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Today wasn't really the best mission.
Both Obanai and Kyojuro had been sent to sent to a mansion, where multiple junior slayers had gone missing. The mission itself wasn't much of a hassle. They split up, rescued a few innocent victims, tracked multiple demons, everything seemed to be going fine.
Well, it was at first.
Until a random demon went for Obanai.
This was normally not a problem, he was a Hashira for goodness sake. That was until it chose to lunge at him. It was originally aiming for his face but was only able to rip off his bandages. Obanai smoothly cut its arm and shoulder off, forcing the demon to back up and regenerate. He was so focused on the fight that he didn't notice for the first few seconds, but then the lower part of his face felt cold and—
Oh.
Oh no.
Obanai hastily raised his arm to the lower part of his face. Kaburamaru, seemingly noticing Obanai's distress, poked its head out, flicking its tongue against his skin. Then suddenly, he felt something swiftly drag across his leg.
He'd been cut. His damn insecurities got the best of him. He tightened his grip on the sword, getting back into stance. It didn't matter that this demon saw the horrendous scar across his face, did it? It was going to die anyway.
The demon lunged at him once again. Obanai raised his sword and in one swift motion, the demon was decapitated. He didn't bother to stay any longer as the demons body turned to ash and its screeches quieted down.
Relief washed over him as he rewrapped the lower part of his face with the spare bandages he'd carry in his haori. No one else was there to witness what happened. Though he was still a little shaken, he was just glad it was over. He raised his hand and gently pet Kaburamaru to distract himself from thinking about it any longer.
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Obanai was met with a pair of flame-colored eyes when he reached the exit. Kyojuro raised his hand to wave at him. Iguro nodded in greeting as they both walked out. He'd noticed that Kyojuro had an injury across his shoulder, but his smile hadn't at all wavered.
He liked talking to Kyojuro.
Obanai could admit, he could be cold and snappy towards others and there were only a few people whose presence he genuinely enjoyed. Kyojuro was one of them. (Which isn't that big of a surprise, nearly everyone in the Corps respected him.) They didn't talk much due to their duties as Hashira, but Kyojuro would always willingly start a conversation with him when he'd get the chance to do so.
Obanai though that was odd. Why would Kyojuro— no, why would anyone want to be near someone as filthy as him?
"Is there something on your mind, Iguro?"
"...No, I just zoned out."
Kyojuro nodded and silence returned once again. Now that he thought about it, his injured leg was starting to get to him. It wasn't deep enough to be alarming, but just enough that the sting got annoying. And it didn't help that both of their estates were days away from their current location.
He must've been so lost in thought that he almost didn't noticed when Kyojuro lightly nudged him. He lifted his head and turned to see what Kyojuro was pointing at— oh. A wisteria house.
"Iguro, I suggest we stay here for tonight!"
"Yes, you're right."
Kyojuro was rambling on about God knows what as they passed the gates. Obanai only replied with hums of nods. He himself wasn't very talkative and they way Kyojuro seemed to have endless things to go on about was kind of baffling to him.
He didn't mind, though.
It was kind of nice hearing him talk.
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They were both greeted by a smaller, elderly man who ran the wisteria house.
"Ah, judging by the golden buttons on your uniforms, you two must be Hashira! It's such a pleasure to see you in person!"
Despite his age, the man managed to bow deeply.
"Yes, thank you. I hope it's not a bother if we stay here for some time." said Obanai.
"No, of course it isn't, feel free to step in! I'll have a doctor treat your injuries."
"You're too kind, sir!" Kyojuro said with enthusiasm.
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Both of them had already changed into the clothes that the elderly man had offered them. A doctor already tended to their wounds, as well. Obanai pet Kaburamaru with his index finger, which was lazily draped over his shoulder.
The man told them that their meal would be prepared shortly.
Hearing that almost made Obanai cringe. He was really not in the mood to eat anything at all. But since he hadn't eaten anything in the past two days, it'd be healthier to get some nutrients in his system.
Kyojuro must've noticed, as he seemed to think for a second before he sat up and walked towards the older man. Obanai could only look in confusion as Kyojuro whispered something in the older man's ear, but brushed it off as nothing.
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As soon as their meals arrived, Kyojuro suddenly stood up, taking his tray with him. Obanai paused. Where was he going? Before he completely left, he turned to Obanai.
"You can call me back in when you're done."
That was all the flame-colored man said before exiting the room. Obanai stared back down at his meal. It looked different from Kyojuro's, thankfully much blander. A bowl of rice, miso soup and a couple of vegetables. Kyojuro must've requested it for him.
He poked at the food with the chopsticks at first, examining it. Then, finally, he slowly untied his bandages.
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He remembers when he was taken in by the Rengokus. He didn't stay there for very long, but he still considered them the first loving family he ever had.
Not that he deserved any of it.
He'd curl up into the corner of his room and refuse to eat what they offered him at first. He knew it was ungrateful of him to deny, but he couldn't help it. The mere smell was sometimes enough to make him feel nauseous.
Though, it didn't take long for them to figure out what food he was able to tolerate. He remembers how young Kyojuro would volunteer to bring the tray to Obanai's room every chance he got. He was still scared of Mrs. Rengoku, and Mr. Rengoku was often out on missions, so Kyojuro got plenty of chances. Somehow, Kyojuro still remembered. He'd gone out of his way to make sure he was eating.
He remembers when young Kyojuro would knock at the door before he slid it open. Little Senjuro was clinging onto his leg.
"Hi Obanai!"
His loud voice practically made Obanai jump. Kyojuro carefully placed the food down before continuing.
"Hey, I found this super cool book about animals and plants and other super cool stuff— We can read it together if you want!"
Oh, well that's new. He figured it'd be rude to decline, and it did sound fascinating. He managed a small nod.
"Great!"
Kyojuro grinned, looking like the happiest boy in the world. Why was he happy to be with someone like him? He was tainted, he didn't deserve any love. He didn't deserve to be here.
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Obanai wandered back and forth, feeling almost restless. He let his fingers fiddle with the hem of his shirt.
"Is everything alright, Iguro?"
"...Rengoku, I've been wanting to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
It felt impossible to get the words out at first, but he spat them out before he could back down.
"Why don't you hate me?"
The words hung in the air. Silence filled the room, it was almost suffocating. What kind of stupid question was that? Why'd he say that? He lowered his head in shame.
"Iguro, why would I?"
Kyojuro's enthusiastic voice had now changed. It was quieter, more gentle. Obanai took the time to gather his thoughts as they both sat down.
"It's just..."
His hands hesitated before they reached up to untie his bandages. Kyojuro had seen his face before. He remembers that day crystal clearly.
Kyojuro walked in the room, unaware that Obanai didn't have his bandages on. The minute Obanai turned and saw Kyojuro, he froze. This was bad. Really bad. Kyojuro was going to think he was a monster. He'll never want to be near him again—
To his shock, Kyojuro only reacted with the slightest bit of shock on his face. And it somehow took him another few seconds to realize why poor Obanai looked petrified.
"...Oh— I'm sorry!"
Kyojuro practically yelled the words out as he slid the door shut. Okay, that was weird. Obanai was expecting to be ignored by him. But it never did. Kyojuro still seemed to enjoy being with him.
But that was years ago.
What if his view of Obanai changed? It must've. He did just come into their home, didn't he? He was probably such a burden. Gosh, he wished he never said or did anything now. Still, it was to late to just turn back.
"Look at me, Kyojuro. Don't I... don't I disgust you? Haven't I already burdened you enough? Aren't you—"
Obanai cut himself off before he could continue. What was he doing? He was being so childish. If he had the chance to make the ground swallow him whole, he'd take it.
"Obanai."
"...mh?"
Kyojuro gently placed his hands on both of Obanai's shoulders.
"Obanai, I don't hate you. I wouldn't be able to if I tried."
He brought himself to look into those kind, flame-colored eyes. He searched his face for any sign of loathing, detestation, anything.
He found none.
Obanai's eyesight went blurry and felt watery. Was he...tearing up? The Serpent Hashira was tearing up, it sounded impossible— but here he was. His brows furrowed and he looked away once again.
Kyojuro withdrew his hands. As far as he knew, Obanai wasn't always the biggest fan of physical touch.
"Apologies," said Kyojuro.
"No, it's—... it's alright, I don't mind."
To his surprise, the Serpent Hashira let the Flame Hashira embrace him. Silence engulfed the room as he leaned into Kyojuro's chest.
And for just this once, he let himself be vulnerable, he let himself receive affection he never deserved.
He let himself be selfish.