kyojuro quickly learned, not long after ascending to the highest rank in the demon slaying corps, that his duties as a pillar often require him to be away from home for long periods of time. while he has no regrets or complaints regarding his chosen line of work, there are days where he catches himself missing the comfort of his own futon, the familiar creaky floorboards underfoot and, of course, his family.
it’s been months since he last visited his family home. time and time again, he’d make plans with his younger brother, only for them to be regretfully put on hold as a new mission beckoned him back out onto the battlefield. this time, however, he swears things will be different. he even goes as far as to put in a formal request with oyakata - sama, apologising profusely for his selfishness as he asks for a few days to visit his family before his next mission. he leaves the demon slayer headquarters a mere hour later, graciously granted an entire week with which to do as he pleases. after scrawling out a hurried letter informing his younger brother of his imminent return and sending it on ahead with his crow, he sets out with a notable spring in his step.
the sun has begun to set when kyojuro finally arrives at his family estate, the sky streaked with brilliant shades of reds and oranges. he passed through the local market on his way to buy a few things, which ended up delaying his journey a little longer than he’d expected, but now he stands before his childhood home, trying to decipher the strange amalgamation of emotions swirling behind his ribs. satisfaction. apprehension. relief. wistfulness. he wonders how much has happened in his absence.
there has been little change in his father’s demeanour since he was appointed as the new flame pillar, despite kyojuro’s hope that it might spark something within his once passionate heart — hopelessness surrounds him like a thick, choking fog, so dense that not even the brightest rays of sunlight can pierce it. try as he might, kyojuro has reluctantly come to accept that it’ll take more than his success as a pillar to release his father from the unwavering grip of depression. his younger brother, at least, seems to be faring much better, if their constant exchanging of letters is anything to go by. despite how difficult it must be for him, young senjuro has adapted to the abrupt changes in his life with a grace that kyojuro is unfathomably proud of him for. he only wishes their father could see just how brilliantly his youngest son is growing.
until their father is ready to open his eyes to the world again, kyojuro vows to support and bolster his younger brother, no matter the path he chooses to tread.
with a reaffirming nod, kyojuro opens the sliding door and steps inside his family home with a quiet announcement of his return, unsurprised to find his younger brother waiting on the other side. his earlier restlessness melts away, replaced with an all too familiar fondness as he gazes down at senjuro’s youthful features.
❝ mm! it’s good to be home! ❞ kyojuro admits with ease, the corners of his lips rising into a warm smile as he lifts a hand to ruffle senjuro’s hair. ❝ my next mission isn’t for another week, so we have plenty of time at our disposal. let us make the most of it! ❞ with a flourish, he reveals a brown paper bag which he’d hidden behind his back before entering, his smile widening as he explains, ❝ i bought all the ingredients to make your favourite dish, as an apology for taking so long to make good on my promise!! shall we cook together, senjuro? ❞
his brother never ceased to amaze him. kyojuro carries optimism bright as the morning sun, rainy days were powerless to extinguish the brilliant flame that shines so valiantly. countless people look up to him and he protects them all under his wing. no matter how far away they are senjuro constantly finds himself inspired by the elder and continues to use his everlasting influence as motivation, especially for the days that aren’t so sunny. on those days senjuro finds himself picking up a pen and paper ( his penmanship has improved drastically over the years ) and writes letters to his elder brother. he doesn’t write about all of his woes, not wanting to worry or trouble him. instead it’s just enough to take the load off his shoulders and even if for a short moment, he feels relief.
numerous times he’s tried to carry that same brilliant light, but sadly senjuro frequently finds himself getting discouraged. with every ounce of his optimism carries shadows of negativity, he knows kyojuro couldn’t be home all the time, and yet his own selfish feelings get in the way despite this understanding. whether it’s from his youth or a lack of resolve is irrelevant, senjuro doesn’t entertain the thought of giving up or staying disheartened for too long. instead, he proudly keeps his head held up high and mans the fort back home --- as best as he can, anyway. most days are spent in solitude as their father tends to shut himself away in his room, a shell of his former, glorious self he remembers very faintly from old memories. the circumstances have lead him to be more independent, albeit they aren’t exactly the best. he doesn’t talk about it much, but loneliness is contagious. often senjuro finds himself stuck with cases of the “ blues ” taking care of everything, with nothing but chores and studies to keep him preoccupied.
so seeing his brother walk through the door after so long has him beaming. the storm clouds in his eyes dissipate and proudly the sunlight breaks through. for today, he’s not a little solider bravely manning the fort.
no, today he’s simply a child --- elated to see his older brother return home.
❝ really? t-they gave you that long? ❞ a whole week? somebody pinch him, this is a dream come true! senjuro smiles jubilantly at the hand tussling his hair around ( a douse of brotherly affection is just the cure he needs ) then, gold eyes sparkle further at yet another surprise. ❝ i’d love too! can we make it right now? or if you prefer to relax a little first, that’s fine too. ❞ honestly speaking, it doesn’t what they choose to do, he’s just happy to have him home.
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