A Crack In The Wall / Giyuu X Sanemi/ Sanegiyuu

Chapter 2

**Chapter 2: The Tranquil Refuge**

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The forest stretched endlessly, its shadows deepening as Giyu and Sanemi continued their journey. Three days of relentless walking had taken its toll—their muscles ached, and their spirits waned. But the promise of a hot spring at the traveler's house ahead kept them moving.

As they approached the humble wooden building, its lantern-lit windows beckoned like distant stars. The sign above the door read "Yūgen no Yado," which meant "Refuge of Mystery." Giyu wondered what secrets lay within those walls.

Inside, the air was thick with warmth. A hearth crackled, casting flickering light on the tatami mats. The innkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes, greeted them. "Only one room left," she said, her voice soft. "You're lucky."

Sanemi scowled, his impatience evident. "Fine," he grumbled. "We'll take it."

The room was spare—no bed, only a low table and cushions. Giyu glanced at Sanemi, who seemed ready to explode. But they had no choice. The hot spring awaited, promising respite for their weary bodies.

They changed into yukatas—the cotton robes provided—and followed the innkeeper to the outdoor bath. Steam rose from the water, and the moon hung low, casting silver ripples. Giyu eased into the hot spring, the heat seeping into his bones. Sanemi joined him, his scowl unyielding.

"Quiet place," Giyu ventured, trying to break the ice.

Sanemi grunted. "Too quiet."

Giyu sighed. "We're comrades, Shinazugawa. We should try to get along."

Sanemi's eyes narrowed. "Comrades, huh? You're too soft. Demons don't care about that stuff."

Giyu submerged himself, the water soothing his tired muscles. "Maybe not demons," he said, "but we're human. We fight for a cause."

Sanemi scoffed. "Cause or not, I don't need friends."

Giyu leaned back, staring at the moon. "You're missing out," he said softly. "Friendship can be a source of strength."

Sanemi's laughter echoed off the stone walls. "Strength? I've survived this long without it."

They soaked in silence, the tension thick. Giyu wondered about Sanemi's past—the scars on his body, the anger etched into his every move. But the man was a closed book, and Giyu couldn't pry it open.

As they left the hot spring, Giyu tried again. "Shinazugawa, we—"

"Save it," Sanemi snapped. "I don't need your pity."

Back in their room, they spread out the futons. Giyu watched Sanemi arrange his, the lines of his face hard. Giyu hesitated, then sat cross-legged on the floor.

"Shinazugawa," he said, "we're in this together. Let's—"

Sanemi glared. "Don't push it, Tomioka."

Giyu sighed, defeated. "Fine."

They lay down, the room dimly lit by the lantern outside. Giyu stared at the ceiling, listening to Sanemi's steady breaths. The man was a mystery—a tempest of rage and pain. Giyu wondered if they'd ever find common ground.

As sleep claimed him, Giyu vowed to keep trying. Perhaps, in the quiet of this refuge, they could forge something stronger than mere camaraderie. Perhaps they could become more than demon slayers—they could become allies, friends, even brothers. or maybe something more?

But for now, they slept opposite each other, their hearts guarded, their dreams shrouded in mist.

**To be continued...**

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*Note: I apologize I know these chapters are short