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Tengen’s heat had come and gone months earlier. From it he had conceived a single pup with his alpha, Akaza. The pup was lost to unforeseen circumstances soon after birth, and Tengen had fallen into grief. His hibiscus scent soured under the weight of that loss.
He had not left his nest in days. The carefully arranged blankets, silks, and clothing still carried faint traces of the pup’s scent. Tengen curled tightly inside the center of it all. His body felt heavy. His mind drifted between exhaustion and sharp waves of sorrow.
Akaza remained close. The alpha moved with quiet purpose around the edges of the nest. He guarded the space against every intrusion. No one would disturb his omega before Tengen was ready to face the world again.
The first visitor arrived on the third day. Shinobu appeared with soft words and a tray of calming teas. She urged Tengen to step outside for fresh air and sunlight. Akaza met her at the doorway. His stance was firm and his presence imposing.
“He stays,” Akaza said. His voice left no room for argument. “Tengen will leave when he chooses. Not before.”
Shinobu studied the demon for a long moment. She eventually retreated with a polite but concerned nod. Other Hashira followed in the hours afterward. Some came with gentle concern. Others carried impatience about duties and the passage of time. Each time Akaza stood as a barrier. His growls stayed low, yet unmistakable. His body blocked every path to the nest.
Inside the sheltered space, Tengen stirred at the muffled voices. “They want me back on duty,” he whispered. His tone carried fatigue rather than conviction.
Akaza returned to him after the latest encounter. He slipped carefully into the outer layers of the nest. “They do not decide this,” he murmured. “Only you do.”
Tengen turned toward the alpha. Akaza leaned down and nuzzled along the side of his neck. He released steady waves of his own scent. It wrapped around Tengen like a warm shield and dulled the sour edge of grief. Tengen exhaled slowly. The tension in his shoulders eased.
Akaza settled fully beside him. He pulled Tengen close in a protective cuddle. One arm draped over the omega’s waist while the other hand stroked slow circles along his back. Their bodies fit together with a familiar ease as Akaza continued to nuzzle his mate. His jaw brushed Tengen’s temple and his nose pressed gently behind his ear. The scenting never stopped, renewing the safety of the nest with every breath.
“You are safe here,” Akaza said quietly. “I will keep everything else away.”
Tengen pressed closer. His fingers curled into Akaza’s clothing. “The nest still smells like him,” he admitted. His voice cracked on the final word.
“Then we leave it exactly as it is for as long as you need,” Akaza replied. He tightened the cuddle and tucked Tengen’s head beneath his chin. “Mourn him properly, I have you. Both of you.”
Hours slipped by in quiet comfort. Akaza only rose when necessary. He brought water and light portions of food. He adjusted blankets when Tengen shivered and added extra pillows to cradle the omega more securely. Every action was deliberate and tender.
Another knock echoed later that evening. A louder voice called for Tengen to emerge and rejoin the living. Akaza left the nest just long enough to meet the intruder. “He grieves,” the alpha stated flatly. “Respect it or face consequences.”
The voice outside faltered. Footsteps retreated.
Akaza climbed back in and resumed their position. He draped a leg over Tengen’s and held him securely. Nuzzling continued in slow affectionate strokes. The alpha’s warmth and scent filled the nest until grief felt a little less crushing.
Tengen’s breathing grew steadier. His body relaxed against Akaza’s chest. The world outside could wait. Duties and expectations could wait. Here in the nest he remained perfectly protected. His alpha stood sentinel and offered unflinching devotion. When Tengen finally chose to step beyond the blankets, Akaza would be right beside him. And, until that moment, the nest was theirs alone. Akaza ensured it stayed that way.