Green-Eyed and Yellow Hair

by Butterfree

Tanjirou was one year old when he discovered what sharing meant. Somewhere deep in his core just perked when he saw someone else happier because of him. They all deserved every crumb of comfort that they could get. It was that simple. At least, that's what Tanjirou thought. Or, Tanjirou is jealous when someone flirts with Zenitsu. (by request, re-posted from my account on ao3)

PROMPT 3: Thanks for doing Lord's work in the TanZen fandom... So what about a jealous Tanjirou over someone hitting on Zenitsu. That's it, thank you so much again ️

Tanjirou was barely even one year old when he discovered what sharing meant.

He had gotten a little wooden toy horse on the day of his birth. With the colourful beads strapped around its neck and hollow eyes, it was the first thing that he could recall ever belonging to him. If the scratches on it where he bit incessantly on the head and stains from being dropped in the mud countless times were any indication, he loved little Tia almost as much as he loved his parents.

But then that all changed when Nezuko was born. A cry pierced the night from his mother's room, waking Tanjirou from where his father was just rocking him to sleep a few hours ago before tucking him in the sheets. Mommy's in trouble! Clutching Tia with him and crawling to the source, he padded his tiny toddler palms on the wooden floors and peaked out from where there was a crack in the door. He found his mother curled up against a wall with a little fidgeting bundle in her arms.

Now there was another problem. A giant rise in the floor blocked his path.

"Tanjirou, you shouldn't be out of bed yet." The reprimanding voice of his father was what accompanied the tiny boy as he was picked up and away from the small step that he couldn't make over.

Kie let out a soft giggle. "Oh dear, don't be like that. Bring our son over here."

The man complied, worried expression settling back into a smile. Tanjirou flailed his arms when he caught sight of a single pink eye staring at him. Mouthing closer but what came out as gibberish had the couple laughing. Finally, Tanjirou was brought just elbow's length to the blossom-stained form. He didn't hesitate to reach out, body even tinier than his but with strands of hair feathering against his palms.

"Tanjirou, meet your little sister: Nezuko."

It was a special moment for all four of them, seeing their firstborn son holding out a finger right in front of her nose for the girl to clutch. She did so successfully, shifting her body left. Tanjirou gently yanked his hand back before pointing it at her again, this time to her right and near the top of her head. Nezuko responded in kind, stretching her palms up to renew the connection she had with her brother.

She eventually tired of the game by the fifth time. Eyes looking for something else of interest, she sets her sight on the small wooden object still pressed against Tanjirou's chest. Now, neither Kie nor Tanjurou ever taught him what to do in this situation. But as if he was born to care for others, Tanjirou didn't even blink before handing his toy over with a happy babble. Trying to voice his intent, his face scrunched up while he jabs the object at the air between him and the girl over and over.

"Ne- Ne-zu-ko…!"

The two gasped. Eyeing the boy who excitedly gave his horse up for the girl to inspect, his father was the first to let out a happy sound. "Tanjirou, did you just say your first word?"

"Nezu-ko…!"

"I think he likes his first word." When the husband held his free hand out, his wife rested her own palm against his. It was an action they repeated often, especially as their family grew larger and their eldest son became more and more compassionate. He never failed to welcome his new brother or sister with a toy for them to treasure.

From that point forward, Tanjirou never hesitated to share everything he had.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah. But now that I'm calmer, I'm getting hungry…"

Tanjirou didn't even breathe in before reaching into his haori and procuring a rice ball. "Here, take this." He offers it to the boy that he barely just met.

Zenitsu does take it, even bites into it, but stops when he notices the other's empty hands. "You're not going to eat, Tanjirou?"

"That's all I had." It's a little weird when Zenitsu seems surprised. To Tanjirou, though? It was second nature to him at this point. What wasn't second nature was when his new companion didn't continue to devour the gift. Instead, golden eyes peer down at the snack in silent contemplation. Not giving him a chance to protest, Zenitsu delicately rips the rice ball in half, offering the side that was left unbitten.

"Here, you have half."

"Really…?!" Maybe the small act of kindness shouldn't have made Tanjirou so shocked. He could smell it, that Zenitsu was at heart a very considerate person. With his panic at bay, the boy strolling next to him gave off a sweet scent, probably one of the sweetest without being unbearable that Tanjirou has ever come across. "Are you sure? Thank you!"

And if the joy brought by detecting that sweet scent settle into an aroma of peach blossoms when they ate together, neither alone, wasn't one of the best feelings that he'd had in a long time, Tanjirou would be lying. So maybe sharing like this wasn't so bad either.

It's not like he only did it because it was the right thing to do. Not that it wasn't, but somewhere deep in his core just perked when Tanjirou saw someone else happier because of him. These were trying times. Family and friends died if not turned into demons themselves. These people all deserved every crumb of comfort that they could get. It was that simple.

At least, that's what Tanjirou thought.

The three of them were settled in a prosperous town for the night. With demon defeated, the emperor who happened to set up his home near the forest that they slain the beast at threw a feast. They were the guests of honour. Quite an amazing and humble experience if their group wasn't a walking disaster.

"For the SEVENTEENTH time, Inosuke-!" Zenitsu screamed over the crowd around them. Their table was a mess, giblets of meat splattered every which way. "Leave some for us, dammit!"

The source of the debris only laughed boisterously. "The great Inosuke never slows down for anyone!" He boasts in between mouthfuls. "In the wild, it's first come, first served. You wouldn't survive five minutes out there… unless you want to make a bet?"

"No bet," Tanjirou pipes up. His own plate is empty but he doesn't mind.

"You're no fun, Monjiro."

Clutching his own portion of meat, Zenitsu makes it a point to snatch the stick of octopus out of the boar man's hand right as he was about to bite into it. Inosuke lets out a 'hey!' but the blond only chucks it at their third companion. Tanjirou barely has time to react before catching it. Then, as if having enough, Zenitsu raises from his seat and storms off.

Inosuke watches him go, speaking with his mouth full. "What's his problem?"

"I think you made Zenitsu mad." The mom of the group observes. "You should apologize to him when he gets back."

His friend only huffs. "He'll get over it." He says, but when Inosuke does lean in his seat a little with slowed chews, Tanjirou is nice enough not to point it out. Instead, he un-straps Nezuko from his back. Laying the box next to him, he quickly devours the octopus before standing up. Noting the lack of a place to dump the now empty stick, he opts to take it with him instead.

"I'm going to go after him. Watch all of our stuff please, Inosuke."

"No promises!"

Following the scent of blossoming flowers, it doesn't take long to locate his friend. Honestly though, even without his keen sense of smell, it was easy to spot Zenitsu in a crowd. Tanjirou wasn't embarrassed to admit that with his unusual bright hair, he stuck out in a crowd like a beacon of light. It wasn't the first time that he'd followed it but, Tanjirou realized when he stopped and spotted that the blond wasn't alone, this was the first time he wasn't the only one.

Down the hill and away from the festivities, Zenitsu stood under a wisteria tree. It lit up his features in a combination of purple and gold. Like a dandelion blooming alone in a sea of lavender, struggling to fit in, the sight had Tanjirou wipe his eyes in case it was a dream. It wasn't. Unfortunately, the taller figure of the man next to him wasn't either.

Tokugawa was the name given to every heir in line to become emperor. The heritage was arguably one of the most powerful and wealthy in the country, and their son stood but three feet from Zenitsu. Something about that doesn't sit right with Tanjirou so he finds a bush and quickly hides behind it.

The blond didn't notice their proximity. Too busy ranting to the first person he saw, Tanjirou is pretty sure that he doesn't even realize who he's talking to. "I'm not even done! Inosuke just barricaded his entire plate with his arms like we were going to take it from him without asking! I'm offended that he doesn't trust the people he's been travelling with for something as simple as that. If we were in the wild, HE'S LEAVING HIS FRIENDS TO DIE, that's what he's doing!"

"That sounds horrible, you poor soul." Tokugawa empathizes. With light brown hair tied high in a ponytail and part of his yukata open, he was a looker and a half. And the worst part is Tanjirou can smell that he's sincere-

Wait, why is that a bad thing?

"I know, right! I didn't even get to Tanjirou yet." Huh, what? Zenitsu had something to say about him? Maybe it was the rage clouding his ears but as the boy threw his arms up in exasperation, Tanjirou knew that he hadn't noticed him there yet. "He just turns to me and says that it's okay. Yeah right, it's okay! He's too kind for his own good! Someone is going to take advantage of him one day and I'D HAVE TO BAIL HIM OUT FOR IT! They're killing me. Those two are seriously killing me here!"

And Tokugawa, the teen actually chuckles. "You're funny, Zenitsu-san. You're not scared to speak your mind either."

He's nice. He's a nice guy. It's okay. Everything's fine.

That's what Tanjirou tells the twist in his gut.

The blond finally stops at that, sending the slightly older boy a suspicious glance. "You don't mean that."

"But I do," he smiles and steps closer. Zenitsu, please notice. Why aren't you noticing the decreased space? Do people normally talk to each other while standing like that? What is going on?! "This country has been run into the ground. I know it doesn't seem like it when you see all the lights, entertainment, and food that the emperor offered tonight. However, in truth, it's a façade. Our people were just trained by our military forces to keep their mouths shut even when inconvenient for them. It's all to keep this nation's reputation up."

"Sorry but I grew up on the streets. I can't even begin to comprehend your problems."

"And see? That right there is what I mean." Tokugawa, for all the weight that was crushing Tanjirou's shoulders, looked absolutely delighted at that. "Beautiful and independent. I'm going to need someone like you to kick me around and be by my side one day."

"Wh-What…?" Zenitsu finally seems to take note of the situation when the other reaches out, threading a single finger through golden hair—

There's a snap. A prick, and Tanjirou looks down to see the stick in his hand cracked in half. Since when was he gripping it so hard? A small trail of blood flows from the spot where the wood had splintered his palm. To his relief, the sound jolts Zenitsu out of it. He's quick to slap the hand away. His scent is erratic, exuding confusion and… flattery?

No.

"Okay, very funny…! What's the punch line? I know that it's amusing to make fun of people sometimes but please consider the feelings of those involved! I INSIST THAT THIS STOPPED BEING HILARIOUS FIVE SECONDS AG-"

He cuts him off, and Tanjirou finds that twist in his gut growing stronger. Don't cut Zenitsu off! "I'm not joking though. This is a request from me, the emperor's son and heir, to formerly court you."

"And-And, what?!" Zenitsu's voice raises an octave. He clutches his head, jumping back the slightest bit to freak out. The epiphany of what exactly was happening finally hit like a blow in battle. He searches his head for something, anything to say but settles on one that Tanjirou doesn't like. "And what happens after that?"

"You will live here as my prince consort, of course. Not right now but in a few years when we're both of age. My goal is to bring this country to a better place. You're the one I need with me for that." Tokugawa doesn't let him escape. Gently seizing the apple of his eye's wrist, he slowly untangles those fingers from blond locks. Just as Zenitsu is about to open his mouth again, he counters like he's already made up his mind. "You can still be a demon slayer, obviously. I'm not going to stop you. On the contrary, I'd be happy to contribute any funds or provisions you need."

"I-I…" Wait, was he seriously considering it? Tanjirou couldn't tell. There was a cloud in his head where it should be clear, and Zenitsu's scent suddenly felt so very far away. "I can't leave Tanjirou and Inosuke behind."

"You're not. Those two are welcome to visit any time."

Hypothetically, Tokugawa was right. There should be no problem with that. It's not like Zenitsu was going to be isolated or kept away from his friends and family. He'd still get to be a demon slayer and protect people. He'd still be able to train and hang out with Tanjirou like he always did. Maybe they had to cut their time off a little bit shorter than before so Zenitsu could return home. Maybe instead of turning in amidst a mess of futons and with Inosuke's snores blaring away in one side and Zenitsu's calming scent soothing him in the other, his friend would go home into someone else's arms.

It was what Tanjirou promised when they first met, wasn't it? He'd only protect Zenitsu just until he survived long enough to get married. Just like with Tia, or with the rice ball, or with his clothes, it'd be like he was sharing Zenitsu with someone else. It would work out. It should be okay.

It was positively not okay.

"No."

"No…?" Tanjirou shoots his head up from the ground. It isn't until the scene before him comes out blurry that he realizes he was close to crying at all. "Do you really understand what you're saying, my sweet yellow rose? Even if you don't intend to accept my advances, at least giving me a chance will provide you with all of the luxuries you may desir-"

"I-I already said no! Look, I really appreciate it and everything. But I'm not just going to be a demon slayer. I'm going to become a pillar!" His scent still wasn't discernible but for all that was good in this world, Tanjirou knew that everything about Zenitsu- his drive, his scent, his strength- were all amazing. "It's what I promised Gramps. If-If you really wanted to change this nation so much, choose someone who can fully dedicate themselves to you! Don't let me drag you around like that!"

"I see. You're a good person through and through." But Tokugawa was a leader. He never gave up if nothing else. "However, you are mistaken if you think that will deter me. On the contrary, it only makes me wish for your presence more. You will make a fine and benevolent partner. What would it take for me to convince you otherwise?"

"NOTHING…! Please don't tell me you're one of those in-one-ear-and-out-the-other types! Don't do anything, I beg you!" And there's the Zenitsu that Tanjirou knew again, practically screeching in response while making an effort to snatch his hand back. But to his horror, Tokugawa doesn't completely let go. Instead, he relaxes his grip slightly. As if catching the blond off guard just as his fingers slipped out, he went to pull Zenitsu forward by the arm instead.

He's- He's going to do something. Tanjirou doesn't know what and he can't stomach finding out.

So the sun breather appears seemingly out of thin air before them and, without thinking, lands a solid chop right on the side of Zenitsu's neck. The effect is immediate. Instead of falling into Tokugawa's arms like his initial trajectory, his friend crumbles on the sidewalk half-unconscious.

Not knowing how to explain himself, Tanjirou yells at the motionless form of his friend. "YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW! CAN'T YOU SEE HE WANTS NO PART OF YOU?" Dragging the blond up by the collar of his uniform, Tanjirou makes to leave that area as soon as possible when the emperor's son tries to stop him.

"U-Um, excuse me, sir. I was the one who-"

Purposefully ignoring him, Tanjirou bows deeply. "I'M SO SORRY THAT HE WAS FLIRTING WITH AND BOTHERING YOU! PLEASE REST ASSURED THAT IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN."

"There appears to be a misunderstanding. Zenitsu-san and I were simply getting to know each other."

Tanjirou straightens out of his bow. He's not sure what kind of look is on his face right now, but it's enough to make Tokugawa pale in fear. "I said that it won't happen again." The words were cold, chillingly so. Finally getting that space between Zenitsu and the man- the really handsome and rich and kind young man- that Tanjirou so desperately needed, he can breathe easy enough to happily wave back at the speechless prince. His voice was back to its warm tune. "Have a nice night!"

Without another word, Tanjirou bolts out of there with Zenitsu in tow.

He makes it almost all the way back to their table before the blond even regains some semblance of consciousness. He hadn't hit him that hard, after all. "…Tanjirou? What are you doing here?"

"We were celebrating, remember? Inosuke's waiting for us."

"Huh…" Zenitsu sleepily giggles. The sound is what Tanjirou could only describe as adorable. With that scent of peach blossoms back within his grasp, everything suddenly seems all right again. "I had this really weird dream-"

"There you guys are!" Inosuke exclaims, throwing his chopsticks in the air. "Are you done moping already, Zensuki?!"

"Wha- Moping?!" And there he goes, springing out of Tanjirou's grip to slam his fists on the table indignantly. "I already made it really clear that if you kept it up, no one would want to eat with you anymore!"

Inosuke waves him off, much to the blond's rage. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just sit down and eat already."

"What are you talking about?! You TOOK all of our foo-" Zenitsu is cut off when he reaches down, only for his hand to not bump into empty air like he thought. Peering at his plate, four perfect meat buns sat arranged in a little tower. A quick once-over of Tanjirou's seat confirms the same thing. "I-Inosuke…!"

The boar child crosses his arms. "The great Inosuke can spare a few left-over's for his subjects!"

Tanjirou can only laugh at Zenitsu's responding glare. Plopping himself back in his chair and taking a chunk out of the meat bun, he has to agree with the blond on this one. Food really did taste better when sharing with friends. He'd continue to share. Whether it was his toys or game or clothes, Tanjirou would always look out for the happiness of others above his own.

But Zenitsu was the one person that he made an exception for.