It had been a month since the trials of Nezuko and Tanjiro, and a month since Giyuu and Mitsuri had strengthen their relationship. Giyuu had taken it upon himself to make regular visits to the butterfly estate, taking blood transfusions and light therapy for his arms. He had done more damage to them than he had originally predicted, but it had paid off with the siblings earning their chance to live. Shinobu was more than eager to reprimand him for what he did, but was glad that he was still among the living. Oddly enough to him, Aoi and the caterpillar girls seemed to have positive reactions to his arrivals.
It was another day of his visiting the estate, wanting the doctor's approval that his arms were fine, and advice for meeting his lover's family. All of this was still new to him, it was a terrifying fear of the unknown. A part of his mind told him it would've been better to ask Uzui, but he's known Shinobu for longer and trusted her words. As he entered the front door, he had found the young caterpillar trio approach him as they always did recently. "Tomioka-sama!" "We're happy to see you Giyuu-sama!" "We pray your arms have recovered!" He greeted the girls as he had started to do instinctively over time, giving the girls a light hug and a small smile. "Hello girls, is Shinobu here? I have something I want to talk with her about, and yes, to make sure my arms are completely fine now."
"She's in her office for research!" "Please remember to knock!" "Do you have treats?" Giyuu nodded in thanks to the girls, reaching his hand inside his haori. "Tell Aoi to find me before I leave if she isn't too busy helping the boys." He pulled out a few pieces of candy, one for each of the girls. The girls were shocked to see that Giyuu actually had food with him, a trick he picked up as an idea for emergency energy for Mitsuri. The girls each happily took one, running off to find Aoi. With the girls gone, he took this as his opportunity to see Shinobu.
Making his way to her office, he knocked on the door. "Shinobu? I'm here for you to check in my arms. As well as... Advice." Shinobu got up from her desk, putting away her notes. "You know you can just come in Giyuu?" He entered the room, closing the door behind him. "Sumi requests of me to knock whenever I come to see you, I'm slowly becoming convinced she is the nicest person who lives here." Giyuu started to remove his haori and his top garments. Shinobu felt a small vein pulse in her forehead, smiling at him. "Are you sure it's not the 'best doctor you know' who had to act quickly to fix your arms with the minimal items I had on my person?" She started to look over the long thin lines that now made their home on his forearms. "Next time you intend to bleed for someone, please don't make my life hard by doing it away from here."
"You say that as if I'm intending to do this for the next demon I find." He watched Shinobu as continued to inspect his arms and his new scars. Part of his own rehabilitation training was light forearm exercises, ranging from weight training to stretching and flexibility. He was certain he was completely recovered, but knew this would spare him a headache later. "As far as I can tell, your arms are as good as ever. Now then what is this about advice?" Giyuu looked to the floor in slight worry, concerned still over the event to come. "I will be meeting with Mitsuri's family soon, we leave to see them tomorrow. I came here in hopes if you've had any advice on what I should do when I finally approach them. Ideas for gifts, talking points, anything really."
Shinobu looked towards her friend before her, she shouldn't help but let out one of her own smiles once again. "You really have changed haven't you Giyuu?" He looked to her in confusion as she only continued to smile. "In just seven months you've changed so much. You've gone from someone who never spoke unless spoken to and always wanting to be alone, to someone who actively talks and thrives around the people he's let be close." She closed the distance between them, hugging him as she was happy to see him finally living again. "I'm proud of you, and I'm glad to see this side of you."
Giyuu smiled down at her, returning the hug of someone he was glad believed in him when he couldn't believe in himself. "And you don't need my advice, you're just over complicating your thoughts into worrying so you came to be for assurance. Think of it like this, they are the people who made Mitsuri into who she is. If she's like this because of them, then you'll already know what to do and how to act. If you were still your quiet self, worry would be a warranted reaction, but you're different now. You'll be okay." Giyuu sighed in relief, letting go of the hug. He was definitely glad he came to Shinobu rather than Uzui. "But if you do want advice, please don't actually tell them we're demon slayers. We both remember that one village where you told everyone and they tied you with rope." Giyuu sighed as he agreed, disliking slightly the idea of lying to Mitsuri's parents.
"Also, please keep this a secret for now, but Mitsuri and I will be having our wedding in the coming months." This had actually surprised Shinobu, not expecting them to have already moved this quickly. "I take it the events of last month is what brought upon this decision?" Giyuu nodded, leaning against the wall as his eyes lost focus. "I still have complete faith in Nezuko, but I will admit I was afraid that day truly would be my last. With my life on the line now, we have agreed to not waste the time together that we have. Better to have lived fast with no regrets, than to live long wishing for more to have happened."
Shinobu understood the concept they agreed to live by. Few people ever retired of old age in this profession, everyone had some belief they would die because of demon slaying. She respected the choice the two were making, choosing to want to get it done before anything happens. She worried for both friends, but for Giyuu doubly so. "If Mitsuri asks me to be the bridesmaid or shrine maiden, I'll be sure to act surprised." Giyuu nodded, thanking her for the time. As he opened the door to leave, he had actually bumped into Aoi.Oh Tomioka-san, the girls told me you had something for me?" Giyuu gave her two sweets as he did the others, along with a hug of her own. Shinobu and Aoi were still adjusting to this new affectionate side of him, but accepted with grace, believing this was a positive effect from Mitsuri. Aoi walked towards Shinobu, giving her one of the treats Giyuu had given. He waited at the doorway as he watched them enjoying the moment, before asking one final question. "Shinobu, you are fine with becoming a godmother right?" He watched as she nonchalantly waved at him, accepting it as a yes. Happy with their conversation and her answer, he took his leave. Aoi and Shinobu had finally processed what he had said, nearly choking on the sweets they'd just recieved. "Giyuu Tomioka what do you mean by that?!"
The next day, Giyuu had made his way to the Love estate. He will admit it had been some time since he'd been here, with him and Mitsuri choosing to have his estate act as their primary meeting place recently. He hadn't thought of it until now, but once they married, they would have to find a place to live together. With them having their own districts to watch over, he sighed as to trying to figure out how things would work. Shoving the thoughts aside for now, he knocked on the door to estate and patiently waited. Thankfully it didn't take long for him to be greeted. "Giyuu!" Mitsuri quickly tackled him into a hug, one he was prepared for and caught her with ease.
"I'm so excited for us to see my parents! It's been forever since I've actually seen them, but now they get to meet you too!" She held onto him tightly as she felt herself kicking her feet with giddiness. She remembered how her parents offered her to stay at home for as long as she liked, but she was happy she decided to leave. She knows it must've worried them, but now it was time to show them it was worth it! She was hoping to stay with them for a few days, so she was happy to see that Giyuu also packed a few bags. "We've both alerted the master of our temporary leave right?" Giyuu nodded as she continued to get more excited.
They left the grounds of the estate, beginning their several day journey to outside the jurisdiction of any of the Hashira districts. Giyuu had finally remembered an important note, feeling guilty he hadn't properly thought things through. "Mitsuri, I'm sorry I've yet to get you an actual engagement ring or gift box. If you would like when we're in your village or back home, I can prepare one." Mitsuri shook her head, smiling down at the dual patterned haori that was now her own. "There's nothing you could give me as an engagement gift that would compare to this, especially knowing where it came from. Only thing you can give me left is the ring, and I trust you'll do something worth remembering."
After several days of travel and enjoying the pace of each other, the couple successfully made it to Mitsuri's home village. With the front gate in sight, she felt both excited and nervous. "It's been years since I've seen them, I never had the chance to come back with how one thing always lead to the next. I hope they aren't too mad." Giyuu grabbed her free hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "They'll be thrilled to see you again, I have no doubt they're even more loving than you if you're their child. I'm the one that is allowed to worry however." They shared a humored look towards one another and made it past the entrance.
To Mitsuri, it almost felt surreal to be back home after years away. The last significant memory she had of home was when she ran away from her arranged meeting. She left because she knew she couldn't find what she wanted here, but she was more than glad to finally be back. She didn't even need to think about where she was going, she still instinctively remembered everything that was here and where they were. She wouldn't let her favorite spots distract her, she knew this is what had to come first. She saw her family home in front of her, accepting there was no turning back. She saw her mother about to go inside with groceries, not noticing their presence yet. It was time to the reunion. "Mom! I'm home!"
Suki Kanroji turned her head as she saw that adorable pink and green hair and warming smile she knew too well. Dropping the groceries she was bringing in, she rushed to her daughter and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Mitsuri!" It had been two years since she had seen her daughter, she was upset she hadn't visited, but thankful she was alright. She heard more things hit the ground as Mitsuri returned the hug. This definitely was her daughter if this otherworldly strength was anything to go by. "It's amazing to see you again after all this time. How have you been? Why haven't you written to us in these last months?" She pulled back and finally had a chance to get a good look at her daughter. "What are you wearing?"
Mitsuri laughed slightly as she saw her mom go into protective mode, smiling at her. "It'll be easier to explain everything if we're all together. Is dad and Bashira home?" Mitsuri asked as she picked her bags up from the ground. Suki nodded, looking to see the man Mitsuri brought with her had already picked up her groceries for her. "Thank you for that dear. You can wait to introduce yourself until everyone's together, that way you don't need to do it more than needed. Come on inside you two. Mitsuri you can put your things down by the door inside, we can find a place for them later." Suki went off to gather everyone as the couple dropped their things for now.After several minutes of awkward anticipation, Suki had called for Mitsuri and her guest. As the couple entered the room, they finally met Mitsuri's father as well as her little brother. "Dad! Bashira!" Mitsuri quickly rushed to her father and younger brother, pulling them both into a hug. The family enjoyed in being united again, each giving off a cheer of joy. Giyuu watched on as he was happy to see the reunion going so well. It gave him a bittersweet feeling, knowing he couldn't have one of these himself. Suki coughed lightly, signaling that introductions are still in order. Mitsuri pulled herself away from the hug as everyone sat down in the main room of the house.
"My apologies sir, we seem to have gotten caught up in seeing Mitsuri again. It's been two years since we've seen her so we couldn't help but worry sometimes. I am Kokoro Kanroji, this is my wife Suki Kanroji, and our son Bashira Kanroji. You're wearing a haori nearly identical to the one our daughter is wearing, so who is it you might be?" Giyuu bowed his head, before raising it and placing his hands onto his lap. "I am Giyuu Tomioka, Kanroji-sama. I would like to be direct with you and your family to be respectful. I am Mitsuri's romantic partner. While we have already decided on it, I would like to recieve your approval to put my mind at ease." Giyuu bowed once again, placing his head to the floor. "I would like the approval from your family for taking your daughter's hand in marriage."
Mitsuri watched as her parents and little brother were caught off guard, remembering what had happened to her marriage attempts in the past. Suki looked towards her daughter, smiling as she tried to keep her head low. She didn't look as if she's dyed her hair again like before, so it was obvious he didn't care about that. She didn't want to see her daughter go through the pain of denying who she was again, so she took it upon herself to question the man. "What do you think of her superhuman strength? If you have already desired to marry our daughter, surely you must know of it." Giyuu directed his eyes to Suki, keeping eye contact. "Her strength is unlike anything I've witnessed, it's one of the most beautiful things about her. It matches the strength of her love she radiates. Ever since I met her, she has never made me feel she didn't care for me in some regard."
Kokoro looked towards Tomioka, utterly shocked at someone speaking this highly of his daughter. He didn't believe Mitsuri didn't deserve it, but he was surprised to see how high this man before them was regarding her. This was more than anything their family witnessed before, so he wanted to see what else the man thought. "Just how is it you two make each other feel? Mitsuri has always worn her heart openly, but it's obvious to everyone she's holding everything in at the moment for the sake of this conversation. I wish to know how she makes you feel, and how you try to make her feel. I want to make sure she is left in capable hands and makes her feel cared for. I don't want to see my little girl hurt again."
Giyuu understood the reasoning for the question. He remembered how Mitsuri explained how her attempts at marriage before failed, everything becoming fresh in his mind. He hated how it was confirmed she wasn't exaggerating. "I will be honest with you Kanroji-sama, I did not have much going for me positively speaking. All I did was my job and did not allow myself the opportunity for anything else, as I felt I didn't deserve it. When I met her, she was only a coworker. After some time, I found her as a friend. Now, I can only see her as someone I love and nothing less. She makes me feel more loved than I have felt in years, and every day I try my best to make sure I return every bit of that love. Because that's what she deserves and more."
Mitsuri couldn't contain herself any longer and tackled Giyuu, rocking him back and forth as she hugged him. "Giyuu! Why do you have to be so good with words?! Was this hiding this entire time and I was just the one that got to bring it out?!" She started crying tears of joy as she showed how much she appreciated the things he said about her. "Tsutako taught me it's not nice to lie, I want to give them a good impression." Giyuu being use to his lover's antics and physical affections, let her do as she pleased as he continued focusing on her family.
Suki and Kokoro looked in awe as Mitsuri seemed to be over the moon at every word this man had said. They felt relief wash over them as Mitsuri had finally found a man who embraced everything about her and so on. They smiled as they watched this well spoken man settle their daughter down and hold her softly as she relaxed. Kokoro and Suki looked at one another and nodded, believing Mitsuri found who she was looking for when she left years ago. Kokoro looked at Tomioka and smiled. "You have our blessings. Mitsuri obviously loves you, and your feelings are clear. Please, take care of her for us." Giyuu let go of Mitsuri, placing her to the side as he bowed. "I will Kanroji-sama, I promise for every day I walk this earth."
"Please, just call me Kokoro, if we're going to be father and son soon, we might as well be comfortable and drop formalities." He laughed as he saw Giyuu finally relax after entering their home. Suki nodded in agreement with the idea, not wanting things to be too harsh. "Bashira, can you go bring us some tea please? I belive it'll help us settle down and put everyone in a more relaxed peace of mind." Bashira sighed in an exaggerated manner before running off to the kitchen. Not too long after being sent off, he returned with the tea, everyone offering thanks to the boy. "So you said you work with my sister right? Does that mean you're a demon slayer too?"
Giyuu choked on his tea, desiring to not spit it out and show disrespect. After swallowing it, he began coughing harshly. "You told them?" Mitsuri could only feel embarrassment as she helped pat him on his back. "I can't just lie to my parents! That'd be mean!" Giyuu looked back at her and slowly looked over to her family. "Kocho had told me to not tell them as to not look crazy in front of them, I guess that worry is cleared up now." After collecting himself, Giyuu took another cup of tea, hoping to not choke this time. "But yes, I am a slayer like Mitsuri. Also like her, I am a Hashira. Even with all the strength and skill she has, I'd still lay down my life for her."
Mitsuri waited for Giyuu to finish his new tea before slapping his back. "No talking like that, you've done enough of actually doing that recently." She pouted as she looked away, remembering still what he did in the previous month. Her family seemed to laugh at the interactions they shared, she smiled as they were openly supporting their relationship. With no need to hide what they do either, it helped to alleviate any worries or concerns. "Oh, right mom, you asked about the haori I'm wearing. It was actually Giyuu's second haori he made. It has a lot of sentimental meaning to him, so I accepted it as the engagement gift." She smiled as she hugged herself again, enjoying the feeling it gave her.Aw, that's so sweet! Giyuu what does your family think of you getting married? I imagine they must be excited as well?" Suki noticed the change in expressions Giyuu seemed to make. His eyes lost their light and his face almost became stripped of emotions. Her parental instincts lead her to believe something was wrong. Mitsuri was ready to speak, but Giyuu rose his hand to stop her. "I actually don't have any family left. My parents died to illness when I was young, and my sister died some years ago. I've been on my own for a while." Suki felt her heart break at hearing the news. She couldn't imagine the pain of having to go through life after facing that much loss. She watched as Kokoro stood up and walked over to him.
Kokoro looked down at Giyuu, his eyes focused on them. Giyuu looked up to him, almost anxious as to what was going on. Kokoro kneeled down and quickly pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back softly. "We will never try to replace the family you've lost, but we will be happy to call you our son." Giyuu couldn't begin to process this news, all he could do was watch as Suki followed in the actions of her husband. "You won't have to worry about being alone again, you'll have the Kanroji family with you no matter what." Bashira couldn't resist as he all but piled on the three of them. "Awesome, I have a strong older sister already, and now I get a strong older brother!"
Giyuu couldn't help but finding himself crying, still physically stunned as to what was happening. Apparently every member of the Kanroji family was as loving as Mitsuri, it made sense to him. He slowly raised his arms up, hugging them to the best of his ability. "Thank you, all of you. A part of me still doesn't know if I deserve this kindness, but I'm grateful for it." Mitsuri smiled as she moved behind Giyuu, joining the family hug as well. "Shush with that kind of thinking, you deserve every bit of it." They all sat there in a family hug, enjoying the peacefulness and positive reinforcement.
After the hug, things seemed to have gone back to normal. Giyuu and Mitsuri spoke of their time as slayers and of their relationship. A thought had danced across Giyuu's mind, deciding to speak of it. "If you all know of the slayers, why not move into Mitsuri's estate? The Hashira are given homes upon taking their position, and given our positions, they are more than enough to hold you all. You all could live there, never having to worry as much about her from such a distance. Along with when she is finally with children, you could be right there to help support her." Mitsuri gasped at the idea, believing it was actually a solid plan. "That's right! There's more than enough space for everyone, plus I won't have to worry about feeling alone as much since Giyuu's district is a ways away from mine."
Suki frowned slightly, realizing something about their relationship. "You two still don't know how you'll live together will you?" Giyuu frowned as well, at least happy he wasn't the only one that thought of this. "We may be marrying soon, but we are still slayers. We still have responsibilities." Mitsuri sighed as the conversation was losing its cheer, but soon had her own idea. "Oh! If we get approval from the master, they could live in my estate while I can bounce between both mine and yours. Or I can even just stay at the Water estate! Once we know I'm pregnant I'll have to retire anyways. Our family will never need to be too far apart!"
Everyone seemed to like the idea, understanding the logic behind it. With the Kanroji family staying at Mitsuri's estate, they would indirectly have the protection of the demon slayers, but more importantly, be there for Mitsuri and Giyuu to help aid in childbirth and care. It gave a sense of security to everyone, being able to constantly support one another. With everything that needed to be addressed finished, the Kanroji family and Giyuu relished in the first night together. "Kokoro, Suki, would you two prefer us to stay with you or would you rather us find an inn to remain at during our time here in your village?"
Suki shook her head fervently as crossed her arms. "You two are absolutely not staying at an inn. I am not letting my daughter and my future son-in-law do that. You are staying here with us as long as you're in the village." In the midst of her mild rant, she realized it was getting near the time for dinner. "Oh! Mitsuri since you didn't let us know you were coming, I don't have enough for us to cook. Are you fine with us eating out for dinner?" Mitsuri's eyes lit up as she quickly grabbed onto Giyuu. "Absolutely! I still remember where all my favorite spots are!" Before she could make any distance, she heard her father call out for her.
"Mitsuri, if it's alright, I'd like to have a moment to talk with Giyuu in private. We'll meet with you, your mother, and Bashira afterwards." He placed a hand on Giyuu's shoulder and offered a light smile. He couldn't feel any malicious or dangerous intent from Kokoro's words, so he trusted they would only be having a conversation. He turned to Mitsuri and nodded. "I'll be okay, we'll find you later." Mitsuri's face shifted from worry and concern, to acceptance. She gave a quick kiss to Giyuu and pointed a finger towards her dad. "No threatening him or giving him a hard time behind my back!" With seeing him agree to the request, Mitsuri took her mom and her mother out, leaving the head of the Kanroji family and Giyuu alone.
With everyone gone and the two men alone, Giyuu was the one to break the silence. "What is it you would like to talk about Kokoro?" "Ah, straight to the point like earlier, I like that. I promise as well, this isn't gonna be one of those overprotective father moments. We trust our daughter's judgement, and you've already proved we can trust you. I just have two questions, one being uncomfortable, and the other being a request." Giyuu listened intently to what the man had to say, believing he could help. "I'll answer as truthfully as you'd like." Kokoro couldn't help but smile at the answer. "I'd be more hurt if you tried to spare my feelings."The first question, the uncomfortable one, did you and Mitsuri already consummate? You two already spoke about WHEN she will show she is pregnant, but you two have yet to marry. That's the logic I've come to, but I'd prefer some confirmation." Giyuu was sure his face had become more pale than anything had caused him before. He was certain that this was meant to be more of an interrogation than father son talk, but he promised himself and Kokoro he'd be honest with his words.
"Yes, we already have sir. We have since last month, as something significant happened that forced us to act." Giyuu had rolled up the sleeves to his uniform, revealing the long thin scars on his forearms. "Last month, I had wagered my life for the protection of two children. There was a very real chance I was going to die that day, and Mitsuri was angry with me that I did not include her in the situation. The risk of losing me so abruptly, it made us want to live without the chance to regret not doing anything. With how quick we are aiming for children, the marriage, it's all so we can fulfill what we can, while we are both here."
Kokoro looked down at the scars, taking in the detail of how long they were. He wasn't experienced in medical knowledge, but this surely had to have some consequence for his health. Even if part of him didn't like they seemed to be rushing into their relationship, it made sense to him. Mitsuri never explained how dangerous demon slaying was to them, but if this was what could happen, he couldn't help but worry. "I should almost thank you for you doing so already." This Giyuu will admit he was caught off guard by this. As he was about to question, Kokoro continued.
"If Mitsuri becomes pregnant, she's forced out of the fight. I know how strong my daughter can be, but you must understand as her father I will always worry for her safety. With her becoming a mother, it'll be the safest thing for her, and that couldn't make me any happier." Kokoro watched as Giyuu's eyes darted around, trying to find a way to understand. Eventually, Giyuu nodded, finally seeing the clear picture. "What is your request?"
Kokoro placed his hands on both Giyuu's shoulders, not quite having a tight grip. "Please, make sure you come back to her. I don't doubt you planned to do that already, but please, promise me you will not leave her and your children behind on this earth. I know you have responsibilities as a slayer in such a position that you are in, I will not ask you to quit. By quitting, it only puts others at risk, others that will need you. I just need you to remember that she, and THEY will need you as well." Giyuu looked up to Kokoro in awe, somehow caught off guard that this was the request. Giyuu felt his gaze turn to steel as he looked to his new father with Determination. "If I could not come back to her after all she has done to save me from my own demons, then I really wouldn't be deserving of her. Would I, father?"
Kokoro found a small tear run down his face, laughing slightly as he cleaned his face. "Good answers, from a good man. Mitsuri was right, you are good with words. Come now, let's go find them." Kokoro and Giyuu left the Kanroji family house to scower the various restaurants to look for the rest of the family. "There is one thing I noticed about you and Mitsuri." Kokoro looked over to Giyuu with curiosity. "You and her both have a mole under each your eyes. I haven't noticed until now, but I believe they're my favorite small detail of her. I hope our children have them as well." Kokoro couldn't help but laugh, not thinking such a small thing was that important. "Have multiple children my boy, you're guaranteed at least one to have them."