Since That Heated Night (Sanemi x Giyu)

Chapter Three | A Talk With Friends

Caawwww!! Caawwww!!!

Sanemi walked out of the Butterfly Mansion's walls, heading towards the woods in front as his crow swooped down on him. "Hey there little guy," Sanemi greeted. He couldn't help it when he smiled; his expression being ever-so-kind as if nothing had happened. His face softened as if there was nothing to fear in the world. He was glad to see his crow again so he could finally get out of this situation. "How about we go much on something in town, hm?" He asked his crow softly. He pet its wing as it rested on his shoulder similar to a parrot. Even his crow seemed as exhausted as he was. "Let's go."

He walked along the road that led into the city. Several citizens and travelers roamed the streets as things remained busy. The usual, it seems, on a sunny weekend. He noticed a few more sweet shops than normal, and a couple more vendors opened. So much can happen in just a few days... He thought. Then again, so much had happened with him as well.

Sanemi stopped by one of the vendors, grabbing an ohagi as he continued strolling down the streets. He didn't have a particular reason to be here, wandering around the quiet but busy town as he tried to clear his mind from the recent events. But his mind was just as busy as the people surrounding him.

I wonder if I should talk to Uzui about this... Sanemi thought. He and Uzui had been getting closer lately, especially when they first talked shit about the Water Hashira together. They seemed to agree on more than they thought they would. Sanemi almost felt as though he could be a brother to him, but he'd always pull those feelings away as he feared what results that could lead to. Because he trusts him so much, why not just go and have a talk with him? Sanemi wondered.

"Shinazugawa?" Someone called from behind. Sanemi turned to the familiar voice, also hearing an annoying squeal from a girl. "Iguro? How'd you know I was here?" Sanemi questioned. He watched as Mitsuri greeted him excitingly, however, he felt as if it was cringe. "Who else goes to an ohagi shop with spiky white hair that carries a sword?" Obanai teased, letting his sarcasm slide right into the other male.

Sanemi couldn't help but laugh a bit. "So what brings you out here?" He asked. He noticed the abundance of bentos his girl-but not yet-girlfriend was holding. "We came out to grab a bite before patrols. You up to join?" Obanai offered. "There's plenty to go around."

Free food? Who can object to that? "Guess I will. I really don't have anything else planned for the moment." Sanemi followed them to a table area, where it looked like a few others were gathered at one of the tables. Other picnics, maybe?

"Crap I forgot to get some drinks!" Mitsuri carefully set the food down as she ran out back into the town real quick, telling Obanai that she'll be fast and that he didn't need to follow her. Fucking airhead, Sanemi thought. Match made in heaven. He couldn't help but chuckle as he teased.

"So what are you here for? I usually don't see you around unless we drag you away from your missions," Obanai asked. "Just got a bit on my mind these past few days. Had quite a bit happen, so I just came here for a bite," Sanemi told honestly. He was so tired he didn't know what flew out of his mouth until he was already finished talking. "Too much on your mind, you say," Obanai analyzed. "You know, we should go out for one sometime. I feel like it's been forever since we've actually hung out," He offered.

"Oh hell no, I'm staying away from the alcohol for a while," Sanemi answered harshly. Almost as if his life depended on it. He watched as Obanai laughed at it. "Rough week, I take it? Did you get into some trouble or something?" He teased. Yeah, it's funny until you hear it, Sanemi thought. "Yeah, yeah, cut it out."

"My bad," Obanai stops himself from pestering his friend even more. "What happened?" He asked. Sanemi questioned for a moment if he was actually interested or just wanted something more to play with, but decided to open up about it. He did want to keep the details to a minimum and he made sure to remind himself not to go overboard.