The Swimming Butterfly (Giyushino Fanfic)

Chapter 27

𝚂𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚘𝚋𝚞 𝙺𝚘𝚌𝚑𝚘

Even though it had been half a year since Giyu had awakened from his coma, he was still under direct orders from Master Ubuyashiki to rehabilitate at the Butterfly Estate until all of his injuries were fully healed. 

Despite my longing to spend all day with Giyu, I first had to prioritize my duty as a Pillar and medic. I spent most of my days concocting new and more potent poisons during the day and going out to patrol at night. With the limited time I had left, I spent it all with Giyu. Just a small smile from him was able to get rid of my exhaustion and fatigue. Each quick glance he thought he was being discreet only added to the pleasantness of the time we spent together. 

Alas, the time I could spare for him was limited, to say the least, much shorter than what I would like. 

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I was eating in my lab while working on a new formula with the ingredients I had bought from town a few days ago when Mitsuri barged in. The green tips of her braids swung wildly as she ran in with her arms extended. 

She pulled me into a bear hug, swinging me into the air with strength that no human should be able to possess. Mitsuri continued to swing me around until I tapped out, slapping her back with all of my strength so that she should feel my hits. 

Once she set me down, she started to bawl.

 "Shinobu," she wailed. "It's been so long since you've contacted me. I thought we were best friends, but we hardly talk anymore. I know you're busy, but I can't help but miss you."

I brushed a tear off of her face before digging into my pockets for a handkerchief. "Mitsuri, you were the first pillar I befriended when I joined the ranks, and you are still the best friend I have."

"That's not true," she pouted. "You like Tomioka more than me, don't you."

I gave her a reassuring smile, grabbing her shoulders in the process. "I like you both equally. Giyu and you are both important people in my life." 

Her look of depression suddenly turned into one of worry and confusion. "Giyu? When did you two get so close? That's not fair! Tomioka is hogging you all to himself." She pounded against my chest in a fit of child-like jealousy. 

After calming down, she finally returned to her normal, cheerful state. 

"Now then, you have to tell me everything! What did you guys do together?" Her eyes widened. "Perhaps, you guys... went all... of the way?"

"..." I looked away from her prying gaze. 

Mitsuri squealed as she ran outside.

"MY BEST FRIEND IS A SEXUAL DEVIANT! A PERVERT!" 

Everyone in the hallway stared at me, causing me to slam the door shut in embarrassment. Before the door was able to close, I caught a glimpse of Giyu sporting a confused expression. 

'Ah, I want to die.'

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The next day, Mitsuri meekly peeked through the door, trying to gauge how displeased I was with her. Reluctant to have her draw more attention to myself than she had already done, I motioned for her to enter the room. On my cue, she ran up to me with tears and snot running down her face. 

"I'b sho shorry Shinobuuuuuu," she wailed. "Please forgive meeeeee." 

I sighed, waiting for her tears to subside. I patted her head reassuringly, which in turn reduced her sobs into sniffles.