"What sort of face is that?" Sanemi's voice cleaved through the morning's quiet atmosphere. For someone who'd indulged the night before at an impressing extent, he looked none the worse for wear. Giyuu felt his own head pulse with the agonising pain of a well-deserved hangover and winced, reflecting that in the future, he would have more care. "Cat got your tongue?"

He opened his eyes and glared Sanemi's way. "Have you nothing better to you with your time than pester others?" The present company merely laughed and climbed atop the porch, dropping a small bundle of the low table between them.

"Where's the fun in that?" He worked the knot open and revealed a godly amount of ohagi. "Nothing like something sweet to chase away the handover," he declared and helped himself. Giyuu understood that he was to follow suit. Since Sanemi had bravely taken the first step, he would not refuse. Picking one of the pieces for himself, he took a small bite, surprised to find some relief, though he'd not heard before that sweets held any kind of curative properties. "You look done in. Aoi could probably make you something."

The thought of applying to the young woman for some sort of remedy did not appeal. "I'm fine." He took another bite of the ohagi in a bid to keep himself occupied. A sore head was not the worst trial he'd ever experienced.

"Could it be?" The question came out in a soft whisper. His head whipped to the side, eyes fixing Sanemi with a hard stare. He knew that tone. Just as Giyuu was about to tell the other to mind himself, his companion's lips moved into a telling grin. "Is it because little Nezuko is out shopping? Were you hoping she'd play ministering angel to your wounded self?" Surprise assailed him. "What? I'm not blind. Didn't I see you take off with the poor girl tossed over your shoulder like a bag of rice?"

Heat licked along his skin. He did not deny it, though. What would be the use? "Do not read too much into it," he advised Sanemi nevertheless. Though he had his own suspicions as to what had prompted his actions, Giyuu remained convinced any and all attempts at deepening the fledgling bond would be summarily rebuffed. As they should be. There was ample reason to keep a proper distance between him and Tanjirou's sister. "Tengen would have put her on the spot. I was merely trying to spare her."

The grin dropped from his friend's face. "A fine notion, I'm sure. Just as you are going to spare her from your own feelings?" They stared one at the other. "I told you. I have eyes."

"Then they are playing tricks on you." Thankfully, Sanemi pried no further, answering his words with a mere shrug.

They ate the rest of the ohagi together, conversation steering upon safer grounds. By the time they were done, much of the morning has passed and there were still matters enough to see to, what with the constant comings and goings of the slayers yet remaining in service. He and Sanemi parted ways, with the expectation that they would be dining together yet again. It was the master that had called them, so any danger of further intoxication could be put out of thought. No one would dare act so coarsely.

Paperwork organised in neat stacks awaited his attention. Most matters simply awaited a final decision. Giyuu perused the documents leisurely, noting that whoever had seen to it was certainly a dab hand at household management even with the thinning numbers of kakushi available to take on such tasks. Time passed unnoticed, document after document passing in front of his vision, supporting either revision or approval. He would've probably not even bothered to move had he not heard the distinct sound of approaching footsteps. The wood creaked beneath the feet of whoever made their way towards him. Giyuu looked up just in time to see a cheery looking Aoi step over the threshold.

"Here you are," she spoke, putting down her burden. She poured him some tea. "Make sure to drink this." At his blank stare, she scoffed. "If we are to dine with the young master, it might be best to appear to advantage. This will help with any lingering after effects of your fun." He took the proffered cup and snipped at its contents, half fearing what cost his bravery might entail. To his astonishment, the brew was pleasant, not quite sweet, but neither in the usual noxious style of such remedies. "Well, well," Aoi chuckled, "I see you appreciate our efforts. If it were up to me, I'd have made this a lesson for you."

"What stopped you?" Her frown brought to mind Shinobu's moods. For all she sported the gentles smile, that woman was frightening, enough so to make the blood freeze in his veins. Shaking the thought away, he pressed further when she gave no response. "Well?"

"Nezuko's gentle heart." A huff followed the words. "Did you know that Tanjirou's returned? I think supper will be a very lively affair." Was that a warning? He kept silent, wondering if she'd say more. "It went well, I think. Barely a scratch on anyone. The demons must have grown quite weak."

"Thinking of giving slaying them another try?" She flinched at the question, gaze dripping from his. It wasn't his place to judge. Giyuu turned his attention back to the papers. He has seen Aoi going through the motions during a few training sessions; if she weren't quite so terrified, she would make an excellent slayer. He drank the reminder of his tea, placing the cup back upon the tray in an almost dismissive gesture.

He heard the sound of pouring liquid. "I thought about it. But I cannot seem to move beyond my fear. Pregnant silence fell between them.

Did she expect him to comfort her? Giyuu tilted his head ever so slightly. "Is it that important?" She lifted her head, brow furrowing. "Whether you defeat a demon or not, it does not lessen your contribution to the cause." Wonder crossed her features before a small smile acknowledged his words. Thinking himself safe enough, he ventured further, "What need is there to feel burdened over it?"

"That is kind of you to say." She climbed back to her feet, leaving him the pot and steaming tea. "If you can, sleep a while." She departed thereafter.

Giyuu drank some more of the brew left for him. He would not sleep, he decided. Unfortunately for him, sleep had never been easy to master. Even after Kibutsuji's death and their victory, the ghosts of the past reused to settle. Likely it would take many years and more before he'd be able to sleep the whole night through without waking in a cold sweat, trying desperately to reach for a sword with a hand that was no longer there. He glanced over to the empty sleeve, wondering what he should have done were he caught up in any other activity. A swordsman without an arm could seldom set himself against those of his peers who were full in body. He'd managed to improve his balance and firm his strokes enough as to deal a goodly amount of damage and upon the weaker demons popping out here and there it was still quite effective. But if a beat the likes of Kibutsuji were to rise again, he would be utterly useless. A sobering though; though he supposed he was quite useless in a lot of areas he'd never yet considered.

He expected he could return home, tail tucked between his legs, though what manner of welcome he would find there was rather a mystery. His family would care for him, in whatever way they saw fit, but something in him, perhaps pride, stopped the thoughts before they could advance further. He would not beat a hasty retreat just for the sake of that. The young master still had need of him if naught else and he was not overly desirous to see his parents in any event. They'd not parted on the best of terms and who knew what his running away had done to an already fragile bond. Best to just leave matters be.

Shaking the thoughts away, Giyuu resumed his work. He was determined to push though and have all of it done. That particular brand of obstinacy paid off later when he saw his tasks reduced in number and quite a few problems having met a satisfactory solution. He'd also managed to pass the time in sufficient amount that any preparation carried out would put his closer to supper time.

He could not help but recall, as he dressed himself for the occasion, that their late master had done likewise in his time, when his health had allowed it. Though in their later years, the instances had dwindled, the man had remained in the habit of gathering them together for a short amount of time with regularity. It would not be as before, of course.

By the time he found his way to the main house, much of the company had already gathered. Quite without meaning to, he sought out Nezuko first, eyes darting to her neat figure, seated to her brother's left. Predictably, Agatsuma had occupied the other seat flanking her. Though the young man seemed to be speaking to her, Nezuko noted his arrival and smiled his way. Giyuu inclined his head, for a moment not quite certain what to do.

A hand slapped his shoulder none too gently. "Bit of a slowpoke, aren't you?" He was dragged to an open seat between that one and Sanemi.

The young master wasted little time in showing hospitality once one and all had arrived. As Aoi had predicted, the whole of it was a lively affair, partly due to the bickering breaking out between Hashibira and Agatsuma. Even the best efforts exercised by their respective neighbours failed to quell them. Not that Giyuu had expected it might. Doing his best to ignore the noise, he eyed a blushing Nezuko, unable to tell for which reason her cheeks reddened.

Various subjects floated around the table, plans and hopes alike shared within the company. He gleaned further knowledge of the Kamado siblings' plans to visit the graves of their loved ones, along with other bits fallen from one person or another.

"You're being obvious." He very nearly jumped at the words. Turning an expressionless stare to Sanemi, he silently dared him elaborate. Never one to back down, his friend returned the gesture in the form of a knowing look. "Cannot say I blame you. She looks very well." Annoyance draped around him like a heavy cloak. Even reminding himself Sanemi had been the one to thoroughly provoke Nezuko while a demon, going as far as to wound her, did not relieve the feeling. As if to compound his ire, Sanemi turned to Tengen. Giyuu could have cheerfully strangled him.

Tengen, on the other hand, was quick to agree that Nezuko looked lovely. "That Agatsuma boy seems to be rather taken with her too." One couldn't disagree. "I wonder what will come it; she is at that age, after all, when such things are generally discussed. Perhaps I ought to have a few words with Tanjirou."

It took effort to keep from exerting undue pressure on his chopsticks at that point. It was rather foolish, but the feeling persisted. "I am certain he knows his own duty," Giyuu offered. But then what if the boy thought Agastuma a good match for his sister? The food he'd just put in his mouth took on the taste of sawdust. He swallowed with some difficulty as his mind catalogued the many failures of one Zenitsu Agatsuma.

"So he does," Sanemi agreed, presumably to his earlier words. "Though I'm a lot more surprised at the old man here," he nodded towards a protesting Tengen. "He actually sounded like a proper adult for once."

Movement distracted him from the din his companions created. Nezuko, he saw, had risen from her seat and was kneeling by Kuina's side, hands on the girl's sleeve. They whispered together, one looking worried, the other quite serene. Given the short distance, he saw soon enough the small stain on the cloth of the younger girl's garment and understood the general gist of their conversation as they both bent over it.

It occurred to him also, from his vantage point, that Nezuko looked nothing short of a mother in that moment, soothing the girl's fears away with such skill that he wondered whether she was simply one of those women with an innate talent for such things. It was striking, nevertheless. He tucked the knowledge away, in perfect understanding for once with the meaning of his actions. It could not hurt to watch over her just as long as she was within his sight, could it? That was, surely, not too much to ask for.

Kanata too had joined them, following which Aoi dragged herself away from Zenitsu who'd somehow thought to use her for a shield against Inosuke. Kanao side-stepped the whole mess and reached the other females long before her ill-fated friend, though in the end Aoi settled the dispute with a sharp slap to the top of Zenitsu's head which made him let go well enough. Whatever conversation they had between them it was impossible to make out; though one thing was clear, the groups had been split.

Settled with the ongoing dispute between the younger members, it seemed to Giyuu that some celestial being was having a grand old time teasing him. Never quite adept at escaping such situations with grace, he found himself wishing he might complain. But as that would not do any good, he merely observed the bickering, refusing to participate in such a discussion as the one they were having. Still, as he mellowed some, he could not deny the general atmosphere was pleasant.

Miraculously, he even managed to exchange a few words with Nezuko after the groups had broken apart. Before he knew it, she'd approached him, a small smile on her face. "I am glad to see you are feeling better. You seemed quite out of sorts the last night." He couldn't very well explain to her the reason behind that, so he merely nodded his head. "I hope that tea Aoi and I made helped."

"Thank you. You shouldn't have troubled yourself." She shook her head, assuring him it was no trouble at all. He imagined she even believed those words, so generous a girl was she.

"My mother swore by it. I used to make it with her." Her expression changed momentarily, slipping into wistfulness. Just as quick, she returned to her erstwhile appearance. "Sanemi thought it useful as well. I've left the recipe with the girls if it's ever needed again."

Giyuu glanced Sanemi's way, only to be met with a smug expression. He considered a judicious application of his fist, but decided against it. It would be too much trouble to explain.


"I do not mind, but wouldn't you rather stay in?" Tanjirou looked at her over his breakfast. She needn't have worried that he mightn't approve of her plans, though, in fairness, Nezuko had never had any such plans before. It felt strange, to some degree, when she had rarely had cause to interact with those her age. Going down the mountain for as little as a small chat with some of the village girls would waste more time than it would gain her gossip, so she had never done it. And mother had always needed her to watch over the younger children.

In answer to her brother's question, though, she shook her head. "There's a lovely little teashop we'll be going to. A little bit of rain on the way can't hurt." It would work to clear the air, at least. She'd been ever so glad to be included in the invitation. "I don't imagine we'll be gone too long, but it will certainly be nice to be out and about."

"Then go with my blessing," her brother chuckled. "Though I'll have you know that this brother of yours will be worried until you are back safe and sound." He certainly did not mince words. Nezuko grinned up at him and promised solemnly that she would keep out of trouble.

"I will have Aoi and Kanao with me as well." That ought to set him at ease. "Speaking of, I had best go get ready." Since she'd seen to her brother's breakfast and her own and secured a promise from her little helpers to do the dishes, all she had left to do was put on some of her nice new clothing and enjoy her day.

She garbed herself carefully after a thorough wash of her hands. The kofurisode with its cheery floral pattern put a smile of her face from the very first. Coupled with her green hakama, it did make a most charming picture. She braided her hair for a change. It would certainly help her fit in with the others. Happy with that thought she gave herself one last look, trying to figure out if there was anything at all out of place. Thankfully, her inspection revealed no irregularity and she had only to pick up the umbrella from there on.

Taking her leave of Tanjirou ever so fondly, she once more assured him of a timely return before going off in search of Aoi. She found the girl helping Kanao into a very nice outfit and jumped in to assist. Once all was in readiness, the three of them found their way out the main gate and down the beaten path.

On the way Aoi regaled them with the subject dear-most to her heart, the misadventures of poor Inosuke. She had an air of mild peevishness as she spoke, though it seemed to Nezuko that most of all Aoi wished her little project would come to fruition. "I swear, every single time I time I think we've made progress, I find him back to his old habits."

"It was only a few pieces of shrimp," Nezuko pointed out mildly. "Since the stick seems to be losing its persuasive power, have you considered a more carrot-oriented approach? It might seem odd to hear, but I don't think the poor man will know how to react."

"It is surely worth a try," Kanao added, succinctly offering her support.

"You think it would work?" Aoi made a doubtful sound in the back of her throat. "I suppose I could try it. It wouldn't be fair to quit now."

"Just so," Nezuko cheered her on, thinking of her own relief knowing Tanjirou would never give up on her no matter what. Surely Inosuke deserved such support as well.

They arrived at the teashop just in time for a free spot in the corner. Having their choice of tea, each one picked something to their own taste. They passed the time with sundry subjects, though quite a bit of time was dedicated to household matters. It was pleasant.

"We can walk around to the shops before heading back," Aoi suggested. "The rain's let up." That was true enough. Their decision made, they wasted little time in settling the bill and heading into the directions of the shop.

Nezuko looked at a few items with no small amount of curiosity. Her brother had given her some money, but she wasn't particularly bent on buying anything. In fact, she was doing her best to put as much of it away as she could. Kanao

seemed to settle on a ribbon however and pointed it out to Nezuko. She stared at it for a moment not able to put her finger on why it seemed so familiar. Aoi, quick to the rescue, provided an answer. "Looking to match a certain someone, are you, Kanao?" It was friendly teasing and Nezuko would've thought the other impervious, were it not for the shy smile seen for just a moment before Kanao dipped her head.

So she hadn't been wrong about Tanjirou's plans. Relieved to know as much, Nezuko returned her gaze to the ribbon. "I think it will suit you well, Kanao. We'll put it on for you, if you want." That seemed to decide the matter.

The ribbon was purchased in short order and affixed to the side-ponytail Kanao sported. Aoi even tied a fancy knot for it. "It looks so cute." Unable to do anything but agree, Nezuko gave a gentle nod.

The happy trio looked about some more. The goodly selection on display was quite heartening. They stopped for roasted chestnuts on the way before deciding to return. "Any longer and we'll encounter a search party," Aoi joked.

They had promised not to stay overly long, after all. "It's been very much fun though, hasn't it? We should do it again."

"That would be nice," Kanao followed suit. With that, their outing was at an end.

Nezuko was peeling the last of her chestnuts when she caught sight of a most baffling scene. From one of the small establishments a woman had just emerged, dressed in what looked to be a rather expensive kimono. The delicate pattern had attracted her eye first, until she realised she was looking upon a familiar face. Behind the woman was a man. A bit taller than her, he yet stood on the last step, reaching out. He grabbed her hand and dragged her backwards.

"Isn't that Suma?" Nezuko blurted out, anxiety coiling in her stomach. If it truly was the women, they couldn't just sit here doing nothing.

"Quite so," Aoi said, stepping before both herself and Kanao. It was quite strange, she thought, as the bravest of them hurried off towards the couple, a greeting upon her tongue, that Suma was not making any sort of sound. She recalled a far livelier sort of woman somehow.

Two pairs of eyes turned upon them. Suma's gaze held a fair amount of fear and, to Nezuko's amazement, sorrow. She quickened her pace, holding Kanao's hand as she stepped closer just in time to hear the former Sound Pillar's wife speak. "Girls, what a wonderful surprise." That would have been a lot more believable if her voice weren't trembling so much. Nezuko offered a soft greeting back, but glared at the man who stepped forth to stand abreast Suma. "May I introduce my brother to you, Hinamizawa Tadashi. Brother, these are Kanzaki Aoi, Kamado Nezuko and Tsuyuri Kanao; I have mentioned them before."

"So you have." The young man bowed to them. It was difficult to tell whether he was much older than his sister, as his face was yet soft enough that he could still be quite young. And he did resemble Suma to extraordinary degree; why had Nezuko not noticed it. "If you would please excuse us, ladies–"

"No need," his sister cut him off. "I've said all I wish to say, Tadashi. Please, let us leave it at that." For a moment sister and brother locked in a fierce battle of stares. But Tadashi gave in first and with a heavy sigh nodded his head. He took his leave of them with a reminder to Suma that he would be by again. Not that she looked particularly happy to hear it, poor woman.

Before any of them could say a thing, Suma jumped into the breach. "I am so sorry you had to witness that. But don't give it a thought." As if they could with her looking as though she might break down at any moment. Aoi, one more demonstrating the heart of a lion, protested the notion.

"If you do not wish to tell us what this is about, we won't force you. But let us at least walk you home." That those words should set the woman off was quite odd, but send Suma into tears they did. Aoi clapped a hand around her arm, holding her arm. "There, there; let's find a quiet spot."

As good as her word, the four of them went right back into the teahouse which Suma had exited and requested a private parlour. They were accommodated without fuss and another round of tea found its way onto the table. Calming Suma down turned out to be quite the feat. Whatever had happened, it was clearly affecting her. "Did your brother say something to upset you?" Nezuko asked, bracing her own impulse to keep from prying. Turning a blind eye towards suffering couldn't possibly be a good thing. "Has he brought distressing news?" He should've at least had the decency to stay and console his sister.

"Not at all. The fault is mine," managed Suma after a few attempts. The way the poor soul cried was heartbreaking. But surely if she could tell them what had her so upset, they might find a solution together. Her siblings had often enough found themselves in some tight spot, though they'd learned early on that in lieu of tears they could come to her or Tanjirou for help. Biting into her lower lip, Nezuko placed her hand upon Suma's, giving it a light squeeze. That caught the other's attention.

"Have some tea," she said kindly, "and let us dry your tears." Kanao produced a handkerchief and offered it up. The ploy seemed to work well enough, as drinking and crying simultaneously was not possible. It seemed Suma wished more to gain control of her emotions than she wanted to vent. "There now, that is much better. Aoi said we won't push, but can we do anything to help?"

Dejected, Suma shook her head vigorously, swallowing tightly before she ventured timidly, "I do not think anyone can help me." That sounded dire. She didn't quite think she liked the sentiment any either. "I daren't even speak of it." She pulled a small folded piece of paper from her sleeve and placed it upon the table. Nezuko looked to Aoi for help.

"Are you certain?" Aoi questioned, presumably wishing to know the consent was truly there. Suma gave a sharp nod, but kept her lips firmly sealed together. "Very well. I shall begin reading now. Dearest daughter, though our parting has been most displeasing, we are hoping you will find it in your heart to forgive us and allow us to express our deepest regret for the past. Much has since come to light and your father and I think it best if you could return home for a short while. You needn't attend her funeral, of course, but perhaps you would come after. Pray, keep in mind your filial duty, my good daughter. Your loving mother, Ume."

"Has someone close to you died?" Kanao question could barely be heard, but the words were spoken. The invitation was plain. All Suma had to do was meet them halfway.

The woman took a deep breath. "My brother's wife," she indicated. Her eyes clouded over. "I hated her." Like a whip, her confession cracked the silence. "I still do." No outward reaction met her words, though Nezuko clutched her hand that much harder. "If I tell you this–"

"We shan't betray your trust," Aoi assured her, Nezuko and Kanao quick to nod.

"I am not at all worried about that. Indeed, I would be very much surprised if you'll still be able to look at me by the time I am done." Guilt, Nezuko decided, after a moment's contemplation; that must be the burden Suma carried. Since words would be useless unless she knew the heart of the matter, she did not venture any promises.

"But you will tell us nevertheless?" That was her way of offering encouragement, paltry as it was.

A nod met Nezuko's query.


Giyuu was somewhat taken aback as his meditation was interrupted by a screeching Zenitsu. To say he'd not expected his relative peace to be thus encroached upon would be an understatement. He'd been counting on his fearsome image to at least keep that one away. No such luck, it would seem. "Where is Nezuko?" Agatsuma demanded, as though his words held any weight. It took a moment to register what he was asking, but as soon as good sense prevailed, he was on his feet, advancing at some speed towards the intruder.

"What do you mean?" To the best of his knowledge, the women had planned an outing for the day. Still, the day was sinking into night apace. "Are you saying they haven't returned yet?" He glared at the young man, causing a visible shudder to appear. Pushing his way past, Giyuu wasted no time in finding Tanjirou. He promptly demanded an explanation.

"They were supposed to be back by now," the younger offered. "Even accounting for multiple stops along the way, the distance is simply not so great." Nor the hour so propitious that they shouldn't worry. "Where is Hashibira?" An answer was not long in coming as the wild boy landed upon the ground, swords in his hands. "With the two of you, locating them shouldn't be a problem. I will retrieve my sword and we may be on our way."

He put thought to deed all the while considering the possibility of a demon within the vicinity. The strongest ones had been taken out to the best of his knowledge. But that unfortunately did not eliminate the possibility of some devil having crawled deep into the earth, biding his time. None of those three would stand a chance. What could have they been thinking, to be so far from them come sunset?

Tanjirou led them upon the path up until they came into the most crowded area. There were quite a few people about, though their attention did not stray to the group long. Being well-known enough in the area, it seemed not worth the bother. That and the locals were very much aware that meddling into demon slayer business could well cost them their lives. Much good that did them now; Giyuu frowned as Tanjirou shook his head. "It's too much; Inosuke, why don't you give it a try?"

And give it a try Inosuke did, his sharp senses picking out their targets easily enough. Only that he needn't have strained for just as soon as he lifted his head, Aoi's familiar figure stepped out into the street, eyes zeroing in on the half-naked, crouching Hashibira.

"What in Heaven's name are you doing here?" she called out. "And why aren't you wearing proper clothing. Honestly, Inosuke, how many times do I have to say this?" In fairness, Inosuke did not seem to care one bit for her tirade. As his blood was up, he was more than her equal, shouting back something about food.

Giyuu did not bother to watch the spectacle, instead settling his gaze on the emerging Nezuko, whose hand was in Kanao's, presumably so they may navigate the stairs together. She gave a small waves when she noticed them and turned, saying something over her shoulder.

Suma came last, surveying the small group. "Goodness, what luck. Then I won't have to escort you, after all." Something was wrong. Giyuu tensed.

Something was very wrong.