waking up from a nightmare-KNY headcanons :(
Tanjirou doesn't wake with a big yell, but silent, heartbroken tears. He saw his family and when he wakes just lets out a shaky breath and you can tell he's trying not to wake anyone. He slowly, unsteadily gets up and you can hear how he is gasping and almost crying as leaves the hut. He goes sits outside and is surprised you come out with him, but he leans into your shoulder and you don't talk or look at one another but you can feel him crying so hard he shakes. When he stops you both sigh, and you face him and hug him with all the warmth and love you have to give. Then you let him go but stay holding his hand and just look at the stars and talk and you don't leave him until you see him smile, even a small one.
Inosuke sits bolt upright gasping, having seen a demon he can't face. He turns around wildly, panicking and although you are still bleary from sleep you grab his arm and you stare at each other. He struggles to talk, and is not used to being so vulnerable, but for now you keep him afloat. His breathing is still desperate and heavy and you look into his eyes and reassure him over and over. He doesn't say much, just moves closer and you feel his fear. He is shivering as though adrenaline is running through him. You end up both lying on your backs, heads almost touching, and he glances at you now and then to make sure you still real, and still here. You both know in the morning he'll be back to normal, but for now you hold on to one another, and he falls asleep again in your arms.
Zenitsu sees everyone and everything falling away and wakes up sobbing, alone and lost. He can barely talk and apologises and wipes his eyes furiously but can't stop shaking and you have to grab his hands and say everything is ok everyone is right here! It breaks your heart and have to hold back tears yourself. He tries to hold it in again but you pull him in for a hug-god knows he needs it-and he collapses, crying. He stammers and spills all his worries and fear and you take it in and give him compassion and acceptance as he spirals. He lets out an exhausted breath and looks up at you and you just hug him again and you both squeeze tight and for the first time he is finally quiet. He offers to leave and 'stop annoying you’ but of course its dark and spooky so you lie down next to each other and tell stories, funny and sweet, and when you wake in the morning you both are a little happier to see each other.