Chapter Text
“Is he gone?”
Senjuro, who was peeking through a door that was cracked open, looked back at Tokito and nodded. The young hashira pressed his fingers into his temples, willing the ringing in his ears to leave.
“Would you like to wait a bit longer, Tokito-sama? Perhaps we could get you somewhere to sit?”
“No, it’s fine,” Tokito replies, “Let’s go in.”
Senjuro opened the door wide and they step into the infirmary, where Tanjiro and Genya laid on their beds. Well, a lump under a blanket that should have been Genya. Senjuro was sure Genya was also trying to hide from the loud Inosuke that had just left the room through the broken window. Tanjiro, however, sat up straight with a bright smile.
“It’s so nice to see you two! Senjuro, it’s been a while! And Tokito-kun! I’m so glad you’re doing better!”
Senjuro smiled back but nearly jumped out of his skin when he turned around to see Tokito sporting a bright, wide smile as well.
“Tanjiro!" Tokito exclaimed, " You look like you’re getting better pretty fast! How’s your leg?”
Seeing the young hashira run over and quickly claim the stool next to Tanjiro, Senjuro decided to take a seat next to Genya.
“Genya-san, I hope you’re feeling better,” Senjuro started gently, watching the blankets start to unfurl themselves, “Sorry for visiting right now, I’m sure you would like some rest after Inosuke-san’s visit just now.”
A head finally emerged from blankets, with a decidedly annoyed expression on Genya’s face.
“Not your fault that boar-headed idiot doesn't know how to use a door or how to not scream .”
Senjuro chuckled lightly. He was lucky to befriend Genya after Tanjiro told him that the Wind Hashira had a younger sibling. Someone who understood that struggle of living up to that amazing legacy. Though Kyojuro and Sanemi were very different as brothers, they were both equally admirable as hashira. Senjuro was pulled out of his train of thoughts by Genya’s voice of concern.
“Were you trying to train recently? You look a bit roughed up too.”
Senjuro smiled back, trying to hide the alarm rising in his chest. He tilted his head so that some of his bright hair fell over the bruise he knows is still visible on his jaw.
“Ah, I just slipped up during my chores, I’m terribly clumsy. Sorry for making you worry.”
Genya paused, before narrowing his eyes accusingly.
“Dude, you’re terrible at lying. That’s not the only bruise you have, is it?”
Before Senjuro could reply, he heard Tanjiro’s voice jump into the conversation as well.
“You smell like you’re also in pain, Senjuro… How is your father doing lately?”
Senjuro looked up to see a worried Tanjiro and curious Tokito staring back at him. Laughing nervously, he replied, “Well, father is getting better slowly. He has his good days and bad days.”
Senjuro hoped that only Tanjiro would understand what that meant, but from Tokito’s raised eyebrows and Genya’s scowl, he figured it wasn’t so much of a secret at that point.
“Those bruises are from your dad? Senjuro - you never told me anything like that.”
Senjuro cringed at Genya’s scolding. As close as they had gotten the past few months, there were still some things he had yet to feel comfortable speaking about.
“Genya,” Tanjiro pleaded gently. Genya pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance, but took a deep breath nonetheless. (Genya understood. More than anyone knew.)
“If those bruises are from your dad, you should just leave,” Genya crossed his arms pointedly, “People like that never change.”
“I understand,” Senjuro smiled softly, “thank you for worrying about me. I know my father means well, though. He’s… still grieving.”
At that, the room fell quiet, the somber reality of Kyojuro’s death washing over them again. Senjuro picked at a scab on his wrist, trying to think of something to lighten the mood.
“Besides,” he added, “I’m still helping the Master and Kiriya-sama look through some of the older texts that are in my father’s library. There’s nothing else I’m really good for anyway, so I really should stay with my father for now.”
Senjuro laughed off the last comment. Tanjiro’s face twisted in discomfort and he tried to pipe up with, “No – Senjuro, you’re – you’re good… you’re good at so many things –”
“Tanjiro, stop trying,” Genya butted in gruffly, “You wouldn’t get it.”
Tanjiro quieted, but Tokito tilted his head and questions him.
“Get what? What is there to not understand?”
Genya and Senjuro shared a withering glance before looking back at the young hashira, shaking their heads. Senjuro smiled at Tokito.
“It’s better if you don’t understand, Tokito-sama. Someone as strong and talented as you can think about other things.”
Tokito blinked at that, before shrugging his shoulders.
“Whatever, then. But shouldn’t you get those injuries looked at by Kocho-san?”
“Ahh – they are – well, I can treat it myself…” Senjuro trailed off.
“Oh my god. Senjuro,” Genya spat out, thoroughly exasperated, “just listen and let people take care of you for once, can you?”
Senjuro flinched, but he knew there was no malice in Genya’s statement. He hesitated just long enough for Tokito to stand up and grab him by the wrist.
“Let’s go, then. Tanjiro and Genya have to rest anyway,” Tokito started dragging Senjuro out the door, while waving goodbye to the patients. Senjuro made a few attempts to twist out of Tokito's grasp but there was no way of getting out of a hashira’s hold unless they wanted you to. He settled for waving goodbye with his other arm quickly before they disappeared from view.
Senjuro turned back to Tokito, slightly distressed.
“Tokito-sama, I don’t think I should be disturbing Kocho-sama with such a small thing… and I would hate to be a waste of your time…”
Tokito didn’t slow down, and only glanced down at Senjuro’s legs as they walked.
“You’re limping. Tanjiro is worried about you, and Genya’s right. You should get looked at. I just came from her office anyway, so she should still be there.”
“Ah, o–okay,” Senjuro had little motivation (and confidence) to continue an argument with a hashira, though he was still utterly confused why this hashira cared at all. (Last time they met, the mist hashira didn’t seem to be so caring.)
Before long, Tokito was knocking on Kocho’s office door, and (surprisingly) the door was practically slammed open by the Water Hashira. The Insect Hashira laughed, before inviting the two boys inside. Seeing Tomioka swiftly make his exit, Senjuro gave him a little bow before turning, embarrassed, to face Kocho.
“What a surprise, Tokito-kun. Senjuro-kun.”
Kocho’s light voice carried surprisingly well.
“What was that about? What made Tomioka-san so angry?” Tokito asked, already distracted from his original task.
“Nothing to be concerned about,” Kocho waved away Tokito’s question, although Senjuro saw a barely perceptible twitch of her eye. Her eyes scanned Tokito’s face and hands before landing on Senjuro. Her smile never wavered, but her voice carried amusement.
“Do tell me, though, what made the two of you come to my office? I thought I had just finished treating you, Tokito-kun. And Senjuro? It’s not often I see you in my office.”
Senjuro was sweating, unsure how to respond. Tokito lifted his hand that was still tightly grabbing onto Senjuro’s wrist.
“I brought Senjuro here. Do you think you can examine him for injuries? He seems to be in pain.”
“Maybe you should release his wrist first? You are holding on very tight.”
Tokito’s mouth opened to an “o”, as if he had just realised how strong his grip was, before releasing Senjuro’s wrist. Senjuro flashed a weak, thankful smile at Kocho, who smiled back evenly.
“Now, Senjuro-kun, would you like me to take a look at you?” Kocho rested her chin on her wrist, occasionally flashing an amused look at Tokito. Senjuro wasn’t sure who to fear more at this point.
“Er, well. It’s not entirely necessary,” Senjuro could feel Tokito's stare, “b-but if you’re not too busy, I’d appreciate it?”
“Well, I happen to have a bit of time at the moment, we can take a look at what’s going on with you. Tokito-kun, will you step outside to wait for your friend?”
Friend? Senjuro glanced over quickly, nervous about Tokito’s response. The young hashira just shrugged his shoulders and responded “okay,” before leaving the room and shutting the door behind him. Friend? Senjuro repeated in his mind, still thoroughly confused.
~ • ~
“So, how did it go?”
Senjuro was startled to see Tokito leaning on the opposite wall. It had been a long appointment. Senjuro limped over, with a crutch under his right arm.
“Tokito-sama. I’m so sorry for making you wait this long–”
Tokito sighed, “That’s not what I was asking. How is it? Your leg? And the rest of you?”
Senjuro gave a hesitant smile. “I’m… I’m all good. Kocho is a really reliable doctor.”
Tokito stared. Senjuro fidgeted nervously.
“You still didn’t answer my question. Is it hard for you to answer?”
“Er… I just… don’t want to bother you with all the details and everything… I’m sure you have more important things to worry about…”
“Why would I ask if I didn’t care?”
“You care?”
The two stared at each other, confused. After a few moments, Tokito answered, “Uh, yeah?”
Senjuro couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m – I’m sorry, Tokito-sama!” He sputtered in between giggles, “I don’t mean to laugh at you, I’m just so surprised, I’m just confused – but I’m honoured! Really. Um, so…”
He looked up at Tokito, who was still staring at Senjuro expectantly.
“Well, Kocho-sama said that my right shin was fractured, and she applied some ointment to a few of my cuts and bruises. The fracture will be fine if I don’t irritate it for a few weeks, so I’ll be okay.”
“Okay,” Tokito paused, feeling a little awkward, “Well… I’m going home now. Are you also heading home?”
“Hm, well. I might make a stop in town first. I have a few things that I forgot to buy last time I was there.”
“You don’t want to go home, do you?”
Senjuro blinked. Tokito rolled his eyes.
“You don’t have to hide that too you know, it’s obvious that you don’t want to go home from the way you’re dragging your feet.”
Senjuro felt his face flush. First Genya, and now Tokito - what made it so easy for everyone to read his feelings today?
“Why don’t you come over to my place, then?” Tokito suggested, “Tanjiro says that’s what friends do.”
Senjuro’s mouth fell open, before sputtering, “I – oh I couldn’t possibly impose, Tokito-sama, besides –”
“Could you stop with that?” Tokito snapped. Senjuro flinched, confused.
“Stop calling me Tokito- sama . That’s just… weird. We’re, like, the same age, and your brother told me that we were friends… I think. Something like that. Can’t remember it all. Were we not friends? Was I wrong?”
Tokito turned away, clearly frustrated. Senjuro gripped his crutch and stepped forward, closer to Tokito.
“Well, I think my brother wanted us to be friends,” Senjuro supplied gently, “I didn’t get the chance to know you very well, but I’d be happy to be your friend going forward. What would you like me to call you? Would Tokito-san work?”
Tokito’s face twisted in discomfort.
“Can’t we just go by first name? Rengoku-san is still your brother in my head, and it’d be weird for you to call me Tokito if I’m calling you Senjuro.”
Senjuro smiled sadly, “Yeah, I can understand that. Thanks for remembering my brother, Muichiro-san.”
“Sure,” Muichiro glanced to the side, a slight blush dusting his cheeks, “So… if we have that cleared up, do you still not want to come over?”
“Ah – about that. It’s not that I don’t want to visit you, it’s just… my father… I need to prepare dinner and all.”
Muichiro blinked, confused. “Don’t you have staff? You’re dad’s a former Hashira.”
“Well,” Senjuro sighed, “My brother sent most of them away when he became the Flame Hashira. Father was quite unwell at the time.”
“Huh. Okay,” Muichiro tapped his chin, thinking, “Then what if I visit you ?”
“Oh – um, I’m sure that wouldn’t be too much of an issue, I suppose. But I’m afraid my family isn’t the best at entertaining guests…”
Muichiro flicks Senjuro’s forehead.
“Did you, like, forget that we are friends again?”
Senjuro laughed awkwardly, rubbing his forehead. Muichiro sighed.
“Well, if you’re gonna be stubborn, you could just pay me back.”
“Pay you back?”
Muichiro shrugged.
“Yeah. Do me a favour or something. Oh!” The young hashira’s eyes lit up suddenly, “Teach me how to cook something!”
Senjuro shook his head, “Wouldn’t that be useless to you, Muichiro-san? You have staff that cook for you every day, don’t you?”
“I can’t even cook rice.”
“...”
“...”
“Okay… if you’re sure that’s enough. I could show you how to cook rice while I make dinner.”
“Great. Which way to your place?”