Chapter Text
Sanemi was alone. He didn't need anyone else, nor did he have any desire for connection. The history he faced, the current relationship with his brother leaves him empty; he enjoys it that way. It's simpler to be alone, and to maintain his own environment without hurt, and betrayal.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki believes differently. The way Sanemi is frivolous with his own life, it hurts him deeply. Discussing with his other children, the opinions on what to do ranges.
“Nothing will work, Master. He barely tolerates Obani.”
“Master! I truly believe Shinazugawa should be paired with me on missions more! I will break him out of his shell!”
“He is very boring, and abnormal not in the flashy way. I think it's best to leave him be, master”
“I gave him red bean mochi, master. He still tries to hurt me.”
Ubuyashiki truly thought for ages on how to help Sanemi. So against being with others, so against connection and even going as far as purposefully deterring people from him.
Setting aside his almost suicidal nature in battle, he rarely asks for treatment. The butterfly mansion has many skilled day nurses, apothecaries, and surgeons on sight. Yet he avoids them, claiming he has his own methods or doesn't need them.
Stumped, and saddened, Ubuyashiki had a slight plan. Why not fix both issues, Sanemi’s connection issues alongside the need for care constantly. He could assign a day nurse to Sanemi, she would follow as a companion, and a medic when he refuses help. This slight mark of genius does cause a challenging question.
“Will he accept her?”
Early fall had appeared among the corps village. The orange hue and crisp air brought out clarity within the demon slayers. Ubuyashiki had his plan in place, ready for action.
“Caw! Caw! Shinazugawa Sanemi needed at Master Ubuyashiki’s manor as soon as available. Caw!” The bird hovered over Sanemi’s peripheral. He huffed and wished for a new mission. The change in season had bored him, and the lack of challenge began to cause restlessness.
He hummed at his crow's words, and crossed the yard towards the master's residence. Crossing the stone path covered in orange leaves he strides along.
At the entrance of Masters manor, Sanemi shuffles upstairs, hoping for action.
“Sanemi, please come here.” The frail man politely asked, smiling with extra warmth. Sanemi obeyed, walking close to his spot and kneeled.
“Master.”
“Sanemi, I have something important for you. I need you to understand, no, you must understand my intention and care towards this decision.” Sanemi’s ears perked, he squinted his eyes slightly bracing for what could possibly be said.
“I notice your trouble connecting to anyone, my child. I understand why, I know you don't act purely out of hatred and spite. However, it increasingly worries me.”
He almost laughs, like he hasn't heard this before; a million times before.
“However, we are going to try something different. Please come here my dear,”
As Sanemi rose in response, he noticed the master was not referring to him. Rather a woman, specifically one from the butterfly mansion. She stepped forward from the room she was in before and bowed to master. Sanemi grit his teeth and kneeled back to his position.
“Sanemi, this woman is a day nurse at the butterfly mansion. Her kindness has reached nearly all of the children except you. You refused help from the mansion, and to make a connection. So I have only one choice left.”
Shock, and frustration are all that could explain how Sanemi feels, fully expecting to be forced to deal with this woman.
“She will be assigned to the Shinazugawa residence, and on your missions as needed. Not only is she your personal nurse, but a companion.” Ubuyashiki smiled, radiating confidence from his decision. The young woman walked to be seated next to Sanemi. Neither looked at one another, the air was so tense it could be cut through.
“Now, Sanemi, I know exactly how you are feeling about this. But please, try. I want you to be happy, it hurts me seeing you this way.”
Pleads from his master, it did alter Sanemi’s brain chemistry. It was difficult to deny the man who had cared for him so deeply. Sanemi obeyed and stood up.
“I will try, master. For you.” He huffed and bowed his goodbye, and gathered himself out the door towards his residence. The frustration lingered in the air as the young woman bowed to Ubuyashiki.
“I will do my best, master.
Exiting Ubuyashiki’s residence you took in the air around you, to remove any of the intensity from the conversation. This was an extremely scary task, the wind pillar is known as the most aggressive and agitated. You sigh, and fold out the wrinkles from your attire.
“Okay, we can do it. It will be okay.”
Words of affirmation fill your head, only to be shocked beyond disbelief.
“Oh there you are! How was it?” Her eyes glossed towards you, analyzing your every movement and breath. She could probably see the stress in your brow, you sigh and turn towards her.
Kochō appears by your side with no warning. Definitely overhearing more than you wished.
“Oh! Hello Kochō, um. It went alright, he didn't say anything to me, or really look at me. But I trust master's wishes.” With a grain of salt, she can hear your resistance to the situation.
“Mmm I see, remember you always have a home at the butterfly estate if it gets too difficult. I swear he is not that bad. My sister adored him, and she didn't have bad judgment.” The mention of Kanae brings a solemn tone to Shinobu, but you nod along to show your listening to her.
You walk together talking about the current events among the corps. The new recruits, the current mission shortage, the upcoming winter festivals and everything in between. As the day passes through conversation, we reach the Shinazugawa estate. You sigh and pause your step at the entrance. Leaves scattered around the steps, there's a noticeable lack of anything around his estate. The other Hashiras usually have candles, lanterns, decorations or matts for personalization. However Sanemi's was plain.
“I believe this is my stop Kochō, thank you for walking with me”
His residence is quaint, and quiet. A simple pond on the side with no extra decorations. No shrines or flowers in sight, just an empty shell of a supposed lived in mansion.
“Mhm! I will be right around the corner if you need anything. Make sure to grab your supplies tomorrow as well, you might need them very soon.” Shinobu waves you off as you step onto the entry way of his home.
You struggle to knock. Is it polite or not? I mean I do live here now. Should I take my sandals off before going in? Ahh…
Suddenly the door opens, aggressive eyes waiting for movement like a predator in the wild. His purple gaze follows you as he holds the door open.
“In. It will be dark soon.” As you rushed in, the door slams, and you stand in the middle of an almost empty mansion, facing the back of the wind pillar.
“What kind of idiot goes out this late? If you’re staying here you’re getting a curfew so you don't get fucking ripped apart.” You shudder, he isn't wrong. However his tone doesn't reek of worry, more annoyance.
“Only, for masters sake. I don't care about you, nor do I plan to. Don't fuck up Ubuyashiki’s wishes by acting like an idiot.”
“By Sundown.” He shares without looking at me once. He almost glides to the other room, presumably his own. Quickly and fast enough to miss anything you planned on saying.
Which you didn't.
Beside the entrance room laid a truly empty room fitted with one desk holding a lit lantern, and a futon. You presume it's designated to you, with the added touch of cut wisteria beside the futon. You glance around the entry way of the residence, and shiver at how uninviting it is.
By the door you notice Sanemi’s shoes, you slip yours off out of respect. You don't dare to wander around just yet, but still look around due to curiosity.
You huff and walk towards your assigned bedroom, you remove your jewelry onto the dresser. You really should’ve brought your things. Boredom creeps into your mind as you sit on the futon, you don't hear anything coming from anywhere else in the manor.
The quiet nature of the residence makes me sleepy enough to finally rest.
You awake to grunts and loud thuds coming from outside of your room. Grumbling onto your feet you head towards the door to inspect the damage outside. Cracking the door, all you see is a man, presumably Sanemi, in the kitchen.
You poke your head out of the door and slowly creep towards the kitchen. He is already aware of your presence but you don't want to disturb him. Waltzing closer, you notice he is simply cooking for himself. The grunts and aggravation was most likely not necessary however it's endearing seeing this side of him.
“What are you looking at?” He glares through your soul, with a frown.
“You. What are you making?” The best outcome comes from you ignoring his aggression, or so master says.
“Lunch.” He barely nods in response, and continues his cutting of vegetables. The slight sizzling in the background gives an aroma of cooked fish. Yum.
“Do you need help?” You try to peak his attention, or start a conversation, or anything at this point.
“No.”
A simple response, filled with so much anger. You sigh and walk back to my room to get ready for the day. You still need to retrieve your things from the butterfly estate, maybe I'll catch breakfast as well.
You fold out the wrinkles in your clothing and head towards the entrance.
”Sundown. Do not forget it, or you wont forget it ever again.” A deep threat, filled with intent and once again anger.
You nod and slightly wave, walking towards the outside.
The sun beams, shining light onto the bright orange and yellow leaves scattered around. You see the corner of the Butterfly estate just a bit away and smile.
As you made your way across the stone path filled with clove and moss, the air grew colder and more silent. The butterfly estate was very mellow, and comforting to you. This was your first home when you arrived, after you were saved from a demon attack.
Walking towards the gates you shuffle quickly and wave to the corps members watching guard. Everyone was very kind to you during your stay at the butterfly estate, the warmth of the others made you feel complete. You wouldn't say you were too happy about your current situation however it was for a good cause. The master would not make an unjust decision, this was for Sanemi’s wellbeing.
At the archway you noticed Aoi waiting for you. The smile you expressed motivated you to rush quickly, to embrace the only family you knew.
“Ah! Boss, what are you doing! Don't get gushy on me, you’ve only been away for two days!” She scrambled to push you off, but you tearfully held her tight.
“Oh Aoi! I've missed you!! The master's decision has been so hard, its so difficult to talk to him!”
She sighed, and rubbed your back disgruntled. She understood how the situation was going, or at least she could imagine. She led you inside and brought you to your old room. Covered in drying flowers and herbs strung up on the walls, formulas and recipes stuck to the wall, scattered papers covering the wooden desk, the untouched futon; from many busy sleepless nights. The coziness and joy the room illuminates fills your heart, drastically different from the cold, empty mansion you currently reside in.
Aoi continues to help you package and put your goods away into a basket, the room now sits slightly empty and not as comforting. You sigh, and watch the clouds drift in the sky in the sight of your window.
“I have to head back, he's very strict about curfew. Thank you so much for helping me Aoi, I will try to visit often” you pout and bring her close for another hug, she gives up fighting and just stands there.
Walking alongside Aoi out to the entrance, you follow the path back to the mansion. You hold the basket tightly and hold back the emotions from ripping apart your previous home. The small pond is visible from afar, and the cold sends chills throughout your body. Rather than the temperature, it's the aura Sanemi’s home gives off, uninviting, angry, annoyed. All things he probably thinks about your presence, however you push through and walk towards the door.
It swings open and he looks off, not saying anything. This was his way of welcoming people home, you assume. You bow and enter quickly, the room is once again barely lit and cold. You shuffle towards your room, avoiding his pressured gaze. You lay down the basket, and look at the walls.
Oh, right.
I shiver, and walk towards the hallway. You see Sanemi in the kitchen, sitting so casually cleaning his blade. His face isn't tense, his brow isn't pushed down like usual. He is calm, and comfortable.
Looking at him focused on his work, you feel calm matching his demeanor. You feel safe, and warm. You don't dare to distract him, or change his perfect expression; however, he notices your lingering eyes.
“What do you want?” The peace has faded, and his eyebrows are pushed downward. He stops his slouching and straightens up. You sigh, a perfect moment ruined.
“Uh. Shinazugawa, could I put my work on the walls? If it causes any damage I will personally fix it, I will-”
“I don't care. Do whatever.” He barely nods towards me, and continues to dry his blade. You nod with a quick thank you, and shuffle quickly to my room. Time to decorate, to finally feel at home.
After stringing up the dried herbs, dozens of flowers and pasting your recipes across the room. It beams back at you warm, and inviting enough for you to feel comfortable that this is your new home.
Clap your hands to shake off any dust and quickly put away the remaining items from your old room. A quick glimpse outside the window shows how late it is, yet you still know hes awake in the other room.
After not eating breakfast earlier, hunger is truly getting to you. You take a second to prepare for the tension youre about to walk into, and take a deep breath.
Shuffling your feet through the door, you notice Sanemi in the corner now sharpening his blade. He ignores your presence however you're fully aware of his.
Within the kitchen, its oddly organized to the point of being off putting. Everything is put away somewhere, nothing left out for convinience. A large sigh leaves your chest as you gather the courage to ask for help.
“Um, Shinazugawa, where are your pans? And utensils?” Fidgeting with your hands you prepare for
- getting ignored
- getting yelled at
“Basket below the sink for pans, utensils in the box in the cupboard. Look next time before you ask.” You hear a soft scoff under his breath, and sigh as you see no box with utensils anywhere.
After around 5 minutes of struggling with finding it, loud and heavy footsteps race to you as he glides his way into the kitchen. Be glares as he walks past you, huffing in annoyance. You stand by him, still fidgeting as he opens the door to the cupboard.
He shuffles somethings around, sounds of glass clinking and metal shuffling. He tosses the box of utensils to you as you barely manage to grab it. He then goes under the sink bed and grabs you a cast iron pan.
You nod and he doesnt move, crossing hid arms waiting for you impatiently.
“Thank you, Im sorry I couldnt find it”
He huffs and continues to watch you “Whatever”.
You turn away, your back facing him. You grab a few vegetables from a basket, and wash them under the sink. He continues to watch, and analyze your every move. Almost like how a predator watches its prey. All the hair sticks up on your neck and you shiver.
Grabbing a knife from the box you try to cut the vegetables however, to your dismay this tomato is embarrassing you. It squishes with every swipe of the knife refusing to be cut.
A frustrated laugh escapes Sanemi’s mouth as he walks directly next to you, arms barely grazing eachother. He could probably feel how your hair is all sticking up, a fight or flight response no doubt.
“Can you do fucking anything? Back up.” Frowning, you step aside and watch as he diligently cuts the tomato, and other veggies without a hitch.
“How? Thats not fair, you're a swordsman, thats an unfair advantage” You cross your arms and shake your head in disbelief.
“Its called skill, not looking like you have much.” He smirks and continues to cut, then moves to wash dry rice.
“You have yet to see my skill actually, because you are too stubborn to receive treatment.” You hum at your response, confident he wont respond any better.
“Maybe I dont want your cheap help. Every thought about that?” He glares at you, silver eyes piercing into your soul.
“Why not? Do you enjoy suffering in silence? No wonder master is worried about you.”
“You dont know anything you pathetic runt. I enjoy working alone without the intrusion of some lousy nurse who got booted out of her last job” Your stomach began to churn, your face feels hot and you hold yourself tight.
“What do you know? Youre just a suicidal maniac who refuses help from anyone regardless of who they are!"
He chuckles once, laughing at how worked up you are over words. You didnt want to be seen as this fragile, however being called pathetic does not help.
"I pray Genya doesnt end up like you.”
Those words barely escaped your mouth as he lunges at you, holding your face tight in his hand as he backs you into the wall.
His grip on your face you barely leaves room for you to move. Looking up at him his eyes are filled with rage, veins popping out of his forehead. He breathes heavily from his gritted teeth,
“Say that shit again. I dare you.” His voice cracking in between vowels.
Staring deep into his anger filled rage, you see his facade fading. Mentioning his baby brother was a bad idea of course, and he could he seriously hurting you right now. But hes not, hes angry at you of course. But hes not making you pay for your words.
You raise your hand up to hold his arm, the one lifted to grip your face. Hesitating at first, you remember your duty here.
He flinches at your touch, and losens his grip on your cheek.
“Shinazugawa, Im sorry. I didnt mean it” You plead and hold his arm lightly, brushing the healed scars scattered along his forearm with your thumb.
He pushes you back releasing your face. He shakes his head and continues his task before the argument started.
Deep breath in, rubbing your cheek you feel the indent from his grip. It didnt hurt, being restricted in that way was a bit scary. Taking a step back you breath out, and look at Sanemi work with his his back turned towards you. The beyond awkward air was unbearable, staring at the floor tiles could only do so much.
“Shinazugawa?” You shuffle around to see his side view, the frown was just as visible. He doesn't speak, continuing to heat up the kitchen fire to cook your dinner. Did he forget this was for me?
“If we are going to live together, for however long we are, I dont want to be ignored or abused. Please speak to me”
“I have nothing nice to say.” Straight forward, and sour as usual. He throws the veggies into the hot pan laid above the fire, the aroma fills the room and you hum.
“How about talking about something else? How was your last mission?”
He side eyes you, and is almost amused at your attempts of talking to him.
“Easy. As usual, with no help from idiot nurses.” He chuckles at his own joke.
Ha ha.
“Easy for now, youll be grateful you have me soon” I smirk and lean against the kitchen counter, that separates the main room and kitchen.
“If im ever grateful for you, just put me down.”