Where The Cherry Blossoms Bloom //Sanegiyuu

Otozure: Fuwari

The morning sun cast a soft glow over the village, its warmth seeping into every corner of the quiet streets. Tanjiro hummed to himself as he swept the courtyard, the rhythmic sound of the broom bristles against the dirt blending with the chirping of sparrows. He paused to wipe the sweat from his brow, smiling at the simple peace of the day.

"Oy, brat."

The familiar gruff voice jolted him from his thoughts. Tanjiro turned, blinking as he saw Shinazugawa standing by the gate, arms crossed and looking as impatient as ever.

"Oh, Shinazugawa-san!" Tanjiro greeted, slightly surprised. "Is there something you need?"

Shinazugawa took a few steps closer, his expression unreadable. "Where's Tomioka?"

The question caught Tanjiro off guard. Shinazugawa? Looking for Tomioka? That was new. He hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Tomioka-san? I haven't seen him this morning," Tanjiro replied thoughtfully, his voice light. "I think he's still asleep."

"At this hour?" Shinazugawa raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his tone. "No, I don't think he's still asleep."

Tanjiro shrugged, his smile turning sheepish. "Well, you could check his estate. He's been keeping to himself a lot lately, but maybe he's there."

"Fine," Shinazugawa muttered, already turning to leave. His steps were brisk, his haori flaring slightly with the movement.

As Shinazugawa disappeared down the path, Tanjiro was left standing there, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. The idea of the two men-so different, yet somehow alike-forming a bond brought a warmth to his chest. He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he resumed sweeping.

"They really are starting to understand each other," he murmured, the broom moving in steady strokes.

The walk to Tomioka's estate wasn't long, but Shinazugawa muttered to himself the entire way.

"Damn loner," he grumbled, kicking a stray pebble on the path. "If he's just holed up inside doing nothing, I swear I'll-"

He paused when the estate came into view. The gate was slightly ajar, and there was an eerie stillness hanging over the place. Shinazugawa's brow furrowed, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his sword.

"Tomioka!" he barked, stepping into the courtyard. Silence. His scowl deepened.

"Oi! Don't make me yell again!" he snapped, stomping up to the door. He knocked, the sound loud and sharp. "Open up, damn it!"

Still no answer.

"Tch. Stubborn as always," Shinazugawa growled, pushing the door open without waiting any longer.

"Tomioka, you better not-" His voice caught in his throat as his eyes landed on Tomioka, sprawled on the futon.

"What the hell..." Shinazugawa muttered, his irritation quickly replaced by concern. He crouched beside Tomioka, taking in his pale face and the beads of sweat clinging to his skin.

"Tomioka! Oi, wake up!" He shook Tomioka's shoulder, his voice harsher than he intended.

Tomioka's eyes fluttered open weakly, his gaze hazy as it focused on Shinazugawa. "Shinazugawa...?"

"No shit it's me. What's wrong with you?"

"I'm fine..." Tomioka croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just tired."

"Bullshit." Shinazugawa pressed the back of his hand against Tomioka's forehead and immediately cursed under his breath. "You're burning up, idiot. How long have you been like this?"