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It's been a few days since the “accident.” And by accident, it was Mitsuri witnessing something that wasn't meant for the prying, public eyes to see. It was absolutely scandalous! Two Hashiras -- especially two men in their current time period -- who “loathed” each other caught in the act of passionately making out? Mitsuri was in awe at the sight, such roughness, such insults going unnoticed between each other, or at least discarded in the moment but between two people no one would ever expect nonetheless!
At first the young woman was confused and distraught, was she being lied to? Was the “hate” that the two men had between them been secretly love? Within a moment it all began to click, bit by bit, piece by piece. Previous interactions between the Hashiras played in the Love Pillar’s head, the recollection of their past arguments, their obvious “scornful” glances, all the clues began piecing together as the mystery started to unravel before her. Without a doubt this was a classic enemies to lovers predicament! The girl squealed, a large open mouth smile present on her face. At first she was upset for not realizing sooner but now she was excited. To see such love blossom before her without taking note made her heart skip a beat. Sanemi and Obanai were developing their feelings in secret, keeping their feelings quiet and unknown, oh how they must've felt pining for each other!
Ever since the accident, Mitsuri Kanroji had been thinking non stop about the occurrence. As the Love Hashira, it is her responsibility and duty to overlook the love lives of all the people she knows but at the same time, especially as Obanai’s friend, it was also her duty to mind her own business. She sighed with frustration, the situation made her feel helpless, what could she possibly do?
She struggled and fought with the conundrum, questioning what her next course of action should be, wondering what to do next. Should she tell the Master? No, it wasn't for her to announce it to him. Should she approach Obanai and ask? Maybe not, he did seem defensive trying to keep his affair with Sanemi a secret. Suddenly an idea struck, a revelation one would say. That's when it hit her and she realized there was a plan C! The third option was consulting her lovely friend, Shinobu Kocho! She was smart, reliable, considerate, and a doctor! She would most definitely know what to do in this situation, who else would be more qualified? Mitsuri summoned her Kusugai crow and cupped her hand to whisper to the creature's ear, grinning excitedly from ear to ear. This didn't seem like a matter of getting advice but more of a gossip session… Regardless, Mitsuri had news! “Inform the Butterfly Hashira that I have urgent news! I’ll meet her at noon today for lunch and tea!” the crow nodded before flying away eagerly to relay the message.
Mitsuri departed from her home and made good pace trekking her way over to the butterfly estate, ecstatic to recount the night she came across the two men to her girl companion. By the looks of it, her initial goal had definitely lost the integrity of consulting for advice.
---
As the pink and green haired girl approached the Butterfly mansion, just in time for lunch, she helped herself in, already aware of where she could find the woman in charge. She skipped down the hallways, the hardwood floors making a firm thump beneath her heels as she hummed a sweet tune until eventually she reached the main headquarters of Shinobu's office. She knocked on the door and was greeted with a concerned look on the doctor's face, a rare moment of vulnerability for the petite woman as she never allowed anyone to see her true emotions. “Is something the matter, dear? Your message was quite abrupt, I had assumed this was important and cleared my entire schedule today just for you!” Mitsuri nodded eagerly, positive that her message was of serious matters. Yes, gossiping was indeed an important matter! “Oh! It's a good thing you did, I have the most thrilling and exciting story to tell you!”
Shinobu Kocho blinked with surprise and raised her thin eyebrows in response. “S-story?” she prompted, wondering if she misheard the latter girl. “Mhm, yes! You must sit down for this-- Oh, and have some tea prepared! I have made the most earth shattering discovery recently and it is necessary that I explain everything in great detail to you.” Misturi had a playful and determined expression written on her face, her emerald green eyes shimmering with excitement to start sharing her observations. The dark haired woman's shoulders relaxed as she chuckled, realizing it was in no way an emergency but just a girl on girl gossip session. They were the only women amongst the pillars so this wasn't a rare occasion, in fact it was quite common between them.
“Alright, I’ll get the girls to fetch us a pot of tea and some lunch.” Shinobu reassured, gently taking Mitsuri Kanroji's hand into her's. The petite woman pulled away and left Mitsuri to inform her helpers. Shortly after, the woman returned with a gentle smile on her face with a tray of matching tea cups and a steaming hot tea pot. “The girls will have our lunches prepared soon.” she explained as she placed the wooden tray on her desk. Shinobu would do anything for Mitsuri, even if it was for the silliest, most mundane things in the world.
---
“And so there they were, hands all up on each other and breathless, pinned against a tree as they hurled insult after insult at each other! I was absolutely boggled by the sight and horrified, Shinobu! I had nearly fainted when I recognized who the two men were!” Mitsuri explained. Shinobu sipped her tea carefully, nodding in acknowledgment for the latter to continue. “And you wouldn't believe the excuse they made trying to cover it up!” She added, leaning closer to the Butterfly Pillar as she sat beside her. Mitsuri picked up her chopsticks to reach for her 4th bowl, helping herself to another bite of rice from her lunch. As she chewed, she gave the latter woman time to think. “Let me guess, they said they were ‘fighting?’” the smaller one asked, a slight smirk appeared on her glossed lips as she was confident in her response. Without a moment of hesitation the mocha hair coloured girl nodded. A string of giggles escaped both the girls' mouths out of amusement.
“Oh I wish you could've been there, Shinobu, Obanai must have one heck of a tight grip because there was a patch of Mr Shinazugawa's hair on the ground too! The hair pulling must have been crazy!” The two women laugh at the mental image of the scene. “Ugh, men are always so rough. Do you think Shinazugawa has a bald spot somewhere along his head?” The doctor snickered, her petite hand moving to cover her devious smile. “There must be! It was a pretty big piece too! About this big,” Mitsuri then motioned with her hands, she was definitely over-exaggerating the length but it got its message across regardless. They continued laughing, it was all in good fun.
“They definitely weren't fooling me, I was surprised to find that they're terrible liars! And they're the shadiest Hashiras in the Corps too!” Mitsuri joked as she rubbed her cheeks, absolutely sore from all the smiling and laughter. “If you think about it, the clues were so incredibly obvious! We thought their arguments and bickering was all malicious but in reality they were flirting and bantering! They've done it so much it never occured to me that they could have been in love!” Shinobu nodded in agreement, sipping her tea once again. Mitsuri was without a doubt very knowledgeable in all aspects of love. “You do make a good point, dear.” She replied. The Butterfly pillar placed a gentle hand on the latter woman's shoulder, comforting but playful. “Let me guess, your cheeks hurt?” She asked. Mitsuri responded with a nod before Shinobu quickly gave the girl a peck on the cheek. “There, you should feel better now.” She joked, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
“I can't believe I was all worked up and worried today when you just wanted to gossip!” She chirped, her hand playing with the Love Pillar’s braid. That reminded Mitsuri of her ultimate goal! “Oops! I must've gotten too carried away! I truly did want to consult you for advice on what I should do!” She confessed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she fiddled with her hands.
Shinobu rolled her eyes playfully, not at all bothered by Mitsuri's morality. “I don't think you need to do anything, dear. Just play along and pretend nothing ever happened. If you wait patiently, everything will unfold the way things should be. Realistically, they won't be able to keep quiet for long and they're bound to come running back to confess to Ubuyashiki or even to you in hopes that you won't tell anyone else about their secret.” Mitsuri nodded in understanding, comforted by Shinobu Kocho's smooth tone and voice. “Oh, you're right! Shinobu, you are so smart!” Mitsuri threw her arms around the Butterfly Hashira's shoulders, bringing the girl into a tight embrace, her dark hair tickling the side of the Love Hashira's face.
“Oh, honey, I'm always right.” She assured, confident and not at all doubtful of her statement. Shinobu hugged the girl back before she pulled away. “But... It can't hurt to stick around and watch this all unfold. We could do with a juicy scandal to liven things up around here!” Shinobu announced before standing up. Mitsuri raised a thin, confused eyebrow. The doctor on the other hand had a determined and sly smile on her face, seemingly conjuring something up in her mind.
---
Knock, knock!
Obanai jumped up at the sound, his vision blurry and his heart racing. Was someone at the door? he glanced around, getting a feel of his surroundings as he was still disoriented since he had awoken from his sleep. His eyes felt heavy and his futon felt warm. In his peripheral vision he noticed Sanemi, his muscular naked back turned to him, bright red lines tracing his shoulder blades and sides. Obanai laid back down, huddling closer to Sanemi and drinking his scent in.
Knock, knock!
Obanai hissed in frustration and got up, the cold air caressing his naked chest. Who could possibly be knocking at his door? He wrapped himself up in his kimono and swiftly masked his face as he hurried to his door. As he opened it he scowled at the petite woman, an odd occurrence considering she never visited him at his estate and especially unannounced. “What? Why are you here?” he spat in annoyance, wanting to crawl back into the warm futon that he and Sanemi were sharing. “That's no way to speak to your fellow coworker, now is it?” she politely responded, tilting her head to the side in thought. Obanai knew Shinobu well enough to know that she possesed a sharp tongue capable of throwing shade and sly remarks, she was just that type of person but kept that side of herself concealed. He sighed as he considered cooperating. “We aren't coworkers anymore.” he added, crossing his arms impatiently. “You wouldn't have come here without good reason so get to it.” he added, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
Shinobu held up a small leather bag to the ravenette man, hoping he would take it. “i'm worried for you and Sanemi’s health. Since you're not with us in the corps at the moment I'm not required to look after you both but I still feel inclined to make sure you're in good health.” she began, her tone sweet and deceiving. However, Obanai wasn't buying it. “Oh, is that a bruise on your neck?” Shinobu asked, pointing to the mark which had a trail leading to various other ones. He nearly choked on air, bringing his hand to touch the sore purplish spot as he recalled the events from last night and quickly pulled the collar of his kimono to cover his neck. He could feel the heat flushing his cheeks underneath his mask.
The ravenette felt vulnerable, he knew he had to play it cool in front of the doctor to avoid any more suspicion. “A bruise you say? Ah, yes, I recall falling… Uh, very awkwardly on my neck the other day.” he quickly added, grabbing the bag from Shinobu's extended and patient hands. He cleared his throat before he continued. “Anyway, what is in here?” he tried his best to cover his neck whilst he had the bag in his hands. “Vitamins, antibiotics, extra bandages, you know just the usual. Just in case you find yourself in need of treatment or perhaps assistance? But I packed a few extra things in there in case you needed it.” she feigned a smile, clasping her hands together righteously.
Obanai felt Shinobu was being too nice. She could've sent any of the lower rank slayers or kakushu to drop the bag off, or perhaps send a formal message to collect it from her. Maybe she was trying to stay out of the master’s prying eyes to avoid leaving evidence of helping?” Regardless, Obanai wasn't going to reject the bag. He nodded in acceptance and tucked it in between his arms and waist. “While we're also on the topic, it has been what? A little more than 2 weeks since you and Shinazugawa were kicked out, right? When will you two be returning?” Shinobu batted her long eyelashes in innocence, leaning closer to the latter man.
The Snake Hashira swallowed nervously. “Im trying my best to make things work, trust me. I hope to return soon with Shinazugawa.” He stated before moving away and closing the door on Shinobu. She's not the type to pry into other peoples business, there was something definitely off about her. The ravenette sighed frustratedly, feeling the stress course through his body as he thought about how he'll approach Master Ubuyashiki and especially his own trusted friend Mitsuri. Obanai sat himself down on the floor next to the futon and opened the bag, investigating the items inside. Sanemi stirred, waking to the presence of the latter man's return. He frowned confusedly at the bag. “Where did that come from?” he mumbled, sitting up. Obanai fought with all the might he has not to look at the albino man's plumo, muscular chest. “Shinobu dropped it off just now. she said that she's “inclined” to make sure we're in good health or something along those lines. I personally dont buy it.”
He pulled out various bottles of vitamins and capsules of antibiotics, even rolls of bandages and gauze. He showed each and every thing in the bag to Sanemi, mumbling to himself as he felt the stress and paranoia of their “relationship” get to him. What were they now? Friends with benefits? Boyfriends? Ex co-workers?” They never really had a chance to talk abt it, most times they were too busy shoving each other's tongues down their throats or their hands into each other's pants. “Wait a minute, what's that?” Sanemi asked, frowning and pointing at a package buried at the bottom of the leather bag. Obanai pulled it out and his jaw dropped. “There's no way…” He muttered, blinking in disbelief. “Is that..?” Sanemi leaned forward and squinted to get a better look.
It was an imported pack of condoms, which were not easily accessible or made in Japan. On the package there was a written note in Shinobu's handwriting attached to it.
“In case you seek pleasure on your time off. Stay safe and have fun.”
Sanemi read it before turning to look at Obanai anxiously. Sanemi swallowed nervously as the ravenette placed the package back in the bag. “I've never touched a woman in my whole life to have contracted anything, trust me.” he explained. Sanemi blinked confusedly before shaking his head. “Huh? That wasn't the kind of response I was expecting but honestly, same.” Now it was Obanai's turn to be confused. He frowned at Sanemi, not sure what the latter man was getting at. “Then what kind of response did you expect from me?” he prompted. “Don't you think the condoms are way too much of a coincidence to overlook?” Sanemi had a serious look on his face now, his messy hair and tired appearance made him look handsome. Obanai heaved a sigh, averting his gaze. Sanemi was too fine, it was unfair how he felt the worry of being discovered just because he liked kissing a man.
“Do you think the Love Hashira could've told Lady Kocho about us?” The albino man asked. The ravenette pondered for a moment before coming to a conclusion and nodding. He hated the idea of Mitsuri sharing his business but she's not the type of girl who can keep secrets. It was very likely she told Shinobu everything. “Great, another thing to worry about.” he hissed, resting his head in his palms. “We can't keep stalling. The longer we wait to tell Ubuyashiki that we're getting along the more time we give for rumours to spread and run amok. Shinobu isn't the type to share peoples business but what if Kanroji talks to the wrong person?”
Obanai groaned, shaking his head. “Imagine if Tengen hears of this! He wouldn't be able to resist telling the entirety of Japan our business!” Sanemi frowned at the thought and agreed with the petite man's statement. “Right, we can't let this happen.” he added, his voice deep with determination. “We have gotten along, yes, but no one has to know about the things we have done together. We can merely say it was a misunderstanding between us and Mitsuri Kanroji. Her eyes deceived her.” Obanai nodded. That is how things must be. “Regardless of what she thinks she saw, we stick to the lie we came up with. We were fighting, that's all. A mere argument perhaps. It'll make us getting along seem realistic as well. Gradual, you know?” Obanai nodded and leaned against Sanemi comfortingly as he went quiet. His voice, gentle and determined, lulled the Serpent Pillar into a state of peace.
“You should talk like this all the time, Sanemi.” He whispered, his hand moving to caress the albino man's bicep. “W-what do you mean?” He asked in a nervous tone, bashful at the softness of Obanai's touch. “If you spoke less and only spoke when you needed to, you would actually be good at comforting. There's something about the way that you speak that makes you feel reliable and comforting.” He explained. Sanemi wasn't quite sure he understood. “So you're telling me that I should shut up?” His eye twitched in slight irritation at the slight misinterpretation. “Yes. Don't start getting upset that I'm speaking the truth, you'll start whining like a little bitch and lose the charm of your tongue.”
There Obanai goes again, his quick witted mouth and responses that easily pissed Sanemi off. He was too casual and way too fast at saying whatever was on his mind with a cool tone and calculated thought. “Fuck you.” he grumbled before biting at the serpents Hashiras neck roughly. the smaller man whined, bringing a hand to Sanemi's head of snow white hair. “Cut it out, Sanemi, you're too rough as if you're an inexperienced child.” He said through gritted teeth. The heavily scarred man laughed and gently kissed where he bit. “I am an inexperienced child. You're the only person I've ever done this with."
Obanai rolled his eyes. “Great, now you make me sound like a creep preying on virgins.” He muttered before moving to press a kiss on Sanemi's arred cheek. “Don't forget that you're a virgin too.” Sanemi added, a stupid smirk pulling at his lips. “Well thanks to you not anymore.” Obanai responded, removing his hand from the man's hair to cup his face, pulling the Wind Pillar into a gentle kiss on the lips. “I've never been this intimate with anyone all my life. I've never experienced such feelings about anyone like this before.” He shyly admitted. Sanemi opened his mouth to respond before closing it, thinking carefully, as if there was someone else… Long dead and still with him in his prayers. “You make me feel things I haven't felt in so long.” he whispered gently.
in a sense Obanai felt like a stranger in Sanemi's world. They've been so sexually intimate with each other and yet he had not a single clue what Sanemi was like before he joined the Corps. He only remembered the rumours that circulated about Sanemi before he had joined. Now that he thought about it, Sanemi barely knew him either. His heart ached at the thought. What were they? Were they going to be stuck being only there to provide pleasure to each other or will they grow to be more than what they are now?
Obanai released his grip on Sanemi and sighed bittersweetly. “We don't really know each other that well.” He started, looking off to the side embarrassed. Sanemi brought his hand to the latters cheek, forcing the Serpent Pillar to look back at him as he spoke. “We only know each other now, not even what we were like from before joining the corps. That's something pretty important to know about, right?” Sanemi stared into his multi-coloured eyes, thinking hard. “I don't even know if I'll be able to open up about my past. it's irrelevant.” He admitted, pulling his hand away from Obanai but the Snake Pillar grabbed it, holding on to it tightly. “I can't force you to talk about it, but just listen for a second. I don't even know what we are. We can try to cover up what we are to the other Hashiras but it's hard to do so when we don't even know either.”
Sanemi nodded in acknowledgment but seemed distant. Perhaps he was contemplating what they were as well. Maybe he didn't want a romantic relationship, just the pleasure and intimacy of it. “Things started off with a lot of sexual tension but is there anything else? I've never had anyone to love me besides Mitsuri but she's a friend. She can't be compared to what I have with you.” He whispered, his heart twisting with anxiety. He didn't want this to be a situationship of some sort. “I…” the albino man's mouth hung agape. He closed his mouth and frowned, sighing as his shoulders sank. “I'm sorry, Obanai. i’ve never really felt ready for another relationship. I know I can be myself around you but I haven't quite…” He trailed off, unsure how to explain how he felt and what it meant for them. “I'm just not ready for the responsibilities, the whole emotions and vulnerability thing.” Sanemi climbed out of the warm futon, searching for his clothing.
The air had shifted, suddenly the ceiling seemed a lot shorter than it was and the room quieter than before. Sanemi pulled his belongings and haori together before sparing a brief look at the petite man over his broad, scarred shoulder. “No more procrastinating. We're going to tell the Master tomorrow.” He declared. Obanai nodded, averting his gaze in disappointment. “Alright then, tomorrow it is.” he couldn't help but curse at himself for saying such senseless things. Why did I open my damn mouth? he questioned with resentment and heartbreak, feeling his throat tighten. “I'll send a crow later with details.” The heavily scarred man added, leaving the room and eventually the mansion.
---
The next day, the two men met with the master at his estate. They bowed deeply before their ill master, who had a mischievous smile in front of them and was obviously looking forward to this moment. “So, shall I assume you've successfully put aside your differences and now can honestly admit you two can now get along?” he asked, his voice gentle like a breeze and soothing like honey. Obanai and Sanemi had rehearsed their lines a few hours prior to meeting with Ubuyashiki but that was all. They had not touched nor kissed each other in las twenty-four hours and Obanai felt like he was getting withdrawals. Sanemi was more distant than ever, refusing to be near the petite ravenette, keeping the man at the physical and emotional distance. “Yes. After some time well spent we realized that our initial impression of each other was wrong.” Obanai explained, his voice dull, lacking the enthusiasm the dying master thought he'd hear. Sanemi noded with the smaller man's statement. “We were wrong about each other.” he agreed, crossing his arms and slightly pursing his lips with such seriousness. The subtle hints of tension and such worried the master. He could've sworn his crow informed him of them kissing? Was he mistaken? What had happened between them??
Ubuyashiki parted his dark, long locs of hair away from his face, pondering what he should make of this. “We are ready to resume our work within the Demon Slayer Corps.” Sanemii declared, sitting up straighter. The ill man smiled and nodded. “You both say that you've gotten along and yet I sense some hostility and tension of some sort… Or perhaps some unresolved business between the two of you.” he replied, speaking earnestly. He reached out for Obanai and Sanemis hands to hold, grasping their palms gently. “Is there anything you two would like to say to each other?” he asked, hoping that he was misreading the situation. Sanemi looked over at the Serpent Hashira. “As a matter of fact, yes. I hope we will be able to spend more time together as friends.” that wasn't a part of the script, Obanai realized. These were Sanemi's own words and yet they felt so artificial. There wasn't a hint of emotion in his deep voice, it was just him being formal. Obanai looked over at the Wind Hashira and nodded before dragging his gaze back to the master.
Ubuyashiki stared at them for a few moments, contemplating what he should do. He was an observant man, there was no way he wasn't going to notice the vibe between them. The sickly man sighed, pulling his hands away. There was something suspicious going on, but he felt positive they would no longer argue and put the rest of the Pillars and Corps members within the crossfire. “Thank you. I shall formally announce that you men will be returning to our ranks.” he finally admitted with defeat. He shall see for himself how things will go. Ubuyashiki had eyes and ears everywhere, it won't be possible for the men to keep up a charade long enough. They will slip up eventually when they least expect it.
Obanai gave a polite smile despite wearing a mask and the fact that the master had declining vision. He bowed down, grateful to be back and that he didn't pry too deeply on how they've managed to get along; however, he couldn't shake off the lingering feeling of regret. They're back to being Hashira's but what does that mean for his and Sanemi's relationship? Was it worth it? The ravenette looked over to the albino man to see his reaction to Ubuyashiki's confirmation. He had crawled over to the master and carefully hugged his side. “Thank you. I am grateful to be back.” he whispered. Such gingerly touches and gentle whispers, he suddenly had longed to be back in Sanemi's warm, large, muscular arms.
---
Just as they entered, the men left together in silence as they navigated their way through the winding garden path. As they neared the exit Obanai stepped in front of Sanemi, halting the scarred man in his steps. “Hold on.” The Snake Pillar said, looking up into Sanemi's bright and pale lilac eyes. “We finally got what we wanted, but what now?” he asked, hoping deep down that Sanemi truly meant what he said earlier in the presence of their master, about spending more time together. Although the memory of ‘as friends’ part had slightly stung the man. The Wind Pillar raised a nonexistent brow, tucking his hands into his pockets unamused. “What about now? There's nothing to discuss, especially if youre talking about us. We shouldn't be seeing each other.” He stated before pushing Obanai to the side, body checking him and leaving the premises. The Snake Hashira stumbled at the force and couldn't help but stare in shock at such behaviour. At last he had no quips, no remarks. He was finally speechless for once, he didn't know what to say or to do as he watched the man leave him behind. what Sanemi said was enough for him to know that he was done. That they were done.
---
It had been several days since Obanai returned to his position as a high rank Hashira. Slowly, the routine of sleeping in during the day, training in the afternoon, then embarking at night to kill demons had returned to him like muscle memory. However, he couldn't shake off the memories of sleeping in Sanemi's plump arms, feeling the latter's warmth against him and throwing sly insults and comments at the man as he watched him be taken aback from his playful wittiness. The longing to have that back twisted Obanai inside and out.
He was busy with work once again but his mind was even busier, reminiscing the past weeks he spent with Sanemi. It was as if he was getting over an addiction and the ravenette was failing to cope with it. Despite having his heart broken, he was also frustrated with the scarred man. He wished he wouldn't have pushed him away or been so self sabotaging. Obanai felt as if he was in a prison, captured and held as a hostage in his own mind, constantly replaying the events and moments between them in his head. The memories followed him to bed, to training, to work, to lunch, there were no breaks. Just constant suffering.
Obanai wanted to respect Sanemi's decision, but at the same time, he was so angry and upset. He felt led on, he felt used. How selfish could that stupid albino man be? If he wasn't ready at all for any kind of relationship, none of this should have happened. The ravenette tried to confront Sanemi after but all he's ever gotten was the silent treatment since meeting with the master. He had sent letters from his Kusugai crow and yet his crow would return, informing him that his letter was unable to be delivered thanks to Sanemi’s refusal to accept it. The Serpent Pillar had even gone over to his estate a few times to try speaking in person and yet Sanemi never answered when he would knock. He felt helpless. Perhaps he got excited over nothing. They were doomed from the start. Obanai wasn't sure he could look or speak to Sanemi the same way ever again. He wasn't quite sure they'd ever spend time together intimately ever again either.
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