Chapter Text
I woke up to warmth.
Not the usual kind.
Not the faint residual heat of a blanket or the distant comfort of a futon.
This was… different.
Immediate.
Close.
Arms wrapped loosely around my neck.
A soft weight resting against me.
Her head settled comfortably on my shoulder—like it had always belonged there.
And my hands—
Around her back.
Holding her.
…
I went still.
Completely still.
Because for a moment, I wasn’t sure if I had moved in my sleep—
Or if she had.
Or both.
Kanae’s breathing was slow.
Even.
Peaceful.
There was a faint smile on her face as she slept.
Not forced.
Not fleeting.
Just… natural.
Content.
Oh dear.
I spent the night… like this.
Cuddling her.
The realization settled quietly.
Not alarming.
Not unwelcome.
Just… unexpected.
I didn’t move.
Didn’t shift.
Didn’t even try to adjust my position.
Because moving would disturb her.
And—
That didn’t feel right.
So instead—
I stayed awake.
Holding her.
The room was quiet.
Morning light barely filtering in through the paper screen, soft and pale.
Everything felt slower.
Gentler.
Her warmth lingered against me.
Not overwhelming.
Just… steady.
Comfortable.
Perhaps a bit too comfortable.
My grip—subtle, careful—remained where it had been.
Protective.
Instinctive.
Like it had been there long before I noticed it.
And for once—
I didn’t question it.
Didn’t analyze it.
Didn’t pull away.
I simply… stayed.
Her hair brushed lightly against my neck as she shifted.
A small movement.
Barely anything.
But enough.
Enough to bring her closer.
Her arms tightened slightly around me—
Not consciously.
Just reflex.
Like she didn’t want to let go.
…
Then she stirred.
Slowly.
Her breathing changed.
Softly.
Her eyes fluttered open—just a little.
Not fully awake yet.
Just aware.
And when she spoke—
Her voice was quiet.
Warm.
Still touched with sleep.
“Good morning, love.”
I froze.
Not physically.
But internally.
Because of the words.
Simple.
Soft.
And yet—
They landed harder than anything else.
A faint heat rose to my face before I could stop it.
Unfamiliar.
Uncontrolled.
…Embarrassing.
Kanae noticed.
Of course she did.
Even half-asleep, she noticed.
Her smile deepened slightly.
“…Good morning, my love,” I replied.
It came out quieter than I expected.
But steady.
Honest.
Kanae’s eyes opened a little more at that.
Not surprised—
Just… pleased.
“…You’re warm,” she murmured.
“…So are you.”
“…Mm.”
She didn’t move away.
Didn’t pull back.
If anything—
She settled more comfortably against me.
Like she had no intention of leaving that space anytime soon.
“…Did you sleep well?” she asked softly.
“…Yes.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie.
Even if I hadn’t truly slept near the end.
“…You didn’t move at all,” she added, almost amused.
“…Neither did you.”
“I did,” she murmured. “Just… closer.”
That explained it.
…Somewhat.
A quiet pause followed.
Not awkward.
Not uncertain.
Just… still.
Her fingers traced lightly against the fabric at my shoulder.
Absentminded.
Comfortable.
“…We should get up soon,” I said.
“We should,” she agreed.
Neither of us moved.
“…After a minute.”
“…Alright.”
Another pause.
Longer this time.
But neither of us minded
Because for once—
There was no urgency.
No mission.
No expectation.
Just this.
Quiet.
Warmth.
And the simple understanding—
That neither of us wanted to let go just yet.
I gently pressed a kiss to her forehead.
It was instinctive.
Quiet.
Simple.
The kind of affection I understood best—
Subtle.
Unspoken.
Felt more than seen.
Kanae hummed softly in approval, her arms tightening slightly around me as her smile deepened against my shoulder.
“…Thank God,” she murmured, voice still warm with sleep, “you at least know how to show affection.”
“…I do,” I replied.
There was no hesitation in it.
No uncertainty.
Because I did.
Just… not the way most people expected.
“I know how to love you.”
Kanae tilted her head slightly, just enough to look at me properly now.
Her expression softened, gentler than before.
“I know,” she said quietly. “You just hate showing it in public.”
That was… accurate.
Crowds.
Eyes.
Attention.
None of it suited me.
Affection, to me, had always been something quieter.
Sitting beside someone.
Walking with them.
Staying.
That was enough.
But Kanae—
Kanae was different.
She didn’t just feel affection.
She expressed it.
Openly.
Easily.
Without hesitation.
And more importantly—
She wanted to receive it the same way.
Not just through presence.
But through touch.
Through closeness.
Through certainty.
And…
I had learned.
Not all at once.
Not perfectly.
But steadily.
Because it was her.
She lifted her head fully now, her face closer to mine—eyes clear, expectant, but not demanding.
Just… asking.
“More.”
Simple.
Direct.
Very Kanae.
I didn’t hesitate.
Because this—
This wasn’t unfamiliar anymore.
My hand shifted slightly against her back, pulling her just a little closer, closing what little distance remained between us.
Then I leaned in.
And kissed her.
Not brief.
Not hesitant.
But steady.
Deliberate.
Something learned—not from instruction—
But from her.
Kanae responded immediately.
Of course she did.
Her hand moved from my shoulder to the side of my face, gentle but grounding, like she wanted to make sure I didn’t pull away too soon.
I didn’t.
Because I understood now.
This was how she felt it.
How she knew.
Not through words.
Not through quiet presence alone—
But through moments like this.
When there was no distance.
No restraint.
Just closeness.
When we finally pulled back, it wasn’t abrupt.
It never was.
Just a slow return to stillness.
Her forehead resting lightly against mine now.
Her eyes half-lidded.
Content.
“…See?” she murmured softly. “You’re getting better at this.”
“…I am not practicing.”
“You are.”
“…I’m not.”
She smiled.
“You are,” she repeated, completely certain.
A pause.
Then—
“…Only with you.”
Kanae’s expression softened again at that.
Not teasing this time.
Not playful.
Just… warm.
“I know,” she said quietly.
Her fingers traced lightly along my jaw, absent, affectionate, familiar.
“And you’re doing perfectly.”
I didn’t respond.
Not with words.
Because I didn’t need to.
Instead—
I stayed.
Close.
Present.
Letting my hand rest at her back.
Letting her remain where she wanted to be.
Because even if it wasn’t how I had learned to show love—
It was how she understood it.
And somewhere along the way—
It had become natural for me too.
We finally got up—
Eventually.
After a few more minutes of… not moving.
Of staying close.
Of her refusing to let go and me not particularly trying to make her.
But morning didn’t wait.
So we did.
I stood first, adjusting my uniform slightly before heading toward the washroom.
Routine.
Grounding.
Something familiar after… that.
Kanae followed immediately.
Of course she did.
I didn’t comment at first.
I washed.
Straightened.
Reached for a fresh set of clothes—
And she was still there.
Watching.
Leaning lightly against the doorframe, arms folded—but her expression far too amused to be casual.
“…Kanae.”
“Yes?”
“You need to leave.”
“No.”
“…No?”
“No,” she repeated, smiling.
I paused.
“…I need to change.”
“I’m aware.”
“That requires privacy.”
“Does it?”
“…Yes.”
Kanae tilted her head slightly, entirely unconvinced.
“Come on…” she said, stepping closer. “I’ve already felt how strong you are. Surely I can admire my boyfriend?”
“…That isn’t something I needed to know.”
“What?” she continued, completely unbothered. “You didn’t enjoy my hands running through your chest?”
I stopped.
Briefly.
Then sighed.
Deeply.
“…Kanae.”
She smiled—brighter now, clearly pleased with herself.
I turned, placed a hand lightly on her shoulder—
And guided her out.
Firmly.
Gently.
But without room for negotiation.
The door slid shut behind her.
“…Change in the bedroom.”
A pause.
Then—
A soft, exaggerated sigh from the other side.
“…You’re no fun.”
“…Go.”
“…Fine.”
A brief silence.
Then her footsteps retreating.
Reluctantly.
When I finished and stepped out—
She was waiting.
Of course she was.
Leaning against the wall now, arms behind her back, smiling like nothing had happened.
“…Ready?” she asked.
“…Yes.”
She stepped beside me immediately.
Close.
Too close.
Not that I cared.
We made our way to the kitchen together—
And I began preparing breakfast.
Simple.
Efficient.
Familiar.
What wasn’t familiar—
Was the weight against my back.
Arms wrapping loosely around me from behind.
Her cheek resting between my shoulders.
“…Kanae.”
“Mm?”
“You’re in the way.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
“I’m supporting you.”
“…How.”
“Emotionally.”
I paused.
“…That is not necessary.”
“It is for me.”
A beat.
“…I see.”
She smiled against my back.
Her arms tightened slightly—not restrictive, just present.
Comfortable.
Like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon.
“…You don’t mind,” she added softly.
It wasn’t a question.
Just a quiet observation.
I didn’t answer immediately.
Because she was right.
I didn’t.
It was… distracting.
Inconvenient.
Impractical.
But—
Not unwelcome.
“…No,” I said finally.
Kanae hummed in satisfaction.
“I know.”
She stayed there the entire time.
While I cooked.
While I moved.
Adjusting with me like it was natural.
Like she had done it a hundred times before.
And when the food was ready—
She still hadn’t let go.
“…You need to sit.”
“Carry me.”
“…No.”
“Please?”
“…Sit.”
She sighed—but obeyed.
Eventually.
I set the food down and pulled out her seat for her.
She sat—still smiling.
Still entirely too pleased.
I had just taken my own seat when—
“Well now.”
Noroko.
Of course.
Leaning against the doorway like she had been there the entire time.
Watching.
Waiting.
Grinning.
“I was a little disappointed I didn’t hear anything last night,” she said casually. “But judging by how happy you two look…”
She tilted her head slightly.
“…I take it things went well?”
I froze.
Then immediately felt heat rise to my face.
“…That is not—”
Kanae cut in before I could finish.
With a perfectly calm smile.
“This was the first night I had with him, so thank you.”
Silence.
I turned to her.
Slowly.
“…Kanae.”
Betrayal.
Clear.
Immediate.
She didn’t even try to hide her amusement.
Noroko, on the other hand—
Looked absolutely delighted.
“Oh, she’s perfect,” she said, grinning wider.
“She is not helping.”
“She’s a keeper,” Noroko added, completely ignoring me.
Kanae smiled sweetly.
“Thank you.”
I sighed.
Deeply.
Again.
But as Kanae’s foot brushed lightly against mine under the table—
And her smile softened just slightly when she looked at me—
…I didn’t actually mind.
Leaving Masaru’s house took longer than it should have.
Not because of distance.
But because no one seemed willing to let us go quickly.
Aiko insisted on packing food.
Masaru handed me supplies I didn’t ask for—but would use.
Noroko, of course, made several final remarks that were entirely unnecessary.
“You better visit more often,” she said.
“I do.”
“Not with her, you don’t.”
“…I will.”
Kanae bowed politely—again.
“Thank you for everything.”
Aiko smiled warmly. “You’re always welcome here.”
Masaru nodded. “Take care of him.”
Kanae glanced at me—then back at them.
“I will.”
Noroko smirked. “Oh, I believe that.”
I ignored her.
Eventually—
We left.
But not before one last wave.
And another.
And another.
Somewhere between the house and the road—
Kanae’s hand found mine.
And didn’t let go.
Not loosely.
Not absentmindedly.
But firmly.
Comfortably.
Like it belonged there.
I didn’t comment on it.
Because there was nothing to comment on.
It had already become normal.
We walked like that the entire way.
Past the village.
Through the path.
Toward the station.
And I noticed things.
People glancing.
Looking once—
Then again.
Some subtle.
Some less so.
By the time we reached the station—
I was certain.
At least a dozen looks.
Maybe more.
I wasn’t sure why.
Whether it was because of her—
Or… me.
Kanae didn’t seem to care.
If anything—
She leaned slightly closer.
“…You’re staring,” she said lightly.
“…I’m observing.”
“People?”
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“They’re just jealous.”
“…Of what.”
She looked at me like the answer was obvious.
“…Us.”
I didn’t respond.
But I didn’t disagree either.
I approached the counter and asked for two tickets.
The attendant handed them over without issue—
Along with access to a quieter section.
A private bench.
Less crowded.
Less noise.
We boarded shortly after.
The train moved steadily—rhythmic, consistent.
A calm contrast to everything else.
Kanae sat beside me.
Close.
Of course.
There was space—
But she didn’t use it.
Instead, she leaned into me slightly, her shoulder resting against mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Her hand found mine again.
Still warm.
Still certain.
There were few days like this.
Few moments without duty.
Without expectation.
Without interruption.
And I had come to understand something clearly—
Kanae did not intend to waste them.
She turned her head slightly, resting it against my shoulder now.
Relaxed.
Content.
“…I’m kind of glad,” she said softly, “that there’s only one other female Hashira in the Corps.”
“…Why?”
“Because no one can steal my handsome boyfriend.”
I paused.
“…No one is attempting to.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
Kanae smiled against my shoulder.
“You’re very confident.”
“It’s not confidence.”
“Then what is it?”
“…Observation.”
She laughed quietly.
“…You really don’t see it, do you?”
“…See what.”
She lifted her head slightly, just enough to look at me.
Her expression softer now.
More thoughtful than teasing.
“How people look at you.”
I didn’t answer.
Because I didn’t understand the question.
So instead—
I asked one of my own.
“…And how do they look at you?”
Kanae blinked.
Then smiled.
“…Like I’m lucky.”
A pause.
“…You are.”
She froze for half a second.
Then—
Her smile widened.
Not teasing.
Not playful.
Just… genuine.
“…You’re unfair when you say things like that so casually.”
“…I’m not trying to be.”
“I know.”
She leaned back against me again.
Closer this time.
If that was even possible.
“…Still,” she murmured, “I’m serious.”
“…About what.”
“You.”
Her fingers tightened slightly around mine.
“I don’t like sharing.”
“…You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
A pause.
Then—
“…Good.”
The train continued forward.
Steady.
Quiet.
And for once—
There was nothing else to focus on.
No mission.
No danger.
No expectation.
Just her.
Leaning against me.
Holding my hand.
Refusing,
Even now,
To let go.
When we stepped off the train, the world felt… quieter again.
Not silent—never silent—but softer than the crowded station we had just left behind.
Passengers moved past us, some in a hurry, some lingering, voices blending into a steady hum.
Kanae’s hand was still in mine.
Of course it was.
And as we walked forward—
I heard it.
A passing remark.
Casual.
Unintended for us.
“What a happy honeymoon couple.”
I blinked.
Once.
Then slowed—just slightly.
Not enough for Kanae to notice immediately.
But enough for the words to settle.
Honeymoon.
Couple.
Happy.
I didn’t respond.
But I didn’t ignore it either.
Because as we passed by a window—
The reflection caught my attention.
I looked.
Really looked.
At us.
Walking side by side.
Hands intertwined.
Close.
Natural.
Kanae smiling faintly—soft, content.
And me—
I paused internally.
Because I wasn’t expressionless.
Not entirely.
There was something there.
Subtle.
But present.
And together—
We looked…
Complete.
Balanced.
Like something that fit.
I wasn’t sure if it was the clothes.
Or the way she leaned slightly toward me.
Or the way I didn’t pull away.
Or the quiet ease between us.
But to anyone looking—
It was simple.
We looked like we were meant to be together.
“…You’re staring again,” Kanae said lightly.
“…At the reflection.”
She followed my gaze.
Then smiled.
“…We look good.”
“…Yes.”
“Very good.”
“…Yes.”
She laughed softly.
“…You’re agreeing too easily.”
“…It’s accurate.”
Kanae squeezed my hand gently.
“See? You can say nice things.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You implied it.”
“…That is not the same.”
“It is to me.”
Of course it was.
We continued walking.
Leaving the station behind.
The path toward the estates growing quieter with each step.
More familiar.
More isolated.
Then—
“By the way, Giyu.”
“…Yes.”
“We’re staying at the Waterfall Estate.”
I glanced at her.
“…Aoi is on patrol today.”
“I know.”
A pause.
Then—
“That’s exactly why we’re staying there.”
I looked at her.
She smiled.
Bright.
Completely unashamed.
“…Kanae.”
“What?”
“…That is unnecessary.”
“No, it’s not.”
“It is.”
“It isn’t.”
She stepped slightly closer as we walked—closing what little distance remained between us.
“We rarely get time alone like this,” she added softly.
“That is true.”
“And when we do…”
Her fingers laced more securely with mine.
“I don’t want to share it.”
I didn’t argue.
Because there was no reason to.
By the time we reached the estate—
The sound of water greeted us first.
Steady.
Familiar.
The waterfall cascading behind the structure like it always had.
The Waterfall Estate.
Quiet.
Isolated.
Untouched.
No voices.
No movement.
No Aoi.
Just the sound of water and wind.
Kanae stepped inside first—still holding my hand, pulling me along with her.
“…Perfect,” she murmured.
“…It is quiet.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“…I know.”
She turned toward me then—
Fully.
No distractions.
No interruptions.
No one watching.
Just us.
Her expression softened.
Gentler than before.
But no less certain.
“…Now,” she said quietly, “you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing.”
A pause.
“…Seeing what.”
Kanae smiled.
Slow.
Knowing.
“…How affectionate you actually are.”
I exhaled softly.
“…I am not overly—”
She stepped closer.
Cutting me off without words.
Her hand sliding from mine to rest lightly against my chest.
“…You are,” she said.
Not teasing.
Not joking.
Just… certain.
And as she leaned in—
Closing the space between us completely—
I didn’t step back.
Didn’t argue.
Didn’t correct her.
Because here—
With no one else around—
There was no reason to.
She pressed her lips against mine and I closed my eyes.
There was no hesitation this time.
No pause.
Just her.
Close.
Certain.
Her arms slid around my neck, pulling me in as if distance itself was something she refused to tolerate. One of her hands moved to the back of my head, guiding me, keeping me there.
She had told me before that my lips were addicting.
At the time, I hadn’t understood.
It wasn't long though that—
I did.
Because she wasn’t holding back.
Not even slightly.
She stepped forward, pressing me back until my shoulders met the wall. The contact was firm, but not forceful. Just enough to keep me there.
Close to her.
Exactly where she wanted me.
My right arm moved on its own, wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer in return.
Instinct.
Natural.
My left hand followed, resting at the back of her head—steadying, grounding, returning the same closeness she demanded.
She exhaled softly against my lips, something between a satisfied breath and a quiet sound of approval.
And instead of pulling away—
She leaned in again.
Deeper.
Closer.
She licked my lips. A quiet plea for entry.
I granted it immediately opening my mouth.
Her tongue immediately slipped in.
At times it touched my tongue to wrap around and play with.
At other times her tongue incessantly explored my mouth.
When she finally pulled away after what seemed to be eternity.
There was a small trail of spit that stretched from our mouths.
There was just enough space to breathe.
Her forehead rested lightly against mine, her eyes still half-lidded, her expression soft but unmistakably pleased.
“…See?” she murmured quietly.
“…See what.”
Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
"You do know how to kiss."
I exhaled slowly.
"You taught me well."
"Mhm."
Her smile grew more prideful at that.
Her fingers traced lightly along the back of my neck, absent and affectionate.
“Good,” she said softly.
She leaned in again.
I didn’t know how much time had passed before she finally pulled away.
Time had blurred somewhere in between—
between closeness, warmth, and the quiet insistence of her presence.
But even when she stopped—
She didn’t really stop.
Her hands lingered.
Her body stayed close.
Her forehead rested briefly against my shoulder as if she had no intention of creating distance again.
And when I shifted—
She followed.
Not forcefully.
Not urgently.
Just… naturally.
Like staying close to me was the most obvious thing in the world.
“…Kanae.”
“Mm?”
“You should sit.”
“In a minute.”
She didn’t move.
If anything—
Her arms wrapped around me again, this time softer.
Not pulling.
Just holding.
Like my presence itself was something she wanted to keep within reach at all times.
It was… noticeable.
The way she leaned into me.
The way her fingers would absentmindedly trace along my sleeve.
The way she stayed within arm’s length—no matter what I did.
As if my touch—
Grounded her.
Fueled her.
“…You’re very clingy today,” I said.
“Today?” she replied, amused.
“…More than usual.”
“I have the opportunity,” she said simply.
That was her reasoning.
No hesitation.
No embarrassment.
Just honesty.
I didn’t argue.
Because it made sense.
Eventually, I moved to the kitchen.
Lunch needed to be made.
Routine again.
Something practical.
Something normal.
Kanae followed.
Of course she did.
She didn’t even pretend otherwise this time.
The moment I began preparing ingredients—
Her presence returned behind me.
Close.
Familiar.
Her arms slid around my waist this time, her cheek resting lightly against my back.
“…Kanae.”
“Yes?”
“You’re doing it again.”
“I know.”
“…I need to cook.”
“You are cooking.”
“…With difficulty.”
“You’re managing.”
I paused.
She wasn’t wrong.
Annoyingly.
Not wrong.
She shifted slightly, just enough to peek around my shoulder.
“What are you making?”
“…Something simple.”
“That doesn’t answer the question.”
“…Rice and vegetables.”
She hummed.
“Sounds good.”
A pause.
Then—
Her fingers tightened slightly around me.
Not restricting.
Just… present.
Like a quiet reminder that she was still there.
“…You’re distracting,” I said.
“Am I?”
“Yes.”
“Is it a problem?”
I didn’t answer immediately.
Because it should have been.
Logically—
It should have been inconvenient.
Impractical.
Unnecessary.
And yet—
“…No,” I said finally.
Kanae smiled against my back.
“I know.”
She didn’t let go.
Not once.
Not while I finished cooking.
Not while I set the table.
Not even when I turned to face her—
At which point she simply shifted her hold, arms resting lightly against mine instead.
Ensuring—
Even then—
That at least half of my attention remained on her.
And as unnecessary as it was—
As distracting as it should have been—
I didn’t stop her.
Because for Kanae—
This was how she stayed close.
And for me—
It had already become something I didn’t mind at all.