Archive of Our Own ^beta

A light breeze ruffled crimson locks, bringing with it a sweet aroma that billowed in from the Butterfly Estate gardens. Tanjiro sucked in a deep breath, relishing in the calming, welcoming scent. It was sunny, but the tree he rested against cast enough shade so as to not make it overwhelmingly warm. Relaxation was a state few and far between for him, and he cherished each time he was able to spend his off-duty time with Inosuke.

Their missions didn’t always allow for them to spend these soft, intimate moments together. More often than not, one would return just as the other was being sent off, sometimes with weeks or months in between. But today was a day the universe allowed them each other’s company. 

With calloused fingers, Tanjiro stroked black-to-blue locks delicately, feeding each strand of hair through his digits with diligence and purpose. Inosuke’s long, dark eyelashes slowly fanned across his petite features, his head in Tanjiro’s lap looking more artistic and beautiful than any painting could manage or muster. He was picturesque, and so, so beautiful, Tanjiro pondered how he got so lucky as to even cross paths with Inosuke. Chance may have brought them together, but it was love that kept them side by side.

Contently sighing at the sight of his lover, Tanjiro watched as Inosuke’s glistening green eyes opened, catching a glimpse of cherry-reds. A small smile upturned his pale pink lips, and Tanjiro couldn’t help but return it. He leaned down out of natural instinct, stealing a quick peck from Inosuke, still feeling his lips even after he retracted. He tasted like tea and onigiri, a product of their early-afternoon picnic in the garden. 

Tanjiro reached over Inosuke, rummaging with his free hand to retrieve the dango Shinobu had prepared for them. A sweet for a sweet, Tanjiro fed Inosuke’s always-ready mouth, his lips closing around the dumplings with closed eyes. He hummed in content, chewing unusually slowly to savor the taste. 

Inosuke tended to be a fast-paced individual. Very seldom did he ever stop to enjoy things, and it meant everything to Tanjiro that he could slow down and enjoy their time together. There was no rush, there was no time, for when they were together, there was only them. 

Brushing blue bangs away, Tanjiro dipped down for another kiss, one with more intensity and purpose. He cradled Inosuke’s face, ingraining to memory the way his soft cheeks felt against his hands. Tasting sweetness, Tanjiro smiled, opening his mouth slightly wider to taste it again. His passion was always reciprocated, and his heart leapt knowing how deeply Inosuke cared for him, too. He pulled away with another chaste peck, coming down from his momentary, blissful high to remind Inosuke of his undying sentiment. Pressing their foreheads together, he whispered a soft and certain: “I love you.”