Shinobu places a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes understanding.
"You will. But first, eat. And then take a shower. You smell terrible."
She attempts to lighten the mood again, trying to coax him into self-care. Sanemi lets out a defeated sigh, finally giving in.
"Fine. Just a few bites."
He reluctantly opens the bento and picks up the chopsticks, though he barely manages to eat anything before setting it down again. "That's better. I'll check on the kids tonight. You focus on Giyuu."
She stands up, gathering her things.
"And don't think I won't tell him how stubborn you're being when he wakes up."
Weeks pass with little change in Giyuu's condition. Sanemi remains by his side, gradually improving his own health through Shinobu's persistent nagging.
The children continue to visit whenever they can, bringing small gifts and cards for Giyuu. Their hope never wavers despite the doctors' warnings. It's a particularly quiet day when Giyuu's finger twitches. Sanemi is dozing off in the chair, but he notices the movement immediately.
"Giyuu?!"
He jolts awake, heart racing as he leans forward to watch for any more signs of consciousness. Giyuu's eyelids flutter, and his breathing becomes slightly more regular. The heart monitor shows a slight increase in activity.
"Please... please wake up. Please open your eyes."
Sanemi's voice trembles with desperate hope, his hand gripping Giyuu's tightly. Slowly, Giyuu's eyes begin to open, revealing those deep blue orbs that Sanemi has missed so much. His gaze is unfocused at first, then locks onto Sanemi's face.
"...Sanemi?"
His voice is weak and hoarse from disuse, but it's the most beautiful sound Sanemi has ever heard. Tears immediately well up in Sanemi's eyes as he struggles to contain his emotions.
"Yes, it's me. I'm here. I'm right here."
He gently strokes Giyuu's cheek, afraid that this might be a dream.
Giyuu tries to speak again, but winces in pain from his injuries.
"Don't push yourself. Just rest. I'm not going anywhere."
He quickly calls for a nurse, his heart pounding with relief and joy. The nurse rushes in and checks Giyuu's vitals, confirming that he's indeed awake and stable.
"We need to inform the doctor right away. He's been waiting for this moment."
Sanemi nods but doesn't let go of Giyuu's hand, as if afraid he might disappear if he does. The nurse leaves to make the call, and Giyuu weakly squeezes Sanemi's hand back.
"How... long?"
His voice is barely above a whisper, but the question is clear.
"Three weeks. Three weeks without you."
He brings Giyuu's hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly.
"You scared me so much, you idiot." Giyuu manages a faint smile, his eyes showing regret and affection.
"Sorry... I'll try not to do it again."
He pauses, looking around the hospital room.
"The kids?"
"They're safe. Worried about you. They've been waiting for you to wake up too."
He sits on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle any of the equipment.*m
"You have no idea how many times I had to stop them from sneaking in here."
Giyuu's expression softens at the mention of the children, a small chuckle escaping his lips despite the pain.
"Of course they did... They're always so determined."
He looks at Sanemi with a mix of love and concern.
"You look tired. Have you been taking care of yourself?"
Sanemi lets out a bitter laugh, running his free hand through his messy hair.
"No. Not really. How can I when you were... when you were fighting for your life?"
His voice breaks slightly, the guilt and exhaustion evident in his face. Giyuu's expression turns serious, his eyes searching Sanemi's face.
"Promise me you'll take better care now. I need you to be strong, Sanemi."
He reaches up with shaky fingers to touch Sanemi's cheek, brushing away a tear that has fallen. Sanemi leans into Giyuu's touch, nuzzling against his palm.
"I promise... but only if you promise to heal quickly. I can't handle another day without you fully conscious."
His voice is a mix of pleading and determination, his own stubbornness showing through. Giyuu nods slowly, a determined look crossing his face despite his weak state.
"I'll do my best. For you and the kids."
The doctor enters the room just then, a warm smile on his face as he sees Giyuu awake. Sanemi hesitates for a moment, looking at the doctor who gives him an understanding nod. Then, without warning, he leans down and presses his lips to Giyuu's in a soft but passionate kiss. The doctor clears his throat awkwardly. Sanemi pulls back reluctantly, a faint blush on his cheeks as he remembers they're not alone.
"Sorry, doctor. I couldn't help myself."
The doctor chuckles, checking Giyuu's vitals again while Sanemi remains close to Giyuu's side.
"It's quite alright. Love can be a powerful motivator for recovery."
He begins his examination, asking Giyuu some basic questions about how he feels.
"I feel like I've been hit by a truck... several times." The doctor chuckles again, noting down Giyuu's response.
"That's actually a good sign. Your sense of humor is intact."
Sanemi smirks at Giyuu's description, his hand still holding Giyuu's protectively.
"I'll prescribe some pain medication and start reducing the sedatives. We'll need to monitor your progress closely."
He turns to Sanemi with a knowing look.
"Make sure he gets plenty of rest and nutrition, Mr. Shinazugawa. He'll need it to build his strength back."
"I'll make sure he eats and sleeps. I won't leave his side."
His tone leaves no room for argument, his protective nature fully activated now that Giyuu is awake.
"Good. I'll inform the staff about the changes and have a meal brought in shortly."
The doctor finishes his examination and leaves, closing the door behind him.
"You're really going to stay here 24/7?"
"Damn right I am. Someone has to keep you from being reckless again."
He settles back into his chair, a mix of relief and relief.
"And I've already called in sick for the next month. Obanai can handle my classes."
"What about your students? They'll miss you."
He tries to tease, but the concern is evident in his voice.
"They'll survive. They're smart enough to understand."
He squeezes Giyuu's hand again, his
expression softening.
"Besides, I've got more important things to worry about right now."
The third week of Giyuu's recovery has been eventful. Sanemi has been true to his word, barely leaving the hospital room except to shower and change clothes. Giyuu has made remarkable progress, sitting up and being able to walk short distances with assistance. Today, Sanemi is helping Giyuu with physical therapy exercises, though he keeps accidentally touching Giyuu inappropriately when he thinks no one is looking.
The physical therapist, a middle-aged woman named Sakura, raises an eyebrow at Sanemi's wandering hands.
"Mr. Shinazugawa, please focus on the exercises. You're supposed to be helping, not... distracting."
Sanemi grins unapologetically, adjusting his grip on Giyuu's waist.
"I am helping. Just in my own special way."
Giyuu blushes deeply, trying to concentrate on the exercises while Sanemi's fingers brush against his hip.
"Sanemi, behave. We're in therapy."
Sakura sighs, writing something down on her clipboard.
"I've seen this before. Always the same with couples. Just try not to get too carried away."
Sanemi chuckles, completely shameless as he whispers in Giyuu's ear.
"Can't help it when you look so good working out, baby."
Giyuu nearly stumbles, his face turning even redder as Sakura tries to hide her amusement.
"Perhaps we should take a break. Mr. Tomioka needs to rest after this session anyway."
"Yes, please... a break sounds good."
He shoots Sanemi a warning glance, though there's a hint of fondness in his eyes.
"Fine, break it is. But I'm not done with you yet, Giyuu."
He reluctantly steps back, crossing his arms with a smirk. Sanemi and Giyuu went home when the doctor says he is ready to go. The house is filled with laughter and chatter as the kids return from school, Nezuko and Tanjiro excitedly telling Muichiro about their day.
"Mui! You won't believe what happened in art class today!"
Muichiro looks up from his book, giving them a small smile while Inosuke bursts through the door, full of energy.
"I beat everyone at sports again! Genya was watching!"