The sun filtered through the trees as you and Tanjiro walked along the winding forest path. Nezuko rode in her box, her peaceful silence a steady companion. After the intensity of recent missions, the slower pace felt like a gift.

"Do you remember the times we used to walk through the woods as kids?" Tanjiro asked suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Before all of this?"

You nodded, a wistful smile spreading across your face. "How could I forget? The woods were our playground. We used to spend hours looking for wild berries and pretending we were great warriors fighting imaginary monsters."

Tanjiro chuckled. "And Nezuko would always scold us for coming back covered in dirt and scratches."

The memory brought a warmth to your chest, but it was bittersweet. Those days felt like a lifetime ago, the simplicity of your old life now a distant dream.

"She always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of," you said, glancing back at Nezuko's box. "Even then, she was like a second mother to us."

Tanjiro smiled softly. "She still is. She hasn't changed, even after everything. She's still Nezuko."

As the day wore on, you came across a small, clear stream. Tanjiro suggested stopping for a break, and you agreed. Nezuko climbed out of her box as soon as you set it down, her eyes bright as she stretched and looked around.

She wandered toward the stream, her bare feet splashing gently in the water. After a moment, she turned and waved at you both, gesturing for you to join her.

"Looks like she wants us to play," Tanjiro said with a laugh.

You grinned, setting aside your sword. "Who are we to refuse?"

The three of you spent the next hour by the stream, skipping stones and splashing water at each other like children. Nezuko's laughter, though silent, was evident in her wide smile and sparkling eyes.

At one point, she picked up a handful of wildflowers and wove them into a crown. She placed it on Tanjiro's head with a triumphant look, clapping her hands as he gave her an exaggerated bow.

"Do I look regal?" he asked, striking a silly pose.

"You look ridiculous," you said, laughing as you adjusted the crown. "But in a good way."

Nezuko made another crown and handed it to you, her smile encouraging. You placed it on your head, giving her a playful curtsy.

"Your majesty," you said, making her laugh silently again.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the three of you sat together on the bank of the stream. Nezuko leaned against Tanjiro, her eyes half-closed as the day's play caught up with her.

"It's moments like these that remind me why we're doing all this," Tanjiro said quietly. "Why we fight so hard. It's for her—and for everyone who deserves to have moments like this too."

You nodded, your heart swelling with resolve. "We'll keep fighting. For Nezuko, for our family, and for everyone who needs us."

Nezuko stirred, reaching out to take both your hand and Tanjiro's in hers. Her grip was firm, her unspoken words clear: We're in this together.

The night was cool as you set up camp nearby. Nezuko returned to her box willingly, her expression peaceful as she settled in. You and Tanjiro sat by the fire, the warmth chasing away the chill of the evening.

"Tomorrow, we'll keep moving," Tanjiro said. "But tonight, let's just enjoy this."

You nodded, the crackling fire and the soft rustle of the trees creating a cocoon of tranquility. For now, you had each other, and that was enough.