Wait..what!? (sanegiyuu)

chap 18

The night was long and filled with anxious waiting. Sanemi sat by Giyuu's side, never letting go of his hand. His eyes, heavy with worry, rarely left Giyuu's pale face. The rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound breaking the silence, each tick amplifying the weight of the situation.

Hours passed, and Sanemi's fatigue was beginning to show. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against their clasped hands. "Giyuu" he whispered.

The door to the room opened quietly, and Shinobu stepped in, her expression calm yet serious. She approached Sanemi, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Shinazugawa, you should go home. Ren will likely look for you..remember he needs you, too."

Sanemi looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. "I..i can't leave him like this."

Shinobu gave him a sympathetic smile. "Shinazugawa..Giyuu is stable for now, and we'll keep a close eye on him. You need to rest and check on Ren."

Sanemi hesitated, glancing back at Giyuu. The urge to stay was strong, but he knew Shinobu was right.

Ren needed him, and he had to be strong for both of them. "Alright," he said quietly, standing up. "But you'll call me if anything changes, right?"

"Of course," Shinobu assured him. "We'll keep you updated Shinazugawa"

Sanemi nodded, his gaze lingering on Giyuu for a moment longer. "Take care Giyuu.." he whispered before turning to leave.

As he walked through the quiet halls of the Butterfly Mansion, Sanemi's thoughts were heavy. The relief of Giyuu being in safe hands was overshadowed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. He had to believe that Giyuu would pull through, that they would have the chance to mend their fractured relationship.

The journey back to his estate was a blur, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Giyuu and Ren. When he finally arrived, the first light of dawn was beginning to break. He quietly entered the house, careful not to wake Ren.

He found Genya in the living room,barely awake, sitting up and seemingly waiting but noticed Sanemi. "..Aniki, how is Giyuu-san?" Genya asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I.. He's stable for now," Sanemi replied, his voice tired but hopeful. "Kocho is taking care of him. I just... needed to come back and check on Ren and you."

Genya nodded. "Ren's been asleep the whole time. I..i stayed up in case you needed anything."

Sanemi gave his younger brother a grateful look. "Thanks, Genya. I appreciate it."

As he made his way to Ren's room, Sanemi felt a pang of guilt for leaving his son alone for so long. He opened the door quietly, peeking in to see Ren still fast asleep, clutching his blanket.

Sanemi walked over, sitting gently on the edge of the bed. He reached out, brushing a hand through Ren's hair. "Hey, buddy" he whispered, not wanting to wake him but needing the comfort of being close.

Ren stirred slightly, mumbling in his sleep. "Mmmn..Pa...?"

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here," Sanemi whispered, leaning down to kiss Ren's forehead. "Go back to sleep, get some more rest. I'll be right here."