Chapter 2

What do I smell like?

"Drink this, slowly please."

It's been a few days since his event with Lady Shinobu. At that time Tanjiro was able to get in contact with Lady Tamayo so that she could treat his mother. He Watched from the side as his Lady Tamayo gave his mother a type of purple medicine. He had no idea what it was but it didn't look like it tasted good. He watched in interest and dare say, hope. It's happening, it's finally happening. Tanjiro was finally able to secure his family some funds, a way to ensure that his mother gets cured. It's just...the method to get it was questionable.

He looked to the side, where his younger siblings were all watching with fear. Nezuko was the most worried of them all. She looked to Tanjiro and their eyes met for just a moment, before she quickly turned away.

Tanjiro winced

Nezuko hasn't talked to him since he got home from Lady Shinobu. Whenever he tries to approach her, the younger sister would just excuse herself out of the room. He knew why, it's because of how he's been keeping silent. The moment he came back Nezuko pressed for answers as to why and how he got this money. Tanjiro, of course, couldn't answer that question. He also couldn't lie because of how bad he was at it so it only left him one option.

Stay quiet.

He never answered her questions, she would press on asking him with pleading eyes. It pained Tanjiro to see his sister like this, but he knew that the alternative would have been worse. So he stayed quiet, and now Nezuko avoided him.

"Tanjiro." Lady Tamayo called out to him, breaking the man out of his thoughts. "May I speak to you outside?"

The young teen nodded and followed the older woman outside. The rest of his family stayed behind to look after his mom. They walked outside, the cold snow blowing very lightly today.

"It's a start."

"Lady Tamayo?" Tanjiro asked, wondering what she meant by that.

"Your mom, It's a start." She said with a straight expression. "This sickness she has, it's not something that will go away in a day or two. She's going to need to stay strong."

"She will." Tanjiro said with a firm expression. "She's my mom, she'll make it. What about the medicine?"

Lady Tamayo held out the bottle that contained the medicine for his mother. It was empty, of course it was. Which meant he was going to need more, which meant more money…

"I'm sorry Tanjiro, if there was something I could do I-"

"No, no. Thank you Lady Tamayo. You've done enough for my family." That was no lie, doctors are not cheap. The money Tanjiro made with his visit with Lady Shinobu would never have covered a full visit and the medicine. Lady Tamayo was doing his family a kindness by just charging for the medicine. The young teen was grateful, he truly is.

"Tanjiro, there was something else I wanted to ask you…" The smile she had on her face died down, and the scent that usually accompanied Lady Tamayo changed. "That money, where do you get such an amount?"

"I…" he stopped himself, Tanjiro had too. He can't let her know, he can't let anyone know. He didn't want them to feel guilty for this. "I'm sorry Lady Tamayo, I can't tell you."

His response caught the older woman by surprise. She knew Tanjiro as such an honest and thoughtful young man. The fact that he was keeping a secret was very surprising, it also worried her. She walked closer to Tanjiro and pulled him in for a hug. The poor teen had to fight a blush from having such a beautiful woman hugging him.

"Tanjiro." She said with affection. "Nothing good comes from hiding things from your family."

"It's okay Lady Tamayo." He said with warmth as he pulled away with a bright smile. "It's nothing to be worried about, I'm the oldest. I can do this." The bright smile that he shined did nothing to alleviate Tamayo's concern, but she did not press on. She nodded in understanding before saying goodbye and heading back home. Leaving Tanjiro alone outside to his thoughts.

He was going to need more funds…

Tanjiro went back inside and headed inside his mother's room. She looked at him and smiled warmly at him, it hurt him. That smile pained him, seeing his mother like that made her son's heart ache.

"Tanjiro…" his mother said weakly.

"Shush…" Tanjiro said quietly as he kneeled close to her. "You heard Lady Tamayo, get some rest. It's going to be okay, we're getting the medicine. You're going to be fine." He reassured her.

His mom hadn't asked about the money, not yet at least. Tanjiro wasn't sure why, perhaps his mom didn't want to add any more pressure to her already burden son. Perhaps Nezuko has told their mom that it was all from his hard work mining coal. Tanjiro wasn't sure and Nezuko wasn't talking to him so he couldn't just ask her yet.

Tanjiro kneeled down and gave a light kiss on his mother's forehead.

"I'll be back, I'm going to buy some food." Tanjiro still had some reserve funds left. He couldn't spend it all, he needed to save the bare minimum so his family could have the basic necessities for nourishment. He made his way out only to run into Nezuko, who was just about to come in.

"Nezuko." He said surprised. "I-"

She walked right passed him and into their mothers room, closing the door as she did. The older brother made no effort to stop her, he could only sigh.

It's for my family, this is for my family.

He resolved himself, Tanjiro could not waver, he could not falter. This what needs to be done, at least until his mother feeling well. He told his younger siblings that he would be right back. They tried to go with him, like they always do, but Tanjiro was quick to instruct them that they needed to stay home and help Nezuko out. Though sadden the younger siblings understood.

He walked through the small market that resides in Tanjiro's growing village. Plenty of fruit and fish that was available for purchase, lots of people as well. It seems today was a particularly busy day. Tanjiro made sure to count his money correctly, he walked through the crowded market. Scanning the prices to see what he could and could not afford.

He skimmed through the crowd, purchasing a very small amount of fruit and bread. It wasn't much, but it would definitely last them a few days.

Now, all he needed was to drop off the food and then he can go back to work. He's chopped some fresh wood and charcoal. Tanjiro's hoping to bring a variety of things in order to get more money so he doesn't have to-

"Tanjiro?"

He forze, a familiar feminit voice reached his ears. Tanjiro turned around and saw the same beautiful woman that had approached him for a few days before. The woman passed through the crowd, approaching him. The scent coming to his nose...it hadn't changed. That same, angry and sad scent was coming to him. It was faint, due to so many people and smells, but Tanjiro could recognize it.

"My, my It's a pleasure to see you here. How have you been?" She asked with that fake smile.

"I-" memories came back to him. Her soft lips, their bare skin pressing against one another, sounds that he's never heard before from a woman rang through his ears…

"Tanjiro?" Her voice brought him back, he looked to Lady Shinobu. The older woman had looked at him with a perplexed look, the look turned mischievous when she noticed his red cheeks. She got even closer to him and leaned towards his ear. "What's on your mind, Tanjiro?" She whispered in his ear.

The young teen didn't answer, he simply looked away though his face did get much redder. Shinobu backed away, apparently satisfied with his response. She looked to what he was carrying, the basket, the money, the food. It made easy to find out that he was out shopping.

"Tanjiro, would you mind accompanying me? It would certainly be much easier with someone to help me."

"I-" What does he say? He can't look at her without being reminded of the nigh they shared a few days ago. It...does it not bother her? "I'll help you, Lady Shinobu." Well, despite what happened it didn't sit right with the kind young man to simply sit back and not help. Though he did make a mental note to be on guard.

"Wonderful!" She said with a cheer before heading forth into the market with Tanjiro right behind her. Not much conversation occurred between the two, the older woman simply hummed as she continued with her shopping. Leaving a slightly uncomfortable Tanjiro behind her, it was the smell. The smell she gave out constantly, it was just so constant. Never changing, never wavering, at all.

Eventually Lady Shinobu had finished her shopping, she grabbed Tanjiro by his hand and lead the teen out of the crowded market.

"Well, what I bought was quite enough. Don't you think Tanjiro?"

"If you say so Lady Shinobu…" he said hesitantly. "Though was the haggling really needed?" Tanjiro is referring to the older woman lowering down prices of almost every merchant she went too.

"Of course." She said with that plastered smile. "They're nice to you Tanjiro, but for a defenseless woman like me-" this woman was anything but defenseless. "People are willing to charge me double for any item. That's why it's important to read their face, you would know right?"

The way she said that made Tanjiro raise and eyebrow in confusion.

"You know how a person is feeling." Shinobu clarified. "It's odd for someone your age to have such a skill but I-"

"Lady Shinobu." Tanjiro interrupted. "That's now how I found out. It's with their smell." He pointed to his nose with a straight face

"...Eh?" It appears Lady Shinobu wasn't expecting that answer.

"I have a really good sense of smell. I can tell what a person is feeling with it, it's very handy." The way he explained it, so casually, told her that this wasn't his first time explaining to.

"Oh?" She said, rather mischievous as an idea began to form in her mind. "Then can you tell me what I'm feeling right now Tanjiro?" She got closer to him, her body language telling him that she found this entertaining.

The young teen looked at her with concern, Shinobu saw it and wondered why he had that look.

"You smell angry...angry and sad."

Shinobu went stiff as a pole, her body language telling him that she wasn't expecting that answer.

"I couldn't tell when we first met but after what happened I was able to recognize it." Tanjiro went on to explain. "I...I didn't know what to say."

It became awfully silent right after that, Tanjiro looking at the rigged posture of the older woman. She turned away, facing her back to the younger teen. Tanjiro had a look of concern, feeling guilty for telling her this. Times like these made him wish he was capable of lying.

"Lady Shinbou?" Tanjirou stepped closer to the older woman, trying to reach out to her. "I...I don't know what's happening but if I-"

Shinbou swatted his hand away as if he was a fly.

"Did I ask for your concern?" Her voice, it came out cold. She turned around, slowly, and her purple eyes looked to be filled with an inescapable rage. Tanjiro took a step back instinctively, it was a bad move as Shinbou saw that and grabbed his shoulders. The older woman had a strength to her that Tanjiro did not expect. She led him to an alley, away from wandering eyes. Shinobu pushed him against a wall, her arms had a firm lock on his shoulders.

Her cold eyes met Tanjirou's eyes of concern.

Concern…

The sent of anger became stronger. Tanjirou didn't know it, but that look of concern is what furthered angered Lady Shinbou.

She brought her face closer to his, to the point where her lips were brushing against his left ear.

"Did I ask for you to help me, Tanjirou?" That voice came out a whisper, but Tanjirou could make out the venom. He stayed quiet, not sure on how to respond.

"What did I ask of you, Tanjiro?"

He remained silent.

She pulled her face away from him. Tanjiro slightly looked up and the burgundy colored eyes met violet. Shinbou expected to see fear in his eyes. Either fear, anger or disgust in his eyes. She did not find that look, what she saw was the same compassionate look on his face that he's been giving her since the day they meet.

Shinbou hated that, she hated that look.

She wanted to get rid of it.

She grabbed his cheeks ratherly strongly and pushed his lips together. Before Tanjirou could even get a word in she crashed her lips to his. Unlike last time, Shinbou did not give a warning or heads up to Tanjirou. The young teen had to relax himself, finding it easier to do so after their last encounter. She released her grip on his shoulders, and used her hand to place it on his chin. She tugged down and opened more of Tanjiro's mouth, allowing her to insert her tongue.

She could feel Tanjiro tense up at that, the poor teen still not used to the sensation. Shinobu paid his uncomfort little mind, as she focused more on the pleasure she was receiving from this kiss.

She broke the kiss, allowing the two to get a few breaths in. The older woman looked at Tanjirou's face, that concerned look had been replaced with a dazed and hazy expression. She smiled, as the woman was glad to see that unnecessary look gone. She placed her fingers below his chin and pushed it upwards so that Tanjirou was looking at her.

Shinobu leaned in ever so closer, her lips brushed his ear.

"Once you're done with your things, please meet me at the train station." Her voice came out in a whisper. Not even giving Tanjiro a chance to reply, the older woman grabbed her things and left the alleyway. Leaving the poor teen by himself, as he did his best to stop his beating heart and flushed cheeks.

The walk back to his home was a quiet one, the snow crunching beneath his feet was the only sound he could hear. The woods were quiet, it was unsettling for Tanjirou. He held a firm grip and the food he held in his hand. He was able to purchase a decent amount for his family. It's no feast but it will get them through for the next few days

Nezuko was waiting for him outside their home. He could see the pink kimono and black smooth hair that was wrapped in a bun.

"Nezuko."

Tanjirou called out to his sister, seeing her face brought comfort to him after what just happened. His sister made her way to him, she gently grabbed the basket of food from him. Nezuko then turned her back to him and began to make her way inside.

"Wait! I…"

Nezuko stopped, her brother cried out and wanted to tell her something.

Something.

Anything.

He didn't want things to be this way, he wanted to tell his sister everything but he knew he couldn't. If he did then the pain caused would make everything worse. She did not turn to him, as Tanjirou struggled to find words his sister kept her back facing him. It hurt him...it really did.

"I...I…., thank you Nezuko. For looking after them."

He finally said to his sister, his words filled with compassion and honesty.

"I'll be back tonight."

He made his way back down the path, intent on fulfilling his responsibilities to Lady Shinobu. So concerned was he with this strange woman that Tanjirou did not pick up the scent of sadness coming from Nezuko. Nor did he notice the tears that fell down Nezuko's face as she turned and watched her brother leave their home.

She was already waiting for him by the train station.

The ride over there was quiet, any attempt to start a conversation was met with silence. He also noticed something else, the smell of perfume. It was strong, very strong. Lady Shinobu never had this strong of scent when it comes to fragrances. He kept smelling, becoming more and more obvious to Lady Shinobu.

"Do you like my perfume?" She finally asked, catching the poor tenn off guard. He looked away in embarrassment and she could not help but chuckle at that. "I needed something Tanjirou, now that you told me your little secret."

His secret? What is she talking...oh.

"I can't smell you anymore." She masked her scent with multiple perfumes. Now it has become more difficult to find out what she's feeling.

"I can't have you figuring out what I'm feeling Tanjirou, a woman must have her privacy."

"I-" The Poor young teen could not think of anything to rebut that. She was right, Tanjirou remembers his father telling him to not be so vocal about what he smells. Sometimes...there are just secrets that people want to keep. He looked to the beautiful woman in front of him. He hadn't forgotten the scent of anger, nor what happened when he brought it up.

Tanjirou didn't even know why he was trying so hard to find out. He needs to remind himself that it is not his responsibility. He needs to put his family first, he can't do that if he's snooping around where he shouldn't be. If Lady Shinobu decided to end this, then there wouldn't be anyway for Tanjirou to get the necessary funds.

"..."

The trains arrived where he needed to be.

The pair got off the train and began walking back to Lady Shinobu's home. It was a silent walk, Tanjirou wished to begin a conversation but his mouth fell quiet.

He stopped walking and a scent came into his nose. A foreign scent that Tanjiro did not recognize. It felt familiar, like he was smelling Lady Shinobu...

"Tanjiro?" The older woman called out to him, noticing that had had stopped following her. "Something wrong?"

"...No, sorry about that."

Whatever it was that was causing that scent, it slowly began to fade. Making him wonder what exactly caused that strange smell in the first place.

She was more aggressive than the last time they did this.

Before she had given him a chance to sit down, to discard some of his clothing. Not this time, the moment he entered her room Tanjiro made to remove his coat. He didn't even get a chance to hang it, the coat fell to the floor as the older woman began to enjoy herself. Lips were smashed together, hands began to move itself over his body. She didn't give him any vocal instructions, forcing the young teen to relax and allow Shinobu full access to his body.

It wasn't easy. This may be his second doing this but the whole thing still felt uneasy.

The smell of sweat and musk began to feel the air. He still felt uncomfortable and his eyes were still closed for the most part. He could already feel her bare body pressed against his, Tanjiro felt that having his eyes closed made this easier to go through. It lasted a bit longer too, Shinobu mentioned something about him getting better. Tanjiro wasn't too sure as it was hard to hear between his moans and Lady Shinobu's.

By the time it was over, the two were left in piles of dirty sheets and bodies covered in sweat. Tanjiro lay in her bed, slowly calming himself down. He looked to his left and saw Lady Shinobu already getting off the bed, dressing herself. Tanjiro looked away, finding it rude to stare as she dressed herself. The older woman noticed this and became puzzled.

"Tanjirou, you don't have to close your eyes." Said the woman.

"I...I don't want to stare."

The sound of clothes shuffling stopped. His eyes remained closed but Tanjiro could pick up the scent getting closer. She was approaching him, and Tanjirou didn't think it was to give him a hug.

"You still don't want to do this?"

"No, I don't." Even if Tanjirou had the ability to lie he wouldn't have. Not with this.

"Then why continue to do this?" She asked, her voice becoming...strained?

Why was her voice getting strained? Come to think of it, why was she asking these questions? Shinobu knew the answer, it was for his family.

"For my family." Was all the young teen said as he kept his eyes closed. "Are you dressed, Lady Shinobu?"

"No."

No one said anything, not Tanjiro nor Shinobu. Eventually he could feel his clothes being handed to him.

"You can wait outside, I'll pay you soon."

She escorted out of her room. Only after he heard the door closing did Tanjirou open his eyes. He released a sigh he didn't know he was holding. Being careful, Tanjiro walked away from her door and began dressing himself. Once finished the young teen began to make his way outside. Deciding that it would be easier to wait for her out there than in here.

As he made his way through the hallways, Tanjiro noticed something.

Dust. A lot of it actually.

"It's so dirty." He couldn't help but comment. It must not be easy, trying to keep this house clean. Why does Lady Shinobu live in such a big home? Surely she must have the money to hire someone to clean?

It wasn't any of his responsibility when you think about it…

He didn't have to help her clean, this wasn't his home…

Surely cleaning this wouldn't do anything to improve the scent of anger or sadness that comes from Lady Shinobu, right?

"...is there a rag somewhere?"

Kindness, at times it can be a crutch for Tanjirou. Looking for a piece of cloth to use Tanjiro began wiping the dust that was on Lading Shinobu's belongings. Counters, tables, walls, all of it was covered in dust.

"Does Lady Shinobu need help cleaning?" He couldn't help but ask himself these questions. Honestly, why does she live in such a big house with so many rooms? To clean this all would be such a hassle, it's like this home wasn't built for one person.

For one...person…

Tanjiro stopped cleaning, gears in his head began to click together. He placed the rag away and opted to wait outside on the porch for Lady Shinobu. It didn't take long before that familiar scent became stronger and stronger. She soon came from the side, a pouch of coins held in her hands.

"Here you go, Tanjiro." She placed the bag in his hand, with that teasing smile that fooled him no longer. Tanjiro looked at money and gripped it tightly, with this and just a few more he could secure his mother's well being. All he had to do was play along with this, then once his mom was secured he could leave this all behind and go back to his life. Tanjirou didn't have to ask, he didn't have to press on or say anything.

Not about Lady Shinobu.

Not about why she was sad.

Not about the fake smile that she carried.

Not about why she lived in this home. A home that was not meant for one person.

He didn't have to ask about any of that. It wasn't his business, it wasn't, yet...

"Tanjiro?"

The young teen looked at the money in his hand and then to the older woman in front of him and came to a decision.

"Lady Shinobu, you lost someone. Haven't you?"

The pause in her breath was all he needed to hear. It was clear that she wasn't expecting that response.

"Your home, it's empty. It's not meant to be designed for one person." Tanjiro pressed on, trying to get his point across before it was too late. "I don't know who you lost but I can-"

*SLAP*

His words came to halt when he felt her hand come across his face. It stung, but it wasn't the slap that took his words. It was the seething fury in her eyes, she looked angry. She smelled angry.

"Who do you think you are?" Shinobu seethed out of her mouth. Her teeth clenched so hard that it looked like it was going to break. She grabbed Tanjiro but the collar and pulled him closer to her.. "I didn't ask for you to help me. I didn't ask for you to see what was going on. As if you could ever understand what I felt when I lost her!"

She was speaking so loud that her voice started to break. She had to stop, get herself back in control. Get her emotions back in order so that she could be like her. Because that was the only way Shinobu could honor the person she lost, by imitating her. Shinobu's hands were trembling, Tanjirou could see it as he was still being gripped by them.

Gently, he grabbed Shinobu's hand and held it softly. He looked at her and smiled sympathetically at the woman who was in pain.

"I've lost someone too." His father, from a sickness that his family did not have the money to treat. Tanjiro missed his dad, and wished he was still here. "But you're right, I don't understand what type of pain you're feeling. I don't know who you lost."

But that didn't matter to Tanjiro, this sadness, this pain. It was too much, he wanted to help her in whatever way he could. Because he is kind, because Tanjiro too has lost someone in his life.

She pulled her hand away and turned away from Tanjiro.

"After everything that happened, you still would show me this...kindness?"

Tanjiro didn't say anything. He stayed quiet, waiting for the older woman to continue.

"You remind me. Remind me of her, so much." She turned to him, a look of pain clear in her eyes. "I hate it, I hate you." Those words came out as a whisper, but Tanjiro still heard them.

"Go home Tanjiro, go home please."

The young teen wanted to say something but felt that he already pushed too far. The money in his hand felt heavy, more so than the last time this happened. With a guilty mind over the trouble he's caused, Tanjiro left the home. Not bothering to ask if he would ever be here again or see Shinobu again or be asked for this service.

The walk back to the train was a quiet one, walking down the dirt path. Lights illuminated the path, giving it a beautiful scenery.

As Tanjirou continued he noticed that he wasn't alone. He could make out a figure coming from the opposite direction. It was a young girl that looked to be his age, though she was much shorter. Her hair was black and done in a twin tail fashion. She had a very serious expression, one that told Tanjiro that she was on a mission. Not wanting to get in her way Tanjiro made sure to give this young lady plenty of space as they passed one another.

"Hey."

Footsteps came to a stop, the young woman called out to him. He turned to face her and got a better look at her facial features. Her eyes were blue and she had this serious expression on her face. It...it looks like she was upset, why Tanjiro had no idea. Not wanting to be rude the young teen decided to introduce himself to this angry looking girl.

"Hi, I'm-

"Who are you and what are you doing by going to that house?"

"House?"

"Lady Shinobu's house. What were you doing there?"

She cut him off immediately, not letting Tanjiro get a single word in. Normally Tanjiro would pout at such rudeness but when this girl mentioned Shinobu. It put a stop to his train of stop. Who is this girl?

"I-I...I was n-never there…"

"...is there a reason why you're making that ugly face at me?"

There is a reason why Tanjiro is such a poor liar, any attempt at lying was met with a painful experience. The face He was making right now was scary enough to put off almost any individual. Except this angry looking girl.

"N-No, I have no idea what you mean." The young teen was committed to this lie. He was going to do his best to convince this girl that he was not-

"I've seen you leave before, this your second time coming here." She step closer to him, getting well within this personal space. "I'll ask again, what were you doing in that house?" It was clear by her tone that she was demanding an answer. Blue eyes met red as these two young individuals stared each other down.

Tanjiro got a clear scent of this girl, she was angry. Angry just like Lady Shinobu, did they know each other? Or is this woman something planning something malicious? Despite everything that has happened between the two, Tanjiro did not have any ill feelings towards Shinobu. He was not going to tell this woman anything, so Tanjiro did the only logical thing one could do in this situation.

He ran.

"Huh?! H-Hey!"

He definitely caught this young girl off guard, good. Tanjirou started running in the opposite direction from Lady Shinobu's house.

"Get back here!"

"Hmph!"

The girl was hot on his trail, showing impressive stamina. Though it was obvious that Tanjiro held the advantage. Years of working out in the field with his father and then by himself did wonders for the young man's physical abilities. He soon started creating distance between the two and it was only a matter of time before he left this woman behind.

"Argh! Kanao!"

Kanao? Who the heck is Kanao? And why was there a familiar scent coming to him?

Tanjiro turned towards his left and saw another young lady, who was running much faster, coming towards him.

"Wha-"

That was all Tanjiro was able to say before he got tackled by this new face. She had a small stature but the moment and speed was more than enough to knock Tanjiro off his feet. Spending him crashing straight into the ground with this new woman straddling him. Once he got his bearings Tanjiro was able to get a could look at the girl. She was young, had to be around the same age as her partner. Black hair done in side ponytail, she wasn't saying much but that mean expression was all Tanjiro needed.

He still didn't know what was going on, but the young teen didn't feel as if he had the luxury to ask. Using his strength to his advantage he raised his knee and hit Kanao right in her back. It was enough force to loosen her grip on him. Not wanting to waste anymore time, he grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved her off him. Tanjiro got up quickly, just in time to see the twin tailed girl charging at him.

Thinking quickly he grabbed his coat and threw it right at her face. Robbing this woman of her vision, he crouched low and grabbed her by the waste. Tanjiro then lifted her up with enough force and speed that his assailant was hefted into air and crashed onto the ground. He made to pick up his coat and run but turned to see his other attacker charging at him again. He tried to employ the same plan again only to be surprised when she slid underneath him. Her small frame allowed her to find between his legs. She grabbed his ankles and used momentum from her slide to disrupt his balance.

He tried to recover but was unable to when he saw the twin tailed girl drive an elbow to his back. It sent the boy crashing into the ground again. This time both girls shifted their weight onto him, preventing Tanjiro from making any sort of movement. He could struggle but he lacked the strength to overpower these two girls.

"Are you done?" Said the twin tailed girl with a fierce expression. All three of them were panting for air, covered in dirt and sweating profusely despite the cold weather.

"Done?" Tanjiro asked with confusion. "I'm not the one who started all this!"

"Yes you did, you started this when you started running after I asked a question!"

"Does that question usually involve getting in their face?" He asked with a bit of attitude.

"It does when that person could be hurting my sister!"

"I-" he paused at the word. "Sister?" The anger and frustration were all gone, confusion soon washed over him. "You're sisters with Lady Shinobu?"

The two girls looked at him, each one with a fierce expression.

"Yes and I don't-"

"Prove it." He said firmly, which came off as odd given that he was pinned by two young women.

"What? What makes you think your in a position to-

"Prove it!" Tanjiro all but yelled out, the smell she was giving out. It didn't smell like a lie, but he needed to be sure. He had to be sure.

"I-argh! Here!" The twin tailed woman pulled something from her coat and showed it right in front of Taniro's face. It was a butterfly pin, the same one that Lady Shinobu would wear only her's was colored blue as opposed to Shinbou's purple. "Only Lady Shinobu's and her family have these. Even Kanao has one too." She gestured to the girl that was currently pinning Tanjro's legs.

She didn't say anything but she did pop out an exact butterfly pin, only hers was pink colored.

"Is that good enough?"

It was for Tanjiro, who could already tell they weren't lying by the smell these women were giving. Still, now that it was confirmed he needed to ask a question that has been plaguing him since he met Lay Shinbou.

"Now answer my question, what were you doing at-"

"Why is she so sad?"

Tanjiro cut off the twin tailed girl, catching them both of the girls off guard with his sudden questions and look of grief.

"I've only known her for a short time, but I noticed it right away. Why? Why is she so sad? Why is she so angry? Why does she hide with that fake smile?" It pained him, it pained him every time he thought about it. The look on her face made his heart ache. "Her home is dusty, she is leaving alone by herself, why? If you are her sisters then why did you let that happen!"

Grief turned to frustration as the young man began to pour out all the pent up emotions that has been happening to him. Tanjiro may be the oldest, but he had his limit and even he got tired and scared. The pressure of his family, the treatment he received from Nezuko and now with Lady Shinobu. It all took its toll on the poor teen, and now he was releasing it. On these two strangers that he's never met in his life.

But Tanjiro was not the only one with fury pent up. Once his outburst had come to a close, the twin tailed girl bore a look that made him pause. Fury wouldn't do justice to the expression in front of him.

"We didn't want this to happen! Who do you think you are?! You've only know me her for a few days and you think that you can just-"

"Kanzaki."

The twin tailed girls words came to halt as Kanao got off of Tanjiro. Her purple eyes looked into the blue ones as the two girls held a silent exchange that Tanjiro could not pick up on. Finally his assaulter, Kanzaki apparently, got off of him. The two girls took a few steps back, giving Tanjiro plenty of space to pick himself up and off the ground.

The three stood there in silence, the three unsure what to do know. It was obvious to Tanjiro that these two girls wanted to continue the conversation but just didn't know how. So did Tanjiro, he wanted to find out what was going on. This is no longer something he can just drop, not after everything that's happened.

"Tanjiro Kamado." He finally said, "That's my ñame, Tanjiro Kamado. Can I have yours?" He asked with a smile.

"Aoi Kanzaki." Said the twin tailed girl. "This is Kanao Tsuyuri." She gestured to the girl with the side ponytail. "Sorry about all this…"

"No, no It's okay I um…" Tanjiro's words died again as he tried to think of what to say after all this. Deciding to bite the bullet, he asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "You know her? You know Lady Shinobu."

"Y-Yeah." Said Kanzaki.

Kanao simply nodded.

"I have a lot of questions about her, and I'm sure you do too." He was met with more nods from the two girls. "I can't answer those questions right now, I need to get home." His family, his sister, the doctor. There was so much he needed to do now that he had acquired more funds. Rest wasn't in Tanjiro's foreseeable future.

"We'll talk later then, we know what village you're from."

They do? How long have they been following him?

"Meet us tomorrow at the train station. And I'm...sorry for getting in your face." The twin tailed girl said, looking away in embarrassment.

"No, no It's fine. Sorry for throwing my scarf at your face…" he turned to face Kanao. "And for shoving you into the ground." The girl said nothing, simply staring at him with a blank expression.

As Tanjiro began to gather his belongings the two girls made their leave. It was then that he realized that the familiar scent from earlier was the girl named Kanao. She was the one who had been watching him. The walk back to the train was uneventful as was the walk back to his home. The sun had begun to set, it would be nighttime soon.

"..."

Tanjiro couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen now. All this was supposed to help his mother, now he's been dragged into something.

You remind me of her.

Who is 'her'? Who was Lady Shinobu talking about? Why bring him, why the contact if his very presence causes her pain? The boy felt weary, over everything that has happened. Again, he considered telling his family, telling Nezuko for help. He soon decided against it, telling himself that he was the oldest. That he could endure this burden and that there was no reason to bring his family into this.

He walked into his home, and a familiar face awaited him.

Nezuko, his sister. His beloved sister stood at the door. Burgundy eyes meet pink as the two siblings look at one another. Each one has something to say but unsure of how to say it. Tanjiro pulled the money from his coat and placed it in Nezuko's hand. He didn't say anything, couldn't say anything as the weight of today's events occupied his mind.

Nezuko, for her part, looked at the money on her hand and could only open and close her mouth as words struggled to come out. She cursed his fear and wished she could do something more for her brother. Yet, the only thing the young woman was able to do was simply stand there and shake in anger.

Anger over the look of her brother's pain.

Anger over his stupid desire to bear everything and not tell anyone.

Anger over her lack of courage in telling him something, anything.

But most importantly, anger over the person who had caused her beloved brother this pain in the first place.

Whoever caused this, Nezuko would find some way to make them pay.

Inside the empty home, Lady Shinobu walked through her hallways. The floor creaked with each step. Her posture and face showed signs of fatigue and defeat. She was tired, so very tired, so very sad, so very angry…

I've lost someone too.

Idiot, stupid idiot that had no idea what she was going through. If he knew then he wouldn't be carrying that damn smile. He wouldn't be so happy, so full of life, so kind. He would be angry like her, sad like her, he wouldn't care what happened around him. He wouldn't be wondering or caring about others safety.

So how, how is it that Tanjiro can keep on smiling! How is it that he can still be so kind after what he lost! How is it that he can move on and not her!

Why…

Why can't she…

Why can't she say goodbye to her sister?

She hugged her knees and buried her face so that the tears would trail down her face. Her sister right now would be hugging her, telling her that she was too beautiful to cry. That it didn't fit her, her sister would say all types of things that would make this pain go away.

She needed him, she needed Tanjiro. She needed that sensation that only he can he provide her whenever they have sex.

As sleep began to encompass her ,the older woman could not help but wonder if perhaps Tanjiro would be up for another visit in the future.

End chapter

I was really happy to see all the positive feedback I got with the first chapter. Glad to see that they're other people who would like a Tanjiro x Shinobu story. Hope you still found that same interest with this second chapter.

Just in case I didn't make it clear last chapter, this story isn't just a smut fic. The smut is actually very basic as you can tell with these two chapters. There is a plot and I do have a story planned for Tanjiro and Shinobu.

Not a long story mind you, this was just a short burst that I wanted to write. I hope to be done with this in 5 or 6 chapters.

Hopefully…

Anyways, that's it for now.

Thanks for reading, see y'all if a few months!