𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

Dreams Of Fire

3 Person pov:

The sun was beginning to set down casting long shadows across the landscape as  Tomioka and  Iguro made their way toward the familiar Wisteria House. The air was crisp with the approach of night, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze was the only sound that accompanied their footsteps. Despite the silence, the atmosphere between the two Hashira was charged, heavy with unspoken thoughts and memories.

Obanai's mind wandered back to the last time they had stayed at this particular Wisteria House. The memory of sharing a futon with Giyuu surfaced unbidden, the sensation of their bodies brushing against each other each time they shifted to get comfortable still vivid. The thought caused a crimson blush to creep up Obanai's cheeks, which he quickly tried to shake off. It was ridiculous to dwell on such things, and he silently cursed himself for it.I just hope we don’t end up in the same situation again,he thought, his heart beating slightly faster at the mere possibility.

As they approached the house, the gate adorned with the Wisteria family crest came into view, but the usual sight of an elderly woman greeting them was absent. The house seemed almost deserted, its quietness adding to the uneasy tension building within Obanai.

"Shouldn't we be greeted by the old lady?" Obanai muttered, his voice tinged with annoyance as he glanced at Giyuu, who remained as stoic as ever.

Giyuu simply nodded, his expression unreadable. The lack of response only served to irritate Obanai further. Why is he always so distant?Obanai thought, his irritation mingling with the confusing swirl of emotions that had been plaguing him lately.

After a few minutes of standing in silence, the gate creaked open, and the elderly woman finally appeared, her movements hesitant and apologetic.

“I deeply apologize,” she said, bowing slightly. “We only just received word that you were being sent here to rest. Please, come in. The air is cold, and I’ll prepare some warm food for you. Make yourselves comfortable.”

The two Hashira stepped inside, following the woman as she led them through the quiet halls of the house. The familiar scent of wisteria hung in the air, calming yet bittersweet, as they approached the room that had been prepared for them.

Obanai’s eyes immediately fell upon the single futon laid out on the floor. His heart sank as the memory of their last stay came rushing back, the close proximity they had shared, the warmth of Giyuu’s body beside him in the night. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the embarrassment that threatened to overwhelm him.

"Old lady," Obanai called out, his voice a touch sharper than intended. "Aren’t there any more futons?"

The woman turned to face him, a look of genuine regret in her eyes. “I apologize, but since I didn’t know you were coming, I couldn’t prepare another futon in time. This is all we have available tonight.”

“Shit,” Obanai muttered under his breath, his frustration evident. He turned to Giyuu, his voice laced with irritation. “Tomioka, you’ll be sleeping on the floor.”

Before Giyuu could respond, the elderly woman interjected. “No, no, the floor is too cold, and it will only bring you discomfort, especially without proper cushioning. Your neck or back might hurt, and you’ll need all the rest you can get for the battles ahead, dont you?” She offered them a gentle smile, oblivious to the tension between the two. “I’ll have clothes prepared for you shortly and will see to your meal.”

With that, she left the room, leaving Giyuu and Obanai alone in the deepening silence. Obanai could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, the memory of their previous night together still fresh in his mind.