#demon Inotan au

[belovedmuichiro]

Demon inotan, I’ll never forget you my loves🩵🩵

I imagine that after Tanjiro conquers the sun, his freckles come through and his skin gets a lot tanner. Inosuke is, of course, obsessed with it, but also a little pissy he can’t also hang out in the sun.

[catladywriter]

Inotan: Stares in this Town - The First Time We Hold Hands

ReName_重名君 drew this gorgeous masterpiece, which is a scene from Stares in this Town, specifically the following excerpt when Tanjirou is placing his hand over Inosuke's palm and Inosuke accepting it without further thought:

“Inosuke,” Tanjirou whispered. Inosuke jumped. Having people speak into his ear was something he was still trying to get accustomed to without his boar hide as a barrier.

“Sorry, want to hold hands?”

“Huh?”

“So we don’t get separated.”

Inosuke felt Tanjirou’s hand press against his. Reflexively, he squeezed it back.

Tanjirou’s warm, callused hand was so much more comforting than the cool, floppy haori fabric. The dull ache in his stomach left, replaced by the warm and fuzzy feelings that Tanjirou always made him feel, but with greater intensity than before. His heart raced. It reminded him of the thrill from scoring a win, or the buzz from eating as much as he wanted of his favourite food. They were still in the crowd, making slow and steady progress. But he had stopped hearing the noisy chatter of the crowd, stopped feeling the stuffiness and claustrophobia. All he could feel was Tanjirou’s hand against his own, and their close proximity to each other.

---------- ReName_重名君 perfectly captured the endearing awkwardness and sweetness of their first handhold.

Tanjirou's protective gesture and Inosuke's warm and fuzzy reaction are pure gold! Looking at this illustration makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside too and I hope it has the same effect on you too!

Support banner by @cafekitsune

If you enjoyed this, it’d really make my day if you could drop a like, reblog, and/or comment to let me know! This illustration is also published on AO3 where you can comment anonymously! Although I mostly create for myself, your encouragement keeps me motivated to post and share my work.

[trashyshrew]

[lisandra-phillips]

Babysitters

[solqau]

the og demon crew au doodles. these were what spawned this hell

[cjs-51703]

(Modern!AU)

Inosuke, texting Tanjiro: WAT R UR ADJECTIVES

Tanjiro: U mean my pronouns?

Inosuke: NO I ALREADY KNO UR PRONOUNS WAT R UR ADJECTIVES

Tanjiro: Uh I dunno? What r urs?

Inosuke: NOISY AN CHAOTIC

Tanjiro: I've never had something go from making no sense 2 making complete sense so fast

[potatobugz]

various Drawings that are Loosely Connected to this post

[squilfmybeloved]

ok so im like reworking the whole fic w/ demon!tanjiro and rewriting literally everything! im not 100% decided on what the name of it will be, but its def gonna be something from a song i listened to while writing it

its not necessarily a kamado siblings role reversal- both siblings are demons, tanjiro is just like. a half baked one or something idk. giyuu is still the one who finds them, but instead of taking them to urokodaki, he takes them to kyojuro. rengiyuu is already an established relationship.

giyuu and kyojuro train the siblings- tanjiro to be a demon slayer, and nezuko in combat. also, tanjiro is trans ftm! this is kind of a major plot point- he has the same name through the whole story, so hes still tanjiro, but in the beginning refers to himself as she/her til he figures stuff out <3 (me projecting onto characters again 😔)

this also features tanjiro and his boyfriend collection 👍 im not sure if the engame will be inotan, muitan, or gentan bc im so soft for all of them

uhh i think thats it for now! thx for coming to my ted talk

[sapphickocho]

Ive always felt that Demonslayer felt very much akin to studio ghibli in a strange way despite their vast differences, but it got me thinking, what about a princess mononoke as a kny au?

More specifically, Inosuke as princess mononoke (aka san), and Tanjiro as Ashitaka. I mean their personalities already match, with Inosuke being a wild and reckless that is very attune to nature which is exactly what San is like in the movie. Maybe instead of being raised by the wolf gods we could switch it over to being raised by the boar god before it is turned to a demon. Ashitaka is kindhearted like Tanjiro and share the same determination. Maybe the curse that the boar demon gives manifests on his forehead to match the original story instead of his arm.

Of course there would be liberties that would have to be taken to fit other charachters in. Like who would be Lady Eboshi or the forest spirit? Still the worldbuilding is similar in the way that they both have demons and curses.

I mean I just want to see Inosuke and Tanjiro interact in this au. Like imagine;

Inosuke: I'll cut your throat, that will shut you up!

Tanjiro: Your..... beautiful......

or something less classic like;

Inosuke: Thats my mom *gestures at a frothing boar godess*

Tanjiro: ....Uh nice to meet you too.

I mean I feel like they would just be perfect in this au, platonic or not. I could also see other aspects and charachters of kny being princess mononoke and Ashitaka like Kanao and Tanjiro, Muichiro and Genya, Giyuu and Sanemi, Shinobu and Giyuu and heck even Obanai and Mitsuri if you squint.

But still we need more kny Studio Ghibli aus and if you see my vision of Inosuke as princess mononoke (or prince in this au), then you get it.

[cansadazz]

I can’t motivate myself to write the fic but I can motivate myself to draw it

[watermelon-shit-posts]

Explaining my KNY AU

I've written the fanfic of it if you want to read

In this AU 9/10 of the hashira, including my OC, betray the demon slayer corp and become demons. Sanemi is the only one not to defect.

Ships

The included non canon ships are KokuHime, MoonButterfly Love, RenKaza, ObaGiyuu, InoTan, and NezKana

I'm comtplating if I add TsuKana (Tsutako x Kanae)

KokuHime (Kokushibo x Gyomei)

This is one of the last relationships to form and last to get the ability to be in a relationship. Gyomei's love language is quality time and Kokushibo's is gift giving, he mainly gives food as his gifts.

RenKaza (Kyojuro x Akaza)

Akaza and Kyojuro are the second to last relationship to officially start but are the second ship to have get ability to be in one. Akaza's love language is quality time, which is mainly sparing and Kyojuro's is words of affirmation.

MoonButterflyLove (Riko x Shinobu x Mitsuri)

These three are the first/third relationship, the reason for that is first Riko and Mitsuri start dating, then Shinobu gets brought it. Riko's love language is quality time, Mitsuri's is touch and Shinobu's acts of services.

ObaGiyuu (Obanai x Giyuu)

Obanai and Giyuu are actually the only relationship that started with both of them as humans and the second relationship to start. Giyuu and Obanai both actually have two love languages, Giyuu's are quality time and gifts while Obanai's are acts of services and gifts.

When I talk about when they started for the previous four ships I am only including those ones, not the following ships

InoTan (Inosuke x Tanjiro)

InoTan is implicated to start by the entertainment district. Tanjiro’s love language is really all of them, look at him and tell me otherwise, while Inosuke doesn’t completely understand what love languages are he says that acorns are his love language, Tanjiro has about 20 acorns from Inosuke.

NezKana (Nezuko x Kanao)

Kanao and Nezuko are quite affectionate to each other but don’t actually get in a relationship until after the final battle after Nezuko becomes a human, Kanao was worried that Nezuko might eat a human. Kanao’s love language is quality time, while Nezuko’s is physical touch, head pats.

New Hashira/Uppermoons

Hashira

As I said before Sanemi is the only OG Hashira that doesn’t become a demon but with that comes new Hashira to replace the traitors.

Tanjiro the Sun Hashira, the first new hashira, became a hashira after the entertainment district.

Zenitsu the Rumble Hashira, became a hashira at the same time as Inosuke while Tanjiro was at the SSV.

Inosuke the Beast Hashira, became a hashira at the same time as Zenitsu while Tanjiro was at the SSV.

Nezuko the Demon Flame Hashira, has the demon slayer logo embroidered onto her haori along with golden buttons attached to it, became a hashira after the SSVA.

Genya the Demon “Hashira”, his ability to become a demon via eating them was told to the rest of the demon slayer corp, became a hashira after the SSVA. There’s a reason why hashira’s in quotes.

Kanao the Flower Hashira, she was the last to become a hashira because she sort of refused to become one until Shinobu died, but Shinobu became a demon before she died so that’s when Kanao became a hashira.

Uppermoons

Gyomei, shares upper one with Kokushibo, they’re about equal strength, became a demon while on patrol after encountering Kokushibo, who pulled a fucking Akaza praising Gyomei.

Riko, shares upper two with Shinobu and Mitsuri, strongest of the three, became a demon after getting offered by Kokushibo and facing Gyokko.

Mitsuri, shares upper two with Shinobu and Riko, second strongest of the three, became a demon after encountering Riko after a mission.

Shinobu, shares upper two Mitsuri and Riko, weakest of the three, became a demon after patrolling a large village party and a dance with Riko and Mitsuri, who were hunting for pervs at the party, they have standards.

Kyojuro, changed his name to Kuroi Hi because the Rengoku name is full of demon slayers, shares upper three with Akaza, they’re about equal strength, became a demon at the end of the MTA, as a matter of fact didn’t become a donut in this AU but was close.

Giyuu, shares upper four with Obanai, stronger of the two, became a demon because he went to the SSV and was blown away like Muichiro originally was, but instead of encouraging Gyokko, who was already dead, he meet Riko, she offered he accepted.

Obanai, shares upper four with Giyuu, weaker of the two, became a demon after Hantengu was defeated and Giyuu came and offered him, which he accepted, I mean they were in a relationship.

Tengen, shares upper five with his wives, he’s the strongest, Makio’s the second strongest, Hinatsuru is the third strongest and Suma’s the weakest, they became demons after the EDA before Nezuko arrived, Kuroi Hi (Kyo if you forgot) offered for them to become demons, Tengen looked to his wives they were fine with it and the he accepted.

Muichiro, upper six, he became a demon technically at the same time as Riko but decided after Riko decided, he still actually defeated Gyokko in this universe but a while before the SSVA.

Genya, lower one but just gets called upper seven, became a demon a bit after Mitsuri because Mitsuri was using her bird to spy on the butterfly mansion and Genya got curious, followed it and met Mitsuri who offer to him to become a demon, his ability got flipped to where he eats humans and gains a small immunity to the sun, but not a complete immunity.

[belovedmuichiro]

I have yet to forget about my demon inotan au. They are my sillies

[catladywriter]

Inotan Fan Comic: Stares in this Town - Tanjirou's Tempura Therapy

Context: The above work is a comic adaptation of a scene from my Inotan fic Stares in this Town, illustrated by the talented ReName_重名君. It's set 2 years after the main story ends. Tanjirou and Inosuke are 17 years old. Their hair has grown a little longer, they're a little taller with less roundish faces. They work in the Wisteria Garden, an eatery that the Kamados have just inherited from their neighbour. Tanjirou is the head chef, assisted by Nezuko, while Inosuke and Zenitsu work in the front of house. Inosuke doesn't wear his boar mask but he still tugs at Tanjirou's clothes when he's stressed.

If you read Stares in this Town, this scene comes after the point where Inosuke, initially reluctant to take up his new role, starts his first work day proper after mistakenly believing that Tanjirou has challenged him to do so.

Support banner by @cafekitsune

Author's Notes I'm absolutely thrilled to share this collaboration with the incredibly talented ReName_重名君, whose fantastic works you might have come across in my tumblr (ahem, I promise I haven't forgotten about this translation project, life's just been a whirlwind lately, but I'll definitely get around to it soon!). I'll spare you from my gushing (I already left ReName_重名君 a semi-essay about how incredible I thought her work was), but let me just say that seeing one of my favorite scenes brought to life in her art style and interpretation truly brought tears to my eyes. Inosuke's shirt-pulling and the feeding trope are some things I really enjoy, so I'm over the moon to see them visualized here. I barely provided any art direction beyond using my fic as a reference, so I was absolutely astounded by how seamlessly ReName_重名君 incorporated elements from canon (like the chibis and that first frame on the second page from the famous "you make me feel secure" scene) with her own interpretation of my story. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how handsome and grown-up our boys look in her style? And Tanjirou's gentle and domestic demeanor is just too adorable - they look like such a cute newly-married couple! (though, in these scenes, they haven't actually gotten together yet). Okay, I'm getting carried away with excitement, so I'll stop gushing now. I hope you enjoy this comic as much as I do, and while this collaboration was definitely initiated for my own enjoyment, it would mean the world to me if you let me know that you're also enjoying it. And if you haven't checked out the fic yet, please give it a read here. Additionally, if there are any scenes from my other works that you’d like to see a visual interpretation of, feel free to let me know in the work’s comments. I cannot promise that it’ll happen, but I’ll certainly consider it if ReName_重名君’s schedule allows! Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this, it’d really make my day if you could drop a like, reblog, and/or comment to let me know! This comic is also published on AO3 where you can comment anonymously! Although I mostly create for myself, your encouragement keeps me motivated to post and share my work.

[trashyshrew]

[extra-v1rgin]

☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°☆

Tanjiro knows everyone in his village. Despite his friendly nature and the admiration others have for him, the boy doesn’t have many true friends. His younger siblings are at the age where anyone within a year or two becomes a playmate. In the summer where trips to the village become more frequent they almost always tag along.

They run around while Tanjiro focuses on selling his goods. He’s often too busy to truly talk with those his own age. And while he doesn’t think badly of anyone, couldn’t even get one negative word out of his mouth, other children are focused on more frivolous things. Tanjiro is too busy taking care of his family.

Any downtime he does have is spent at home. It just falls in place that way. That time he spends playing with his siblings. Very rarely is he ever truly alone. Only when Takeo is sick or hurt and can’t join him chopping wood does he become truly solitary.

In the winter it’s quiet. Takeo is quiet but his feet still make the snow shuffle and crack beneath them. The scent of his brother standing nearby is often a comfortable reassurance too. Without him it smells like wet air. Only the occasional thump of Tanjiro’s axe against a tree breaks the silence.

He moves deeper into the forest as the sun rises. The boy isn’t due home for a few more hours and wants to find the best wood possible. Trees deeper within the grove tend to be stronger.

The scents moving around his body begin to thicken. Pine sap and damp earth float over his nose. If he focuses really hard he can detect hibernating creatures.

Thump. The axe hits the base of the tree again.

Behind him the scent of another animal arises. It’s vaguely unfamiliar, but not alarming enough to make him stop working.

Within a few strikes he manages to knock down the current target. The tree is a small thing, sturdy as it is. As the inside reveals itself it looks to be only a decade or two old.

Shrugging the basket off his back, Tanjiro begins to measure out lengths that will fit within the furnace.

So distracted by the task at hand he doesn’t notice the creature creeping up behind him until the stack of wood has been toppled over.

He’s met with the face of a boar, but the body of a man. It takes a few moments to realize the other boy is simply wearing a mask.

While Tanjiro is busy gawking at the newcomer, the boar-boy rushes towards him. Toppling over in the snow a warm chest crashes against his. Breath pushes against his neck.

“What’re you doin’ in my woods?” The words are clear despite the think layer of fur covering his mouth. There’s a gruffness to his voice, nearly a growl.

Tanjiro can’t manage to bring words forward at least the boy pressing down on him somewhat gently. His hands are still free, laying above his head.

Still shocked and staring, Tanjiro’s ear is tugged harshly. “Hey! Can’t you hear me?”

“Y-yea!” He tries to pry the hand off his soft skin.

“Then answer. You’re an intruder!” The red head’s ear is released, so a hand can squish Tanjiro’s cheeks together instead. “Tell me why you’ve invaded my territory.”

“Ish not ‘er land.” With his lips pressed tight he can hardly get any words out.

In further retaliation a fist smacks against his forehead. Of course Tanjiro isn’t hurt (in fact the small tug of his lips suggests the other boy might’ve bruised his hand slightly) but the action is still rather annoying.

“Who dares,” he roars, “Who dares to doubt Inosuke! I’m the king of the forest. This forest! You’re lower than a worm. You’re-“

Tanjiro drowned out the rest the insults. The boy, Inosuke, wasn’t really hurting him, but it was still rather annoying. The snow underneath was starting to sink into his clothes.

Pushing against Inosuke (who was still blabbering loudly about something) Tanjiro has to talk just as loud in hopes of being heard. “Well I’m sorry then! But me and my family have lived here for generations and I didn’t know there was any sort of king.” His tone was threateningly genuine, head cocking slightly to the side as he spoke.

It gave the other boy pause. His angry rant was cut off mid-sentence. “Well then you should introduce me! A king should know his subjects.”

Finally he rolls off of Tanjiro, straightening up. Brushing snow off his haori the boy offers a bright smile. “We should go back now then! My mother’s gotta know if we’re havin’ a guest.”

“Yea! Show me to yer cave minion!” Inosuke seems unbothered by the snow as it melts on his shoulders. Brushing some fingers through the fur on his mask he takes care of the snow there more than the white on his actual skin.

Tanjiro is trying to figure out how serious the other is about his harsh words. It pushes a light chuckle out of him. “I hope you don’t mind lotsa people though. I got 5 siblings! It can be hard to keep their names straight if you don’t know them, so I’ll wait to introduce you until we get there. Are you out here all alone?”

“Course not! I got all sorts of subjects. When yer a king it means everyone listen to you! All the mice and birds and shit do whatever you say.”

Tanjiro’s eyes widen. “Do they really? Oh- but you shouldn’t use such vulgar language around my siblings, they’re a lot younger than us. My mom might pinch your ears if you do.” He smiles wide. His mother can be quite a beast when it comes to keeping them in check.

Inosuke ignores his light admonishing. With his sight focused ahead he looks towards smoke rising in the distance. “Is that where you live? It’s a dumb place to build something. A monster could easily sneak up on you.”

“Oh w-well we don’t really have to worry about things like that.” The boy’s eyes have grown wide. “Do you deal with things like that?”

“Ha! I’ll tell you later, I’m sure you’re whole family will want to hear about my feats.” He puffs out his chest proudly. “I’ve traveled a long way y’know? I bet I know about all kinda of things you haven’t heard of.”

“Right! Well let’s hurry then. I bet my mom’s already finished cleaning.” When he starts running Inosuke outpaces him quickly. The winter air is too harsh against his lungs. With pink cheeks he arrives the front door. The other boy is banging on the door impatiently.

“Ah don’t be so loud! The little ones might still be sleeping. I can let you in myself.” He brushes past Inosuke to open the door.

Inside Nezuko waits just past the opening. “How come you’re making such a racket? Rokuta has been fussy all day and now he’s woken up again.”

“It wasn’t me! I brought a guest. He’s a boy I met while cutting wood in the forest.” Grabbing onto Inosuke’s hand he pulls the boar-man inside.

His friend stands there silently for now. It’s hard to tell where he’s looking or what he’s thinking when his eyes aren’t visible.

“Oh my!” Nezuko is shocked at his wild appearance. “W-why don’t you bring him inside? I’ll help mama with dinner since we have one more to cook for.”

The rest of the house has already noticed his presence. Hanako is pulling on her brother’s arm while they whisper about the “monster” inside.

“Is that really your head?” Shigeru seems horrified at the thought.

Inosuke cackles loudly. “Course not! This mask is a real boar.” To prove his point he proudly pulls is off his head.

Tanjiro is caught off guard. The boy is grinning, with pearly white teeth. His eyes are bright and triumphant. They’re also a beautiful green color, like the moss that grows in the spring. He’s never seen eyes so clear.

The rest of Inosuke’s face lines up perfectly with his eyes. High cheekbones flow into a small rounded chin. His pink lips are pouty even when he smiles. There’s a bit of pudginess that keeps his build from being too harsh.

“Brother brought a girl home!” Hanako immediately marches around the house, declaring the news.

Inosuke cries out, waving his hands in the air, “Who said that? Are you blind? I’m a boy dammit!”

The commotion only lasts for a minute or two. As soon as Inosuke looks like he may act, Kie steps into the room. Her natural state of calm takes immediate affect. Pale eyes, crinkling affectionately, focus on the boy. “Hi there, are you a friend of Tanjiro’s?” Kie’s soft voice is clear over the silence that has befallen the room.

Inosuke looks a little star struck in a way. He stays silent for a few seconds too long until Tanjiro gently pokes his side. He makes a barking sort of noise until he can form proper words. “I’m uh- I’m king of the mountain.” The boy can only muster up a fraction of his excitement from before.

“You must be awfully busy then. I’m glad you made time to visit.” She cups his cheek and smiles. It only last a second before she wipes her hand on her apron and pulls back. “Dinner will be ready soon, I hope you don’t mind the wait.”

When she disappears back into the kitchen the room has settled down. Some of the younger children run after Kie, chattering mindlessly and begging for attention. Nezuko follows her too, so she can help wrangle her siblings and make sure dinner actually gets done.

Tanjiro isn’t really sure what they’re supposed to do now so he gives Inosuke a tour of the house. It’s only four rooms total, with an outhouse right beside the wood storage, but has never felt too small. The living room takes up most of the space right at the entrance of the house. It works too as their dining room with a low table sitting in the middle. Around the floor there’s some stuffed dolls and wood blocks scattered. As they walk through the space Tanjiro picks up the discarded toys.

The pair only peeks into the bedroom. There’s futons lined up neatly in a row though usually they end up pushed together when somebody gets cold or frightened or just wants to be closer. He hadn’t considered if Inosuke would stay the night though that’d probably be the case. After dinner Tanjiro would look through the closet to find some of the nicer blankets.

As a guest he might want a bath too. The boy isn’t filthy but he is a bit dirty, particularly stray sticks and leaves getting caught in the fur that adorns his pants. Their bathroom is simply that, a tiny room that only has a small sliver of space to hold towels besides the tub.

Only the kitchen is left, which neither of the boys go into. The smell of cooking meat and steamed vegetables is starting to escape from the closed door. Inosuke gets a look on his face like he’s about to start drooling.

Tanjiro drags him down to the table and shortly after the majority of his younger siblings are kicked out of the kitchen. There’s still some lingering excitement from having a newcomer, prompting them to sit silently around the boy and listen to him talk.

He responds to any question with excited vigor. At the simplest prompting Inosuke is happy to go on a rant about his life. Tanjiro isn’t sure if everything he says is true. If it is he doesn’t know wether to be amazed or saddened. The boar-man proudly proclaims his animal lineage, patting the mask beside him. He lets Rokuta and Shigeru pet the coarse fur on the head covering.

The conversation flows easily until Nezuko comes in with the first tray of rice. The minute she sets it down Inosuke reaches a very dirty hand right into the bowl. Everyone shouts in a very comical way as he shoves the handful into his mouth.

Tanjiro is ready when he tries to gran another scoop. He interrupts the grabbing hand, and is quick to block the other as well. The boy is nothing if not persistent and they end up wrestling.

After Inosuke nearly topples the rice once more Tanjiro effectively has him pinned. “You have to wait until everyone’s ready to eat!”

“How come?! If it’s here now I should be able to have it.”

Hanako smacks his forehead and is quick to chime in. “Mama worked hard for this so you have to behave. We gotta make sure she can enjoy it too!”

After a few more wiggles Inosuke deflates under Tanjiro’s hold. Even after he’s released the boy stays limp on the ground. He doesn’t look up even when Nezuko brings out the rest of the meal, too busy grumbling.

It’s only when Kie comes in the calm the storm once more that he can be persuaded to sit back up. They have to show him how to clasp his hands together and give proper thanks.

Once he’s finally allowed to eat Inosuke goes right back to shoveling rice into his mouth. Crumbs scatter all over the table and floor. Tanjiro is stuck next to the guest while everyone else makes a wide berth around him. He doesn’t mind the mess or the fact that Inosuke steals half of his plate. It adds to his animal nature but in a cute puppy dog sort of way.

Dinner goes quickly. Perhaps it’s the new guest or how fast he eats the food. Everyone else talks like he’s not there. Which is fair considering anytime someone tries to direct a question towards him the boy answers with a mouthful. Some of his responses are vaguely intelligible, but only the short ones that have enough context to piece together.

Nezuko and Takeo always nod politely but the younger ones don’t know any better so they keep pestering him for the same answers. Hanako is just old enough to understand the flaws in Inosuke’s logic and points out each mistake in his tales.

Kie has to end things once more, prompting her children to focus on discussion amongst each other instead. She even cups Hanako’s face so she’ll stop staring at Inosuke.

Tanjiro expects him to leave a mess, after all there’s rice scattered within a good three feet radius of the table. He works like a vacuum somehow and doesn’t stop tearing at the food until the area is clean. It’s a bit of a miracle although there’s a chance Inosuke ate plently of grime tracked everywhere too. With his rugged appearance that doesn’t seem like it’ll hurt him however.

“Mama, can we do baths tonight?” Tanjiro’s already cleaning up his plates and chopsticks, collecting his friend’s as well. “It’s only a day early, and I want Inosuke-kun to have a good time here.”

“Of course. Why don’t you start fetching the water and I can help boil it. And I’m sure the rest of your siblings have already set up the futons for the night.” She says it with a pointed tone that sends every scrambling towards the bedroom.

Tanjiro laughs at their antics. Inosuke doesn’t seem privy to the intricacies of how a family speaks to each other. He has a wide-eyes look that only dissipates when Tanjiro offers out his hand.

The boar man puts him mask back on and is quick to rush outside. Tanjiro has to go through the motions of putting his scarf and overcoat back on. It takes a while to lace up his boots and by the time he’s outside Inosuke is covered in snow again from running around. The sun is just barely above the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything.

“Aren’t you cold out here with no shirt or anything? I can loan you something if you want.”

“No way! Shirts and people shit like that is way too uncomfortable. It’s dumb!” His voice drifts in and out as he shouts and scrambles around. With each wild step he kicks up snow.

Laughing lightly Tanjiro points east. “We’re going that way. Don’t worry, it’s just a short walk.”

“Course I knew that! I was checking the area for invaders.”

“Well in that case I’m grateful you’re here to help protect me.”

Inosuke flushes, he can only tell because it goes all the way down his neck.

It’s a short walk to the well, built specifically for their household. Tanjiro shows the boy how it works, who seems fascinated by how the water magically appears. Even when he explains that water lies at the bottom there’s no sign of understanding.

“Water comes from streams or ponds or lakes! If it were underground I’d know.”

Finding its best not to argue the other simply sighs. “I’m sure you’re right. Can you help me carry a bucket inside? It’ll go faster with both of us helping.”

Inosuke carries the buckets simply by their handles. He doesn’t complain of any soreness but Tanjiro knows they must be sore. He tries to show the boy how to balance them over his back with a staff, but Inosuke scoffs and lets the pole drop.

He runs back to the house, letting half the water spill in his haste. Tanjiro follows behind a much slower pace. When he gets inside there’s splatters of water all over the floor. He steps carefully around each puddle.

“Thank you Inosuke-kun, I’m glad you’re here to help out.” The boy basks in the attention. His face is covered but it’s not hard to tell he’s smiling.

As Tanjiro sets down the buckets Inosuke is already racing back out the door. It takes him longer in the kitchen, helping to tip the full buckets onto the stove.

Inosuke waits for him back at the well, but that just seems like it’s because he doesn’t know how to refill them. “Do your trick thingy again!” He cries. The boy is surprisingly patient while Tanjiro ties the bucket to the rope and carefully lowers it.

Again it comes up filled with clear cold water. Again the minute Inosuke has both baskets firmly in hand he runs off cackling. They cycle through the act a few times until Kie has enough to fill the bath.

“Whaddo we do now?” Inosuke stands in the middle of the bathroom.

“Oh well you do this part alone. Use the cloth and bucket to wipe off all the dirt and then you can soak for a bit.” There’s steam rising from the water. It’s sure to be a relaxing bath.

“And how do I do that?”

“You just… y’know scrub down with the rag.” He mimics the motion with his hand.

“Agh! Stay here and show me. You’re no good at talkin’.” The boy peels off his mask and fixes Tanjiro with a disgruntled stare.

He pauses briefly. There’s nothing odd about sharing a bath but the thought of sitting right next to Inosuke as they soak flusters him. “O-ok.”

It takes Tanjiro longer to undress. He has several layers that must be peeled off. Inosuke only needs to shuck off his loose pants and is finished. He squats on one of the stools and waits.

“Here turn around. Usually when people bathe together you’re supposed to wash each others backs. It’s supposed to help you bond.” Tanjiro drags another stool nearby and waits.

Inosuke seems paranoid about turning his back on the other boy. “Shit like this is stupid,” he declares. “I can get just as clean bathin’ in the river!”

Tanjiro hums as he dips the rag in lukewarm water and begins to scrub. “Don’t you get cold in the winter though? I can barely stand the ice even when I’m all wrapped up.”

“Ha! I got thick skin from livin’ in the moun’ins. I don’t get cold unless I wanna.”

“I’ve never heard of that, but then again I guess I’ve never met someone who really lived in the wilderness. There’s some hunters down in the village but they still return home often.”

“And that’s what makes me stronger than them. I bet I could beat up any of your phony moun’in men.”

Tipping his head back Tanjiro laughs lightly. “That’d be a sight to see. Here, you do my back now.” Both boys flip around.

“Ah- but don’t go too rough or anything.” It’s like he can already sense Inosuke’s clumsy hands.

“Course I won’t, ‘m not stupid!” Continuing to mutter under his breath the boy tries to mirror the way Tanjiro had scrubbed his back. It’s hard to tell if it’s working where there’s no dirt to actually scrub. He doesn’t understand the point of this but is still happy to participate.

Perhaps picking up on the poorly hidden nerves the redhead speaks again, “Are you sure you haven’t done this before? You’re really good at it.” It’s a partial truth, just enough honesty added so he doesn’t grimace at the thought of lying.

“I’m the best aren’t I? You’re probably the cleanest you’ve ever been right now.”

Tanjiro laughs. “That’d be impressive! If you’d like it’s probably fine for us to get in the bath now.”

Inosuke takes that as a sign to immediately drop his rag and climb in. It’s more of a jump though really, sending some waves that crash over the edges of the tub. “Ha, It’s hot! How’d that happen?” He waves his fingers under the water as if he can catch the heat.

The other boy steps in much slower. The warmth is a bit of a shock, especially after being in the cold all day. Immediately it paints his skin in a reddish tone. “It’s nice though right?”

“Mm it’s hot!” It’s not a confirmation either way but Inosuke seems pleased with the temperature. Soon enough his skin too is flushed.

Their pink knees touch in the small tub. Inosuke continues to splash around a bit while Tanjiro simply soaks. His eyes crinkle in amusement.

“And you do this every night?”

“Oh no! Only once or twice a week. Usually we just wash up briefly the rest of the time.”

“Huh, well if I hadda bath like this one I’d soak every night! You’re dumb for not doin’ that.”

“It’s a lot of work. I don’t like making mama do more than she has to.”

Inosuke nods in understanding. Even when simply mentioned he still seems rather entranced by Kie. “I’ll start doin’ it then. You can show me how you’re uh, tover works and let me use it to take hot baths every night… And I might let you join too sometimes.” He mumbles the last bit, looking down at his legs.

Tanjiro feels warmth spread within his chest, confusion clouds it though. “Tover? What’s that?”

“Y’know the- fire thingy on the table.”

“Stove?”

“That’s what I said! Stofe!”

The redhead laughs. “St-oh-vuh. Say it like that.”

“Stofe!”

Tanjiro opens his mouth wide, hoping it’ll make his pronunciation more clear. “Stove.”

Angered by the incessant nagging Inosuke’s hand slaps over the other boy’s mouth. “I’m saying it right! Stofe. Stofe stofe stofe!”

Trying a tactic often used on his siblings the boy licks the hand covering his lips. Usually the offender would jerk away and complain but Inosuke just grins.

“Ha, something that weak won’t bother me. You’ll have a try harder.”

Which he does. Tanjiro grabs the boy’s wrist and tries to wrench it off. It’s not surprise that it’s a hard task, looking at the muscles on him. Even with all his strength he can only peel back the fingers one at a time before they snap back over his face.

As their tussle gets more intense water is sent splashing over the sides of the tub. Tanjiro would’ve backed off long ago but Inosuke seems intent on covering his mouth even if the other seemingly gives up.

He rests for a moment before trying to give one last good attempt. Tanjiro springs upwards to grab at the boy. It’s a good jump that catches him off guard. As he settles on top of Inosuke the hand finally rips off his face.

The heat of the bath alongside the brief tussle leaves his chest heaving. They lean close together within the small tub. Inosuke is so close to him.

There’s a knock at the door. “Nee-san! I don’t wanna take a cold bath.” Takeo’s voice is muffled through the doorway. When there’s no response he knocks on the door, shouting louder, “Hurry up!”

Tanjiro sits back up. “We’re almost done.” Inosuke’s face is an even brighter red. They don’t acknowledge their closeness, just climbing out and pulling towels over their hips.

In a mixture of embarrassment and an unusual burst of anger (it’ll disappear in a moment) he rushes out the door quickly. “Be more patient,” he scolds. It’s spoken boldly but not in a yell. Though it’s the most outspoken he usually gets.

Instead of wilting Takeo just laughs. “Somebody wanted aloooone time.” Immediately after the rest of his siblings join in.

“Mama!” Tanjiro isn’t sure what else to do, he feels put on the spot. He shouldn’t be flustered but something grows inside his chest. “Mama they’re bugging the guest.”

“I’m not bugged!” Inosuke comes out with the towel barely clinging to him. It’s no surprise when it drops. Everyone squeals before running. It sets something off within him, some sort of predator instinct born from living in the wild, and the boy sets chase. Tanjiro has to then join the commotion, holding desperately to the towel around his waist.

It’s quite the sight when Kie finally does emerge from the bedroom.

[solqau]

breaking necks at break-neck speed til the reinforcements can arrive