Chapter Text
Tired. Obanai's tired.
He's been tired for years. No matter what anyone tries, it doesn't help. It just makes him feel bad for the person trying, wasting their time on someone as pathetic as him. Each day he lived felt like torture. A punishment for escaping and living, while the rest of his family were brutally slaughtered by that snake demon. He should've just let her eat him. Maybe then he wouldn't be forced to live through what felt like hell. He didn't deserve to live, yet he still did. Always waking up to see the next day, while others, who deserve life so much more than him, are killed by the hands of fate.
Such a pathetic and useless person doesn't deserve the kindness hes given, not from the master, not from the Rengoku family, not from Kanroji, not from anyone. The only thing he deserves is to rot, waiting for the day fate decides to take him.
Suddenly, his train of thought was disturbed by a knock at the door. He stared at the door, unsure of what to do. "Iguro? Are you in there?" It was Kochou. Her cheery voice was just barely recognizable through the door. She knocked again. "Helloo..? Are you alright?"
Obanai sighed, reluctantly speaking up.
"The doors unlocked... you can come... if you want.."
"Alright then, if you say so."
The front door opened as the insect pillar stepped inside. She looked around to she him curled up on the floor. Her facial expression changed to one of deep and genuine concern as she spoke up again.
"Iguro.. Are you alright?"
He was silent for a moment, unsure of how to answer. "I.. I don't know.."
"Right..."
There was silence between the two again, before Shinobu spoke up again.
"Would you like to talk? Or do you want me to just sit with you? I don't mind doing either, y'know."
"..Don't waste your time on me. I'm sure you have other things to do."
"Iguro, you're my friend. Friends are supposed help each other through hardtimes. I know you feel like you don't deserve it, but you should atleast try to let people help you."
He didn't reply for a few seconds. They both knew she was right, but he didn't want to accept it.
"...fine.."
She smiled softly, kneeling down next to him. Her presence was.. comforting. Having her here drove away some of the voices. Even if he still felt like crap, atleast he wasn't alone.