It's Not Like They Thought It Would Happen.

It's not like they thought it would happen.

Not with their pace of life and the fact that they could die at any moment.

But it happened.

Obanai was just relaxing on the tatami, stroking Kaburamaru's body in his hands, removing old scales, helping his little friend with the molt. It was a rather personal moment, which they usually spent alone, but this time everything happened a little differently.

Sanemi suddenly appears in the space of his room in the Corps, but he doesn't say anything.

In general, he tried, tried to be quieter next to Iguro, knowing that snakes don't like loud sounds, and disturbing Iguro at such a moment would be simply rude.

So with the same silence he approaches, glancing at the place next to Obanai, and, receiving a slight nod, sits down next to him.

The moments pass as Shinazugawa watches the unity between Obanai and his snake without disturbing the peace, and only when Kaburamaru crawls away from his hands does he hand Iguro a bento without looking at him.

"What is this?"

"Lunch. You haven't eaten in almost four days again, idiot. Are you trying to kick back or are you like Kaburamaru and eat once a week?" Wind Hashira grumbles, glancing at Obanai.

He doesn't respond to this reproach, simply accepting the wooden bento and opening it, tilting his head to the side in mild surprise, like a snake. A couple of onigiri, with salmon by the smell, vegetables, and shrimp tempura. Suddenly, his stomach rumbles faintly, only now letting him know that perhaps he really has managed to get hungry during the days when he skipped meals.

"Thank you." Obanai doesn't smile even under his bandages, but he can tell from Sanemi's grin that he's clearly pleased.

They don't speak any further as Iguro eats, bandages loosened and slightly turned away, more out of habit. It's not like there was any point in hiding his scars now, especially from Shinazugawa, who wasn't embarrassed by his own scars, but it made him feel better anyway.

But when he finishes, it's a surprise to him when Sanemi hands him a couple of bluish-colored mochi on parchment.

Obanai starts to say something, but Sanemi simply places the dessert on his lap without looking at him.

"You treated my bugs. Consider it gratitude." he snorts, grinning contentedly as Obanai bites into the mochi, tasting the blueberry filling.

He… He's never been given treats like this, and he's a little confused.

"You're a slob without bandages," Sanemi suddenly mutters softly, using his thumb to wipe away some of the berry filling from Iguro's scars, licking it off immediately, leaving Hashira Snake with wide, surprised eyes.

Damn Iguro, he doesn't even know how adorable he looks right now.

And how adorable and confused he is when Shinazugawa's lips touch his, a light touch, soaking in the taste of blueberries.

It's only then that Sanemi realizes that the damn blueberries leave marks on his skin, and so he pulls away, exhaling.

"Watch your damn diet, Obanai." he curses, standing up and leaving Obanai in shock. It's only when he leaves that Iguro's cheeks burn with realization, and he quickly pulls the bandages back.