In Your Arms

Summary: Tanjirou's meditation was a companionable affair that night.
Notes: Used the tumblr prompt 'I just really need a hug right now' to write something short and sweet, while working on two AUs. Dedicated to my amazing reviewers, X, Leasla7373, Mr. Jun17, ireadfanfic123, Darth Erebus and saka157. Thank you so much for the lovely comments and the support you've given me. I'll do my best to keep the TanjirouxShinobu content coming.
Notes2: I understand there are a couple of similar fics, but you can never have enough Tanjirou hugging Shinobu, right?

When Tanjirou went to the roof that night, he found Shinobu sitting there already.

"Shinobu-san?" he asked, softly, as he sat down beside her.

"Good evening, Tanjirou-kun."

"Good evening. Are you all right?"

Shinobu didn't turn to look at him.

"Not really." she replied softly

"Is there anything I can do for Shinobu-san?"

"To be honest, I just really need a hug right now." came the soft reply.

"Then, with your permision…" he said, shifting behind her.

Carefully, he put his arms around her, drawing her close to his chest. Shinobu leaned back on him, eyes closed, head on his shoulder, letting Tanjirou hold her up. She felt protected and safe and warm.

"Did something happen, Shinobu-san?" Tanjirou asked.

Shinobu shook her head.

"A bit tired."

Tanjirou nodded and held her tighter, letting his head rest on her shoulder as well.

He drew in a deep breath and started his meditation, concentrating on his breathing. He looked past the anger coming off from Shinobu-san, unconsciouslly focusing on her and her scent. There was a deep sadness, but also relief and contentness. It almost felt happy. He was curious about the wisteria scent, but he assumed it was because of her use of poisons and medicine.

"Tanjirou-kun?"

"Yes?" he turned his head slightly towards her, blushing upon realising how close their faces were.

"Are you trying to find out what I'm feeling again?" she smiled.

"Ah, sorry!" he realised, drawing his head back, "I didn't mean to!" he exclaimed, embarrassed.

Shinobu chuckled softly.

"I guess it can't be helped tonight." she said, amused.

"I really am sorry."

"I know." she turned her head to smile at him, "I am not annoyed or angry. Your nose is just doing it's job." she said, tapping his nose with the tip of her index finger.

Tanjirou blushed again.

There was a new smell surrounding him now. He couldn't figure it out, but he did his best not to focus on it. Shinobu-san may be accepting of his sharp nose and the unavoidable recognision of her feelings while he was being her support right now, but that didn't mean he shouldn't at least try to give her some privacy.

But it was warm and it made him smile a little. He sighed, content, and returned his mind back to his breathing exercises, unconsciously tightening his hold on Shinobu just a little.

He realises she had fallen asleep when he decided to get up.

Careful not to wake the Insect Pillar, he unwraps his arms from around her, putting his right hand behind her knees and shifting his body so her back was supported by his left hand and her head was resting on his left shoulder.

He quietly made his way inside the Butterfly Estate, towards her room and slowly he managed to slide the door open.

With soft and gentle movements, Tanjirou tucked Shinobu in, wishing her sweet dreams.

He made to leave, only for a hand to reach out and tag him back down.

Surprised, he turned to see Shinobu looking at him.

"Ah, sorry. I tried not to wake Shinobu-san." he smiled apologetically.

"You didn't. I just wanted to wish you a goodnight, Tanjirou-kun." she smiled, tagging him to come closer.

Tanjirou followed the motion and before he could realise it, Shinobu had leaned upwards and was pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Goodnight, Tanjirou-kun." she smiled.

"A-ah, you too, Shinobu-san." he replied, blushing hard.

He walked back to his bed in a daze and when he was in his bed, he hid his face under his pillow, contemplating whether or not his muffled screaming would wake everyone up.

In the end, he settled for silently screaming into his pillow and then tried to fall asleep.

He looked so tired in the morning, that Aoi told him to take the day off.

He managed to get some rest and resumed his training in the evening.