Chapter Text
Giyuu's POV
I wake up in a cold sweat, breathing heavily as I lay motionless on my futon. The morning light hits my face, reconnecting me back to reality. Another nightmare... It's been getting worse recently.
They always include Sabito or Tsutako, sometimes both. It feels like a fever dream whenever it happens... My body feels heavy, but I sit up, raking a hand through my bangs. I forget to untie my hair again... I let out a sigh as I removed my legs from under the sheets, draping my legs on the edge of the futon. My bare feet came into contact with the cool hardwood floor, causing a chill to go down my spine.
I stood up, stretching as soon as I stood straight. It was a long night yesterday... I had a mission with a lower-ranking demon. It gave me a nasty scar on my chest, and it still hasn't properly healed yet. I decided not to go to Koucho's because it wasn't that serious. So after I got home, I just wrapped it up and hoped it would heal on its own.
I let out another sigh as I made my way to the bathroom. I flick on the light and turn on the faucet. I splash some cold water against my face to wake me up fully. I look in the mirror, observing my expression. My hair was a little messy, and I was tired. That was clear from my forming eye bags. I sigh before turning off the tap and turning off the light in the bathroom.
As soon as I left the bathroom, I heard a bang at one of the windows, causing me to jump. I look in the direction of the sound, seeing Kanzaburo on the ledge of the window sill. I sigh before going over and opening the window for him.
As soon as I opened the window, Kanzaburo hopped his way inside, flapping his wings to stretch them out. He lets out a caw, sounding more like an old man's cough. I extended my hands to Kanzaburo so he could lay in them. He gladly accepted the invitation and nested himself in my hands. I brought him close to my chest, making sure to be wary of my wound. Kanzaburo cuddled his head into my chest. He's an old bird... but I would never trade him for anything else in the world. He's my dearest friend.
Giyuu T: "Is there anything to report?" I ask as I walk with Kanzaburo in my arms to my desk.
Kanzaburo let out another croaked caw as soon as I sat down.
Kanzaburo: "Meeting! Hashira meeting! Caw!- Uhgh..." Kanzaburo coughed out those words as he laid his head against my chest. I stroke his head of feathers.
Giyuu T: "I see.. Thank you for telling me." I said, giving Kanzaburo a few more headstrokes.
Great... a meeting... I let out a sigh as I leaned back into my seat. I wasn't in the mood to be around the others right now... especially Shinazugawa... just thinking about him makes me feel conflicted. I wanna be his friend, but it's obvious that he has no interest in wanting to have anything to do with me.
A sudden pain in my chest causes me to snap out of my thoughts. I clench my chest as I wince in pain. Damn it.. Maybe not getting this checked out was a bad idea...
I felt Kanzaburo's beak poke my hand, looking at me with concern. I let out a soft sigh before giving him a head pat.
Giyuu T: "I'm alright. I'm alright.. I'll be ok..." I said while stroking Kanzaburo's head once more.
I should probably get ready... I honestly don't wanna hear any teasing from Koucho if I'm late...
I stand up from my desk with Kanzaburo in my arms. I walk to my futon and set Kanzaburo on top of my pillow. I let out a sigh before going over to my closet to get out of my uniform. Even with the uniform's strong durability, it can have an oddly nice feeling around the body.
I slid the yutaka that I had slept in off my body while taking my uniform out of my closet. I slide the soft fabric of my uniform over my skin, flinching slightly when the fabric touches my chest. I let out another sigh, trying to ignore my pain as I buttoned up my uniform.
Kanzaburo cawed at me as soon as I finished getting dressed, now laying on top of my haori that I always have folded next to my futon. I look at him for a small moment before letting out a huffed laugh as I pick him and my haori up.
Giyuu T: "What are you doing, silly bird?" I say with a small smile on my face. All of the silliest things Kanzaburo does always cheer me up.
Kanzaburo flutters his wings, flapping onto my shoulder and snuggling into my neck. I hummed before putting on my haori. I should get going now...
I let out a sigh before going to retrieve my sword that was propped against the wall. Once I made sure it was strapped against me with my belt, I readied myself to set off to the Master's estate.
Giyuu T: "You should stay here and rest. I'll leave the window open for you if you want to leave." I said as I took Kanzaburo from my shoulders before setting him down on my futon again. Kanzaburo lets out a soft coo as I set him down. I smile softly before getting up. I'll get going now.
I soon made my way outside. As soon as I closed the door, I took a deep breath, taking in the fresh air. The breeze blew past me as I shivered slightly. Fall had just started, and the autumn leaves always caught my attention. Though, slightly chilly, autumn was always a beautiful season in my eyes.
I should get going now...
I walk along the rocky path of my estate, passing through the entrance flower bushes. I rake my hand through the bushes as I walk by, feeling the pointy leaves poke my hands. It was a strange feeling. Almost uncomfortable.. I continue to walk.
Leaving the estate borders, I admire the familiar scenery as I walk the path heading to Master's Estate. The random trees of wisteria that surrounded my estate slowly disappeared as I ventured further and further away from my estate.
This was the same route I took from my estate to Master's. The familiar scenery only calms me on the walk. Yet the small ball of anxiety and dread do not disappear.
I don't want to go to the meeting. I don't wanna be nagged by the others right now.
Besides, I don't even deserve to be a part of it.
I'm so tired, and all I want is to get some ACTUAL rest.
I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't realize how much time had passed. I stood in front of the main gate of the Master's estate. I just stare at the ground of the estate, not going in just yet. I know the meetings we have are important. But I don't wanna be surrounded by a bunch of amazing people who have so many accomplishments. And some of them don't like me...
I tense for no reason, letting out a sigh before entering the estate border.
I made my way towards the regular meeting space, still regretting even coming. I observed the area around me, trying to see who was already there. But of course... it seems like I'm the last one there.
Sanemi S: "Well, look what we have here. You're lucky you aren't late." Shinazugawa's annoyed and gruff voice reaches my ears. He leaned against the tree that Iguro usually sat on. I just avoided his gaze and ignored him. Which, I know Shinazugawa got annoyed by, due to the sharp "tsk" sound I heard in his direction.
Shinobu K: "Good morning, Tomioka! How are you this fine day?" Koucho's sing-song voice pierces my ears as she approaches me with her usual sweet smile.
I look at her for a small moment, unsure of how to respond. I never know what to say around her... She's paying attention to every word I say.
She's gonna tease me if I don't say anything anyway... I let out a small sigh before finally giving Koucho a response.
Giyuu T: "Good morning. I'm... fine." I say nonchalantly. I don't want her bugging and teasing me today.
Shinobu K: "That's good! I'm glad you're doing alright!" She says while clasping her hands together. Is she just trying to lighten my mood? Is it that obvious that I don't want to be here...?
I let out a hum in response. If I keep quiet but still respond to Koucho maybe she'll leave me be for a little bit...
Mitsuri K: "Kyaaaah!!! Tomioka-san!!" Kanroji's high-pitched voice cut off whatever Koucho was going to say next.
She ran over to me giving me a tight hug. Kanroji is a very nice person... She's so talented too. She cooks, she's able to make friends easily, and she even created her own breathing style. So why would she hang out with someone like me?
Out of all the hashira, Kanroji spends the most time with me. Sometimes she'll invite me to go eat with her, while other times she comes over to my estate to just talk to me. I can't help but see Tsutako in her...
I didn't know how to react when she hugged me. I mean, yes Kanroji is a very affectionate person and I don't mind that. It's just... When we're in front of everyone it's a little embarrassing. And Iguro always glares at me whenever I'm around Kanroji... Right now, I can currently feel Iguro staring daggers into the back of my head from the tree he's propped up in.
I let out a small sigh, giving Kanroji a small pat on her head, which only got Iguro to glare at me even more...
Giyuu T: "Hello Kanroji.." I muttered under my breath for only her to hear. Well, Koucho could probably hear. So can Uzui with his super sonic hearing... Whatever.
Kanroji pulls back, a bright happy smile plastered on her face.
Mitsuri K: "Good Morning! How are you Tomioka?" She asked me, happy and as carefree as ever.
Giyuu T: "I'm fine." I gave her the same response I gave Koucho, not because I wanted her to leave me alone. I don't want to worry her. Kanroji has a habit of worrying about me. For some reason...
Mitsuri K: "Yay! Oh! By the way.. I was wondering if you wanted to come eat with me and Iguro-san after this!"
Yeah, no... Nothing against Kanroji, of course, but if I did go Iguro would probably be planning my murder.
Giyuu T: "Apologies Kanroji but... I don't think I'll be able to go." I tell her, trying my best not to shiver under Iguro's murderous gaze.
Her smile fades into a sad frown. She has to know that's my weakness right...? I can't stand to see her sad.
Mitsuri K: "Oh.. Ok... Maybe a next time then?" She looked up to me with a small smile, a shimmer of hope glimmering in her eyes.
I let out a sigh but give her a small (very small) smile while giving her a nod. Her face immediately lite back up.
Mitsuri K: "Kyaaah!!! Tomioka-san! You need to smile more, it's so cute!!"
Sometimes I do wish she could refrain from making such comments... I wanna be embarrassed but I don't wanna look weird in front of the others... So all I did was let out a hum.
I could still feel Iguro glaring at me... I don't really understand his problem. Why does he hate me so much? And why does he hate that I talk to Kanroji? Sometimes I wish I could read minds... To see what others were thinking about me. But then again... I don't think that's a good idea.
Before anything else could happen, a soft monotone voice broke through the others conversations. Hinaki, one of Master's children, stood on the porch of Master's Estate with a doll like smile.
Hinaki U: "The master will arrive soon. Please, take you seats."
Everyone did as they were told, sitting down on the ground in a line like we usually did. Sometimes the order of hashira would be scrambled depending on where everyone was before the meeting officially started. But lucky me... I happen to be sitting to Shinazugawa and Uzui... Just my luck huh. I thought at least I would be next to Kanroji but Iguro dragged her over to where he was sitting. Whatever though... I shouldn't complain. The sooner the meeting starts the sooner I can go back home and sleep. Unless I get a mission...
The master approaches as he's guided by his other child Nichika to the end of the porch. Master had his usual soft, welcoming smile as he stopped at the edge of the porch. Every hashira bowed our heads to him. No matter how much I don't deserve to be a part of the demon slayer Corp, I respect Master with every fiber of my being. He's kind and considerate.
Kagaya U: "Good morning, my children... I do apologize for calling a meeting so early." Master spoke, his voice never loosing its soft and kind tone, even when his sickness is worsening everyday.
Kyojuro R: "Nonsense, Master! Us hashira must be prepared for anything! You have no reason to apologize!" Rengouku's booming voice pierced my ears as he responded to Master with his usual smile.
Rengouku is an amazing person too. Just like Kanroji... we don't hangout as often as me and Kanroji, but sometimes he'll eat with us. I don't mind. I just like listening to the two talk about their day. They include me in conversation but they never force me to speak. That makes me happy...
Master's smile softens.
Kagaya U: "I'm glad it's not a nuisance. Moving on, let us start the meeting."
2383 words
Yay i did it
UNIRONICALLY KINDA FORGOT ABOUT THIS BUT HOPEFULLY I CONTINUE THIS BECAUSE IM ACTUAL LIKING THIS
Anyway have a good day reader❤️