Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

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"Call me... daddy."

The gentle, teasing words made Kie's delicate frame tense, and her cheeks flushed hotly.

"H-How could you say something so ridiculous!"

Kie lightly tapped Ryuji's chest with her hand, her pretty face so red it was almost alarming.

Ryuji chuckled softly, pulling Kie into his arms and resting his head on her shoulder. Her soothing scent, faint like wildflowers, calmed him.

Feeling the warmth of his embrace, Kie's eyes grew slightly hazy, and she unconsciously tightened her hold on him. Yet, the memory of Ryuji's playful nature lingered, leaving her flustered. Even though she felt embarrassed, she couldn't help but smile inwardly. She had long since accepted this side of him.

"Ryuji…"

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High in the mountains, snow fell lightly, blanketing the fields.

Ryuji straightened, his breath forming soft clouds in the chilly air. He turned his gaze toward Kie.

Kie was crouched in the small vegetable field behind their house, her hands gathering what little remained of the winter greens.

The field, vibrant with crops in the warmer months, now held only hardy mizuna greens. Their jagged leaves and resilient branches withstood the biting cold, but even they were scarce.

"This should be enough," Ryuji said, stepping closer and lightly patting Kie's head.

"Mhm," Kie murmured, her voice soft and almost drowned out by the wind.

---

Once they had gathered the greens, Kie stood up, her breath coming in soft puffs as she adjusted to the cold. A few stray leaves clung to her face, making her look unintentionally endearing.

Ryuji couldn't hold back a laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Kie asked, pouting as she brushed at her face.

"You look adorable," Ryuji teased, his grin widening. "With those leaves on your cheeks, you look like a little hamster storing food for winter."

Kie's blush deepened, and she turned her face away.

"Ryuji, you're terrible," she muttered, her voice a mix of embarrassment and fondness.

"Come on, let's head back before you catch a cold," Ryuji said, his laughter echoing as they walked toward the house.

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Inside, Tanjirou, Nezuko, Hanako, and Shigeru were seated around the table, waiting patiently for dinner.

Kie's cheeks flushed as she caught their curious gazes.

"I'll reheat the food," she said quickly, retreating to the kitchen to hide her embarrassment.

Ryuji took his seat, ruffling Tanjirou's hair with a warm smile. The boy looked up at him, his expression softening.

Soon, the aroma of reheated food filled the room, drawing the children's attention.

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As they ate, the family's laughter and lighthearted chatter filled the air, warming the chilly evening.

"Mom, why is your face red?"

Nezuko asked innocently, tilting her head.

Kie froze, her hand instinctively rising to her cheek. The faint soreness reminded her of earlier. She cast a quick glance at Ryuji, who was calmly sipping his tea, before lowering her gaze.

"Oh, it's nothing," Kie said quickly. "I must've brushed against something outside."

"You should be more careful, Mom," Nezuko said, her concern evident.

Kie nodded, her hand trembling slightly as she held her bowl. She shot a quick, reproachful glance at Ryuji, who only responded with a small smile.

After dinner, Ryuji quietly left the table and returned with a warm towel. Kneeling beside Kie, he gently pressed it against her cheek.

"Does this feel better?"

His tone was soft and caring, his touch tender.

Kie's heart softened at his gesture, though her face burned under the children's watchful eyes. She lowered her head, wishing she could disappear under the table.

Nezuko turned her gaze away, pretending not to notice, while Tanjirou kept his head down. His feelings were complicated, but deep down, he was grateful. Seeing his mother cared for brought him a quiet sense of peace.

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The next morning…

Warm sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow across the room.

Inside the Kamado household, Kie Kamado, serene and radiant, rested comfortably in the embrace of a man.

The man—broad-shouldered and muscular—exuded quiet strength. His presence felt like a protective shield, a testament to the harsh life in the mountains. The sunlight highlighted the delicate curve of Kie's eyelashes as she began to stir. Slowly, she blinked awake, her cheeks warming when her gaze fell upon Ryuji.

Careful not to disturb him, Kie quietly slipped out of his arms. She reached for her neatly folded clothes, moving with practiced grace. Her hands worked swiftly, knowing she had to prepare breakfast before the children woke.

Just as she began to tie her obi, a pair of strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her back into a firm yet gentle hold. Startled, Kie gasped softly.

"Don't move," Ryuji murmured, his voice low and teasing. His breath brushed against the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Ryuji…" she whispered, trying to suppress the fluttering in her chest. "Let go. I have to start breakfast, or the children will be late eating."

Ryuji tightened his hold slightly, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "Say it first," he said, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Kie hesitated, her heartbeat quickening. "Say… what?"

"You know," Ryuji teased, his voice dipping playfully. "Call me your 'husband.'"

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "H-Husband…" she murmured softly, barely audible but just enough for him to hear.

Satisfied, Ryuji released her with a chuckle, watching her flit away like a startled bird. She reached the doorway but hesitated, glancing back at him. Her gaze fell on the faint red marks on his chest, remnants of her nails from the previous night.

"Ryuji…" she began hesitantly. "Did I… hurt you?"

Feigning a dramatic sigh, Ryuji gestured for her to come closer. "Come here."

Kie shuffled back to him reluctantly, her steps faltering.

"It stings a little. Blow on it for me, and I might forgive you," Ryuji said, his grin playful.

Though flustered, Kie leaned closer. Her breath, warm and delicate, grazed his skin as she carefully blew on the scratches.

"Does it feel better?" she asked after a moment, her voice laced with concern.

"Much better," Ryuji replied, his smile softening as he ruffled her hair affectionately.

Kie pulled back, flustered, and quickly excused herself to the kitchen, her steps hurried as if she could outrun her embarrassment.

Ryuji chuckled quietly, stretching before rising to his feet. He pulled on his haori and stepped into the hallway, his expression relaxed.

Just as he made his way to the main room, the door to another room creaked open.

Nezuko stepped out, her hair slightly disheveled from sleep. She rubbed her eyes and yawned but froze mid-stretch when her gaze landed on Ryuji exiting her mother's room.

The two stared at each other for a moment, neither speaking.

Before Ryuji could offer his usual cheerful greeting, Nezuko's cheeks turned a deep red. She spun on her heel and darted back into her room, sliding the door shut with a hurried thud.

Ryuji sighed, his grin turning sheepish.

"Looks like I'll have some explaining to do later."

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