Guarded Whispers (GiyuuSane)

6

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The two bodyguards watched as the Shinazugawas departed from the training grounds. "That was so cool, Tomioka!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his smile bright and eyes twinkling. "You have to teach me someday!"

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With heavy steps, Sanemi finally arrived at his prince's chambers. What a fucking day, he thought as he pushed open the door to his bathroom. I need a shower. Turning the handle to the hottest setting, he glanced at himself in the mirror. It's been a while since I trained with someone. Maybe now I can. He dismissed the thought, undressing and stepping into the steaming water, which relaxed him in soothing calmness as he closed his eyes.

Leaning against the tiled wall, Sanemi hummed softly under the hot spray, his thoughts drifting back over the week. Did I even get a moment to myself?

Sighing, he glanced down at the shampoo bottle resting on the ledge. Grabbing it, he popped open the cap and squeezed a generous amount into his hand. As he lathered his hair, a faint echo of someone's words, words he couldn't remember who spoke, whispered in his mind. "One day, you'll fall in love, and the world will light up in a way you never knew it could, and you'll feel complete."

Sanemi tipped his head back under the water, letting the shampoo rinse away, but the memory lingered, leaving an unwelcome ache in his chest. Shaking off the feeling, he picked up the conditioner and massaged it into his hair, finding solace.

Taking his time to wash his body, Sanemi lingered under the warm steam until finally stepping out onto the cool tiles. The bathroom mirror was fogged over, showing only a hazy silhouette of his reflection. He reached for the towel draped over the sink, wrapping it snugly around his waist before stepping into his bedroom, where the chill air prickled his damp skin.

His brain on autopilot, Sanemi hummed a tune to himself as he walked to his dresser, rummaging around in the drawers, eventually pulling out a pair of boxer briefs at random.

Sanemi discarded the towel and slipped into a fresh pair of boxer briefs, their softness a welcome relief after the day's trials. He eased himself onto the bed, feeling the day's weariness settle in his bones. (Funny yall think he sleeps fully dressed)

Lying back, he gazed at the ceiling, thoughts of the day replaying in his mind. Outside, faint voices murmured, but inside his chamber, the silence took him.

Gradually, his breathing slowed, the tension in his muscles melting away. The night pressed gently against the window, reminding him of the world beyond. Yet in his bed, he found a moment of tranquility. Sanemi's mind quieted. Beneath the warmth of the blankets, he let himself drift, finding peace in the stillness.

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"Where did you train?" Kamado exclaimed with a jump. "Mt. Sagiri." Giyuu responds as he puts up the equipment just used. "Really!? I trained there too! Urokodaki didn't teach me that, though." Tomioka looks back, almost shocked that they share that in common. "I learned it myself...when were you up there?" Tomioka returns with a question, leading the way to the guards' quarters. "So cool...Like two years ago! What about you?" Kamado catches up to the raven-haired. "Four years ago." A sigh of relief escapes Tomioka's lips before answering the question.

After a shower, the bodyguard found himself looking at the top of the bunk. The day's events, especially the announcement of Sanemi's arranged marriage, bothered him more than he cared to admit. Giyuu had seen a different side of the prince today.

Princess Kanae of Flutterheim... Yes, I've heard of her. She's really pretty. I wonder if they like each other... "Kamado? What do you know about Princess Kanae?" Tanjiro takes a second but gives an answer soon. "She's nice! When I worked at Flutterheim, she was always smiling and kind to everyone! She and Prince Sanemi have meetings often."

"I see. Thank you." He rolled onto his side, thoughts of Sanemi and Princess Kanae swirling in his mind. The idea of Sanemi marrying for political gain felt wrong, especially when he deserved someone who would understand and care for him genuinely. The thought of Kanae being that person left an unpleasant knot in Tomioka's stomach.

As he lay there, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of protectiveness towards Sanemi. He let out a defeated sigh, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. But as he thought of the man that he swore to protect , he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest. He ignored it, not knowing how to react to it.

Giyuu closed his eyes, his mind wandering back to the sparring session with Sanemi. A slight smile played on his lips as he drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.

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The next morning dawned with a pinky hue, and the song of birds playing. Tomioka, already awake and dressed, met Shinazugawa at the door of his chamber. "Good morning, Your Highness."

"Morning." After breakfast, Sanemi headed to a meeting to convince the council not to send the attack to Isolantis Tidalia. After what seemed like hours, the prince was successful and retreated to his office.

"Anikiiii!" The door creaked open to reveal the youngest of the Shinazugawas, Koto. Sanemi looked up from his paperwork, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'm bored." With a sigh, Sanemi replied, "Go play with Genya." Koto groaned, "He's at the shooting range... Can I just stay here?"

Sanemi muttered, "I told him to stay in the castle for now... Yeah, sure." Despite his words, he secretly enjoyed having his younger brother's company. Tomioka watched as Koto grabbed a piece of paper and started coloring.

Every now and then, Tomioka noticed Koto sneaking glances at him. With a proud smile, Koto held up his drawing for his brother to see. Sanemi glanced at it and, with a slight drop of his shoulders, rubbed his temples. "Run along."

Koto eagerly turned to Tomioka and presented the drawing. On the paper was a colorful, though messy, depiction of two men-a poorly drawn Tomioka standing close to an even worse-drawn Sanemi with the sun beaming down on them. Tomioka almost let out a chuckle but held it back when he noticed Sanemi shooting him a glare. Giyuu quickly looked down as he felt the heat rise to his face.

Koto placed the drawing on Sanemi's desk and waved. Sanemi watched his little brother leave, then glanced at Tomioka.

The prince returned to his paperwork, but the atmosphere in the room was lighter, filled with a warmth that hadn't been there before. Tomioka glanced at the drawing on the desk and couldn't help but feel a tingle in his chest.

The sun set outside, casting a golden hue over the castle.

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Credits to Chapter Four of Wasting Your Love on Me by peachybonsai 💝‼️