Chapter 10

Giyu sat there until Shinobu fell asleep. He decided to go outside for some fresh air. Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke were all on missions at the moment, so the garden was quiet. Giyu gingerly reached forward as a purple butterfly flew over and landed on his finger. He smiled. He sat down on the steps as the butterflies fluttered around him. Aoi stepped outside.

"You're awake" she said. "I thought you'd sleep a bit longer. Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine." He said. Aoi smiled and walked into the garden. She started to hang up some freshly washed laundry. Giyu walked over to her. "Do you want help?" he asked.

"Thank you." She said. Giyu started to take sheets and hang them over the bamboo frame. After he and Aoi finished, he went back inside with her. He decided to give Shinobu another visit, but first he went back to his room and picked up her sword. He returned to Shinobu's room to find her sitting up in bed. She smiled the second he walked in. Giyu set Shinobu's sword against the wall and walked over to the side of the bed. Shinobu grabbed his hand as he sat down in the chair next to her bed. He let out a small gasp at first, then smiled.

"I never thanked you for saving my life." Shinobu said. She was sure he was going to respond with "there's no need to thank me. I was just doing my job." But to her surprise, his smile deepened.

"Shinobu, I would die to save you." Shinobu's eyes widened as she let out a small gasp.

"But, why would you? I told you everyone hates you! Why would you give your life to save mine?" she had to stop herself from yelling. Giyu's smile didn't waver.

"It's because…" he paused.

"Because what?" Shinobu asked, tilting her head.

"I love you." He finished. "Even if you hate me, or think I'm an idiot, I love you, Shinobu." She blushed and looked away.

"I…" she hesitated for a moment. "I love you too, Tomioka." Giyu blushed. He was not expecting that. Shinobu was still holding his hand. She smiled. Giyu smiled back. Shinobu started to lean towards him, but suddenly the door opened. Aoi was standing in the doorway with a plate of food and some medicine. Giyu moved so she could set the plate down on the nightstand next to Shinobu's bed. She smiled.

"I have some food for you too, Tomioka-san. Follow me please." She said before walking out of the room. Giyu looked at Shinobu and smiled before following Aoi.