A/N: Woop, Woop, back again. Just pumping this shit out because I'm hella bored. Also gives me an excuse to blast music through my headphones almost all the way up. Deafness will grace me with its presence soon.

Now, "shut up and be happy. It's all in your hand. Grow up and be happy, 'cuz it ain't that bad. That's what my doctor says. Unless you'd rather be, unless rather be-

Sad, and you know it. And you don't wanna show it, clap your hands!"

I love that song. Enjoy this chapter! Once again, I ask that you may pardon any mistakes you find. I usually read and re-read and re-write (e.g. I'd re-write a paragraph) chapters many times, yet still, a few mistakes manage to elude my grasp.

Zenitsu was trying. He swore on all things holy that he was trying. He trained hard, worked hard, thought hard, and even made a plan! Okay, maybe the planning part was a lie, but come on! Give him a break! It's hard to think of methods to save the "timeline" when he's trying not to have another mental breakdown.

His wounds were...healed, mostly. They burned occasionally, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. He didn't have time to worry about himself anyway. He had so much to deal with already...

And then there's Kaigaku. The anomaly was Kaigaku. He didn't want Jii-chan to die, so how the hell was he supposed to do that when his Aniki wouldn't let him even get 10 feet near him unless forced? Someone tell him how that's even fucking possible?! Because he needs some fucking help here!

Why was Kaigaku here anyway? He'd already gone to first selection-yet he still came to visit every few weeks. Those few days he'd spend training or talking with Jii-chan.

Besides him, everything has been going well. Zenitsu found himself working harder than he ever thought possible. Every day after training, his legs felt like they were burning off, and his arms were like two large pieces of lead hanging off his body. He felt content with his hard work.

Kaigaku was a bit pissed about it though. There was that ever-present sound of jealously mixed with anger, but another one had arisen. His better was scared. Of what, Zenitsu didn't know-though something told him it was his fault.

This new sound made his Aniki more and more avoidant of him. Soon, Kaigaku didn't even bother insulting him. He practically thought of him as invisible. The only form of insult, or angry words that were meant towards him, was muttered curses during training.

Zenitsu wasn't sure what to make of it, so he decided to talk to Kaigaku about it for once. Maybe this wasn't the best decision he's made, but there's nothing else to do anyway. It's like ripping off a bandaid-you gotta just do it quickly.

That analogy made no sense, but Zenitsu was tired and shaking in his boots. Can someone please give him a fucking break? Gosh, anyway-he walked up to his better.

He immediately turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Zenitsu alone on the training ground.

'Okay, maybe I should try a little harder.'

Kaigaku was tired. Absolutely fucking tired. This...this...this brat. This coward-he was suddenly stronger? His sensei always told him to never underestimate his opponent, but this was fucking impossible. Zenitsu insistently whined, cried, and ran away, yet suddenly he's obedient. Did the lightning do something to his brain? Did even the gods favor Zenitsu more-shocking him with lighting to make him a better slayer?

The young man fumed as he stomped away from the blond. He didn't want to talk to him, he didn't want to train with him, and he didn't want to be near him. Get the fuck away.

The blond was insistent, as always. Chasing, again and again, looking for an older brother that wasn't there. He didn't want a younger brother. He didn't desire Zenitsu. He didn't want to be overpowered by someone he had already deemed weak long ago.

...

And if he found himself looking at the blonde and hearing pained screams and hysterical laughing, that's nobody's business but his own.

If he was terrified that he'd get overpowered by trash-no one has to know.

If he didn't want to be opened up and figured out like a puzzle through Zenitsu's crazy hearing, the younger doesn't have to figure that out.

...

Kaigaku didn't want Zenitsu to bother him. Yet the boy kept coming over, following him, calling out to him. They're not friends. They're not brothers. They're not the same-and never will be. He wanted to ignore him, to be left alone-but his anger bubbled over like hot magma and exploded.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT?!" The ravenette whirled around angrily-fists clenched, brows furrowed, eyes glinting with absolute rage.

The boy before him shrank down into himself. "U-um..."

"SINCE YOU'RE SO INSISTENT-WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT."

"I-I...

I was w-wondering if you'd like to...s-spar?"

'Spar? With him? What-does the cocky bastard think he could handle it?'

"Why the fuck do you want to spar with me?"

The blond began to look more confident since Kaigaku wasn't yelling at him. Maybe he should.

"W-well, y-you're strong...and u-um...I'd think it would be...nice...to be graced with your...presence...?"

'Graced, huh? The little shit think of me of a god or something?'

Kaigaku mulled it over. The trash was annoying, pride-less, cowardly, and had no respect for their teacher. Though it seems that he was finally understanding his place. As long as he did, perhaps it wasn't that bad for it to be a one-time thing. Even if the little shit was lying through his teeth, Kaigaku'd gladly beat some sense into him. Especially if it was under the guise of a 'spar.'

The better slowly began to grin. "Well, perhaps a spar with you, trash, wouldn't be too bad."

He watched gleefully as Zenitsu smiled back, face slowly waning in color...

'I'm screwed. Absolutely fucking screwed.'

Zenitsu could see the wheels turning in Kaigaku's brain as he grinned at him. Fucking grinned at him. Never in his life did he think he'd see a human Kaigaku grin at him. Albeit sadistically, it still counted!

...

(Even though it made his blood boil, and his mind pictured those human teeth as fangs.

He could still hear the crackling of his skin, the condescending cackle as the demon downed him in only a few blows...)

...

Maybe he pushed a mix of right and wrong buttons. Right, because he agreed, and wrong because his better looked like he had the perfect excuse to murder him.

Zenitsu found it within himself to smile back. He began to lose feeling in his face as the blood drained from it. Was he still smiling? He didn't know. Kaigaku was, so maybe he is. He's too terrified to care either way.

'I guess this was destined to happen when I dove head-first with no plan.'

It's a miracle how Inosuke survived his missions before he and Tanjiro came along. How the hell did the boar do this every day? Diving in, plan-less, is scary.

Well, the idiot is just as scary, so it's not that surprising.

Y'know, since he's going to die, Zenitsu might as well think happy thoughts. Nezuko...Tanjiro...Inosuke (Kinda)...Oh! Murata too...

He ignored the strange looks Kaigaku gave him as he led the way to the training ground-smiling giddily, flowers floating around his head.

"Fuck." Kaigaku breathed out. He was exhausted. He won, but he was spent. He dropped the wooden sword, crouching on the floor to catch his breath. Zenitsu was in front of him, cheek to the ground, breathing heavily. He looked like shit, and Kaigaku wouldn't be surprised if he looked the same.

The blond was faster than the brunette expected, almost managing to knock the sword out of his hand. The better still managed to have held on, nearly winning the entire thing when he swung. The younger dodged by a hair's breadth before moving in for another attack.

They went back and forth for a long while before Kaigaku struck the sword out of the boy's weakened grip after a smack to the leg. The spar ended with Zenitsu kneeling on the ground and Kaigaku pointing the blade at his adam's apple.

Kaigaku was too tired to be pissed at nearly losing-and too in awe to care. Some part of his mind whispered something he'd never thought would be true.

'The brat's good.'

And deep down within, the older knew it was true. The boy had managed to keep up with Kaigaku himself, and actually had a chance at winning if he worked harder.

The fatigue wracking through his body chased away his anger, for now, leaving him with the unbiased truth. Zenitsu would become a good slayer, and Kaigaku was proud. Fucking proud.

How the hell does that work? He was almost angry-but he wasn't. He'd wait 'till later to be angry. Right now, he was content with the burning in his muscles, which haven't had a real challenge in a while.

Zenitsu was catching up. He was learning about guts and pride, and not once during their whole exchange did he cry. He didn't cower away-didn't run and scream. He took every single blow Kaigaku gave him like a man.

He respected Kaigaku too. Maybe he didn't like him-but wanted to spar with him because he recognized his strength. He certainly knew what he was getting into by the fear he expressed before. Yet he still went through with it.

Kaigaku threw peaches at him for being cowardly (people cursed him for stealing money). Zenitsu cried and ran away (his face was rubbed in the dirt). Zenitsu was disgusting, weak, and cowardly (he drank muddy water to survive).

Yet the boy grew. He learned his place-but knew how to rise up. Maybe even a bit like Kaigaku once did. They aren't the same, they aren't brothers, they don't even like each other-though they could be similar.

Kaigaku stared at the boy before him. He was angry, confused, and didn't like anything he was feeling. He didn't like Zenitsu. Zenitsu was weak. Though that could change. Maybe he'd realize how special Kaigaku is one day. Who knows?

Without thinking, the better picked the boy up on his back and began to trek back to the house. Zenitsu was still breathing raggedly, and any try at words failed him.

But Kaigaku understood what the boy said into his ear, breath warm, chest heaving.

"Thanks."

Is it odd to like to be thanked?

A yelp escaped the blond's lips as his better roughly plopped him down on his futon. "H-hey!" The younger whined.

"Shut the fuck up. I could have left you there," Kaigaku answered gruffly, turning away from the coward before him.

"W-well...um..." Zenitsu struggled to think of a comeback while his mind swam. While his breathing had evened out, his head felt like it was about to explode. His body was covered in scratches and bruises. Kaigaku looked just as bad, and he's the one who had to carry Zenitsu back.

"Sorry you had to carry me, I guess," the teen mumbled. He didn't look up to see his better's reaction.

"Hn."

The blond watched the brunette's feet as he left the room. He laughed softly.

"That went better than expected."

'I guess flattery was the way to go. Never expected this to happen, though.'

More laughs escaped his lips. He was becoming hysterical, head aching, vision swimming as he tried to sit up. Kaigaku had beat the shit out of him, hadn't he? Absolutely no mercy was granted-just kicks and punches and hits and injuries that will hurt for hours afterward.

Yet as if in some sort of twisted apology, he'd helped him back home. He wasn't asked by Jii-chan, wasn't forced. He did it of his own free will! Tears began to fill Zenitsu's eyes.

Jii-chan might not die this time.

Kaigaku wouldn't have to die.

The boy didn't stop laughing, not even as his eyes overfilled and overflowed with tears. His heart ached with longing- and it swelled with a hope he hadn't felt since he got here.

The laughs dissolved into sobs. He didn't want to be here. He'd rather be with Jii-chan, flowers blooming at every turn. He wanted to see all those who had died. If the afterlife existed, he wanted to be there because this was too much.

The hope in his heart pulled him from despair. He'll be okay, right? He's making progress...Kaigaku likes him (kinda), he's getting more powerful, and First Selection will be here soon! He'll get to see Tanjiro, Inosuke, Kanao, Genya...Maybe not Inosuke yet, but he'd at least get to hear the idiot! He was fucking loud the last time.

The last time.

Right, Zenitsu had done this before. He could do it again. He knew he had the strength too. He could save people. This time-he'd get to see The Demon King's demise. This time...this time, he wouldn't be useless. If he only had one chance, he'd make it count.

The blond wiped at the tears in his eyes. He'll be fine. He had others to help him. He'd manage.

He turned around to clutch the pocket watch beside the futon. It was ancient, having the script engraved on the back reading: "The tick of time never stops. Though it can get louder." He wasn't sure what it meant but knew it was meaningful.

The teen traced the engraved cursive as he lay down on the futon. He could do this.

He could save the timeline.

...

"Zenitsu...I have to talk to you." It was the day of the Final Selection, and Zenitsu was about to journey off to the trees of wisteria.

"A-ah. Yes, Jii-chan?" The teen smiled nervously at his teacher. He anxiously clutched his haori.

"I just want you to know that I am proud of you. You've worked hard these last few months, and I'm sure your work will pay off. You're my pride and joy, Zenitsu. Make sure to come home safely."

Jii-chan hadn't said that before, had he? Only gave him a rough pat to the head, gruffly telling him to do his best, then sent him on this way. It was a change-a nice one.

"I will, Jii-chan." He reached down and gave him a hug. Zenitsu hadn't done that before either. Only whined and complained before stomping away.

"See you, Aniki..." The teen reached out and gently patted the older's hand. Before he died, if Zenitsu tried this, he'd earn a harsh smack to the face.

"Hn." Kaigaku made no move to slap the boy, only standing staring somewhere behind his head. The blond made eye contact with the ravenette and smiled softly.

The better growled before aggressively bonking the younger on the head with his fist. Maybe slapping wasn't out of the question.

"O-ow," Zenitsu whined.

"Get a move on, idiot! You don't have all day," Kaigaku said, glaring.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going..." Said idiot rolled his eyes before walking off down the path, turned when he was far away, and called, "I'll be back!"

"If you die, I'll kill you!"

"Love you too!"

"I'll kick your ass!"

A loud cackle was the only answer as the blond jogged down the path, clutching the borrowed sword under his belt. This was what he always wanted. Less offensive insults and more harmless threats. More friendly bickering and less all-out fighting.

Was it really that wrong to want an older brother that badly?

...

He had forgotten how beautiful the wisteria flowers were, blooming full, and almost glowing in the light. Zenitsu reached for one, listening to the soft sounds they made.

The wisteria trees had always carried a sort of...magical sound to them, entrancing him in a song he could listen to for hours. And the smell. The smell was incredible. He didn't need Tanjiro's heightened nose to smell it from afar.

Zenitsu stayed under the magical wisteria for a while-until he realized it was almost sundown. He hurried the rest of the way up the mountain, almost tripping when he finally made it up.

He looked around at the people before him. There were so many...how many had died this night? Hardly anyone was left last time. Zenitsu didn't want the same to happen now, so he decided he would change that.

He wanted to save people, right? The chance had presented itself, so he'd take it. What kind of person would he be if he just let them die? Not a good one, that's for certain.

Just as the blond was satisfied with himself and his decision, he heard a certain song he hadn't in a while. Well, a few, actually.

One sounded like the woods-birds chirping, trees creaking, all the sorts. A forest tinted with excitement. Another is like a butterfly with a broken wing-half excited, half despondent. One more sounded gruff, like some sort of...predatory animal. The animal wasn't just rude-some part of it was mourning, another soft and kind. The last song was the one to pull his heartstrings. It reminded him of rushing water, full of determination, sadness, and resolve for something greater than the rapids themselves.

Zenitsu almost cried right then and there. Inosuke, Kanao, Genya, and Tanjiro. They were all here-his friends were all here! The blond wanted to jump and run into their arms, but he wasn't crazy.

He decided to just greet them. Well, Tanjiro, at the very least. He weaved through the mass, trying to make his way toward the water. That was until the crowd started moving up the mountain, and pushed Zenitsu up with them.

If he didn't move forward, he'd be trampled to death. So the blond sighed, then followed the crowd up the mountain. Either he'd have to find Tanjiro in the woods, or wait until the final selection is over.

...

Night one went well. Zenitsu managed to save a few slayers, some of which decided to team up with him. Others thanked him and continued on, or got upset, cursing him to hell and back. The blond drank in the praise and ignored those who were mad.

...

"Sorry, um, guy, but I saw you getting choked out! I couldn't just do nothing!" Zenitsu was dealing with a particularly ungrateful bastard during Night 5.

It was a boy with light brown hair, put up in a small low ponytail. He had slender eyes and thin eyebrows and lips. His eyes were the color redwood. They were beautiful., a large contrast to the blandness of the rest of him. The first time he saw them, he was mesmerized by their beauty, but the spell was broken by the teen's vulgar language and sour attitude.

The other teen scoffed. "What do you think you are, a hero? Our priority is to slay demons and survive, not fucking waste time on others.

I had it under control! You just got in the way, so I didn't have a chance to cut the head off! What, you think 'cuz you have some lightning breath or whatever, you're better than me? Oh, you're so fucking wrong..."

The blond fumed as the teen kept talking. It reminded him of Kaigaku. The way he yelled at Zenitsu, threw things, insulted him, killed him...this Kaigaku now is different. He's changed (hopefully), and this...bastard of a slayer is doing the same he did.

"H-hey! D-don't be rude!" A girl who had teamed up with him (along with at least 15 other people) squeaked out. "He's a nice guy!"

"Yeah, well "nice guys" don't prevail in this world. Only the strong survive, and the weak perish."

Something in Zenitsu snapped when he said that. "Shut the fuck up."

The teen raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you say something, trash?"

(Your trash. Get out of my sight.)

"Trash...?"

...

Peaches. Zenitsu loves peaches. They're warm and juicy and are an abundant resource at home. Kaigaku hit him with peaches. They covered his hair in sticky juice and littered the ground in large, wet globs.

Zenitsu loves peaches, but when he sees them, he can't help but remember one word-and one word only.

"Trash."

...

"Didn't you hear me? Or do I have to repeat myself?"

...

Kaigaku changed, he did, and Zenitsu swears he did. Yet every time he sees him, all he hears is cackling and the crackle of lightning. He feels phantom feelings on his skin-a slash on his back, cracked skin everywhere...he remembers the sad look Murata gave him. Kaigaku killed him-but this one didn't.

And this boy might end up the same way.

...

"You don't get to decide who's trash and who isn't. You don't get to tell me who I should or shouldn't save. So shut the fuck up and quit acting like you're superior. You're not, and you never will be."

When Zenitsu passed the teen, he didn't spare him a second glance. He heard his little "team" scramble to follow as the teen's song turned from angry to downright enraged.

"You bastard! You do think you're better than me! I'll show you! I'll show all of you! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!" The boy stomped his way towards the blond, blade in hand. The crowd of people following him parted for the teen. Only two stood in his way.

"Hey! You can't raise your sword toward another person! You'll be just as bad as a demon!" A boy with a song like a raging fire stood his ground.

"Y-yeah!" The girl who spoke before perked up from behind him. Her song was that of a small animal being washed away by a lazy river.

"Get the fuck out of my way, or I'll kill you too!"

The fire boy shook his head, planting his feet firmly on the ground. He placed his hands on his hips, showing that he wasn't afraid and will not unsheathe his sword.

The river girl stood next to him, albeit meekly, but she glared at the teen defiantly. Both stared down the angry one.

Zenitsu perked up at the telltale song he heard. A demon.

"Whatever! I'll gladly murder all three of you!" The boy charged sword in hand, poised to strike.

The blond made his move, appearing in front of the brown-haired teen and pushing him out of the way.

"Oomph-what the hell-"

Zenitsu ignored the cursing and turned around just in time to block the demon's attack with his sword.

He cut off a hand reaching for his head, and in one swift move, cut off the demon's head. It fell forward, whining and screaming about nonsense as Zenitsu walked past it, seemingly uncaring. Inside, he screamed fearfully and excitedly. Fearfully, because he was still terrified of demons, and excitedly because he slew it awake.

It would take a bit of getting used to, but the blond thinks he could do this "conscious slaying" thing!

"W-wha-What the hell was that?!"

Honey-golden eyes landed on the teen. He was shocked, terrified, and angry all at the same time. Zenitsu almost pitied him. The blond took a deep breath and bowed.

"I apologize for any inconvenience I caused you." Then, he walked away. It took everything in him not to yell, scream, or even smack the boy, but he didn't.

The river girl and the flame boy followed behind him. None mentioned anything when the brown-haired boy walked beside them. They all ignored the loud whispering as the rest of the group followed.

...

During the evening of Day 6, Zenitsu walked up to a group of the familiar trio sitting on a fallen tree-River girl, flame boy, and the angry one. The flame boy was talking loudly as the river girl and angry one listened, one nodding insistently, the other rolling his eyes.

The flame boy had hair a red-orange color, black eyes, and an odd, crooked smile. His hair was short, his bangs hanging over his eyes. He had large eyelashes, highlighting the black nicely. His haori was white, fading to red at the bottom.

The river girl had long, dark blue hair, the roots being the same color as the boy's hair. Her eyes are black too. Her bangs were cut even on her forehead, covering her eyebrows. The girl's haori was an imitation of the boy's, except it faded from white to blue. She looked like an angel.

"Hey!" The blond smiled and waved. The fire boy waved back, making room for him to sit when he came over. He sat between the boy and the girl.

"How are you...uh.." The girl blushed, embarrassed that she didn't know his name.

"Zenitsu Agatsuma," he stated.

The boisterous ginger smiled giddily. "I'm Kenta Akashiro! This is my sister, Akari!" He gestured to the river girl, before motioning at the other boy. "Our friend over there is Minoru Etou!"

Zenitsu's eyes widened. "You-you guys are friends? So he threatened a friend?"

"Well, we became friends only a few hours ago!" Kenta laughed loudly.

It's easy to see why the boy was such a demon magnet. When the blond saved him and his sister, they were facing off at least 5 demons-or, at least, Kenta was. Akari quivered behind him, clutching his haori like a lifeline.

With their white haori's, Kenta's loud laughing, and Akari's deafening screech-they stood out like sore thumbs. Good thing Zenitsu was there, otherwise, they'd be long gone.

"Well...what's your guy's breathing style?"

"Um," the girl squeaked. "I have water breathing, Minoru has w-wind breathing, and K-Kenta has flame breathing..."

'Kenta has flame breathing?'

...

The flame hashira was an odd man. He had a rambunctious laugh, a confident demeanor, and the values of an honest man. The man is strong-was strong.

Zenitsu really wished he was there during the fight. He heard what happened, but he never saw it. He only got to see the end result-a dying man, and heartbroken friends.

The blond cried with them all the same. Whether or not he got to see how the hashira died, he still missed the way he accepted him so easily. He hadn't been particularly annoyed at the blond's cowardly behavior-he treated him like Tanjiro and Inosuke. Despite both being better, a coward like him was being treated equally.

It wasn't fair how a person like Rengoku died like that. People needed him, yet the universe let him up and die! At least the man gets to rest. Zenitsu heard the distress in the man's heart-he was glad he left the world happy and satisfied.

Kenta and Rengoku were eerily similar.

...

"Agatsuma-san! Are you feeling alright?" A voice called out through the haze of memories. His brain struggled to find the difference between Kenta's and Rengoku's voices.

"Ah! Don't cry Agatsuma-san! Was it something I said?! I'm sorry!"

"Why the fuck is he crying?!"

'Am I crying...?'

The teen reached up to feel his face. Tears were indeed dripping down his cheeks. He really was such a crybaby. Here he goes, crying in front of strangers!

"I-I'm fine," Zenitsu stuttered out. "You don't have to apologize."

Despite his words, the flow didn't stop. Rengoku's laugh rang in his ears, willing the tears out. The boy began to sob.

"Kentaaaa," he cried, clutching the teen's arm. Forget being a crybaby-he was sad, dammit!

"What's there to cry about, Agatsuma-san?"

The honey-golden-eyed teen didn't know, and the tears made him too busy to care.

Minoru's eyes narrowed behind him. "Literally why the fuck are you crying."

"Shut up, you idiot!" The blond whirled around to face him. "Let me cry in peace!"

The brunette bristled. "Idiot? Who the hell do you think you're calling an idiot?"

"You, of course!"

"Are you trying to start something?!"

"I'm trying to fucking cry!" Zenitsu yelled in his face.

"And I think you're a fucking crybaby!" Minoru shouted back.

"You think I don't know that?!"

The two got up, choosing to shout above Akira rather than in her face.

"How the hell are you the one who saved these people?!"

"Shut it! I didn't have to save your sorry ass!"

"Well, you did, dipshit!"

"Next time, I'll just let the demons eat you!"

"You think I'm too weak to fend them off?!" The brunette gripped Zenitsu by the haori.

"Actually, I think you're an annoying asshole!"

"Says the one who wants to feed me to demons!"

"YOU TRIED TO KILL ME!" Zenitsu gripped him back.

"I'm better than you anyway!"

"Narcissistic bitch!"

"Crybaby hoe!"

"Selfish shit!"

"Fucking trash!"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

"WELL, THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE!"

"I HATE YOU!"

"THE FEELINGS MUTUAL!"

"YOU NEVER SHUT UP!"

"NEITHER DO YOU!"

"AT LEAST I DON'T TRY TO FUCKING MURDER PEOPLE!"

"WELL, YOU ANNOYED ME!"

"THAT'S NOT A VALID FUCKING REASON!"

"WHO CARES!"

"I DO!"

"WHO GIVES A SHIT!"

"I FUCKING DO, YOU STUPID NARCISSISTIC HOE-LOOKING ASS BITCH!"

"WELL, I DON'T GIVE A SINGLE SHIT IF YOU DO, YOU CRYBABY BITCH ASS WHINER!

YOU'RE SUCH FUCKING TRASH!"

...

"B-but Kaigaku-"

"Go away! Why do you insist on clinging here, like a patch of wool? Our sensei was a former hashira, yet you regard him with offensive nicknames like "Jii-chan!" You're such fucking trash!"

A sickly sweet scent filled his nose as he flinched away from the peach thrown his way. The smell greatly contrasted with the anger assaulting his ears. If only he wasn't so useless. Perhaps then Kaigaku would like him-would want him.

Is that too much to ask?

...

Tears once again pricked the blonde's eyes. He wanted to punch the boy, hit him, scream at him, something, but he couldn't. He couldn't do anything. He was FUCKING TRASH!

The anger Zenitsu felt slowly drained away, leaving him cold, empty, and sad. Letting go of Minoru's haori, he sat back down on the tree. His head fell into his hands.

"Sorry," he mumbled. "I...I shouldn't have said any of that."

The teen brushed off his haori and scoffed. "Yeah, you fucking shouldn't have."

Kenta gave him a pointed look. Minoru stared back, locking them into a solid 30-second staring contest. Then, the brown-haired boy looked away and sighed.

"I guess...I'm sorry...too."

"You both should be! Now, apologize to Akira for yelling in her face!"

The teens simultaneously sighed before turning to the girl and apologizing.

"Sorry, Akira..."

"Yeah. Sorry."

The girl blushed underneath the intense stares from the two boys. "I-it's f-fine, Agatsuma-san, Minoru!"

"J-just call me Zenitsu."

'How can such a pretty girl blush because of me?' He almost wanted to ask her to marry him-but! He had Nezuko-chan! What kind of future boyfriend would he be if he cheated on her with another woman? The crummy kind, obviously!

"O-oh! A-alright Zenitsu-san!"

'Aaand she still kept the -san.'

"Ah, perfect timing! The sun is finally coming down!" Kenta broke whatever tension was left in the air as he pointed above the clearing The sky was a mix of pink, orange, red, and yellow hues, and all who bothered to look above left in awe.

'Tanjiro, Inosuke, Kanao, and Genya must be looking up at the same sky,' Zenitsu thought. 'Murata too, somewhere.'

Even if the sky was a sign that new trials were to come, it still left him feeling happy, awed, and most of all, comforted.

He couldn't wait to go home.

...

The allotted time had passed, and Final Selection was over. Many more people had survived than before-all of which were people Zenitsu recognized.

Some were people he had saved who yelled at him or walked away, while others were a part of his little group of survivors. The rest were 4 people he missed greatly.

The survivor group all huddled together, quiet and excited. Hardly anyone talked.

Except for one group.

"I'll destroy you!"

"Literally be quiet! Can't you go a MINUTE without FIGHTING?!" Zenitsu wailed miserably at the teen in front of him.

"Crybaby hoe!"

"We're not starting up again!" Zenitsu felt all eyes on them. He heard Genya growl, Kanao hum, and Tanjiro let out a breathless laugh. The children patiently waited for quiet to begin talking. Gosh, if only they'd stop fighting-

Akari meekly cleared her throat. "G-guys...stop fighting..."

'Yes, Akari, stop him, please-!'

"My little sister is right! It would be better if you stopped shouting!" Kenta backed up his sister by doing exactly what she said to stop doing.

"You're fucking shouting too!"

"Hahaha, I know!"

Zenitsu exploded. "LITERALLY SHUT THE FUCK UP, I'M SO SICK AND TIRED OF YOU PEOPLE, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN, SO BE QUIET BEFORE I USE MY THUNDER BREATHING ON YOUR ASSES-"

"HAH?! YOU'RE REALLY TRYING TO START SOMETHING, AREN'T YOU?!"

"I LITERALLY JUST WANT TO LET THE POOR CHILDREN TALK-"

"Zenitsu-san's right!"

"Haha, indeed, little sister!"

"AS IF I'LL LISTEN TO HIM-"

Kenta clamped a hand on Minoru's mouth, successfully restraining him. He laughed boisterously as the teen struggled against his grip.

"Do not struggle, my friend! It will only make your demise worse!"

The brown-haired teen's eyes widened considerably. He thrashed harder. His eyes screamed, "help me!"

"N-nii-chan! Don't say that," Akari squealed, grabbing her brother's arm in fear (for Minoru's life, if anything).

The blond rolled his eyes annoyedly. "Let him die," he grumbled, arms crossed.

The brunette gasped. "You shouldn't say that either, Zenitsu-san!"

"Well, he tried to kill me!"

"He's only human!"

"HE THREATENED TO KILL YOU TOO, YOU KNOW!"

"I mean...we did get in his way..."

"Yeah, you got in the way of him KILLING ME! HE HAD HIS KATANA OUT AND EVERYTHING!"

"But..."

"BUT NOTHING! HE TRIED TO MURDER ME! THAT'S UNFORGIVABLE-UNFORGIVABLE! REPENT, REPENT, REPENT!"

Zenitsu began to bonk Minoru on the head with his fists, screaming, "Repent," the whole time.

"MMPH!"

"I think he said to stop, Zenitsu!"

"I'll stop when he repents!"

"What about the children, Zenitsu-san!"

"Fuck the children! He didn't fucking care about the children! He didn't fucking care about ME! Him and his STUPID peaches, and his STUPID insults, and his STUPID threats, and his STUPID yelling, and his STUPID anger issues-!"

When his mind hazed, and when he couldn't tell between Kaigaku and Minoru, Zenitsu didn't know. He didn't care either way. They were both rude, mean, insulting, and had a thing for stupid peaches!

...Or maybe that was just Kaigaku. WHAT. FUCKING. EVER!

"MMPH MMPH MMMMPH!"

"Haha, he says, "I'll kill you!""

"I don't care!"

"Zenitsu-san, stop i-"

"Can you all SHUT UP-?!" A gruff voice interrupted whatever consoling Akari tried to do.

All heads turned his way, revealing GENYA, fucking GENYA, to be the speaker. Zenitsu started to shake in his boots, but something caught his attention. Genya...he seemed more mournful. What's more, he wouldn't look Zenitsu in the eyes. Odd...

"A-ah! S-sorry-"

"How about you all shut up instead?" The statement was meant to be venomous, but to his ears, it sounded forced-like he didn't mean it but said it anyway.

Kenta smiled widely at Genya. "Haha, isn't that a bit rude to say!"

"Fuck off."

"MMPH!" Minoru glared at the teen.

The teen gladly glared back. "Do you have a fucking problem or something?"

"Haha, well, why don't you two work out that problem!" The ginger let go of the boy he captured, letting him roam free. "Go play!"

"Kenta, what the fuck-!" The blonde stared unbelievingly at him.

"Haha! Do not worry, Zenitsu!"

'Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, please, oh please, whatever may be up there, PLEASE let me lose consciousness now! PLEASE! I beg you...'

"Well, well, well! Look what the cat dragged in!" The redwood-eyed teen smirked, looking up and down at the boy before him. "Better run away before I kick your ass."

"Hah? You'll kick my ass?" The black-eyed teen growled. "We'll see about that."

"Kenta! What the hell is wrong with you," Zenitsu hissed. His soul almost left his body when the boy just laughed while the time bombs growled at each other.

'Tanjiro fucking do something already, I know you're itching too-so please do so-I don't want them to kill each other! Or at least let Genya kill him first-'

He sighed in relief as he watched the burgundy haired make his way toward the duo. The noise seemed to catch the attention of Genya. Violet eyes met honey-golden and all anger left them. It was replaced with...a sadness? Why would he be sad? They didn't even know each other yet-

Oh.

"There'll be 5 others working towards the same goal."

He watched as Genya stepped back, and his fist went down. Tanjiro stopped walking. Minoru was upset at the action and gripped the brunette by the shirt.

"Oi, the fuck are you doing? Was all that bold talk for nothing?"

As Minoru pulled his fist back, Tanjiro moved, and time slowed down. A memory flashed in his mind...

"This place is terrible," Zenitsu grumbled, stomping away from his friends in a rage.

"Oi, Mengitsu!"

"Leave him, Inosuke. He'll come back!"

Zenitsu rolled his eyes. Like hell he was! He was leaving, leaving this place and never fucking going back-

"Oomph-" He bumped into some sort of wall. It was...vaguely squishy...and incredibly warm...and wet...? He clutched onto it as he regained his balance until a voice made him lose it again.

"Get the fuck off me."

He looked up, to see a familiar face. With familiar eyes, familiar hair, familiar scars...very large familiar muscles...(damn). Zenitsu yelped in surprise, abruptly stumbling backward in shock.

He began to fall, until a hand roughly grabbed him by the elbow, pulling him upright. It let go as quick as it held on, almost giving the blond no time to balance. He managed not to fall.

"Look where your going, clumsy ass."

The tall teen brushed past him, and all he could do was stand there, in both terror and awe.

"Are you coming or what?"

"C-coming where...?"

Genya scoffed. "To the rest of the guys."

"W-what?! No! I-I'm leaving-"

"Why?"

The question was only one word, yet it unleashed the weight of thousands of words and feelings Zenitsu didn't want to think about. He was leaving because he was tired, that's all.

"'C-cause I'm tired of this! I-I'm not meant for this-"

"Do you think slayers have a choice? Because we're tired do you think we stop fighting?"

"N-no, but-"

"And if you weren't meant for this, why the hell would you be here? 'Cuz it's sure as hell not for pity. You're here because you're meant to be, end of story.

Now come on, before I carry your ass."

Zenitsu only nodded numbly, following quietly. Only after 2 minutes of silence did he speak.

"Thanks."

"Whatever."

There's no way the shorter teen could miss the sound of fondness in his tone. Some part of him cried at the kindness, another joyful, all of him internally grateful for having such a person by his side.

Something in Zenitsu clicked.

"Minoru, let go of him."

The blond had a hand on the brunette's shoulder. His face was shadowed, expression is hidden from everyone around him. A noise of slight fear could be heard in the red-wood-eyed teen's heart.

"Don't fucking tell me what to do."

"Let go of him, or I'll force you to."

"Like hell I will-"

He squeezed his shoulder-only enough to hurt. The warning finally broke through Minoru's stubbornness, and he let go of Genya. Zenitsu released his shoulder, and the teen grumbled as he moved away.

"Why the fuck are you training at this hour?" Zenitsu whirled around a glared at the disruption in his training.

"I need to get stronger-"

"We all need to. And we all are. So why the fuck are you training now?"

"I can't waste time now. I-I have something I need to do, and I have to prepare-"

"Prepare later, dumb fuck! You need to sleep-" A hand roughly gripped his wrist.

"I can't sleep now-"

"Well, you fucking need to! What use is your training if you aren't energized? Your health is important!"

"I don't care about my health!" Zenitsu yelled, ripping his arm away. He ignored the prick of tears, turning away from the taller teen.

"Zenitsu."

'Fucking leave me alone.'

"You need to sleep."

'Stop telling me that.'

"I'm not gonna fucking let you destroy yourself."

'Shut up.'

"Are you coming or what? Or will I have to carry you?"

The line was familiar-something Genya told a while ago. When he bumped into him, right? When Zenitsu chose cowardice over determination.

Genya held him by the shoulder, turning the boy around.

"Now come on, before I carry your ass."

The blond didn't answer, instead leaning forward and pressing his forehead against the taller's chest.

"I'm so tired."

"Yeah, that's called a lack of sleep, dumbass."

"I really am dumb, aren't I?"

"Pft, of course, you are. That doesn't make you any less strong."

"Can you carry me?"

"Can you walk?"

"No."

"Yes."

"Carry me or I'll go back to training."

"Sly little fucker." Genya muttered under his breath but obliged the instruction. He hoisted him up, before throwing the boy over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"H-hey!"

"You asked me to carry you."

"Not like this!"

"How then?"

"I-I don't know...bridal style...?"

"You wanna get married or something?"

"HAH?! FUCK NO! I'm marrying Nezuko-chan!"

"Simp."

"This is bullying! Verbal abuse! Manhandling!"

"Shaddap and quit squirming ya twirp."

"T-twirp?! I'm normal size, you colossal size of a man!"

"Quiet or I'll drop your ass!"

"FINE!"

Silence.

"Hey, Genya?"

"What."

"Thanks."

"Whatever."

Zenitsu didn't miss the way the brunette's tone turned fond.

The blond and brunette stood in front of each other, silent, neither looking up to face the other.

"Thanks." Genya looked up slowly. He was apprehensive to speak.

Zenitsu used all his courage, strength, and mental ability, to look up. His eyes crinkled upward, and he had a large smile despite the tears running down his cheeks.

"Whatever."

He heard the sounds of realization, happiness, and despair enter the brunette's song, and they mixed together and played loud in his ear. It drowned out everything else-the only other noise just as loud were the choked noises Genya was making.

He opened his eyes to see tears spilling out the teen's eyes-the first time he'd seen him cry. It was so despairing, the smile he wore faded, leaving nothing but loud cries and misery.

Zenitsu rushed to clutch the boy, half-jumping, half-stumbling into his arms. They were both knocked over, crying uncontrollably on the floor-well, Zenitsu was. Genya just held him in his arms, crying softly despite being just as upset.

The blond couldn't bother with Akira's consoling, Kenta's laughs nor Minoru's upset (and incoherent) screeching.

When Tanjiro knelt down beside them, the honey-golden eyes teen pulled him down, one arm wrapped around burgundy haired, then around the black-haired. Despite not understanding what was happening, the teen patted both and gifted them with kind words.

"Tanjirooooo...! Genyaaa...!"

Tanjiro had a twinge of confusion in his song, as he had not introduced himself quite yet. Zenitsu noticed the slip-up almost immediately, but hardly even cared. He was too busy sobbing and wishing everyone else was here.

At least he had Genya. He could make this work as long as he had Genya and Murata by his side. He-no-they-could save the timeline!

Genya awkwardly held Zenitsu in his arms. The teen was obviously embarrassed from crying but was happy.

As things began to quiet down, one of the children spoke. She talked about getting a Kasugai crow and picking out ore for your sword.

"Chuu, chuu!" While others walked up to pick an ore, Zenitsu stayed behind, petting his dear sparrow. Chuntaro was just as peppy as he remembered, and the teen's heartstrings tugged when he realized he had left the bird behind when he died.

Genya left along with the others to go get an ore. His crow followed him, yapping along the way.

"That's a cute bird!" Tanjiro smiled at the blond. He had already picked his ore and met his crow. He had only stayed behind to say goodbye to him.

Akari agreed, reaching out and petting the small thing with her finger.

Minoru just sneered. "It's small and weak like you."

The honey-golden eyes rolled at the snide comment, but let it slide. He was too busy cooing at the bird and snuggling his face up against it fondly. Chuntaro was so nice! He was smaller than the other crows and weaker, yet he still did his job! Not once did he lose patience with him!

That was an absolute lie, but he loved the bird nonetheless!

"Well-I'd better get going," Tanjiro said. "It was nice meeting you all!"

Genya heard the teen go, and turned around to wave.

"Haha! Likewise!"

"Y-yeah. B-bye..."

"Whatever."

"Mhm! See you, Tanj!"

Zenitsu almost didn't hear the fond sound from the teen at the nickname. It was a welcome sound-one that made happy tears fill his eyes. He hardly noticed Minoru yelling at him, Akari comforting him, Kenta calling him out loudly, or Genya smiling gently and fondly.

Even now, Tanjiro was still Tanjiro.

A/N: Heyy. So. Um. I added three more Original Characters I made up on the spot. Oopsie, lol. Now I have to figure out backstories for them or something. Ugh. I added a lot more verbal fighting scenes than I should have. Is it venting? Maybe. Do I care? No. Will I keep doing it any chance I get it? Yes.

I ask that you may excuse any out-of-character behavior-I went back and edited a few things to may it more canon. Zenitsu does have fits of anger sometimes. Don't ask about the cussing. Venting is a thing, y'know.

I also went back and edited

Akari is basically Zenitsu, Kenta is basically Rengoku, and Minoru is secretly a Shinazugawa confirmed.

Scared Genya: What hell do you want, asshole?

Confident Minoru: Mistake-of-a-son Anakin, I am your godforsaken father.

Confused Genya: What the fuck are you talking about-

Embarrassed Minoru: Ah shit, wrong fandom.

Hysterically Wheezing Zenitsu: Nah, jit got the fandom wrong...

Mortified Minoru: ...I'll beat your ass...!

Protective Kaigaku: Do that, and I'll kill you.

Terrified Minoru: ...

Smug Zenitsu: Nah, bruh, jit all bark, no bite...

Peace.