Wait..what!? (sanegiyuu)

chap 19

As the two exited Giyuu's room, their steps slow and heavy with emotion, they were met by Aoi in the hallway. Her face softened as she took in the sight of Sanemi and Ren, their distress evident.

"Would you like some snacks?" Aoi asked gently, her voice a soothing balm to the tense atmosphere.

Ren nodded silently, his eyes still red from crying. Sanemi picked him up, holding him securely as they followed Aoi to the kitchen. The familiar sights and sounds of the kitchen brought a small measure of comfort, the scent of freshly prepared food filling the air.

Aoi set out a plate of dango, and Ren's eyes lit up slightly at the sight. Sanemi placed him on a stool, watching as Ren picked up a skewer and began to eat quietly. The room was filled with a comforting silence, broken only by the sounds of Ren's small bites and the soft hum of activity from the kitchen staff.

Just then, Sorai flew into the room, landing on the counter with an urgent caw. Sanemi's attention snapped to the crow, his body tensing. Sorai delivered his message in a series of quick caws and flaps.

"Sanemi, you have a mission."

Sanemi's heart sank. He didn't want to leave Ren, especially now, but duty called. Aoi, sensing his hesitation, stepped forward.

"I can watch Ren.. Shinazugawa-sama" she offered, her tone firm and reassuring. "He'll be safe here with me."

Sanemi looked at Aoi, gratitude and concern warring in his eyes. He turned to Ren, patting him gently on the head. "Ren, I need to go on a mission. Be good for Aoi, okay?"

Ren looked up at him, his eyes wide but understanding. "Okay, Papa. I'll be good."

Sanemi leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of Ren's head. "That's my boy. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Ren nodded, his small hands gripping the skewer of dango. Sanemi stood, his gaze lingering on his son for a moment longer before he turned to Aoi.

"Thank you, Aoi," he said sincerely. "I appreciate it."

Aoi gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about Ren. He'll be fine with me. Go do what you need to do Shinazugawa-sama."

Sanemi nodded, giving Ren one last pat on the head before he left the kitchen, his steps resolute but heavy. As he walked out of the Butterfly Mansion, his thoughts were a tangled mix of worry for Giyuu and determination to complete his mission quickly and return to his family.

Ren watched his father leave, a small pang of worry in his chest, but he took comfort in Aoi's presence and the promise that his Ma and Papa would be back soon. He turned back to his dango, taking another bite, and tried to be as brave as his father had asked him to be.

After Ren watched his father leave, his heart aching with a mix of worry and pride. He knew his Papa had important work to do, but he couldn't help feeling a little sad. Aoi gently guided him back inside to finish his dango.

As Ren took his last bites, he looked up at Aoi. "Can I see Ma?"

Aoi nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Of course, Ren. Let's go."

They walked down the quiet halls of the Butterfly Mansion until they reached Giyuu's room. The air was heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs, and the soft beeping of medical equipment filled the room. Ren hesitated at the doorway for a moment, looking at his mother lying still on the bed.