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Chapter Text

Sanemi & Obanai + Kaburamaru ig…

It’s pretty obvious that Obanai is not a people’s person.

Just one bad first impression is enough for him to immediately dislike someone and it’s pretty hard to change his feelings on something like that.

Due to that, there’s barely any people in the corps that he can tolerate, much less actually enjoy spending time with. He will be humble enough to admit that it’s mostly his fault and rarely theirs. He’ll admit, if only to himself, that he’s the one who's hard to deal with. His personality has always been cold and harsh and he’s not above running his mouth against someone he thinks deserves it. Is it really his fault if so many of the demon slayers are just…so incompetent for their jobs. Most of them are weak and they start whining at the smallest things so gods forbid, Obanai doesn’t feel a little pissed when having to work with most people his rank when all they do is just weigh him down and make the mission they’re on harder.

Well, most. There are a select few he can endure being with.

Obanai’s…adopted family is a given. He trusts and has seen their strength firsthand to know that he shouldn’t be too uptight if he was ever sent on a mission with any of the Rengokus. Though, those rarely happen. Mitsuri isn’t too much of a shocker either. Although she can be a bit airheaded at times, it’s pretty hard not to at least be fond of her. Her kindness and positivity knows no bounds.

What did surprise him was who else he'd find himself pleasantly enjoying the company of.

Shinazugawa Sanemi.

Not that he’d ever admit that to anyone. Including the wind breather himself.

Is he a little embarrassed that he doesn’t mind spending time with a reckless idiot like Sanemi? That’s up to interpretation but perhaps he shouldn’t be so surprised. They’re both hot-tempered, sharp-tongued, and generally unpleasant to most people. In theory, they should hate each other. Though that also means they think pretty similarly and share multiple opinions about the Corps. However, the way they go about those things is drastically different. Where Obanai is snarky and calculating, Sanemi releases his anger in its full form and doesn’t bother keeping up appearances. Hell, he literally shows off his body.

There’s no pretending with him, no sugar-coating the cruel reality they live in and what kind of people they really are, and Obanai finds that… oddly refreshing.

So when his crow tells him that he and Sanemi are paired up for another mission, His heart may or may not start to race as an odd excitement takes over his body. Thankfully for him, missions like those are fairly common. Ever since the Flower Pillar, Kanao, first paired them up together, he’s noticed that they’ve been together a lot more often. Obanai wonders if it’s due to someone’s interference.

This mission was a lot like others. Straightforward and simple. They’re not high-ranked enough to be assigned to investigate possible lower moon sightings, much to Sanemi’s dismay. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t encounter stronger demons.

Like this one in particular. This one was getting extra annoying to beat.

Obanai took a harsh breath in as he continued to pair his sword movements up with Sanemi so they wouldn't clash. It was always so easy to fight alongside him. Understanding every little signal and movement without a word so that they wouldn’t stand in each other's way. Movements blending together despite the difference in their fighting styles. To the serpent breather, being in battle alongside Sanemi felt safe.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as a cleaver swung for his head. Obanai quickly ducked before it could do damage and spun his body around to move past the demon’s.

‘Serpent Breathing Third form; Coil Choke’

The raven haired circled around the monster’s body, twisting his sword so that it would pierce its body from all directions. The demon screeched as the lower part of its body spewed out blood that quickly disintegrated in the air. It turned its ugly head around to where Obanai was, preparing to lunge at him.

Perfect.

From behind, a white haired figure jumped up. His silhouette was dark from standing in front of the moonlight. An emerald katana shimmered in the night before violently lifting upwards and raining down on the enemy. Sharp slashes attacked it, only visible by a bright green path. The demon’s eyes widened before screaming in pain.

‘Wind Breathing Second form; Claws, Purifying Wind’

Obanai watched in silent awe as he dodged the demon’s weapon that mindlessly swung at him. Sanemi’s attacks were always brute but sharp. Heavy in power but with a wide striking range due to the slayer’s breathing style. Sanemi had a manic glint on his face as he landed, his gaze briefly matching Obanai’s who stood on the other side. In between them, the demon’s body slowly falls. Obanai straightened his posture, dropping his curved sword to his waist. He let out a shaky breath as the adrenaline from battle started coming off. The demon was probably done for. The serpent breather turned his body, ready to walk back. Despite this one taking a little longer to kill, they were met with no vital injuries. All in all, a good job done—

He felt the snake tighten their hold around his neck. Kaburamaru hissed from his right side.

Obanai turned around by instinct, his body tensing and senses heightening once again before he could see the blurry image of a large, cold and clawed hand coming towards him at binding speed. He could barely react, just quick enough to stop it from putting too much force on his vital organs before it throwed him back, flying backwards. He landed roughly on his back on the harsh ground, he swore he could hear a few ribs crack. Not even a second later, he heard large footsteps bounding from his right side. His vision wasn’t as poor as Gyoumei’s, his hearing never needed to be developed as sharp as his. Especially when he had Kaburamaru to help signal to him presences, allowing him to focus his senses on other things. But there was no hiss from the snake to help him, in fact, his shoulders felt lighter—-

A hand grabbed him by the neck, a grip and force so rough that Obanai let out a strained cough through his bandages as he felt thick fingers tighten around his neck line. He could no longer feel his feet on the ground.

‘S-shit…!’

As he muttered under his breath, his hands instinctively moved towards the hand that held him captive. He could feel the sharp nails against his skin that peaked out of his uniform's collar. He tried to push away the fingers, squirming, but that only made the demon's grip on him tighten, cutting out more air. He coughed, trying to gasp for breath. The bandages covering his mouth felt tighter than usual. More suffocating. He couldn’t breathe.

“Useless now without your little companion, huh?” The demon mocked before giving out a laugh. “That’s what you get for distracting me, you little snake.”

As it finished speaking, the hold on Obanai’s neck strengthened. Sharp claw-like nails digging into the layers of skin. He hissed out in pain, his attempts of wriggling out or even just loosening the fingers were getting more desperate. The pressure increased and Obanai spluttered once more. His already bad vision was starting to blur. He sucked in a harsh breath, trying to get any amount of oxygen he could. The stupid demon was just so strong and Obanai had always been so physically weak. He tried one last time to push away as his body shook and he felt his head throb. Sweat rolled down his face and his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t…just…

The demon smirked, “Hm, should I just snap your neck or let you die from lack of oxygen-”

“Hey, asshole! Pick on someone your own fucking size!”

‘Wind Breathing Seventh form; Gale, Sudden Gusts’

Sanemi swung his blade forward from the air while diving forward. Instantly, a large gale force wind appeared. A huge torrent of air passed by the demon with a speed that could match that of a hurricane. Barely tinted in a pale green due to his emerald sword moving too fast. The attack shredded through the demon’s entire body before the monster could even say another word. Its head briefly lolled in the air before disintegrating with the rest of the ugly body parts. Sanemi didn’t even give it the time of day as he immediately sheathed his katana as soon as he could tell it actually died this time and catch Obanai before he hit the ground once more. His arms easily wrapped around the smaller teen’s body so that Obanai would land safely.

Obanai spluttered from the impact and he wheezed. Going into a coughing fit as the feeling of suffocation finally disappeared. Sanemi moved his hand so that Obanai could somewhat sit upright. The raven haired hunched forward as another hard rasp came out from his throat. His hand gripped on the fabric of his uniform as if an attempt to will himself to stop. Sanemi stayed silent, rubbing comforting circles on the serpent breather’s back.

When Obanai seemed to finally stop, Sanemi spoke up. “You alright?”

Obanai’s head snapped up to meet Sanemi’s gaze. Eyes widening when he realized their sudden close proximity. He felt his cheeks suddenly flush as he whipped his head to look away. He wheezed once more, this time more from shock than anything. When he finally calmed down again, Obanai felt oddly sheepish. Shame. The realization that he had almost died to an unranked demon and that Shinazugawa Sanemi out of all people had to save him was finally setting in. With that, everything felt a lot more heavier. The night air suddenly felt colder and Obanai felt exposed. For what? Even he wasn’t sure. It just…it just felt like something was missing.

“Iguro?” Sanemi raised a brow after a beat of silence.

Obanai flinched right as Sanemi spoke, the realization of what was gone finally hitting him. “Kaburamaru!”

Without any warning he shoved himself off the wind breather with enough strength that it caught Sanemi off guard, reminding him that he was still carrying the serpent breather in his arms. Anger flared slightly at Sanemi when he did do that but as he watched the smaller teen stumble around and go on his knees, looking desperately on the ground, he decided to hold back his tongue. He swung his head around to see if he could find the snake. It was already pretty dark but Kaburamaru’s bright white scales would probably be enough contrast for them to be easily spotted. Sanemi eyed Obanai worriedly, the sound of him shuffling had suddenly stopped.

Sanemi walked closer to him, trying to be careful with his words. “…Iguro, are you good?”

“I-I,” The raven haired stammered, his eyes locked onto the ground as his hands curled into fists. “What happens if—”

A sharp hiss came from beside them and they both quickly turned to where the sound came from. There on Obanai’s right side, Kaburamaru’s body rested on the dirt. The snake poked up their head and brushed their snout against Obanai’s arm who immediately went to pick him up with such gentleness. Almost as if they weren’t just away from each other for a couple of minutes. The snake seemed to be happy if not a little shaken, don’t ask Sanemi how he could tell that, and they slithered up on Obanai’s arm before moving to rest around his neck where he usually did. Only then did the raven haired actually finally seem to be able to calm down.

He moved his hand to pet Kaburamaru and the serpent leaned into his touch. Sanemi didn’t want to admit how serene Obanai seemed to look.

Obanai moved to stand up and turned his body to face Sanemi, only to find the taller boy glaring at him. “…What?”

“What the hell was that before? You could’ve died just now!”

Obanai stayed silent for a beat, caught off guard. “I…I don’t know. I suppose I thought the demon was already dead. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“I meant,” Sanemi huffed, he wasn’t sure why but the response made him angrier. “Why you didn’t try running after the bastard threw you?”

Obanai’s eyes narrowed, Sanemi didn’t know that he was practically blind in his right eye. That he could be considered basically useless just because he didn’t have Kaburamaru with him which would always have a risk of happening. How could he call himself any better than the lower ranks that he and Sanemi loathe with such an easy weakness.

“I was just caught off guard. It won’t happen again.” He answered curtly as he turned to walk away. “Just let it go, Shinazugawa.”

That last part apparently irked him, which Obanai didn’t notice until Sanemi’s hand roughly grabbed his wrist, hard enough to let him know just how unwilling he was to move from this. “Let it go? Are you kidding me?!”

Oh, Sanemi was angry. Like actually angry.

Something about the strong grip Sanemi had on his hand made him slightly uneasy, surprisingly it wasn’t because of his recent experience but for something else that he’d rather not acknowledge right now. Still, Obanai slipped out of the grasp, pushing Sanemi’s hand off.

“I just couldn’t get up, that’s all.” Obanai responded tensely, his eyes couldn’t bear to meet Sanemi’s.

“Don’t fuck with me Iguro,” He snapped, his irritation growing. “I know damn well that you can stand back up from worse hits.”

The raven haired didn’t respond, only glaring harder at whatever he was staring at. He was just as stubborn as Sanemi was. Neither were willing to back down any time soon either.

Obanai bit his tongue as he muttered. “Is it so hard to believe that the stupid demon hit me harder than expected and I didn't have enough time to react?”

“Yes.” Sanemi responded without a beat which made Obanai’s eye twitch. “Don’t try to trick me, you didn’t even try to dodge.”

“I—”

Obanai was cut off as Sanemi suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders so that they were forced to meet each other. Sanemi braced himself as multicolored eyes met his. Somehow, the serpent breather’s two tone irises always caught him off guard whenever they looked straight at him. Not in a bad way, but the sharp colors just had a way to be piercing.

“Just tell me.” Sanemi spoke, his voice taking an uncharacteristically soft tone despite still being spoken firmly. “Tell me so I can make sure it won't happen again.”

Obanai choked when Sanemi shortened the distance between them. Now, their faces were only a few inches apart. He could feel his face flush and He desperately hoped that his bandages covered enough of his face for Sanemi not to realize how he felt. Kaburamaru must’ve noticed the change in his heart racing as the snake peeked out their head from where it was. Their beady red eyes darted back and forward between their companion and the wind breather. The snake seemed confused.

Sanemi stood still, hands clenching on Obanai’s shoulders still. Letting the smaller slayer know that he had no intent of letting him go. They were silent but the air between them filled with tension, charged not with anger but something quieter neither teen was willing to acknowledge. Obanai gave a wary glance towards him before he exhaled slowly.

The raven haired muttered, breaking the silence. “…Why are you always so annoyingly persistent.”

“As if you’re any better.” Sanemi shot back with a smirk.

Obanai didn’t reply but his eyes crinkled at their edges. signaling to Sanemi that he was probably smiling under those bandages. The wind breather finally let go of his shoulders when Obanai let out a small, breathless chuckle. One that would’ve been missed by most people’s ears. Although the sound was only a few seconds long, Sanemi relished in its presence and he could feel himself cooling down as Obanai was.

Sanemi sighed as he crossed his arms. “So…Do you want to tell me what happened now?”

The immediate scowl that came back on the serpent breather’s face was almost comical.

“Tch,” Obanai clicked his tongue, the usual mask of indifference slipping back on. “Are you always so infuriating when someone nearly dies?”

“Only when they do it in the dumbest way possible.”

The smaller teen scoff, moving to cross his arms as well as he teased. “Ugh forget it. You’re annoying either way.”

Sanemi rolled his eyes at the jab. Honestly, it was kinda funny how quickly they could turn from almost an actual argument to their usual mindless bickering. The type of disputes that always tethered dangerously close to actual fights that never came. Maybe it was just Sanemi’s fucked up mind but he actually kinda enjoyed having things like that with Obanai. It wasn’t like things like those were bad anyway, the other knew it was never that serious.

Sanemi quipped, “Still waiting for my answer, Iguro.”

He groaned. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Do you ever explain yourself without being forced to?” He shot back.

Obanai blinked. Though Sanemi probably couldn’t see, he opened his mouth before quickly closing it shut, hesitating. He was internally screaming. Debating on whether to brush Sanemi off and force him to let it go or actually tell him and possibly lose a really close friend. He had two options here, maybe more than that but his mind was too scrambled to think of any. He gulped, that stupid—half exasperated, half something else—made him pause.

“…Fine.” He muttered, head dropping so that his choppy bangs would cover his face. “You want to know why I didn’t run?”

Sanemi didn't say anything, only staying silent. Only waiting.

“I…I have limited vision in my right eye. Can barely see out of it.” Obanai continued, “ Without Kaburamaru, it’s worse. I couldn’t sense how far away the demon was from me. I’m practically blind on that side.”

Obanai felt himself still, mentally preparing for what would come next. He clutched his haori tight, scrunching up the fabric as he anxiously waited for Sanemi’s response.

He hears a snort in irritation or maybe disbelief before the words come out. “That’s it? Then your right side needs work.”

Obanai blinked then snapped his head up, confused and shocked. As the realization set in, he screeched. “What do you mean that’s it?!”

Sanemi only started walking away. “Was there something else you wanted to hear?”

The raven haired spluttered, embarrassed that he felt worked up over something that ended up to be small. “No insult or anything?! Not even a shitty joke?!”

The wind breather stopped walking and Obanai could see him tilt his head down. “I don’t joke about people almost getting themselves killed, Iguro.”

Obanai’s not too sure why but Sanemi’s answer slightly infuriated him. He lingered at his spot for a moment longer, watching the taller teen act like he didn’t just hear a confession that most people would use to tear someone down. He shook his head and jogged over to meet Sanemi’s pace. The wind breather raised a brow at him but Obanai stayed silent, pretending not to notice.

They walk for a few minutes in silence before Obanai speaks up, almost mindlessly. “Shinazugawa…If something like that happens again, you don’t have to save me.”

“Are you stupid?” He spat. “Why the fuck would I ever do that?”

Obanai glared at him, annoyed. “I’d rather you not die because of my faults.”

“It’s not your fault that you have that, Iguro.”

“But it is my fault for not trying to fix it,” He argued. “I can’t rely on Kaburamaru forever…”

“Yeah duh! Why don’t you try talking to Himejima about it, he can probably help.” Sanemi tried to joke but when Obanai didn’t even spare him a glance, he stopped. “…Look, even if it happened because of something stupid. I’m not just gonna leave you to die.”

The two of them are about near the place where they usually part ways but they stop walking. Turning around to face each other. They stare at each other, both unsure what to say, both do not know that the other thinks the same. Obanai is the first to break eye contact, moving his gaze down.

Obanai sighs. “Just…Forget about what happened today.”

“Are you that upset about it?” He muttered, Obanai looked down in shame and his body shook slightly.

Sanemi sighed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn’t too sure why Obanai seemed so pressed or embarrassed about it. They were close enough to be considered friends weren’t they? The raven haired could tell him about such a weakness, heck, Sanemi would take pride in the fact that Obanai trusted him enough to tell him.

But if he was being completely honest with himself, this wouldn’t have happened if he had actually killed the damn demon before it even had a chance of hitting Obanai. If Sanemi had just been more observant, he would’ve recognized that Obanai had weaker vision on one of his eyes. Kaburamaru’s head always rested at the right side of Obanai’s shoulder after all and Obanai had rare moments where he would walk a little slower at darker nights.

Back then when Sanemi couldn’t recognize signs, his ignorance had cost someone their life.
This time, it almost did for Obanai’s.

He sighed, “If you’re so worried, then I’ll just have to make sure those demon bastards don’t even get a chance of pulling that stunt on you again.”

Obanai blinked. “What?”

Amusement starts to grow inside him along with an ugly pit in his stomach when he realizes that Sanemi is fucking serious. This is the last thing he’d ever want, Sanemi shouldn’t have to waste his energy and possibly even life on him. Obanai could handle himself, he wasn’t a child. He didn’t want someone risking their lives for one that barely had any value. One filled with sinful blood with rotten hands. He’d stain him. Infect Sanemi with the rot simmering beneath his skin all for the sake of his own selfish desires.

But the sight of seeing Sanemi say something like that with such conviction made his stomach flutter with nerves and sickness and a giddy feeling he didn’t quite know how to feel about yet.

Obanai doesn’t even realise that he’s laughing or notice that Sanemi opens his mouth and closes it with a face that’s flushed tomato red.
Sanemi’s expression twists, crimson blooming across his cheeks. “The hell are you laughing at?!”
Obanai’s still smiling, even as he shakes his head. “Nothing. You’re just… ridiculous.”
The wind breather has just realized how cheesy his declaration sounds. He’s cringing so bad right now, face heating up from embarrassment. For all of his cocky confidence, Sanemi has no idea how to deal with these kinds of…feelings. The whole thing was a damn nightmare.

But the way that Obanai just laughs is making him melt and his knees suddenly feel weak and somehow it kinda feels worth it.

This.

Whatever this is.

Sanemi decides, he’ll definitely protect this.

Extra scene;
“Oi, Tomioka. Move.”

“Hm?” Giyuu perks up, giving a glance towards Sanemi as he swiftly dodges one of the multiple attacks coming at them.

“I said move, damn it.” Sanemi spats, his irritation showing as he violently diverts a hit away.

Obanai grumbles, growing annoyed at the prospect of the two bickering in the middle of a fight. “What are you two fighting about now?”

“Just fucking move would ya?!” The wind breather growled as he swung his sword and successfully managed to behead one of the demon’s copies. “I need to be on that side!”

Obanai feels his blood running cold and he stills briefly before quickly continuing with his swift moves and killing multiple copies. He’s noticed something that Sanemi’s been doing to him recently, ever since that one night.

During missions, whenever they walked together, side by side, Sanemi would casually drift to his right. Not once or twice—every single time. At first, Obanai thought that he was making something out of nothing. Then, Sanemi started doing it in battle too—wordlessly stepping in without being asked, covering his blind side and weak spots with a kind of precision that felt far too deliberate. Heck, the idiot would sometimes even throw a fit if he wasn’t able to.

And when they weren’t fighting, just hanging out together or sitting beside each other in peaceful silence, Sanemi still stayed to his right. Always. Sometimes, he’d even shove Obanai into place without any explanation if he tried to switch sides. Sanemi never mentioned it and when Obanai tried bringing it up, the guy acted like it was just common sense!

His golden eye always caught the vague figure of his friend’s presence beside him.

Giyuu stayed silent, eyes widening at the last part of Sanemi’s statement. Obanai wasn’t sure why he felt embarrassed when Giyuu’s eyes travelled back and forth between him and Sanemi before he nodded and a knowing smile briefly laced his face. Without saying anything more, Giyuu jumped up, twisting his body and swinging his sword to kill a clone that was coming at the three of them from above, Obanai didn’t even notice that, before landing on Obanai’s left. The serpent breather glanced to his right and could see the blurry silhouette of Sanemi who seemed a lot more pleased.

He looked… smug. Smug and satisfied.

The bastard.

Obanai would never admit how much more at ease he then felt. Not even to himself.

Author notes
Taisho Era Secret:
Kanao is the one who first introduced Sanemi and Obanai to each other, just a bit before Sanemi would get sent to the encounter with Lower Moon Five. Sorai, Sanemi’s crow, had specified that he would be going on the mission with Obanai. Both happened to be in the Butterfly Mansion so Kanao led Sanemi to him. Their first impression of each other was normal but what really cemented the relationship was their surprising synergy in battle. After Kanao heard how well the mission had gone from their crows’ report and seeing the teens chatter, she had made a personal request to Kiriya about putting the two on more missions together. She didn’t think too much about it at first but quickly realized what a wonderful decision it was.

Hello! This is my debut fic, I hope y'all enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to give criticism but pls keep it polite and constructive!
Sanemi & Obanai + Kaburamaru ig…

It’s pretty obvious that Obanai is not a people’s person.

Just one bad first impression is enough for him to immediately dislike someone and it’s pretty hard to change his feelings on something like that.

Due to that, there’s barely any people in the corps that he can tolerate, much less actually enjoy spending time with. He will be humble enough to admit that it’s mostly his fault and rarely theirs. He’ll admit, if only to himself, that he’s the one who's hard to deal with. His personality has always been cold and harsh and he’s not above running his mouth against someone he thinks deserves it. Is it really his fault if so many of the demon slayers are just…so incompetent for their jobs. Most of them are weak and they start whining at the smallest things so gods forbid, Obanai doesn’t feel a little pissed when having to work with most people his rank when all they do is just weigh him down and make the mission they’re on harder.

Well, most. There are a select few he can endure being with.

Obanai’s…adopted family is a given. He trusts and has seen their strength firsthand to know that he shouldn’t be too uptight if he was ever sent on a mission with any of the Rengokus. Though, those rarely happen. Mitsuri isn’t too much of a shocker either. Although she can be a bit airheaded at times, it’s pretty hard not to at least be fond of her. Her kindness and positivity knows no bounds.

What did surprise him was who else he'd find himself pleasantly enjoying the company of.

Shinazugawa Sanemi.

Not that he’d ever admit that to anyone. Including the wind breather himself.

Is he a little embarrassed that he doesn’t mind spending time with a reckless idiot like Sanemi? That’s up to interpretation but perhaps he shouldn’t be so surprised. They’re both hot-tempered, sharp-tongued, and generally unpleasant to most people. In theory, they should hate each other. Though that also means they think pretty similarly and share multiple opinions about the Corps. However, the way they go about those things is drastically different. Where Obanai is snarky and calculating, Sanemi releases his anger in its full form and doesn’t bother keeping up appearances. Hell, he literally shows off his body.

There’s no pretending with him, no sugar-coating the cruel reality they live in and what kind of people they really are, and Obanai finds that… oddly refreshing.

So when his crow tells him that he and Sanemi are paired up for another mission, His heart may or may not start to race as an odd excitement takes over his body. Thankfully for him, missions like those are fairly common. Ever since the Flower Pillar, Kanao, first paired them up together, he’s noticed that they’ve been together a lot more often. Obanai wonders if it’s due to someone’s interference.

This mission was a lot like others. Straightforward and simple. They’re not high-ranked enough to be assigned to investigate possible lower moon sightings, much to Sanemi’s dismay. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t encounter stronger demons.

Like this one in particular. This one was getting extra annoying to beat.

Obanai took a harsh breath in as he continued to pair his sword movements up with Sanemi so they wouldn't clash. It was always so easy to fight alongside him. Understanding every little signal and movement without a word so that they wouldn’t stand in each other's way. Movements blending together despite the difference in their fighting styles. To the serpent breather, being in battle alongside Sanemi felt safe.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as a cleaver swung for his head. Obanai quickly ducked before it could do damage and spun his body around to move past the demon’s.

‘Serpent Breathing Third form; Coil Choke’

The raven haired circled around the monster’s body, twisting his sword so that it would pierce its body from all directions. The demon screeched as the lower part of its body spewed out blood that quickly disintegrated in the air. It turned its ugly head around to where Obanai was, preparing to lunge at him.

Perfect.

From behind, a white haired figure jumped up. His silhouette was dark from standing in front of the moonlight. An emerald katana shimmered in the night before violently lifting upwards and raining down on the enemy. Sharp slashes attacked it, only visible by a bright green path. The demon’s eyes widened before screaming in pain.

‘Wind Breathing Second form; Claws, Purifying Wind’

Obanai watched in silent awe as he dodged the demon’s weapon that mindlessly swung at him. Sanemi’s attacks were always brute but sharp. Heavy in power but with a wide striking range due to the slayer’s breathing style. Sanemi had a manic glint on his face as he landed, his gaze briefly matching Obanai’s who stood on the other side. In between them, the demon’s body slowly falls. Obanai straightened his posture, dropping his curved sword to his waist. He let out a shaky breath as the adrenaline from battle started coming off. The demon was probably done for. The serpent breather turned his body, ready to walk back. Despite this one taking a little longer to kill, they were met with no vital injuries. All in all, a good job done—

He felt the snake tighten their hold around his neck. Kaburamaru hissed from his right side.

Obanai turned around by instinct, his body tensing and senses heightening once again before he could see the blurry image of a large, cold and clawed hand coming towards him at binding speed. He could barely react, just quick enough to stop it from putting too much force on his vital organs before it throwed him back, flying backwards. He landed roughly on his back on the harsh ground, he swore he could hear a few ribs crack. Not even a second later, he heard large footsteps bounding from his right side. His vision wasn’t as poor as Gyoumei’s, his hearing never needed to be developed as sharp as his. Especially when he had Kaburamaru to help signal to him presences, allowing him to focus his senses on other things. But there was no hiss from the snake to help him, in fact, his shoulders felt lighter—-

A hand grabbed him by the neck, a grip and force so rough that Obanai let out a strained cough through his bandages as he felt thick fingers tighten around his neck line. He could no longer feel his feet on the ground.

‘S-shit…!’

As he muttered under his breath, his hands instinctively moved towards the hand that held him captive. He could feel the sharp nails against his skin that peaked out of his uniform's collar. He tried to push away the fingers, squirming, but that only made the demon's grip on him tighten, cutting out more air. He coughed, trying to gasp for breath. The bandages covering his mouth felt tighter than usual. More suffocating. He couldn’t breathe.

“Useless now without your little companion, huh?” The demon mocked before giving out a laugh. “That’s what you get for distracting me, you little snake.”

As it finished speaking, the hold on Obanai’s neck strengthened. Sharp claw-like nails digging into the layers of skin. He hissed out in pain, his attempts of wriggling out or even just loosening the fingers were getting more desperate. The pressure increased and Obanai spluttered once more. His already bad vision was starting to blur. He sucked in a harsh breath, trying to get any amount of oxygen he could. The stupid demon was just so strong and Obanai had always been so physically weak. He tried one last time to push away as his body shook and he felt his head throb. Sweat rolled down his face and his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t…just…

The demon smirked, “Hm, should I just snap your neck or let you die from lack of oxygen-”

“Hey, asshole! Pick on someone your own fucking size!”

‘Wind Breathing Seventh form; Gale, Sudden Gusts’

Sanemi swung his blade forward from the air while diving forward. Instantly, a large gale force wind appeared. A huge torrent of air passed by the demon with a speed that could match that of a hurricane. Barely tinted in a pale green due to his emerald sword moving too fast. The attack shredded through the demon’s entire body before the monster could even say another word. Its head briefly lolled in the air before disintegrating with the rest of the ugly body parts. Sanemi didn’t even give it the time of day as he immediately sheathed his katana as soon as he could tell it actually died this time and catch Obanai before he hit the ground once more. His arms easily wrapped around the smaller teen’s body so that Obanai would land safely.

Obanai spluttered from the impact and he wheezed. Going into a coughing fit as the feeling of suffocation finally disappeared. Sanemi moved his hand so that Obanai could somewhat sit upright. The raven haired hunched forward as another hard rasp came out from his throat. His hand gripped on the fabric of his uniform as if an attempt to will himself to stop. Sanemi stayed silent, rubbing comforting circles on the serpent breather’s back.

When Obanai seemed to finally stop, Sanemi spoke up. “You alright?”

Obanai’s head snapped up to meet Sanemi’s gaze. Eyes widening when he realized their sudden close proximity. He felt his cheeks suddenly flush as he whipped his head to look away. He wheezed once more, this time more from shock than anything. When he finally calmed down again, Obanai felt oddly sheepish. Shame. The realization that he had almost died to an unranked demon and that Shinazugawa Sanemi out of all people had to save him was finally setting in. With that, everything felt a lot more heavier. The night air suddenly felt colder and Obanai felt exposed. For what? Even he wasn’t sure. It just…it just felt like something was missing.

“Iguro?” Sanemi raised a brow after a beat of silence.

Obanai flinched right as Sanemi spoke, the realization of what was gone finally hitting him. “Kaburamaru!”

Without any warning he shoved himself off the wind breather with enough strength that it caught Sanemi off guard, reminding him that he was still carrying the serpent breather in his arms. Anger flared slightly at Sanemi when he did do that but as he watched the smaller teen stumble around and go on his knees, looking desperately on the ground, he decided to hold back his tongue. He swung his head around to see if he could find the snake. It was already pretty dark but Kaburamaru’s bright white scales would probably be enough contrast for them to be easily spotted. Sanemi eyed Obanai worriedly, the sound of him shuffling had suddenly stopped.

Sanemi walked closer to him, trying to be careful with his words. “…Iguro, are you good?”

“I-I,” The raven haired stammered, his eyes locked onto the ground as his hands curled into fists. “What happens if—”

A sharp hiss came from beside them and they both quickly turned to where the sound came from. There on Obanai’s right side, Kaburamaru’s body rested on the dirt. The snake poked up their head and brushed their snout against Obanai’s arm who immediately went to pick him up with such gentleness. Almost as if they weren’t just away from each other for a couple of minutes. The snake seemed to be happy if not a little shaken, don’t ask Sanemi how he could tell that, and they slithered up on Obanai’s arm before moving to rest around his neck where he usually did. Only then did the raven haired actually finally seem to be able to calm down.

He moved his hand to pet Kaburamaru and the serpent leaned into his touch. Sanemi didn’t want to admit how serene Obanai seemed to look.

Obanai moved to stand up and turned his body to face Sanemi, only to find the taller boy glaring at him. “…What?”

“What the hell was that before? You could’ve died just now!”

Obanai stayed silent for a beat, caught off guard. “I…I don’t know. I suppose I thought the demon was already dead. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

“I meant,” Sanemi huffed, he wasn’t sure why but the response made him angrier. “Why you didn’t try running after the bastard threw you?”

Obanai’s eyes narrowed, Sanemi didn’t know that he was practically blind in his right eye. That he could be considered basically useless just because he didn’t have Kaburamaru with him which would always have a risk of happening. How could he call himself any better than the lower ranks that he and Sanemi loathe with such an easy weakness.

“I was just caught off guard. It won’t happen again.” He answered curtly as he turned to walk away. “Just let it go, Shinazugawa.”

That last part apparently irked him, which Obanai didn’t notice until Sanemi’s hand roughly grabbed his wrist, hard enough to let him know just how unwilling he was to move from this. “Let it go? Are you kidding me?!”

Oh, Sanemi was angry. Like actually angry.

Something about the strong grip Sanemi had on his hand made him slightly uneasy, surprisingly it wasn’t because of his recent experience but for something else that he’d rather not acknowledge right now. Still, Obanai slipped out of the grasp, pushing Sanemi’s hand off.

“I just couldn’t get up, that’s all.” Obanai responded tensely, his eyes couldn’t bear to meet Sanemi’s.

“Don’t fuck with me Iguro,” He snapped, his irritation growing. “I know damn well that you can stand back up from worse hits.”

The raven haired didn’t respond, only glaring harder at whatever he was staring at. He was just as stubborn as Sanemi was. Neither were willing to back down any time soon either.

Obanai bit his tongue as he muttered. “Is it so hard to believe that the stupid demon hit me harder than expected and I didn't have enough time to react?”

“Yes.” Sanemi responded without a beat which made Obanai’s eye twitch. “Don’t try to trick me, you didn’t even try to dodge.”

“I—”

Obanai was cut off as Sanemi suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders so that they were forced to meet each other. Sanemi braced himself as multicolored eyes met his. Somehow, the serpent breather’s two tone irises always caught him off guard whenever they looked straight at him. Not in a bad way, but the sharp colors just had a way to be piercing.

“Just tell me.” Sanemi spoke, his voice taking an uncharacteristically soft tone despite still being spoken firmly. “Tell me so I can make sure it won't happen again.”

Obanai choked when Sanemi shortened the distance between them. Now, their faces were only a few inches apart. He could feel his face flush and He desperately hoped that his bandages covered enough of his face for Sanemi not to realize how he felt. Kaburamaru must’ve noticed the change in his heart racing as the snake peeked out their head from where it was. Their beady red eyes darted back and forward between their companion and the wind breather. The snake seemed confused.

Sanemi stood still, hands clenching on Obanai’s shoulders still. Letting the smaller slayer know that he had no intent of letting him go. They were silent but the air between them filled with tension, charged not with anger but something quieter neither teen was willing to acknowledge. Obanai gave a wary glance towards him before he exhaled slowly.

The raven haired muttered, breaking the silence. “…Why are you always so annoyingly persistent.”

“As if you’re any better.” Sanemi shot back with a smirk.

Obanai didn’t reply but his eyes crinkled at their edges. signaling to Sanemi that he was probably smiling under those bandages. The wind breather finally let go of his shoulders when Obanai let out a small, breathless chuckle. One that would’ve been missed by most people’s ears. Although the sound was only a few seconds long, Sanemi relished in its presence and he could feel himself cooling down as Obanai was.

Sanemi sighed as he crossed his arms. “So…Do you want to tell me what happened now?”

The immediate scowl that came back on the serpent breather’s face was almost comical.

“Tch,” Obanai clicked his tongue, the usual mask of indifference slipping back on. “Are you always so infuriating when someone nearly dies?”

“Only when they do it in the dumbest way possible.”

The smaller teen scoff, moving to cross his arms as well as he teased. “Ugh forget it. You’re annoying either way.”

Sanemi rolled his eyes at the jab. Honestly, it was kinda funny how quickly they could turn from almost an actual argument to their usual mindless bickering. The type of disputes that always tethered dangerously close to actual fights that never came. Maybe it was just Sanemi’s fucked up mind but he actually kinda enjoyed having things like that with Obanai. It wasn’t like things like those were bad anyway, the other knew it was never that serious.

Sanemi quipped, “Still waiting for my answer, Iguro.”

He groaned. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Do you ever explain yourself without being forced to?” He shot back.

Obanai blinked. Though Sanemi probably couldn’t see, he opened his mouth before quickly closing it shut, hesitating. He was internally screaming. Debating on whether to brush Sanemi off and force him to let it go or actually tell him and possibly lose a really close friend. He had two options here, maybe more than that but his mind was too scrambled to think of any. He gulped, that stupid—half exasperated, half something else—made him pause.

“…Fine.” He muttered, head dropping so that his choppy bangs would cover his face. “You want to know why I didn’t run?”

Sanemi didn't say anything, only staying silent. Only waiting.

“I…I have limited vision in my right eye. Can barely see out of it.” Obanai continued, “ Without Kaburamaru, it’s worse. I couldn’t sense how far away the demon was from me. I’m practically blind on that side.”

Obanai felt himself still, mentally preparing for what would come next. He clutched his haori tight, scrunching up the fabric as he anxiously waited for Sanemi’s response.

He hears a snort in irritation or maybe disbelief before the words come out. “That’s it? Then your right side needs work.”

Obanai blinked then snapped his head up, confused and shocked. As the realization set in, he screeched. “What do you mean that’s it?!”

Sanemi only started walking away. “Was there something else you wanted to hear?”

The raven haired spluttered, embarrassed that he felt worked up over something that ended up to be small. “No insult or anything?! Not even a shitty joke?!”

The wind breather stopped walking and Obanai could see him tilt his head down. “I don’t joke about people almost getting themselves killed, Iguro.”

Obanai’s not too sure why but Sanemi’s answer slightly infuriated him. He lingered at his spot for a moment longer, watching the taller teen act like he didn’t just hear a confession that most people would use to tear someone down. He shook his head and jogged over to meet Sanemi’s pace. The wind breather raised a brow at him but Obanai stayed silent, pretending not to notice.

They walk for a few minutes in silence before Obanai speaks up, almost mindlessly. “Shinazugawa…If something like that happens again, you don’t have to save me.”

“Are you stupid?” He spat. “Why the fuck would I ever do that?”

Obanai glared at him, annoyed. “I’d rather you not die because of my faults.”

“It’s not your fault that you have that, Iguro.”

“But it is my fault for not trying to fix it,” He argued. “I can’t rely on Kaburamaru forever…”

“Yeah duh! Why don’t you try talking to Himejima about it, he can probably help.” Sanemi tried to joke but when Obanai didn’t even spare him a glance, he stopped. “…Look, even if it happened because of something stupid. I’m not just gonna leave you to die.”

The two of them are about near the place where they usually part ways but they stop walking. Turning around to face each other. They stare at each other, both unsure what to say, both do not know that the other thinks the same. Obanai is the first to break eye contact, moving his gaze down.

Obanai sighs. “Just…Forget about what happened today.”

“Are you that upset about it?” He muttered, Obanai looked down in shame and his body shook slightly.

Sanemi sighed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn’t too sure why Obanai seemed so pressed or embarrassed about it. They were close enough to be considered friends weren’t they? The raven haired could tell him about such a weakness, heck, Sanemi would take pride in the fact that Obanai trusted him enough to tell him.

But if he was being completely honest with himself, this wouldn’t have happened if he had actually killed the damn demon before it even had a chance of hitting Obanai. If Sanemi had just been more observant, he would’ve recognized that Obanai had weaker vision on one of his eyes. Kaburamaru’s head always rested at the right side of Obanai’s shoulder after all and Obanai had rare moments where he would walk a little slower at darker nights.

Back then when Sanemi couldn’t recognize signs, his ignorance had cost someone their life.
This time, it almost did for Obanai’s.

He sighed, “If you’re so worried, then I’ll just have to make sure those demon bastards don’t even get a chance of pulling that stunt on you again.”

Obanai blinked. “What?”

Amusement starts to grow inside him along with an ugly pit in his stomach when he realizes that Sanemi is fucking serious. This is the last thing he’d ever want, Sanemi shouldn’t have to waste his energy and possibly even life on him. Obanai could handle himself, he wasn’t a child. He didn’t want someone risking their lives for one that barely had any value. One filled with sinful blood with rotten hands. He’d stain him. Infect Sanemi with the rot simmering beneath his skin all for the sake of his own selfish desires.

But the sight of seeing Sanemi say something like that with such conviction made his stomach flutter with nerves and sickness and a giddy feeling he didn’t quite know how to feel about yet.

Obanai doesn’t even realise that he’s laughing or notice that Sanemi opens his mouth and closes it with a face that’s flushed tomato red.
Sanemi’s expression twists, crimson blooming across his cheeks. “The hell are you laughing at?!”
Obanai’s still smiling, even as he shakes his head. “Nothing. You’re just… ridiculous.”
The wind breather has just realized how cheesy his declaration sounds. He’s cringing so bad right now, face heating up from embarrassment. For all of his cocky confidence, Sanemi has no idea how to deal with these kinds of…feelings. The whole thing was a damn nightmare.

But the way that Obanai just laughs is making him melt and his knees suddenly feel weak and somehow it kinda feels worth it.

This.

Whatever this is.

Sanemi decides, he’ll definitely protect this.

Extra scene;
“Oi, Tomioka. Move.”

“Hm?” Giyuu perks up, giving a glance towards Sanemi as he swiftly dodges one of the multiple attacks coming at them.

“I said move, damn it.” Sanemi spats, his irritation showing as he violently diverts a hit away.

Obanai grumbles, growing annoyed at the prospect of the two bickering in the middle of a fight. “What are you two fighting about now?”

“Just fucking move would ya?!” The wind breather growled as he swung his sword and successfully managed to behead one of the demon’s copies. “I need to be on that side!”

Obanai feels his blood running cold and he stills briefly before quickly continuing with his swift moves and killing multiple copies. He’s noticed something that Sanemi’s been doing to him recently, ever since that one night.

During missions, whenever they walked together, side by side, Sanemi would casually drift to his right. Not once or twice—every single time. At first, Obanai thought that he was making something out of nothing. Then, Sanemi started doing it in battle too—wordlessly stepping in without being asked, covering his blind side and weak spots with a kind of precision that felt far too deliberate. Heck, the idiot would sometimes even throw a fit if he wasn’t able to.

And when they weren’t fighting, just hanging out together or sitting beside each other in peaceful silence, Sanemi still stayed to his right. Always. Sometimes, he’d even shove Obanai into place without any explanation if he tried to switch sides. Sanemi never mentioned it and when Obanai tried bringing it up, the guy acted like it was just common sense!

His golden eye always caught the vague figure of his friend’s presence beside him.

Giyuu stayed silent, eyes widening at the last part of Sanemi’s statement. Obanai wasn’t sure why he felt embarrassed when Giyuu’s eyes travelled back and forth between him and Sanemi before he nodded and a knowing smile briefly laced his face. Without saying anything more, Giyuu jumped up, twisting his body and swinging his sword to kill a clone that was coming at the three of them from above, Obanai didn’t even notice that, before landing on Obanai’s left. The serpent breather glanced to his right and could see the blurry silhouette of Sanemi who seemed a lot more pleased.

He looked… smug. Smug and satisfied.

The bastard.

Obanai would never admit how much more at ease he then felt. Not even to himself.

Chapter Text

The Rengoku Family + Mitsuri

There are times where Senjurou wonders if Obanai hates him for being alive instead of his father. He doesn’t hate Obanai if he thinks so, for Senjurou has similar feelings about himself. He should not be here, he should not be a Pillar. It should’ve still been his father right now, not someone as weak and unsure as him.

He remembers quite fondly when his father first brought a 7 year old Obanai back home. It was late at night and Kyoujurou was already sent to bed. Senjurou was around Obanai’s current age and was still sweeping the floors of their estate, trying to be useful despite the workers’ protests on how he didn’t have too. Life was simpler back then, where just helping around the house was enough for Senjurou to feel fulfilled. That he did his part and had satisfied his parents.

It was Senjurou who opened the door from his father’s harsh and rather stronger than usual knocks. It was him who first saw the frail, malnourished little child that seemed to be holding for dear life in his father’s hold. Shivering and sniffling from the cold winter’s harsh weather and also from everything else that he had experienced just a few hours ago and had been experiencing for years. It was him who led them inside and kept his mouth shut as his father whispered words of comfort to the child's ears, despite the fact that teenage Senjurou was dying of curiosity. Senjurou had been quickly sent to bed as well by his mother afterwards and he had agreed with little to no argument as even then, he had already sensed the heavy conversation that would be held between his parents.

So he was quite happy to know that the boy would be living with them for the foreseeable future. For as long as the boy, Iguro Obanai he’d later find out, wanted. And even though Obanai was quiet and rarely seemed to want to join in on the family activities, Senjurou was still excited to have another younger brother. And eventually, Obanai would go out with them more, he would say more words in front of them and he would spend more time with them. And Senjurou would like to imagine, that after months of one-sided conversations and short interactions, that Obanai could see himself being a part of the Rengoku family. That Senjurou could be a big brother he could look up and rely on.

But then his father died. Obanai’s saviour had passed away only a year later after he first brought him to live together with them. Their small family had never been quite the same after and it seemed like the progress they had with Obanai had all but relapsed. The raven haired had only became reclused again, if not more. He no longer wanted to join Senjurou and Kyoujurou on activities and started staying in his room more. Their relationship becomes strained, Obanai barely talks to any of them and if he does, it’s short and curt, ending in strained silence if not angry words.

And in darker days, Senjurou wonders if he reminds Obanai of his father. Admittedly he and him are practically alike and he has little to no characteristics that seem to come from his mother. Senjurou would not be surprised if Obanai can’t stand to look at him just for that reason. And then Obanai is sent away for training and they don’t see each other for 3 years. By then, his hope of reconciliation is lost.

They don’t have many chances to talk anymore. With Senjurou’s tight schedule and Hashira duties and Obanai’s lack of even wanting to say a word to him, avoiding him as much as he can.

So imagine Senjurou’s surprise when it’s one of the rare days that the raven-haired agrees to join in on his training with Kyoujurou and Mitsuri when suddenly a letter comes in from Obanai’s crow and said boy goes giggling like a teenager in love.

The moment was almost surreal—the usually stoic and reserved Obanai, now reacting with a soft, rare laugh that seemed almost out of place.

Obanai had been silently sitting on the engawa since they had started. Only watching them. Senjurou would be lying if he wasn’t a little disappointed but it was better than nothing, after all, who knew how long it's been since Obanai had left his room to come join them for something other than meal time. Senjurou was hoping that he would agree for a spar between the two teenagers. Probably Mitsuri since he seemed more willing to talk to her than Kyoujurou or himself. As Mitsuri and Kyoujurou are warming up together, Senjurou was just about to ask Obanai if he’d like to join but his words fall short when a black presence suddenly falls over them. He looks up to see it as a Kasugai crow, but it’s not his or his mother’s and he doesn’t recognize it to be Oyakata-sama’s crow so it must’ve not been for him.

His suspicion is confirmed when he follows the crow’s flight until it eventually lands on Obanai’s outstretched arm. It’s also only then does Senjurou see it has a rolled up paper clutched in its beak. Senjurou can’t help but feel slightly exasperated at the prospect that it could be a mission for Obanai to join in, he’s just been given a chance to talk to him again. He relaxes though when Obanai doesn’t immediately stand up after a few seconds of reading. What comes next however is much more shocking.

Because Obanai giggles, it’s not so loud that it’s very obvious but it’s audible enough that Senjurou can catch it on first chance. It’s light and airy and there’s something almost childlike about it. It catches him by so much surprise that Senjurou blinks and shakes his head to make sure he’s hearing it right. The equally shocked looks of Kyoujurou and Mitsuri who are stopped mid-spar helps him know that what’s his hearing is real and his curiosity flares at what or who could possibly be making Iguro Obanai laugh like that.

Mitsuri is the first to break the silence, her voice cheery and full of interest. “Ah, Iguro-san! What did you get?”

Iguro blinks, almost as if he’s forgotten that they’re still there. His voice gains a familiar low and guarded tone. “O-oh…Just a letter, that’s all.”

It’s a really obvious excuse and Senjurou wonders whether Obanai knows that they see right through it.

“Do you know who sent it?” Kyoujurou asks next with his usual straight stare.

The question only seems to make Obanai more nervous as his grip on the paper tightens and Kaburamaru seems to coil around his neck tighter, poking his head out farther, almost as if readying itself to bite at any moment.

“An…” Obanai trails off, seemingly deciding on his words. “It’s from an…acquaintance.”

The effect however seems to have backfired as Kyoujurou and Mitsuri’s prodding only worsens right after. Senjurou’s eyes narrow slightly. An acquaintance? The term is so vague and unspecified that Senjurou wonders whether if Obanai is deliberately hiding something. His curiosity flares and he knows that his little brother and Mitsuri are having the same reaction.

Who could this ‘Acquaintance’ be to make Obanai react in such a lighthearted way that Senjurou hasn’t seen in years.

“An acquaintance?” Mitsuri echoes, moving a finger to her chin as she suddenly sits beside Obanai on the engawa. The movement is so swift that it makes the boy beside her jump. “Is it someone we know?”

Kyoujurou adds while moving to sit on Obanai’s other side. “Come on, you can tell us!”

Senjurou has to stop himself from letting out a chuckle at the sight. Seeing Obanai so…flustered, he hoped that was the right word to use, was incredibly amusing. He too wanted to join in on asking who this mysterious ‘acquaintance’ was but it probably wasn’t in his place to interrogate or even judge. Senjurou could only imagine who this person was—someone who had managed to crack through Obanai’s snarky exterior and bring out a side of him that Senjurou hadn’t seen in years. Leave it to the actual teenagers on possible matters of the heart. For now, he’s content on just watching from the sidelines.

Obanai shifted uncomfortably as Mitsuri only seemed to lean in closer, her smile wide and expectant. Kyoujurou was also not letting the boy breathe as he tried to look over to maybe see what the letter had written before Obanai quickly noticed and snagged the paper down so the two of them couldn’t take a glance.

“I-I told you already, it’s just from an acquaintance.” He spoke up, trying to keep his voice dismissive despite the obvious nervousness it held.

Mitsuri only playfully pouted in response. “But you’re laughing, Iguro-san! Who could possibly make you laugh like that?”

Obanai’s face turned flush and even though the bandages wrapped around half of his face were obscuring the view, the shade was just deep enough to still be seen. His gaze darted away from Mitsuri and Kyoujurou, looking for an escape from their prying eyes. The two however were unrelenting and didn’t let the raven haired have even a small breath of relief.

Obanai defended himself, his voice clearly annoyed. “I wasn’t laughing!”

“Sure, sure.” Senjurou muttered, voice small enough so that they wouldn’t hear as he propped himself on one of the wooden swords that Mitsuri and Kyoujurou had taken out for training. Eager to watch the show.

Senjurou exchanged a brief glance with his little brother, he guessed that Kyoujurou was silently asking whether he had any clues or even knew who had sent the letter. Senjurou had simply shrugged while Mitsuri was clearly having a field day with this new information, she had never seen Obanai so expressive the whole time she’s known him.

“An acquaintance,” Kyoujurou repeated, his tone thoughtful as he brought his gaze up to the clear blue sky. “But…whoever this is must be someone really important to you if they made you react like that!”

Obanai shifted in his place again, leaning back slightly to get away from them.

“It’s just someone I know, alright?” He answered quickly, pushing away Kyoujurou’s face but it sounded like he was trying to convince himself as much as them. “Quit asking!”

Mitsuri giggled, making no attempt to hide how much she was enjoying this. “Oh come on, you’re the one who’s making it sound like you’re hiding something big! Who is it Iguro-san? You can tell us, please!”

Mitsuri and Kyoujurou simultaneously nodded their heads fervently, stars basically shining in their eyes. Obanai, meanwhile, was practically shaking with the effort of maintaining any semblance of control.

“Just stop,” he tried again, though his voice cracked slightly with the tension. “I’m not—I’m not going to tell you!”

Mitsuri, in response, only let out a light laugh, “You’re so cute when you’re flustered, Iguro-san!”

She only earned a glare that would’ve sent most people cowering but Mitsuri was far from an ordinary person. She just giggled, delighted by his reactions. Senjurou, watching from the side, could barely contain his own quiet amusement. The rare sight of Obanai so thoroughly caught off guard was enough to make him forget about his usual worries. He exchanged another glance with Kyoujurou, who seemed to be enjoying this just as much. Senjurou’s lips twitched at the sheer absurdity of it all. This was Iguro Obanai, the boy who was always so quiet and apprehensive. And yet here he was, fumbling like a teenager caught in his first crush. It was… endearing, in a way.

Senjurou would have to thank this mysterious ‘acquaintance’ who gave them the chance to see him like this.

“Please, just a hint!” Kyoujurou tried once more, his voice a little more gentle this time. “You simply can’t expect us to just let it go.”

“You’re so stubborn Iguro-san!” Mitsuri also chimed in. “Kyoujurou-kun is right, you can’t leave us hanging like that. Who makes you laugh?”

The relentless teasing from Kyoujurou and Mitsuri seemed to only worsen with each passing second, their questions growing more insistent as they picked apart every little gesture Obanai made. Senjurou watched quietly from the side, barely able to suppress a grin as his usually composed little, adopted brother seemed to squirm under the pressure.

Obanai stared at the two of them, his face filled with a flurry of emotions and something masked that Senjurou couldn’t quite figure out. Whether it’d be because half of Obanai’s face was blocked from view with his bandages or if his adopted brother had just gotten better at hiding his emotions, he didn’t know. Obanai looked down at the now, slightly crumpled, paper in his hands. Mitsuri and Kyoujurou still kept their expectant gazes on him. His gaze flicked up briefly toward Senjurou for a split second before quickly averting them back down, almost like he was afraid of what Senjurou might think. After what felt like an eternity of slightly uncomfortable silence, Obanai let out a long, tired sigh and his shoulders slumped in defeat.

“…Ok,” Obanai said quietly, his face becoming redder as he went on. “I’ll…I’ll tell you.”

Kyoujurou and Mitsuri exchanged gleeful looks. Giving each other high fives of victory from a job well done while Obanai glared at them in disbelief. He cast one more quick glance at Senjurou, seemingly in thought before he quickly snapped out of it and shook his head.

“You can’t tell anyone…actually, you can’t even think about it when he’s around!” Obanai warned in a low and sharp voice.

Senjurou felt his eyes widened slightly and raised an eyebrow. He? It was a boy who sent it?

Obanai shot a glance at Senjurou as if daring him to make any comment. Senjurou leaned back casually on the wooden sword, feigning disinterest. He couldn’t resist an inward chuckle though. Obanai looked like he was about to explode.

Obanai’s lips twitched into a barely-there sigh before he signaled for Kyoujurou and Mitsuri to lean in closer. Instantly, they followed, both of them practically buzzing with anticipation. Probably not able to handle anymore of the excitement. Obanai, already feeling like he was being cornered, leaned in and whispered into their ears. Senjurou won’t lie and say he didn’t try to somewhat hear what the answer was. He had briefly thought about using Total Concentration Breathing to heighten his senses to be able to listen to what Obanai was whispering but he quickly decided that it wouldn’t be fair for the raven haired and he’d be betraying whatever trust he had left in Senjurou. After all, Obanai must’ve trusted him enough to be able to tell the secret even though Senjurou was only a few feet away. He would tell Senjurou eventually, when he’s ready.

When it seemed like Obanai was done answering, Kyoujurou and Mitsuri’s faces instantly lit up.

Mitsuri gasped with an ecstatic smile. She squealed, her voice high-pitched with excitement. “What?! It’s Shinazu-”

She was quickly cut off when a hand hastily and roughly covered her mouth.

“Kanroji-san!” Obanai screeched, he was now slightly standing up due to having to reach Mitsuri’s mouth.

The girl however was completely unapologetic and only continued giggling to herself much to Obanai’s dismay.

Kyoujurou’s voice then started, “Ah! You like him, don’t you?”

Obanai’s face flushed a deep crimson, and he quickly slapped his hand over his face, so that his long Haori sleeve would cover himself up more, as if trying to suppress the embarrassment that was clearly radiating off him.

“I never said that!” he hissed, his tone defensive. “Stop making it sound like that!”

Even with the attempt at a snarky remark, Kyoujurou’s grin widened, clearly enjoying himself more than he should have.

“You’re both ridiculous,” Obanai muttered, trying to maintain composure. “Just…don’t tell anyone. Especially not him.”

Mitsuri, grinning from ear to ear, held her hands up in mock surrender. “I won’t say a word! But you can bet I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for any moments between you two.”

Kyoujurou, equally as delighted, nudged Obanai with his elbow. “We’ll keep it a secret, but you won’t fool anyone for long.”

Obanai scowled, his eyes mixed with annoyance and something more complicated. However, it seemed to be only then that Mitsuri and Kyoujurou finally left him to be. Right after Mitsuri and Kyoujurou stood up and went back to training while chatting amidst each other, probably about what just happened. Senjurou glanced towards where the two of them had moved to the open field, the laughing had stopped but they were already going into other shenanigans. Obanai was still sitting on the engawa, looking somewhat relieved to have the conversation momentarily pass. Still, the faint flush on his face didn’t go unnoticed, and Senjurou found himself feeling a strange mix of affection and curiosity toward his younger brother.

He cautiously put down his wooden sword and moved over to sit next to Obanai.

“Sorry,” Senjurou told him with a sympathetic voice while keeping his eyes on Kyoujurou and Mitsuri in case they had their forms wrong. “Was that too much?”

Obanai didn’t respond. His gaze flickered towards Senjurou before going back down. His expression was unreadable for a moment but Senjurou swore he could see Obanai’s eyes crinkle ever so slightly like he was smiling underneath his bandages.

Senjurou then spoke once more in an attempt to continue the conversation. “So…can I ask who it is?”

“Someone who doesn’t need to know any of this.” Obanai snapped as his face immediately burned with embarrassment, and he turned his head away, quickly muttering under his breath. “Just—just forget about it.”

“I’m glad to see you’re not always so serious,” Senjurou teased. “I’d like to see you like that more often.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

After a while, it seemed the raven haired had finally calmed down and the familiar mask of stoicism was back on his face. Soon, he stood up from the Engawa and started walking back inside the house.

He mumbled, “I think I’m gonna head back to my room.”

For once, Senjurou didn’t feel the need to fight back or ask Obanai to stay. He felt it was the least he could do since he didn’t even try to get the relentless teasing to stop and just watched him from the sidelines. Senjurou watched as the already small boy’s figure started to disappear through the house. It was then that he remembered that Obanai probably didn’t even get a chance to read the full letter before the questions started coming in. Kyoujurou and Mitsuri had also exchanged looks once they noticed Obanai heading back inside, understanding that they reached the limit for now.

Senjurou, still with a bemused smile, couldn’t resist one last tease.

“You know, Obanai,” he said casually, “if this really is just some random person, you sure do seem awfully concerned about them.”

The small frame of Obanai flinching when he heard Senjurou’s voice made the Hashira laugh out loud. It was probably the most fun he’s had in a long time. It was certainly the most he’s seen out of Obanai’s other side that he has seen since he doesn’t even remember.

So he was quite delighted to see that the letters were a weekly exchange and smiled each time Obanai brought out one of the papers to read over while having dinner, every sunday night.

Senjurou never asked again. But he was grateful to that mystery sender—whoever they were—for giving him a glimpse of Obanai that so few ever got to see.

A boy who could still smile, who still wanted to be loved.

And maybe already was.

Chapter Text

Giyuu + Sabito

It’s almost midnight when they reach the nearest Wisteria House and Sanemi feels as though he’s about to faint from exhaustion. Though he’d rather die before he’ll ever tell the people he’s with about that.

Frankly he didn’t even want to go here, he was fully confident that they could make it back to the Corps before dark and it was only after Giyuu’s incessant whining—no, more like pleading— and Sabito’s threat of him skinning him alive did Sanemi give up and agree for them to visit the Wisteria House to rest for the night. Surprisingly, Obanai didn’t object to not wanting to go or not but Sanemi knew that out of all of them, the serpent breather probably needed the rest the most. He didn’t mention it for his friend’s sake, but Sanemi saw how irked Obanai seemed to be throughout the whole mission and especially when they were fighting the demon, perhaps it hit too close to something that Obanai didn’t want to rethink about. It had only been when the raven haired had suddenly gripped on to his white haori between Sanemi and Sabito’s argument did Sanemi finally concede. Whether or not the idiot Tomioka and his demon realized, he didn’t care.

The mission itself had taken longer than any of them would like to admit, but that demon was not only strong but it was also fast and more willing to use the children it took as leverage and shields. It was Sanemi who eventually beheaded it while Giyuu and Obanai used their joint speed to get the kids to safety. Despite that though, while Giyuu was taking the last child away, the demon seemed to have noticed them taking away its hostages and had diverted its attention from Sanemi to Giyuu. Thankfully, Obanai had come in just at the nick of time to block its attack but not without getting his own injuries. Only then did Sanemi get the chance to kill it before it could do anymore damage to him.

Thankfully the Kakushi were the ones who took the children back to their families and homes. It was also them who suggested they take refuge in a nearby Wisteria House for the night first.

The walk there was spent mostly in silence. They were all pretty out of it, tired from the adrenaline rush of battle. Sanemi’s crow, Sorai was guiding them in the dark of the night, Obanai’s crow had stayed back with the Kakushi to report the mission and Giyuu’s crow was far too old to lead them properly in the dark. Sanemi always wondered why Giyuu didn’t ask for a replacement by that point.

Sabito had been let out of his box and joined the walk as soon as sunset hit. Giyuu had mentioned that if he didn’t, Sabito would keep whining throughout the whole trip and Sanemi’s sanity would probably crack. Giyuu and Sabito walked ahead while Sanemi stood back with Obanai, who for some reason was still holding on to his haori. Obanai had been stumbling, drawing worried hisses out of Kaburamaru too. His eyes seemed hazy so Sanemi didn’t bother trying to shake his hold off.

“Iguro-san,” Giyuu’s voice chimed in as he turned his body slightly to face the duo walking behind him. His gaze flickered between the two slayers, lingering on Obanai’s worn expression. “Are you alright?”

Obanai didn’t answer, not that Sanemi was expecting one anyway. The two of them had been through enough missions together for Sanemi to pick up on certain behaviour. It was a thing he noticed whenever Obanai seemed genuinely tired or upset about something; He never talked.

“He’ll be fine.” Sanemi answered for him, rather harshly.

He could tell that Giyuu did not believe him but didn’t seem taken aback by the harsh tone and it seemed for a second that Sabito was about to snap back at him instead but when the demon saw Obanai’s condition, he wisely held his tongue.

Giyuu sighed. “Come on, it’s better we hurry.”

Obanai slowly began coming back to himself somewhere along the way. Perhaps the sensation of his snake repeatedly slithering over his outstretched arm and shoulders seemed to help while his fingers clutching the haori beside him grounded him further. Sanemi wouldn’t dare to admit this to him, but the faraway look in those mismatched eyes after he took the demon’s hit had worried Sanemi in a way that he hadn’t felt in a really long time.

They didn’t even need to knock on the door to the Wisteria House, as the old lady managing it was already standing by the door. Anticipating their arrival. Sorai was perched on the woman’s hair, looking impatient as he waited for their arrival.

“Ah, you four must be the guests I was informed off.” The woman smiled gently.

Sanemi bowed in greeting, seeing the two in front of him as well as feeling Obanai do the same. The raven-haired remained silent, still clutching on the wind breather’s sleeve.

Giyuu was the one who spoke up first. “Thank you for letting us stay the night.”

“It’s no trouble at all!” She insisted before glancing at Obanai, “Do any of you require a doctor?”

“A doctor would be great.” Giyuu responded after briefly taking a glance around at his companions. “We’d also like some food, if you don’t mind.”

Sanemi felt Obanai slightly flinch at the mention of food, the movement would’ve been unnoticeable had Obanai not been hanging onto him like a lifeline. Sanemi knew of the boy’s complicated relationship with food, having it briefly be mentioned in one of their weekly letters exchanged. If it’d become a problem later, it wasn’t Giyuu’s fault for not knowing but Sanemi would have to keep an eye on things.

Giyuu and Sabito enter first, Sanemi following in suit alongside Obanai. The old woman led them to their room. It’s very spacious, enough to fit a whole group of people. In the middle of the room, lay 3 sets of futons all piled up, only being needed to be spread out. Sets of clothes were also ready for them. Before he knows it, the old lady is already gone but he’s able to catch her say that the meals and doctor will come soon.

The four of them stay still for a few moments, unsure of what to do. Obanai had let go of Sanemi’s sleeve when they entered the room, Sanemi was trying to ignore the feeling of missing the other’s weight. Giyuu is again the first to move forward, picking up the clothes and gently handing two over to Sanemi for him and Obanai while keeping one for himself. He moved to a farther corner of the room to change, Sabito for some reason had changed back into his fox form and was lazing around on the floor. Sanemi turned around to face Obanai and handed him one of the sets which the raven haired eventually took.

“Iguro,” Sanemi called out, gaining the attention of the boy still standing next to him. “Don’t just stand there, c’mon.”

That seemed to do the trick. Sanemi kept his eyes off the other and instead focused on changing into his own clothes. Pretty soon, he heard Obanai change his clothes as well, with a speed that even Tengen would envy. When Sanemi did turn to face his friend, he took notice of the slightly too-long sleeves that seemed to ease Obanai a bit. It was something Sanemi noticed about the serpent breather as well, his innate need to hide himself and his body from view. Always wearing clothes that covered most of his skin. Sanemi wondered if Giyuu took notice of this too, which was why he chose to change in a corner more tucked away.

Choosing not to focus on how the owner of the house could have possibly guessed that. All of their attention was grabbed by the door sliding open. The old woman sat patiently at the open doorway with their meals prepared in trays.

“A doctor will be ready for you as soon as you’ve finished your food.” She told them as Giyuu went over to pick up two of the trays while Sanemi took one. Obanai had moved a bit farther back in the room when she came in. “Please enjoy your meals.”

Choosing not to focus on how the owner of the house could have possibly guessed that one of them couldn’t eat human food, Giyuu politely thanked her and she shut the door once more. The water breather placed the trays he was holding down on the floor. He looked at Sanemi and Obanai and tilted his head, the action for some reason made Sanemi irked. Giyuu gestured for them to sit with him, silently asking for all of them to eat together. Were it any other day, Sanemi would have rudely brushed him off as usual, probably with a harsh, sarcastic remark. Right now though, he is too tired for arguments that he most certainly would start. While Obanai’s expression didn’t give much away, the discomfort was clear by the way he held himself. He’s heard many people claim that they couldn’t read the serpent breather’s body language at all, but that statement sounded ridiculous to Sanemi.

Then again, he spent more time with Obanai than he did with anyone else. Understanding him came almost naturally. Either way, they do eventually sit down together.

Staring at Obanai probably wasn’t the best way to get him to eat his food, so Sanemi instead kept his gaze focused on his own food. It wasn’t much, just simple vegetables and soup but they looked great. More importantly, it was nothing fried or too big and the smell wasn’t too strong so there was a chance Obanai would actually eat some of it. He seemed to have noticed the same thing as he sat down next to Sanemi.

Sanemi himself had none of those reservations and grabbed his chopsticks, unceremoniously shoving food down his mouth. He hadn’t noticed how much he was starving until he took his first bite. Giyuu too had already started eating, taking his food at a much slower pace while still having a blank stare on his face that seemed to annoy Sanemi so much.

Usually, Obanai would have graced both of them with an eye roll or maybe an insulting comment at Sanemi that he knew was never serious. But the smallest of the three was holding his chopsticks, poking and prodding at his food. Not playing with it, but examining it.

“Bandages,” Sanemi reminded him with a mouthful of food, pointing his chopsticks at his own face to signal to Obanai.

Obanai’s eyes widened for a moment in surprise before narrowing into a glare, though, not nearly as poisonous as it could be. Obanai didn’t speak, instead taking his shaking hands to the back of his head where the knot holding his bandages together rested under his hair.

Sanemi pointedly focused back on his food, hoping that the actions came off as consideration instead of disgust. Giyuu didn’t react to their interaction or even glance at Obanai when he was starting to remove his bandages. He kept his eyes blank and stared straight ahead as he continued to eat, probably focusing on a random wall, it was probably his way of being respectful. But it always felt a little like avoidance.

They all somewhat knew about Obanai’s…scar. He remembers being told the gist of it by the Flame Hashira, who he’d later find out to be Obanai’s adopted big brother, not that the younger would ever call him that, a few days before Obanai had told him himself. Sanemi didn’t exactly know the details on how he got them but he knew what under those bandages were sort of supposed to look like. Obanai had also mentioned in one of his letters that Giyuu and some other annoying people had briefly seen them during their shared mission of infiltrating the Entertainment District. Sanemi would never mention to him that he was slightly jealous that Tomioka Giyuu out of all people had been able to see Obanai’s scar before him.

While Sanemi took pride in showing off his scars, Iguro hated his own with a passion. They sounded painful and Sanemi couldn’t imagine the pain they must’ve caused when he first got them. Even so, Sanemi never found the idea of them ugly. He didn’t think Obanai was ugly at all. If anything, it was the complete opposite. He would like to tell Obanai that and maybe he should but it was a gamble if Obanai would appreciate any compliment directed at any part of his body.

Sanemi was snapped out of his thoughts when Obanai sighed. That in and of itself wasn’t unusual, what did surprise him was the quiet but sharp voice speaking afterwards, “You can look, you know.”

Sanemi’s head shot up, more out of surprise than as a way of taking Obanai’s offer. Giyuu’s eyes widened slightly and for a moment glanced towards Obanai before his gaze travelled back to focusing at a random spot on a wall with a blank stare. Despite the blood left on the bandages that dangled from one side of his face, Obanai’s scars looked exactly as Sanemi imagined them. They were alright, painful but entrancing. It wasn’t anything that Sanemi would have to force Obanai to show a doctor for.

That was good, Obanai would stop speaking to him for a month straight if he did and Sanemi didn’t know how well he could handle that.

“The food’s not gonna bite you, Iguro.” Sanemi huffed as he put his gaze back down on his own food, knowing that Obanai likely spoke of the offer because he didn’t want to be pitied.

“I know that,” He scoffed but his voice was still slightly shaky. “With the way you’re scarfing it down, you would’ve already been dead if it were.”

That was good. Well, being insulted wasn’t great but Obanai was acting like himself again.

“Exactly,” He responded, clicking his tongue with mock-annoyance. “So eat already.”

Slowly, the raven haired’s hands shook as he used his chopsticks to pick up a vegetable. Mismatched eyes glanced towards Sanemi briefly, clearly cautious but also filled with an emotion that made Sanemi’s stomach twist. Fortunately, Sanemi wasn’t as dense as some people would think and looked back down at his own plate. If eating was bad enough for Obanai, being looked at while eating was far worse.

Oddly enough, it was actually Giyuu who finished eating first. As soon as the water breather was done, he tidied up his plate back together and stood up. Sanemi gave out a confused noise, only to see him unroll the futons that were still lying around. Separating and putting a respectable distance between each of them. The guy set up his own futon before moving to do the same with the others and as Sanemi was about to tell him that he didn’t have to, Sabito randomly turned back into his human form to roll around in the futon that Giyuu just recently set up, making his friend deservingly annoyed. Sanemi silently watched as the two of them bickered, Sabito was probably the only person—well, demon now—who he’s seen make Giyuu talk like that.

Just as Sanemi was about to stand up from finishing eating his food, he heard a gagging sound beside him, followed by one of the trays scraping against the floor. He quickly turned his head to see Obanai, who held a sleeve-covered hand over his mouth and eyes shut tight. Kaburamaru looked worried too and was poking their snout against Obanai’s cheek in an attempt to get his attention.

“Iguro?” Sanemi tried, inching closer to the other. “What happe—”

“I don’t—” Obanai cut him off, voice strained as he pushed Sanemi away with his other hand. “I don’t want anymore…”

“Yeah alright.” Sanemi agreed easily, trying to keep his tone reassuring. “You don’t need to eat anymore if you don’t want to.”

He didn’t even know when Giyuu had come back to where they were sitting but he saw the water breather walk over and pick up Obanai as well as Sanemi’s tray and put them next to where he put his, near the door. All without a word. Sometimes, it really ticked Sanemi off at how the idiot could be so kind.

When it seemed that Obanai had stopped coughing and could breathe normally once more, Sanemi finally stood up and moved over to where Giyuu had spread out the futons. He had only set up the mattresses but had left the pillows and blankets as they were for him and Obanai. Sanemi bent down to unravel them. He glanced to where Obanai was, the boy was still trying to wrap up his slightly bloody bandages back on to his face. He seemed disoriented. Without even thinking, Sanemi scooched his and Obanai’s futon a little closer to each other. It wasn’t too noticeable unless you were looking at all three of the mattresses from the front and even though Sanemi could feel Sabito’s knowing glare from beside him, he didn’t really care.

“Shut it, demon.” He muttered but Sabito didn’t say a word in response.

Besides, if Obanai was uncomfortable with the closeness, he’d either tell Sanemi or move the futon himself. He didn’t move to do either of those things though so Sanemi figured it was fine. Besides, Sanemi wanted to stay close to him. The mission was over but something was still making Sanemi feel uneasy and it made him want to keep Obanai close.

—

Eventually, the doctor did come.

It wasn’t like they had any vital injuries. Mostly a deep cut here or there. The cut on Sanemi’s arm was disinfected and bandaged in a matter of minutes. Giyuu didn't have much that were deep enough to spew out blood due to Sanemi distracting the demon for most of the battle so all he needed was to deflect the aftermaths of the attacks. He had a few bruises here and there that were given ointments so as to not be irritated. Similarly, Obanai didn’t have any big injuries either. Just the big wound on his arm that he got from blocking the demon’s final attack that Sanemi couldn’t stop.

Obanai however refused to uncover his face, though. He’d done enough of that for one night it seemed. The doctor had thrown both him and Giyuu a pleading look, as if either of them could somehow convince the other to take off his mask. Sanemi had only shrugged in response.

So the doctor left, perhaps a little disappointed. He’d at least given Obanai newer bandages, urging him to please replace the ones stained with dry blood on his face. The serpent breather agreed so the matter was easily settled.

As soon as the door slid shut, Obanai turned to Sanemi and the others. His voice filled with exasperation. “What was wrong with that guy??”

Sanemi laughed out loud in response while Giyuu raised a confused, sympathetic eyebrow as Sabito glared at Obanai with his usual pointed look.

“He was…fine?” Giyuu responded, voice unsure and airy. Slightly nervous at the prospect of saying something wrong that could tick off Obanai more.

“He didn’t know when to quit, I guess.” Sanemi shrugged, Obanai humming in agreement while Giyuu continued to stare confused. “Well, he was right about one thing at least.”

“About what?” Obanai quipped as he rolled his eyes. “The fact that you're a reckless idiot?”

Sanemi huffed as he tried not to make his defense sound weak as it was. “He didn't say that.”

“He may as well have.” Giyuu remarked out of nowhere which gained a snicker from Sabito and a glare from a surprised Sanemi.

“I meant.” Sanemi stressed, feeling the usual irritation creep back in his voice despite being silently delighted at the deadpan look he got for it. “About your bandages.”

Obanai looked surprised for a moment, his eyes widening slightly before giving out an out of character small whine. “Do they really look that bad?”

Sanemi and Sabito immediately nodded, unamusement present in their faces. Giyuu had only given a small shrug.

“Like a demon threw up blood on you.” Sanemi sneered.

Obanai’s face seemed to have scrunched before he let out a sound of disgust. “That’s disgusting, Shinazugawa!”

“Not as disgusting as those bloody bandages you’re still wearing!” He shot back with a smirk.

They glared at each other for a few seconds but it was clear it wasn’t too serious. Despite that, Sabito and Giyuu sat between the silent conversation. Eyes darting between the two slayers, feeling obviously awkward. Giyuu and Sabito exchanged unimpressed glances, having seen this too many times between the two past the whole night. Sanemi and Obanai never gave the feeling of being open and friendly, very much the opposite actually. But even so, the two of them were still teens, there were times where they could tease each other and indulge in semi-friendly banter where it felt like they could relax and not have to be so on guard as it was required for a demon slayer.

It felt good to let loose with someone they felt comfortable with sometimes, namely each other.

“Fine, I’ll change my bandages over there.” Obanai said, breaking the awkward tension much to Sabito and Giyuu’s relief. He pointed over to the mirror standing in the corner of the room. “You guys can go to sleep if you want.”

Obanai didn’t seem to deem it necessary to wait for their response as he got up and walked to the mirror without another word. Sanemi watched as he sat down in front of it, fingers trembling as he clutched the new bandages in his hand.

Sanemi knew that he’d only add to Obanai’s distress if he watched so he forced his gaze to look down. Just as he was about to get into his own covers, he pathetically flinched when he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulders. He whipped his head around to see Giyuu tapping his shoulder. He was about to snap at the idiot but Giyuu’s softer than usual voice stopped him.

“Shinazugawa-san,” Giyuu whispered, his hand cupped to the side of his mouth. “When we got back from the entertainment district, I remember Kanzaki-san saying that Iguro-san shouldn’t sleep with his bandages on. Could you remind him? He’ll probably listen if it’s from you.”

Sanemi blinked, momentarily stunned at the request to snap at the annoying water breather about how unlikely it was to actually work. He shook his head and looked back to where Obanai was, somehow still having trouble with wrapping his bandages. Was he really that troubled?

Sanemi turned his head back to Giyuu, clicking his tongue. “Tch…Fine, but don’t expect it to work.”

He was already annoyed but it only got worse when Giyuu smiled at him, one that told Sanemi he knew. Sanemi grumbled as he stood up and walked over to where Obanai was. He briefly turned around but immediately regretted it once he saw what Giyuu was doing. The water breather pulled his futon closer to the others which Sanemi wouldn’t have minded. Find a little weird, sure, but he was in no place to judge. What did make him rage however was, after Giyuu had glanced back to make sure Obanai didn’t have a clear view of the futons through the mirror, he pushed Sanemi and Obanai’s closer together. They weren’t touching but they were probably only a hand size distance away from each other. One little nudge and they’d practically be sharing a mattress. Giyuu looked back up at Sanemi only to smirk which was definitely meant to mock him. Sanemi swore he could hear the stupid fox demon snicker too.

“I think I’m gonna head to bed,” Giyuu suddenly called out, loud enough so that Obanai could also hear. “I’ll turn off the lights, alright?”

He must’ve taken their silence as consent as the next moment, the room grew darker until the whole area was tainted in a blue mood. The only source of brightness came from the pale moonlight that spilled through the windows. It wasn’t that hard to see, being a demon slayer usually meant working in the shadows of night. If anything, Sanemi thought that the moon's glow only made Obanai’s unique features stand out more. He felt himself swallow.

“Iguro?” He called out, slowly nearing him.

Obanai flinched before he turned his head to face him, grumbling. “What do you want, Shinazugawa?”

“You’ve been struggling with that damn knot for five minutes now.” Sanemi simply stated, his eyes softening. “You need help?”

The raven haired blinked, clearly caught off guard. After a beat, he quietly muttered, “Hold up my hair for me, would you?”

Sanemi wordlessly obliged, gently pulling up Obanai’s hair so that it wouldn’t get in the way of the knot he had to tie. Obanai’s hair felt like smooth silk and it took a lot of holding back for him to not try and brush his hand through it. The sight of Obanai’s naked neck wasn’t helping much either. He kinda envied how beautiful Obanai’s pale skin could be, especially when it shone in the moonlight. Finally Obanai seemed to finish tying the knot, leaving the mask covering his face and Sanemi tried to ignore how shaky the serpent breather’s body still felt.

Oh wait, what Giyuu said before.

Right…

“Hey, I know it seems kinda shitty to ask this right after you just finished but…” Sanemi trailed off, seemingly losing his voice as Obanai turned to face him. “Uh, you sure it’s ok if you sleep with your bandages on?”

Obanai paused, his expression unreadable even for Sanemi. He didn’t answer right away, instead looking down at the used, bloodied, bandages in his hand, fingers lightly trembling as they twisted the fabric.

“Why do you care?” Obanai murmured bitterly, trying to dismiss the concern.

Sanemi frowned, but it wasn't in irritation this time, he felt conflicted. His usual biting remarks seemed pointless now.

“I don’t know,” He answered truthfully, eyes focusing on the floor, words coming out of his mouth before he could stop them. “I just…I don’t like seeing you struggle, that’s all.”

“I’m fine.” Obanai coughed out, voice cracking. “I’ve dealt with worse.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Sanemi snorted but Obanai didn’t laugh so he sobered up quickly. “Look, I’m not gonna pretend I know what you’ve gone through but…at least for your own sake.”

Obanai hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the bandages again, before he sighed, a sound of frustration mixed with exhaustion. “I…Fine.”

Sanemi raised an eyebrow. “…You sure?”

“It’s not like everyone in this room hasn’t seen what it looks like.” Obanai replied sarcastically, his eyes travelling between looking at the floor and Sanemi before he sighed. “Besides, the blanket should be long enough to cover my face, if I feel the need to.”

The wind breather nodded, that seemed reasonable. Despite that, Obanai still hesitated at unwrapping his bandages. Actually he hadn’t even moved. Sanemi wasn’t sure why, but he felt something urging him to step closer.

“I’ll help,” he said, before he even realized what he was offering or that his hands were already moving to where the knot laid under Obanai’s hair. He hesitated, hands stopping just above Obanai’s ears. “Just… let me help, alright?”

Obanai's eyes flicked up, narrowing slightly as if weighing Sanemi’s words. The silence between them stretched for a moment, the weight of it thick enough that Sanemi was worried what would happen next.

“Okay,” Obanai relented quietly, his voice suddenly soft, almost embarrassed. “I trust you.”

He didn’t say anything else as he let Sanemi move his hands once more, pulling the bandages. As if he didn’t know how much that sentence made Sanemi’s heart race. It felt stupid to get so-so flustered over a simple phrase. Sanemi tried to be careful, his fingers brushing gently over Obanai’s skin, but he couldn't help but notice how tense the other teen was. As he slowly unwound the bandages, Obanai kept his head down, his eyes half-hidden by his choppy, black bangs, but Sanemi could see the faint flush creeping up his neck.

Sanemi sighed, irritated. “Quit being so tense, Iguro.”

He shot back. “Quit acting like you wanna see my scar so bad.”

“I do—”

They both freeze. Obanai’s gaze snapped up, meeting Sanemi’s in stunned silence.

Shit, why did he say that.

Sanemi gulped, sure that he was probably burning tomato red. They stayed frozen, neither of them speaking.

“…What?” Obanai scoffs in disbelief but there’s hesitation in his words. “That’s a cruel joke Shinazugawa.”

“Well, it’s not a joke.” He responded, he was already too deep to head back or deny anything now anyway…

As he stopped speaking, he finished his work and the bandages fell off Obanai’s face and landed on the floor. He could hear Kaburamaru slithering around, even though he couldn’t see the snake, he was slightly scared of it jumping at any moment, especially now. Even as the mask left, Sanemi didn’t remove his hands from the raven haired’s face, instead they moved to gently cup his cheeks. He tried not to grip too strongly so that Obanai could easily push him away if he wanted to but he didn’t. Instead, he only kept his mismatched eyes stuck to the floor, unable to look at Sanemi. He knows that he should probably let go and stop. He knows that if this goes wrong, Obanai will hate him for as long as he’s alive and then they’d never get a chance to have the banter that Sanemi seems to always crave. The teasing jabs that somehow makes it easier for him to accept living in a terrible world as a terrible person.

But he doesn’t, instead he brushes his fingers over the ruined skin, thumb stopping just at the corner of Obanai’s mouth. Mutilated, raised flesh ran in jagged lines on both of Obanai’s cheeks, painting the skin with hues of shining pinks and whites. It's a stark contrast to the rest of his face that looks like that of a porcelain doll. Pretty, he thought.

Oddly enough, it’s not Obanai that gets him out of his trance but something else. A loud rustling sound comes and it feels way too close for comfort. He and Obanai instinctively move apart, startled by the sudden change from quiet. They sheepishly look away, staring at anything except for each other. Sanemi could feel the presence of a demon but he isn’t sure if it’s something else or just the stupid fox. He and Obanai exchange a wary glance before their eyes move to where Giyuu slept in his futon. In the corner of the mattress where Giyuu’s head laid, they could see a peach pink tail poking out. It’s only then does Sanemi remember that it has felt like somebody’s been watching them for a while.

“Shinazugawa,” Obanai’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts as he watched the smaller boy walk forward. “It’s late, we should sleep.”

A part of him is relieved that he doesn’t bring up what just happened. Another feels slightly discouraged on what it could mean. Obanai retorts at him once more to hurry to bed and he sheepishly nods as he walks over to the futons along with the serpent breather. Sanemi watched as Obanai slipped under the blanket, Kaburamaru appearing out of nowhere and curling up beside the pillow. Seemingly guarding the side Sanemi wasn’t on. Obanai didn’t say anything else as he settled into bed properly. Sanemi didn’t want to think too much about it either. He’d dwell on it once he got some rest. A problem for future him.

The next few minutes were quiet, aside from the constant shifting that came from the mattress beside him. Sanemi was pretty sure Obanai didn’t know how to rest on command, going days without sleep more often than he should, even as a demon slayer. Sanemi sighed, unable to take anymore much longer. He turned from his back to his side. It was dark but he could see that Obanai was also on his side, his back facing Sanemi. He’d drawn the blanket tightly around his body, Sanemi was pretty sure he’d tuck his face under it as well. With the way he was curled up, he looked even smaller than he already was.

“Iguro, come on.” Sanemi whispered, calling out to him. His usual anger flaring when Obanai didn’t respond. “Iguro, look at me.”

Hesitantly, Obanai did as he was told and turned around to his other side so that they’d face each other. It was difficult to see Obanai’s expression now with the moon behind him, but Sanemi could recognize the eyes looking directly into his. Two, multicolored beautiful shades that each had their own way of entrancing him.

“What’s up with you lately?” Sanemi asked, exasperation clear in his voice.

“Nothing.” Obanai answered, his voice muffled by the blanket. Sanemi gave him a deadpan look and after a beat, he corrected himself. “I can’t sleep.”

Sanemi snorted, “And? Want me to sing you a lullaby, Iguro?”

Obanai glared at him but the way his eyes crooked upwards told Sanemi that he was probably smiling under the covers. It’s not like Sanemi hasn’t heard about the serpent breather’s trouble with sleep. Obanai had complained to him countless times, whether through letters or in person about the remedies and ideas that never seemed to work or stick.

Obanai often acted like a snake unable to shed its skin. Uncomfortable and suffocating.

Sanemi huffed, trying to keep his voice low. “Well, what do you want me to do?”

Obanai squirmed inside his blanket cocoon before mumbling something so quiet that Sanemi was worried he’d hear wrong. “There was this one trick that worked once…Rengoku-san would pat my head until I fell asleep.”

As soon as he had finished his statement, Sanemi watched as the boy in front of him immediately went tense, probably regretting his words. Sanemi guessed that the Rengoku he was talking about was probably the one that brought him to the family in the first place. Any other circumstance, Sanemi would’ve easily said no and brushed it off with his usual sarcastic jabs. In any other circumstances though, Obanai wouldn’t be asking in the first place.

Their futons were close so Sanemi found it easy to lift his hand up to settle on Obanai’s head. His movements were slow, giving the other the chance to stop him if he changed his mind.When he didn’t react, Sanemi began threading his hands through the silky raven hair. It was so soft, even with the choppy cuts. It was like silk running through his scarred and calloused hand.

It wasn’t long until Sanemi felt sleep start to take over, his movements becoming slow and sluggish but Obanai seemed more comforted by the weight of his hand. Eventually Sanemi stopped, his fingers still tangled with the black strands. The serpent breather didn’t seem to mind the change, Sanemi swore he felt him nuzzling into the warmth before finally shutting his eyes. Sanemi too felt his eyes get heavier, exhaustion pulling him in and he was content to let it do so.

Extra scene;
Giyuu stirred awake, blinking slowly as the first few bright rays of sun spilled through the windows. Even though it was a restful sleep, all things considered, he still felt terrible. Although his body was yelling at him to get back into the soft, warm mattress, Giyuu knew it’d be better if he and the others got back to the Corps as soon as possible. Although they did get their injuries treated, the Butterfly Sisters would probably still scold them if they didn’t get them actually checked. Giyuu turned his head to the side of his pillow to see Sabito in his human form, sitting down in the darker shadows of the room so that he wouldn’t get hit by the sun.

Giyuu willed himself to sit up, feeling a yawn escape his mouth as he did. He brought a hand to his hair, fingers threading through the loose knots that he got from his bedhead. He turned to face Sabito, about to remind him to get back in the box before the sun got too high but was stopped when he saw his face laced with the widest shit eating smirk he has ever seen. The water breather tilted his head, confused. Sabito’s smug grin seemed to widen as he pointed to something behind Giyuu. So he turned his head to look back.

Oh.

Oh!

His eyes widened and he almost let out a gasp but quickly clasped his mouth shut with his hands so that he wouldn’t let out too much noise. Giyuu couldn’t help but give out a small smile at the sight. Sanemi and Obanai were sleeping soundly together, their breathing slow in an almost rhythmic tempo. The wind breather’s hand gently cradled over Obanai’s head in an almost protective gesture, inadvertently pulling the two of them closer. He usually wasn’t one to be nosy in personal business like this but he definitely had to tell the girls about this.

He whipped his head around to where Sabito was only to see the fox demon heading inside his box.

“Ah, no—Sabito, wait!!” Giyuu half-yelled so that he wouldn’t wake up the two beside him. Sabito didn’t seem to even acknowledge his call. “Wait, don’t go yet! Tell me what happened last night! You were spying on them weren’t you?!”

He whined, reaching an arm out. “Sabito!! Please!!!”

Chapter Text

Butterfly sisters + Zenitsu (Ft. Pillar gossip sessions)

If there is one thing that Aoi hates about being the de facto head doctor of the Demon Slayer Corps, it is dealing with crazy teens and somehow crazier adults from morning to night, everyday.

She is and will always feel that working in the Butterfly Mansion is better than being a Demon Slayer. She’s grateful for Oyakata-sama to rarely bring her out on missions anymore. Aoi hates fighting, she hates the feeling of adrenaline whenever she battles with those monsters and she hates always having to fear for lives even when she’s not out on the field. She’s not like the rest of her friends, she’s too scared to fight, too scared to bring her life on the line. Everyday Aoi wonders how she’s gotten this far, far enough to rank as a Hashira despite being undeserving. She’s barely doing anything compared to the rest of the Pillars. She can’t even kill a demon properly.

Perhaps that’s why Zenitsu is ironically her closest friend. For all of his annoying—very annoying— qualities, he’s the one who understands the most how she feels.

Though, even as she repeats that in her head, it doesn’t stop her from wanting to punch him in the face right this moment since she very much knows that this is probably his doing.

What were they even doing anyway?!?!

She had thought that she was being considerate putting Tanjirou, Genya and Inosuke in the same room to rest so that they could talk to each other because gods know that none of them can stay still in a bed for more than 5 minutes, albeit for different reasons. Aoi had only left them to their own devices for a few minutes to get more bandages and somehow it had already become a party with the full squad present, all of them sharing tea. Even her own sister!

“W-what…” Aoi spoke up from the doorframe as her grip on the stuff she was carrying tightened. “What the hell are you all doing?!”

They all turn their heads towards her and even though she is obviously pissed, their big wide smiles don’t falter one bit.

The nerve…!

“Aoi-san, come sit with us!” Tanjirou calls over with his usual cheery tone as he tries his best to motion for her to join them over the hospital bed that she’s practically strapped him too. He had the worst injuries out of the trio, as per usual.

Aoi walks over, measured steps as she finds a spot to sit between Kanao and Zenitsu. She takes delight at seeing them all tense when they see the expression on her face.

“So,” Aoi starts, making sure to put on a show by exaggerating the venom in her voice. “When were you going to tell me that you were having a gathering and causing a ruckus for my other patients?”

She knows that Kanao doesn’t believe the act one bit as she only gives out a small smile at her words. The boys however are visibly cowering and while she can tell part of it is to join in on the act, she knows that they’re probably starting to feel a little bit guilty. They’re just too nice like that. Perhaps that’s why she still tries to talk to them often despite how busy they’ve all become over the years due to duties.

Aoi sighs as she props her head on her hand. “What were you all talking about anyway?”

“I’m glad you asked!” Zenitsu’s eyes sparkled as he raised an arm that made the tea in his cup spill just a bit. “We’re gossiping~”

“Gossiping?” Aoi feels her eye twitch. “Don’t you think you’re a little too old for that?”

“Hey I don’t wanna hear it from you!” He screeches. “If it weren’t for all of you, I’d already be settled with a lovely partner in a nice little house in the countryside living my best life but noooo~ You’ve all forced me to stay in this job and now I have to be invested in the love lives of crazy teenagers that have no idea how to show respect instead! Besides, at our age—”

Aoi feels herself immediately regretting her words as she tries to tune out the sound of Zenitsu’s pointless rambling. She’s always wondered how the guy got to be so loud even though he claims to have sensitive ears. It seems that the others don’t share the same opinion as her as Tanjirou and Kanao wistfully let out a laugh at the boy’s antics while Genya rolls his eyes in the usual way that implies that of fondness and Inosuke joins in on the screaming by actually screaming in a way she knows is loud enough to disturb all of them but not the people outside of their room. Aoi can’t help but feel her lips curl upwards.

“Sorry Aoi-san, I know we’re probably disturbing you.” Tanjirou sheepishly apologizes once Zenitsu finishes his rant. “I guess we all just got a little invested.”

“You all owe me a dinner out for this.” She jokes, exasperation clear in her voice but she can’t hide the curiosity that soon comes out. “But what’s this gossip that’s got even the revered Sun Hashira in?”

When it seemed like Zenitsu was about to go on another ramble, Kanao cleared her throat to grab their attention. “Ah Aoi, don’t you think the boys are well enough to go?”

“W-what? Oh! Yeah.” Aoi stuttered, caught off guard by the change of subject. “You three are free to go but if I hear about any of you going outside for a mission, just know I will drag and strap you to the bed next time myself.”

“Yes ma’am!” The three of them simultaneously shout out and almost immediately the three of them scramble to get out of their beds.

Inosuke as per usual, laughs and runs out like a madman meanwhile Genya mutters a sorry as he leaves but stumbles in a manner that never did fit his large and imposing form. Tanjirou is the least to hurry to leave. As soon as he figures himself settled, he walks out the door at a regular pace but not before waving her, Kanao and Zenitsu a goodbye with his usual smile that he has no idea shines like the sun.

Kanao smiles and moves up to stand. “Well, I should get back to my work. Nice to see you, Zenitsu.”

They both wave her goodbye. Zenitsu’s face is plastered with the usual airy smile that he gets when any girl even remotely says hi to him. Aoi stares at him with exasperation clear on her face as she watches him be all giddy over something so small. Even if they’re all adults now, Zenitsu can still act so much like his kid self. She sighs as both she and Zenitsu stand up to take their leave as well.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Aoi asks him, her voice a lot more accusatory than she means it to be.

He perks up, eyes widening at the question. “Hm? Oh, just thought I’d come over to play for the girls!”

“Is that all?” She quirks an eyebrow, somehow in disbelief. “Well, you’re going to have to wait until it’s their break. They’re busy in the kitchen right now because of idiots like you so you better not disturb them.”

“Waaah!! Aoi-chan, why do you have to be so mean~” He wailed which made her roll her eyes.

“Where’s your Shamisen anyway then?” She asks as she opens the sliding door with Zenitsu trailing behind her.

“With the freeloader.” He deadpans.

“Uh-huh…” Aoi mumbles back. “And Uzui-san is where?”

“How should I know?!” Zenitsu screams as he follows her, she guessed that Tengen must’ve annoyed him pretty bad on their way here.

“Well, I’d guess he’s probably with his friends. I think I got two of them here, they just came back from a mission.” She sighs as she opens the door to her office, signalling Zenitsu to go bother someone else. “I think they were Shinazugawa-san and Iguro-san, I don’t remember.”

“Genya and Senjurou-san’s brothers, right?” The blonde asked.

Aoi shrugs, she really needs to get back to them soon actually. “Why don’t you go help the girls in the kitchen, I need to work.”

“Alright, thanks Aoi-chan!” Zenitsu waves her goodbye as he runs off to gods know where.

Aoi quickly shuts the door closed before he can come back to pester her again. She sighs as she grabs a basket from her desk of extra supplies that she needs to move. It’s been a long day, all things considered. Lately there have been more injured coming in everyday and it’s been taking a toll on her. The others can probably tell how tired she’s been lately too as Kanao has started helping around when she’s free and Shinobu has been taking less missions to work at the mansion more. Aoi’s not ungrateful but she wonders if she’s hindering them from doing the most they can for the Corps.

She walks over to the room where she had told Sanemi and Obanai to rest but she feels a headache starting to come up once she hears yelling. She’s starting to wonder if Zenitsu’s right about these crazy teenagers. She opens the door but the teens don’t seem to acknowledge her present. Obanai is standing next to Sanemi’s bed while the two shout over each other. When they had first come, Sanemi had been unconscious due to losing too much blood from their shared mission. Obanai had told her that Sanemi himself had mainly been the reason why he had so many cuts and lost so much blood. Using his marechi blood to throw off the demon they were fighting. Again.

Honestly Aoi can’t stand that kid sometimes, hearing and seeing him cut himself just to beat a demon irks her. Especially when it’s unnecessary. With all that said, she completely understands why Obanai is so mad. She looks to her side to see Tengen standing awkwardly against the wall, watching them.

“Ack! Don’t blame me!” Tengen yells when he sees her, raising up his hands in mock surrender. “I just came to say hi but then they started fighting.”

Aoi nods, judging from what the two of them are saying, this seems to be a personal matter they’re arguing over. “Uh, boys-”

“What the hell were you thinking doing that?!” Obanai screamed, drowning out Aoi’s voice. “I thought we talked about this!”

“We didn’t talk about anything!” Sanemi growled. “Besides, I killed the damn thing, what does it matter—Fuck–!”

“Told you not to move.” Obanai muttered, but there was something off about his voice.

The wind breather huffed, “Stop acting so worried Iguro—”

“Are you stupid?” Obanai shot back, rage coming in his voice as he glared down at Sanemi. “You’re really joking about this?”

Sanemi didn’t respond, feeling like he lost his voice as multicolored eyes pierced his soul.

“You could’ve died, Shinazugawa.” Obanai stated, his voice firm like it was a fact and it was.

He tried to talk back. “Like hell I was gonna die to a weakling demon like that—”

“I’m done.” Obanai cut him off.

“W-what—”

“I’m leaving,” Obanai responded, not providing any more context as he walked towards the door and roughly shut it close.

Aoi didn’t bother making him stay, knowing that he’d probably just find a corner to sulk at in the mansion. His injuries weren’t anything vital that would need him to sit still either. Her gaze travelled back to Sanemi who seemed to be brooding on top of his bed. It was like watching a lovers squabble and she really didn’t want to deal with it but…

“Uzui-san?” Aoi turned to him which made the teenager jump. “I think your master was trying to find you.”

“Oh right! Agatsuma!” Tengen quipped after a moment of thinking. “Well, I don’t wanna handle those two anyway. They don’t even know what they look like when they’re bickering.”

As he left through the door, carrying the large Shamisen case with him, Aoi sat down next to Sanemi’s bed as she opened a roll of bandages to clean up his still open cuts. The boy let her bandage up his arm but didn’t dare face her, his eyes seemingly looking everywhere but her direction. He seemed sheepish, probably realizing she just saw what happened. What a stark contrast to the usual Shinazugawa Sanemi she hears from the other Pillars.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Aoi asks as she disinfects the wounds that still have a bit of blood in them.

Sanemi only grunts in response, propping his head up with his free hand as he looks away.

Aoi sighs as she finishes tying over a bandage. “What were you two fighting about anyway?”

“I don’t know!” He grumbles as he moves to sit straight. “He kept talking about how I shouldn’t have been so reckless and I guess I got mad…said something I shouldn’t have. He didn’t like that.”

Sanemi shifted uncomfortably on the bed, his arms crossed defensively as he stared at the floor, clearly still riled up from the argument. Aoi finished fixing up the last deep cut that the boy had inflicted on himself and sat back. She gave him a few moments of silence as she sat still. When it seemed like the teenager had calmed down, Aoi started talking again.

“Shinazugawa-san.” She started, her tone firm so that he’d take her seriously. “You know that Iguro-san only does things like that because he cares for you, right?”

Sanemi’s brows furrowed as his face scrunched up from frustration but he didn’t look up. He scoffed, “Cares? Please, that guy’s such a pain in the ass.”

Aoi let out a small sigh. She’s heard from the other Pillars how rather annoying working with the two can get, their sarcastic remarks and harsh personalities only grow more unbearable when they’re together. Especially when they insist on not giving respect to those they think don’t deserve it. Maybe it comes as a surprise for some people that they tolerate each other the most out of other slayers in the Corps. After all, sometimes it’s similar personalities that clash the most.

“He’s stubborn, yes. But you’re both like that.” She informs him and he seems to flinch, perhaps at the prospect of it being true. “You’re both annoying kids who push themselves too hard trying to get stronger. You both don’t know when to quit and it probably hurts for him seeing you cut yourself bare when there’s no need to. Iguro-san worries for you.”

Sanemi’s gaze wavered and his shoulders slumped slightly as he thought about her words. He muttered, almost as if he was trying to convince himself. “I don’t need his pity.”

“Pity? You think he feels pity for you?” She raises a brow, voice laced with incredulity. “You of all people should know Iguro-san isn’t like that.”

Sanemi finally turned and looked up to her, his eyes a bit sharper than usual. He mumbled, his voice fragile and small. “I know.”

As Aoi was about to continue talking, a knock came from the door. The door slowly slid open and out popped Kanao’s head from the half-open door frame. She looked slightly apologetic for suddenly barging in and stayed quiet. Aoi raised an eyebrow in her direction and tilted her head which would signal to Kanao that she could talk.

Kanao nodded and spoke up, “Sorry for interrupting Aoi, they need you in another room.”

Aoi immediately stood up and hurriedly walked over to the door. She muttered, “Great.”

“Internal bleeding, some lower rank apparently came across a lower moon. At least that’s what Naho tells me they said.”

“Hah, is that it?” She said in disbelief as she met her sister in the middle of the doorframe.

She momentarily glanced back to Sanemi who didn’t seem to be as broody but still lost in thought. Kanao despite having less emotional responses than her to most things was always the better one out of the two to give talks to. Besides, if Aoi was remembering correctly, it was she who first introduced Sanemi and Obanai to each other after Sanemi was situated in the fight with lower moon five. She’d probably handle their lovers' squabble better than her.

“Hey Kanao,” She whispered so that Sanemi wouldn’t hear, her sister’s eyes filling with curiosity at the tone. “Could you deal with Shinazugawa? He and Iguro-san got into a fight before.”

Kanao soon gained a smile on her face as she nodded in understanding. She brought her hands together as she spoke. “Ah what a coincidence! The two of them were the subject of today’s gossip.”

Kanao watched as Aoi then hastily left the room, she could briefly hear one of the girls call for her but the voice was too muffled to tell who. She turned back to Sanemi and moved over to where Aoi was sitting before next to the bed. He didn’t say anything as she sat down.

“Shinazugawa-san,” Kanao started, her voice soft and tender. “Do you know why I first introduced you to Iguro-kun?”

Sanemi’s eyes widened and he turned his head to face her. After a beat he blinked, awkwardly answering. “Uh…because me and him had a mission together?”

Kanao let out a chuckle as she responded. “Well yes, but it’s also because I thought you’d get along decently well and it seems I was more than right.”

The boy’s face seemed to turn flush as she said those words and he quickly turned around and coughed from embarrassment. Kanao thought about what Zenitsu told about Sanemi and Obanai before, how the two of them seemed to never realize how ‘romantic’ their actions towards each other could look, at least that was how Zenitsu told them. She’s also heard Kanae and Shinobu vent their frustrations on how they can be pretty dense when it comes to their feelings, either claiming that the level of care they have for each other never extends that of simple camaraderie or deny it completely.

They cared. Deeply. In a clumsy, awkward, painfully teenage way.

So Kanao can understand why it’s a little frustrating to watch them.

“What you two were fighting about,” Kanao gently grabbed Sanemi's hands so that he'd face her. “Is only because he cares about you. I know you too aren't the most affectionate but he values you a lot more than you might realize.”

“Tch, I don’t need to be taken care of.” Sanemi muttered, his face scrunched up and voice filled with irritation that seemed a little less genuine this time.

Kanao nodded as she let go of his hands and looked towards the window of the room where it showed the bright blue sky. It was a cloudless sky and the sun shone just enough to not be too hot but still provide a comforting warmth, even from inside the room.

“Perhaps he feels that you don’t trust him enough.” She stated which must’ve shocked him. “It might feel like you don’t believe in his strength to fight alongside you in battle.”

He spluttered as he suddenly leaned forward. “W-what?! When did I say that?? Iguro’s strong as hell!”

“Yes, he is.” She agreed. “But you know, Iguro-kun is right about one thing.”

Sanemi looked at her confused.

“You should stop relying on your Marechi blood so much, Shinazugawa-san.” Kanao told him straight, wondering whether or not he’d find the silent anger in her eyes. “Unlike…others, you are able to use Total Concentration Breathing. Not to mention that you’re fairly well versed in wind breathing. Don’t forget that.”

The teen swallowed as he slowly nodded, realizing he was being scolded.

She gave him a sideways glance. “You want to be a Hashira don’t you? A true Pillar uses all of their strengths to their highest potential, not just focusing on one. But that also means being able to trust others to have your back.”

Without warning, Kanao stood up from her seat which made the wind breather let out a small sound of surprise. Wordlessly she walked towards the door in silent steps. She slid it open and as she stood in the middle of the door’s frame, she looked back towards Sanemi. A smile donning her face.

“It’s best I leave you to rest, it must’ve been a tough mission.” Kanao instructed, raising her voice so he’d hear. “Please talk to Iguro-kun later Shinazugawa-san, it’d be a shame if such a strong friendship ended because of this.”

Sanemi let out a sigh, sheepishly rubbing his hand on his neck. “Maybe I’ll talk to him later. Apologize or something. If I can handle it…”

“Just be honest.”

“Yeah, yeah…I know.” Sanemi nodded, still looking a bit reluctant but also more at ease than before. The tension that had clung to him earlier seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a sense of quiet understanding.

“I’m glad I requested for Oyakata-sama to pair you two on more missions together.” Kanao’s smile widens once more but this time, there’s a mischievous glint in her eyes. She teases, “You know, you two make great partners.”

Kanao quickly closes the door shut but she can hear the teen stuttering from shock and she can vividly imagine what Sanemi’s red face must look like on the other side of the door. She knows that she shouldn’t pry with things like this, especially on something so personal and oftentimes a weakness when it comes to their jobs as demon slayers but perhaps with how Zenitsu talked about them today filled her with a little too much mirth. It was childish to meddle, she knew. Yet, some part about it saddens her slightly. It was just another reminder of how young they truly were. Even with all the bloodshed that they’ve done, they’re still teens.

Love—especially theirs—was a dangerous, complicated thing in a world like this.

Ah, that’s probably enough thinking. She should get back to work to help Aoi.

—

Obanai grumbled as he roughly moved to sit on the engawa. He must’ve sat down pretty harshly as he could feel Kaburamaru flinching slightly around his neck once he was settled, probably from the sudden impact. Obanai couldn’t feel too sorry for his beloved companion though as the anger from what happened was still fresh in his mind. Sanemi had no idea just how infuriating he could really be! Did the guy really have no idea how reckless he is? It wasn’t like this was the first time they've fought about this either and it drove Obanai insane every time Sanemi would cut himself in a fight so that his stupid blood could distract the demon when Obanai’s was right there to do it!

It pissed him off how sometimes Sanemi was way too willing to shove himself forward in the battlefield. It wasn’t just a matter of Sanemi pushing himself, it was like he didn’t trust Obanai to handle things. It was stupid, Sanemi was stupid. Using his own blood as a distraction which oftentimes led to the guy fainting and leaving him to carry him back or whenever he insists on staying on Obanai’s blind side when he clearly says he doesn’t need it. But then Sanemi still insists on doing it, throwing a fit if not.

Worrying over him like Obanai couldn’t take care of himself. Making him feel these stupid feelings-

“Oh, Iguro!”

The raven haired’s gaze perked up to the voice who called his name and his eyes met the honey colored orbs of the Rumble Pillar.

“I didn’t know you were here.” Zenitsu explained, giving out a polite smile. “Mind if I sit?”

Obanai grumbled, giving out a shrug which must’ve irked the blonde and come off as rude as he could hear him give out an annoyed sound as he sat next to him on engawa. He glanced to the Hashira beside him, seeing him fiddle with the strings of the Shamisen that must’ve been in the case Tengen was carrying.

“I heard from Aoi you and Shinazugawa just came back from a mission.” He mentioned nonchalantly, keeping his attention on the Shamisen. “You’re not resting with him?”

Obanai wasn’t sure why he was bothering talking to this disappointment of a Hashira but he scoffed. “Why should I? The dumbass will only give me a headache.”

Zenitsu changed his gaze from the instrument to the brooding teen that sat beside him, raising a brow at the statement. “Uh…did something happen?”

“Ugh, I don’t know…” He groaned as he put his head in his hands. “He was just being stupid like always and…I guess we fought.”

Zenitsu slowly blinked before a smug smile creeped up on his face. He quickly swatted his hand up to cover it so that Obanai wouldn’t get suspicious, especially with the fact that he knew he was about to start giggling like a creep. It must’ve been fate, it couldn’t just be a coincidence that he was talking about the two’s relationship just before with the others and now here they were, sounding like they were going through their first lovers’ quarrel! How could he not at the very least find it funny.

Now, Zenitsu knew he should definitely not be meddling with the love affairs of teenagers but it was Murata’s fault for even getting him interested in such gossip in the first place! Besides, if his love life was always going to get messed with, why shouldn’t theirs?! If Tanjirou and the others hadn’t basically forced him to stay in this stupid job, he’d already be living his best life. These stupid teens had no idea how to show respect to their seniors anyway, always insulting or making fun of him so this was the smallest amount of payback he could even give!

But even as he thinks that, a small and loud part of his good heart is yelling that he should try to help. Aoi and Genya always say that he actually has no idea what proper romance is but he’ll show them!

Zenitsu clears his throat to calm down. “Ok then, can I ask what the fight was about?”

Obanai seems to only get more annoyed. “...Shinazugawa did something stupid on the mission we were on and I suppose it irked me more than usual.”

The blonde stayed quiet, continuing on playing with the Shamisen. Sweet notes floating through the air but were merely background noise to the raven haired.

“He’s always like this…” Obanai muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Always so…careless and annoying, and he always rushes into battle instead of letting me handle things. I hate—I hate, seeing him hurt himself when there’s no fucking need to. Always thinking he needs to do everything. I just…I just wish he’d take better care of himself.”

Zenitsu stopped playing as Obanai’s quiet down, he eyed him worryingly.

“Why…why can’t he just let me handle things. We’re friends aren’t we, so why won’t he just let me do some things instead of always…” He trailed off, voice getting smaller as it continued to break. “I hate him…”

“Really?” The blonde couldn’t help the smirk that showed on his face but he tried his best not to snort. “To me, it sounds like the exact opposite.”

For a few moments Obanai only stared at him, the snake around his neck quietly slithering as his red beady eyes glistened. All of a sudden, the serpent’s body lunged forward at Zenitsu which made him yell out in panic only for Kaburamaru to retract at the last moment. Leaving no damage. The Hashira whined and even kicked his feet at what happened while Obanai only rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“I’m serious though.” Zenitsu huffed after he calmed down, fingers moving back to strumming the strings of the Shamisen. “You care about him.”

He grumbled, hugging himself tighter. “I don’t.”

“Sure, sure.” The blonde replied. “I’m sure Shinazugawa only does that because he cares for you too. He probably doesn’t want to see you get hurt.”

Obanai spat, “As if! I don’t need to be taken care of.”

The Hashira hummed. “It’s sweet, what you two have, the whole Corps talks about it.”

“Like you?” The serpent breather mocked. “Should an old man really be talking about stuff like that?”

“Why you little-! I’m only 22!!” Zenitsu hissed, throwing out a fist while Obanai smiled beneath his mask that was covered with his sleeve. Zenitsu sighed. “You should let him know how you feel, instead of just pretending you don’t care.”

Obanai’s eyes widened ever so slightly and he could feel himself going tense as the beating of his heart began to move just a little bit faster which he was sure that the thunder breather could hear. He looked at the Hashira warily but Zenitsu seemed to not comment about it, whether for his sake or not.

The raven haired scoffed. “He’d laugh at me.”

“Maybe, but you know, the lives of slayers are unpredictable and short. You could die at any moment.” He explained, eyes moving down to the instrument in his hold as his voice laced with something of wistfulness. “I just think that it’s better to live life to the fullest while you still can. At least not to leave with some things said unsaid.”

The teen stayed silent, a somber quiet filling the space between them.

“You’re all still so young. You’re just teens.”

“I don’t need pity.” Obanai mumbled.

“Who said you did, Iguro?” Zenitsu let out a breathless chuckle. “You just need to stop pretending things don’t matter when they do. You might regret it if you don’t.”

Obanai didn’t reply but he moved his gaze down. He felt as if he couldn’t face Zenitsu anymore. It was pathetic, he felt pathetic. Like a child being scolded by someone who they thought would never do that to them.

Obanai glanced to his side only to see Zenitsu stand up and stretch out his arms. The Rumble Pillar met his eyes and gave him a soft smile. For some reason, it only made Obanai’s stomach churn. He wasn’t sure why but he felt unworthy of tenderness and it felt even worse coming from someone who he usually insults straight to the face.

“I was going to go play for Uzui and the girls.” Zenitsu spoke up. “Do you wanna come?”

Obanai dumbly blinked before he stammered. “O-oh, sure I guess.”

The thunder breather hummed as he went back to walk inside. “Talk to him, alright?”

Obanai didn’t answer as felt himself stumble while following suit. Face flushing slightly at the comment and he desperately hoped that the blonde didn’t pick up his heart beginning to race. Would he be lying if he said he wasn’t slightly scared at the prospect of facing him?

Well, he knows that many others will force him to do it anyway.

Chapter Text

Not-friend group + The Hashira (Literally everyone)

Sanemi felt his breath hitch as Obanai passed by him, their shoulders briefly brushing together.

It had been a long mission but that was hours ago and the two of them were somehow still together when there was no more need to.

It was another one of their many joint missions together, Sanemi can’t even remember a time where he didn’t know who Iguro Obanai was. Now it’s almost unbearable to spend a day without having multicolored eyes pierce through his soul at least once. Without hearing sarcastic remarks and insults with no real heat to them from a smooth, calculated voice that made it feel like cold venom was being poured onto him.

It was unbearable to not be on his right side anymore, lest Sanemi find himself not able to stop worrying.

Maybe he was the one being pathetic over something small, over something that only existed in his mind.

“Shinazugawa,” Obanai’s voice broke him out of his thoughts. “Something the matter? You’re brooding harder than usual.”

“Tch please,” He crossed his arms, unable to face him. “I don’t brood.”

The raven haired didn’t say anything back, only staring at him for a moment longer before resting his back against the tree trunk. He could hear the bark heave once Obanai put his full weight on it which, mind you, wasn’t much. Sanemi couldn’t blame him, his bones still ached from battle and his thoughts were all jumbled together, the fight had only made it worse. He knew that they probably should’ve gone to the Butterfly Mansion but he would be lying if he said that he didn’t want it to just be them. Just the two of them. Quiet. Close.

Sanemi stood at the edge of the clearing, watching Obanai close his eyes as he settled. Kaburamaru curled lazily around his neck, tongue flicking in and out as if they too were judging Sanemi’s silence. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at how the snake seemed to read him so easily.

He hated this. Not Obanai—he could never. No, he hated how obvious he must’ve looked. How easy it was for everyone to see through him when it came to this one person.

Sanemi’s had to listen through hours of teasing and has seen knowing glances and smirks. He may be oblivious but he’s not dumb. He’s seen how the Kochou sisters raise their brows and giggle like they know something he doesn’t. How Tengen smirks and says the most obnoxious insinuations whenever Sanemi even references Obanai or how Mitsuri squeals so high pitched that it hurts his ears and Kyoujurou pats his shoulders so hard that it almost knocks the wind outta him. Gyoumei’s ever present prayers that Sanemi swore he heard being about how somebody had to help them ‘get together’.

How each of the Pillars seemed to have their own personalized reaction to the two of them bickering. Tanjirou’s giddy knowing smile, Zenitsu’s loud squabbles, Inosuke’s oblivious statements. Aoi rolls her eyes whenever she sees the two at the Butterfly mansion after missions, the Tokitou twins staring at them, one more judgemental and the other just plain curious. Makomo’s knowing gaze and Genya’s eyes would look soft but almost sad, not like Sanemi would know. Kanao looks proudly whenever she sees the two of them together on their own personal times.

Senjurou would have teasingly tousle Obanai’s hair whenever Sanemi visited him at the Rengoku estate.

Hell, even Giyuu’s emotionless eyes would light up a little bit whenever the two of them bickered between him and don’t let Sanemi get started on Sabito…

When it came to Obanai, it seemed like everybody in the whole Corps could instantly see through Sanemi’s act.

But none of them could ever come close to how the serpent breather could easily read him.

Obanai always knew what to say to him, whether it were the usual back and forth jabs that they shared or something surprisingly genuine that Sanemi didn’t know he needed to hear. He knew when to quit when it came to coaxing Sanemi out his walls but he also knew when to be upfront about something that Sanemi was being stupid about. Obanai knew how to make him feel safe, that he didn’t need to always keep his guard up. That he could laugh and pretend to be who other kids their age were like.

Sanemi hated how he wasn’t even sure if the others were wrong with what they thought about them.

Because when the two of them were quiet like this, just a few feet apart, Sanemi wasn’t bothered with the silence like he usually was. Even though they weren’t speaking, it didn’t feel like Sanemi was alone with his thoughts. The silence settled over him, somber but also warm and familiar.

Because when Obanai wasn’t there, he’d feel much grumpier than usual. The world would be too loud and too empty at the same time.

Because when Obanai got hurt, something in him broke a little.

And these feelings scared the hell out of him.

Sanemi had been trying to stuff it down for weeks—maybe longer, judging by how long everyone seemed to tiptoe around them. But it kept slipping out even when he didn’t realize it, and if he didn’t, somebody else eventually would, whether they meant to or not. In the way he kept trying to steal glances when Obanai wasn’t looking. The way he always, always made sure to take his right to cover the serpent breather’s blind side unless Obanai said he wanted to try training around it. The way Sanemi always tried being a little faster in the battles they shared together so that Obanai had little to no chance of getting hurt. Like he could keep every blade away if he just tried hard enough.

Sanemi didn’t know when he’d fallen for him. Or how. It wasn’t like some moment struck him over the head. It was slower but maybe that was what made it feel so cruel. Sometimes Sanemi wondered whether he even deserved to feel this way.

He knows he shouldn’t. Obanai would laugh at him for gaining such a weakness.

But he could feel his chest tighten and a lump stuck in his throat like something was begging to be let out.

“Shinazugawa,” Obanai’s voice called out again. “You’re staring.”

“I’m not.” He shot back but Obanai only rolled his eyes at him.

The serpent breather moved his hand to pet Kaburamaru as he spoke. “Then what?”

“Then nothing, I don’t get what you’re getting at.”

Sanemi could hear Obanai scoff before falling silent again. The wind gently blew, he could hear the rustling of the leaves above them.

Obanai broke the quiet first, sighing. “That fight was annoying you know, do you always have to make things harder than they need to be Shinazugawa?”

“I didn’t make anything hard. We handled it fine.”

“Of course you’d consider that fine.” Obanai smirked under his mask. “You were basically begging to get hit.”

“I had it handled.” Sanemi insisted.

The raven haired’s voice sharpened. “You were reckless, again.”

“Ok, not this again.” He grumbled, walking closer to where Obanai stood under the tree. “Stop acting like you’re not much better, Iguro.”

Maybe it was the fatigue finally kicking in but Sanemi swore he saw Obanai flinch when he stepped closer.

“I’m just saying that you shouldn’t push yourself like that, it’s like you expect to do everything alone.” Obanai bit back.

He could feel his frustration rising. “You’re one to talk! You always act like I’ll slow you down if I do more than cover your blind side.”

“That’s not—!” Obanai’s eyes widened. “You don’t slow me down, Shinazugawa. I don’t…I don’t think like that.”

Obanai shifted, trying to make himself seem smaller. To hide. He didn’t like the way the conversation was going, it seemed like he and Sanemi were having more of these…serious fights lately. He felt stupid, stupid for possibly making Sanemi think like that, like he didn’t appreciate what Sanemi was doing even though he knew he didn't need it. He moved his gaze down, unsure of what to say next.

Sanemi moved to his side so that he and Obanai stood beside each other. His eyes travelled over the distant view. The sun was setting, the sky now a mix of purples and oranges. He didn’t get many chances to just sit back and take in the sights like this. For all it’s worth, it was pretty. The sky was clear and everything was as peaceful as silence could be for them. The wind flew by and Sanemi took a dangerous glance towards Obanai. The teen was clenching the sleeve of his haori but otherwise looked fine. To Sanemi, he seemed breathtaking. The light splashed at his eyes, making them shine even more than they already did and the wind blew his ink dipped hair at just the right time to make the sight seem serene.

“I’m not dumb you know,” Sanemi started. “I see the way you stare sometimes, like there’s something you’re holding in when I’m with you.”

“…It’s not you.” Obanai muttered. “It’s me.”

He let out an actual laugh at that, dry and disbelieving. “Seriously?! That’s the line you’re going with!”

The serpent breather flashed his eyes at him, offended. “I mean it.”

“I know you do, that’s what makes it worse.”

Obanai’s eyes widened before he looked down again, his voice came out strained. “You don’t know anything about me.”

Sanemi’s patience snapped.

In one swift, wordless motion, he stepped forward and came closer to the serpent breather. The boy instinctively took a step back until he eventually hit the tree behind them, his back pressed against the trunk. Sanemi’s hand slammed flat against him, right beside the other boy’s head with a thud. Obanai’s breath caught audibly and he could feel himself flush when he realized the position the two of them were now in.

Sanemi’s body over him, rendering no easy means of escape, heat radiating off him and eyes sharp, wild, desperate.

Their faces now only a few inches apart.

“I know you cover your face ‘cause you think your scar’s hideous and scares people off. I know you push people away ‘cause you think you don’t deserve to be around them and I know you act like you’re poison when you’re the only one who sees yourself that way.”

Obanai stiffened. “I don’t—”

“You do.” Sanemi cut in. “But I know you’re also loyal, brave and you fight like hell for the people you care about, even when you pretend you don’t. And I…”

He felt himself trailed off. Sanemi could feel his face heat up and his gaze dropped down—then back to Obanai’s eyes. He swallowed.

Ah, fuck it.

“I like you.”

“H-huh—”

The words tumbled out before he even realized it.

Sanemi met his gaze, even as every part of him screamed to run. “I like you, alright? I fucking like you. I like how you fight, how you talk, how you look at me like I’m someone worth it. And I hate how that makes me feel. I hate that I want you around even when we’re not fighting, especially if we’re not just fighting. And…I hate how I still like all of it even if it makes me go insane.”

Obanai stood frozen under him, completely stunned.

Sanemi’s voice trembled. “G-go ahead, laugh! Tell me I’m stupid and we could even forget this ever happened. Just—”

Obanai didn’t laugh, he wasn’t saying anything.

He didn’t even look angry.

“J-just—say something!” Sanemi’s voice cracked near the end, just a little.

The serpent breather still didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. Silence, long and heavy.

Not even a twitch until—

His gaze briefly met Sanemi’s, sharp yellow and teal and Sanemi could feel his breath hitch. Maybe—

Obanai pushed Sanemi’s arm away with such strength and the wind breather went stumbling back a few paces. He didn’t even get time to recover before seeing Obanai turn on his heel and bolt. Kaburamaru barely managed to stay coiled around his neck as he disappeared and ran away like his life depended on it.

“Iguro!” Sanemi shouted after him.

He didn’t know what to feel. Was he stunned, angry, stupid for thinking that this could work?

Hurt.

Sanemi took half a step forward like he might follow but he stopped himself and he didn’t even know why. His hand hung midair, useless. Because what the hell was that?!

Did he say something wrong? Did he make it worse?

The wind rustled through the leaves above him, a few gently falling around him and landing at his feet like nothing had happened. Sanemi slowly lowered his hand, his mouth opened, then shut again. No words came out as he put his head in his hand.

“Shit.”

-

Yeah, so that was like a few weeks ago.

Since then, Sanemi’s done a bit of soul searching and a lot of demon slaying just to get it out of his system before he actually lost it and strangled someone. After all that, Sanemi’s been able to decide on one thing.

He was fucking pissed.

And it wasn’t exactly because of what most people might think. Was he upset that Obanai ran off without even giving him a hint of an answer. Yeah, maybe.

But what he was more furious about was the fact that the serpent breather was doing everything in his power and then some just to fucking avoid him. Everytime he tried going to the Rengoku estate to ask for him, the servants would eye him sympathetically before saying he was unavailable, whatever that even meant. Each time he went back to the Butterfly Mansion after a mission and thought he might’ve seen him, Obanai would have already disappeared when Sanemi gave chase and the wind breather would be left extra cranky while Aoi scolded him for running around as soft as she could.

It was mortifying.

He’s not sure how or what kind of bastard could’ve possibly leaked it but it seemed that the whole Corps knew about that night. Everyone was clearly aware that something must’ve happened, judging by how no matter where he went he was getting some form of pity in one way or another. Whether it’d be through the sympathetic looks that all the girls at the Butterfly Mansion and even some Kakushi would give him or how it seemed like all of his friends were walking around eggshells when trying to talk to him. He wasn’t sure how but it seemed like Master Kiriya had also caught wind of things as Sanemi’s crow, Sorai, had so wonderfully pointed out that he hadn’t been getting paired up with Obanai recently.

Mitsuri seemed a lot more aware of her words, even if she was hiding the fact that she knew pretty badly. Tengen had stopped coming out of nowhere just to bother him, Kyoujurou looked like he was about to combust whenever Sanemi talked to him. Shinobu had stopped her usually relentless teasing targeted at him, Kanae was the most normal but Sanemi couldn’t ignore the way her eyes were filled with a lot more negative emotions whenever she tried to talk to him.

And Giyuu and Sabito? The two were just as annoying as ever.

The ghosting seems to have gotten worse ever since the Hashira Training program began, now he can’t find Obanai at all. Sanemi knows that they have different areas of expertise, Obanai probably breezed through the sessions that Sanemi struggled with so it wasn’t like he was expecting to confront the serpent breather during one of the Hashira’s training sessions. It wasn’t like they’d have time to speak if they did, all of the Pillars were relentless in each of their training grounds, barely giving the lower ranks any time to even recover after each session. Even Zenitsu squared up his act, not giving the wind breather any special treatment despite the fact that Sanemi knew the blond had an exact idea of what he was going through.

Easy to say that Sanemi is angry for more reasons than one. It seems however that everybody’s learnt that it’s better to act like nothing happened in front of him until he’s calmed down, even if they are really bad at hiding it. But even as Sanemi stays prissy about what happened, about the fact that Obanai is actively avoiding him, he isn’t mad at the serpent breather. And he hates himself for it because it only proves everything he’s thought of so far right.

He’s pathetic, he's stupid for confessing and he himself is the reason that Obanai’s taken such great lengths to just not be in the same room as him and it hurts. It hurts seeing the person he’s just recently realized how much he actually values, actively avoiding him. Now, Sanemi can’t spend mindless minutes staring into lovely shades of teal and gold or throw insults only for equally snappy bites to come back at him with no real heat behind them. He can’t just sit silently under an old tree with Obanai right above him, perched up on a tall branch and Sanemi lets his guard down just enough to take a short nap anymore. And the worst part is probably the fact that despite him thinking that Obanai is an ass and a coward for running away, for the past few weeks, Sanemi couldn’t stop wanting. Wanting to see him again. To yell at him. To shake some damn sense into him.

Only Iguro Obanai could ever make him go this insane.

So Sanemi’s decided he’s had enough. He’s going to make Obanai talk whether the other likes it or not.

Is this a valid reason for quote unquote ‘ Skipping ’ training?

Well, they’d damn well be stupid if they think Sanemi cares one bit.

He doubts that the boar head of a Pillar, Inosuke, would even care or notice he's missing. Inosuke’s training is brute and animalistic, perfect to describe the man who runs them. It’s nothing complicated or in his opinion, slightly unnecessary, like Kanao’s training where you have to be swift but also precise unless you want to get drenched in freezing water or something that’s only troublesome because of the Hashira’s cruel strictness like Makomo. Besides, if he were to be completely honest, half of his…friends were basically bailing out too.

Tsugukos had the privilege of choosing their training sessions on the account that they’ve got special permission from their masters. On top of that, they get special, personal private training from the Hashira they were taught under. If that’s not unfair then Sanemi doesn’t know what is. He’s seen in person how that special rule has been abused, some of them like Kanae and Gyoumei made the smart decision to tackle the skills that they have trouble with the most first. Others like Kaigaku were straight up skipping on some days, using the excuse of independent training to not go.

But taking that into consideration, it meant he had a lot of options of who to ask from. Now…to only hope that they actually give him an answer.

Sanemi went to Mitsuri first, thinking that she’d be the one most likely to slip up in case any of them did know where Obanai was. He found her training under a shaded clearing near the Rengoku estate; she and Kyoujurou trained together often after all. She was doing basic sword practice, using a wooden sword instead of her unique ribbon one to twirl around and hit the wooden dummies they had set up. Sanemi sometimes wonders how she gets the permission to do things so easily. He knew that she was Kyoujurou’s sparring partner since even before she had passed her final selection but she wasn’t considered an official tsuguko. Sanemi heard from Obanai’s letters once that the last Flame Pillar, who also happened to be Kyoujurou’s mother, was strict in teaching her sons but letting Mitsuri train on her own seemed pretty lenient if you asked him.

Finally, Mitsuri seemed to notice him and her eyes sparkled with the usual airiness as she waved him hello that Sanemi still has a hard time dealing with.

He shook his head and cleared his throat, Sanemi asked straight. “Where’s Iguro?”

Mitsuri’s face flushed red as if she was the one dealing with love problems and she let out a squeal. Clearly this has been kept tight in her mind for a while.

“Just answer the damn question please?” Sanemi snarled, this was why he didn’t want to ask.

“Shinazugawa-san~ I didn’t know you cared enough to be the one to ask first! I knew it, I knew it! You do care~” Mitsuri cooed, practically sparkling as she twirled around. “Ah young love! It’s just so precious!!”

“It’s not like that!” He barked, face heating despite himself.

“Sure it isn’t~” Mitsuri giggled and hummed before she eventually calmed down and her eyes seemed to coax him with genuine sympathy. “But I promise you, I don’t know where he is. I haven’t seen him at all actually! Why don’t you try asking Kyoujurou-kun?”

Sanemi grumbled out of anger. He mumbled her thank you before walking away and leaving her alone. He could tell by the tone of her voice that there was still something that she wasn’t telling him but he was too tired to bother trying to get it out of her. Sanemi could only hope he’d get his answer at the next one.

He did go to Kyoujurou next, after all the Rengoku estate was near. He didn’t have to bother finding him though as he saw the flame breather doing push-ups with one arm in front of the estate’s door which was definitely suspicious. Sanemi gained a feeling that something was definitely happening without him knowing.

Kyoujurou’s eyes briefly met his before the teen sprang up in an instant, almost like he was expecting him.

Sanemi sighed. “I don’t suppose you’ve seen Iguro?”

“Ah! Love troubles, Shinazugawa? I offer my full support!”

“No—I mean—Wait, love?!”

“You come here in pursuit of answers do you not?” He declared, voice booming like he was announcing the start of a festival. “A noble quest indeed!”

Sanemi blinked.

“Iguro!” Kyoujurou answered for him, though it didn’t help. “Do not be ashamed. I can see the fire in your resolve, SET YOUR HEART ABLAZE—”

Sanemi cut him off before he could continue. “Yeah, yeah I get it! Just…tell me where he is.”

“I’m sorry,” Kyoujurou said with what seemed like genuine regret as his face turned thoughtful. “I do not know his current whereabouts. He usually does not go to our estate for training.”

He groaned. “So you don’t know where he is?”

“I do not.” Kyoujurou shook his head before his smile widened. “But I believe in you, Shinazugawa! I offer my full support!”

“I don’t care about that right now Rengoku.”

“I know but what you’re doing takes courage. I believe in your resolve Shinazugawa!” He yelled, giving Sanemi a hearty slap on the back that nearly knocked him forward.

Sanemi stumbled a little from the hit, then glared up at him, expression sour. “You’re a menace. You know that?”

Kyoujurou beamed. “Haha! I’ve been called worse!”

“…Yeah, I bet.”

With that, Sanemi turned on his heel and stomped away, muttering something about ‘useless flaming idiots’ and ‘stupid snake bastards’ under his breath. Kyoujurou raised a hand in farewell, calling after him with a warm grin.

“I wish you luck Shinazugawa!”

Sanemi waved him goodbye without facing back as he walked away from the Rengoku estate to try and find someone else to ask. Some part of him wished he could go and ask Senjurou, it was unlikely that the older Rengoku would tease him. Perhaps a knowing glance here or there that’d make him squirm but then he’d go straight to what he knew. If only…

The wind breather shook his head, he shouldn’t think about that now.

Sanemi wasn’t expecting to find Tengen next but he supposes that it was kinda inevitable since he was on the way to the Thunder estate. Honestly, he doesn’t know how Zenitsu somehow manages to keep it together enough to still want to house Tengen under his roof. The guy is a freeloader in all of its definitions and he barely does anything to pay back what the Rumble Pillar does for him. But maybe it’s kinda like what he and Obanai have, Tengen and Zenitsu act really similar than either would ever like to admit.

Tengen is not officially Zenitsu’s tsuguko, that title is taken by Kaigaku but that fact does nothing to deter Tengen in bothering the thunder breather whenever he can. It seems that Zenitsu doesn’t care enough to monitor his training or even check up if he’s going to the other Hashira’s training sessions. He found Tengen lounging around under a tree, arms folded behind his head. It pissed him off.

“Oi! Where’s Iguro?” Sanemi asked as he glared at him, he knew Tengen didn’t need context to know why he was asking.

“Well good afternoon to you too, Shinazugawa.” He responded lazily, only riling up Sanemi by the minute. “And here I thought you came to confess to me. How bold.”

The wind breather felt his eye twitch. “Don’t play dumb with me.”

“Hah, I’d never. That’s not flashy at all.” Tengen said with a sigh. “Though I must say, you're really doing wonders for the drama around here. People are still talking about it even after weeks, you know?”

“…What the hell does that even mean?”

“You’re the one seeking him out Shinazugawa, very flamboyant of you. I approve”

“I’m going to punch the living—!”

He cut him off before he could finish. “Like you’d try.”

Sanemi took a slow, murderous step forward, fists clenched at his sides. “I swear to the gods—”

Tengen finally sat up, stretching his arms overhead with a dramatic yawn before lazily glancing at Sanemi, a flicker of something like sincerity peeking past the usual smugness.

“Look, even if I did know where he was, I wouldn’t tell you. Not because I’m cruel or anything but because I think you need to breathe and calm down before finding him.” He said, his tone surprisingly serious. “You haven’t even decided what you’ll say when you see him again and frankly, it’s giving me whiplash.

“I’m asking you one last time, Uzui.” He growled.

Tengen sighed before he moved to stand up. “Fine, fine. I haven’t seen him today. Not since the end of yesterday’s training. He slipped off before anyone could ask where he was headed—typical move, really.”

Sanemi’s face twitched but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned to leave.

Tengen rolled his eyes before calling out again. “Hey, I’m serious Shinazugawa! You’ve got guts but don’t be stupid about them.”

Sanemi nodded even though he knew that Tengen couldn’t see and made his way to find someone else. Hopefully one with an actual answer.

He should’ve known that he’d find the other one next.

The boy was leaning against a large rock in one of the Thunder estate’s front clearings, trying very hard to look disinterested even though he clearly clocked Sanemi the moment he stepped into the clearing.

Sanemi stared at him.

Kaigaku stared back.

“…What?” Kaigaku said, as if the very act of being approached offended him.

Sanemi grumbled, hoping this one would be quick, he was already here anyway so there was no harm in asking him about it. “Have you seen Iguro?”

Kaigaku blinked. “That’s it? That’s what you came to ask me for?”

“Yes.”

Kaigaku eyed him briefly before finally slipping out, “…Why would I know where that snake is?”

Sanemi’s jaw tightened. He was starting to remember why he never planned to ask him until now.

Kaigaku rolled his eyes and pushed off the tree. “Look, I haven’t seen him today, but if you’re asking me, it sounds like someone got rejected.”

The wind breather felt his eye twitch and clenched his fists.

“I mean, if he ran off after the confession, that’s basically rejection with extra steps, right?” Kaigaku went on, shrugging. “Why chase after someone who clearly doesn’t want to deal with their own feelings?”

“…You’re really bad at this,” Sanemi muttered, trying to stop himself from punting the guy in the face.

“I’m just being honest,” Kaigaku said innocently as he crossed his arms and leaned back, his eyes fluttered to him briefly. “People always say they want the truth then cry when they get it.”

Sanemi exhaled sharply as he prepared to turn and leave.

Kaigaku hesitated. “…But,”

Sanemi stopped.

The thunder breather shifted uncomfortably. “You’ve got a lot of pent-up anger Shinazugawa but…you don’t seem like the type of guy to go through all this trouble unless it mattered so…I guess that counts for something.”

Wow, he didn’t think he’d actually hear something vaguely supportive come out of his mouth.

“Just don’t be an idiot and wait forever if he doesn’t give you an answer.” Kaigaku added quickly, scowling. “If it were me, I’d want someone who actually bothered to stay. Not someone who runs away the second things get complicated.”

Sanemi could only let out a bitter laugh. “Tch, you’re an ass.”

“At least I don’t lie to myself.” He smirked before it looked like he was considering something. “Why don’t you ask my master.”

“Agatsuma?”

“Yeah, you know how he gets about this kind of stuff. He’ll probably know something.”

Sanemi nodded silently. There was nothing more to say. He decided to go ahead with what he had in mind before and go to the Thunder estate to ask Zenitsu. He had no idea what the blonde would do, he was always a wild card in how he acted. Maybe he would tease him relentlessly like the others, cower and jitter in fright or maybe…actually give him something useful.

Sanemi gulped as he gathered his resolve and knocked on the wide doors of the estate. He did not expect the person who opened it to answer.

The Sun Pillar was now facing him, looking equally confused. Sanemi froze, unsure what to do or say.

Tanjirou blinked in mild surprise before his usual smile came back on his face. “Oh! Shinazugawa-san, what brings you here?”

His voice was gentle and warm and after all the running around and cryptic or useless answers, Sanemi needed to hear something straight forward. He wasn’t expecting this interaction but maybe he should try.

“Uh, have you seen Iguro?” Sanemi internally cringed, not sure why his voice shook.

Tanjirou’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked like he’d just been asked about the most awkward subject imaginable. His cheeks flushed a little, and he fidgeted, scratching the back of his head. The sun breather looked like he wanted to help—he really did—but couldn’t stop the wobbly, almost knowing smile creeping onto his face.

“Uh, Iguro-san?” He repeated, voice rising a little. “I…um I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him yet today. He’s probably training somewhere but I wouldn’t really know…”

Tanjirou trailed off, laughing awkwardly as Sanemi scowled. This was getting ridiculous, there had to be someone in the Corps who knew where Obanai went. Sanemi let out a frustrated sigh. He felt a tightening in his chest, the familiar ache of confusion and helplessness creeping up again.

“I’m sorry, I wish I could help.” Tanjirou’s expression shifted to something softer, noticing the way Sanemi’s posture slumped a little but Sanemi could still see some form of sheepishness on his face.

“…You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“I’m not—! Ok…maybe a little.” He laughed out loud. “You know, Shinazugawa-san, sometimes you find things where you least expect it.”

Sanemi snapped his head up, could that be a clue?

Without warning, Tanjirou brought up his hand and ruffled Sanemi’s hair. If it was anyone else, Sanemi would have bitten their hand off the moment it touched him but there was something…oddly motherly about Tanjirou’s touch that made his stomach churn.

“Were you going to ask Zenitsu?” Tanjirou asked.

He nodded, unable to speak.

“Well, I won’t hold you to it then.” He moved his hand off of him and walked past the doorway before continuing his path. “Just don’t lose hope okay?”

“Thanks,” Sanemi muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as he rushed past the door, though he knew Tanjirou could hear it.

Sanemi’s footsteps echoed softly in the empty halls of the Thunder Estate as he aimlessly wandered around. He had no idea where he was going, he’s only been here a few times and even then there wasn’t much opportunity to explore. The place was completely quiet even though there should’ve been a lot of slayers near and getting ready for training. It wasn’t too surprising though, two of the residents here had ‘sensitive’ hearing as they themselves put it. Sanemi hoped that maybe, maybe Zenitsu could have some answers or at least tell him something new.

Eventually he could hear faint voices from behind a shoji door, one was Zenitsu but he could hear someone else also in the room with him.

“Zen, do you really think Sanemi’s just going to let this go?”

Sanemi flinched, not only at his name mentioned but the fact that Genya was here too.

Zenitsu’s voice came in next, exasperated and defensive. “How should I know, he’s your brother isn’t he?”

The wind breather tried not to notice how much longer it took Genya to respond. “Not the point Zenitsu.”

“Well you’d know how Sanemi reacts.” He continued, “Hah, we should just be happy that it finally happened. I was getting sick of their tiptoeing too you know. Honestly, all the bickering they do is enough to make anyone go insane.”

Genya scoffed. “You sound jealous.”

“Pfft—me? Jealous of their freakish, angsty teenage love story? As if! I have class!” Zenitsu yelled. “Unlike some people.”

“Yeah, I’m leaving.” Genya muttered.

“Wait Gen, don’t leave~” Zenitsu whined and Sanemi could imagine the Rumble Pillar begging the other to stay.

Genya grumbled but eventually sat back down. “Well, what do you think they should do?”

“I don’t know! It’s not my place to talk about that, I know I’m bad but I don’t pry that much.” The blonde stammered before exhaling and taking a more serious tone. “I have a vague idea where Iguro might be but at the end of the day, it’s only a guess.”

Sanemi’s heart raced, could this actually be his chance?

Genya’s voice cut through the tension, more direct than before. “So, if Sanemi comes to ask you?”

Zenitsu sighed, sounding exasperated but also a little tired. “I wouldn’t tell him anything. He has to figure this out on his own. He needs to realize how long he’s willing to wait for him. Besides, if Iguro did want to be caught, he will be.”

Sanemi’s mind spun, going back to his conversation with Kaigaku earlier. Now both him and his master were basically telling him to give up if this was how long it would take for him to even find Obanai. He wasn’t sure if Zenitsu was right about figuring things out on his own but it seemed like he genuinely believed it. Maybe the blonde was only saying this for his sake, after all, Zenitsu was the one who found Sanemi first after the confession happened but he had hoped that he would be more understanding than this.

Zenitsu suddenly lightened up again, trying to dismiss the conversation. “Anyway, I gotta get back to training. You know how it is.”

Sanemi panicked. This was his chance, and Zenitsu was about to leave. Without thinking, he rushed forward and yanked open the shoji door, only to find that the Hashira had already slipped out, leaving the hallway empty.

Sanemi stood frozen, he couldn’t believe he’d let Zenitsu slip through his fingers like that.

“Guess you didn’t expect that, huh?”

Sanemi’s eyes snapped to the side, startled. Genya was sitting casually on the engawa, arms crossed, as if he’d been expecting this all along. He didn’t seem surprised, just amused.

“Zenitsu heard you coming a while ago,” Genya said with a low chuckle, not even trying to hide it. “Not exactly quiet when you're sneaking around like that.”

Sanemi’s face went red, he had completely forgotten about the blonde’s super hearing. “I wasn’t sneaking around!”

Genya barely suppressed a laugh, but his face remained cool and collected. “Right. Well, you're here now. So... what’s your plan?”

Sanemi didn’t really have a plan. He just wanted answers, but he felt like he was still nowhere. The frustration bubbled up again, and he plopped down next to Genya, not sure what else to do. It was awkward, and the silence stretched on longer than either of them probably wanted. They still haven’t talked properly about…well, everything. Sanemi would like to think about that another day.

Finally, Genya broke the silence, his voice blunt but not unkind. “You know, you’re making this harder on yourself than it needs to be.”

Sanemi glared at him, irritated. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Genya glanced at him, barely holding back the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You and Iguro. Both of you are stubborn as hell. You’re not gonna get anywhere like that. Just... don’t be an idiot and wait forever.”

“Ugh, I don’t get it.” He grumbled.

“Hm?”

“I don’t get why everyone keeps basically saying that I shouldn’t wait for him. That I should clear my head or think about things first before talking to him again.” Sanemi’s voice became smaller. “I’m already done thinking, I’ve had weeks all to myself because that bastard keeps avoiding me and I just want an answer. Why is that so hard?!”

Genya didn’t respond immediately, instead staring out at the garden with a distant look. “I get it. You’re frustrated, and that’s fine. If Iguro’s gonna come back around, he will. But you’ve gotta give him that space to figure himself out. If he really wants to be with you, he won’t run away forever.”

Sanemi shot him a glare, but it lacked its usual bite. The awkward tension between them lingered, but it didn’t feel quite as heavy. Maybe, just maybe, he could get through this without ruining everything.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Sanemi mumbled, “but you’re not the worst person I’ve met today.”

Genya burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. Sanemi scowled, but the moment felt... almost comfortable.

“Better than nothing.” Genya chuckled. “I’ll take it.”

Eventually, Sanemi decided to continue the search. After a little bit more alone time to calm down again, he figured that someone maybe less loud and prone to outbursts would be better to talk to. He sort of just walked around mindlessly until he found someone who he thought could give him answers. It was near noon now, he started in the morning and since then he’s talked to 5, well 6 if you count Tanjirou, all who didn’t know jack shit about where Obanai actually was.

Sanemi talked to Gyoumei next.

He found him meditating at a waterfall, near where Genya’s training took place. Sanemi knew that he must’ve heard him coming since long ago but he still sat silent even when Sanemi was only a few feet away. The stone breather continued muttering prayers under his breath.

Sanemi gulped. “Himejima…Do you know where Iguro could be?”

The tall teen turned his head toward him, tilting it at the sound of Sanemi’s voice. “I do not.”

“Great…” He coughed. “It’s nothing I just—”

“I can tell it’s more than nothing Shinazugawa.” Gyoumei cut him off, his voice serene as though he were lost in thought. “I am blind only in sight.”

Sanemi rolled his eyes at him but there was no real heat in it. “Yeah I know.”

“You care deeply for him,” Gyoumei said gently. “There is no shame in seeking peace in your relationships.”

Sanemi felt his cheeks heat up, unsure whether Gyoumei was purposefully teasing him or not. He was the one who knew the two of them longer than the others after all, perhaps before Obanai even met Giyuu. He’s probably seen first hand how the two of them were like in the early stages of their friendship. Stiff, more guarded, when insults were actually insults.

“Jeez,” Sanemi mumbled sheepishly as he rubbed his neck. “I don’t even know what I’m doing…”

“Everybody can tell how much you care for one another. I think it’s sweet.”

He scoffed. “Hah, I guess. He’d hate it if you ever mentioned that in front of him though.”

Gyoumei only hummed in response as he moved back to sit in the position he was before Sanemi interrupted him, his back now facing him. Sanemi shuffled awkwardly, unsure what to say next. He stayed quiet.

“If you were to ask me,” Gyoumei spoke up, still looking forward. “I think Iguro values you a lot more than you might realize.”

Sanemi felt a lump stuck in his throat as he took in Gyoumei’s words. His face fell flush and even though Gyoumei could probably tell, he was grateful that the stone breather wasn’t looking towards him. He’d probably never be able to face him properly.

What did that even mean, Obanai may have valued their relationship but that didn’t mean that the serpent breather had ever thought of looking at Sanemi the same way Sanemi looked at him. He was still unsure, still confused and still with no answers. He could only imagine Obanai teasing and laughing at him for being so pathetic before his multicolored eyes crinkled at their edges, a sign Sanemi had learnt to read that meant he was smiling under his bandages and then Obanai would keep walking forward. Telling Sanemi to hurry up and act like nothing happened.

Gyoumei suggested, “Perhaps you can look around for him in one of the training grounds.”

“…Yeah, thanks.”

He didn’t even get roasted. Somehow, that made him feel worse.

Maybe this was a sign he was getting desperate but Sanemi considered, like actually considered asking the boar head for where Obanai might be.

It had only taken a quick step to where he held his sessions and the sight of Inosuke still mercilessly beating down lower rank slayers until they either fainted from pain and exhaustion or threw up to stop. Sanemi awkwardly stood at the edge as horrified screams continued filling his ears. What the hell was he thinking, there was no way that he could know where Obanai was anyway. It seemed however that Inosuke did not realize that he had been missing from training for half the day. Just as he was about to make a run for it and try somewhere else, Inosuke’s eyes briefly glanced at him before his shout made Sanemi freeze.

“I don’t know where the snake is if that’s what you wanted to ask!” He yelled gruffly but still did not stop his beat down session.

“W-what?! I wasn’t—!”

Inosuke screamed so loud that Sanemi swore he felt the ground shake. “Are you not here for an interrogation?!”

“No! What are you even talking about—!” Sanemi ducked as a body was thrown at him, this guy was still just as crazy.

“Then hurry up and find him so Monitsu can stop yelling at me about you and that mask face!”

Sanemi didn’t need to be told twice at that.

He talked to Makomo next. He found her crouched beneath a tree on her training field. Helping a younger recruit fix his stance. It seemed that most of the lower ranks had already passed her training, he wasn’t sure whether that was better for her or them. But the scene in front of him looked so oddly serene for who he saw the Water Hashira as. When he did her training, she was always strict and cruel and the fact that she kept the same smile throughout it all even with everyone’s screams made her look kind of…eerie?

“U-um, Urokodaki-san!” He stammered, not sure how to talk to her. “Have you seen Iguro around?”

The kid she was helping looked terrified, Makomo on the other hand seemed absolutely delighted.

She stood straight and a contemplative look fell on her face. “…I have.”

“You have?!”

Makomo smiled. “You seem surprised.”

“Well everybody else either doesn't know jack shit or just isn't telling me!” He snarled.

She pleasantly hummed, seemingly amused. “Well sorry to disappoint then, I only saw him pass by.”

Sanemi visibly shrinked. “Great…”

“He seemed troubled.” Makomo quipped, almost absentmindedly. “If I knew you'd come and ask me I would've paid more attention!”

“Uh well then, was there anything else…off about him?” Sanemi asked, unable to mask the hope in his voice.

Makomo fell silent, tapping a finger to her chin as she started to go lost in thought. Sanemi felt himself shake from anticipation and he didn’t even know why. Did he hope that Obanai was internally panicking over this just like him which could mean that he had a small chance or did he hope that the other boy was acting completely fine about it so that there was a chance that the two of them could go back to their normal relationship and Sanemi didn’t ruin everything—

“He looked like he was being haunted.”

Sanemi blinked.

“By emotions Shinazugawa,” She deadpanned, playfully whacking him on the head.

Sanemi grumbled as he rubbed over where she hit him even though it didn’t really hurt that much and ruffled his hair until he was satisfied.

Makomo stared down at him, her eyes as serene as ever. “You really like him, huh?”

Sanemi felt his face heat up as he mumbled, unable to look her in the eye. “…Yeah, I guess.”

“Good.”

“That’s it?” He blinked at her, confused.

“Was there something else you wanted me to say?” She asked while tilting her head to the side. “I’m not going to tease you if that’s what you’re worried about. I can tell you’ve already gone through enough of that.”

Sanemi was dumbfounded, thrown off by the surprising sincerity in her voice.

“But if the others bring it up, I can’t promise I won’t join in the gossip.” Makomo added, already walking away from him.

“WHAT?!?!”

Her laugh echoed behind her, airy and teasing.

It seemed like he was finally getting a lead, even if it didn’t really tell him anything. Obanai had just recently passed the Water estate, meaning he couldn’t be that far off now. Sanemi felt new found motivation burst through him, he was close he just knew it. He wasn’t going to give up until he could at least stare into those multicolored eyes again after who knew how long. Sanemi looked around, thinking of which way the serpent breather would have gone. There was the Butterfly Mansion or the Mist Estate that he still hadn’t tried yet.

He decided to go to the Tokitou twins who were only a few blocks away. Two different people to ask from this time, meaning higher chance of him actually getting something useful out.

Thankfully the twins weren’t right beside each other when he found them, meaning he could actually get a serious answer out of them. He found Muichirou folding paper airplanes at the engawa of his estate and he could hear the actual Mist Pillar, Yuichirou, inside barking orders for the lower ranks to get their act together and he sounded pretty pissed.

“Hey, Tokitou!” He barked, a lot more aggressive than needed.

Muichirou perked his head up when he heard Sanemi’s voice but didn’t say anything. He tilted his head before his eyes widened with realization.

“Ah.” He sounded out. “You’re…Genya’s brother right?”

Sanemi tried not to look livid at the fact that Muichirou remembered him like that. “Y-yeah—uh look! Have you seen Iguro around?”

The mist breather blinked before shaking his head. “No…Can’t say I have.”

Before Sanemi could respond, the shoji doors behind Muichirou were roughly shoved open and cut him off.

“Mui! Would you please, for the love of Oyakata-sama, help me out here—!” The Hashira fell silent once his gaze fell on Sanemi. “What the hell are you doing here?!”

Sanemi gulped.

Thankfully for him, Muichirou answered. “He was asking me whether I knew where Iguro was.”

The other twin’s brows furrowed before his face turned into something mixed of disbelief and disdain. “Who?!”

Sanemi couldn’t believe this. “Y-you know, dark hair, bandaged face, always has a snake around him…”

“Oh—”

“It’s fine nii-san.” Muichirou cut in before his brother could throw his rage and possibly murder a teen. “I already told him we haven’t seen him—”

“What the hell are you talking about?! We did see him.”

Sanemi’s eyes widened. “What—”

“Ohh,” Muichirou sounded out like a child whenever someone corrected an obvious mistake. “Oh, yes you’re right, we did.”

“What?! So where did he go?” The wind breather asked, desperation obvious in his voice.

Yuichirou clicked his tongue. “Just because we saw him doesn’t mean we know where he went.”

Muichirou nodded. “He seemed off, like he was thinking hard about something.”

“You’re being generous, he looked five seconds away from losing it.” The twin snorted.

“I was just being nice.” The mist breather replied flatly.

Yuichirou then crossed his arms and gave Sanemi his usual judgemental stare. “If you’re chasing him down to yell at him or get answers you think you deserve, then don’t bother.”

Sanemi bristled. “I’m not—!”

“You’re not going to get anything useful that way.” He cut him off sharply.

“I think he does want to be found.” Muichirou cut in, more gently. “Maybe he’s waiting for you just as you are for him.”

That shut Sanemi up. The tightness in his chest throbbed again—so many people saying almost the same thing, but it was starting to sink in in a way that hurt more than it helped.

“Honestly, I don’t understand why everyone is so invested in this.” Yuichirou muttered bitterly. “If you screw this up, don’t come back crying. Besides, don’t you think it’s a little insensitive of him to just run away like that?”

Muichirou rolled his eyes, “Nii-san—”

“Iguro’s not like that! He’s—!!”

“…He’s?” Muichirou echoed, tilting his head innocently and Sanemi swore he saw something devious in the smirk the mist breather now held.

Even Yuichirou now looked vaguely interested.

Sanemi gulped. “Nevermind!”

The wind breather quickly ran away before any more damage could be done.

Even though that interaction was way weirder than Sanemi ever expected it to be, it meant that Sanemi was still close, Obanai was around the area and he could still be there. His heart raced, he could actually be close. After hours of helplessness and confusion and shitty answers, this stupid goose chase might actually be over.

He only had the Butterfly Mansion to check left.

Sanemi hadn’t expected to cross paths with the current heir to the Ubuyashiki name but when he did, it was out in one of the courtyards that were near the Butterfly Mansion. Kagaya seated on a lone bench with a book on his lap, partially hidden from sight by the large wisteria tree that swayed above him. A gentle breeze fluttered through the leaves and flowers above them.

He had never spoken to Kagaya before, let alone seen him. The longest time that they’ve interacted was during Sanemi’s final selection where Kagaya was one of the kids chosen to look over it. Sanemi remembers Kanae explaining to him that living members of the Ubuyashiki family are kept hidden, a safety precaution if Muzan or any other demon were ever to seek them out as an attempt to hinder the Corps. And yet despite that, the Ubuyashikis have never chosen to employ personal bodyguards for as long as the Demon Slayer Corps existed.

Giyuu says that he got to talk to Kagaya for a little bit after he and Sabito’s trial in front of the Hashira and current Oyakata. The water breather was impressed at how polite the kid already was at such a young age, always smiling. He congratulated Giyuu on winning the trial even though Giyuu didn’t do anything but his voice was genuine and sweet and just so…oddly calming. So Sanemi was quite confused when Giyuu also mentioned that it felt like the kid bore something deep and burning inside of him, Giyuu just couldn’t figure out what at the time.

Giyuu however seemed to mostly focus on the fact that Kagaya was only 8 years old.

The kid was extremely young, and yet he was expected to be ready to take over the Corps at any given moment or time.

It seemed like he also had insane senses as the kid suddenly looked up and greeted him before Sanemi even decided on going over to ask.

“Shinazugawa-san!” He called out, polite as ever as he offered a gentle smile on his face while happily waving.

Sanemi froze, unsure what to do next.

After a beat, Kagaya tilted his head, his gaze unwavering. “You seem troubled?”

The wind breather paused, suddenly awkward. “…It’s nothing.”

Kagaya hummed, closing the book softly. “If it’s nothing, why does it seem like you’re holding something heavy on your shoulders?”

“What the hell are you doing out here anyway?!” Sanemi deflected, feeling way too self-conscious at the fact that even an 8 year old seemed to be able to read him. “I thought the Corps was trying to keep you and your stupid family hidden.”

Kagaya however was completely undeterred at the insult to his family name, only laughing out loud while kicking his feet. Sanemi stared at him, Giyuu didn’t mention that this kid was weird as hell!

“Is it about Iguro-san?” He then spoke up without warning.

Sanemi’s head whipped toward him. “Wha—how’d you—?”

“My father hears everything that goes on in the Corps.” Kagaya said, amused. “Even gossip.”

Sanemi should’ve known ever since he and Obanai stopped getting paired up since that night. Hell, even Sorai mentioned it to him.

Sanemi’s jaw clenched, preparing himself for creative backhanded comments and rounds of teasing that a kid Kagaya’s age was even capable of giving. But Kagaya didn’t laugh, only smiled with understanding in his eyes. And unlike all the sympathetic glances that he’s been getting for the past few weeks that’s been filled with pity and made Sanemi’s stomach squirm, Kagaya’s was soft, genuine in a way that told you, you weren’t being thought any less of. Dark, violet irises made his light lavender ones feel like they were being seen.

“You’re allowed to feel deeply. It doesn’t make you any less weak, it’s what proves you’re human.” Kagaya said kindly.

Sanemi looked away, muttering bitterly. “It doesn’t feel that way.”

“I know.” He agreed, closing his eyes as his fingers grazed his book. “But I think Iguro-san cares more about this than you realize and even if he’s not ready yet…You were brave. That still counts.”

Sanemi could only muster, “…I don’t want to regret it.”

“Then you won’t.”

The wind breather gave a quiet nod, something heavy leaving his chest. “You know…you’re pretty smart for someone so young.”

Kagaya hummed in response.

“Are you even allowed out here?” Sanemi asked.

“Ah…We don’t talk about that.”

That made Sanemi burst out laughing. It felt weird. Good, but weird.

The wind breather sighed. “Do you know where I could find him?”

Kagaya’s gentle smile widened. “No, unfortunately I do not. But I do know people who likely have what you need to hear.”

Need. Not want.

“Why don’t you check the koi pond near here, the one near the stone lantern path.” For a second, Kagaya paused and his eyes widened as if having a realization before adding. “Just trust me.”

Sanemi nodded slowly. Something about the boy’s words made it impossible to doubt him. He turned to leave.

“Oh! Shinazugawa-san!” Kagaya called out again, almost playfully. “I’d recommend you avoid the gardens near the back wall on your way back! Let’s just say, prying eyes spy from there!”

Sanemi nearly tripped.

He decided to go where Kagaya told him to, for some reason, it felt unwise to defy the kid’s words.

Who Sanemi found next was unexpected.

Saved the worst for last. Actually…scratch that, he wasn’t planning to ask either of them at all!

He’d rather do a million other things, including die, than have Tomioka Giyuu be in his emotional breakdown.

Giyuu was seated at the edge of the koi pond, gazing absentmindedly at what seemed to be like nothing at all. Sabito perched quietly next to him in his fox form, his fuzzy, peach tail flicking lazily. Giyuu dipped a finger in the water like a child did whenever they were given something new to meddle with. Ripples travelled across the pond’s surface like that of echoes heard throughout the night. The large koi fish swam away, their fins made the water splash lightly at Giyuu’s face. Sabito stirred slightly.

Sanemi was already regretting walking over.

“Oi. You two.”

Giyuu blinked. “Hello?”

Sanemi took a sharp breath in before mumbling. “…Have you seen Iguro?”

There was a long pause.

The water breather blinked and then he blinked again. Sanemi wasn’t sure why but even though they were on far better terms than when they first met, Giyuu always had a unique talent for riling him up in the worst way possible. He didn’t even know why and it seemed like Giyuu had no idea that his actions ticked off the wind breather so much either. The blank, silent stare in his eyes and the dryness in his voice that made it seem like he was always disinterested just rubbed Sanemi the wrong way, sometimes it still did.

“He was here earlier.” Giyuu finally said. “He seemed…anxious.”

The wind breather’s expression twisted. “What?! Why?”

“I didn’t ask.”

Of course not. Sanemi could feel his eye twitch.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Giyuu suddenly asked, tilting his head.

“No.”

Giyuu rolled his eyes, “You look like you do.”

“I don’t.” Sanemi growled.

Giyuu didn’t say anything at the harsh tone, as usual, but Sabito seemed to have properly woken up. The peach fox stared at him at what was probably the most dagger-like glare he could even make in that form. He moved to a sitting position and one of his large ears flicked while his tails started curling around Giyuu’s body. Almost protectively.

Oh please.

Sanemi’s expression twisted and he could feel his frustration rise. “Well, did he say where he was going?”

When it seemed like Giyuu was about to answer, the fox beside him shimmered. A bright light flashed at them for a few seconds and Sanemi braced himself before Sabito, now in his human form, leaned lazily on his elbows next to Giyuu. His eyes looked way too smug for Sanemi’s liking.

“I’m gonna be honest, Shinazugawa.” Sabito called out, voice lilting with amusement. “This is the funnest thing I’ve seen in weeks.”

Sanemi felt himself about to break as he grabbed the demon by his kimono, Sabito however didn’t look bothered at all. “You’ve got five seconds to stop talking.”

“Aww, you miss him, don’t you?” He teased, only becoming more smug.

Before the wind breather could move to punch him, Giyuu calmly came between the both of them. His relaxed voice cut through like harsh water. “Don’t.”

Sanemi grumbled as he let go, which made Sabito drop roughly to the ground, though the demon didn’t seem to mind at all. He only rolled his eyes and chuckled.

“As I was about to say before,” Giyuu spoke up. “If it helps, Iguro-san went towards the Butterfly Mansion.”

Sanemi jolted forward. “What?! Why didn’t you say that earlier?!”

“However,” Sabito stopped Giyuu from responding as he moved to stand back up. “He said to tell you that you wouldn’t find him there.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Sanemi yelled, wincing at how desperate he sounded.

Sabito tapped his chin. “Something like; ‘If Shinazugawa comes, tell him he won’t find me there so that he doesn’t waste more of his time like an idiot.’ Real poetic if you ask me.”

Sanemi wasn’t even sure why hearing that stung. “He…he told you two all of this?”

“Hah, you make it sound like we’re not trustworthy.” Sabito barked.

Sanemi rubbed his temples, trying not to calm down and not look as lost as he felt. “Can’t you just tell me where he actually is already!”

Giyuu looked thoughtful before shaking his head. “We don’t know where he is right now either, Shinazugawa.”

The water breather paused, tilting his head as it seemed like he was lost in his own thoughts before continuing, “If it makes you feel better, it sounded like he was expecting for you to get desperate enough to ask even us. Maybe he trusts you to find him on your own, without being told where to go.”

That made something tight twist in Sanemi’s chest.

“…Are you ok?” Giyuu asked after a pause.

“I’m fine,” Sanemi muttered.

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I don’t.”

“Mm,” Giyuu hummed. “You still look like you do.”

Sabito snorted, already back to lounging. “You really have no idea how fun this is to watch.”

“Keep talking.” Sanemi growled. “See where that gets you.”

The peach haired demon only laughed out.

“…You should go find him,” Giyuu said simply as he moved his eyes away. “You’re too loud to mope properly.”

Sanemi sputtered. “I’m not moping!!”

Sabito let out a little huff of air that sounded suspiciously like another snort.

And then out of nowhere, Giyuu muttered. “Romance suits you.”

That made it feel like the whole world stopped spinning. That is, until Sabito suddenly broke out into loud, unrestrained laughter. Not even bothering to try and stop himself.

“I’M IGNORING THAT,” Sanemi shouted over his shoulder as he stormed off, heat crawling up his neck.

Sanemi grumbled, annoyed that he actually got something useful out of that conversation instead of the multiple others he asked before. This was annoying and Sanemi wasn’t sure if he was stupid for feeling giddy only because Obanai simply mentioned him by name, even if it was to others rather than him himself.

Obanai was thinking about him, about what happened too.

It wasn’t just him going insane about it.

Sanemi was close, he could feel it. Just a little bit more running around before he could stare at familiar, piercing multicolored eyes again. Maybe then the stupid yearning would finally stop.

He rushed to the mansion as quickly as he could, his heart and thoughts only becoming louder as he got closer. His chest tightened and he felt as though his throat caught dry as he ran. What was he so excited for anyway, it wasn’t like he was going to immediately find him at the mansion. Giyuu and Sabito already made sure he knew that.

Still, as he closed in on the familiar gates, he suddenly felt a lot more self-conscious. Sanemi shook his head to try and clear his thoughts away. It didn’t need to matter just yet if it turned out he really was making something out of nothing and he really did just ruin one of the most important relationships of his life. He was so closed, he couldn’t just quit it now. Sanemi was going to make Obanai talk and he was going to get answers no matter what, even if right now he still didn’t know what to say when they’ll meet again face to face.

Sanemi’s eyes widened as he spotted Kanae near the Butterfly Mansion’s gates, tending to a few of the garden flowers that she planted with her usual warm serenity. It didn’t take long for her to notice him and her expression brightened.

He didn’t even have to ask.

“Oh my,” She waved for him to come over as she greeted him sweetly. “Shinazugawa-kun! I didn’t know you’d be coming over today.”

Sanemi looked at her, startled but more from surprise. He stopped, unsure what to do before coughing awkwardly and walking over to where she was. Kanae was one of the few people that were hard for him to refuse.

She seemed to glow when he came closer before looking at him and tilting her head with wide eyes. “You seem a little…tense?”

“Uh, sorry?” Sanemi scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

Kanae blinked at him before letting out a light laugh. He could feel something start to prickle at his skin as she stopped and eyed him once more.

The flower breather asked, too sweetly. “Looking for someone, Shinazugawa-kun?”

Sanemi flinched. “W-what makes you think that?!”

She didn’t answer with words. Just smiled. Patiently. Knowingly. Smugly.

He mumbled. “…Have you seen Iguro?”

Kanae’s eyes shifted into something thoughtful, or that was what he thought they looked like. “Did something happen between the two of you?”

Sanemi looked away. “Ugh…I’m just trying to find him.”

“Yes, that much I gathered.” She giggled. “But are you sure that’s all you’re trying to do?”

“Why can’t everyone just mind their own damn business!”

Kanae’s chuckle was barely audible, more like a breath than a sound. “Because people care. And because it’s obvious you do too.”

He didn’t respond. Didn’t really have a response. She suddenly stepped closer, eyes softening as she looked up at him.

“Could you just answer the question please!” He scowled.

“He passed through here earlier. Didn’t stay long.” Kanae mumbled simply.

Sanemi rolled his eyes. “Well, do you know where he went?”

“I might.” She tilted her head. “But wouldn’t it be more meaningful for both of you to figure it out on your own. These things build character and make for better stories to tell.”

“What things?! It’s not—! We’re not—!” he spluttered, face turning red.

Kanae just giggled behind her hand. “You're adorable.”

The wind breather’s scowl only hardened as he had to stop himself from lashing out at her, knowing her rage would only come to fire back at him. Sanemi’s eyes narrowed before he moved his gaze down and kicked his foot at a random pebble. Kanae seemed to notice his mood souring as she stopped her laughter.

“Sorry,” She spoke up, using her usual tone but this time a more real smile. “I really don’t have anything worth getting out.”

Sanemi blinked before clicking his tongue and smirking. “Thanks for being honest at least.”

“I’m sure you’ll both be able to say what you need to say.” Kanae replied.

He gave a short nod, jaw clenched tight. “Yeah.”

“Try asking one of the girls, perhaps?”

The wind breather gave her another nod, mumbling a thanks as he walked inside the mansion. Sanemi could briefly see her wave him away at the corner of his gaze.

He should’ve ran the other way the moment he saw her turn at the hall.

“Looking a little winded today, aren’t we, Shinazugawa?” Shinobu observed the moment she spotted him pacing.

Sanemi flinched and the wide grin on Shinobu’s face meant that she saw it. Ugh great, he maybe could’ve handled her and even indulge in her shenanigans at the start of the day but all he wanted now was just to find Obanai and knowing Shinobu, she’d do anything including hold back possible hints if it meant seeing him squirm. Why did he have to see her now when he was just so close!

He slowly turned his head towards her, making sure to keep his usual rough tone. “What the hell do you want Kochou?!”

She rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. “Hey, is that anyway to speak to a lady?”

“Oh please, you're closer to a brute—Wha—Hey!”

Without warning, the small girl suddenly tugged at his white hair and pulled hard. Despite having such a small body and being unable to behead demons, it didn’t mean she wasn’t still stronger than the average human. Quickly Sanemi shook off her hand and roughly moved it away from him, he glared daggers at her but the little twerp only stuck out her tongue in response, infuriating him more.

“Ugh! Let go Shinazugawa!” She whined, trying to pull her hand away from his grip.

Any other time and he would’ve berated her while she took in none of his yelling but it was way too late and he was way too tired for that. He deadpanned as she continued on whining with little to no success in getting her hand back before Sanemi eventually accepted defeat and let go.

Shinobu grumbled as she rubbed her fingers around her wrist, muttering. “Still crabby, I see.”

Sanemi felt his eyes twitch before grumbling and moving to walk away. “I don’t have time for this right now Kochou.”

Shinobu let out a small sound of surprise when he moved before following after him, jogging a little to keep up and match his pace. Sanemi didn’t even know where he was trying to go and it seemed Shinobu only had the intent of following after him.

“Eh Shinazugawa, where are you running off to?” Shinobu’s voice was featherlight but Sanemi could tell the trouble it had underneath.

“None of your business!” He snapped back.

“Were you planning on seeing Kanae-nee-san or~” She let her tongue slur on the last syllable. “Someone else?”

Sanemi’s eyes widened as he stopped and whipped his head to face her before quickly turning around and quickening his pace.

First mistake!

Shinobu smirked, completely smug and knowing. “Oh, are you hurrying out to train or just running after your feelings?”

“Stop saying that like you know something!” He yelled back.

“Oh, but I do!” Her voice was featherlight but her smile was lethal. “Don’t you want to know what I have to say? I might have something you need.”

He stopped walking, she stopped too. Sanemi turned towards her, patience wearing thin. He hated how effective that was, hated the sharp glint in her eyes. Hated how his heart was still racing.

He took a sharp breath in and muttered reluctantly. “What?”

Shinobu’s smirk widened as she twirled a strand of loose hair around two fingers, pretending to think. “Obanai-san passed by not too long ago, probably a couple of minutes before you came in.”

Sanemi’s heart jerked.

“He was in a very interesting mood, you know!” She said airily despite completely knowing how expectant Sanemi would become at the statement. “Perhaps your confession has him rattled?”

Sanemi looked like he might combust.

“You better be joking.”

“Why would I joke?” She tilted her head, eyes twinkling. “I love romance.”

“WHY—”

“He passed by the east corridor.” Shinobu added quickly, cutting him off. “The one that leads to the back gardens. Just so you know, that wasn’t a joke.”

That stopped him. For now.

Sanemi narrowed his eyes on her. “You really piss me off.”

Shinobu only smiled back at him and resumed her walk as she moved away from him, her body fluttering lightly like a silent butterfly.

“Good luck~,” she called behind her. “I hope it’s dramatic.”

Sanemi muttered under his breath as he stalked off toward the gardens. “Goddamn freaks, all of them.”

Aoi caught him next, he must’ve been too loud for her taste as Sanemi was caught off guard when she came out of her office door in the mansion and they crossed paths. The Insect Pillar was carrying a basket of laundry as she walked out, a clearly worn out expression lacing her face as she grumbled while fixing her hold on the stuff she was carrying. Sanemi would have paid her no mind if it wasn’t for the fact that he barely made it halfway down the east corridor before her sharp, nagging voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Shinazugawa!”

Sanemi cursed under his breath and reluctantly turned around to where the voice came.

Aoi stood at the far end of the hall, her blue eyes narrowed in disapproval. She was wearing the usual face she had whenever she’d just caught someone causing a ruckus in the mansion, a face many of the slayers feared. Including him. And it seemed that he was someone she considered currently causing a ruckus.

He tried to brush past her with a half-hearted grunt. “Urgh, Kanzaki-san—”

She didn’t even let him finish.

“First you storm into the place without greeting anyone properly and now you’re just barging through the halls, creating a scene, like you own the place?” Her bite wasn’t cruel but it had the sternness of a parent scolding a troublesome child, she even grabbed him back by the collar of his uniform.

“I’m not trying to cause a scene!” Sanemi defended, trying to wriggle out her grip.

“You already have,” She deadpanned.

“I’m just—” He stopped himself, face flushing at the words he was going to say. “It’s none of your business.”

“Oh?” She arched a brow, finally letting him go with a rough shove.

He grimaced, bracing himself for what the sudden change in her tone could mean.

Aoi sighed, folding her arms again as she eyed him carefully. “I’ll be nice, just this once. I’m sure the kids have already had their fun with you.”

“…Tch.” Sanemi scoffed.

There was a pause, then it looked like her eyes softened. Just a little.

“You’re being really reckless, Shinazugawa-san.” Aoi simply stated, as though it was a plain fact.

The wind breather’s scowl hardened. “I just…really need to find someone.”

“Oh, do you have a fight to finish?” she suddenly asked sweetly, arms crossed and smirking like she had front-row tickets to a show.

“It’s not—We’re not—It’s not a fight!!”

“Hm, but I didn’t even mention who it was.” Aoi replied, feigning innocence.

Sanemi groaned, realizing she was right. Realizing that she completely knew who he was trying to find, just like everybody else he’s talked to today.

The Insect Pillar studied him for a moment longer then put her hand to her chin as she moved her gaze somewhere else, seemingly lost in thought. She briefly glanced back at him before letting out an exhale, though it was more akin to a sigh.

“You do know that he avoids eye contact whenever your name comes up, right?”

Sanemi shot his head up, shocked as he stared at her to find some hint that she could’ve been joking. “…Does he?”

Aoi’s eyes widened briefly, Sanemi wasn’t sure why.

“I never said why,” She added innocently, briefly stopping before continuing. “When Rengoku-san forces him to come for check-ups and we make small talk, your name sometimes comes up and when it does, he squirms.”

Sanemi gulped, feeling heat travel up his face.

“I’m not here to pry.” Aoi spoke up. “I just wanted to make sure you could breathe. If you’re serious about this, then stop acting like the world’s already ending and cool down.”

Sanemi stiffened, subtly but he knew she caught it.

“Good luck finding him.” The insect breather said, moving to pick up the basket again.

“…Thanks,” he muttered, barely audible.

“What was that?”

“I said thanks, alright?!”

She only smirked and stepped aside, letting him pass. He didn’t look back, the teen had already begun moving again without a second talk but she swore she saw the corner of his mouth twitch.

Sanemi walked through the empty halls, the further he went back in the mansion, the quieter everything felt. He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to calm down. He hated how he was still getting worked up over the simple thought that Obanai had been thinking of him, even though the serpent breather had been going out of his way to avoid him these past few weeks. Obanai had still been thinking of him even before today, even before Sanemi had started thinking of the idea to confront him.

As he got closer to the shoji doors that led to the back garden, the slower his steps became. The more unsure his mind felt. Some of the doors were already slid open, Sanemi could feel a light wind blow at his face.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the engawa, blowing gently on a cup of tea in her hands. Kanao didn’t say anything as he approached, the only change was the quiet smile that appeared on her face, waiting.

Sanemi shifted awkwardly.

“Shinazugawa-san,” The Flower Pillar called out.

Damn it, he really was caught.

She still didn’t turn to face him as she spoke. “Is there something you want to ask?”

Sanemi looked down, fists clenched. “…Don’t suppose you’ve seen Iguro?”

Kanao blinked once. Then pointed towards the gate way that connected the mansion’s back garden to the outside’s forests and served as the Butterfly Mansion’s back entrance from time to time.

Sanemi glanced that way, unsure. Obanai couldn’t have been there. That was where…

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, Kanao wasn’t the type of person to lie like that, he mumbled. “…Thanks.”

Sanemi quickly turned to leave, walking past her and off the engawa—but her voice stopped him. Soft. Still. Sure and true like it was stating an obvious fact.

“You’re brave.”

The wind breather froze.

“You always are,” Kanao spoke, there was no hint of teasing in her voice. “But especially right now.”

He swallowed thickly.

“I…I think I ruined it.” Sanemi muttered.

Kanao gently shook her head, a calm smile still resting on her face. “You didn’t.”

“How would you know?”

“Because you’re still trying.”

Sanemi whipped back to properly face her, Kanao’s eyes widened slightly at the sudden movement. The teen didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. Sanemi gulped but there was still a deep aching in his chest, it felt like something was caught in his throat and he felt numb. He stared at her, his feet beginning to wobble and as the sun continued setting on the horizon, its light dyeing everything in a vivid orange, he felt his eyes sting as he blinked away tears. He couldn’t cry now, he’d be pathetic for crying now.

But even then, tears pricked at the corner of his eyes and he quickly moved to wipe them away.

“Today must’ve been tiring, huh?” Kanao mumbled, more to herself than anything as she put the cup down on her lap and patted the place next to her on the engawa. “Why don’t you sit, whatever comes next…it’ll wait.”

Sanemi felt it impossible to refuse.

“You know, I talked to Iguro-kun a little bit before you came.” Kanao talked as she sipped her tea.

Sanemi didn’t know how to respond, he had begun to calm down but still found it hard to uncurl and stop hugging his knees.

“All I want you to know Shinazugawa-san, when you hear his reason, all you can do is give him time.”

He eyed her, confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kanao’s voice became quieter, more serious. “You know what he has under those bandages don’t you?”

The wind breather nodded.

“But do you know about…” The Flower Pillar trailed off.

Sanemi shook his head. “I think Rengoku-san told me a little bit.”

“Yes,” Kanao’s lips thinned at the mention of the name. “Iguro-kun’s been through a lot and it's still been hard for him to forget about what happened, he’s still troubled by it. It's not something that one can just let go.”

“I know.” Sanemi grumbled. “I hate it.”

“Yes, I do too.” She nodded, her grip on the cup tightening. “It’s not my place to speak, Iguro-kun will tell you when he’s ready. He might think in a way you think doesn’t make sense but sometimes, healing isn’t always that simple. All anybody can do is give him time and…be willing to stay.”

Sanemi hugged himself tighter, the familiar lump in his throat came back as he forced out words. “…You think I should wait?”

Kanao looked at him thoughtfully. “Only if you think it's worth it.”

The Hashira smiled to herself, something of contempt and serenity filled her face. Sanemi wasn’t sure why but this conversation with her felt a lot more personal than the multiple others he’s had to go through throughout the whole day. Kanao was the one who introduced him to Obanai, who knew that a simple moment like that would’ve led to all of this.

He wondered briefly what Kanao thought through all of this.

Sanemi grumbled, almost absentmindedly. “…You’ve been hanging out with Agatsuma too much.”

The Hashira beside him giggled.

“But,” She added, glancing at him sideways, “He’s not wrong you know. You should be proud.”

Sanemi narrowed his eyes, focusing his gaze on a random patch of grass, he didn’t know how to respond.

“You stopped pretending it didn’t matter.”

Then, all of a sudden, Kanao lifted her hand from her lap and put it on top of his head. She didn’t even move it to pat or ruffle his hair like what Tanjirou or Makomo did. She only let her palm rest on top of his head, fingers intertwined with his sharp white strands. The Flower Pillar’s eyes crinkled at their edges and her smile softened. For a moment, Sanemi wanted to push her touch away but the thought quickly left his head and he found himself leaning into the warmth radiating from her skin instead.

Sanemi’s throat bobbed. It hurt, but also helped.

He exhaled, shakily. “…Thanks.”

“Don’t give up yet.” She whispered.

And with that, Kanao stood up again, picking up her cup that was already empty and walked inside. Sanemi sat a while longer, his eyes never leaving her as he watched the way the sunlight caught her hair, the way the wind passed softly through her dark locks. Kanao smiled at him once more before her figure completely disappeared past the shoji doors.

Sanemi stayed sitting still on the engawa for a little while longer. Fingers fiddling at the fabric of his uniform for a few seconds of silence. The sun’s light made everything feel so much warmer.

It was already the afternoon and he was tired but he was close now.

So close.

He began walking again after a while. The wind breather walked towards the garden’s gate. One of the two big wooden doors were left open, the only sign that someone had been through here recently. Past the gate was the thick forest that sat behind the Butterfly Mansion and surrounded most of the Corps’s grounds. Sanemi bit his lip as he pushed open the gate, he trusted Kanao but an unsure feeling kept gnawing at him, it was hard to believe that Obanai could be there.

After all, just a little bit farther down the forest was where…

Sanemi shook his head quickly and pushed through, only one way to find out.

He took slow steps through the forest, if he was going to be honest, he didn’t even have a clue where he was walking to. The sun slanting low behind him casted long, wide shadows through the trees. Sanemi didn’t know why he was taking this path, he knew exactly where it led, heck, he dreaded where he was going but he kept walking. Something just pulled him forward as the amount of trees started becoming less dense and the woods opened up to something with a clearer view. Before he knew it, he was met at the foot of an empty hill, all that stood on top of it was a lone tree.

Without even realizing, he walked up until he stood under the branches and leaves.

Sanemi’s breath caught. He almost didn’t dare look up, as if confirming what he hoped—what he feared—might make everything worse.

But then he saw it.

A shadow on the branch. A figure sitting still, perched high like a bird pretending not to watch.

Obanai.

His haori hung low over the branch, patterned sleeves gently swaying in the breeze. He was leaning on the trunk, one of his legs dangled over the branch and the white bandages around his lower face caught a glint of sunlight as he tilted his head down just enough to meet Sanemi’s eyes.

Of course he was here.

Sanemi would have never ever thought to look here first out of all places. After all, this was where everything had started.

Which was exactly why the fucker chose to wait there.

Sanemi stared, disbelieving. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Obanai didn’t flinch.

“Are you telling me you’ve been up here this whole damn time while I’ve been running around like a headless idiot?!” Sanemi hit the tree’s trunk.

Still nothing.

Sanemi clenched his fist as he walked closer to the base of the tree, only moving to scream louder. “Do you have any idea what I—?”

“I know.” Obanai cut in, his voice muffled by the bandages and his eyes still darted away from Sanemi’s, almost guiltily. “I know…”

Before Sanemi could open up his mouth to start yelling again, Obanai’s voice stopped him. It wasn’t smooth or venomous like it usually was, it was unsure, breaking and maybe even a little high-pitched.

“I’m sorry!”

Sanemi blinked. “Wha—”

“I’m sorry for just running away like that.” The serpent breather continued, only shuffling more as if to make himself seem smaller. “And I’m sorry for avoiding you all these past weeks…Shitty move, I know.”

The wind breather blinked owlishly at his words before glaring at him again. “You think?!”

That made the teen flinch. Obanai’s eyes widened when he shouted before narrowing once more. He dropped his head down, making it so that his ink black bangs would cover his face. Rendering it so that Sanemi couldn’t see his eyes anymore, one of the few clear visual signals to what Obanai was feeling since half of his face was always covered.

Sanemi felt his throat run dry as he moved his gaze down back to the ground. Silence settled like a fog between them.

The wind breather still had his hand on the tree’s trunk, his grip tightened on the rough wood as he moved to rest his forehead against it. Obanai didn’t comment on anything, still silent. Sanemi bit his lip as his face scrunched up together, trying to calm down. Shouting wasn’t going to do anything for either of them. He went through all day for this, he couldn't mess up now.

“You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had trying to find your dumb ass.” He muttered, almost absentmindedly. “Asked everyone, most of them either didn’t know jackshit or were asses trying to be cryptic.”

“If it makes you feel better,” Obanai lifted his head slightly, his multicolored eyes glinting. “The others didn’t give me an easier time either.”

Sanemi looked up.

Obanai seemed to squirm slightly, pulling his sleeve up so as to cover part of his face before he sighed and continued. “The day after it happened…Kyoujurou, Kanjori-san and Uzui came and kept pestering me, asking about what happened. I…didn’t know how to answer so they spent the whole day tailing me.”

He wasn’t sure why but somehow it felt a lot easier to laugh now. “You think that’s bad?! Imagine having to ask almost every Hashira about where an idiot ran off to and having the Tomioka Giyuu make fun of you.”

Obanai stared at him before stifling, holding down his laughter by covering his face with his sleeve again. A few light chuckles came out.

Sanemi didn’t even realize he was smiling, the sound made his face feel hot.

“You really did ask everyone, didn’t you…” Obanai mumbled, something of regret filled his eyes.

“Of course I did!” Sanemi grumbled, like it was an obvious decision to make. “You can’t just run away like that and not expect me to get answers.”

“Dumbass.” The serpent breather sneered.

“Bastard.” Sanemi shot back.

There was no real heat to their words and the gnawing ache in Sanemi’s chest had finally begun disappearing after weeks. It was still there and his mind still ran with questions but he held himself back. Relishing in the familiar back and forth that he’s been pathetically missing more than he’d ever like to admit. Multicolored eyes briefly met his and Sanemi already felt his heart begin to race. He gulped before quickly shifting his gaze to something else.

Yeah, his feelings hadn’t changed a damn bit.

The wind breather moved his position so that his back was against the tree. The trunk creaked lightly when he put his weight on it but whether or not Obanai felt it, the teen didn’t comment.

Silence fell over them once more, this time much more tolerable.

Despite that though, Sanemi still felt hollow. All of his questions were still unanswered.

“Hey,” He started, keeping his gaze ahead as he considered what words to use. “Why…Why did you run?”

Obanai stiffened and at first, didn’t answer. He looked away instead, gaze drifting toward the horizon—the dying sun bleeding color into the sky over the thousands of trees that the small hill overlooked but were seen from the branch he sat on.

“You…” Obanai trailed off before lightly shaking his head. “You don’t know what you were saying.”

“Explain to me then.”

The serpent breather blinked before glaring at him, though Sanemi didn’t falter.

“You don’t…you don’t know who you’re saying this too.” Obanai stammered, pulling his haori as if to close himself off. “I’m…I’m not someone worthy of your feelings.”

Sanemi whipped his head up to where Obanai was, soft lavender meeting sharp teal and gold. “That’s bullshit—”

“You don’t get it!” Obanai snapped.

They both glared at each other, a staring match where neither wanted to back down. Obanai was the first to lower his gaze, his shoulders slumped and the grip he had on himself tightened. Kaburamaru flicked their tongue out, looking equally concerned as the serpent breather took a harsh exhale in.

“Shinazugawa, I—I can’t,” He eventually spoke, voice low and fragile. “I can’t…I can’t do that to someone like you.”

Sanemi frowned. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t want to taint you,”

They both fell silent.

“My blood, it’s rotten. It’s filth. I’m filth” Obanai looked at his own hand, flexing it open and close in a mechanical rhythm. “Shinazugawa, you…You bite and tear and bleed and fight, and you still keep standing like none of it matters. You’re not cursed like me. You’re not supposed to look at someone like me and—”

“Don’t,” Sanemi said quickly, voice rough. “Don’t finish that sentence.”

Obanai closed his mouth shut under his bandages. He looked down at the person under him but couldn’t see through Sanemi’s facial expression. Completely unreadable. The wind breather took a sharp breath in, almost as if trying to compose himself.

“I don’t care, you know.” Sanemi suddenly mumbled, voice thick. “I don’t really get it but whatever it is you’re scared of or think you did or carry—I don’t give a damn.”

Obanai’s eyes widened slightly.

“I still like you,” Sanemi declared off his chest. “I like you. And nothing’s gonna change that. So stop trying to protect me, I can do that myself.”

Obanai suddenly turned his head, like he couldn’t bear to look directly at him.

He muttered, almost bitterly. “You still don’t get it.”

Sanemi didn’t respond. A beat of silence passed.

“…How’s training been?”

Sanemi blinked. “What?”

“Hm, I heard from Kochou that Tsuyuri-san’s training took you the longest.” Obanai teased. “Only took me a whole day.”

Sanemi scoffed. “Yeah? I heard from Uzui that you could barely block a hit from Agatsuma during his training.”

“Oh please, as if you could either. That crybaby’s faster than he has any right to be.”

“A crybaby that still made you eat dirt”

Obanai’s eyes crinkled and he made a low noise, almost a chuckle. “I wonder, you’re still as reckless as ever.”

Sanemi smirked. “And you still leave your blind side too open, it’s pathetic.”

A small breeze passed through the leaves above them, and for a moment, everything felt… familiar.

Almost normal.

Sanemi let himself breathe again. Before he knew it, they were both laughing. It took him too long to realize that the raven haired was laughing as well. It wasn’t loud or manic, just genuine and free. Obanai’s laughter rang out like softness in the wind. It was just Obanai’s normal laugh, rare but not unusual, though for some reason, Sanemi found it a lot prettier than usual. They were laughing like they usually did together again.

Laughing like the teenagers they were.

Sanemi was the one who stopped first, giving a few seconds to just bask in Obanai’s simple joy. And only because of that, blood rushed up to his face and his heart skipped a beat again. Sanemi gulped, the odd lump in his throat was back.

Obanai stopped after a while too, his eyes filled with contempt as they watched the sunset that bore over them. But all Sanemi could do was stare at him.

This whole time Sanemi’s been saying, claiming that he liked him. To some extent it was true but this odd, scary, now no more new feeling felt wrong to be described like that anymore.

He knew there was a better way to say it. The word was on the tip of his tongue yet felt out of reach, it just wouldn’t reach his head. If someone were to say it, just whisper something similar he’d know what it was exactly.

Perhaps he did, somewhere in the back of his mind. But the way his chest started hammering when he tried to speak it out made him hesitate.

Instead he called out, “Iguro?”

Obanai moved his gaze down to him, not saying anything, only waiting expectantly.

“You know, I went on a really wild goose chase just to get here.” Sanemi quickly grumbled, masking whatever he felt with annoyance. “The least you can do is give me an answer to what happened.”

After a long pause, Obanai finally spoke. His voice was quiet, barely carrying through the air, almost like he didn’t really want Sanemi to hear.

“Shinazugawa…If we survive this,”

Sanemi blinked, looking up. Hopeful. Maybe.

“Shinazugawa, I—I want you to really think about it. And if,” Obanai suddenly stopped himself, moving his gaze down before continuing. “And if we beat Muzan and we’re both still standing and if after everything’s over you still feel the same way…”

Obanai quickly shifted his gaze away, looking anywhere except for Sanemi. The wind breather only caught a glimpse of color rushing to his face, just peaking above his bandages. Then, as if he knew that Sanemi was staring, Obanai moved his sleeve up to cover most of his face again. Hiding every inch of skin possible beneath fabric before giving a sideways glance to Sanemi.

Finally, he mumbled, almost sounding embarrassed. “…Then, I’ll give you my answer.”

Sanemi didn’t speak. He couldn’t. He just stared at him, the weight of those words settling heavy in his chest—not painful, not exactly—just real. Maybe.

Then he nodded once, slowly.

Obanai quickly looked away again, but not before Sanemi caught the slightest shift in his expression. Relief. Maybe even the hint of something warmer if Sanemi allowed himself to be delusional enough.

The sun finally dipped past the trees, and shadows stretched long over the as both of them sat in the quiet again—together, but still at a distance. They both didn’t say anything, there was no need to and even if there was, Sanemi doubted either of them knew what to say next. They only watched the sunset together as splashes of soft orange and yellow bathe everything in a warm light. Sanemi took a dangerous look up, just in time for a soft breeze to fly past and Obanai’s choppy, raven hair to blow against the wind. The dark locks flowing like ink in water or maybe more fittingly, twisting like a serpent. And the teen’s eyes glowed into vibrant colors as the sun’s rays hit them just right, hypnotizing him like always.

Sanemi had always thought of Obanai as something good. Someone beautiful.

But he’d still think of himself as stupid for still ending up a flustered mess from just staring.

After a while, Obanai spoke up, his voice soft. “Alright, we can go back now if you want.”

Sanemi wordlessly nodded as he pushed himself off the tree's rough bark. He tilted his head slightly up before he opened his arms and raised them towards where Obanai rested on a fairly high branch. Obanai's eyes widened slightly at the action but he soon let out a light chuckle. He pushed himself off the branch and swiftly Sanemi caught him in his arms, lightening the fall, though he really didn’t need it. Obanai stumbled slightly once his feet reached the ground but Sanemi's hold on him tightened and he quickly stabilized, moving his hands to wrap around Obanai's waist before he even realized it.

When they finally gained their footing back, it seemed to be only then that Sanemi actually realized what he just did. Realizing their new position.

Chest to chest. In each other’s arms. Almost face to face were it not for the noticeable height difference.

Obanai feels his face turn hot at the sudden close proximity, the bandages on his face suddenly becoming too tight, and judging by the way Sanemi had suddenly tensed, the taller teen was probably flustered too. They both instinctively look away, unable to face each other but neither make an effort of moving away. The two don’t say anything as awkward silence falls between them.

A few leaves spun down around them, caught in the wind.

There’s a couple of obnoxiously familiar loud squeals and laughter coming from nearby but thankfully for the dignity of quite a lot of people, neither Sanemi nor Obanai seem to notice.

They both stay like for a little bit longer.

Chapter Text

Honorific Preferences Headcanons (Wanted to this for my own sanity):

Most people in the corps don’t mind what honorifics you use on them, (they have better things to worry about) as long as you’re not rude and know your place, it’s all good!

- Not-friend group:
Sanemi: He’s pretty foulmouthed so doesn’t bother using any honorifics for people in his age range, whether or not he respects them. Mostly uses last names, first names feel too soft/personal minus for specific people (Ex. Kanae so he doesn’t mix her up with Shinobu, Genya). Uses the ‘-San’ honorific for women older than him only, not for men except for a select few that he respects highly (Ex. Tanjirou though only sometimes, Senjurou, Kagaya)

Obanai: He tends to be aloof and closed off so first names are only for those he considers family. Doesn’t use any honorifics for close friends, minus Mitsuri as he thinks he’s not worthy/it’d be rude coming from someone like him. Uses the ‘-San’ honorific when meeting new people or acquaintances and adults he respects but you lose that privilege if you piss him off once where then he stops using it.

Kyoujurou: He doesn’t use honorifics for friends but keeps everyone on a last name basis though he doesn’t mind if you call him by his first name, usually doesn’t use honorifics for people around his age so newcomers think of him as a bit rude/weird. Calls family by their first names. When it comes to adults or people older than him, he uses the ‘-San’ honorific unless they’re of more important rank wherein he uses their title.

Mitsuri: She was raised to be very polite so she greets everyone by their last names using the ‘-San’ honorific except for a select few. She calls Kyoujurou by his first name due to knowing and training with him since they were younger but only after he told her it was fine. She uses Shinobu’s first name and the honorific ‘-Chan’ because she claims that a cute girl like her deserves a cuter nickname, this makes Shinobu flustered.

Tengen: He’s boisterous and loud so he doesn’t think it necessary to use honorifics on his buddies (some say otherwise to that way of thinking). Some people consider him to be a little arrogant, though there are other parts of his personality that make them draw that conclusion. Knows to use the ‘-San’ honorific on most adults but Zenitsu doesn’t get that privilege on the account that Tengen just wants to piss him off.

Shinobu: Kanae scolds her if she doesn’t address people properly so she’s often forced to be polite in front of those she doesn’t want to. Due to that, she generally uses ‘-San’ on most people but calls those she considers family and a select few by their first name. Calls Kanae ‘nee-san’ or ‘Kanae-nee-san’ as that was how their parents used to raise them. She doesn’t use honorifics on friends or frankly, most people in her age range but she sometimes switches to using ‘-San’, ‘-Kun’, ‘-Chan’ if it means pissing them off.

Gyoumei: He calls everyone by their last names and uses the ‘-San’ honorific no matter status or age to be polite but he drops the honorifics for some friends when he considers their friendship close enough. When it comes to people that have a specific title or status above them, he may use ‘-Sama’ or whatever their title is to refer to them.

Kanae: Her parents raised her to be polite so she’s on a last name basis with most people and uses the ‘-San’ on everybody except those she considers family and a select few (Ex. She uses ‘-Kun’ on Sanemi in exchange for him calling her by her first name). She’s on a first name basis with most of the girls in the Butterfly Mansion along with Mitsuri who she considers a close friend.

Kaigaku: Just like Sanemi, he’s pretty foul-mouthed and doesn’t use honorifics on anyone which pisses some people off (If they’re not already pissed off by his attitude). If the person has a specific title, he’ll use it to refer to them but only if they’re older than him. Zenitsu seems to keep insisting that it’s fine if Kaigaku calls him by his first name but the thunder breather seems to not want to.

Giyuu: He uses everyone’s last name except for Sabito even when others swear to him that it's fine (*Cough* Tanjirou and Makomo *Cough*). Generally, he uses the ‘-San’ honorific when meeting new people in an attempt to be polite but really he’s just anxious of accidentally saying the wrong thing. It seems though that after a while, he’s gotten comfortable enough with the others to drop the honorific even though the others all swear that they’re not friends.

Sabito: He doesn’t use honorifics for people around his age range, there’s no reason. He’s just like that. Uses last names for everyone except for Giyuu, Tanjirou and Makomo under the guise that they’re fellow students since they’ve all trained under Urokodaki (Despite the fact that two have already passed his training but they don’t mind). Seems to only use the ‘-San’ honorific for girls older than him but maybe that’s just so he doesn’t get nagged by Aoi.

- The Hashira:
Tanjirou: Refers to all of the Kamaboko squad by their first names without honorifics due to all of their tight history and friendship. He was raised to be polite and respectful by his parents so he uses the ‘-San’ honorific for everyone else even if their rank is lower than him but if somebody has a specific title, he’ll use that instead. Refers to all the other Hashira by their first names as well as Sabito and Giyuu but uses the honorific ‘-Kun’ on Senjurou because he thinks it’s cute, this makes Senjurou flustered.

Zenitsu: Refers to all of the Kamaboko squad by their first names and without honorifics since he’s known them the longest. He generally uses ‘-San’ when talking to people he’s not close to and will use somebody’s title if they have one but it depends on his mood. When it comes to the Hashira, he only refers to them by their first name based on how close he is with them (Kamaboko squad, Aoi, Senjurou). Seems to use the ‘-Chan’ honorific on girls he finds cute.

Inosuke: Due to being raised by boars, he does not have any knowledge of the concept of honorifics, heck he can’t even get people’s names right half the time. This understandably pisses a lot of people off but the majority of the Corps seems to have gotten used to it. Interestingly however, he does refer to master Kiriya as Oyakata-sama like everyone else.

Kanao: Refers to all of the Kamaboko squad by their first names as well as people she considers family like Aoi and all the girls in the Butterfly Mansion. Just like Tanjirou, she refers to all the other Hashira by their first names and uses the honorific ‘-San’ on most people. When it comes to her juniors, what honorifics she uses seems to depend on the person as she is seen using both ‘-Chan’ and ‘-Kun’ for the younger slayers.

Genya: Refers to all of the Kamaboko squad by their first names without honorifics, after being friends with all of them long enough, it seems that he’s comfortable with them calling him by his first name. When talking with others, including the other Hashira, he mainly uses last names but generally uses honorifics for juniors or lower ranking slayers. It seems though that he gets flustered easily when talking to girls so the ‘-San’ honorific slips out sometimes when talking to Aoi despite the fact he’s known her for almost as long as the Kamaboko squad.

Aoi: Refers to all of the Kamaboko squad by their first names without honorifics. She uses first names for all of the girls that help around in the Butterfly Mansion, whether or not their relationship is more coworkers than familial. Uses ‘-San’ and last names for everyone, even if they’re lower ranking than her or actually have an official title that can be used. This seems to only not apply to the Ubuyashiki family where she uses ‘-Sama’ for all the living members and Oyakata-sama for master Kiriya.

Senjurou: He uses ‘-San’ on all of the Pillars and even to his juniors, not only because he’s polite and soft spoken but also because he tends to think lowly of himself. He refers to all of his family by their first names and some of the Hashira that he’s more close to (Tanjirou, Genya, etc). For the Ubuyashiki family, he uses ‘-Sama’ for all the living members and Oyakata-sama for master Kiriya. He wants to try and use the ‘-Kun’ honorific on Tanjirou too but is too embarrassed.

Makomo: She is fairly polite and uses ‘-San’ on most people but may or may not use the honorifics ‘-Kun’ or ‘-Chan’ on the juniors when she teases. The sweet clueless tone she has when she speaks often gets people flustered. Refers to the Hashira by their last names but doesn’t use honorifics on them. She calls Tanjirou, Giyuu and Sabito by their first names since they all trained under Urokodaki and she considers them family to some extent.

Yuichirou: He’s actually pretty rude so he doesn’t use any honorifics when talking to people and the only title he uses is Oyakata-sama for master Kiriya. He gets irritated pretty easily so people are scared to talk back to him about it. He’s an only last name basis type of person as he doesn’t want to get too close to people (perhaps they annoy him too much…or something else?) Muichirou is the only person he calls by his first name.

- Extras:
Muichirou: Just like his brother, he doesn’t usually use honorifics on people but it’s only because he seems to find them unnecessary. He was however heard using ‘-Kun’ on a young swordsmith villager that visited him when he got a new sword delivered. He calls everyone by their last names except for Tanjirou and Genya (the reason is unknown but they seem to have a close friendship). He will use titles for people if they have any but is willing to drop them if they lose his respect. He calls his brother ‘Nii-san’.

Kiriya: Like most of the Ubuyashiki family, Kiriya was raised to be very polite. He uses the ‘-San’ honorific on everybody he meets which is a little bit surprising for some people who are new to the Corps. He refers to all of the Hashira and family by their first names, it looks like none of the Pillars seem to mind. He calls everybody else by their last names.

Ps. Unlike in canon, he does not think/refer to the Hashira as his children like Kagaya. He thinks of himself too lowly for something like that. I like to think he’d be more emotion-driven than Kagaya.

Kagaya: He and his siblings were forced to grow up fast due to the Ubuyashiki curse so he’s very polite for a kid his age. First talking to him catches a lot of people off-guard. He uses the ‘-San’ honorific on everybody he meets as well as their last names. He even calls his father Oyakata-sama during meetings despite the fact that Kiriya says he doesn’t need to. He thinks of everybody in the Corps as family due to their shared goal.

- Extra scenes:

‘Let’s just say, prying eyes spy from there!’

“Are you sure they can’t see us from here?” Genya half whispered-half screamed as the five of them tried to sneak through the bushes as quietly as possible.

Tanjirou nodded from where he was in front of the rest of them. “Yeah trust me. They won’t notice a thing.”

“I can’t believe Aoi-chan didn’t want to come!” Zenitsu grumbled in disbelief, remembering back to when he and the boys quickly went over to the Butterfly Mansion as soon as Aoi sent them a message through crow that Sanemi would probably be meeting Obanai soon.

Only to find out that she wasn’t going to go and join them after all!

“You know I think that says more about us than her.” Genya deadpanned.

Yeah, so…

Were they all going out of their way to sneak around just to see two awkward teenagers possibly kiss?

…Yeah.

Zenitsu had been the one to start the whole thing, complaining and gossiping about romantic relationships between the teenagers that most of them were taking care of that an adult his age should definitely not be gossiping with the low ranking slayers about. But then most of them got to see first hand how their dynamics with each other were actually like and pretty soon a confession actually happened which sort of just made it hard for them to be the responsible and mature adults that they definitely were.

Oh who was Genya kidding, he and his friends were running over just to see his brother possibly get with Obanai.

Yeah, no wonder Aoi didn’t want to come.

“Are we almost there or not?!” Inosuke obnoxiously screamed despite the fact he’d have no idea what was going on if they did manage to watch.

Kanao then whispered with an almost embarrassed smile. “I’m sure we're almost at the spot.”

“She’s right, and would the rest of you quiet down!” Zenitsu tried to scream as low as possible. “I can hear the two of them close by, it sounds like they’re already talking.”

Suddenly, without warning, Zenitsu yanked the rest of them back into a large area of thick bushes. Ensuring that they probably wouldn’t be seen from the other side. They peaked their heads up, just enough to have a pretty clear view of what was happening in front of them.

Out on a hill in a large clearing, Sanemi stood under a large lone tree that was set on top.

On one of the higher branches, a black and white striped-patterned haori could be seen between the thick, green leaves.

Obanai.

“Wait a minute,” Genya blinked as he tried to get a clearer look of his brother. “Zen, isn’t this where—!”

“OH MY GOD!!” Zenitsu suddenly squealed, making everyone wince. “Iguro was under the tree where Shinazugawa first confessed this whole time!”

“No wonder Shinazugawa-san had such a hard time finding him.” Tanjirou chuckled. “I never would have guessed.”

As they spoke amongst themselves, they heard Sanemi shout which made them shut their mouths. Afraid that maybe the two noticed they were there. It seemed not though as Sanemi looked a lot more pissed at Obanai instead as he yelled. The serpent breather was partially covered by foliage from where he sat on the tree, they could only imagine how he looked or felt.

“Gah! I can’t watch this!” Zenitsu whined as he grabbed onto Tanjirou’s body looking like he might combust with usual exaggeration, the sun Pillar didn’t seem to mind, his attention locked on the teens in front of them.

“Well, well, well, I can’t believe even the great Sun Pillar came to watch.”

The five of them whipped their heads up to where the smooth voice came from and lo and behold, up on a taller tree’s branch stood Makomo. A smug look on her face as she stared down at them with Muichirou beside her, though the mist breather seemed too focused on the show to notice Makomo talking to them.

“M-makomo-san?” Kanao stammered, either from embarrassment or shock.

Makomo giggled at their shock before sighing though she didn’t look guilty at all. “Well, it’s not like I’m any better seeing as I’m here too.”

“You’re here too Muichirou…” Genya muttered out in disbelief.

The mist breather hummed. “It sounded fun so I came by.”

“And your brother?” Tanjirou asked.

“Hm, he wasn’t interested, said he had better things to do.” Muichirou turned quiet for a bit before smirking. “Though I know he’ll come asking me all about what happened when I get back.”

Some of them chuckled, imagining the sight of Yuichirou like that.

“How’d you guys know to go here anyway?” Zenitsu questioned, doubting that Aoi went out of her way to tell the rest of the Hashira.

Makomo hummed. “Let’s just say…we were able to get Oyakata-sama’s foresight on the matter.”

The Kamaboko squad blinked.

“OYAKATA-SAMA?!?!”

Before they could suspend their disbelief or ask more however, a loud noise came from the hill that grabbed their attention back to watching the show unfold.

“You don’t get it!” Obanai snapped. “Shinazugawa, I—I can’t!”

They all leaned in to try and get a clearer view.

Obanai eventually continued. “I can’t…I can’t do that to someone like you.”

Sanemi frowned. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t want to taint you,”

A collective groan rose from the group in the bushes.

“Oh gods…” Genya grumbled as soon as the words reached his ears.

“Are you kidding me!!” Zenitsu whined as he shook Tanjirou harder.

Tanjirou however only looked saddened at what he heard. “I’m sure Iguro-san wants to. But he’s scared.”

Makomo rested her chin on her hand. “It must be hard to believe you deserve good things when you’ve only been hurt.”

“I hate how he thinks like that.” Kanao shook her head with a sigh. “That he needs to be cleansed of sins he didn’t even do to be able to have something good.”

They all silently nodded, something bitter entering all of their tongues.

Sanemi spoke next.

“I still like you,” Sanemi declared off his chest. “I like you. And nothing’s gonna change that. So stop trying to protect me, I can do that myself.”

Then a voice came out that wasn't from either of the two teens the adults were watching.

“KYAAAH!! They’re so cute I could die!!”

Then another whispered, voice way too loud. “This is peak drama!”

The six of eight of the current Hashira and Muichirou whipped their heads to where the sound came from. From another large area of thick bushes, crouched 6 bustling teenagers and one peach colored fox.

Kyoujurou, Mitsuri, Tengen, Kanae, Shinobu, Giyuu and Sabito all stalking their two friends intently as much as the adults next to them.

For several very long, excruciating, dignity shattering seconds, a large majority of the ‘Not-friend' group and the large majority of the current Pillars locked eyes in an intense, confused, wildly uncoordinated standoff. One side, composed of the Corps’ current youngest prodigies. The other, a suspiciously too-curious older generation.

“So…”

“So…”

Zenitsu quickly quipped. “All of us agree to never speak of this again?”

Everybody from each party nodded before quickly continuing to watch.

‘Senjurou would have teasingly tousled Obanai’s hair whenever Sanemi visited him at the Rengoku estate.’

Sanemi barely knocked once before the large double doors that led inside the Rengoku estate slid open.

Some part of him expected to see a servant coming over and opening the door for him, the other part knew exactly who was behind the door frame.

Pretty soon, Obanai’s head popped out. His fingers curled at the gates’ frame and how fast it took him to open the entrance for Sanemi told him that he had probably been waiting. The raven haired blinked before glaring at the wind breather.

“You’re late.” He simply said, voice low but without bite.

“Oh please, by five minutes.” Sanemi scoffed while rolling his eyes. “Don’t act like you had plans.”

Obanai didn’t respond, already turning and heading inside the house. Kaburamaru peeked out from where they were covered by the serpent breather’s hair. Beady red eyes stared Sanemi down, blinking slowly before flicking out a tongue lazily before the snake curled back around Obanai’s neck.

Sanemi blinked, confusion and something akin to dread prickling at his skin.

The wind breather quickly followed in suit, jogging a little bit to match Obanai’s pace until the two of them walked shoulder to shoulder. Dirt and sweat clinged at his skin from his usual morning drills. Obanai gave him a quiet sideways glance in acknowledgement before narrowing his eyes at Sanemi, probably at his appearance which must’ve not met the serpent breather’s hygiene expectations.

Sanemi wasn’t quite sure why he had been visiting the Rengoku estate more often recently. It wasn’t that much but it must’ve been often and in a pattern enough for Obanai to know when to expect him. Sanemi didn’t even send Sorai his way to alert him that he was going to be coming this time. It didn’t seem like Obanai minded that much having the two of them hanging out there though. Sanemi spent enough time around him to know what spaces and places Obanai preferred to keep private. The living areas of the Rengoku estate wasn’t one of them.

His room was though.

No matter how many times Sanemi pestered or annoyed him, Obanai would never seem to let him stay the night for casual reasons. Even when Kyoujurou offered Sanemi to bunk in his room if he wanted to, Obanai would glare at the both of them until Kyoujurou backpedaled with a nervous laugh and a cheap excuse of saying they’d have to change the dinner plans their servants already made. It was a little weird and Sanemi was kinda petty about it but he was already happy being able to see the place Obanai lived at so he didn’t have any complaints.

“Hey,” Sanemi started in an attempt to make conversation as they walked. “Did you get the letter I sent?”

Obanai’s eyes briefly lit up before he nodded with his usual reservedness. “Yes, Sorai delivered it at the nick of time. Just before we had dinner.”

The serpent breather continued leading him through the wide empty corridors of the estate until they eventually reached an end where he slid open a back shoji door to the engawa—the porch that overlooked the backyard garden and Rengoku’s personal sparring field. Immediately the bright sun hit Sanemi’s eyes and he had to blink a few times until he adjusted. The doors blocked most of the light.

“It was a nice read,” Obanai continued as he moved over so that Sanemi could pass the doors.

Sanemi chuckled dryly. “Glad you enjoyed reading about me suffering.”

Obanai hummed before asking, “Did you read mine yet?”

The wind breather shook his head. “Nah, didn’t get a chance to—!”

Sanemi was cut off by loud laughing that caught him by surprise. It was only then that he saw the other people present in the open courtyard.

In one of the lone corners of the field were Mitsuri and Kyoujurou sparring barefoot on the grass. Wooden blades clashing in bright arcs of pink and gold. Their laughter rang out like wind chimes—giddy, youthful, and annoyingly loud.

Sitting off at the side under the shade of a large tree with a book between his lap and his haori draped over one shoulder was Rengoku Senjurou, the current Flame Pillar. He was watching over his younger brother and Mitsuri train together, laughing lightly when either of them shared mindless jokes between such a harsh and brutal fight. It wasn’t long before he looked up and his gaze travelled to where Obanai and Sanemi stood on the porch.

Obanai flinched slightly when he realized his brother’s eyes were on them. Sanemi pretended not to notice.

“Oh hey! There you two are!” Senjurou called out with a warm, almost sheepish smile.

Sanemi gave a small nod in acknowledgement. “Rengoku-san.”

Obanai narrowed his eyes at him, probably at the fact that he added an honorific when referring to Senjurou. His glare only seemed to harden when he realized that Senjurou was walking over to them.

“Didn’t expect to see both of you here today.” Senjurou quipped, glancing at Obanai briefly before turning to Sanemi. “Nice to see you well, Shinazugawa-san.”

“Yeah well…Wasn’t really planning on visiting.” Sanemi stammered, still a little put off by the natural brightness that seemed to run in the Rengoku family.

Senjurou’s smile however widened. His attention moved back to the training field briefly where Mitsuri and Kyoujurou had stopped mid-spar to shout hello to Sanemi. The wind breather tried to keep his cool as he brushed off their greeting, though the two of them only laughed in response before continuing their friendly fight. Senjurou’s eyes travelled between Sanemi and Obanai, the latter which seemed to be glaring daggers at the other teens present. Something like petty possessiveness radiating off of him. Although none of the teenagers around noticed, for a brief moment, Senjurou’s smile changed to something slightly different.

And then Senjurou reached out and tousled Obanai’s hair.

“Glad you’re getting out of the house more, Obanai,” he said warmly, eyes kind. Knowing.

Obanai froze instantly under his touch. Kaburamaru lifted their head sharply from Obanai’s shoulders as if saying ‘what the hell just happened’.

Sanemi blinked, eyes darting between them. “...Huh?”

Senjurou turned to him with a cheerful nod, completely unbothered. “Enjoy the afternoon, yeah? Call the servants or me over if you need anything.”

And then the Hashira walked back to where Mitsuri and Kyoujurou were as if nothing happened. Meanwhile the two had stopped mid-spar, again. Both of them watching, trying and failing to stifle their shit-eating grins. Kyoujurou elbowed Mitsuri playfully and whispered something into her ear. Mitsuri burst into a giggle so sharp and high-pitched it made a couple birds scatter from the garden trees.

Sanemi eyed the teen next to him warily. Obanai still hadn’t moved.

Still completely frozen with his choppy, ink black hair still slightly mussed.

“Uh…Iguro?” Sanemi tried.

The serpent breather’s eye twitched, his fists clenched together and then a glare. A sharp, murderous look that he shot not at Sanemi—but at them. At Kyoujurou, Mitsuri, and Senjurou like he was willing them to spontaneously combust where they stood. Though it had the opposite effect as it only took away the semblance of control the flame and love breather had and the two went crumbling to their feet, laughing.

Sanemi tried again. “Are…you okay?”

Then almost as if on cue.

Obanai turned on his heel, so suddenly that it shook Kaburamaru slightly. And then without warning, he grabbed Sanemi’s hand by the wrist and pulled him inside.

“W-wha—Hey!”

Obanai didn’t say a word as he roughly pulled Sanemi back into the empty halls. The wind breather could hear the laughing from the others getting louder and more hysterical by the minute.

“Iguro—! Where are we going?!”

“The living room, my bedroom, I don’t know—wherever as long as it’s away from those maniacs!”

Sanemi couldn’t get another word in as Obanai continued pulling him away and the wind breather pathetically found himself relishing too much of Obanai’s skin on his to try and fight for an answer.

He was so caught off guard that he didn’t notice the obvious tint that seemed to have taken its place on Obanai’s face.

‘You do know that he avoids eye contact whenever your name comes up, right?’

“I am perfectly fine…” Obanai muttered as he sat rigidly on the very edge of the infirmary cot, gripping the sides of the mattress with his hands tight until his knuckles turned pale.

He was extra prissy today, not only because he’d rather be anywhere else but also because it was insanely early. The sky was still orange when Ruka forced him to get out of bed and dragged him to the Butterfly mansion, completely ignoring him kicking and screaming he didn’t need to go.

One of the perks of being there this early however was that the mansion was a lot more quiet and emptier than usual so he didn’t have to worry so much about prying eyes.

Obanai kept his eyes fixed on a random spot of the wall in front of him, not daring to look anywhere else. His entire frame was stiff with protest, he refused to stop being tense. Ruka leaned against the doorway, eyeing him distantly but her serene dark ruby red eyes gave nothing away from what she was really feeling inside. Obanai hated this, he had no missions outside today but he’d rather that than have to spend a minute longer here than necessary.

“This is unnecessary,” Obanai grumbled again, louder so that the adults in the room knew how pissed he was.

“Oh, stop fidgeting.” Ruka said with a smile but Obanai knew too well that she was scolding him shut. “We wouldn’t have to go to these check-ups if you’d just take care of yourself properly, Obanai.”

“I do.”

“Hm, the blood the servants said you coughed out yesterday says otherwise.” Ruka said mildly, moving her gaze away.

Obanai grumbled, not saying anything more. Mostly because she was right. And she had dragged him here personally after all. There was no point in arguing.

“This is a waste of everyone’s time.” He muttered bitterly.

An obviously pissed and stern voice cut in from the corner. “It’s a waste of time if you don’t let me do my work, Iguro-san.”

Obanai’s gaze flicked up.

Kanzaki Aoi stood towering above him. Despite it being so early, she was already up and ready. Her dark hair was already pinned back in its usual crisp fashion of a low ponytail by the signature butterfly clip that was also used by her sisters in the mansion and her uniform was perfectly clean with no sign of wrinkles. Incredible, just as expected of the head doctor in the Demon Slayer Corps. Already, she wore the same unimpressed look she reserved for particularly stubborn patients—which was most of them.

Including him right now.

“I’m not fragile.” Obanai tried to protest again.

“And yet, here you are.” Ruka replied gently, smiling like this was a pleasant tea break. “Let Aoi-san do her job, please.”

“Yes, listen to your mother, Iguro-san.” Aoi cut in sweetly, though her voice was laced with hidden poison.

Obanai flinched at the fact that Aoi referred to Ruka as his mother but kept quiet, deciding he had better things to argue with them about. Aoi, however, was anything if not efficient and didn’t let him do or say anything else as she started on her work. She approached quietly, checking the pulse at Obanai’s wrist and gently moved her fingers to his jaw, tilting his face to examine for any cuts or scrapes he may have hidden. He tensed slightly at her touch.

“Iguro-san, I’m going to remove your bandages alright?” Aoi asked, Obanai completely turned stiff, she sighed. “It’s been a few months, I need to check your scar.”

Begrudgingly, he nodded and Aoi quickly pulled at his mask until they partially slipped off his face. Just enough for her to get a good look at his mouth. Obanai shivered as Aoi's fingers traced over the ridges and bumps that travelled past his cheeks. Flinching slightly when one of her sharper nails accidentally pricked at the softer skin, though the Insect Pillar quickly muttered an apology. Obanai shifted uncomfortably under Aoi’s calm, impassive stare.

He hated this part—being looked at too long, touched too long. It made him twitchy.

His legs dangled stiffly over the edge of the cot, hands nervously brushing against his uniform pants. When it looked like Aoi seemed satisfied, she let go of the hold she had on his jawline before moving to put her hand against his forehead. After a few seconds, she clicked her tongue in disdain.

Obanai blinked.

“You’ve got a mild fever.” Aoi told him straight. “I’ll have to tell Oyakata-sama to give you a few more days off.”

“W-what?!” His eyes widened in shock.

Aoi didn’t give a bigger reaction other than unamusement before moving to get something she laid down on a nearby tray. Obanai scowled but said nothing. He flinched slightly when the Insect Pillar suddenly pressed a cool cloth to his temple, checking for signs of swelling around the soft skin of his cheeks where his scar laid.

It would’ve gone smoother—quiet, even—if Aoi hadn’t opened her mouth again just as she moved toward the ointments.

“You know,” She spoke up idly. “Shinazugawa-san stopped by a few days ago.”

Obanai froze.

Aoi didn’t react at all but he knew that the Hashira could tell. The way his body tensed just a little. Barely perceptible, but it was there.

Ruka turned to glance at Obanai with mild interest.

“What was he here for?” She suddenly asked curiously.

“Just the usual few scratches and scrapes.” Aoi replied breezily, dabbing at Obanai’s jaw with a warm towel. “But he left early, unbelievable if you ask me. First he storms in like someone personally offended him and then he leaves without saying a word. Little brat…”

Obanai didn’t move, but the change was immediate. His shoulders drew tighter. His fingers curled slightly into the fabric of his uniform trousers and his jaw tightened. He tried keeping his face mostly neutral now that his expression couldn’t be hidden behind bandages, but the small shift in posture gave him away.

Aoi, of course, noticed. Ruka probably did.

“I tried asking if he was looking for someone.” Aoi added. “But he denied it. Loudly.”

That earned her a visible twitch from Obanai’s brow. He didn’t speak.

“I don’t see what this has to do with me.” He spoke out, voice low.

“Oh, nothing,” she replied, as calm as ever. “Just… conversation.”

“I see,” he said flatly.

Ruka, catching on, covered her mouth with one hand and let out a quiet laugh.

“Did something happen between you and Shinazugawa-san?” Aoi asked next, taking off the cloth from Obanai’s forehead while grabbing his wrist to inspect his pulse.

“No,” Obanai snapped, a little too quickly. “Why would you think that?”

“Just an impression,” she said lightly, stepping away to set down her tools. “You get a certain look.”

“What look?!” he demanded, voice a lot more clearly angry.

“The kind of look that makes people ask questions.”

He stiffened before letting out a sharp exhale. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“You’re squirming, Iguro-san.” Aoi simply said next.

Obanai snatched his wrist away with a sharp movement and glared. “What’s the point of this conversation?”

Aoi tilted her head slightly, almost as if considering it herself. “No point. Just… small talk.”

“You don’t do small talk.”

“Not usually,” she admitted. “But you seem very interested in this particular topic.”

Obanai stood up, stiff and tense. “If this is your idea of a joke—”

“Obanai,” Ruka cut in sternly, her tone a warning.

Reluctantly Obanai sat back down on the cot, afraid of being scolded and possibly letting more things slip out of his tongue.

“Mmm,” Aoi hummed, filing the response away with a serene expression. “Forget I said anything then.”

Obanai’s expression darkened. Neither He nor Aoi said another word. The Hashira let the silence stretch out. There it was again—the subtle twitch in his fingers, like he was resisting the urge to tug his bandages higher.

Squirmy. Just as she’d said.

And just as she'd expected, when Ruka gently patted his shoulder and declared him free to go, Obanai all but fled the infirmary. He was gone before she could even finish the sentence. Ruka chuckled, amused, as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and followed Obanai in suit through the door he had left wide open. Giving thanks to Aoi on her way out.

Aoi watched them disappear down the hallway with a knowing look. A faint smirk on her face.

‘Maybe the blonde was only saying this for his sake, after all, Zenitsu was the one who found Sanemi first after the confession happened but he had hoped that he would be more understanding than this.’

Sanemi sat numb under the old tree. The sun had completely set now and he still hadn’t gone back. He lingered at the same place, watching in silence as the wind made the leaves sway and the sky turn a darker blue with scattered stars. He hugged his knees, curling into himself tighter to try and get rid of the rawness in his chest.

A familiar voice cut through the odd quiet and the wind breather felt himself internally groan.

“There you are,”

Sanemi clicked his tongue, slowly looking up until his eyes narrowed in on the blonde walking closer towards him. Zenitsu’s eyes piqued but his face was laced with emotion that Sanemi couldn’t read. Pretty different from how the Rumble Pillar usually was.

“…Agatsuma?” He called out, even though he wasn't sure whether the word was meant to come out as a question or not.

Zenitsu didn’t say anything as he walked over, stopping just in front of Sanemi. His form towered over him, a clenched hand gripping the hilt of his sword as he tilted his head. Sanemi glanced up, the somber smile that suddenly appeared on the thunder breather’s face made him squirm. Without saying anything, Zenitsu flopped onto the patch of grass next to him without asking. He let out a quiet sigh and kicked his legs out way too childishly for someone his age.

Sanemi blinked.

“I figured you’d be somewhere avoiding people.” He finally spoke.

“…I’m not avoiding anyone.” Sanemi snapped, the bitterness obvious in his voice and he internally cringed.

Zenitsu only rolled his eyes, giving him a sidelong glance, unimpressed. “You looked one second away from murder, that’s all.”

He groaned, hiding his face between his knees. “Are you always this dramatic?!”

“Mm, so I’ve been told often.” Zenitsu replied dryly.

A beat of silence passed between them.

“I’m not going to ask what happened, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Sanemi looked away, arms tightening around himself.

“I mean, I could ask but I already know it’s about Iguro-san. Pretty sure everyone knows by now.”

The teen beside him didn’t say anything, that was probably a good sign.

The blonde let the silence stretch between them for a moment longer then added more gently. “You confessed, didn’t you?”

Sanemi flinched, barely. Just a hitch in his breath—but it was enough. He gulped.

Zenitsu kept his gaze on the darkening sky. “You should be proud.”

“…For what?” He spat out. “Being pathetic?”

“For being honest.” Zenitsu cut in, slightly exasperated like a parent did when clarifying their words that their child had turned into a joke but his voice was also firm. “For still saying how you felt even though it probably scared the shit out of you.”

“Yeah well,” Sanemi stopped mid-speech, thinking over his words.

Zenitsu stayed silent.

“I don’t feel proud…”

“Yeah, you usually don’t.” Zenitsu hummed, honey-colored orbs glanced at the boy beside him. “It must’ve hurt a lot, huh?”

Sanemi growled. “What do you know?”

Zenitsu let out a quiet laugh. “Shinazugawa, I’ve confessed to people who didn’t even know my name. I’ve been rejected so many times, I could fill a whole book about it.”

The wind breather frowned.

“But,” He continued. “That doesn’t mean I stop trying.”

Sanemi glanced towards the Hashira, something bitter stirring in his chest and an odd lump had taken its place in his throat. He looked back down to the view in front of them, the grip he had around himself became tighter. The wind picked up, making the leaves above them rustle.

“Love’s never easy,” The blonde continued, eyes closed as he leaned against the old bark. “Especially in a world like this but I don’t think you should walk around pretending things don’t matter. It’s ok to cry and feel. We don’t get enough time as it is.”

Sanemi’s shoulder shifted and his jaw clenched. He looked away again, turning his head farther.

“And…just because he didn’t say anything now,” Zenitsu added, smirking. “Doesn’t mean he never will.”

Sanemi suddenly whipped his head towards Zenitsu, eyes wide and shaking. His lips thinned into a line before he quickly shook his head. The thunder breather’s eyes widened in mild surprise before his smirk softened and turned into a gentle smile. Sanemi squirmed, trying to keep it in.

“Don’t give up yet, people need time. Especially when they think they don’t deserve good things.”

He swallowed before staring at Zenitsu for a moment longer. “You’re…not as dumb as you act.”

“Hah, you finally noticed?” Zenitsu smirked, his usual pride kicking back in as he boasted. “About time.”

Sanemi snorted, rolling his eyes. Reluctantly, the numbness in his chest started to feel less heavy. Zenitsu leaned back on his hands, arms against the wood of the tree’s bark. He smiled, honeyed eyes glinting from the stars before his expression morphed into something more serious.

“I’ve seen it before. Hell, I’ve done it.” Zenitsu spoke. “There’s this moment right after they say it and you can’t help but think that it’s not meant for you. That you don’t deserve something good like that.”

The wind breather took in a sharp breath. That did sound pretty accurate to who Obanai was. Heck, it sounded like quite a few people he knew too.

“Tch, I hate this.”

“Yeah,” Zenitsu responded, his eyes glancing down and dimming slightly. “There’s not much anyone can do except give them a bit of time.”

A beat of silence stretched between them.

“…You really think I should still hope?” Sanemi then asked, voice barely a whisper.

Zenitsu nodded. “Yeah I do. If you think it’s worth it, besides, you’ve already done the hardest part.”

Sanemi blinked before grumbling. “…Hmph.”

Without warning, Zenitsu then suddenly stood up. Brushing invisible dust off the pants of his uniform. He grabbed his katana where it rested in his sheath that laid against the tree. Sliding it back to where it rested against his belt beforehand. The wind stirred again, waving Zenitsu’s long ponytail full of golden locks in the air. The Rumble Pillar turned slightly, gazing down at him as a small smile laced his face.

He sighed. “The Hashira Training starts tomorrow by the way, bright and early. Way too early if you ask me.”

“Shit, I forgot that stupid thing existed.”

Zenitsu hummed, “Your brother’s the first one you know. He won’t like it if you appear late so you better hurry back and rest up.”

“Thanks for the warning.” Sanemi responded dryly, his usual sarcasm coming bad, probably a good sign.

Zenitsu turned to go, walking down the hill. After a few paces, he paused and looked over his shoulder.

“Shinazugawa,” He started, not turning back to face Sanemi. “Word of advice, next time you confess to someone, don’t blurt it out impulsively like an idiot and maybe pick a place that isn’t so easy to spy on.”

Sanemi stood up, shocked. “H-huh—?!”

“Oh, but the kabedon was a nice touch. I approve.”

“WHAT—”

Before he could scream anything else, Zenitsu disappeared in a flash, only his laughter echoing in the air like it was personally haunting him. Already gone from the area when Sanemi blinked and leaving him spluttering, face completely red.

Chapter Text

+1

Sanemi’s not sure where he is. No…he has an idea. He’s just not sure how to feel about it.

The last thing he remembers was seeing Muzan’s body finally burn from the sun before promptly blacking out. He’s not sure whether it was real. He desperately hopes it was, for everyone’s sake, but something like that feels too good to seem possible for him anymore.

But Sanemi’s not sure how he can find out the answer to that question.

Everything’s pitch black. No matter where he looks, it only leads to endless nothing. He’s not even sure whether he should feel disturbed by this. He may already be dead and just not know.

But if he has passed on, wouldn’t that mean…

No, Genya would have been resting in heaven. Sanemi’s not yet sure if he’d go there or under. Way deep below.

Come on, if he can’t see Genya again then he at least wants to know if the others are alright.

He remembers seeing Kyoujurou moving in the end and briefly Mitsuri but both were littered with vital injuries. He hoped that they would make it but he wasn’t that optimistic.

Most of the surviving Pillars seemed to still be kicking just fine but then again, they must’ve had years of experience under their belt. Who knew what they forced themselves to handle.

Giyuu…he hadn’t seen Giyuu after Muzan had changed into a monstrous baby.

And Obanai…

The wind breather violently shook his head to get the gruesome picture out of his head. Shit, he didn’t even want to think about it.

If he wasn’t dead, if he could go back, he really wants to. He really wants to see everyone who is still alive again.

“Sanemi?”

That familiar voice. Sanemi closed his eyes shut before instantly whipping his head around. No, it couldn’t be…

Please, please, please, please—

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Bracing himself for something he didn’t even know about. When he opened them, he was met with the view of a slightly surprised but happy Genya. A human Genya.

“A-Aniki!!” He cried out, Sanemi hadn’t even realized that he was crying or how tears were suddenly falling.

He hadn’t realized he was running either until he bolted towards Genya and tackled him in a hug that almost made the other fall. Genya let out a sound of surprise and stumbled before gaining back his footing and hugging Sanemi back with the same emotion. The wind breather clung to the fabric of Genya’s clothes, fearing that if he let go, he’d suddenly disappear.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry for everything I said!” Sanemi sobbed, clutching on to Genya tighter as his tears stained the clothes. “I’m sorry!”

“Sanemi—”

“I’m sorry for yelling at you—and saying I hate you!”

Genya tried again, “Sanemi—”

“I-I wanted to say sorry for so long but I kept waiting like a coward because I was scared! I’m sorry—”

“Sanemi!”

Genya forced his younger brother to look up, he gently brushed the tears away from his eyes as he whispered. “It’s okay.”

Sanemi sniffed, feeling the tears start to pool at his eyelids and fall again. He felt terrible, his cheeks were wet and sticky with tears stained on them. Genya bent down to match Sanemi’s eye level and pulled him close.

“It’s okay. If anything, I should say sorry for not being a better big brother for you—”

“No!” He cut him off. “I didn’t want you to die, it should’ve been me! You were always trying to take care of everyone and I just…I just wanted you to be happy because…”

Sanemi wasn’t sure why but he couldn’t say it. It felt like something was clogging at his throat and that everytime he tried to open his mouth and force the word out, his voice would just stop working and ache. Instead he continued crying. He’s not sure when was the last time he’s ever cried this freely. Or this long. Heck, the wind breather wasn’t even sure how long he stood mopping there like an idiot. But Genya didn’t say anything, only holding him until Sanemi calmed down and who knew how long that took.

“W-wait, where’s mom a-and the others?!” Sanemi suddenly asked, his voice still shaky.

For a moment, Genya only stared at him before something akin to hopeless sorrow entered his eyes.

“Sorry ‘Nemi.” Genya muttered, bringing up his hand to brush through Sanemi’s hair. “It seems your big brother still isn’t strong enough.”

Sanemi didn’t have a clue what that meant but the tone that Genya used was similar to the ones he talked in whenever Sanemi asked something that was too grown up for a kid his age and Genya wouldn’t answer. Sanemi felt too tired to try and pry out the answers.

“Did we win…” He mumbled out instead, almost dreamily. “Did we…finally beat that bastard?”

“Yeah, yeah you did.” Genya answered this time.

“I wish you didn’t die.” Sanemi felt like a little kid saying this out loud. “I wish…I wish everyone survived…”

“Yeah, me too.” Genya sighed bitterly.

Suddenly, he stood up so that he was at his normal height again which forced Sanemi to look up so that he could see his older brother’s face.

He finally continued. “But you know why that can’t happen.”

Sanemi nodded, feeling the numbness starting to creep in.

The wind breather then asked, “Can we…can we keep talking?”

“For a little while longer, yeah.”

Ironically they spent the next few seconds in silence. Sanemi isn’t quite sure what to say and it seems like Genya is waiting for him to speak up his mind first.

“I don’t get it…”

“Get what?”

“When we were fighting Muzan and the other Hashira came in,” Sanemi fell silent for a bit, thinking over his words. “Even though we probably would’ve beat him faster if they fought normally, they kept worrying about us during the fight.”

“Because that’s just how they are.” Genya responded. “My friends, they care about you kids. They don’t…want to see you waste your lives so easily like that. You’re all still so young. If I know any of them, they’re probably really upset at themselves that you guys were able to unlock your marks and they couldn’t because they believe it should only be adults who have to give away their lives like that.”

“I’m not a kid though.” He trembled.

“You can think that way ‘Nemi,” Genya brushed his hand through Sanemi’s white locks again. “But they won’t. If it were up to us, we would never want people like you to join the Corps. Even if they were talented prodigies like you and the rest of your friends.”

“That’s stupid.”

“It’s not, you and the kids still had so much to live for.” Genya shot back, this time his tone was more firm. “You could have raised a family, find an actual job and still live an actual normal life!”

Sanemi turned his head away. Blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall again.

“Experience love like the annoying teenagers you are should,” Genya finally muttered or maybe it was more like a tease.

Sanemi’s not sure why but that one stung a lot more than the others and he cursed himself when the first thing that came to mind when Genya said that was a certain raven haired with multicolored eyes. Smiling brightly at him with Sanemi smiling back.

It was Genya’s light chuckle that brought him out of his trance and blushing a violent red.

“Sanemi,” Genya then suddenly called out.

The wind breather turned his head towards him, tilting it confused.

“You know what I’m going to say,” His brother smiled, something so soft and sweet and yet it only brought dread for Sanemi to see. “Come on, you should go. You’ve been here long enough, the others are going to get worried—”

“N-no!” Sanemi cut him off, suddenly clinging to Genya’s clothes again as if it were his lifeline. “I don’t want to go! Please, don’t make me go! Please!!”

“…‘Nemi—”

“No, please!” He whined, tears starting to seep back out. “Please, please don’t leave me again! I don’t…I don’t want to go…”

“I know,” Genya mumbled, the bittersweetness in his tone made Sanemi want to scream. “But it’s not your time yet. Even with the demon slayer mark, you still have a couple of years…Besides,”

Genya pulled Sanemi away from himself, creating distance between them so that he could actually see Sanemi’s face. The wind breather only continued sobbing, even as his older brother caressed his cheek and brushed his fingers through his hair like how he used to when they were kids. When life was simpler for both of them.

He felt stupid. Sanemi felt really stupid for crying like this. He felt like a little kid again and feeling like that would just prove the Hashira right.

“Besides,” Genya started, making sure Sanemi was looking him straight in the eyes. “There’s still something you need to say to a certain someone right?”

Sanemi felt his cheeks heat up and his breath hitch which only made Genya smile wider. But then, his vision started wavering. It felt as though he was falling into sleep even though it was probably the opposite. He was probably waking up in the real world.

But he didn’t want to go yet! Not only because he’d be separated from Genya again but because he wasn’t sure if—

Genya’s eyes narrowed, he also probably realized that he was waking up. “Come on, you might regret it if you don’t.”

Sanemi didn’t listen as he reached his hand out to try and grasp Genya in vain even as his vision blurred and only continued to darken.

“Ni-chan!!”

—

Obanai felt terrible.

All of his limbs felt numb and his chest heaved with every small movement he made. By this point, he wasn’t even sure he was breathing anymore. Kaburamaru’s hissing in his ear was the only thing keeping his senses sharp and even then he could barely tell where he was or what he was doing. The skin on his face was drenched in blood, it felt cold and sticky and the flesh that was torn was irritating. Both from the recent slashes that rendered his eyes useless but also the gaping scare on his face that had reopened during the final battle.

He wasn’t even sure he’d even be able to talk anymore were he to survive.

Obanai felt gross. He hated how the fabric of his clothes stuck to his skin, the blood mixed with sweat and who knew what else made his skin prickle. He felt absolutely sickish like his insides were being rearranged with every small twitch of his body.

He’s not sure when but the screams of horror soon turn into silence and he’s not sure when that silence starts to become crying. Time doesn’t feel like time anymore. He can’t tell what is an hour or a minute or even how long a second is. He just knows that his body has been carrying these injuries long enough for him to want to give out right on the spot.

But everybody else around him is crying. The serpent breather may not be able to see but he can sense the mood of the area enough to know that it’s not crying of sorrow, of an unfortunate means to a terrible end.

Had…had they won…?

Obanai can’t tell when his legs start to buckle and finally give in or when the hysterical sobbing starts to fade and briefly turn into shouting again before multiple people seem to start shuffling around and the only ringing that is left is the one that makes his head throb and ache.

Obanai doesn’t know if he’s even standing anymore. But his curved sword screeches at the ground as his arm flails and Kaburamaru hisses at his ears with worry that Obanai has no energy to answer.

Was it finally over? Were the Pillars okay? Were his friends and Kyoujurou alive?

Was Sanemi okay?

For just a few seconds, his mind flashes with the most gruesome images that his anxiety can still muster before he quickly tucks those away to the farthest corners of his mind as he can. But Obanai can’t even do that it seems and he’s forced to be tortured by them in what seems to be…his final moments.

He mentally apologizes for Sanemi. For what? Even Obanai couldn’t remember.

His legs can’t support the weight of his body anymore and by now, Obanai knows he’s probably falling to the ruined ground. His eyes burn and the bare flesh on his face sting from the cold air of the morning breeze and everything just hurts!

Obanai’s not sure how much longer he can hold onto his consciousness before he sinks into the deep void that seems to be waiting patiently for him on the other side.

Kaburamaru hisses sharply one last time.

Someone’s hoarse voice calls from behind him and suddenly, Obanai can briefly feel arms wrapping around his midsection before a gentle hand reaches for his back and gently moves his body to lie in their lap, leaning against the arm that they have wrapped around his shoulders.

Kaburamaru doesn’t make a sound once during this.

A sharp pressure suddenly coils around his wounds and he feels himself splutter and violently cough out. Blood probably appeared from his lips.

“S-Shinazugawa…” He tries croaking out.

Obanai has no clue who’s holding him right now. For all he knows, it could be an unfortunate Kakushi who has to listen to the ramblings of a lovesick teenager on their deathbed but he simply hopes that it would be the name that he forced out of his mouth and god does his voice sound absolutely terrible. Even that slight movement from his jaw made Obanai feel like his cheeks were bruised.

“Y-yeah.” Sanemi stammers. “Yeah, it’s me.”

Sanemi’s voice is familiar and yet unfamiliar at the same time. It’s soft and fragile in a way that Obanai has rarely heard from the wind breather and yet it’s still hoarse and dry as it usually was but perhaps even worse. It sounded like he’s been screaming his lungs out for the hours prior and honestly, he might as well have been. Even as gratifying as Sanemi’s voice sounds and even as Obanai’s ears continue to ring out painfully, he still finds himself relishing in the voice. And Sanemi himself.

“How…how bad am I?” He forces himself to ask before immediately back pedalling. “…Nevermind. I don’t think I want to know.”

His fingers try to scrape on the skin of the new scars that now run across his face but he stops himself just as they linger on the edge of his jawline. He’s too scared to try and touch his own body like this. Whether from the fear of possibly making it worse or something else, he doesn’t know. Sanemi doesn’t answer or comment at first, only releasing a sharp exhale from his breath. The hands that were supporting him lift him so that the side of his body now rested against Sanemi’s chest and Obanai feels himself giving out a shaky breath. He leaned his head against Sanemi’s body.

Everything felt so heavy…his eyes felt so heavy…

“You’re right. You don’t.” Sanemi finally says but his voice was trembling like he was holding back tears.

A beat of silence passes between them before Sanemi curses. Obanai tilts his head up or atleast tries, to where he thought Sanemi’s face was.

“Fuck, what the hell am I doing?!” Sanemi mutters. “Hold on, I’ll get you to a medic or something. Or—I don’t know—Kanzaki-san’s here now, I’ll—”

“Shinazugawa,” Obanai calls out, trying to make his voice louder so that Sanemi can actually hear him.

The way Sanemi’s voice holds pure panic, frustration and maybe if Obanai let himself believe enough, hopeless desperation makes him feel a little warm. Or maybe that was just because he felt lightheaded. He’s not sure anymore, he’s not even sure of his own thoughts. He reaches out the arm that’s not pressed against Sanemi’s chest and although it takes a few messy tries, his fingers finally brush against the rough and scarred skin of Sanemi's hand from where his arm was hooked under Obanai’s knees that were starting to lift him in a bridal carry.

“S-Shinazugawa…it’s okay,” He tries though he knows the way his voice scratches will do nothing to calm down Sanemi’s nerves. “Don’t…waste Kanzaki-san’s time. I…wouldn’t make it anyways—”

“Shut up!” Sanemi practically screams that it leaves Obanai slightly disoriented. “You’re not going anywhere, idiot. Just hold on a little bit longer…we finally defeated that bastard.”

“Shinazugawa…”

“You can. You have too.” Sanemi mutters.

The last few of his words sound like a desperate attempt to convince himself. But Obanai knew that it was absolutely hopeless and Sanemi had to have known that too. From the way he suddenly sat back down but made sure to still be gentle so as to not hurt the serpent breather further. From the way he suddenly held Obanai tighter.

“Even if I did survive, what use would it be? I’d never be the same…” Obanai mumbles, almost mindlessly. “I must be even more hideous now, huh?”

Obanai could feel Sanemi suddenly tense and for a moment, the wind breather stayed quiet. Like he was trying to bite back speaking something harsh but when he did talk, his voice was low and raw.

“You never were. You aren’t and you never will be.” Sanemi whispered but he had stated it so clearly as if it were just plain facts. “Don’t say something like that.”

Were Obanai not tethering on the edge of death, he was sure he’d be flushing completely red.

“Ah, I’d never expect to go out like this…with me in your arms…” He chuckles lightly and tries holding down the coughing fit that’s about to burst from his chest. “Everything…feels like a dream.”

“Shut up.” Sanemi tries fighting back but his usual bark has lost all its heat. “You’re not dying, Iguro. You can’t.”

He still seems so convinced of that.

“Shinazugawa…you should get your wounds treated.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

Obanai may not be able to see them but he can feel the way that the fabric of Sanemi’s haori is drenched in blood that’s already half-dry and he can feel the way the skin on Sanemi’s bare chest holds more scars than usual. Fresh scars that were still bleeding red. After a few beats of silence, the wind breather lets out a pained groan. Sanemi now sat on the ground, Obanai still lying between his lap with Sanemi’s hand keeping his back steady. Obanai lets his body slump, he’s not sure how much longer he can keep himself awake.

Heavy and strained breaths are the only things he can hear now.

Obanai tenses when a sudden pressure digs into his shoulders and when the arms wrap tighter around him. Still incredibly gentle but grip more firm, as though Sanemi was afraid of damaging him any further but even more afraid to let go. The serpent breather quickly relaxes and Kaburamaru even croons despite the tears he can feel slipping out of the snake as they wrap themselves tighter around Obanai’s neck but move their head away from the two slayers. Almost as if trying to give them space.

It takes him a while to realize that Sanemi’s started crying and although he hates the sticky feeling that the tears increase, he doesn’t protest. He doesn’t mind at all the feeling of Sanemi’s white and spiky hair tickling his skin or where the wind breather now rested his head against Obanai’s neck, near his pulse.

He feels Sanemi shake slightly, trembling almost as he lets out each muffled sob. The way the fresh tears dampened Obanai’s already ruined uniform further. He really wishes he could cry too but the way the skin of his eyelids burn and sting somehow make that feel impossible.

“Are you crying, Shinazugawa?” Obanai tries to joke. “I know I can’t see you but that doesn’t mean I’m completely obvious to my surroundings.”

He can feel Sanemi gawk slightly. “You’re always saying how I shouldn’t joke about these kinds of things and now you’re saying this…”

They both let out a bitter laugh. Somehow, even like this they were still exchanging back and forths.

Sanemi’s hands continue to grip onto him like a lifeline and Obanai's own fingers find themselves entangled into Sanemi’s pale hair. He’s not even threading through the strands, they’re just resting there and yet even from that he can hear Sanemi let out a shaky exhale.

“I’m sorry.” Sanemi briefly mumbles. “For not being able to protect you.”

Obanai wants to say that he should never have to in the first place. That the last thing Obanai wants was for Sanemi to risk his life for someone like him but he holds back his tongue because he knows Sanemi and multiple other people would scold him for it. If anything he feels like he should be the one apologizing. So many words keep going unsaid and Obanai barely knows what he wants to say.

They both stay silent for a little longer. Obanai finds comfort knowing that he’s at the very least not dying alone. Sanemi’s silent sobs have now turned to small sniffs and Obanai’s mind is too shaky for him to think straight.

“Why are you still here…” Obanai whispers, as he talks he can feel Sanemi’s grip tense. “You should have left a long time ago.”

“I already said I’m not leaving you, that's so hard to believe?” Sanemi mutters into his neck.

Obanai smiles, even though even tugging the ends of his lips upwards feels like a bitter sting all over his face.

“You’re so stupid, Iguro.” The wind breather choked. “I always thought you’d notice first, everybody else always makes it sound like it's so obvious.”

Sanemi moves his head away from the place it rested between his shoulder blades. Obanai tilts his head slightly to where Sanemi moved his. If he were more honest with himself, he’d admit that he was trying to chase the other teen’s touch. Somehow it feels much colder than before.

Sanemi’s quiet at first. He opens his mouth before quickly shutting it close. He’s hesitating on saying something. A trickle of dread travels up Obanai’s spine.

Slowly, Obanai senselessly moves his hand up until they cup Sanemi’s face. His fingers brush over the harsh skin where the scars lay and he can feel the tear stained cheeks were still slightly damp. He can feel the way Sanemi’s lip was quivering and he could especially feel the way Sanemi’s face flushed under his fingertips.

Sanemi tilts his head, and his lips brush against the tip of Obanai’s fingers until they touch the middle of his palm. Sanemi’s free hand then wraps around Obanai’s wrist, moving it away from the wind breather’s face and leading it around before he presses another dry kiss to one of his knuckles. Oddly enough, Obanai feels like his heart is only hammering instead of slowing down.

Speaking of, the pain from most of his body has started to disappear. It looks like his time is almost up.

“You’re an idiot…” Obanai murmurs as tears start to pool in Sanemi’s eyes.

Sanemi’s hand shuffles slightly, moving Obanai’s back so that the smaller boy won’t find his head falling back. The serpent breather sinks into the feeling, the sound of Sanemi’s beating heart almost lessens the pain of the ringing in his ears. The beat is steady, it seems that Sanemi’s gotten enough medical attention to be guaranteed survival longer.

Obanai’s glad.

“Shinazugawa, do me a favor please…Live as long as you can…” Obanai squeaked, he wasn’t sure how many more words he could force out. “You probably unlocked the mark, so then till twenty-five I want you to have the best life…Stay healthy and…live.”

“Come on, don’t say that.” He growls. “It’s not the same without you too.”

Obanai takes a sharp breath in, if everything else wasn’t hurting right now, he’d love to cry. So instead, Sanemi does for both of them. Broken sobs, thrumming like a wordless elegy.

“I’m sorry Shinazugawa…for not being able to complete our promise.” Obanai mumbles, it’s weak and regretful and his voice sounds so small that he wonders if Sanemi can even understand him. “I…I like you too. Sorry it took so long to say…”

“You’re real mean, you know that?” Sanemi muttered but there was no bitterness in his tone. “Saying that to me before you go…”

“I know…” He chuckles.

A small breeze passes through. Everything’s starting to feel cold. His whole body feels numb.

“Hey, Shinazugawa…” Obanai asks mindlessly, barely registering the words coming out of his tongue. “If we ever get reborn as human beings…if we meet again when my blood is clean…will you still take me?”

“Since when were you this sappy,” Sanemi barks out a bitter laugh before he turns his tone to something softer. “Of course I will.”

The serpent breather giggles lightly, he can hear Kaburamaru hiss out in joy from where the snake rested between him and Sanemi. It all just doesn’t feel real.

“Please don’t leave…please.” Sanemi begs one last time. “Please gods, don’t take him too. Not him and Ni-chan too…I don’t know what to do without you…”

Obanai doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t know what to say. It’s moments later when the sobbing from Sanemi and around them finally die down before shifting to a deafening silence. The serpent breather finds it equally comforting as it is foreboding.

It feels like he’s aimlessly drifting on water, no idea how or where to go. Everything in his body is begging his mind to finally shut down.

A hand brushes his choppy black bangs away from his face. Obanai leans in further to Sanemi’s touch.

He can feel the wind breather move around slightly and the sound of clothes shuffling. Sanemi bends down to meet him. Slowly Sanemi’s face inches closer to his and Obanai shivers from the feeling of warm breath. The wind breather pulls Obanai forward slightly and dry and chapped lips meet his.

Obanai’s breath hitches and he lets out a tiny squeak that Sanemi must’ve found amusing from the way the wind breather’s lips curled upwards slightly. The serpent breather’s hand moves to grip at Sanemi’s sleeve, the only thing stopping him from forgetting how to breathe.

It doesn’t feel like anything Obanai’s imagine it to be. There’s no guilt pooling at his stomach, there’s no ache in his chest. It doesn’t taste rotten on his tongue.

It tastes good even as the flavor of iron enters their tongues from all the blood that’s been in their mouths.
It feels right.

It’s a bit messy and perhaps desperate but Obanai leans into it. Even though they both knew Obanai’s time was running out, Sanemi took it slow. His movements were gentle and warm. Maybe it was because he was afraid that Obanai might want to have pulled away or that if they’d gone too fast, the moment would be over too soon.

Sanemi pulls him closer and Obanai loves every second of it. He wished that this could just last forever.

“Hey…take care of Kaburamaru for me…please?” Obanai musters, the white snake brushes their head against the skin of his fingers.

“Yeah…yeah I will.” Sanemi answers.

Kaburamaru slithers over, resting around Sanemi’s neck with their tail gently put around Obanai’s. As though binding them together. One last time Obanai feels the snake push their head against his bloodstained face, the scales are cold but the tears coming out feel warm. Sanemi moves to hug him closer and rests his head between Obanai’s shoulder blades once more.

He’s losing the feeling of his body. Falling deeper and deeper into something he doesn’t know about. Obanai leans his head against Sanemi’s.

“I love you, Iguro. Please…” Sanemi’s voice trails off but either way the message is sent and the wind breather’s hold on the smaller teen tightens.

It’s extremely sappy and yet so tragic that Obanai can’t help but let out one final laugh.

He’s tired. Really tired. They both are.

“Mmm, I think I love you too Shinazugawa…” Obanai hums, his head feels light.

The feeling of warmth from Sanemi’s arms around him is the last thing his body feels before his mind finally shuts down. But it doesn’t hurt like he’s always thought it would. It feels like going to rest after such a long day, sinking down into an endless but comforting void. Obanai passes with a small smile on his face and he feels warm.

He could compare it to how he usually fell asleep when he was younger and just recently started living with the Rengoku family. Like how Shinjurou always stayed by his side until he slept, like the presence of a warm fire crackling by.

Obanai could compare it to talking and training with Kyoujurou, Mitsuri and the rest of the people who he’s only recently started calling friends. And who he’s lost before he could learn to treasure them properly.

He could liken it to falling peacefully asleep on top of a lone tree branch with Sanemi resting against the tree’s trunk under him.

Obanai could compare it to perfect.

Extra scene;
“Shinazugawa!” Kyoujurou calls out, waving a hand out while he runs towards him with Giyuu and Sabito following behind him.

Sanemi places down the flowers he brought down in front of Obanai’s graves before turning towards the boys. He scowls at them but there’s no real heat in it.

“Could you idiots get any louder?” He snaps as they stop walking.

Kyoujurou only laughs out loud like he always does but it’s more suppressed now than it’s ever have to been. He can’t put too much pressure in his chest unless he wants to cough out blood and possibly reopen his scars. Giyuu only rolls his eyes, a silent smirk lacing his lips as Sabito takes Sanemi’s offer of a fight and exchanges insults with him.

Their bickering only stops from getting more heated when a calming voice enters the fray.

“Shinazugawa-san.” Tanjirou calls out, the previous Sun Pillar smiles. “It’s nice to see you.”

Sanemi sputters in slight embarrassment before bowing although Tanjirou quickly tries stopping him and telling him that he doesn’t need to.

“It’s good to see that you’re all well.” Tanjirou remarks, a slight sadness enters his eyes when his vision grazes over the grave that sat behind them.

He walks closer towards Sanemi and smiles gently as he moves his only arm and brushes his fingers through Sanemi’s strands. He doesn’t fight or do anything about it, in fact, he leans into the comforting touch.

“Did Uzui not come?” Sanemi manages to ask, directing the question to the other teens present.

Kyoujurou smiles wide. “He did! We met him before, he came with Agatsuma-san so he’s probably still with him.”

Even though it’s only been a few months since everything’s ended, the Rengoku is already able to grin again. Sanemi’s a bit envious. Kyoujurou beams but as his eyes travel past Sanemi and lands on the stone slate, the fire in them dims ever so slightly. His golden orbs look glassy.

“Come on, we should probably get going!” Sabito suddenly voiced. “If we don’t hurry, we won’t be able to give everyone flowers before the sun sets!”

Giyuu and Kyoujurou blink before nodding in agreement. Everybody can tell that it’s just an excuse to try and lighten the somber mood that has suddenly set between them but Sanemi’s still grateful, he’s not sure how much longer he can hold it together before breaking down again.

It’s only been a few months after all.

Sabito brings Kyoujurou along to another part of the graveyard and the taller boy hums a happy tune.

Giyuu slowly follows after them before stopping and turning back. “Shinazugawa…are you going to join?”

“Y-yeah,” Sanemi’s voice trembles but he manages to meet Giyuu in the eyes. “I’ll come find all of you later.”

The water breather stares at him for a few seconds longer before finally nodding. He doesn’t say anything more. There’s no need to. Giyuu walks along where Kyoujurou and Sabito are going further ahead, jogging slightly so he can match the two’s pace.

Sanemi shuffles awkwardly once he realizes it’s only him and Tanjirou.

“Everyone else also came, I’m thinking we should have a meal together when we’re all done.” Tanjirou spoke, his gaze kept on where his tsuguko, well not anymore, and his friends were going.

“Oh, I guess I could do that too.”

Tanjirou hums, he turns his body to face Sanemi and pats his head one last time. “You’re very strong Shinazugawa-san. I’m sure Iguro-san and your brother would be very happy seeing you like this.”

Sanemi gulps, blinking the tears that threaten to fall out away. “I…I hope so.”

“I know so. I’m sorry for not being stronger.” Tanjirou suddenly sighs, Sanemi doesn’t think he can convince him the opposite. “I’m sure you two will meet again soon.”

He can only manage a nod.

“Shall we go?” Tanjirou asks, already walking a few paces ahead. “There’s still a lot to do and the day’s still young.”

Sanemi nods, his chest is hammering but it’s been feeling lighter than it ever has the previous months. He rushes past Tanjirou who doesn’t seem to mind and calls out to Giyuu, Kyoujurou and Sabito, yelling at them to wait up. Tanjirou laughs as he follows after the bustling teens.

Chapter Text

It’s been a couple of months since Muzan’s defeat, gods, the very thought still feels surreal.

But a couple of months is way too short for what they’ve gone through. Even now, everyone’s still hurting in some shape or form.

Obanai is already long awake when he gets up from bed, or at least tries to. His entire body still aches despite being forced to rest for weeks. He pushes himself up, hand brushing the fabric of his mattress to try and feel his way around. When his fingers don’t feel anything on his right side, he realizes that Kyoujurou must’ve already woken up.

It’s a bit silly. Ever since they were both discharged by Aoi and allowed to go back home to the Rengoku estate, the two of them have been sleeping together. Keeping close and sharing body heat when night comes and the lights around the estate are turned off. Though Obanai doubts it can be considered sleeping, most of the time he only closes his eyes and stays still until he turns unconscious.

But sometimes, it’s hard to even do that.

Obanai has been used to nightmares and sleep trouble his whole life. Surprisingly, the anxiety of whether or not you’ll be eaten alive the next day can make it hard to try and take a nap. He’s used to having horrid visions flash through his head and making him squirm in bed even before the Rengokus took him in.

Kyoujurou isn’t though.

So when the terrors get to them, they huddle close and try their best to keep their breaths steady. Hearing each other's heart beats as proof that they’re alive. When it’s one of the worst ones, they move their futons to the bedroom that sits empty in the farther corner of the house. Though it's used to be lived in, the dust that gathers at the furniture is the only hint of what once was.

Ruka doesn’t say anything about their new routine, neither do the servants. It’s a change that Obanai doesn’t know is permanent or temporary.

Unlike others.

“Oh, Obanai, you’re awake!” Kyoujurou’s voice suddenly rings out of nowhere.

Obanai flinches at the sudden noise, his grip on the blanket over him tightening but it doesn’t take too long for him to register that it’s only the bright Rengoku. A shaky breath escapes him.

Old habits still die hard.

“Sorry! I forgot—”

Obanai quickly moves his hand up, the open palm facing towards Kyoujurou which shuts him up.

He can hear Kyoujurou give a sigh before walking closer. From his right, Obanai can hear soft hisses and cold scales brushing against his skin. Kaburamaru slithers up his arm before settling around his neck as Kyoujurou helps him stand up.

“Come on! Breakfast is ready!” Kyoujurou chimes.

Before he can do anything else, the other grabs him by his hand and leads him through the halls. Kyoujurou makes sure to be slow and have his movements smooth when pulling Obanai around.

Ah, that’s the other change but at least he knows this one’s permanent.

He’s blind now, he can’t see at all.

The skin of his eyelids were completely ruined during the final battle. It was by sheer instinct alone that he was able to dodge Muzan’s hit before the demon managed to completely maul out his eyes. Though, they’re practically useless now as it hurts to keep them open for too long. And to make matters worse, more scars now ran over his face and the worst and oldest one of all just had to reopen during the final battle which makes it hurt like hell to talk.

That part has thankfully gotten better, the skin that passes his mouth and cheeks has started healing but he’d rather not speak if it's not necessary. Obanai wants to save his limited words for something that actually counts.

Breakfast these days is quiet but comforting. They are also longer, ever since it was announced that the Corps would disband, which is still hard to believe for the whole Rengoku family, there’s been less of a need to rush on mundane things like this.

Though with that being said, the Rengokus seem to have a bit of a hard time adjusting to going back to a normal life that’s not filled with sword fighting or training. Lately Ruka has been getting into different hobbies and Kyoujurou spends all his other time with either Tengen or Mitsuri that come to visit them as often as possible now.

Obanai would like to say that he’s been adjusting too but just like the Rengokus, he’s never really had a life without demons in it. He can somewhat walk around fine on his own now, with Kaburamaru around, he’s practically alright but the others still squabble all over him. He’s also been growing out his hair too, the inky black strands have started evening out and reaching past his shoulders.

Though when Mitsuri or Kyoujurou try to ask him about the out of place decision, he can’t seem to find an answer.

They both gush about how, with demons not around anymore, he finally gets a chance to pretty himself up for a certain someone.

That’s not it…really!

—

Sanemi is fucked to say the least.

He’s finally able to have everyone off his back and he chooses to spend his free time like this!

Honestly pathetic if you asked him.

It’s been a couple of months since Muzan’s silent reign of terror was finally over. Thank gods for that, the bastard had lived much longer than any being that’s considered ‘alive’ should ever have.

But because of that, it meant that there would no longer be any more new demons that appeared. The only ones who were capable of making them were finally gone. As soon as those unranked monsters that were still hiding and crawling around have all been dealt with, the world could finally rest in peace.

It wasn’t like Sanemi was unhappy that they had won. He’s ecstatic! Now, nobody else would ever have to go through the pain he did.

It’s just…now with the demons gone, the Corps has no reason left to be active meaning that it would soon be disbanding.

Truthfully, Sanemi had never thought that far about what would happen with his life once the Corps had reached its goal. A majority of his life was filled with aims; Kill all demons he finds, Kill Kibutsuji Muzan, survive long enough to kill Muzan and say sorry to Genya.

After finally fulfilling most of that, he’s kinda left with…nothing.

Maybe he should just be grateful that he even has great money for food and multiple roofs willing to house him.

After Sanemi got discharged from the Butterfly Mansion by Aoi, he had found out that his brother had made a savings account filled with a majority of his salary. All of it being left to Sanemi’s name. He was grateful, really. It’s just…he doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to make himself use it.
So, while trying to think of what he can do with the rest of his life, he’s mainly been crashing at the Butterfly Mansion with all the girls. Kanao and Aoi were more than willing to let him stay for as long as he liked. It’s not just them, Tengen’s also told him whenever they hang out together in the Thunder Estate that Zenitsu’s fine with him staying over too.

It’s nice seeing everyone try to move forward, even if something envious stirs at Sanemi’s chest whenever he sees his friends smile so easily.

However, it feels like all of them have been toying with his feelings lately. The girls at the Butterfly Mansion, not only the Kochou sisters but also Tengen’s girlfriends have been sending him on more errands lately. Just today, Makio forced him to go out to town so that he could get them a rare cooking ingredient that he’s never even heard of. The only reason he obliged was because Hinatsuru got between them and promised Sanemi that she’d make him Ohagi as payment. Peacefully closing the conflict before it could get out of hand. Hinatsuru’s Ohagi was never quite like how he preferred his but he appreciated the gesture. Besides, not like he had other plans anyway…totally.

Then just as he was about to go, Shinobu had come out of nowhere and pestered him into taking her with him. Her excuse being that she had to go out for medicine so they may as well do it together.

At first it was just him and the gremlin but soon and out of nowhere it had become him, Shinobu, Mitsuri and Tengen. As he was looking around the market place with the younger Kochou continuously yelling in his ear about something that caught her attention, they had accidentally bumped into the two who were apparently also having a day out together. Much to Sanemi’s, well, everything.

Before he could do anything, Mitsuri had already suggested they spend the rest of the day together and of course, Tengen and Shinobu wholeheartedly agreed. Leaving him with no room to argue, not that they would let him anyway.

After that, the trip had basically turned into Mitsuri and Tengen dragging them to random places with Shinobu only along for the ride because she liked seeing him suffer. Every time he tried to leave so that he could find the one thing he actually came there for, they would distract him and whisk him away to somewhere else!

It wasn’t until sunset was about to come did Mitsuri remembered her curfew was almost up to which Tengen, like the fucker he was, offered to take her back home. Then he had to watch the girl be a flustered mess and have Shinobu smugly remind him of what Makio assigned him, which he still fully remembered, mind you, before the two annoying bastards finally left them alone.

Somehow the younger Kochou had already gotten what she came here for long ago.

And as if he wasn’t already being tested so much today, just when he and Shinobu finally found a seller that had what they wanted, fucking Giyuu and Sabito just had to be there too!

Apparently the two were there getting ingredients for dinner as well. Tanjiro had ushered them both out of the house early in the morning so that they wouldn’t spend all day inside. Not that he asked.

By this point, he’s had a suspicion that Aoi was the one instructing the girls to make him do all these things so that all Sanemi’s wouldn’t just mope around, freeloading and doing nothing.

Quickly he had paid and the stupid thing that he didn’t even know the name off and grabbed Shinobu’s hand and walked back to the mansion. Ignoring Shinobu’s loud screams of protests and Sabito’s barking about how rude it was that he didn’t even say hello. As soon as he entered, Sanemi quickly made his way to the kitchen. Finding not only Makio but also Kanae who had cheerfully thanked him, paying no mind to his less than great attitude as the other girl told him that they were just about to start preparing the food and with a wave, told him that he was finally free to go do whatever. Sanemi took the opportunity greedily, running towards the back garden to head outside before the girls could finish talking.

And finally, finally after Sanemi dealing with a day full of these idiots shenanigans and getting them to leave him alone, where does he go?

Back to sitting under that damn tree on the same small little hill.

So, yeah, pathetic.

…Sanemi must be cursed.

He saw almost everybody he knew today and of course the person who mattered most was the only one he didn’t manage to bump into. Even Kyoujurou wasn’t there.

He hasn’t seen or talked to Obanai in a while. The last time they saw each other was when the raven haired was about to go back to the Rengoku estate after Aoi had discharged him. Obanai was one of the worst injured after the final battle, due to that, his recovery took longer than the others. The effects of his new scars were also the clearest.

Something in Sanemi’s throat tightened as he thought about it.

Blind, and at least for the next few months forward, also mute.

Because of that, he doesn’t think they’ve had a proper conversation at all after everything that’s happened. The scar that ran across his cheek had reopened so if Obanai wanted to speak, his face would start bleeding. Add to that the fact that Muzan fucking blinded him and Sanemi wants to go at it with the bastard again even if he knows it’d be fruitless and he really shouldn’t wish something like that.

So maybe he shouldn’t be surprised that he didn’t see Obanai.

Mitsuri and Kyoujurou are kind enough to give him updates on the other teen when he asks. Apparently, his skin has been healing up well. The tissue is still a bit fragile so now it’s Obanai’s eyes that are forced to be wrapped in bandages. The bright sight is that he’s starting to speak again, though only a few words every so often.

But it doesn’t make Sanemi any less angry that he couldn’t do more. That Obanai, who’s known the danger of demons all his life, has lost so much without any way to gain it back.

It’s finally sunset now.

Maybe it wasn’t such a waste going up here. The view was still as pretty as ever.

He remembers dreading sunsets when he was younger. It was a sign that night was coming, when all the demons would come out and start hunting prey. Before he had become a demon slayer, he had to wait until the sun would rise again before actually being able to kill them.

Now, there would be no more to kill. Whether at daytime or night.

Sanemi hugged his knees. This one didn’t feel quite as foreboding.

He was never really great with silence or staying still. A gentle breeze blew by.

Why was he even still here? It was unlikely that Obanai remembered what he promised, let alone actually come here. They haven’t planned anything after all, or even talked about it at all and he doubts the raven haired would bother coming all the way here for something stupid.

Another gust of wind flew past him. This time slightly stronger. A few leaves fell down from the tree above him.

Sanemi stood up, frowning. Just because he didn’t have his sword with him, didn’t mean he was completely defenseless.

Instinctively, he spun his body backwards. Sanemi quickly clenched his hand into a fist and swung it forward without much thought. Not at full power but enough to leave a heavy dent to anyone who happened to meet it at the face. In front of his curled fist, he could see a familiar but vague silhouette. Though, he couldn’t see the face as it was blocked by his hand moving forward.

Wait—

A palm just as calloused as his quickly blocked his hit but Sanemi could tell that it had left the other person a little shaken.

Sanemi blinked, something akin to sheepishness suddenly grew on him. “…Iguro—”

“Shinazugawa…what the fuck?!”

So Sanemi’s wish had come true. Obanai did appear just like he wanted…and he almost punched said boy in the face.

Great…

“I…” He gulped, trying to think of an excuse. “I didn’t see you there.”

“How the fuck do you have two working eyes but still have worse vision than me?!”

“I thought you were a demon or something!” Sanemi defended himself, raising both of his hands as though to surrender. “Sorry, instincts.”

The other teen huffed, crossing his arms as he tilted his head away. Kaburamaru gave out a hiss, crawling out from under Obanai’s now much longer hair. Even the snake seemed to look pissed off. Red, beady eyes glaring right through him.

Wait, Obanai had longer hair now?

Granted, it wasn’t that long. His inky black strands now just went slightly under his shoulders rather than being slightly above. But his hair looked healthier, even slightly shiny. Not to mention the choppy cuts Obanai used to have had started evening out. In hindsight, it was barely a difference you’d notice at first sight. But after weeks of not seeing the other teen, Sanemi couldn’t help but feel a little flustered at how different he already seemed. Not a bad difference. Fuck—

“Wait…” Sanemi’s eyes widened in realization, remembering the other permanent change that Obanai had to unwillingly go through. “Did you fucking come up here alone?!”

Obanai’s voice told him that he didn’t understand why Sanemi was so shocked. “So?”

“Dumbass—” He cried out in disbelief. “That’s fucking dangerous.”

“I can take care of myself!” Obanai shot back, it sounded like he was used to these types of comments. “I have Kaburamaru with me, I’m completely capable of walking outside alone.”

“S-still!” Sanemi spluttered. “Does Rengoku know you’re here?”

“Of course he knows!” The other fumed, “Why do you think it took me so long to get out here? I had to convince him that I’d be fine getting here on my own or else he’d be here too.”

He blinked, before saying with a deadpan. “Pretty sure there’s a reason for that.”

Obanai huffed, before giving up on fighting back. He moved to lean against the old tree, arms still crossed. Kaburamaru hissed softly. The other teen wasn’t wearing his uniform—obviously, damn it Sanemi—just a loose, dark yukata. But he also wasn’t wearing any bandages.

There was no fabric wrapped around his face, anywhere. Neither covering his mouth or eyes like Sanemi had heard. Instead, all the scars were in full view. Sanemi could now clearly see the new slashes and dents that ran across his skin. Over his eyelids were multiple that had clearly run deep when they were first inflicted. Thankfully, it’s healed good enough that the ruined skin had returned to its normal color, if not for the more pinkish tint on them.

Sanemi felt something sick pool in his stomach.

“Are you staring?” Obanai suddenly chimed.

“…What?”

“I can feel your eyes on me, Shinazugawa.” He simply answered with a hum.

He could easily guess his cheeks were flushed from the sudden heat on his face. The other could probably sense that too.

Sanemi sheepishly rubbed his neck as he glanced to the side. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“I could ask the same for you.” He responded with a smile.

“Just…needed some space.” Sanemi simply answered. “What’s your excuse?”

Obanai gave out a light laugh. “I figured if I made you wait any longer, you’d probably go insane.”

Sanemi gulped, suddenly it felt as though something was caught in his throat.

“Well, you’re late as fuck.” He instead replied, trying to hide how rather open he felt.

The other teen scoffed, scowling slightly. “Didn’t know we set a time.”

Sanemi smirked, “You already went out of your way to get here, don’t let me stop you.”

That’s what he said. Though in reality, he knew that Obanai could easily tell how desperate he was sounding. They’ve always been able to read each other well.

Suddenly, Obanai took slow, measured steps forward. Walking closer. Kaburamaru adjusted their position as he moved, nestling lazily around his neck. Tongue flicking out as though the snake themselves was unimpressed with how long this was taking.

Now, they only stood a few feet apart. Another breeze passed through.

“So…” Obanai started, voice quiet and low. “I’ve been thinking.”

The other gave out a dry laugh. “That’s always a bad sign.”

Obanai’s mouth curled upwards slightly, like he was trying to suppress his amusement. “I’m serious.”

Sanemi sobered quickly at the sudden change in tone. He straightened. Trying to force the lump in his throat down and suddenly very conscious about how much distance was left between them.

“I’ve been thinking…about what we promised.” The raven haired continued. “I know, I owe you an answer.”

‘You think?!’ Sanemi wanted to say but he kept his mouth shut so as to not ruin the moment. He wasn’t that barbaric.

“Do you still feel the same?”

“Of course I do.” He immediately answered.

Obanai’s breath hitched slightly. He flicked his head up towards where Sanemi was, as though he was trying to meet his eyes. How Sanemi wished he could see those familiar shades of teal and gold and something in him broke slightly when Obanai’s eyes stayed closed.

Finally, after a long stretch of silence, Obanai whispered. “I like you too.”

A very simple set of words. And yet, they did insane things to Sanemi’s heart.

The white-haired teen blinked. “You’re serious.”

Obanai’s face scrunched up. “I wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t.”

“You took months—”

“I told you I’d give my answer after we defeated Muzan—”

“And you do know that could’ve meant waiting forever, dumbass!”

“Are we really going to argue about this,”

Somehow their faces were suddenly only a few inches away again. They could feel each other’s breaths on their skin. Both flush and now slightly bashful.

Obanai gave out a sigh. “You’re such an idiot.”

“Yeah well, you’re still here.”

The raven haired’s lips twitched. “Barely…”

Sanemi’s hands quivered as they moved. Hesitating.

Then—he leaned in.

It wasn’t smooth. Very awkward actually. Embarrassingly, they both leaned in a little too fast and fucking bumped foreheads first.

Sanemi muttered, cheeks pink. “Shit, sorry—!”

If Obanai’s eyes could still work, he’d roll them before grabbing the front of Sanemi’s haori to tug him in properly. Their lips eventually met, finally.

It was clumsy and sort of tense. It was clear both teenagers had no idea what they were doing but neither minded. The air between them practically hummed with too much feeling of everything.

But it softened as they both found their rhythm. Sanemi carefully wrapped his hands around Obanai’s waist. Obanai leaned in closer, shortening the distance between them as if that were somehow possible. It was quiet. Not how either really expected how their first kiss ended up being, not that either even cared.

Obanai pulled first once he lost breath, though only slightly. Their faces were still so close that their noses could brush against each other.

“…That was awful,” He muttered under his breath, covering his mouth with the back of his hand as though trying to hide his blush.

Sanemi huffed. “It wasn’t that bad.”

Obanai turned his head away. “…Didn’t say we couldn’t try again.”

Sanemi felt something in his chest finally settle, fondness dripping in his voice. “Guess I can work with that.”

Kaburamaru peaked their head out of Obanai’s black strands. They flicked out their tongue and made a small huffing noise as if to say,

Finally.