#secure relationship

a few days after that talk with sanemi, things feel a bit lighter.

you’re not glued to his side anymore. not forcing touches or kisses just to stake your claim.

you trust him more now, or at least you’re trying to.

he notices too gives you these small nods during training. like he’s saying everything’s good without words.

but she doesn’t stop. she ramps it up.

you see her lingering around him more. especially after missions when everyone’s tired.

she’s always got an excuse, helping with his stuff, asking about techniques. like she’s genuinely curious.

and yeah, maybe she is. but her wide eyed looks set your teeth on edge.

one evening, you’re in the training grounds. wiping down your sword after a long session.

sanemi’s nearby, stretching. scars flexing under the fading light.

he’s gruff, not talking much. but he shoots you a quick glance and smirks. like he’s thinking about later.

that’s when she approaches. her name’s aya, a demon slayer. soft vibe, hair tied back, uniform spotless.

she walks up with a water flask. smiling sincerely.

“hey, shinazugawa-san,” she says, light and friendly. “you looked intense today. thought you might need this.”

sanemi doesn’t look up at first. he’s wrapping a bandage on his knuckles, a scrape from sparring. nothing serious.

he grunts. she takes it as an invitation and steps closer.

“i’ve been watching your form,” she continues. “it’s incredible with breathing techniques. mind if i ask about it? maybe over tea? i could use tips.”

you freeze, ears sharp. tea? that’s bold. crossing into personal territory. she knows you’re together. everyone does.

sanemi glances at her, eyes narrowing. he takes the flask, drinks, hands it back. “what?”

aya blinks, smile steady. she brushes his arm, accidental? you doubt it. “some one-on-one advice? i admire you. a lot.”

pause. sanemi straightens, towering over her. scowl forms. she holds ground, waiting for him to soften.

he doesn’t.

“tch,” he mutters, voice low but not too edged. “admire all you want, but i’m not here for chit-chat. want tips? watch and figure it out.”

aya’s smile wavers. she opens her mouth. “i didn’t mean to bother you, i just thought—”

“thought what?” sanemi cuts in, stepping forward. she steps back. tone firm, no bite. “that i’d make time for tea? i’ve got better things. not interested.”

her cheeks flush not from embarrassment but from his words. she glances around, others watching, including you. sanemi doesn’t care.

“shinazugawa-san, i… i like you,” she blurts, quieter but bold. “i know you’re with someone, but i can’t help it. you’re strong, real, i just wanted to—”

sanemi sighs, hand through hair. no harsh laugh. “like me? doesn’t matter. you don’t know me. find someone else who cares.”

he turns away. grabs his haori, slings it over. one last cool look. “keep your distance. no time for this.”

aya freezes, flask clutched. eyes wide, lips thin, fighting tears or shock. mumbles “sorry” and hurries off.

you watch, heart pounding. relief and pride mix. sanemi’s gruff but straight rejection.

he spots you, scowl softens a touch. jerks his head toward the path. let’s go, without speaking.

you sheathe your sword, catch up. air cooler, sun low. silence at first.

his hand brushes yours, calloused. doesn’t pull away.

“heard that?” he mutters, gruff, just for you.

you nod. “yeah. you kept it straightforward.”

“tch. why drag it out? not my style.” he shrugs, irritated maybe. “people get ideas. shut ’em down quick.”

you squeeze his hand. he squeezes back firmer. “thanks,” you say quietly. “for… you know.”

he stops, faces you. intense stare flips your stomach. “don’t thank me. you’re mine. end of story.”

simple. no extra stuff. just sanemi being, straightforward. warms you inside.

you kiss his cheek quick. he grunts, pretends annoyance. but lips twitch, fighting a smile.

“come on,” he tugs you. “dinner’s cold. i’m starvin’.”

you laugh softly, follow home. unease gone. with sanemi, clear where you stand. by his side. no doubts.

later, in bed, his arm around your waist. you whisper, “you meant all that?”

he huffs, breath warm on neck. “doubtin’ me now?”

“no,” quick, turning to face him. “just nice to hear.”

he rolls eyes, pulls closer. “go to sleep, idiot. before i kick you out.”

you know he won’t. drifting off, his fingers trace patterns on your back. feeling stronger. he’s all action, direct, honest.