Author's Note: Hello! It has been quite a while!
So, long story short, writer's block completely overtook me the past couple of weeks. I had no motivation to update or try to write the chapter. I did start this chapter before the writer's block and working on this helped with getting the next chapter of Requiem of Redemption moving along.
Anyways, this chapter illuminates Senjurou's relationship with Takada from the original timeline.
Anyways, please enjoy the story! ^^
Chapter Two: Original Timeline: Layered Sadness
Senjurou gulped as he approached the entrance to the Butterfly Estate, his heart beating wildly as he stood still at the gates. He could tell that he was sweating but hoped that it would not be noticeable as he waited for the one person he had slowly grown affectionate towards.
"Rengoku-san, what are you doing?"
Senjurou nearly jumped in the air from Kanzaki Aoi's appearance from behind him and he swiftly turned around to see her look at him with a raised eyebrow. He was now taller than the young woman who was two years older than him. Instead of the blue standard Demon Slayer uniform that he had seen her in multiple times in the past, she wore a simple white button-down shirt and black skirt falling down past her knees.
He pulled at the ends of his faded red to yellow yukata and blush began to form on his cheeks, knowing he should answer the young woman but was embarrassed to have been caught.
"…waiting." He answered, glad that his voice did not crack from the pressure she was imitating. She raised an eyebrow at this, arms crossed over her chest, before hearing the call of one of the Butterfly girls. Takada Naho smiled as she approached the two of them, her twin braids bouncing as she skipped to them. Her black eyes softened as her gaze met his and Senjurou's heart beat faster in his chest as she waved to them. Today she had changed her white nurse uniform to a beautiful ume patterned yukata along with a picnic basket in her hands. She stood below his chest and looked at him with happiness.
"…I see." Aoi spoke and his blush furthered, now clearly seen on his ears. She sighed and uncrossed her arms, glancing at him with narrowed eyes then shrugged.
"Take care of Naho-chan, Rengoku-san." She said and he blinked before nodding as she walked off, though she offered a polite goodbye wave to Takada as she approached him.
"Good morning, Rengoku-san. I'm sorry that I am late." She apologized and he shook his head, waving his hands around.
"You're fine, Takada-san! I wasn't waiting out too long!" He announced and she stared at him for a moment before nodding, her expression softening.
"I am glad to hear that." She said and brushed back some of her bangs from her face, "Are you ready to head out then? I have everything packed up."
He nodded at this and then held his hand out, which she stared at before she took it with her own. His face was turning tomato at this action and he could hardly stop his palms from sweating even more at the contact or his heart from racing.
Senjurou gripped his hands tightly as they stared off into the small stream, the stream's water glistening as the sun's rays beat down on them. After having finished the delicious meal she had provided, Takada suggested just watching the day slowly drift by and observing their surroundings, which he took to heart. He sighed and narrowed his eyes as his thoughts started to pull towards his brother, hoping that he was happy to see him growing.
"Rengoku-san?" The question Takada spoke to him snapped him out of his daze and he blinked, turning his attention back to her and offering a polite smile.
"Yes, Takada-san?" He asked back and her eyes softened, pulling her feet closer to her chest and staring at him.
"Are you alright, Rengoku-san? You looked lost." She told him and he stared at her before his gaze returned to the river. He took a deep breath in and hoped he didn't look too serious.
"…just thinking, Takada-san." He answered with reserve and she pulled her legs a little closer, eyes narrowing at this.
"You always look like something is on your mind, Rengoku-san." She stated and he blinked before rubbing the back of his neck with a little chuckle releasing from his lips at her observation.
"You are not wrong, Takada-san." He retorted and thought of his brother, arms crossed over his chest and smiling down at him with both happiness and pride, "The anniversary is approaching."
She blinked before her eyes softened, understanding what he now meant, and she then reached over to one of his resting hands on the blanket. He blinked at her grip and she smiled at him, familiarity running over her expression.
Right, she too lost someone extremely precious to her.
"I see. Will you and your father be doing anything?" She wondered and he paused before nodding.
"…yes. I'll be preparing Aniue's favorite meals while father gets everything ready to honor him." He told her and she nodded, eyes gazing done at him with hand and noticed it grip the blanket tighter.
"…are you alright, Rengoku-san?" She now asked with concern and he blinked before rubbing his face, knowing he likely looked saddened so he placed a fake smile on his face.
"I am fine, Takada-san. This time of year is rough on my father and me but we will be alright. Thank you for your concern." He spoke and she frowned a little before she gazed down at his hand again. She then grabbed his hand and his eyes grew wide at her boldness as she then raised it to her own cheek. Red flashed over his face and neck and he became flabbergasted at the action, eyes looking sad as she held his hand close to her.
"Please take care of yourself, Rengoku-san." She whispered and he blinked once more before sighing, knowing she preferred to be close, "I'm certain that he would worry about you as well. I worry about you too."
His blush completely took over him and he could hardly control his racing heart at this, covering the lower half of his face with his other hand.
"…thank you for your concern, Takada-san." He admitted and she moved her hand away from her face, still grasping it in her slightly calloused hands. He briefly cleared his throat and he looked back to the stream, hoping his blush could be concealed by the glistening sun.
"…I worry about you too." He told her and he could hear a small gasp escape her lips, eyes shifting wide at his proclamation before she smiled at this.
"Thank you, Rengoku-san." She said then she shuffled closer to him and he choked on his spit as he felt her lean her head against his arm, "You are so kind and considerate of others. Thank you for opening your heart to me."
He sighed and leaned back, staring up at the blue sky surrounding them. He breathed in deeply and his eyes narrowed, looking back to Takada as he could feel himself grow at ease.
Why did this scene remind him of something from a distant memory?
Ah, did this scene remind him of when he was barely a child when his mother was still around?
He narrowed his eyes from this recollection and pulled himself forward, Takada shifting away to get a proper look at him. His eyes narrowed and his lips parted, eyes drifting to the grass by his feet.
"Do you miss Kochou-san?" He asked out in a whisper and she blinked before nodding lightly, the smile on her lips slipping.
"…yes. We all miss her." She answered and brushed back some of her hair behind her ear, "But I'm sure she is happy to see us all flourishing and growing. Plus she has reunited with Kanae-san too!"
She did look happy to think of the sisters finally reuniting but he could tell that Takada did still miss the Insect Hashira. The Insect Hashira had cared for the Butterfly Girls and helped train them in nursing so the bond they shared must have been something akin to sisters.
"I see. I'm sure Aniue is happy to be reunited with our mother as well." He responded and she pulled away from her, her head resting on her knees again.
"…Rengoku-san," she began and he looked to her before he winced as a small flick was made on his forehead. He blinked and she chuckled at his reaction, causing the blush to return to his face.
"You look much better when your mind is not racing with such conflicting thoughts." She stated and he rubbed his forehead before nodding. He tried to contain himself from how much he was expressing and he placed a hand on his racing heart.
"…you're too kind, Takada-san." He muttered and she smiled at this, embarrassed at his compliment as well.
"As are you, Rengoku-san. We'll be running around in circles with our compliments." She joked and he returned the smile. She looked over to the now slowly departing sun and he sighed, knowing it was to time depart back. He stood up and brushed off his hakama pants then offered a hand to her to get up, which she accepted with much gratitude.
"Thank you, Rengoku-san." She thanked and he nodded as she folded up the blanket, gathering the picnic basket as well. He held out his hand and she stared at it before a light blush covered her cheeks at the realization that he wanted to carry the items. She handed him the basket and he smiled at her, taking it as she carried the blanket.
"It is time to head back now." He spoke and she nodded as the two then headed back to the Butterfly Estate.
As the two stood in front of the entrance to the Butterfly Estate, where Senjurou could see the peaking heads of both Sumi Nakahara and Kiyo Terauchi around the corner, Senjurou returned the basket to her and she thanked him. She tilted her head up to look at him since he had recently hit a growth sprout, approaching both his father's and brother's height.
"I had a wonderful time, Rengoku-san." She told him and he smiled softly at this.
"I'm glad to hear it. I did as well." He said and she brushed some of her bangs behind her ear, red dusting against her cheeks.
"I did want to give you something if you can wait a moment." She said and he blinked he nodded, glad to accept anything she would give to him. She briefly bowed to him and he stood there, waiting for her to return. He stared at the peaking faces of Sumi and Kiyo, both having grown since he last recalled seeing that as both their eyes were narrowed and stood at his shoulders. They had on their nurse uniforms with their familiar hairstyles as well and their arms crossed over their chest.
"Oh, if it isn't Rengoku-san," Kiyo spoke and raised an eyebrow at him, "I hope you have been treating Naho-chan with absolute respect."
He rubbed the back of his neck, knowing that the girls still didn't completely trust him after admitting he wanted to know more about Takada.
"Of course, I would never want to hurt her." He informed them and Sumi smirked at this.
"We know, Rengoku-san." Sumi spoke up and he blinked, "You have a lovesick look on your face right now."
He flushed at her words and Kiyo chuckled at this before looking to see Takada was returning, ushering past him to get Sumi.
"See you later, Rengoku-san!" Sumi and Kiyo called out as they rushed to head out from Takada's view. He blinked and looked to see that Takada looked around, clearly having a feeling that someone had been there momentarily.
"Eh, was someone here?" She asked and he shook his head no, still smiling at her. He noted the small wrapped-up package in furoshiki, curious as to what she was offering. She looked down to her own hands before thrusting the gift forward, bowing her head slightly, and he stared at her.
"I hope that you and your father will enjoy this, Rengoku-san." She said and he blinked before his expression softened. He hesitantly took the gift from her and he looked at it, twirling it around in observation.
He had no clue as to what she gifted him.
"…would you like me to wait to open it?" He asked and she rose back to her normal stature, scratching lightly at her cheek and avoiding his gaze.
"…you can. It is something we had talked about in our previous meeting." She answered and he blinked recalling the memory of discussing tea with her not that long ago. His eyes grew wide and blushed at her recollection and helpfulness, realizing what the gift she handed him.
He then smiled at her, something akin to his brother's kind smile when the girls treated him when he was still with them, and replied, "Thank you for caring so much, Takada-san. This is extremely kind and helpful."
She twirled her thumbs around at this and brushed some of her hair back, embarrassment clear on her face.
"I hope that both your father and yourself will enjoy it." She said and bowed to him, which he returned as he stared at her.
"I am certain that we will. Thank you again, Takada-san." He told her and she smiled at him, "I should head off. Do take care and I will let you know when I return back to the estate."
She nodded and he began to turn away, ready to go but was stopped when something pulled at his shelve. He blinked, head-turning towards her, and his eyes grew wide as something soft touched his cheek. Takada's lips gently caressed his cheek and his eyes grew wide, heart racing at this innocent action. She pulled back after a few seconds and smiled shyly at him, cupping his face in her hands.
"Take care, Rengoku-San. I'll see you soon." She whispered to him and he could hardly breathe as she pulled her hands away, offering a wave goodbye to him. He remained frozen before he quickly shifted his body away, trying to convey that he was not deeply embarrassed and happy at the action she displayed. These thoughts circled around as he began to journey back to the Flame Hashira Estate and he brought his hand to cover his blushing face.
Maybe he could properly ask her on a date the next time he would visit her?
"I've returned." Senjurou announced as he opened the entrance to the estate, and noted that his return was quiet. He glanced around, noting that no light was announced in the estate and he sighed in relief so he could properly place the gift Takada gave him away. He entered the kitchen, opened up a shelf where the remaining tea was, and gently placed it up there. He blinked at the realization that he did not have to stretch as much plus he had no need for a ladder to place the box up. Once he placed the box away and closed the shelf, he stared at it before a frown appeared on his face.
Normally Kyoujurou would have been the one to reach up and place items up on the top shelf when he could not reach it.
Now he was nearly reaching his brother's height.
He shook his head to clear away those thoughts and decided to replace his expression with a smile. He had to get over that disheartening feeling, as it would only lead him to despair and turmoil.
He still had much to do to prepare for tomorrow. He clapped his hands to his cheeks, forcing the tears away, and he straightened himself up, knowing he should get cleaning so the estate would be all set for his brother's anniversary.
"Senjurou?"
The youngest Rengoku member blinked at the deep voice of his father and he turned around to see him. His father had given up the horrid habit of drinking but he looked out of sorts today, his yukata hanging on loosely and his hair looked hardly combed at all. His eyes had large dark bags under them and his stubble returned to his face, indicating he had not shaved since the previous morning. Senjurou offered a smile to his father who blinked before his eyes regained recognization.
"Hello, father. I hope that I did not wake you from my reappearance." He spoke and Shinjurou again stared at him before blinking, eyes staring down at the wooden floor as if he wanted to avoid staring at him. His father rubbed the back of his neck and he shook his head no.
"…no. I have been up for a while." He answered and Senjurou nodded at this, still staring at his father as he looked out of sorts.
"What have you been doing?" Senjurou asked as Shinjurou stayed quiet for a moment as if lost in thought before his eyes regained himself.
"…mainly recording Kyoujurou's life in the Flame Hashira articles." He told him and Senjurou stared at him, eyes slightly blown at this as he did not expect this at all.
"Oh…" he said and glanced away, eyes narrowed as he had hoped to record what he knew as well since his father's memory…was scattered, to say the least regarding the past ten years, "I see."
Shinjurou gulped, clearly now realizing he should have talked with Senjurou about this and added it to his list of falters as a father.
"I am going to prepare dinner now, father. Was there anything you would prefer to have?" Senjurou wondered, breaking the now swirling thoughts in his father's head so he could focus on the present. Shinjurou sighed, nothing coming to mind, and shrugged which Senjurou kindly offered a smile to him.
"Alright, will you be in your room until I call for dinner?" He questioned and Shinjurou stayed quiet another moment before nodding. His hand gripped the side of the wall harshly, unsettlement rustled in his appearance, and he departed from the room. Senjurou retained the smile on his face until he could no longer hear his father's footsteps and he sighed, running a hand down his face.
His father's reclusiveness was reappearing and he knew he could not stop it.
It wasn't like he did the same thing when anything reminded him of his brother.
He swore under his breath and tried to fix himself, knowing he shouldn't be thinking such heart-aching thoughts and should focus on cooking. The meal he had planned out for tonight was Nikujaga, having come up with the homemade dish to help get his thoughts aligned.
He started to gather the vegetables, placed them on the cutting board, and looked at the knife block. He reached over and grabbed a sharp blade, staring at the edge, and noted the seriousness he exhibited.
He was looking more and more like his father.
His stomach turned at this thought and he frowned, moving the blade away. He sucked in a deep breath and forced himself forward, grabbing the vegetables and beginning to cut them up. The onion released its familiar tear-jerking stench and his eyes narrowed at this, tears trying their best to rise to the surface.
"You're doing a fantastic job, Senjurou! Keep up the good work!"
The voice of his brother caused him to slam the knife harshly down on the woodblock and grit his teeth together, heart pounding against his chest. He blinked as he reorganized himself, looking down to see that the force he used had actually cut the board in half.
…well, there goes another cutting board.
He tried his best to keep his mind focused but everything was starting to gather up to the surface, drowning him in multiple emotions and feelings. He placed his hands on the countertop, closed his eyes, and drew in deep breaths that his brother had taught.
"Everything will be alright, Senjurou. Everything will turn out fine."
His brother's voice again echoed in him and he frowned, the tears finally slipping past his eyes and staining the floor.
Nothing would ever be alright.
Not since his brother passed.
He fell to his knees and closed his eyes. Although he was moving on, even if he did back-step a few times, he would never get over the loss of his beloved brother.
"Please…" He muttered out quietly and pulled his legs to his chest, the tear seemingly not ending, "If I could hear him one more time, I would not ask of anything else."
Silence surrounded him and he waited a few passing moments before he softly chuckled, pulling his head up.
That would have been too easy.
He took another deep breath, his body relaxing and calming down as he slowly moved off the ground. He shook his head and slapped his cheeks a few more times to keep himself in cheek, as his attention returned to dinner.
Maybe tonight or tomorrow he would have a pleasant dream of the good times with his brother?
He hummed at this and his eyes crinkled at the thought.
Yes, a pleasant dream. That would be acceptable as well.
EndNote: So this chapter ended on a somewhat melancholic note...this was honestly fun to help project what Senjurou's relationship with Takada was prior to time-traveling plus his own thoughts regarding his brother's death. Senjurou's thoughts, although not as harsh as his father's who are labeled with guilt, are definitely more layered with sadness of not properly getting a goodbye from him.
Thank you guys for your continued support for the Pendulum Keeps Swiming series! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! This story will be updated sporadically, as ideas come and go and I will be focusing more on the two main stories.
Anyways, stay safe and take care everyone!
