Note : Hi world :) !
So first of all this is the first time I try to write such a long story in English, I made several attempt at posting in English but not that long. It is not my mothertongue, I'm french, but I worked with a dictionary and I did my best to make it readable :). I prefer to warn you that yes, there might be mistakes. Do not hesitate to tell me btw! I hope that you will find it at least enjoyable :3.
As for the story, this is a semi-AU omegaverse, sorta. Everything has happened as in the anime/manga, the only thing that change is the A/B/O and of course it changes the dynamic of some relationships and way some characters view themselves. As you can see in the tags, once an omega has their first heat, they have to choose a partner to be "Initiated" (sexually). Tanjiro has chosen Gîyu, which make the alpha very nervous for personal reasons and traumas and that will be the story you will soon discover. Expect a looot of fluff, comforting characters, and consent.
Have a good reading!
One
Knock Knock
"Come in."
With a husky voice, head turned towards the window, Gîyu observed the sky and its emerging stars. He had his back opposite to the door, walled in his contemplation, not wanting to meet his visitor's gaze. He was about to close the shutters. The place had to be shut. Apart from the candelabra on the coffee table, no light was to disturb the reunion of the Alpha and the Omega. It would be sacrilege.
"Gîyu-san, I'm here."
Sighing, Gîyu slid the doors connecting him to the outside, turning around. Sitting on his knees in front of the table, he checked out by the corner of his eye that everything was laid out when Tanjiro entered. From the bowl of sashimi soup, the shrimp fritters and the fresh salad. Everything was ready to feed the omega. Also feed their multiple appetites. The dishes were their favorites. There were even supplements. He would almost have been happy. He hadn't eaten anything all day. Tanjiro must have done the same. It hadn't been complicated for him given the knot that was cramping his stomach, weighing right down to his chest. Stupid stress meaning, he knew. He shouldn't have felt it. It was not he who offered himself tonight.
His gaze finally landed on the lightly powdered teenager, wrapped in a dark blue kimono with irregular patterns, who lightly tweaked his fingers. Timidity, a sense of respect emanated from him. Tanjiro wasn't usually the shy type. At least it wasn't so ostentatious. But Gîyu could understand. Somehow, he was reassured not to be the only one on whom this meeting engendered some apprehensions. He gestured to the cushion in front of him, inviting the boy to sit on it. Tanjiro was beautiful. For his part, he wore his black kimono with a touch of green on the edges of the sleeves. He too had to powder himself for the occasion. They both looked smoother, it was even more frightening.
"Let's eat."
It was his only word. Tanjiro looked surprised, as if he was expecting something else. Without deflating, he took the first piece of sashimi, setting it down from the rice and wolfing it down.
"This is delicious !" he exclaimed. "Thank you, Giyu-san."
Then, putting down his bowl, he also put down his chopsticks. Scratching his cheek, blanched as he realized he was removing his makeup, Tanjiro adopted a calm, soft voice that alone always made Gîyu appreciate him.
"You don't seem to be very happy…"
His embarrassment was even more obvious. Gîyu felt a pang of guilt.
"Don't think that." Tanjiro lifted his chin towards him, his eyes were rimmed in black, it enhanced his scar. "It's not you."
The boy nodded. He seemed to hesitate, licking his lips, so pink, looking so soft.
"Can I ask what's wrong?"
He was straightforward. Either way, Gîyu approved this behavior. It was better, as a general rule, not to drag out what could be solved by pure and simple communication. They would need it tonight, the next three nights, more than once. He closes his eyelids, taking a deep breath.
"Are you sure you want to be there, Tanjiro-kun?"
The omega recoiled, as if taken aback. Gîyu knew that it was rare for omega to be considered during these rituals. For him, it was not a point to ignore. On the contrary, this concern was the center of it.
"I asked for you," Tanjiro confessed, making Gîyu's eyes widen. "I… You're the one I know, sort of, among the pillars. We had the same master and I, I trust you.
"There is no question of training, Tanjiro."
He fixed his gaze on him.
"I know. In my mountain, I was unaware of the existence of demons until the day they took my family. But I was told early on what mating rituals were," Tanjiro said with a serious face. "I know very well what I am exposing myself to, Gîyu-san."
Giyu remained silent. Tanjiro remained equally unfazed, as if he didn't want to look down. He inhaled slowly, exhaling at the same rate.
"I don't doubt it. I didn't mean to disrespect you. The fact is that you are young. You are 16-
"17 years old. I just turned 17."
"It is young . I don't want to take advantage of you with this ritual and have you not being fully ready. Your heat took you by surprise. Think hard. I won't get mad if you change your mind. "
Tanjiro fell silent. He ran a hand through his ruby hair, swallowing his saliva. He then shook his head, irritated.
"My heat has happened. I had to spend it alone while waiting to find a companion for… the initiation, and an alpha afterwards. I have to choose someone."
"It can wait a month or two. You'll have plenty of time to think about it."
"It's all thought out, Gîyu-san. Your concern is very touching but I know I have to do it. I am prepared for it, and I fully consent to it."
Always, that look, this fiery determination. Tomioka was stunned, every time. It did not dissipate his stress entirely, however it soothed him a little. This situation was confusing to him. It should be for the both of them.
"Unless you don't want to," the omega finally said, "I wouldn't blame you if you changed your mind as well. Really, I don't want to impose myself and impose... that."
Gîyu felt surprised. An omega worried about the alpha's consent? Alphas who had no second thought about theirs most of the time? He bit his tongue. He couldn't say he didn't want Tanjiro. He was much more of a man than he was when Gîyu had first met him. This determined but weak kid who tried so hard to protect his sister… he had yet touched his core. Gîyu had become attached to him, sensing his potential. His status had not yet jumped out at him. Omegas only released pheromones when they were fifteen. There, the status of the individual could be smelled, sensed.
To learn that Tanjiro wasn't an alpha surprised him. Between this fiery character and his overdeveloped sense of smell… Again, Gîyu had relied too much on stereotypes. It was unfortunate and silly of him. But now Tanjiro was a magnificent omega. His training had made him muscular, he had the curves of a man and that characteristic scent of his status. Bewitching, sweet, Gîyu was crazy about it.
And that was what scared him, imposing his desire without thinking about doing so. Because scents drove the alphas mad.
"No," he finally answered. "However, I am four years older than you and you panicked so much during your heat that I fear the ritual might not be suitable. I know," he said, seeing that the kid wanted to argue, "that you consent, but these traditions do not prevent fear or discomfort. So I want you to be honest with me if something bothers you."
Tanjiro was the one who sighed in frustration.
"I have no discomfort with the ritual, believe me! On the contrary, it was horrible to be alone and I… I was intimidated when asked to choose a pillar, I was a little scared, yes, but… an alpha… I need to... I want to be initiated. Do you understand?"
The eldest let him continue, contenting himself with not refuting. He knew how much an omega suffered during the first heat without a companion. Finding a companion helped a lot. And to find a companion, getting initiated was better. An initiated omega was seen as perfect. Sometimes the companion was the initiator. It was even better for the omega. In the case of Tanjiro, since he had no alpha, the commission had decided. Too bad if their bond wasn't that strong.
"As for our age gap, four years is not that much. We're both young. Therefore, I've been in love with someone older before, huh," the kid said shyly, looking down, "and I'll be honest. So don't treat me like a kid, I'm not the scared child you faced in the snow anymore."
Tomioka smiled this time. Tanjiro wasn't wrong about everything. But four years, in terms of life experience, meant a lot. However, if he wanted to respect Tanjiro, he had to treat him like an adult. The youngest would have time to really become one.
Gîyu lowered his head, bowing down like this.
"Forgive me. I'll take note of that."
Tanjiro smiled for a long time, as if delighted that his arguments had borne fruit. Tomioka continued.
"So, it's all good. Then, tell me about your heat. Feel free to eat, there are other dishes if you want. Eat well."
Again, the younger one nodded happily. He threw himself on the sashimi, Gîyu favoring the prawns and the salad. He was hungry, too.
"It was… awful," Tanjiro finally confessed after wolfing down his tray, half of the rice with it. "I didn't know being without an alpha would be so hard…"
"It often is for young omegas."
The concerned stared at his hands, as if they were responsible. Gîyu began to reassure him.
"The next heat will be easier."
"You think… ?"
He knew it well. An omega suffered during the first heat, especially if they had no Alpha. But then it got better. Even more easily if they found a companion. Gîyu didn't worry about Tanjiro. An omega with a smell like that wouldn't stay unmated for long. The alpha smiled, finding the other particularly adorable in his budding naivety with his rosy cheeks that exuded innocence.
Without losing his seriousness, he said:
"Obviously. There will be the initiation, and then you will be bound with an Alpha. It will become a good thing for you. You'll see, you'll be fine."
"The problem is, I need an alpha who accepts that I hunt demons and does not limitate me. He would also have to understand my bond with Nezuko, it's going to be complicated to…"
"You'll find the one, don't worry. I am sure of it."
Tanjiro swallowed, his Adam's apple jerking back and forth in his throat. Gîyu smiled again, gently, an imperceptible grin. Discussing with the youngest and encouraging him was part of the accompaniment that was expected of him. It was the part with which he was most comfortable, without question. Educating, listening, guiding, it was in his strings. The rest… Well, he knew how to handle it, he wasn't new to it and he knew what he was getting into. The trouble was that he was afraid it would go wrong. He had never initiated an omega. He had had a few of them, but never anyone who just barely had their first heat and had explicitly asked for him.
It made him nervous. If he wasn't good enough, gentle enough... that would be a bad memory for Tanjiro, and he didn't want it to be. He wanted these four nights to be a good experience for the younger man. And as he was having great respect and admiration for the omega, he feared all the more to overstep fragile limits.
Ignoring Gîyu's concerns, Tanjiro smiled weakly.
"It's not my priority, anyway, but it's true that having a mate... I would like to have one, one day."
Thereupon Gîyu understood, feeling exactly the same way.
"Are you mated, Gîyu-san?"
The question baffled the older man.
"No I'm not."
Tanjiro nodded. He blushed a little, his hands clasping. Tongue on lips, he finally broke the silence:
"It must be difficult to find a mate with our occupation." Gîyu saw that he was embarrassed. "I guess I'm not your first omega though...?"
Oh, that was where he was getting at. The alpha, somewhat embarrassed, tried to remain neutral.
"No, you're not. But you will be the first I will initiate. If that scares you, I'm experienced enough not to hurt you and know what to do."
"Oh no, it was mostly curiosity. I apologize if that was out of place."
"No, that's natural," Gîyu swept away his fear. "Don't apologize for that."
However, Gîyu did not return the question back. It was obvious that Tanjiro had never had sex with an alpha, or anyone for that matter. His scent was pure. He grabbed a sashimi on the tray that had been his desire for a while. After eating, briefly closing his eyes, he opened them again.
"Are you nervous, Tanjiro?"
"A little. But it's still not because I'm uncomfortable, just… it's… for me… I've never, um, done that."
"I suspected so."
His voice was soft, complacent. Tanjiro smiled. It reassured Gîyu that he seemed comfortable with bringing up this subject. He was nervous, but not scared. It was positive. He ate another bite, the omega bustling around the rice.
"Are you coveting an alpha, Tanjiro? As you say that you have already been in love, perhaps this initiation will make you more confident to declare yourself. "
The teenager seemed to choke on his saliva.
"I… um, this is more of a teen crush than seriousness, but I… this alpha, I don't know if he's interested," he turned to a tomato skin color and avoided his gaze, "and I don't want to embarrass anyone with that kind of feeling."
"Even if it's not reciprocated, it's nice to feel appreciated and you could move on. Think about it. But it's normal that it bothers you," reassured the eldest.
Tanjiro shook his head, then finally nodded.
"I might think about it. We will see how things develop." He had an embarrassed laugh. "And you… do you covet an omega? Why did you never want to mate?"
The question surprised Gîyu again. He shouldn't have been. The younger one was making conversation, it was nice. He preferred the conversation to last a bit before they got to the heart of the matter.
"Well, at the moment, I don't really have the opportunity to interact with them. No more than forging a proper bond."
"But you have…"
"To fool around is one thing, to find a partner is another. It goes without saying that if that happens, I will take care of my mate. I hope all the same to acquire enough maturity before arriving there."
"Do you not feel mature enough?"
Giyu bit his lip. Above all, he wanted to know how to control himself completely, first. To not be a bad alpha.
"It is more complex than that."
"Oh, I see."
No, he couldn't see, but Gîyu didn't ask that of him. However, he tried to clarify:
"Let's say, as strange as it may sound, that I'm waiting for the right moment."
"No, I understand. I mean, it's very mature of you to think that way."
Tanjiro smiled at Gîyu, the latter feeling a gentle warmth rising in his heart. The remark of the youngest touched him, without him knowing why. He coughed into his fist, finishing the last strip of sashimi, reaching it with his chopsticks.
"You're very kind. The true is that, for me, the bond is something important and I want to be able to dedicate myself to my partner to give him a good quality of life."
"I'm sure you'll get there. Your intentions are very noble, in any case."
Noble or not, he didn't know. All he wanted was the happiest and most secure family life. As simple as possible, while pursuing its goal: to defeat demons, to protect humans, to protect one's family. It was pretty basic.
"Thanks a lot for your words. And yes, I'm not worried about it, it will come soon enough. The same for you."
"You told me that earlier, thank you again. It is comforting, actually. Hearing that you are also waiting is such a relief... The bond is so pressing for everyone that…"
"It is, for the mated ones. But you have to wait to find the right moment, the right person. Putting pressure on yourself is useless."
Tanjiro seemed to agree. He wore that sweet, warm expression.
"It's true. Better to build a solid relationship than to rush."
"Exactly." Gîyu felt more comfortable now that they were talking. "You should still give it a go with this alpha, see where it takes you."
Tanjiro squeezed his legs, taking a piece of rice.
"We'll see."
"Trust yourself. Believe me, you are a very beautiful omega."
And right at the moment when Gîyu thought he should have shut up, the omega took a monumental blush, the chopsticks still in his mouth.
"T-Thank you.
"Excuse me," the alpha reacted quickly, "I didn't mean that to be out of place."
"Oh no, absolutely not!"
Tanjiro looked as embarrassed as him.
"You are going to initiate me, I am happy that you find me to your liking. It's very flattering."
"Very well. I apologize anyway."
Tanjiro shook his head again, waving his hand down, in a way of telling him to let it go. The alpha resolved to do so.
"You don't have to," Tanjiro repeated, "it makes me happy. Thank you very much."
And he bowed respectfully. Gîyu motioned for him to stop, the younger straightening up scratching the back of his head. They were coming to the end of the meal, there were only a few cakes and some sashimi left on the table. They both knew what that meant.
"Do you want me to ask for another plate?" Gîyu tried, the knot in his belly waking up. "Dessert, more rice…? It is the first day of the Initiation, we have the right to enjoy it."
"I don't think I'm very hungry anymore, honestly."
The youngest was blushing and Gîyu felt that he was imitating him. Their expressions matched, they took a saving inspiration at the same time. Ah, damn it, Gîyu shouldn't have been so nervous. He had just told the kid and thought about it a few moments ago, he was far from a virgin. But Tanjiro, yes, and...
"Are you stressed, Gîyu-san?"
Again, the omega noticed his condition. Gîyu shook his head, forcing himself to regain his composure.
"Excuse me. And you, are you ready?"
"Yes. I'm a little nervous but… I ate well. And don't apologize, I find that reassuring."
Gîyu still felt a bit silly. He was going to pay attention to the omega's needs, he would care. Everything was going to be fine. He inhaled slowly. Tanjiro did the same. Gîyu would have been angry with himself for neglecting the last sashimi, so he swallowed it. Followed by a large sip of fresh water.
"Drink, as well. You will be thirsty. Do you know what we're going to do tonight?"
Tanjiro nodded. He drank at high speed. Gîyu wanted to quench his thirst again, damn dry mouth, so he brought his glass to his mouth, taking a long gulp.
"I know that we will only really consume at the end of the four nights. That before, you will teach me to take care of my pleasure, to be touched by an alpha, and to take care of him. Let the alpha decide which…exercises…will be performed before the coitus."
"Good."
This formal side, that's what bothered Gîyu so much. He had been thinking all day about what they were going to do in this first session. And the exercises in question, he had several in mind. If only Tanjiro would have been a little older, he might have been his partner, and they could have tried those things for a more… natural discovery of sexuality. He knew what was good for the inexperienced to learn. Because he had been. He thought more or less, noting his errors, his good reflexes, which could be useful.
Here, that was not exactly the case. So he was going to have to… smooth his approach. To appear neutral and be careful not to force Tanjiro to anything. He didn't want to look like he was taking advantage of the initiation to transpose his personal fantasies onto him. Nor did he want to do it unconsciously. The fact of racking his brain thus would complicate his task, he knew it well.
In fact, he only wanted Tanjiro to discover at his own pace. Thus, he was going to make him decide what was going to be tested. In addition to privileging his relationship with his own pleasure. He knew that an omega was often cast aside by an alpha. So he wanted to show Tanjiro what it felt like to be pampered.
"I'll be honest. I don't want to rush you so I would first like to know where you are at this level..." Gîyu swallowed before asking his question. "Excuse me for this demand. Are you touching yourself?
"Don't apologize, we're here for that," Tanjiro retorted, without losing his beautiful colors. "And… yes, it has happened to me several times."
"I prefer to apologize anyway. Can I ask you how you do it?"
Tanjiro swallowed, uncomprehending, this time clearly taken aback. Gîyu raised a hand, gently.
"You don't have to answer me. I was wondering if you… were content with external or internal stimulation. And if you could locate your pleasure."
"Ah, that… I… I already tried… inside."
The alpha was somewhat relieved. An omega who mastered internal pleasure was less surprised by stimulation, and therefore less frightened. He felt satisfied. A little amused by his untimely blushes, certainly, however, he could only understand it. He himself felt uncomfortable asking the youngest about his masturbation. But since it was also an initiation exercise, he assumed it was suitable. Sighing, Gîyu spoke again:
"And you know how to make yourself come, in this way?
"Um...I…"
"If you don't want to answer, no problem."
Again, Tanjiro shook his head.
"Hm, are we going to say that I… don't feel much? Well, a little, but it's more with my... my penis that I manage to have a... an orgasm."
"It's normal at first. Don't worry, you will learn to relax and appreciate what your body contains."
"Very well. You... Do you think it'll come then? With the help of the alpha, will it be better…?"
Giyu paused. There was a bit of both. That, he knew, if the omega learned to touch himself and stimulate his anal glands, he would know how to make himself come as he should.
"It is mainly by yourself that you will learn. Then you can show your alpha how you like to be touched. But I can already help you locate your sensitive points."
Tanjiro ran a hand through his hair. He took a mocca that sat on the table, and offered the other to Gîyu without avoiding his gaze. The latter, softened by the attention, seized it. He let his fingers brush the skin of the omega, who smiled weakly in response. Gîyu leaned over, biting into the candy offered to him by the youngest in his own hand; encouraging him to do the same with his gaze. Thus, they officially sealed the beginning of the mating rites. Tanjiro touched the elder's hand, finishing the cake in his palm, while Gîyu took the last piece he was holding between his fingers to swallow it.
His hand freed, he stroked Tanjiro's head. The latter sat up, the older one moving his arm away. The spell had just been cast.
"I…how will it be? From there, I mean…? What am I supposed to do?"
Giyu remained calm. The interesting, or tricky, part was beginning. He extended his hand to the younger one. Grabbing him, Tanjiro let himself go when he began to push him to come towards him. He caressed the soft, almost fragile skin. Yet that of a strong young man. His dedication, his determination… Gîyu admired that, once again.
"I will take care of you. Do not be afraid. We're going to take it slowly, little by little. You'll have to tell me if I rush you or if it's not okay, agree?"
"I am not afraid, Gîyu-san. But I'll tell you, thank you. I… I await your instructions."
A small smile took place on the older man's lips. He placed a quick kiss on the hand he held in his. He found the omega adorable. Sincerely, for his part, he still kept his resolve to do the best so that this memory would not traumatize Tanjiro, and that it was at least good. He was going to get there. He was going to be a good instructor, Gîyu repeated himself. The whole thing was for Tanjiro not to feel his discomfort too much and for fear not to carry over to him. Easier said than done.
However, Gîyu would know how to do it.
"Come in my arms, Tanjiro."
"Can we kiss…?"
The youngest swallowed. Gîyu was surprised at the request, but smiled. A kiss was after all part of the seduction games. He wanted to… teach him that. It was better than throwing himself at Tanjiro like an animal, anyway.
"Open your lips, and close your eyes."
"Ok..."
Obediently, the omega stood quietly against him. Gîyu leaned down, and finally, their lips joined. It seemed to him that in a distant way, it was not the first time that he wanted this to happen. He put his lips on Tanjiro's, stroking them gently with his tongue, without entering. He released them, and when the younger one looked lost, he kissed him again. No, definitely there was something nice about kissing Tanjiro. The way the other was holding onto his shoulders, with frail hands, he found that definitely adorable. Tanjiro wasn't kissing him like you were supposed to kiss an instructor – he didn't even know if you were supposed to, in fact. His kiss seemed… sincere. Yes, that's it. The hand on his shoulder came to grab the back of his neck, just when Gîyu found the strength to escape the kiss. Tanjiro rushed to his own pants, as if to untie them.
Shaking his head, Gîyu wanted to delay the deadline a little.
"We… can take it easy," he whispered, wiping his mouth.
Tanjiro, red-faced, pursed his lips.
"Sorry, I must still be in the heat's influence, and proximity with an alpha, that…"
"Tanjiro, please don't apologize."
It hadn't bothered him. On the contrary, he too wanted to go further. But he wouldn't tell. Gîyu grabbed Tanjiro's hand to place a kiss on it. The omega chuckled, turning even redder. Gîyu regretted his gesture out of embarrassment. It had escaped him, and showing so much tenderness suddenly seemed strange to him.
"You want to… start again? To kiss me? I promise not to lose my temper again, but I want to…"
"Be patient, Tanjiro. That's what we're going to do first."
Gîyu felt disconcerted, and he didn't like it. Well, not so much, at least. He wanted to stay in control, to avoid acting like a seductive teenager. Tanjiro gave a contrite look, as if feeling sorry. Gîyu softened, stroking his shoulder tenderly, this time without guilt. It was necessary to keep the omega calm, not to transmit his own fears to him. The hand imitated the fabric. It was soft, silky. Giyu gave him a smile.
"Nevertheless, we have to take our time. There is no need to rush into each other."
"Yes, excuse me. That wasn't very polite of me."
"It's nothing, I assure you. It didn't bother me."
Tanjiro blushes. Gîyu did the same. He motioned for him to come forward, and for a split second, he took the opportunity to imitate him. He rested his forehead against him. Tanjiro inhaled, the air hissing in his nose. Gîyu emptied his mind. Then, he placed his lips against those of the younger, again. This time, he led the pace, Tanjiro letting go, lest it end. His hand moved down the length of the kimono, waving over his hip, lifting the fabric. Tanjiro moaned when Gîyu came to kiss his neck.
"It's a sensitive place here."
"Y-yes…"
"I'll work the area, and my hands will untie your clothes. Can I ?"
The teenager nodded against him. His forehead tucked into Gîyu's kimono, curly hair skimming his chest thanks to the pronounced V-neck. It tickled him. The feeling pleased him. Having an omega so close, for an alpha, there was no better feeling. His mouth lost again on the vein in the back of his neck, which throbbed as he approached. Gîyu untied the youth's top, the belt falling at their feet. Without completely removing the fabric, he passed his hands inside. Tanjiro's skin was warm. Really hot. He was already burning with desire, which reinforced one of Gîyu's fears.
The heat made him react. He felt it too. The sweet smell emanated from him. It was characteristic. He couldn't be wrong. The omega was already burning with desire against him when he hadn't done anything yet. It excited him as much as it surprised him. Gîyu felt an erection in his pants, but he was not going to show it. He didn't want to look too rushed, or out of control. He suspected that the youngest might have been flattered, or that it wouldn't have bothered him too much. It was for his self-esteem. The one taking the precautions would be him. The one who was to lead the dance as well.
Slowly, he finished sliding the kimono along the younger's shoulders. Tanjiro held his breath, not daring to move. Gîyu looked at him questioningly, afraid to detect any discomfort, but the omega only shook his head in approval. He rested his skull against Gîyu's chest, who kissed his forehead. Tanjiro was lovely. Definitely adorable. Gently, his arms closed behind the boy's back, giving him a hug. Tanjiro began to smell really good. Even more than a few seconds ago. A smell of joy, full joy. Yes, his affective brand gave him confidence. His omega instinct was reacting. Gîyu, as for himself, sensed his alpha reflexes, hidden deep in his being, suddenly coming to life.
He visualized himself, laying the omega down on him, licking the back of his neck, fucking him. But he restrained himself. He wouldn't do that to Tanjiro. Instead, he stifled a groan, kissing the younger boy again. His hands rested on his hips, skimming the outline of his garment. Tanjiro moaned, it made Gîyu laugh. He hesitated a bit to touch lower, just when the omega kissed his chest, between the neckline of his kimono. The feeling… It was pleasant. Tanjiro was participating. Sure, he didn't seem like the kind of omega to lie around doing nothing for his alpha. He would become a good partner with experience.
"Can I ask you what would you like to test Tanjiro?"
Gîyu kissed him on the forehead, giving him an encouraging smile.
"I'll let you choose. But I would like to know what it feels like to be touched by another," he blushed considerably, "there, between my…"
He showed his crotch where already pointed a nice erection. Giyu swallowed. Oh, how he wanted him. This innocence, mixed with desire that was much less clear, made him hard in spite of himself. He wanted Tanjiro. Sure. Who wouldn't want him? The omega smelled good, it was strong, powerful. A brave, intelligent young man. Of course he wanted him. Especially since realizing that the omega did not feel frightened by the circumstances, that he showed a certain spirit in participating… it had something to invigorate him. Again, he preferred that to coy behavior. The alpha leaned closer to him and placed a kiss on the back of his neck. He slipped his hands under his kimono, the belt of which already fell, stroking the inexperienced sides of the teenager. Tanjiro groaned in response. Gîyu inquired somewhat, the smaller one guiding his hand to his lower abdomen. He dared not bring it lower. The alpha did it for him. He skimmed the pubis skin, gently lifting Tanjiro's underwear, and teased the area, dutifully avoiding gripping the cock for now. Sighs of pleasure echoed his gestures, where a certain frustration could be heard.
Giyu sneered. Finally, after another kiss on the omega's cheek, he grabbed his penis and stroked it. Imitating a push-up motion, pushing the skin up, gently at first. 'Oh my god…' moaned Tanjiro. Naturally, Gîyu felt galvanized. He didn't lose his cool. The boy's smells were liberating, there were more and more of them, of course it intoxicated him. But it was okay. His alpha instinct told him to make the little one come. That's what he was going to do for this first session, focus on his pleasure, do only what he liked. It seemed to him to be the best.
He lowered Tanjiro's underpants lower, exposing an erect, wet crotch. The younger man looked away, clutching his legs in reflex. Gîyu hesitated, not daring to push the fabric any further because he was afraid it would go too fast.
"I can wind it up, if it's too awkward," Gîyu whispered kindly. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable…"
"No, don't worry about it." Tanjiro snuggled up to him, his nose rubbing his chest, seeking affection. "I'm nervous but it's okay."
He felt indeed nervousness, but also desire. The alpha gave him another look, as if to make sure everything was fine, that he could continue, and delicately extended his fingers, looping them between the teenager's thighs. He felt the warm skin, the wet traces, and went up to the testicles of the boy he took in hand. He massaged them, letting his forearm rub the thin, beading erection. Finally, he moved his hand up, attacking the rod for attention. His precise wrist movements made the body of the omega arch, which uttered equivocal moans, one hand clinging to Gîyu's kimono, the other holding on to whatever was lying next to him. He spread his thighs submissively, but not only. He stared at him with a mixture of affection that Gîyu only half understood, embarrassment, curiosity, and envy. Being looked at like that bothered the older one. He didn't show it though. What overwhelmed him was that behind this apparent submission, Tanjiro was showing him his desire. He dared to look at him, the very fact of daring to surrender was a sign of courage.
Above all, trust.
Gîyu wanted so much to be worthy of it and he swore to be so until the end. Even so, he felt it was difficult to remain neutral. Tanjiro's smells, those of an almost horny partner, so pure, so innocent, made his stomach upside down. He wanted it so bad. Gîyu felt his underpants getting tight, just as the erection between his hands bent with pleasure, becoming less and less manageable as the excitement of the omega grew. Gîyu thought he was not going to last long, so he varied the pace. Faster to slower, stopping even as the omega groaned in frustration, testing his limits. He loved to tease his partners, before giving them a good orgasm, or fucking them to the hilt, so as to make them scream his name.
With Tanjiro and the initiation, it wouldn't be like that. He was still going to settle for playing with his pleasure. Tanjiro, by his redness, his certain wetness, his tense erection, showed him that he liked it.
He stroked the penis, accelerating the movement, emphasizing the veins with his palm. His forefinger and thumb shaved the glans drenched in pre-ejaculate fluid. He was already fleeing... He would be coming any minute. Kissing Tanjiro's neck, Gîyu let go of his penis to go down to his testicles, then slipped a finger between his perineum and his anus. The dilated ring of flesh was preparing for his shaft, which excited Gîyu all the more. Tanjiro leaned his head against his chest and stopped breathing, as if waiting for what he was going to do. This was the case.
Gîyu knew that there, small glands defined the circumference of the anus of omegas and that they were as sensitive as the clitoris of a woman if they were massaged. Naturally, he loved to play with it when he slept with an omega. To caress them, lick them, stimulate them with his own penis. There were so many ways to crank up an omega's arousal and put him to the test. Even without getting his fingers inside, an omega could get a lot of pleasure that way. Sometimes much more than with internal stimulation.
"Have you ever touched here?" Gîyu asked, touching one of the glands.
Tanjiro yelped, jumping at the sensation.
"Y-yes… But, it's too sensitive, I…"
"Too sensitive ?" Gîyu smirked, his finger jostling the small gland again. "I think on the contrary that you love it. You are all wet."
A loud "aaah" answered him. He brushed the other glands without pressing his touch, Tanjiro closing his eyes while letting himself go against him.
"Do you want me to continue? Or is that too much at once for you?"
He was sincere, of course. He wasn't going to put him through anything too stimulating if he couldn't handle it. It would come. Slowly but surely. Tanjiro stared him straight in the eyes, heart heaving in his ribcage. Oh, that his body inspired Gîyu with desire. That he wanted to see what it felt like when the omega surrendered and begged him to take him. It would come soon enough, too. Gîyu knew he shouldn't get carried away, and stay focused. Tanjiro pursed his lips, tacitly asking for a kiss. This made Gîyu laugh. It was a bit primitive, a bit childish, but it was adorable. He complied, then stroking the omega's head with his other hand, the first one still between his buttocks.
"You are adorable, Tanjiro. If you knew how. But that doesn't answer my question…"
"I-I want it. But don't make fun of me if I jump or anything, it's really, really intense for me."
"That's normal," Gîyu answered complacently, "it's one of the most sensitive parts of an omega body. But you're gonna like it, trust me. An orgasm coming from this part is very intense."
Tanjiro nodded. This time, Gîyu kissed him on his own, putting his mouth on his forehead, then reaching down to find his mouth. He began massaging the spot with three fingers, alternating between the lower and upper glands, in a circular motion, squeezing the omega's moans into the kiss. Tanjiro kept jolting, making more and more adorable sounds. Again, how much Gîyu wanted to go further with him, shove him under him and eat his ass until he begged for more. Until he begged to take his knot. Tanjiro didn't seem far from doing it. His smells mingled with his, like before a mating, he rubbed against him and threw him embarrassed glances if he inadvertently humped his erection with his buttocks. Gîyu was surprised to love it.
His massage taking in dexterity, Tanjiro let out a high-pitched "nnngh" that reverberated through the alpha's spine, his own erection pulsing in his underwear.
"Alpha, I want to cum. Please."
Oh, holy fuck. Gîyu thought he was going to come in his pants when he hadn't even been touched as much as the plea excited him. The way to ask permission, to let go like this… Gîyu was captivated by Tanjiro.
"It was the plan," he mumbled with feigned confidence, "don't be afraid. You don't need to ask me."
"But… I thought… aaah, that you like it, you… aanh, alphas."
He stuttered because Gîyu was toying with his sensitive points, his free hand coming to caress a nipple of the omega, winding on his stomach to his tense penis. Tanjiro was way too hot. Giyu shook his head.
"It's exciting to hear your submission. It is a sign of trust. It flatters the ego. But it is not mandatory. No more than calling us "alpha". That being the case," he said, resting his mouth on Tanjiro's ear, "I find it particularly adorable in your mouth. If you allow me to tell you."
Of course, Gîyu still refused to overstep the boundaries of the ritual. He was flirting with them. Who could blame him? Tanjiro was to die for. He had always thought he was a pretty omega, even when he had met him, even more so when he had started showing a man's body and not a preteen's anymore. Nobody, not even himself, would have refused such an omega. He had to stay on his feet, he shouldn't lose his temper, especially not tonight. For Tanjiro's sake and his own. It was only an initiation, no matter if the hormones and pheromones suggested otherwise, Tanjiro wouldn't be his at the end of this night. He would do nothing against his consent. Even if he consented, which Gîyu doubted, they couldn't get carried away. They would both be subjected to a vile wave of pheromones, like absinthe, and it would cloud their senses.
They had to be stronger than that. And for himself, instead of getting hard in front of Tanjiro's sexist submission marks, he had to teach him that he was better than that and act as an intelligent instructor instead of a libidinous pervert.
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes. B-But know that in a consensual relationship, between two beings, there is no need for submission. We are equal. You have to be equal with your alpha. Submit if you want, if both of you want this. Not to please. You don't need that."
Tanjiro yelped.
"Thanks very much. Can you still continue…?"
Gîyu smiled amusedly. Obviously. Still under the effect of the stimulation, Tanjiro was not able to think. He just wanted to cum. And Gîyu was not going to refuse him. He wasn't the type to ignore a partner. It wouldn't be that way either. He had to satisfy the omega, he was dying for it. Thus, his hands resumed their proud work. Tanjiro was moaning with less and less restraint, he was cute, and Gîyu wanted to take him even more. Patience , he repeated to himself. It would come. His alpha would be so lucky. An omega so receptive, ready to surrender, not shy… He was somehow shy but not scared and Gîyu definitely liked it.
His hands were busy, and after a few moans, Tanjiro breathed harder, whimpering loudly. Gîyu understood that it was time. Without ceasing to caress his glands, he kissed his neck and held out his other hand to masturbate his penis. Tanjiro ejaculated in a faint moan. His hot sperm filled his hand, yet Gîyu continued the simulations, he was waiting for Tanjiro to push him away so as not to ruin his orgasm too soon.
Tanjiro looked almost lost on him, as if feverish. It was the first time he had given him such a look. Obviously, Gîyu needed his trust. So he kissed him, accompanying him in this after feeling so special during the acts of the first night. In truth, it was similar to the feelings of a first sexual encounter. But… the first time wasn't necessarily a ceremony. Not for alphas, at least. The omegas had to go that way. Whether they liked it or not.
"Everything is fine ?" Gîyu asked tenderly.
He wiped his hands on toilet paper provided in the room. While cleaning Tanjiro, he kissed him on the cheek. The youngest nodded, he wasn't talking anymore.
"Do not hesitate to verbalize what you feel. If you're scared, if you're sad or if you didn't like it, you can tell me."
He was reassuring. Naturally. Tanjiro shook his head.
"At all, it was perfect. Really. I'm just... Very tired and embarrassed. A little."
He gave a nervous laugh that Gîyu found adorable.
"You are beautiful."
"After having your fingers between my buttocks, I don't see how I'm pleasant to look at... I must look rather silly."
Giyu sneered. He shook his head. His inexperience spoke. Obviously, he still didn't realize the effect it had on the alphas, on him, on all those who could have smelled his fragrances, observed his fine cheeks, his softness, and the fascination of being the instigator of such a stir in him. Gîyu leaned down to kiss him, whispering against his ear that he had no idea how wrong what he was saying was. How he looked like anything except an idiot. Tanjiro yelped but hugged him back, with crimson cheeks.
Caressing his head, Gîyu inquired:
"How do you feel, right now?"
"I…" Tanjiro fell silent. "It's weird, but yes… Really good. I think. I do not know. Sorry, it's… overwhelming. Thank you for your compliments."
The teenager was troubled, that was normal. Gîyu was not worried and decided to offer him a bath. Tanjiro happily accepted, it was part of the ritual after all. Do the "initiation activities", then wash to purify bodies and souls. It was a bit old fashioned in terms of tradition, however the bath generally soothed the omegas and alphas after the first night of the initiation. It allowed to lower the level of stress, due to complications or quite simply to the situation itself. The hot water relaxed the two protagonists of the ritual, and gave them the opportunity to talk in a healthier context. It was about facilitating communication so that no one was traumatized by what had just happened. Tanjiro didn't feel like that. Gîyu had the intuition of it.
However, something else told him that the young omega seemed disturbed. He didn't want to let the unsaid macerate, so he would let him talk. It would be fine.
Tanjiro followed him into the bathroom without blinking. He staggered a little on his legs, nervously hiding his body. Gîyu did not point it out to him. He wanted to give him time to come to his senses, to calm down a bit. It was a lot of emotions to take in. He had been warned— by other pillars who had been Initiators before, including Rengoku—that an omega could cry after all this. That shouldn't surprise him nor should it be taken against him. In Gîyu's eyes, it did mean that what they were doing could represent a form of violence for the omega. He had tried to do his best. It didn't change the fact that the process of the ritual itself wasn't the healthiest.
More than a law, it was a tradition. The first changed with a little ink, the other with a lot of time.
The water was already prefilled, heated by a hearth under the basin, now extinguished, but volcanic stones placed around the fire kept the heat. They would be entitled to forty minutes of pure delight. It would allow him to calm his excitement, Tanjiro to lower his pheromone levels. He entered the bath first, closing his eyes briefly due to the comfort of the hot water on his limbs, helping Tanjiro get inside. The boy ran a hand through his purple hair, which fell into his face. Gîyu once again found him magnificent. Sitting in the bath, they faced each other. The basin wasn't very big, wide enough for them to sit across from each other with their legs intertwined.
Tanjiro closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth as he did. Taking the bath sponge that was just to his right on a small wall shelf, Gîyu wet it and passed it over the omega's neck. The latter jumped, which made the alpha laugh. He laughed too, obviously heartily, spreading his neck to let it go. Gîyu swallowed, it seemed so intimate… Even for him, it was something disturbing. Tanjiro sighed in relief. Calming pheromones tickled Gîyu's nose.
In turn, the omega took the sponge, he grabbed it from Gîyu's hands. He scrubbed the alpha's neck, his torso, pressing the frothy substance against him, so that it threw off the soap and water. They never took their eyes off each other during the whole process. As if they were fascinated, that they were finally taking the time to observe themselves in their most complete nudity. Tanjiro still had crimson cheekbones, it was probably from the hot water. Although more resistant, the alpha was in the same state. They continued to wash each other. Chest, arms, neck, all sensitive areas. Gîyu still had desire for Tanjiro. The bath was only half working on his libido… Tanjiro's smells were starting to get under his skin. The water produced steam. They were so good right there, it had the merit of relaxing them.
The omega closed his eyes.
The silence. The flow. Steam. Imitating him, Gîyu closed his eyes too. It felt like it could go on for hours before he was bored.
Maybe he actually fell asleep. He had the intuition that a long moment had passed between an inspiration and a movement of Tanjiro. His legs gave him slight cramps, however not very painful. What ended up waking him up was that Tanjiro sat up, pressing himself against him. Instead of being in front of him like earlier, he had come pressed his head against his chest, visibly wanting a hug. Gîyu placed a kiss on the purple hair, inhaling for the umpteenth time this smell he loved so much.
He wished he had an omega that smelled this good. The thought hit him against all common sense.
They stayed like that, in silence, in each other's arms. Despite this atmosphere of ease, they ended up leaving the bath, Gîyu waking Tanjiro as he too fell asleep. With reluctance visible on the younger side, who was moaning in his sleep, they drained the water and went to the bedroom.
It was laid out as follows: the bed, a futon, was made for two people. After the initiation exercises, the alpha and omega slept together.
It created a more intimate cocoon, and it helped the two parties to discuss once appeased by the bath.
Gîyu opened the bed, motioning for Tanjiro to step aside. The omega complied, and the alpha joined him, tucking in their two bodies.
There was silence again, and then the omega grabbed his yukata hesitantly.
"It's intimidating…"
"To sleep right next to me ?" asked Giyu.
Tanjiro nodded for all answer. Coming to kiss his head, the alpha wanted to reassure him.
"You don't have to be afraid. I won't do anything to you...I promise."
"It doesn't scare me." He took a breath, they hadn't extinguished the candles yet. " It's just…. so intimate. I'm not used to it, and I... missed it. I needed it so badly."
Without being able to control himself, the omega began to cry. Confused at first, the alpha remembered the story of the youngest: he had lost his family, his parents, who represented the source of an omega's primordial scent exchange. He had few people around him to scent on regularly. His sister, as a demon, couldn't exchange scents with him. It should have saddened him. And in addition, he had a keen sense of smell, which made him extremely sensitive to pheromones. Of course he cracked up tonight. This kid was alone, he alone had the responsibility to save his sister on his shoulders, he did everything in his power to get there, it was admirable. He showed no vulnerability, never complained. So inevitably, fatally, such hard feelings had to come out. It wouldn't be healthy for him if that were not the case.
Somehow, Gîyu was relieved that he was crying for this reason rather than another. He understood without difficulty that it was not his fault. It saddened him though that Tanjiro was in pain, and he felt selfish for the slight relief he felt.
He hugged him, the omega's sobs echoing against his ribcage.
"It's okay, Tanjiro," he breathed. "Cry as much as you want. I'm here."
The omega snorted loudly.
"Sorry, I don't want you to think that…"
"I know," Gîyu cut him off.
And it was true.
"I know," he resumed. "I just think you need it. You are so brave, Tanjiro. I hope you know how much."
Looking into his eyes, the omega gasped. He blushed, between his tears, his hands still harpooned around Gîyu's neck. He seemed lost. In the middle of a panic attack. He was only a young teenager, it was quite normal that he was so scared, and so confused with the life he was having.
"I'm sure you never let yourself go," said Gîyu. "Am I wrong ?"
Again, Tanjiro shuddered against him. But he nodded, showing Gîyu that he was right. The latter, his hand sliding through his hair, placed another kiss on his head and whispered, embracing him tenderly:
"So think only about yourself, tonight. This moment is only yours. It is only us. I'm here for you."
This time, the younger one nodded and gave him a smile between his tears.
"Thank you, Giyu-san. Thank you. I couldn't have dreamed of a better alpha for my initiation than you."
Crap . Gîyu thought he was going to choke on his saliva, or went crimson himself. No doubt he was.
He did his best to ignore his own beating heart, doing his best to console Tanjiro. The omega finally calms down, following a long crisis of tears. He had fallen asleep in his arms, breathing heavily at first, only to let out a soft, steady stream of air, his body taking on a sleepy breathing rhythm. Gîyu had sunk soon after, thinking that overall, the first night had not gone so badly.
The next day, surrounded by his sister, Zenitsu and Inosuke, on the inner porch of the residence, Tanjiro was embarrassed. Really embarrassed. Apart from Nezuko who only half realized what was going on around her, or understood it very well but was unable to react like a human, unable to utter any remarks or express any concern, the other two stared at him strangely. They had questions. Of course they had. Tanjiro didn't know what to tell them. He would have liked to have material, already, more than repetitive glances. The young boy was annoyed. He didn't want to argue with them, only the way they stared at him...
He was going to have to speak first.
Clearing his throat, the omega sighed.
"Guys, don't look at me like that. I didn't change overnight…"
"No, no, we know," Zenitsu hastened to say, "but it's just that… Gîyu-san, did he hurt you? Did he... uh?"
"Not the first night, you know that very well."
"Yeah," the young blond alpha began, scratching quickly under his neck. He seemed nervous. "But I'm wondering, the day I get my omega, you see, I want to know how to be gentle enough not to have him run away... so if you have any advice…"
"Start by not pestering him like you do with every individual of the opposite sex you see, you moron," Inosuke intervened.
"Tanjirooooo! He is mean!"
He looked like a child… Tanjiro sighed again, looking at his two friends. Nezuko had gone to play with a dandelion in the garden, a few meters away from them. The omega watched out with the corner of his eye that she didn't damage the flowers that seemed neat, otherwise they would be reprimanded.
"I don't have any particular advice, you should ask Gîyu-san, it was obvious that he had more experience. He can help you more than me."
His cheeks flushed a little. Zenitsu stopped whining, and turned to Inosuke.
"By the way, your status still hasn't shown up?
"What do you want,you bastard?"
Putting himself in a defensive posture, Inosuke gritted his teeth. His fists clenched. Shit , Tanjiro thought. It was starting again… Zenitsu smiled, a little cocky.
"If you are an omega, you can tell me now, I can take care of your initiation. Now that my alpha scent has loosened. All you need is yours to blossom out, and…"
"I'm going to beat you with my own hands!" Inosuke yelled, rushing towards the blond who let out a high pitched cry of surprise.
Tanjiro straightened up, coming to stand between the two.
"Take it easy, both of you. Zenitsu, get a little more tact, damn it… Inosuke, there's no point in fighting."
"Did you hear what he said!" the brunette continued to yell, Tanjiro having trouble keeping his chest from charging against him.
The young omega sighed.
"I heard, yes, it's very silly, but stay calm, please."
He could all the more understand Inosuke's anger as he already felt the smell of an omega dawning under his epidermis. And it made sense that Inosuke wouldn't want to reveal it to him so easily. Zenitsu, for his part, pouted. He went off to his own way, Inosuke finding himself crossing his arms in front of his chest, clenching his teeth, fuming. It was often more awkwardness than a real intention to be derogatory and disrespectful. Zenitsu only knew how to behave clumsily to get the attention of others. Even with them, he still struggled to change his facade behavior, a facade that did him a disservice more than anything—the omega was sure Zenitsu knew it himself. That was probably why he had left, he felt ashamed of having started a conflict. Like, again, a kid caught in the wrong.
Before Tanjiro could say anything to appease the other boy, Inosuke attacked:
"Do you sense it?"
The young omega jumped slightly.
"I…um…"
"Don't lie, it's not worth it."
"I sensed it, yes."
With his overdeveloped sense of smell, these things did not escape him. Inosuke groaned, crossing his legs in annoyance.
"In my mountain, being seen as an omega doesn't change anything. I remain the strongest. For this fool, if my status is revealed, I will only be a piece of meat."
"It's wrong. He is… as he is… but he really likes you. He misspokes."
"He's still a fucking pain in the ass."
That, Tanjiro couldn't say otherwise. However, he lowered his head, a little contrite.
"He's not easy , but you know, he cares about you, I insist."
"I don't even know if I want him to be my alpha, I don't understand this bullshit... The Initiation, how do you do it? It pisses me off too much!"
"I like Gîyu-san…"
Tanjiro whispered, but seeing his friend's look, he spoke out loud, at least it didn't fall on deaf ears. Inosuke cringed, and pointed at him, dumbfounded:
"What, wait, wait like, you like him, are you in love?! That's it ?! Are you fucking kidding me !
"Inosuke, take it easy! I don't want everyone to know about it!"
The brunette was jumping on the floor, laughing, excited. Tanjiro didn't understand what was so hilarious, but okay, he wasn't surprised anymore at the exuberant character of the other boy. It wasn't so silly that it surprised him, or seemed ridiculous to him, he didn't know, but shouting it out loud... He bit his lip, it was his fault in the first place. He was a bit upset that his friend was laughing at him.
"Nah but, like, did you take advantage of that to get closer to him? That's fucking genius! You told him, right ?"
… Again, Tanjiro was on his ass. There, it was he who was surprised. So Inosuke wasn't laughing, on the contrary, he approved his strategy... which wasn't even one, in fact. He had chosen Gîyu because of his feelings. Without expecting anything in return, however. He just wanted him to be the first. Embarrassed as possible, he felt that the words did not want to arrive in his head, and yet jostled in his throat.
"N-no, I, not yet, I… I don't even know if…"
"You have to tell him!"
Panic. Tanjiro felt panicked. Considering how excited Inosuke was, it looked like he was going to shout it from the rooftops and even go to the main concerned. He reacted instantly, putting his hand over his friend's mouth.
"Inosuke, stop. I don't want to tell him... It's complicated. Please shut up. Keep that for you."
He was almost begging him. No, absolutely. He didn't want Gîyu to know. Rather die crucified right now.
Inosuke growled against his hand, Tanjiro letting him go.
"It's okay, I'm not going to say anything. But why don't you want him to know? You two are going to mate!"
If he had the decency to blush when he said those words, Tanjiro let out a laugh at the mention of mating… look so bestial. No wonder coming from Inosuke.
"He's very busy," Tanjiro began, regaining his seriousness. "And since I'm younger, I don't think he ever envisioned our relationship like that. I don't want to be a burden on him by confessing."
He looked down, suddenly a little saddened by his own words. But yeah, that was the reality. He didn't want Gîyu to feel compelled to accept because of his feelings, for fear of appearing insensitive by continuing the initiation after his refusal, or on the contrary that he would end the ritual. Or even worse, that he would be indeed evasive and insensitive, as if his crush is ridiculous. On the one hand, Tanjiro didn't think he would be like this. Except he didn't know him and one could never know. Maybe Tanjiro didn't want to bother himself with these thoughts, anyway. Forcing things would lead to a bad time for both of them. He wanted to take advantage of the initiation to get to know him better. Which was why he had so loved their talks.
So antagonizing his mentor for trivialities… Tanjiro didn't want that.
Inosuke shook his head.
"No but, come on, he must like you. I've heard that initiation creates strong bonds," Inosuke waved his arms, effectively mimicking a big space rather than a strong bond," and that you can do that with a partner. Why don't you run?"
For the brunette, it seemed really impossible to understand. Tanjiro shrugged.
"I don't know how he feels, we're not very close, and I'm telling you, I really don't want to bother him with that…"
"Okay. That's a shame. I don't think you should worry so much."
Despite his remarks, he smiled at him, no doubt wanting to be encouraging. Tanjiro chuckled nervously, smiling back at the other boy. He found it somewhat touching that his friend was trying to comfort him, in his own way.
"Anyway," slipped a teasing Tanjiro, "if you want to do this with a partner, you should talk to Zenitsu quickly…"
"Do you want me to kick your ass, too?"
As he started to bare his fangs, Tanjiro burst out laughing. Inosuke eventually calmed down. He crossed his arms over his chest, annoyed.
"I'll go see where he is. He must be whining in a corner. He is so weak…"
"He's sensitive, Inosuke. It's not the same thing."
The brunette shrugged.
Tanjiro did not fight. He knew very well that Inosuke struggled with the notions of human relations, and sensitivity, although in his own way, he was too. Inosuke left, waving at him, Tanjiro watching his sister roll around in the grass happily.
He sometimes envied his younger sister's ingenuousness. Then he would lecture himself for it. Nezuko was fighting against a daily transformation, she had no choice but to act on her instincts. He had no right to envy her. Especially not when knowing that she hadn't become human again, that he had to give her back her humanity. He felt horrible to think that way. Being a demon, she certainly did not have to manage the statuses and the difficulty of finding a partner, but her place was not necessarily more enviable. It was just different. Tanjiro still wished things were different for him.
Let Gîyu-san see him as his partner. When he thought about his sweetness, he couldn't help but think that it couldn't be more perfect. He thought about Inosuke's words and really wished he could consider declaring himself, without fearing the consequences. He didn't want it to ruin everything, it scared him too much.
Nezuko had stopped playing, visibly noticing that he was saddened. The girl frowned, taking Tanjiro by the hand. The omega looked up at her, and was immediately moved. Nezuko was still so nice. He realized he was crying because the girl raised her free hand to wipe away one of his tears.
"It's nothing," Tanjiro stammered, refusing to worry her about it. "I…I'm finally getting closer to Gîyu-san, and I'm happy. OK, a little lost, but that's it. That's okay."
Nezuko said nothing, as always. She caressed his cheek gently. Finally, after a few moments, she took him in her arms. Tanjiro felt like she understood, he felt understood, which touched his heart. The embrace of his sister, exchanging his smells with her, it really felt good. He began to sob, like a child. He knew he was ridiculous, but letting go of his emotions felt good anyway. He was too used to keeping things inside. Gîyu was right, from time to time, he had to allow himself to feel, to get in touch with his interiority and to let his emotions express itself.
He swallowed, pulling back, giving his sister some space. The little one seemed to be smiling. She was so adorable. Tanjiro loved her so much, and he blamed himself for being weak in front of her. As if to reassure him, the latter happily rubbed her head against his hand. Probably a way to tell him that everything was fine.
Tanjiro wiped away his tears, sniffling loudly. He forced himself to smile at Nezuko, but his outburst was sincere. Without her knowing it, she had really stopped him from cracking. Luckily she was there.
Footsteps sounded behind him, and in no time, Inosuke and Zenitsu were landing beside him on the dais, Inosuke with the grace of a warthog, and Zenitsu turning pale at the thought of his red eyes.
"Did you cry, Tanjiro?!"
He seemed scandalized. The omega didn't know what to say, feeling a bit ashamed.
"I…"
"I'm sorry about earlier. For asking the question, in relation to your initiation. I may have hurt you. It was…"
"Oh, no, not at all…"
"Don't think that's why he's crying, moron!" Inosuke interjected. "Your nonsense doesn't have as much impact!"
He was staring at him too, suspecting that it was because of his relationship with Gîyu more than anything else.
Zenitsu turned crimson.
"No, but it's like what I said to you, I wasn't delicate and I blame myself…
"You're never delicate."
And they were back at it! They were truly incorrigible. At least they had the merit of making him laugh. Nezuko looked rather confused watching them interact. Her puzzled face also amused Tanjiro.
"Stop, you two. I'm not crying about this, but I appreciate your apology, Zenitsu. Thank you. The initiation is just… hard for me."
The other two stopped fighting. Zenitsu scratched the bridge of his nose.
"Hm, I know I'm an alpha and it can be weird, but if you want a hug…I can…I mean…"
"Of course you can, you are a friend. I appreciate it."
Visibly jealous, Inosuke glared at Zenitsu. He quickly refocused on Tanjiro, however.
"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have.. anyway."
He fell silent, staring at the young alpha. The latter frowned.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"For nothing."
Before they started bickering again, Tanjiro opened his arms.
"How about we all hug each other? Huh? Come here, Nezuko."
This time, the group of teenagers exchanged an understanding smile. Zenitsu and Inosuke had apparently patched things up, and Nezuko happily snuggled up to her brother and their friends. Tanjiro instinctively feared that having another alpha's scent on him would upset Gîyu, yet the exchange of scents was purely friendly. The scents of his sister and Inosuke would dampen Zenitsu's alpha scent. The latter also seemed particularly delighted to be glued to them, if he noticed his crimson face but his heartbeats and his pleasant smells. It must have been rare for him to share so much affection with his friends. Then, when he exchanged glances with Inosuke, Tanjiro suspected that it was all about him, that the blond was particularly happy to be close with Inosuke.
These two were lucky enough to love each other, but stupid enough not to notice it.
It would eventually be fine, however.
"When I think of the number of alphas who would kill to be in my shoes," Zenitsu boasted, "having two omegas and a girl in my arms…"
"I'm going to fucking rip you apart!" Inosuke yelled. "I am not an omega!"
Of course, the calm couldn't last very long with them.
Tanjiro still agreed to burst out laughing, because their sparring match still had the merit of entertaining him.
Later that day, after practice, Tanjiro was walking through the hall of the residence. He was going to the bathroom to take a good shower, in order to be ready for tonight, his second night of initiation. He was as eager to share new moments with Gîyu-san as he was afraid of what was going to happen, a certain apprehension, a desire, a fear. All at once. These were far too diffuse feelings for him. He hoped that Gîyu hadn't been disturbed by his outburst of tears the day before, he was very afraid that Gîyu would think it was his fault despite his comforting words, because he seemed extremely concerned not to mess things up. He was extremely caring and Tanjiro loved it. Literally, it had charmed him.
Around the turning point of the corridor, he saw a figure walking in his direction. It was Gîyu-san.
The two young men recognized each other at the same time. Gîyu seemed surprised to meet him, and Tanjiro a little embarrassed with his previous thoughts.
At the same time, he forced himself to regain his composure and smiled. When they reached each other, the alpha smiled back.
"Are you okay, Tanjiro?"
His voice was soft. Tanjiro blamed himself somewhat for smelling the sweat of training, but never mind. He wanted so badly to be in Gîyu arms.
Having to interact normally with Gîyu frustrated him immensely. Swallowing his saliva, the young omega licked his lips.
"Very well and you ? Are you having a good day ?"
It was such a run-of-the-mill conversation. All Tanjiro wanted was his skin against his. He should have gone crimson because god it bothered him to react like that.
"Pretty good. I was discussing upcoming missions with Rengoku-san."
"Oh, are you going back?"
Tanjiro felt somewhat sad at this thought. Giyu shook his head.
"Not until the end of the initiation." Embarrassing. Tanjiro looked down. "But he is the one who leaves first. He'll take one of your friends with him, by the way. I still had instructions to give."
The omega nodded. It relieved him a little. Maybe they could still bump into each other and talk to each other after that.
"I'll leave you, then. See you tonight."
It was so embarrassing. Giyu nodded. He resumed his journey. And Tanjiro was in two minds. Tonight was the second night of Initiation. The one where the omega had to please the alpha. It unsettled him horribly but he also really wanted to. He wanted to say something to Gîyu. He really wanted to show that he was not traumatized by last night and that he was determined to go through with it.
Forcing himself to be brave, he raised his voice.
"Giyu-san!"
Hailing him, he moved to face him. Gîyu had also turned around. The eldest stared at him, puzzled.
"I…I'll do my best for tonight. I wanted to tell you."
And he bowed as low as he could. His heart was beating wildly. He stood up, facing Gîyu's still cautious face. The alpha finally pulled himself together, nodding. Tanjiro smiled at him before disappearing, running off.
Damn, that was easier than I thought...
Except that he had probably never blushed so much in his life.
To follow...
Note : Sooo that's it for the first chapter. Don't hesitate to tell me what you think, if you liked it, if not, what can be ameliorated, and stuff like that. I don't have any beta-reader so if someone might be interested also tell me TwT.
Thanks a lot to anyone who read it.