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It was considerably strange, really. Almost as if she wasn’t trying to hide it. Even now, from the corner of his eye, he can spot her obvious gaze coming from behind a tree at the training grounds. The non-stop staring was starting to affect his attentive focus on the training dummy. It made him feel a bit self-conscious and awkward. It even went as far as him almost tripping on a wooden log. He wasn’t able to strike the weak points of the false demon without his hands getting sweaty and his arms going flimsy from seeing his fellow pillar's watchful eyes. His knees were weak from nervousness. The attention he has been receiving from the Love pillar has been going on for weeks now. It completely puzzled him and has at some point led to more obstacles in his life. For example, Obanai’s aggression has spiked quite recently and Shinobu has been a little more exasperated about his looks. Commenting on how long his hair is and how he should just chop it off to be “more manly”. Not to mention, almost every time he has a break from a mission, Mitsuri has always been somewhere near, making him seldom alone. And to be honest, he does not find himself minding at all. Actually, he has come to enjoy her subtle company, even if she truly believes that he isn’t aware that she is there. However, moments like these cannot last forever, the downsides will eventually overtake the comfort and pleasantries, so Giyuu decided to get over his timorousness and finally face her. Especially if there is a problem, he shouldn’t ignore it. It must be pretty bad if it's taking her this much time to work up the courage to just confront him about whatever it is that she needs to say.
“Is there a problem?” He awkwardly stated. ‘Nice work Tomioka, totally didn’t sound bothered,’ he criticized himself, learning to just input Shinobu’s scolding voice as the voice in his head.
“W-well! Kyojuro-san said that you took a lot of pleasure in braiding other’s hair! So, I was just wondering if you would mind styling mine…?” She stammered nervously, “And maybe… I could also braid yours… It looks lovely!”
‘Oh. So this is what it's about’ Giyuu sighed, “I am fine with that-”
“Please, I really wish to- Oh! Thank you so much Tomioka-san!” Mitsuri exclaimed, clasping her hands together with a smile-- pure with gratitude and cheer.
Before another reply could be uttered from his mouth, one of his wrists was yanked and they were already heading from the Love Hasira’s estate. A confused expression was plastered on his face and as Mitsuri looked back at him, she giggled.
“We can hang out on the back porch of my estate! I know you enjoy privacy, Tomioka-san. I want you to be as comfortable as possible!” She once again, faced the direction of the location, navigating Giyuu as he blindly followed. Practically just getting dragged by the muscular, but gentle grip of his fellow hashira.
From a distant tree, Obanai felt a vein pop from his forehead.
“What the fuck?” He was gritting his teeth, narrowing his heterochromatic eyes at his beloved’s “new pet”.
“Just let it happen. Giyuu hasn’t gotten bonded this well with a hashira that’s not me or Rengoku. Plus, Kyojuro would tell you the same,” Sanemi huffed, leaning his chin on his supporting hand, watching the two from below Iguro’s tree. He could hear a grumble come from the irked man above him, but after hearing nothing else, he knew that the discussion was over. Being able to spot Tomioka’s small, but genuine smile, made his lips subconsciously curl into a pleasant smile as well; glad to have witnessed such an innocent interaction.
“Ah, we are here! Tomioka, I present you, my home,” Mitsuri announced, stopping in front of a well-mannered estate. Surrounded by plants and decorative lights. They walked the pathway to the entrance, having to step up a few steps onto the porch. As Mitsuri did this, she noticed that she no longer heard the light footsteps following her. Hands already on the door, she turned her head back to see a blank stare from Giyuu. Studying him, she could see him fidgeting with the material of his haori. He almost looked anxious, if it weren’t for his poker face covering his inner emotions, she would be completely sure that he was apprehensive.
‘Huh? Is he scared? What did I do? Maybe he's just being shy? Or maybe he is uneasy about entering my house? No, he is a fellow Hashira, he fights more than me. But, why is he looking so nervous?’ She racked his brain of all the possibilities basing the information off what she has observed from him over the past weeks, finally realizing that she hasn’t even seen him do much. Not a single distinctive action he has done will even help determine his character. ‘Whenever he is with Kyojuro-san, he is always so polite. He has even asked permission to hug Sanemi, and they are already partners! He is so well-mannered, maybe he is waiting to be welcomed into my home!’ Mitsuri celebrated silently for having found the answer.
“Tomioka-san, you may come in,” She formally greeted, having a new goal of being an amazing host. Mitsuri could have sworn she saw the man before she sigh out of relief.
They continued into the estate, stopping to take off their outdoor shoes into two pairs of soft, sturdy slippers that awaited at the front entrance. Looking once again at Tomioka, she blushed nervously. He was staring down at some of the pink material of the house shoes.
“Um, I am sorry Tomioka. I can get you a different pair-“
“No thank you. Colors don’t have a gender. And this is a beautiful shade of pink,” He stated, face still melancholy even when what was said wasn’t mournful or depressive. Mitsuri beamed at the words he said. That was the most he has ever said to her! It was a bonus that it was an opinion he had too. A joyful smile rose on her face just as before.
“Preach sister!”
At that moment, Giyuu’s expression finally shifted-- an eyebrow raised at her in confusion.
“Ahem- What I meant was, I’m delighted that you feel that way,” Her face reddened, embarrassed by what she had let slip out her mouth.
Tomioka nodded, “I appreciate you being able to act yourself around me. It’s refreshing, however.. I am not a lady,” he continued, “Thank you for thinking of me as a sister,” lightly bowing before staring at her once more.
Silence filled the hallway. Mitsuri’s mouth was agape. She honestly didn’t know how to reply to that. However, in her mind, it was a party.
‘Yayy! We are making so much progress! How sweet! I never knew Tomioka was so honest. Not to mention he doesn’t seem embarrassed to say what’s on his mind! I’ve learned more about him now than just observing him!’ She mentally jumped around, swimming in the feeling of accomplishment. “Well, you’re welcome Tomioka-San! Come now, let’s head to the yard,” Mitsuri properly responded. Turning forward to lead her guest through the place.
Upon reaching the porch of the garden, Mitsuri gestured for them to sit down.
“Sit here Tomioka, you can do my hair first since it is kind of messy right now!” She said, dangling her feet off the edge of the platform
Mitsuri felt the tug of her braids being undone. Fingers combed through it, loosening all the knots, making it smoother. It was relaxing, and she almost fell into a slumber, but she wanted to be awake for the moment to appreciate their bonding with one another. As he officially started the thick braid, Mitsuri decided to ask a question.
“Tomioka-San, how are you so familiar with doing hair?”
The soft tugging of sections stopped abruptly for a second, before continuing on.
“I… used to braid my sister’s hair for her all the time,” He said in his usual cold voice.
“Really, why didn’t your mother do it instead?”
“It was only me and my sister at the time,” Tomioka said stiffly, voice dampened with mourning.
“Oh… I'm so sorry--“
“It’s not your fault--“
“No, for bringing up a topic that has led you to so much suffering. I take it that your sister..?”
She sighed at the silence, taking it as the answer she thought.
“Do you enjoy braiding hair?”
“…yes,”
“Then, you should do mine more often! When people do my hair, it’s very calming for me. Especially since I have a lot, it makes me tired when I have to do it,” she ushered to fill the immense sadness with pleasant comfort to ease Tomioka’s mood.
“I’d like that,” Giyuu whispered, and Mitsuri could almost hear the smile in his words, boosting her mood.
As he finished, Mitsuri felt the heavy braid land back against her back. Opening her eyes from resting them, she watched as the man stood up and headed towards a flower bush. She studied as he plucked a single flower from the bush, walking back over and kneeling on both knees to add it to her hair.
“This was my sister’s favorite flower. As my friend, you deserve it too,” Tomioka said before sitting next to her and letting his feet dangle off the edge as well, “You can do my hair.”
“Ah! Thank you so much Tomioka-san!” She stammered, “How would you like it braided?”
“A fish braid, please. My sister used to style it like that,” he requested an ounce of sweetness apparent in his voice.
“How cute! I can do that for you. I’m almost an expert at that type. It will complement your features. Especially your eyes!”
Mitsuri proceeded to untie the low ponytail. Admiring how it lengthens with its fluffy texture and silky surface.
“Wow, your hair is absolutely gorgeous Tomioka-San!” Mitsuri exclaimed, running her fingers through the strands, “How do you get it to be so well taken care of? It hardly has any tangles. Maybe even none!”
“I brush it every night. I follow my sister’s techniques. Part it into four sections, then brush it. Work from the bottom to the top. Not too harsh or rough,” he explained nonchalantly.
‘That’s a record! And we're friends now!’ Mitsuri squealed internally.
“Ooo~ I'll definitely try that! Thank you for sharing Tomioka-san,” Mitsuri thanked, already starting the complex braid.
Halfway through the styling, Tomioka asked a question that left her frozen in humiliation.
“Why were you stalking me?” He questioned blankly.
“Eh?! I-it was supposed to be like that! I didn't even know you knew I was there. I'm SO sorry Tomioka-san! Please forgive me! I will accept any punishment!” She yelped, bowing her head in shame.
“Huh? Uh- your punishment is to explain your purpose,” Giyuu deadpanned. The request made Mitsuri raise her head, alarming Giyuu with her teary and ashamed expression.
“To be honest, I just really wanted to learn more about you Tomioka-san. You rarely communicate with us other hashira, and I've always wanted to be friends with you. So, I thought if I observed you, I could learn how to be a good friend to you!” As she explained, Giyuu could feel her rushing to finish the braid to distract herself from the intense embarrassment.
Tomioka released a large sigh, “The truth behind your actions is better than my assumptions. I had originally thought you hated me.”
The whole estate seemed to quiet for a moment before laughter coming from the love Hashira’s mouth dispersed in the air. Birds flying away to escape the noise.
“Aw, haha! Tomioka-san, you are just so cute! You’re so timid for a hashira, I am so glad to be a friend of yours,” Mitsuri giggled, clutching her stomach. Looking up, she had the view of Giyuu looking away to side at the ground. Face tinted lightly with rose pink. “I feel that we will be great friends,” she said, a warm smile painted on her face as she grasps both of Tomioka’s hands, folding her around them. A smile-- evoked from Tomioka’s lips as a reply.
“Hello, I want my hair done too,” a monotoned voice came from behind them, startling both the usually strongly aware hashira.
Whipping their head sharply in unison, their gaze landed on a small, ravenette. At the sight of the mist pillar, Mitsuri excitedly welcomed him into joining them. Giyuu nodding in agreement.
“Say, Tomioka? How about you braid one side and I’ll work on the other?” She suggested standing up to guide Muichiro to sit on the edge as well.
“I am fine with that,”
“Good!”