor pleasing?" Tamayo inquired, sipping from her own cup. Oddly enough, despite being demons unable to consume human food, they could still enjoy tea.
"Delicious!" You beamed at her, and she mirrored your smile.
"Stop getting distracted!" Yushiro suddenly interjected, slamming his fist onto the floor. "Remember that you need to tell us about Upper Moon Six! Did you forget already?"
"Oh, yeah!" You admitted, realizing you had completely forgotten the reason for your presence.
"Please, feel free to start at any moment." Tamayo encouraged you, genuine curiosity and interest evident in her eyes.
"Well," You began, preparing for a lengthy narrative. "it all started when the Sound Hashira requested my friends for a mission..."
—————————————————————————
"And after our um—kiss, I convinced her and her brother to join our side! It was very chaotic to convince the others though to accept them but it all worked out, hahaha!"
...
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Yushiro yelled, not believing any of this. Tamayo was simply dumbfounded, unable to comprehend completely everything that you said. "You basically seduced a fucking upper moon! You damn Bimbo!"
"BIM—PFFFF!" You choked on your tea and spilled it. You have never been called a Bimbo before! Tamayo gasped at his words.
"Yushiro! Do not call her that! It's disrespectful!" She scolded him with a look of shock on her face.
"Ah—sorry Miss Tamayo (🥺)." He apologized even though, he didn't really mean it.
"FIRST! IM NOT A BIMBO!" You quickly defended yourself.
Yushiro nodded his head with a deadpanning look. "Yeah, whatever you say."
"SECOND, I DID NOT SEDUCED HER! IT WAS PURE LOVE, I think."
"Yeah! You purely seduced the fuck out of her!" He stuck his tongue out at you, making you clench your fists.
"SHUT UP!"
"NAH, YOU SHUT UP!"
In the midst of your intense battle with Yushiro, Tamayo appeared deeply absorbed in her thoughts, her fingers pressed against her chin, a determined expression etched across her face. As you struggled to recount the events, your attention was torn between the ongoing skirmish and Tamayo's contemplative demeanor. "And after that? What happened?"
"Oh!" With Yushiro firmly pinching your cheek, you turned to Tamayo, facing the challenging task of relaying the details. "After that," You began. "I managed to convince the Hashiras to conduct a trial with the Headmaster to determine the fate of Daki and Gyutaro. Fortunately, I emerged victorious, and they were spared. Now, they've pledged to work alongside the demon slayers. However, I haven't seen them since the trial's conclusion. They're in a room with Nezuko, and I passed out shortly after the trial ended. That pretty much sums everything."
"Everything, huh..." She muttered to herself, seemingly lost in her thoughts, while you were trying to stop Yushiro from ripping off your cheek. Blinking a few more times, she asked, "...And what about that man...?"
"That man..." You repeated. "Are you referring to Muzan?"
She nodded. "Yes. Are you perhaps... not afraid of him? What about demons..?"
"Well," Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, you acknowledged. "Honestly... I am afraid of Muzan. But more than that, I'm more afraid at the prospect of nothing changing. What I did was risky, but I'm willing to take those risks for the sake of a better future, to put an end to Muzan once and for all."
"..." Tamayo remained silent, her eyes revealing a multitude of unspoken thoughts. Her parted lips suggested a deep contemplation, as if the world around her had faded away, leaving only you as the focal point.
Suppressing a smirk, you continued with a touch of dramatic flair, acknowledging the cliché nature of your words in the anime setting. "I believe everyone can change, even demons. Quick judgments won't lead us anywhere. I have no regrets about saving Daki and Gyutaro, and I'll never regret offering another chance to those who were once human. When the opportunity arises, I'll kick Muzan's ass—count on it!"
...
The tension in the air lingered, as Tamayo absorbed your words, and you couldn't help but wonder how your bold declaration resonated with her.
Although your speech may have initially seemed unconventional, its sincerity struck a chord with both Tamayo and Yushiro. The notion of someone openly advocating for giving demons a second chance was unexpected yet strangely resonant with their own unspoken desires. Your genuine demeanor, coupled with that infectious smile, proved to be more than mere surface charm; Tamayo found herself on the verge of tears, a sentiment she skillfully concealed.
After a composed sigh, Tamayo locked eyes with you, taking a moment to choose her words carefully. "(Y/N)." She began, drawing your attention.
"Hmm?" You responded, curious about her proposal.
"I want to suggest something to you." She continued, gauging your reaction. You nodded, prompting her to elaborate. "I would like for you and us to work together."
The shock on your faces was palpable, and Yushiro's tea went airborne, staining the surroundings as he coughed in surprise. Stunned, you struggled to process the unexpected proposition.
"EHHHHHHH?? / WHATTT?!" You and Yushiro exclaimed simultaneously, the latter choking on his spilled tea. The suddenness of Tamayo's proposal left you in disbelief.
"W-Work with you two?" You questioned, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, that's what I said." Tamayo affirmed, unfazed.
"M-M-Miss Tamayo! Are you sure this is alright!? This is TOO sudden!" Yushiro nervously questioned, his concern directed more at your trustworthiness than Tamayo's.
Tamayo chuckled at his reaction, understanding the skepticism. "I trust her simply because I do."
"Huh?" Yushiro deadpanned.
"(Y/N) has an aura that is very..." Tamayo paused to look at you, choosing her words thoughtfully. "Pure. She's someone who I find trustworthy and honest. She has a comforting presence, one that makes you feel good and warm." A self-satisfied smile played on her lips, causing you to blush at her praise. "I also want to defeat that man, and to achieve it, we must try new things and take risks."
"Tamayo..." You murmured, tears welling up. Yushiro furrowed his brows but remained silent.
"Listen well," She continued, her tone becoming more serious. "Since I met Tanjiro, he has been collecting the blood of the demons he fights and bringing them to me with Chachamaru's help. I would like for you to collect Daki's and Gyutaro's blood, and if possible, the blood from any other Upper Moon. I have been working on a medicine, a kind of drug to defeat him for good, but I'll need your help for it to work."
Anxiety hung in the air as Tamayo awaited your response. Would you reject or accept her proposition? Even Yushiro was on edge, anticipating your answer.
Unable to pass up such an opportunity, you exclaimed. "Yeah! Why not? That'll be awesome!"
...
"I'll be more than glad to help in any way I can!" Your immediate acceptance was evident, and you expressed eagerness to contribute in any way possible. Yushiro and Tamayo stood there dumbfounded, utterly flabbergasted by the speed and ease with which you embraced the proposition.
'Wow... I think I'm more worried about how naive she is...' Yushiro thought to himself, grappling with the disbelief that someone as trusting as you could exist.
Tamayo rose from her seat, gesturing for you to do the same. With a gentle smile, she took your hands in hers, wrapping them with a tenderness that solidified the alliance. "Thank you for this. I really mean it."
"It's my pleasure! I should be the one thanking you!" You beamed at her, feeling the intensity of Yushiro's disapproving gaze burning into your back.
Proximity allowed Tamayo to scrutinize your appearance, and one detail that caught her attention was the presence of dark circles under your eyes. Concerned for your well-being, she couldn't help but express it. "Have you been sleeping alright? I see that you have dark circles under your eyes..."
"Oh, ignore that, it's nothing." You quickly reassured her, but Tamayo remained unconvinced. "Recently, I've been having trouble sleeping because of a weird dream I had not so long ago... I'm working on it, though." As you explained, Tamayo couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for you.
"Oh, shit." The mention of your earlier promise to Uzui about returning to your shared room soon jogged your memory. "U-Um, I'm sorry, but I really need to go now!" You said nervously, imagining the various scenarios Uzui might be conjuring in his mind. He probably is thinking that you're dead or that maybe you're in the bathroom taking a big fat piece of shit.
"It's fine. Here." With delicacy, Tamayo handed you Chachamaru. "This should be enough."
"Alright!" You smiled at them. "It was such a nice meeting! I hope to see you soon again!"
"It was nice meeting you too, (Y/N)." Tamayo gently mirrored your smile, making you giggle. You both fell silent, waiting for Yushiro to speak. Without a word, Tamayo placed her hand on Yushiro's shoulder, prompting a resigned sigh from him.
"...Take care, obnoxious woman." He muttered between his teeth.
"That's it then! See you soon—"
"Wait," Tamayo interrupted, causing you to pause. She placed a small, cute purple bag in your free hand. It made you tilt your head in confusion.
"What's this?" You asked.
"Don't worry." She reassured you. "Open it when you have difficulties sleeping."
And with that, Chachamaru initiated the teleportation. The last images etched into your memory were Tamayo's gentle smile as she waved at you and Yushiro's gaze, once harsh, now holding a hint of delight.
———————————————————————
Upon your return to the butterfly mansion, a sense of familiarity enveloped you. It was as if you had never left, positioned exactly where you were before your departure. With a tender smile, you bid farewell to Chachamaru, offering a gentle petting before they meowed in response and vanished, leaving you in solitude.
Making your way back to the shared room, you observed the tranquil scene of everyone peacefully asleep. The only available space happened to be beside Uzui, and without much contemplation, you settled in next to him, making yourself comfortable. Anticipating a swift descent into slumber, you waited, only to find that sleep remained elusive.
Shit.
Frustration settled in, but then you recalled the small bag Tamayo had given you. Retrieving it from your pocket, you opened it to find it seemingly empty. Confusion gripped you, and just as you were about to question its purpose, an enchanting flower pattern began to unfold around you. Dizziness and weariness washed over you, and for a moment, it felt as if the world was spiraling into madness.
Everything clicked into place when you realized that Tamayo had employed her Blood Demon Art—Scent of Illusory Blood, Visual Dream—into the little bag she gave you to aid your journey into sleep.
And in just a matter of seconds, your eyelids grew heavy, ushering in a night of serene and undisturbed rest.