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The eighth of February.
Today was Tomioka's birthday, every one of the Hashira knew this but none of them actually knew what to do about it. It wasn't that they didn't care, it was just that getting Tomioka a present was difficult. He never said anything about himself nor did he interact with anyone — except for Tanjiro but that boy was an exception. So naturally, most of the Hashira's bought Tomioka shogi — a Japanese board game — which was something that he seemed to enjoy playing while with Tanjiro and his friends. Tomioka appreciated the gesture, despite having way too many shogi boards at this point.
But that was besides the point; what mattered was the subtle conflict happening between the Hashira, who were all eating a small meal together.
"Waaahhhh ~ ! I feel so bad for Tomioka-san! He must feel so isolated at this very moment!" Kanroji cried as she held her bowl of miso soup and chopsticks in her hands. Iguro gently bumped her shoulder with his own, "You don't really have to worry about him, he loves being distant anyway." "Oh my, such big accusations Iguro-san!" Kocho spoke with her soft yet all-knowing tone as she glanced up at Iguro, who mumbled something about getting involved. Kocho looked down at her miso soup before speaking, "But you know Iguro-san, none of us really know how he feels so we shouldn't be judging his actions, in the end he's a Hashira just like the rest of us so he must have a reason for it, don't you think?" Kocho let a bright smile rest on her face as she looked back up at the Serpent Hashira, her eyes now closed. "That does sound plausible..." Himejima quietly mumbled as he put some onion into his mouth, "It would be respectful for us to not form an opinion on Tomioka-san's behaviour."
"Of course! That makes absolute sense!" Rengoku practically shouted as he shoved the miso soup into his mouth, his flame-like haori and hair fluttering in the air for some reason. Rengoku's eccentric outburst was quickly brushed off by the other Hashira, and the topic about Tomioka was brought up again. "Still, distancing yourself from others with no explanation or hesitation is so, restrained." Uzui gave voice on his opinion, his beautiful jewelry sparkling and shining in the sun. "And besides, aren't you the one who always mocks Tomioka for having no friends?" Uzui looked at Kocho, who blinked in surprise. "Well..." Kocho spoke slowly, not sure what to say. "Ah, wait a second..." Kanroji interrupted and looked up from her dish before looking around the table, her eyes scurrying in a swift way trying to find something. Iguro immediately gazed up at her, worry existing somewhere deep within his eyes. "Kanroji?" "Are you alright? Do you need something?" Kocho cocked her head to the side as she swallowed some of her meal. Kanroji looked back at Kocho and a bit of sweat ran down her cheek, "It's just that..." She looked to her right, her light green eyes finally landing on her target. "...You still haven't gotten Tomioka-san a gift, have you Shinazugawa-san?"
It was then that the entire table stopped eating and looked at the seat taken by none other than the Wind Hashira. "...Yeah, so?" Kocho could swear that she saw a few beads of sweat roll down Shinazugawa's face and neck. "Eeeeekkk! But-! But it's his birthday! Not getting him a gift would be impolite!" Kanroji grabbed her twin braids and gently tugged on them as she squeaked out. Uzui raised a brow and then lowered it before turning his attention to Shinazugawa. "Maybe he's just having a hard time choosing a gift for Tomioka, it was difficult for us all. Just get him a shogi board, it's what the rest of us did." Shinazugawa almost instantly sharpened his stare, "Hah? And what good will that do? Having eight of the same board is stupid."
All of the Hashira felt a small chill spread through their bodies at the judgement.
"I did agree with that statement, but that was before I realised that Tomioka-san is harder to read than poetry. So ultimately, I just went with the easy way out and got him a shogi board." Iguro spoke with a calm and reasonable tone. Shinazugawa looked down at his soup and scoffed, "Whatever." Kocho blinked, "Ah? So that's it?" After taking a sip from his bowl, Shinazugawa looked back up at the Insect Hashira, "What is?" She giggled softly as her eyes closed, "Nothing, I just wasn't expecting you to give up your argument so easily is all, since..." Her eyes fluttered open, they looked like they were a shade darker. "...You never do." She almost intimidated Shinazugawa, almost. All he did was scoff again, "None of your business." The table went silent as they all turned their attention back to their food.
"Shinazugawa-san's just mad because he doesn't know if his gift is good enough." Tokito suddenly spoke, his voice as clear and devoid of emotion as ever. "Why you-" Shinazugawa glared at Tokito. "Really?" "So you have chosen a gift?" Kocho and Uzui spoke in unison, the surprised look on their faces confirmed that this wasn't planned. "Mhm, it's-" Tokito's mouth was briskly covered by Shinazugawa's scarred hand, "Oi! Who gave you permission to speak for me?!" Tokito raised his finger and pointed at himself, "Humphh ffmm mhhhm mmpphh." Shinazugawa's eyes narrowed, "You don't fucking count." Tokito let his hand fall as his eyebrows faltered for a second, the hand was removed from his face. And then, without warning, the Wind Hashira stood with dish in hand, his demeanor completely different from what it was like seconds before. "Excuse me." He bowed a bit forward before walking off with his tray in hand. The Hashira stared as Shinazugawa's silhouette became smaller and smaller.
God, what a scene.
"Delicious!" All the Hashira slowly turned their heads to look at Rengoku — who was still nonchalantly stuffing his face — subtle disappointment appeared on their expressions. Rengoku quickly looked up, and with a smile shouted, "Pardon me!"
God, what a team.
***
"Tomioka-san? Why are you asking me this?" Tokito's face remained unchanged as he pondered. Shinazugawa wasn't really happy with that response though, "Cause you're the only one he talks to that isn't that annoying sun boy!" Tokito blinked solemnly. "That Kamado boy?" Shinazugawa's eye twitched, "Yeah whatever." He took a deep breath, "... But that's besides the point, I need you to tell me if what I got Waterfall is good enough." Shinazugawa began to look through his pockets as Tokito seemed lost in thought. "Was "Waterfall" supposed to be insulting? Because it sounded more endearing to me..." "SHUT UP!" Shinazugawa yelled as he pulled something out of his long sleeved white shirt, Tokito blinked twice this time. "Is that-?" "Yes! Uh- yes it is."
The atmosphere got thick out of nowhere and Shinazugawa gulped, "Is... What would Tomioka like on it?" Tokito stared at the Wind Hashira in front of him for a moment. "I don't really remember but, maybe he'd like..." Shinazugawa looked up with a raised brow as he listened.
***
Tomioka blinked in utter surprise, "Shinazugawa-san?"
It was unusual for anyone to show up at the Water Estate, let alone Shinazugawa. So Tomioka's surprise was justifiable. "Did something happen? Do you need me for something?" Shinazugawa scoffed a bit, "Are you fucking stupid? Do I look like I'd ever need your help?"
"..."
"..Er, don't answer that-" Shinazugawa shifted his footing as his anxiety levels began to rise slowly, he breathed in through his teeth. "Look, it's your birthday or whatever, and I know I act like I hate you and all but..." Shinazugawa's eyes looked at everything but Tomioka, desperately trying not to make eye contact. Shinazugawa fished out something from a pocket in his white shirt. "I- I don't, okay? And I don't wanna be that guy so I just, came to- give you this-" He shoved it in Tomioka's face as he looked away.
Silence overtook the atmosphere between the two pillars.
If Shinazugawa didn't know any better, he would've started to feel nervous that Tomioka didn't like it. "Hey, say something dumbass.." He glanced back to see Tomioka's eyes light up. "...is that for me?" He scoffed, "Of course it is, who else would it be for?" Tomioka gently took it into his hands. It was a small necklace. On the necklace, was a small piece of wood that had engraved a peony onto it. It was painted a light shade of pink. "...Where did you get this?" He peered up to see Shinazugawa shove his hands into his pockets. His face looked irritated. "I made it myself you dolt."
"...You did?" Tomioka eyes fluttered as he stared at the other, who looked up almost immediately. "Why, you doubt I could make something so small so delicately?" The five seconds of silence was pretty telling.
"...Alright, uh, I'll be leaving now then-" "Wait." "-eh?"
The two pillars looked at each other before Tomioka spoke. "How did you know I like peonies?" Shinazugawa felt his cheeks grow pink. "I- I didn't, just... Picked randomly." Shinazugawa silently thanked Tokito in his head. Tomioka let out a noise of satisfaction as he slipped on the necklace. He played with it in his hands. A small smile grew on his face and Shinazugawa felt his mind go a little fuzzy.
"Ah, Shinazugawa-san." Tomioka gazed up, "Why don't you, stay?" "What-" Shinazugawa felt something inside of him crack like glass. "Maybe, we can play some shogi together or... Eat a meal together." Shinazugawa couldn't help but feel sorry for Tomioka's lack of social skills. "Er- Uh-" Not that he was any better himself.
"Sure...?" Shinazugawa cursed for sounding like he was asking a question instead of saying a statement. "...Are you going to come in?" Tomioka tilted his head as he stepped aside. Shinazugawa quietly muttered something as he walked past Tomioka to go inside. The door slowly slid closed.
***
"You think he's gonna kill Tomioka-san or something?" "Eeeeehh ~ ! Don't say that so lightly Iguro-saaann ~ !" Kanroji squealed as she held her hands together and near her face. "...Sorry." Iguro mumbled. "But he might be right, why else would Shinazugawa randomly stomp off as we were talking about his lack of a gift for Tomioka?" Uzui held his flashy headband with his thumb and middle finger as he voiced another one of his opinions. "Perhaps he went off to find one for Tomioka-san?" "Don't be silly Kocho! That's pure nonsense!" Rengoku said loudly with his arms crossed as per usual. "...It isn't entirely pure nonsense though, is it?" Himejima spoke with conviction. "Ehhh, more or less." Uzui shrugged, his hands now behind his head.
Tokito watched from afar as the Hashiras began to calmly argue. He turned his head away and looked up at the clouds. He uttered, "...fools." Then began to space out. "Ohhh... What a pretty cloud."