𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬

Unexpected Warmth

Giyuu pov:

The sun hung high in the sky as Giyuu and Obanai entered the village. The vibrant activity around them was a stark contrast to the secluded, quiet locations they had grown accustomed to. Giyuu observed the scene with his usual calm, but his attention was quickly drawn to Obanai’s  discomfort. The way the villagers, especially the women, kept their eyes on him was striking.

As they walked, it became increasingly apparent that the villagers’ curiosity bordered on intrusion. Giyuu noticed Obanai’s growing tension, his shoulders stiffening and his steps becoming quicker. The discomfort was palpable, and Giyuu knew it was only a matter of time before the situation escalated.

The first woman approached with a friendly but persistent demeanor, suggesting Obanai remove his mask. Giyuu could see the way Obanai’s posture stiffened in response. It was clear that her well-meaning suggestion was causing him distress. As more women began to offer similar suggestions, Obanai’s unease turned to visible anxiety.

When another woman, her tone now insistent, tried to convince Obanai to reveal his face, Giyuu stepped forward.

----

The shift in the villagers' demeanor was immediate. Expressions of curiosity turned to understanding as the crowd began to disperse. Giyuu felt a wave of relief mixed with frustration. It was evident that Obanai’s trauma was not easily understood by those who hadn’t shared his experiences.

As the crowd moved away, Giyuu turned to Obanai. The visible relief on Obanai’s face was accompanied by a look of deep gratitude. Giyuu had not anticipated the depth of Obanai’s reaction. When Obanai thanked him, Giyuu felt an unexpected warmth. There was something profoundly human in Obanai’s gratitude, a glimpse into his struggles that Giyuu had only begun to appreciate.

With the village behind them, the two Hashira began their journey back to their temporary residence, which would take about three days.

Each evening, as they made camp, Giyuu found himself more attuned to the little nuances of their interactions. The way Obanai’s eyes flickered with unspoken emotions.
The warmth from their earlier interaction lingered, creating a new layer of connection between them.

By the time they reached their residence, the journey had got something within Giyuu. The closeness that had developed over the past few days contrasted sharply with his usual emotional detachment. The warmth from their encounter in the village had set the stage for a deeper relationship.