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The first time Tomioka comes to the butterfly estate on his own, Tanjirou has just recovered from his latest mission.
"What is it?" The omega assumes it has something to do with the Corps, because why would the alpha come to pay him a visit? Or maybe he hasn't come to see him, even though the water hashira is in the omega's room at the moment. "Do you have another meeting?"
"No," Tomioka smiles, which prompts a kakushi nearby to gasp for some reason. "I just wanted to see you."
"Oh," Tanjirou blinks once, then twice, trying to process what he just said. "Oh! I'm so glad you're here!"
The omega beams, thinking that maybe the alpha considers him a friend too.
"I'll bring you something to eat," the water hashira says with a fond smile on his face, right before he gently nuzzles against Tanjirou's cheek.
It's not the last time he does it, Tomioka is there every time Tanjirou is back from a mission. After a while, he starts giving him all kinds of gifts.
Tanjirou gladly takes them, even though he assures the Pillar he's done more than enough for him and his sister, but Tomioka is very determined to bring him cute things to make him smile.
"I think it's his way to remind me that we're friends," Tanjirou mumbles out loud once while he's with Inosuke and Zenitsu on a mission.
The blond beta stares at him like he's crazy.
"Tanjirou," he sighs, as if he's trying to gather all the patience in the world. "These are courting gifts."
The omega blushes to the tip of his ears, but he shakes his head a couple of times.
"No, that's not possible," he stammers, feeling embarrassed when he notices that his own scent has changed; his inner omega is very pleased with the information. "He wouldn't... he's not..."
"Why not?"
"Because he's... Because I'm not–"
"No. Don't finish that sentence," his friend growls, cutting him off. "You're amazing, Tanjirou and anyone would be lucky to have you as mate."
"Zenitsu," Tanjirou beams, feeling a sudden wave of affection towards his friend. "That's so sweet!"
"Whatever, I–no, don't hug me! He'll get jealous, he'll kill me!"
"I assure you he won't," Tanjirou says, mostly because he still can't believe Tomioka could be interested in him like that.
Turns out the alpha does get upset over that; Tanjirou finds the water hashira glaring at Zenitsu as soon as he runs into him in the butterfly estate and starts questioning him about his relationship with Tanjirou.
"He's my friend, Tomioka-san," he assures the alpha, who immediately relaxes after listening to Tanjirou's words.
Then his scent changes; it's almost like he's embarrassed out of the sudden.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes. "It's not usually that difficult for me to control myself, but... I really love you, Tanjirou and I'm... I'm a very possessive alpha."
Tanjirou is so surprised by his words, he doesn't notice when Zenitsu takes the opportunity to flee.
"Oh, it's alright," it's more than alright actually because Tanjirou's inner omega purrs in delight at the thought of Tomioka being possessive. But he's not going to tell him that. "D-Do you love me?"
"I have been in love with you for a while now, Tanjirou," the alpha says softly, before pressing their foreheads together. "I thought all those gifts were obvious enough."
"It took me a little bit longer than expected, but I get it now," Tanjirou giggles, rubbing his nose against the alpha's cheek. "And I agree to this courtship."
"I'm glad," the water hashira grins, leaning even closer to bury his face in the curve of the omega's neck. "Can I kiss you?"
"Please," Tanjirou sighs, smiling sweetly, as his inner omega purrs again.
The kiss is more desperate and hungry than he expected, but he loves every second of it; he quickly forgets they're in the backyard of the butterfly estate until Aoi scolds them both because that's not the place nor the time to do that.
Tanjirou blushes to the tip of his ears and pulls away before hiding his face in the alpha's chest. Then he hears Tomioka's laughter and realizes it's the first time he listens to it.
Tomioka is completely happy and his happiness is contagious. That's the moment when Tanjirou's doubts disappear and he's absolutely sure that they'll be a good match.