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Zenitsu didn’t really like school. But honestly, who did? Certainly not him.
He was stuck in another long day. The weather kind of gloomy so it only dulled his mood. It was cloudy with ugly grey clouds. It only showed that there would be a storm passing by. The bright lights shining in his face with the uncomfortable desk that was probably the cause of his back pain only made it worse. But at least the rain drowned out most of everything that would usually bother him. What a decent white noise.
Even if he focused, he could hear everything around him.
The kid in the back of the class chewing on gum. Hearing the gum squelch and that persons lips smack was such an ick! To hear that for a whole class period was absurd. Not to mention the pencils all scribbling around him. He normally liked the noise as it was satisfying. But when one or two people had those cheap mechanical pencils that had the graphite squeaking when it was being dragged around paper was uncomfortable. It made his body ick.
Laughter from other classrooms wasn’t as annoying or gross. But knowing that other teacher’s were making their classes fun while Zenitsu sad in this bland, quiet room made him want to throw himself out of the window before the math teacher did.
One thing that was easiest to tune out was the mass of heartbeats. The teachers, whose heart quickened after they checked something on their phone. Probably a text from a significant other, Zenitsu secretly hoped they broke up. He wouldn’t admit he was just upset he was single. The steady heartbeats from people submerged in class work. The ugly heartbeats from people with ugly personalities was something Zenitsu also didn’t like.
While having incredibly remarkable hearing was great, it really did have its downsides.
But he had one best friend. His favorite person on Earth, Tanjiro Kamado. He had the best heartbeat ever.
Zenitsu can’t even lie! It was otherworldly. It proved how kind of a person he was. He was gentle, but also firm and confident in a way. It also had a beat that mimicked something near perfection. It was beautiful and never off pitch. There were many unique ways his heartbeat worked, but you could never mistake it for anything else. It was so recognizable and just gorgeous. Zenitsu wished he had a heartbeat like Tanjiro’s.
As Zenitsu got lost in thought, he heard the bell. He hated that it was slightly off pitch, it always made him want to cringe when he heard it. But after hearing it a million times every week, he’s gotten more used to it. At least it was the last class of the day!
As he was gathering his things and heading to his math class, he heard proof of a storm.
A lightning strike.
Not even a distant one. It felt as if it was right next him even if it wasn’t. One that rang through his ears directly into his brain. It made him also relive the shock from past experiences.
It made him jump from where he was. He wanted to curse! He hated lightning. He never liked it BEFORE he was struck by lightning because of its volume level. But since he was struck, it was his least favorite thing ever. He can only remember the heat and shock from it. The fear swelling in his body that he could die.
He quickly noticed the ringing he heard in his ears afterwards. And suddenly everything became extremely loud and his already sensitive ears were worse, starting to make him panic a little.
Walking in the hallway just trying to hang in there became a nightmare.
The mass of footsteps, the chatter and giggles from everyone, the music in somebody’s headphones, phones buzzing, more gum. Even the sound of him bumping into someone was enough to make him want to go into a fetal position and just start sobbing.
Once he got to his next class and the next bell rang, he was still struggling. His ears were really staring to hurt, he hated it.
He hated that Mr. Shinazugawa talked so roughly. His rough heartbeat made it worse. He was always annoyed and always threatened to throw people out windows. He had thrown phones before, so all the students were worried he’d throw a student next. Or even the gym teacher, Mr. Tomioka.
He also hated the breathing of the student trying to nap in the corner, Genya. And how the teacher slammed a book on his desk, making him jolt awake. Zenitsu also felt awake and like his heart was in his throat. It made his headache he didn’t even know he had way worse. He felt like his body was starting to sweat.
And then, of course, the teacher was writing stuff down on the board really aggressively. The sound of chalk on chalkboard made him cringe. It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t smush it as if it was trying to break the board. He could practically hear the dust of the chalk fall on the floor. And to top it off, he even clapped his hands together loudly to get the rest of the chalk off his hands!
He was definitely Zenitsu’s least favorite teacher after he started yelling again. His ears felt like they were bleeding and he wanted nothing more than to leave.
“Wake your ass up Genya!! I’m not fucking kidding I’ll throw you out the damn window! You haven’t even written your notes!” Mr. Shinazugawa yelled at Genya, who was probably confused from being violently shaken awake so quickly. Tears sprang in Genya’s eyes from the light hitting them, Zenitsu noticed his heart quickening with shock at being yelled at.
Genya sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Sitting up and fixing his posture to prove he’d focus, “Sorry Nemi I was jus—“
Sanemi whacked the back of his head with a packet full of probably answer sheets. Mr. Shinazugawa’s anger simmered at his little brothers nickname for him. Genya went quiet and started writing things down. His heart racing with embarrassment mixed with determination as he seemingly shrank as to not be as noticeable at the back of the class.
While the teacher was mean and scary, and nobody could actually tell if he would throw a student out the window…
Why couldn’t Zenitsu have brotherly love like that!? Kaigaku was a brat! He doesn’t soften around Zenitsu at all. He gets punched and bullied!
Zenitsu huffed. Writing down numbers that he definitely wasn’t trying to understand. He didn’t like math one bit. But with his ears rewarding him(not actually) with a pounding headache, he wanted nothing more but to leave already.
It took a bit. But finally, Zenitsu stood at the gate, awkwardly waiting for Tanjiro. He was getting a bit nervous and he was already wanting to leave. The footsteps and chatter of everyone making his ears feel like they were screaming at him for getting punished. This was really starting to bother him, he just wanted to get home.
Thankfully, Tanjiro came around. He seemed to have ran there, with Zenitsu’s evidence being his panting, messier hair, his heartbeat, and his flushed face.
“I’m sorry Zenitsu! I got tasked to do a few things before I could go.” Tanjiro explained. He felt bad.
Zenitsu shook his head, “I don’t care about that. Jeez.” His eyes shot down to Tanjiro rolling up his sleeves probably because he was hot from running. He swallowed nervously. His arms were strangely attractive.
Tanjiro smiled apologetically anyway, “I wanted to make it in time before the rain comes in. Looks like I was on time!”
Of course. Life being life, the rain started up and was soon going to leave them both drenched. So not only would be be soaked, he’d be in even more pain because of the noise. Fantastic.
He made an annoyed face once he noticed he left his umbrella. Tanjiro had one, thankfully. He was always prepared, he was the type of guy to give up his jacket and toss it over a puddle so you could walk through. Zenitsu almost put himself in that situation in his head, but he felt foolish and decided to stop.
“Nezuko went ahead. She knew about the rain and let me use hers! Oh, and do you wanna come over?” Tanjiro smiled. He clicked the button at the bottom of the handle and scooted towards Zenitsu. Their shoulders brushed together, which almost made Zenitsu have a heart attack.
Zenitsu thought about it going over. But if he had to last a few more hours outside of his home, he’d probably die.
There was also the issue with his siblings. While he adored them and their angelic presences, there was also the issue of their rowdiness. His ears were guaranteed to be bleeding if he went over there. But this was the first time Tanjiro was free in a while because of the bakery and babysitting and after school activities. Zenitsu selfishly wanted to keep him around even if it meant some more pain because of his chirpy voice.
“How about we go to mine? Kaigaku isn’t there or anything.” Zenitsu suggests. Tanjiro takes this offer up quickly, Zenitsu is relieved.
They walk back to Zenitsu’s house together. It’s relatively peaceful and Tanjiro took the chance to link their arms(which made Zenitsu almost die on the spot) and fill him in on his day. Zenitsu really tried listening because he liked the sound of Tanjiro’s voice but his headache was worse. The ringing in his ears felt louder and the rain hitting their umbrella as they walked made him want to burn the umbrella and the continuous thunder made him feel sick to his stomach.
Tanjiro seemed to notice this as he picked up the pace quite a bit. His arm that was linked with Zenitsu’s was held firm and Zenitsu almost stumbled a few times because of how he was holding on.
Eventually, they made it to where Zenitsu lived. They walked in and saw his Gramps dozing off in the living room on a recliner.
“Hey Gramps. I’m home with Tanjiro—“ Zenitsu started but got cut off by a loud voice that made him wince.
Gramps shouted back, “I know who he is! Just make good choices.” He glared at the two but he didn’t mean much by it. Tanjiro just bowed deeply, “Thank you for having me here!”
They walked to his bedroom and the first thing Zenitsu aims for is his bed. He slides his hands underneath his pillows and hides his face. He felt the bed sink next to him and from that gorgeous heartbeat he knew it was Tanjiro.
The weather just made him move his hands over his ears. He felt Tanjiro tap him on his leg to grab his attention and Zenitsu just whined and turned his head so he was able to see Tanjiro a little bit.
Tanjiro asked, “I noticed you were bothered a lot earlier. I thought it was your ears, are you okay?”
Zenitsu felt mortified that he found out so fast. But he was also being obvious and he didn’t mind Tanjiro doting on him like that but it often made him feel unsure of himself.
Zenitsu mumbled, “Yeah actually. Sorry if it kills the mood I’m kind of pissed about it too.”
Zenitsu felt embarrassed. Tanjiro just sounded concerned. He was always ready to jump to people’s aid.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Tanjiro asked. Of course he did. He was a saint or something.
Zenitsu only shrugged. This rarely happened, and if it did he’d get over it, “I dunno. Some heartbeats make it more bearable though.”
Tanjiro asked, “Who’s?”
Normally, Zenitsu would be mortified to admit he openly found comfort in Tanjiro’s heartbeat. Zenitsu was drawn to him quickly, but he found himself attached when he heard how kind he was. He wasn’t faking it to fake it, he was genuinely one to look out for people. He was kind and Zenitsu couldn’t get enough of it. Still, he’s never admit this before.
Zenitsu replied pretty quickly without much thought. Maybe he was feeling a bit quirky or something stupid, he said without a moment of hesitation, “Yours.”
He didn’t think much of it. It was only when he heart Tanjiro’s heart skip a beat and proceed to quicken. Zenitsu looked up to see him staring wide-eyed.
“I just mean— you know! You’re a nice person and it really reflects on your heartbeat aha,” he explained, “that sounded so weird that’s my bad! It’s just comforting you know?”
Zenitsu’s word vomit made Tanjiro laugh. It sounded beautiful and Zenitsu wanted to hear it again even if it hurt his ears. His hand clutched the ends of his sleeves. What the hell was happening to him?
They died to a silence. Tanjiro was still staring and Zenitsu had his eyes put everywhere but at him.
“What about noise canceling headphones?” Tanjiro suggests.
“My step-brother broke them a while ago. Even then it wouldn’t help with the ringing.” Zenitsu explains.
They both went quiet again as Tanjiro wracked his brain. Zenitsu didn’t think there was a solution and that it would go away with time. He’d be happier if Tanjiro just moved on.
Unfortunately, Tanjiro was persistent.
Zenitsu finally looked up at Tanjiro after he went silent for a hot second. He took in every little detail. His heart started racing once again, his eyes were wide and Zenitsu swore he was almost shy. He didn’t notice when Tanjiro scooted closer, but now their legs were touching. It seemed he wanted to say something.
Zenitsu forced himself to find words. Given it was a bit off pitch and cracked, he still managed to ask, “What is it?”
“What if you put your head on my chest and then we can—“ Tanjiro started. But was startled and closed his mouth shut when Zenitsu almost screamed out of shock.
“WHAT?!”
“You said my heartbeat helped!! So I was wondering if you were closer, it would tune out the loud noises better.” Tanjiro remembered to keep his voice quiet as to not hurt Zenitsu’s ears.
Zenitsu was quiet so Tanjiro continued, “Sometimes I get overwhelmed because of so many smells. So I have ones I like over everything else and it really helps me a lot. Do you understand?”
Zenitsu nodded. If he wasn’t blushing before, he definitely was now. That was so intimate, Zenitsu’s never been close to anyone like that before. Let alone a guy! Tanjiro so casually recommended it too. Well, not really, he seemed to panic after.
Zenitsu heard Tanjiro’s heart drop and he quickly made up his mind to ease Tanjiro’s heart, “O-Only if it doesn’t bother you!”
At this, Tanjiro shook his head quickly. His hands hovered a bit awkwardly and Zenitsu only stared with an anticipated breath.
“Of course it wouldn’t bother me!” Tanjiro insisted. He was always a helpful person. He didn’t once hesitate to help somebody in need unless he was physically restrained. He was so genuinely kind it would make Zenitsu want to cry.
Zenitsu mumbled a quiet, “…Let’s do it.” and they went quiet again. Tanjiro was unsure on if he should move yet because of Zenitsu’s stiffness. But eventually his hands reached out to pull the boy close.
They both scooted to where if they laid down their heads would be on the pillow and Tanjiro kind of manhandled Zenitsu so they could find a comfy position. They eventually found themselves practically cuddling, with his head on Tanjiro’s chest and his arm slung over his stomach. Tanjiro’s arm supported his back and his hand was firm on his shoulder to keep him close. Zenitsu thought he’d pass out because of how fast his heart was beating. Tanjiro seemed to be doing the same though.
“Is this fine?” Tanjiro asked. His hold on him tightened just a bit. His arm was really warm on Zenitsu’s back and he found his whole body tingling as he curled up slightly more on the guy in his bed. This was extremely new, yet he didn’t hate it.
For a good while, the silence is extreme. The pure tension it had was enough to make Zenitsu wither away. He suddenly felt so hyper aware. Tanjiro’s breathing was light but slightly off as if he was nervous. He heard his heartbeat and the way his body shifted just a small amount. If this silence went on for so long he would have sworn they would have gotten up and did something else. Zenitsu didn’t want that for some odd reason. He told himself it was because it did help his ears and nothing else.
He tried lightening the mood with a small comment, “Your heart is beating like crazy.”
Tanjiro chuckled so Zenitsu assumed it worked. He found his ears less focused on everything hurting and instead on his best friend he was laying with. This felt nice, Tanjiro’s recommendation was working!
“I hope it’s not a problem,” Tanjiro replied. He was also being playful but he did sound a little bit panicked. Zenitsu wanted to wash away those feelings quick.
“It’s not, don’t worry.”
They went quiet again. This time, there wasn’t as much awkward. Zenitsu melted into the back rubs he was receiving and Tanjiro seemed to relax and sink into the bed a bit more. Zenitsu’s entire being was being engulfed by this guys affection and he was both over the moon and extremely nervous about it. Why was he so comforting? Why is my face red? is this even okay to do with a guy? Well Tanjiro avoid me after this?
Zenitsu tried his best to ignore his overthinking mind. He clutched Tanjiro’s shirt and closed his eyes to try and doze off a bit. His heartbeat really was angelic so he decided to put more attention to it.
It was like a beautiful symphony where not one person goes off pitch. It was so horrifyingly reassuring that Zenitsu could be led in a near death situation blindfolded and he’d still trust Tanjiro. Ever since they met, Zenitsu was speechless at the time because he was focused so hard on trying not to cry. His soothing heart and his kind words and actions. It was one thing was different about him right now though.
His racing heart.
Everyone has their own pace. Some beat faster than others and he can hear the jolts in the pace in which their heart is beating when the person gets excited or upset.
But Tanjiro’s heart hasn’t stopped beating rapidly since he got here. He wouldn’t complain again because he didn’t want to make Tanjiro pull away. He was comfortable. His hand was still holding on tightly to Tanjiro’s shirt but it eventually died down to a lazy hold. With the way Tanjiro was rubbing circles on his back, he basically had a heart attack. He was a bit touch deprived and Tanjiro’s soothing heartbeat made Zenitsu tired.
His heart that is gentle and reassuring was now a wild flow of combo’s Zenitsu isn’t sure he’s heard before.
Eventually, Zenitsu dozed off. The comfort getting the best of him. He let sleep consume him as he allowed himself to trust Tanjiro who was holding him. He liked the feeling of strong arms wrapped around him. He liked how well he could hear his heart and how comforting the atmosphere was. The bed somehow felt more comfortable now that someone shared it with him. He loved it.
Tanjiro’s nerves seemed to calm too. His heart was at a normal pace now. One where sleep was making his body go autopilot. There were no worries and nothing to stress them. It was just them in Zenitsu’s bedroom, both sleepy and comfortable in each others presences.
The slam of the door made both Zenitsu and Tanjiro wake up. Zenitsu was the one to react faster though, he sat up to face the noise. To his horror, he saw his step brother who was red faced and angry. He had slammed the door open so hard that the doorknob punched a hole in the wall!
Tanjiro slowly sat up afterwards. He seemed kind of thrown off, he must have been lost in his sleep if he was that slow.
“Gramps told me that asshat never left! What the hell are you two doing in here?!” Kaigaku started. He had a threatening aura to him and it made Zenitsu suddenly feel very embarrassed to be caught in this situation.
His mouth started running before his head processed it, “What the hell!! I was just sleeping and you woke us up! Leave me alone!”
Tanjiro nodded in response. He was slowly collecting himself, but he still did seem ready to flop back in the bed at any second. This was evident by his bed head, his drooping eyes, slouched posture, his arm was even wrapped around Zenitsu’s waist. His fingers were even pinching Zenitsu’s shirt. Once Zenitsu noticed this, his face was destined to boil off. Tanjiro seemed off in his own world but at least he was trying to back Zenitsu up.
Kaigaku didn’t look reassured one bit. With a raised eyebrow, he questioned Zenitsu’s words, “Fucking look at him! I might as well skin you both alive!”
Zenitsu was getting aggravated now. He mustered up the strength(mostly nerves) he needed to grab a pillow and throw it as hard as he could at Kaigaku. He was assuming Zenitsu was doing things he definitely wasn’t. He wouldn’t even listen either! Zenitsu shouted, “Just get out! Tell Gramps you broke the wall again too!”
Kaigaku catches this pillow and throws it right back with more force. At this, Zenitsu gets hit right in the face. His embarrassment was only getting worse when Tanjiro whispered an ‘are you okay?’ Zenitsu just groaned loudly.
Tanjiro checked the time and decided to change the topic from whatever it was before, “It’s only been an hour. I really should be heading out about now.” It was directed to Zenitsu but announced to the two step brothers in the room.
Kaigaku shifted his attention to yell at the burgundy haired boy, “And you! Have some fucking manners!”
Says the person who slammed the door open, broke the wall, and started yelling at them first.
It was either a curse or a blessing that Gramps entered the scene with an entrance of his cane swiping under Kaigaku’s feet. It made Kaigaku fall and land right on his side. “Don’t you worry about them!! They were just napping!” Gramps lifted up Kaigaku by the shirt and whispered, “I saw them earlier.”
Zenitsu thinks he just might as well die. He was already one foot in the grave.
“Sorry boys. I’ll make him fix the wall and it’s late! You should be heading home!” Gramps yelled at Tanjiro. He didn’t seem to care much about what happened but was only irritated by Kaigaku. Zenitsu was always irritated by Kaigaku, so that made sense.
Tanjiro jumped up faster than Zenitsu thought he could and he bowed deeply, “Of course! Sorry for the inconvenience!”
Gramps laughed, “Don’t you worry about that! If you want to stay the night, just tell me ahead of time! I hate to send you home but you don’t have clothes or anything.”
Kaigaku looked displeased with the thought of Tanjiro staying over but he wasn’t in a place to say much considering he was being held up by his shirt. Gramps swiftly shut the door and dragged Kaigaku away. Zenitsu heard their arguing fade away and it was soon just Tanjiro and him sitting in silence again. The awkward tension was starting to form again. Tanjiro decided to get his things ready to leave. Zenitsu watched him as he sat on his bed, hugging his knees to his chest.
“I’m so sorry.. that was so embarrassing,” Zenitsu whined.
Tanjiro just grinned, “A little bit. It’s sweet that your brother was looking out for you though, his scent was giving off something protective.” Zenitsu nodded as he listened. Tanjiro’s sense of smell was fantastic as was Zenitsu’s hearing.
Zenitsu didn’t respond so Tanjiro continued, “Do your ears still hurt? I hope— all of that helped.”
Zenitsu’s face felt hot when he remembered how close they were. That intimacy was new and he wasn’t sure he’d know how to react if it happened again.
“They feel better yeah. Thanks for that,” Zenitsu clutched the ends of his sleeves. He didn’t say what Tanjiro did to help, but the implications were clear. They both knew what they did after all.
Tanjiro’s face flushed a light pink but Zenitsu didn’t notice. He instead focused on the sudden proximity of Tanjiro. He looked at him with wide eyes as Tanjiro pulled him into a big hug. His arms wrapped protectively around Zenitsu and he died a bit inside. He wrapped his arms around Tanjiro too, because he liked hugs and he was a sucker for Tanjiro’s affection. They stayed like that for a good minute.
“That helped. I also slept like a rock, so thanks.” Zenitsu admit. His eyes were set on his floor. He listened closely to Tanjiro’s relieving heartbeat because he wouldn’t be hearing it for another day or so.
He felt Tanjiro smile even though he didn’t see it, “Me too! Thanks for having me.”
Tanjiro was the one to break the hug. For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Zenitsu took in all of his features. The room was in dim lighting due to the night sky and the lamps in his room were giving off warm tones of light. Tanjiro’s arms were at his side and he stared with a sweet smile. Zenitsu’s heart strings pulled a this, he didn’t know why.
(he had a guess, he just wouldn’t admit it)
Zenitsu’s hands twitched a bit. He almost brought himself closer and he panicked trying to act normal. He wanted something more to happen, he wanted something he definitely shouldn’t be trying to get from Tanjiro no less. This was his best friend! A boy, his classmate and study partner. While he didn’t know anyone who was homophobic, he was worried about it. It’s something he’d think about later.
He shook off his thoughts and looked away. Tanjiro did too, after staring a second too long for Zenitsu’s liking.
Tanjiro grabbed all his things and waved, “Anyway! I’ll see you tomorrow Zen!”
Zenitsu smiled and waved back.
Once Tanjiro was out of the house, Zenitsu used that as his opportunity to lay down and scream into his pillow. He thinks this is justified because what was that? He had the worst school day and had the best after-school day. He got a hug and a (much needed) cuddle session. Tanjiro’s heartbeat did help him. He knew this because even with the distant thunder, the bickering of Gramps and Kaigaku, and the rain hitting the roof of the house,
His ears weren’t hurting anymore.
All thanks to Tanjiro.