Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“… Do you think Tomioka will let me give him a hug?”

The question from Mitsuri was so random while she and some of the other Hashira enjoyed a rare lunch together.

“I doubt it.” Uzui points his chop sticks at her after putting a dumpling in his mouth. “I doubt that man even knows what a hug is.”

“Why would you want to give him a hug?”

Everyone rolled their eyes at Obanai’s jealous hiss of a question.

“Why do you ask, Konroji?” Rengoku asks, curiosity decorating his face? “Normally you would even ask.”

“Well…” Mitsuri seemed flustered now that everyone was staring at her, “He just seems… so sad sometimes, I wonder if a hug might cheer him up a bit, ya know!”

“Yeah… but this is Tomioka we’re talking about.” Uzui states, “I don’t think he’d just let you hug him let alone stay long enough to ask him about.”

“Has anyone ever tried to actually talk to him?”

The question made everyone pause a bit. Outside of Rengoku they hadn’t.

“I still think he’s just going to ignore you.” Obanai huffs out, turning away from them, “Just don’t expect much from him.”

“Hey! I have a flashy idea!” Uzui suddenly leans forward excitedly, almost knocking his drink over, “Why don’t we try to see who can be the first person to get him flustered! Break that cold mask right off him.”

“That doesn’t sound like a good idea.” Rengoku adds, frowning a bit, “Someone could easily take it too far and he’ll just end up pushing us further away.”

“I’m not saying to embarrass him or anything.” Uzui clarified, “but maybe get him to blush, or bothered, heck, I’ll even take getting him to curse at one of us, but something harmless.”

“No.”

“Yeah yeah.” Uzui waves of the Serpent Hashira, “You and Shinazugawa don’t gotta to participate, we all know you two like him the least.”

“Well what’s your idea!” Obanai hissed in annoyance, “Since you seem to want to do this, let’s hear why you think.”

“Mixed Hot spring Bath!” Uzui stated proudly, “I ask the Master so all of us Hashira can go together if we wanted to, I’ll even bring my wives so our two lady Hashira aren’t outnumbered!”

“There’s no way he’ll agree to that…”

Despite the clearly disturbed, and slightly disgusted, face Obanai was directing towards the Sound Hashira, a slight blush had formed barking peeking over his bandage mask as his eyes flicker over to Mitsuri who was excited at the idea.

“Hmm… Not a bad idea.” Rengoku agrees, un-phased, “But I still think we shouldn’t push him too far. If Tomioka says no, leave it be.”

“I can accept that.” Uzui agrees, grinning at the idea, “I’ll just find something else to try!”

“You guys are forgetting that Tomioka barely gives us the time of day since he thinks he’s different from us.” Obanai refutes, pointing at them, “What makes you think he’ll even consider this, I doubt he’ll say yes.”

“Well… has anyone tried asking him anything directly?” Mitsuri asks innocently with a tilt of her head, “I know since I’ve been a Hashira no one’s really talked to him directly about doing things together.”

“Kocho and I try to chat with Tomioka from time to time, he’s a very quiet person.” Rengoku adds, "However, as we three are always the busiest for one reason or another, I’ve never asked myself.”

“What’s the point of this?”

“The point is… now.” Mitsuri starts answering, “Is that I don’t think anyone actually knows what Tomioka is willing to do when it comes to interacting with the rest of us! We should at least try before accepting what we think of him as how he really is!”

“You seem very passionate now.” Rengoku notes with a curious smile

“Well he’s always so… ehh.” Mitsuri flails her answer, “But he always lets me just ramble at him, and while I’m sure it bothers him, he always lets me walk away first so I think there’s more to him then meets the eye!”

Her declaration was bold and her determination made her eyes sparkle.

“Plus….” Mitsuri starts twiddling with her braids almost sadly, “He reminds me of… someone I know… and I feel like he wants to do things but something is holding him back from doing it. Does that make sense?”

“I see…” A knowing look passed over Rengoku. “I relent then. I’ll help in this endeavor, within reason of course.”

“Yes!” Uzui was now more excited, “What do you think, Rengoku? What do you want to try?”

“Food of course!” Was the Flame Hashira’s answer with a radiating smile, "I feel like simply trying to invite him out to a meal would be a good step.”

Three pairs of eyes turned to face the Serpent Hashira.

“No.” Obanai didn’t even turn to face them, “I refuse to entertain the idea.”

“Awe come on.” Uzui pokes, “At least give it a try! There got to be at least one thing that you're curious if Tomioka will do?”

The sound Hashira leans closer too as Obanai turns to face with a glare.

“Plus it would make a certain someone happy you at least tried.~”

His head snapped back to facing away from everyone, hiding the sudden extreme redness of it from what the Sound Hashira said.

“…Fine…” Obanai says after a moment, “But when this all fails, don’t blame me if I told you so…”

“Yay!”

“I can’t deal with all three of you right now, I’m leaving.”

“Aw…”

Mitsuri was disappointed as she watched her friend leave but still very much happy he agreed to try.

“Who’s going first?” Uzui asks, leaning against his hand, “I wouldn’t mind, but my idea will take some time.”

“I’ll do it!” Mitsuri says, “It was my idea after all! Plus… I think asking about a hug will be a great way to start!”

“If we are going to do this, we should see if all the others want to help.” Uzui buts in, “I’ll let my wives and Himajima know, see what they think.”

“I’ll handle Shinazugawa and Tokito.” Rengoku decides, “Although given Tokito’s condition and Shinazugawa’s aggression towards Tomioka, I am not expecting much from those two.”

“I’ll do Shinobu then!” Mitsuri accepts, “I bet she has a few good ideas!”

“More experiments she wants to test…” Uzui muttered, “Anyways I have to head off, need to prep for a mission. See ya later!”

“Have a safe journey!”

The two remaining Hashira finished off the food, both leaving behind a generous amount of money, before heading off as well.

“Do you think Tomioka will like a hug?” Mitsuri asked her former teacher with some doubt, “or is Iguro right? You’ve worked with him longer…”

“I admittedly haven’t worked with him that much longer than you or Obanai to be honest.” Rengoku tells her, “Kocho, Himajima, and Uzui have all been Hashira with him before I assume the Flame Hashira position.”

“Really!?”

“Yes. Even  Shinazugawa’s worked with him longer than me, although you’d never be able to tell.” Rengoku adds as they walk, “My father even worked with him for a time.”

“Oh really?” Mitsuri was enamored with the information, “What did he think of him at the time?”

“I don’t know, he never said.”

“Oh! Why don’t you ask him.” Mitsuri proposed, “If he was there when Tomioka became a Hashira he might know something!”

“I can certainly ask him.” Rengoku off-handily and plainly agrees, “The next time I see him, that is.”

He was unbothered by her suggestion, it was a great idea.

“As to answer your question from what I know.” The Flame Hashira offers, “I think he might not accept it… at first.” The range of disappointment to happiness was a sight to behold. “Tomioka is closed off and quiet, preferring to keep to himself.” He further explains. “And you should remember to respect that, but I think if you try your best to actually get to know him, then one day he might accept.” The sun was setting, meaning their work was starting. “But you never know, he could accept it right away.”

“After all, it never hurts to ask, right?”

“Right!”

Chapter Text

Mitsuri fidgeted with her hands all throughout the meeting. She was so nervous but this was the only chance she’s gotten to see Tomioka let alone ask him what she wanted since decided to do this.

But she was going to do it today.

…

After the meeting… Which she needs to pay attention to!

Thankfully it was the meeting about changing of seasons, with the days becoming longer and longer, their work and missions shift to accommodate the lessened Demon activity in the summer, where their lower rank colleagues take over the general slaying and the Hashira focus on cases which could be potential Demon Moons.

The same old boring meeting, but important none the less!

Although… She's a bit worried. Mitsuri wanted to ask him when there were less people… in case he rejected her request… maybe she can catch him after the meeting before he disappears… No he’s too fast, she’ll just have to ask him right as they finish and deal with the results…

“That concludes the meeting today.” The Master’s voice cuts through, “I hope to see you all are well the next we meet.”

Crap! She wasn’t paying attention! Hopefully Iguro or Rengoku will fill her in if she asks one of them…

Now then…

Mitsuri glances over to where Tomioka was sitting , only to see he was already gone. Oh no… looking around she spotted him, thankfully he hadn’t left yet but he was making his way out and fast!

“Mr. Tomioka, wait!” Mitsuri calls out, trying to catch him, “I have a question for you!

For a moment Mitsuri thought she was going to have to leap at him to grab him as she stumbled after him but thankfully the Water Hashira stops, looking at her with slight shock and confusion half-turned away from where he was heading to face her.

Panting as she calms herself down, realizing she’s just made a big scene, she takes a moment to hype herself back up.

“Sorry for bothering you!” She squeaks out “But I wanted to ask you something if you don’t mind!”

“What…” his voice was so quiet she almost didn’t hear him, “Is it?”

Here goes nothing…

“I was wondering if you…” Mitsuri opens her arms as if to hug him, “Wanted a hug!”

…

…

Tomioka had turned to face her fully now, a dumbfounded look on his face as he stared at her… She watched him nervously as he just stood there… Thinking? Staring? Judging? … She doesn’t know…

…

…

After another moment of him doing nothing she gave a small smile, putting her arms down. She thought she heard his breath hitch but he was still staring at her, still a bit stump… at least it wasn’t a ‘no’… technically

“That’s okay.” Mitsuri starts waving off her embarrassment and apologizing, “I’m sorry it just that you-“

Tomioka had stepped up to her, cutting off her words, his head dropping heavily into her shoulders causing her to wrap her arms around him because she thought he had just passed out for a moment. His own arms gently wrapping not fully around her, but enough to be considered a hold as he accepts the hug much to her surprise.

Actually… Much to everyone’s surprise… Mitsuri’s face flushed as she saw all the other Hashira watching her… Various expressions decorated their faces, mostly shock or surprise… She hadn’t meant to do this in front of all of them, she thought they were all leaving! Nor did she think Tomioka was going to accept it, let alone like this…

But she didn’t pull away! Nope, she was going to let Tomioka decide how long this hug will last!

… and given the slight shaking coming from him… he really needed this hug it seems…

“Are you okay, Tomioka?”

Her colleague nodded confirmation into her shoulder but the way his hand gripped her haori said otherwise.

It was almost sad to see…

Mitsuri wonders if she reminded him of someone… his mother perhaps… or maybe even a lover!

…

She felt her face growing warm again at the thought…

After what felt like longer than another few moments Mitsuri felt Tomioka’s arms relax, pulling himself away from her.

“Did the hug help?” Mitsuri asked quietly, hand to mouth, “You seemed like you needed it.”

“No…” Tomioka answered, looking away a bit making her feel a bit disheartened, “But thank you… for letting me pretend…”

“Of course!” She cheerfully tells him with a smile, "Who were you pretending I was, if you don’t mind me asking?”

…

Mitsuri thought she might have stepped too far when he simply closed his eyes, not answering her.

“… My sister…” he mumbles out quietly, turning away from her, “Sorry… if that was rude…”

“Oh no!” Mitsuri waves her arms at him frantically at the assumption, “I don’t mind! I’m just happy you accepted at all! I’ll be happy to give you another hug whenever you feel like you need one, even if you’re pretending…”

“… Thank you…”

Mitsuri gave him a big smile even though Tomioka didn’t look very happy and still spoke to her in the same quiet and cold tone he usually had, she couldn’t have been happier! She could feel the gratitude he expressed as he walks away, finally able to make his escape.

This was a victory! To what she doesn’t know yet, but she was too happy to be embarrassed now as she walks back to the others.

“I can’t believe he accepted.” Iguro said, looking slightly angry, “Why would he!”

“I don’t even know what the hell’s going on.” Shinazugawa said, stomping away, “and I don’t care, not if it involves Tomioka!”

“Ignore him!” Uzui pushes forward, “I heard everything by the way.”

“Oh! Really?”

“Yep! Can’t say I’m too surprised anymore.” The Sound Hashira smirks, “Don’t worry, I won’t share, there’s no fun in that!”

“Heard what?!” Iguro demanded, “Share what!? He’s not trying to court you or something now is he?”

“No, no, no!” Mitsuri blushed at the idea, “I don’t think I’m his type. It’s just something not for me to share, is all!”

“I’m curious, you all seem to know what’s going on.” Shinobu butts in, curiosity outweighing the surprise, “What was all that about.”

“Right, we all haven't had the chance to let everyone know yet.” Rengoku joins in, “But Mitsuri wanted to see if Tomioka would accept a hug… and as we all saw, he did!”

“We then decided to see what Tomioka might agree to if we asked.” Uzui adds on excitedly, “By the way, you all are invited to a mixed hot spring with me and my wives! That’s what I’m going to ask Tomioka!”

“Are you participating too, Iguro?” Himejima questions, “You don’t seem like you’re too interested.”

“I am and I’m not.” The snake hissed out, “I don’t care enough to think of something I’m interested to see if he’ll do… But I said I’d try since I was ganged up on…”

“Right because that’s the only reason~”

“Shut up you flashy bastard!”

“I wonder if he would like to help tend to the cats…?”

“Oh that’s a good idea!” Mitsuri agrees with the gentle giant, “I should see if he wants to meet the animals I care for as well!”

“What do you think, Tokito?” Rengoku asks the boy, “What would you want to ask Tomioka?”

“I don’t know…” Was his answer which everyone kinda expected, “He just… sort of there…”

“Understandable!” Rengoku pats him on the shoulder, “Why don’t you join me in asking him out for food! Maybe we can find out what he likes to eat!”

“Hmm…”

“I think these are all wonderful ideas.” Almost everyone jumps at the Master’s voice, “Allow me to offer assistance if you need it, I am happy to see you all working together to include Giyuu.”

“Of course Master!” Mitsuri says happily, “We should at least try right?”

“That’s right. I trust you all to handle this properly and not to cause an incident. I can talk to Sanemi as well if you want.”

“Thank you, Master.” Rengoku bows, “I will handle Shinazugawa for now but I will keep the offer in mind.”

“Very well. I hope to see you all well next time.”

“Of course!”

Chapter Text

“How do we get this back…?”

“Maybe if we carry it all together?”

“That won’t work! We have all this other stuff we need to carry too!”

“What if we ask someone for help!”

“But… who?”

The three butterfly girls stared around them, there was hardly anyone in sight, let alone anyone they’d be willing to ask to help due to the Corp being a secret. The problem before them was supplies for the Butterfly Mansion they said they would pick up… However they weren’t neglected to be told about the big bag of rice Aoi had ordered that none of the girls could pick up on their own. All the other supplies they had split between the three of them and could carry no problem… it was just that…

“Maybe we can come back for it?”

“But what if it’s stolen?”

“One of us can stay here and we can come back and help!”

“That seems like the best solution… but it’s such a long trip already…”

“Yeah…”

The three girls felt disappointed they couldn’t come up with a good idea, that’s when Sumi caught the Slayer Uniform out of the corner of her eyes.

Turning around abruptly she spotted the slayer in question as the Water Hashira… and froze.

Of all the Hashira he was the one the three of them knew the least, never staying at the Mansion long enough, if at all, to know him well. Admittedly they were a bit scared of him and his cold demeanor… but there was no other choice.

“Mr. Tomioka!” Sumi cries out, running towards him, hoping to get him to stop, “Please! Wait!”

Thankfully the Water Hashira did stop and turn towards her as she runs up to him.

“Can you help us with something!” Sumi asks him, pointing to where the other two still stood, trembling a bit as he stares down with those cold eyes, “Please!”

He didn’t answer her but followed along as she made her way back over to Kiyo, Naho, and the big bag of rice.

“What’s…” Mr. Tomioka asked as he crouched down to their level, “Wrong?”

“We can’t carry this!” Naho explains, pointing to the rice, “It’s too heavy! And too big!”

“Yeah!” Kiyo nodded along, “Can you help us?”

Mr. Tomioka just blinked at them, the stuff, and rice… For a moment Sumi thought he was going to be mean and leave them but instead he grabs the rice, slinging it over his shoulder with no issue before standing up.

“Give me those as well…” Mr. Tomioka said, holding his hand out, “I’ll carry them as well…”

“Huh?” The three were now confused, “You mean the bags we have?”

The quiet man just nodded, waiting for them to hand over the other bags.

“Are you sure?” And another nod. “Okay…”

The three of them handed over the other bags, watching Mr. Tomioka handles them with ease as he stares at them again.

“This way!”

Sumi led the way once realizing that the Hashira was waiting for one of them to lead him.

The trip was nice. Mr. Tomioka wasn’t as scary and they thought as he made sure to adjust his steps to match their pace. Plus… it didn’t help his scary image when his crow landed on his head and didn’t seem to mind it being there…

However at the halfway mark Kiyo tripped over a rock, twisting her ankle and now they were stuck again.

“Let me see…” Mr. Tomioka had set everything down and held out a hand for Kiyo to show him her ankle as she tried not to cry more as he prodded it. “It’s not broken… But you shouldn’t walk on it…”

Sumi and Naho can probably support her the rest of the way, she thought… if they took break if Mr. Tomioka was okay with that.

But to her surprise, after picking all the supplies back up he crouched down in front of Kiyo, offering his back to her, his crow no longer on his head.”

“Are… Are you sure, Mr. Tomioka?” Kiyo asks, tears still falling, “You’re already carrying a lot...”

“Mm…” The Water Hashira nodded, "Hold tight…”

Just like that, as if he wasn’t carrying any extra weight at all, he stands back up and waits to follow them. Poor Kiyo, shyly hiding in his neck and hair…

There were no other incidents… However, when the question of how much the Water Hashira could carry came up it resulted in Sumi and Naho hanging off his arms, fully supporting them with no issues as they swing a bit while he walks, causing them to giggle out of fun.

“Thank you! Mr. Tomioka!” Sumi and Naho jump off of him once they reach the Butterfly Mansion gate, “We’ll show you where to set everything! Follow us!”

And he did with no complaints as they lead him through the Mansion, having him set the rice down in the kitchen and the other supplies in the storage room to be sorted later.

“You can set Kiyo down right here, Mr. Tomioka!” Naho directed him to a nearby chair, “We can take care of her from here!”

“Alright.” And he did so carefully, making sure to not knock her ankle against anything. “Anything else?”

“No, that should be all!” Sumi tells him, "Thank you so much!”

“Hmm.”

“Actually…” Kiyo speaks up, her face a bit red, “If you don’t mind and aren’t busy…”

Mr. Tomioka waited for her request. 

“Can I do your hair!”

“Kiyo!” Naho scolds, “He’s a Hashira, he’s probably busy!”

“But it was so soft!”

Sumi was about to join in in refuting for the Hashira’s sake… but Mr. Tomioka just sits down in front of the chair, his hair falling into Kiyo’s lap.

“I don’t care…”

Sharing a look with Naho… the two of them ran down the hall to their room and grabbed their hair stuff. As much as they shouldn’t… Mr. Tomioka was really nice and didn’t seem to mind…

When the returned Kiyo had gotten the hair tie off and was now growing the thick slightly curly black hair, playing with it as Mr. Tomioka sat there like he was meditating, having no reaction as Kiyo accidentally pulled on it.

“Here!” Sumi passes over a brush for her, “What are you thinking.”

“Braids!”

“Okay!”

The Water Hashira was as still as a statue, steady, never flinching at the tugging and pulling of hair as they messed with it.

The three of them decided to part his ponytail into two braids, leaving the front of his hair alone.

“What are you girls doing in here?” Aoi asks, finding them in the room, “Did you get the supplies already?”

“Yep!” Naho tells her, “Mr. Tomioka helped us because there was a big bag of rice we couldn’t carry!”

“Rice!” Aoi pulls out her notebook, “That should have been on the next order, the supplier must have just sent it early… Sorry girls.”

“It’s alright!” Kiyo said, tying off her braid, “Mr. Tomioka carried everything! Even me when I twisted my ankle!”

“And… he’s letting you do his hair now?”

“He said he didn’t mind!”

“I think he fell asleep!”

It was true, Sumi thought. Mr. Tomioka was very still, and very relaxed, like he was asleep… or he was ignoring them all and just not responding…

“Do you want to pick out the clips for his hair?” Sumi asks, “We can’t decide what colors to go with!”

“I don’t think…” Aoi was hesitant but then changed her mind, “Well if he doesn’t mind, I think you should do the red and green… and put them opposite of his haori colors.”

“Ohh, good idea!”

The two butterfly clips were to the ends of the braids, overall it was a job well done!

“Alright girls, leave him be now.” Aoi shoos them away, "You still have chores to do, let me check Kiyo’s ankle.”

“It’s alright!” Kiyo tells her, “Mr. Tomioka already wrapped it!”

“When did he do that?”

Both her and Naho check the bandaged ankle and sure enough it was wrapped really well.

“Before he carried me!” Kiyo answers, getting to her feet, gingerly walking, “It doesn’t hurt as much, I can still help out a bit!”

“Very well, you know your limits.” Aoi agrees, “Now off you go!”

The all left, leaving Mr. Tomioka behind, but when Sumi peeked in moments later, she found the Hashira gone… Along with their clips…

Chapter Text

Kyojuro was enjoying a walk through town with his younger brother in tow. They had just finished their morning training and were now looking for something to enjoy.

And to give Senjuro a break from doing all the cooking and dealing with their father.

There were several such towns scattered around this region, most were privy to the knowledge of the Demon Slayer Corp. and consisted of both new and surviving families of his fellow Corp. members, both active and retired alike, mixed in with other regular civilians who wandered in and never left, finding the towns to their liking.

Which means there’s usually a wide variety of different foods to try when eating out! For a moment, Kyojuri thought he saw Tomioka’s rather unique haori on a lady with braids as he glanced around for someone to try before his head snapped back to what he saw.

It wasn’t a lady with braids, much too tall for that, but rather it was Tomioka in braids, which seemingly made more sense with the haori. Seeing how messy and uneven some parts of the braids were, they were done by kids, and judging by the butterflies at the ends he knows which kids. 

His fellow Hashira was chatting with an elderly lady at a small but seemingly popular restaurant. They seemed familiar as she was seemingly amused at something he said and went to touch his head, which Tomioka shied away from which the elder didn’t seem to mind as she gestured him in.

“Do you want to eat there, Brother?” Senjuro asks quietly, pointing to the restaurant he just watched Tomioka enter, “Looks like it might be good.”

“Sure!” Kyojuro agrees, “I think I saw one of my colleagues walk in there as well, let’s see if we can join him!”

“Oh, okay.” Senjuro seemed a little disappointed at that, “Which one…?”

“I don’t think you’ve met this one.” Kyojuro tells him, leading him in, “His name is Tomioka. He’s the Water Hashira!”

“That’s the other position that’s like the Flame Hashira right?” Senjuro asks, “One of the oldest that’s always been filled?”

“That’s right!”

Whatever disappointment Senjuro had seems to fade at the idea of meeting the Water Hashira. It wasn’t hard to find him, thanks to his haori, sitting in the corner.

The elderly lady who was with him was nowhere to be seen so Kyojuro took this opportunity.

“Hey there, Tomioka!” He calls out, dragging Senjuro along with him, “Are you also checking out his place? Mind if we join you?”

“No.”

The answer was vague and the other man didn’t clarify to which of the two questions he was answering but Kyojuro took a seat anyway, Tomioka didn’t seem to care or react so Kyojuro figured he was okay.

“Oh, this is my brother Senjuro.” Kyojuro introduced upon noticing Tomioka’s gaze in his shy brother, “He’s training under me, learning Flame Breathing like the rest of our family. Senjuro, this is Tomioka Giyuu, the Water Hashira.”

The two nodded to each other in greeting… and that was it. Tomioka stared between them for a moment but didn’t say anything.

“So what did you order?” Kyojuro prompted, pulling over the little menu card that was at the table, “and what else is there?”

“… Salmon Daikon…” Tomioka answers, “ There’s a lot on the menu… I’m not sure what you’d enjoy…”

“I can see that…” 

Honestly it was impressive, the small card held several meals and tea options, including the western drink ‘coffee’ and the back side was a list of various desserts as well and which teas they’d go best with.

No wonder it was popular… He should bring Mitsuri here, she’d probably love this place.

“How is your father doing?” Tomioka suddenly decided to ask as he passed the little menu to his brother, “Is he… Doing okay?”

“He’s alright.” Kyojuro replied automatically, “He’s… been better but he could be doing worse… Our mother’s hit him the hardest.”

“You know, father?” Senjuro asks, a bit curious, “Were you Hashira together?”

“Yes.”

“What was he like?”

“…” When Tomioka didn’t answer Senjuro seemed a bit disappointed but not surprised. “He was… Strong… and kind, he and Kocho always tried to talk to me…”

“Oh really?”

“Hmm…”

“Oh hello.” The elderly lady from before greets them, placing some tea in front of Tomioka, “Are you Giyuu’s friends? I wasn’t aware he invited anyone to join him.”

“I am and this is my younger brother.” Kyojuro answers, though the use of Tomioka’s given name threw him off a bit, “And we didn’t plan this, I saw him and asked if we could join, he agreed.”

“Well give me your orders and I’ll be right back with some more tea.”

“Thank you ma’am.” The elderly lady scurried off and headed to the back, she must run this place… “So Tomioka, how long have you been coming here? You seem familiar with the host.”

“A… few years…” Tomioka looked like he had to think about it for a moment, “We’re from the same village…”

That was all the Water Hashira offered but still interesting to learn.

“Do you like Water Breathing?” Senjuro asks him shyly, “You must be skilled if you’re the Water Hashira.”

“I don’t know… Tomioka admits, tilting his head a bit, “It’s the only breathing style I know…

Kyojuro almost feels like he’s having a conversation with Tokito… just one without memory issues, but Tomioka is trying to hold the conversation which is the most he can ask for.

“How… do you like Flame Breathing?” The Water Hashira asks, “Is your training going well?”

“Yes, but I don’t have the same talent as my brother.” Senjuro admits almost sadly, “It’s a lot of hard work but I wouldn’t want to learn anything else!”

“Hmm…” Tomioka nods in acceptance to the response, “Talent is good, but hard work can overcome it easily.”

The words were a little blunt and cold but Kyojuro knows he’s right, it’s why he works hard despite having talent. Something Tomioka probably shared with him, but the words made his brother light up.

“Here you go!”

“Thank you, Granny.”

“Yes, thank you!”

“Anything for Giyuu’s friends!” The elderly lady tells him as she sets the tea and food before them, “Please enjoy, you can call me Granny Aya if you need anything.”

The meal progressed pretty much in silence after that, outside of his shouts of praise at the taste. It was truly good food. Senjuro go to ask a few more questions which Tomioka surprisingly answered with no problem before they all paid and agreed to leave, Granny Aya pushing a small thing of cookies into each of their hands as they left.

…

“… I wish your father well…

That was the last thing Tomioka said before they parted ways. Kyojuro had a mission later tonight so he escorted his brother home.

“We’re home!”

As expected there was no reply as they walked in. Senjuro went down one hall toward his own room and Kyojuro detoured to where his father would be, drunk and doing nothing.

“Hello father.” He greeted, standing in the doorway. “Senjuro’s back, I’ll be leaving for a mission soon.”

“Hmpt…” he father grunts out, not even bothering to look at him, “What do I care.”

“If you don’t mind, I have a question for you.” Kyojuro told him, “About the Water Hashira.”

“Who’s that?” His father grunted out, “Did old Sakonji come out of retirement or something?”

“No… I mean Tomioka.”

“Huh?” For some reason the name seemed to surprise him, “He’s still alive and still a Hashira? What about him?”

“What did you think about him?” Kyojuro asked, half expecting to get thrown out already, “From when you were a Hashira with him?”

…

His father was silent but did shield from laying down to sitting, his back still turned away from him. The air of drunkenness dissipated despite the room smelling strongly of alcohol.

“Why are you asking?”

“The other Hashira and I are trying to get to know him.” Kyojuro offers a partial truth, “Since you’ve worked with him as well I thought I would ask…”

“How is he doing?”

“He’s… fine?” Kyojuro was thrown by the question of concern, even if his father's voice was indifferent, “We just came from having a meal with him.”

“Hmm.”

Just like that his father fell back into silence, he knew this was a long shot anyways.

“He’s the student of an old friend, he’s very talented… and hard working, for good reason. He’s got every right to be a Hashira.” His father spoke up just as Kyojuro was giving up. The praise his father gave his colleague sent a small pang of emotion through him that he quickly brushed away. “He understands what it means to be a Hashira even when he doesn’t want to be one.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was a reason he rejected the offer three times until the Master gave him a condition.” His father half answered, “He doesn’t value his life as much as he should and he will vacate the position as soon as he’s able to… one way or another.”

Something about the way his father said that seemed concerning.

“I… Don’t quite understand.” Kyojuro admits, “but do you know anything he might like?”

“No.” His father bluntly admits, “He always just went along whatever if you asked him. Don't bother him too much.”

“I understand.” Kyojuro stands, both surprised and a bit disappointed at the answers, “I’ll make sure they're careful.”

Kyojuro stood to leave, sensing the conversation was done and not wanting to push his father’s surprisingly compliant mood.

“Thank you.” He turns and stops for a moment, “He  also said he wishes good health.”

“Heh, that brat.” Kyojuro heard his father mutters out almost like a bitter curse, “Kyojuro.”

“Yes, father?”

“Keep an eye on him…”

“I will.”

Kyojuro wasn’t quite sure what that was about but overall the whole thing was interesting and eye-opening… and confusing. He had a lot to think about now but that can wait till after his mission.