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Chapter Text

Kyoujuro was lucky enough to come back home way earlier than it was expected! He couldn’t wait to hoarder his siblings for the night.

But instead of a warm welcome home, all he gets is hearing his little brother mumble someone's name.

Even if his baby brother is still in kitten age, the smell of uncertainty was prominent.

Senjuro is a cute boy, he's gentle and kind, give him one afternoon and you will fall in love with him!

And he's also small. And his face is innocent looking.

Of course some mutt would try at him.

That soft, melodious voice wafted through the house, he’s sure he heard it.

The flame Hashira doesn't remember exactly when in between a blink and another he was at his brother's door, but it doesn't matter, he pulls it open with enough force to shake the entire house, his alphan scent certainly suffocating to those present.

"A-aniue!" His baby brother yells, face a deep red and eyes wide open.

The kitten is sitting on the floor, looking as if he scampered away from something, from someone.

Turning to the side, another figure comes into view, what name did Senjuro say? It doesn't matter.

It's a pup, too. But way, way too tall to excuse. He was visibly in the middle of approaching Senjuro.

He's got a mohawk and small irises, he's so fucking big, probably bigger than Kyoujuro.

But definitely not stronger. Or a better fighter.

"Get out of this house."

"Aniue it isn't what it looks like!" Small hands grasp at his uniform's leg, but he doesn't let up, face stern as he glares deeply into the big pup's frightened eyes.

"Senjuro, out to the garden."

"Aniue, he wasn't doing anything! It's just-"

"What is your name, boy?" He directed at the stranger.

He startled at the question, gaping his mouth uselessly for some seconds before swallowing, "It- it is Genya, Sir."

"No, give me your family name."

"S-Shinazugawa Genya, S..Sir."

Shinazugawa? Oh, if this boy is related to the Wind Hashira Kyoujuro doesn’t know if he’ll be capable of holding himself back. He’s barely holding on.

Feeling Senjuro’s presence beside him, the proximity between them, it’s the only thing keeping him at bay in the moment.

But Senjuro can only do so much without causing Kyoujuro to become even more irate.

"Aniue, please listen!"

"Senjuro," He turns to his brother, grabbing him by the scruff of his clothes, "To the garden, this instant."

"Please- I promise he wasn't doing anything!"

All his pleading is futile, Senjuro ends up waiting in the garden as his big brother hauls Genya out of the Rengoku Estate with a high fire burning in his scent.

They’re face to face now, and Kyoujuro was correct, this pup has a good physical advantage on him, it only serves to anger him further, "I have no idea what you were doing here, boy. But whatever it was, it has nothing to do with Senjuro. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"You saw how kind my baby brother is? He begged me to let you explain, but my baby brother is way too young, he is way too kind. Kind enough to let a stray wander into our home, thinking he was doing something good. And you know what, Shinazugawa?"

He gets closer and puts a hand on Genya's shoulder, sliding it until it's almost on his scruff, causing the boy to tense up and sweat, "He was. Senjuro was doing something very good by helping you out, do you think so?"

"I do, Sir."

"But I am not like my baby brother. If the explanation he gives me is not enough, if I discover something else happened, and, Heavens Forbid, I see you prowling around this area again, I am not letting him stop me."

They look at each other, the pup's whining becoming louder as the seconds tick by.

"Do you understand?"

"...Y-yes- Yes. Sir."

"Get out."

Genya stumbled away, trying not to constantly look over his shoulder to check if the alpha was preparing to hunt him as soon as his guard was down.

His vocal chords refused to work whenever he tried to defend Senjuro or himself, he would never be doing something perverted with the kit! He has manners, goddamnit!

Not like he can go up to Rengoku-sama and spit that in his face, the mere thought of turning around made his stomach churn.

Look, Genya doesn't blame the Flame Hashira at all, his family pack suffered with a violent alpha. If his sisters were still here, he would have done the same in his place.

But it was so, so scary!

And he's sure things won't get better, even if Senjuro explains everything. To which, he won't.

After they grew out of nursing age this type of subject became a sore spot, they're a bit shy about this.

When Genya blurted out... that, it was very out of character for someone as reserved as him, so much so that he didn't think he actually said it out loud until Senjuro's hitched breath cut through the room's still air.

As of now, Senjuro must be stuttering through his jumbled thoughts, trying to convey to his Overprotective–Alpha–Hashira–Older brother that he wasn't in any danger.

If the adjectives weren't enough to convey the sentiment. No, Rengoku-sama won't buy it.

── .✦

"Aniue, please listen to me,"

Senjuro stood shirtless as his brother inspected for any bruises, scratches.

Bites.

"How old is that boy?"

"..."

"How old is he, Senjuro?"

Senjuro turns his head to the side in shame as he mutters "Sixteen."

"Senjuro, you are Fourteen."

"Our family is of early bloomers..."

"That changes nothing to me. You both may be young, but he's still older and bigger than you."

"He didn't force me into anything, Aniue!"

"Then explain to me exactly what happened."

Kyoujuro made a show of sitting on the engawa to stare at his brother, the boy looking even smaller like this, out in the open with thin limbs, unblemished skin and watering eyes, all Kyoujuro can see is a baby, he's just a baby.

"Genya and I became friends a while ago,"

"When?"

The boy takes some seconds to recompose, "Four months,"

Four months and you didn't tell me a thing goes unsaid.

"Continue." The alpha permitted.

"We ended up becoming close friends,"

Kyoujuro stared sternly at the little boy that stood in front of him, shaking and sniffling his sadness away, "Way too close, Senjuro."

That breaks another dam within the kit, who covers his eyes with his palms in an attempt at hiding away.

"What have you and that boy been doing?"

Senjuro snaps up at the implications, being met with Kyoujuro's stoic expression made his stomach churn.

"Aniue..."

"It is not that I do not trust you. But I do know that you trust too much."

"We didn't do anything! He simply comes over and we eat and talk and pile-"

"You pile with him?"

"Wh-" Senjuro wants to hide, wants to start the day all over again and never let Genya talk about their future, not even set foot into his house.

But what happened already happened and won't be changed with however many prayers, he can't cower away forever, so he closes his eyes tightly and says with as much conviction as he can muster "Y-yes, I do!"

Kyoujuro looks utterly disappointed at the admission.

"Aniue, I know what it must have looked like, but he really wasn't going to do anything to me."

"Why were you crying?"

They sit in silence for a minute.

"It is because he said something, I know so. I just want to know what he said."

"You... won't be happy with it..."

"Tell me."

The wind picked up, Senjuro could pick up on every little change that happened around them, it was too much to bear, too much to handle.

The overwhelming judgement was tearing at his self-esteem, was it truthfully that disgusting to desire?

It is all innocent touches, comforting closeness. They hugged, breathed in each other’s presence, could that really be seen as perverted?

Should he be ashamed?

"That- that he wants to make me..." He breathes in, "make me..." Senjuro's face starts to blossom into a deep shade of red.

At the show of hesitance, Kyoujuro gets up suddenly, expression darkening as he poorly holds in a snarl, scaring Senjuro out of his embarrassment right back into fear.

"He said he wants to mate you, didn't he?" His big brother's voice grounds him with a strong tone and his words cut harshly like a blind knife, they grate Senjuro's ears.

His big brother was using his command voice.

On him.

He's never, ever done that, Iguro would never do that, not even their father would go that far.

Senjuro is a good kid, he does his chores, he never speaks out of tone, he studies day and night. He can’t be doing anything wrong.

And the implication that Senjuro has been engaging in pre-age mating?

Under no circumstances would Aniue or nii-chan even use the word mate around Senjuro.

The kitten can't help himself when more tears start to spill over his waterline, and although that was confirmation enough for Kyoujuro, it didn't teach everything Senjuro obviously needed to be taught.

"Say it, did he or did he not state he would mate you, Senjuro?"

The boy falls to the dirt, sobbing miserably as he nods his head, "He did, he did, he did!"

"I know."

The kit is left to drown in his sorrows as Kyoujuro's rage flares and he almost goes out the front gate to follow the damn bastard that has been sniffing around his baby brother right underneath his nose.

He doesn't, instead he goes inside to write a letter to a certain someone.

Sanemi should keep his family on a tighter leash before the kid doesn’t have a neck to speak of.

── .✦

Senjuro’s heart ached to defend the object of his fancy, but more than that, his friend.

What really happened was that Genya and Senjuro have been meeting up from time to time, a friendship flourished and they started hanging out at the Rengoku Estate.

Genya had fainted in front of Senjuro whilst he swept the main path, with what little he knew, the kit took the pup in, cared for him to the best of his abilities.

Genya wasn’t happy to wake up in someone’s hold, much less a random kid, but Senjuro was capable of forcing him into quietude, feeding and medicating him.

Senjuro was able to convince Genya’s kasugai crow, Hashibami, of updating him on the older pup’s health.

It was a slow process, barks and growls were given, but Senjuro had no issues with stomping his foot and biting Genya into listening.

You never hear any of those sounds anymore, it was all quiet snores and almost inaudible squeaks.

Soon enough trust started to blossom. And with it, romantic feelings.

Without noticing, time passed and instead of sitting in silence, they would fantasize about their presentations. Trying not to give away they were attempting to catch the eye of their companion.

Genya is so big and assertive, surely an Alpha, one capable and strong. But he's also thoughtful, always putting others before himself.

And Senjuro is so small and nurturing, the perfect image for an Omega. And still, he can hold his ground, not only with a sword but bare handed too!

They would lay in Senjuro's room, grooming each other from morning to the tail end of afternoons.

They couldn't scent just yet, because of their ages and therefore lack of scent, but they liked to think about the future when rubbing cheeks and necks, think about the day they would be able to.

How no one would approach the other when they smelled so heavily of ownership.

Then, the conversations turned a bit... mature.

They would never say anything explicit, but the underlying intentions shone through all carefully picked words.

The Rengoku family is known for its impressive growth, in strength, height, muscle mass, weight, and of course, presentation.

Shinjurou presented at seventeen and Kyoujuro at sixteen.

Whereas, said by Genya, the Shinazugawas were the polar opposite.

They took a while to present, – from twenty to twenty two years of age – and they would grow in spurts, Genya himself wasn't this tall just a year ago!

And the common age to present is eighteen or twenty.

But Senjuro and Genya are special cases within their families of special cases.

Senjuro is taking a bit longer to do what everybody else was already acclimated to, and Genya was going a bit faster than anyone warned he would.

So, they took in the factors.

Senjuro is fourteen and would most likely present at seventeen or eighteen.
Genya is sixteen and would most likely present at nineteen to twenty.

Wouldn't it be nic-

Uhm..

Easier, yes, wouldn't it be easier for the both of them to... to help each other out? When it happens...?

They blushed and sputtered whenever the topic came up.

That day, when Kyoujuro came home earlier, they had stepped into unknown waters once again.

"Senjuro, do you remember when we spoke about our presentation dates?"

"Yes, why?"

The taller boy stared into fiery eyes, feeling his cheeks warm up.

"Do-... do you actually want to..."

"To...?"

They looked at one another for a hot second, then it clicked for Senjuro, his whole complexion turning red.

"O-oh! Uhm-"

"It's okay if you don't want to! Please don't think I'm forcing you! It's just that I like you so much-!"

The statement made them both explode into flustered messes, Genya ended up crawling away in embarrassment, and when Senjuro went to comfort him, he felt embarrassed too, mimicking the avoidant action plus a bit of his own flailing limbs.

They sat in silence for some minutes before Genya broke it with a mumbled "I'd really like to make you my omega..."

Senjuro slapped both hands over his mouth, eyes burning at the daring sentence.

The person who he is so very interested in, claiming such a thing.

"Genya..!"

"I mean it, Senjuro...-"

It was when the taller pup started crawling closer to comfort his soon-to-be betrothed, gathering a bit more of confidence to confess his feelings like in a real courting offer, that Kyoujuro showed up, almost breaking the room's door while growling in the back of his throat.

Chapter Text

It had been some days of mulling over the Mutt encounter, and the flame Hashira made the choice to give the letter face to face to Shinazugawa, in which he asked for an unofficial meeting with the wind Hashira, looking forward to resolving this conflict.

Sadly, his comrade wasn’t keen on having a private conversation, yelling at him to speak up and to speed the process up.

It would be unprofessional to not understand the reaction, they are not the most available, though, he did wish the man were a bit quieter.

His anger caused the others present to separate and deescalate, though Kyoujuro is sure he could handle that alpha’s violence.

Patience was running thin, Shinazugawa wouldn’t let him speak and would only repeat the same question again and again.

“What is it!?”

“This is about your younger brother.”

The statement hung in the air, silence finally reigned the complaints in, none of the Hashira knew what to say.

None but Shinazugawa himself, who couldn’t care less about someone than he did Rengoku.

“What the hell are you spewing about?” He sneered, hands spasming for a fight, it was the first time Rengoku had ever been so serious with him, after all.

“Your younger brother, Genya.”

The explanation must have stung, going by the face the man in front of him made, “I don’t have any family.”

“Now you do.” Kyoujuro spoke unhurriedly, making sure to punctuate each word with intent, “And he has shown himself as an obstacle for my family’s comfort, a danger, even.”

“Fuck you want me to do, Rengoku?”

“What a big brother should, teach him to not come near Senjuro ever again.”

Gyomei stepped in, gesturing he had something to add, all attention was on him.

“I know Shinazugawa Genya, he is my apprentice. Whatever he’s done I shall take responsibility for.”

Kyoujuro hummed, “For having a man of such high morals as his mentor, he lacks any tact.”

Sanemi scoffed at the irony, ignored by most and shushed at by Shinobu.

“What are your worries, Rengoku?” Gyomei’s voice conveyed his concerns.

“His behaviour is inappropriate, please keep him in line, I would not want to discipline a student that was not under my work.”

The conversation was cut quite uncomfortably at that, seen as it was a supposed to be a private matter, if anything.

Mitsuri was worried sick over her teacher’s family, also afraid of a fight breaking out in broad daylight. She’s never seen Kyoujuro act similarly in any other moment.

What happened between Shinazugawa’s younger brother and baby Senjuro? Is he safe?

A presence stopped beside her, causing her to jump a bit, so embarrassing!

Thankfully it was Iguro, who looked up at her with reassurance, he calmed Mitsuri with a glance towards his brother, so he too was curious about the details.

They decided to question Kyoujuro, together.

“Kyoujuro, is everything okay?” Mitsuri asked, feeling like it was a reasonable enough thing to bring up.

“Worry not. It was but an act of childish rebellion, nothing more.” He brushed off.

“Well, shall we visit Senjuro? Perhaps our presence will allow for better communication.” Iguro stated more than asked.

“Certainly! Senjuro would benefit from your help!”

The faint smell of wisteria incense was overcome by the bold caramel-like aroma surrounding them, the signature scent of the Rengokus.

Iguro felt Kaburamaru uncoiling from around his neck to come out his haori, possibly to slither over to the kitchen so he could bask in the oven’s still lingering warmth.

Mitsuri tried reeling any strong feelings in, not wanting to be swayed in a serious moment like this, but her heart beat as fast and loud as a drum.

“Senjuro! I am home!” Kyoujuro declared to the home.

Soft pitter patter ran up towards them, soon a door slid open and the first thing Iguro noticed was that Senjuro quite obviously had been crying.

“Good afternoon, Aniue, Nii-chan and Mitsuri.” He wiped at dry tear tracks on his cheeks, “Your bath is ready, Aniue.”

“Thank you, Senjuro!” The middle brother patted Senjuro on his head and walked further into the house, not attempting to comfort the kitten.

Iguro and Mitsuri saw right through the attempts at smiling.

“Would you two like some tea?”

“Is everything okay?” Mitsuri decided to counter, taking a step closer.

“Yes- yes, everything is okay, I am only tired, nothing more.”

He’s almost breaking down again, holding back shivers.

Iguro embraced the kit, massaging his scalp with knowing fingers, not every little thing could be said, he knew that better than anyone else.

Opening up takes a lot, the fact he is still standing is incredible in itself.

“Let us make you some tea, I’ve missed you a lot.” He hummed into golden strands.

The scene made Mitsuri fall deeper for the beta.

Iguro was always so gentle with those he loved! You could mistake Senjuro for royalty with the high regards the serpent Hashira directs at him.

Just watching them got her spirits up.

“Yes! You two go spend some time together and I’ll get something!”

── .✦

Senjuro was thankful for all the servicing his family was doing for him.

Nii-chan kept glued to his side, scenting him until he probably seemed like his very copy, and he could never complain, it is nice to be babied still, and he needed the relief the most right now.

Of course he is happy.

At the moment, at least.

Nevertheless, it only proved Aniue’s point.

All Senjuro is to them, is a kitten. Aniue kept a satisfied smile on his face for the entire afternoon, so big it caused him to squint.

Mitsuri also wasn’t the biggest help, pawing him from one place to another, acting as if he couldn’t move on his own.

He loved them, more than anything else in life.

He’ll still love them if he ever marries, if he and Genya were romantically bonded, why can’t they see that? Do they not know that?

The curiosity grew within him, “Nii-chan, if I were to marry, would you give your blessing to my lover?”

Iguro tensed up, subconsciously bringing Senjuro closer to his chest, and it made a crack in Senjuro’s heart.

It was hesitation.

“I only want your happiness.”

That was no answer.

Nonetheless, Senjuro hugged his brother back, accepting that there really is nothing waiting for him at the finish line. Not in his family’s eyes.

The kit nodded, it was fine.

“Thank you, Nii-chan.”

── .✦

Senjuro loves his family, it was too much.

Senjuro could never love anyone else as he loves his family, and they were all too much.

He walked away, a short jog around the neighborhood, nothing more, or so he prayed it would be.

Senjuro loves his family and time and time again he is proven that he is nothing but a kitten, even now, when he so desperately wishes to be seen as at least his age.

He really is a kitten.

The weak, brittle kitten.

Weak link

It was stupid to run away, no matter the promises he made to come back inside in a timely manner, it was a brainless choice.

Hopefully he could be forgiven; after all, the night was incredibly beautiful, the streets were dark and it was no new information that Senjuro was over gullible.

He could have handled laying in the same room as his brothers, something he’s done for his entire life,

This?

He was over for.

Things were slowly becoming dire. Much worse than a silly family quarrel.

Senjuro could only run for so long, and the demon chasing him could certainly do it for much longer.

And only one of them can regenerate.

With a panic riddled mind, he didn’t pay enough attention, his instincts were not of a predator, the only thing that kept him on his feet was the constant, fearful, thought:

Run.

These woods were not made to house his people, mother warned Aniue and Nii-chan to take extra care, they were not born to flaunt their coats.

She was saddened to have marked her children, but also proud, they would forever be Rengokus.

Evade, skip, don’t breathe, sprint, bolt.

His lungs were burning as they filled with the cold night air.

A growl much louder than all other taunting made all his resolve collapse.

The terror cut deep, Senjuro tripped, foot getting caught in a strangled tree branch, entangled with roots and foliage.

It hurt. He held back from making any noises, it would only make things worse.

Snarling and loud thumping crowded him, Senjuro couldn’t discern if it was fear playing its tricks or if there was more than one circling him.

He needed to get up, try more, just a bit more, but it was too much.

Feeling caged by Aniue was much better than knowing he was cornered by monsters, pain shot through his entire right leg if he tried flexing it.

It was too late, a hand reached out to him, clawed and dripping blood, a looming figure ready to tear flesh.

But, somehow, instead of an attack, instead of death, the kit heard a shaken whisper carrying through unnerving quiet, “Senjuro?”

They locked eyes, black scleras and glowing yellow illuminating the future for gold and red, no matter how difficult it was to see, they could never miss each other’s face, no matter how lively the crowd.

“Ge-hn!” Senjuro attempted to get up, but his throbbing ankle flared up once more, making him fall face first into the uneven ground.

“Don’t move- shit, can you walk?” Genya caught him before he could do anymore damage to himself.

The kit couldn’t force his voice to work above a pitiful whine, so he shook his head, holding back from crying.

Genya didn’t waste a second, no matter how confused he was at seeing him, he still picked his friend up and tried his best to balance Senjuro on his back while paying attention to their misleading surroundings, he wasn’t here for no reason.

Hashibami cawed from far away, “South! South!”

They were approaching, since when did demons work together? Lower than scum, they were cowards, three monsters hunting a single kitten, they only wanted to torture him.

And he wouldn’t allow it, Senjuro was supposed to be at home, getting doted on after the shit show that their last interaction was.

Clawing on his neck caught the slayer’s attention, Senjuro was trying to turn around, maybe the position wasn’t comfortable for his injury?

“What is it? Do y- Senjuro!”

The younger one tried moving over the pup’s shoulder, almost choking Genya in the process.

“Put me on the front.” He begged through gritted teeth.

Even if it wasn’t the best idea, Genya chose to make the sacrifice, changing their position to hold Senjuro on the front of his torso, the hands that were scratching him moved to hold tightly onto the back of the uniform, refusing to let go.

The sacrifice in fact took something away, precious time they really couldn’t afford to have lost.

They were surrounded by three horrid beings, facial lines that stretched too far, teeth only an apparition could have. Each snarled, cackled and huffed loudly, getting ready to strike.

Before horror could settle in Genya’s stomach, Senjuro put his head underneath the slayer’s neck, keeping them close together, entire body going rigid to act as a shield.

Senjuro was protecting his neck.

He had hurt himself and still chose to protect him.

The last they’d seen each other was through blurry tears, and Senjuro still had those special emotions reserved for Genya.

No amount of prohibiting could change his mind, they are pack members, they share a bond.

There was no moment to worry, Genya loaded his gun, letting the demonic transformation take fully, mind at ease knowing the kit was close by.

It wasn’t that bad of a reunion in the end.

Chapter Text

The moon was guiding the night sky away, sunlight peeked from the horizon, chasing the cold and fear into hiding once again.

Who knows how long really had passed since they encountered each other in the battlefield.

A battered Genya, who was also coming down from an adrenaline high, carried Senjuro on his back, making small talk to take his mind off of the injury he sustained.

“I’m still mad that you weren’t home.” Though the pup’s tone was light, it still carried some truth to it.

Senjuro was supposed to be home. It was the only thing he wanted to be true when he had to scurry far with his tail between his legs.

“M’ sorry…”

“Yeah, you should be! You better rest, ya hear me?”

Breathy giggles tickled his nape, causing a smile to grow on Genya’s face, they were okay, relatively. All three demons were killed and then devoured, Senjuro made sure to stick his tongue out to showcase how nasty it was when the slayer started their journey to town.

Uzui-sama once gagged while looking directly at him, and this was only a joke.

One he didn’t even try to hide was funny.

The kitten was always kind about his rather unique ability, only laughing or saying “ew!” in a mocking manner whenever it was brought up.

It was part of the reason why it wasn’t that embarrassing of a trait anymore.

“Are you hungry?” He nudged Senjuro up to catch his attention, “I could buy you something before I take you home.”

“It’s not necessary.”

Licks of warmth touched the earth, all invasive blood in his veins came down to a quiet simmer, diffusing completely from his organism.

He was thinking straight when he asked in an angry tone; “Don’t tell me you’re going to cook in this state.”

“Okay, I won’t tell you.”

They were silent for some seconds, that was a shitty joke, yet, Hashibami cackled from above them, almost losing his balance in the air.

Genya didn’t know what to be livid for, the kit’s nonchalance to the situation or the crow’s insensitivity to it all, he settled on the former, “I ain’t letting you do shit like this, Senjuro! You can’t even fucking walk!”

“But I still have to cook for my brothers and Mitsuri!” Senjuro reasoned, like it was at all a valid motive.

“Kanroji is visiting?”

“Oh, yes, she is.”

The implication that even the Love hashira’s presence wasn’t enough to keep Senjuro calm tainted the conversation. How bad were things in his home?

There is no way he could be this stressed. Or, there shouldn’t be.

Each step took them down a more serious path.

“You… You haven’t told me what happened for you to end up in the middle of the forest.”

Senjuro only buried his nose in Genya’s uniform, trying to hide away as to not answer the uncomfortable question hanging over their heads.

“Not that you have to answer, I.. I just wanna be sure that you’re okay.”

Small hands tightened their grip on his shirt, short shudders a telltale sign that things were worse than deplorable.

Senjuro began sobbing without making noise, he held back from putting his head up, insecure, or scared. Neither would be okay.

But, thankfully, he still moved from side to side. He was shaking his head.

“Are you sure you want to go home?”

Between sobs, the kitten choked out a broken, heavyhearted whisper that destroyed Genya,

“I have to.”

As they were nearing the Rengoku estate, a small walk’s distance from the main entrance, Genya made up his mind, breathing in as much of the morning dew as he could, hoping it would turn his humanity into courage.

“Sen-”

A small thunk stopped them in their tracks, both snapped their heads towards the noise and were met face to face with Kanroji Mitsuri in her night robes and a basket forgotten in front of her, the sun only now making a full appearance.

All three gaped wordlessly at each other, Genya tensed, locking his muscles so as to not start shaking, Senjuro had jumped in place and was now trying to dry his tears away.

Kanroji looked at one and then the other, pointing to nowhere in particular.

“A-” She started to scream, but Senjuro cut her off.

“Shhhh!” He shushed her, trying to catch a glimpse of the house. If Iguro or Kyoujuro were to catch them, they were done for!

That is, if Kanroji wasn’t planning on ending them right now.

“Mitsuri, I promise, promise, promise, it isn’t what it looks like, please listen to us first.”

Genya recited every mantra he knew in his head, gulping down saliva mixed with blood and dust, hoping she could find it in herself to forgive or at least wait.

Thankfully, the puma agreed, still looking blown away.

Senjuro sighed, “Okay, thank you.”

── .✦

In the end, the choice to go to a restaurant was unanimous, at some point, all other Rengokus would wake up and what could be a civilized conversation would become a bloodbath.

Genya sat Senjuro down in a bench right beside Mitsuri and walked off to get the three of them their meals, she had to hold in an excited shriek at seeing the adorable gesture, she still had to act like a grown puma and discipline the younglings!

But it was super cute… After this discussion she’ll mention this to Senjuro, when they’re in private…

With their plates in hand, Senjuro began to explain everything since before he got lost, leaving out the details that involved his discomfort when around his family or inside his home.

Genya only added a bit of information about how their encounter in the forest happened, favoring checking the bruise on his friend’s leg as the talk continued.

Mitsuri couldn’t even imagine the terror these two cubs felt in that situation, she may not have much knowledge on their relationship, but, to find a friend in such a state, it must have been so difficult for Genya! Oh, the poor thing!

“Oh my, that’s terrible! Are you two okay?” She fussed, putting her bowl down and grabbing Senjuro’s cheeks in her hands, looking deep into his eyes.

“We are fine now, Kanroji-sama.” Genya answered for them both, smiling at the interaction (and secretly hoping she wouldn’t do the same to him, he doesn’t want Senjuro to get the wrong impression once he inevitably reacts to it.)

Fortunately, she only patted him on the head, “No need to be so formal, you can call me Mitsuri! You’re Senjuro’s friend, after all.”

The pup still blushed, instead, because of the close title, it was confirmation people really saw them as close.

“You’re not going to tell Aniue or Nii-chan, right?” Senjuro pleaded, failing to hide his fear.

“Don’t worry, I promise to keep your secret well and safe.” She offered her pinkies to them both, who took one each.

“Besides,” she leaned closer to whisper, and they followed, “Kyoujuro was just the same when he was a leveret.”

Both cubs perked up, “Really?”

“Iguro told me all about it!” Mitsuri chuckled behind her hand, “He was a bit of a troublemaker.” Then waving down the cook from her seat to get another rice bowl.

As they finished eating, leaving the heavy topic behind, Mitsuri picked Senjuro up to take him back home, knowing all hiding spots to not get caught sneaking back in.

They waved Genya away, kit and puma feeling guilty since they couldn’t help him go back to the Stone estate or at least check his injuries.

He brushed the worry off, smiling wide, “I’ll be fine, just make sure Senjuro rests!”

Senjuro watched in silence, eyes puffy, face red and body hurting, he could only wish to feel close again.

He hadn’t even noticed how close they were!

Well- yes, it was an emergency that required them to consider safety over modesty, but still!

Heavens, Senjuro asked to guard the pup’s neck, acting as if he had the right!

Dust had settled and all the kit could feel was absolute embarrassment, who does he think he is?

Mitsuri could only watch as Senjuro covered his face, whimpering.

Sometimes, she wonders if he really is Kyoujuro’s family and not hers, maybe some long lost cousin, or, at least, a lagomorph and not a feline.

The reaction was all too familiar to her, cheeks warm and mind running wild, now she understands why Kyoujuro was so worried about his kitten.

Mitsuri laughs, rocking him in her hold to let Senjuro know there was no judgement from her part. He only whined louder.