The evening continues with the kids playing and watching movies. Sanemi remains close to Giyuu, occasionally making sarcastic comments about the films. The rain has turned into a gentle patter against the windows as the group enjoys their time together, with occasional bursts of laughter filling the room. As it gets later, some of the children start to doze off, curled up on the floor with blankets. Genya and Muichiro are quietly talking in a corner, while Tanjiro tries to get Nezuko to settle down for the night. Sanemi's fingers absently trace patterns on Giyuu's arm as he watches the peaceful scene unfold. Giyuu's eyes grow heavy, lulled by the warmth and comfort of Sanemi's presence. He fights to stay awake, but a yawn escapes him.
"Tired, Giyuu?"
He asks softly, his voice barely above a whisper to avoid waking the sleeping kids. Giyuu nods slightly, leaning more heavily against Sanemi now. His eyelids flutter as he struggles to keep them open.
"Maybe... just a little."
He admits, his voice thick with sleepiness. The day's events have caught up to him, and he finds it harder to resist the urge to rest. Sanemi chuckles and adjusts their position so that Giyuu is more comfortable against him. He pulls a nearby blanket over them both.
"Then sleep, you stubborn idiot."
He says with surprising gentleness, his own voice growing drowsy as well. The steady rhythm of Giyuu's breathing against him is oddly soothing.
The room falls into a quiet hush, the only sounds being the soft breathing of the sleeping children and the occasional crackle from the television. Giyuu's head eventually rests on Sanemi's shoulder, his breathing evening out as he drifts off to sleep.
"...Goodnight, Giyuu."
Sanemi whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to Giyuu's temple before closing his own eyes, a rare peaceful expression on his face as he holds Giyuu close. The night passes quietly, with Sanemi occasionally stirring to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable. He finds himself surprisingly content in this moment, despite his usual aversion to showing vulnerability.
As dawn approaches, the first rays of sunlight begin to filter through the windows, casting a warm glow over the sleeping figures in the room. The morning light wakes Sanemi first. He blinks groggily, taking in the sight of his makeshift family scattered around the living room. He carefully shifts to avoid waking Giyuu, who's still asleep on him.
"Damn... what a mess."
He mutters, though there's no real annoyance in his tone. He looks over at Genya, who's sprawled out on the floor, and then at Muichiro and Inosuke who are cuddled up together on the couch. It's a Thursday morning that means it's a school day.
Sanemi groans at the reminder, realizing he has to get up and get ready for work. He gently shakes Giyuu's shoulder.
"Oi, wake up. We've got brats to teach."
He says, trying to ignore how domestic this feels - waking up next to Giyuu, surrounded by their shared household. Giyuu stirs, his eyes slowly opening to meet Sanemi's. He looks disoriented for a moment before reality sets in.
"What time is it?"
He asks, voice still rough from sleep. He sits up reluctantly, stretching his arms above his head. Sanemi glances at his phone on the coffee table.
"Early enough that we can make breakfast before the kids start waking up."
He stands up, cracking his neck and looking around at the chaos of blankets and pillows.
"You better help me clean this up too, you know."
Giyuu nods and starts folding the blankets, his movements precise and methodical as always. He glances at Sanemi with a slight smirk.
"You were the one who insisted on everyone staying over."
He points out, remembering how Sanemi had grumbled about letting Inosuke and Muichiro stay but still allowed it.
Sanemi scowls at the accusation, though there's a hint of embarrassment in his expression.
"Shut up. I just didn't want to hear Inosuke whining all night about being alone."
He begins picking up the empty snack bowls, trying to hide the fact that he actually cares about the kids' well-being. As they work, Genya starts to stir, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Morning... what's for breakfast?"
He asks, his voice still heavy with sleep. The sound of his voice makes Sanemi glance over at him with a softened gaze. Sanemi looks at his brother with a raised eyebrow.
"What do you want, brat? Pancakes or eggs?"
He asks, knowing full well that Genya will choose the former. The smell of coffee begins to fill the air as Giyuu starts brewing some in the kitchen. Genya's face lights up at the mention of pancakes.
"Pancakes! And can you put chocolate chips in them?"
He asks hopefully, sitting up properly now. He looks over at Muichiro and Inosuke, who are still asleep. Sanemi rolls his eyes but can't hide the fondness in his voice.
"Fine, but only because I'm in a good mood today."
He walks to the kitchen, joining Giyuu and starting to gather the ingredients for pancakes. The other kids begin to stir at the sound of movement.
Tanjiro is the next to wake up, followed by Nezuko and Muichiro. They all look at each other with sleepy smiles, before noticing the delicious smell.
"Is that pancakes I smell?"
He asks excitedly, nudging Inosuke who's still snoring softly. Inosuke jolts awake at the mention of food, immediately alert.
"FOOD! I'm hungry!"
He shouts, causing Muichiro to wince and cover his ears. Giyuu shoots Sanemi a look that says 'see what I mean about noise?'. Sanemi glares at Inosuke, pointing a spatula at him.
"Keep it down, boar head. You'll wake the whole neighborhood."
He continues flipping pancakes, expertly adding chocolate chips to Genya's portion. Nezuko giggles at the interaction, while Tanjiro helps Muichiro up from the couch.
"Sanemi, maybe you should teach him some indoor voice."
He suggests dryly, setting plates on the table. The kids gather around, eagerly watching the pancakes cook. Sanemi snorts at Giyuu's comment, sliding the first batch onto a plate.
"Yeah right. That would be like teaching a fish how to breathe air."
He places the plate of chocolate chip pancakes in front of Genya, who immediately digs in with enthusiasm. Genya gives Sanemi a grateful nod, his mouth full of pancake.
"Thanks Nemi!"
Inosuke pouts at being left out of the conversation.
"I can be quiet! I'm just... enthusiastic!"
He protests, making Muichiro shake his head with an amused expression. Sanemi smirks, sliding another plate to Muichiro and Inosuke.
"Enthusiastic is one way to put it. You're more like a damn hurricane."
He moves to start making more pancakes, keeping an eye on the time. They need to leave for school soon. Tanjiro serves himself and the others, while Nezuko pours syrup on her pancakes.
"Can we have these for breakfast more often, Giyuu-san?"
She asks sweetly, looking at Giyuu with hopeful eyes. Giyuu nods slightly, a small smile appearing on his usually stoic face.
"If you all behave at school today, maybe."
He glances at Sanemi, who's watching the exchange with an unreadable expression. Sanemi catches Giyuu's glance and narrows his eyes, but there's a hint of playfulness in his tone.
"Don't make promises you can't keep, water boy. These kids are trouble magnets."
He says, though he knows full well that Giyuu has a soft spot for them all. The kids finish their breakfast quickly, with Inosuke trying to steal Genya's last pancake.
"Hey! Get your own!"
He swats at Inosuke's hand while Muichiro watches the scene unfold with mild interest. Sanemi sighs heavily, grabbing Inosuke by the collar of his shirt.
"Enough! You've had enough. Go brush your teeth, all of you."
He releases Inosuke and starts clearing the table, ignoring his protests. The kids scatter to the bathroom, leaving Sanemi and Giyuu alone in the kitchen.
"Those brats are going to give me gray hairs before I'm 30."
He mutters, leaning against the counter and crossing his arms. His eyes briefly meet Giyuu's again.