[AN: It's been a while. As usual, thank you for reading! The comments are well appreciated! I'm just going through something right now... ugh. Anyways, I hope you guys are having a better time than I am! And I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

tsuzumi - is a hand drum of Japanese origin. It consists of a wooden body shaped like an hourglass, and it is taut, with two drum heads with cords that can be squeezed or released to increase or decrease the tension of the heads respectively.]

It was bloody. Akaza's, mine, and Kibutsuji's blood. The quickest way to replace Kibutsuji's cells with mine was to have Akaza bleed out and consume mine – flesh, and blood both. Then it was my job to flush out whatever remaining within Akaza's body. It wasn't the most pleasant of sights; my hacked and bloody limbs were being force fed to Akaza. Those that didn't make it to his mouth littered the ground around him. It was like I was murdered, over and over. But I'd do it again. I'd do it with a smile on my face if it meant saving him.

I understood what Tamayo-san meant once Akaza has consumed a significant amount of my cells. I could almost visualize the interior of his body and see the remaining cells from Kibutsuji. It was like a battle within him, where winning rests in my hand. I commanded every part of me to fight – to push away Kibutsuji and to not let him have his way for once. To stop him from taking away someone important to me.

It seems that interacting with Kibutsuji's cells brought out some long-buried memories. There was always blood and gore. In most memories, I was covered in them. Not because I was hurt and injured, no. I was like a child looking messy after a meal. What? That's not right – it can't be right. Still, in each of those memories, I was slumped and my shoulders were heavy with guilt and remorse. Akaza was always there to lift me and help me carry those emotions.

He always extends a hand my way. This man who exudes danger; a man who has killed many with his bare hands somehow chose to comfort me. And this was the only time I got to repay him.

It was already morning when it was over. While my body was already healed, Akaza was still unconscious. Anxiety was eating away at me and it felt like there was nothing I could do. I just wanted him to wake up and to hear his voice. "Y/N-san, you should rest. If you need to feed… well, we only have blood bags." Tamayo-san offered. "Blood bags? Human blood?" It was only then that I wondered what she and Yushiro eat. It was Yushiro who answered me, tone almost full of contempt. "Of course, human blood. What else could it be?"

"I, uh… I only eat animals. But I'm fine. I'll just rest here." I was still seated by Akaza's bed, with no desire of leaving. I hoped he'd open his eyes… call my name and then I'd know for sure that the procedure worked. I found myself caressing his face, just to feel that he was still alive – that he was still with me. "We did everything right, so he's going to be fine. Right?" Despite the heavy emotions in my chest, my voice came out soft and weak.

I felt Tamayo-san's hand on my shoulder, prompting me to look away from Akaza. "Yes." She didn't look too sure. "But Y/N-san, you really should rest. Your body has overworked itself, healing and regenerating all night. I promise to wake you up when he does." I sighed and yawned. She's right, I really don't feel so good. "Alright. Thank you, Tamayo-san." I finally relented.

I'd like to say that I had trouble falling asleep, but my body really was tired and I was out the moment I laid my head down.

I felt myself being shaken awake, and instantly sat upright before my mind was fully awake. I was so sure it was Tamayo-san, so hearing Akaza's voice was a pleasant surprise. Sleepiness suddenly disappeared and seeing Akaza smiling at me was possibly the best thing I've ever seen.

I jumped to hug him and he caught me without trouble, his arms securely wrapped around my back. "You're alive. You're awake…" I leaned back, finally looking him over completely. I felt my breath get caught in my throat at the sight of his eyes. I cupped his face, observing the slashes. The words declaring his rank were crossed out as if Kibutsuji gouged his eyeballs out and used a specially sharp knife to cross out his rank. It looked extremely painful.

"That must have hurt… can you still see?" He chuckled, "I'm not new to pain. And yes…" I felt his hand on my face and he brushed away the hair that fell over my eyes while we talked. "I can still see. I see you." His eyes fluttered close, resting his forehead on mine. I felt myself relax completely – relief and comfort filling me as I did the same and leaned into him. For once I was thankful I was a demon.

He's alive! He's safe and finally free from Kibutsuji, his crossed-off rank proving just that. Though, the thought took me back a little. Akaza sensed it and pulled away, "what's wrong?" I caressed the side of his face, my thumb brushing over the skin just below his eye. "This proves you're no longer a Demon Moon." He nodded.

"But why am I still one? I've turned my back on him years ago." While it's true that my distance weakened my connection to Kibutsuji – making his curse useless against me -, I was still a Demon Moon. If I let my disguise fall, you could still clearly read my rank written on my eyes. At my question, Akaza tensed almost tenfold.

"It's because he wants you back."

"Still?" Right. Ubuyashiki-sama did say that Kibutsuji still regularly sends demons to me. I felt his hand on my shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze. "I won't let him get you. I told you, he won't hurt you anymore. Not in my watch."

"Thank you again, Tamayo-san." I said as we prepared to leave. She gracefully waved me off, before gesturing to some bottles and containers that looked to be filled with blood – Akaza's. "Thanks to you both, we have a whole lot of demon blood with significant cells from Muzan. This is a huge help." At the clueless looks on our faces, she explained what she meant. Turns out, she met Tanjirou and Nezuko and was helping them by developing a cure – something that would turn a demon back into a human. "Is that something you want, Y/N-san?" Yes.

A chance to be human again? That's what I've always wanted. To be able to walk in the sun; visit Yusuke and finally have him forgive me; to grow old – have a life, finally. But then there's Akaza. Does he want that, too? Huh… It was odd. I was being offered something I've wanted for a very long time and I hesitated because of Akaza. And he's just a friend whom I haven't even seen for decades.

I didn't want my life to move on and he'd stay frozen behind. Somehow, the idea of growing old with him sprung in my mind and I wanted that future. I shook my head, hoping to get rid of my silly thoughts. What was wrong with me?

"Y/N, is that what you want?" Akaza asked me, face so serious you'd think he was asking me to fight him. I couldn't tell whether he wanted me to say yes or not. "Maybe? I uh… can I think about this, Tamayo-san?" She nodded, "of course."

We said goodbye to Tamayo-san and Yushiro and found ourselves walking in the quiet residential area. Only the sound of nighttime bugs could be heard around us, the street illuminated by moonlight. I found myself staring at my companion as the silvery light bathed him. He looked to be glowing – like a magical creature of the night. Which he is, in a sense. I'm well aware of how dangerous he is. Just the other night, I witnessed him fight Kyojuro and saw just how strong he is. Still, I felt safe with him.

"You're staring." He said, turning to look at me. Seeing his eyes still unsettled me a bit, but underneath the slashes was the familiar warmness. Instead of feeling ashamed at getting caught, my lips turned upwards into a smile. My voice sounding a little breathless as I told him that I was just so relieved. He grinned, shoulders nudging mine. "Me too. I'd hate to leave you so soon after seeing you again." It was nice, knowing that he felt similar.

We were almost near the main street, the noise coming from it becoming a little too loud. "It looks like many people are out again tonight." Why do city folk stay up this late? Akaza hummed, kicking away some small stones out of his way. "We don't have to go walk through there again."

"I'd like that." I nodded and we cut through the paths in between houses until we reached the way outside the city. We were quiet, both of us breaking that silence at the same time.

"Where will we go now?"

"Why didn't you say yes?"

We looked at each other, silent for a moment. It was him who spoke first. "I think where we go next depends on your answer, Y/N." Oh. "You hesitated earlier. Why?" I started to pick at the cuff of my sleeves instead of answering. Because how could I tell him that it was him I was thinking of? That I was worried how becoming human again meant parting ways once more, only permanently this time. It's almost shameful how little I thought of my family. And I'm still not sure why that was where my mind went – to him. He's that important to me?

Akaza waited for my answer. "You're hesitating again." We stopped walking then and found ourselves standing in front of the ugliest tree I have ever seen. The leaves somehow looked wrong, branches bending horribly… Alright – it was a normal tree. I just wasn't ready to answer him so I'd rather think about other things. Or rather, I didn't want to answer him.

I felt his hand grab hold of mine. Rough and calloused; it was a killer's hand, yet it brought me great comfort making it easier to speak my mind. My earlier apprehension melting away. "I want to be human again. I wish to be able to spend my days with my family, in actual daylight – maybe even work at our shop." I smiled as I thought about all the other things I longed for. "Eating with my family meals that are actually cooked. Finally eat fruits and vegetables again. Grow old…" Have my own family.

"What's stopping you, then?" At that, I avoided looking at him and even turned my face away so he couldn't see me. "I was worried. We just saw each other again and if I become human again you – well, what about you?" He tugged at my hand, prompting me to look at him. Oh. He's beautiful. A pleasant and peaceful look was on his face as he looked down at me. His eyes were full of affection which felt like it's always been there. That he has always looked at me that way.

Why am I only noticing it now?

Akaza smiled seemingly at what he was about to say. "Last night, when the curse activated – when I was about to die, do you know what was running through my mind?" I didn't dare guess an answer, so I just shook my head. "You, Y/N." Me? "How I'd be leaving you behind." He scoffed, "I did say the slayers could protect you. But Y/N, I want to do it myself. You remember that urge to protect that I told you?" He was fully facing me then, the hand not holding mine was fisted on his chest, over his heart. "I think you're the answer. I can't explain why, but I just know I can't let you get hurt again."

"That's why if you decide to stay as a demon, or become human again – whichever path you choose I'd take it with you. I'd walk by your side if you'd let me." He was sincere, so intense that I couldn't take my eyes off of him. "You won't leave me?" My heart jumped at what he said – at what it meant.

He shook his head as he got closer to me that I could almost feel his breath on my face. "No. Not again." I felt tears of relief fall from my eyes, Akaza's thumb already gently wiping it off my face. "Then you're fine with becoming human again? You won't be able to grow stronger…" In fact, he'd probably get weaker.

He nodded, the soft and gentle look on his face now gone and replaced by determination. "Yes. But I only need to be strong enough to protect you. That's why we need to take care of a few things first." "Oh, yes. Tamayo-san needs blood from other Demon Moons." While what she got from Akaza was a lot, it was the variety that she needed most. "That's right. I also need to get rid of that – that pest!" I felt my nose scrunch up as I asked him what he meant. "Muzan." Was his only answer, yet I understood it perfectly. "I said I'd protect you. I can't do that against him once we're both humans again. We need to get rid of him now."

Of course! That makes sense. He is much stronger in his state right now. Though, there was still an issue that becoming stronger as a demon won't solve. "But how? Demons can't kill demons, right? What will you do?" Akaza opened his mouth but nothing came out. His earlier energy was gone in an instant; he was like a bubble that suddenly popped! He slumped his shoulders as his head tilted; "I have no idea."

Why is there suddenly a lack of crows? "Y/N, I hear birds over there." Akaza started towards the direction he pointed at, not even waiting for me. See, we were so pumped planning to become humans again and get rid of Kibutsuji and other demons for good. But like the fools that we were, we didn't know how to go about that. Looking for Kasugai Crows being the only step to take. Again.

"I don't think there are crows there." There wasn't any cawing where we're headed. It was just flapping of wings that seemed very angry. And the hoot of the nocturnal owl. Akaza just shrugged and continued forward. He suddenly stopped, making me bump my face on his muscular back. "Oof!"

Then Akaza started shooing, several birds flying away. "Tsk, they were pecking this weakling." He looked disgusted as he gingerly picked up a small creature from where the birds were at earlier. On his palms was a small sparrow. Huh, of course, he wouldn't be able to fight those bigger birds – he's tiny! I was about to tell Akaza just that when the bird in his hands started angrily chirping at him. And to my great surprise, Akaza understood it.

"Huh? You're not weak?" Akaza scoffed, looking at the bird closer, "you were letting them peck at you!" The bird chirped back, making Akaza furrow his brows. "What do you mean you didn't ask for help? Especially from a demon? What, do you want me to call those birds back and feed you to them?" It was a bizarre sight. Akaza was fighting with a tiny sparrow. Wait! Demon? "Akaza, it called you a demon? It knows?"

"You work for the Demon Slayers?" He asked, and it looked like the bird was nodding as it answered. It was all so weird. "But you're not a crow." I said, making it chirp back to me. Yeah, it was all birdy chirps to me. I couldn't understand it the way Akaza does.

"He's mad at you." Laughed Akaza, as the bird continued its tirade. I felt bad for the guy since it was full force at what seemed to be a lecture for me but I couldn't understand a single thing. I just nodded, trying to look as apologetic as I could. Finally, it stopped, Akaza saying it also thanked him for saving it earlier because otherwise it wouldn't speak with demons.

Once it calmed down, I finally told it to send a message to Ubuyashiki-sama. It looked displeased before chirping away, Akaza kindly translating it for me. "He says he was just there and he didn't want to fly back. He's on his way to someone called Zenitsu. "Zenitsu? I know him! Please tell him to tell Tanjirou that we need his help." It chirped, "he says he also knows Tanjirou." Perfect!

That was how we found ourselves standing in front of the Butterfly Estate. "The night is almost over. Come on." Akaza confidently walked towards the estate but a sudden swoosh of a sword made him jump back, covering me.

"Kocho!" That sounded like Kyojuro. And it was Shinobu-san who attacked us! She looked towards where Kyojuro was standing with Zenitsu, Tanjirou, and Inosuke. "You said Y/N-san was coming. Who's this other demon?" She said it in her calm sing-song way, but I could feel the hair on my body stand up at how cold it seemed. Inosuke answered, "That's the Upper Moon! Let me at him!"

"Wait! He's not – I mean, he was the Upper-Rank Three. Not anymore, just look at his eyes." Akaza didn't move from my side. He just continued silently looking at them, probably deciding whether to stay and wait for them to calm down or to run away. Tanjirou gasped, "Zenitsu, his eyes are like that of the tsuzumi demon! Do you remember, Inosuke?"

Inosuke answered no, while Zenitsu nodded yes. "That wasn't there the other night." Added Kyojuro, walking – more like limping – towards us. Shinobu-san shook her head but still sheathed her sword. "A demon moon turned away from Kibutsuji Muzan, hmm? One wrong move, I won't hesitate to kill you." She told Akaza with a smile before walking back inside. I felt Akaza breathed out, relaxing.

Then I was engulfed in a hug. Bright hair covering my sight. "Kyojuro." I was happy, seeing him again yet I found my eyes wandering to where Akaza was, worried. Huh. Kyojuro pulled away, hands still grasping my shoulders. "You're back!" He turned towards Akaza, "thank you for bringing her back!"

"Huh? She's not back!" Akaza pulled me away, causing me to stumble a bit. If he wasn't holding me, I think I would have fallen. "We're just here because we need to kill Muzan."

"Ehhh?' Zenitsu suddenly yelled, looking afraid at the mention of the name. "Oh! I like that, demon boy!" Inosuke added, pumping his fist and waving it in the air, almost hitting Tanjirou twice.

"I see." Kyojuro nodded before adding; "You two better get inside before sunrise, then."

"A cure, huh?" Shinobu-san said as she sat, contemplating what we just told them all. She smiled – somehow different from her ever-present smile – "five demons. You, him, Nezuko, that Tamayo and Yushiro… Five demons are willing to work with us just to kill Kibutsuji Muzan. It's wonderful, isn't it?"

"I don't know about that; he still sounds pretty scary." Zenitsu said, confusing me since Akaza didn't sound – alright, he is scary. "A human again! You can count on my help!" Kyojuro exclaimed, reaching for my hand. I looked over to Akaza, finding his brow furrowed. He tensed before declaring, "I'll also be taking that cure. Good to know I can count on you, Kyojuro." "Hmmph!" Kyojuro straightened up, "then I could for sure take you on once you're human again!"

"Ompf!" Shinobu-san made a sound, eyes round as she looked from Akaza to Kyojuro. Tanjirou and Zenitsu was doing the same. I felt Akaza vibrate in silent anger. Oh, Kyojuro seemed to just know where to hit. "Akaza," I said, holding onto his upper arm. I felt him relax as he turned his attention to me. "I think it's time we turn in."

"Oh? In the same bed?"

"Shinobu-san!" I felt heat climb up my neck, and I suddenly avoided looking into anyone's eyes. I heard Kyojuro make a choking noise, almost similar to the one I made. "I don't mind." Akaza said, and I finally turned only to see him smirking. Not at me, not at Shinobu-san but at Kyojuro.

I wanted nothing more than to slam my face at the tabled between us all. I guess I didn't expect Akaza to be friendly, but Kyojuro was also… off. I guess this is our life now. Great.