Chapter Text
When the bell rang, his eyes were ripped open. The class immediately erupted into noise and chatter as Senjuro reluctantly put his head up from his desk. It had been a free lesson so he just had spent all the lesson just resting and having a nap.
Gathering his stuff to go in his bag, he got up from his seat to head to the canteen for lunch, still groggy from being interrupted from his sleep. The young 1st year went through the maze of tables that sat in the canteen to go to sit next to a specific one where he met his friend, Nezuko.
Nezuko was a sweet, confident, girl in his class who one day, threw him over her shoulder and Senjuro hasn't got off since, they had known eachover for years. To how they became friends, neither of them can remember how or when they became friends, they just kind of spawned into eachovers lives.
"Gosh through art I was having the most nicest, glorious nap I've ever had. Only to be interrupted by the- stupid bell" Senjuro groaned, throwing his bag under the table.
"You looked like you were having such a nice time" Nezuko sympathised, patting Senjuro's shoulder as she got her bag out from under the table.
"I was!" Senjuro moaned, banging his head onto the table.
When she finished wrestling her lunch out of her bag, she opened the plastic, pink box, the colour alike to the bow that sits on her side part. She got a ham sandwich out of one of the compartments and split it, giving one piece to Senjuro. A little thing Nezuko would do anytime they ate together.
"No no, it's fine Nezuko!". Senjuro reassured, placing his hands up to deny the offer.
This was a also a little thing Senjuro would do whenever they ate together, which was almost daily.
Nezuko glared at Senjuro, nudging the other half of the ham sandwich at him. Senjuro reluctantly took it.
"Thank you- are you sure?" Senjuro asked, looking into Nezuko's exasperated expression.
"Senjuro Rengoku. If you don't accept it I will-"
"Okay! Okay!" Senjuro said, giggling softly as he bit into the over-buttered sandwich. Nezuko let out a little 'hmmph' at her victory as she bit into her own slice, Senjuro let out a playful groan in response.
"Is everything okay with you and your brother?" Nezuko asked, looking over to Senjuro who was nibbling into his slice.
"Oh, yeah. Everything's been okay. It's better now". Senjuro replied, putting his slice of ham sandwich on the table for a break. Nezuko nodded as she began to dig in into the rest of her lunch box.
"So... youu know my brother?"
"Yeah, Why?"
...
"He's hanging out with his friends tomorrow and I know it wasn't- possible for you before but now- he's asked whether I can invite you along". Nezuko explained, picking up a bag of sweets from the box and ripping it open.
"Really?"
"Yeah"
"Oh! Yeah- sure! I'd love to!" Senjuro squeaked out. He had never properly met Nezuko's brother despite him and Nezuko's friendship. To be honest, they hadn't really hanged out together outside of school ever, with the exception of school projects.
Nezuko's rose-coloured eyes lit up in response to Senjuro's acception as she gave him a soft smile, before turning back to her lunch.
For the rest of lunch, they both chatted away to eachover. Only reluctantly stopping when the bell eventually went off and they had go to their next class, where they proceeded to ramble to eachover at the back of the class.
Senjuro opened the door to his brothers car, climbing into the passenger seat and closing the door behind him.
"Good afternoon brother! How was your day today?" Kyojuro asked, a joyful tone encasing his voice.
"It was really nice, thank you". Senjuro replied, earning a delighted expression from Kyojuro.
"That's wonderful Sen! That's amazing to hear!" Kyojuro announced, keeping his hands on the wheel.
...
"Aniue" Senjuro murmured, wringing his hands together in his lap.
'Why am I so scared. He's not going to hurt me or anything. Why am I so scared?'
"Yeah bud?" Kyojuro responded, glancing over to his little brother before looking back at the road.
"Nezuko has asked if I could- hang out with her and her brothers friends afterschool tomorrow, and I was wondering if- could go please". Senjuro stuttered out, staring at the window.
For a moment, they both sat in a awkward silence. Kyojuro's knuckles turning white from his grip on the steering wheel. Senjuro reluctantly looked up to his brother who had a lost expression on his face, befor it quickly returned to his signature smile.
Yeah- yes! Ofcourse brother! Do you need me to drive you there?" Kyojuro finally said, thankfully. Senjuro didn't know whether he could stand the awkwardness of the unatural silence from his brother for any long without bursting into tears.
"Yes please! Oh- thank you Kyo!" Senjuro squealed, excitement filling him as he got out his phone to text his brother, typing in Nezuko's address. A silly little smile plastered across the young boys face as he was practically jumping in his seat.
"Wait- brother!" Kyojuro called out to his brother, who was about to use the bathroom to brush his teeth.
Senjuro turned up to look at his brother, pulling his pyjama sleeve over his hand to rest it on the door handle.
After a moment of confusion, he shook it off and he whipped out his phone. Seemingly looking for something on there.
"Does Nezuko live at the Kamado bakery?" Kyojuro asked, showing Senjuro what he had already texted him a few hours ago.
"Uh- yeah?"
"Your friend Nezuko, she wouldn't happen to have an older brother named- Tanjiro, would she?" Kyojuro said, the cogs turning in his head.
"She does? I'm hanging out with him and his friends tomorrow- if you changed your mind that's fine-!"
"No no! Sen- it's perfectly fine! I fact I happen to know young Kamado and his- friends, because I happen to teach them!" Kyojuro reassured, putting his hand on his jaw as be began to contemplate.
"Oh, cool!" Senjuro said, opening the door and going in to prepare for bed, missing Kyojuro's impending overthinking.
"Oh dear". Kyojuro muttered, placing his hands on his hips as he got lost in thought.
Kyojuro cared about his students, he really did. Not a single student in Kimetsu Academy falled behind on history, but he of all people knew the Kamaboko squads antics and how lively they can be.
He was a just a tad bit worried for his brother, even with Tanjiro, and Aoi there, Kyojuro knew Inosuke and Zenitsu together were alot to deal with. Hopefully they won't overwhelm him.
"Alright, enjoy yourself, have fun, and text me if you need anything! If you're not ready for this yet, you can call me anytime and I'll rush back in an instant!" Kyojuro explained, kneeling down to Senjuro's level as he rested his palms on Senjuro's shoulders.
"Okay, I think I'll be fine. I'll call you if I need anything". Senjuro replied, nodding as he shared quick glances to the hands on him.
"Good" Kyojuro wrapped his arms around his younger brother, causing a flinch of shock from the younger of the two.
"I love you" Kyojuro whispered, his hand going up and down Senjuro's back.
"I love you too, aniue". Senjuro returned, gently wrapping his arms around his brother to return the hug, as much as he could considering the height difference between them.
After Kyojuro giving an additional little squeeze, he let go and left one of his hands on Senjuro's back. Kyojuro led Senjuro up to the Kamado bakery and knocked on the door.
The door opened to a short, delicate woman standing in the doorway. Immediately, Senjuro could spot the resemblance of her and Nezuko. From the eyes, to the hair, to the overall vibe of her. Even if Senjuro had never been told, he'd be able to tell in a flash that they were related.
"Ah, you must be Nezuko's friend. Hello Mr Rengoku, it's lovely to see you again. Has Tanjiro been behaving?" The woman asked, drying her hands with a towel that was previously resting on her arm.
"Why yes ofcourse! Young Kamado is a fine young boy to have in the class! Very helpful and always ready to learn, Mrs Kamado". Kyojuro explained, changing to resting his hand in Senjuro's fluffy blonde hair.
"That's good to hear, you can come in". Mrs Kamado said, gesturing over to Senjuro.
"Right! I'll see you later Sen, I'll collect you at 6:00pm for dinner". Kyojuro said, bowing his head down to his brother's eyes.
"Oh, he's more than welcome to spend dinner with us. Agatsuma, Hashibira, and the Tokito twins will be staying for dinner".
"Oh! Well it's up to my brother. Would you like to stay?" Kyojuro asked, going to hold Senjuro's hand before the younger swiped it away into his pockets.
"O- oh, only if it's okay" Senjuro stammered out, earning a reassuring nod from Mrs Kamado.
"Well that settles it! I'll see you later". Kyojuro announced, turning to his car. He opened the door and got in, slamming the car door behind him. He waved, and Senjuro waved back before the older brother zoomed off.
The older woman gestured for Senjuro to enter. He followed, the smell of fresh bread and cake immediately filling his senses. Nezuko's mother led him to the upstairs, which appeared to be a apartment over the bakery.
"Nezuko and the others should be in the room down the hall. I'll call you all when dinner is ready. Enjoy yourself, sweetie". Mrs Kamado softly explained, walking into the kitchen.
Senjuro led himself down to hall, the growing of noise being ever present. He opened the door he had been shown to, and was met by a quite large room, one side being green, and the other pink
On the floor of the green side, three older kids that were seemingly arguing with eachover.
On the bed of the pink side, Nezuko and the Tokito twins were sitting together, earning a suprised look from Senjuro. The Tokito's were two boys in his and Nezuko's year, but in a different class. The only class they shared together was science, so Senjuro didn't necessarily know them. Therefore, he was suprised that Nezuko invited them over.
"AHHH MR GENGOGU SHRINKED!!" A girl, who's voice was suspiciously low screamed, jumping up to point directly at Senjuro. It was then when he realised she had her shirt completely undone.
This caused a shriek out of the younger boy, covering his eyes.
"Wait! Inosuke you're scaring him!". A boy rose up putting his hand out to the emerald eyed girl. Wait- 'Inosuke'?
"Uhm why are you covering your eyes?" A voice asked, which Senjuro could only recognise as Nezuko's.
"I'm so sorry miss!" Senjuro squealed, his hand that wasn't covering his eyes going to the door handle.
"The fuck you going on about? I ain't no miss you pleb!" Inosuke shouted, reaching for Senjuro before being stopped by a boy that he can recognise as Tanjiro, Nezuko's brother from the resemblance. Well now that Senjuro can see again from his arms deflating to hang beside him.
A blonde haired boy burst out in laughter, and Yuichiro and Muichiro just looked annoyed.
"Oh- oh! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me Mr Inosuke!" Senjuro pleaded, bowing his head down in guilt.
"I WILL SHOW YOU MISS, MINI RENRORU".
"INOSUKE!!"
"I'm sorry!!"
"There he apologised. Calm down Ino". Tanjiro scolded, leading the delicate looking boy to sit down with him.
Nezuko waved over to her, gesturing for her friend to come over. Senjuro followed and sat down on the bed next to her and the teal-tipped haired boys.
"Sorry about him. Inosuke is a bit much". Nezuko said, taking a bite out of a crossiant that she'd been hiding behind her pillow.
"Nezuko! Mother will be preparing food soon!" Tanjiro shouted out, crossing his arms in anger.
Nezuko just rolled her eyes as she split half of the crossiant in half and handing it to Senjuro.
"I can't accept this- Your mother is making food soon!" Senjuro squeaked, lightly swatting it away.
"Senjuro it's fine" Nezuko grumbled, nudging it towards him again.
"No it's not-!"
"Shush Tanjiro! Sen it's okay" Nezuko squealed, her head shooting over to her brother and back to her flame-haired friend.
"Oh uhm- are-?"
"Yes. I'm sure".
Senjuro took it, whispering a small 'thank you' before nomming into it.
"Why are they here?" Senjuro asked, gesturing over to Yuichiro and Muichiro, the older of the two beginning to scowl at Senjuro while the younger kept a disinterested, lost expression.
"Oh my dearie me- that's not what I meant! I'm sorry, I mean just- we don't really talk so I'm just a bit suprised!" Senjuro blurted, a worried expression filling his face.
"It's fine". Muichiro murmured, Yuichiro making a 'tsk' sound and facing away from him.
Senjuro could feel his eyes begin to burn.
'I'm sure he's just joking! Get a grip.'
"Yui! Go easy on him". Nezuko said, finishing her last bite of crossiant.
"Muichiro and Yuichiro are friends with Tanjiro so he introduced them to me without realising we already knew eachover and we've became friends while you were- out of school" Nezuko explained, Yuichiro rolling his eyes at the last part as Muichiro slowly nodded.
"O- oh. Okay". Senjuro replied, nibbling the pastry in his hands.
"So are you Mr Rengoku's kid or something? You look exactly like him" the bright blonde boy asked, earning a little giggle out of Nezuko and a suprised shriek from the youngest.
"No- no! I'm his brother". Senjuro answered, with a nervous laugh.
"Your features are softer, compared to Mr Rengoku". Muichiro remarked, earning a weird look from his brother.
"They're literally the same". Yuichiro sneered, resting his head in his hand on his lap.
Later on, Mrs Kamado came in and announced that it was dinner time. All 7 of them came down stairs, joining Nezuko's siblings at the table.
Luckily for Senjuro, Mrs Kamado made dinner quite simple because of how many people she had to serve. Everyone dug into their food, and Senjuro happened to be the last one to finish eating, as he got up with his plate he met Nezuko's mother in the kitchen cleaning up the plates.
It was almost six o'clock, so people were starting to get picked up, the twins had already been taken home.
"Mrs Kamado, would you like any help with all of that?" Senjuro asked, picking up a towel to wipe up some water.
"Oh Senjuro, I would love some help. Thank you"
Senjuro picked up a towel and began drying the plates and cutlery with ease. It felt weirdly nostalgic. Kyojuro didn't let him do many chores around the house, although he did appreciate the smaller work load and not having the entirety of upkeep in the house depending on him, he missed it.
'You were literally desperate a few weeks ago to leave and now you want to go back? What the hell is wrong with you? He hurt us.'
'He didn't mean to!'
'He meant every second of it.'
'He needs help! He's depressed!'
'WE'RE NOT GOING BACK WE CAN'T-'
SMASH
He doesn't even know how it happened. All he knows is that the plate he was previously drying was splattered on the floor, in pieces. He kneeled down onto the floor before being pulled back up.
"No- no no no dearie. I'll clean it up, no worries! Go wait in the living room". Mrs Kamado gently whispered, putting a caring, delicate hand on Senjuro's back. After a little bit, he obeyed. The young teen stumbled unto the living room, standing for a bit before sitting down, immediately putting his head in his hands. His eyes began burning as he felt his flame eyes brew with tears.
The smash. The smash? Why is it so familiar?
A bottle was smashed. He's on the floor, crying. The glass is digging deep into his skin as blood crawls out the cuts. When did this happen? Did this even happen? Well it would explain the-
He tries to keep his tears concealed, failing. Tears and sobs overtook him. After what seems like forever, he felt a hand return to his back, he looked up to see it was Nezuko's mother kneeling next to him.
'Don't start panicking now. You know what he'll do.'
"Things will be okay dear. Your brother is nearly here". She reassured, bringing a towel to his cheeks and tears. The affection making more tears falling down his cheeks.
"It's alright". She spoke with a loving, and gentle tone. Only stopping when the door rang. Senjuro quickly wiped up his tears as well as he could and followed the woman to the door as he saw his brother towering over the threshold. An unatural scared look flashing over his face before he put on his normal smile.
"Ah Sen! Did you have fun?" Kyojuro started, testing the waters.
Senjuro simply nodded, his wet sleeve going over his eyes again.
'I was just trying to have a nice time.'
"Thank you very much Mrs Kamado for looking after my brother, it is very much appreciated!" Kyojuro thanked, bowing his head which the woman returned with a gentle nod.
"C'mon now Sen, let's get you home".
Senjuro felt his brothers hand begin to wrap against his own and swiped his hand into his pocket.
"stop".
Senjuro's eyes brimmed with tears as he felt his his brothers eyes burn into his skull. He'd never used that tone against him in a genuine way, he kept his eyes stuck on the gravely ground under him.
As they both got into the car, Senjuro kept his eyes on the car floor, as he could practically feel his brother glancing over at him every over minute.
'Probably in disgust. He's taken you in and that's how you treat him? He can't know it though. They're disgusting. What the hell is wrong with me?'