Chapter Text
‘I should get up.’
The thought swirled lazily through Sanemi’s head, followed closely by the perpetual to-do list that he never seemed to really make a dent in. The kids’ laundry needed folding—there was still a mountain of it sitting on his bed. He needed to get dinner prepped. Which reminded him: the fridge was almost empty, so he needed to make a trip to the store. Except that Genya had his shift. He might have time if he got up right now. When he got back, he’d help Sumi with their test review and make sure Hiroshi had finished cleaning the bathroom. The bathroom… He still had to fix the fan. God, why was there always so much to do?
Despite the list, the laundry, the store, Sanemi found himself reluctant to move. It was only the second weekend he'd had off since quitting his job at Eclipse, a club downtown . He knew that he couldn’t really afford to just by lying around, but he couldn’t help but relish the fact that for two full days, he had nowhere he had to be and no clock to punch. He could breathe for two fucking seconds and just exist. So for just a moment he let himself relax, soaking it up as much as he could. He stretched out, reaching his arms above his head, legs hanging off the end of their ratty old couch. It was so quiet. He thought he could just doze off if he let himself.
After a few precious moments, Sanemi opened his eyes a crack, peering around the room. Why was it so quiet? Genya had been putting Koto down for a nap. Teiko and Hiroshi were out at friend's houses. Sumi and Shuya must be around somewhere, though. I should check on them, Sanemi thought. He didn’t move, though.
Things had been... nice lately, since Genya had picked up his new job. Sanemi chuckled softly to himself. Genya Shinazugawa, a fucking barista. He couldn’t quite picture it. Sanemi was happy though. He’d been excited when his baby brother brought him the news, moreso because he could see how eager Genya was about the opportunity. It had been hard for Genya to find a job. He’d been applying, dropping off resumes, taking interviews, for a couple months now. Jobs were hard to come by though. There was a lot of competition for the ones that came available. Between Genya’s age and the uneven ridge of scar tissue marring his face (a gift from their piece of shit father) his brother had been turned down over and over again. That fucking scar. Discrimination, bullying, being labeled as some juvenile delinquent before he’d even opened his mouth. As if Sanemi didn’t have enough reason to loathe Kyogo Shinazugawa, he would never forgive that fucker for what he’d done to Genya.
But now all the work had paid off. Genya had found a job. It was flexible, and it seemed to be a great fit. Genya was happy, at least. Sanemi would have to go visit him on one of his shifts soon, maybe on a lunch break if he could manage it. The cafe he’d managed to get hired at was across town, a little too far from Sanemi’s job for a quick visit, or he’d have gone already. Excuses, he berated himself, committing to take a long lunch as soon as he could.
Genya’s job was the only reason Sanemi had the luxury of lying on the couch instead of pulling doubles at Eclipse. After he’d received his first paycheck, Genya shoved a roll of cash into Sanemi’s hand and insisted that Sanemi didn't need to work two jobs anymore. Sanemi had looked between the money and his brother, his eyes shining, and Sanemi’s chest had felt tight with a mix of conflicting emotions. Part of him had wanted to argue. He was handling the finances. This money belonged to Genya. He should save it, put it towards college. But the hope in Genya’s expression… Sanemi couldn’t say no to that face, those eyes.
And, if he were to be truly honest with himself, he would admit that he had been getting worn down, eighty hour work weeks finally starting to take their toll. Their mother worked nights downtown, but with eight mouths to feed, her job was never going to be enough. Sanemi had been working part-time jobs throughout high school and into college in order to help her, but when it became clear that Shizu’s income wasn’t enough, he’d dropped out and picked up full-time work running private security at Wisteria Industries. Even still, it wasn’t enough. It didn’t take Sanemi long to pick up a second job, bouncing at Eclipse on Shizu’s nights off.
Between her income, and both of his, they could finally relax, not wondering if the money would last to the next payday, not worrying that they couldn’t put food on the table. The shut-off notices stopped arriving in the mail, and the rent was finally paid on time. So it was worth it. Worth it to run himself ragged. Worth it to forgo time off, breaks, weekends, social life, relaxation. He’d do what he needed to do.
But the work was demanding, draining, physically and mentally. He knew it was reaching a breaking point when he found himself growing increasingly short-tempered, even at home. Genya had tried to talk to him about it more than once, and Sanemi had… Well… Sanemi hadn’t responded well. Sanemi’s grueling schedule had become a source of contention between them, with Genya insisting that Sanemi was working too hard, hurting himself, but what choice did Sanemi have? They needed this. Keeping the lights on. Food on the table. If Sanemi had to run his body into the ground to make that happen, he would do it. And he had.
Right up until the day that Genya walked in the door with that excited gleam in his eyes, enthusiastically talking about his job that would help Sanemi pay the bills.
Genya was right, Sanemi had realized at that moment. So he sighed and conceded. The money Genya brought in would be enough, if the money in his hand was any indication. Sanemi had promised that he would put in his two weeks. That had been a month ago now, and two weeks since his final shift at the club— good fucking riddance.
Lost in his thoughts, Sanemi didn’t notice the footsteps heading towards him from the hall until a pair of hands suddenly covered his eyes.
“Guess who—”
Speak of the devil… Sanemi snorted at the voice as he lazily swatted at the hands, Genya chuckling as he let Sanemi go. He leaned down, arms resting on the back of the couch.
“It’s quiet. What did you do? Tie them all up and throw them in the closet?” Sanemi teased, lazily rolling his head to look at him.
“Not today.” Genya hummed, standing upright only to hop over the back of the couch, landing on Sanemi’s leg, earring a grumble from his older brother. “Koto and Shuya are napping, and Sumi is coloring, so she will be distracted for hours.”
“Hmmm…” Sanemi peered at Genya, eyeing his baby brother for a long moment. He was taller than Sanemi now, damn him. And he’d filled out, too. When had he started working out? When had he gotten so big?
Stop growing up so fast, he wanted to complain. Instead, with a lazy mumble, Sanemi opened his arms. “Come ‘ere…”
“Hmm, what—? ‘Nemi, I’m way too big for that!” Genya sputtered, red creeping onto his face in embarrassment.
That got an amused smile out of Sanemi. Cute. No matter how big Genya got, one thing would always be true. He would always be Sanemi’s baby, up until the day he died. Like it or not. So Genya could just suck up the too cool for a hug bullshit.
Gesturing with his arms to come over again, Sanemi stared down his brother, making it clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer. It only took another few moments before Genya relented and shuffled over to lay with his brother. Sanemi wrapped his arm over Genya’s back. Just like when we were kids, he thought contentedly. Face still red, Genya just focused on Sanemi’s heartbeat, strong and resilient as he finally started to relax.
They stayed like that for a few minutes, idly enjoying each other's company before Sanemi spoke up, “You know, I’m really proud of you, Gen…”
Genya lifted his head slightly to look at Sanemi with that puppy dog look of his. Sanemi lifting his hand to ruffle Genya’s hair, offering him a gentle, genuine smile.
“Not only did you find a job, but it’s only been, what, six weeks? You’ve been a big help already. Mom and I really appreciate it,” Sanemi praised, meeting Genya’s gaze.
There was a glint of something that flickered in Genya’s lilac eyes as he stared back, there and gone again before Sanemi was even sure he’d seen it. Then he just grinned widely up at Sanemi. “Hey, anything if it keeps you from working yourself to death…”
“Yeah, okay, I wasn’t working myself to death, brat,” Sanemi griped, feigning an aggravation he didn’t feel as he flicked Genya on the forehead. He was going to complain, just for the hell of it, when he caught sight of what looked like a bruise peeking out from under Genya’s shirt.
Grabbing Genya by the chin, Sanemi tilted his brother’s head out of the way, ignoring his confused complaints as he tugged the collar of his shirt to the side, revealing a nasty purple bruise blooming near his collar bone, spreading onto his shoulder.
“What the fuck is this from?” he demanded.
Genya’s cheeks flushed and he jerked his chin out of Sanemi’s hand, swatting his hand away from his shirt.
“It’s nothing,” he said shortly, standing up and taking a step away. He rubbed the spot on his shoulder self-consciously, not meeting Sanemi’s gaze.
Sanemi narrowed his eyes at his brother suspiciously. Odd…
“Genya—” Sanemi started. Before he could get even another word out, though, Genya cut him off harshly.
“I said it’s nothing, Sanemi!” He walked away, going to the kitchen and grabbing a soda from the fridge.
Sanemi sighed and hauled himself to his feet, following Genya across the room.
“What, did you run into a pole or something?” Sanemi asked, raising an eyebrow, trying to figure out why the hell Genya was dodging him like this. Surely whatever happened couldn’t have been that embarrassing.
Genya huffed a short laugh. “No, I didn’t run into a pole.”
“Okay,” Sanemi said, “So what? Someone giving you shit? You get in a fight?” The last came out a little too harsh maybe. But Sanemi didn’t dwell on it as he watched Genya avert his gaze. Okay , so a fight maybe. “You can tell me, Gen. If someone is messing with you, I’ll kick their ass.”
Genya rolled his eyes and groaned, “I’m seventeen, Sanemi. If someone is messing with me I’ll kick their ass, okay?”
Sanemi frowned, folding his arms. “So is that what it is?”
“No!” Genya scrubbed a hand through his mohawk and shook his head. “There was just…some guy giving Tanjiro shit about his scar, okay? I lost my temper. We worked it out. That’s it.” He glared at Sanemi so much as to say, Are you satisfied?
Sanemi considered his brother, the flush on his cheeks, the shift of his eyes as he picked up his soda and went back to avoiding Sanemi’s gaze. Tapping his fingers on his arm, a smirk spread on his face.
“Okay… So, what, you’ve got a thing for Kamado?” Sanemi teased, a sense of satisfaction blooming in his chest as Genya choked on his drink, flushed cheeks turning crimson, the bright color spreading all the way to his ears and down his neck. Bingo.
“Wha– That’s– What, no! We’re just– Friends–” he spluttered, wiping soda from his chin and aggressively wiping up the soda that had spilled on the counter with a hand towel.
“Okay, okay, I hear you,” Sanemi laughed, holding his hands up, “Just friends. Sorry I misread the situation. Did you at least make the guy pay for it?”
Genya hesitated, then nodded once. “Yeah. It wasn’t even close.”
Sanemi came around the counter and dropped his arm over Genya’s shoulder. “Good,” he said, then without warning he dragged his brother into a headlock and roughly knuckled his head, messing up his hair. Genya protested loudly, clawing at Sanemi’s arm. “Don’t make a habit of getting in fights, or I’ll kick your ass, got it?” Sanemi growled.
“‘Nemi! Get off!” Genya yelled, jabbing his elbow into Sanemi’s side. Sanemi didn’t budge though.
“No fighting, Genya. Got it? ” he repeated sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Okay, okay! I’ve got it!” Genya said, “No fighting!”
Eyeing Genya a moment longer, Sanemi released him with a snort.
They stood beside one another, the air between them a little too tense for comfort. So Sanemi slugged Genya’s shoulder to diffuse some of it and went to the fridge to get a soda for himself.
“Hey, speaking of Tanjiro…” Genya said all too innocently at his back. Sanemi rolled his eyes with a groan—he knew what was coming. For claiming they were just friends, Genya seemed to spend a hell of a lot of time with the kid.
“You have work,” Sanemi grumbled, turning back to Genya with a stern look before he could ask permission to do whatever he had in mind, crossing his arms. As funny as it was to tease Genya about a relationship with Kamado, Sanemi didn’t really like the brat. He was way too cheery, and if that weren’t bad enough he lived with Giyuu fucking Tomioka. They were old schoolmates, but they’d never been friends, yet for whatever reason, no matter what Sanemi did he could never get the bastard to stay away. Insults, threats, even the occasional swing—none of it ever even fazed the guy. He would tag along when Tanjiro came over, hang out but never really talk. It pissed Sanemi off .
Genya’s whining brought Sanemi’s gaze back to his brother. “But Neeeeemiiii, you’re home and everyone is going out to a movie after my shift!”
He had a point. Sanemi would be around all weekend to watch their siblings while their mother pulled doubles at the factory. So long as Genya went to work when he was supposed to, Sanemi had no real reason to say no. But he could still pretend he had one.
Shifting a hand to his chin, Sanemi made a show of looking like he was mulling it over, peering over at Genya to see he’d pulled his trump card out. That damn kicked puppy look. It was a look that Genya had mastered practically from the day he was born.
“Come on, please?” Genya pleaded as he puffed out those round chubby cheeks of his. Down curled his lips into a huge pout, and his damn eyes somehow got twice their size until he looked like he was on the verge of tears. It was impossible to say no to.
Heaving a heavy sigh, Sanemi rolled his eyes and dropped his hand to rest on his hip. “Fine. But do not stay out past midnight, alright?”
The puppy look vanished in an instant, and Genya grinned widely, jumping at Sanemi and hooking his arms around his neck for a quick hug before releasing him to hurry for the front door. “You’re the best—I’ll be back tonight! Bye ‘Nemi, love ya!”
“Yeah, yeah. Love you too, brat,” Sanemi chuckled, waving him off. The door shut hard behind Genya, leaving Sanemi in the silence of their quiet apartment, staring fondly after his brother. Good , he decided. It was good that Genya was going to hang out with friends after his shift. He was seventeen, and Sanemi could see how he wanted to grow up fast. But he was still a kid, and Sanemi wanted to let him be a kid. There was no reason for Genya to do what Sanemi had, giving up his nights, his weekends, bearing the weight of carrying the family on his shoulders. The job was good. Sanemi having room to breathe was good. But Genya spending time with his friends was good too.
With that, Sanemi headed for his bedroom, checking in on his other siblings before getting to work on the never-ending to-do list, starting with that mountain of laundry.
…
Genya closed the door behind him, locking up before heading out of the apartment complex to the street. He walked the half-block to the bus stop, shifting impatiently as he waited for the bus to arrive. He checked his phone and gritted his teeth. He was going to be late. The bus pulled up a few minutes later and Genya boarded quickly, finding a window seat near the back, watching the city roll by as the bus drove towards the edge of town. He eyed a little cafe, Blossom Brew, as they stopped at a light. It was a cute place, all natural light and plants in macrame-covered pots hanging from exposed rafters. He’d been there with his friends once.
‘Blossom Brew?’ Sanemi had asked him skeptically, one brow lifted in amusement. ‘What kind of name is Blossom Brew?’
‘The name of the place that hired me. Don’t make fun of it,’ Genya had said, smiling when Sanemi laughed lightheartedly.
‘Dorky name. Smart owner,' Sanemi said, pulling Genya into his side.
Genya’s lips pulled up at the memory, watching the little cafe as the bus drove right past it and left it behind, out of sight. He’d picked it specifically because it was along this route, on the opposite side of town from the Wisteria Industries where Sanemi worked security. He hoped the place was far enough away that Sanemi wouldn’t be able to visit anytime soon, counting on Sanemi’s tendency towards being a chronic workaholic. As long as Genya was smart about it, he thought he could keep this ruse up until…
Until when? Genya sighed, the smile slipping from his face. He knew he couldn’t keep this up forever. He didn’t want to keep this up forever. But how to come clean was a problem for another day, he decided, shoving the worries out of his head for now. He needed to stay focused anyways.
His phone vibrated in his hand and he checked it, seeing a text from Tanjiro.
‘Did you decide if you’re going to come to the movie after your shift?’ Genya read.
Genya cringed and replied quickly, ‘Hey, sorry, something came up. Next time though!’ then shoved his phone back into his pocket, ignoring the uncomfortable twist of guilt in his gut.
The bus continued to the outskirts of the city to an area dominated by old warehouses and abandoned homes. Genya, one of the last people still on the bus, finally got off at a run-down bus stop near a large indiscreet building. The parking lot was mostly empty, save for a scattering of cars near the entrance, but Genya knew that in a few hours it would be packed. He straightened, rolling his shoulders, and strolled for the front entrance.
“Hey Kaito,” Genya greeted a burly man sitting on a stool just inside the doors. The man glanced up from his phone and grunted an unenthusiastic hello, waving him through without further conversation. Genya nodded and quickly shoved through the thick black curtain hung across the passage that led to the rest of the building.
Genya paused just inside and looked around the quiet room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds and smells. Kizuki Fight Club. It was a fascinating place, Genya thought. He’d been shocked the first time he’d stepped inside. The outside of the building made it look much smaller than it truly was. The room was massive, a warehouse converted into an arena. Genya glanced to his right towards a set of stairs, then quickly moved past them towards the center of the room, passing through the metal bleachers and pausing at the edge of a lowered pit, its rim lined by a metal guardrail. He leaned on the guardrail, looking down into the pit. It was empty now. It wouldn’t be for long, though. Genya let himself smile, anticipation building in him until—
No fighting.
His brother’s words echoed in his mind and some of his excitement soured. The lies he’d been telling felt like stones, weighing heavy on his chest. He hated lying to Sanemi, but he couldn’t tell him about…this. Not yet, anyway. If he did, then it would be done. Sanemi didn’t have many hard lines, but fighting was one of them. Fighting like this? He would force Genya to quit the second he found out. And they couldn’t afford that. What he was doing here… It was good money, and it was keeping Sanemi from working himself into an early grave. And, admittedly, he was starting to slowly have fun with all of it. Just the thought of the adrenaline rush that came with stepping into the ring, the thrill of winning, and the excitement of the crowd screaming his name sent a shiver up Genya’s spine.
I’ll tell Sanemi soon, he promised himself. But for now, well… What Sanemi didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. In fact, it was good for him. So Genya would just commit to being more cautious. He glanced down at the bruise on his shoulder, the one that had threatened to give him away. Concealer , he decided, making a note to stop by a store soon to get some, just in case he needed to cover up any more obvious bruises. And better cover stories, too; ones that wouldn’t be unraveled with a single question to the wrong person.
“Hey, Genya!”
Genya perked up as he heard a rough voice yell to him from across the room. He straightened, looking across the pit. From the shadows between two sets of bleachers lurked out a scraggly, thin man with messy hair in shades of green, pulled into a small ponytail. A sly smirk was plastered across his face, eyes narrowed. “You’re late, kid,” he accused, then jerked his head in the direction of the training rooms.
“Sorry, Gyutaro! Bus ran a little behind.” Genya rubbed idly at the back of his neck as he followed Gyutaro. He hesitated, then asked cautiously, “Is Mazuko upset that I wasn't here sooner?”
Gyutaro glanced over his shoulder, heavy lidded eyes glinting in the low lights. “Ehh? Nah, he probably doesn’t even know. But let’s not waste anymore time, huh? Go get ready.”
Genya nodded, and they entered the training room. The space was packed with all sorts of exercise equipment. One corner was set up like a gym with free weights, benches, bars and plates. A training ring filled another. Various punching bags and sparring equipment were scattered throughout the rest of the room. Gyutaro headed towards the punching bags, while Genya veered right to the locker room. Inside, he opened a locker and tugged off his shirt, followed by his black jeans, then shoes, tossing the lot of them into his locker alongside his phone, wallet and keys. He grabbed a pair of his shorts, slipping into them quickly, then snatched his roll of wraps, taking them to a bench to begin wrapping his hands.
When his hands were wrapped, he returned to the training room. Gyutaro was leaning on a wall near a suspended punching bag waiting for him. He crossed his arms as he watched Genya approach, shaking out his arms and flexing his hands.
“Looks like you get a newbie tonight,” Gyutaro said, “Easy win for you.”
Genya bounced on the balls of his feet, squaring up against the bag and picturing it like an opponent. “Again?” he asked with a frustrated huff as he started through his warm-up routine, alternating jabs, crosses, hooks and uppercuts. “I thought Mazuko was gonna start lining me up with some harder fights.”
“And that sort of enthusiasm is why you’re goin’ places, kid,” Gyutaro chuckled, “But don’t get cocky. You’re still fresh meat around here.”
Genya frowned. The familiar burn in his arms started to warm him, heart rate rising steadily. “But I’m ready,” he said, “Even you said so.”
“Ehh, and I stand by it. The boss has his reasons for these things, though,” Gyutaro hummed in response. Then he snapped, “Just focus, will ya? Keep your head out of the clouds and stop thinking about fights that haven’t happened. You’ll get your bigger fish when the boss says so. Right now, we have to get you ready for tonight. C’mon, in the ring, now.”
Gyutaro smacked the back of Genya’s head as he passed and slouched to the training ring, gripping the ropes and leaping over them with ease. Genya followed, slipping between the top and middle ropes. He faced Gyutaro.
“I want to see a 0:30 second takedown from you tonight,” Gyutaro challenged with a wide grin, all sharp teeth and wicked mirth. “Prove to the indomitable Kuro Mazuko that you’re ready for more.”
Genya grinned. The guilt and uncertainty he’d felt at the edge of the pit finally dissipated entirely as he circled Gyutaro. Already looking ahead in his mind to his match, picturing whatever new face he would be squaring up against in place of Gyutaro, he felt the anticipation return and the excitement filled his head with a warm buzz. He brought his fists up, moving in on Gyutaro.
“You’ve got it,” he promised.