In Kanazawa

Mission Completed

"That should be it." Sanemi's gruff voice caught the attention of Giyuu, who was taking in the view of the ocean one last time.

Sanemi stood before their pile of luggage, having instructions to leave all their belongings for a Kakushi to pick up later.

"Should we head out, then?"

Sanemi nodded and the two closed the door to their home for the last time, being engulfed by the heat of the afternoon.

The two made their way down the street to Yoshida's house, figuring a quick goodbye would not harm anyone.

"Should we do something about Hajimari?" Sanemi mentioned.

Giyuu shrugged, "He isn't a demon. He was using a demon, sure— but he isn't one. We aren't in the political field, we can't save this village from a corrupt leader. All we can do is prevent anymore demon attacks and call it good. I'm sure the people here will figure something out soon enough." Giyuu spoke a bit solemnly, hating to leave the city with Hajimari.

Sanemi nodded in agreement as they approached Yoshida's house. He smiled at the blossoms.

He knocked on the door and the two men waited patiently. Giyuu's attention got caught by two ladybug, resting on a leave above them. He nudged Sanemi and nodded his head at them.

"A ladybug?" Sanemi was a big perplexed and gave Giyuu a bored glance. "Really?"

The door swung open a bit rapidly and the two ladybug jumped, both landing on a Hashira.

"Oh!" Sanemi jumped slightly and glanced at Yoshida, who had opened the door. The ladybug resting on his white hair.

"Hello, Boys" She smiled. "You've got something..." she'd words drifted off as she glanced at Giyuu now, noticing the ladybug resting on his cheek.*
(*it is a pretty common superstition that Ladybugs landing on you brings good luck, but it is also a Japanese superstition that a ladybug landing on you means you will get married.)

She giggled. "Come on in..."
—
Yoshida let out a saddened sigh as the two boys turned away, stepping off her porch with a wave.

"Please, stop by anytime you're nearby." She smiled and waved.

"We will, Madam Yoshida." The two men smiled, a bit disheartened at the goodbye, and left the city of Kanazawa.
—

The walk back to Ubuyashiki's estate was peaceful, Sanemi and Giyuu were both grateful to finally be back in their typical uniform and haori, but tension suffocated the two.

They had only been walking for an hour before Giyuu finally broke the agonizing silence.

"Shinazugawa," Sanemi felt a shiver travel down his spine and glanced at Giyuu, giving him his attention. "Should we discuss last night?"

Sanemi felt a shaky breath escape his lips once Giyuu locked eyes with him.

"Yes. We should." He replied, anxiety pooling in his stomach.

"I meant what I said." Giyuu started. Sanemi continued looking at him, confused. "I'm in love with you."

Sanemi felt his face flush slightly.

"So do I." He spoke, shortly after Giyuu's repeated confession.

The two stared at each other, unsure where to go from there.

"What should we do?"

Sanemi paused. "Other people can't know.. you know?"

"I know."

Silence occupied them again. Sanemi finally spoke again, his face flushing a shade of pink that Giyuu hadn't really been able to get a good look at the night before.