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The mission itself had been difficult. Of course it was, it warranted sending both a Hashira and a Hinoe miles away from the towns they’d been staying in after their previous missions. The fight had been brutal and bloody, more than three casualties before they arrived and two more people injured during the battle.
And yet, Tanjiro can’t help but feel grateful. After the mugen train mission, he hadn’t gotten the opportunity to speak to Kyojuro again until now. The man’s sunny disposition was infectious, and he left a noticeable hole in his life when they parted ways months ago.
The worst injuries between the two of them are broken ribs, spasming muscles and some purpling bruises. A Wisteria Inn being so close by and available to them had been a blessing, giving them a short amount of time to heal their wounds until, eventually, they’ll both feel ready to fight again.
When Tanjiro realised they would be sharing a room, much like he had with Zenitsu and Inosuke not long ago, he panicked. Not because he doesn’t enjoy spending time with Kyojuro, or because he’s made him feel uncomfortable in any way. No, Tanjiro is scared to sleep in the same room as the older man because he knows he’s going into heat.
He knows this because he can smell it on himself. Because, when he woke up the morning before he was sent on this very mission, his thighs were trembling and his fundoshi was soaked between his legs. He knows this because Kyojuro has not looked him in the eye once throughout the entire mission.
And now, with their backs turned to one another as they undress to relax in the bath house at the inn, he still refuses to look his way. He’s grateful that Kyojuro is such a kind, respectful man who knows how to keep his distance when necessary. And yet, at the same time, he mourns the possibility between them and his lack of action.
If Kyojuro were a stronger Alpha, if he stopped trying to repress his delicious, musky scent so desperately, Tanjiro would present himself to him without question. But, like this, with this awkward tension between them, he doesn’t know if he would be rejected or not. The idea of being refused at such a vulnerable time leaves Tanjiro undeniably frightened, unable to act.
He pulls on one of the loose fitting yukatas the inn keeper left out for both of them, preserving his modesty before he turns to spare a glance at the Alpha behind him. The view of the strong muscles of the Hashira’s naked back, tan and littered with scars and fresh bruises, makes him throb between his legs.
Kyojuro pulls on his own yukata as Tanjiro glances away, just as anxious as he is as he keeps his gaze directed at the walls, the room around them. He treats Tanjiro like the sun, unable to look at him directly lest he go blind. He can see the sweat glistening on his brow, but refuses to mention it, his own skin feverish and hot to the touch.
“Will you be joining me in the bath house, young Kamado?” He asks out of the blue, his voice booming and enthusiastic despite his stiff demeanour.
Startled, Tanjiro gives him a quick nod in response. The question sends him reeling. Does Kyojuro think he’s trying to hide his heat from him? He’s unable to repress his scent at all now that his instincts are fighting against him, but he wouldn’t repress his scent if he could. He is interested in the Alpha, after all. He wants him to know that.
Kyojuro says nothing more, simply stepping out of their room and making his way down the short corridor outside. Tanjiro follows him quietly, unsure if this is a good idea at all. The unspoken discomfort between them makes every action and every word feel full of potential hidden meaning.
If Kyojuro is uninterested in him, it makes sense for him to try making excuses for the younger man to avoid being in his presence. He might not want to be around him at all while he’s like this. The thought sends a miserable feeling through his body, his inner Omega discontent with the idea of such a soul crushing dismissal of his feelings.
He follows closely behind the Flame Hashira as they both make their way towards the bath house. Now more than ever, Tanjiro is thankful to be faced with the stress relief of a hot water soak. His muscles feel as tough as stone from his neck down to his thighs, sore and aching from his constant tensing.
Once they reach the entryway of the bath house, Kyojuro respectfully waits at the door for him, allowing him to step inside first. The courtesy of the action nearly makes him preen, but he suppresses the feeling quickly. He doesn’t want to make Kyojuro uncomfortable if he truly is uninterested.
The bath house is entirely empty, the room fogged with steam from the hot water, the wooden walls trapping in the heat. It almost feels like a sauna, designed to make him sweat until he’s drained of all liquid. But perhaps that’s partly the fault of his heat, as sweaty and sickly as he feels already.
He makes his way to the water’s edge, admiring the small waves and ripples, fog wafting up towards him so invitingly. The bath calls to him, tempting him into removing his yukata and jumping in without another thought. But he takes his time instead.
He undresses at a snail’s pace, cautious as he slips off his shoes and dips his toes in the warm water, judging the temperature before he steps in completely. He curls his arms around his body as the water reaches his chin, mindful of his nudity before he glances over his shoulder at Kyojuro.
Yellow ringed red eyes stare into his own, and his breath catches in his chest.
For a split second, they finally meet each other’s gaze, intense and heated. The Alpha’s scent grows stronger, no longer hidden from him, just as earthy and savoury as Tanjiro has become accustomed to, with an underlying hint of something spicy. The older man quickly averts his eyes less than a second later, his expression startled and full of such a deep shame, Tanjiro can almost taste it.
The unexpected reciprocation of his feelings, the tease of it, frightens him more than the concept of rejection. Wanting and being wanted in return, but being unable to express it out of shame, sounds like utter torture!
How is he supposed to communicate his desire for Kyojuro without sounding like a mindless, heat crazed Omega? What if he does express his genuine attraction towards Kyojuro, and the Alpha is only interested in him because he’s in heat? There’s too much possibility.
His eyes fall downcast as he listens to the older man undress. He can’t watch him like this, not when there’s so much uncertainty between them. He can’t let himself yearn when he could be left yearning forever.
Tanjiro doesn’t know if he can stomach the idea of being mated to an Alpha that isn’t Kyojuro. He knows it’s childish to base his future around a teenage crush, but it feels so real to him. If he was courted by an Alpha his age, he would reject them instantly. He only has his sights set on Kyojuro.
A quiet splash gets his attention, pulling him from his thoughts and back to the present moment. He watches as Kyojuro settles into the hot water, unexpectedly making his way over to him.
Unlike himself, nearly drowning in the bath, the water only reaches Kyojuro’s chest, giving him another glimpse at his sun kissed skin. Everything about Kyojuro screams fire, something so dangerous and beautiful that he feels he’ll be burned if he reaches out to touch it.
But Kyojuro is so close to him now, less anxious than he was moments ago, which in turn makes Tanjiro feel less concerned. He can’t let this slip through his fingers. He’ll regret this moment for the rest of his life if he doesn’t say anything now. He’ll never know how Kyojuro truly feels unless he asks.
He opens his mouth to speak, and, without warning, he’s suddenly cut off.
“I know you’re in heat.” The older man announces, his voice as loud as it always seems to be. “I want to offer to spend it with you, if you’re comfortable.”
The slight cracks in Kyojuro’s voice, his gaze settled on the water, his demeanour stiff and nervous, all but confirms it to him. The Alpha isn’t offering out of pity or necessity, he’s offering as an act of courtship.
“Yes.” He breathes out quickly, a weight lifted off of his shoulders, melting into the hot bath even further. “I would love for you to court me. I’d be honoured.”
A look of pure surprise spreads across the Hashira’s face, examining Tanjiro closely for a brief moment. Finally at ease, the blond smiles brightly, wide enough that the boy can see his dimples. He feels as though he’s staring into the face of a god, gorgeous and pure and impossible to resist.
He reaches out, resting a cautious hand on Kyojuro’s shoulder as he leans up on his tip toes on the wooden floor of the bath. He presses a chaste kiss to his lips, inexperienced and unsure, before he pulls back, looking up at Kyojuro for approval. But he doesn’t get far.
Calloused fingers tangle into his wet, burgundy hair, dragging him into another kiss. His eyes flutter shut again, pressing back and curling the hand up around the nape of his superior’s neck. They kiss for longer this time, but their lips remain closed until they break apart again.
Tanjiro isn’t sure he remembers the last time he felt his heart beating so rapidly, nearly ready to burst out of his chest. It remind him of the ache of his few broken ribs, knowing that they need to take things slowly before they hurt themselves and potentially make their injuries worse.
“Can we return to our room?” Kyojuro asks, looking dazed to the point he almost looks dumb, grinning and flushed.
“Yes please.” He answers quickly, relieved. “I can already feel my heat starting to get worse.”
The assistance of an Alpha during an Omega’s heat is vital. The period of a heat decreases significantly if an unmated Omega is in close proximity to an Alpha, the symptoms becoming less severe and uncomfortable.
For mated Omega’s, heat periods usually last between two to three weeks. An unmated Omega’s average heat can last up to three months.
It’s a difficult task for an Alpha to withstand, especially if their rut doesn’t align with their Omega’s heat. The energy and stamina it takes to satisfy an unmated Omega is at least double that of a mated one. Which is a large reason why most Alpha’s will only assist an Omega through their heat if they then become a mated pair.
Tanjiro has always spent his heats alone. The yearly event has always frightened him because of how horribly long it takes to recover from it. Nearly three full months of daily masturbation, of riding his own fingers at least three or four times each day, has only left him more and more exhausted the higher his sex drive becomes.
And so, as he redresses into his yukata, he turns to Kyojuro. This will not be an easy task for either of them, and he knows just how important time is in their field of work. If Kyojuro can’t afford to spend two or three weeks by his side, he needs to know before they start.
“This could take a few weeks. Are you able to spend that much time with me?” He asks meekly, scared of how Kyojuro might answer.
The older man turns to him, fully dressed again with his hair down and damp, the red ends dripping onto the lavender fabric of his clothes. He smiles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t have time to spare.” He answers, his cheeks warming. “My rut should start in a few days. I have time off around this time each year.”
Tanjiro’s head seems to empty as he slowly processes his words. He doesn’t know much about ruts, but he knows he’s heard a few cruel words based on exactly how passionate Alpha’s get during that time. He thinks of the time Zenitsu barked at Inosuke during training one day, calling him a knothead.
He swallows dryly, suddenly aware of the warmth pooling between his legs, his thighs pressed tightly together. Kyojuro stares at him like he can’t even consider forming a thought. He must be able to smell it on him. How embarrassing!
Tanjiro quickly makes his way out of the bath house and down the hallway, the Hashira following behind him just as fast. At least they’re both equally desperate for this. It’s a little less humiliating knowing that they both have one thing on their minds.
He steps into their room and nearly jumps when Kyojuro shuts the door behind them, curling his arms around the boy’s waist from behind. The weight of him leaning against his back, the scent of spice growing stronger, makes him feel awfully hot.
“I’m sorry.” He apologises as he presses his lips to Tanjiro’s nape. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I’m not sure how much longer I can wait.”
Tanjiro moans softly, excited to know that the Alpha is just as aroused as he is. He can faintly feel it pressed against his lower back, long and stiff. He quickly begins untying his own obi, his hands trembling as he fumbles with the fabric.
Shamelessly, Kyojuro mouths at his neck, his fangs grazing his skin lightly as he licks and sucks everywhere he can reach. Kyojuro’s affection only grows more intense as he removes his yukata, giving him more feverish skin to worship with his mouth.
Tanjiro sighs as he feels the older man’s lips travel down between his shoulder blades, his already bruised skin being covered in more purple marks as he does. He feels lightheaded, growing more dizzy with anticipation the longer this continues.
The rough pads of Kyojuro’s fingers dig into his waist, pulling him back towards one of the futons as his mouth travels back upwards. He suckles on Tanjiro’s neck as he steps around him, sitting the boy on the edge of the mattress.
Already, Tanjiro is completely gone. He glances up to look into Kyojuro’s eyes for a brief second before he naturally gazes down at the bulge in his yukata. The sight makes him whine, far more desperate for it than he realised.
But Kyojuro doesn’t undress. He kneels down on the tatami mat on the floor and gently parts Tanjiro’s thighs. He forgets how to breathe, startled and unfamiliar with what the man is planning to do. He didn’t realise this was an option.
Kyojuro mouths along Tanjiro’s inner thighs, travelling further and further up until he’s licking at his sticky, wet skin. The feeling is humiliating at first, but Kyojuro does not stop. He licks up, cleaning his inner thigh before he travels across to his other thigh, lapping at his skin.
By the time the Hashira is done cleaning and teasing him, Tanjiro can feel his heartbeat in his clit. It aches, yearning to be touched, his insides throbbing with the urge to be filled. His heat only serves to make his arousal so much more powerful than it would be otherwise.
Finally, Kyojuro lowers his head between his legs, pausing only to inhale deeply through his sharp nose, before he presses forward. He licks a long, wet stripe over his folds, his public hair damp as Kyojuro pulls back.
His thumbs hook into his labia, spreading them apart and exposing his entire sex to the older man. He laves his tongue up over his clit, the sensation of it electric until his tongue slides into the hole of his pussy. Tanjiro cannot think.
He closes his thighs around Kyojuro’s head, trapping him there as his hips begin to roll desperately. He hasn’t masturbated since his heat started, he didn’t have the time during the mission, so his toes are already beginning to curl.
Mercifully, Kyojuro slides one of his thick, tan fingers into Tanjiro’s sex to keep his fluttering insides busy as his mouth travels up again. He licks at his clit gently with the very tip of his tongue, circling around the little bud as it throbs. Tanjiro can’t take it anymore.
He bites his lip hard as his back bows, his legs trembling as Kyojuro’s warm mouth wraps around his sensitive clit and begins to suckle on it. It’s all he needs to send him tumbling over the edge, his muscles spasming as pleasure overwhelms his entire body.
By the time the aftershocks finish, his body limp and sweaty as he lays on the bed, Kyojuro is already undressed. He blinks open his eyes to stare up at him, absolutely giddy as Kyojuro’s long, bright hair cascades down around his face as he hovers over him.
“Are you alright?” He asks softly, his voice lower now, almost husky as he speaks. “We can take a break if you need.”
Tanjiro sluggishly shakes his head, reaching up to drape his arms over the older man’s broad shoulders, pleased as he leans further down to accommodate him. The short distance between them allows him to press a chaste kiss to his glossy, slick coated lips.
“I want your knot.” He says instead, watching as the Hashira begins to shake above him, utterly shocked. “Please, Rengoku. Make me feel better.”
The vulnerability of his own words startles him. It truly does ache, the empty feeling so deep inside of him he hasn’t ever been able to reach it on his own. He needs this, and he needs Kyojuro to be the one to give it to him.
Kyojuro exhales slowly, reaching down to grab one of Tanjiro’s thighs, gently hiking it up over his own hip. He holds it there as he settles into a more comfortable position for both of them, dropping his head to rest their foreheads together.
“Keep your body relaxed.” He says softly as he grinds his length down against Tanjiro’s sex, coating himself in his wetness, using it as lube. “Use your breathing. Stay calm.”
Tanjiro closes his eyes, doing as instructed and filling his lungs deeply with air. He breathes in as the tip presses into him, breathing out as the first few inches follows. The thickness of it, the stretch, is something he didn’t anticipate.
He braces his hands on Kyojuro’s shoulders as he presses further inside, inch by inch for what feels like an eternity. It’s so much, and that empty itch inside of him finally feels satiated. His eyes roll back as he feels the un-inflated knot at the base of Kyojuro’s cock press into him, their bodies completely interlocked.
His breath stutters in his chest as he stares up at the ceiling, tangling his fingers into the older man’s hair as he buries his face in his neck. They’re both panting, both sweaty as their naked bodies press together from head to toe. It’s exquisite.
“I didn’t know…” Kyojuro gulps in air, nosing at Tanjiro’s scent gland like he’s starved of the smell of him despite it filling the entire room by now. “Didn’t know it would feel so good.”
A high, breathy whine escapes him before he can help it, his velvety insides clenching around his cock weakly. He hadn’t even considered the possibility that this could be the Hashira’s first time as well. In fact, he expected him to be far more experienced than he is, especially after the things he did to him with his tongue.
“I’m sorry, young Kamado.” He whimpers, his strong arms curling around Tanjiro’s waist. “I think I’m already about to finish.”
Tanjiro’s legs tremble at his words, curling up to coil tightly around Kyojuro’s waist, his hips rolling up in encouragement. The sensation makes Kyojuro moan into his neck, and the knowledge that he’s pleasuring the man with his body alone sends him reeling.
“Me too. You feel wonderful inside of me.” He confesses breathlessly, biting his lip as he feels Kyojuro’s cock twitch, the feeling only making him wetter. “And I want you to call me by my first name. Please.”
Kyojuro lifts his head from Tanjiro’s neck, staring down at him with an expression the younger man has never seen before on the Hashira. He looks drunk, his face and ears bright red, skin glistening, but his round eyes are half-lidded. He really is beautiful.
“Tanjiro.” He says as he gives a weak, experimental first thrust. “Tanjiro, I’ll do anything you want.”
His lips part in surprise, but before he can say anything in response, Kyojuro’s thrusting becomes frequent and jerky, moving the futon across the floor with each movement. He shudders, grabbing a fistful of long yellow hair and tugging him down for another kiss. This is exactly what he needed.
Their mouths clash together, finally open and wet and messy as a wet slap fills the room each time their bodies meet. It is as filthy as it is delicious, licking into each other’s mouths as their scents fill the room, heady and sweet. In the back of his mind, Tanjiro prays that the inn keeper can’t smell or hear them.
Kyojuro’s rapid thrusting knocks the air from his lungs, uneven and leaving him unable to adjust to a steady pace. But it’s perfect, and Kyojuro keeps hitting a spot inside of him that makes his legs shake, and he never wants him to stop.
The curve of Kyojuro’s penis gives him the perfect angle to absolutely wreck the younger man, especially in a position like this. His insides quiver around him until he clenches, and then relaxes, and clenches again. The rhythm of their bodies is incalculable, constant and animalistic as they give into their baser instincts.
“Kyojuro!” Tanjiro yelps in pleasure as Kyojuro manages to thrust even deeper than before, his fingers fisting at the bedsheets. “Please! Please knot me, I need you to knot me!”
Kyojuro gasps, embracing Tanjiro so tightly and so tenderly, it betrays the filthy actions of the rest of his body. He jackrabbits into him with more force than necessary, clearly growing desperate as Tanjiro’s hands find his shoulder blades and begin digging his nails into his skin.
“I’m sorry! I can’t help it!” He shouts, panting, his eyes squeezed shut, unable to look down at Tanjiro. “I’ll knot you, I promise!”
Tanjiro bites his lip hard enough to draw blood, trying his hardest to keep quiet as a second orgasm finally crashes through his body. He convulses in ecstasy, writhing on the bed like it’s impossible for him to remain still. He unintentionally digs the heel of his foot into Kyojuro’s lower back, forcing their bodies flush together.
He flutters his eyes open, still struggling to breathe through the aftershocks, and catches Kyojuro’s eyes. His thick brows are bunched together, his mouth hanging open, drool dripping down his chin. It’s an expression so unlike him, so full of lust, that Tanjiro becomes distracted long enough that Kyojuro’s knot pops inside him.
He screams, the sound bright and unmistakably full of pleasure, as he tosses his head back.
Kyojuro’s knot inflates inside of him as his cock throbs, filling him with rope after rope of his cum. The warm sensation of it, the satisfaction of being knotted for the very first time, sends him into another orgasm.
He shoots a hand down between their interlocked bodies to rub at his own red, swollen clit. It stings, but a soft sigh escapes him as a short wave of ecstasy rolls through his weak body. It finally allows him to go lax from head to toe, completely exhausted as he catches his breath.
Kyojuro lays on top of him, resting his head on Tanjiro’s chest as his knot keeps him in place. It’s a wonderful, blissful feeling that they both bask in, quiet and comfortable for a few long moments, curled up together in bed.
But, as they continue simply laying together, the dull ache in Tanjiro’s groin begins to increase again, less intense than before, but still unpleasant. He frowns, running a hand over his face as he exhales, still too tired to even consider moving, let alone go for another round.
Kyojuro presses a kiss to his shoulder, catching his attention. He rests his hand on the boy’s waist, leaning up on one elbow as he grins down at him. His hair is a wild, frizzy mess already, damp with sweat as Tanjiro reaches out to tuck a few strands behind his ear fondly.
“Once my knot goes down, I’ll lick you clean.” He offers brightly, unfazed by his own obscene words.
Tanjiro whines, bringing his hands up to cover his own face, humiliated by his increased arousal at the concept. His heat has always been torturous, leaving his body sore and aching, but at least he has Kyojuro to spend it with.
“Alright.” He answers, his voice muffled by his own palms.
He pretends not to hear the soft chuckle that follows.