It had been two months since Giyuu, Mitsuri, and Kyojuro had eaten together. Mitsuri had finally moved into her own estate, which she was more than happy about if it meant escaping training again. Her estate was fully stocked with food thanks to the master's preparation in advanced. With her earnings basically being a blank check for every mission, she knew she could replace any food she would need to eat. She did admit the feeling of eating would be lonely now, since she didn't have any friends or her family to eat with her. She saw this as an opportunity to finally go see Kocho-chan and ask about where Tomioka-san lives in his district. With her new found mission at the front of her thoughts, she left her estate and made for the butterfly mansion.
After a few hours of travel, Mitsuri was finally saw made it to the butterfly estate. She had met Kocho-chan a few times for medical support before becoming a hashira, but there weren't any real introductions between the two until her first meeting. Most of her treatment came from the young trio of girls she had living with her, or the energetic older girl who wore a blue butterfly ornament. She entered the estate and waited patiently to find someone. Thankfully, the blue butterfly girl was quick to find her. "Oh, Kanroji-sama, welcome to the estate." The girl gave a polite bow and approached her. "Were you in need of any medical assistance? Or did you have business with lady Kocho?"
Mitsuri nodded her head at the second question, smiling down at the young girl. "Yes, I came to see Kocho-chan. It's actually about Tomioka-san, he addressed me to her about something if I had questions about him." The girl seemed confused as to the idea of Giyuu sending someone else to Shinobu about questions about him, but didn't want to question. She gestured for Mitsuri to follow her and soon lead her to Shinobu's personal quarters. She knocked on the door before speaking. "Lady Kocho, the Love pillar has arrived at the estate to see you about something regarding the Water pillar." "Thank you Aoi. Kanroji-chan, you can come in." Mitsuri thanked the girl, learning her name was Aoi, and entered the room.
"Hi there Kocho-chan!" Mitsuri walked up and hugged her female counterpart softly, making sure to check her strength. "Hello to you too Kanroji-chan." Shinobu returned the hug, now curious as to how Giyuu was related to this. She took her seat back at her desk, now actually noticing the new dark blue socks. "So then, Aoi said you came here about Tomioka? The socks are also cute, how did those end up coming to be?" Mitsuri was excited to show them off, doing a slight twirl out of happiness to have them. "Tomioka-san actually gave them to me as a gift. I came to you to ask where his estate is in his district. He agreed to eating with Rengoku-san and I!"
Shinobu felt as if she had been sent into an alternate world from hearing those sentences said with complete seriousness. She walked to her door and heard the sounds of the girls doing their own activities, so her hearing wasn't failing her. She held onto Kanroji, lightly guiding her into the sunlight. She wasn't burning in the sun so this wasn't the work of a demonic blood art. "I'm sorry Kanroji, can you repeat what you said?" Mitsuri looked down at her, confused as to what was happening. "Tomioka-san bought me these socks. The outer layer is made of the uniforms material, so I get more protection. And Tomioka-san told me to ask you where he lives, because he agreed to go out to eat with myself and Rengoku-san."
"He actually did it. Giyuu actually socialized." Shinobu fell into her chair once again and looked up to Mitsuri. "How is it now he finally does it? I've been trying for years now with barely any progress. I've had to tease him about his anti-social behaviors just to get him to verbally reply. Now here you arrive and within two months, you get him to actually spend time with others." Mitsuri looked at Kocho-chan in a slight confusion, the same way she looked at Rengoku-san when he spoke his mind of this ordeal. "I haven't done anything crazy or extravagant though, he ate with us out of worry for me when he saw I was unconscious on the way to get food. He gave me these socks because he didn't feel I was protected enough in just the skirt. He agreed to eat with us again because he saw how much I wanted it to happen, so I don't know just what it is I'm doing that seems crazy if I'm honest."
Shinobu shook her head, standing up again and grabbing Mitsuri's shoulders lightly. "It's not what you're doing Kanroji, it's the effect that they're having. I have known Giyuu for years, and even when he came here for help, he was still reserved and quiet. He's never gone to a single event with any of us. No food or drink get together for all the hashira, no festivals, he's chosen to be alone. But now, you've basically done what no one else, not even the master has done. You've gotten him to actually spend time with others outside of mandatory meetings or paired missions."
Mitsuri felt mixed emotions upon hearing just how serious this was being taken. She was estatic that she really was having a positive impact on Tomioka-san, but also concerned that she was the first and only one to actually get through to him. He really did choose to be alone. She was hearing it from someone who had known him for actual years, and never had any progress. She looked down at her socks, now wondering about the other part Rengoku-san had said. "I take it he's never given anyone else a gift either? Rengoku-san said this was the first time he'd seen Tomioka-san give anyone anything."
Shinobu nodded her head, focusing on the deep blue socks. "You're the first, and I am half tempted to say you'll be the only. I never recieved anything from him, spare a headache or two in our younger years. I don't believe he's given anything to the others as well. Giyuu never tells anyone anything about himself, so who knows what he could be thinking of when it involves you." Mitsuri quickly looked away as she swore her face became hot. She had noticed something during their conversation, Mitsuri slowly turned her face back towards Kocho-chan. "You started to call him by his first name. Are you two... close?"Shinobu looked at Mitsuri, almost breaking it into a slight laugh and waving her hand. "We have what he would refer to as a quiet friendship. As much as he refuses to talk sometimes, it's always peaceful between us. We've gone on plenty of missions together, saved each other from death countless times, we've developed an understanding. Even with all my teasing, he knows I've developed a care for him. He'll only ever be my friend and trusted comrade though." Shinobu watched as Kanroji-chan let out a sigh or sorts, almost looking to be relieved. "Why would you feel worried about that? My oh my~ Are you perhaps already having thoughts of infatuation towards him?"
Mitsuri felt her face become a bright red as she desperately shook her head back and forth. "No no no! I promise it's not anything like that!" She crouched down and hid her face, wanting the embarrassment to go away soon. "I was just worried that if you two were together, then it would be inappropriate to try and spend time with him and take him away from his partner. Besides, I already promised I wouldn't let my own desire for love blind me to becoming a real friend to Tomioka-san. If I claimed to want to be his friend, only with my intent being to try and woo him, he wouldn't be about to trust me again."
Shinobu let out a genuine smile looking at Mitsuri. It was obvious that she seemed to care for Giyuu, otherwise she wouldn't go through this much trouble for him. "He lives in the southern part of his district, at the edge of a forest and it sits across a lake of clear water." Shinobu grabbed a pen and paper, and began to write details and a small map. "Here, I wrote down all the information that would help." Mitsuri quickly popped up and looked over the information, slightly bouncing on her toes in excitement. "Thank you Kocho-chan!" Shinobu shook her head and smiled at her bubbly and energetic comrade. "Call me Shinobu. You show you honestly care for him and you're putting in all this work, I should be thanking you. You want to be his friend, so I'll be yours too."
Mitsuri hugged Shinobu, still feeling a blush across her face. "Thank you Shinobu-chan. I'll tell you how everything went. If you plan to interrogate someone again, please don't let it be me?" She pouted at the smaller girl she saw as her new friend. "Don't worry Mitsuri-chan, I promise it won't be you. Learning of all this however, I think it will be Giyuu I want to question. I'm getting too curious now as to what his thoughts are for this whole ordeal." Mitsuri couldn't help but laugh with Shinobu about the idea. With the information she came for in hand, she left back to her estate, smiling happily as she made the journey back.
It had been a week since Mitsuri had gotten the information she had needed for visiting Giyuu. The day after recieving the information, she had sent crows to both Kyojuro and Giyuu, asking them both if they were still able to meet at Giyuu's estate. She was thankful to learn that both men were still free to eat together. Kyojuro had agreed to meet Mitsuri at her estate, since she was the one who had the direct information. She agreed and eagerly waited for Kyojuro to show up.
She heard a knock at her door and quickly rushed to her expected guest. Her and Kyojuro quickly greeted one another and had a snack for energy, before departing on their travel to see Giyuu. The distance had been longer than either had expected, neither thinking the travel would take the longer part of a day to make it to their destination. Once they knew they were in the correct district, Mitsuri pulled out the notes Shinobu written out for her, and began to narrow down the area. They had sent a crow to Giyuu as they left, wanting to notify him that they were on their way.
Giyuu still had some time to himself before the expected arrival of Kanroji and Rengoku. He didn't wish to train as to not need a bath right before going out, so he sat alone with his thoughts. Once again, his battle of internal thoughts occurred. Some of his thoughts wanted him to stay alone, yelling at him that he didn't deserve to be in such company. Others encouraged him to go with them still, to actually be with people again and not wallow in his self hatred. He was worried to let people get close again, he was scared to lose people again. There had already been two people important to him in his life that he outlived, he didn't want to keep adding to that number.
Pulled away from his thoughts, he heard knocking at the door. He didn't believe he was capable of escaping this get together, so he embraced what was now inevitable and opened the front door. "Kanroji, Rengoku, a pleasure to see you both again." Giyuu greeted his comrades, both looking excited to see him for one reason or another. "Hello there Tomioka!" "Aaahh Tomioka-san it's wonderful to see you again!" Kanroji had picked him up into a hug which surprised him above all else. He already believed she had to be strong due to being Rengoku's apprentice, but to pick him up so casually went far past his expectations. "Kanroji! Tomioka's face has gone red, you may need to let him go!" Mitsuri looked up at him and saw it was indeed red, she panicked as she quickly put him back down. "I'm so sorry I'm so sorry I'm so sorry!" She bowed her head repeatedly, hoping she didn't accidentally hurt him from using too much strength in all her energy.
Giyuu coughed lightly and used one of his sleeves to cover his reddened face. "Please, there's no need to apologize. You acted in excitement, you only did what you believed was right in the moment." He slowly lowered his sleeve and showed his face was as stoic as ever once again. "Now that you two are here, we can move to the village. It's small, but it has a comfortable atmosphere. I've also already notified the chefs of your appetites, so you two may eat as much as you wish." Mitsuri started to softly jump with as Kyojuro visibly smiled wider. "Let us get going then! I am excited to see what kind of foods your district has to offer!"
The trio had started their journey, with Giyuu once again finding himself between the two. They both questioned him, taking turns as they waited patiently for his answers. He was always short with his words, saying what he only believed needed to be said. He stopped the questions to clarify something for his guests. "About when you two eat, I meant it, eat as much as you two like. I can pay for it with minimal issue." The two hashira stared at him as if he was insane. Both of them had developed a reputation for how much they eat, either for luxury or necessity. "Tomioka-san are you sure?! You've already seen how much we can eat, I don't want to be a hindrance on your finances." Mitsuri looked with a slight worry. Her first worry was accidentally forcing him to spend too much on her, or her and Rengoku-san put together for that matter. Her second was being seen as unsightly or not lady like to him for how much she needs.She felt a hand placed on her shoulder, as she noticed Tomioka-san looking at her with a softer gaze than his normal. "It's ok Kanroji, I barely spend anything for myself outside of necessary items, It won't be an issue." She focused on his eyes again, seeing that they still had that tired appearance. She internally frowned at seeing he was still troubled by something, but she kept a smile on her face from his reassurance. "Thank you Tomioka-san." The trio soon approached the village Giyuu spoke of. It was rather small, but had a quaint charm to it some larger places just couldn't replicate. Giyuu had pointed to the restaurant he frequented after missions, leading the others through the entrance.
"Ah, Tomioka-san. A pleasure to see you here again." The restaurant owner and lead cook bowed his head. "I take it these two are the one's you told me to prepare for?" Giyuu silently nodded and took his seat at the bar, Kyojuro and Mitsuri bowed quickly and joined him in their own seats. "I will get your usual prepared Tomioka-san, and I hope my cooking meets your expectations, my honored guests." The owner bowed back to the visiting duo, and quickly started to prepare all the food he could with his other cooks. "So then Tomioka, just what is it about this place? They even know your name here so you much visit it quite often!"
Giyuu nodded at the question, waiting patiently as he looked towards the chef. "I come here after my missions sometimes. It's peaceful, quiet, and they serve my favorite dish." Mitsuri quickly looked at the chef in excitement, hoping to still try Tomioka-san's favorite food! She watched as the owner placed down a bowl and chopsticks down before speaking. "Your usual Tomioka-san, now I shall take care of your guests." Mitsuri and Kyojuro looked down at the bowl, noting it was a rather simple dish. "Salmon daikon? What is about this dish-" Mitsuri looked up to Tomioka-san, only to be caught off guard by something she never thought to see.
Giyuu was smiling down at the simple dish. The smell always reminded him of his time before the slayers, when he still had people he called family. Tsutako would always make it for him when he was sad or in dark times. Demon slaying was one dark time after another, and while this may have been nothing more than salmon, radish, with various seasonings and broth, it was an escape to him. Something to remind him of happier times.
Mitsuri was taken aback by the sight of Tomioka-san smiling. It was that of a pure, innocent joy. She couldn't look at his eyes his time, her complete focus was on witnessing this moment, wanting to remember every detail. "Tomioka-san, your smile..." Kyojuro almost had to double check his already damaged hearing after listening to what Kanroji had said. He took his eyes off the dish in front of the three, only to see that Tomioka was, in fact, smiling. This was the first time he'd seen any true deviation from his usual stoic expression. He had heard jokes from the others that they believed it was impossible for him to much emotion, but here he was, giving a smile that seemed to pause time itself. "Tomioka, you really are smiling."
Giyuu focused himself on his surroundings again rather than his food. His smile had dropped, and he looked to the two in his company. "My apologies for you two seeing that, Kocho had found it odd before when she had first seen it. She claimed she almost lost her appetite from witnessing it." He waited to eat as the others had yet to recieve his meal, his gaze still locked on his food. What he did not expect, was for Mitsuri to grab him by his face and hold it so closely to hers. "No there's nothing wrong with your smile! It looks amazing and I'm glad to have been able to see it! I hope to be able to see more of it in the future!"
Giyuu and Mitsuri shared a look into each other's eyes, Giyuu was in utter shock at the display she was committing. The only imput he was given about his smile was it nearly caused Shinobu to not eat. He believed his smile wasn't anything noteworthy, if anything, he thought it was repulsive given the first reaction. However, here Kanroji was, telling him that she was happy to see it. To see more of it in the future. Mitsuri continued to hold onto Tomioka-san's face, her features softening a bit. "It's ok to smile Tomioka-san, it's ok for you to feel happy about stuff. You don't need to always act so stoic and strong about everything. I hope you really will be about to smile more in the future, it's an amazing sight." Mitsuri spoke with complete honesty, never once feeling ashamed to say this. She pulled Tomioka-san into a hug, resting her head on top of his and rubbing his back softly.
Kyojuro took his attention off the idea of food and stood next to his two comrades. "Kanroji is right Tomioka. You should never feel like you have to hide how you truly feel. You must never snuff out the burning passion of your soul." Kyojuro hugged the two, smiling wide as Kanroji wrapped her arm around him as well. Giyuu could only sit there dumb founded and struggling to keep his breathing normal. He could only say a few words, barely any louder than a whisper. "Please, don't. Don't give me that hope."The two didn't hear him as they eventually let him go, returning to their seats. Kyojuro and Mitsuri did not need to wait for long for their food, happy that each of them were recieving multiple plates and bowls immediately. "My apologies for the wait, Tomioka-san had informed us to make one of everything for each of you so you may try it all and inform us what you preferred. Enjoy everyone." The owner and staff all bowed politely, hoping to make the esteemed guests happy. Mitsuri had seen one of the bowls in front of her was salmon daikon, Tomioka-san's favorite dish. This would be the first thing she decided she would eat.
Mitsuri grabbed her chopsticks and quickly picked up a small piece of salmon and radish. The salmon was warm and melted against her tongue, as the radish was soft, but still firm by comparison. The soy sauce and and various spices just helped build up the flavor and texture of it all. Before she knew it, she was already done with the bowl. "Tomioka-san this is great! I can see why it's your favorite dish!" She smiled happily as she watched him eat his own meal. "Thank you Kanroji. I can make it myself, but sometimes after a mission I just prefer to take it easy. There's something I've been meaning to ask you though. Why is it you two love food so much? Does it have to do with your breathing techniques?"
Kyojuro laughed at the idea finding it quite humorous, but shook his head. "It is not from our techniques! I have always loved food, as it reminds me of the passion, time, and energy to make it! I cherish every bite I take, because you never know when it shall be your last! This was actually a tradition the swordsman of old had because they never knew when duty would call!" Kyojuro continued on with his meal, continuing his routine of chanting 'Umai'. Mitsuri didn't expect to hear this question, but she can't say she was surprised by it. She believed a curiosity would make sense, he had seen her eat the first time they were all together, but she never explained how she did it. She took a quick breath and readied her answer. She trusted him with the truth.
"I wasn't born with a normal body, my muscles are much more dense than a regular person's. I would arm wrestle adults and win, all while I was still needing to be carried around by my parents. I need to eat so much to be able to maintain my strength and health. It's why you saw me fainted in public, I didn't have anything to eat yet after a grueling training routine." Kyojuro had flinched at his training being mentioned, he nearly choked on his food from feeling blamed. She closed her eyes after she was done explaining. She knew Tomioka-san wouldn't be one to judge harshly, but she was still afraid to relive painful memories.
"Is that so? That's actually fascinating. I was right to say Corp is honored to have you then. I'm glad I've been able to help in making sure you're healthy and keep your strength up, even if I didn't know it." Giyuu said nonchalantly, putting aside his first bowl and asking for another. Mitsuri lowered her head as she felt she was on the verge of tears. By all sense, Tomioka-san was still a stranger. Yet here he was, treating her with this much kindness. The only people who knew of her nature and accepted her outside of her family was the master, Rengoku-san, and now finally him. The trio continued to eat in peace, Mitsuri and Kyojuro happily stuffing their faces, as Giyuu slowly chipped away his second bowl.
Mitsuri sat their as happy as could be, looking at the empty plates in front of her. This night was already amazing from all the things that were said, but she was also happy from not needing to eat alone again after so long. Her ears soon started to burn, as she swore she heard someone talking about her like all those times back in her village. "Do you see just how she ate? It was almost like a wild animal. Just who taught her manners on how to eat in a public place?" "And that hair, it's so unnatural. Just how did she do that? It must be to get attention, but with how she eats like you said, it must be to decieve people into getting them to take her to dinner and leave them to play."
Mitsuri looked behind her to notice two older ladies were the ones talking about her. Her thoughts were sent back to her village, the rejections, the judgements from others, the things they would say. She had found almost nothing but acceptance when she joined the slayers, but suddenly she found herself right back to those dark times. She began to hyperventilate, tears finally streaming down her face. She didn't want to have to starve herself again, she didn't want to dye her hair black, she didn't want to lie about herself again.
Kyojuro and Giyuu had been a witness to the things being said and Mitsuri's reaction. Kyojuro tightly clenched his fists, feeling the warmth of blood in his hands. He wanted to do something, anything, against those who were hurting his friend. It went against his nature though. He was raised believing he should use his strength to protect the weak, he just couldn't use it against them now. That would mean the teachings his late mother gave him, the only thing he had with him aside from her memories, would be smeared and dishonored. What he did not expect, was for Tomioka to walk over to them with a hand resting on his sword.
"You two. You two are normally so nice to people, so willing to show care. Yet the moment I bring my friends to visit my district and eat as they please, you suddenly show how disgusting you can act? I save this village time and time again, and this is the thanks you show?!" Giyuu stared down at them with a calm fury, he was glad his back was to Kanroji and Rengoku. He didn't want them to see his face like this. "Tomioka?! You know them?! It's just how can she act like this in a public setting?" The old women began to try and defend themselves for what they said, but Giyuu refused to understand their words. "We were raised to be calm and collected in our youth, are we so wrong to expect the youth of today to also be taught that and act like it? She ate like a wild animal, jumping from one dish to another without even finishing the first!"
Giyuu had enough of hearing them and pulled his sword free, letting the blade sit in the air between them. "She is one of the kindest souls I have had the pleasure and joy of meeting. She eats so that she could have the strength to defend people against the demons that would destroy this village in a moment if given the chance. She eats just like everyone else. To be strong, to be healthy, to have the energy to do what she needs to." Giyuu lowered his head, uttering a whisper to them to get his final point across. "If you two mutter another word about her again, I cannot guarantee just how quickly I can save either of you the next time an attack happens." Giyuu watched as the two old women quickly fled the restaurant. While he hated that he had let his emotions get the better of him, he didn't regret it if it meant it was for those dear to him.Giyuu quickly walked up to the owner and staff. "My apologies for this situation. Allow me to pay and we will leave immediately." Giyuu went to bow in shame, but he owner raised a hand and laughed. "Don't worry Tomioka-san, even if I never see those two old bags again, they won't ever spend enough compared to your friends here tonight. You three will always be welcome, just inform me as to when expect you next." Giyuu reached into his uniform, pulling out a large sum of money as a thank you for the establishment agreeing to keep them.
"Tomioka, you know we cannot allow ourselves to threaten normal citizens. I am grateful for you standing up for Kanroji, but this isn't the correct way." Kyojuro looked conflicted as if he was wanting to disagree with his own words. Giyuu sighed as he looked into his half eaten bowl. "Am I not meant to stand up for my friends if I hear people acting utterly disrespectful to them?" Kyojuro and Giyuu both looked prepared to continue this conversation, when Mitsuri had laid her head on Giyuu's shoulder and cried into his haori. "Thank you Tomioka-san... Thank you for standing up for me."
Giyuu slowly rubbed her back, attempting her best to comfort her. "While I disapprove of what you did Tomioka, I can't say it wasn't satisfying after what they said of her." Kyojuro smiled lightly, watching as Kanroji slowly calmed down. Giyuu nodded at the words, hoping himself this wouldn't be a reoccurring issue. "Kanroji, would you like the last of my salmon?" Mitsuri raised her head up, looking to see if it really was alright. Tomioka-san nodded, signaling it was ok. Mitsuri nodded back, watching as he picked up the chopsticks and began to feed her slowly. "I'm sorry for being the cause of you having to act like that." Giyuu shook his head, as he continued to feed her. "Don't be, what are friends for if they don't stick up for each other?"
Mitsuri could only feel her insides flutter. Tomioka-san was comforting her directly after she became a sobbing mess, and now he was feeding her his own food to cheer her up. She hadn't noticed until the food was gone, but he was even using the same chopsticks he was eating with to feed her. She slowly raised her hand against her lips, noticing their was a different taste in her mouth aside from the salmon daikon. She hid her face in his shoulder as she could only be upset with herself at how she enjoyed every second of it. "Right. Friends." She began to squirm in her own chair. She wasn't meant to feel this pang in her heart, she only meant to be his friend. She didn't mean to start falling her him, she only wished he could forgive her in the future if he found out.