Sanegiyuu-drunk fell incident

For once, the Hashiras had a rare evening without missions, training, or responsibilities. Mitsuri had suggested a sleepover at the Butterfly Mansion, and somehow, the idea had turned into an entire night of laughter, snacks, games, and drinks. Everyone wore their comfortable night hakamas, looking surprisingly pretty outside their usual uniforms. The rooms had been prepared, futons laid out, and blankets folded neatly for the night. Since Japan's legal drinking age is twenty, Shinobu, Mitsuri, and Muichiro weren't drinking. Shinobu had settled for tea, Mitsuri happily munched on sweets, and Muichiro was far more interested in staring at the moon than paying attention to the others. The adult Hashiras, meanwhile, decided they could afford a little celebration.

Rengoku was enthusiastically praising the food, Tengen insisted that even a sleepover needed to be extravagant, Obanai stayed beside Mitsuri, and Gyomei quietly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. Sanemi sat among them, looking as angry as ever despite wearing comfortable night clothes. And Giyuu? He initially refused every offer.

"No, thank you," he said, sitting quietly with his arms folded.

Tengen rolled his eyes. "For once, I agree. He's probably boring even when he's drunk." Giyuu gave him an offended look. "...I'm not boring."

"Oh? Then prove it."

That was how Giyuu ended up accepting a little drink. Unfortunately, the usually reserved Water Hashira underestimated how quickly it would affect him. As the evening progressed, his cheeks became rosy, his eyes grew unfocused, and his already quiet personality became strangely honest. Sanemi noticed. Of course he noticed.

The evening eventually came to an end, and everyone headed toward their assigned rooms. Giyuu, however, was having considerable difficulty walking in a straight line. Shinobu smiled sweetly at Sanemi.

"Shinazugawa, would you mind escorting Tomioka to his room? I'd rather not have him fall down the stairs, and he's too heavy for me."

"WHAT."

"Wonderful! I'll leave you two to it."

Before Sanemi could protest further, he was already supporting Giyuu down the hallway.

"Keep walking, damn it," Sanemi muttered, holding Giyuu steady by the shoulders. "Your room is right there."

They finally reached Giyuu's room. Sanemi slid the door open and guided him toward his futon. But drunk Giyuu promptly stumbled.

"WH—OI!"

Giyuu fell backward onto the futon, instinctively grabbing Sanemi's sleeve to catch himself. The sudden pull caught Sanemi completely off guard, and he toppled forward with him. Sanemi caught himself with both hands against the bedding, stopping just above Giyuu.

"Oi, are you ok, Tomioka—?"

Their faces were suddenly much closer than either had expected. Sanemi froze, his white hair falling forward as his eyes widened. Giyuu stared up at him, cheeks flushed and blue eyes half-lidded. For once, the Wind Hashira had absolutely nothing to say. Giyuu blinked.

"...yes, what about you...Sanemi-san?" Giyuu looked at him for a moment, seemingly processing the situation.