Bitter and Better
The awkward air burdens the already uncomfortable mood of the chamber even further. Nezuko keeps her gaze lowered, very much aware that to have sprung upon the unsuspecting household cannot speak too well of her. The only excuse she has is that Giyuu is a tough nut to crack and having convinced him to return to his childhood home she could not hesitate too long in carrying out the visit, lest he find some impediment. Perhaps she ought to have left well enough alone, she thinks, the burden of Makoto in her arms growing heavier by the minute. Impossibly flustered by the opulence around her she cannot help but wonder what his parents will make of her, a no account peasant girl. They will revile her daring. She closes her eyes against the worry and reminds herself that she does this for her husband.
The man is seated at her side, looking for all the world as though he wished he were anywhere else. Makoto chooses that particular moment to let out a loud mewl, squirming in her arms. It's more than enough to have his father lean over them, a trace of anxiety evident in his voice as he speaks. "The journey must have tired him out." He is not quite half a year on this earth and still very fond of sleep and wining among other things. But he is fed and lately changed and fussed likely only for his father's attention.
The sound of frantic voices carrying in conversation from without along with the loud snap of the screen as it's thrown back hails the arrival of the household's awakening to their presence. Nezuko has the barest glimpse of a well-dressed matronly figure as her mother-in-law sweeps in heartfelt cry of her husband's name. Jasmine-scented sleeves spread their fragrance and white limbs coil around her man. "My son!" So few words, such a wealth of meaning behind them. Her eyes fill with tears and Makoto cried out loudly in her hold.
She lifts her face helplessly, catching sight of the lone figure standing still outside the room. A man of middling-age watches them with cool flinty eyes. His face gives away nothing, but he steps over the threshold and Nezuko bows, not quite aware of anything but him. His identity cannot be mistaken. The man bend towards her, arms held out expectantly.
She hesitates a moment. It is not oft she is required to relinquish her son. Nezuko gives in with only a small pang of disquiet. Very much caught by surprise, Makoto quietens. A small gasp slips past her own lips at the coo her babe makes and she folds her hands over her middle at the wonderful sound. Grey-blue eyes soften. Makoto reaches out for the proffered finger and grips. Like a heavy cloak, fear drops from her shoulders, weighing her down no longer.
Slowly, she becomes aware of intent eyes upon her. Turning her head to the side, she meets a pair of soft blue eyes. She bows again, polite greeting stuck in her throat at the assessing stare. "Nezuko, is it not?" She is just as soft-spoken as her son. It does not quite dispel all unease, but she finds herself answering in the affirmative. Her hands are suddenly gripped in the other woman's. "I have been remiss in welcoming you properly, daughter." She cannot help her tears at the words. "Welcome home."
"Thank you, mother," she says, her heart fully open towards the woman. It feels like an eternity has passed since she's had anyone to say that word to. "We are home." The moment passes.
"Hiraku, why are you monopolising my grandson? Bring him here, won't you?" Nezuko can't quite tell if her father-in-law hears it, for he seems wholly absorbed in Makoto. But he must have because he looks up to them and nods his head first at his son and then to her.
"A fine boy." Nezuko blushes as though he's complimented her and wishes she could reach for Giyuu's hand now that her mother-in-law had released her. But in a gesture familiar and comforting, Hiraku kneels by his wife and carefully transfers the child to her hold. "Look, Momoko, he's already learned to demand attention just like your son."
"Oh, I have that in spades, little man." Momoko touches a finger to the child's lips and Makoto latches onto it. The woman looks up from the babe's face. "Makoto is such a fitting name. Have you given any thought to a second child?"
Flames dance in Nezuko's cheeks. Thankfully, neither she nor Giyuu are required to answer, for Hiraku intervenes. "Now that is just being greedy."
Momoko scowls at her husband before turning a sweet smile upon the infant in her arms whose eyes are slowly drifting close. "I do not want my precious grandson to be lonely. It would also be nice if I could feel useful to my new daughter in her need." Stunned beyond belief, Nezuko does not dare make a sound when she feels Giyuu's familiar touch, his hand taking hold of her own. "But look at me, keeping you here; you must be tired after your journey."
She knows in her heart of hearts that Giyuu will pick her comfort over his own wishes and if she should keep silent now, he declare himself satisfied absent the most important revelation, thus intervenes, as politely as she can. "Honoured father, honoured mother," she begins, her voice quivering gently, "pray do not think it impertinent of me, but there is still one member of the family I have not properly greeted. My husband spoke ever fondly of his sister."
Many pairs of eyes mist over with the shine of unshed tears.
They make the journey together, as a family. Even Makoto wakes before his aunt's grave. He cannot quite say all that is proper, but Nezuko does it for him, retreating a few steps back once she is done, hoping the space will be filled by parents and son with a bond on the mend.
(Tsuna places the oranges carefully upon the stone, the pink tip of her tongue poking out, a sign of great concentration. She looks up to her father for approval and Giyuu nods. Makoto is just done lighting the incense. Yaso holds onto his grandfather's hand, still a little too shy to come forth. Nezuko nods at her youngest child, "Come along now.")
Hale and Hearty
Pain lances across his temples. Giyuu groans and turns his face into the pillow, mildly aware that the thin light threatening to wake him will only expose him to a greater degree of ache. Breath hissing between his teeth, he flinches at the creaking of floorboards and tenses at the sound of feet momentarily before he becomes aware of just what is going on. By the time he opens his eyes, Nezuko is leaning over him. "Ah, awake now, are you? How does your head feel?" He grits his teeth in response, eyes falling naturally into a glare given the circumstances. "That bad?" A blessedly cool hand touches his forehead.
As it turns out, it's not some mere, run of the mill fatigue that has been haunting his steps lately but an actual ague. Nezuko sighs quietly, lifting his head until she's deposited it in her lap. Clever fingers place pressure just at his temples, rotating ever so slightly. Relief is quick to follow. She goes on for a few moments before she turns to stroking. He traps her hand against his cheek, curling his fingers around the dainty hand. She seems to understand without him having to verbalising. Turning with some effort, he presses a kiss to the inside of her palm, closing his eyes once more. He slides right back into slumber to Nezuko combing her fingers through his hair.
By the time he wakes again, it is late evening and a muted golden shine polishes the floors. Nezuko is nowhere in sight. The pain in his skull has lessened considerably. He pushes the cover away and sits up, looking around somewhat befuddled. Too much sleep has addled his wits; Giyuu likes the lethargy not at all. He pushes himself to his feet and manages to keep from falling over. From there one shake of the head later, he is walking down the hallway, following the familiar path to the kitchen.
"Come and eat something," Nezuko says, having already set the table for the both of them. It is a light meal, more than fitting as far as his capacity for effort is concerned as far as consuming his share. But with warm food in his stomach, the whole of him feels better. It is then that he catches the relief in his wife's eyes. Chopsticks freeze midair. She mirrors him to some degree. "It is a mere headcold."
"I know." Her voice trembles. Feelings won't bend to logic nevertheless. He puts down his chopsticks and motions her over. Nezuko is quick to comply, closing the distance between them until she's close enough to touch. That he does; pulling her so close that they're practically glued together. Comforting others has never been his strongpoint. Even his beloved wife can only expect so much of him; Giyuu warps an arm around her, happy to feel the weight of her head against his shoulder. Nezuko sniffles and puts on a brave face. "Come along then, I have prepared the bath."
He follows obediently, an inkling quick to form. Layers are shed in the warmth of the chamber, a flurry of familiar motions follow until they are both thoroughly clean. Giyuu pulls Nezuko to the covered tub, moving all obstructions out of the way. He climbs in then helps his wife along, moving until they are locked together like halves of a whole fitting together. Her arms settle around his shoulders in a loose hold. "This is reassuring, I must admit." As she's leaning against him, her muffled voice fair glides against him. "How do you always know what to do?"
He honestly doesn't. "I wanted to hold you, is all." They press together, clinging like vines. Leaning more heavily against him, she tightens her embrace in response.
When they finally come apart, she moves to his side. "I shall try not to worry, but I don't think I will be easy until the headcold is past." He wouldn't expect her to in any event and tells her as much. Nezuko gives him a wide-eyed look.
"But I have no plans to leave you." And that seems to be that. Her smile grows, warm and loving. They bask in the hot water for a time until a whisper of sleep comes about. It wouldn't do to slumber away in cooling water. His headcold, at least, does not need encouraging when it has finally retreated into obscurity.
Once within the bedchamber, dry as can be managed, they burrow beneath the covers. The mattresses have been pressed together, leaving no space between them. Nezuko turns into his hold. In the face of that, he tugs her closer still and brushes back her hair. Sometimes he wishes she would speak more of her father's illness, instead of shying away from it. Whenever echoes of the past intrude upon their life, she ends up shaken. Giyuu continues as he's begun, feeling the moment she slips away from him into sleep, only too glad to have sent her off first.
He's slept away much of the day and even hot water failed to call him back into that erstwhile weariness. But he is only too happy to fill his arms with Nezuko and count the passing of the time by the rhythm of her breathing. His eyes close more for comfort even as he remains alert to the small sounds coming from his partner. Mostly it is sighs and gentle whooshing of cloth on account of her shifting.
In the end, all conditions conspire to drag him off into the land of dreams as well. And he sleeps with the hope the morrow will work to reaffirm the night's avowals.
He comes to before Nezuko with the crowing of the rooster. The pain is but a distant memory, his strength fully returned. His wife grumbles when he draws away, fingers sinking into the sleeve of his garment as though she is loath to part from him, even if only to relinquish him to his daytime duties. "You could go back to sleep if you let go," he points out patiently.
Nezuko's groggy stare answers him as her free hand lifts. He leans in, allowing her to check as she would.
Hem and Haw
The faint scent of evergreen persists, complementing the thin mountain air. Giyuu finds it invigorating on the whole, reminiscent of olden days. There are no more students, of course, so the distinction pulls him ever to the present. Almost, he can believe it's always been like this. His mentor stands by his side. Both of them look upon Makoto whose main interest in the moment revolves around exploring a hollowed log he's found. They've been reminiscing as they were making their way down the mountainside. In all honesty, the whole of it has been building towards a subject Giyuu is half afraid to broach. But he must. Nezuko has secured his promise, after all.
"It seems like so long ago," he comments. In point of fact, it feels as though it happened to another man altogether. Standing here, looking at his son, he has a hard time believing that there were ever such foul creatures as demons roaming the night. A cold shiver runs down his spine; they are safe now. The demons are well and truly gone. There are plenty of reminders though; missing limbs, bits and pieces one can never recover along with night terrors lying in wait when one slumbers. "Nezuko and I have been wondering about something." There is really no point in delaying any further.
The red tengu mask, a fixture after all this time, moves slightly. "What have you been wondering about?" He's glad for the encouragement. This is not easy in the least. A slight breeze picks up, rustling leaves and picking at blades of grass. Makoto is still playing with the log so quietly that if he weren't watching with such care, Giyuu would credit the notion that he's vanished into thin air.
His son glances up just then, the concentration in his expression meeting a swift end as his lips stretch into a smile. He waves. Giyuu mirrors the motion. "We have been considering this for a while now; would you agree to teach Makoto." There it is.
Giyuu can feel the surprise bubbling to the surface before even the man speaks. "I thought you might wish to teach him yourself." Though there is no longer any official Slayer Corps to speak of, it is certainly no impediment to passing down the knowledge he has accumulated. But how can he when a rue master yet lives?
"I once thought my ascending to the Water Pillar position was pure chance. For the longest time, my duties were carried out as repentance. That is a burden I do not want to place on this child's shoulders." His own heart is certainly not strong enough to withstand it. "Perhaps when he is older."
"Repentance," Urokodaki Sakonji repeats, allowing the word to linger, as though in so doing it might provide some deeper insight. "He is your first after all." He is smiling behind the mask; the voice betrays it. "I see Nezuko has finally come up with the perfect excuse to bring me back into the fold." His wife is clever like that. Giyuu's lips twitch.
"She does not like losing." So she rarely accepts loss. And on this subject he has no qualms in speaking. "Though, you might have guessed." She had, initially, requested that he return to the estate wherein he had once dwelled, partly as an acknowledgement of all he'd done for them, but mostly because Nezuko was quite genuine in her opinion that the man was very much like a father to her and Tanjirou. She would have him close if she could help it.
A chuckle meets those words. "She was asleep when I trained her brother; he wrote it all down for her, of course, night after night. Filled journals, that boy did. I wonder if she ever managed to read a page." Nezuko is very well aware of what her plan entails. She is equally certain this will help her son though; or so she's been telling Giyuu. "Very well; if you are willing, I do not see why I should refuse."
It is at this point that Makoto, having likely has his fill of dried old wood, saunters up to them, tugging on Giyuu's sleeve. "Are we going back now?" he asks, his small voice not quite loud enough to carry. "I'm hungry." They've been walking most of the morning away and noon is fast approaching. Nezuko is bound to be putting the finishing touches on whatever she will be serving them.
"By all means," their elder answers. "Growing boys need their food, if they are to turn out big and strong." A hand reaches out to ruffle Makoto's hair. His son accepts the touch with something like wonder before pressing into Giyuu's leg, a thoughtful expression upon his face.
"Then I will be a good big brother, if I turn out so?" The question is most unexpected. "Mother says I have to. I want to." It would seem the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Giyuu takes the boy's hand, momentarily speechless.
Thankfully, his mentor has more than enough words for the occasion. "You will be a very good big brother, Makoto; you are already thinking of your younger sibling."
Makoto is pleased enough with the prediction. He looks to him as well for confirmation and, truly, is there any other answer than to affirm as much. "Let us go then; the faster we arrive, the swifter you can be about our business."
The child takes off just slightly ahead of them, leaving them to fall back into a sedate pace. "He truly is excited about the babe." Master Urokodaki notes gently. "But you, I see, are still apprehensive. It will make you careful, which can only be to the good."
Giyuu nods. There has been enough soul-bearing for one day. For now, he merely wants to return to his wife's side, victory tight in hand, and see her smile. As to what comes after, he can only hope for the best. There are a great many people in his life now on whom he my lean in his need.
Slice and Dice
"Honestly, Inosuke, you'd think this is the first time in months you've seen tempura." Aoi's reproach seems to have no effect on her husband's appetite. She rolls her eyes and turns to Nezuko with a slightly embarrassed smile. "I swear he's been fed." She sighs and rests her hands on the sun-coloured obi encircling her waist.
"I'm glad he's enjoying it though," his wife offers and Giyuu cannot help the little flutter of his heart at her smile. Nezuko leans in conspiratorially, "In truth, I made quite a lot." And well he knows it; she's been up and about these past few days, doing this and that in preparation of their reunion. Giyuu would have protested, only that she remained so obviously glad throughout her labour that in the end he managed no such feat.
The other woman chuckles and gives a shake of her head. "Still, I feel bad; you should be resting now. Just tell me if it becomes too much." Solicitously patting Nezuko's hand, Aoi goes on. "By the by, I saw this perfect length of fabric at the market. It was so soft too. It'd make for perfect swathing cloth. Shall you come with me and have a look?" The conversation turns to children and their rearing.
They are all sitting on the wide porch since the day is so fine. Giyuu has Nezuko by his side, hand on the small of her back, as though to prop her against any disturbance. Heavily showing at this point in her pregnancy, she seems only too glad for the support. It isn't long before the gate opens yet again and in pokes his head a grinning Tanjirou. His greeting carries far. After him come Kanao and Tarou who is holding tightly onto his mother's kimono, small legs hard at work to keep up with her sedate pace. "You'll never guess who we brought along." From there until the reveal time is measured in heartbeats.
A full head of shining blonde hair comes into view. Giyuu faintly hears Nezuko's gasp just under Inosuke's yell. "Zenitsu, it has been far too long!" she finally says once the young man has approached, a contrst to his own thoughts whispering that it's been nowhere near long enough. Giyuu reached for his tea in lieu of grasp at his wife.
"Nezuko, you haven't changed at all." Agatsuma's eyes roam her face. "You're as cute as ever." His wife's cheeks colour and she brushes the compliment aside; Giyuu can feel heat gather at his nape and clutches his cup all the harder. Can't the idiot see clearly?
There is no time to dwell on his misgivings because before he knows it, the porch crowds even further with the arrival of Murata, Sumi, Kiyo and Naho. Tengen comes alone, though his wives have put their apologies into baskets of food. Sanemi is the last to arrive, though it seems this is due to the he's brought. Kiriya, Kuina and Kanata are given a warm reception. There might not be as many of them as one could wish, but those that linger are a closely knit together.
The day slopes into a mild afternoon, food and drink and long talks filling the hours. By the time things wind down a bit, Tarou has found his way into Nezuko's arms, curiously feeling along her very pregnant stomach as she holds him carefully. Kanao is seated by her and their murmured conversation drifts by; Giyuu is unable to pinpoint the particulars as Sanemi's loud insults to Agatsuma are more than distracting. That Hashibira encourages the situation by proposing a drinking contest is not helping matters. Tanjirou's attempts to diffuse the situation only end in the both of them, him and his brother-in-law, finding full cups of sake before them.
Kiriya agrees to keep the score with something of a laugh. That boy has really grown. Giyuu drinks slowly, by no means taking it seriously. Tanjirou seems to be of a like mind, as opposed to the others who've really gotten into the spirit of it.
The end is predictable enough with Sanemi and Inosuke bickering fit to bring down the roof and Zenitsu, reverting back to worshipful behaviour cooing at every woman in sight. Aoi is spared on account of the death glare she sends Agatsuma's way and Kanao is unresponsive, but Nezuko, who is observing the whole scene with a beatific smile, is not quite up to the task of sending the fool on his way. In fact, her response is to pet Zenitsu's hair as though he were her brother and not a pest this close to being booted off the porch and out the gate.
"Now that's an interesting scent." Giyuu muscles lock tight at the sound of Tanjirou's voice. He shoots his brother-in-law a warning look. Not that Tanjirou is the least bit affected by the grin he responds with.
"She is my wife." He isn't quite sure why he feels the need to defend himself in these conditions. After all, there isn't a man in this world who'd be happy to see his wife accosted in such a manner, especially when her sweet nature ensures she remains blind to the reasons behind such behaviour. Setting a stern expression on his face, he draws Nezuko's hand from the drunkard's hair, much to the amusement of the company.
Tengen snorts with barely held-back laughter, cautioning Zenitsu to beat a hasty retreat. Nezuko levels him with a penetrating, confused stare, but does not protest when he traps her hand in his.
Later, when it's finally just the two of them, she asks gently after his upset. "Is something the matter? You've been quite put out." The words get stuck in his throat, even knowing she deserves an explanation. Since he won't look her in the eye, she leans in until their gazes lock. "This wife of yours is wondering if she has judged the situation ill after all." But her hand is then stroking the top of his head.
It takes a moment to get his bearings, but once it's done, he has her in a firm grasp, his mouth against hers. A sound leaves her, melting into their kiss, turning his insides to mush. Not that he has long to appreciate the moment before she draws back and pulls a face. "Your son is kicking me." His hands fall to her middle, feeling the unsettled movements there. His touch works to calm the babe within.
("Husband, Zenitsu is a married man. Has been for many years now." Her amused expression persists. "Who would have guessed you'd feel this way?" she titters behind her sleeve.
"He should not act so freely with another man's wife." He is nevertheless mollified when she sidles closer and pressed her lips to his cheek.
"My poor husband," she coos, all benevolence and care. His face blooms with colour, but he turns nonetheless until their lips meet.
A sharp cry is swift to follow, Yaso's voice ringing out from the hallway. Makoto's rumbling words come next, "Idiot, I told you not to disturb them.")
Comes and Goes
"Mamma, do I put her in the shade?" Makoto questions, still holding onto his sister. Giyuu is certain his arms must be hurting by now. "Or will you sit in the sun?" These warm summer days with their cloudless skies work perfectly for those who wish to do little more than relax. Tsuna gurgles happily at being carried about, wide eyes turning this way and that in an effort to take in as much of the world as she can.
"The shade will do this late in the day," Nezuko answers, bending at the waist to take Tsuna in her arms. "We will sit and watch you train, so you had best be off." Brother and sister part then, at a wave from Makoto's hand. Tsuna, precious child that she is, gives a wail of protest, reaching out from Nezuko's hold.
His son frowns at this, turning with a rather stern expression on his face. "Tsuna, don't cry now." The babe, attracted by the words, pauses in her shrieking. Makoto rises up onto his toes and Nezuko bends slightly, to bring the two of them to level. "Your brother will train hard today. I will learn well, so I can teach Tsuna too. Then we can do it together." He gives his sister's head a gentle pat. "So you be good for mamma."
Likely as not, Tsuna has understood naught of the speech. But she isn't crying fit to wake the dead when next Makoto skips his way to Giyuu's side. He ruffles his son's hair in silent praise. The boy gives a shy grin before ducking his chin. "What is the matter?" he asks gently, keeping his voice low.
"This is the first time mamma and Tsuna will be watching." Nerves; Giyuu bites back a smile. He'd been equally nervous when he himself had joined their training.
Kneeling by the boy's side, he puts a hand on that small shoulder which is taking on such a burden. "You only need to give it your best." He knows he's chosen right when his son looks up and nods his head.
Urokodaki chooses that moment to appear. Tsuna, whose fascination with the tengu mask never seems to vanish, makes that particular sound she's reserved for the man, which in turn steals a chuckle from the mentor. "I see you've brought me even more students." He greets Makoto with gentle pat on the head and bows towards Nezuko.
"This day we watch, with your permission," his wife answers, bowing in return. Tsuna gurgles her agreement, followed by a swift settling in her mother's arms as soon as the elder has patted the top of her head as well.
Makoto has advanced nicely, steadily improving throughout the months of training to the point where, though not quite strong enough to wield a true blade, his wooden sword swings about with grace and precision. Most of it is simple exercises meant to work the boy's muscles; it will take time to progress onto more advanced lessons and even then, Giyuu means to allow his son to make up his own mind. The world does not need demon slayers any longer.
"You've been practicing," Urokodaki notes in a praising tone.
His son's cheeks glow crimson. "Father agreed to spar with me." This is to be understood as a transfer of praise.
The tengu mask turns his way. He understands the unspoken message. Faint warmth spreads in his chest.
The training continues.
By the end of it, Nezuko offers them tea, which is well received on all ends. Tsuna has fallen asleep on her mother's lap so they keep the conversation low, though it is mostly Nezuko and the mentor speaking. Makoto is pressed into Giyuu's side, stamina depleted for the time being. Breathing will come soon enough. The children are both asleep before the tea has even been drunk. Since the day is so warm, they are allowed to sleep in the shade, sharing Giyuu's particoloured haori for a pillow. It is agreed they shall come together again on the morrow. The lack of urgency feels refreshing after a lifetime of stress and exigency.
Left just the two of them at last, Giyuu turns to look at Nezuko stifling a yawn. Tsuna has been fussing these past few nights. "Shall we lie down for a bit?" His wife gives him a startled look which melts into a smile before nodding her head, happily drawing closer. "Say, Nezuko," he calls gently, hearing her hum in response, "how did it occur the boy would work so hard to be the best older brother?"
Breathy laughter is her first answer. "The son follows his father's example. Haven't you realised?" His heart skips a beat. Nezuko cups his cheek in her warm, smooth hand. "Since you want to know, I won't feel bad for boring you." As if she ever could. "It happened a bit before we invited Master Urokodaki to live here; I'd just begun feeling much better and we'd decided we would eat out." She smiles impishly. "As I was getting ready, Makoto slipped in, so excited about our outing and so he asked me, "Isn't father the best?". And as you are, I readily agreed." He swallows his protests and Nezuko closes her eyes, her hand lowering. "Then, do you think I can be good too? That is what your son asked next. Being a good big brother is a great endeavour, don't you think?"
His wife easily fades into slumber, using his arm as her willing pillow. Giyuu throws his other arm over his eyes as shield against the daylight. His heart is still hammering away in his chest, taking its sweet time to calm into restfulness. This is a lot of responsibility. All the same, it beings him incessant joy to know the light in which his efforts are seen.
Resting his head against Nezuko's, he doesn't quite manage to fall asleep, though torpor binds him tight enough that it feels almost like floating. On second thought, that might just be his own happiness. It's difficult to tell.