Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He was late. Why was he always too late? Too late to save this family, too late to help Sabito, and too late to get help for his sister. Giyuu entered the empty house, surveying the carnage. The mixed stench of death, blood, and demon cloying in his nose. He froze, there were two scents hiding just under all the decay.

Two milky sweet scents of pups. It couldn’t be? There was no way two pups managed to survive a demon attack this violent. His hesitation broke when he heard the very distinct wail of a distressed pup, “Please!” Giyuu ran towards the sound, praying the two were okay.

He followed the milky scent only to find a demon girl pinning a boy who looked similar to her. “Siblings,” he thought to himself, “How cruel.” He would save the boy and Giyuu would explain everything to him after. He raised his sword to take aim at the demon's neck just for the boy to shove her away at the last second.

Giyuu’s eyes widened in shock, adjusting his aim allowing him to narrowly miss the boy. As the two were blown away by the gust of wind and collided with a tree, Giyuu had time to collect his thoughts.

“It's not attacking him?” he muttered to himself. He took notice of how the demon girl wasn’t actively going after her brother. “Why are you protecting it? It’s a demon.” Giyuu called out.

“She’s my sister, not a demon! I was trying to find help.” the young boy yelled. Giyuu took a deep breath, scenting the air. There was still the distinct sweet milk scent that clung to them both. Demons never kept their secondary sex scents once turned. But this demon no, this girl clearly still smelled like a pup.

“You call that thing your sister?” Giyuu asked as he launched forward to grab the girl. As he held the snarling pup, he took notice that she wasn’t covered in enough blood to have been the source of the attack at the house. There was no blood on her hands or mouth, she hadn't eaten anyone. Yet.

“Nezuko!” screamed the boy, rushing to his feet.

“Ah, that’s her name,” Giyuu thought to himself. The poor pup snarling in his arms couldn’t be more than twelve years old at most and the red haired boy barely looked older than fourteen. Something stirred inside of him, an urge to comfort the crying boy in front of him. “Don’t move,” Giyuu said, “My job is to kill every demon I come across. That means I have to decapitate your sister.”

“No, sir please!” the red haired boy sobbed, “She hasn’t killed anyone, I can find a way to fix her!”

Giyuu scoffed, “If I had been just a few seconds late she would’ve killed you. There’s no way to cure a demon, she’s stuck like this.”

“No, Nezuko would never hurt me! She was protecting our little brother back at the house,” the boy pleaded, “There was another scent at my house, one I didn’t recognize. It had to have been them!”

Giyuu started to raise his sword, aiming for the girl's neck. The boy let out a wail falling to his knees, “Please don’t kill my little sister, she’s the only person I have left.” He bowed his head, continuing to beg, “I’ll find a way to fix her I swear, please just don’t take her from me.” Sobs shook the poor boy's body.

Giyuu clenched his jaw, an overwhelming need to comfort hitting him. What was it about this boy that stirred these protective instincts in him? He’d seen plenty of others beg for their loved ones. So why? Why was this boy different?

“Don’t give others the chance to kill you!” He shouted at the boy, “Stop that pathetic groveling, if that was any help your family would still be alive. How can a weak thing like you ever take the initiative to save your sister.” Giyuu snarled. Giyuu prayed that the boy would stand up, fight back, do anything to prove to him that he was making the correct decision.

The boy looked dumb-founded, tears running down his face. Something in Giyuu whined, wanting to wipe those tears away and hold the boy.

“The weak have no choice but to be crushed by the strong. The demons may know how to cure your sister, but dont think for a second they’d help or listen to you!” he growled, “I have no respect for you either! Throwing yourself over your sister? What a stupid move! You should’ve thrown that hatchet the moment you had the chance! Your mistakes lead to your sister's capture! I could’ve killed you both easily.”

Tears continued to stream down the boy's face. The boy had to be strong to save his sister, Giyuu had no choice but to be cruel to get the pup to start pushing back. He silently apologized before raising his sword and stabbing it in the girls shoulder. The girl let out a scream that shook Giyuu’s core.

“No!” wailed the boy, the scent of despair flaring around the boy. The red haired boy threw a rock at Giyuu before disappearing into the snow being thrown by the wind.

Giyuu’s eyes widened as he dodged another rock, only for the boy to attack him head on. Disappointment flashed across Giyuu’s face, such an obvious attack fueled by anger. He thought the boy would’ve had a better plan. “Idiot!” he hissed, slamming the hand holding his sword on the boy's back. With the boy out cold, Giyuu finally realized he was missing his hatchet.

He heard the whistling of an incoming object and ducked his head to the side just as the hatchet drove itself right next to his face. “He did have a plan,” Giyuu mused.

The demon girl let out a snarl, kicking Giyuu away. “Shit!” he hissed, she was goign to kill him! Giyuu prepared himself to decapitate the girl but froze as she stood over the boy to protect him. She had her arms raised, teeth bared, and growling up a storm. A sight so familiar…

That’s when Giyuu realized why he had begun to grow an attachment to these siblings. He was reminded of the day he was attacked by a demon with his sister. His poor omega sister had gone feral trying to protect him. She had stood over him the exact same way as this poor girl, snarling and covered in blood.

Giyuu was forced out of his memory as the pup charged towards him, claws and teeth bared. He had made his choice, he was going to protect these two no matter what the outcome. As he dodged the attacks from the pup, he sheathed his sword and timed a swift chop to the neck to knock out the girl.

Giyuu let out a long sigh, looking at the two passed out pups. He gently lifted the girl and placed her next to her brother. Taking a good look at them, they looked so small. Too young to lose their entire family in one night.

He quickly fashioned a muzzle out of a piece of bamboo and tore a piece of fabric off his haori, tying the muzzle around the girl's mouth. Giyuu watched them sleep, noticing the protective urge in him. Something distinct, something omegan. He took a few steps back and settled in the snow, “I am so fucked,” he whispered to himself, burying his face in his hands.

He heard a small gasp and looked up, seeing the boy holding his sister's haori with tears once again running down his face. “Good, you’re awake,” Giyuu stood up, brushing snow off himself, “Go see a man named Sakonji Urokodaki who lives at the foot of Mount Sagiri. Tell him Giyuu Tomioka sent you.”

He took a few steps closer to the siblings, noticing how the boy held his sister tighter at his approach. “It’s cloudy so she’ll be fine for now. But do not let her be exposed to sunlight, she’ll die as soon as it touches her,” he knelt down, meeting the boy's eyes, “I know her name but didn’t catch yours.” he said softly.

“My name is Tanjiro Kamado,” the boy, no Tanjiro, said. “Thank you for sparing her life,” he whispered, “We owe you our lives.”

“No, don’t worry, she reminded me of my sister,” he smiled softly, “I don’t want you to deal with another heartbreak so soon.” Giyuu realized he couldn’t let this poor boy bury his family alone. “Before I leave, I'll help you with your family,” he stood, “It’s the least I could do.”

“Ah,” Tanjiro’s breath hitched, sadness souring his sweet milky scent, “We would appreciate it.”

Giyuu moved to take Nezuko from Tanjiro’s arms, “I’ll hold her, you’re exhausted. Let’s head back.”

Tanjiro hesitantly let him take his sister, “Yeah, thank you.”

They made their way back to the house, Giyuu taking in both of their features. Both looking worn out and in dire need of food and a nap. A voice in Giyuu’s head kept whispering to him to protect and provide for the two pups. He tried to ignore it, he hadn’t presented in nineteen years, he was clearly a beta. They just reminded him of his sister, that was all.

Chapter Text

Giyuu was tired. He had helped the siblings move and bury their family. No words were exchanged the entire time, except for small prayers and the occasional sniffle from the boy. Now, the trio stood before the graves, paying their final respects.

His heart ached for the two pups. He knew the pain of losing a sibling all too well. Giyuu wanted to let them grieve, but this world was cruel. If Tanjiro wanted to save his sister, he had to move—fast.

“Remember what I told you?” Giyuu asked the kneeling red-haired boy. Tanjiro nodded, brushing away a few stray tears.

“Go to Mount Sagiri, meet with Urokodaki, tell him you sent us, and don’t let Nezuko in the sun.”

Giyuu gave a firm nod. “Get there quickly. He’ll be able to help. I wish I could take you both, but I have to report back.” He stepped closer, placing a hand on Tanjiro’s shoulder. “The path you’ve chosen is going to be hell. But you have my support. No matter what happens, I’ll have both of your backs.”

Tanjiro stood suddenly and threw his arms around Giyuu, tugging his sister into the embrace. “Thank you, Mr. Giyuu,” he whispered, voice trembling. “Thank you for giving me the chance to fix Nezuko.”

The boy's sweet, milky scent wrapped around Giyuu. It warmed something deep in his chest as he slowly returned the hug. A strange, garbled noise escaped him.

Was he… purring?

He needed to see Shinobu. As soon as possible. But then—

Two more soft purring sounds vibrated against him.

To hell with it. If his broken, unsteady purring comforted the pups, then so be it. He’d purr.

Giyuu pulled back slightly. “I’ll leave my crow with you. He’s old, but if you need to send me a message, he’ll be able to find me, okay?”

Tanjiro nodded before burying his face in Giyuu’s kimono, inhaling deeply.

Giyuu hesitated, his hand hovering over Tanjiro’s back before resting there in a light, reassuring pat. “Take care of Nezuko. And yourself.”

With one last glance, he called for his crow. “Kanzaburo.” The old bird landed on his shoulder. “Stay with them and notify me if they run into any trouble.”

The crow gave an affirmative squawk and hopped to Giyuu’s other shoulder.

“Not me, you old fool! Him—Tanjiro!” Giyuu huffed, grabbing Kanzaburo and setting him on Tanjiro’s shoulder instead.

Tanjiro let out a small laugh. “We’ll see you, Giyuu. Thank you for everything.” He grabbed Nezuko’s hand, bowed, and made his way into town.

Giyuu watched them disappear, a strange emptiness settling in his stomach.

He definitely needed to see Shinobu.

---

He liked the Butterfly Manor. Really, he did. It was usually quiet, the scent of wisteria was pleasant, and Shinobu’s adopted pups were always kind to him, regardless of his aloof nature. He even welcomed Shinobu’s bluntness. What he didn’t like was dealing with were the Kakushi—the constant reminders of his Hashira status, the starstruck looks they gave him.

He sighed, sinking deeper into the examining chair. How long was Shinobu going to take? He wanted to check on the pups. Days had passed, and the worry was gnawing at him.

The door slammed open. “You look like shit,” Shinobu snorted as she walked in.

“Gee, thanks.”

“And you smell?” She leaned in and inhaled deeply. Giyuu froze. He shouldn’t smell. He had bathed before coming here.

Shinobu’s eyes narrowed. “Giyuu, what did you do?”

“I haven’t done anything,” he said cautiously. “What’s wrong?”

Shinobu moved with practiced ease, setting out what she needed to draw his blood. “Either you rolled in a rain puddle, or you’re not a beta,” she mused, reaching for his arm.

Giyuu refused to believe it. He’d been a beta for nineteen years! There’s no way two pups suddenly turned him into anything else. His fingers curled slightly, a flicker of hesitation passing over his face before he finally extended his arm. Shinobu grasped his wrist with a clinical touch.

The press of alcohol against his skin was quick, but the anticipation of what came next settled like a weight in his chest. He kept his face unreadable, but his jaw tightened as Shinobu lifted the needle.

“This might pinch,” she said lightly. But something about her was off—her usual teasing smirk was absent, replaced with something more serious.

The moment the needle pierced his vein. The dark crimson filled the vial, swirling thickly as Shinobu tilted it, watching with unsettling interest.

Giyuu exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay still, but he could feel the rhythmic pulse of his own heartbeat against the needle.

Shinobu finally pulled it free, pressing a gauze pad to the spot. “All done,” she said. But they both knew this was only the beginning.

“Give me half an hour. I need to run a few tests,” she said, gathering a stack of papers. “But first—I have questions.”

Giyuu nodded.

“What the hell happened?”

He couldn’t tell her everything. If he mentioned Nezuko, she’d try to kill his—no, not his—pup.

Giyuu shrugged. “Met two pups. They lost their family in a demon attack.”

Shinobu’s eyes narrowed. “We see that often. What made this different?”

Shit.

He couldn’t just blurt out, one of them was a demon, and her brother saved her from me, and it reminded me of my dead sister.

“The younger one was injured,” Giyuu hesitated, “but her brother was ready to kill me to protect her. They reminded me of Tsutako.”

Shinobu’s expression softened, she knew how hard it was for him to talk about his sister. She sighed. “Continue.”

“I helped bury their family and, uh…” He shifted uncomfortably.

Shinobu raised a brow.

“They hugged me, and I—kinda purred.”

Silence. Then—

“You WHAT?!” Shinobu hissed.

“I… might’ve purred?” he muttered, looking away.

Shinobu pinched the bridge of her nose. “Giyuu Tomioka, I swear to God, if you weren’t the Water Hashira, I would kill you. Why didn’t you start with that?”

Giyuu gave a small, hesitant shrug.

Shinobu exhaled sharply, standing. “I think I know what’s happening, but I need to confirm it. Stay put. Do. Not. Move.” She grabbed the papers and the vial of blood before marching out, slamming the door behind her.

Giyuu sat there, thoughts racing. He had to be a beta. He’d been around alphas in rut and omegas in heat. He's been in the middle of the hashiras' fights, their overwhelming scents. He had never reacted before. He had seen how bad poor Mitsuri gets when the alphas start bickering. His knee bounced as he shoved his face into his hands.

How was he supposed to explain this to Urokodaki? The master? He stood and started pacing. He brought his hand to his mouth and began chewing his nails, a terrible attempt to self soothe.

“I’m fucked,” he muttered.

“Well, not necessarily,” Shinobu’s voice cut through his thoughts. “But you should sit down.”

Giyuu whipped around as she strode back in, holding a stack of test results.

She smirked. “Congrats. You’re a newly presented omega.”

Giyuu snatched the papers from her hands. His eyes scanned the page.

GIYUU TOMIOKA - 19 YEARS OLD
DOB: FEB. 8TH 19XX
HEIGHT: 176CM
WEIGHT: 69KG
GENDER: MALE
DESIGNATION (UPDATED): Ω

No.

There was no way.

He stared at the omega symbol, heart pounding, willing it to change back. His eyes flicked up to Shinobu, pleading. “This stays between us. Please.”

She raised her hands in surrender. “My lips are sealed—patient confidentiality and whatnot.”

“Thank you,” he whispered. “But how? Why am I suddenly an… omega?”

Shinobu’s expression softened with something dangerously close to pity. “How old were you when you were attacked?”

“Thirteen.”

She nodded, her gaze turning clinical. “Your body didn’t feel safe enough to present. Pups usually present between twelve and fifteen, but I’m guessing with Final Selection and being thrown straight into fighting demons, your body and hormones just… froze.”

The explanation settled heavily in his chest. It made sense. Ever since he was a child—hell, even before he turned thirteen—he hadn’t felt truly safe.

“The pups you met essentially forced your omega instincts awake.” Shinobu scribbled something onto a stack of papers. “You need to prepare yourself. I recommend taking it easy for the next few months. We don’t know when your first heat will hit, but one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be rough. You’ve got six years’ worth of suppressed heats and hormones about to crash into you all at once.”

“Take it easy for a few months?” Giyuu let out a bitter laugh. “Should I just send Muzan a letter asking for a break in demon attacks?”

Shinobu rolled her eyes. “We have to notify the Master so he can adjust your workload. Is that okay?”

Giyuu exhaled sharply, letting his head fall into his hands. “Yeah… It’s fine.”

Shinobu hummed in acknowledgment. A sudden tapping at the window startled them.

“Kanzaburo?” Giyuu blinked before a grin tugged at his lips. “What are you—” His stomach dropped. His pups.

He rushed to the window, throwing it open to let the old crow inside.

“Both Giyuu and Nezuko have made it to Mount Sagiri!” Kanzaburo squawked.

Giyuu sighed in relief as Shinobu raised an eyebrow at him.

“It’s Tanjiro. Tanjiro,” Giyuu corrected, huffing.

“Tanjiro and Nezuko have made it to Mount Sagiri,” Kanzaburo repeated, hopping onto Giyuu’s shoulder. “They were attacked by a lower-level demon!”

Giyuu paled. “Are they okay?”

The crow let out another sharp caw. “They defeated the demon with Urokodaki’s help! Tanjiro has begun his training!”

Giyuu finally felt like he could breathe again.

“Well, looks like you’re heading back,” Shinobu mused.

“Looks like it.” Giyuu turned to her expectantly. “Can I grab some supplies?”

Shinobu waved him off. “Go ahead. Go see your pups.”

Giyuu gave her a firm nod before striding out the door. He had to make sure his pups were okay.

Chapter Text

Giyuu had gathered the supplies from Shinobu’s pups. The three girls saw him off at the door, waving their little arms in farewell. He bowed slightly before breaking into a sprint.

He needed to see his pups. Now.

At least two weeks of travel lay ahead, but if he took little to no breaks and kept a constant sprint, he could cut it down to just over a week. He knew he could do it—he’d done far more before. With no distractions, and Kanzaburo flying above him, he pushed forward.

A figure dashed in front of him. He had spoken too soon. “Tomioka,” it snarled.

Ah, he was just seeing all the Hashira today, wasn’t he?

“Shinazugawa,” Giyuu greeted politely, halting in his tracks.

The silver-haired alpha growled, hackles raised. “Where the hell are you rushing off to?”

Giyuu felt the slightest unexpected urge to bare his neck in submission.

“That’s new,” he thought to himself, suppressing the instinct.

His eye twitched in irritation, but he kept his expression neutral. He just wanted to see his pups.

Shinazugawa sniffed the air before scoffing. “Had fun with an omega? At least have the courtesy to bathe. No need to flaunt it to everyone.”

Giyuu had forgotten—he had a scent now. Shinobu had told him it was faint but noticeable and expected to get stronger. “Apologies,” he bowed. “I’ll be sure to remove any lingering scents.” Better that Shinazugawa thought he’d spent time with an omega rather than know the truth.

The alpha let out another irritated snarl and stepped closer. Giyuu had already apologized—what more did he want?

Instinctively, Giyuu reached for his sword. Shinazugawa noticed, gripping his own weapon. “You wanna go?” he growled.

“Urokodaki has summoned me,” Giyuu said hurriedly, hoping to defuse the situation. “He said I must return to Mount Sagiri at once.”

Shinazugawa paused before rolling his eyes. He knew better than to interfere with the former Water Hashira. Urokodaki was the only Water Hashira he respected. “Whatever,” he sneered. “Run to your master.”

Giyuu bowed slightly and took off again. Now, he could see his pups.

It took him ten days to reach Mount Sagiri. Dusk had settled as he neared his teacher’s home. The comforting scent of pine and smoke filled his lungs—Urokodaki smelled like home. He ran toward the familiar scent.

A hint of milky sweetness lingered in the air. His pups. Relief flooded him.

As he approached the house, he heard his name.

“Urokodaki!” Giyuu greeted, running up to the returning man.

The older alpha paused, head tilting in confusion. “You finally presented?”

Giyuu froze. “Finally?” he echoed, confused.

Urokodaki pulled him into an embrace. “Giyuu, I knew you were an omega the moment you arrived at my doorstep. It didn’t take a genius to see how you were with—” He cut himself off. Giyuu knew who he meant. “Anyway, I met the Kamado siblings. A warning about Nezuko would’ve been nice.”

Giyuu rubbed his head sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I meant to send Kanzaburo, but I wanted him to stay with them in case something happened.”

“I understand,” Urokodaki said, placing a hand on Giyuu’s shoulder. “Tanjiro is currently coming down the mountain.”

Giyuu let out a small laugh. “Is it that hell of an obstacle course?” Urokodaki nodded. “Good luck to him.”

He gestured for Giyuu to follow him inside. “I do want to warn you—Nezuko’s been asleep since they arrived. She lost a lot of blood fighting a lower-ranked demon.”

Panic flared in Giyuu’s chest.

Sensing his anxiety, Urokodaki quickly explained. “We’ve discovered she heals through sleep. Since she doesn’t consume humans, her body adapted to recover in its own way.”

Giyuu nodded, relieved that nothing was seriously wrong. Entering the house, his eyes immediately found Nezuko resting on a futon. A small coo escaped him as he knelt beside her.

“How has Tanjiro been handling the loss of his family?” he asked softly.

Urokodaki sighed. “It’s been rough. I hear him cry out in his sleep—nightmares, I assume. It’s to be expected.”

Giyuu let out a soft whine.

“I do think his hope of turning Nezuko human is keeping him occupied. It stops him from thinking too much during the day.”

Giyuu ran his fingers through Nezuko’s hair. “Has she stirred?”

“Not a sound.”

Urokodaki shifted. “Giyuu, tell me—why did you present?”

Giyuu adjusted his position, preparing to explain everything that had happened. As he spoke of his pups and Shinobu’s observations, he realized he was unconsciously scenting Nezuko.

“You know they’ll see you as their mother now,” Urokodaki remarked.

Giyuu nodded.

“They’ve formed a trauma bond with you. And your omega instincts have already taken to them—just look at yourself.”

Giyuu stilled, glancing down at Nezuko.

“Tea?” Urokodaki offered.

Giyuu shook his head. “Trauma bonding sounds bad.”

Urokodaki stroked his chin in thought. “Not in this case. They endured extreme trauma, and you were there, offering comfort and care. They now see you as their caregiver.”

“So, I’m a mother now?” Giyuu murmured.

“You’re a mother now,” Urokodaki confirmed.

“Well, shit.”

“Language, Giyuu. You’re a mother.”

Giyuu chuckled, pulling Nezuko into his lap. “I guess I am.”

They sat in comfortable silence—Urokodaki sipping his tea while Giyuu held his pup tightly, his purring filling the room. His adopted fathers pine scent combined with his pup's milky sweet scent comforting him.

A sudden commotion shattered the peace.

“Tomioka!” a voice screeched.

The door slammed open.

Tanjiro stood there, panting, covered in grime and sweat. “Tomioka!” he cried, launching himself at the omega.

Giyuu let out a small laugh, quickly shifting to accommodate him. “Hello, Tanjiro. I’m glad you made it here safely.”

“You’re here!” Tanjiro beamed, pressing close. “Why so soon?”

“Would you rather I came later?” Giyuu teased.

“No! I’m happy you’re here.”

Giyuu hummed, pulling the boy in and scenting him. Tanjiro let out a content chirp, melting into his embrace. “You smell nice,” he mumbled sleepily.

“Oh?” Giyuu chuckled. “What do I smell like?”

“Like rain and earth.”

Giyuu glanced at Urokodaki, who nodded. “It’s similar to petrichor.”

“Go to sleep, Tanjiro,” Giyuu murmured, stroking his hair.

“Okay, Giyuu.” Tanjiro yawned, settling beside his sister.

Giyuu purred softly, watching over his pups.

Urokodaki stood, stretching. “You should visit more often.”

Giyuu sighed. “I know. It’s just… hard. Because of—you know.”

“Sabito.”

Giyuu flinched.

“Giyuu, you can’t keep running from the mountain and his memory forever,” Urokodaki said gently. “Especially now. They need you.”

Giyuu swallowed hard. He knew.

And now, he had no choice but to stay.

“Can I stay for a few months? Shinobu and I aren’t sure when my heat will hit. I’d rather deal with it here than anywhere else.”

“Giyuu, this is your home too. Of course you can stay,” Urokodaki’s pine scent turned warm. “But you do have to help Tanjiro with his training.”

“Of course. With both of us training him, there’s no way he won’t pass Final Selection,” Giyuu let out a yawn.

Urokodaki chuckled. “Get some sleep with your pups. I’m going to assume you barely rested on your way here.”

Giyuu nodded and gently guided both Tanjiro and Nezuko under the futon, adjusting them so he could lay between them.

Urokodaki watched him settle, his expression unreadable. This is good for him, he thought. He needed someone to finally need him.

Almost two years had passed, and Urokodaki and Giyuu remained on edge, waiting for his heat to hit. He still checked in with Shinobu periodically, who reassured him it was normal.

“This is the longest I’ve seen anyone go unpresented. Just take it easy,” she had said, waving off his concerns. “The moment you start feeling uncomfortably warm and horny, stay in your nest.”

With Shinobu’s clearance and permission from the Master, he resumed taking small missions, never straying more than a week's travel from Mount Sagiri.

When he wasn’t away, both he and Urokodaki put Tanjiro through hellish training. At night, Giyuu and the pups still shared a futon, and Tanjiro had stopped having nightmares eight months into his stay.

“I’m taking him as my tsuguko,” Giyuu announced over lunch one day.

“I assumed as much,” Urokodaki replied simply, taking a bite of rice.

“How much longer do you think it’ll take for him to cut the boulder?”

Urokodaki shrugged. “Could be days, could be months. You took almost a year.” Giyuu frowned, his worry deepening, his father continued “I’m thinking of sending a letter to the Master, notifying him about Nezuko’s situation.”

Giyuu froze. “I’m sorry, did I hear that correctly?” A low growl built in Giyuu’s throat. Nezuko was his pup. He’d be damned if he allowed anyone to lay a hand on her—not even his own father.

Urokodaki sighed. “Relax, Giyuu. Let me finish.” Giyuu let out a quiet snarl but gave him the chance to continue.

“I’m going to inform the Master that Nezuko is a demon who has shown no signs of harming a human. I’ll also include that if she ever does, you, Tanjiro, and I will commit seppuku. This will prove to the Master how confident we are that she will never harm anyone.”

Giyuu mulled it over. It made sense. The Master was always seeking ways to gain the upper hand against Muzan. “You’re certain he won’t order us to kill her?”

Urokodaki nodded. “I am. If anything, he’ll likely want to meet them himself,” the older alpha’s voice softened, “You are their mother, Giyuu. I wanted to get your approval first.”

Giyuu slowly relaxed, “…Okay. That’s fine. I’ll send my own letter explaining my relationship with them.” He hesitated before looking up sheepishly. “I’m sorry for growling.”

Urokodaki waved him off with a small chuckle. “It’s fine. Honestly, I expected worse. I was fully prepared for you to launch yourself at me.”

Giyuu looked away, embarrassed, a faint blush creeping up his face.

Weeks had passed since their conversation, but the letter was sent that same afternoon.

They had been eating dinner in peace when a loud boom shattered the evening stillness. Both men instantly stood.

“You don’t think—?” Giyuu gasped.

“I think he finally did it,” Urokodaki laughed, pride thick in his voice.

They waited at the house’s entrance, watching for any sign of the red-haired boy.

Giyuu stood outside, his heart pounding as he searched the treeline. Then, a figure slowly emerged. “Tanjiro!” he called, sprinting forward.

The boy lifted his head weakly. “Hi, Giyuu…”

The moment Giyuu reached him, Tanjiro collapsed into his arms.

“I’m tired…” he whimpered.

Giyuu cooed softly, holding him close. “I know, Tanjiro. Come inside and rest.”

He let his scent envelop the boy, soothing him until he drifted into sleep.

Later that night, as Giyuu prepared the futons after thoroughly scenting his pup, Urokodaki entered the room holding a letter.

Giyuu glanced up, a questioning sound escaping his throat.

“The Master has summoned you,” Urokodaki said carefully. “He wants to speak with you about the Kamado siblings.”

Giyuu nodded, already expecting this. “…You’re sending him to Final Selection, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

Giyuu turned his gaze toward his sleeping pup, “Do you think he’ll pass?”

Urokodaki sighed. “For both our sakes… I pray he does.”

Chapter Text

Giyuu woke curled in a fetal position, Nezuko in front of him and Tanjiro snoring softly, pressed to his back. Oh, how he wished he could spend his entire life like this—surrounded by warmth, his pups, and his father’s scent.

“Are you awake?” Urokodaki’s voice broke through his thoughts.

Giyuu groaned. “Unfortunately.” The omega dragged himself upright, untangling from the mess of limbs that was his eldest. Tanjiro let out a small whine before snuggling closer to his sister. “Today’s the day, isn’t it, Urokodaki?”

The older alpha nodded solemnly. “You have to see the Master, and he needs to go to Final Selection.”

Giyuu sighed, worry souring his petrichor scent. Urokodaki walked over, handing him a cup of green tea. “He’s going to pass. Don’t worry.”

“I know… it’s just hard not to.” Giyuu took a small sip from the cup. “Is this how you felt when we left for Final Selection?”

Urokodaki only nodded. Both men sat in silence, sipping their tea as they watched the sun rise. If only demons didn’t exist—Giyuu could spend the rest of his life like this.

“He’s going to present soon,” Urokodaki said softly.

“Omega, no doubt,” Giyuu replied. Tanjiro’s sweet milk scent was slowly fading, the charcoal scent brewing beneath his pup scent. “Nezuko, though—she’s going to be an alpha, for sure.”

Tanjiro began to stir under the futon. “Giyuu?”

“Right here.” The older omega called back. “Hungry?”

The boy sat up, raising his arms in a stretch. “Starving.”

Giyuu beckoned him over so they could serve breakfast.

As he watched Tanjiro scarf down his food, Giyuu gently called his name. The boy looked up, cheeks stuffed with rice. Giyuu let out a laugh as Tanjiro hurried to swallow.

“We’re separating for a bit, okay?” he said softly.

Tanjiro’s expression fell. “I know. I have to go to Final Selection, and you need to see the Master.”

Giyuu nodded. “I’m leaving after breakfast. Urokodaki will help you pack for your trip. I’ll be quick, and I’ll be here waiting for you. You will come back from Final Selection. You hear me?”

Tanjiro looked into Giyuu’s clear blue eyes, clouded with worry and sadness. He could see how much the older omega cared. He moved to sit pressed against Giyuu. “I’ll come back. I promise.”

Giyuu cupped his pup’s face. “None of that self-sacrificing bullshit, okay?”

“Language, Giyuu,” Urokodaki cut in.

Tanjiro let out a giggle as Giyuu huffed. “Sorry,” he muttered, then turned back to Tanjiro, serious again. “But I mean it. Be selfish. You have to come back to us. You can’t leave Nezuko behind.”

Tanjiro nodded. “I will.”

Relieved, Giyuu stood. “Finish eating. I’m going to start packing.”

After breakfast, Giyuu stood at the door, ensuring he had everything he needed. Satisfied, he turned to Tanjiro, who looked upset. Though the boy had grown taller and filled out, he was still the thirteen-year-old Giyuu had found. Smiling softly, Giyuu pulled him into a hug. “See you in a bit, alright?”

“See you in a bit,” Tanjiro echoed, smiling.

Giyuu thoroughly scented him before hugging Urokodaki goodbye. Then, with a final wave, he set off.

Hopefully, the Master wasn’t too mad.

Giyuu knelt in the Master’s courtyard, worry gnawing at him. Had Tanjiro made it to Final Selection okay? Had he eaten? Was Nezuko alright?

The twins entered the tatami room. “The Master has arrived.”

Giyuu bowed deeply. “I hope you are doing well, Master.”

“Rise, my child,” Ubuyashiki said with a small smile. “Congratulations are in order.”

Giyuu sat back on his heels. Ubuyashiki was an alpha only in name—his scent lacked the domineering presence most had. Instead, a gentle wisteria fragrance clung to him, as with all members of the Ubuyashiki clan. Though the most powerful man in the Demon Slayer Corps, he always spoke in hushed tones, a comfort to many. It was a shame his illness was worsening

“Thank you, Master Ubuyashiki. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for my pups and me.”

Ubuyashiki chuckled. “An interesting set of pups you have. I’d like to meet them. Tanjiro is at Final Selection, correct?”

Giyuu nodded. “Yes, Master. He left the same day I came here.”

“And how is he?”

“Very skilled. He completed training with Master Urokodaki and me in two years, despite having no prior combat experience.”

“My apologies, Giyuu,” Ubuyashiki interrupted with a soft smile. “I meant, how are he and his sister as people? I have no doubt he's well trained with two Water Hashiras training him.”

Giyuu flushed. “Oh—of course, Master. Both are incredibly protective of each other. When I first met them, Tanjiro was ready to kill me, thinking I was a threat to Nezuko. Nezuko has been asleep for two years, so I can’t say much, but Tanjiro is the sweetest pup. He cares so much for others… to a fault.”

Ubuyashiki smiled. “You’ve taken to motherhood well. I’m happy for you.”

“I love them both dearly,” Giyuu admitted.

Ubuyashiki’s expression grew serious. “I must apologize and warn you—I intend to introduce them to the other Hashira. I will do everything in my power to keep them safe.”

Giyuu’s stomach twisted. “You’re certain? Both of my pups will be unharmed?”

“You have my word.”

Giyuu exhaled in relief. But the Hashira… None of them would take this well. Maybe Kanroji, Rengoku, or Tokito—though Tokito might forget altogether.

“No, Master,” Giyuu said, bowing slightly. “You will explain it better than I can.”

Ubuyashiki sighed, understanding. “Very well. I'll introduce them during the next hashira meeting. That’s all I had to tell you. Now, go back to your family.”

Giyuu nodded frantically, eager to return. All he wanted was to curl up with Nezuko and nap.

“Well off you go,” Ubuyashiki chuckled.

“Thank you very much Master Ubuyashiki. Stay safe and healthy,” Giyuu bowed deeply once again before standing and making his way out of the estate.

Ubuyashiki laughed softly watching the omega leave. “What’s wrong Father?” one of the twins asked.

“Nothing dear,” Ubuyashiki softly tousled his daughter’s hair, “Everyone in the corps thinks it’s the alphas you need to watch out for. It’s the omegas with pups you need to be careful of.”

“Why’s that?”

“They will stop at nothing to protect their pups. May the universe have mercy on whoever harms a hair on either of those Kamado children.”

It was night when he finally reached Mount Sagiri. He had run into a mid level demon when returning. Usually it would have been no problem for him but he’s been feeling sluggish for weeks now. Exhausted, he trudged toward the house—until a scent hit him. A newly presented alpha.

Was it…?

His breath hitched as he spotted a figure in pink, long hair flowing in the breeze.

“Nezuko?!” he choked, breaking into a sprint.

She turned, muzzle in place, before running toward him. He caught her, collapsing to the ground as sobs tore from his throat. “You’re awake! Thank God, you’re awake!” The young alpha nuzzled into the omegas chest.

Urokodaki’s voice came from behind. “She woke up two days after you left.” Urokodaki placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, urging him to enter the house. Giyuu stood holding his pup's hand as he entered.“

She’s completely healed. I’ve hypnotized her to think all humans are her family. So she definitely won’t be attacking anyone.” Urokodaki said proudly.

Giyuu laughed through his tears. “Tanjiro is going to be so happy!”

Memories of caring for her flooded his mind. Combing her hair, scenting her, singing lullabies—now, she was awake.

“Thank you so much… Father,” Giyuu said hesitantly.

Urokodaki blinked rapidly, holding back tears. “Of course. Anything for my pup.”

Giyuu beamed. “Now we just wait for Tanjiro.”

Tanjiro was tired and in pain. He stumbled his way back to Mount Sagiri, he was so close.

He just wanted to curl up in Giyuu’s nest with his sister and drink some of Mister Urokodaki’s tea. He missed the soothing scent of petrichor.

He let out a small sniffle. He was so useless, he couldn’t speak to a single demon. They were all quick to attack him. And he had to deal with the hand demon that was taking out all of Urokodaki’s former students.

It was dark when he finally saw the warm light of the house, relief flooded Tanjiro. “I'm back,” he whispered, exhausted.

A loud boom made him jolt.

“Nezuko! Are you serious?! We just fixed that door!” Giyuu’s voice rang out.

Tanjiro blinked, barely processing the words before a pink blur barreled toward him.

“Nezuko…?”

She tackled him. He had tried to run to her, but his battered body failed him—he collapsed under her weight.

“Tanjiro?” Giyuu’s voice cracked, and in the next instant, he was there, arms wrapping around them both.

Safe . Finally, he was home.

“Why did you have to fall asleep?” Tanjiro wailed, clutching Nezuko like she’d disappear again. “Why’d you take so long to wake up?” His voice broke, sobs wracking his exhausted body. “I thought you were going to die!”

“I know, Tanjiro,” Giyuu soothed, rubbing his back in slow, grounding circles. “It was hard, but she’s awake now. She’s safe, and she’s healthy.”

His poor pup. Giyuu’s sharp eyes swept over Tanjiro’s bandaged body, taking in the cuts, bruises, and exhaustion carved into his face. The boy had fought so hard.

Urokodaki stood frozen, staring in disbelief. One of his students had made it home. His arms slackened, and the firewood he carried tumbled to the ground.

He took a shaky step forward. Then another.

And then, he was there, collapsing into the embrace. His calloused hand cradled Tanjiro’s head, voice thick with emotion. “You did good, making it back to us alive.”

The three men broke down.

Tanjiro sobbed into Giyuu’s chest, finally feeling safe after days of terror. Urokodaki let out a quiet, broken breath, relief flooding through him—he hadn’t sent a lamb to the slaughter after all. Giyuu held them both, his heart settling.

His family was together again.

Nezuko, nestled between them, simply chirped, happy that her brother and adopted mother were finally reunited.

Chapter Text

The Tomioka-Kamado family were attached at the hip for the next month. After Tanjiro told them about his time during Final Selection, Giyuu barely let his pup out of his sight. 

“What’s the one thing I asked?” the older omega hissed, glaring at the eldest Kamado.

The boy stared at the floor, “No self-sacrificing.”

“And what did you do?!”

“Put myself in danger…” Tanjiro whined softly, hoping the sound would soften his guardian’s anger. 

Giyuu let out a loud, exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was proud of his pup—he didn’t look it, but he truly was. He raised his arms, silently beckoning the boy over.

Tanjiro’s eyes lit up as he launched himself into Giyuu’s embrace. The older omega could practically see the boy’s non-existent tail wagging as he snuggled in close.

“Don’t do it again,” Giyuu growled.

Tanjiro nodded.

They both knew it was a lie.

And a lie it was. 

The family had separated. Giyuu had returned to his regular missions, while the Kamado siblings were beginning to receive their own assignments as well.

Giyuu was getting constant letters from the boy, which meant he was hovering on the edge of a heart attack at any given moment.

The raven haired omega now sat in the Butterfly Estate, complaining to poor Shinobu. 

“I know they’re going to be fighting demons but I wasn’t expecting a letter saying they fought a former Twelve Kizuki member!” Giyuu slammed his teacup on the small table, “And he’s basically adopted two other demon slayers? One is apparently a boar ?”

Shinobu glared at the other, her peaceful afternoon clearly ruined. Giyuu had been seeking her out more often lately, looking for advice on how to handle his pups. She was the only other Hashira who even remotely understood what it was like to become a reluctant mother figure.

The small alpha sighed, setting her teacup down with exaggerated care.

“So let me get this straight,” she said, voice syrupy sweet, “You took in two traumatized children, and now you're shocked that one of them is out there collecting strays the same way you did?”

Giyuu blinked at her.

Shinobu’s smile widened. “I wonder where he learned it from?”

He scowled. “You could at least pretend to be helpful.”

“I am helping,” she said, gesturing vaguely to the tea set. “This is a support session. You complain, I mock you, and then I give you something that tastes vaguely of jasmine and emotional suppression.”

He groaned and buried his face in his hands. 

Shinobu leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm. “Honestly, I’m more concerned about the ‘boar’ you mentioned. Is that a metaphor, or did he actually find a pig?”

Giyuu lifted his head slightly. “No metaphor. The letter said he wears a boar mask. Refuses to take it off.”

“That’s… odd.” 

“Tell me about it.” 

A moment of silence passed before she added, “You’re worried because you care, Giyuu. That’s not a bad thing.”

He looked away, pretending to focus on the teacup. “I just… I want them to be safe.”

“They won’t be. Not always,” she said, voice gentler now. “But they’ll survive longer because they have you.”

He didn’t respond.

“Motherhood looks good on you, Giyuu. You look healthier,” she smiled, quiet and knowing. “Now drink your tea before I toss you out.”

Giyuu’s weeks were spent like this: bouncing between missions, the Butterfly Estate, and sending letters to his pups. It was somewhat peaceful. Well, as peaceful as you could get fighting demons.

The raven haired omega had been feeling off all day. Something was off in the air since the morning. A horrible unease churning in his stomach.

Both he and Shinobu had gotten a summon from Master Ubuyashiki. 

The news from Mount Natagumo was grim. Kneeling behind their master in the quiet room, they waited patiently for their orders.

“It seems I’ll have to send in some Hashiras,” Master Ubuyashiki said softly, gently smoothing the feathers of the exhausted kasugai crow perched beside him. “Giyuu. Shinobu.”

“As you wish,” they said in unison. 

“If only humans and demons could get along,” Shinobu said sweetly, “Don't you agree, Tomioka?”

He felt the concealed venom laced behind the smile in her voice.

The omega could only think of Nezuko. Oh, how he wished it could be true. Maybe then his poor pup could have some peace. “Impossible,” he replied quietly. “As long as demons eat humans.”

He prayed his two charges were far from that mountain.

Tanjiro was exhausted, barely hanging on. Nezuko was just ahead, so close he could almost reach her.

He swore he had severed the demon’s head… and yet, he could still hear that furious voice behind him. But all he could focus on was his sister. He kept dragging himself toward her, one agonizing inch at a time.

“Blood Demon Art…”

Tanjiro couldn’t afford to panic. Not now. Crimson threads formed a circle around him, weaving tighter and tighter.

He couldn’t raise his arm to defend himself. The threads closed in, causing cuts to appear over his body. 

A snarl broke the boy's concentration and the threads cut. Was it Zenitsu? Inosuke?

The sharp tang of blood lingered in the air, but beneath it rose something softer — the familiar scent of rain-soaked earth. Petrichor. Giyuu.

A hand, steady and warm, threaded through his sweat-drenched hair. His muscles, tense with pain and exhaustion, finally gave way.

“You did a good job holding out until I got here,” Giyuu cooed softly, “Leave the rest to me.” 

And for the first time in what felt like hours, Tanjiro let go. Giyuu was here. They would be safe. 

The Hashira stepped forward, barely contained fury simmering under his skin. He put himself between the demon and his children. The scent of blood hung thick in the air. His grip on the hilt tightened.

“Eleventh Form…” he breathed, eyes narrowing. “Dead Calm.”

The air around him stilled. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.

“Who cares about your eleventh form?!” the spider demon spat, voice cracking with frustration. In a frenzy, it unleashed another barrage of threads aiming to slice and tear.

They never touched him, not a flicker of emotion crossed Giyuu’s face.

A shift. An opening.

His eyes locked on it.

In a blur of motion, he surged forward, blade raised. 

The demon’s eyes widened.

“Don’t touch my pups,” Giyuu hissed, voice cold and lethal as his blade sliced through flesh and bone.

Silence. Then the demon’s head hit the ground. 

“Nezuko!” 

Hearing his eldest cry out, Giyuu turned towards his children. He rushed to their side and dropped to his knees beside them.

“Hey it’s okay. She’s okay,” the omega murmured, voice soft and soothing as he pulled both siblings into his arms. Tanjiro clung tightly to his sister’s kimono, hands trembling. Giyuu let out a series of soft chirps, instinctively scenting both of them, grounding them with the familiar comfort of his presence.

Then he smelled it.

The stench of blood, heavier now. Closer.

A low, guttural growl rumbled from his throat. He looked up from the siblings to see the decapitated demon's body crawling towards them. 

Giyuu made a move to stand but was stopped by his eldest. He glanced down at the boy who just shook his head gently.

“It’s okay, Giyuu,” Tanjiro smiled softly.

Giyuu looked at the body, finally seeing how small the demon was. It, no, he was just a boy. Couldn’t be older than his Nezuko. Giyuu saw the tears welling up in Tanjiro’s eyes.

 Tanjiro reached out towards the demon and placed a comforting hand on his back. The demon's body turned into ash.

“Tanjiro,” Giyuu called softly while standing, “Remember he was still a demon, a monster. He’s killed countless people.”

The boy's brows furrowed in anger, “I know he was! But, he regretted it. I could smell the sorrow and pain he gave off.” 

What was he going to do? His pup had a bleeding heart.

“Demons were once human! They were human like me!” the boy began to raise his voice, “They aren’t hideous monsters”

A flash of white. Steel glinted.

In the space of a breath, Giyuu had stepped forward, blade raised just in time to intercept the needle-thin blade coming straight for the siblings.

Clang .

“Oh my!” Shinobu’s voice chimed, sweet and smooth as ever, “Why would you get in my way Tomioka?”

Giyuu crouched low in front of his pups, muscles taut. He could feel the alpha’s anger. A low warning growl building in his throat. Surprise briefly flashed across Shinobu’s face.

“Tanjiro,” Giyuu murmured quietly, “I know you’re tired but when you get the chance, take Nezuko and run.”

The boy nodded and shifted slightly, waiting for an opening.

“After telling me that we could never be friends with demons…How should I put this?” the alpha tilted her head in mock thought, “That’s exactly why no one likes you, you know.”

She giggled softly and raised her blade towards them, “Now, move.”

Giyuu’s eye twitched in annoyance.

People liked him… 

“You know I can’t.”

Shinobu froze, eyes darting to the demon and the boy protecting her. “Giyuu…” false politeness leaving her voice, “ This is Tanjiro and Nezuko?” 

Giyuu nodded.

“Honestly, this really is why no one likes you,” she groaned in annoyance.

“People like me…” he muttered.

A quiet snort from his eldest caught both their attention. Tanjiro’s arms were wrapped protectively around his sister, his gaze sharp and defiant despite his clear exhaustion.

Shinobu stood still as stone, watching them. Her expression was unreadable — but her silence said everything. Her eyes moved back to Giyuu, “You know I can’t let this go.”

“Shinobu, please,” Giyuu pleaded, “She’s still mine, you have to understand.”

Shinobu exhaled, almost gently. “I’ll make it quick,” she raised her blade again, “For what it’s worth, I am sorry.”

“ Run! ,” Giyuu hissed. 

Tanjiro didn’t waste a second. With Nezuko cradled in his arms, he turned and fled into the forest — footsteps vanishing into the mist just as the first clang of metal rang out behind him.

“You’re not taking her from us,” Giyuu snarled, every strike fueled by the need to protect his pups.

“She’s a demon, Giyuu!” Shinobu shouted, parrying his next blow with a vicious snap. “You know how this ends!”

But Giyuu only fought harder. He refused to lose his small family.

The two exchanged blows for what seemed to be endless, but in reality only a few minutes passed. Giyuu could feel himself slipping. 

He was going to go feral if this continued, he had to break away. Now.  

Just as their blades surged toward what could have been the final strike, a sharp caw cut through the tension.

“Tanjiro and the demon, Nezuko, are to be taken into custody and brought back to headquarters!” the crow announced, voice sharp and commanding.

Both Hashira sheathed their blades and moved to leave the forest. 

Relief flooded Giyuu, it seems the master is ready to reveal everything. He ignored Shinobu’s concerned glances. He was going to be fine, he just had to make sure his pups were okay.

Chapter Text

Giyuu’s head was throbbing. He knew the Hashira were going to be livid. From the icy smile Shinobu was giving him, she looked ready to kill him. They were both standing in the Master’s garden, waiting for the others to arrive.

Giyuu began to move toward her, and he saw her eyebrow twitch.

“If you try to sit next to me for the meeting, I will end you,” she hissed, still wearing her signature smile. The black-haired omega froze in his tracks before moving back to his original spot.

“Sorry,” Giyuu muttered.

The Hashira slowly began filing in, Himejima entering first while Tokito trailed in last. They all moved to their usual spots. Giyuu could hear them muttering amongst themselves, questioning the sudden meeting. He couldn’t care less; he needed to know where his pups were. The Kamado siblings were nowhere to be found, and anxiety began to gnaw at him.

“Tomioka,” Kanroji’s soft voice called out, “you smell different. Are you okay?”

Giyuu broke out of his trance to look at her. “Yes, just a bit worried.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing bad!” she flashed him a bright grin, releasing comforting pheromones.

He nodded but turned his eyes back to the garden’s entrance, praying his pups would show up soon. Giyuu took a deep inhale, hoping to calm his nerves—then he scented his pup. Relief flooded his system.

A Kakushi brought in a passed-out Tanjiro. Giyuu could see the wounds and restraints on his eldest. He could only imagine how bad Nezuko was. A distressed whine escaped his throat. He could sense the confused glances from his comrades.

All he could focus on was his injured pup. One of the Kakushi was trying to wake Tanjiro.

“Wake up. I said wake up.” The Kakushi’s voice grew louder. “You gotta—are you even listening to me!? Wake the hell up!”

Giyuu could feel a growl building in his throat. What right did this man have to yell at his pup? Tanjiro’s eyes shot open with a gasp. They frantically scanned the area before locking onto the Hashira.

Giyuu rushed forward, releasing his petrichor pheromones to comfort his pup. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m right here,” he cooed softly. “Where’s your sister?”

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” Uzui’s voice boomed. “Giyuu’s an omega, and we have this unflashy kid defending a demon. Thought he’d be more interesting.”

“We must see that this boy is put on trial to be judged!” Rengoku added.

Giyuu growled, moving to cover his pup with his body.

“Giyuu? I don’t know where Nezuko is. What’s happening? Who are these people?” Tanjiro frantically asked. “What trial?”

“These are the Hashira, the highest members of the Demon Slayer Corps. I’m assuming the Master is going to tell them about you and Nezuko.” Giyuu moved closer to untie him.

“Tomioka,” Himejima warned, “I advise you to leave those restraints on until the Master arrives.”

Giyuu glared at the largest Hashira, a growl building in his throat. “I will do as I please. He is mine.” He could see Shinobu shaking her head in warning. Giyuu sighed; he wouldn’t win a fight against the oldest omega. He had to stay level-headed and find his youngest.

“Fine,” he hissed. He leaned closer to his pup. “I’m sorry, Tanjiro. I’m going back to my spot in line. I’ll see if I can find out where Nezuko is, okay?”

Tanjiro nodded, and Giyuu moved back into line.

Shinobu cleared her throat. “This is the Demon Slayer headquarters. You are here because you, Tanjiro Kamado, are to be put on trial. Before we begin, why don’t you explain the crime you’ve been-”

“There’s no need for a trial!” Rengoku’s loud voice cut her off. Shinobu sighed in annoyance. “Protecting a demon is a clear violation! We’ll take care of it ourselves and execute them!”

Giyuu could feel his anger rising. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. The omega heard Uzui agree with the Flame Hashira. He began to move to go look for his youngest pup, but before he could get anywhere, a strong grip stopped him.

Uzui had his arm locked in a tight grip. Giyuu glared at him and hissed, “Let me go.”

The alpha lowered his head closer and growled, “From what I’ve heard, you’re just as guilty as that kid. So, nope. You’re not going anywhere.”

Tanjiro, seeing that his guardian was unable to leave, began to call out, “Nezuko! Zenitsu! Inosuke! Murata!”

“Forget about the kid. What are we going to do about Tomioka?” Iguro’s voice rang out above them. “Seeing him stand there with no remorse is making me ill. Based on what Kocho told us, he’s just as guilty. How should we make him take responsibility?”

Giyuu slowly turned to Shinobu, feeling betrayed. She had told them all? Shinobu refused to look at him, her eyes trained on his pup.

“What do you have to say for yourself, Tomioka?” Iguro’s voice dripped with venom. Almost all the Hashira turned to look at him.

“I think it’s fine. He did come here without resisting,” Shinobu cut in. “We can come up with a penalty for him later. I’m more interested in what this boy has to say. You are aware that traveling with a demon is against Corps rules, right?”

“She’s my-” Tanjiro started, before a fit of coughing cut him off.

“Kocho, help him, please,” Giyuu begged. “He’s still a pup.”

Shinobu reached into her uniform before producing a jug. She uncapped it and stepped toward the eldest Kamado, taking note of his multiple injuries. She knelt down and held the jug out, allowing the boy to take it between his teeth. “Drink slowly. I can tell you’ve injured your jaw. The water has anesthetic, so it’ll help. Your wounds are healing, so don’t push yourself too much.”

Tanjiro did his best not to gulp the entire jug in one go. After he’d had enough, the alpha took it back. “Are you ready to tell us your story, Tanjiro?”

The boy nodded. “That demon is my little sister! My family was attacked and I lost everyone! Everyone except her. She may be a demon, but Nezuko has never hurt anyone! She never has and never will.” His voice cracked with desperation. “She’ll never hurt a human being, no matter what!”

Giyuu wanted to comfort his pup. Talking about his family still hurt him. He tested Uzui’s grip again but met the same resistance.

Iguro cut in, not believing him. Himejima commented that they should kill the boy. Giyuu’s anger was at a boiling point. He barely registered Uzui’s comment. The Water Hashira was growling; if one more person threatened his pup, he was going to lose it.

“Excuse me,” Kanroji cut in, her voice honeyed. “Something about this concerns me. There’s no way the Master didn’t know about this.”

“He’s aware,” Giyuu hissed. “I met with him to explain the situation."

Kanroji nodded. “Then we shouldn’t act without his permission. Maybe it’s best we wait until he arrives.”

Noticing the others nod in approval, Giyuu’s growling slowly subsided.

“Please let my sister fight by my side as a Demon Slayer!” Tanjiro cried out.

Both Giyuu and Tanjiro froze at the bitter strawberry scent of the youngest Kamado. They turned to look for the source. Giyuu’s eyes widened when he saw Shinazugawa holding her box. His growling returned full force.

“Well, well, what kind of fun do we have here?” the white-haired alpha sneered. “Is that the moron who brought a demon along with him?”

“Shinazugawa,” Shinobu warned, standing up.

The other ignored her. “What the hell do you think you’re trying to pull, exactly?”

A female Kakushi came running behind. “Master Shinazugawa, I must ask that you put down that box!”

“Put her down!” Giyuu snarled, struggling in Uzui’s grip. He tried reaching for his sword with his free hand but was stopped by a new grip. He turned toward the newcomer, baring his fangs. It was Rengoku.

“Apologies, Tomioka,” the alpha said. “It’s for the best.”

“Bullshit!” Giyuu snapped. “Let me go.”

“Run that by me again, kid?” Shinazugawa scoffed. “Her, a Demon Slayer?” The alpha reached for his sword. “You know what we call that? Completely impossible, idiot!” The white-haired alpha drew his blade and plunged it into the box.

Nezuko’s cry of pain rang out.

Giyuu saw red. He fought harder against the two alphas holding him, growling and hissing.

Tanjiro let out a gasp before running at the alpha holding his sister, stopping just short of him. “Anyone who hurts my sister answers to me! I don’t give a damn if you’re a Hashira!”

Shinazugawa let out a cruel laugh. “Well, how very nice for you!”

“Cease this!” Giyuu howled, hoping to create an opening for his eldest to grab his sister. “The Master will be arriving shortly!” It startled Shinazugawa enough.

Tanjiro leapt into the air and headbutted the alpha. All three fell to the ground. Giyuu was relieved, as long as Nezuko wasn’t in Shinazugawa’s hands, she’d be okay.

Tanjiro ran in front of his sister’s box, growling. “If you can’t tell the difference between a good demon and a bad one, you don’t deserve to be a Hashira!”

“Damn you,” Shinazugawa hissed, grabbing his sword. The alpha began to raise it but was cut off.

“The Master of the mansion has returned,” the twins’ soft voices said.

Ubuyashiki’s comforting wisteria scent filled the courtyard. “My beloved children, I thank you for coming here today.” The twins led their father closer to the gathered Hashira. Everyone quickly moved to kneel. Uzui and Rengoku sank to their knees, flanking Giyuu.

“Good morning. The weather is nice today, perhaps a blue sky?” Ubuyashiki said warmly. “It brings me joy to see you all.”

Shinazugawa slammed Tanjiro’s head into the ground. Giyuu was ready to launch himself at the alpha, but he forced himself back and bowed his head as well.

“I am pleased to see you in good health, Master,” Shinazugawa said politely. “I pray for your good fortune.”

“Thank you, Sanemi,” Ubuyashiki smiled. “I do ask that you show Giyuu’s pup a touch more kindness.”

Shinazugawa quickly let go of Tanjiro’s head. “If I may, Master, before we start the meeting, would you kindly enlighten us about this… Giyuu’s pup? It appears he’s accompanied by a demon.”

“But of course. I apologize for any confusion. Both are Giyuu’s pups. Tanjiro and Nezuko have both been sanctioned. I would appreciate it if you’d all accept this condition.”

Unsurprisingly, most of the Hashira voiced their disagreements.

Ubuyashiki glanced toward his daughter. “The letter, please.”

She pulled it from her kimono and unfolded it. “A former Hashira, Mr. Urokodaki, sent us this letter. Summarized, it states that Nezuko still has her humanity, and if for any reason she harms a human, he, along with Giyuu Tomioka and Tanjiro Kamado, will atone by committing seppuku.”

Giyuu looked toward his pup. Tanjiro’s eyes were full of tears. He smiled softly and nodded his head, hoping to comfort the younger.

“Who cares how they choose to end their lives? Fire, hanging, it’s all the same!” Shinazugawa huffed. “It doesn’t guarantee our safety!”

“You do have a point,” Ubuyashiki said, contemplating. “We can’t guarantee she won’t attack a human. That being said, we can’t prove that she will attack a human either. We do know for certain that she has been abstinent for over two years. And there are three people who will vouch for her. If this evidence is rejected, one must offer in turn an even more convincing argument.”

Shinazugawa growled softly.

“Are any of you able to do so?” Ubuyashiki waited a moment. “There is another thing I want to relay to you. Tanjiro has met Kibutsuji face-to-face.”

The Hashira gasped in shock and bombarded Tanjiro with questions. Giyuu stared at his pup in disbelief. Tanjiro was actively avoiding his guardian’s gaze. He was going to wring his pup’s neck the moment he was able to.

Ubuyashiki raised a single finger to his lips, effectively silencing them all. “Speaking of that man, we know he has sent pursuers after Tanjiro.”

Giyuu glared at his pup. Oh, he was definitely going to tear that child a new one for not mentioning anything to him.

“While his goal may simply be to silence Tanjiro, now that he has fully revealed himself, I wish to seize on this opportunity. I also believe something is happening to Nezuko that Kibutsuji never saw coming,” Ubuyashiki said. “Do you agree with me now?”

“I’m afraid I don’t, Master,” Shinazugawa hissed. “If it were human, there would be no question we’d spare it. But after all we’ve gone through, after losing countless brethren, asking us to house a demon? It’s unacceptable!”

Shinazugawa unsheathed his sword and brought it to his arm. He sliced into it, causing blood to splatter on the floor. “I will prove to you the depravity of a demon, here and now!”

“Sanemi,” Ubuyashiki said softly.

The white-haired Alpha grabbed Nezuko’s box, letting his blood drip over it. “It’s time for your dinner. Take a bite!”

Everyone could hear Nezuko scraping her nails inside the container. Giyuu had faith in his daughter; he knew she could handle it.

“No need to hold back,” Shinazugawa sneered. “Just show us your true colors, and then I’ll destroy you right here.”

“Get away from her!” Tanjiro screamed.

Iguro rolled his eyes. “It's daytime. No good doing this now, it’ll only show itself in the shadows.”

“He wouldn’t…” Giyuu whispered.

“Master, please excuse the discourtesy I am about to commit.” Shinazugawa grabbed the container and jumped into the room in front of them. Uzui and Rengoku quickly grabbed Giyuu again.

The white-haired Alpha threw the box to the ground and held his sword up.

Giyuu’s eyes widened. “Shinazugawa, do not touch her!”

The Alpha ignored him and stepped toward the box.

“Shinazugawa!” Giyuu screamed, struggling. “You hurt her again and I will slit your throat!”

Uzui and Rengoku shared surprised looks. They had never seen the Water Hashira this livid.

Shinazugawa ignored him and plunged his sword into the box.

“Stop it!” Tanjiro wailed, struggling to get up before Iguro slammed his elbow into his back.

Giyuu’s scent turned sharp and sour, pupils blown and omegan fangs bared.

“Shinazugawa! Iguro!” Shinobu warned. “Do NOT harm those pups any more. He will go feral!”

Shinazugawa grinned wildly. “Come on out, demon!” He stabbed the box again. “It’s the human blood you love so much!” He plunged his sword a final time.

Both Kamado siblings let out a distinct, sharp distress wail, the kind pups use when they think they’re about to die.

“Mama!” Tanjiro cried. “Help her!”

“Great,” Shinobu hissed. “Here we fucking go.”

Giyuu snapped.

He let out a loud howl, shoving the two Alphas off him.

He launched himself into the tatami room, growling. He was out for blood. How dare this stupid Alpha hurt both of his pups?

He tackled Shinazugawa to the ground, unleashing blow after blow onto him. “How dare you touch MY pups! I’ll fucking kill you!” Giyuu roared, completely feral.

“Giyuu!” Ubuyashiki called worriedly. He tried to release calming pheromones.

Nothing could calm him down. He wasn’t going to stop until this man was dead.

He kept landing hits. He could hear a bone snap. He heard people calling his name, but he didn’t care. He had to get rid of the threat.

“Giyuu! Stand down!” Ubuyashiki tried using an Alpha order on him.

Giyuu unsheathed his sword and raised it, chest heaving. He aimed for the Alpha’s throat. “I’m going to kill you,” he growled. Shinazugawa was unable to move.

A small hand reached out and tugged his haori. A bitter strawberry scent surrounded him. Giyuu froze, sword centimeters from Shinazugawa’s throat.

He turned to face the small body tugging on his clothes. He saw a small, round face with wide pink eyes trained on him in worry. He was covered in Shinazugawa’s blood.

“Nezuko,” he whispered, dropping his sword. Giyuu sat back, getting off the Wind Hashira. The small demon wormed her way onto his lap. She looked down at the Alpha in front of them and paused. Giyuu could see the drool running down her chin and hear her low growls. They stayed like that for a few minutes.

She finally scrunched her nose in disgust and turned away. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. If she wasn’t actively going after Shinazugawa, whose blood was covering the tatami room, it was clear she wasn’t a threat to humans.

“Mama! Nezuko!” Tanjiro cried out.

“Master, please untie my pup,” Giyuu whispered. Ubuyashiki nodded and signaled to Iguro to untie the boy.

The moment the eldest Kamado was free, he ran to Giyuu. Injuries be damned, he needed his mother.

The boy wrapped himself around his mother, sobs shaking his body.

“It’s okay, she’s okay,” Giyuu murmured softly. He settled both pups onto his lap, thoroughly scenting them. Tanjiro and Nezuko shoved their faces into both sides of Giyuu’s neck, inhaling deeply. His petrichor scent grounded them. “I’m here. They won’t hurt either of you anymore, okay?”

The Omega raised his eyes to the Hashira watching them. “If any of you touch my pups again, what I did to Shinazugawa will look merciful. You’ll wish I had killed you,” he hissed. “Am I clear?”

The Hashira nodded quickly. The two Kakushi moved slowly toward Shinazugawa to grab him. Giyuu snarled when they got too close to his pups.

Ubuyashiki sighed. “Giyuu, you have my sincerest apology. I swore nothing was going to happen to your pups, and I failed. Please stay as long as you need.” He turned toward the rest. “As for you all, we shall continue this meeting later.” The Hashira all bowed and began to leave the garden. The two Kakushi took Shinazugawa to get his injuries treated.

“Shinobu, Kyojuro,” Ubuyashiki called. “Please help Giyuu with Tanjiro’s injuries.”

Both nodded and began to make their way to the trio slowly.

“He’s still feral,” Shinobu whispered to the Flame Hashira. “He’s not going to let us touch them. I’m going to give him something to knock him out so it’ll be easier to move them. Can you distract him a bit?”

Kyojuro flashed her a grin. “Of course I can! What should I do?”

“Lower your voice!” she hissed. “Just make sure he knows he and the pups are safe now. Praise him, make him feel safe. Don’t need him to go through a drop, then we’re all screwed.”

Giyuu snarled as they approached.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she slowly raised her hands. “We just want to help.”

He snarled, baring his fangs. “Drop the swords.”

She nodded slowly and untied the sword from her waist. “No problem. Rengoku, take it off.”

Rengoku moved carefully to untie his own sword. “Tomioka, it’s okay. Shinazugawa’s gone, look.” He gestured to the now empty spot where the white-haired Alpha had been.

“You did well protecting your pups,” he said, voice softer than usual. His smile was steady, reassuring. “They’re safe because of you.”

Giyuu’s growling slowly quieted. All his attention was on Rengoku. His eyes still showed distrust. “You held me back.”

“I know,” Rengoku said, regret in his tone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was going to do that.” His gaze softened, unwavering. “You saw the threat before any of us… you’re a good mother, Tomioka.”

Rengoku caught Shinobu’s small nod from the corner of his eye, the syringe ready. He shifted a little closer, ready to steady the omega if he fell forward.

Shinobu moved quickly, injecting the tranquilizer into Giyuu, earning a loud yelp that startled the pups in his lap.

He turned on her, clawing weakly, but his movements were already sluggish.

“Mama!” Tanjiro cried out, panicked.

“It’s okay, Tanjiro. We just need Giyuu to sleep for a bit. We have to put Nezuko back in her box and look at your injuries,” Shinobu soothed. “He’s going to be okay.”

Giyuu’s vision was darkening. “Hurt them… and I’ll kill you both,” he slurred.

“We know, Giyuu,” Shinobu rolled her eyes.

The omega went limp.

Tanjiro slipped out from his mother’s lap, lifting Nezuko gently and placing her back into her waiting box.

“Tanjiro, please follow Shinobu to her estate; she’s going to take care of your wounds there,” Ubuyashiki added. “Kyojuro, please go with them and help her with Giyuu. There’s a chance he may still be feral when he wakes up.”

Both Hashira bowed and began to gather the omega’s discarded items.

The three of them moved slowly out of the tatami room — Nezuko’s box on Tanjiro’s back, and Giyuu on Rengoku’s. They made their way out of the garden after saying their goodbyes to the Master.

“Tanjiro!” Ubuyashiki called suddenly. “Send my regards to Tamayo!”

Tanjiro stopped and began to turn, confusion flickering at how the Master knew Lady Tamayo.

Before he could speak, Shinobu grabbed his arm. “Absolutely not,” she hissed. “If Giyuu wakes up before we’re at my estate, he’ll actually kill us for touching you.”

The boy nodded, and the four continued on to the Butterfly Mansion.

Ubuyashiki chuckled softly. His daughters looked at him in confusion.

“And that, my dear twins, is why you don’t harm an omega’s pups. Especially a Hashira’s pups.”