Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world is supposed to be wrapped around his finger. 

With both Limitless and Six Eyes, the world is already placed underneath his feet the seconds he breathes the air in this cursed place. Of course, he has his fair share of trials and errors. Mistakes that cost him innocent lives. Oversights that he nearly paid with his life. Series of blunders and arrogance that ends him into a box, tightly sealed from the inside. 

Him being sealed actually ticked him off. In hindsight, his carelessness factored in so he’d have to make peace with that. The only thing that’s keeping him calm during his imprisonment is that he knows his students will prevail. He has carefully selected and handpicked them after all. The seeds he sowed will bring him the change, the future he envisions.

And they did, with flying colors. Sooner than he’d thought in fact. 

It’s not completed of course, there are so many things that still need to be addressed, so many details he has to be filled in after being sealed. But all that’s left for him to do now is to take the mantle as the head. The rightful proverbial king of the throne they’ve moulded in accordance with his ideals.

Their ideals.  

That’s how it’s supposed to be. 

“Sensei.” A familiar, relieved sigh greets his hearing before his eyes can see. 

Just how long he’s trapped inside that damned realm? 

He tries to open his eyes, but he still can’t see. His power is running amok around him, unconsciously shielding him fervently in response to the abrupt changes of environment. From nothing to everything. They’re too bright, too noisy, too crowded. 

He’s okay. He’s unsealed. He's safe.

Gojo attempts to focus his mind, habitually reaching to tug on the rope, the only connection that worth everything that makes him Gojo Satoru. 

His alpha whines sorrowfully when he can’t feel anything. 

Vaguely, he hears shouts before his consciousness dims out.

The first thing his brain recognizes is the fact that he’s outside.

Outside, outside. 

His infinity is touching bare air instead of vending off the poison and negative curses meant to drain him inside the box. His curse energy is flowing normally, the eyes are giving information about his environment again. So he has came out pretty much unscathed, with both his technique and six eyes intact. 

That’s a win already. 

He idly recognizes that he’s in a jujutsu hospital. It's easy to deduce it with the amount of seals and barriers simmering with energies within the concrete and walls.

Groggily, Gojo opens his physical eyes and bright light invades his senses. He groans in annoyance as he sits up, his body feels really heavy. The last time he feels this kind of deep bone exhaustion was when he’s almost killed by Toji. 

Well, there’s always a second taste to everything. 

Gojo looks around to his surroundings. He’s indeed in hospital, a VVIP with how vast and luxurious it is. He slides down from the bed, pulling the IV drips off his hand and inspects the area around. There’s surprisingly no window and nothing of his personal belongings. He turns his head towards the door when he feels a familiar signature closing in. 

“Finally, the sleeping gremlin wakes up.” Shoko greets from the door as she brings a tray of God knows what. 

“Ieiri-chan, you know that I’m a very handsome man.” He jests, relief from seeing her face. 

That's one person in his life, confirmed alive.

“If I could, I’d rather dump you back into that stupid cube.” She replies as she fills in a syringe. "It's pleasantly quiet without you around." 

“You hurt my fragile heart, Ieiri-chan” He whines. “And what’s that?” He asks. 

“Your rut compression.” Ieiri answers airily, hand outstretched in demand. 

“I can manage it just fine.” Gojo argues, but still gives her his wrist. His infinity is easily disabled for the syringe and its content is injected to his blood stream within five seconds. 

“I’m the doctor here.” She rebuts. “You’ve been sealed for four years, no one knows when your rut will hit. Your usual self is already a handful to deal.” She scoffs while throwing out the used syringe. He hums in replies at the additional information. Four years.

He's been sealed for four summers. Four birthdays of separation.  

While his Six Eyes and Limitless are working fine, his alpha instinct has been scratching at the imaginary door, trying to get out ever since he's conscious. He vaguely can feel the drug begins to spread, slowly being absorbed into his body. His brain registers another two familiar signatures while Shoko checks him up. Not too long, his ears are greeted with a loud, boisterous voice of ‘sensei’.

Ah, how nostalgic.

He oof-ed when he’s ambushed with Itadori's body, who definitely has grown so much with a buffier physique and taller height. Kugisaki, with a patch and battle scars around her face, trails behind him. She too, has grown into a beautiful adult, despite the obvious scarring on her face. 

He’s glad that he can't detect any drop of inferiority on her. In fact, she has this air of pride, proof of her achievements. Her survival.

He feels immense pride over these two students of his. Although, where is their third? The important puzzle piece? 

Gojo internally frowns when he tries to pull on their connection, just to not feel anything. It’s mum. Like it’s not there in the first place. 

“It’s good to see you again, Sensei.” Kugisaki says. “You owe us a lifetime of meals for those clusterfucks you left behind.” 

He laughs. “Yes, yes, I suppose I do have to treat you all for a good job.” The clan head ruffles on Itadori’s pink hair. A scar also adorns Itadori’s face. They came out as winners with marks of victory huh.

“So, give me an update?” He inquires as he plops down to the sofa. 

“Everything is taken care of, in an essence.” Shoko answers him as she asks for his hand again. He stares at her before she concedes, putting off the needle of the iv drips. 

“That’s good, that’s good.” He sings songs. “Any casualties?” 

Itadori let go of his hold and solemnly sits across him. Kugisaki also takes a seat on the sofa beside his. Within minutes, he’s caught up with most of the important details that happened during his imprisonment. Nanami, the lost portion of Tokyo, Sukuna, that damn Kamo, whatever’s left of Geto, the reformation. 

He’s glad that most of his people are safe and alive. He should pay a tribute for his fallen comrades later. None of these details mentioned Megumi. However, these changes Itadori explained to him also couldn’t have happened without a proper connection or power within the Zenin household. As instructed, his own clan has done things according to his will in order to support his chosen people, but some things are still within Zenin jurisdiction. He doubts Naoya or those old sick fucks would’ve done so, has Maki risen to power then? 

He drops the million dollar question. 

“Where is Megumi?” 

He sharply notices the sudden unease waving off from Itadori and Kugisaki, despite the fact that their expression shows nothing of said worry.

“You guys should come back later.” Shoko suddenly cut off. With the heavy weight of uncovered Six Eyes on her, she easily ushers both of his students (former students?) out.  He’s been increasingly at edge, still unable to feel his and Megumi's connection despite that he should be able to. No matter how many times he tugs on the rope that tethers him to Megumi, its silent. Was it because with him being sealed, it has damaged the connection? Or?

Dread and fear engulfs his being. His tongue feels heavy with unwanted scenarios and possibilities. So unbecoming. No, his Megumi is strong. He has put Yuuta around him too in case of emergencies. 

There’s no way… Unless before Yuuta can arrive-

“Calm down, Satoru.” Shoko's serious tone snaps his attention back to her. 

“Is he..?” He asks, unable to complete the sentences. It feels too damning, too real, if he says that Megumi is de-

“No.” 

Oh. It feels like the constriction around his heart loosen up considerably. 

“But might as well be.” She smiles sadly.

Shoko let herself be slammed against the wall. She knows Gojo would need this. A semblance of control of a situation he’s not in control at all. She’s known him for a long time. Knows enough of his behaviors, especially when it’s related to the young Fushiguro. 

“What do you mean, Ieiri?” Gojo growls threateningly, not in the mood for games. Four years, what has happened in those years to Megumi? 

“He’s alive, breathing and moving, if that’s what you’re worrying.” She takes the cigarettes in her left pocket coat. “However, your Megumi is no more, Satoru. He’s not Fushiguro Megumi anymore. He's Zenin Megumi, the head of Zenin clan.”  

Gojo eyes widen. “What?”

While it’s a surprising development, it still doesn’t make any sense. Even if Megumi is somehow, miraculously the head, that shouldn’t warrant such a heavy, uncomfortable reaction of his name. Not to mention-

“Why can’t I sense him then?” Gojo demands, his infinity prevents Shoko’s smoke to ever reaching him. 

“I want you to calm down first, Satoru. Or I won’t continue.” She sternly says. Gojo’s curse energy has been going erratic with each revelation and she doesn't want to be held responsible if curses barrage into the hospital with Gojo's energy flaring out like a lighthouse.

God, she should’ve let Yaga do this instead of her. She stays mum until the white haired man in front of her sighs in impatience and curb his own energy. 

“During your retrieval attempt, Megumi would’ve died, if not for Sukuna’s interference.” She explains. “Somehow your boy summoned Mahoraga as a last ditch to fend off the enemy, Sukuna ended up as the one who took care of it and saved him, according to Yuuji.”

His alpha howls in dislike at the mention of the curses alpha. And would've died? Died??

“Just like how your birth and sealment changed the world, it also changed the boy.” She continues. “We all know how he actually follows your words like a guidance. Someway, somehow, amidst the chaos and confusion, the insanity that happened after your absence, they changed the way he approached life. None of us knows what exactly happened to both of you before or what words you said to him last time, but Satoru, when you’re sealed,” She bravely stares at the blue, crystal like eyes. “You have condemned him.” 

Gojo takes a sharp intake at the declaration. 

“You have condemned him for a path that no one realizes he’d take.” She continues mercilessly.

“Ieiri!” Gojo raises his voice in anger, in confusion. 

“Your boy said and I quote, it’s better this way for both of you.” Shoko refuses to cower under the wrath of the so-called God among the walking mortals. “Your boy is not yours anymore, Satoru. I’ve told you years ago that if you’re that possessive about him, you should’ve claimed him properly. But no, your arrogance and confidence that Megumi will always be by your side blinded you. Now look at the consequence,“ She shakily takes a breath amidst the suffocation from Gojo’s growing fury with each of her words. “Your boy is claimed and no one knows who the alpha is.” 

She deals the final blow. 

Now, how the world will respond to the calamity Satoru would’ve bestowed upon the unknown alpha, to the tight-lipped Megumi?

The only omega, the only one who has attained Satoru’s attention, cradled in reverence behind the young man's knowledge. The only one who will be able to tame the ferocious beast of the purebred alpha, the honored one of the jujutsu world. 

The only possible mate for a Gojo Satoru, chosen by himself, lost to an unknown foe. 

This is how his dad would’ve looked if he’s alive. Megumi thought idly in front of the mirror. With his hair falling down from the constant overpriced hair product routine, it takes minimal effort to bring the rest of his erratic hair to fall down like his father’s. Toji. 

The father who was apparently dead, then brought back to the world because of that one technique, and ended up attached as his Shikigami. 

He’s a special case, as far as he has researched along with Mai. 

His heavenly restriction has apparently bordered more than they all thought. He was surprised as well. It's also an understatement of the century to say that he's pretty much conflicted with the situation.

(Megumi knows deep in his heart, he’s crying. Crying for the absent dad, coming back as his, protecting him this way. He lost his dad to gain Gojo. Now he lost Gojo to gain his dad back. What a fucking joke.) 

Had Toji been alive, if Zenin is not a shitass clan with an equally dipshit former leader and cousins (but not Maki, even Mai, never them), his dad would’ve been the Head. This is how he’s supposed to look, with traditional garb fitting for a clan leader. The only difference between them is probably his signature, condescending smirk and the perpetual arrogance he emits. 

“You do look like my carbon copy.” A voice pops out beside him. A weighty arm is put around his shoulder as his dad's head pops up side to side with his. “If I’m an omega that is. You look like a cold wimp version of me.” 

Megumi roughly shoves the arm off. 

“I’m your son, of course I’d look like you. Unfortunately.” He flatly replies. 

“Hey, I’m a handsome guy you know. You’re lucky you got my features.” Toji retaliates. “Who would’ve thought the messy hair you inherited from your mom would concede under expensive shits. Such a pretentious omega-” 

Heavily annoyed with his yapping, Megumi binds a shadow around Toji’s mouth, silencing him. “You’re too talkative for someone’s dead.” 

Toji just smiles in a provocative manner before vanishing back into his shadow. 

Really, he should really have prioritized on how to put Toji under control first. While Toji is bound to his shadow, somehow, unlike his other Shikigami, he can pop in and out as he pleases. 

A real headache.

“Megumi-sama?” An elderly woman's voice echoes in his bedroom. “Okkotsu-sama has arrived.” 

“Okay.” He answers. He takes another look in the mirror. 

A carbon copy of Toji, with a protective charm around his neck to hide his omegan weakness, clothed in the finest, heavy traditional clothes fitting only for the head of one of the strongest clans. 

What a fucking joke indeed.

Chapter Text

“I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Megumi.” Okkotsu happily greets him with a smile. 

“Likewise, Senpai.” Megumi replies. The older woman behind him swiftly put the brewing tools in front of the head clan. “How’ve you been?” 

“I’m fine.” He smiles. “I see that the majority of the renovation has finally finished.” 

“Yes, it’s mostly done.” The head clan dismisses the woman. “Recently I picked up this hobby, I hope you don’t mind trying my tea, Yuuta-senpai.” 

“Oh, I’d love to have it.” Okkotsu excitedly replies. He watches contently how Megumi thoughtfully put in the perfect amount of blended tea leaves he has prepared beforehand into the pot. 

“Out of boredom I tried to attend one of Maki’s classes and this one sticks to me.” He explains as he pours the hot water into the pot. The scent of tea begins to permeate around the room. 

Okkotsu laughs heartily. “If you’re that bored, you could have just called me or Yuuji to play around.” 

“Yeah right.” He scoffs with a small laugh. “Both of you are just as busy. Kyoto is definitely busier than here in comparison.” 

“You could drop by Kyoto too, Megumi.” Okkotsu gently reminds him. “There must be at least one or two people available to talk to in our headquarter. Panda lately also has complained about being bored.” 

Megumi just hums in response. 

“Megumi.” Okkotsu calls softly. “Gojo-sensei will be woken up tomorrow. Won’t you come back with me to see him?”

“He has many people who want to see him.” Megumi replies as he pours the tea into Okkotsu’s cup. “I’ll just crowd the place. And I’m still needed here.” 

“He won’t like it, if he knows you’re not there.” The young advisor coaxes, accepting the freshly brewed tea carefully. “It’s not too late, Megumi. I can still break the claim before he knows.”

“I hope you’re not coming to see me just to piss me off, Yuuta-senpai.” Megumi silently stares at Okkotsu. “I’ve told you a thousand times, whatever images you and the others have about Gojo-sensei to me, it’s not like that. It’s never been.” 

“I do come here to visit you, Megumi and I don’t want to fight with you again.” He sips the tea. The mild flavour with balanced amount of sweetness hits his tongue in tandem; a proof that its been brewed to perfection. "The tea is delicious.” Okkotsu compliments sincerely.

“Thank you.” Megumi replies as he too, takes a sip of his tea.

“But please think about it. It’s one thing if I was the only one who said so, but almost all the older adults were horrified when they knew back then. Don’t you think their reaction weighted something about the situation?” The special grade sorcerer returns to their argument, urging the young head of the Zenin’s to reconsider his choice.

Megumi sighs. “We both know Gojo-sensei is collecting us like a figurine. The young ones with potential. I was just the first one he picked up, years earlier than you all. Therefore, I looked like his favorite for a while.” He puts down his cup. “It wasn’t the case anymore.”

“That’s the thing isn’t it? Being the first one? You’ll end up being discarded first as well, once another shining toy comes.” Megumi bitterly scoffs, his eyes staring back at the vague reflection of himself on the steaming tea. 

Okkotsu’s stunned by the new revelation. This is the first time Megumi says anything about the matter, after staying mum for months. 

“Megumi-”

“You weren’t there, Yuuta-senpai. I believe your judgment is outdated at best.” Cool, jade eyes are staring indifferently at Okkotsu. “I think it’s going to rain.” Megumi swiftly stands up. “It’s best if you go now. It’s a shame that we have to cut our conversation short.”

Okkotsu stares at the beautiful scenery of Nara as he’s driven back to Kyoto by Ijichi. His visit to the newly renovated Zenin headquarter isn’t really as pure as its head had pointed out. He’s supposed to bring Megumi back to Kyoto in time for Gojo’s awakening and break the claim of the unknown alpha. They’d agreed the Six Eyes bearer would be more amenable if the claim is from him instead of a secret alpha they don't even know of. Especially if they give the excuse that it’s for the young omega’s protection, after suddenly being thrusted into the fray as a Zenin. Being unmated and unclaimed would literally position the omega as the delicious steak amidst hungry, feral alpha wolves. 

Megumi still wouldn’t budge.

To be claimed, there is one important factor. The omega in question must accept the claim in order for it to take hold on his body. So even if he somehow can wrestle Megumi down and replace the bite, as long as Megumi rejects it, it won’t last for more than two days. 

Two borrowed days they thought they could get, for Gojo and Megumi to straighten whatever complicated things they have. The supposedly older adults are also betting on his sensei's apparent possessiveness upon the young omega to instantly re-claim him. 

Gojo will know the truth at some point, oh he definitely will. But the older adults are hoping that Megumi has accepted the alpha's advances by then, thus curbing his anger. 

The only small mercy from this is the fact that Megumi still smells unmated. Lord knows what will they do if Megumi is both claimed and mated. 

The thing is, he can see the points from both perspectives, even as Megumi rather snidefully said earlier, he wasn’t here until their sensei was sealed off. Supplied with the fact that Itadori and Kugisaki initially weren’t aware of the alpha’s attachment to Megumi, he too can’t help but to wonder what had happened during his absence. Toge, Maki and Panda have filled him in and he has a hunch where and why Megumi probably got those ideas, but he doesn’t want to point hands especially since the version of the adults, Megumi’s, his and Megumi’s friends don’t really match up with each other. 

Okkotsu absentmindedly rubs the small tattoo on his left wrist.

Within three years and eight months since Gojo was sealed, one and a half years are used to retrieve him back and extinguish Kamo for good. 

What they didn’t really expect was that the higher ups played dirty and stole the prison realm out of their hands. 

Another one and a half years are spent to wrestle major control of the higher up to theirs, overruled Gojo’s exilement and retrieving him (again). If the ordeal of Gojo’s containment changed Japan, this one was the turning point for the order of Jujutsu’s world. 

Then, Megumi suddenly appeared with a claim bite on his neck. Seven months later, Gojo's finally, successfully unsealed and purposefully put under coma for a month to let his body adapt back.   

It should be a joyous occasion tomorrow.  

Okkotsu sighs as he taps to his phone to inform Shoko-san. 

Another minute and his phone pings with her reply, 

“I’ll put him to the special room again then.”

He highly doubts the seals and charms in the room are enough to contain a fully conscious Gojo, but in this illogical, insane era, even a sliver of hope should be held on tightly. 

Megumi knows that tomorrow is Gojo’s awakening. 

How could he not, when both Itadori and Kugisaki have been endlessly badgering him for the past days. Plus, he was the one who arranged the additional security to ensure nothing goes wrong around the hospital as well. 

Three years, almost four, he has last seen Gojo’s brilliant, crystal eyes. For someone who bragged about being the honored one in Jujutsu, it’s certainly laughable how easily he’s sealed off. 

Somehow, it feels different. He feels different and he doesn’t like it. It’s one thing to retrieve him and knowing the prism is safely guarded within their own fortress until they can unseal him. Another to see Gojo in the flesh, laid out quietly on the bed with numerous machines and detectors to ensure his physical body’s okay. 

Even a silent, unmoving one is enough to bring havoc to him again.

He doesn’t want to feel that. 

He thought he's done with the alpha. Done yearning. Done having feelings for him.

Enough is enough. 

It’s been years, for fuck’s sake. Why can’t he detach himself like how he did for Toji? 

(he never really did. But as someone says, if you believe in the lie long enough, it would be the truth.)

A ping echoes in the open corridor as he walks toward the training ground. A humorless chuckle escapes from Megumi as he types out his answer. He puts the phone back in the secret pocket in his clothing and resumes his walk.

Megumi, you’re coming back with Yuuta-senpai right? 

Sorry but no. Too much work here.

I’ll go visit next time.

Ehh, I thought we all can have a get together again with Nobara coming back here too. 

Sorry Yuuji, but I really can’t. You and Nobara can visit me when both of you are free.

Oh, okay then.

Shadow of the past looms over Megumi as he passes through the garden.

.

.

.

Two years and two months ago

“You’re insane.” Mai says. “It’s a suicide mission.” 

“Do you even really comprehend what you’re about to do, Megumi?” Maki asks seriously, staring at the young head of their clan. 

Most of the clansmen have expected Naoya or her father to succeed as the head clan. So, to be told that the young Fushiguro, the son of Toji, the bearer of the Ten Shadow is finally absorbed back into the clan and gets to be the head out of nowhere incites a mixed reaction. Mostly because they don’t know how Megumi will act. His continuous absences make everything harder for Megumi to reign in the control or gaining favor of the clan too. 

She knows Megumi disregarded Zenin's situation in order to focus on saving his adopted sister and retrieving Gojo, but she never really thinks that he will seriously take the mantle bestowed upon him. 

As long as he doesn’t formally tell Furudate to nullify his appointment, he’s still the official head of the Zenin clan. The only thing that prevents non-Naoya supporters from killing Megumi is that he’s the bearer of the Ten Shadow. It still holds tremendous weight even within the clan. His presence as Zenin's is enough to raise more prestige and other bullshits for the clan. 

“How many more then?” Megumi chilly asks her twin.

“What?” Mai frowns at the vague question. 

“How many more of Toji, Maki, Mai and Megumi are you going to make?” The young head stares unflinchingly at Mai’s face. “How long will you let this fucked up clan go on without restrain? Even an outsider like me knows how fucked up Naoya is, and I’ve only known his existence for the past year. Like father, like son.” He scoffs disdainfully.

“That is different-” Mai argues, before getting cut off sternly. 

“It’s not. With all due respect, senpai,” Megumi says, “There’s no use if we don’t uproot it from the inside and you know that.” He then turns his head to Maki.  

“I’ll repeat my question, Maki-senpai. Will you or will you not join my side?” He voices out his question. “I understand that you’ve known some of these vile humans, but I will weed them all out equally .” 

“Answer me first, Megumi. Why?” Maki inquires back. “You’re not raised within this shitty hellhole. This wasn’t supposed to be your fight in the first place. You could’ve stepped down and other shits will take the crown.” She continues. “I will take the crown. So why?”

“Because I can.” He sighs. “Maki-senpai, do you honestly see those disgusting shits as human?”

Maki bursts out laughing at the response. 

In all honesty, she expects more noble-esque answers from her junior to appeal her coming to his side. To make the world a better place. Emphasizing saving those innocent kids with the same situation as them, like he did to her twin sister. As revenge for the thing that ruined Toji mentally. Ruined his childhood. Ruined them. Anything. 

She doesn’t need to be convinced in the first place, but she has to know where Megumi's head's at, for him to be able successfully pull this off. 

“Also we need to control Zenin’s power to shake the higher ups’ foundation. We’re perfect for that role.” He adds after a while. “We just need to keep the good one from the bad first. Taking them out will severely incapacitate the higher ups' power.”

 “Yeah, you’re right.” She stands and dusts off her clothes. “I’ll join the fray, Megumi.” 

“Maki!”

“Mai. It’ll get even bloodier from now on. You should step back and be the third party if you wish to stay neutral.” Maki fixes her glasses’ position. 

“It’s- I can’t believe you two!” Mai hisses. “Both of you are going to massacre at least a quarter of the clan, if not more! They’re not some third grade curses, what if-”

“That’s why I need all the help I can get.” Megumi calmly says. “I want this clean up to be as short as possible. A long war won’t benefit us, we have too many things to take care of. This will serve as the warning, a reminder for the remaining people. Enough to buy us some time to establish our influence.”

“Mai, do you honestly think I’ll let those people live freely if I’m the head?” Maki turns her head to her. 

Mai flinches. She understands, she hates them too. But this is still too reckless. She has almost lost Maki forever once, she's not ready to repeat the experience. Again.

“Senpai,” Megumi looks up to her. “You’ll be my co-head.” He declares. 

“Is it because you pity me?” Maki curiously asks as she stretches her back. “I don’t need it, Megumi.” 

“It’s to make a precedent.” He shakes his head in negative. “To balance the whole thing. The Zenin’s Ten Shadow and Zenin’s Heavenly Restriction.” He gives his reason. “And currently you know this shitshow more than I am.” He shrugs. 

“Fine. Accepted. Don’t you dare to back out, Megumi. I won’t hesitate to kick your ass as well.” She offers her hand.

“I expect nothing less.” Megumi says, taking her hand in his.

The end results are still the same anyway, she thought. If anything, she gazes at her twin and the actual heir of Zenin, it’s probably the best to have someone like him as the head. Maybe things will change for once. 

“So, what’s your plan?” She asks with a smirk on her face.  

“What’s your purpose of summoning us all here, Fushiguro-san?” An older man, no more than fifty asks rather rudely. They’re currently seated in the vast open field of Zenin's main house in Nara. All of them are mainly from the main branches, with several prominent figures from the side branches taking seats around them. 

“That’s Megumi-sama for you, old fuck.” Maki interjects at Megumi’s side. 

“Are you finally stepping down as the head, Megumi?” Naoya asks as he sips his tea. If it’s not because of Okkotsu brat and the cursed child constantly around him, he’d have killed Megumi by now. Should he kill him now? Does that brat think he’s safe just because Furudate is here? 

“Furudate is here only as a witness.” Megumi calmly replies. “I’m simply embracing my role as the head of Zenin.” 

“After ignoring us to chase after Gojo and your non-sorcerer, adopted sister?” Someone on the back scorns disdainfully.

“I will note that insult, whoever you are.” The Ten Shadows carrier says. “I just want to know you all better, therefore- ah fuck it.” Megumi claps his hand, giving up the charade.

Murmurs break off at the sudden change of attitude. 

“Naoya, aren’t you going to challenge me as the head?” Megumi bluntly asks. “Or are you too scared now?” He goads. “I even invited Furudate to confirm the validity.” 

“Heh, I won’t say no since you’ve prepared it so beautifully, Megumi.” Naoya stands up with a confident smirk. Why does this brat think he has the upper hand? More than half of these men are his, while the other portion are still flickering back and forth from supporting him or staying neutral. This youngling has no basis of support whatsoever. If he thinks having Maki and his Ten Shadow are enough, he’s wrong. So so wrong. This will be a coup d'états made and delivered unknowingly by the bitch himself. 

“Zenin Naoya, son of Zenin Naobito, are you going to challenge Zenin Megumi for his position as the head?” Furudate asks. 

“Yes.” Naoya replies with an arrogant smirk. 

“Are you Zenin Megumi, the head of Zenin, son of Zenin Toji, accept the challenge?” He asks the former Fushiguro. 

“Yes.” Megumi too, stands up from his seat. “This is going to be once and for all, I will regard everyone who stays here as traitors.” He sternly declares. “Anyone who doesn’t wish to be involved, go back to the building. I will not be responsible if you’re caught in the crossfire.” 

Ogi and several people stand up and head to the building. 

“So only these much, huh.” Maki mutters. “It’s less than I thought.” 

“Oya, only these much should be more than both of you can handle though, Maki.” Naoya pleasantly says with a smirk. “I will take good care of Mai once you’re dead, don’t worry.” 

“Since Naoya’s supporters are mostly here, I’m entitled to have mine too, correct?” Megumi turns his head to Furudate, who confirms this with a nod. “As long as they’re here.” 

“They are.” Okkotsu says loudly. With his black jacket and his sword on his back, Okkotsu walks into the open space calmly. 

“Heh, how shameless Megumi. To involve an outsider in our clan’s matter.” He degrades. 

“Do you object?” Megumi inquires with a bored tone. 

“No.” Naoya let out a condescending smirk. “I’d feel bad to let only you two faces these sorcerers. It’d feel like cheating.” Even Jinichi has joined his side. The only thing he should be wary of is Okkotsu brat, but Jinichi can take care of him.

At this, Megumi smirks. “So you’re saying that as long as it’s not an outsider, you’d have no problem?” 

“Of course.” Naoya shrugs. “Mai is useless decoration at most and no one else of Zenin’s blood is on your side.” 

“I’ll take your offer then.” With a smile, Megumi calls with confidence.

“Toji.” 

Surprised gasps echo around the open space and from the ones who are watching the situation unfold on the side. 

Toji, the casted off Zenin, their head’s dead father, materializes out of nowhere in front of their head clan.

“Ey, kid what is this? A family reunion?” He yawns. Maki tosses him his Inverted Spear of Heaven. “Nice choice, cousin.” He comments as he checks his weapon. “Hello too, Naoya.” He waves with a condescending, arrogant smile.

“What the fuck?” Naoya angrily says.

“Furudate?” Maki calls. 

“With this, I officialize the challenge. May the best be the winner.” Furudate flicks his hand and a huge veil begin to descend on the whole complex. 

“You might think that you’re staging the coup, Naoya.” Megumi amusedly says. He and Maki have been prepared for the worst, in case Naoya doesn’t take the bait, or doesn’t let them have Yuuta or Toji on their side. They do need to make this official to ensure the validity against the old traditionalists. Additionally, they’re outnumbered and Naoya has at least additional one confirmed special grade on his side. However, due to his own arrogance, he has fallen hook, line and sinker to their trap. “In actuality, it’s me, who’s staging the coup against the clan.” He forms the hand sign.

Ogi watches, with complete terror as the young head summons the being no one has ever managed to tame. No one, ever. They don’t even know if Toji’s son has completely tamed it. 

“Mahoraga, kill them.” 

Within seconds, the view of human heads from lower grade sorcerers flying around is so vivid, as endless stream of blood begins to wet on the once serene, beautiful open field to red. 

It’s too late when Gakuganji and the representatives from Kamo arrive at Zenin's doorstep. The stench of blood and death are heavy in the air, as heavy smoke rises up from one area inside the huge complex. Gakuganji has just known about the news of the sudden huge, simultaneous summoning for all the important figures in the Zenin clan. While it shouldn’t warrant for him to check on himself, Fushiguro Megumi is regarded as hostile within the higher ups and such, every move of his as the head of Zenin should be checked. The Kamo’s head, who heard of the unusual move, has dispatched one of his men as well. With the smoke as their guidance, they venture into Zenin's ground. It’s eerily empty, the main house is devoid of any people. As they walk, they can see major damages here and there around the complex. 

It’s as if a whole war ravages the area. 

They finally make it to the last building on the back part of the complex, where he sees the source of the smoke. 

Flaring red fire ravages the entire huge field. 

“What’s going on here?” The representative beside him mumbles in disbelief. 

On the corner of his right eyes, he sees four figures are walking towards them. 

His eyes widen at the sight of fully bloodied Megumi and Maki, with an unconscious Naoya being dragged by the young head's shikigami. Megumi sports some lacerations on his cheek, while blood is seeping slowly from his head to his face. Okkotsu’s usually clean, white jacket is nowhere to be found, instead it’s obvious that his black outer has been drenched with blood. Maki’s hand is hanging limply on one side while there’s a large, bleeding gash on her waist. 

“Furudate! What’s the meaning of this?” He demands. 

“A formal challenge was issued by Zenin Naoya to Zenin Megumi for his position.” Furudate replies. “Zenin Megumi has won fairly and thus, will remain as head until he passes on.” 

“Where- where are the rest of the Zenin’s members?” The representative bravely asks. 

Furudate turns his head to the fire. “Zenin Megumi has spared the people who backed down. I believe they’ve ran to safety while the challenge is still on the air. The only survivor from the opposite party is Zenin Naoya.”

“Megumi!” Gakuganji roars. “This is a massacre! You have no right-”

Megumi sharply glares at him. “He is Zenin. They were Zenin. As such, what happened to them is entirely my and Maki’s prerogative. Whether we kill them or hang them, it doesn’t concern any outside party aside from the Zenin's blood. The same thing applies to the currently living Zenin.” He coldly says. 

“The challenge has been acknowledged by Furudate. You all have no right to question us.”  Maki adds with a knowing smirk. 

“What-?” Gakuganji turns his head to Furudate in shock. 

“As by now, Zenin Megumi, the bearer of Zenin’s Ten Shadows and Zenin Maki, the bearer of Zenin’s Heavenly Restriction are the official heads of the Zenin clan. My updated report will be up on your desk tomorrow morning.” Furudate explains. 

“This is our house clean up. Do not intervene.” Megumi emphasizes threateningly before they leave the still shell-shocked two people alone. 

Chapter Text

Just like his technique, Megumi presented earlier than most kids of his age. 

An omega. 

He’s already had an inkling, with how slender his body is even though he’s beating the bullies and other equally bad people almost on a daily basis. He tried to put up some muscle, but he’d still look so lean in comparison to his classmates. 

So omegan. 

He has no problem with being an omega actually. He feels people are ridiculous for stereotyping that omega can’t fight, can’t stand for themselves. Weakest of the tier, yet regarded as just as precious as an alpha albeit plastered with a big red fragile label. Only stupid people would limit themselves to such stereotype. Look at him, he’s an omega but he can easily beat up those bullies. 

His second gender just means that he has the means to pop up babies with an alpha. 

Perhaps, due to this nature of thinking, he never really regards his seniors who have presented as an alpha as, well, an alpha. They don’t interest him, their scent only makes him scrunch up in displeasure. They smell unpleasant.

He doesn’t know that it’s actually weird for him to think so, when Tsumiki’s friends asked his opinion of those alphas. Apparently, he has piqued their interest and have been trying to entice him with their scent. They’re not bad looking, on the contrary, one of them is one of the most popular alpha in the school. 

Tsumiki, God bless his kind sister, is quite concerned with this. Megumi knows his sense of smell wasn’t faulty. He can smell Tsumiki’s sweet, flowery scent just fine. He can smell Gojo’s scent too. In fact, his scent is very pleasant for him. The most pleasant, even though the man is a purebred alpha, whose scent should be denser and more potent than common alpha. 

A short visit to the school’s nurse under Tsumiki’s insistence and it turns out that he has unconsciously regarded them as someone who is weaker than himself. Therefore, isn’t worth his time, incompatible. 

“Scent is one of the easiest if not the most important factor in selecting a mate. The more pleasant their scent is to you, the more compatible you are, especially between an omega and alpha.”

While being an omega doesn’t change anything for him, the heat, he decides, is the most annoying to deal with. 

Once, due to a mistake of some sort, his suppressant wasn’t sent in time. 

He and Tsumiki just have enough for their daily meals and some additional expenses. A heat’s suppressant wasn’t on that additional expenses list. 

Tsumiki didn’t know, he lied so she won’t take her pocket money that’s meant for her class trips to buy his meds. He knew she'd been happily waiting for that trip. As annoying as she was, he couldn’t help but want to let her enjoy some kind of happiness amidst their difficult lives.

The day Tsumiki’s gone, he started to skip his classes.  

He’s not stupid. He has been diligently scouring over books upon books in the school’s library at how to properly handle an omega heat alone. His pre-heat scent might put him into a dangerous situation so he stopped going out from the apartment. 

A day later, his first day hit. It’s so painful, really painful. More painful than the blurry recollection of his first heat. This time, he knew he needed an alpha, he yearned for one to help him. To ease his pain, to comfort him. 

He has no one. It’s always been only Megumi and Tsumiki, trying to survive together. 

Megumi also had no means to buy prepackaged food, so he depended on water and some ration bars he managed to scrounge up. 

Tsumiki would be gone for six days and five nights. His heat should’ve subsided by then.  

.

.

On the third day, amidst the haze of pain, Megumi heard someone knock on the door. He paid it no mind, the heat almost rendered him useless on his feet anyway.

Until a seemingly familiar smell invaded his senses. 

Megumi couldn’t control himself anymore. “Alpha…” He whines wantonly at the sudden arrival of an alpha. Trying to entice him, to look at him, an omega ripe for the taking. He couldn’t really see who it was with how the sweats and the near dehydration blurred his vision. All he could think of was that there’s a compatible alpha near him, a possible mate that he needed to lessen this pain. 

The touches upon his skins felt like a prayer came true. It’s cold, relieving him of the heat that has been ravaging him inside out. The alpha scent was very pleasant as well, like that scent of snow storm mixed with mint, fresh and cold. 

His alpha’s hand wandered around his body, touching every inch of his bare skin. “Alpha alpha please-” he chants endlessly as he grips the alpha’s shoulder tighter. Begging for this pain to be ended already. Megumi moaned when his sensitive scent gland was licked and sucked by this alpha. “Alpha...” He bared his neck even more, offering more skin for his alpha to work on.

The hold on his waist tightened considerably. 

While the alpha was busy sucking his neck, he tried to paw off the alpha’s clothing. To feel more of his bare skin. To feel more of the cold that balanced out the heat he felt on his. He vaguely felt the rather muscled body, the strong shoulder under his fingers, the absolutely delightful smell as he shoved his nose onto the alpha’s own scent gland. 

Megumi was too drunk on the alpha’s own pheromones, when he felt his alpha growled threateningly. He’s immediately shoved behind him protectively, possessively. 

He wasn’t able to register anything but to kiss his alpha’s strong back, wrapping himself on it. He has chosen well, his alpha’s strong. He vaguely registered another smell, a beta perhaps? But it wouldn’t mean anything, his alpha would protect him. His alpha’s superior breed. 

“No no, Alpha-” Megumi whined pitifully when he felt his alpha tried to unlatch him off of his back. He heard a comforting hush, before the alpha pulled his casted aside blanket and loosely wrapped his body up in it. His alpha then carried him, where to, he didn’t care. All Megumi cared about was to nuzzle his head on his alpha’s strong neck, while his pheromones lovingly blanket him off. 

Then it was all blank for him. 

.

.

When he’s finally conscious once again, he was sleeping on a bed in a hospital. 

He looked to the right, to see Gojo was sitting on the sofa next to him. His head tilted to the side as he slept peacefully. 

“It must’ve been uncomfortable.” Megumi dazedly thought. He has this urge to fix it, the uncontrollable itch to make Gojo comfortable. Slowly, he moved his body, all while minding the tube on the top of his hand. 

He almost had no energy left, with how shaky and heavy he felt just from crossing the short space between them. With his own pillow on his hand, he cautiously lifted Gojo’s head a bit and slipped his pillow to the back of his head. 

After making sure that the alpha looked comfortable, or as comfortable as he can with how long his limbs and body were under such a small sofa, Megumi walked back slowly, step by step to his bed. 

It took the rest of his almost non-existent energy to climb back to the bed. He unceremoniously plopped down to it and quickly fell asleep once more. 

He would never know the small, satisfied smile on the alpha’s face. 

.

.

Another moment of consciousness and Megumi’s actually quite sober this time. He blinked his eyes in confusion when he realized that he’s in the hospital. Last time he checked, he’s in his apartment with Tsumiki. 

“Megumii~” Gojo’s annoying voice slammed into his eardrums from the side. He turned his head to the side and glared at his “official” guardian. 

Was it because Gojo’s sitting right next to him, or did this room wholly smell like the older man’s scent?

“Oh! You’re sober now.” Gojo grinned meaningfully. 

“Why am I here?” Megumi raspily asked. His throat hurt so much just from speaking. Gojo automatically offered him a bottle with a straw on it. He took it gratefully, beggar can’t be chooser. 

“I should be the one asking you, Megumi.” Gojo turned serious. “Why didn’t you tell me that you didn’t get your meds?” 

Megumi turned his head to the side. 

“If your school didn’t ask me for your sudden absence, I’d never know.” Gojo continued. “You could have died from dehydration or worse, an alpha would’ve broken into your apartment while you’re defenseless like that.” 

Gojo tsk-ed when Megumi still refused to see him. 

“Megumi.” 

Megumi shuddered when he heard Gojo used his alpha’s tone, as his scent became denser in the air, enveloping him completely. Reluctantly, he turned his head back to the older man, eyes casted down to avoid the other’s intense crystal-like, blue eyes. 

“I trusted you to take care of yourself. To reach me when you need something. So why?” Gojo sternly asked. 

He kept mum. 

“Do I need to order you, Megumi?” Gojo half-threatened. 

He shook his head.

“Then answer me.” The white man stroked his head.

“I can’t.” He quietly said. “You’re practically a stranger.”

Gojo stopped on his track. 

Any trace of leftover amusement on his face was wiped off in an instant. 

“Am I, Megumi?” The alpha’s fresh scent suddenly turned sour and slightly spicy. Like mixing a little amount of cucumber with many chilis and lemons. 

Megumi finally looked up. Even though Gojo’s scent had noticeably turned sour, there’s no trace of anger or disappointed look on his face. In fact, it’s just blank. 

Unreadable. 

“Yes.” He replied.

Gojo’s silent for some moments, all while staring at him behind those ridiculous sunglasses of his. 

“Fine then~” Gojo grinned, but there’s something unusual in that grin. Insincerity? “I’ll just have to be somebody for the dearest Megumii~” The older man playful said, his smile still didn’t reach his eyes. 

That’s how the Six Eyes bearer began to be a permanent resident in his life. 

One day, Megumi woke up with something within his mind, his chest. He didn't know how to describe the weird feeling, so he instinctively tried to tug it off. 

Just to feel someone on the other end pulled back.

He vaguely could understand that the other side felt the tug and replied to his pull.

Bewildered, he quickly took his phone, wanting to contact Gojo because what the fuck is this? Just before he could open his chat room with the older man, his phone rang with said man’s name on the screen. 

“Gojo-sensei-” He greeted hurriedly, honestly kind of freaked out with how the other end always pulling the imaginary rope in his mind and chest. 

“Megumii~ How nice! We finally formed the bond.” Gojo’s voice echoed in his room. The pleasantness of his tone wasn’t unnoticed. 

“What?” Megumi asked, what’s this man talking about? 

“The bond Megumi, the bond” Gojo dragged his word. “See, I can feel you and you can feel me whenever you pull on the connection.” He explained as he felt another tug in his mind. 

“This is you?” Megumi confirmed once more, hesitantly tugged the rope, or the connection as he said. 

“Yes~” He felt another pull on his end. “See, I’ve just pulled you again.” 

Still very much confused with the sudden change, he asked Gojo. “Why did this happen? How did this happen?”

“Oh nothing to be worried about, Megumi.” Gojo appeasedly said. “This is a good thing in fact! I can sense you, you can sense me too.”

“It’s a normal thing?” Megumi raised his eyebrow doubtfully. He knew about heat, rut and the thing in between. About marking and claiming, being mated. He knew that Gojo sometimes purposefully scents him off when it’s around his heat’s date. He still regularly consumes his suppressant, so he felt the act was unnecessary. But he has learnt that Gojo’s stubbornness knows no bounds. He has off months in between to make it safer for his growing body. During those off months, Gojo would ask Shoko’s help to monitor him as he goes his heat alone. When the heat gets too much, Shoko would give him one of Gojo’s sweatshirts to cling to. An alpha’s pheromone can still ease the pain even only for a little bit. A purebred one (he later learnt), has even more potency so he gratefully accepted any kind of relief for his pain. 

“Yes, a completely normal thing!” Gojo confidently declared. 

Gojo, despite his outward look and attitude, has proven himself to be someone he could rely on, so he let the matter drop and completely believe him. 

Present Times

Megumi distractedly pets the warm, soft fur of his divine dogs. It’s already late into the night, but he still can’t find the rest he desperately needs. He lays on his side on Kon’s huge figure, leaning on its warmth to keep him company for another restless night. Shiro makes itself comfortable in front of him and Megumi basks into the protective circle his divine dogs make. He knows perfectly well that they’re not really meant for this, that he’s wasting some amounts of his cursed energy, but he doesn’t care. 

Amidst the darkness of the room, his phone’s notification light keeps on blinking steadily. The unread messages have remained ignored from the evening. The urge to turn it off completely tempts him, but he can’t will himself to do it. Despite what he said to Yuuta this morning, he’s actually anxious. Anxious for what, he can’t really comprehend it. Sure Gojo might be slightly angry that Megumi’s claimed, but his anger won't be the kind that they all think of. Not an anger of an alpha to his omega, oh no, far from it. It’s a guardian’s anger, as someone who has nurtured his abilities then being told that one of his prized omega is claimed by some alpha he hasn’t approved of. 

Is he afraid of Gojo’s judgement? Of his disappointed expression upon his decisions? Or is it because he’s afraid of what the future will bring once Gojo is awake once again? 

Afraid to see who will be Gojo’s mate? 

There used to be a time, where he wished for Gojo's love.

To be cherished by him, to be loved wholeheartedly, to have him as a mate. 

Megumi knows it's nothing but a dreamer’s dream.

He's Gojo Satoru, the Six Eyes bearer, one of the strongest jujutsu sorcerers, a purebred alpha.

Alpha of the alpha, the top one percent of the pyramid of power. A purebred alpha, they have heightened senses, stronger and more resilient bodies in comparison to their normal counterpart. 

Blessed with Six Eyes, the Infinity technique, seemingly endless cursed energy with an enchanting look and body, the world must have loved Gojo so much.

Someone like him needs to match with an equally strong omega pair, to balance him out. 

An omega that’s clearly not him. 

He will never be in Gojo’s radar. Years of being with Gojo made Megumi forget that he too, is also a figurine in the older’s grand scheme of things.

Megumi’s just a naïve omega who mistook Gojo’s interest for his power as something personal. 

So when he got hurt in the end, he had no one but himself to blame. 

This rude awakening starts from the day Itadori joins their life. 

“Fushiguroo.”

Three insistent knocks on his door wakes Megumi up from his shallow slumber. He didn’t mean to fall asleep in the first place, -the report won’t write by itself- but the need to take a short power nap turns into a full time slumber.

“What?” He grumbly says a bit loudly. He’s glad that Itadori indirectly woke him up, but the not-so-restful nap has formed into a headache and nausea. He groans at the discomfort. 

“Can I borrow a scissor? I can’t find mine and I need to open up the rest of the boxes.” Even without seeing Itadori’s face, Megumi can already imagine the sheepish expression on his new friend, or so Gojo claimed. 

“Look Megumi! Now you have a friend~” Gojo grinned from ear to ear, like a proud dog showing his latest catch. “It’s a good thing to put his room next to you~ You’ll easily form a friendship with him this way.” 

A bit annoyed with the memory, Megumi rather roughly pulls on the bond as he takes his scissor from the drawer. Soon enough, his rope is also pulled once in response. Gojo has put some kind of rules between them. One tug is just for fun, twice to ask for the other’s presence or respond to their chat(he likes to leave Gojo on read. How could he not when the man usually spams him endlessly), thrice means the other is needed here right now , multiple times in short span of time means Gojo is bored and he needs Megumi’s attention (his words, not himself).

He hears his phone is buzzing with incoming notifications on the top of his desk, but he ignores it in favor of opening his door. 

“Here-” Megumi’s word is cut off when he acutely can smell a telltale of omega scent on Itadori. He frowns a bit.

“Thank you! Are you okay, Fushiguro?” Itadori tilts his head in confusion at the sudden frown on him. 

“I’m fine.” Megumi says. “Did you meet someone just now, Itadori?” He curiously asks. Unlike most omega, Megumi found out that he actually has a heightened sense of smells. No one knows about this, not even Gojo. He used to accurately predict his school mates’ second gender even when they don’t know or haven’t realized it themselves. It’s kinda bizarre to smell the scent of a ripening omega on Itadori, when the young man’s body is built like that. He thought Itadori would end up as an alpha, or a beta. 

While physically enhanced omega is not uncommon, it’s clearly a rare case. 

“No?” Itadori confusedly replies. “I’ve been holed up in my room, why? Do I smell bad?” He boldly sniffs himself up. 

“Nothing, just forget about it.” Megumi dismisses. “Do you need anything else?” 

Itadori perks up at this. “Nah, but do you want to get some dinner together later?” 

Megumi can hear his phone is buzzing consistently now. “Sure, just let me know once you’re done settling in.” 

“Okay!” Itadori grins. He looks like an excited puppy as he returns to his room. 

Shaking his head, Megumi closes the door and walks toward his desk. He stares at the brightly lit, vibrating phone for another three seconds. The insistent tugs on his rope just making his headache even worse so he slides the call to answer. 

“Megumiiii, how could you ignore me after asking for my attention cutely like that!” Gojo whines pitifully on his ear. 

“I’m just suddenly annoyed at you, that’s all.” He replies as he lays down on his bed. “Stop pulling on the rope, it’s worsening my headache.” Megumi lightly scolds the older. 

“Did you take a nap earlier Megumi?” Gojo hums as soft scraping sounds can be heard from the background. “Should we go to the last restaurant we went to for dinner? You seem to like their food and their ginger tea is excellent as well. It’ll erase your discomfort.”

“No. I’ve just promised Itadori to have dinner with him.” Megumi rejects as he mulls Gojo's offer. It’s tempting -he’s also in the mood for some warm seafood soup-, but he’s given his promise to Itadori first. 

“Megumi ditches the lonely me for some other boy.” The older man fake sobs on the other end. “How cruel of you, Megumi.” 

“Is that all, Sensei?” He asks. It’s still a bit weird to call Gojo as sensei even after a year. 

“Cruel. So cruel.”  Gojo still continues his theatrics. “Oh! I can join both of you instead.” 

“We’ll just buy food from a convenience store, or ramen from a nearby stall.” Megumi flatly says. “It won’t be anything fancy, Sensei.” He adds. With their student budgets, they won’t be able to have nice meals in a nice restaurant. He doesn’t know about Itadori, but that kind of privilege will never be his.  

“I changed my mind, we can invite Itadori to join us.” The Six Eyes bearer rectifies. “That way we all will be happy.” 

“How so?” Megumi rather irritatedly says. He changes his position and lays on his side now, with his phone on top of his ear directly. 

“I can feed you proper food, you’ll have your headache resolved. Itadori will still be able to eat dinner with you.“ Gojo hums happily, as if he’s just found the solution of mass energy equivalence. 

“You’re not my mother.” He reminds the alpha. 

“It’s decided then.” Gojo easily says, as if he didn’t hear any of his words. 

“Fine. I’ll ask Itadori.” The younger man concedes. There’s no way to change Gojo’s mind once he’s set on something. It’s futile.

“Good boy. I’ll see you in an hour, Megumi.” He teases before the connection is closed. 

Sighing, Megumi wakes up from the bed and makes his way out to Itadori’s room. 

.

.

Three hours later, they’re walking out of the restaurant. It’s not as fancy as Gojo likes to take him to, but he’s really fond of the food. The chef’s dishes are exceptional and they do serve a good ginger tea. The restaurant is quite invisible from the front road, so he’s a bit surprised that Gojo knows this place. 

They’re currently walking towards a nearby sweets shop for some desserts (for Gojo). Megumi quietly observes Itadori and their sensei as they walk in front of him. True to his suspicion, he can confirm that Itadori would seventy to eighty percent present as an omega. While he will be the third omega since Inumaki-senpai is one too, there’s some unknown unease that sprouts in his heart as he watches Gojo and Itadori interact. 

This is the second time he sees Gojo putting a high interest into somebody else after Okkotsu-senpai. But even then, he never felt this kind of feeling.

Why?

This is stupid, Megumi decides. Itadori is clearly a good guy. The good guy. 

He pushes the thought, the feeling, to the back of his mind as he catches up with them. 

Gojo, Megumi learnt, hides his pain, his regrets, behind his smile, his cheekiness, his rudeness, his confidence.

Megumi drowns in them instead. 

He drowns himself together with them and holds them close. Lock them to his chest and heart so he'll always remember. So he won’t be hurt with the same methods from the same people.   

Megumi witnessed it when Gojo arrived on his doorstep, after killing Geto Suguru, his best friend, the famed sorcerer turned curse user. The loud, all smiley attitude soon subsided when he made no effort to shove Gojo like he used to do. 

He could feel the upturn of his cheek going down upon his thin, second hand sweatshirt as Gojo buried his face on his chest. His fresh, cool pheromone turns bitter and stale instantly. 

Another year, he directly saw it once again. When he and Gojo went to the morgue to visit Itadori for the last time. 

Both are bright people. Powerful people that Gojo Satoru has acknowledged. 

From the tidbits that the alpha spilled once in a while, Megumi knows Geto Suguru was an important person for him. Itadori too, despite how short the time the curse’s vessel spent with them, he knows that Gojo’s interest’s highly piqued by Itadori. It’s like Okkotsu-senpai all over again, but worse. 

Is he included? Megumi couldn’t help but wonder.

Will Gojo also smile like that if he dies?

(Gojo will laugh but he will do so while burning the world, erasing everything, anything, curses and humans alike. It won’t matter anymore. Too bad Megumi hasn’t realized it yet.)

Megumi thought he was imagining things, when he smelt Itadori’s scent on Gojo. The alpha dropped by at the dorm before he had to go for a long mission. He’s (slightly) happy and annoyed (not really) when the alpha immediately hugged him to death. Gojo’s pheromones quickly filled his whole room, bathing him in his scent.  

“Let go, Sensei.” He protested, trying to get away from the alpha’s death grip. 

“No can do.” Gojo says playfully as he scented his student. 

“Ack, why are you scenting me again?” Megumi continued to protest. His heat has just passed, there’s no reason for Gojo to do this. 

“You still have some residue of your heat.” His teacher hummed meaningfully. “And I’ll be gone for a while, so don’t make any trouble during my absence, Megumi.” 

“As if. It’s you who always makes trouble, Sensei.” Megumi huffed. It’s been a while since he met Gojo. The alpha was suddenly very very busy that their usual meetup has reduced into random tugs on the rope. His room has never felt so empty before. He is so used to Gojo’s constant and consistent presence that his abrupt absence was clearly felt.

Was he actually busy? 

Megumi knew for a fact that the alpha has been rejecting missions left and right. He also knew that Gojo was still around. He thought that the alpha was purposefully avoiding him to make some distance between them since they’re now formally a student and teacher.

So this is why. 

From now on, he’ll really, really trust his sense of smell. Megumi promises himself as he watches how his Sensei just smiles easily at the chaos he ignited from bringing Itadori into the event, alive and breathing. 

Loneliness, pain and misery. Abandoned and feeling like he’s not enough to make people stay.

These are his curses, the demons inside his head. He thought he had overcome them all.  He thought he had abandoned them. 

He should've gotten used to this. Megumi’s always been alone at some point in his life. The gap when his mom died. When his dad left him all alone at the barely decent apartment. When he came home to the empty spaces with Tsumiki’s absence. 

Megumi feels like he’s caught off guard when he recognizes where this unease and vile insecurities stem from.

And as he predicted weeks ago, Itadori has become an omega during his ‘death’. 

Megumi closes his eyes and his heart at the implicit possibility, at the stark difference from the speed of development between them.

Megumi barely dodges a deadly swing from Maki’s wooden sword with his tonfa. He immediately jumps back and puts his weapon into a defensive stance. 

Sweats trickle down on his back and his face. They’ve been sparring since dawn and the sun has risen completely. 

“You’re distracted and just using this spar to burn out the frustration. What happened?” Maki asks as she puts down her wooden sword. 

“Nothing.” He replies as he plops down to the mats. He’s still panting from the rigorous spars, but Maki is right. He’s just taking out his frustration instead of honing his skills. 

He still vividly remembers the rather damning declaration from Gojo a few days ago. The knowing stare, the reprimanding tone, the slight disappointment underneath those crystal like eyes. 

That and-

“Yo! Fushiguro! Maki-senpai!” A familiar voice yells from a distance. Megumi sighs heavily, it’s foolish of him to think that he can avoid him at least until noon. 

Maki who’s still staring at her junior for an answer raises her eyebrow. 

Less than ten seconds later, Itadori crouches right beside him. 

It’s there again. 

Gojo’s scent. 

He’s been smelling Gojo on Itadori and vice versa ever since Itadori’s return. After a few occasions, it’s become apparent that Gojo often overlooks or trains Itadori himself. Even if Megumi doesn’t have this enhanced smell, it’s still easy to know that they do from the happy tune Gojo hums afterwards. The last time he sees Gojo that satisfied and happy is probably when he’s teaching Okkotsu-senpai. 

“So this is where you’ve been at.” Itadori chirps happily. 

What do you want, Megumi wants to reply. What do you want to take anymore, the voice in his mind whispers. “Yeah. Do you need anything?” Megumi replies instead. 

“Nothing. Can we go to the city today?” He asks. 

“You don’t need me to chaperone you everywhere, Itadori.” He gets up and sits on the mats. 

Even as an omega, Itadori’s physique hasn’t changed at all. 

Is it because of Sukuna? 

Seeing Itadori bubbles up his frustration anew. Within months, Itadori easily surpasses him. Effortlessly going one on one with Todo-senpai whereas he struggled on it. 

It takes him more months to get what Itadori achieved in less. 

“Yeah, but I want to go with you.” Itadori scratches his head rather shyly. “The more the merrier right?” He sincerely says. 

“Panda invites you two for breakfast. Want to come?” Maki offers as she types on her phone. 

“Ah I’ve eaten, although I can take another bite or two.” Itadori replies. 

Yes, that too. 

With these spars, they also come with breakfast or dinner together.

The idea of Itadori and Gojo often spending time together, just two of them ignites something ugly and disgusting within his chest. 

He hates feeling this way. 

He hates that his omega side is whining sadly. Hates that he feels left out. Hates to know that the breakfast and dinner time Gojo usually reserves only for him has another owner.

Itadori is a good person. Better than him in every sense of aspects. 

He doesn’t deserve this from him. His shortcoming and weakness, he has no right to pin them on Itadori. Gojo is just choosing the one who can entertain and give him better results. 

“Fushiguro?” Itadori concernedly calls him, when he notices the other’s pheromones soured a bit. 

“I’m just exhausted. Don’t worry.” He excuses. 

He ignores incessant tugging on his rope. 

.

.

.

Megumi walks back towards his dorm direction alone. 

After breakfast, Maki asked him to stay behind for a moment while she fetched something Miwa sent to her for him. A bit puzzled, he nodded and waited patiently. Turns out the thing she sent for him is a big box of chocolate ginger. 

From Kamo.

According to Maki who was told by Miwa, Kamo has been trying to send him this but it’s always returned back with no explanation. So he tried to give it via other methods. 

Megumi has no recollection of receiving or rejecting any packages. The only person who often sent him things is Okkotsu-senpai ever since he’s abroad. 

Even without being told that it’s from Kamo's heir, the box heavily smells of him. Megumi dubiously stares at the sweets in his hand. The box is still perfectly sealed, so the chance of the alpha to tamper its content is slim. But why would Kamo send him chocolate? They’re not really acquaintanced to each other, despite Kamo’s insistence that they’re the “same”. 

Correction, he’s not well-acquaintanced with any of the Kyoto side. Not even Miwa. The girl is okay-ish, her innocence and simple-mindedness is refreshing in comparison to the other Kyoto’s students. However her behavior around Gojo irks him somehow.

He doesn’t really want to eat this gift, but years of struggling to have food on his table makes him unable to throw it away either. Probably he should let Kugisaki and Itadori eat this instead. 

Suddenly the box is wretched out of his hand from the back. 

“What-”

“Hmm… I remember that I returned this back. How could this arrive at your hands, Megumi?” Gojo inquires calmly as he lifts the box to his eye level, his right hand barely pinches the box up, as if the obviously expensive chocolate is dirty socks. 

“You’re the one who rejected it?” Megumi closes his eyes in slight frustration. Of course it’s Gojo. Who else. He tries to take it back from the alpha’s hold. 

“Ho, what’s this? Do you actually want it?” Gojo asks with a strange tone. This damn teacher of his purposefully stretches his arm to the top with the box, putting it out of his reach. 

“Sensei!” Megumi hisses as he struggles to take the food back. “Food is food.”

“You don’t know him though. Are you really going to eat it?” Gojo teases.

A bit miffed with the apparent goading, Megumi blurts out an affirmation. The alpha frowns a little in slight annoyance. “Fine, maybe if you can tell me what I have for breakfast then I’ll consider giving it back.” Gojo smiles again, confident that his student won’t be able to answer correctly. 

“Curry from that twenty four seven shawarma place.” Megumi answers as he still tries to take chocolate back.

Gojo’s frozen in his place for a while before he recovers. “Is that so, Megumi?” 

“Yes.” Megumi repeats his answer to his teacher (is he only his teacher? Megumi doesn’t think so. But he doesn’t know if Gojo has the same sentiment.)

“Are you really sure?” Gojo reconfirms with a playful tone, although his expression is still strange as ever. 

“That curry place’s smell sticks on Itadori earlier and there’s only one food you’ll eat at that place.” He glares at Gojo. “Give it back, Sensei.” He’s so vexed. Is he annoyed that Gojo rejected his gift in his stead without informing him at all? Angry that Gojo took Itadori instead of him? Irritated that Gojo acts like this? Like a jealous and possessive alpha to his omega? (What a joke)

Despite what people think of, he’s not that oblivious. Or stupid. He might never read romance books but he has the enough gist from Tsumiki’s incessant talk about her novels and dramas years ago. He knows Gojo is interested in him, but the alpha doesn’t do anything to confirm it or reject it. No mark, no claim. Always so vague. 

Megumi is a bit startled, although just as unamused when the Six Eyes bearer crushes the box in his hand into a small, medium sized ball with his technique. 

“Oops.” Gojo says easily without any remorse. 

Megumi sighs at the alpha’s pettiness. Fine. It’s not that he really wants it in the first place. 

“If that’s all, I will go back to my room. I’m exhausted and Itadori’s going to drag me around Tokyo again today.” He excuses himself, leaving the alpha alone in the corridor. It’s not until twenty minutes later, when he’s standing under the cold shower that he realized he had inadvertently revealed his more acute sense of smell to the alpha. 

.

.

.

Gojo often tries to take him out for breakfast after that. Like how he used to before. 

He always refuses each time. 

If Gojo’s doing this out of guiltiness, he doesn’t want it. 

He’s tired.

So so tired. 

With an annoyed hiss Megumi tries to imagine and properly form his domain. 

Another failure. 

Why? 

No matter how many times he’d tried, he still failed miserably. 

Why can't he advance as fast as Itadori? 

Why can’t he be as strong as him? 

They’re the same, so their second gender really doesn’t matter in the equation. 

The words Gojo said before echoes in his head, like a judgment, a damning comparison. 

Be selfish. Be greedy.

(He can’t).

(He still can’t do it.)

The world (his world) crashes down when Shoko-san informs him about the situation. 

No. 

It can’t be. 

Okkotsu’s warm hand clasps upon his shaking ones. Steady and firm, the alpha pushes out some calming pheromones, cocooning him like a warm blanket to ease his fear and anxiety. 

“It’s okay, Megumi. We’ll take him back.” Okkotsu comforts him. “I’m here. We’ll figure it out together. Don’t worry.” 

“I should be able to detect him once we’re there.” Megumi convincingly says to Kugisaki. Him, Itadori, Kugisaki and Okkotsu are reviewing their scheme once more. The plan was for him, Kugisaki, Panda and Inumaki to retrieve Gojo, while Okkotsu, Itadori, Maki and others would fight the battle head on as a distraction. With the stupid game ended and Tsumiki’s saved, he has less worry and burden on his shoulder.

However, time is still an expensive thing they can’t waste.

“What?” Kugisaki confusedly asks. 

“My connection with him is still there, albeit weak probably because it’s being blocked by the prison realm.” He explains offhandedly as his eyes scan the roughly drawn map once more, trying to find any opening or weakness on their side. 

“A bond?” Kugisaki puzzly reconfirms. 

“Isn’t that reserved for an alpha - omega courting? Did Gojo-sensei court you?” Itadori questions him.   

“Huh?” He lifts his head to stare directly at his friends. “What do you mean?” He asks with a frown. “He’s not. It’s just a thing we have ever since I was in what? Junior High?” 

She and Itadori stare at him in astonishment. 

.

.

.

At least Okkotsu doesn’t know either so he doesn’t feel that foolish.  

What can he say? Prior to this, the only humans he frequently interacted with was Maki (whose Zenin’s background is pretty much self-explanatory), Okkotsu-senpai (who is just like him, prior being enrolled in here, he’s always alone), Panda (does he need to say more) and Inumaki (no offense but how).

Plus the man in question himself, Gojo, has confirmed to him that it's normal. What more could he ask? 

Again, he never reads those romance books or whatnot. His knowledge is limited to what Tsumiki babbled to him, and just the claiming, mating and the basic biological works in between. He's too focused trying to survive and preserve. No one taught him to cook, to wash. How to do A, how to B. He and Tsumiki self-taught themselves. They didn’t exactly have the luxury to ponder on those things. 

After they explained things to him and Okkotsu, they fell silent. 

The weight of the meaning filled his mind, heavy on his chest. 

Ever since his connection with Gojo is known, Itadori has been acting strangely. A bit skittish, guilty.

Megumi warily eyes Itadori. He has a hunch but he personally is not ready to know the truth either. 

Ignorance is bliss, as he learnt from his childhood. 

“Megumi, can we talk for a sec?” Itadori put his hand on his shoulder. His scent smells a bit distressed. 

“Sure.” He agrees. It seems that the truth would always chase him down in the end. Like how the truth about his absent dad came to light. (He doesn’t blame Gojo. Out of love, out of blindedness? He doesn’t know. There’s so many things in his life that he’s not sure of. One thing he knows for a fact is that Toji can be an absolute asshole if he wants to, so he’d like to believe his death was his own consequence to bear, not Gojo’s.). 

Okkotsu watches them from the side as Itadori leads him towards a secluded area on their protected premise. 

“What’s up, Yuuji?” He opens the conversation, trying to ease the tension on his friend’s shoulder. Since he’s now a Zenin even though he doesn’t want it in the first place, it’s been weird to call him Fushiguro, they said. A small discussion, unneeded yet actually needed to relieve their stress, and they’ve all agreed to call each other by their name instead. After they think about it, it feels silly to not call each other familiarly, after the hell they went through and are going to get through in the future. 

“I’m sorry.” Itadori sincerely apologies. “I didn’t know and Gojo-sensei didn’t say anything.”  

“Is this about the bond?” He asks. Megumi has the urge to rub off the uncharacteristic expression on Itadori. It doesn’t fit into the usually chirpy, positive Itadori he knows of. 

It’s not his fault in the first place. 

“Yes.” Itadori clenches his fist. “During my first death-”

“You presented.” Megumi finishes it for him.

“Yeah.” Itadori bites his lips. “Nothing happened, I swear Megumi.” 

“I know, I understand. Don’t worry, Yuuji.” Megumi responds. “It can’t be helped since no one knew and Gojo-sensei couldn’t possibly take you to the isolation ward.” He reasons. An omega first heat is quite brutal, he didn’t even remember what he did on his first heat. Even if Itadori said nothing happened, who knows? The voice whispers. He shuts it down.

“If that’s all-” Megumi tries to put this whole deal down before he’s told things he doesn’t want to know. 

“No- wait.” Itadori cut him off. “It’s not only that… He did it for my off-heats too.” He finally reveals the thing that has been eating him inside out. 

Megumi freezes for some seconds. 

“It’s fine, Yuuji.” Megumi says as he tries to keep his scent from souring out. “You didn’t know. I didn’t even know the bond means something like that. Gojo-sensei most likely put it because I’m his ward and Zenin probably was still eyeing me to be taken or something back then.” He lies effortlessly. “It’s definitely unlike what you think of. So don’t worry, okay?” Megumi puts his hands into his pocket and slouches his shoulder, trying to look laid back and unbothered for the whole thing, for Itadori’s sake.

“Megumi…” Itadori still sports his guilty expression. “I swear it’s not like that between me and him.” 

Megumi inhales a bit shakily before he internally calms himself down. Squashing off his own emotions into a box for now, he takes some steps towards Itadori. “Since it bothers you that much,” Megumi half-heartedly, with almost no real power, thumps the back of the other’s head with his left hand. “Now we’re even. It’s not what you think of in the first place anyway.” He shrugs. “Gojo-sensei will always take care of his students, his people. It's as simple as that, Yuuji.” 

“And stop saying your first death, second death easily will you?” He frowns. “It feels like there’s going to be your third death and I don’t want that.” Megumi scolds his friend. 

“Yeah sorry about that.” Itadori sheepishly says, the guilt and the distressed scent start to clear out. “So we’re good?” 

“Always good.” Megumi confirms sincerely. 

“Megumi, let’s talk.” Kugisaki whispers as she immediately drags him out right after he arrives back with Itadori in tow. Megumi resignedly looks up to the sky as he’s brought out again without being able to say anything. A small smile adorns his face though, to know that his friends care about him. 

“Are you okay?” She bluntly asks him. 

“I’m fine.” Megumi responds. 

“I’m not Itadori so drop down the act, stupid.” Kugisaki scoffs. 

Each day, Kugisaki has become more and more like Maki and he’s floating between in amusement and slight fear all the same. “I’m fine, Nobara. I don’t think it’s what you guys think of anyway.” He repeats what he said to Itadori. 

She stares seriously at him for a while, before she sighs. “So you don’t know anything either huh.” 

“It’s Gojo-sensei.” Megumi says, hoping that it’s self-explanatory.

She bites her lips in hesitation before she opens up, “To be honest, I saw you once with him while he’s holding your hand. Then I saw him again with a girl when I was wandering around Tokyo. She’s wearing a formal kimono so I thought nothing of it. ” She stares directly into his eyes. “I thought Gojo-sensei was just being intrusive as usual when he held your hand but now that you’re actually bonded with him I’m really concerned, Megumi.” Fushiguro or Zenin or whatever he is now, Megumi is one of her friends. She won’t stand idly if he’s hurt, even if it means going against her own teacher. “While it’s glorified and known as something special, a bond can also works as-” 

“-some semblance of control.” Megumi finishes it for her, knowing where her concern lies. 

She nods. “Especially since you’ve acquired it from a young age. And you presented early too right.” She leans her back towards the wall. This is a bit fucked up. It’s one thing if Megumi knows the real deal of a bond, but their teacher has clearly said otherwise to him. 

While the bond itself is harmless in theory, it also works as a marker for each person, to know the vague whereabouts of the others. An alpha can sense where their omega has run off to, an omega can sense where their alpha is to seek protection. 

“I don’t see any mark or claim on you, Megumi. Yuuta-senpai also confirms that you’re definitely still unclaimed.” She somberly says. “Why would he need to form the bond with you then?” 

“It’s probably because I’m his ward and Zenin still eyed me to be taken or something back then.” He repeats his theory again to Kugisaki. 

“It doesn’t make any sense.” She rebuts. “Megumi… what if he’s trying to tie you down? Tie your Ten Shadows to his side?” 

Oh. 

That honestly hasn’t crossed his mind. 

It makes more sense than the excuse he came up earlier. 

“Itadori and Yuuta-senpai have no one to fall back to in the jujutsu society.” She continues slowly. “But you have Zenin. No matter how shitty, how fucked up that clan is, you can go back to them. Your Ten Shadows is your freepass insurance. Look at you now, suddenly being the head of that clan and from what Maki told me, there’s no actual objection within it aside from that na something guy. Despite the fact that you never, ever really be a Zenin in the first place.”

She grips his cold hand with hers. “Megumi, I’m saying this as your friend. Once we get Gojo-sensei out, you have to straighten things out with him. Break the bond, if you have to. I don’t know about others, but I’ll support you no matter what.” She promises. Yuuta-senpai, Yuuji and even others seem to put Gojo-sensei in high regard. There are chances that they will be biased. 

On the other hand, she’s not much of a simp for the older adult. She respects him, she knows enough of what the older man’s capable of and she sincerely wants to get him back into their lives. But if push comes to shove, she’ll definitely stand beside Megumi. 

As Megumi lays down on his makeshift bed, he contemplates today’s revelations. 

While he’s only granted Gojo’s clothes during his painful off-heat, Itadori gets to be with the sorcerer himself. 

That surprisingly stings more than he’d like to admit. 

The rational part of his brain thinks that it’s probably to make sure Sukuna doesn’t take any advantage upon its host’s momentary weakness. If he does, the only one who can safely subdue Sukuna is Gojo himself. 

The voices in his head however, have been saying different things. Different, hurtful things with all the knowledge he’s known about those two. 

His omega whimpers sadly. He’s been whimpering pitifully ever since what? Last year? A year and half ago? 

This is not about Itadori in the first place. 

This matter is exclusively about him and Gojo and the unsaid, fucked up things in between.

Why did Gojo lie to him? 

Was it to entertain himself? Was it because Gojo has foreseen that a more interesting student would arrive? So he has to make him not feel forgotten when he’s discarded? Or is it like what Kugisaki fear? That Gojo is trying to restrict him down? To make sure that the prized technique of his will remain on his side rather than the Zenin’s? 

Alpha-omega courting. 

That’s the furthest thing he could think of. 

Sometimes, ever since the alpha barges into his life, Gojo does hold his hand when they’re in public. Then he won’t. Then he will. The cycle continues on and it’s too random and sporadic that he ends up just accepting it as part of the alpha’s eccentric behavior instead of something else. Gojo didn’t even mark or claim him, or even give any sign or will for those things even until the day he’s sealed off. At most, the alpha would just scent him off for his pre and post heat and that’s it. 

As for the girl Kugisaki mentioned… A formal kimono? It’s most likely a client isn’t it? With Gojo’s very expensive rate it’s only natural that only the privileged with fuckton of money are able to hire his services. 

As his consciousness begins to wane out, he tugs on the rope softly. Like a softly whispered siren, like a phantom bell, wishing for the other side to notice and respond.  

A huge figure, clad in a bit bloodied, creamy sweater and pants silently watches Megumi as the other’s deep into his slumber. 

He crouches down beside him and fixes the blanket to cover up until the other’s ear, to keep him warm amidst the heater-less room. 

His big, rough fingers gently wipes the tears streaming down on his son’s face. 

.

.

.

When Okkotsu slips in to check on Megumi during his patrol, the room is empty aside from the omega himself. 

Megumi thought they'd overcome the worst. They thought the victory was theirs, that it’s over. They are heavily injured, but everyone is counted for. Nobody is left behind, no one dies. All that’s left is to figure out how to release Gojo. 

What they thought was the worst is just the beginning. A prelude of the hymn to the second war. 

He should’ve known those corrupt executives would pull something like this. They purposefully let them do the heavy, dirty work and took it when it’s over. Took Gojo out of their hands once more. 

It becomes a truly turning point of his life. All the decisions he had planned to take before, poofed. His hatred for those scums started to grow. Pure, unadulterated anger and hate. 

Gojo’s right, these old fucks really need to meet their demise. They will cut down their time among the living.  

He will gladly take their lives personally. 

The first war with Kamo took the toll for their bodies and mind. Their morales and energies are already used up so much that they’re unable to do anything for the first three days but to recuperate.

Kamo is the embodiment of evil and everything wicked. It’s like chasing down and fighting a criminal. The executives on the other hand, they’re the government itself. 

From soldiers to rebels, they start to plan their coup. 

They can’t just manhunt those scums and use pure raw physical power to end them. There is the politics, the movements, the supports. It'll be futile if they end them all without gaining the support of the community itself. The delicate balance must be preserved, they have to be the one who legally holds the major control over the jujutsu world in Japan when this coup ends.

Megumi finds Okkotsu in the dining room. 

They’re currently in one of the safe houses of the Gojo’s clans. The temporary head has pledged his loyalty to them and has agreed to help them on their plan to release their head clan from the clutches of the higher ups. It seems that his teacher has explicitly instructed to aid them with some failsafes ready in case something happened to him. 

“Senpai.” He greets the older alpha. 

“Megumi. You should be on your bed, resting, you know.” Okkotsu scolds lightly although he still pours some sake for him.

“I didn’t know you drink.” Megumi replies as he sips the alcoholic beverages. He winces slightly at the overtly sweet taste. His eyes go to the bottle and he sighs in understanding.

Okkotsu chuckles a bit at Megumi’s wince. “It’s Gojo-sensei’s pick. Of course it’s going to be the sweetest sake in the market.” He takes another sip of it. 

“I should’ve paid attention to the brand first.” Megumi agrees. “Is there anything else?” 

“Unfortunately no. It’s either this or some cola.” Okkotsu shakes his head. “I see some powdered ginger and tea on the shelf though.” 

Megumi stands up and searches for said tea and the ginger powder. After finding it, he swiftly boils up some water. He sits across Okkotsu once again as he waits for the water to get hot. 

“Even in this kind of situation, he still caters to your taste, Megumi.” Okkotsu speaks up as he watches the omega’s scent sweetened slightly over knowing that his favorite beverage is available for him to consume after months of unstable lifestyle and constant fighting.

“It’s just a coincidence, Senpai.” Megumi denies. “Anyway, I need to tell you something. About our next move.” 

“Hm?” Okkotsu put down his sake glass. “I haven’t told the others, but actually I have been told the gists on what we should do if we have to topple them from Gojo-sensei. Were you informed too, Megumi?” 

Megumi perks up at that, relief filling his system to know that he’s not the only one who knows. That the burden isn’t only his. “Yes. When Itadori was dead for a while, Gojo-sensei told me in passing.” A suspiciously very detailed plan actually. 

Equal relief appears on Okkotsu’s face. “I’m so glad. I thought I’m the only one who knows.” He cries out as he puts his forehead on the table. 

Megumi pats the alpha’s back as he passes him by to turn off the boiling hot water. “Do you want some, Senpai?” 

“Nah, I’m good with this.” He lifts his sake cup.

Five minutes later, Megumi is already sitting again with a cup of perfectly steaming ginger tea on his hand. A small, contented sigh unknowingly escapes from him. 

Coincidence? There’s no way it’s a coincidence. Okkotsu thinks as he surreptitiously observes the happy omega in front of him. 

“I also have agreed on something with Maki and I will need your help.” Megumi starts as he puts down his cup. 

“Sure, tell away. We should match up our information and there must be some changes we have to make too.” The alpha says and Megumi nods in affirmation. “I’ll start first then.” 

Megumi for once, glad that he’s born with the Ten Shadows. Thankful that he didn’t thoughtlessly toss out the crown that has been put on to him. 

.

.

.

.

Almost four hours later, and they’re mostly done with the roughly thought plan with the confirmed listed order of the executives they need to eliminate first. Itadori and Maki joined them on the third hour, with Shoko on the last when she came by to check upon their injuries. 

As he planned with Maki, he’d start the sequence first by taking control of the Zenin clan and weeding out the executives' supporters.

Okkotsu will try to reach out on some other sorcerers he’s acquainted with during his time abroad. People who share the same belief with Gojo. People who respect the Six Eyes bearer. It’s important to make sure the foundation of their faction is strong. 

Shoko and Yaga too, will have to start to move quietly. 

Then they need to kill one of those people first, to covet their seat as his. In order for them to succeed, they need to put him or Okkotsu on the board to control things from the inside too. It’s most likely him. Okkotsu’s abilities are more useful to be put on the field instead of playing mind games with these people. 

Yaga is the closest to the executives position, but his influence is still limited against the other bastards. He’ll be the opening and anchor they need to come into the board. 

They have to confirm with Inumaki and Kamo’s clan allegiances, especially the latter. At the very least, they have to make Kamo’s clan a neutral party so this war won’t drag on and on.

“We can use the momentum from your clean up to show what you and Maki are capable of doing.” Okkotsu mutters thoughtfully. “We can anonymously tip them off about the sudden summons of the Zenin Clan.” 

“Megumi, can we talk for a second?” Itadori interrupts. He has been silent the whole time after knowing the Zenin's head plan. 

Megumi nods, already knowing what bothers Itadori. 

Okkotsu and Maki openly stare at Megumi, asking if he needs help. 

“It’s okay. I got this.” He says to the alphas. 

“I know what bothers you, Yuuji.” Megumi says as soon as they’re in the quiet backyard, the same one where he has come to an agreement with Maki to massacre a good chunk of their clan’s members. 

“Then why?” Itadori glares at his friend. “There are other ways to overcome this.” 

“Time and leisure have always been something we can’t afford to have.” He denies. “This is the shortest way with the most impact we need for the first strike.” 

“There must be another way without sacrificing lives needlessly.” Itadori insistently argues. 

“These lives you are talking about worth nothing. They’re not the good guys you thought they are.” Megumi fires back.  

“Megumi!” Itadori hisses angrily, at the other omega’s easy disregard of a human’s life. 

“It’s you who have to wake up, Yuuji!” He raises his voice, his hackle has been triggered in an instant. He’s exhausted physically and mentally. They all are. He wants this nightmare to end soon. He wants the day where his only concern is Tsumiki and getting stronger.

“The more time and more planning we take, the farther and harder it’d be to retrieve Gojo-sensei back. Do you think these people are law abiding ones? Hell no. On the contrary, without Gojo-sensei’s presence they’ve been uncontrollably wilding left and right.” He yells. “It’s you who need to wake up and see the world of jujutsu can’t abide by your ideal.” He angrily points to Itadori, strikes him right on the core of the problem. 

“The Zenin’s clean up has been long overdue. You know how they treated Maki-senpai. Why do you think my dad left it? How do you think Naoya can be that fucked up? How many children have been killed inside that compound, Yuuji? As an entertainment, as a method to make them stronger, to weed out the weak one and torture the strong children and break their mind?” He still vividly remembers bitter taste of the bile when he threw up badly, after reading the reports and archives yesterday. He only meant to measure up the Zenin’s funds, but one thing led to another and he ended up reading the whole report of expenses used to… to abuse those children. 

“And do you think your sentence is the only damning one?” Megumi refers to his execution. “Did you know that Yuuta-senpai was initially set to be sentenced to death without any trial or test whatsoever before Gojo-sensei intervenes? How many more talented, innocent young sorcerers have been put to death because those assholes up there are too afraid that these kids would be another Gojo or another Okkotsu? How many more of actually innocent lives you’re going to let go, because without Gojo or without us advancing as quickly as we can, they’ll surely die. ” 

“Megu-”

“I’m not finished!” Megumi hisses, already too angry as his own frustration pours out. “Listen, Yuuji. These people we are going to kill, they’re just as bad as Mahito. As Kamo who put this whole thing in the first place. Are you sure you want to save their unsalvageable soul?” 

Itadori throws his face to the side at the mention of Mahito. 

“How do you think we can have a detailed albeit rough plan in just three to four hours, Yuuji?” Megumi sighs as he rubs his face roughly, tiredly. “The plan, it’s already been mapped out by Gojo-sensei. He told me when you were dead. He told Yuuta-senpai when he has bad premonitions before he’s sealed.” 

Megumi roughly sighs and looks up to his friend. He really treasures Itadori. He’s one of the few friends he really wishes to protect. “Sorry for lashing out.” He whispers. Itadori nods.  

“Now that you know that Gojo-sensei, the very teacher we are going to rescue, actually has a fully functional, ready to be committed plan of mass murders, are you still in or not?” The Ten Shadows bearer gently asks. “You have to decide now, Yuuji. I care about you. You’re my friend. If this is going to bother you for the rest of your life, you have to step down before it’s too late.” He advises. “Be on the sideline for now. Mai has decided to do that. It’ll be safer and the path we are going to take is even bloodier and messier than before. Innocent lives might be at stake since we can’t just physically fight them all. Politics are dirty works, even in the normal society.”

With an angry tsk, Itadori frustratedly kicks on the grass. “Damn it.” 

“Just let us handle the rest. You’ve done enough with Kamo.” Megumi says, already resigned to the fact that the other omega has to pull out on this one. Itadori has always been the good one among them. He doesn’t want to see Itadori breaks. 

“And let you guys bet your lives without me? Hell no.” Itadori rejects the proposition. “Can you promise me that they’re truly, really vile as you say?” He seriously asks Megumi.

“No.” Megumi honestly, bluntly says. “I can’t. I will always aim for the lowlives, but I can’t promise you there won’t be any collateral damage or mistakes, Yuuji. All I can promise is I’ll try my best to avoid it. You know my ideal as I do yours. That’s why I advised you to pull back on this one.” He stares at Itadori’s eyes, trying to show his apology for he will undoubtedly do the very thing Itadori despises, showing his regret for dragging him out of his normal life into this. 

“Because I believe none of us, not even Yuuta-senpai, Shoko-san or Yaga-san can promise you this won’t end up as a true massacre. This is a coup of every aspect in jujutsu world at its finest, Yuuji. This will literally turn into a war. Our faction, Gojo’s faction against the community, the executives, the primordial form of the jujutsu government itself.” 

“I will look through his study room. You can go to his bedroom, Megumi.” Kugisaki decides as they venture into Gojo’s apartment. Shoko mentioned to them earlier that Gojo might have something useful in his apartment and compound. So they split up, Kugisaki and him to their teacher’s apartment, while Maki and Itadori went to the other place. Okkotsu has gone to contact his colleagues. 

“Sure.” Megumi agrees and walks toward his bedroom. The apartment smells stale after almost two years being uninhabited. He tries to open the main bedroom and the door opens with a click. 

If he ignores the obvious thick dust, it feels like Gojo has never left. 

The bed is still unmade, papers are strewn over the simple desk he has in his room for convenience. His dressing tables are still full of his stuff, his perfumes, some of his watches and glasses that he hasn't put back. Megumi walks into the closet and takes one of the shirts the alpha likes to wear. It hardly smells anything but slightly musty, so he takes the perfume bottle he knows is Gojo’s personal favorite, the one he often uses around himself. He sprays it on the shirt, and it instantly reminds him of the alpha. He buries his face on the clean shirt, wishing, pretending that it’s Gojo.

He misses him so much. 

If three years ago someone told him that he’d literally wage a war for the alpha, he’d punch whoever it is for being ridiculous. 

Megumi exhales slowly. He needs to work, not reminiscing about the alpha. He puts the shirt back into the closet and he sees one shirt he gifted to the older man. Unlike other shirts, that one is still carefully in its plastic wrapping. Curious, he takes it from the closet. It’s clearly been washed, but why would Gojo put this back into the plastic wrapping? 

He probably doesn’t like it. The voice in his head echoes. He washes it so if he needs to, he can put it on, but he never plans to. 

That’s probably true. Megumi accepts the possibility. It’s a bit hard to match Gojo’s expensive taste. He thought he chose the shade and the pattern to his liking, with how happy Gojo looked back then. Maybe that’s why the older man insisted on getting sweets as the next birthday’s gifts. 

With the shirt in his hand, Megumi begins to look around the room. Finding nothing on his desk, he tries on the drawers. He finds some thick files and skims them off.

They can use these. 

He’s lowkey horrified to know that Gojo left these kinds of files around so carelessly without any protection, but it ends up helping them so he can’t let himself be really mad.

Done with the desk area, he walks to the nightstand, where there are also several thin maps laid out. 

He puts down the thick files and the shirt to the bed, and opens one of the maps. 

.

.

.

The bond, everything, Kugisaki is right. 

Megumi’s indeed, just a plaything to the older man. 

He must’ve been an amusing sight indeed. A stupid omega who tried to have his attention. A foolish young boy who thought the alpha is genuinely interested in him, not his technique or the potential power he wields. It’s laughable how he never really considers that possibility until Kugisaki brings it up. 

Those maps are omiai proposals. 

Kugisaki confirmed that the girl she saw is among those maps. 

With a distraught, broken heart Megumi decides. 

Once Gojo is within their grasp, it’ll also mark the end of everything about the alpha for him.

There’s no attachment Fushiguro Megumi can’t detach in his life. 

Sometimes, the future feels so bleak that Megumi just wants to... stop. Stop trying, stop moving, just stop everything and drown into the darkness. 

Let everything rest on the others' shoulder. Let him rest, forget everything and anything, unfeeling.

Sleep can’t even help him anymore. His sleep would be restless, always leaving his mind and body more exhausted than refreshed. He feels like tearing on the seams but he has to keep everything on the inside. 

On some other days, he'd slap himself and think, he can't let these feelings control him. He did it yesterday, he can do it again today. 

He has to stand tall for everyone else.

For his friends.

For Gojo.

For the people he has chosen to save.

But, in the end, he's still barely an adult. A young man who has to face horror no normal adult has ever faced. 

Unknowingly, it gets so so overwhelming. Megumi has always pushed them to the back of his mind, where he'll contemplate his fear and frustration later. A "later" that never arrives. 

He didn't even realize he’s been pushed to his limit until he dreamt of Gojo. Of what could have been, of the past when the alpha comforted him in his embrace. 

He never cries in front of others. The last time he cried probably on the evening he met Gojo for the first time. When it’s confirmed that his father has abandoned him completely. He absolutely can't afford to now. He, Maki and Okkotsu are literally the front of their faction. He can’t show any weakness even more than before.

But that night, it's as if the lid is already on breaking point. His emotions have bubbled over and it spills out endlessly. His physical body demands the stress, the tension, to be released.

For the first time in two years, Fushiguro Megumi cries.

He wakes up from the dream, and soon the tears just slowly rivet down. It starts with some small sobs. But as the time goes by, his sadness and tears increase more and more. Unstoppable.

Megumi is just so so tired. So scared. So hurt. The burden and the wounds from knowing too much are too heavy for him. He feels so vulnerable, like a tightly wired livewire, another push and he'll snap like a broken string.

Maybe it's better that way, if he's broken, he can make all of these emotions stop.

Deep sobs wrack on his body. Fragile and slim, the view must be very pitiful from the perspective of others. He tightly, painfully holds on into his crumpled blanket. Seeking salvation. 

The omega’s sobs grow louder when he feels a vaguely familiar yet strange and equally unfamiliar, muscled body lifts and embraces him from the back. Envelop him in some kind of illusive warmth.

The warmth he longed for as long as he can remember.

The raw, anguished whimpers echoes in the silent room as the hold tightens. As if trying to offer his apology, trying to be the anchor he needs for the night. To guide him, to hold him down, so he won't wander and get lost into the darkness forever.

He cant stop. No matter how much he tries, the tears keep on slipping out uncontrollably as he latches on to the comforting touch. 

"You have to live on, Megumi." He hears he says softly. So different from his blurry memories. From his usual behavior.

"It's okay if you want to stop. I can make it happen." He strokes his head. "Leave these all behind. Take the best decisions for yourself."

Upon hearing the words, Megumi cries even harder. He’s also gasping for breath as the sobs get worse, as his body tries to intake the much needed oxygen amidst his painful cry of help. His chest feels heavy, he feels suffocated. 

Faintly, Megumi can feel Toji's fear from the reverberation of his shadow. Fear of what, he doesn't know.

"Forget about everything. Let those fools resolve this by themselves. I did not leave you in his hand just to suffer like this."

Toji's words feel like a salvation for him. The words he longs to hear, even though it's impossible in reality.

"It's enough, Megumi. You have done well." Toji curves his body more into his son. Hugging his lost son closer, tighter, protecting him inside the cocoon of his embrace. He stares disdainfully at the visible tattoo on Megumi’s right wrist. The chain that holds these bunch of brats together.

The dam of tears and sorrow breaks even more. Years of pain, of uncertainty. Of feeling not good enough, never strong enough. 

Megumi never realized just how much he needs to hear that too.

Don't go. Don't go.

Don't let me go.

Dad.

Megumi cries out. 

When the first morning light hits the Zenin headquarter, Megumi stands tall, imposing with an unreadable expression as he faces the day ahead. None of the traces of last night's vulnerability is there.

There's another uphill battle he has to overcome. He has no time to fall down until they get Gojo back. Kindness is a disservice. Emotions can easily be manipulated. Selfish and greedy with no regard to those pigs lives, this kind of mindset is the one he has to maintain to survive inside that nest of vipers and sinners.

He has to act strong, even if he wants to break into pieces all over the place.

When you save others, who’s going to save you?

Chapter Text

One year and eight months ago

With his favored jet black sword in his right hand, Megumi thrusts his weapon into the chest of the intruder. He avoids the blood that’s retched out from the enemy’s mouth before he drags his blade to the side, effectively half-slicing the body, rendering him death on the spot. 

The door slides open to reveal Maki who sports a concerned expression. “Another one?” 

“Yeah.” He stands upright. The blood splatters against the tatami mats as he cleans his blade in one swift swing. 

Maki tsk-ed distastefully. “They don’t even wait for night time anymore.” 

“They probably thought we wouldn't expect them to attack in the daylight.” Megumi says as he puts back his weapon into his shadow. “This is a problem.” He adds, eyes unmoving from the mangled corpse in front of him. “We have to speed up the admittance process.” 

“Mei mei would be able to pressure them.” Maki comments. She orders a nearby attendant to clean it up.

“It’d dent a considerable amount of our funds. Once we use her influence, we would need to continue to do so until at least midway of our plan.” Megumi denies. They’re not particularly short on money, but there’s a limit on how many they can spend for someone. They have to be strict with unnecessary spending as much as they can, just in case. Who knows how long this coup will last. 

“There’s no other way, Megumi.” Maki sighs. “This is the fifth time in just three days. We’ll get exhausted sooner or later and it’d be more dangerous.”

“I know.” Megumi reluctantly agrees. Even though Toji can basically guard him twenty four seven, he’d still need some of his cursed energy to manifest himself. There’s a possibility that he’d ran out of it at some points. He can’t possibly rely on others as well, they are all being targeted. It’s just the red lines are thicker for him, Maki and Okkotsu as they’re the main thorns on the enemies side right now.

“We should discuss this with the others.” Megumi puts two of his fingers on top of the almost-infinity thorn-shaped tattoo and pushes some of his cursed energy into it.

Maki hisses at the burning feeling on her wrist. “I still can't get used to this.” She mutters. 

“Sorry, I think I put too much energy into it.” Megumi frowns. Controlling the exact amount of energy into the tattoo is still tricky for him.

The idea itself came from Kugisaki. They were discussing how to keep in touch with each other, without having to depend on devices.

Two weeks ago, he and Maki were uncontactable, while Itadori also went AWOL out of nowhere. 

An attempt to divide and conquer their faction.

Long story short, after a thorough check, there were several, cleverly hidden jamming devices around the outskirts of the Zenin’s complex and Itadori was too preoccupied with the enemies to really realize what happened. 

And the topic came up. 

“It’ll basically work like a multi-connected bond.” She explained. “We can sense each other to some degrees, enough to know whether you’re alive or not. There’s also the perk of being able to communicate just by pouring some amount of our energy.” 

“We can talk to each other?” Itadori’s asked with slight awe. 

“No idiot. Just to know if someone needs us, or to regroup at least.” Kugisaki said. 

“So it’s like a pager?” Okkotsu mulled. 

“Correct, Yuuta-senpai.” 

“What’s pager?” It’s his turn to be confused. Megumi looked up to the rather judging look from Kugisaki. “What?” 

“I don’t know either. What’s a pager?” Maki inputted. 

“Really, how come all of you all can survive in this world this far?” Kugisaki sighed and rubbed her face. 

A few days later, she showed up with an old lady from her village, to perform said tattoos. “I trust her with my life, don’t worry.” Kugisaki vouched when Maki raised her eyebrow expectantly. 

All seven of them underwent the procedures. Maki’s was slightly harder since she’d need to use her blood instead of cursed energy. The only drawback is that it’s permanent, nothing can undo it. If one of them turned into a traitor, it'd be a game over for all of them. 

“Where should we put it?” Kugisaki said. 

“The wrist should be fine, right?” Itadori voiced out. “Aside from Yuuta-senpai and Toge-senpai, all of us depend on our hands to fight. If it’s cut or gone,” He shrugged. 

“It’ll pretty much describe our situation huh.” Maki put her hand on her chin. “I agree with him.” 

“On the wrist it is.” Okkotsu decided. 

It’s painful, but nothing that they can’t handle.

.

.

.

The sun has turned into its orange glow when Okkotsu arrives at Nara's headquarters with Ijichi in tow.

“Oi Yuuta, can you heal the wounds on his cheek?” Maki says as she pushes Megumi to Yuuta. 

“Maki!” The other Zenin’s head hisses at the treatment. 

“Sure sure.” Yuuta laughs at the glare Megumi throws at his friend. 

“You’re our pretty poster boy Megumi. We can’t get any scratches on your face.” Maki teases.

“Stop making fun of me.” Megumi rebuts, but does not refuse Okkotsu’s hand on his cheek. “And why did you insist on coming here, Yuuta-senpai? You can just join in with a conference call too.” 

“I need a change of pace. It’s getting a bit suffocating in Kyoto.” Yuuta sheepishly says as he helps one of the attendants to set up the camera. 

“Yo Megumi! Maki-senpai!” A familiar, boisterous voice echoes in their office room as Itadori pops up on the screen. 

“Hello, Yuuji-kun.” Okkotsu greets. 

“Ohh senpai! I can’t see you though.” Itadori comments at the same time Kugisaki joins the call. 

“What’s up?” She asks while coating her left fingers with some kind of nail polish. 

“Nobara-chan! Why didn’t you answer my texts?” Itadori’s whines. 

“I’m busy with my me-time. Just ask Choso to accompany you like usual.” She excuses. 

“But Nobara-chan-” 

Okkotsu laughs at their banter while Megumi just sighs tiredly, already used to their random bickering. Soon, Inumaki and Panda also join the call.  

“So here’s the situation.”  He cut them off. 

. 

.

“Either we secure more funds and ask for Mei Mei’s help or we have to deal with this until those old geezers concede.” Maki stretches her arm. 

“Hmm… Can’t we just borrow Gojo-sensei’s money first?” Itadori thoughtfully asks. “He’s rich right? And the rep from his clan said they’ll support us.” 

Three of them look at each other. 

“That’s a bit unethical don’t you think-” Okktosu voices out. 

“Let’s call the rep.” Maki grins. She already takes out her phone and immediately calls him. A short explanation and the rep positively confirms. 

“Yes we have some funds ready to support you. Satoru-sama authorized Okktosu-sama and Megumi-sama for the access. For his private funds,” He trails off, the sound of paper being turned over clear in the background. “Only Megumi-sama has the authorization. Satoru-sama only registered his other card under Megumi-sama’s name.” 

Megumi blinks. A card? 

Maki expectantly glances at him. 

“What card do you mean, Ibiki-san?” Megumi pulls Maki’s phone closer to him.

“Let’s see… the card was registered and authorized around three to four years ago if that helps, Megumi-sama.” He finishes. 

“It seems that Megumi forgets about it, Ibiki-san. Would it be possible to withdraw the money without the card?” Okkotsu takes the phone from Maki’s hold. 

“Yes of course. Although it means Megumi-sama has to come directly to-” 

While Okkotsu and Maki jots down the procedure steps, Megumi has to face Kugisaki and Itadori shocked expressions on the screen. Completely ignoring their look, Megumi silently contemplates the information. A card, a card-

“Oh.” He whispers. 

A quick visit to his old box in his room and he found the damn thing. 

“I completely forgot about this.” Megumi mutters. 

“How could you forget owning his card?” Kugisaki hounds him. “We could’ve gotten so many nice meals with this back then!” 

“It’s been years alright. Gojo-sensei gave it when I-” He cut himself off in time. “I didn’t know what card it was and just put it into my wallet since he’s so fussy. I never use it.” He defends himself. 

“Megumi, Yuuta-senpai, I never know you’re that close to Gojo-sensei.” Itadori jokes. 

“Enough that both of you have access to his funds…” Kugisaki adds. 

“Megumi is the one with access to his private funds, though” Okkotsu chuckles. “I’m just a normal student like you guys. It’s most likely because I’m the backup plan.” 

“What are you implying, Yuuta-senpai.” Megumi protests. “It’s probably because he’s my official guardian. Knowing Gojo-sensei he must’ve been too lazy to make a new one for me.” He argues. 

“Are you really sure Gojo-sensei isn’t courting you? Is he absolutely not claimed at all?” Kugisaki turns her head to Maki’s direction. 

“One hundred percent.” Maki nods. 

“Setting that aside,” Megumi says annoyedly. “Did Ibiki-san say anything about how to access it?” 

Three phone calls, an identity confirmation and fifteen minutes later, Megumi’s phone number is authorized to access the account from its apps. 

The Zenin head clan read a ten figure number. A momentary silence fills the room afterwards. 

“Damn, we should’ve robbed him. We are robbing him as compensation after this is over.” Maki grumbles. All of them nod in agreement. 

A figure is moving silently towards the end of the hall, where a lone room is sealed from the outside. The Zenin’s head clan put his hand on the handle and a small amount of cursed energy flows into the door, unlocking it. 

“What a pleasure to be visited by you, Fushiguro Megumi.” Naoya sarcastically addresses him after he slips into the slightly dim room. 

“Being trapped inside seems to do you good, Naoya. You look like a dead corpse.” Megumi disinterestedly replies. He looks around the tidy room. 

Interesting. 

“Did you think I’d trashed the room you oh so graciously has locked me into?” He smirks condescendingly. 

“Even your snobbish look is the same. It’s creepy.” The black haired young man states, as Toji materializes beside him. 

“Heh. He’s just a cheap bitch.” Toji amusedly says, earning a glare from Naoya. 

“You don’t get to say that, dead trash.” 

“I’m not here to witness both of you having a hissy fit with each other.” Megumi’s right hand dives into his shadow and pulls two maps from it.

“Look at these.” He throws them to Naoya who effortlessly catches them. Naoya skims both of the contents and looks up.

“Why?” Naoya hums, eyes staring warily at Toji and Megumi. 

“I want you to kill Zenin Ogi and take care of the rest of his measles support.” Megumi explains. 

“Heh. What would Maki say, Megumi?” He grins. “Her own friend gave the order to kill her father. I don’t even kill my own.” 

“Because you’re conditioned to do so.” Megumi sits across Naoya. “Do this, swear your loyalty to us and you’ll be freed.” 

“No.” Naoya tosses the map on the desk between them. “I won’t be your dog.” 

“Told you this bitch won’t have the guts to do it.” Toji laughs. In two short strides, he presses Naoya’s cheeks roughly with his left hand. “Still pretty as ever, Naoya.” He muses, forcing his fingers into the other’s mouth. A lewd choked sound echoes in the room before the piss-haired man bites Toji’s fingers with a growl. 

“Feisty.” He comments, still not taking his fingers out of Naoya’s mouth.  

The Ten Shadow user sighs as he already can feel a new wave of headache coming through. This fucked up clan, really…

“Toji, down.” He orders. He pulls another thick document from his shadow and puts it on the table. 

“You won’t be my dog, Naoya. You’ll be the hound. The fourth. The death card.” He says. “Do you naively think once you’ve become the head, Ogi won’t try to overthrow you?” Megumi asks. 

“This is a kill or be killed world, dearest Megumi. Of course I expect that from a traitorous ass like him.” Naoya scoffs, but still takes the document off the table. Any information is valuable. 

His eyes widen in surprise.

“Why are you telling me this?” His supposedly uncle menacingly asks, all flamboyant, sarcastic persona is dropped in favor for rearing his guard up completely. The document contains all of Ogi's crimes and sins.

Including Naoya's own traumatic childhood.

“Because you’re actually just the same. A product of misfortune and abominable acts of this atrocious clan.” He says coolly. “Him too, although he managed to escape in the end.” Megumi points to his dad. “Still an asshole all around even then.”

Toji just grins without remorse, not intending to rebuke his son’s statement. 

“Zenin Ogi must be stopped before he can commence any more experiments or sick entertainment on these children.” He passes his judgement. “We will not have a Noritashi Kamo in Zenin.” 

“I still won’t do it.” Naoya refuses. “I don’t care about these children’s lives. Why do you think I will come to your side, when I want to kill you and be the head myself?” He motions a circle on the side of his head with his finger, implying that the current head is just as fucked in the head. 

“You’re doing it to survive.” Megumi speaks up. “Years of living in this pool of snakes and revolting humans taught you to suppress the weaker in order to live.” He stands up. “People who try to get this crown are doing it for one purpose. To survive. To turn the tides against the people who have oppressed them.” Megumi’s jade orbs stare into Naoya’s. 

“So, Zenin Naoya, kill him and his minions, swear your loyalty and I will give you your freedom as a Zenin. Take your revenge for the barbaric, heinous deeds these creatures did in your past. Live now, to see how I will turn this nest of curses upside down.” Megumi declares. He stands and walks toward the exit.

“The ball is yours. I will be waiting for your decision.” He closes down the door, not bothering to seal it up again. 

Megumi stops when he sees Maki leaning on the wall nearby. 

“Will he do it?” She asks, noticing Toji's pleased expression. 

“Probably.” Megumi honestly says. “If he won’t I’ll do it myself.” 

“Megumi-”

“No kid should kill their own parents.” He smiles kindly to her. “Even if said parent is a literal piece of shittiest shit. I don’t want your hand to be stained that way.” He pulls her to walk with him. “Depends on me too, will you?” he grips her scarred hand in his as a promise.

Their road is still long, there are some lines they should never walk across along the way. They have to lean on each other to come out unscatched and sane. 

Present time 

He dreamt of Gojo again.

When the man would suddenly barge into his room with just a tug of the bond as a warning. He’d bring an (overly) sweet cake with his favorite tiramisu on hand and they’d have them together in his bedroom.

When the alpha strokes his head when he gets drowsy post-missions. When he feels he's on his lowest. Make him lean into his embrace. When the older man would spam him with numerous messages at night, to drive out the loneliness he feels. 

When did it all go wrong? Why must he misunderstand everything?

He closes his eyes, ignoring the filtered morning rays, ignoring the respectful, soft calls of his name from his attendant. 

Megumi misses him. Still wants the alpha all the same. 

“Megumi-sama, Kamo-sama has arrived and is waiting at the Viri room.” An attendant informs him after he finishes his breakfast. 

“Isn’t the meeting supposed to be at nine?” He inquires. The attendant takes away his breakfast tray and switches it with a fresh cup of coffee. The savory scent wafts into the room. 

“Yes, Megumi-sama.” She nods deeply. 

A little glance at the clock and he still has at least forty minutes before nine. “Let him wait.” Megumi takes a sip of his coffee as he scrolls his phone’s notification. 

“As you wish, Megumi-sama.” She bows. “Should I prepare the tea brewery into the room?”

Megumi pauses on typing a reply to his chatroom. He tries to remember the agenda for the meeting with Kamo's heir. “Make sure to leave out the tea leaves first. Bring it into the room when I arrive.”

“Yes, Megumi-sama.” She does another bow before she leaves the room. 

A ping echoes in the silent room and his focus is back to his phone. 

“He should be awake by now. We are waiting for Shoko-san.” 

“Nothing suspicious around?”

“Nah, it’s calm. Your men are still prowling around.”

“Yuuji is already here too. Don’t worry.”

“Ok.“

“I’ll keep you updated.” 

“Thanks nobara.” 

He takes the last sip of his caffeine boost and takes the tray in his hands. Megumi stands and slides the door open. It is soon retrieved by a passing attendant, who feels flustered to see their head humbly bringing his own tray out. The Ten Shadows inheritor just nods civilly and walks toward the middle garden. It’d be a longer walk towards where Kamo is, but he has plenty of spare time. 

Absent-mindedly, he reaches into the secret pocket within his clothes. Compared to this heavy garbing, he really misses his thin, comfortable sweatshirt. Why does he have to wear this whenever he’s meeting with people. Why did Maki and him comply with their attendant’s request to wear this kind of clothing, is the more accurate question. 

He takes out the small box of salted caramel candy and puts one piece into his mouth. The salty and sugary flavor gently seeps into his taste bud.  

People often say you are the little thing people you love are known for.

Megumi started to nibble on candies when he left. 

It wasn’t an overnight habit, but rather days after Gojo’s abrupt departure from their lives. 

His life. 

The void was too big, too deep, too painful that it’s overwhelming for him. There’s no outlet for him to grieve. He can’t cry, can’t stop running, can’t stop moving. They’re privileges he can’t afford. Time is of essence, with the fucked up game, saving Tsumiki, hiding Itadori, holding off Naoya and his schmucks, finding Geto and retrieving Gojo. 

Satoru, whom he thought would always be there. 

Not. 

In his mind, someone like Gojo Satoru will never fall down. Megumi knows about the older man’s plans, his visions, the future he craves. When they laid together under the blanket, when the alpha chose him as his bolster for the night or when Gojo needed to scent him off -God knows why-, he’d spill these dreams, the future of jujutsu he craves. 

He’d always thought it's them who would fall first. They’re the pawn, the pieces. Gojo is admittedly too powerful to be killed. The man sometimes can be so annoying he’d like to shoot his cockiness a peg or two himself, but he also understands that with the amount of power he wields, he deserves to have that level of arrogance. 

Personally, he has always thought Gojo is a bit ridiculous. Thinking of these changes like it’s his burden to bear. Like it’s his destiny to change things around. 

He's not gonna lie and say the higher ups are not shit. 

They are. 

Ridiculously so. 

With Gojo’s absence, Megumi comes to understand just how big the man’s influence is in his life. How easily their lives have intertwined together, no matter how bizarre and ridiculous it looks from the outside. The head of the Gojo clan, the bearer of the Six Eyes, acts as the guardian of the hidden Zenin’s heir, the son of the supposedly disgraced member of its clan. 

His unexpected fixation on the sweet began when they decided to raid a nearby minimarket for some food. With Yuuta as the lead, they took enough portable food to feed themselves for a couple of days. While walking around the messy aisles to spot some things that they might need, his eyes accidentally caught it. A pocket friendly, small box of caramel candies. 

It’s one of Gojo’s favorites. 

Unconsciously, his hand reached out to take the last two packs of it. 

If Okkotsu saw it, he clearly didn’t comment on it. 

When the night came and he’s on the lookout, he slowly took one box. Even the smallest thing felt so daunting, a remembrance of the void he left behind. 

He unwrapped the seal and popped one into his mouth. 

The taste was just as horrible as he remembered. It’s too sweet, too nauseating for his taste bud. It also took too long to completely melt off in his mouth. 

That experience didn’t stop him from popping one every once in a while. 

He offered it to the others whenever he ate one. Sometimes they’d take his offer, sometimes they’d reject it.

Megumi felt a slight, weird pang when he’s finally on the last piece of the last box. 

This cycle continued whenever they went to scrounge for food.

On one occasion, Itadori saw him taking a small bag of sweet milky candy. He jokingly commented on his sudden change of interest for sweets. Megumi replied to him with a shrug, because it’s easier to feign indifference than to face the truth. 

Itadori has been around long enough to know about Gojo but he hasn’t been around that long to know that the candies were specifically Gojo’s favorites. 

The habit stopped for a while when he couldn’t find them anymore. Then the fight, the culling took all of their concentrations. Their minds needed to be alert 24/7 to keep them alive with no distraction. 

.

.

.

Maki also didn’t comment on it, when she saw him popping a lollipop while he dealt with the endless paperworks. 

It’s better than the sour taste of cigarettes anyway, Megumi thinks as he walks into the front building where Kamo is waiting for him. 

Jujutsu Hospital

When his mind catches up with Shoko’s word, he freezes.

It's like being crashed down from the sky.

He feels a sudden sense of loss, as if his whole heart and chest have fallen down into the void. His eyes are unfocused as his mind replays his friend’s words. 

Claimed claimed claimed Megumi is claimed-

Gojo feels like he’s heavily robbed. 

Robbed so heavily it leaves a bitter, pungent taste on his tongue. Hot, searing rage flowing through his vein as his alpha counterpart howls for blood, in absolute refusal to accept the situation.

His cursed energy intensely flares up for a few seconds before it settles down once more out of habit. The tightly clenched hands are shaking. 

Years of self-control barely restraining the immeasurable fury and loss loss lost in his chest. As if the gravity of his world is tilted to the side. Nothing’s right. It’s wrong wrong-  

“What do you mean, Ieiri?” He threateningly growls. 

“It is as I said.” She puffs her cigarettes. “No one knows who the alpha is.” 

“Is that why he’s not here?” The low, dark tone isn’t unnoticed by her. 

“No.” Shoko cuts. “Your boy is busy. All of your ex-students are. For example, Yuuta isn’t here yet because he has to deal with the other higher ups. Someone has to announce your awakening after all.” 

The gaping hole in his chest is annoying, Gojo decides. Suffocating. His feet feel light and tingly in the way they aren’t supposed to. 

Loss. 

He came back to this heavy loss. 

“Did you even properly check-”

“I understand that you’re angry, Satoru. But I will not have you shit on my integrity because you want to lash out.” She warns. “Who do you think let out the official records that your boy is claimed? Of course I have to check it.” 

“After you’re retrieved back, Megumi said he needed some time off and went off grids. Five days later, he came back with a biting mark on his scent gland. It’s legit.” She explains, internally winces at the pandemonium it raised between all of them back then. 

At the reminder of Megumi’s -now- marked scent gland, Gojo growls in displeasure. 

“We’ve tried everything, but no one are able to uncover the truth from his lips.” She adds. “The last time Yuuta tried to investigate, Megumi got really pissed off that they fought badly. No one tried to probe him anymore after that.”  

Gojo scoffs. Whoever it is should start to pray for mercy. He’s the strongest and a purebred alpha. He can override any alpha’s mark on his precious omega. His first priority will be reclaiming Megumi as his. He’d deal with the alpha who has daringly covet on what’s his afterwards. 

Megumi is only his.

“Where is he?” Gojo asks gravely. 

“Not until you promise me you won’t do anything stupid.” Shoko boldly denies. 

Gojo is silent as the missing pieces click. 

“I thought it’s funny that you put me into this room. So this is why.” He bemusedly says. 

“Do you really think something like this will stop me, Ieiri?” Traces of little amusement on his face makes things even more frightening. 

Without leaving his eyes off of her, the wall beside the entrance door on their right is destroyed with a loud boom. 

She exhales the smoke. ”No.” She shakes her head. “But it'll tell you that Megumi has become a vital, important asset in the group, in the community as a whole. You can't do as you please anymore with him.” Shoko really needs a fucking payrise for dealing with the mess between the young Zenin and her long time friend. 

“He’s always meant to be vital regardless of him being the head or not.” Gojo glares, his anger starts to recede slowly as his rationality and what-to-do kicks in. “He’s my mate, Ieiri.”

“Tell that to Megumi then, because as far as I get from him, he thinks otherwise, Satoru.” Shoko solemnly says. “I don’t know the details. I’m not included in every little thing your little minion circle talked about. All I know is that in between all those years, something shifted in his head. That, is your problem to uncover.” 

“Zenin-kun.” Kamo greets when the door slides open to reveal the omega head of Zenin’s. 

Megumi frowns a little in distaste at the name, but let it be. “Kamo-san.” He responds. “You’re earlier than the schedule.” 

“I hope that’s not a problem?” Kamo smoothly says. 

“It isn’t.” Megumi waves off the attendant to leave them alone. His eyes notice the big boxes of beautifully decorated parcels, filled with various neatly arranged fabric. Patterned, embossed, plain fabrics with matching golden roll of thread on the side.

“First of all, please accept these, Zenin-kun.” Kamo gestures to said parcels. His eyes have discreetly watched for the young omega’s reaction upon seeing his gifts, but they’re still masked as ever. “These are the finest silks I can find in Japan. I hope you find them to your liking and use them well.” 

“Unfortunately I don’t accept any gifts, Kamo-san.” Megumi refuses calmly. Accepting a gift from an unmated alpha when he’s also unmated is dangerous, especially when it’s literally a type of courting gifts. 

If an omega makes proper clothing from said fabric, the alpha could say that the omega has accepted his offer of courting or even worse, saying that the omega has accepted the alpha as its mate. 

Kamo clearly knows this and he still decides to push the boundaries. 

“Please rest assured that these are merely a token of gratitude for finding and keeping my mother safe, Zenin-kun.” Kamo appeases. “Please accept them.” 

“Very well. Although whether they’re used or not will depend on my attendants.” He smiles diplomatically, having no will to prolong the unnecessary chit-chat since both of them are aware of his real intention. 

“Also, Maki and I will still remember the debt, Kamo-san. We will take what you owe in the future.” Megumi reminds him. 

“Of course.” The soon to be crowned Kamo heir nods in understanding. “Without your help, I would need even longer time to ascend as the head.”

“I did no such thing.” Megumi demurely says. “This is simply a modern warfare, it needs equally modern tactics. It just happens to involve one of your clansmen”.

“You’ve become an even more terrifying foe, Zenin-kun.” Kamo flatters sincerely. 

“Which side are you going to be then, Noritoshi-san?” Megumi asks, jade eyes sharp and weighty while his hands start to prepare to brew the tea leaves. His fingers nimbly pour the perfect amount of water into the pot. 

Kamo stills before he relaxes a bit. He’s been wondering when the omega will show his claws. The skittish, sharp and rough speaking kitty from their school days is long gone. His mannerism and speech might have completely adapted into the perfect omega heir, but the one that’s sitting in front of him is undeniably a completely dangerous, languid black panther, patiently waiting to catch its prey off guard.

Zenin Megumi has become even more enticing than ever. 

“Would I be correct to assume the tea will decide my life today?” Kamo asks composedly. 

“Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous” Megumi denies. “I only kill on a sit down meal.” He says, a tinge of amusement is evident in his voice. “There’s no reason to waste a perfectly brewed tea.” 

“Is that so?” He responds, taking the offered cup from Megumi’s hand. Kamo sips the tea without any hesitation. 

“That’s quite brave of you.” Megumi mocks lightly, this charade begins to tire him and it’s still so early in the morning. “I could’ve put poison in that tea.”

“Then I shall die not regretting anything with you as my last view, Zenin-kun.” He says before he puts the half-empty cup on to the table. 

Megumi can only cringe at the flirty attempts on wooing him. If Kamo’s going to be like this when he’s claimed, God knows what he will do if he’s still unclaimed. 

He’d rather have Yuuta court him than Kamo. (he would rather have Gojo-)

“Why do you agree on taking my mother?” Kamo curiously asks. 

“Do I even have to explain that one?” Megumi says, sipping his own cup of tea. 

Kamo hides the pained smile behind his cup.

The omega put his own tea back on the table with his right hand, inadvertently showing part of his tattoo.

“I’m envious of Gojo.” Kamo starts. “Will I ever get the same loyalty brand from you?” He blatantly gives his right wrist a pointed look.

“This tattoo is regrettably not my loyalty brand.” Megumi impassively says. “Anyway, if you want to officially join hands with us, you have to unlearn what the old Kamo has instilled in you. Follow our rules. Clean up your clan if you must.” He looks up to Kamo coldly, cutting to the chase of the whole meeting’s agenda. 

“I, Noritoshi Kamo, heir and soon to be head of the Kamo clan accepts the term.” Kamo states with easily agrees, although with no less equal seriousness about it.  

“Maki will be there during your appointment, as a statement of the mended relationship between our clans.” The Zenin head informs him. 

“Can’t you come, Zenin-kun?” 

“I have prior engagements.” Megumi excuses. “Additionally, I’m still an unmated omega, Kamo-san. It’d be improper for me to attend without my alpha.” The only time he’d gladly hide behind these ancient rules is to avoid something troublesome like this. 

The rest? Those rules can go fuck on themselves. 

“Right, your alpha.” Kamo tilts his head, a shade of predatory rouse glints on his eyes. “Where is he, Zenin-kun?” 

Megumi narrows his eyes sharply. “Be careful, Kamo-san. If my alpha is here, he will get angry at your implication. I don't like it either.” 

“I’m just expressing my concern.” Kamo continues. “It’s been months but there’s still no sign of introducing this secret alpha of yours to the masses.” 

“I don’t owe any of you anything. My privacy will remain as mine.” Megumi snaps.

A buzz from his phone breaks the tense atmosphere between them. Megumi takes a glance at the call and excuses himself out of the room.  

“Nobara?” He inquires. 

“He’s on his way to you with Ijichi-san.” Nobara replies. “Me and Itadori have a mission so we can’t follow him. Be careful, Megumi.” She says, worry is palpable in her voice.   

The omega internally sighs at how his worst fear comes true. So Gojo will judge him immediately. “You too, Nobara. Thanks.” He ends the call. 

A huge, bulky figure pops up beside him. “My alpha will get angry huh, kid?” 

“Shut up, old man.” He mutters. Toji chuckles mockingly before he vanishes into his shadow once more. Megumi inhales deeply and goes back into the room. 

“Gojo is awoken today right?” Kamo conversationally starts, he briefly checks his phone earlier and the news of Gojo being conscious is spreading around.

“Yes.” Megumi replies. “If you're done making me angry, let’s talk about the negotiation, Kamo-san.” 

Gojo listlessly stares at the moving scenery as Ijichi takes him to Zenin’s Nara headquarters. He takes out his phone, still working perfectly even after years of not being used. He scrolls down to his last called logs-,

Megumi. 

The reflected sun shines on the past moment.

.

.

“Sensei, don’t get injured. Eat regularly and stop consuming so much sweets in one go.” Megumi whispered to the alpha who was latching at him like some kind of koala on his bed. The pain and shock from Itadori’s death was still fresh in his mind. This was not the first death he witnessed, but definitely the first death of the people he cared about in his life.

“Take care of yourself.” He whispered as he unconsciously buried his right hand into Gojo’s white hair. He’d always thought with how his hair turns into a makeshift porcupine-like grass whenever Gojo wears his eye coverage, it’d be coarse and rough.

It’s soft. So soft in his hand. 

Gojo dropped by Megumi's room unannounced, right after he’s informed about his other student’s demise. He wanted to comfort the omega, but it seemed that Megumi intended on doing it on the reverse. 

“I  have you to take care of me.” Gojo playfully hummed, completely enjoying the sudden pampering from his young omega. 

“I might not be around forever.” Megumi reminded him. The taste of being so powerless and weak was a hot slap on his face. 

Gojo tightened his hold on his waist. Tonight, Megumi could’ve died along with Itadori. Could’ve lost him without even knowing anything. His scent turned sour at the reminder.

“You will, Megumi. You have to. That's an order.” Gojo solemnly said and pulled hard on their rope, as if trying to emphasize his point. 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Megumi lightly scolds, a bit annoyed with the rough pull. 

“It’s simply the truth.” The older man said sincerely. “If something ever happens to you, if you ever leave me, I won't be able to hold myself back.”

“Yes of course.” The first grader gave in. 

“You don't believe me.” Gojo lightly accuse with a strange tone. 

“I do. I know you'll do the same for everyone you care about.” He pacified the alpha. His mind and body were too exhausted to have a debate with him. 

“Megumi-”

“Sleep, Sensei.” Megumi cut off, his own eyelids were already heavy.

It wasn’t long until Megumi’s steady breathing was the only thing he could hear. His omega’s hands were cutely grasping onto the back of his shoulder. As though he’s asking him to stay, to guard him for the night. To protect him, keeping out the boogeyman even in his dream. 

He was disturbed with how Megumi said it, but he let it go. The young omega was clearly drained mentally and physically. 

Gojo let out more of his pheromones to ease him. Hoping that it would guarantee a good night rest for his precious person. Signaling to his omega, to his body, that he’s here. His alpha is here with him. Nothing would go wrong as long as Megumi’s within his embrace.

.

.

Megumi and the rest of his students have changed their numbers and even though he’s given their new numbers, he’s still unable to reach Megumi. 

“For safety reasons.” Ijichi said earlier. “Your number must be registered in their contact too before it can come through.”

Gojo stares at the disconnected call.

He used to hold Megumi’s whole heart, his whole life.

When did they slip away from him?

A brief look on the clock and Megumi decides that the meeting’s over.

“Kamo-san, I think it’s time for you to go.” He pockets his phone.

“Are you needed somewhere else, Zenin-kun?” Kamo asks as he signs the last papers with his seal. 

“Someone is coming to scold me. You should go.” Megumi says, sliding the door open for Kamo to get out. 

While he’s escorting Kamo, an attendant is hurriedly running to his side. She pants as she tries to inform him. “Megumi-sama,” 

The young omega raises his hand, already knowing what’s going on. “It’s okay, I will handle him. Where is he now?” 

“Maki-sama is, “ She’s still panting, sweats are palpable on her face, “Maki-sama is taking Gojo-sama to the back garden.” 

“Okay. I’ll go there after I escort Kamo-san.” He nods understandingly, completely ignoring the horrified look on her face after he said it. 

“You should go to him at once, Zenin-kun.” Kamo remarks as they resume their walk. 

“I don't take orders from you, Kamo-san.” Megumi rebuts unkindly. “Maybe I'm purposely stalling. And I thought you'd be happy to be escorted by myself.” He demurely says, eyes sharp and knowing, mocking him for his poorly disguised intention.

“I can’t deny it.” Kamo nods in agreement. “But, if Okkotsu couldn't take you off of Gojo, realistically my chances would be slim to none.”

“Another warning, Kamo-san. Three strikes and you're out of the deal.” 

“I'm sorry Gojo-sama but Megumi-sama is still receiving a guest and he has explicitly ordered not to bother him.” An attendant bows deeply to him, afraid of the suffocating aura the recently awakened head clan is sporting despite his calm expression. “We will send someone to notify him of your arrival.” He continues. 

Gojo’s patience is already thin. If Megumi thinks his henchmen will be able to hold him off, he’s greatly mistaken. He has the mind of forcing himself in when he feels another familiar energy comes nearby. 

“Oi Satoru. You’re finally awake.” Maki says as she steps down from the car. Her signature weapon is in her hand. 

“Maki.” He says, her arrival offers a momentary distraction from his current agitation. So far she’s the one who has changed so much. Her visible skin is mostly scarred with short chopped hair. 

“Maki-sama,” the attendant bows. 

“You’re coming for Megumi right? Let’s go inside.” 

“M-maki-sama but Megumi-sama is still-” 

“Yes, I know. Just inform him. I’ll take this guy,” She points out to the strangely quiet alpha behind her, “To the back garden.” 

“Y-yes, Maki-sama.” The attendant bows once more before he scurries away to do his task,

“I’m head too. We co-head the clan.” Maki explains the unvoiced question from her ex-teacher.

“Co-head?” Gojo inquires curiously. 

“Many things happened during your absence.” Maki says as they walk through the pavilion. “Who is Megumi in your life?” She asks point blank. She may not face him, but Gojo recognizes the serious, threatening undertone the alpha makes. 

Like a protective sibling. 

“My mate.” Gojo answers truthfully. Megumi is his mate and nothing less than that. 

“Well fuck then.” She murmurs. “You’ve been informed about the situation from Shoko right?” 

“That’s why I’m here.” Gojo responds. He perks up a little when he can recognize Megumi’s signature energy is coming closer to where they’re standing now. 

Megumi megumi megumi- 

“Don’t hurt him, Satoru.” Maki gravely says, eyes staring hard at Gojo’s covered eyes. “Straighten things up with him, but don’t you dare to hurt him or I will hurt you.” She threatens. Nobara has informed her the gist of what she knows about Megumi’s and Gojo’s situation to her while she’s on her way back to Nara. Things that were only known between her, Megumi and at some points, Itadori.

Suffice to say she’s definitely not amused with it. No wonder Megumi suddenly has a one hundred and eighty degree attitude toward the purebred alpha. However, she also knows that some of them are questionable at best. She knows how Gojo treats Megumi. Witnessed it first hand on how the alpha spoiled and gave special treatment towards the omega. She can confidently say that at least half of his beliefs are unfounded. 

This stupid, brash alpha and the oblivious omega really matches each other well. 

They turn their head when they hear the steps of another closing in. 

“Gojo-sensei, Maki.” Megumi greets across the vast garden.

The last, main cast of the show finally arrives at the stage. 

Chapter Text

Megumi thought he could do it. 

However, once he is actually within his vision, within his reach, Megumi almost wants to step back and run away from there. Escape from Gojo and his burning hot gaze. While it’s true that he hasn’t seen the alpha for years, he believes he never sees Gojo look that tense in his entire life. 

Suppressed, intense agitation and fury is waving off him like radio waves. Steady, always rolling on without fail. Megumi can already smell the spicy, bitter pheromone. Can already taste it even with the distance between them. His omega counterpart howls in a mix of happiness and fear at the same time. 

At one side, happiness and contentment washes over him to see Gojo is finally standing and looking well. All those efforts, the hard work, the pain, the tears and blood he shed has paid off. An irresistible urge to touch him with his own bare hand nags in his heart. To assure himself that he’s healthy and without having any lasting effect from the prison realm. To bask in Gojo’s pheromones. At the same time, his heart lurches in pain at the sight of him. He instinctively wants to push him away at the reminder of his heartbreak. 

Megumi doesn't want to feel it again. The butterfly things. He fears after all of this time, the alpha still governs a good chunk of his heart in spite of everything. His mind also warns him to stay away, purely because of the potent fury the alpha is showing. A sense of preservation, for he knows he’s done something that Gojo won’t like. 

The omega he has painstakingly tried to keep close to him, tied to him, an important figure with his Ten Shadows, is now claimed by an alpha that’s not his own choosing. A character that has gone astray from his plot, his scheme, the play he makes. 

But nothing can be solved by running. The fact that the alpha has chosen to confront him directly like this means he can’t run, or delay his explanation. Megumi composes himself, trying to reign in his own pheromones to hide his true feelings. He can overcome this. 

He has to. 

All he needs is to say sorry and not sorry at the same time. Gives his promise that he’d still be on Gojo's side regardless of his bind with another. Then he just needs to make sure that the older man is not suspicious, or start looking into his alpha. The others, Shoko or someone should’ve informed the alpha about the situation around him. 

This is ridiculous, Megumi scolds himself. He has stood in front of people, sorcerers, curses, without fear. Hell, he has survived standing in front of the old, corrupt executives with his weapon pointing straight at them. He outmaneuvered them in their own twisted game, so why. This shouldn’t be difficult. He’s the head clan for God’s sake. 

Maki walks towards him, leaving the other alpha alone in the middle of the garden. 

“You must be tired, Maki.” Megumi greets his co-head calmly. “You should have breakfast and get some sleep. I’ll take care of today’s duties.” He says, voice calm and neutral but the plea of dismissal is clear. He doesn’t want to pull the others into their mess. His mess. He can feel Gojo’s ever demanding gaze as they talk, but he still purposefully ignores him. 

Maki stares at him for a few seconds. He answers her probing stare with his own and she sighs. “I’ll be nearby.” Maki whispers. She pats his shoulder twice, as assurance, as a promise before she leaves them all alone. 

Megumi strengthens up his resolve and takes another steps forward. Enough to get out from the threshold but still enough to give a vast distance between them. He faces the alpha head on, eyes cold with indifference on his face.

Gojo greedily drinks up the details he has missed as the omega finally steps out from the edge of the building and into the open garden. This version of Megumi looks familiar yet wildly unfamiliar to his eyes. It doesn't feel that long for him, but the changes are too many, too unrecognizable. 

The most obvious is that Megumi has matured to be a very beautiful omega. So enchanting, like a siren, like a dazzling temptation personified into a man, into the most blessed gender. 

During his adolescence, the Megumi he knows would reject any form of pampering as he deems them useless and a waste of money. Already so damn frugal despite Gojo's insistence to spoil him. Despite the fact that he’s already holding his other card at his disposal. A direct access to his almost seemingly unlimited, private funds. He could’ve bought anything for his own pleasure and Gojo would’ve let him. Providing his omega is the most basic, easiest requirement of an alpha.

Due to this frugality, Megumi's beauty is always hidden, almost unseen from the passing eyes. Like a diamond in the rough, it’s buried underneath the harsh handling, the cheap soap and shampoo, the unfit clothes, rows of oversized, basic black and white sweatshirts which hides his omega charm. 

Look at him now. It's clear that's not the case anymore. Megumi's grown a little bit taller and the heavy traditional clothes can’t really hide the overall shape of his body. He’s still so lean (if not leaner) as his whole posture carries grace and nobility of a perfect omega heir.

With long eyelashes, a longer and less erratic hair, obviously moist lips and honeydew chewy cheeks, Megumi looks ethereal. Combined with the expensive garment that compliments his jade eyes, Megumi's classic beauty easily exudes out of him in strong waves. Shining and shimmering, tempting everyone on his premise. 

What strikes Gojo the most is his eyes.

The jade orbs that often look awkward, like he still internally feels unbelong, so lonely, wandering aimlessly, are gone. Now they're cool and guarded, sharp like a knife, deadly like the sweetest poison.

He also doesn't miss the way Megumi subtly checks their surroundings. Noting for escapes, exits, and anything that he can use to his advantage. He can clearly see how his shadows and his cursed energy flickers tensely, enveloping its host in an almost protective cocoon. 

On top of his stunning beauty, it’s clear that the younger man has become a very powerful sorcerer. The prized Ten Shadows has matured into its potential, his cursed energy is abundant and finely controlled. Gojo has no doubt that the other is able to form a proper domain by now. His uncovered wrist might look quite dainty, but it’s clear that they’re strong and durable. There are unmistakable scars from weapon usage on his fingers too. 

Gojo's eyes glint with delight. His Megumi, finally with a set of sharp fangs and claws.

How exciting.

No other alpha would be able to handle this sharp kitty. Just like how he is shaped for the omega, Megumi has grown to match him as well. 

This version of Megumi should be revered openly, praised and worshipped with every inch of his life. His beauty and skills, along with his lineage would have started wars between the clans. To get him as their bride. Definitely will, had he not been the head of the Zenin. Countless suitors will line up on his doorstep, asking for his time, showering him with numerous gifts, kissing on the ground he walks. He vividly remembers already having to fend off alpha brats off of Megumi when he’s still a student, when his potential was still hidden, safely tucked away just for his eyes to see. 

His omega is ready and has bloomed magnificently now.

Gojo’s heart throbs in want, in desperate need to have this omega. His alpha counterpart howls in demand to re-stake his claim and mate him. Knot him full of his seed, forever marking him, forever binding him as his as he makes Megumi complete their union with his own bite to him.

Megumi would look so beautiful with his belly big and full of his pup, surrounded by their children. There won’t be too many, of course. It’d take a toll on his body and Megumi's omega counterpart has always been a little bit frail. Probably due to years of negligence and lack of proper nutrition. Two or three mixes of them would be enough. 

The alpha in him snarls at the reminder that Megumi is claimed. That this breath-taking omega he has painstakingly taken care of is already coveted by others in his absence. 

Who is the fool that has dared to touch what is Gojo Satoru’s? Do they have a death wish?  

When he notices the lack of something so crucial, so important, Gojo feels his agitation rises into an immeasurable anger even though he’s currently standing less than five meters in front of Megumi. 

He can’t smell him. 

Can’t smell the comforting, pleasantly sweet scent of milk and honey with a mix of mild, fresh scent of matured melon.

Even with his enhanced sense of smell, it’s almost muted. If it’s not for Megumi’s curse energy or the fact that his eyes can physically see him, he’d have thought he’s just another random, unimportant omega. 

He hates it. 

It’s wrong. So so wrong. 

Megumi should’ve smelled sweet like usual. 

Or even better, smells like him. Drenched and bathed within his scent until their scents are mixed perfectly. 

Even with closed eyes and deafened ears, anyone can sense the unusually tense atmosphere. Both the purebred alpha and omega are busy checking each other out. 

“Megumi.” Gojo breaks the tense silence between them. His usual joyful, amused self can’t be found in his behavior. 

“Sensei.” Megumi greets back in equal solemnity. Megumi knows he can’t possibly stand it if he’s in a closed perimeter with the alpha. He’s forever grateful for Maki’s quick thinking and takes Gojo here. 

“I’m not your sensei anymore.” Gojo chuckles flatly. “Aren’t you going to invite me in, Megumi?”

“I recall you never care for formality, Sensei.” Megumi calmly replies. 

“That’s true.” He hums. “Although, I’m really hurt that you didn’t wait on me.” 

“I did when you were still asleep. I’m busy now.” Megumi excuses. “And there are already enough people taking care of you, wanting to see you, Sensei. I’d just crowded the place up.” 

“Lies.” The Six Eyes bearer declares as he takes a step closer. Maintaining their distance, Megumi steps back. Gojo’s expression gets darker with the action. 

“Why are you stepping back?”

“Why are you getting closer?” The Zenin head fires back. 

“I’m not in the mood for your cheeks, Megumi.” Gojo growls. “Come here.” So he can scent him properly, left unsaid.

“No.” Megumi defiantly says. They started on a good, civilized ground. How did it turn like this?

Gojo’s anger bubbling even more with his omega’s curt refusal. 

“Who?” He tilts his head.

“Who what?” The young man feigns in his innocence. 

“Who is it?” Gojo stares directly at him. The signature, crystal like eyes staring icily at him. Demanding answer.

“It’s none of your business, Sensei.” Megumi dismisses. “All I can say about it is that I promise it won’t change anything between us. I’ll still be on your side, Sensei.” He calmly states. 

“But it is, Megumi. It changes everything.” Gojo replies, before teleporting himself right behind the young omega, impatient with Megumi’s stubborn way. He swiftly rips off the protective coverage on Megumi’s neck, revealing his scent gland. 

Honestly, he’s hoping that Shoko is mistaken, or they were running an insolent prank on him. Or Megumi has broken the claim or rejected the alpha’s claim when he knows he’s freed. 

But his scent gland says otherwise. Although faint, there’s still an obvious trace of teeth marks on it. 

The sense of loss, lost, mixed with his previous anger, coming back in full force. He has no time to ponder on the feeling or the weird niggling on the back of his mind, when his infinity immediately holds off a powerful swing from the famous three-staff weapon. He catches a whiff of the omega’s pheromones before he jumps back to keep some distance from him. 

It’s still a bit muted. While he can detect Megumi’s signature scent now, it’s layered with something to tamper it off. An alpha’s mask, but there’s only an indistinct smell of said alpha’s scent lingering around. 

It’s as if the alpha never regularly scents Megumi. Enough to tamper the omega’s scent, but not enough for it to be mixed with the alpha’s own signature scent.

Either that, or the alpha is too weak in comparison with Megumi’s omega - most definitely not a jujutsu user then. But even then, it’s still too faint. Just what kind of alpha is Megumi in contact with? What type of an alpha has taken Megumi’s interests, one that’s not involved in jujutsu world at that? But why does he feel like he knows the scent? Ever smelled it in his life? 

“What do you think you are doing, Sensei?” Megumi snarls, his hackles raised at the unwelcomed violation of his personal bubble. He immediately covers his scent gland with his hand while on a defensive stance. 

“I’ve told you nicely to come closer. You refused.” Gojo points out. “I’ll ask again before I seek him myself and it won’t be pretty, Megumi. Who is it? Why?” He takes down his glasses and puts them into his shirt’s pocket. The crystal-like eyes are now completely uncovered, staring heavily at him. 

“I’m already an adult, Sensei. You don’t need to meddle in my personal affairs.” The Playful Cloud hanging idly on his right hand. “As I said before, I’ll still support you. Why are you this mad?” He scoffs. He widens his eyes when Gojo disappears from his view. He swings the weapon just in time to stop the alpha’s hand to reach him, holding him down. 

“What the fuck, Sensei?” The Zenin Head Clan outright curses him, while sending another swing toward his ex-sensei. “I know you’re angry but you don’t need to go this far!” 

“Then answer my question! Who! Why!” It’s Gojo’s turn to lose his composure. What the fuck is this anyway. He got stupidly sealed, spent some time in that stupid hell hole, woke up with the news that four years have passed and his precious Megumi is someone else’s now. 

All the maneuvers to keep the omega safe and his, gone kapoof in an instant.

How could he not get angry? Especially when said omega is dodging his touch, avoiding his every being? Refuse to tell him who has taken him away from his hand? 

He didn’t wait for Megumi just to get him coveted like this. 

“None of your concern and definitely none of your business!” Megumi rebuts back, avoiding a low spin meant to bring him to his knees. 

“It is my business when you are my omega!” The alpha snarls back, his patience snaps. He watches as Megumi’s eyes widen in shock. He sees the glints of hope, before it’s squashed down in a painful expression that turns into anger. 

“Stop using that to tie my technique to you!” Megumi yells with fury and irate vibrating on his being. “I’ve told you I’ll still be there. Ten Shadows will still be under your care. Isn’t it enough confirmation to take down our whole bond-courting charade?” The young man hisses hostilely. 

His words unexpectedly stab right into Gojo’s heart. 

Charade?? All of his attention and care, summarized into one, big, hurtful word of charade?? And what’s this about tying his technique bullshit?

“I could be careless about your technique Megumi. And charade you said? Our bond is a charade of mine?” Gojo narrows his eyes, laughing sarcastically. “Should I kill every non-jujutsu alpha on the perimeter then? To weed out your alpha, ” He spats out in disdain, “to show you how serious I am about it?”

In a snap, a very very familiar red crackling sphere appears on the tip of his finger. “Let’s start from the inside compound, shall we?” He tilts his head casually. 

Shocked at the very real threat, Megumi swiftly moves closer to Gojo and swings the staff at him, to interrupt the technique as soon as possible. 

Internally pleased at how Megumi has bit his bait, Gojo cancels red and catches the staff with his hand before forcefully pulling the weapon to him.  

Pulling Megumi to him. 

Megumi is caught off guard with the movement and before he can let go of the weapon, someone is jerking him back on the opposite. 

Gojo narrows his eyes as he watches how Megumi, equally in surprise, is enveloped with his shadow, to reveal someone he thought has long been killed. 

By his own hand too. 

The unmistakable hair and body, the same jade iris with his omega.

Fushiguro Toji in the flesh, with blackened eyes, smirks back haughtily at him. 

Something clicks in his mind. 

Eight months ago 

“Move.” Megumi hisses in indignation. 

“No. You’re going to do something stupid and I won’t allow it.” Toji casually says, blocking the door from the younger man. 

“This doesn’t concern you.” The Zenin Head Clan clenches his hands in frustration. He can barely dodge all the men Okkotsu and others sent to trail him off and now this man decides to intervene too? 

“It is when my own blood decides to do something risky over getting his heart broken by an alpha.” Toji sighs, folds his arms in front of his chest in a chiding manner. 

“That alpha is the one you threw myself to.” Megumi sarcastically says. 

“Don’t I regret it from years ago.” He scoffs. “Stop this, kid.” 

“No.” Another denial comes out from Megumi’s mouth. “Now that we have secured him back, I need to cut him off completely.” He stubbornly insists. 

“By what? Getting yourself claimed by a random, shitty alpha?” Toji sneers. 

“This is my life. I have the prerogative to do what I want.” Megumi headbutts. 

This is the only way to really take Gojo out of his life. To cut off the bond because he doesn’t want it anymore. Doesn’t want to be reminded by him, wanting him. Forever knowing that he’s connected to him until the alpha says otherwise. 

It will kill him, when Gojo breaks it off for his own omega mate. 

He would rather put things in his own hand now. Rip it off by his own bloody hand. 

If he’s claimed, then probably it can ease the pain in his heart. He can turn his head away from the white haired man. 

He can easily ask Yuuta, or hell, ask Kamo out of all people to claim him. But it doesn’t feel right. He doesn’t want to involve people he actually knows. 

People whom Gojo knows too. 

He’s planning to find a not really shitty but still shitty alpha, alpha like his dad who can be bought with money. To pay for his silence and his bite. 

Alas, the same dad is now blocking the exit door of the penthouse he rented out in Osaka. 

Megumi glares at Toji, who is still staring back at him with equal unamusement on his face. This face of his is unfamiliar to Megumi. He has seen Toji with his smug bastard look, his somewhat drunk face because apparently he can drink and eat (how, he never knows), his peaceful face when he naps near him. 

But this face, it’s like a proper Disapproval Look from a parent to his child. 

Which is, okay, he kind of feels strange over it, but it’s still ridiculous.  

Toji sighs when his son won’t budge from his decision.

So stubborn. Just like his mom. 

“Megumi, if you just want a bite, I’ll do it.” He opens up his card. 

“What?” Megumi frowns in confusion, dropping his guard because what the hell is he saying now?

“A pseudo claim.” Toji explains. “An alpha parent can do it for their omega children. For all things and purposes, it’ll work like a normal claim, since it’s fooling your body to believe it is claimed.”

“I’ve never heard of it.” Megumi dubiously stares at his dad, as if he’s losing his mind.

“Of course you never do.” Toji sighs again, already tired with the whole ordeal. “The practice has been banned for hundreds of years now. I’ll be surprised if anyone remembers about it.” He shrugs. 

“How do you know then?” The young omega raises his eyebrow.

“It was popular during the Heian era. The primary use is to make sure that the omega heir won’t run away and won't tempt another alpha than the one the family has chosen for them. During this time, power is everything. Guess which clan sometimes still implements this.” Toji laughs scathingly. “I guess it’s a good thing that you killed all of the people who know and are pro about this in Zenin. I considered doing this to you too before you go to them back then.” 

Megumi is speechless, but intrigued by the information.

“It’s perfect then.” The young head voices out. 

It is indeed a perfect scenario. He doesn’t need to worry about the alpha, whether he’ll blackmail him or him being sniffed by the others. Toji is mainly staying around him, so no one can really scent out the alpha. Everything will be tidy and fall completely closed within his hand, under his complete control. 

“It’s not that simple.” Toji says to him. “Unlike normal claims, it’ll hurt like a bitch for you. Enough for some omega to die, apparently. Why do you think it’s banned in the first place?” It’s Toji’s turn to raise his eyebrow at the simplemindedness of his son. 

“Because it violates our right?” He gaze expectantly at his dad, earning an amused scoff. 

“Kid, people don’t care about omega right aside of being fragile, expensive little gifts until the recent hundred years.” He points out. “When I said it’s going to hurt like a bitch, I really mean it.” 

“Try me then.” Megumi challenges. “Do you forget who I am? What’s our job in the first place?” 

At this, Toji’s smirk returns. 

“Don’t cry on me later then.”  

.

.

.

“Fucker.” Megumi hisses as he tries to stamp down his cry of pain. His eyes glint with unshed tears due to the degree of the pain. This is not a normal piercing pain. 

This is hell on another level. It burns and stings badly at the same time. It’s like his open wounds are being rubbed with salt, alcohol and lemon at the same time and it results in an accompanying headache.

“I’ve told you.” He hears his dad smugly say on top of his ear as the alpha wipes down the leaking blood from the teeth wounds on his scent gland. 

Had Megumi opened his eyes, he’d see the worried expression on Toji’s face. 

Toji stands up while letting the washcloth soak up the upcoming blood on the wounds. He walks towards the full refrigerator, takes some ice, and ties them into another clean washcloth. He presses the covered blocks of ice on the wounds, relieving the omega from some pain. 

“Just give me some bandages and painkillers.” Megumi voices out in pain. 

“There’s none.” Toji replies as he puts on his black glasses. “Call your dogs. I’ll buy some.” He waves before taking his wallet. 

“Don’t get any alcohol!” Megumi yells. 

The door just beeps as it’s shut once again.

Once summoned, Kon immediately surrounds him in a protective defense, bawling pitifully at the sight of his master in pain.

“Fuck this shit.” Megumi curses once again. Fuck his dad, fuck Gojo. 

Fuck all alpha.

Gradually, he can feel the bond he has with Gojo is being blocked. Like there’s an invisible wall starting to manifest between them. 

This better be worth it.

.

.

.

“Why?” Megumi asks out of nowhere. They’re silently sitting on the open balcony together, with beers and snacks between them, accompanied by the starless night. His wounds have stopped bleeding and bandaged properly. 

“What a loaded question, kid.” Toji sips his alcohol. “Cut me some slack today, will you?”

Megumi keeps staring at his dad. It’s the first time in years after Toji became his, that they sit down and have some personal, private time together. Life at a clan compound assures you that there won’t be any real privacy. There are attendants and staff and so-called family members living in the same area everywhere. His guard must be up at all times and there’s no way they can have any relaxed privacy. Not to mention he’s very preoccupied with his goals to acquire Gojo back. 

He’s curious. Toji has been a very proper… dad,  or adult, all things considered. He doesn’t miss the little thing Toji has done for him. Like some kind of silent apology kind of thing perhaps? 

It makes him wonder what would’ve happened, had his mother still alive, had Zenin not been as shitty, had Gojo doesn’t killed him, had everything gone right . Would he have a happy family then?

“Were you even there when I was born?” Megumi voices out.

“The first one after the nurse to hold you in fact.” Toji looks up to the dark sky. “You were born on the same night like this back then.”

“Then… why?” The younger man tentatively probes. If Toji has cared enough to actually stand by on his birth then-

Why did you leave me? 

Why did you never seem to care about me before? 

Why did you abandon me? 

It's silent for a moment. The only thing they can hear is the sound of the busy crowds on the streets way underneath them. 

“We lost your mom.” The alpha quietly admits. So so quiet. Like a sinner in a confession room.

Megumi is surprised with the revelation. His heart also breaks a little at the sudden, visible pain on his dad’s voice. It’s as if he’s still in misery, in mourning.

For once, he sees his dad looks so vulnerable and tired. Like he finally shed off all the persona, the multi-faceted masks and skins and now he’s just sitting as Toji. Not Zenin, not Fushiguro. 

Just Toji. 

Do you still have her photo somewhere? Where is her grave? Was she beautiful? Was she kind? 

Can we visit her? 

Numerous questions pop into his mind, but he speaks out the most important, burning question. “What happened to her?” 

“Probably next time, kid.” Toji says, still refusing to look at him. “I’m not drunk enough for that.” 

Megumi backs down peacefully, there’s no reason to push him now. 

They have time.

Plenty of them.

The last question then.

“Are you going to stay, Dad?” Megumi doesn’t know why, but he is a bit choked up at the end. 

Will you forsake me once again, once Gojo is back in the picture? No one knows why and how Toji ends up in his shadow. All he knows is that one day, he manifested from his shadow when he’s fighting in the cull game. Helping him. 

He didn’t even know who he was initially. 

If Toji can decide that he wants to be bound to his shadow, doesn’t it mean that he can decide to leave once again? It feels silly and ridiculous, but the fear has always been at the back of his mind. 

“As long as you have me, Megumi.” Toji finally turns his head to him, facing him completely. The same jade eyes are staring back at him. 

He really looks like him.

“Stay with me, forever.” Megumi shakily whispers, demands. His wounds are still throbbing painfully, but the pain on his heart, the liberated sensation he feels, are more intense than anything when Toji nods.

Frankly, he doesn’t want to lose Toji all over again. He has become a silent pillar in his hard life. He’ll fall once again with no one that can catch him, if Toji leaves too. He was a beat up, shitty dad, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting him this time around. 

He wants to be selfish for this. 

Another silence fills them. 

“Is that your real wish? Or is it because of my influence?” The head clan wonders. 

"I wonder about that too." Toji hums, tilting his head back to the sky. “Just how much of my current urges are born from your deepest wish? How much of them are actually from me? How much of your own feeling manifests inside of me?"

Megumi too, decides to tilt his head to the sky. He doesn’t know either. All of his shikigami are animals. They don’t speak, although his divine dogs always seem to care deeply for him. 

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s not much, if not nothing at all.” Toji sips his beer once again. “If I do, I’d have cared at least a little for your other minions. I’m not. I don’t care about them. And I would have abandoned this, with the way you hate it so much.” He shakes his beer. 

“It smells, old man.” Megumi sighs, accepting his answers.  

“You’re just a baby.” Toji counters. “Get to sleep, I’ll protect you.” He gently orders. Finally voicing out one of the unspeakable, unwritten things between them. 

“Yeah, I should.” The omega nods. He is exhausted. From the secretive paths and dodges he has to take to get here undetected by the others. He even abandoned his phone at the Zenin’s estate and bought a new one with cash. The excruciating pain he endured earlier also has taken the last bit of his energy. 

“Either way kid, I’m glad.” Toji admits before Megumi walks out from the balcony.  

He’s glad that he’s here. With him.

Even if it's not in the most convenient condition or situation.

“Do you want to know why I named you Megumi?” Toji says casually, but the disguised offer of olive branch, the fondness of it, doesn’t escape the Head Clan. 

Megumi stops in his tracks. “Why?” He braves himself to say it. 

“Because you are a blessing in our life. In your mom’s and mine.” The deceased Zenin  whispers in the one secret he holds close to his heart. Another tightly guarded vulnerability.“That’s all there’s to it. It’s never because of anything else other than that.” 

Toji wistfully watches how his son’s back shakes at the revelation. 

He wants to go to him, embrace him like he did nights ago.

But before he can do so, Megumi, his precious, precious blessing of a son, is already turning back and crashes his body on top of him. He can hear his sobs, the wetness on his chest. Toji wraps his muscled arms around him, enveloping his shaking body. Their position is a bit awkward, but it doesn’t stop him from rubbing his son’s fragile back. Offering comfort, soothes all of his fear, pain and worries. 

The one in his hold is once again, not Zenin Megumi or Fushiguro Megumi. Not a head clan, not a young sorcerer who is wielding a power so, so great. 

Just Megumi, who is forced to grow up too quickly, too suddenly with immense responsibility, burden and expectation on his shoulder. 

Just a child, a son who needs his father’s safe embrace.

“I will always be here, Megumi. To my last breath.” Toji promises him.

He truly doesn’t know where the line between Megumi’s desire and his own is drawn, but one thing for sure is he knows that these are his. 

The urge to protect, to shelter Megumi, to give the best for him, they’re his own desire. His own instincts.

He already has them, even before. If not, why did he consider giving him to the Zenin? A fucked up clan, yes. But he knows he can control them, threaten them, kill them, if anything untoward happens to Megumi. In that clan, Megumi will be taken care of properly with his Ten Shadows. A proper shelter, food and clothing. The things he can’t provide solely because he doesn’t know how to care for another tiny life. 

If he didn’t have these instincts, he’d never ask Gojo, his killer, someone that he sees can protect Megumi, to take care of the child he would leave behind all alone in this cruel world. 

A better alternative than the Zenin.

He knows he’s never the perfect father. How could he, with his wife gone. Toji never knew of love, of a good father, of a family, until Megumi’s mom took him in. Ever since her appearance in his bleak, cursed life, he has dedicated everything for her. He thought at last, he’ll be able to have a happy life. 

And he was. 

The moments with her are the happiest chapters in his life. When he met her, courted her, and married her. 

Have Megumi.

Yet, he lost her so he lost everything. 

When she’s gone, the makeshift castle of sands washed away. The kingdom fell and he drowned really hard. He doesn’t believe in himself to take care of Megumi, his blessing. 

Their blessing. 

So he did what he was best at. 

Escape. Run from his misery. 

Thankfully, he met Tsumiki a few years later. The daughter of a whore he hooked up with. 

He saw how the older girl immediately took care of Megumi when he met her mom to fuck. Innately knew she would take care of Megumi until Zenin take him away. Just like how he ended up trusting Gojo. 

The same Gojo, the bastard of an alpha who has put his son through hell back and forth. 

.

.

.

“What a nice reunion, brat.” Toji smirks before he yanks the staff back to him, pulling Gojo within his reach instead. 

The Six Eyes bearer quickly lets go of the weapon and jumps back as he reassesses everything at once. 

“What?” Annoyance and disbelief colors his whole face. How the fuck this bastard came back in the first place? Let alone being Megumi’s shikigami? And interfering at the slip of chance he has too. 

“Toji!” Megumi indignantly yells from a good distance away from them. Gojo takes a glance at his mate, who looks just as angry and annoyed as him. 

“Back off kid.” Toji waves his hand. “Enough. There’s no way he’s getting five meters close to you.” Toji smirks comfortably, Playful Cloud now completely formed in his hand.

“It seems that I’m in for so many surprises today.” Gojo laughs tensely. 

“You should adapt fast then.” Toji challenges. “Be grateful that this is the one in my hand right now.” He gestures to the weapon. “I’ll kill you otherwise.”

“You were the one who got killed last time.” Gojo heatedly declares, busy watching both Fushiguro slash Zenin. 

Does this mean Megumi is aware of everything? 

“You look pale. Afraid that he will hate you for killing me?” Toji goads as he starts to move. Gojo immediately responds in tandem, avoiding the swing of the weapon and giving his own to the supposedly deceased Zenin. 

Loud booms from each of their attacks makes and damages things as their fight goes on. 

“Satoru! Stop this!” Gojo hears the omega yells from a distance. A split second and he’s facing said omega’s father once again. 

“Don’t get distracted, Satoru.” He mocks while delivering another killing hit which is timely avoided. 

“Oh I won’t.” The white haired man replies with a smile. 

The most important thing is Megumi now, he reminds himself.

So he does what he should’ve been doing from the start. 

He instantly teleports behind Megumi’s back, takes the caught off guard -again- omega in his arm, and teleports so far above in the sky they surely can’t be bothered by anyone else. 

Leaving Toji, and very surprised and alarmed Maki on the ground. 

“Let me go!” Megumi wriggles away from his hold. But Gojo has a very firm hold on both of his wrists, rendering him useless to call for Nue.  

“Nope. I’ve asked you nicely earlier, but Megumi is such a naughty boy…” Gojo trails off. 

“You’re so infuriating! Let go, Gojo!” Megumi replays his yells. 

“Ckckck, why am I reduced back to Gojo? You’ve called my name so beautifully earlier too.” The alpha sighs, like reprimanding a child. “Right, since I already know who the alpha is, now answer me. Why?”

Dread fills Megumi with Gojo's words. It can’t be-

“I thought it’s weird that I still feel the bond but unable to feel you. Like it’s blocked instead of cut off. It’s because you're not really claimed isn't it, Megumi?” Gojo hums. “The wounds are almost healed too, that’s why you put that protective cover. When Shoko inspected them they’re still fresh. That’s how you fooled everyone.” He states calmly, all of his anger already receding at this fact.

His omega isn’t really taken by others. 

“Yes, I know Toji is the one who put that so-called claim on you. I’m not stupid, Megumi.” Gojo whispers in his ear. “It helps that I actually remember his scent. A look and it finally dawned on me.”

“I-”

“My sweet, little, clever Megumi.” He praises. “So, tell me now, why?” He asks once again. “I was told this ‘claim’ appeared once you got a hold on me. What did the mate of the Honored One do, to be claimed and marked by someone else? Instead of waiting for me?” He lets go of one of Megumi’s wrists and pulls him into his embrace. His fingers gently lift the younger man's chin to face him. 

Just to be met with shining glints on the green eyes he loves so much. 

.

.

.

.

“I’ve never been your mate, Sensei.” Megumi throws back his words earlier. 

“You are.” Gojo insists back, still unable to grasp where and why Megumi seems to believe otherwise.

“Sure.” The omega sarcastically says. Megumi shakily takes his breath. That lost feeling, knowing, hoping, fearing, yearning mixes into one. 

In pain. 

How easily Gojo unravels everything.

How easy for him too, to say things like that. Destroying all of his defenses. 

Why, how. What did he mean by that? 

Unexpectedly, unwantedly, his eyes are heavy with unshed tears while his chin is being lifted up by the alpha. The feelings he has bottled up about Gojo, it breaks and spoils all over again with just a touch, a caring look. 

Solely at him. To him. 

It’s like Gojo really desires him, for him. 

For Fushiguro Megumi. 

But he’s gone, the voice in his head whispers.  It’s gone and replaced with Zenin Megumi, his heart quietly says.

He has done so many things. Many which are questionables at best . Megumi thought he’d be happy when Gojo says that he actually wants him as his mate. Dreamt of it, wish it. 

But when it actually, miraculously happened-

He’s not. 

He just feels tired. Devoid of happiness or elation he should’ve felt. 

Megumi has been into too many fucked up mind games to not know whether what Gojo’s saying is the truth or not. Or is it just another ploy to get Ten Shadows willingly as his? 

He doesn’t know anymore. 

So he does the unthinkable. The gamble. 

A push, a goad. A challenge to the Honored One. The God amongst the mortals in the jujutsu world.  

“Do it then.” Megumi defiantly stares back. Even with tears in his eyes, he refuses to back down. “I dare you.” He declares. There’s no way Gojo is willing to go that far-

“With pleasure.” He hears Gojo whisper before a set of teeth sinks into his sensitive scent gland. 

Megumi let out a pained gasp and instinctively try to get away. Gojo readily holds him down as he sucks out the blood. It’s so fucking painful. 

So so painful. 

But it feels so damn good at the same time, unlike what he experienced with his dad.

This doesn’t prove anything, the voice in his head and heart, for once agrees on something. The situation, the environment, his taunts may have pushed the alpha. 

A tear slips from his eyes and he’d like to believe that they’re from the pain on his neck rather than the pain on his heart. 

Gojo feels like he’s finally alive. 

Satisfaction fills his entire body as he can finally smell Megumi’s usual scent too. He really misses it. He noses Megumi’s slender, soft neck and leaves kisses on it when everything turns one eighty. 

The scent turns stale, bitter and sour as he is also able to smell the salty tears coming out from Megumi. 

Alarmed, he lifts his head from the omega. 

Gojo’s heart lurches out in pain when he sees him. 

Instead of the same happiness he expects, all he sees on Megumi’s face is sorrow and pain. Disbeliefs and doubts. 

Why? 

“Megumi?” He gently caresses his lover. “What-”

Gojo isn’t able to finish his sentence when a hint of very familiar, sweet scent hits his nose. The last time he ever got to smell it this close was when Megumi skipped his classes to tend to his heat. 

The rest? Oh no no, he’s not confident he won’t maul, claim and mate Megumi on the spot. At most he’d just stay outside the isolation wards, waiting for Shoko’s updates. Also, Megumi always has the tendency to completely lean and be all spoiled around him. Touches his shoulder, his chest, his back, his arms, any part of him that the omega can reach, even during his pre and post heat.  

And he’s but a weak man for his mate. 

He has to take the omega to safety, to Shoko or anyone else before Megumi starts to tempt him because he knows he truly won’t be able to resist him this time. 

His inner panic is broken when the omega in his arms start to wiggle away from him again. 

Very actively. 

Desperate for it in fact. 

“Get away from me!” Megumi hisses as he scratches his arms and tries to push him away with all of his might. “Go away! Go away!” He bristles angrily, defensively. He even bites on the arms that are holding him up. Gojo tries to push out more of his pheromone, trying to calm him, but it generates a reversed reaction instead. 

Megumi and his omega side is actually recoiling from his pheromone. 

What? 

The sense of loss comes back as his heart breaks all over again. He’s confused. For once in his life, Gojo Satoru is at loss on what to do. 

Megumi, his omega, they have clearly chosen him four years ago. Have accepted him. Only him. 

Why? Why did he reject him now? 

His alpha? 

“GOJO SATORU!” He hears Maki yells loudly, irk and panic are obvious in her tone. It’s enough to snap him back to focus, to the still struggling omega, who has hurt him, makes him bleed as he tries to hurt and scratches him in order to get away. 

The only person alive so far, aside from his own father, who managed to spill the blood of Gojo Satoru.  

In a daze, Gojo drops back to the ground. 

As promised, Maki is actually watching the situation unfold between Gojo and Megumi. She’s on guard just in case he needs her or she needs to intervene. So far, the bearer of the Six Eyes seems to be stable, physically and mentally. Aside from exhaustion from the initial release, there’s no outward or visible change after his imprisonment. 

But she’s still playing on the safe side. Megumi is an important figure to the changes they implemented. 

He’s also an important person in her life. 

So when Gojo plays dirty and brings both of them high up in the sky, she immediately dashes as Toji also glares furiously at the alpha. 

“Let’s watch them first. Let them talk.” She says once they’re side by side. 

It seems like ages, until Satoru leans on the omega’s neck and Megumi begins to trash around to get away again.

She thinks he will stop soon, but when Megumi makes no sign of stopping, a vague sense of fear dawns on her. 

He’s genuinely trying to get away from Gojo. 

So she screams his name in contempt, in trepidation. It seems to snap the alpha back and Gojo begins to descend. 

“Satoru I swear to God!” Maki immediately catches the omega in heat, who completely plops down to her embrace as soon as Gojo lets him go once they’re within a safe height. 

She wants to berate him more, when she sees the dazed, confused look on her ex-sensei. Her eyes catch the newly made claim on the omega’s neck, but why does Gojo look like he’s in pain himself? And Megumi too-

“Maki!” He seeks safety on her. She confusedly looks back and forth between this omega-alpha pair. She can barely smell anything on Megumi, but Gojo smells sour and spicy and frankly it disturbs her. For someone who Megumi deeply believes does not have any serious intention for him, her ex-sensei is surely very invested. And looking very heartbroken too.

Toji too. She’s sure he’s on his way to kill the purebred alpha, but he stops in his tracks as well. He stares at him for a few seconds before he turns around and takes Megumi out from her hold. 

“Come on, kid. Let’s get you away from here.” Toji says before completely merged into the shadows with its master himself, no doubt heading towards the isolation house they have. 

Gojo watches forlornly how the omega is being whisked away by his dad. 

Megumi is definitely rejecting him. Unlike years before.

His heart is crushed again.

This is more serious than he thought. 

Chapter Text

Agitation and unrest fill Gojo’s entire being as he is being driven back to his apartment. He is still a bit dazed with everything.

During his (apparently) very long absences, many surprising, unexpected things have happened. 

He knows that Megumi and him are unexplainably drifting apart after Itadori’s return. It seems that the omega has been thinking useless thoughts ever since he realized the discrepancies of development between him and Itadori. 

Which is silly. 

He’ll love it if Megumi can discard his “team” mentality soon, but it’s ridiculous for him to compare himself to the other omega. Their basis is different. One carries a prominent bloodline and inherits a very rare - very top tier technique, the other is a perfect one-in-a-hundred years vessel with enhanced physique despite his second gender. Their learning curve of course will be vastly different.

Megumi is Megumi, Itadori is Itadori, simple as that.

Their personal relationship also is strained due to this, he suspects. Who would’ve thought his omega has an enhanced smell like him? He’s not gonna lie, he’s interested in Itadori’s power. The extent he can go, the boundaries he can break, considering he’s a civilian prior to meeting Megumi and colliding head first to their world. His interest with Itadori is the same as Okkotsu’s, Hakari’s and other students. As people he’ll nurture and raise to be great fighters, the new generation he puts hope for. However, it doesn’t mean he’s not prioritizing Megumi. 

Megumi will always reign above anything else.

It’s partly his fault that he’s too focused on his other students. He’s been trying to get close to Megumi again, to rectify his mistake. To soothe the younger man and his omega, whom he suspects has some misconstrued image about him. He wants to prove to him that he’s still here, still caring for them, more than what he should be for now, ready for every request and call, but the omega is already too guarded against him. Rejecting all of his advances, only occasionally responding to his tugs, keep missing out on their outing together. Gojo can see the sadness behind his eyes, smell the hidden tinge of sour, bitter scent deep underneath his usual pheromones, but Megumi keeps on putting him at arm's length, if not more. 

After Shibuya’s mission, he’s meant to sit the omega down for a talk. To fix whatever thoughts that have been plaguing Megumi like a nightmare because he can’t stand being so close yet so emotionally far away from him. Both of them are busy as it is, with endless missions here and there, with problems upon problems that keep piling up on their professional work. 

It also hurts him, everytime they have a small window break in between their own work, Megumi would shy away from his touch and become so indifferent to him. Sure, he still treats him like his teacher, but they used to be more than that. He also knows Megumi now has friends his age and he’ll probably want to spend time with them. 

But he can’t help but to feel jealous.

He also needs Megumi’s attention, tsundere as he is. He wants the occasional random tugs again. He wants Megumi to depend on him. To call him and ask for his advice. To lean on him when things get dangerous. Tell him why he’s sad, why he’s mad. Tell him what has sparked some interest in him, his development with his shikigami. Spend time with him, be it a meal or a stroll. Let them revert back to what they used to be. 

Not doing anything about it immediately is another mistake that has cost him so much, he thinks as he opens the door of his apartment.

For a place that has been abandoned for years, it surely still looks habitable enough. Gojo let his eyes roam around the place. Ijichi informed him that his henchmen had cleaned the place,but he didn’t expect that it’s still this good. Ijichi also said they didn’t dare to venture into his bedroom, so probably the same thing couldn’t be said for it.

Since he refuses to live in the compound in the meantime, he’ll need to rent a room in a hotel, until his apartment is actually habitable with running water and electricity. For now he’ll need to change from this borrowed clothes and pack some of his personal things. 

The alpha frowns a little at the stale air once he opens the door, but he pays them no mind and keeps it open. He immediately takes out his smaller suitcase and prop it open on his dusty bed. His hands automatically throw some of his glasses, watches, and his perfumes into the suitcase before walking to his closet. He’ll need to buy a whole new wardrobe while his other clothes are going to the laundry, but he’ll still take  a set or two for now. 

He retrieves a random shirt with pants and puts them on his left hand. He has just walked to get a coat when something dawns on him and he freezes. His head snaps back to the array of hanging and folded shirts in his open shelf. His eyes quickly scan them frantically, hoping that he’s mistaken. 

No. 

No no no.

Disbelief and agitation begin to permeate his whole body. 

The attire in his hold falls down to the floor as Gojo practically tears apart his whole closet. Previously tidy shirts and other garments are now in disarray as they’re either being thrown out or roughly set aside. His eyes quickly wander around in the now messy closet.

He still can’t find it. 

Where is Megumi’s gift? 

He’s sure that he left it in his closet, all pristine and clean and put into a plastic wrapping to ensure it won’t get dirty. Gojo dashes back to his room, hoping that he just somehow misplaced it. He rifles through his whole room, dusts are flying up in the air with how harshly he handles things in effort to search for it. 

There’s still no sign of it.

Another foreboding claws to his throat. 

He quickly fishes out his phone and calls the only one he can ask for now. “Shoko, did you take any of my clothes for Megumi?” 

“Huh?” Shoko responds. She can barely say anything before she’s barraged with Gojo’s weird question. “No, Megumi has always had a suppressant ever since that day. And when he didn’t, he always isolated himself in the Zenin’s Compound so I didn’t do much.” 

“Then, do you know if anyone else has ever come to my place?” He asks again because there’s no way the shirt just disappeared like that. 

“Oh right. Megumi and Nobara went through your apartment years ago for the initial plan, I think.” She ponders. 

“Did you know if any of them took one of my clothes?” He asks. 

“Huh? How could I know that?” She chastises Gojo. “What’s with the weird questions? Did you lose something?” 

Gojo lets out a distraught sigh. “I lost the shirt Megumi gave to me.” 

“The one you never shut up about?” 

“Yeah.” Gojo slides down to the floor and tucks his legs in front of him. Another wave of pain and manic slams into him unforgivingly. He swiftly bids Shoko goodbye and cuts off the connection before she can say anything else. 

With both of his arms on by his knees, he looks around the messy, almost obliterated room. His chest feels empty again, his muscles numb as the panic is being replaced with a sense of despair.

Between those two, Megumi has the higher chance to be the one who came into his room.

Did Megumi really take it? 

His eyes wander around his room once more, trying to find the shirt in case Megumi just took it out. But to no avail, he still can’t find said article of clothing. If Megumi really took it back from him… then he truly has lost all of it.

Everything that connects him to the omega.

For his significance in his omega's life being reduced to almost nothing, like he doesn't exist, like he doesn’t matter anymore catches him off guard. From having a bond, from being constantly around him, being the one Megumi mainly depends on, his gifts, his attention, he took them all away. All turn to this, whatever this is.

Hell, he can’t even call Megumi’s number. 

He's not his guardian anymore either.

His eyes then fall to the foreign looking maps on the floor. Dread instantly fills his being when he remembers what they are.

Could it be? Could Megumi have misunderstood everything? 

But it doesn't make any sense. Megumi should've realized that it doesn't matter. And he’s the clan head. This kind of thing is common and he never entertains them. He just needs to be civil enough, since it’s easier than receiving complaints and whines from those pretentious people’s representatives. One of them ended up renting their service too, but there’s no way Megumi knows about that. 

Gojo carefully replays their interaction earlier. Now that he thinks about it, what's the deal with the technique thing? He’d be lying if he says Megumi’s technique wasn’t one of the reasons why his interest in him was piqued in the first place, considering their ancestor history. But that’s clearly and absolutely not the reason why he formed the bond with Megumi. With or without the Ten Shadows, he’ll still fall for Megumi all the same. 

Something doesn’t add up. 

He has to know what changed Megumi’s perspective of him so much. If these are only about pre-Shibuya matters, Megumi should’ve not scurry away from his pheromone.

He doesn’t want to think about the scenario where Megumi truly rejects him. That Megumi doesn’t see him as his potential alpha anymore. Honestly, he doesn’t know what he will do if it comes to that and it certainly won’t be pretty. Even now, if he draws a conclusion over his chaotic feelings, one thing for sure is he has the urge to throw a tantrum.

His heart throbs painfully. He wants Megumi. 

Megumi. 

Megumi. 

Megumi. 

Why did he abandon him? 

Why did you let go of my hand? 

When Megumi opens his eyes, he's facing the familiar ceiling of the isolation room in the Zenin’s compound. He takes a deep sigh at the smell of neutralizing spray and frowns a little at the lack of his scent. Groaning, the young head attempts to sit up, just to be hit with a headache on the back of his skull along with faint nausea. 

His whole body doesn’t feel sticky, but he definitely feels the deep-bone exhaustion. Slowly, bits and pieces of vague memories of the whole debacle with Gojo after the alpha bit him are playing in his mind. 

The only things that filled Megumi were doubts and resignation. It’s not uncommon for people to take advantage of their second genders and he has been dipping in too many mind games to really believe the older man. 

Everything screeched to a halt when he could perfectly feel the telltale of a heat warming up his whole body. Horror dawned on him as he realized he couldn’t control his omega anymore, who’s been crying for Gojo ever since the alpha touched him. So, he desperately tried to get away from him. It’s so unprecedented, so sudden. He never thought his omega side would instigate a heat just to bound Gojo to him. 

Well, he’s still a part of him. His omega wish is also his in the end and it horrified him. 

When he managed to wrestle his omega counterpart down, it’s already too late. His heat was already triggered while the only thing that’s keeping him up in the air was the alpha. His hands were in the other’s tight grip thus he couldn’t summon Nue. He’s about to forcefully kick Gojo (consequence be damned and his shadow could catch his landing) when flashes of memories he didn’t really remember filled his mind. Faint images of Gojo’s wide back, his chest, his neck. His delectable scent. Of hot kisses that trails on his chest, marking and biting his exposed skin with hunger and need. Of a big hand that wandered around and wrapped itself around his body possessively. Of whiny moans of pleasure and embarrassing attempts to seduce Gojo. 

Of a warm body and comforting pheromones that blanketed and lulled him. 

His mind immediately rushed when he realized that yes, those are his memories, and yes, he literally offered himself to the purebred alpha.

The thought of him losing his rationality again knocked him off like a bludgeon when a hot heat passed on the back of his neck. The image of him begging the alpha to take him. Spreading his legs wantonly, tempting the alpha to mount him, knot him. 

Mate him. 

Bite the alpha’s scent gland. Completing their mating, their bond. Forever chaining them together. 

His panic seemed to also affect his omega side. He was too focused on getting away from Gojo before he did something irreversible to think rationally. The last thing he remembered was Maki’s and his dad’s familiar scents before everything went black.

“The sleeping princess has woken up.”

Megumi turns his head to the left and sees Toji is sitting across him while leaning on the wall. There’s some kind of magazine in his hands.

“Finally sober, kid?” Toji smirks and Megumi has the urge to smack that annoying smirk off of him. He looks down to the bolster in his hold and the need just intensifies. 

“How long have I been out?” He asks instead, because he shouldn’t rise to his dad’s bait. It’s been a while since he has an intense heat that he ends up not having any recollection about it. Three years ago? Five? 

“Almost four since you wake up on time for dinner.” His dad says. 

Four days.

It’s somewhat shorter than he’s expected, considering his usual track record.

His left hand tentatively touches his scent gland. There’s no bandage or whatsoever to cover it. It’s also terribly sensitive, but feels too smooth under his fingertips. He can’t feel any wounds or teeth indentation on it. 

“It dissolved on the second day of your heat.” Toji explains his unvoiced question. 

Megumi silently mulls on the new fact. 

He rejected the claim. Unsurprised, but there's a tinge of regret and disappointment over it. “I don’t remember anything.” The young head turns his head back to Toji. 

“You barely did anything. You had a high fever in between the lull. The doctor has told you to stop consuming the suppressant for months.” His dad says calmly, but he can sense the scolding underneath it. “Despite your high and mighty title, you’re still young.” 

Megumi just shrugs in indifference. His heart feels empty, but also painful and heavy. He doubts the purebred alpha will babble about his dad’s claim and now Gojo’s own claim has gone too. Once the news that he’s unclaimed and unmated spreads, it’ll be very troublesome for him. 

He beckons his dad to come to him. Toji sighs, but obediently follows his gesture. As soon as Toji’s sitting beside him, he speaks out his request. 

“Claim me again.” He orders. 

“No.” Toji refuses. 

His jaw instantly tenses at the refusal. “I said, claim me.” He sharply glares at his dad. 

“I said, no.” Toji replays his answer, mimicking his tone and mocking him. 

“Why?” Megumi angrily asks. Frustration bubbles within his chest at Toji’s curtness.

 “That should be my line. Why did you reject the brat’s claim?” It’s Toji’s turn to glare at his son. “Don’t you understand the predicament you’re in now?”

“It’s complicated.” He turns his head to the side, not wanting to face him. 

“When is it not with you?” Toji rubs his face.

The young head feels a pang of hurt on Toji’s words. His head and his heart are in a fucking mess and he decides to push this on him too? If he knows how to untangle everything, he’d gladly do it. If he knows how to just un-feel everything, he’d do it. 

“Get out.” He defensively orders. The wounds of heartbreak from Gojo and the misery of  his dad’s abandonment split open once more. Past memories and hurtful things welcome him back like an old friend. Intensifying the heavy feeling in his chest. 

Lock them up and hold them close in his chest. When did he forget this mantra? Why did he forget this? 

.

.

Internally, Toji is surprised at the sudden bitter and sour pheromone from Megumi. Like spoiled milk with bitter medicine, the scent smells foul.  

He instinctively reaches for Megumi, trying to calm the suddenly agitated and bristling omega, who slaps his hands away viciously. He notices how the omega’s eyes have widened and a little bit unfocused. Putting up his defenses, hackle fully raised like a cornered, wounded animal. 

“Get out!” The omega snarls angrily. 

“Megumi.” Toji says authoritatively, snapping the omega out of his own spiraling thoughts. “Breathe.” He orders. 

He watches in relief how Megumi shakily takes deep breaths, still sober enough to follow his instruction. He should’ve known the boy would be too sensitive with emotional turmoil so soon after his heat. After losing his chosen alpha the second time. 

Unconsciously by his own doing too.

“Kid, you’ll feel unstable for some time because you lost your mate’s claim.” Toji tries to say as slow and as non-threatening tone as possible. 

“What?” Megumi looks up and Toji is relieved to see the clarity is back on those eyes. 

“You and your omega have decided on him for fuck knows how long and it’s affecting you.” He continues. “I thought what you have with the brat is one-sided.”

“He’s not-” Megumi defensively snaps back, but Toji cuts it off. “Your omega literally cried for him when his claim disappear so don’t fucking lie to me.” Toji sternly says. “Why did you reject him when he’s chosen you too?” 

“It’s just a ploy.” The omega hisses. 

“Fuck, I’m not built for this.” Megumi hears his dad mutter. “Did you even hear yourself? I would have believed you and killed him myself if I didn’t see the face and the scent he emitted back then.” Toji remarks. “The scent and the expression you make right now.” 

“What?” Megumi crankily says. 

“Listen, I don’t fucking know where this mess has started and frankly I don’t want to touch that. But that Gojo brat has chosen you as his mate, Megumi.” He stares at the same shade of irises he has. “ Both him and his alpha have chosen you as you did the same to him, apparently.” 

“You don’t know that.” The Zenin’s head denies. 

“I recognized those eyes. The rejection and, I can’t believe I’m saying this shit, the misery in his scent.” Toji says. “I know that feeling very well.” 

“ You? Are you sure about that, Dad?” Megumi laughs scornfully in disbelief. 

“How could I not know the pain of losing a mate, Megumi?” He tilts his head and challenges quietly, turning somber all of sudden. 

That silences Megumi up. He looks at him and he sees his dad is actually serious about it. 

“Just bite me again. Didn’t you promise to take care of me?” Megumi softly asks. 

Frustrated and already at his limit, Toji tsk-ed and rolls up his magazine into a thick roll. With precision, he smacks Megumi’s head off with it. The collision and the outcry from the omega echo loudly in the room.

“Ack! What the hell!” Megumi hisses as he rubs on the sore spot. 

“Precisely because of that both of you need to actually talk.” Toji sighs and stands up. “Losing someone you’ve chosen and bonded with is painful, Megumi. Thread carefully.” He says before sliding the door shut.  

He fucking knows that. 

He’s feeling that pain right now so thank you very much, Dad. 

Megumi grumbles as he turns the knob of the shower off. He walks out of the wet cubicle and takes the towel to dry himself out. He cleans the fog on the mirror in the luxurious bathroom with his hand. Absent-mindedly he stares at his own reflection.

Beautiful.

He has heard them so many times, from so many people, as he grew up as the Zenin’s head. It kinda irks him how he literally looks like his dad's twin, with his hair wet like this, but he digresses. His eyes fall down to his scent gland. Completely unblemished and healed. 

What should he do now?

It’s easier to believe that’s just another ploy, another bond-like tactic to bind him until the alpha says otherwise. But Gojo has declared that he is his mate. Additionally, now he can remember how desperately Gojo wanted him back then. How receptive he was to his advances, welcoming and marking him like a proper alpha to his omega in his heat. Is that why Gojo insists on scenting him? Then why the absences on his actual heat? If he has chosen him just like how he has chosen the alpha, why has he never actually hinted on anything? Aside from his random, weird bout of possessiveness, Gojo has done nothing to establish their relationship. The bond too, why did he not tell him the truth? Why would he still entertain other possibilities? Was it because he’s weak? Did Gojo find him not good enough as he grew up? Did he feel trapped inside the thing he has built himself? 

But it’ll also contradict what his dad has said. 

Fuck, he needs time to think this all over agian. 

Dinner is uneventful. 

Maki is out of the compound, his dad is god-knows-where, and he still doesn’t have the energy to see the numerous chats his friends sent to him. 

He looks up from his lonely meal when an attendant asks for permission to enter the room. He grants her the access and she bows deeply in front of him. “Megumi-sama, Shoko-sama is here to check on you.” She says. 

“Bring her in.” He orders out. The attendant nods in affirmation before she goes out of the room. 

Five minutes later, the doctor walks into the room with a white bag on her left shoulder. “Hello, Megumi.” 

“You should’ve waited and visited me tomorrow morning, Shoko-san.” Megumi apologetically says. “Have you had dinner?” 

“I did, don’t worry.” Shoko huffs as she puts the bag down with a heavy thunk. She takes out a familiar syringe of the initial dose of suppressant and vitamin and he offers up his wrist dutifully. “Satoru would’ve bugged me if he knew I didn’t come tonight.” She adds while staring at his scent gland, not even bothering to hide her seeking eyes.

Megumi grimly smiles at the mention of the alpha.  

After a minute of silence, Shoko conversationally starts, “So, you rejected him.” 

“Yes.” He nods. He can easily put a protective cover on it like he did in the past, but he‘s too drained to do it. 

Whatever will be, it’ll be he decided earlier. 

 “He felt it, you know.” She continues. “Took both Yaga and Okkotsu-kun to calm him down.” 

“Why?” The word is out from his mouth before he can think about it, while the doctor continues to check on his physique. Shoko raises her eyebrow in disbelief at his question. “He’s made it clear that you’re his mate, hasn't he?” She throws the question back to him. 

When he stays mum, she sighs tiredly.  

“So it’s true. You didn’t believe him.” The doctor states while taking out the last syringe the omega has to take. 

This troublesome omega - alpha pair, really. 

“How could I?” Megumi whispers after a while. 

“You don't understand, Megumi” Shoko shakes her head as she puts down the empty syringe. “You’re sorely mistaken if he will stay silent about this.” She says. “How about your previous alpha? Are they safe?” Genuine concern is dripping in her tone. 

“They’re fine.” Megumi assures her. 

“That’s good. We’re pretty worried that Satoru will kill them.” The doctor shares. “He said he won’t do anything, but you know how unpredictable he is.” She sighs. “These are for your fever and leftover aches. Drink it twice a day until tomorrow.” Shoko pushes pink tablets on him. “This is your usual suppressant, take it every three days instead of two for now.” She pushes a bottle he knows by heart. “And this is when you can’t sleep. Once every two days maximum, are we clear?” She says seriously. 

“Sleeping pills?” He questions her. 

“In case you can’t sleep.” She patiently explains. “You lost an alpha’s claim back to back, it’s definitely putting a strain on your body. I’m also putting you off the roster for a month.”

“A month?” Megumi can’t help but let incredulity fill his voice. “I can’t afford that. We barely have enough people as it is-”

“Everything will be handled accordingly.” Shoko calms him down. “All of our resources we used to guard Satoru can focus back to their duty. He’ll also pick up some of the tougher missions.” 

“But-”

“Actually, we have been discussing to arrange a schedule so each of you will be able to have time off.” Shoko cuts him off again. “You, Yuuta-kun, Maki-chan and Yuuji-kun have never taken any rest. Even Nobara-chan periodically takes vacation days.” She nudges him gently. 

“Because we can’t. There’s so many things to do and cover.” He shrugs. Things have calmed considerably after Gojo is released, but it doesn’t mean everything is smooth sailing yet. 

“Doesn’t mean you have to shoulder everything. All of you have done enough for now, it’s time to rest.” She gently says. “We all have agreed you’ll be the first one, since you will need some time to figure things out with Satoru.” 

Megumi scoffs annoyedly. 

“Megumi, listen to me carefully.” Shoko turns serious. “Satoru will try his hardest to get you back. Even harder than anything. If you ask him for someone’s heart this instant, he’ll only ask whether you want it on a silver plate or do you want it to be freshly cut in front of you.” She warns him. “He's not only doing this as Gojo Satoru. He’ll also act as an alpha trying to get his omega back. And with his purebred lineage, things might get more intense.” 

“I'm not his omega.” Megumi denies. “For someone who claims that to other people, he has a wonderful way of showing it.” He scorns sarcastically. 

“Satoru is my best friend, but you’re my comrade as well. I’m just warning you about what you're getting yourself into now. The consequences of your action. Of his too, in retrospect.” She shakes her head. “I feel like there’s a gap of understanding between both of you, so talk to him. I know he cares for you, Megumi. As an alpha to his mate. If you can’t believe him for now, then believe me. He can be an asshole but I know for sure that he has no plans or whatever cunning things you think of. His feelings are sincere, I can vouch for it.” 

The doctor then stands up and starts to clean up her belongings. “Yaga has sent Satoru to a mission in Hokkaido to calm himself down. You have a few days to think about it carefully.” She stares at him. “I want you to be honest with yourself. If you let yourself be claimed back by your first alpha and reject Satoru to the end, would you be okay if he chose another omega then?”  

Megumi stares disdainfully at the paper with an unknown number scribbled on it. Shoko meaningfully looked at him when she put it on his table before she left. 

No, not unknown. 

Gojo’s. 

Her last words bothers him so much. He knows he won’t be fine with it. That’s why he initiated the bite with his dad in the first place. That’s why he distanced himself from Gojo ever since he walked into his apartment. While his dad’s claim didn’t completely break their bond, at least it has blocked it and he thought Gojo wouldn’t notice the difference.  

Now that he’s unclaimed once more, he can feel their rope brimming with life like it used to be before the Shibuya Incident. He’s been ignoring it, but the longing and curiosity fills his heart. Hesitantly, he touches the rope. He immediately flinches at the contact and quickly lets it go. 

The rope feels like a livewire, so sensitive. Too sensitive. 

Megumi freezes in place when he feels an uncharacteristically hesitant tug on the rope. 

Did Gojo feel him touch it? 

He bites his lips and decides to pretend it never happens for the rest of the night. 

.

.

Nonetheless, there’s a new number registered on his phone. 

.

.

Somewhere in a high-class Hokkaido’s hotel room, Gojo miserably clenches his hand. The brief happiness he felt disappears as soon as it appears while another wave of pain washes over him. 

His tug remains unresponded, ignored. 

His heart throbs painfully again at the reminder

He doesn’t notice the additional, connected contact on his phone. 

Alas, just because his personal life is a mess, it doesn't mean he can abandon his duty. 

Megumi sighs as he sees the mountain of maps and papers on his and Maki’s desk. He quietly slides the door close before making his way to the room where he’ll be having his breakfast. He thought he’d just taken a peek, if it’s not much he’ll skip today’s work. Too bad that’s not the case. His attendants also insisted on him taking another day off first, but he dreads piling them up even more.  

As soon as he finishes his heat, Maki has gone into a rut and will be staying at Kyoto for the meantime. Just like how she covered for him, he’ll cover her works now. 

At times like this, he misses being a normal student. 

If they’re still in school, they’ll be shadowing a full-fledged sorcerer now. He wonders who will pick him up as an apprentice. Had Nanami-san still alive, he'd like it if the older man took him despite their grade difference. They’ll be looking for experience after all. 

Yaga-san would be fine too, he thinks

Who will Gojo pick? 

His musing is broken when he hears echoes of hurried drabs. He turns his head to the side and sees a child is running like his life depends on it. When the child also notices him, he immediately turns to his direction. Alert and wary, he hastens his pace and meets the frightened child halfway through. “Megumi-sama!” He cries out.

“Hey, calm down. What’s going on?” Megumi crouches down and hugs the terrified child. 

“Izumo! Come back here!” Megumi hears a loud, rough and furious roar before a middle-aged man comes into the view. His angry expression disappears once he notices the head of the clan is standing nearby. “Megumi-sama.” He bows and his eyes narrow down dangerously at the child in the other’s hold. “I apologize. I thought you’re still resting in your room.” 

“Who are you?” He asks him. 

“My name is Zenin Mizuno, Megumi-sama.” He bows again. Megumi distinctly remembers the name. If he’s not mistaken, he’s part of the little faction that’s still trying to uphold Zenin’s old creed he has abandoned. 

A trouble, then. 

“What’s going on?” Megumi turns his head back to the child. “Don’t be afraid, tell me the truth. I’ll protect you.” He put his hands on both of Izumo’s cheeks, blocking his sight from the older man in front of them and making him focus on his face instead. 

“Fa-father forces me to tr-train.” Izumo sobs. “I don’t want to. I hate it. It hurts.” He hiccups. 

Megumi looks down and he finally notices that there’s dirt on his clothes, along with some scratches on the child’s hands. Gritting his teeth, he tries to hold back the anger in his voice. 

“Izumo, right?” He confirms the child’s name which he nods. 

“How old are you?” Megumi questions further.

“Seven years old, Megumi-sama.” He says between his hiccups. His anger rises even more at the answer. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” He sharply glares at the middle aged man in front of him. “I thought I have made it clear that children under ten years old will not undergo any physical training unless I approve of it.” 

“It’s not like that, Megumi-sama.” The older man defends himself. “Izumo has shown a promising sign of inheriting a technique. We have to hone his skills from now on. And it’s not heavy training. In order to keep the Zenin’s name, we have to make sure the new generations are strong.” He says. 

“While I appreciate your... support, Mizuno-san." Megumi stands up and pets the top of the seven years old, who immediately hides behind his leg, "Know your place." He menacingly glowers at the older man without losing the cool in his tone. “I have put clear instructions and rules and I expect all of you to obediently follow it.” He continues. “For the time being, I’ll take Izumo into my care. Go.” He dismisses him. 

“But- you can’t, Megumi-sama!” Mizuno defies him. 

“I can’t?” He indifferently says. “Who are you to tell me so?” Cold arrogance and hostile aura are emitted from him.

“I- I…” 

 “Get out of my sight.” He orders. “Don’t make me repeat myself again, Mizuno-san. ” 

Mizuno grits his teeth before bowing and does as his clan head’s wishes. 

As soon as Mizuno is out of their view, he turns his head back to Izumo. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to stay with me for the time being, Izumo. Is that okay?” 

Izumo only nods tearfully. 

“Have you had your breakfast?” He kindly offers his right hand for the child to take. “Why don’t we eat together while you tell me what your father has done all this time, hm?” 

After having their breakfast, he put the child into the care of his most trusted attendants to put him into a temporary residence with the other kids he took. He parted ways with Izumo with a promise to visit him again later.

As he walks back to his office, he speaks. 

“I thought I’d ordered you to clean up Ogi’s followers.” Megumi says as Naoya walks alongside him. 

“He wasn’t, by the time of your humble request.” Naoya remarks. 

Megumi side-eyes his uncle. “Don’t test my patience, Naoya.”  

“Scary.” He smirks. “He’s one of your followers now.” 

“I don’t need someone like him.” Megumi dismisses. “He doesn’t serve any purpose but an unsightly thorn.” 

“You do realize saving them now won’t do them good. You’re just playing God, Megumi-chan.” Naoya hums. “Aren’t you afraid their parents will riot one day and kill you? Once you’re gone, your makeshift castle will fall down once again.” 

“So what?” He says. “It’s either I live long enough to purge people like them in this damn clan, or I’ll make sure someone else will completely clean up Zenin and free those children.” Megumi frostily says. 

“Also, I kill because I’m prepared to be killed.” He stops and looks at the older man. “Let this be a warning for you too, Naoya. I won’t hesitate to erase you if you betray me.” Megumi threatens before he turns to the right, leaving his amused uncle on the intersection alone. 

As children of a so-called prestigious bloodline, future exorcisers in the jujutsu world, they never have a choice.

Everything is already laid out for them.

As long as the Zenin’s blood is running in your vein, you shall never escape your fate. Be it as servants or a jujutsu sorcerer. Damned if you’re weak or do not possess the right technique, damned if you do. 

It feels like its own brand of curse already. 

Megumi sighs as he stamps the last form of independence request. This is one of his and Maki’s abrupt changes within their internal system once they govern the executives and reign in Zenin completely. 

They’re giving anyone of Zenin’s blood a choice. 

Just a word, a whisper, a request, and they shall be freed from their guardian’s clutches. 

As the head, they have the power and influence on anyone who bears the name of Zenin’s. They follow their own rules alongside the jujutsu rules. No normal, civilian laws can be applied to them. 

This is how Zenin’s able to get away with the most horrendous things. Naobito has neglected and ignored the atrocious things his fellow family did. Encourage it even. 

The same thing shall not be done as long as he and Maki are the one who are on top of the chain command. 

If they’re underage and choose to be freed, they’ll be taken away and put into a foundation he and Maki made, with Yaga as the head. They can choose whether they’ll pursue a career as a sorcerer, or simply live a civilian life. The foundation will afford the cost until they become of age. If they become a civilian, they’ll be given another year to have their own financial footing before the foundation will not be responsible for them anymore. If they become a sorcerer, then they’ll be expected to enroll in jujutsu high, take missions and perform as a usual jujutsu sorcerer under Yaga’s wings. If they misbehave or their view doesn’t align with his creed, they’ll be expelled. 

His demand is not much. Discard all Zenin’s old teaching. Be a proper human being. 

Simple as that. 

Within a week, there are multiple requests falling into his and Maki’s desk.

He also gives the same choice to the women of Zenin. He realizes these old women have been too damaged and too old to do anything else. Forcing them to a new life won’t do them any good and most of them also refuse to be liberated. The most he can do is make sure they’re treated fairly. They’re also compensated for their services all of this time. Now, every attendant that’s running the Zenin’s households are there by their own volition with paid wages instead of being forced like what it used to be.   

The system is still not perfect though. He still misses things, like Izumo’s case. 

Should he do a forced summon for every younglings in Zenin and check them one by one? 

He should discuss this with Maki as soon as she’s done with her rut. He feels guilty for not doing something like this soon, since he’s too preoccupied with his own matters. His sole focus was Gojo and breaking down the higher ups. He never paid attention to things like this, when he should’ve been. 

.

.

.

Seven months ago

Zenin’s Nara Compound 

Megumi and Maki are sitting on the side of the open corridors within the inner main complexes. Drops of water splash against their hanging legs as they watch the rain greets the soil. They’ve decided to take a break from their unending workload and take a breather. 

“Maki.” He calls her, who’s leaning on the supporting pillar across him. 

“Hm?” She responds

“What if I'm giving you an option?” He says. 

Maki turns her head to him. “What option?”

“To be freed. To live as you wish. Just Maki and Mai. Your mother too, perhaps.” Megumi shrugs. 

“Hm,” She contemplates on the sudden question. “Intriguing, but I've come this far. It feels like a waste.” 

“The road is still long though. We are barely in our twenty. There's still your thirty forty fifty and so on.” He points out. 

“Heh. I feel like we've lived far longer though” Maki laughs a little.  

“I know.” Megumi looks up to the cloudy sky. “So, will you?”

“No.” Maki decides. “This life is already written in me from the start, as soon as I breathe. Without this world, what would I be? Frankly that's too much of a hassle for me.” She explains. “Are you?” She asks him. Bluntly but not unkindly.

Innately, she knows. For all the bravado and masks Megumi wears like a second skin presently, she has learnt how to read him. Understand him, maybe more than he himself.

For Megumi, it isn't a matter of will, but-

“Are you going to take it? Take the chance out when you can?” She further detailed her question.

The hesitant silence is the answer itself, for her.

“Megumi," Maki says seriously, her voice is somber but gentle. "If you ever decide to do it, I won't stop you. All I ask is to inform me at the very least, okay?" 

Maki then stands up and ruffles Megumi’s hair comfortingly, leaving him all alone with his jumbled up thoughts.

.

.

Once Gojo is unsealed and takes over the faction’s wheel like he should be, Megumi thinks of leaving the jujutsu world. 

Has planned on it actually. 

He’s supposed to leave on the day Gojo is awakened. He’ll send a formal letter to Furudate and Maki. A text for his friends before he throws the phone away.

Throws his old life away. 

Zenin has Maki. He knows she’ll be able to control the clan with or without him. He trusts her and it's not like he's initially meant to be a Zenin in the first place. 

He has also paid back the ten million sum to Gojo’s account. The excess bills from Tsumiki's care has also been taken care of. With the remaining money he has, he will take Tsumiki abroad. In line with Tsukumo’s observation and Okkotsu's reports during his abroad days, curses aren't as rampant and as dangerous as in Japan.

For now, Tsumiki is living in Kugisaki’s hometown. He also placed some secret guards around the house she lives in. The last time he calls her, she’s taken interest in cooking and participates in local communities to heal herself. She even works as a kindergarten helper there. 

Megumi forlornly stares at the numerous housing and building advertisement papers from some countries he deems as the best options for them.

It'll be safer for Tsumiki. Away from the horror, from the memories that have yet faded completely, from the lost years and the missing pieces.

They'll restart their lives together.

Back being Fushiguro Tsumiki and Fushiguro Megumi.

And Toji. 

His makeshift family is whole again. 

But it feels too cowardly. Like he's running away from Gojo.

He's not.

He shouldn't be in the first place.

.

.

.

Megumi’s still in a meeting with his internal chiefs, when an attendant approaches him. 

“Megumi-sama, we need your presence at the main building.” She whispers. 

“What happened?” He asks as he dismisses his chiefs. They also bow to him as he makes his way out along with the attendant. 

“It’s…” She bites her lips. “We are receiving a great amount of courting gifts and they need your acknowledgement, Megumi-sama.” 

“Courting gifts?” He frowns. “I’ve told everyone to refuse any gifts and courting proposals. Reject them.” He orders. The news of his claim disappearing has spreaded without his consent. They don’t know the details or that Gojo’s the one who broke it off, so that’s one less worry for him, but still. It’s annoying. 

Megumi almost turns his step from the direction of the main building, when the attendant adds timidly. “It’s from the Gojo’s clan, Megumi-sama.” 

He whips his head to her. 

“They insist on being rejected by yourself, lest they invoke Gojo-sama’s anger as well.” She begs him. 

Megumi rubs his face. 

Fine. 

“Lead the way then.” 

When he walks out from the main building to meet Gojo’s henchmen at the entrance, this isn’t what he expects. He has clearly undermined the meaning of ‘great amount’ his attendant said earlier. 

They’re literally mountains of gifts. 

The audacity of that alpha. 

He turns his head to the left and right and he can already see other attendants are hushing among themselves. 

Great. 

He’ll be surprised if by tonight, everyone in the jujutsu world doesn't know that recently returned Gojo’s Head is courting him. Purposefully making grand gestures with his lavish gifts, intending to make people know that he’s putting a paw in on him among the competition of his hand. 

“Megumi-sama.” The henchmen bow. 

“Who has sent you?” He asks, even though he knows there’s no way these are not Gojo’s doing. 

“Satoru-sama sent these gifts for you, Megumi-sama.” One of the henchman say. “We are instructed to wait for you directly.” 

“Hm.” He responds as he takes a brief look at the gifts. 

Boxes of expensive looking fabrics. They’re pretty similar to the ones Kamo gave him a few days ago. On another boxes, there are big melons and other fruits with a stamp from famous, high-priced farmers. An absolute guarantee for the impeccable taste. There is also a box of perfume and other things from a brand he knows Gojo used. 

Very bold of him. 

Behind the boxes, he notices a huge flower wreath. It stands like a sore thumb among other flower wreaths he received from other alphas. He can refuse gifts and proposals, but his excuse is pretty much useless against a flower wreath, since there’s no harm in it. 

Just a statement that they’re interested. An invitation, if he will it. 

“And there’s also this, Megumi-sama.” A henchman bow while the other is bringing an equally huge bouquet of flowers.

He can’t help but notice the lack of the typical rose flower. Did Gojo remember his preference or is it just a coincidence? 

Unbeknownst to him, both attendants of the Gojo and Zenin are waiting with baited breath as the head of the Zenin takes the card off the extravagant bouquet and opens it. 

“I’m sorry. Let’s talk?” 

Megumi silently stares at the familiar scrawling on the paper. Isn’t he supposed to be in Hokkaido? Did he prearrange this? He looks back to the gifts, the flowers. The men Gojo specifically ordered to wait on his response. 

He contemplates everything he has learnt so far. Honestly, he’s still not sure with everything, but- 

Would you be okay if he chose another omega then?

Fuck, whatever will be, it’ll be then. 

Megumi fishes out his phone and scrolls down to his contact. He bites his lips and hesitates for a few seconds, before his finger presses call. Nothing can be solved if he just runs away. A few days ago, both of them were too high strung to have a real talk and that’s also the first time he heard the alpha declare their relationship. 

He knows he shouldn’t expect much, even with what his dad and Shoko said. At the very least, whatever the outcome is, he can have his closure and hopefully, move on from him.

He wants to be happy too. To have someone who loves him sincerely stays beside him forever. 

It doesn’t take a long time before the call is connected. He immediately hears the deep voice he still secretly, heavily longs for in his heart despite all the doubts and confusion. 

“Megumi?” Gojo calls out softly, gently. As if he’s an illusion that will break in the slightest rough manner. 

“Let’s meet up when you get back.” He curtly says, before he cuts off the call. 

Four and a half years ago

“Thank you for your patronage.” The waitress says as they walk out from the homemade restaurant in Fukiage. They (or he, to be more precise), has a mission in the small city and the alpha tags along with him. The task is easy enough, considering the array of shikigami he already has. 

They had to skip lunch though. While the curse’s grade isn’t high, it’s elusive as fuck and a pain to chase after. Gojo didn’t help him either. He just followed him and let him exorcize it by himself. 

“Megumi, our train is not until another four hours. Want to take a walk around?” Gojo asks him. 

“Can’t we just go back earlier?” He turns his head to the older man. 

“Nah, Ijichi has bought the tickets.” Gojo grins. 

Megumi stares dubiously at the alpha. “You just want to stroll around, aren’t you?” 

“Aw, you hurt my heart, Megumi-chan~” Gojo whines cutely, which makes him want to smack him off. “I’m worried about you too, you know.” He continues as he wraps his hand around his shoulder and leans his body on him. 

“Sensei!” Megumi grumbles. “You’re heavy! Get off!” He tries to shake the alpha off of him. 

“Only if you agree on taking a walk around with me.” Gojo hums merrily. 

“Fine, let’s go.” He concedes. The omega sighs in relief when the alpha does let go of his hold on him. 

As Gojo wished, they ended up walking around randomly and bought some desserts and souvenirs on their way. The sky has started to turn into a glowy, molten orange when they walk beside a small river bank. 

“It’s so pretty.” He comments unconsciously. It’s probably because of the small road, or he is simply too used to living in the bustling city, shady slum and now in the school’s dorm, but it’s the first time he sees beds of yellow flowers blooming beautifully along the road. The orange-ish glow also adds some picturesque beauty to the view. 

“It is, isn’t it?” 

Megumi nods at Gojo's remark. “I think it’s the first time I see so many naturally grown flowers in bloom along the road. I wonder what their name is.” 

“What flowers do you like, Megumi?” Gojo asks. 

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “But I’m not fond of roses though.” 

“I see.” Gojo responds. “I should take you strolling around in small cities more often then. We can go sightseeing and see even more flowers in bloom.” He offers. 

“Please don’t. You just want to buy souvenirs and run away from Ijichi-san, aren’t you?” Megumi turns his head to Gojo. He expects to see the annoying grin on the alpha’s face, but the one he’s seeing now is actually one of his actual smiles. 

“Of course not. I like to spend some time with you too, you know.” Gojo says tenderly. 

There’s a weird fondness in his tone and it kind of flusters him. Unable to say anything, Megumi opts to stay silent, unaware of the redness on his ears. 

They spend the rest of their walk in a comfortable silence with occasional happy hums from the alpha.

Chapter Text

Tired.

Megumi is tired. His body aches and sore all over, especially the conjecture of his shoulder. Even though there’s no wound, the muscle around his scent gland will occasionally twitch and it makes him so uncomfortable. His neck and his shoulder blades are so stiff, his back also hurts even though he has done practically nothing. 

Shoko’s prediction came true and he has taken the meds yesterday. Right now, it seems it's precisely because he's too exhausted that he’s unable to fall asleep. There's also unknown restlessness and wariness bubbling inside him. Scratching on the back of his mind, keeping him awake and alert. 

Unsafe. Exposed.

They have also affected his shikigami. Kon being the top on the list, whining and wriggling around, trying to get out from his shadow. Apparently his dad doesn’t escape this phenomena either, if the quiet but relentless tapping on the floor is any indication.

The Zenin head pulls the thick blanket on to the top of his ear and buries his head back into the pillow. He sighs deeply and tries to calm down and empty out his mind. He doesn’t know how long time has passed, but he feels some movement beside him. 

“Kid, this isn’t working.” Toji sighs. “Take Kon out, he’s been itching on my nerves.” He orders before the sound of his door being slid open and close echoes in the room. 

Grumbling, Megumi opens his eyes and lets out a defeated sigh. As soon as he forms the hand sign, Kon immediately circles around him. It nuzzles on his back, yipping sadly. 

“I’m okay, just tired.” He turns and lays on his back, patting the divine dog. Or a wolf? He’s not sure. 

With Kon out of his shadow, his mind is at least a little quieter. Megumi closes his eyes again even when he knows it’s futile. Another moment passes by before his door is being opened once again. His dad likes to get in and out as he pleases, so it surprises him when a heavy thing is dropped right on his chest. 

Having his breath chased out of his lungs, he’s ready to snarl at his dad, when the scent hits him. He looks down and sees piles of clothes on top of him. His eyes recognize some of Maki’s coat and his dad’s stock of black t-shirts and pants. 

“What are you doing?” The anger he feels earlier is being replaced with confusion. He sits up and looks expectantly at Toji’s smug look. 

“You’re too restless. This will help.” He explains to him like it’s the most obvious thing. 

Megumi looks up and down between the clothes and his dad. “How did you even-”

“Called her earlier.” Toji throws his phone back to him. “That kid is just as workaholic as you.” He shakes his head. “She answered and said okay.” 

“You shouldn’t have bothered her.” Megumi scolds the alpha. Maki must’ve thought that it’s an emergency. 

“Ey, don’t chew me for something that’s already a done deal.” Toji crouches down and suddenly pulls his blanket off of him. 

“Fuck off.” Megumi mutters, but there’s no heat in his tone. He lets the familiar scent of two alpha he trusts with his life fill his head. 

“The sooner you sleep, the sooner I can relax.” Toji comments as he helps Megumi to fix his position and the numerous pieces of clothing around him. “And you tend to get snappier when you’re sleepy. Who knows if the Gojo brat’s men annoy you tomorrow and you end up eating them alive? Cannibal Megumi doesn’t sound like a good headline.” 

Megumi let out another sigh, too tired to be baited by his dad’s provocation. “Shut up, old man.”

He pulls up his blanket again, but this time it feels different. Begrudgingly, he has to admit that this method works on soothing his frayed emotions. He doesn’t feel as exposed as before. The mixed, comforting scent from Maki and his dad steadily lulls his mind and body. 

Before he knows it, he’s fallen asleep with his dad sitting beside him and Kon circling around them protectively. 

“Silly child.” Toji tsk-es as he watches how Megumi’s chest goes up and down. 

After that night, he always goes to sleep with it. 

At some point, while walking from his office, he’ll stare at the numerous unopened box of fabrics Gojo has sent to him. They're placed in the common room that’s been repurposed to store the alpha’s endless gifts. Gojo has the audacity to still send lavish things for him everyday, saying that he won’t stop until they talk. Which, he grits his teeth to because while it’s true that he agreed on having a talk, he refuses to leave his important tasks to attend to his personal needs. He has made it clear to him that they won’t be having that conversation until Maki’s scheduled return, which is four days away and he will burn them if he sends more.

It doesn’t deter the alpha and the threat remains as a bark.

Hesitantly, he walks toward the nearest box. It's one of the less flashy one, only containing soft-looking fabrics with pastel colours. His hand undoes the ribbon and pulls the clear cover. Immediately Gojo’s scent immediately assaults his sense of smell and permeates in the empty room.

Completely unprepared for it, he slams down the cover and immediately leaves. Just a simple, brief whiff but his body is already all relaxed and calm and he doesn’t like it. Most definitely doesn’t like how his physical body betrays him. 

That night, he beats down the urge to have said fabrics as his layers instead of his dad’s and Maki’s. 

“Megumi-sama! Megumi-sama!” Squeals from childish voices echoes in the backyard as little humans with varying height are surrounding him. Megumi can’t help but let out a soft smile as he crouches down to see them eye to eye.

“Hello. How are you today?” He asks. Giggles paired with numerous affirmation of okay fills in his ear. 

“Megumi-sama, where is rabbit?” A child whose height is barely reaching on his hips tugs on his sleeve. 

“You want to see rabbit?” He indulgently says  as he turns his head to the child. “Have you been a good boy?”

“Yes! Atsu has been a good boy!” He confidently says. 

The Zenin head smiles at the response. Atsu is one of the few initial children he liberated with his big sister. Aside from Izumo, the rest of the children are here because they’re freed along with their older siblings. Atsu’s sister is already of age and currently working as a civilian, despite the fact that she also inherits a technique. Unlike Maki and Mai, she never has the guts to go against the elders and thus, never receive any jujutsu training aside from the basics. It’ll be too dangerous for her to start now and she wishes to take care of her little brother for a long time. Atsu himself hasn’t shown any sign of manifesting a technique, but he can see his shikigami. For the current children their foundation has taken, each of them can see curses and Megumi doesn’t know whether to be sad about it or not. 

If he’s to be honest, he doesn’t really approve of this lifestyle. 

It’s not until he’s in the position at the top, as a more adult-figure among the life of children he has in his hands, after seeing the horror and nightmarish things a sorcerer can experience, that he realizes Nanami’s insistence on shielding him and insist on treating and letting a child stay as a child. Just like Itadori, he had some sessions with Nanami before his days as a student in Jujutsu High. He used to be confused with the older man’s persistence on not letting him do some things, despite the fact that Gojo would’ve allowed him to as long as he’s there to observe him. He thought he’s always been ready to face anything, even if it’s essentially killing a human, but perhaps in the older man’s eye, he’s still a child whose leftover innocence he has to protect. 

Megumi kind of understands him now. 

If he can help it, he’d like to spare these children from the nightmare too but alas, he has to admit that they've been very short-staffed ever since Shibuya, not to mention the purges he did. Just like how the curses have gone stronger, the amount of children and the like who can see and exorcize curses have grown as well. 

Forming the hand sign, he summons both Kon and the rabbit. The excited giggles and happy squeals break out noisily as they are surrounded by his rabbit shikigami. Kon comes to him first, before letting the children pet him. 

His big divine dogs initially shocked these children, but after a while, they warmed up to him. Enough that some are trying to get into his back. But for today, his duty isn’t only to amuse these practically orphan children. 

“Tell me if you can smell any blood or wounds on them.” He whispers his order quietly. Kon rubs his nose on him for another second before leaving and lowers himself down on the grass, letting the children touch and rub his furs.

Megumi trusts his people, in particular the one he put into the foundation, but it doesn’t harm to check from time to time. He didn’t save these children just for them to experience the same thing under his care. 

He's conversing with the older children and Izumo, when he sees his dad is approaching him with a weird expression on his face.

Wistful, in some kind of melancholy acceptance.

His hand is still petting one of his bunnies, when Toji arrives in front of them. 

“Scram, brats.” Toji gestures with his head. 

Sensing the weird mood, Megumi pats one of the children’s shoulders. “Why don’t you guys play with Kon first?” 

Understanding the implicit dismissal, they agree and run toward where Kon is. 

Megumi tilts his head and questioningly stares at his dad. “What happened?” 

Toji inhales deeply, staring straight at his eyes before he puts a ripped up paper to his lap. “Buy some flowers tomorrow. It’s her anniversary.” He says somberly, like he’s mentally and physically burdened by it before vanishing back into his shadow. 

The young head blinks in confusion. He knows something has been bothering Toji for a while, even though he’s keeping mum over it. 

Until now. 

Megumi stares at the address and the random coordinates. It’s in Kyoto and he definitely never heard about the street. 

Her anniversary? 

Realization dawns on him. He quickly fishes out his phone and googles the address. His fingers stop when he reads the result. 

He feels his heart dives down to the bottom of his stomach. Unfamiliar, uneasy.

Afraid. 

In a normal situation, he would avoid leaving the compound completely unattended. 

But today takes precedence over everything. 

He has to reschedule some of his meetings and whatnot into the afternoon. He didn’t even mention it to anyone but a simple text to Maki. 

That he’s here, in Kyoto. 

In one of Kyoto’s expensive graveyard areas to be exact, while holding a big bouquet of white lilies and peonies in his right hand. Megumi bites his lips and nervously takes a deep breath in front of the entrance gate. His dad has been awfully silent and hasn’t come out ever since yesterday morning, after he gave him the paper. 

He’s really… afraid. Anxious. 

Even more than the night of the final coup last year. Where it literally counted as the make and break situation for them all. 

The young head takes another look at the crumpled paper in his other hand, even though he’s memorized it to the dot. He steadies his breath and strengthens his resolve. His feet start to venture into the silent and sheltered graveyard. 

Lost would be an understatement. Aside from the wake of their fallen comrade, Megumi never steps into a cemetery. The cool morning air accompanies him as he looks around, seeking a caretaker. He walks randomly until he finds one and addresses him. 

“Good morning.” Megumi politely says. “May I know where this is located?” He inquires as he shows him the paper. 

The old man squints his eyes, “Oh, you should ask Matsuda-san. It’s within his area.” He points to another caretaker who’s standing on the north east from where they're standing. Quite far, but still visible. 

Megumi thanks him and walks toward him. As he comes nearer to Matsuda, he senses  slight uncomfortable shifts from his dad and he frowns. It’s swiftly wiped from his face, for the caretaker suddenly turns to him before he can greet him. 

“May I help you, young man?” Matsuda kindly asks. 

“Um, I’m looking for this,” He shows the paper again, “Can you tell me where it is?” 

The caretaker takes the paper from him. Just like the previous man, he squints his eyes to read the scrawled letter. 

“Oh, it’s the Fushiguro’s.” He looks up from the paper and stops to stare at him before his gaze also falls to his side. “Ah, I see.” The old man gently says. “Come along, I’ll guide you there, boy.”  

“Thank you.” Megumi bows respectfully as he follows him. There’s a semblance of quiet and peace he never really feels in Nara, Tokyo or Kyoto as he walks among the engraved stones of loved ones. 

“It’s nice to know that someone is visiting the grave.” Matsuda starts suddenly. “I still remember how the spouse asked for a couple's grave even though the practice is already uncommon. Paid a very huge sum upfront and asked us to take care of her. Enough to pay for a hundred year fee before disappearing. Very weird. Never see the man anymore, until he’s back as ash as well.” He continues. 

“I see…” Megumi trails off, not knowing what to say. He never even thought of his dad’s ash and definitely doesn’t expect that it’ll be with his mom’s. 

“From time to time, I’ll see a suited up, foreign looking man also visit the grave, but I never know his name. He’s also the one who brought the husband’s ashes to us before disappearing as well.” He says as they turn to the left. 

“We’re here.” The old man says to him as they stop in front of a row of stone graves. “Yours are the one in the middle, the black one.” He points to a black monument, the only one among rows of usual grey stone monuments. 

“I’ll leave you be, young man.” The caretaker pats his shoulder and he bows again in thankfulness. He’s only taken a step forward when he hears the old man say to him. “Nice to see you here, even if it’s seventeen years later.” 

Megumi whips his head back to the caretaker, surprise painted on his face upon registering what he has said. Matuda only smiles knowingly, before turning his back and leaving him alone. 

He had the mind to ask him to clarify what he meant, but he let it go after a few seconds. 

Grave caretakers might not wield curse energy like him, but perhaps, they have other unknown senses that have been honed, after being acclimated with the deceased for years. 

Slowly, he walks straight ahead and finally arrives in front of a very expensive-looking and well-cared black granite stone monument. It’s bare of anything, just the basic water, not even a flower. 

His parents' graves. 

The grip on the bouquet tightens as he greedily takes in at the engraved stone in front of him. 

Fushiguro Toji.

Fushiguro-

Before he knows it, his chest feels so full and his tears are already pooling on his eyes. He gasps and shakes as the sudden influx of emotion overwhelms him completely.

His parents. 

Dad. 

Mom. 

A loud sob escapes from his mouth as he slowly falls on his knees. The bouquet falls to the side as he lets go of his grip over it. He can’t take his eyes off of the stone monument. He’s finally here. In his parents’ grave. Something that he always thought impossible at the back of his mind. This is another hole, a hole that he has also buried deep inside him. A hole that has been forgotten far longer and deeper than Gojo’s. A hole that’s filled with thoughts of the future, of his resentment, of how to survive in the harsh world without their guidance. Of the painful reminder whenever he’s always alone in school without having any parents to dote on him like his other classmates. To proudly stroke his head when he gets good grades. To treat him to a restaurant and pick out the best part of the fish or the meat to his bow. Someone who can shield him when the thunder strikes or there’s a blackout.

A big, gaping wound, for his parents who have abandoned him all alone in this world. 

Him, their son. 

Fushiguro Megumi. 

Their blessing.

His hand slowly traces his mom’s name. Such a beautiful name. A name that he finally learnt, almost nineteen years later. A name for incomplete, small pieces of second-hand memories about her. 

“Hi mom…” Megumi greets wetly. He closes his eyes when another onslaught of uncontrollable sobs escape from his mouth. “Sorry, I only got to visit you now…” He continues, the tears feel hot on his cheeks. “Dad is such an asshole, you know.” A somber laugh escapes him. “How you fell in love with him, I have no idea.” He shakes his head as the tears keep running down on his face. During these eight months, he managed to probe some things from his dad. Small, insignificant things about her, but he devours it like a thirsty man in a desert. 

His hand can’t help but trace his dad’s name too. 

He doesn’t even know that his dad’s ash is buried here along with his mom. How romantic of him. A little bit old fashioned, but looking at the utter devotion and love he still carries for her even after his death, somehow he’s not really surprised by it. 

Another set of tears rolls off his eyes. 

He misses them. He might have started to get a taste of his dad’s love, as random and as annoying as it is sometimes, but how about his mom? Megumi wants his mom to be here, next to him. Patting him and giving him hugs. Cook for him, take care of him when he’s sick. Chase the nightmare away. To scold him when he comes home with bruises. Would she approve of his actions? Of his career in the Jujutsu world? How does it feel to have a mom in the first place? To receive a love that’s to be said the purest, the most insurmountable among all? To have a complete family? A family that he was never really part of? 

When he opens his eyes, Toji is already standing next to him. 

His heart hurts so much. Why can’t they have what other people have too? Is it because of his dad’s Heavenly Restriction? Is it because he was fated to live to inherit the Ten Shadows? Did her role stop at that? 

Megumi feels a heavy hand rubbing on the top of his head comfortingly before Toji falls on his knees beside him. Just like Megumi, he stares at the engraved kanji before he rubs his mom’s name slowly, mouthing her name tenderly. There’s nothing but utter grief on his face. 

Even years later, he’s still this affected. 

“Step aside a little.” Toji says quietly after a while. 

He obediently slides a little to the left as he tries to reign in his hitching breaths. He watches curiously as his dad moves the place meant for the flowers and others a little, especially when he takes out a postcard sized, light yellow thing wrapped tightly with dusty but clear plastics.

Toji then gives it to him. He takes the apparently white envelope with questions in his eyes. 

“When I buried her here, I buried myself and never looked back.” Toji says. “It’s funny that you picked peonies.” He says without looking at him. “It’s her favorite, along with the hydrangea.” 

Oh.

They’re his favorite flowers too. That’s actually the reason why he picked peonies on top of the usual customary lilies. Because he wants to share a part of him with her. 

“You’re truly her son.” Toji sighs and stands back up again. “That’s the last of her. Take care of it, Megumi.” He rubs the top of his head again before walking away, leaving him alone in front of the grave. Unable to bear the memories, even after his death.

Megumi’s hand slowly and carefully unwraps the plastic and opens the envelope. 

Twice this day, within an hour, he feels at a loss and his cry breaks out again. 

Pictures of his mom. 

He carefully takes them out and makes sure none of his tears will fall on these precious papers. One by one, he takes a look. Most of them are shots of his mom, sometimes with his dad. 

They looked so happy. So content. 

Fate is so cruel to him, to them. 

His heart is shredded even more when there’s a photo of his mom, his dad, and a baby. 

Him. 

He’s being held by her. He has felt her warm touch even though he can’t remember it. 

In times like this, he can’t help but to feel strongly of Gojo’s absences. Gojo was the one whom he trusts the most. He would turn to him in the rare time when he’s vulnerable. 

Emotionally and physically, Gojo’s always there to pick him up. 

Love, Megumi thinks, isn’t only a feeling.

It’s also a need, that can only be satisfied by that particular person. 

On the way out, Toji purposefully walks under a big and tall, shady tree. 

“I don’t recall Megumi inviting anyone.” He leans his back on the tree. “In particular an alpha bastard.”

“Not like you’re any better yourself.” Gojo replies as he comes down from the branch he’s standing on before. 

Toji shrugs at him. “Better than an alpha whose claim has been rejected.” 

“Watch it, Toji.” Gojo warns, a dark aura surrounds him instantly.  

“You can try to kill me, but rest assured it's a one way ticket to being abandoned by Megumi. A word, and I can take him away from you completely.” He says with a satisfied smirk. 

Gojo’s hackle is instantly raised. “Is that a threat?” 

“An advice, actually.” Toji yawns. “Megumi is like me. Once we truly discard something, we’ll never take it back. So play wise, brat.” He waves as he walks out of the area. 

Megumi is walking back onthe main path after he searched for the caretaker that guided him earlier. He has given him his name card and asked for his phone number, in case they need to contact him and vice versa. He’s looking around for Toji, when his eyes catch someone who shouldn’t be here in the first place. 

What’s Gojo doing here? 

Their eyes meet and Megumi curses under his breath. Before he can escape, Gojo is already two meters away in front of him, blocking his path. 

“Not even a hi, Megumi?” Gojo greets. Being up close like this, the alpha can conclude his previous prediction was right. Clad in a black fitting shirt and dark grey jeans, he can clearly see how slender Megumi's body is. There’s still traces of muscles on his arms, but he’s still so lean, omegan. His waist in particular is very enrapturing, if he’s to be honest. Megumi’s scent has also returned to what he used to know, even if it’s tinted with saltiness and a dash of bitter sourness. His face looks a little bit swollen, with red-rimmed eyes. 

“What are you doing here?” Megumi says. “Our meeting is not in another two days.” He deliberately emphasizes the formal use of the word. 

“I was on my way after a visit to Nanami when I saw a Zenin’s car being parked outside. I got curious.” Gojo excuses with a grin. He’s indeed on his way to Nara to meet Megumi when he sees the car. His instinct told him to check and he’s not disappointed. “You never respond to my tugs or messages too Megumi, how cold.” He whines lightly. “Do you not like my gifts? I hand picked them myself, you know.” 

“I’ve told you I’m not interested in those. I put them among other gifts I’ve received, waiting to be incinerated.” He flatly half-lies and schools his expression to one of indifference. “Why are you here?” Megumi replays his question. 

“Ouch, that’s harsh.” Gojo dramatically put his hand on his chest. “I just want to see you.” He says seriously but gently to the other, putting down the persona. 

“As you can see, I’m fine.” Megumi stares at him. “You don’t need to concern yourself, Gojo-san.”

Lies, such pretty lies you utter these days, Megumi. 

“How can I not?” Gojo decides to not push the omega. “I’m your alpha, Megumi.” 

“Stop, Gojo-san.” The omega hisses. “Enough with the games.” 

“And our conversation wouldn’t have circled around this had you just let us talk now.” Gojo points out. Not to mention his rejected claim too.

“And I’ve told you that I can’t. I have so many things to do and without Maki’s presence I need to focus on them, not my personal life.” He stubbornly voices out. “I have to reschedule the whole day just to be here and-” Megumi stops himself. There’s no reason for him to explain his reasons to Gojo. No reason for Gojo to know how sad and tightly wounded he currently is. 

“I have to go.” Megumi curtly nods his head. He doesn’t want to have another breakdown in front of Gojo of all people. 

“You should’ve brought others with you when you go to Nanami-san’s.” He adds, before he goes past Gojo. 

So you won’t have to face the death of the people you care about alone, left unsaid. 

.

.

.

Gojo watches quietly as Megumi’s back gets smaller and smaller with each step he takes. It might only be a split of seconds, but he saw the sudden efflux of emotion on the omega’s face. He witnessed how the omega tried to conceal them, but failed miserably. The emotions he feels deep within his mind are still clearly reflected on his whole demeanor.

His heart aches for him. While the acceptance on his face is apparent, the sadness that’s mixed on it surprisingly suits Megumi so much. So melancholic and soft. Still so beautiful, but it’s also turning him into such a fragile little thing. 

It tears him to pieces to see him like that. He wants to take his hand and embrace him. Offers some comfort with his body warmth. Assuring him, that everything will be fine. That he’s here with him now, standing beside him. Blanket him with his scent, soothing the turbulent waves underneath the calm and steady water that is Megumi. 

“He hates you now though.” The voice in his head laughs and he tenses his jaw at the painful reminder. 

He just… he just wants Megumi back into his arms. 

If he pushes Megumi now, when the other is so emotional like this, he’s afraid he’ll only repeat the event at the Zenin’s garden.

Gojo secretly waits with bated breath when Megumi suddenly stops on his track. He’s already halfway checking the surroundings for potential threat when the omega suddenly turns around and faces him. Still with the same sad expression, so so sad and miserable. 

Megumi. 

Megumi.

This is the thrice time he sees this particular expression on him. First, when he secretly watched five years old Megumi walking back home after being informed that his dad had abandoned him (Well, he killed him but that’s not the point). The second was when he followed Megumi back to their apartment to return Tsumiki’s clothes after it’s confirmed that she’s in a coma. The third was when Megumi experienced Itadori’s death. And each time, he’s always there to catch him. Embrace him, soothe him, for he’s his pillar. 

What happened this time? 

Tell me, Megumi. 

Won’t you come to me, like you used to? 

.

.

.

Megumi stares at Gojo. It feels a little surreal to see the alpha standing right there. In this world, in the same soil, same sky, the same air with him once more. 

Flurry of thoughts pass over him before he finally speaks.

“I’m… I’m glad... ” The words die in his mouth. His tongue feels numb, but he pushes himself. Let this graveyard bear as a witness of the one time he becomes vulnerable and sensitive.

Let himself just be Megumi, who has just seen his parents’ grave, has just learnt her name and her face, who has a complicated feeling to the alpha he used to love and trust so much. Let him have this one selfishness, from the bottom of his heart. The heart of Fushiguro Megumi, the fifteen years old Megumi from four years ago. 

“Thank you, for coming back alive and well.” They escape from his lips, full of the sincere feeling he’d like to convey. The words among thousands of things he wishes to say to Gojo. Unspeakable, unsaid words. Words he’ll never ever say.

This gratefulness is the only one he can utter without feeling any kind of pain. Considering their line of work and the shitshow they’ve gone through, it’s practically a miracle that Gojo came out unscathed. 

“Can I hug you?” Megumi hears Gojo ask him, loud enough for him to hear it, but still so soft. 

The rejection is already halfway through his mouth when he notices the face Gojo is making and his heart breaks more. 

If it’s even possible. 

He already knows Gojo hides his pain behind a smile, a laugh, and all of those things. 

But the smile on his face right now is just, so so forced. Like it is automatically put on despite every fiber of his being screaming in pain. 

Like his current sorrow has overwhelmed his masks. Spills over the dam. 

Gojo almost never asks for someone’s touch. It’s always him who decides who and when he will initiate skinship. He’ll be the one who does it, with or without the other party’s consent.

His request however, despite the wording, feels like it’s the other way around. 

Please hug me. 

So weak. You’re so weak, Megumi. Pathetic. He curses himself as he takes a step forward. A step becomes two, then three, then four, five, six and he’s finally standing back in front of the alpha. Standing so close to him makes him be able to smell how Gojo’s scent is flickering back and forth. From being stale and his usual fresh scent. 

Silence fills the gap between them. Time is like in a standstill as neither of them moves. 

Maybe it’s because of the bond, maybe it’s because they’ve known each other for so long. When he braves himself to raise his hand, Gojo too, starts to put his arm around him. 

The gap between them is no more. 

Megumi can feel the shaky breath Gojo takes as the older buries his face on the side of his head. His arms are wrapping around his body like a vice. A hand is also holding the back of his head, gently pressing it as a hint, a plea, to bury his face on his chest. 

Hesitantly, but conceding to the urge, he also buries his head on the alpha’s chest. Greedily drinks in his scent and soaks himself on the warmth of his body. 

It’s been so long. Too long.  

They instantly soothes him. It reminds him of the past, where he’ll secretly indulge himself with these privileges. So comfortable and relaxing. His heart feels full again and unconsciously, the telltale of tears are already springing on his eyes once more at the reminder of what he has lost.

You’re so weak today, Megumi thinks.

But even then, Megumi can’t deny that he feels like he’s coming back home.

A home that he thought is where his dad is. Where Tsumiki is.

Home, 

is also where Gojo is, he finds out.

Ah.

He’s going to have a hard time moving on from him. 

The relief he feels when Megumi instantly loses his tenseness while he embraces him is pure euphoric. It tingles until the tip of his finger, when the younger man also makes no sign of rejecting his pheromones again. Dare he says, the omega takes comfort on it like he used to do with the tight arms around his own waist. 

All hope’s not lost.

Gojo closes his eyes and earnestly enjoys the precious moment. He hopes whatever it is that’s troubling him, Megumi will at least feel less burdened. 

“Megumi.” He tenderly calls while stroking the back of the omega’s head. “Can’t we just talk now?” Gojo coaxes gently. “Please?” 

When the omega doesn’t respond negatively, Gojo takes his chance. 

“I only have the gist of things, but trust me, everything you believe isn't true.” He whispers. “I love you, Megumi.” He nuzzles back on to the top of Megumi’s head and sighs. Basking himself in the omega’s scent as he pushes out his too, convincing the other that he’s as serious as he can get about it. 

When he feels Megumi move his head, he reluctantly takes his chin off of the other. 

He looks down and sees equal misery on Megumi’s face. There’s a distinct difference, with his previous expression. 

This one is more raw, anguished. 

Would it be selfish of him to wish that his sorrow is partly for him too? Proving that Megumi secretly also wants him?

There’s also comprehension. It feels like he can see the gears and the scale of things moving inside the other’s eyes. 

Megumi loosens his hold on the alpha’s waist and slips back to the front. Slowly, hesitantly, like he’s prepared for a rejection, he lifts his right hand and touches the alpha’s cheek. 

Gojo tilts his head a little and rubs his cheek on it, encouraging the other for his touch. Megumi’s hand is warm and a bit rough, but he loves it as it is.

“I love you, Megumi.” Gojo repeats his confession quietly. “As an alpha to his omega.” 

Megumi bites his inner cheek. “Is it because I’m powerful now?” His voice is tiny, the bitterness in his tone isn’t unnoticed. 

Gojo’s heart throbs again at the sincere question his omega asks him. How could he think so? “No.” Gojo shakes his head lightly. “Fushiguro, Zenin, whatever you are, I’ve always wanted you.” He takes one of his hands and caresses the side of the omega’s jaw. “Megumi. Just Megumi is more than enough for me.” He says. 

“What if I say that I don’t care? That they don’t matter to me anymore?” Megumi asks. “The bond, the claim, everything.” 

Gojo is taken aback with the statement. His heart feels like it's being twisted and squeezed hard like a soaked towel.

What if Megumi doesn't care anymore? About them?

It will kill him. 

“Then you’re lying.” The alpha responds. “To me, to yourself.” 

“Does it even matter?” Megumi breaks their stare and looks to the side.

“For you? I hope so.” Gojo sighs. “Because it is for me.” 

Megumi’s head hurts. Everything is so complicated to him, so blurry, messy. Gojo looks so earnest that it actually hurts his heart too. 

Their stalemate is broken when a phone rings loudly. Their hug is also dissolved as Megumi immediately takes the vibrating phone out of his pocket. Cursing under his breath, Megumi slides his screen to accept the call. He’s quiet as he listens to the other side.

“I understand. I’ll go back now.” Megumi says before disconnecting the call. 

“Who is it?” Gojo asks. 

“Nitta-san.” The omega replies. “This is why I said we need to schedule it, Gojo-san.” He sighs.

“Is everything okay? Do you want me to come?” Gojo offers. 

“No need. It’s nothing big.” Megumi politely declines. “I have to go now.” He pockets his phone again. 

“I’ll wait for you in Nara.” Gojo pushes again. There’s no way he’ll let Megumi mull over these troublesome things longer when he has seen the glimpses firsthand how it has fucked up everything. 

The omega stares at him for a few seconds, before he concedes. “Meet me this evening on the top of the Mizukawa Building in Nara. I have a meeting there later.” 

Megumi stares at the moving scene as he’s being driven back. Toji has returned to his shadow, still silent as ever. He's a bit irked that Toji didn't warn him about Gojo, but what's done is done. He drops his hand into his shadow and retrieves the white-yellowish envelopes again. His hand takes out the content and he stares at his mom and dad’s photos once more.

Trying to distract himself. 

His heart and his body feel lighter, but his mind is still heavily troubled. It’s full of jumbled thoughts of his responsibilities as the head and the executives, the fate of the single children in his clan, raising some money to ensure his foundation would stay afloat with the undoubtedly upcoming wave of another liberation requests, Tsumiki, his parents, his future, Gojo. 

It seems like he easily cry these days, he notes idly. 

It won’t do well for him. For someone with responsibility and power as big as him, his defenses should be up high and thick as the nuclear bunker with emotion as sensitive as the rock. 

Ever since he and his dad made up, he has been leaning on him far too many times. It has weakened his heart. With Gojo in the mix, it’s like he’s back when he’s fifteen. 

He has to strengthen his walls again. 

He has to, especially if he’s going to talk to Gojo tonight. 

Gojo silently skims the report on his phone with a subdued face. 

Location : Nara Forest Park

Inspector on site : Nitta Akari

Sorcerer on site : (prev) Asuka Izami [G1], (to) Zenin Megumi [SG],

Suspected Curse Grade : Two (2) Grade Two. 

On Site Curse Grade : One (1) Special Grade and Two (2) Grade One. 

Casualties : Four passing civilians, currently being treated at Jujutsu Hospital. 

Summary : The mission is previously handled by Asuka Izami (G1), before she’s pulled out due to the nature and grade of the curses. Zenin Megumi received the emergency mission as the nearest Special Grade Sorcerer in the area. Suspicion of a curse user on site.

Result : Curses are exorcized. A further investigation is being held and will be compiled in another report. 

Sighing, he locks his phone and throws it on the glass desk in front of him. Had it still been the fifteen years old Megumi, the mission itself would never be in Megumi’s list, it’ll automatically be shifted to him. 

It’s still a bit foreign for him to see his former students’ ranks now. They can fend off for themselves, not needing him at every nook and corner, unlike before. 

The almost four years for them is still last week for him. 

This is what he wants, for his students to flourish and make a name for themselves, but surprisingly, there’s also a pang in his heart. A walking contradiction. 

In particular for Megumi. 

During the omega’s heat, he made it a priority to interrogate Itadori, Okkotsu and Kugisaki. It also functioned as a re-assessment of some sort, while he got the confession and facts he needed at the same time. He has no problem with Okkotsu, but Itadori and Kugisaki were surprisingly tight-lipped about it. Kugisaki was even hostiler than Itadori, upon knowing he had claimed Megumi. 

After a few hours, shouts of frustration and Okkotsu who tried to be a limiter and middle man between them all, they finally sat down and talked. 

Really talked because those bullshits and accusations were very ridiculous. The bond and the omiai in particular, were very off-mark. 

Frustration is an understatement. 

He could’ve avoided this all had he confronted Megumi sooner. 

The alpha sighs as he leans his head to the sofa. He hopes the time will pass soon because he’s definitely not known for his patience. Who knows what other bullshit Megumi has constructed in his head within these hours. 

Night has fallen and the sun has turned in to rest. It’s not really windy, the sky is clear of stars and clouds for once. The moon is the only one that’s decorating the endless dark canvas.

Gojo is staring at the vast view of the city, when he hears the door of the rooftop being opened. 

“Oh, you’re here already.” Megumi comments as he walks closer to the alpha. 

“How was the meeting?” Gojo asks, his eyes surreptitiously moving from the top to the bottom of the omega, seeking for any sign of injuries.

“It’s fine.” Megumi says offhandedly as he goes past the alpha and leans his hands on the parapet. After looking at numbers and words for hours, the beautiful view from the lightened buildings is a much needed refreshment. 

“It’s for the foundation, right? I never thought you'd be the type to start something like that.” Gojo teases the omega, trying to ease up the stiff atmosphere as he follows the omega to the edge of the building.

“Why not? You know my principle.” The Zenin’s head clan replies coolly. 

“They’re Zenin.” The alpha points out. 

“Doesn’t mean there are no other Maki, Mai and others in there.” Megumi replies. “Zenin is a cesspool of snakes and curses, but it doesn't mean everyone are vile. I’m just cleaning them up to make way for the good people.” 

“What if along the line, you unconsciously become them? Being the very thing you hate because of your actions?” The older man curiously asks. He’s also been briefed about the initial, abrupt massacre Megumi did with Maki and Okkotsu. One of the strings of many, in fact. Of how it severely impacted the rooster of sorcerers, even until now.

Don’t get him wrong, he has no problem with it. Really. He trusts Megumi's judgment and even wishes that he has witnessed it himself. It must’ve been very spectacular and hot. 

“So be it.” Megumi easily says. “If I’m reduced to that, I believe people around me will definitely try to stop me. Or kill me. It doesn’t matter. We are all going to die anyway.”

Gojo chuckles at the answer. “Tell me if you ever need help with the foundation.” He offers. 

Megumi just hums. 

Silence descends between them both. The sounds of the cars and noises from the people down there accompanies them along with the wind.

“What happened, Megumi?” Gojo voices out after a while. His voice is stern, but gentle as he turns his body to face the omega completely. 

Delicate, is probably the most fitting description on the void between them. 

Why do we become like this? Like a stranger, when we used to lean on each other? 

“Everything.” Megumi chooses to look up to the starless sky. Hoping that it can offer him some answers that he doesn’t know. 

“Explain it to me, so we can fix this. I want to fix this.” The older man emphasizes.  

Megumi turns his head to the alpha. “Was it amusing, Gojo-san?” 

Gojo’s expression hardens at the implicit accusation. “Never. I wasn’t playing you, Megumi.” 

“Then why did you never say anything? You never mark me, claim me, anything.” The younger man accuses coldly. 

“It’s more complicated than you thought. You’ve always hated the Jujutsu world.” Gojo tries to respond calmly in the face of the omega’s spite. “If it's not for Tsumiki and the contract, would you even be a sorcerer in the first place?” He throws the question back to the younger man. “I was trying to give you a semblance of the normal life that you want, an open, possible choice. Why do you think I put Yuuji’s room beside you? Why do you think I introduced you to the second year even before you enrolled? Let Nanami take you sometime?”

“Those sound like excuses.” Megumi counters. 

“No, they’re not.” Gojo shakes his head. “Ever since…”, He trails off. “Ever since Geto left, I’ve made up my mind about this. If someday you come to me and decide that you can't do it anymore, I will break your contract and make sure you'll be integrated back into normal society. If I’ve marked or claimed you by then, you'll be judged and ostracized and I don’t want that. You were still too young, Megumi. It’s not acceptable, even if it’s okay in Jujutsu society. You know how fucked up our world actually is.” He exhales roughly. “I can lose anyone, but not you. Never you.” 

“Bullshit.” The omega hisses. “Since when are you that compassionate over somebody else’s feelings?”

“Bullshit you say…” Gojo sharply looks at the other. “Is it truly what you thought or is it because you’re lashing out?” He predatorily stalks closer to the omega, unable to hold off his anger at the despicable connotation. Megumi hitches his breath as he takes a step to the back to get away.

That snaps Gojo back and he takes a deep breath, trying to reign in his emotion. He rubs his face with his hand, before he stares at the omega once more. 

This is harder than he thought. 

“I’m hurt, Megumi. Do you really think that low of me?” He sincerely inquires the younger man. 

“I’m sorry, that’s uncalled for.” Megumi too, has realized that it was out of line and lowers his emotion. “But why would you think something so righteous for me? You know I bear one of the most coveted techniques. How could I believe your logic, when you’re actively collecting people you deem as powerful to your side?” He states. “How could I not think that your bond is just another way for you to chain me when you lied about the bond, about having omiai meetings?” Restlessness and disbelief are painted all over the younger’s face and Gojo feels like ripping his hair out in frustration. 

Megumi, megumi, such a silly omega he has, Gojo thinks. He has told him explicitly that he loves him, cares for him. Why is it so hard for him to believe that there’s no game or bets or malicious intent behind it? 

“First, I’ve never lied about the bond. I’ve heard the problem from Nobara-chan and it’s a common knowledge, Megumi. How could I know that you’ve never really understand about it?” The alpha inhales deeply. He slouches his shoulder and tries to be less threatening as possible, as he takes a step to the omega. “Second, there were never any omiai meetings. They were sent to me, yes. But I never attended one. The one Nobara-chan saw was actually also one of our clients. You can look it up on the database if you don’t believe me. Third,” He steps closer and now he’s directly in front of the head of the Zenin’s clan. “Maybe because I want to be a good person around you. Maybe because you've always secretly looked up to me with such pure, genuine admiration so I can't help but want to be the best, to give the best for you.” 

Gojo brings one of Megumi’s rough hands to his face, back to his cheek like this morning. “Because with or without the technique, I want you to stay by my side. Megumi is Megumi. Fushiguro, Zenin, whatever you decide to be, it doesn’t matter.” He whispers, repeating the confession because his omega doesn’t seem to have grasped it.

Megumi lifts his other hand, but the tip of his fingers are touching the side of Gojo’s signature dark eyepatch instead. There’s only silence between them, but Gojo’s consent is clear as the dark sky. His fingers carefully reach for the bottom edge of the eyepatch and slowly drag the offending article down. Gojo’s clear eyes are now bare for Megumi to see, still in the same position, looking straight at his eyes. As if the eyepatch had never been there in the first place. 

“In such a short span of time, I’ve learnt it the hard way, Megumi.” Gojo whispers lowly. “Losing the one I care about by my own hand, hurts. But losing your affection while you’re still remain in the living, will kill me.” His hand touches the back of the omega’s hand on his cheek affectionately. With his eyes completely uncovered, he willingly bare himself in front of someone. In front of Megumi. His mate.

The sharply taken breath from the omega is almost inaudible, but it’s there. Megumi feels his own shoulder and wall slacken at the view. 

Gojo looks so sad and defeated. Just as vulnerable and in pain-

Like a mirror of himself. 

His omega howls in response to seeing his preferred, possible alpha-mate suffering. Trying to get out and pushes his calming pheromone to soothe the forlorn alpha. 

“You've ripped every part of you from me, Megumi. Your bond, your attention, even you cruelly took back the gift you gave to me. I don't have anything that connects to you anymore. You left me nothing, not even one little measly thing.” Gojo smiles dejectedly. “What should I do in exchange for them? What do I need to offer to have them all back? My life? My eyes? My heart?” He vocalizes sadly to the omega.

In that instant, Megumi’s mind rolls back to Shoko’s warning. 

" If you ask him for someone’s heart this instant, he’ll only ask whether you want it on a silver plate or do you want it to be freshly cut in front of you”

“with his purebred lineage, things might get more intense”

Without thinking, he holds both of Gojo’s wrists out of fear.

“Megumi?” Gojo tilts his head confusedly at the sudden turn of events. 

When he realizes what he’s doing, Megumi quickly lets go of the alpha’s thick wrists. “I have rejected your claim, Gojo-san.” He mutters instead. 

“And yet, I know you still love me as I love you. Your omega, your pheromones, you can’t hide them all under my eyes.” Gojo chuckles dismally. “Megumi, be mine again.”

“What if I say I don't want to anymore?” Megumi looks up to Gojo’s eyes. His questions are mostly answered, but he’s still so apprehensive with everything.

“You can’t. We’re made to be together.” Gojo takes the omega’s right hand and rubs the top of his hand slowly, assuringly. “Our fate has always been entangled with each other. Just like how the world favors me, I’m your most compatible other half.” His sadness is slowly being replaced with hope, as there’s still no strong rejection, no denial of feeling from the younger man. 

“Accept me, Megumi.” Gojo pleads. “I’ll properly court you like how it’s supposed to be this time. You deserve the best.” 

“Isn't this basically you're just forcing yourself on me?” Megumi scoffs, but there’s no malice in his tone. 

“Perhaps.” Gojo muses. “But morality has always been a gray area for people like us in the first place.” 

“Then beg for it.” Megumi daringly stares at his alpha. He’ll take the leap, this once. “Chase me, please me. Prove it to me. Or I will just simply move on, Gojo-san.” 

Gojo smiles at the challenge.

Chapter Text

In retrospect, he shouldn't have baited Gojo like that.

The alpha is literally the embodiment of bang and blaze of fire in the middle of explosions. Like a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere with the prison's alarm being raised on multiple, asynchronous speakers. Challenging him is like painting your body from the head to the tip of your toes in red, while wearing said brave color as your attire as well in the front of a bull. Years of his absence has made him forget how infuriating and persistent the older man can be. 

It’s been almost two weeks since their rooftop event and Gojo has been dropping unannounced in his place almost nonstop. It’s as if he's never busy with missions and whatnot, considering the distance between Kyoto and Nara. 

Megumi groans annoyedly and ignores the insistent knocks on his door. He pulls his blanket over his head, trying to drown out the noises and fall back to the dreamland. 

“Megumi!” Maki yells. “Get out right now or I’ll barge in.” She threatens. Another slew of noisy knocks echo in his room before the door slides open. Megumi sighs. Where is Toji when he needs him? 

“Wake up. I can’t stand his annoying ass anymore.” Maki complains. He can feel her towering figure beside him. Her displeased pheromone even pierces his blanket, a proof of how irritated she is right now.  

“Just deal with him.” He fires back under his blanket. 

“That’s your responsibility.” Maki taps her foot impatiently.

“No, he’s not.” Megumi denies. “Just chase him out of the compound. You’re the head of this place too.” 

He lets out a surprised gasp when his blanket is roughly pulled off of him. The cold air immediately attacks him and he shivers from the abrupt change of temperature. “Maki!” Megumi indignantly exclaims. A glance on the clock and it says it’s barely seven in the morning.

It’s way too early for this shit. 

“Get up and deal with your alpha before Toji manages to taunt him into another fight. We are not paying for another damage because of them!” Maki hisses. 

“Charge them to Gojo.” Megumi hisses back. “And he’s not my alpha!” He adds, now sitting up on his bed with disgruntlement on his face as apparent as the sunny sky.  

“Say that to that blockhead who is sauntering in and out as he pleases.” Maki scoffs. “Now get up Megumi, before I really drag you to him in that.” She gives a pointed look at his attire. 

Megumi spontaneously looks down. He’s wearing a thin and loose night robe, which now is exposing almost half of his chest to the world. “You won’t dare.” He looks up to her. 

“Want to try?” She tilts her head and raises her eyebrow. 

A scowl appears on Megumi’s face. 

“Good morning, Megumi.” Gojo waves merrily from his seat in the common room. Megumi can feel his bad mood intensifying at the sight.The happy, guiltless smile on Gojo’s face ticks him off so much. 

The alpha wasn’t supposed to be here. 

This room is in the inner sanctum area, which is supposedly only accessible for him, Maki and other handful of people. The same common room which is repurposed to store the gifts he received from numerous, unwanted suitors. 

Gojo's are among them all. 

“What are you doing here? Why are you here?” Megumi exasperatedly says while crossing his arms. “You aren’t supposed to be able to access this area!” He scolds. 

Gojo’s supposedly waiting in the room meant for guests in the front building. When he almost arrived at said building, he saw some attendants were walking around in panic because they realized the purebred alpha's were not in the assigned room anymore. 

“Megumi-chan took too long and I got bored.” The older man just shrugs innocently. “I’m hurt though. I thought you’d have opened all of my gifts by now.” He whines while gesturing to the mountains of gifts behind him. “And to think my special gifts are being lumped together with other lower kinds. I didn’t know that you’re keeping other alphas’ gifts.” The alpha continues calmly, but the slightly gritted teeth aren't missed by Megumi. 

The teeth the alpha shows openly to him is a testament of how displeased he is. 

Not that he has any right for it. 

“So what?” Megumi replies back coolly. “I’ve told you and others repeatedly that I don’t want any gifts.” 

“Harsh.” Gojo comments while leaning his back on the seat while his arms are spreaded on each side of the couch. It itches him a little with how the alpha acts like this place is his too.

Wait. 

How come Gojo can sit when he’s sure the room is so full of gifts previously? There wasn’t even any space left that his attendant had to put the new batches of persistent gifts in another room? 

Megumi’s eyes immediately scan the room. He didn’t check on his surroundings earlier, his attention was immediately zeroed on the alpha. 

Realization dawns on him.

“Sensei!” The nickname slips out as slight anger fills his voice. “I didn’t give you permission to touch my things.” He hisses. As Megumi comes closer to him, he finally can see a litter of medium-sized, dense, colorful cubes on the floor in front of the alpha. 

The audacity of this purebred alpha. He must’ve crushed gifts that’s not from him with his infinity. 

Again.

Just like years ago when he’s still a student. 

While it’s true that he doesn’t want those gifts, it doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate or respect the efforts that were given in those. Especially the ones in this room are from people that he personally knows. 

“So now they’re yours?” Gojo asks. A dangerous look is on his face at the possessive undertone the omega is displaying. 

“That’s none of your business.” Megumi snaps back. “You have no right to dispose of them.” He glares. 

“But it is my right since you are-” Gojo’s sentence is cut when the tip of a sword is presented right in front of his face. The alpha coolly looks up to the poker faced omega in front of him. 

“Do not test my patience today, Gojo-san.” Megumi frostily says. “You’re already trespassing on my territory. You don’t have any right to touch what’s mine without my permission.” The sword glints underneath the light of the room, showcasing the sharpness of the weapon. 

Gojo’s eyes fearlessly look up to him behind the round, black tinted glasses. Another few seconds of tense exchange passes, before the older man’s mouth is upturned into a smug grin. 

“So this is the ever famous Zenin Megumi.” Gojo whistles. “Hot.” He smirks. The scent of pheromones starts to waft into the room. Thicker, denser pheromones, coming out from the purebred alpha.

Excitement. 

Gojo’s definitely feeling pleased with the display of power Megumi is doing right now. Unafraid, confident, even in front of powerful purebred alpha like him. The shy kitten has truly long gone and been replaced with this little, cute omega predator. Another wave of wants and urges to completely possess Megumi back as his fill Gojo’s mind. 

“I greet thee, Gojo-san.” Megumi vexedly says while raising his eyebrow on the alpha. Internally, he tries to calm down his omega instinct, who’s starting to get affected with the scent. He never has any problem when it’s other alphas, so why is it so damn hard when it’s involving Gojo? 

“You will not repeat this occurrence again, Gojo-san.” Megumi says. “You will respect me and Maki as the heads of Zenin and this compound. You will not cross the line and inconvenience my people anymore or I will hard ban you from here.” He threatens. 

The older man lifts both of his hands in surrender without lifting his arms up from the couch. “I understand.” Gojo says earnestly. He has pushed Megumi’s button enough for now. Anymore and the omega will definitely snap and there goes his plan on wooing him today. 

Megumi gives another warning glare to the purebred alpha before he pulls back his sword and drops it back to his shadow. 

“That’s pretty convenient.” Gojo comments curiously. 

“It is.” Megumi replies. “So what are you doing here, Gojo-san?” He sighs as he kicks the useless dense cubes away and takes a seat across Gojo. Unconsciously, his hand fishes out a box of sweet milk candies from his pocket and puts some of them in his mouth before pocketing it back. The familiar, mild sweet taste seeps into his tongue and his emotion is receding back to its tranquil state. 

“Let’s go out today, Megumi.” Gojo says smoothly, but his gears are moving hard from the scene he has just witnessed. The last time he knew, Megumi detested sweets with his whole body. But he can't possibly mistake the candy. It’s one of his favorites.

“It’s still too early.” Megumi replies after checking his phone. “Don’t you have things to do?” He lifts his eyebrow. Gojo should’ve been swamped with paperworks and whatnot. He has years of things to catch up with after all. 

“Of course not.” Gojo grins and files the new discovery to be examined later. “It’s Saturday, Megumi-chan! Let’s go on a date. And stop calling me Gojo-san!” 

“I’m sorry but I have to refuse.” The omega immediately says to both requests.

“You don’t have work today.” The alpha pouts. “I even checked it with your Ijichi.” 

“My Ijichi has a name and it’s Akane-san, Gojo-san.” He sighs. “If this is all, then goodbye.” He stands up from his seat and nods his head.

“What if I make a sumptuous donation to the Foundation?” Gojo lays down one of his cards.

Megumi turns his head to the alpha. “We have more than enough.” 

“Money will never be enough for a foundation like yours, Megumi.” He says while putting his chin on his hand. “Come on. One day with me for ten millions.” The alpha coaxes further while looking up to the omega. 

“You make me sound like a prostitute.” The head of Zenin states unamusedly. 

“Of course not, Megumi-chan.” Gojo smiles charmingly. “So how’s it? Ten million for a day date with me?” He offers. Excitement is shown on his face once more, like a child who’s being invited to DisneyLand. 

Megumi looks at this alpha of his. Or so Gojo declared a few days ago, when he barged into the compound and had evening tea with him. 

He’s not going to lie and says he didn’t enjoy the moments he spent with the alpha. But it doesn’t mean he’s ready to accept Gojo back wholeheartedly. It’s not that easy to dispel years of believing different things. 

Baby steps, he guesses. 

Also, Gojo’s right. Money will always be needed on a foundation he built with Maki. He has figured things out with Yaga, but additional money would always be welcomed. 

“Fifty millions and I’ll arrange a donation night for the Foundation.” Gojo revises his offer when he realizes Megumi’s resolution is wavering. Fifty million is nothing to him. The donation night will boost the political relationship between his and Megumi’s clan. It’ll serve as a symbol of their clans’ mending relationship, with him back as the Gojo’s head and also remind everyone of the close relationship they have. 

A win-win situation for him, really. 

“Seventy and two donation nights.” Megumi responds. 

“Deal.” Gojo grins. 

Megumi feels like he’s been tricked, but he shakes the feelings away. “I’ll go get changed first.” 

The older man just waves merrily. He notes how Megumi checks the attire he’s wearing first before he leaves the room. 

So cute. He bets Megumi will try to match his outfit with him. 

“Welcome to Ichi Restaurant!” A woman in her thirties greets them jovially. “Oh, welcome back Fushiguro-sama!” 

“Good morning, Mashi-san. A table for two please.” Megumi replies calmly. 

“Of course, of course!” She nods after she takes a look at the tall, intimidating alpha behind her usual customers. “Would you like the window seats? The weather is particularly good today so the view is good and it’s not that hot either.” She offers. 

“Yes please.” The younger man agrees as Mashi-san turns her direction towards the second floor. 

Gojo is looking around the cozy, minimalistic restaurant. While it’s not that big or fancy, it exudes this serene and calm atmosphere with its earthy brown, green and cream theme. He understands why Megumi seems to like this place when they arrive on the promised window seat. Almost all the walls are clear windows with amazing views of the city and greenery around the area. Usually, this kind of setting would be rather unbearable in the summer, but the air conditioner in the room helps to even out the temperature. 

The woman leads them to the supposedly prime seat and gives them two sets of menu. 

“I’ll just order my usual, Mashi-san.” Megumi says and gives back his menu. “What about you, Gojo-san?” He looks to the alpha across him. 

“Hmm… What’s your recommendation?” Gojo turns his head to her. 

“If you’re a heavy eater in the morning, then I recommend set A or set D. If you prefer more local-ish dishes, then you can try Boku Set.” She kindly points to the appropriate picture. “If you’re not a heavy eater, I recommend Combo E with grilled fish.” She continues. “Um, if you’re not accustomed with Japan’s food, we also have toasts and sandwiches.” 

At this, Megumi chuckles. The sound tingles pleasantly in Gojo's ears. “He’s a Japanese, Mashi-san.” He explains. 

“Oh! I apologize for my rudeness!” She bows. 

“No, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” Gojo placates the woman. “I’ll take Set A please.” 

“Ah okay. Then One set B and one set A. Would you like a cup of americano? Or probably some desserts?” She asks them. 

“No thank you. That’ll be all, Mashi-san.” Megumi answers kindly before Gojo can say anything. “Oh please exclude the pickles from Set A and keep the eggs soft boiled.” He adds, while pointedly ignoring the surprised, but very happy look on the alpha. If Gojo gets even more obvious, he thinks he can see the imaginary tails wagging happily behind his huge body. 

“Okay, thank you for your order. Please wait for your meals.” She bows once more before leaving them all alone on the empty floor.

“Before you complain, Gojo-san.” Megumi says to him. “There’s somewhere else nearby who serves good coffee and desserts. We should go there after this.” 

“I’m not going to complain. I’m content with trusting you on where to go or what to buy.” Gojo hums. “She knows your name.” He comments nonchalantly. 

At this, Megumi nods. “Me and Tsumiki often had breakfast here before she went to Nobara’s town. Sometimes I will also go with Maki when the compound is too suffocating.” He shrugs. 

“Fushiguro? I thought people know you as Zenin now?” Gojo asks while leaning on his cheek. 

“It is my birth name.” The younger man replies. “My real name. Zenin is just te-” He cut himself off. He’s forever thankful that he manages to stop in time. “Zenin’s just for the convenience of it all back then.” Megumi explains. 

Gojo frowns at the abrupt change of wording, but he lets it go.

“How’s Tsumiki by the way?” The alpha asks before sipping his cold ocha. 

“She’s fine. Still adapting with the changes of the world she missed, but last time I talked to her, she’s happy for now.” He answers.

“Good for her.” Gojo responds back. “We should visit her too next week.” 

“We?” Megumi asks. 

“Haven’t you been told?” The grin on the alpha’s face looks like trouble. “You’ll go with me to Nobara-chan’s village.” 

“What for?” The younger man frowns.

“I want that too.” Gojo gestures with his chin. 

Megumi looks down and looks up even more confusedly. “What?” 

“The tattoo, Megumi.” He replies. 

The omega’s frowns get even deeper. “Why do you- Stop that!” He hisses in annoyance as he can feel their rope is being pulled endlessly by the man across him.

“So you can feel it. You’re truly just ignoring me and pretending it doesn’t exist.” Gojo sulks.  

“I don’t think you’ve earned that yet, Gojo-san.” Megumi replies. “And why do you need the tattoo?”

“Why can’t I?” The older man questions back. 

Megumi doesn’t have the answer for that. 

Their talk is interrupted when Mashi comes with their food. Megumi thanks her before they’re left alone again. 

“How about you?” Megumi diverts the conversation. “You’ve been interrogating me whenever we see each other.” 

The alpha only smiles as he digs into his food. “Nothing’s really interesting happening to me. Though Ijichi still occasionally cries when he sees me.” 

“You should be kinder to him. He was just as lost as us back then.” He comments. “There’s no problem with your body?” 

“Nope.” Gojo pops the p. “Everything’s working perfectly, including down there if you’re worried about that, Megumi.” He teases. 

Megumi chokes on his tofu. 

The grin on Gojo’s face is as big as the Cheshire cat himself as he hands the younger his ocha. Megumi glares at him as hints of redness start to appear on the top of his ears. “Why, Megumi? Are you having perverted thoughts?” He continues. “Want me to show-”

A laugh escapes from his mouth when the younger kicks his shin in response. 

“I’m serious!” The younger cries out. 

“My body is fine.” Gojo nudges back appeasingly with his right foot. “Instead of my physical being, I haven’t really gotten accustomed to the changes of people.” He reveals, while taking a sip of his miso soup. “In my memories, you all are still my students but now everyone is an elite sorcerer in their own way.”  

“Is that a bad thing?” Megumi curiously asks, while hiding the concern in his voice. 

“Eh, of course not.” Gojo replies. “I just need more time to wrap my mind around it.” 

The head of Zenin contemplates on it. He never really thinks of those aspects, or any possible perspective from Gojo, to be honest. 

From his point of view, it’s been years. Very long, very exhausting, mind numbing years. 

For the alpha in front of him, it’s probably just last month, or even three weeks ago probably? 

It’s not only their physical appearances that changed, their personalities have also changed during those years. 

Bend, don’t break. Hold each other’s hands so no one will get lost. Keep each other’s back, protect your core. Retreat and let others take care of it if you can’t. Don’t push yourself. Don’t let resentment festers inside, let it out. We will cut off the rotten core to save the whole tree. Mercy to the enemy is your downfall.

These are the things they chant and uphold together to survive those clusterfucks. And there’s also his dad’s most favorite mantra, the one he’s always drilled to him whenever they spar. 

Who do you think you are? 

He supposes his current personality is heavily influenced by this too. 

In Gojo’s eyes, who has the most changes? 

Who carries the gravest sins of them all? 

After the hearty breakfast in Ichi Restaurant, Megumi drags Gojo to a nearby cafe to buy some coffee. Being awoken so early with no caffeine in his system is the easiest way to irritate him. This place is also a cozy place he likes to go to when he needs some quiet and peace. 

“One large iced americano. And what about you, Gojo-san?” Megumi turns his head to the alpha behind him. 

“Anything is fine.” The white haired man replies. 

“And one large caramel latte with whip cream and extra shots of caramel syrup.” Megumi orders. Gojo smiles at the order. 

Despite the threat the omega threw to him about moving on, he surely still remembers all of his favorites and dislikes. Unbeknownst to Megumi, the real reason why he insists on letting the younger steer their direction is because he’s thirsty to know who Megumi is right now. 

As he said earlier, everyone has changed. Megumi, too, has changed so much. Physically, mentally. He wants to update all of the knowledge he knows of the fifteen years old Megumi into the current Megumi. He wants to know what’s his favorite food, where is his favorite place, what’s he doing during his off hours. Why he did that, why he does this. It got even stronger when he noticed how Megumi ate the sweet candies earlier. 

He has to know them all, Gojo resolutes as they wait for their beverages on a small high table. He idly stares at the younger man, who is busy typing replies on his phone, while leaning on his hand. Seeing him this close is making him really content and happy. It soothes both him and his alpha’s instincts, especially when he knows Megumi’s scent gland is unblemished. Every alpha in the vicinity feels like pests that will disturb what's rightfully his. 

As long as his teeth mark isn’t on Megumi’s skin, he has to keep him close under his wraps lest he slips out from his hand. 

The thing the younger pulled on him this morning surprised him. He admits the things he did crossed the line, even if it’s only a mere inch. But he couldn’t contain the jealousy upon smelling other Alpha’s faint pheromones in those gifts. Almost couldn’t contain the territorial urges inside his head. 

“Why do you keep staring at me while leaning on your cheeks like that?” Megumi flatly asks the alpha. Irritation is clear on his face. 

“Are you shy, Megumi-chan?” Gojo playfully says.

“It’s distracting.” The younger man retorts. 

“Glad to know my utmost attention is wavering your defenses.” He cheekily replies, earning himself another kick on the shin. “Megumi is so mean!”

“You deserve it.” 

“Have you ever gone with someone other than Yuuji, Maki or Nobara?” Gojo suddenly questions.

“Gone what?” Megumi puts his phone down. “On a date like this?” 

“So you acknowledge that this is a date.” Another Cheshire grin makes its appearance again on Gojo’s face. 

“Do you want me to say otherwise?” The younger man challenges cooly. 

“Megumi.” Gojo whispers as his hand reaches out to rub the top of Megumi’s left ear. “It would have worked if you’re not blushing cutely like this.”

At this, Megumi’s blush is deepened and he flicks Gojo’s hand away. “Do you honestly think that all that political lobbying only happens in the meeting room, Gojo-san?” He inquires. 

It’s Gojo’s turn to freeze as flares of jealousy are ignited in his body once again. It burns even brighter and hotter than this morning’s. 

He’s right. Political and power lobbying doesn’t always happen in the meeting room. Sometimes personal approaches are needed. 

Some are even very personal. 

Especially for someone as beautiful and enchanting as Megumi. With his most blessed second gender, lobbying can be done with just a honeycomb date. 

Realizing the degree of thought the alpha has gone through, as his pheromone is getting denser and thicker, Megumi swiftly smacks both of the alpha’s cheeks with his hands to get his attention back. “I’m joking!” He exclaims. 

With this remark, Gojo lets out a tired sigh as his emotion stabilizes again. “Stop playing with my heart like this, Megumi-chan~” He dramatically put his hand on his chest. 

“It’s you whose thoughts are going in every direction.” Megumi scoffs. “Anyway, how could you be in Nara so often? Aren’t you needed in Kyoto?” 

“That should be my line. Why are you in Nara and not in Kyoto, Megumi?” Gojo’s previous exaggerated expression is replaced with solemnity. 

He wants a serious answer for this. 

Realizing the change of tone, Megumi closes his mouth and contemplates on his answer.

“This is where I started everything.” Megumi says. “The coup, I meant.” He adds. “It feels symbolic somehow.” 

“But no one lives here aside from you and Maki.” Gojo probes. 

“Our Headquarter is in Kyoto. It’s only natural that Yuuta-senpai and others are staying there. We are the rear guard, so to speak. The backup. It’s not good to put everyone in one area.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. Maki is routinely switching back and forth between Nara and Kyoto. But not you.” He contradicts. “You always stay in Nara, Megumi. If it’s not an emergency, you rarely visit Kyoto. It’s always them who have to visit you.” Or so Shoko told him. 

Megumi’s silent for a while. “Sensei, do you know that I practically committed a massacre?” 

“I’ve been told the gist.” Gojo nods, while his mind is now more alert at the sudden change of name Megumi used. “Did you regret it, Megumi?” He gently asks. Slowly, he can start to see the line Megumi draws inside his own head. Between Fushiguro Megumi and Zenin Megumi. When one persona is switched to another. But they’re still the same person he has feelings for.

Megumi looks at Gojo. “Not in the littlest bit. It brought you back here. It’s necessary.” He shakes his head. “But Yuuji couldn’t really accept it back then. Even now, I think. I see them as criminals and bad guys, but I know Yuuji still sees them as humans, as wasted bloodshed. And it’s not the last massacre we did.” He continues. “Did you know that Yuuji never steps inside the compound?” 

“Really?”

“Yeah. He doesn’t say anything, but I’ve known him long enough that it pains him. He won’t be able to refuse if I invite him directly, so I always create some kind of leeway for him to escape from it.” Megumi let out an accepting sigh. “The only one who is on the executive board is me. Okkotsu-senpai and Yaga-san are acting as my advisors. Maki more or less knows the same thing as me. But Yuuji and Nobara don’t. Maybe I’m just afraid that someday Yuuji and others will see me with vile and disgusted faces like we did to the old executives. That someday I’ll go so bad that Yuuji has to kill me himself.” 

“It’s not going to happen.” Gojo refutes. “I’m here, remember?” 

Megumi chuckles. “Sensei, it’s saying something if Yuuji already sees me as a lost cause. At that point you must've seen me as an enemy. Maybe you will kill me yourself?” He ponders casually. 

The fact that such thought crosses his omega’s mind pains Gojo so much. This is not where this conversation he thought would lead. 

“Silly Megumi.” Gojo flicks his forehead strongly. “I would have pulled you before you stray that far. Yuuji, Nobara, Maki and others also would’ve tied you down before it came to that point.” Amusement flickers briefly on his face when he sees the reddening spot on Megumi’s forehead, combined with the disgruntled expression on his face. “Come back to Kyoto with me.” Gojo requests softly. 

“This is where I’m needed now.” Megumi refuses. “I have too many responsibilities.” 

Gojo decides to back down for now. “Fine if Megumi says so.” He sulks, easing up the atmosphere back to its playful vibes. “The poor me just have to go back and forth then.” He throws his head to the side theatrically. 

“And as I said before, Gojo-san.” Megumi twitches in annoyance. “You’re free to not do so if you want.”

“But then Megumi will go away from me.” Gojo gasps. “No way, nu uh.” He tuts. “Although I wish I could witness your ‘house cleaning’, Megumi-chan.” He pouts while making cute paws in front of his face. “It must be very hot.” 

Megumi stares at the older man in front of him with apparent cringe and disbelief. “Are you really sure the prison realm didn’t affect your head, Gojo-san?”

“Maybe.” He grins. “So it’s your job to take care of me today.” 

Gojo is really milking this date as much as he wants. Megumi sighs as he waits for the alpha to change his clothes. They’re now inside of a brand boutique in one of Nara’s malls, while the alpha is hunting for new clothes since his old ones are ‘outdated’. 

Gojo’s words, not his. 

“What do you think, Megumi?” The alpha asks after he opens the door and turns his body left and right. 

“It doesn’t look that good on you.” Megumi voices out his opinion from the seat in front of the changing room. 

They’ve been going in and out from several shops. He even got himself some new oversized sweatshirts and other things. 

This store is one of the more formal sides, with numerous shirts and semi-formal wears.  His eyes are scanning the many hanged shirts and something catches his eyes. He stands from his seat and takes the article of clothing. 

“Try this.” Megumi hands him a forest green, slim fit shirt with grey-ish stripes. There’s a pocket on the left chest side with its brand icon on it.

Gojo takes the offered shirt and slips back to exchange the shirt he wears. 

Megumi boredly scans the area again for some other shirt he might like, but he finds none. The patterns and the colors are a little bit too bright and flashy for his taste. 

“I look good.” He can hear Gojo’s voice and Megumi turns his attention back to the alpha. 

Oh. 

He is. 

Megumi notes how perfectly it hugs Gojo’s alpha-ish, well-sculptured figure. The shade of green also compliments nicely with his fair skin tone and emphasizes the thickness of his back and shoulder. With his white hair falling perfectly on his handsome face, the top two unbuttoned and revealing some part of his collarbone and strong-looking neck, the sleeves all rolled up halfway along with the semi-formal black pants he’s wearing, the alpha looks really striking. 

Attractive. 

He can feel his ears get a little bit hot when perverse thoughts cross his mind. 

Stupid hormones. 

“You look good.” He manages to wrangle up a response. 

“Only good, Megumi-chan?” The alpha wiggles his eyes, already having a hunch of what the other thoughts of. He knows he looks irresistible and very mouth watering, thank you.

“Buy this for me, Megumi.” Gojo demands. 

“What?” The younger man remarks. 

“You took back your shirt you gave to me.” He pouts. “I demand compensation.” 

“I didn’t intentionally take it away.” Megumi defensively explains. “It just happens. Why are you so hung up over it? It’s not like you ever wear it.” He says.  

“How could I wear it when it’s Megumi’s gift?” Gojo asks back. 

“You’re weird.” Megumi judges. “I gave you a practical gift so you can wear it. It’s still all wrapped up.” He says as a matter of factly. 

Well, another mystery is solved at least, Gojo thinks. 

Megumi is so dense. 

Gojo stalks closer to the omega and pinches both of his cheeks. “I’m simply making sure it won’t get dirty or anything, Megumi.” 

The younger man cries out from pain and slaps both of Gojo’s hands off. “What?” 

“So buy me this shirt as compensation for my feelings.” Gojo demands. “No buts or ifs.” 

If previously it was Gojo who dragged him around the mall, now it’s Megumi’s turn to drag the older man into a toy shop. 

“I promised the children some new toys.” He explains as he looks around the various displays of shiny toys. “Might as well order them out since we’re here.” He continues before he approaches one of the shop’s assistants, leaving the alpha all alone.

While Megumi is busy choosing and ordering, Gojo amuses himself by walking around the store. With his tall stature, it’s easy to look around the area.

His feet soon stop in front of the dolls and plushies area. Everything looks soft and squeezable, but they’re not his taste. He’s perusing through an isle when a big, fluffy white cat plush with the smuggest, Garfield look catches his interest. His hand takes one of the shelves.

Huh. 

“It’s cute.” Megumi speaks as he comes near him. 

“It looks annoyingly so smug.” Gojo contradicts. 

Megumi tilts his head and turns his head left and right, as if searching for something before he leaves. The older man watches in confusion when Megumi’s back on his side and takes another cat plush. With his hand, he put the black, kid-sized sleeping eye mask on top of the cat’s round body, enough to cover its stitched eyes.

Megumi then looks up at him and says with his flattest, most dead serious voice, “Nyantoru.” 

At this point, Gojo doesn’t know what he should do. He’s being compared to a prissy, spoiled-looking round white cat plush with the smuggest smile he ever saw on a doll.

His two seconds of thought completely disappear when laughter comes out naturally from him at the incredulity of the situation. 

Nyantoru. 

This stupid cat with mask reminds Megumi of him. 

Later, on top of the bulk orders that will be sent to the compound directly, they walk out from the store with two bags of said cat plush along with its ‘mask’. 

One for him, one for Megumi. 

The sunset light pierces the tinted car’s windows as they’re being driven back to the Zenin’s compounds. 

“I thought you simply don’t like it. It’s cheap after all.” Megumi breaks the comfortable silence between them. Even without any clear context, the alpha already knows what the other’s talking about.

“I love it, Megumi. It’s your thoughtful gift for me, how could I not cherish it?” Gojo answers. “Do you still have it?” 

“It’s probably in the back of the wardrobe or something.” 

“Give it back to me.” 

“Okay.” 

Gojo stares at the vast view of Nara from the balcony of his hotel room. The conversation he had with Megumi this morning bothered him more than he thought it would be. It has opened some new perspectives he hasn’t considered before. 

Fate isn’t so kind to Megumi, he thinks. No matter what Megumi does, he’s always shackled in the Jujutsu world. 

First is when he’s born with the blood of Zenin’s and inherits the technique. Second is when he’s bound by the contract Toji made. Third was when he took over said contracts and Tsumiki was cursed. Now that his sister is freed, Megumi himself is shackled with another thing.

The Foundation, his consciousness and responsibilities as the head clan with numerous innocent lives, 

But there’s Maki, he realizes. 

The green haired alpha, as far as he’s informed, has reigned Zenin with equal power and influence with Megumi. Everyone thought there will be discordance between them sooner or later, there’s a reason why a head clan is a one person job instead of two after all. But they’re perfectly united as one. Megumi’s power is Maki’s and vice versa. 

There shouldn’t be any problem if Megumi steps back, now that everything has calmed down.

This is dangerous. 

A few days later. 

The sun is already high up in the clear blue sky. It’s not too bright or too hot, a perfect combination with the gentle flows of the winds. Fresh and clear, perfect for a picnic or other outdoor activities. 

Alas, both him and Maki are once again constrained by another mountain of paperworks, proposals and meetings instead of enjoying the breeze and tranquil morning. He’s currently in a virtual meeting with Yaga and other executives who are on their side, while Maki is silently signing and reading the paperworks across him. This is how they’ve always operated together. Every meeting and every paper are shared between them. No secrets. His decisions are hers, her acknowledgements are his. They’ve fine tuned their teamwork that it has become very seamless. 

So when an attendant suddenly slips into their office hurriedly and whispers something to Maki, he’s not that worried. Maki’s eyes catch against his and he nods surreptitiously, before focusing back to his own meeting. 

Almost an hour later, he’s finally freed from the meeting. Megumi stretches his stiff back. Where is Maki? Why did it take so long? 

He steps outside the room and is immediately greeted by another attendant. “Megumi-sama.”

“What happened? Where is Maki?” He inquires. 

“There are some troubles.” She starts. “Some suspicious looking people are caught loitering around the children’s dorm. There's a new nanny and she let them in, trusting them when they said they’re there to examine the children.” She grimaces. “An older caretaker managed to stop them in time and they insisted that they had permission, so our staff tried to follow the SOP, but then everything was in chaos and the compounds’ guards were called.” She continues.

Calm fury starts to climb his emotion. If they need the compound’s guards, it means the Foundation’s guards are overwhelmed, which is saying something. 

He’s so glad that Maki’s here today. 

“Megumi-sama.” Another attendant is walking briskly to him. “Gojo-sama is here to visit you.” 

Megumi takes a very deep breath. This ex-sensei of his surely has a lot of free time in his hands. He should ask Yaga-san to put him into some missions. 

“Where is he now?” He asks. 

“Gojo-sama is-” 

“Megumii.” His name echoes inside the open corridor. He turns his head to see the purebred alpha sauntering in with another attendant in front of him, acting like some kind of a guide. She’s older than him but still young by any means. The flush on her face is enough for Megumi to conclude Gojo must have persuaded her. 

A flare of annoyance burns bright in his chest. 

Before he can say anything, his attention is taken by his vibrating phone. 

“Maki.” He takes the call, ignoring Gojo’s advances. 

“I’m taking these bastards back.” She irritatedly says.

“What happened?” 

“Someone instructed these thugs to kidnap some of the children.” Maki scoffs loudly. “They almost ran away with the kids, but we arrived in time. There were some scuffles but it’s fine now.”

“Are you okay?” He concernedly asks. Gojo’s now standing right beside him, bowing his body so his head is directly next to his. His gaze is questioning and he waves his hand to calm him down. 

“Are you really asking me that?” Even without looking at her, he can imagine the expression she wears right now. 

Megumi chuckles lightly in spite of the situation. “Do we have a name?” 

“We will, by the time we get back.” She promises. 

“How about the children?” He asks. Megumi moves his head so Gojo’s leaning head won’t touch his, but the alpha is anything but very persistent. With his strength, Gojo pulls and side-embraces him while his arm is resting on his shoulder. The attendants who are waiting on them now step back and bow their head down, giving them a semblance of privacy. He immediately dismisses them with a wave of his hand. 

“Shaken. Some other children are afraid the same thing will happen to them, but everything’s under control. I’ve told the staff that we will visit them tonight for evaluation.” Maki replies. 

“Okay. How about that new caretaker?” He asks again while wriggling his body away from Gojo’s insistent touches. He gives a warning glare to the alpha, who acknowledges his threats and ceases his wandering hands. 

He still won’t let go of his hold though. 

“Removed and suspended from her post. Megumi, I think we need to move the schedule faster.” Maki voices out. 

“Okay.” Megumi sighs. Isn’t it nice that they have fresh money from Gojo a few days ago? “Where are you now?” 

“On the way- wait.” Maki says before unintelligible murmurs can be heard in the background. Using this lul, Megumi tries to slithers out from Gojo once again but it’s proven to be futile. 

“Get off of me.” He hisses angrily. 

“You look like a hissy kitten again.” Gojo whispers. 

His nose starts to pick up the increased pheromones of the alpha. Megumi’s about to really kick Gojo where it doesn’t shine when he can feel his dad’s muscled arm circles around his waist and rips him off from Gojo. 

“You can’t scent him, brat.” Toji admonishes. 

“We have an agreement.” Gojo says with a flat, deep voice. Signaling his displeasure and his rising emotion.

“What agreement?” Megumi turns his head to his dad. Did he just fucking sold him out again? 

“It’s just an entrance fee, kiddo.” Toji pats the head of his son. 

Megumi turns his head back to Gojo, glaring at him to reveal what it is. 

“Whiskeys and others.” The alpha shrugs. 

“Dad!” He glares menacingly at Toji. So that’s why his dad keeps disappearing and not goading Gojo whenever he’s visiting. 

“What’s going on?” Maki’s voice from his phone snaps his attention back to the actually important issue at hand.

“Pests.” Megumi answers while glaring at both alpha. “So how’s it, Maki?” 

“We have a name but I think we’ll get more later. Zenin Mizuno. But the thug isn’t sure because he accidentally heard them. The commissioner didn’t say any name. Just place, the kids picture and money. Isn’t Mizuno from the old factions?” She confirms.

“He is.” Megumi glowers. “How many kids did they try to take?” 

“One.” She responds. “But they said they’re allowed to get more if they can, so there must be others who conspired with him.” 

“Tsk.” He grits his teeth.

“Either they want to take their kids back, or they’re trying to frame us.” She gives her opinion. “If they’re kidnapped, they can start a riot, demanding the other kids to be given back because the Foundation can’t ensure their safety.” 

“Most probably it’s the latter.” Megumi rubs his temple. “This incident is enough to start a rumour against us.” 

“We’ll figure it out more when I arrive.” Maki agrees. “As long as these thugs are in our hands, it should be okay.” 

“Okay. I’ll handle other things from here. See you soon.” He cuts the call. 

“Dad, you’ll interrogate those people after this. I want complete answers from them, even to the tiniest detail.” Megumi orders. “And Gojo-san.” He turns to the other alpha. “As you can see, I’m busy. So go back for today.” 

“Can’t I stay?” Gojo coaxes with a familiar, annoying grin on his face. Megumi knows this expression very well. The alpha won’t back down until he gets what he wants. 

But he can’t.

He has a hunch this will turn really ugly and he doesn’t want Gojo to be here. 

For now.

And so he utters the magic word. “Please.” 

The earnest request on Megumi’s expression astonishes Gojo. He looks long and hard on Megumi’s guarded jade eyes and he sighs. 

“Okay, as you wish.” Gojo concedes. “But I will ask for compensation later.” 

“We’ll see.” Megumi answers. 

Suffice to say, he and Maki are not amused in the slightest bit when it’s revealed that those lowlifes barely know anything. Even under the merciless hands of his dad, the information is barely enough. All the evidence they managed to trace is pointed to Mizuno only. The other sides are being careful. No motives, nothing. It’s like he’s the black sheep if this operation fails.

But one judgment is better than none. 

“What do you want to do?” Maki asks him as they’re sitting in their office. 

“We shouldn’t really get involved in this directly but…” Megumi sighs. Not everything has to be done by him or Maki. They have their own judgement system for the clan’s members with their trusted people, but this feels personal. 

“The Foundation’s existence should be prioritized.” Maki says. “There are too many lives hanging on that organization now. Should we go the hard route?” 

“A warning?” Megumi looks up to her. “Aren’t we playing right into their hands then?”

“From the outside view, the culprit is someone from our own faction.” She says. “It’s bad either way. We have to think about your position on the board too. Putting Yaga, an outsider as the head, is already hard enough. If the other side used this chance to push for a change of leadership in the Foundation...” 

Megumi rubs his face in annoyance. “Fine. Let’s go hard for this once.” 

The alpha fishes out her phone and calls her attendant. 

“We’re doing an emergency meeting regarding the recent attack. Summon everyone.” Maki orders. 

“Let me go!” Zenin Mizuno struggles as he’s being knocked down by the guards. “You can’t do this to me!”

“Ah, the troublemaker finally arrives.” Megumi says coldly. It takes them a while, but they manage to round up everyone, along with said black sheep of the whole operation who tried to run away. 

“Zenin Mizuno is the culprit of the attack?” One of their advisors confirms. They’re being gathered in the back garden, just like years ago. 

“Yes.” Maki replies just as coldly.

“It’s not an attack! I just want to get my child back!” Mizuno defensively yells.

So this is how they want to go, Megumi thinks. 

“By renting thugs, doing an invasion into a building full of other children and endangering them all, smearing the Foundation and the Zenin’s name on the community?” Megumi asks. “Launching an attack into the Foundation is a direct attack to me. To Maki.” He challenges. 

“It’s because Megumi-sama is taking all of our children.” He hisses. 

“Zenin Izumo stayed by his own volition. I’m not chaining or holding him against his will.” His eyes harden. “Isn’t already saying something when all those children are choosing to be under our care instead of their own parents?” 

“But Megumi-sama, Maki-sama, I agree with Mizuno-san.” An old man in his fifties speaks. “You can’t possibly take all of Zenin’s children from their parents.” 

“As I stated earlier, I didn’t.” He turns his head towards him. “All of the children in the Foundation are there by their own volitions.”

“In Mizuno-san’s case, his child was taken even before he signed the request of liberation.” Another man voices out. “His methods are unfavorable, but he has the right to meet his child. How could he meet his son if you enforce the rule of forbidding their meeting?” 

“And had you listened or paid attention, Izumu-san,” Megumi starts. “I will gladly arrange a meeting between you and your children if I see fit and said children agree to it.” He condescendingly says. “There are a few parents who managed to see their children again. If you can’t, then probably it’s your own fault for making your children hate you that much.” 

“But it’s still-” 

“Then do you know the reason why Megumi took his son away?” Maki cuts him off. 

Everyone got silent. 

“I have clearly, specifically ordered that any rules regarding the women and the children are absolute and only permissible with prior discussion with me and Maki.” Megumi says loudly. “He broke that rule and that’s why his son was taken away from his guardianship.”

“Then this case should be forwarded to our internal system, there’s no need for Megumi-sama and Maki-sama to get involved like this.” Another man speaks up, someone who is actually on their side. “Let our system and the jujutsu system judge him for all the crimes he has done.” 

“Oh, there’s no need.” Megumi says. 

His hand moves faster than anyone can anticipate. When people around them realize what's happening, the weapon is already withdrawn from his shadow.

One second it's still in his hand, another it's already impaled in Mizuno’s body. Megumi looks down as he watches Izumo’s father foolishly take out the blade in his throat. It doesn’t take long for blood to gush out from his wound. He roughly coughs it out too. 

Chills and silence envelops the area.

“That should be the case. But it seems that some people have forgotten their place. Let this be our final warning.” Maki looks straight at everyone who is witnessing it. “Our rules are absolute. If you want to appeal or discuss this, then go to us directly like a civilized human.” 

“We will not tolerate any disobedience anymore. If we catch any of you pulling something like this again, I’ll make sure to slice your throat off instead of this kindness.” Megumi coldly ends. “Dismissed.” 

Megumi turns his head toward Mizuno. “We will see if you’ll live long enough to get your son’s forgiveness and be a worthy father to him. Because I have no use of someone who has disobeyed our rule twice.”

“Kindness.” Toji ponders silently. Such an innocent word for something so bloody. But he supposes, he has a hand in making his son this cold-blooded. 

How could he not? 

Megumi has to survive at all costs. Even if it means using this cursed clan name for the time being. 

A year and eight months ago

“You’re too sloppy.” Toji says while slamming a wooden sword to Megumi’s side arms, earning a pained cry from the omega. 

“Too slow.” He continues, relentlessly attacking his son with ease, while Megumi’s forced on his defenses constantly. Even then, the alpha still manages to mercilessly hit any part of the omega's body. 

“Who do you think you are, trying to stage a coup with this skill?” The older man says as he kicks his son strongly on the chest. The impact makes Megumi fly back for a couple of meters before he regains his footing. 

Megumi coughs out blood as his chest- no,  his ribs, throbs painfully. “I am Megumi and it’s not that fucking easy.” He spats out the remaining blood from his mouth and wipes it off from his lips. His hand slips into his shadow and takes out his wooden tonfas. 

“You’re still full of openings. You can’t summon your shikigami immediately, the weapons in your shadows are useless. How the hell did you survive this far?” Toji mocks. “Would you even still be alive if it’s not for me and your friends?” 

“Stop saying shit about me.” Megumi runs to Toji and powerfully swings his right arm. The wooden tonfa clashes against Toji’s wooden sword, but the younger is forced to retreat when his stomach is punched. 

“What the fuck?” He hisses. 

“You’re too focused on one side and not paying attention to the others.” He lectures. “Again.” 

“Gladly.” Megumi mutters as he attacks his dad once more. Like instructed, he balances his attack on both sides but Toji still easily breaks his tonfas and he’s forced to retreat once again. 

“When your weapon is destroyed, you should immediately rely on your shikigami.” Toji speaks as he attacks Megumi with his bare hand. “Or get a new weapon.” He adds after a while. 

The head of Zenin’s clan just hisses with annoyance since whenever he’s about to pull another weapon from his shadow or summon Kon, his dad always interrupts him with his attack.

“See. The gap moment between summoning your shikigami and taking a weapon out is too long. I can already kill you within those precious three seconds.” He sighs disappointedly. “Your doppelganger-like brat can manifest his curse instantly. You have to be able to do it too.” 

“Again, it’s not that fucking simple.” Megumi pants painfully. Toji seems to hit his lungs too. Gojo was a Sparta when he trained him, but Toji is actually the head of Sparta in that regard. “Yuuta-senpai’s different.” 

“I’m just saying from my perspective. No need to become a hissy bitch, just say that you can’t.” He shrugs. “Who do you think you are, Omega?” Toji gives him a condescending look. “Such a weak little thing. No one will wait you to summon yout shikihami. Your enemies aren’t cursed spirits anymore, they're jujutsu sorcerers.” He says as he puts his wooden sword on his shoulders. “You can’t even fight for your dignity as an omega. Pathetic.” 

“You-” Megumi snarls angrily. He runs to his dad while taking out whatever weapon he grabs first. His hands take a hold of steel tonfa and he slams them to Toji.  “I’m Megumi and you’re an asshole.” He curses as Toji’s wooden sword finally breaks against the steel’s impact. 

“What has that alpha brat been teaching you anyway? You should’ve mastered this ages ago.” Toji calmly says as if they’re on the veranda with tea and talking about the weather rather than sparring. 

Megumi clenches his teeth in annoyance. His metal tonfa blazes as they’re fused with his cursed energy. 

“Oh nice. You’re finally trying.” The alpha smirks. “Let’s see how many seconds you can survive, Megumi.” 

Chapter Text

Megumi stretches his neck as his feet pads out from the wet tile of the bathroom. The fogs from the hot shower are coming out into the bedroom, before he slides the thick, wooden door close. His feet are making faint, wet marks on the tatami floor as he walks into his closet.

When he comes in, he’s greeted with the sight of a light grey kimono with darker grey haori and almost whitish-grey hakama. They’re hung perfectly on the hanger, along with the accessories on the table next to it. He takes a brief look at the attire his attendant has carefully prepared and continues his way into the open wardrobe. 

Unlike five years before, he has a wider range of clothing. They aren’t only consist of monochrome shirts, pants, sweatpants and sweatshirts, but more colorful clothing articles of multiple kinds. His eyes scan the whole room before they stop at the wardrobe that houses his semi-formal wear. He pulls a navy shirt from the hanger and puts it on, rolling the sleeve enough to show the tattoo on his wrist. A plain black pants follows suit along with black metal bracelet that Tsumiki gifted to him last year. 

Megumi takes a look in the mirror. He tilts his head, before walking back to where the glass drawer of his accessories is placed. Another scan of his eyes and he settles on a simple gold chain and hooks it up on each end of his collar. It’s not too thin nor too thick, just enough for people to see and compliment his attire, but not flashy enough to warrant an unwanted look. 

Finding his appearance is proper enough, he leaves the closet and goes back to the main bedroom. He takes out his wallet, a box of milk candies, and his phone out of his shadow. His phone remains in his hand while the others are pocketed accordingly. Its notification light steadily blips in green, as if urging him to check on the multiple messages he has received. 

Just in case, Megumi unlocks his phone and skims on the notifications. Noticing that none are urgent or needs his dire attention, he locks it back and does a light stretching of his body. The phone keeps vibrating in his hand and Megumi pointedly ignores them. Having his body and muscles pulled enough, he finally slides his door open and walks out from his private quarter. The morning sun hits his face in the corridor as he walks toward his dining room. 

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.

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“Morning.” Megumi greets his other co-head. The pleasant scent of freshly made breakfast wafts into his nose as he sits across Maki. 

Maki looks up from her phone. “Mor-”. Her greeting stopped abruptly as stun is painted on her face upon seeing the younger man. A moment passes, before she continues composedly. “Morning.” 

Silence descends between them as their attendants are busy fixing and bringing his meal. Within minutes, they finally bow and leave their heads alone to enjoy their breakfast. The sound of utensils being moved around echo in the room with the occasional vibration from each of their respective phones. 

“Megumi, Nobara bought you some Yukiyakonko.” Maki says as she reads the messages.

“She’s in Hokkaido?” Megumi looks up from his meal. 

“Yeah. She also tells you to, as I quote, read your damn chat.” Maki chuckles. 

“I will later.” He sighs. “When will she get back?” 

“Her flight is in the late afternoon. Around two I think?” Maki puts another piece of meat into her mouth.

Megumi ponders for a while. “Can you please ask her if she can buy some Sanpouroku and Nama Caramels?” 

“How many do you want?” Maki asks him. 

“Two Sanpouroku and enough Nama Caramels for the children?” His tone goes up as he mentally calculates them. “Thirty to be safe? I’ll transfer the money.” 

“I’ve told her to buy some of the kitkats for the children.” Maki says, but keeps on typing on her phone. “She said we’re lucky that she loves us.”

“A yes then?” Megumi smiles.

“Yep.” The alpha confirms.

Another silence fills the space between them as they focus back on their breakfast.

“You’re going to be nagged.” Maki comments offhandedly, but her eyes are trained on the omega.

“They already did.” Megumi replies, his eyes staring back at Maki’s calmly, unafraid.  

“They really like to doll you up with the kimonos.”  Maki responds. 

“Both of us, actually.” Megumi revises as he gestures to the outfit the alpha is wearing.

“I know.” Maki says with a grimace. 

Maki surreptitiously looks at Megumi with concealed worry, as yet this will be another day where her co-head is wearing another semi-formal normal attire, as opposed to his usual traditional garbs. He’ll only concede to changing his clothes back to the kimono if there’s a formal meeting, but his first attire of the day will always be like this. 

Slight unease blooms in her chest.

The lift dings faintly as Gojo walks into the deserted corridor of his new penthouse in Kyoto. He cracks his arm and barely holds out a yawn, when he notices there’s a medium-sized paper bag being placed right in front of his door. 

Curious but guarded, he slowly comes near said mysterious item. It’s a simple brown paper bag and looks unsuspicious enough, so he cut off the little duct tape that closes it up. 

Much to his surprise, there are three round, dimsum-basket look alike with its brand plastered bright and wide across each of them. He takes them out and there are another two rectangle boxes with white and light brown color splashes around it.

His nose faintly catches a barest whiff of the pheromones he craves for every day, every night. 

That’s when he notices a small, plain grey rectangular greeting card. With bated breath, for his nose couldn’t be possibly wrong but there’s no way this is happening, Gojo takes out the card. 

On it, there’s a very familiar scratch of writing. 

“Don’t eat them in one go.” 

His exhaustion vaporizes in an instant and he freezes. His mind is racing in endless possibilities. 

There’s no way he’s mistaken, since this written card is an undeniable proof. 

Gojo bites his lips and tugs on their rope once. 

Ten seconds turns into a minute and he counts for exactly ten minutes before he sighs in disappointment. 

“It’s okay.” He mumbles. 

Baby steps. 

He’ll just need to earn the right again, as Megumi said. 

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The alpha has just put the sweets on his bed, when he feels a responding tug back. 

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In the silence of the vast and luxurious apartment, an empty box of Sanpouroku is lying still in the trash bin, while the other is being put safely in his fridge. Two of the round dimsum-basket-like packages of sweets are still perfectly sealed, with the other item on the nightstand, half eaten. 

.

That night, Gojo sleeps with less restlessness and worry in his heart. 

“Morning, Maki.” Megumi greets after he slides the door of their office open. 

“You skipped breakfast.” She answers with a stamp ready on her right hand. After re-checking that everything is okay, Maki pushes the stamp onto the paper, and puts it on the accepted piles. “Have you at least eaten anything?” She asks. 

“I’ve told the attendant to bring me some coffee and bread.” Megumi replies while walking to his desk.

Maki takes a brief look at the omega. “You’re wearing the kimono again.” She comments as her eyes never leave the papers in her hands.

“I don’t feel like being nagged today.” Megumi yawns as he takes a seat on the plush chair. He eyes the five red maps in his desk with interest. 

“Nightmare?” The alpha asks, concern is dripping from her voice. Years of being constantly on guard has trained them to take any rest whenever and wherever they can and she remembers Megumi has been turning in earlier than usual these past few days. To rest he said. So the yawn is completely mismatched with the supposed facts, and there are only a handful of possibilities for it. 

“No.” Megumi denies and starts to sort out the maps he needs to check for the day. “I just couldn’t fall asleep and my dad’s being a prick over it.” 

“Do you need more of my clothes?” Maki offers. She’s been briefly explained by Toji about Megumi’s current needs for a pseudo nest that can give him a sense of security. 

“No, it’s enough.” Megumi refuses politely. “And it’s not because of that, don’t worry.” He eyes the short stack of papers and whatnot on both of their desks. “It’s nice that things truly have started to calm down.” 

“Yeah. It’s a nice change of pace.” Maki replies indifferently. She takes another look at the omega, before she opens her mouth. “Megumi.” She calls him and puts her hands on her chin.

“Hm?” He responds without looking at her. 

“Do you have something you need to tell me?” Maki asks point blank.

At this, Megumi looks up to see Maki’s eyes staring right at him. He blinks for a while. “No, I don’t.” He replies collectedly. 

“Okay. I’ll hold you on to that.” 

Another day, another work he needs to do.

Megumi listlessly stares at the opened black map in his hand. Inside of it, lies a single paper. 

“Request of Reestablishment of the Hei of the Zenin Clan”

His eyes then fall to another opened black map on his desk, among red maps that are still waiting for him to check. 

“Request of Establishment of Private Hei Squad of Zenin Megumi”

There are two, almost identical requests that are waiting on him this morning. One for the clan, another for his own personal use. One that’s coming from the general clan members, another that’s coming from sorcerers whose loyalties are known to him and Maki. 

He eyes the exact same two black maps on Maki’s desk among other red maps as well. The alpha is still out in Kyoto for a morning meeting with some consultants for their clan’s side-businesses. 

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Megumi discards one request to the rejected pile while another is pushed to their future tray for discussion.

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When the same map with the same request appears again on the next day, Megumi ignores them. 

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“Maki-sama! Megumi-sama!” Childish squeals echo loudly in the hall area as the alpha - omega heads are walking side to side. 

“Hey kids.” Maki crouches to be on their eye level and they immediately swarm around her. “Have you been well?” 

Chorus of affirmation echoes and she chuckles. 

“Maki-neechan! I like the candy! They’re delicious!” One of the children peeps out and is followed with another chorus of yes and excited chatters. 

“Is that so?” Maki laughs. 

Megumi, who has summoned his rabbits to entertain these kids, watches in fondness how Maki has become well-acquaintance with the kids. Both of them are quite reluctant at first, they’re not exactly child-safe or child-material in the first place, especially Maki. Thus the alpha is only close to the older kids, the ones who are already in their junior high or enrolled in Jujutsu High, unlike him who managed both sides of the spectrum. 

However, after some time and some nudges from him, Maki steadily bonded with the little children and it relieved him. 

“Megumi-sama. Maki-sama. Welcome.” The head of the facility bows to them. 

“Ishiki-san.” Megumi greets back. “Where are the children?” He asks while patting the head of a child who is clinging to his jeans adorably. 

“They’re in the other meeting room with Yaga-san.” He explains.

“Ah, he’s already here?” Megumi says. He kindly pats the child for the last time before he asks to be let go. The child just nods and joins the others who are playing around with Kuro. He follows the attendant, with Maki soon following behind them. 

They’re here today to check on the recent batch of kids they took. He doesn’t know whether to be relieved or to be worried that they only found three troubled children amongst a couple of dozen they summoned a few days ago. They also don’t know whether it’s because the last threat they pulled has finally drilled into these egoistic parents’ minds or is it because these parents with a single child aren’t as greedy and as bad as the rest that he knows of. 

Hopefully, it’s the latter. He feels like the parents from these three children aren’t actually bad. 

There’s still time to salvage and fix things between them.

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The omega quietly slips into the balcony as exhaustion seeps into his body. Another yawn escapes him as he stretches his back. The gentle wind sweeps his face and his hair as he faces the quiet greenery of the backyard, where it also faces the rest of the city of Nara. 

As usual, his phone has been vibrating constantly from Gojo’s relentless messages. He skims the numerous chats, replies to some of his questions and responds to some of the images he sent.

Not too long after he sent his replies, his phone immediately rings. “Gojo Satoru” is displayed bright and clear on the screen. Megumi leans his back on the railing and stares at his phone for some time. His thumb rests on the reject button as he watches the faint 3D effect of the call screen, unsure whether to take it or not. Another few seconds passes before he slides to the right and the call is connected. 

“Megumii! Why did you take so long-” Gojo’s happy chatter swiftly echoes in the open area. 

A smile adorns his face when he hears the alpha’s voice. The fact that he can hear Gojo’s voice just from a simple phone call unwillingly gives him some kind of comfort, in comparison to years before, where everything was so uncertain and the void of the alpha left was so big, too big. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be on a mission, Gojo-san?” He calmly replies. 

“Heh.” Megumi can imagine the dismissive expression Gojo has. “It’s an easy peasy mission. I barely break a sweat.” 

“And yet you’re staying in Fukuoka for the remainder of the day.” Megumi lightly teases. 

“Do you miss me, Megumi?” The alpha’s voice turns deep and suave as the noisy background turns fainter. 

“You wish.” He says with no heat in his tone. 

“Of course.” Gojo affirms. “I miss you so much, Megumi. So much you have no idea.” Gojo whispers.  

“You saw me last night, Gojo-san.” Megumi says while looking up to the gentle light of the late afternoon in the clear sky.

“It’s different. Seeing you on the screen is different from having you here with me.” The alpha continues. “I want to hear your voice directly, smell you, see you.” His voice gets deeper and Megumi can feel he’s starting to get affected. “Touch you, Megumi. I want to touch you where no one else has ever done. Mark you. Claim you. Mate you.” 

“You do?” Megumi says coolly, but the rising heat on the back of his neck and ears are unmistakable. “What makes you so sure I haven’t been touched, Gojo-san? Or won’t even do it now?” He taunts. 

“Because I will kill them, Megumi.” Gojo composedly replies, but Megumi knows the threat is very much real and valid. “I will rip them away from you and spare no one. Alpha, Beta, Omega, I don’t care. So tread carefully, Megumi-chan.”

“You’re not above persecution, Gojo-san.” Megumi reminds him. There’s a tinge of shame in him for knowing that the omega in him sings joyously at the vulgar display of territorial possessiveness. 

Maybe he’s starting to become twisted himself. 

“Want to test it out?” Gojo challenges him back. 

“I’m not keen on visiting you in the jail, thank you.” He replies.

“Megumi…” Gojo whines. “You’re so mean. Can’t you just say that you miss me? Or respond to my tugs properly!” 

“Hmm…” Megumi dodges. “What will you do if I say that I miss you?” He purposely teases the alpha. 

“I’m coming back right this instant.” Gojo’s excited tone is hard to miss. “My dear Megumi is missing me after all. I’ll go straight to Nara-” 

“Goodbye, Gojo-san.” Megumi says without confirming or refuting anything and disconnects the call. 

His worries and heavy mind momentarily vanishes as he holds on to the faint warmth and happiness he felt earlier. He closes his eyes and rests himself from everything and anything, giving him a space to breathe.

Megumi senses him before hearing his voice. “Was that Satoru?” Yaga asks as he stands beside him on the balcony. 

“Yes.” Megumi acknowledges and opens his eyes. “Is Maki still with them?” 

“Yes, she’s still talking with the kids.” The alpha nods. “Have you thought about the request of shelter from the outsiders?” He asks. 

“I do. We do.” Megumi replies. “In addition to this batch, we are already stretching as thin as it is. Once we approve, I fear there will be floods of incoming requests from the outside and we won’t be able to handle that.” He shakes his head. “But at the same time, we can’t possibly leave them to fend off themselves.” 

“It’s only natural. It has gotten bigger than you thought.” Yaga voices out his observation. “What you thought as a saving boat turns out to be a fortress that must not fall at all cost.”

“Yeah, it is.” The omega painfully admits. “It exceeded all of our estimation and the businesses and investments we made to support the Foundation haven’t fully settled yet.” He sighs. “But once the gears are fully running, it should be fine. We just need to buy some time.” 

“There’s also a rumor circulating that the purpose of the Foundation is for creating your own private army.” Yaga says. “People who will undoubtedly grow up with life-long loyalty to you and Maki.” 

“Ridiculous.” Megumi harshly denies. “They are children.” 

“Children who can see curses, whom you saved. Children who will wield a technique sooner or later. It’s not hard to assume that their allegiance will fall to you.” Yaga states as a matter of fact.

“They probably can see them, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll inherit any technique. Half of them are still in elementary school, Yaga-san.” Megumi coldly declares. ”All of them might not become sorcerers too.” Megumi continues with the same heat.  

“And yet, the mere sight of you having light injuries has made them very protective and proactive.” Yaga disagrees. 

“They see me as this authoritative big brother.” He excuses. 

“You can’t control their loyalty, Megumi.” Yaga kindly but sternly says.

“And that’s where your role is supposed to be, Yaga-san.” Megumi turns his head to the older man. “You have to unshackle them completely from Zenin’s influence and paradigm. That’s your duty as the head of the Foundation.”

“Yet as I said, their loyalties don’t lay with the Zenin itself, but two of its heads.” Yaga responds calmly. “Just like you, Yuuji, Yuuta and others fought and sacrificed so much for Satoru, they’re just going to do the same thing for you.” 

Megumi is instantly reminded of the request that always comes by his desk without fail for the past couple of days despite the multiple rejection. He turns his head to the ceramic flooring. “I don’t want that. I barely know anything. I’m not a hero and definitely not someone they can look up to.” 

Yaga hums in understanding. “You’re still young. Although you’re far more mature and dependable than Satoru back then.” He chuckles. “But Megumi,” His voice turns serious again. “It doesn’t lessen the things you have achieved. The efforts you have poured. The skills you have acquired. Also, do you know?” He continues.

“People who don't want the throne are actually the best people for it.” He declares, while looking straight at the head of the Zenin Clan.

“That’s a terrible metaphor, Yaga-san.” Megumi responds plainly. 

Yaga lets out another chuckle. “You look good in those traditional clothes, Megumi.” He says. “More than you think. It fits you.” He pats the omega’s shoulder, before he walks out from the balcony and back into the building. Leaving the omega alone with his thoughts. 

On the next occasion where Gojo can finally visit Megumi, he finds the omega slumbering peacefully in Zenin's inner pavilion. Far deeper than the one he ever ventured into without getting caught by said omega. 

He notices Toji is sitting nearby like a vicious, silent guard dog. Staring and weighing whether he’s a friend or a foe. He just nods at him, gesturing that he has brought the bribes. The resurrected alpha stands up and leaves the room, but not without giving him a silent warning. Gojo rolls his eyes, but he focuses his attention back to Megumi. 

Megumi, who looks like he’s been running haggard with how apparent his eye bags are. He also looks like he’s gotten thinner than the last time he saw him. The barely-there pinchable cheeks he loves so much are completely gone now. There’s also a frown on his face, as if even in his sleep, he’s still unable to completely rest. 

This won’t do. He idly thought as he carefully placed himself beside Megumi. Slowly, he pushes his own calming pheromone, gradually replacing Toji’s pheromones that’s been blanketing the whole room. He wants to rub the frown away, but he’s afraid it will just rouse the omega from his obviously much needed sleep. 

Satisfaction fills his heart when he sees how Megumi unconsciously sniffs the change of pheromones, takes a deep breath before turning his body closer to the source and moves into a more comfortable position. The frown on his face is gone. 

A small smile adorns his face as he watches the steady up and down of the omega’s chest. The movement is very visible under the thin shirt as opposed to the multiple layers of kimono he usually wears. 

So lean, thin and so fragile.

Melancholy and wants also surges in at the sight of vulnerability that has been presented in front of him. Had this been four, five years ago, he could have easily laid beside Megumi. Touches him, embraces him. Gives him direct skin-to-skin comfort, blanket him not only in his pheromones, but also the warmth from his body. He wants to comb his finger among Megumi’s hair. Rubs his hand on the omega’s smaller back. Let him sleep on his chest, for his infinity is an absolute guarantee that he will forever be safe in his arms.

Both him and the alpha yearns to provide for Megumi, his dear mate. To take care of him. To be the one he turns to, like he used before. 

Megumi may have started to allow him to touch him physically, but he hasn't let him in completely. He still has no idea why Megumi developed the sudden sweet tooth. He wouldn't ever know about the Foundation's struggle if it's not for Yaga. He would never know about Megumi’s apparent lack of appetite if he didn’t hear it passingly from some attendants who were worried for him. He wouldn’t know that he’s been craving for some of Kyoto's signature pickled vegetables if he didn’t catch Okkotsu who were packing them up so one of the Zenin’s attendants can pick it up. 

The last one baffled him so much because he’s been going back and forth to Nara and Megumi couldn’t simply ask him to buy them for him? 

Gojo’s not going to lie, he got intensely jealous that day. It burned in his veins for the whole day, especially when he knew it’s Okkotsu and not just random low alpha. He couldn’t help but see his ex-student as an unwanted competitor and got so snappy that not even hours-long spar with him could recede the negative feeling. It only faded when Megumi finally accepted his video-call that night. Megumi, who showed his innocent face and gave equally innocent but logical excuses when he confronted him about it. 

The jealousy may subsides, but the hurt remains. 

Why would Megumi ask for other alpha’s help but not himself? How could another alpha buy him things and cater to his wish, but not him? 

Him, his actual alpha. 

He’s been trying so hard to integrate himself back into Megumi’s life. Despite the progress he thought he had made, he feels like Megumi is still so far away. Unreachable, untethered. His gifts are still essentially -for all purposes- rejected. His willingness to service and pamper the omega is ignored. Like their growing closeness isn’t going into the direction that he wants. A mere fluke to appease him. 

Desperation has started to grate on his nerves and he’s not sure how long he can play the good guy anymore.

He’s afraid.

Afraid that Megumi will be gone before he can anchor him back. 

He genuinely hopes he won’t need to resort to drastic measures to keep the omega on his side, as his.

“I’m here, Megumi.” Gojo mouths off the words he can’t voice out. “I’m already here. See me. Choose me.” He continues. His hand itches badly, wanting to touch the omega. To wake him up and see the jade eyes focus solely on him.

His only alpha. 

“Come back to me.” 

When Megumi woke up, it’s already night time. 

The door of the pavilion is closed, with his dad leaning on the closed door, eyes also shut close. He feels strangely refreshed- 

He looks down to see a very familiar coat covering his whole body. It reeks of Gojo’s pheromones. 

No, the pheromone is all around the room. Gojo’s calming scent is infused in every breath that he takes. How long did he stay in here, pushing his pheromones until it can get this dense? No wonder it feels like he’s coming-

Megumi grips the coat in his hands. 

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.

.

If Toji notices the coat is under the numerous other articles of his and Maki’s clothing that night, he doesn’t comment on it. 

Maki puffs out the smoke in her mouth, where it quickly gets carried away by the wind. With her elbows on the railing, the alpha absentmindedly stares at the vast view of Kyoto cities from the fifth floor of their Headquarter. Her mind is troubled and her heart ripples in unwillingness. In the back of her mind, it constantly tries to find a way, a method. 

Anything.

“You look like you’re having constipation.” Mai comments as she leans her back on the railing beside her twin sister.

“You seem to be very experienced in that area, Mai.” Maki jabs back while puffing another smoke. 

“Thanks to you.” The omega snaps back with a sigh. She looks at Maki and stretches her right arm. Her fingers tentatively touch the alpha’s short jagged bangs. Receiving no backlash or rejection, she pushes them deeper and now gently stroking her hair. 

Maki releases a deep sigh as her back and shoulder slouch. She doesn’t even realize that they have gone really stiff. 

“I miss your long hair.” Mai says softly. “You should grow it back. No one will question your influence anymore.” 

“I’m already used to this. It’ll be a pain to revert back.” Maki responds. 

Mai hums. “What’s been troubling your mind?” She probes. They might not always be able to meet each other, with her reluctance to come back to Nara with Naoya there and how she’s practically settled down in Kyoto, but she can still recognize the distress Maki feels underneath her tough, multi-layered exterior. 

“Things.” Maki replies, refusing to elaborate. “I feel like I’m a hypocrite.” 

“And why would it bother you?” Mai replies. “Being a hypocrite is the least sinful among what we have done. What you have done.” 

“Because it matters now. The stake. The person. I don’t want to lose them.” Maki whispers. “I want to hold on to them and never let them go, at least not where I can’t see them. What can I do to make them stay?” She exhales. 

“You can’t domesticate wolves who don’t want to be domesticated. You alpha always think that you own the world.” Mai says slowly. “You can chain them and I know you’re tempted to do that but you know you can’t, Maki. All you can do right now is to make the nest, make them comfortable and just pray that they won’t leave.” 

“Mai.” She turns her head and faces her sister. “They’re-”

“Our families. The only ones that matter.” She finishes. She can feel the pain Maki is experiencing with how it is clearly being mirrored on her marred face. The fear, the growing anxiety. “Unless Gojo can successfully chain Megumi to him, it’s inevitable and you have to be prepared for that.” 

Maki throws her face to the side. Reluctance and frustration changes her pheromones to become bitter.

“He will start to arrange his life to fully settle down sooner or later. All we are doing right now is racing against the time. Will Gojo succeed first, or will it be our dear Megumi who will reach the finish line first?”

Chapter Text

“Megumi?” Yuuta says slowly without looking at the younger man.  

“Yes, Senpai?” The one who’s being called responds just as calmly, while his gaze is focused on the procession in front of them. 

They’re currently in Kamo’s Main Hall, attending the coronation of its new head. With the almost U-like layout in the big hall, they’re seated on the first inner layer, giving them a clear view of the procession, befitting of their important status. 

“Please have mercy on me.” Yuuta whispers. 

“Whatever you’re talking about?” Megumi lets out a small, appreciative smile as the beautiful dance ritual comes to an end. 

“You know what I’m talking about.” The older one almost begs, as he bears the unamused gaze that’s being thrown to him from their north-west side. 

“Perhaps.” Megumi hums. 

“Yet still you drag me to be killed by Gojo-sensei.” Yuuta grimaces. 

“You’re exaggerating, Senpai.” Megumi denies. 

“Megumi.” The alpha whines quietly. “The place where he slammed me last week still hurts, you know.”

The omega blinks and turns his head to the right. “Oh, where did he hit you?” He curiously asks. 

“Here.” Yuuta automatically touches his upper left arm. The bruises have faded, but he’s not lying when he said it still hurts. 

A jealous Gojo Satoru is a force to be reckoned with. 

Megumi lifts his right hand and rubs the place where Yuuta put his hand earlier, before ending it with a soft kiss on it. “Poof, the pain should be gone now.” He whispers with a barely concealed mirth on his face. 

“Megumii…” Yuuta cries out quietly as the glare gets more intense. 

“Serves you right.” Megumi scoffs lightly. “I know you are conspiring with Maki to make me attend this today.” 

“What are you talking about?” Yuuta innocently says. 

“You shouldn’t have bothered to lie if you’re doing it half-heartedly like this, Yuuta-senpai.” Megumi replies. 

“Or maybe it’s because I don’t wish to lie to you.” The alpha admits. “Also, the tension in Kyoto starts to get a little too much because of your constant refusal of him.” 

“I didn’t refuse him. Additionally, Gojo-sensei isn’t that type of a person.” Megumi raises his eyebrow. The older man always looks fine when he’s in front of him, what’s the alpha talking about? 

“To you.” Yuuta sighs. “It’s a little bit crazy at the Headquarters. He’s venting all of his frustration to the curses and the damage is…” He shakes his head lightly. 

Megumi hums in understanding. “He’s an adult, so you should talk it out personally with him. And I’m not supposed to attend this in the first place, with me being an untethered omega. Kamo’s elders are still badgering mine for some kind of political marriage and I already dread the time I have to greet them after this.” He sighs in distaste. Additionally, most of the guests are either alpha or beta, with the former dominating the percentage. The mixed pheromones are a little bit too much for his sensitive nose. He’s been clinging to Yuuta or his dad to drown out the others’ foul scent a little bit, but it doesn’t help that much. 

“That’s why you should’ve formally attended this with Gojo-sensei, not me.” Yuuta replies. “Why can’t you go with him instead? It’s not like he will refuse you.”

“First, I’ve rejected his offer because Maki should’ve been the one to attend in the first place. Imagine my surprise when my attendant prepared a different outfit last night. Figured out Maki must’ve planned something so I reverse uno-ed both of you instead. Second, I haven’t really verbally or physically established anything with him so it will be weird if I come as his plus one. Third, I refuse to suffer because of your scheme with Maki. Naturally, you should be responsible for this.” Megumi explains composedly.

“So I got the short stick?” Yuuta sums it out. 

“Other alphas would have rejoiced in my presence. Or so they said.” The omega shrugs. 

“Yeah, if Gojo-sensei is still sealed and not just a mere ten meters away.” Yuuta mutters lowly while looking up to the ceiling. “You realize you're just fueling the recent rumor of us being together again right?”

This time, Megumi gets genuinely stunned. “What rumor?”

“....Oh God.” 

“You're my advisor, Senpai. We go way back for years. How could people have that conclusion? Again ?” He mutters.

“Both of us are single alpha - omega and people have always seen me with you.” Yuuta points out. “You got claimed by a mysterious alpha that you refuse to announce. Gojo-sensei is finally released and the claim disappeared but there’s no sign of you being with him. The rumor started to flare out again after Gojo-sensei’s hours-long spar with me. Outsiders must have thought we genuinely fought. And now you appear in Kamo’s ceremony with me in tow. It's not hard to assume things.”

“Hmm…” Megumi mulls. “I apologize if Gojo-sensei gives you any hard time after this. I'll take care of it.”

Yuuta raises his eyebrow as a thought crosses his mind. “Are you pushing and pulling him, Megumi?” 

“Not really. In reality, you are my advisor and it’s kind of expected that I will attend things with you.” He shrugs again. 

“Still. Even I won't be pleased if the omega I'm trying to court is being escorted by another alpha.” Yuuta sighs. 

“Even if he's with said father?” Megumi raises his eyebrow.

“I agree with this brat. You’re playing with fire right now.” Toji, who has been sitting and listening silently behind them, interjects quietly. 

“Well you better prepare some fire extinguisher for me then. It’s not that I’m purposefully trying to play him off.” Megumi mutters under his breath. “Everything will be less complicated if I just fall for you, Senpai.” He groans.

A wistful smile fleetingly appears on Yuuta’s face, before it disappears without a trace. “And get killed instantly when Gojo-sensei is released?” Yuuta shudders. “No, thank you. I really don’t think he will make it painless.”

“You're just as strong as him now.” Megumi points out gently. Their attention is snatched when an attendant announces the arrival of the new head. They politely clap their hands when Noritoshi Kamo finally makes his entrance into the hall. 

“You're still originally his to court.” The alpha rebukes, continuing their conversation.  

“And if I desire to have you as my alpha, it means I really have moved on and love you sincerely. Do you think I will just stay silent like a pretty doll for the alphas to win?” Megumi scoffs disdainfully. “If you’re truly killed by his hand in that situation, I heavily doubt I will accept Gojo-sensei again into my life.” 

“That's going to be a pretty interesting situation. An alpha who is defending his claim on his omega versus an alpha who is trying to re-stake his claim.” Toji snickers. 

Megumi turns his head to the back and glares at his dad. “You make me sound like an object.” 

Toji just mockingly lifts both of his hands in surrender. 

“I might be able to go one on one with a normal Gojo-sensei. But I’m not insane enough to face Gojo-sensei whose alpha is let loose without any restraint. He still has years of experience above us.” Yuuta speaks out his opinion. “Megumi.” He calls while retaining a serious tone. 

“Yeah?” 

“Be careful, okay? You can pull Gojo-sensei around but don’t push him until he has to take a drastic measure.” Yuuta warns. “I think it’s okay since it’s me, but if it’s others…” Another shudder passes through him. 

There’s no doubt that the alpha would be six feet under by tonight. 

“Is this a warning, Senpai?” Megumi solemnly asks him. 

Yuuta shakes his head. “An advice. What you're pushing isn't a normal alpha. Gojo-sensei is still of a purebred lineage in the end. A distinctly powerful sorcerer on top of that. Who knows what he might do?” 

“It’s twice now that people have essentially said the same thing to me.” The Zenin’s head ponders amusedly. 

“Then maybe there’s a weight about it that you really should pay attention to.” The alpha advises. 

Their conversation is cut off again when the main agenda of the whole ceremony finally starts. 

“Down boy.” 

Gojo hears his long-time best friend whisper from his side. He throws a questioning stare toward her. 

“You’ve been staring at Megumi-kun for a while.” Shoko chuckles. “He’s not going anywhere. Relax.” 

“I didn’t.” He replies flatly.

“Right. Then stop glaring at Yuuta-kun too.” She smirks. “You do remember he’s Megumi’s advisor, right?” 

Gojo just hums in reply. 

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you, Satoru.” The doctor adds after a while. 

At this, Gojo just sighs and turns his head back at her. “How come you’re here anyway? I thought Kamo only invited the clan heads’, the executives and his closest aides? Don’t you hate this kind of thing too?” 

“I am invited, you rude boy. Who do you think patched all of them back then?” Shoko tuts. “And I’m here not to attend his coronation per se, but to keep a watch on her.” She gestures to their left.

“Who?” He curiously glances at the line where Megumi and Yuuta are also seated. 

“On the first front seat.” She whispers.

Gojo follows her guidance and soon sees a middle-aged woman who looks quite pale, even with the make up. Her short hair is styled with some expensive-looking accessories.

“Who is that?” He whispers back. 

“Noritoshi-kun’s mother.” She replies. 

“Ah.” Understanding dawns on him. “Wasn’t she exiled when Kamo is being titled as the heir?” He asks. 

“She was.” She nods. “Until Megumi helped to search for her and kept her safe during the internal struggle within the Kamo’s.”

“Megumi did?” Gojo raises his eyebrow. 

“He did.” She confirms. “When he found her, she’s way too sickly. Years of stress from being away from her son and untreated chronic disease takes a toll on her frail body. It takes a while to restore her condition, but she’s far better now albeit still needing to be under strict supervision.” Shoko explains. “I will smack you for real if you get jealous from this, Satoru.” 

“Of course not. I’m not that blind or heartless.” Gojo scoffs. 

“Could’ve fooled me.” She shrugs. 

“Megumi has always been a kind boy deep inside.” Gojo shakes his head. “Despite everything, he must’ve been reminded by his own mother.” 

“Fate is really cruel to the new generation.” Shoko comments. “Most of them have peculiar parents, especially if they’re from the distinctive clans.”

Gojo mulls her opinion for a while. “You’re right. But Megumi and Maki have been trying to change their own, at least.” 

“The Foundation.” She says slowly. “How long do you think it’s going to last, Satoru?” 

“What do you mean, Ieiri?” His voice turns serious. 

“It relies way too heavily on both Megumi-kun and Maki-chan.” Shoko points out. “Or their authority to be specific. What do you think will happen if one or both of them fall?” 

“It won’t happen.” He dismisses her. 

“Our lives are literally the epitome of expect the unexpected.” She gestures at him, reminding him about his own incident. “Well, at least they know they can’t save everyone, I give them that.” She praises. Her hand itches to take her cigarettes. 

“Have you discussed this with them?” He asks. 

“I did. Megumi-kun and Maki-chan are amazing, but they lack experience and insight. Sometimes I think we all forget how young they really are. You should talk to him too.” She hums. “You have plenty of time later.” 

“Maybe I should.” Gojo agrees. 

“Will you depart directly to Nobara-chan’s village after this?” Shoko asks. 

“Yeah, I brought my luggage, but I don’t know about Megumi.” He replies. “We can just pick it up first if he hasn’t.” 

“Use the week you have with Megumi wisely.” She warns.

“Yes, Ma’am.” 

“That’s quite eventful.” Megumi mutters under his breath as they walk towards the corner of the garden, where it’s less crowded with more breathing space. Everyone who is in attendance is now mingling around and greeting the new Kamo’s head clan, while sake and other finger snacks are being distributed by numerous Kamo’s staff. He has dragged both of his dad and Yuuta away as soon as it ended while using them as a makeshift shield as well, in order to avoid the elders who have been eyeing him with great interest. There’s no doubt in his mind that they’re trying to bring up another betrothal agenda. 

Actually, those old geezers should be applaused for their bravery. Most people must’ve known about the whispers that Gojo is trying to court him and yet, they’re still adamant on chasing after his hand. 

“Maybe we should’ve had one for you and Maki.” Yuuta laughs a little. “But less pretentious with shorter duration I hope.” 

“Over my dead body.” The omega grumbles. He has no interest in being dolled up for the sake of something this ridiculous and excessive. His hand reaches into his suit’s pocket and takes out his candy for the day, choco balls. 

Yuuta notices the movement and lifts his hand to have some, which the younger man readily gives him. 

“Say, why do you wear gloves, Megumi?” Yuuta asks before he pops the candies into his mouth. “I thought you hated it?” 

“I hurt my palm last night when I trained. I haven’t got time to go to Shoko-san this morning and it’ll look too conspicuous with bandages.” Megumi explains briefly as he pockets the candy back. 

“Don’t you have a reverse-healer in your place?” A frown mars on Yuuta’s face at the other’s explanation. 

“There is one, but…” Megumi trails off, unsure how to explain it to the alpha. He does have one in the compound, but he’s part of the faction that’s been badgering him about the private squad and he didn’t want to give them any opening to bother him again with the matter. “Nevermind. It’ll heal soon anyway.” 

Yuuta raises his eyebrow at the unusually abrupt, unclear explanation. Megumi might not be as talkative as Itadori or Nobara, but it’s clear that he’s withholding some information from him. 

Maki is right, something is probably going on with Megumi. 

The alpha files the information away and adapts his usual demeanor. “Which hand is it? I will heal it.” He offers kindly. 

“Don’t worry about it, Senpai.” Megumi shakes his head. 

“It’s not a bother, Megumi. Which one is it?” Yuuta insists and takes Megumi’s right hand, where he immediately can feel the layers of bandages underneath the thin black gloves.

Megumi flinches a little at the contact and he’s about to pull his hand from Yuuta’s hold, when they suddenly feel the presence of another. 

The scent is unmistakable too. 

“Megumi. Yuuta. Old man.” Gojo cheerfully greets, but the smile doesn’t reach his eyes nor there is any amusement on his face. 

“Sensei.” Yuuta greets back. 

“Gojo-san.” Megumi coolly replies. 

At the pointed stare, Yuuta finally realizes that he’s still holding the omega’s hand and he immediately drops it, earning another quiet snicker from Toji. 

“I think Yaga is looking for you, Yuuta.” Gojo tilts his head a little. 

Recognizing the apparent dismissal, Yuuta nods. “I’ll look for him.” 

Megumi has the urge to roll his eyes, but he holds himself back. “I’ll see you again, Yuuta-senpai.” 

“Yeah.” The alpha nods, before leaving them three alone. 

“I’m done babysitting too.” Toji adds. 

“Dad.” Megumi hisses, displeased with Toji's betrayal. He probably really should one-up the alpha’s bribe.

“You deal with your own mess this time, kid.” Toji waves his hand before he melts back to his shadow. 

Finally alone with the omega, Gojo immediately comes closer to Megumi. His figure is slightly looming over the younger man, completely hiding him from the public's view.  

“What’s this, Megumi? You won’t go with me but you asked Yuuta to escort you?” Gojo raises his eyebrow. His irritation is clear as the current morning sky. 

“Yuuta-senpai and my dad, actually.” Megumi revises. “I wasn’t lying when I said Maki would be the one who attended this thing when I rejected your offer. I was just as surprised when I realized they were planning something that's involving you, so I merely made the first move before they could.” He explains patiently. “And I thought you won’t attend either?” Megumi throws the question back to the older man. The initial plan is for him and Gojo to depart for Nobara's village this morning, but here they are, stuck in Kamo’s coronation ceremony.

“I rushed here when I was informed that you’re attending this damn event.” Gojo replies, his annoyance is still palpable as he walks even closer to him. His scent is a little bit sour and spicy and the omega in Megumi screeches, wanting to try to appease his angry alpha.

Which, Megumi pointedly, painstakingly ignores. 

The purebred alpha takes his right hand and just like Yuuta, immediately notices the unevenness from the bandages. His ire is immediately forgotten, replaced with concern as he gently holds his injured hand and slowly peels the glove. 

“What happened?” He focuses his attention back to the omega’s face. 

“Some minor mishandling with a weapon.” Megumi admits. “It’s okay.” 

“It looks painful.” Gojo says as he notices the faint red on the bandages. Carefully but skillfully, he rips the bandages away, showing a fresh wound on the palm. His hand glows a little as he concentrates on pushing his reverse-technique. “Don’t you have any healer in Nara?” He inquires while he heals Megumi’s injury.

“I have one, but it’s too troublesome and I don’t feel like being bothered with something I do not wish for.” The explanation is already out of Megumi’s mouth before he can stop it. Something in him halts at the obvious discrepancy of response between Yuuta and Gojo.

“Something you don’t wish for?” Gojo hums gently, probing. 

“It’s… it’s nothing big.” Megumi says. “Don’t worry about it.” 

“You kept saying that but I found myself being worried more whenever you say that.” The alpha sighs as he rechecks his work. He hums satisfiedly when Megumi’s palm is now clear of any wound. 

“Thank you.” Megumi says as he clenches and unclenches his hand. The pain he's been withholding ever since last night has gone without a trace. 

“Let’s greet Kamo and get out of here.” Gojo offers his hand. 

Megumi stares at it tentatively. 

The alpha tilts his head, as if saying what's stopping you all while daring him to ignore his hand. 

Megumi tsk-ed. “Alpha and their egos.” He sighs while circling his arm around Gojo’s. His body is automatically flushed side by side with the older man, earning a pleased hum from him. 

“Your alpha, though.” Gojo happily says, content that Megumi is with him. 

“Hm.” Megumi says shortly. He stops walking midway and prompts Gojo to stop as well. 

“What-”

“Shush.” Megumi shuts him out as he lifts his right wrist and absentmindedly rubs it on the alpha’s exposed neck. 

Goosebumps immediately break on Gojo’s back as the faint scent of Megumi’s pure pheromone mixed with the perfume he wears wafts to his nose. Reluctantly, he feels his ears get hot at the sudden display of subtle possessiveness from the younger man.

“Megumi?” He calls out chokedly. 

“I'm just getting rid of the pheromones that are sticking to you. It smells unpleasant to me.” The omega easily says, unknowing of the somersault that’s happening in Gojo’s mind. 

Gojo blinks a little at the unexpected answers. Earlier, there were some omega of Kamo’s clans and others who tried to talk to him before he could escape, but he didn’t think their scent would stick on to him. 

Huh. 

Doesn’t this mean Megumi is essentially scent-marking him?

“You being flustered is quite cute, Gojo-san.” Megumi smirks, already knowing where the alpha’s train of thought is. “I’m not scent-marking you. Just enough to get rid of their scents.” He reasons. He truly can’t stand the foul pheromones that are sticking to Gojo. 

Teasing the alpha is just an added benefit. 

“You're so sly, Megumi-chan.” Gojo pouts all while staring disdainfully at the omega’s covered neck. 

“There are too many alphas and betas than I’m comfortable with.” Megumi replies while focusing on his task.

Gojo hums in understanding. “I’d have scolded you badly if you came without the cover.” He agrees. “But truly, you should’ve called me first.” 

“I couldn’t. The point was to turn the tide against Maki and Yuuta. I know they meant well, but I don’t like being pulled around without my consent.” The omega apologetically says. “So don’t be harsh on them later. Especially Yuuta. I think they’re just trying to make us get along again.”

Get along is definitely not the right term here, but Gojo keeps him silence. “Alright, alright. As you wish, Megumi but I want compensation.” He says as he leans and asks for his right cheek to be kissed. Instead of a kiss, he squeaks in surprise at the sudden, light slap from the back of Megumi’s hand on his neck.

“We are in public.” Megumi scowls as he takes down his hand. That’s when he really takes a good look at the purebred alpha. 

Clad in a simple black slim-fit shirt with an obviously tailored, deep navy suit with distinct pattern and matched pants, Gojo looks very charming. Added with his usual tinted glasses and some chain-like accessories, they boost his good look even more, if possible. 

“I thought it’s common sense to be less flashy than the host.” Megumi comments idly as they resume their walk and go through the throngs of people. He sticks closer to Gojo as the foul mix of the pheromones hits his nose again. Noticing the discomfort, Gojo pushes more of his scent, enough for Megumi to focus onto but not that strong so it won’t bother other people. 

Or intimidate them, really. 

“It’s not my fault that my physique is very gratifying, Megumi-chan.” Gojo replies confidently. “You can make me wear the cheapest, most ridiculous clothes and I’ll still pull it out flawlessly.” 

Megumi takes a moment to think. Right, he can’t deny that. 

“On the contrary, I’m surprised that you wear so much for a mere coronation.” Gojo says as he pointedly glances up and down. Unlike him who goes for a formal but semi-casual look, Megumi is wearing a three-pieces, with the black coat being draped on his shoulder. He notices how it’s held by some almost-invisible pins, so it won’t fall off. 

“My attendant wouldn’t let me go if I wore less than this.” Megumi sighs at the drama in his room this dawn. “It’s either the whole get up or another formal, traditional kimono and I’d hate it if I have to wear it during our journey to Nobara’s place. It’s too troublesome.” 

“Suit is far more practical.” Gojo agrees. “So we’re going straight to Nobara-chan’s?”

“Yeah, I’ve brought my luggage. We can go pick up yours first.” The omega replies as he politely smiles at some old men he knows.

“I brought them. We can immediately go after meeting the damn brat.” Gojo mutters as he recognizes some not-so-innocent looks that are being thrown at his omega. 

The nerves of these pests.

“That damn brat is now Kamo's head, you know.” Megumi reminds lightly.  

“He’ll forever be a pesky fly to me.” Gojo firmly says. “He doesn’t know when to stop chasing after you.” 

“Are you jealous, Gojo-san?” Megumi teases again. Unconsciously, a smile adorns his face at the ridiculous thought of Gojo throwing a tantrum over being jealous of some alpha of his age. 

“Terribly.” Gojo flatly replies. His eyes have caught the eyes of the new Kamo’s Head and he tightens his hold over Megumi. 

“You don’t need to be jealous of him.” The omega shakes his head. “If I were to truly like him, it’ll be him who’s holding my arm right now, not you.” He grips Gojo’s wrist in assurance. 

Again, for the second time in the span of less than an hour, the alpha is left speechless.

Why is Megumi so bold today?

“Come on, let’s get this over with. I’m hungry.” Megumi says breezily, tugging the older man to walk forward.

Yuuta discreetly stares at Megumi and Gojo, who are standing in the middle of the garden’s bridge while the former is rubbing his wrist on Gojo’s neck. This scene  confirms their speculation. 

Megumi is still attached to Gojo. 

Maki has been awfully worried with their progress, especially since Megumi rejected the alpha’s claim back then. He understands her worry, but it got clearer after she explained some changes of behavior with Megumi for the past weeks. After what she told him, he can’t blame her. 

There’s a good chance of Megumi stepping down and possibly stepping out of the Jujutsu world, now that both Gojo and his sister are back. He checked with Yaga and he confirmed that Megumi has paid all of his debt to the school. There’s a good chance he has done the same thing about his debt with his former guardian.

It matches pretty well with Gojo’s explanation about Megumi, about his motives and his fuels. They weren't told in great detail, but enough to know what to look out for from Megumi. 

The thing is, just like Maki, he doesn’t want to lose him.

The omega has been an integral part between them all and while him stepping out might not be as damning as it sounds since they can still contact him and vice versa (hopefully), but still. It doesn’t help that Megumi has a history of going missing out of nowhere, untrackable until he says otherwise. 

Maybe it’s because they’re alpha. Maybe they’re just really selfish, not wanting to lose another after the hardships they’ve gone through. But there’s just this… inherently wrong feeling. 

It’s like losing a limb. 

Yuuta takes another glance at the omega. His gaze unconsciously turns soft and fond when he sees the smile on Megumi’s face. 

Ah. 

He exhales softly before he fishes out his phone and calls Maki. 

Their plan is not for Megumi to come with Gojo from the start. They know there’s no way Megumi would agree. He has always hated this kind of occasion, the mingling part in particular. With the lusty, not so innocent advances and looks that are always thrown at him, he understands the omega’s aversion. 

Maki threw the bait first, by telling the attendant that they needed to prepare for Megumi’s attire at night. They had expected that Megumi would counter their move and show up with someone. His job was supposed to secure the alpha Megumi showed up with. There’s a high chance that Megumi would go with the alpha who marked him previously and they don’t want any casualties. They just didn’t expect that he’s the one that got pulled along instead of this unknown alpha.

Pity. 

He thought he could finally interrogate this alpha that has made such an uproar among them. 

.

.

.

Nine months ago

“Yuuta- YUUTA!” Maki snarls while holding down her friend. “Calm down!”

“Who the fuck is it?” Yuuta growls threateningly at Maki. “Where is the alpha?” He demands. 

“We don’t know. ” She hisses. “Calm the fuck down- Yuuta!” She roughly shoves the other alpha back when Yuuta tries to forcefully get through her after hearing her reply. 

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Yuuta emits terribly sour and spicy pheromones. His hackle is raised all time high as the information is circling round and around in his mind. 

Megumi is claimed Megumi is claimed Megumi is claimed-

The omega is claimed by an alpha. An alpha that’s not Gojo.

Or him. 

“I said. Calm. Down.” She glares menacingly. Her own hackle is raised and her inner alpha starts to see Yuuta as a threat. 

Megumi is her family and she won’t have any alpha going rampage on him, even though she herself would like to smack the omega to his senses. What the fuck was Megumi thinking anyway? Going off the grid without any prior warning, dodged all their effort to track him down, and now he returned with a wound on his scent gland. 

A claim.

A genuine claim of an alpha to his omega partner. 

And to put the cherry on top of this mess, he refused to name the alpha, under the reason of keeping him safe from harm. 

Hah. 

Aside from them, they can count their colleagues who are alpha and interested in Megumi that way and they weren’t in any contact with him during his disappearance. It’s sufficient to say that Megumi has just met the alpha during this period and suddenly he’s claimed? Just like that? 

What a load of bullshit. 

“Where is Megumi?” Yuuta glowers. 

“I’m not letting you see him when you’re this worked up.” Maki slowly but firmly says. “I know you’re angry and upset but you have to control yourself. Your alpha too.” She knowingly says. “There’s no use in throwing a tantrum. He’s undeniably claimed and it is a solid one. I’ve seen it.” She shakes her head. “The wound looks a few days old at least, so there’s no doubt that he willingly accepts the claim.”

There’s no way that Megumi is forced or tricked into the claim with Toji constantly at his side.

At the mention of Megumi being claimed, Yuuta feels his fury and indignation return tenfold, as unwillingness drowns him inside out. Megumi isn’t supposed to be anyone else’s. If he’s not Gojo’s, then Megumi shouldn’t be with anyone else. 

Him. It should be him. He would’ve probably accepted it, -like the way he accepts that Gojo is better for Megumi and backs down peacefully and letting him go-, if he knows the alpha is worth it. 

More than Gojo, more than himself. 

Someone with a decent background and financial capabilities with a good character and mindset. Someone who can fulfill all of Megumi’s worldly needs while taking care of him and keeping him safe and sound and happy. 

“Fuck.” Yuuta angrily kicks the rubble, where it immediately shoots up and makes a hole on the fence. He wants to smash things, wants to get the answer out of Megumi’s own lips, wants to confront this… this unknown alpha that has coveted their (his) precious person. 

Maki warily watches how her fellow alpha tries to control his emotion - and subsequently his own alpha counterpart - and a tinge of pity fills her. 

Yuuta, who holds a torch for the forbidden fruit that is Megumi. It might be cleverly hidden in between his own affectionate gestures as one of Megumi’s closest friends, but she knows it’s there. Small and silent and hidden, forever unknown and will never be known, because they don’t bite the hands that give them food, shelter and protection. 

Also, they both know that Megumi sees Yuuta as his closest friend, someone he trusts with all of his life because Gojo does it first. Someone he respects and admires too, but nothing more than that. 

They can’t be more than that, with the older alpha in the way from the beginning. 

Gojo, who has embedded his claws and teeth deep and irremovable in Megumi’s life. She doesn’t know Megumi’s life prior to his introduction to them, but everyone who Megumi knows in Jujutsu world and is friends with right now is someone who has been quietly vetted by Gojo. Everyone who is personally introduced to Megumi prior his admittance to the Jujutsu High are only people that Gojo absolutely trusts. 

It took Yuuta a few weeks before Megumi was brought back into their training routine.

The same Gojo who has no qualms on trusting the alphas to keep Megumi safe and sound in case something happens to him, but also has sniffed the threat early on and drilled the warning to them. To him, even before Yuuta even realized his own feelings. 

Megumi is his. No one else’s. 

The older man noticed the shift of scent, noted the way Yuuta unconsciously acted in front of his young omega ward after the whole debacle with Rika. Somehow knew that Megumi doesn’t find Yuuta’s scent repulsive and thus, compatible with him and vice versa. 

Another competitor, if Megumi and his omega wills it to happen. 

It was so convenient, how Yuuta was suddenly offered to go overseas to nurture and grow his technique, a few weeks later. She’s even sure that Yuuta himself hasn’t really realized that Gojo was snuffing him out as a possible competitor for Megumi’s hand by giving them a berth of distance, with him being all moony and full of admiration and gratefulness toward their teacher. She even confronted Gojo once-

“Is this deliberate, Satoru?” 

“Whatever you’re talking about, Maki-chan?” Gojo answered with a grin, showing his teeth. 

“You know what I’m talking about.” 

“As much as you want me to say yes, it’s an actual honest no actually.” His finger was playing with some keys, rotating them around and around.

“So everything is just oh so conveniently falling to places?” She scoffed. 

“Yep.” The older alpha popped off the p. “Megumi once said that the world loves me.” 

“Isn’t it quite pathetic, for an older, adult alpha to get rid of barely there, barely a competitor, young alpha? His own student at that?” She raised her eyebrow fearlessly. 

“Ouch.” Gojo commented while theatrically put his hand on his chest. “You really don’t filter out your words, huh?” 

“Not even for you.” Maki agrees. 

“Well, that’s why I like you in the first place.” Gojo messed up the top of her head. “Study and train hard, okay Maki-chan?” 

“So I can defend Megumi from bad alpha like you?” She challenged him. 

“Nope. Even without me telling you so, you’d have done it. Megumi’s not that weak either.” He hums. “No. It’s so you can be a powerful sorcerer and protect what’s yours in the future, Maki. Our world is a rough and unkind one and without power, we are all fucked.” 

Well, ain’t they fucked indeed, she ponders. 

If this is how Yuuta reacts, she’s really not looking forward to the day Gojo is unsealed and learns about the situation. 

“We have to find out who’s the alpha.” Yuuta says heatedly. 

“About that…” She sighs as she’s about to drop the second bomb. “Megumi has explicitly said to not dig him up.” 

“What?” Yuuta stands up once more, his anger is back. 

“Please for the love of fucking hell, calm down your temper.” She hisses, starting to get angry and agitated too. 

“No. I will look for him.” Yuuta decides. “It’s way too suspicious.” 

“Yuuta.” Maki massages her temple. “You’ll make Megumi angry.”

“Then look at mt eyes and tell me that this is normal.” Yuuta challenges. “Tell me that it’s such a Megumi-like behavior to be claimed by an alpha out of nowhere, when he’s still moping for Gojo-sensei weeks ago, despite his effort to hide it off. Tell me that it’s normal when we both know Megumi’s not in close contact with any alpha for the past months.” He continues. “How could he, when all he can think about is Gojo-sensei? He has never even considered another alphas’ advances.”

Not even me, one of the alphas’ pheromone Megumi can stand, left unsaid between them. 

“Let’s just calm down first. Both of you.” She exhales roughly.

This is such a mess. 

“Let’s call for Shoko-san first to confirm the claim, then we’ll go from there.” Maki decides. “Meanwhile, I’ll try to probe him.”

“I will trace his past activities.” Yuuta says. “There must be something.” 

Maki nods. “Be careful, Megumi might know and he won’t be happy.” 

“So be it.” Yuuta replies rather coldly. 

In this instance, Maki sees not her kind hearted, clumsy Yuuta, but rather, alpha Yuuta. The Advisor, one of the most powerful sorcerers of their generation, in the community. 

Someone who’s supposed to be able to go one on one with Gojo. 

“Fine. I’ll keep you updated. Go home now.” Maki orders out. 

“No. I want to see Megumi.” Yuuta denies.

“I’ve told you, you’re too worked up now. You can’t stay here when you’re this agitated. Go rent out a room in a hotel, calm yourself down tonight, and see Megumi tomorrow morning. I’ll clear out his schedule for a few hours.” She promises. “Okay?” She stares hard at Yuuta’s own eyes, asserting her dominance over the matter. 

They keep their staring contest for another few minutes, before he concedes, realizing the logic behind her words. “Fine.” 

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow and you better have controlled that temper of yours by then, Yuuta.” Maki threatens.

.

.

.

But of course, he didn’t. 

It didn’t escalate to a bigger fight, thankfully. 

.

.

The storm comes when Megumi finds out that Yuuta has been digging around, a few months later. But still, the omega knows not of the alpha’s secret affection, no. All he knows is that it's about Gojo and never Okkotsu. 

And it will stay that way, forever. 

.

.

.

Megumi sips the iced americano in his hand as his eyes are staring at the greenery around them. They ended up taking Gojo’s car instead of his, since his is bigger with more room for their baggage, albeit not less fancy (and a little bit pretentious) than the other cars he knows Gojo owns. After a short breakfast in one of the restaurants they go pass by with Toji in tow, they’re finally halfway through Nobara’s childhood village. 

He honestly thought it’s going to be awkward, especially when Gojo’s the one driving instead of having Ijichi or a chauffeur to tend to them, but it’s not, surprisingly. He doesn’t even remember the last time he went on a trip with Gojo like this. Years and years ago, he thinks? 

It’s been so long but the feelings remain the same. Nostalgic. Comfortable. Warm and safe. 

Megumi turns his head back to stare at the older man. Just within a month, Gojo has managed to worm his way back to him. 

To his heart. 

This alpha is really one scarily effective and efficient man if he wants to. (Or maybe he’s just too soft, still so defenseless against him.)

Would it matter though? 

“Gojo-san, should we switch?” Megumi offers, trying to distract his mind. Since he’s driving, Gojo has switched the glasses he wore during Kamo’s ceremony into slightly bigger tinted glasses, because they will definitely be ticketed if he wears his usual eyepatch. 

With the bright light of a sunny afternoon and the crowd, it must’ve put a strain on him. 

“Hmm? Are you worried about me, Megumi-chan?” Gojo hums happily. His left hand reaches out and pats Megumi’s head. “I’m fine, you should take a nap instead.” He says while his eyes are still focusing on the road.

“That should be my line.” Megumi voices out instead. It seems that Gojo is more attuned to his mood these days. Before he can flick the alpha’s hand away, he has retracted it himself. 

“Your eye bags are even worse than the last time I saw you. Did you even sleep? Should this super saiya Gojo-sensei sing a special twinkle lullaby-”

“Fine, I’ll take a nap.” Megumi grumbles, cutting him off. He pulls on the seat switch and pushes the seat back until he reaches a comfortable position.

“Good boy.” Gojo grins as he takes a brief look at him. He pats him again once before pulling down the sun visor on his area. “Sleep.” 

“Not a dog, Gojo-san.” Megumi warns, but still closes his eyes obediently. 

“Of course not.” Gojo whispers. He takes another glance on the omega beside him and smiles. 

Not even five minutes in and Megumi’s out like the light. 

Maybe he should’ve asked someone to drive them -then he’ll be able to cuddle Megumi-, but this kind of private time between them is nice too. 

.

.

.

Megumi opens his eyes to a fancy looking garden-like thing on his right. 

They’ve arrived? 

A little bit dizzy, he stretches his body a little bit, before he turns around, where he sees Gojo who is staring at him with a serene expression on his face. Just like him, the alpha’s seat is being reclined around the same height as his. 

“Hi.” Gojo softly says. 

“Hello.” Megumi replies quietly with a hoarse voice, still laden with sleep. He frowns a little bit when another wave of dizziness and slight nausea attack him, but thankfully it recedes just as immediate. He then notices Gojo’s previous navy suit is being draped on his body, just high enough to cover a bit of his face. His pheromone is also quite thick and dense in the car, cocooning them both.

No wonder he can fall asleep so soundly. 

“Are you okay?” The alpha asks, still with the same soft voice as his hand strokes Megumi’s hair. 

“I’m fine. It’ll go away soon.” Megumi replies. “How long have we been here?” He asks while holding back another yawn. 

“Around two hours.” Gojo responds. “It’s a quarter past three. Should we search for a good ramen stall here?”

“We are in the countryside, Gojo-san. Not the big city.” Megumi comments. “I doubt there’s a restaurant around here.” 

“Of course there is one or two at the very least, Megumi.” The alpha chides gently. “I happen to see one nearby, in fact.” 

Megumi turns his body again to face the front window. He blinks when he takes a good look at the house Gojo has rented until next week. 

It’s… big. And quite luxurious. 

The last time he checked, there’s no such house for rent in Nobara’s village. 

“Where are we?” He turns his body again to face the alpha. 

“We’re on the outskirts of Nobara’s village, around twenty minutes into the village and ten minutes to the city.” Gojo explains. “This complex is only recently built so you might not know.” 

“Yeah.” Megumi says. He does a mental calculation and he shakes his head. “It’ll be too late to meet up with Tsumiki if we go back and forth.” 

“It won't be that late. The restaurant is really nearby.” The alpha hums. “Maybe we should wash up first. You look like a drowsy kitten.” Gojo says while stroking his hair again. 

“That's not nice, Gojo-san.” Megumi replies slowly, a little bit lulled with the steady and gentle motion from his hand, the warmth from his coat and the overall scent that’s translated as safe and cozy in his brain. 

“On the contrary, I'm always nice to you, Megumi.” The alpha denies. Another soft chuckle escapes from his mouth when he notices Megumi’s slowly falling back into another slumber. Talking with a sleepy Megumi or a Megumi who has just woken up is always an experience for him. Completely soft and obedient, truly like a spoiled kitten. And most importantly, he’s always very honest of his own feelings when he’s like this. Stripped of his self-reservation and pride and everything that creates the thick wall and shield around his heart, leaving his heart bare for him to see. 

A sliver of warmth emanates in his chest at the thought.

Megumi has warmed up to him considerably, in comparison to weeks before where he can’t even touch the omega at all.  He looks comfortable when he touches him now, going as far as basking into his pheromones again. 

Hopefully, this (poorly) disguised getaway can bring them closer.

Back to where they should’ve been in the first place. 

And more.

“You know we could’ve just stayed at a smaller house, right?” Megumi sighs as he looks around the first floor. He thought the house was big from the outside. 

Wrong. 

It’s a hell lot bigger on the inside. A two story house with a rectangle like shape completed with a pool and a cozy looking pavilion on the side. 

“Where’s the fun in that?” Gojo replies as he puts down some of the luggages in the middle room. “We are on a vacation Megumi!”

“I knew it…” The omega grumbles. “The tattoo is just an excuse, right?” He faces the alpha.  

“Of course not.” Gojo takes Megumi’s hand and kisses the top of it, trying to appease his irritation. He snickers when he sees slight redness on Megumi’s cheeks at the sudden action. “It’s just one part of the reason.” He honestly says before he changes the topic. “So, there are actually three bedrooms here. Two on the second floor and another one here. Toji can stay on the first floor while we take the second floor.” He declares. 

“We?” Megumi raises his eyebrow. 

“Well, if Megumi wants, we can sleep in the same bed.” Gojo whispers lowly as he stalks closer to Megumi. His face turns seductive and all predatory. “I won’t mind.” He breathily says, internally satisfied with how the omega is full blown flustered.

“My, my. Thinking of naughty thoughts again, aren’t we?” Gojo pushes further, lifting the omega’s chin with his finger. 

“I-”

“Oi. Stop seducing my kid and actually help me with the luggages, brat.” Toji shouts as something flies toward them. The small blade stops before it can reach Gojo, his infinity automatically holding it off. It falls on the granite floor with a loud clang. 

Gojo tsk-ed at the interruption. 

“Dad, stop throwing these blades like they cost nothing.” Megumi sighs. He bends down to take the weapon and drops it back to his shadow. 

“I don’t pay for it.” Toji shrugs. 

“I do.” Megumi mutters. “There are three bedrooms, two on the second floor, one on the first. Both of you-.”

“I’ll take the first floor.” Toji shakes his head. “I don’t want to hear any questionable sounds from any of your rooms.” 

“Dad-!” Megumi hisses. 

“Nice old man.” Gojo raises his thumb with a grin, for once in truce with the other alpha. 

After some bickering between the three of them, they finally arrive in front of Tsumiki’s home. It’s a quaint little house with a sizable garden in front and on the back of the building. Enough for two people, but not that small either. 

“Megumi!” Tsumiki excitedly calls before she envelops him in a hug. 

“Hi, Tsumiki.” Megumi greets as he hugs her back. It’s been a while since he sees her like this. Her scent is fresh as ever, not too overwhelming like an alpha or an omega, but clean and comforting in a way he can’t explain. 

Like she could erase all of his sins. 

“Toji-san.” She greets with a smile while still being hugged by her step-brother. “Gojo-san!” Her eyes become bright at the sight of her old guardian. “You’re truly back!” 

“Of course Tsumiki-chan.” Gojo grins. “I couldn’t possibly leave Megumi-chan all alone forever!” 

Toji snorts loudly at the remark. “Sure brat.” 

“What do you want, old man?”

“Stop.” Megumi let go of his hug and faces both alpha with a scowl. “We aren’t here to hear you bickering like some toddlers twenty four seven.”

Tsumiki’s laugh echoes around the porch. “Come in. I’m almost finished preparing our dinner.”

.

.

.

“It’s delicious, Tsumiki-chan.” Gojo compliments sincerely. 

“Thank you. I was given this recipe from a mother whose child is under my supervision in the kindergarten. I’m glad that you like it, Gojo-san.” She happily replies.

“It’s good.” Toji adds while he sips his hot ocha.

“If it’s that good, then both of you should move your asses and clean the table.” Megumi snides as he takes the rest of the dirty plates to the dish wash. 

“It’s okay, let’s just do the dishes like the old time.” Tsumiki says as she takes a clean rag from the hanger. “How have you been, Megumi?” She starts. “You seem exhausted.” 

“Things are always crazy on my part.” The omega replies generally.

“But your mind is more troubled than before, somehow.” She acutely points out. “And I see the claim is gone.”

“Yeah, it’s a long story.” Megumi shortly says as he hands her a clean glass. 

“Gojo-san still won’t claim you?” She raises her eyebrow in disbelief.  

“I rejected it.” He confesses, before proceeding to tell her a short, complete summary of everything. 

“He is courting you then.” Tsumiki comments. “And you’re still in love with him.” 

“Why did you say so?” Megumi curiously asks. 

“Your body language.” She says. “Your body is inclined to his side more often than you think, Megumi. The same thing also applies to Gojo-san. He’s always following your movement.” She giggles. “Both of you are like a separated magnet.” 

“Did I?” He mulls. Honestly speaking, he never remembers such things. Sure, he lets Gojo do skinship to him freely now, but to think that he’s also seeking his touch unconsciously is… troubling. 

“I think Toji-san also noticed it too.” Tsumiki hums. “You look more grounded, Megumi.” She stares at him. “Compared to when Gojo-san is still sealed, you look more stable. Exhausted, wary and troubled, but grounded. You’re less tense, less like you’re ready to spring up and fight with your life on the line.” 

She gently nudges him with her elbow. “You look like someone who has started to calm down and enjoy his life. Gojo-san must’ve treated you right.” 

Megumi keeps his silence as her words linger in his mind. 

“The alpha that claimed you previously, he’s just a replacement for Gojo-san, right?” She continues. 

“No comment on that.” Megumi replies as he cleans the sponge off with the running water. 

Tsumiki laughs at his stubbornness. “Megumi, you’re still so cute even after all of these years.”

“Why do I feel like everyone is supporting him.” The omega irritatedly mutters under his breath. 

The beta stares at the younger man in slight sadness upon hearing it. This side of Megumi is still the same too, she supposes. Once he gets hurt, he would shut down the cause of his pain or discomfort indiscriminately and ignore (sometimes while snarling viciously) at everyone who tries to say otherwise. 

“Because you’re the only one who’s still in denial about it, Megumi.” Tsumiki softly reprimands. 

Megumi exhales loudly in response. Not denying or confirming anything. 

Tsumiki shakes her head and turns around to ask if either of the alpha would like another cup of ocha, but she’s met with black wall that’s blocking and separating them from the rest of the occupants of the house.

“Eh?” She blinks.

“I just put it up so they won’t eavesdrop on us.” Megumi explains as he dries his hand. He dissolves the shadow and they see Gojo who is pouting while looking straight ahead at them. If he has ears and a tail, they must be drooping while the tail is swishing left and right impatiently. 

“See?” Megumi whispers. “Nosey as ever.” He shakes his head. “I want to use your toilet, Tsumiki. It’s still the same place right?” 

“Yeah, go ahead Megumi.” She nods distractedly as a thought crosses her mind. 

.

.

.

The second floor consists only of Tsumiki's bedroom, the bathroom and a small space where she puts some of her random stuff and whatnot. Instead of turning left to the bathroom, Megumi goes straight ahead, where he slips into her room. 

It’s simple and tidy, filled with some trinkets he recognizes, along with other things. He drops his hand into his shadow, where he pulls out a mint-colored map. Megumi stares at it tentatively, his resolve wavering slightly now that he’s actually here. 

He takes another glance at the map and puts it underneath Tsumiki’s pillow. Slight uncertainty washes over him once again, but Megumi simply takes a deep breath and leaves the room. 

He doesn’t look back. 

Megumi restlessly tosses and turns on his bed. 

He can’t fall back to sleep. 

It’s like the beginning all over again. The room feels too exposed and strange, having none of the comforting scent of his dad or Maki or even his own. He has pushed himself to sleep for the better part of the night, but his discomfort has awoken him.

The clock on his phone shows it’s two in the morning. 

It’s still too early. 

The young head turns his body to face the glass window, where it shows the pool and the pavilion on the back of the house, gazing at the starless night. 

The room feels so big and empty. 

He has the mind to go downstairs and bothers his dad, but he shuts the idea down. He tosses to the right again and pulls the blanket up to his ear. It instantly reminds him of this afternoon, where Gojo put his coat over his shoulder too. 

He clings to the memories of the warmth in his head and tries to sleep once again. 

At Tsumiki’s insistence, they have their breakfast at her house. 

“Won’t you be late for your work?” Megumi concernedly asks as he helps her tidying up the dirty bowls into one stack. 

“I’ve told them that I will come after lunch today.” She explains. “All of you are going to meet Granny Yua around ten right?” 

“Yep.” Gojo confirms as he furiously types on his phone while Toji is already on the sofa, drowsing lightly. 

Megumi shakes his head at both alpha before he goes to the back of the house, to do the dirty dishes like last night. 

“Megumi, wait a bit okay? I need to give you something.” Tsumiki says to him. He nods innocently, already starting on them as she walks out from the kitchen. As he cleans the dishes up, he vaguely hears the ring from Gojo’s phone, before the sound of the entrance door being opened and closed echoes.  

There’s probably some trouble, he mulls offhandedly. 

He’s just put down the last bowl, when Tsumiki approaches him from the back. 

“Megumi, here.” She offers the mint colored map back to him. 

Megumi snaps his head back to Tsumiki, who only smiles in return. 

“What-”

“You’re so thoughtful, Megumi.” She praises him with a gentle voice. “Still so kind, the kindest boy I’ve ever met.” 

The young Zenin’s Head exhales roughly. “What are you talking about, you know what I’ve done-”

“All for the people you love and care about.” Tsumiki admonishes him. “I’ve always hated it when you hurt people, because you always get hurt too.” She chuckles. “I guess it’s unavoidable right? You have so many things to protect now.”

The omega inhales deeply. “That’s why I propose this to you. I’ve prepared everything, one word from you and we can just leave all of these behind-”

“How about the clan?” She asks. 

“There’s Maki.” Megumi shrugs. “She can handle it.”  

“Your friends?” 

“They’ll understand.” 

“The Foundation? The children? That’s your project and I know you care for them.” She presses. 

Hesitancy numbs his tongue at the question. “It’s… it’ll be okay too. Maki and Yaga and others can take care of it. They’re still children, they won’t remember that much.” 

She disbelievingly stares at her step-brother. “How about Gojo-san ? How about yourself, Megumi?” 

The omega in question just throws his head to the other side again, avoiding her intense glare. “We- I’ve never meant to be a jujutsu sorcerer in the first place. My job, my responsibility for the ten million contract is done.”

“Megumi,” She squeezes his left wrist. “Then look me in the eyes and tell me that you won’t regret leaving all of these behind. Leaving your post, your friends, your beloved Foundation and the children, leaving Gojo-san behind. Tell me firmly and confidently that you don’t want to stay.” 

“I… I-” The young Head unable to inarticulate anything, unable to think of some excuses. All he remembers is the growing uncertainty as he searched for the best apartment or houses around the countries for the past week every night. The growing unease as he handled the administration and smooth things out with Kon. Because of his appearance at his parents’ grave, he finally met Kon Shiu. His dad’s old time friend slash business partner. The one who managed and brought his dad’s ashes back. 

The shady guy who will help him for the transition and erase their traces too.

Tsumiki worriedly stares at her step sibling, before something horrifying suddenly dawns on her. “Megumi, don’t tell me… You start to accept Gojo-san’s affection because you thought it’ll be the last before you go?” 

“No.” Megumi immediately denies. “It’s not like that.”

“Then why are you still thinking of leaving? Why did you propose this to me, still pushing on with the plan?” She cautiously asks while patting the map on their left.

“I thought of it before… before all of these. Before he came back.” Megumi honestly says. “As I said before, we’ve never meant to be in this world in the first place. Dad also admitted that had my mom still alive… he never wanted me to join this world, even when I inherited the Ten Shadows.” He explains. “He threw me to Zenin, to Gojo, because he thought I’m better off with them… You know how much of a mess he was.” He chuckles bitterly. “That’s why.” 

“That might be part of the reason, but the other half, the main reason, is because you thought Gojo-san won’t be yours, right?” Tsumiki cradles his head with her hands, forcing him to see her eye to eye. She has known the gist of things about Gojo and him from his lips, when he came to visit her months ago, but she never thought that her little step brother would go as far as orchestrating these. “Because you thought Gojo-san never loved you. You couldn’t stand it.” She sadly says. “Isn’t that also why you’re hesitating now? Because deep inside, you start to realize and believe that his feelings are genuine for you.”

“Megumi…” The beta affectionately calls him. “Maybe it’s not my place to intrude, but it’s clear to me that Gojo-san is trying his best. He has explained and apologized, no? He has also tried to court you properly, giving you all of his attention and care. Don’t you think it’s time for you to let go of the past, your grudges and miscommunication and start to embrace this future that you thought will never happen?” 

Megumi keeps his silence, as his mind is getting more muddled yet also clearer with everything.  

“Unlike you, Gojo-san is actually the unstable one between you both right now.” She adds. “The way he gazes at you with barely veiled longing while following you around is a little bit strange. Desperate. He tried to engage you with too many things to keep you focused on him. I don’t know how Gojo-san behaved during my coma, but it’s a stark contrast with the Gojo-san I remember. He used to be more assured, more confident at handling you, Megumi. But now, he looks like he’s on alert, afraid that you will disappear without a trace if he doesn’t pay any attention to you.” She chuckles a bit. “It’s kind of funny, since it’s actually the truth.” 

The younger man deeply sighs. “You’ve just met him for a day, Tsumiki.” He dodges the elephant in the room.

“The more reason to be concerned, no?” Tsumiki takes the clean towel and starts to dry his hand. “Everyone made mistakes. You too. It’s now up to you whether you want the past to chain you down, keep denying everything or start to look forward and see what’s right here in your hands right now.” She ends with a grip on his palms. “I’m staying here.” She firmly says. “You can probably step down and leave this world as you wish, but what you’re planning, it’s not that. You’re just running away.” She scolds. “And I know for sure, that sooner or later, you’ll come back Megumi. Your principle is too strong and hard and you’ll get sucked back to this Jujutsu world, because you know what you can do, what you can change with the power you have.” 

The omega let himself be hugged by his step sister, leaning to her warmth and assurance. It feels like she’s just pried him open and honestly he doesn’t know what to feel anymore. “Now I remember why you’re annoying sometimes.” He huffs. 

“You’re not exactly a bag of sweets each time either.” She laughs. “Megumi, I really hope you will start to look for your own happiness now.” She tightens her embrace. “It’s clear to me that Gojo-san is still a major part of your happiness, if not the only one.” 

Megumi only nods knowingly.

Their moment is broken when they hear Gojo’s loud voice across them. 

“Megumi, Tsumiki-chan, how long are you gonna wash the dishes?” He whines. “At least put down the shadow, Megumi-chan!” 

The omega exhales deeply as he lets go of Tsumiki. With a little snip, the shadow melts down and shows them another pouting Gojo scene. 

“Ijichi said he couldn’t get a hold of the granny. But he has confirmed with her grandson that she has nothing to do today.” He explains. His eyes automatically fall on the bright looking map behind them. 

“Ah, Granny Yua is really bad with technology.” Tsumiki says as she walks toward the older alpha. “Oh right, I have something to announce to you all.” She smiles. “Come on, Megumi.” 

“Eh, what is it, Tsumiki-chan?” Gojo entertains her. He waits for Megumi before he follows them back to the main room. The purebred alpha vaguely can smell a tinge of sourness in the air, but both Megumi and Tsumiki look fine. 

He takes a last look at the kitchen, but the map he saw previously is gone. 

.

.

.

“I’m going to move back to Nara next month.” She calmly sips the freshly brewed coffee in her mug. 

Gojo raises his eyebrow at the remark while Megumi immediately freezes at the announcement. “What?” He looks up to her with confusion. “Did something happen here? Did the locals bother you?” He demands. 

“Oh no no. They’re wonderful to me.” She giggles softly. “It’s just…” She grins bashfully. “I’ve been accepted into the Foundation as one of the caring staff for the children.” 

Megumi chokes.

What?

He stares at her incredulously.

Gojo looks at both adoptive siblings back and forth in interest. It’s clear that Megumi isn’t aware that his sister applied to his own Foundation. He did hear that Megumi has been looking for some additional staff, but for security’s sake, Megumi and Maki didn’t announce it to the public, but they use the mouth to mouth method to ensure that the applicant can be trusted and recommended by the people they know.

“I- why didn’t you tell me that you apply?” He interrogates her. “How did you know about it in the first place? Who recommended you until you can go to the interview?”

Tsumiki sheepishly smiles. “Yuuji-kun..?”

“You’re keeping in contact with Yuuji?” Megumi blinks.

“Actually, I’m in contact with most of your friends. I even go out with Nobara-chan from time to time when she visits.” She confesses.

“Oh.” Megumi responds. 

He doesn’t expect that. 

“I thought the guards you ‘discreetly’ put around me would’ve told you?” She inquires back. 

“I told them to keep you safe, not to report your daily activities to me.” Megumi sighs. “Shut it, Gojo-san.” He says when he can practically feel the amusement that’s radiating from the alpha beside him. 

“Back to the topic. So you’ve been accepted?” Megumi confirms once again. 

“Yes. Oh I told them to not judge me as your sister or even tell you or Maki-chan about this, so don’t get mad at them.” Tsumiki sips her coffee again. “I was about to inform you, but then you told me that you’re going to visit so I figured telling you directly like this is better.”

“Well, that’s… that’s great.” Megumi sighs softly. “Congrats on getting in, Tsumiki.” He sincerely says.

“Thank you.” She smiles back. “Anyway Megumi, Yuuji-kun said that he misses you.” She concernedly says. “You don’t meet up with him anymore?”  

“I’m not going where he can’t reach me.” Megumi replies shortly. “It’s just that I'm also too busy to drop by Kyoto and even when I do, it’s purely for some businesses.” 

“Why don’t you try and call him?” Tsumiki suggests. “If both sides are waiting for the other to reach out first, it’ll be too late you know.” 

“It’s not like we don’t chat or send messages with each other.” Megumi argues. 

“Megumi.” She scolds. 

“Fine. I need to thank him for looking out for you anyway.” The young omega head sighs. He stands up from his seat and walks outside to find a better signal reception, leaving the other occupant inside the house. 

“Still scarily effective as ever, Tsumiki-chan.” Gojo comments before sipping his very sweet coffee. 

“Whatever you're talking about Gojo-san?” She inquires with a smile.

“Nothing, nothing~” The alpha waves it off. 

Tsumiki plays with the edge of her cup. “I just want the best for Megumi,” She states. “Gojo-san, you should treat me to a nice meal sometime.”

“Sure, sure. Let me know once you’re back in Nara, Tsumiki-chan.” He indulgently replies. 

The screen on is phone shows it’s a quarter before five and he’s already wide awake. 

The omega grumbles in annoyance as he tosses and turns again. Just like yesterday night, he can’t fall asleep again despite him trying his best to get his well-deserved rest. It gets even worse tonight, with him being awoken every two or three hours ever since he hits the sack at ten. 

He knows Toji has noticed it too, but his dad is keeping his mum over the matter. 

Tired of trying to sleep peacefully, Megumi kicks his blanket and decides to get some water and possibly steal some of his dad’s clothes. He quietly slips out from his room and pads down the stairs to the first floor. 

He’s only halfway down when he notices a tall figure sitting on the edge of the pool. Curious, he hastens his steps and walks across the room. Slowly, he pushes the glass door to the left.

Gojo turns his head to the back. “Hi, Megumi.” 

“Why are you here?” Megumi asks. A shiver goes past him when his face is being blown by the cold wind. 

“I can’t sleep.” Gojo shrugs. “What are you doing though?” He tosses the question back.  

“I was going to get some water.” Megumi replies. 

“I see. I’ve told the staff to pick up some ginger tea for you. It should be in one of the drawers or the shelves if you want to make it.” Gojo informs him. 

“Okay.” He responds, while taking note how Gojo is only clad in his pyjamas with nothing to cover his body up. His concern heightens, especially when he realizes that Gojo’s not only sitting on the edge of the pool, but rather his feet are in the pool. He looks back and his eyes catch a throw blanket on the sofa. 

“Wait.” Megumi mumbles. He swiftly walks across the room, takes the blanket before making another trip back. This time, he fully pushes the glass door, enough for him to get through and drape the blanket on Gojo’s body. 

“You’re going to get a cold.” Megumi scolds. “Isn’t the pool cold too? What were you thinking?” He continues as he crouches beside him. “You don’t even wear a jacket or something. What if-”

Gojo only looks at the younger man with a fond look. It’s been a while since he’s been berated like this by Megumi. 

Ah, it’s so cute. 

“It’s not that cold, Megumi-chan.” Gojo replies gently. “And the water is warm actually.” He hums. He scoops some water into his palm and lifts it for Megumi to touch. “Try it.” 

Megumi stares at the alpha before shifting his gaze toward the outstretched palm. “You know I could’ve dipped my fingers into the pool, right?” He sighs, but still puts his finger into the water in Gojo’s palm. 

Oh right, it is warm. 

He’s a little shocked by this. Warm private pool?

“Gojo-san… just how much did you spend to rent this house?” Megumi turns his head to face the alpha once again. 

“Hmm… not that expensive.” Gojo shrugs. “Do you like it? I checked the other villa, but this one has the best facilities.” 

“It’s a nice place.” Megumi agrees. Another shiver passes him from the cold temperature. 

“Sit down properly, Megumi.” Gojo pats the space beside him while stretching the throw blanket. 

“It won’t fit both of us.” The omega shakes his head. 

“I’ll be fine. I’m not cold.” Gojo reiterates his statement. “Or you can sit here.” He pats the space in between his legs. 

Megumi thoughtfully stares at Gojo, before he makes up his mind. He stands up and gestures to the alpha to get back. 

A little bit surprised but very pleased, Gojo moves backward a few times. He lets Megumi settle down comfortably first, before he moves forward again and embraces the omega from the back. 

“Ah, this is perfect.” Gojo sighs happily as his nose is immediately filled with Megumi’s comforting scent. His shoulder slouches almost automatically, he doesn’t even know when it got tense. 

Megumi can feel his cheeks get a little bit hot with the intimate position, but no less content as the alpha. 

“You checked the other houses?” He asks. 

“Of course. Nothing less than perfect for my dearest Megumi~” Gojo hums while closing his eyes. “Megumi… Why did you agree to come here for the whole ten days?” He curiously asks. “I thought I would need to convince you, with you being super duper busy and all.” 

“Now you’re just mocking me, Gojo-san.” Megumi replies lightheartedly. “You’re supposed to be busier than me and Maki combined after all.” 

“Nah. I’ll never be busy if it’s for Megumi-chan.” He declares proudly. “You haven’t answered my question either.” 

“I figure the peace and calm from the countryside can give me some space to think.” Megumi answers honestly after a while. 

“And what are you thinking?” 

“Things.” 

“Very astute, Megumi.” Gojo flatly replies while inhaling another dose of Megumi’s calming pheromones. 

“What if I say it’s things about us, Gojo-san?” Megumi tests the water. 

At this, Gojo lifts his head from its position as his face turns solemn. 

“What’s your concern, Megumi?” He probes delicately. 

“What am I to you, Gojo-san?” Megumi looks up from the side to the alpha. 

“My everything.” Gojo replies earnestly.

“I want a serious answer.” Megumi unamusedly says. 

“I am serious, Megumi.” Gojo solemnly says. “This is the most serious I've ever been. You’re my everything and I love you from the bottom of my heart. It’s always been you.” 

Megumi bites his lips to control the smile that threatens to appear on his face. 

He feels so silly. How could he feel this much happiness just by hearing that? But he also can't deny the voice in the back of his head anymore.  

He still wants this. 

A month later and he still wants Gojo all the same.  

“Then let’s try again, Gojo-sensei.” Megumi confesses quietly. He feels the back of his neck get hotter at the admittance as he naturally droops slightly in shyness within Gojo’s hold.

Gojo freezes for a second, before a burst of happiness explodes right in his chest and seeps into every part of his body. “Megumi, Megumi.” He nuzzles his face to the top of his head. His hands move to cover Megumi’s own warm hands. “You’re not playing me?” He reconfirms, moving the omega’s body to the side, so he can see his face directly. 

“I never do.” Megumi responds, still quietly. Embarrassed. 

“I’m so happy to hear that, Megumi, you have no idea.” Gojo whispers as he slowly leans in. With half-lidded eyes he stops halfway, waiting, hoping. 

Knowing what Gojo is waiting for, his own participation and willingness in this, Megumi also leans in and their lips finally meet each other. In an instant, he can smell how Gojo’s pheromone gets dense and intense, starting to drown him with it. His body also naturally lets out a sweet scent, responding to Gojo’s. 

It’s everything and nothing like he imagines.

Gojo’s lips are softer and moister than his imagination can ever be. He’s not rough or impatient, gently puts some pressure but not too much that it gets demanding, guiding him slowly and honestly, it’s everything he ever wishes it to be. Everything blurs into a static. His body gets weaker and more pliant as he really starts to solely focus on his alpha. His scent, every pleased sound he makes, the hot warmth that emanates from his body. Megumi lets out a small moan when Gojo starts to nibble on his bottom lip. 

Their bubble breaks abruptly when Gojo’s hand touches his neck and he flinches away in shock. 

“Megumi?” Gojo asks worriedly. 

“Why are your hands so cold?” Megumi frowns as he grips the other’s hands. 

They’re too cold.

He initially thought it’s because Gojo’s been sitting outside without any coverage. But whereas his own hands have gotten warm underneath the blanket, Gojo’s are still painfully cold. Megumi looks up and his eyes completely study the alpha’s face. 

He swiftly raises his hand and touches Gojo’s forehead. 

It’s hot. 

Too hot, in contrast with how cold his hands are. 

“You have a fever and you’re sitting in the cold down here instead?” Megumi flabbergastingly remarks. 

“I’m not.” Gojo whines. “It’s just a headache and body aches. I feel suffocated inside the room so I went out here.” 

Megumi slaps Gojo’s arm indignantly. “Gojo-sensei! What nonsense are you talking about.” He scolds him before he wriggles to get out of the alpha’s embrace. “Let me go- let’s go back to your room. You have to rest. The cold wind will only just get you sicker.” 

“Only if you’re with me.” The alpha pouts. 

“Yes, fine. Come on, let's move back first.” Megumi distractedly agrees without thinking, his mind is already full with endless worry. The pantry is indeed stocked with foods and whatnot but what about medicine? Do they even have rice? Or any meat for broth? 

Gojo internally chuckles as he can practically see the storm of concerns and questions in Megumi’s mind. 

Ah, he doesn’t mind being sick if he gets to be spoiled by him. 

“Gojo-sensei, stop staring at me and move!”

Chapter Text

“This is so uncool.” Gojo complains as he lays on his bed. “We have just gotten a moment there.”

“Then you shouldn’t have stayed outside in such chilly weather.” Megumi scolds. His hands nimbly put the small, clean towel into the bowl, letting it soak up the cold water.

“I still want to kiss you.” Gojo stubbornly whines. “I have to touch you. I want to mark you and taste you down there-”

His mind treacherously conjures a sick image of the alpha between his legs and Megumi’s ears immediately reddens. “Gojo-sensei!” He slaps his cold hand on top of Gojo’s lips, earning a protest from the older man. 

In retaliation, Gojo’s tongue unexpectedly licks his palm from left to right. He instinctively takes his hand off the other’s face while the alpha in question just smirks amusingly at him. “My, are you that sensitive even on your palm Megumi?”

Recognizing the bait, Megumi glares at him. “You sure are quite lively for a sick person. I should leave you alone then.” 

“Nooo, Megumi...” The alpha switches back to his needier persona. “Can’t you be kinder to your sick alpha?” He looks up to him pitifully. 

“So now you admit that you’re sick.” Megumi raises his eyebrow. He folds the towel into an appropriate size of a rectangle shape, before putting it on Gojo’s forehead. His fingers brush against the bare skin and he frowns deeply. 

“You’re really burning up.” His previous annoyance is washed away as he bites his lips in worry. “How long have you felt off?” 

“It doesn’t matter since I have Megumi-chan to nurse me back~” The older man hums happily. 

The omega sighs at the obvious avoidance. “Try to sleep, Sensei. I’m going to make some food for you.” He says curtly before slipping out of the room. 

Megumi ignores the faint whine of his name as he descends down the stairs. He reaches for his phone while flicking on the kitchen’s lamp. 

After he’s sure the message is sent, he puts down his phone on the kitchen’s island and starts to rummage for stuff he needs. The omega lets out a relieved sigh when he sees the pantry and fridge are stocked with proper materials for cooking. There’s barely any vegetables and they don’t have any eggs, but it will do until he can go for some grocery later. With a huff, he rolls his sleeves and starts to prepare the rice. 

.

.

Megumi’s in the middle of stirring the miso soup when he hears his phone vibrate against the granite marble. His hand turns the button down to lower the heat before checking his phone. He lets out a relieved sigh when he sees the name on the screen. 

“Shoko-san.” Megumi greets apologetically. “I’m sorry for bothering you this early.” 

“Don’t worry about it.” Shoko replies. “He’s sick?” 

“Yes. The thermometer on the first aid kit here didn’t work so I can’t say for sure, but he’s really burning up.” The omega informs her worriedly. “His hands and feet are cold and he’s been sitting for God knows how long on the outside when I found him.” 

“He’s so troublesome.” She sighs deeply. “His fever is probably around forty to forty two degree Celsius then if we take in his natural alpha’s constitution and big stature.” She explains. 

Megumi’s frown gets deeper at the estimation. “Isn’t it really bad then? Should I take him to the nearest hospital for the meantime?” 

“His body is sturdier than average people in the first place so it should pass soon. Just give him some fever medication for a day or two and keep him hydrated. Nutritious meal with more on the protein side will be perfect. He hasn’t really one hundred percent recovered so it’ll be nice if someone can take care of him properly now.” Shoko hums. 

“He… hasn’t fully recovered?” Megumi asks. Slivers of dread sting on his chest at the unexpected information. 

He didn’t know. 

He has no idea that Gojo hasn’t fully recovered. 

The alpha always looked like he’s healthy, completely normal whenever he met him. 

“It’s not that bad.” She immediately revises, upon realizing that her best friend didn’t tell Megumi anything. 

Again.  

“It’s just that he’s prone to exhaustion a little bit faster than before. Also, it’s not like he has a lot of time to sit down and recuperate ever since he woke up.” Shoko explains further. 

Megumi leans to the kitchen’s island to support himself as his mind processes everything. He feels immense guilt and regret as he remembers all the less nice things he’d done to the alpha. 

It’d be a lie if he says that he wasn’t aware of the gist of Gojo’s schedule. It’s an understatement of the year to say that Gojo was (is) really busy. On top of his missions and his clan matters, the older man has also taken control of some of the higher up’s problems to ease up their (his) burdens. He’s also been going back and forth between Kyoto and Nara, even taking some random days off here and there to stay by his side for the whole day too.

If he didn’t go back and forth and got stuck on the road for hours, then he’d have more time to rest at the very least. 

“Megumi,” Shoko calls out calmly. “He’s not in a bad shape, I promise. It’s just that he hasn’t fully recuperated, that’s all.” She tries to assure him. “Do you really think that I will let him go around if I know that his body won’t be able to bear the burden?” She points out. 

It’s not a matter of permission, Megumi knows. Gojo’s always been quite stubborn, thinking that he’s truly invisible. 

So the answer is yes. Gojo would definitely push himself even if the doctor has said a firm no. 

“Is there any medication I should avoid giving him? If I can’t find the usual medicines, will it be fine if I give him basic medicines for alpha or beta?” Megumi asks instead.

It’s no use to regret it now. All he can do is to ensure that he uses this getaway as a medium for the alpha to rest properly. 

“It won’t work as effectively, but it’d have to do for now.” Shoko answers. “Text me the brand later and I’ll give you the estimation of his dose since he’s a purebred alpha. Restrict his intake of sweets too. He really should fill himself with nutritious food.” 

“I will. Thank you for your help, Shoko-san. I apologize for bothering you so early.” Megumi says sincerely.

“Call me if he doesn’t get better.” Shoko says before she ends the call. A sigh escapes her mouth as she stares at the serene view of the dawn.

“Ah, Satoru is going to kill me after this.” She puffs out her smoke before she chuckles.

“Serves him right.” 

Megumi’s in the middle of checking the grilled salmon for any bones when he feels his dad’s presence behind him. 

“I’ve made enough breakfast for us all.” He says distractedly as he puts the last of the soft, whitish meat on top of a small long plate. There is a bowl of peeping hot mushy rice and a cup of warm sweetened tea beside it.

“Why are you awake so early?” Toji asks with a yawn. “I thought you would still be fucking with him.” 

The omega turns his head and hisses annoyedly at his dad. The alpha just put his hand out in a calming manner. 

“He’s sick.” Megumi answers shortly. “I’ll go out to get some medicine at a nearby store so you better keep an eye on him, Dad.” 

“No.” Toji refuses as he sits down across from his son. “If you’re that worried about him, just summon your dog.” 

“Dad.” Megumi sighs.

“Why would I guard him?” He scoffs disdainfully and watches his son scoops in some miso soup into the black and red bowl. “You should’ve just made a porridge and be done with it instead of going through all of these troubles.” He gestures to the food on the tray. 

“He doesn’t like porridge.” The omega answers in a heartbeat. “Oh right, I’ve set aside some normal rice for you to eat.” 

Toji rolls his eyes at the obvious spoiling. “This is why he’s such a brat around you.” 

“Shush. I don’t want to hear that from another big baby.” Megumi responds before he stands up and takes the tray upstairs. 

.

.

“Sensei?” Megumi softly calls out as he peeks his head into the alpha’s room. He frowns when he sees the blanket has been thrown off to the floor. 

“Megumi…” Gojo groans roughly before coughing. “Took you forever to show up.” 

“Is it too hot? Should I turn down the air conditioner?” Megumi ignores his complaint while he puts the tray of food on the nightstand. Being this close, he can see how the alpha is practically vibrating with restlessness. 

“No, it won’t help.” Gojo denies immediately as he sits up and leans on his back. 

Megumi reaches to take the blanket and puts it on the bottom of the bed before touching the alpha’s forehead. 

He’s still burning up. 

“You should eat first.” Megumi coaxes. “I’ll change the compress’ water before I go.” 

“No, stay here with me.” Gojo whines as he puts his head on the omega’s lap pitifully. “I just need Megumi.”

“You need proper medicines and lots of water.” Megumi refutes. His hand finds its way to the back of the alpha’s head and starts to stroke it gently. Steadily, the restlessness he saw earlier begins to dissipate and it spurs him to continue the movements. 

"It feels nice." Gojo murmurs. “See, I just need Megumi to stay here.” His voice starts to get deep as the alpha gets genuinely sleepy from the comforting touches.

“At least take a bite or two first, Sensei.” Megumi persuades while his hand is still combing through Gojo’s soft hair. 

“Feed me.” He demands drowsily before coughing lightly again.

“You’re a fully grown adult.” Megumi half-heartedly reprimands.

“A fully grown adult who is really sick.” The alpha whines. “I can’t even lift my finger, Megumi.”

“You’re really milking this for all its worth huh.” Megumi sighs defeatedly. He doesn’t have the heart to reject his request when he’s this sick. “Fine. I’ll feed you so get up now.” 

Almost immediately, Gojo lifts his body up with such perkiness that flabbergasts him. If it’s not for the sickly paleness on Gojo’s face, or how he can acutely feel that Gojo’s hands are still frozen cold, he’d have thought that the alpha's somehow lying about his illness. 

“We don’t have any vegetables or eggs and it’ll be hard for you to digest meat so early in the morning, so I made you a miso soup. I overcooked the rice too so it should be easy on your stomach,” Megumi explains as he takes the tray and puts it on his lap. 

“I was worried that you’ll make porridge.” Gojo raspily replies.

“You don’t like porridge. There’s no point in making something that you don’t want to eat.” Megumi looks up to the head of the Gojo clan. 

“I will eat anything as long as it’s yours.” The alpha flirtily says.

“I won’t put any sugar or milk in your coffee next time then.” Megumi replies breezily, refusing to fall for the corny compliment.

“Now that’s plain evil, Megumi-chan.” Gojo pouts as he watches the omega put some rice  into the miso bowl and let it be submerged with the broth.

“I’m just stating a fact based on your comment.” He argues. He takes a spoonful of the mixed rice and blows it softly. After a few seconds, he offers the spoon to the alpha, who eats it 

“It’s delicious.” Gojo compliments. 

“It’s just a basic miso soup, Sensei.” Megumi says calmly, but he can’t deny the burst of happiness he feels from providing his alpha. He takes a bit of the fish and rice and offers it again to Gojo.

The older man just hums. “But it’s my omega ’s cooking, so it tastes infinitely better.” 

“Shush. Complimenting me won’t get you anywhere.” Megumi retorts, feeling a little bit hot with the rather possessive endearment.

His omega.

“Aw and here I thought we can play sexy and naughty nurse-” 

Before Gojo can finish his sentence, Megumi slaps his thigh and scolds him, “Sensei!” 

The back of his ears are hot and Gojo has the gall to laugh heartily at his embarrassment. 

“Careful Megumi, had you slapped me a little bit higher it’d be very dangerous~” The alpha smirks knowingly. He’s about to say something when he’s struck with another coughing fit and the sexual tension is melted away. 

“Yeah right.” Megumi snorts at the abrupt change of atmosphere.

“Once I feel better I promise you won’t be able to escape me, Megumi.” Gojo grumbles.

“More eating, less flirting.” The omega cuts as he offers another spoonful of rice mixed with the miso broth. “By the way, I’m glad that you actually thought to fill the pantry with proper food.” He says to divert the topic back to a safe area. 

“Well I learnt from experience.” Gojo replies. 

“What experience?” Megumi frowns in confusion. 

“Didn’t you guys have a hard time securing food once, when you’re staying in one of my safe houses?” The older man asks back. 

“How did you know?” Megumi incredulously says. When they’re in hiding to recuperate, they did struggle to get some food for quite a while, with them being secretly hunted everywhere. There’s almost no edible, real food in the safe house they’re staying in so they had to wait for supply from Shoko or Ibiki.

“Ibiki made the reports.” The alpha shrugs. 

“Why would you read that?” Megumi incredulously asks. “It’s almost three years ago and I’m sure you have a lot of other more important things to check on.” He shakes his head in disbelief.

“It is important, Megumi.” Gojo responds. “It involved you.”

Megumi sighs at the unreasonable answer. “You’re always strangely protective in a very weird way.” He continues to spoon feed the alpha when something clicks in his mind. 

Even though there’s barely any edible food back then, ginger tea was always present in the safe houses. 

He found it a little weird and specific, but he brushed it off back then.

And this time too. 

“... I’ve told the staff to pick up some ginger tea for you. It should be in one of the drawers or the shelves…” 

“Sensei…” Megumi trails off contemplatively. “Did you deliberately prepare the ginger tea in your safe houses back then?” 

“Yep.” Gojo replies breezily. “In hindsight, I should’ve prepared emergency food too. I didn’t really consider that the situation would be that bad.” 

This sounds little bit stupid and so arrogant but- “Did you prepare it for me?” Megumi hesitantly asks. 

“Of course, for who else?” Gojo replies in a heartbeat. 

“Oh.” Megumi blinks. 

“Oh?? What do you mean with ‘oh’ Megumi?” It’s Gojo’s turn to look incredulous. 

“It didn’t cross my mind to think of it that way.” The omega grimaces. 

A disbelieved sound escapes from Gojo. “You genuinely thought that I didn’t care for you to that extent.” 

“You made it sound worse than how it actually was.” Megumi protests. “How could I know that you purposefully prepared it for me?”

Gojo takes a very deep breath. “Megumi, you’re literally pulled into safety by one of my people and was put into my private safe house. I even put your name on my private funds!”

“I was your ward.” Megumi hisses defensively. 

“According to your logic, then Tsumiki should’ve gotten the access too.” Gojo points out. “You’re holding a copy of my card too!” 

“One name would be enough between us both. And I didn’t even remember about the card until much much later.” Megumi argues.

“I can’t believe this.” Gojo mutters under his breath in displeasure, but still accepts another spoonful of rice from the omega. “The signs were clear-”

“You were literally a broken traffic light with red, yellow and green lights blinking simultaneously.” Megumi flatly says as he puts down the spoon into the empty bowl and puts the tray down. 

“But-”

Realizing that the alpha is all fired up to argue with him, Megumi backs down and pushes out his pheromone to calm him down. “You should be resting. We can discuss more about us later.” He cuts him down and offers the warm tea. Gojo takes a gulp on the drink and gives it back to Megumi, who puts it down on the nightstand.

The alpha sighs as he starts to succumb to the effect of Megumi’s thick pheromones in the air. The aggressiveness and the needs to correct his omega begin to dissipate, but they’re still there. “Megumi-” 

Before Gojo can protest even further, Megumi throws his legs over the alpha’s lap, cups his cheeks with his palms and presses his lips against the other’s. 

The older man responds instantly and clutches the back of his head, preventing him to back off from the kiss. Megumi whimpers a little when Gojo pours the leftover of his irritation into their kiss and forcefully invades his mouth. He tries to keep up with Gojo’s demanding and intrusive kisses, responding when Gojo presses his tongue in his mouth or when he nibbles on his lips rather roughly, but he’s still overwhelmed with the sudden intensity of everything. 

Megumi pushes the older’s shoulder and manages to break their connected lips. While he takes in the much needed breath, Gojo simply moves his mouth to nibble on his neck instead. His -now- free hand is slipping underneath his top, caressing and groping on the bare skin. He’s about to stop the alpha from going further when Gojo coughs uncontrollably, automatically cutting off their session again. 

“See, you need rest.” Megumi scolds softly, still a little bit lightheaded with the kiss. Initially, he just wanted to shut the alpha up. He didn’t expect that Gojo would go full throttle on him like that.

“This sucks so much.” He groans annoyedly. “It hurts when I cough Megumi.” The older man’s back on his whining agenda and pulls him onto his chest. 

“That’s why I have to buy some medicines for you.” The younger sighs. “Just sleep, Sensei. I promise I won’t be long.” 

“Stay here until I fall asleep then.” Gojo demands. 

“Okay.” Megumi agrees. 

While holding his breath, Megumi carefully slips out from Gojo’s grip. He has just stood up when Gojo opens his eyes blearily. 

“Megumi?” He raspily calls. 

“Shh…” Megumi hushes softly. His hand gently massages the alpha’s temple, lulling him back to sleep while pushing out his pheromone again. 

“Megumi…” Gojo whispers while still closing his eyes.

Slowly but surely, his breath begins to even out once again and Megumi lets out a relieved sigh. He stands up once more and fixes the blanket on the alpha cautiously, lest he’s woken up again. 

He walks towards the window and makes sure that it’s all locked properly before he puts down the thinner curtain, letting the light of the morning sun go into the room. His hand takes the car key off from the vanity table and flicks off the lamp. 

It’s not that dark that it will feel suffocating, but it’s not that bright either, allowing a comfortable rest.

Satisfied, Megumi is already right behind the door when he hears restless sounds coming out from Gojo. A little bit worried, Megumi walks back toward the bed. He stands there silently, checking if there’s something wrong and it doesn’t take long for the alpha to be deep in his slumber again. 

Megumi sighs quietly as understanding dawns on him. It’s somewhat cute and adorable, but he won’t be able to go out for more than ten minutes at most if this keeps up. 

He’s mulling on what to do, when an idea pops up in his head. 

He takes off his oversized pajama and folds it haphazardly. Carefully, the black haired omega puts the folded article of clothing right next to Gojo’s pillow. 

He’s been wearing the t-shirt for the whole night, his leftover pheromones should last long enough on it. 

.

.

Megumi is descending down the stairs while thinking about the things he needs to buy, when Toji’s voice takes his attention. 

“Done taking care of the baby?” Toji asks without looking up. 

“Peacefully asleep.” Megumi sarcastically replies. “Dad, you’ll stay here-” 

“Not a chance, kid.” Toji stands up and drags him to the dining table. “Sit. Eat.” He orders.

“I’m not a dog.” Megumi irritatedly says, but still conceding on being sat on the chair forcefully. “And it’s still too early for breakfast.” He grumbles under his breath as he forms a hand sign. 

“Kon.” He summons quietly. Immediately, Kon’s figure materializes right in front of him. He opens his palms and Kon nuzzles on them obediently. 

“Guard Gojo-sensei until I return, okay?” He orders. The huge dog howls quietly in response, before he turns around and goes to the second floor. 

“I really don’t understand why you’re that worried about that brat.” Toji tsk. 

“He is really sick, sick.” Megumi reasons while looking up to his dad. He holds out the car keys on his other palm. “Come on, let's go.” 

“As compensation for this trouble, you’ll buy some beers for me.” 

“Not a chance, Dad.” 

Admittedly, he’s not used to driving. 

He’s mostly chauffeured whenever he goes out and on the occasion that he drives, it’s always been a small sedan car instead of a big SUV like this. It takes him a while to adjust the car seat to his preference and figures out where Gojo puts the official papers of the car. 

It’s almost seven in the morning when he finally gets out of the gated complex. Thankfully, the streets are really empty so it doesn’t matter if his driving isn’t as smooth as it should be. 

“Dad, call Maki.” He requests as he makes a U-turn. “Ask her to send someone to deliver some emergency medicines and basic aid kits.” 

“And that’ll be another additional two boxes of cigs, Your Highness.” Toji says as he does as he’s ordered.

“Toji? Did something happen?” Maki’s voice echoes in the car when the call is connected. 

“Send us some basic medicines for purebred alpha and omega. The brat stocked up everything but that apparently.” Toji replies. 

“Huh?” Maki responds confusedly. 

“Maki.” Megumi calls out loudly. “Gojo-sensei is sick and I’ve asked the security guards in my area, but they said they’re very doubtful that the nearby apothecary has medicines for purebred alpha. Can you send someone trustable or Ijichi-san to pick up some meds from Shoko-san and deliver it to my place today?” He explains without leaving his eyes from the road. 

“He surely chose a good time to get sick.” Maki sighs. “Sure though. Do you need anything else?” She asks.

Megumi silently mulls on the question. In the background, he can vaguely hear a hushed, familiar voice. 

“If you can throw in some vitamins and supplements for him it’d be great. Thanks Maki. Sorry for bothering your time with Nobara.” He replies.

“Then you should buy me a set of brand new heels when you come back, Megumi.” Nobara cheekily replies, earning a sigh from Maki. 

“Usually, your ‘one set’ is actually the whole store itself.” Megumi chuckles. “But sure, I’ll just charge it all to Gojo-sensei.” 

“Gojo-sensei, eh?” Nobara says. “By the way, do you know what Gojo-sensei has gifted to Kamo for his coronation’s present?” She baits. 

“He gave a gift to him?” Megumi raises his eyebrow.

“Not only one, several in fact.” Nobara answers while suppressing her amusement. 

“Do I really want to know?” Megumi asks, already having a hunch that it must be something bad. 

“He gave him completely alive and very loud ducks.”

Toji’s loud laugh immediately breaks out in the car while he also almost stops the car in response. 

“What did you say?” Megumi asks in disbelief. “Ducks? As in real ducks?”

“Yes.” Nobara confirms amidst her own laughs. “Can you believe that? Gojo-sensei is so petty I swear to God.” 

“What the fuck.” Megumi says in astonishment. “How did you know?” 

“Mai told us. She said the ducks are vicious and very wild, so the attendants at Kamo's are having numerous troubles because of it.“ Maki answers. 

“Ducks.” Megumi repeats, still in half-disbelief. 

“ Live ducks.” Nobara emphasizes.

“Seems like Satoru is still holding a grudge over you.” Maki amusedly says. 

Megumi just sighs at the somewhat expected answers. 

The alpha is so absurd and frontal sometimes. 

Ducks*, really?

“Sensei?” Megumi whispers quietly as he peeks into the alpha’s room. In his hand, there is a bottle of water and the fever medicine for alpha. Just like what the security told him, the apothecary nearby doesn’t sell any medication for purebred alpha. They’re too expensive to be shelved in a countryside like this. Thankfully, Shoko said it’s doable for temporary countermeasures until the meds she sent arrived. 

When he receives no response, Megumi slips into the cool room. A warmth blooms in his chest at the sight that greets him. 

Instead of being folded like how he left it earlier, his pajama is now being clutched tightly by Gojo as he sleeps. 

Unexplainable, silent happiness fills him as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed. 

Cute, he thinks. 

The thought doesn’t last long when he notices the frown on the alpha’s face. His palm brushes against his forehead and he’s back on being worried. Gently, he eases the older man to wake up by stroking his head.

“Gojo-sensei.” He calls. He doesn’t cease his movement even when the alpha has opened his eyes. 

 “I’m sorry to wake you up but you have to drink the medicine first.” Megumi apologetically says.

“Megumi.” Gojo groans and just like before, he moves his head to the omega’s lap and throws his arms around his waist, holding him tightly. “You said you won’t be long.” His complaint is muffled with how he buries his face on his thighs. 

“It takes a while to reach the apothecary.” Megumi explains softly as he tries to push out more of his pheromones to ease the uncomfortable alpha. “Come on get up, Sensei. You should take the medicine first and I’ll let you go back to sleep.”  He adds. He carefully pushes the older man to let go of his hold. 

After Gojo is sitting properly on the bed, Megumi busies himself by pouring the liquid into the small, transparent cup. He makes sure that he has reached the maximum amount for one sip before giving it to him. He repeats the process when the cup is returned to him. 

“Again?” Gojo asks questionably, but still accepting and gulping down the second dose. 

“Shoko-san said to double the dose for you since it’s medicine for normal alpha.” Megumi says.

Gojo hums at the explanation. “Okay then.” 

“Shouldn’t you ask first before downing it up, Sensei?” He chuckles as he sets aside the medicine. 

“I’m sure you know the answer.” Gojo answers as he pulls Megumi to sit between his legs. “Ah, I’m so happy that Megumi is here to take care of me.” He sighs contently as he buries his nose on top of Megumi’s uncovered scent gland. Peace and calmness permeates into him, despite the pain and physical discomfort all over his body. 

“Of course I will. Who else?” The younger man says as his hand rubs the arms on his waist comfortingly, trying to warm them up even though he knows it’s useless. “How do you feel?” 

“My body is aching and sores all over.” Gojo murmurs while resting his head on his shoulder, turning the omega completely into his personal bolster. 

“This position will only make it even worse then.” Megumi reprimands. “Come on, let’s lie down properly.” 

“I need Megumi.” The older man declares as he lazily peppers Megumi’s neck with kisses.

“We’ve just literally made up less than ten hours ago and you’re sick.” Megumi exhales defeatedly, but still lets Gojo do as he pleases. 

“Our bond is deeper than you think.” Gojo excuses and he feels his rope is tugged by the alpha. “Our attraction to each other is stronger than you’ve always so valiantly denied as well.” 

Megumi snorts. “Weren’t you the one who was always being so vague to me?” 

“Megumi…” Gojo groans. “Are we really going to fight about this again?” 

“No. I’d rather you sleep and rest.” Megumi responds. “Which reminds me, why didn’t you tell me that you haven’t fully recovered from the effects of Prison Realm?” He pinches Gojo’s arm. 

“Why would you think that I haven’t fully recovered?” Gojo hums suspiciously. 

“Why won’t you tell me the truth?” Megumi asks back. 

“I was fine, still fine aside from this fever.” He dodges. 

Irritation swiftly bubbles inside of him and it’s mixed with his previous guilt and regret. Why it’s so hard for Gojo to be honest with him? 

“I don’t care about what you do out there professionally and I admit it’s also my fault for not noticing, Gojo-san.” Megumi coldly says. “But if you think that I will stay mum and ignorant when you try to cleverly lie about your well-being, maybe I should reconsider continuing this relationship-”

Megumi jerks automatically at the sudden, intense tightness on his waist. Thick, sour pheromone starts to pour out from the purebred alpha.

“You’re not allowed to leave me.” Gojo growls menacingly from the conjecture of his neck. 

“I will if you pull something like this again in the future.” Megumi threatens back, refusing to back down even though the omega in him whimpers helplessly at the sight of his alpha’s ire. “There won’t be any reason for me to try and be a good mate for you if you can’t be honest about your personal well-being to me, your mate.” 

“Fine.” Gojo says. “I haven’t fully recovered, but it’s truly nothing to be concerned about.” He explains. “So don’t you dare to leave me, Megumi, because I will turn the world upside down to get you back if I have to.” He lowly and rather menacingly whispers. 

“Then be honest with me.” Megumi just as firmly demands. He exhales quietly and relaxes in the alpha’s hold once again, conceding to his more omegan urges.

“You’re the one who is always keeping me in the dark, suppressing everything.” Gojo complains, still a little bit on the edge at the sudden threat earlier. It gradually disappears as Megumi willingly and pliantly bares his neck to him, appeasing his agitation. 

“I’ll be honest with you too from this day onward.” The omega promises, lifting the hand on his waist and kisses it softly. “Now, you need to have plenty of rest, Satoru-san.” He teases, completely clearing up the muddy atmosphere between them. 

“Megumi, how could you endlessly tease me like this when I’m sick!” Gojo protests miserably.

It’s almost noon when he senses two familiar signatures nearby. 

Blinking in surprise, Megumi puts down the knife and wipes his hand on a nearby towel. On the way to the entrance, he sees his dad is sleeping on the sofa. Some cans of beer are littering on the floor and the table glass. 

Shaking his head, Megumi walks past the mess and opens the door. 

“When I said someone trustable, I didn’t think Maki would send both of you.” Megumi amusedly says as he leans on the frame door. 

“Well, it’s a top priority delivery for Zenin-sama.” Yuuta answers with a smile. 

“Whoa, the place is so fancy, Megumi.” Yuuji grins. “I thought you’ll stay in Nobara’s village.” 

“I didn’t choose this place.” Megumi shrugs. “Weren’t you on a mission yesterday, Yuuji?”

“I was, but I met Yuuta-senpai at the Headquarter and I decided to join in.” He says. “It’s been a long time since I saw you too.” 

“It is, isn’t it?” Megumi wistfully says with a rather sad smile as he side steps to allow both alpha and omega in. 

“It doesn’t matter now.” Yuuji laughs as he throws his arm around his shoulder. Megumi yelps in protest as his hair is being messed up and the other omega laughs heartily. 

“I’m glad to see you look better than before, Megumi.” Yuuji says sincerely after letting him go. 

“Better than before?” Megumi quizzically asks as he leads them into the dining room.

“Yep.” Yuuji says. “Anyway, where should I put these?” He lifts the medicine box in his hand.

“Ah, just put it on the table.” Megumi answers. Once Yuuji puts it down, Megumi checks the contents. Aside from Gojo’s fever medicines, Shoko has thrown in some other basic medicines for both of them and a brand new thermometer. There are several bottles of vitamins and supplements for Gojo like he requested earlier to Maki. She also thoughtfully put in some vitamins for him.

He lifts the first layer and raises his eyebrow in surprise. Shoko also threw in some emergency suppressants for both of them, along with its syringes as well as blue pills in a transparent bottle on the bottom part. 

Morning pills. 

While he appreciates the thought, it’s wholly unnecessary.

“We also bought some food for you.” Yuuta’s voice takes his attention away from the little blue pills and he turns his head to him. “I figure you’ll be too busy tending Gojo-sensei, but it seems that you’re already in the middle of cooking lunch.” He comments after he puts down the plastic bags on the kitchen’s island. He curiously peers into the boiling pots. 

“Not really. I’m still prepping the ingredients, and that’s rice Senpai. I need to overcook it to Gojo-sensei’s preference so I can’t use the rice cooker.” He answers Yuuta’s silent question while he walks toward the alpha.

“I still can’t get used to your telepathic conversation.” Yuuji says. 

“It’s just easy to read Yuuta-senpai’s mind.” Megumi dismisses.

The pink haired omega shakes his head. “Anyway, where is Gojo-sensei? Can we see him?” He looks around wonderingly.

Megumi is startled with the sudden wariness he feels. He almost physically jerks out, but he recovers in time. 

“He’s still sleeping.” He answers with a rather numb tongue. 

“Is he in such bad shape?” Yuuji asks with heavy concern in his voice. 

“He’s still having a fever.” Megumi says after taking a deep inhale, disclosing some information about the alpha’s condition. “I only found fever medicine for normal alpha and it doesn’t really work on Gojo-sensei. But Shoko-san said he should be fine. Both of you have delivered the medicines too so hopefully he’ll truly be fine by tomorrow.” He ends. 

“That’s a relief.” Yuuji sighs. “It’s kind of weird to think that Gojo-sensei can get sick.”

“He’s still a human. He’s almost invulnerable, not completely invulnerable.” Megumi gently points out. “Anyway, what would you guys like? I have cola, tea and coffee.” He asks while walking towards the refrigerator, trying to distract himself.

“Cola sounds nice.” Yuuji hums happily as he trails behind his best friend. 

“I think we have other drinks too, Gojo-sensei stocked the refrigerator with so many things.” Megumi nags with a sigh.

“Whoa, you even have Ramune!”

While Megumi is busy conversing with Yuuji in front of the refrigerator, he’s unaware of the observative look from the black haired alpha.

.

.

It’s dark. 

So so dark that his Six Eyes also couldn’t see or sense anything. 

Wary and alert, Gojo starts to walk around and he’s suddenly back in Zenin’s back garden.

"Megumi?" Gojo calls out confusedly. In the middle of the beautiful garden across from him, Megumi is standing all alone. He looks really regal yet vulnerable. His perfect features shine exquisitely under the moonlight’s, emphasizing on his classic beauty. 

When he blinks again, a red string appears between them. He looks up and down, seeing it connects him to the omega. 

He can feel the steady pulse of it.

Megumi then turns to him, his previously expressionless face turns dejected. He sadly smiles at him, before a big scissors appears on his hand.

Dreads instantly fill him, as a thought crosses his mind.

“No, no, no- Megumi no!” He yells and runs toward the omega to stop him.

And yet.

No matter how fast he tries to run, he never comes nearer to Megumi. He can only  watches helplessly how the string that connects them both is placed in the middle of the gaping scissors. Sobs and anger threaten to overwhelm him as desperation completely rules him inside out. 

He let out a silent no, as he watches how the sharp scissor is shut firmly. 

The string is cut and the redness fades to maroon and integrates to dust completely. It’s immediately followed with an intense sense of loss and it stuns him to his knees. 

Just like him, Megumi also falls to his knees under the effect. He’s clutching on his chest and lets out a pained whimper. 

“No, no, Megumi-” He cries out, stretching his arm, trying to reach him even though he knows it’s futile. He tries to use his technique, but it won’t work. 

It refuses to work. 

Gojo forcefully drags his legs and paralyzed body forward. He relentlessly calls for his omega, trying to take his attention but it feels like his voice has never reached him. His heart breaks even worse when he sees the lonely, defeated expression on Megumi. The omega starts to fold his knees to his chest, defensively protecting and closing himself in. 

No, Megumi no.

He cries out again and suddenly their position is exchanged. Now he’s the one in the middle of the garden, while Megumi’s the one on the threshold of the building. 

The thing is, Gojo always prides himself in knowing Megumi in great detail, every little part of him. 

Without a doubt, he knows the younger male inside out. 

So, who is this stranger, who glares at him with dire hostility and contempt?

Who is this omega, who wears Megumi’s face and stature and yet instead of his teeth mark, he’s displaying another unknown alpha’s mark on his scent gland? Instead of their red string of fate, Megumi’s connected to some unknown being? 

Who is he? 

“Megumi.” He calls out, but his voice still won’t come out as he wishes it to be. 

“Why are you here, Gojo-san?” He hears Megumi’s cold response. When he takes a step closer to the omega, Megumi immediately unsheathe a sword and points it to him. 

Gojo takes a sharp breath when he feels his infinity is responding to the drawn out weapon. 

Malicious. 

“Megumi, why-” 

“We are over. I don’t have any more business with a Gojo.” This strange Megumi says curtly. “Get out before my alpha comes home, Gojo-san.” 

My alpha. 

Alpha. 

Someone else is acting as Megumi’s alpha. 

The intense, unacceptableness triggers the alpha instinct in him and Gojo gasps. 

“How about you, Senpai? We have coffee and Pocari too.” Megumi turns his face to Yuuta while opening the refrigerator wider. Yuuji has moved away from the kitchen to check on the back garden and the pool. 

“Oh yea?” Yuuta says with his usual easy smile. “I’d love that. Do you have any black coffee?” He asks while approaching him. 

“I’m not sure. I think I’ve drunk the last of it this morning.” Megumi replies as he searches for the requested variant. Yuuta is standing behind him as he also takes a look at the overly full refrigerator. 

“I’ll just have the mocha latte then-”

“Megumi.” A stern voice takes all of their attention. 

On the edge of the stairs stands Gojo, who looks strangely expressionless with his pale face but reddish cheeks. 

“Sensei? Why are you already awake?” Megumi immediately turns around and walks toward the taller man in concern. On his way, he grabs the medicine box from the table. 

“Are you okay? What happened?” He questions as he quickly  ascends the stairs to where the alpha is. When Megumi arrives, he immediately puts his palm over Gojo’s forehead to check. 

It’s gotten even hotter.

Completely alarmed, Megumi instantly pushes the alpha to go back upstairs. “Your fever has gone up. You should be on the bed.” He exclaims worriedly. 

“Senpai, just take whatever you want. I’ll take care of Gojo-sensei first.” Megumi apologetically says. “You too, Yuuji.” He adds when he notices the omega has joined back into the middle room before pushing the older alpha back to the second floor. 

“What happened?” Yuuji asks confusedly. “Why is Megumi pulling Gojo-sensei to the second floor?” He frowns. 

“Nothing happened.” Yuuta smiles assuringly. “It’s just that Gojo-sensei’s fever has gone up again and Megumi is taking him back to his bed.” 

“I see.” Yuuji comments worriedly while looking at where both alpha and omega pairs have disappeared from. 

“Let’s go back, Yuuji. Megumi is going to be busy taking care of Gojo-sensei.” 

.

With his back turned from the black haired alpha, Megumi will never know how Yuuta raises both of his hands to his chest in surrender, while staring back into Gojo's threatening, uncovered eyes earlier.

.

The younger man sighs in relief as he sees the number on the thermometer. 

Thirty six degrees. 

Medicines sure work wonders, Megumi thinks as he gently wipes the small beads of sweat from Gojo’s temple. Maybe it helps that he’s been continuously asking Gojo to drink water to flush out the fever whenever the alpha is awake. 

Megumi checks on his phone and sees some messages from both Nobara and Yuuji, along with Maki and the Foundation’s group chat. He opens the messages from Maki first, replying to her about some decisions she’ll make before continuing to the Foundation’s. He chuckles when he sees some photos of the little children having their face mostly smudged with red, blue and yellow from playing with paint. 

Tsumiki’s right, he’ll miss this. 

He may not be overly affectionate, but he can’t deny that he feels a sense of pride over them. The actions he pulled might be bloody and cursed, but seeing these children being children and generally enjoying their life with a smile on their face, is enough to remind him that it’s worth it. 

He didn't have a good childhood, but it doesn’t mean that he can’t give it to these innocent children. 

He types in an approval to make the paint event a permanent activity for them before moving to his friend’s group chat. His eyes skillfully skim through Nobara and Yuuji’s messages. He replies to her that he hasn’t asked about the ducks (he completely forgot about it, in fact) and assures Yuuji that Gojo is fine, before closing the application. 

A small movement from Gojo catches his attention. He patiently waits to see if the alpha will be awake again, but he’s just moving to nuzzle even deeper into the shirt he wore earlier.

It’s strangely adorable, to see a wholeass giant, dangerous purebred alpha like Gojo clutching over his shirt like a lifeline. 

Tilting his head contemplatively, Megumi opens the camera application. 

Quiet click can be heard in the room.

.

.

.

The realization comes to him three months into the culling. 

Sleep has dodged him yet again and he’s forced to be accompanied by his own thoughts. Instead of letting it drown him inside out, Megumi chooses to open his phone and flicks through his gallery to refresh his memory about their plan. 

His thumb stops abruptly when he sees one particular thumbnail in his gallery. Hesitantly, he taps on it. 

He’s immediately greeted with the picture of thick and long fingers forming a peace sign in front of a whole cheesecake.

He remembers this picture. 

Gojo sent this to him when the older man was out for a business trip in Hokkaido. He was preparing his own dinner when the alpha suddenly sent the picture with the caption along the lines of ‘this is my dinner ’. 

He knew that he’s not exactly the epitome of a healthy lifestyle and Gojo’s a grownass adult, but it didn’t stop his irritation at the older man’s blatant ignorance of his own calories and nutrients intakes.

That night, he ended up having dinner together with Gojo by video-calling him so he’s assured that the alpha ate proper food.  

Unconsciously, he begins to flick down to the other photos. 

In less than five minutes, Megumi realizes that he almost has no photo of Gojo in his phone, aside from some sparse pictures with others. 

Unease fills him.

.

.

Just like he fears, he truly doesn't have anything of Gojo but some sparse pictures with others. The only things that connect him to Gojo are their silent - practically useless bond,  their chat room and some images the alpha sent that are still available to be downloaded permanently into his device. 

Even in the picture with Nobara and Yuuji, he always has his eyepatch on.

He doesn’t have Gojo’s fully unmasked photo. 

.

.

During the first (almost) two years, when the day has quieted down back to him and his own thoughts, Megumi often gets worried that he will forget how Gojo looks. How he smells. How his voice is. 

How he laughs when something amuses him terribly. How Gojo’s bright, crystallized eyes will gaze on him with mirth when he manages to annoy the hell out of him. 

The comforting warmth he emits when he’s laying beside him. 

He really misses Gojo. 

He misses him so so much that it’s bursting from his chest, while a familiar hotness that he refuses to acknowledge is burning his eyes.

So unfair.

.

.

Loving him is so painful.

.

.

Chapter Text

Megumi feels his consciousness is slowly dripping in as he’s gently jostled around from his sitting position. A strong arm is on the back of his shoulder, while the other is on the back of his knees. It’s not long before he’s laid down on a warm and soft place. A familiar and pleasant scent wafts through his nose and he nuzzles deeper into the source, half-realizing that he’s burying his face on a cool pillow. 

The place beside him dips slightly, before a warm body is enveloping him from behind and there’s something weighty around his stomach and hips. He groans annoyedly at the weight, but too sleepy to do anything about it.

“Sweet dreams, Megumi.” Someone with a deep voice murmurs softly and he’s hit with a sense of nostalgia. Of a small, tatami room with this scent surrounding him. Of cool, soft bed as he lies under a thick blanket, knowing that he’ll always be safe and secure if he’s there even though the owner is still away.

The last thing he registers is a warm, rough lips touching his cheek and he’s pulled back into the abyss. 

.

.

By the time he’s aware of his surroundings again, he’s all soft and fuzzy and absolutely comfortable. A big, warm hand is steadily stroking his head, combing his hair to the back. Megumi takes a big inhale on the pleasant scent, fully happy and content as he nuzzles on the alpha’s chest.

He hears a soft chuckle, before the hand shifts to the front of his head and a kiss lands on his bare forehead. “Morning, Megumi.” 

The young clan head only hums incorrigibly in response. Megumi opens his eyes and blurrily, he can see Gojo’s handsome face. Somehow, Gojo’s expression is utterly gentle and fond, tender even. 

“How do you feel?” He asks raspily, his voice is still heavily laden with sleep. 

“I’m fine now.” Gojo assures. He resumes his steady stroking and Megumi leans to the comforting touches. “Go back to sleep. It’s still early and you’re exhausted.” He whispers as he pulls and fixes the blanket’s position.

“Hmm.” Megumi murmurs, taking another whiff of his alpha’s scent before sleep overtakes him again. 

.

Upon noticing that Megumi has fallen asleep again, Gojo chuckles. Warmth and adoration tingles inside of him and a small, content smile graces his face. He gently lays another soft kiss on the younger’s face. 

“Thank you for surviving this far, Megumi.” 

Megumi lets out a small groan as he buries his face deeper into the pillow. His exhaustion has mostly waned out, but a night sleep can’t immediately erase all of his fatigue. 

Alas, it’s a very good sleep. 

A sense of displeasure fills him when he realizes the bed beside him is empty. Sighing, he takes a last deep breath before he shifts to his back and stretches his limbs. A yawn escapes from him as he opens his eyes. Judging by the bright light that’s lighting up the whole room, it’s already late into the morning. 

Barely audible crunching sounds from his joints echo in the room as he sits on the vast bed. Rubbing his face and sighing once again, he slips out from the warmth of the bed. Just like when they’re in the car, the room smells heavily of the alpha, unlike the previous days where he could barely smell it. 

His feet feel uncomfortable against the cold marble floor as he makes his way out of the room before he closes the door with a click. A frown mars his face when he still can’t find Gojo. He walks down to the first floor and that’s when he hears soft chatters behind the entrance door. His frown gets deeper and annoyance fills him when he recognizes one of the voices. 

.

.

“Oh yes! We saw the young man and his other big brother leave in a hurry. Then we were asked if we had any purebred medicines by the securities because the young man was looking for some and we got worried because we knew that there’s no way that nearby apothecaries have something like that.” A melodious voice echoes across the neatly trimmed garden. “Never would’ve I imagined that there’s someone else inside the house. I thought it’s just the young man and his big brother.” She flirtily says. Another female in her early twenties is standing beside the older woman. Her eyes are raving from the top to bottom again, completely in awe with the adonis body. 

“Ah, he has always been a worrywart at heart.” Gojo smiles diplomatically.

“What a nice young brother you have! Are you three on a vacation-”

“Hello.” A quiet, but hard voice cuts through the conversation before a body is leaning on his arms. 

Gojo is choked upon seeing his omega’s attire. Clad in his discarded shirt and shorts, Megumi looks divine. Like the temptation itself, for his shirt is oversized on his body and it proudly shows his unblemished neck and collarbone. 

Which, in retrospect, he should fix soon. 

“Ah, we’ve just talked about you and your big brother.” The lady waves her hand excitingly. “Big brother?” Megumi raises his eyebrow, but he schools his expression back. “And who might you two be?” He politely inquires. 

“Oh, pardon my rudeness! I’m your Elisa and this is my daughter, Misa-chan. We are your neighbor.” She points to a rather far away house on the corner. “I live there with my daughter and son. We have a family vacation, you see.” She giggles. 

“I see.” He curtly says. Her laugh somehow grates on his nerves and Megumi holds onto Gojo’s arm tighter. 

“We were quite worried when we heard you were looking for medicines for purebred alpha. It seems our worries are for naught.” She briefly glances at the white haired male. “If you are willing, we’d like to invite you all to meet my children. They’re wonderful single omega and alpha-” 

“It’d be a pleasure to meet them, but we have a tight schedule for the rest of our stay. I apologize, please send our regards to them.” Megumi replies calmly with a cold smile. He turns his head to the alpha who’s staring at him amusingly. ”You left the stove on.”

“Right. I forgot I was cooking.” Gojo chuckles. Sensing the sour mood from the omega, he wraps his arms around Megumi’s shoulder and pulls him closer against him. “Thank you for your concern, Elisa-san but it seems we have to part now.” He smiles politely. 

“Of-of course! Don’t hesitate to visit us.” She exclaims. 

Without waiting for the clearly omega mom and her drooling daughter to leave, Megumi turns around and automatically drags the alpha back into their own house. 

.

.

Gojo instantly pulls Megumi into his embrace once they’re back in the safety of their house. He pointedly ignored every attempt of the omega to get out of his hug. “Megumi is so cute.” He gushes happily. 

“Let me go!” Megumi hisses.

“No~” Gojo hums teasingly. “You’re so adorable when you’re jealous, Megumi.”

“I’m not jealous!” The omega hisses again. “It’s clear that she’s aiming to matchmake you and my ‘big brother’ to her omega children, including me to her alpha son.” He scolds him annoyedly.  

“So?” Gojo tilts amusedly. “You know I’m not interested in someone that’s not you and I can just kill him if he dares to take your hands. You might not want a step mom too.” 

“Gojo-sensei!” 

“Okay, okay, then where is the stove that I have oh so carelessly left while being turned on~” Gojo presses with a knowing glint. His laughs get louder as he avoids a kick from the omega. 

The gentle wind from a sunny afternoon breezes over his hair, as the door of the backyard is fully opened, allowing the fresh air to fill the house. With a skilled motion, Megumi dries up the last plate before putting it in its place. After making sure that everything’s tidy and neat, the omega walks back to the center of the room, where his dad has snoozed back to sleep while Gojo is typing on his phone. 

His gaze then falls to the medicines he has prepared for the alpha. He has put them before he washes the dishes and they are still laying listlessly on the table after he’s finished. He approaches the alpha, taking the sealed medicine before opening them all up and putting them on his palm.

Gojo grins as he puts down his phone, stretching his hands and pulls the omega into his laps. “Megumi…” He sighs contently.

“Don’t Megumi me if you can’t properly take your medicines.” Megumi grumbles, but still puts the colorful capsules one by one into Gojo’s mouth. Once they’re all in the alpha’s mouth, he takes the glass of water and lets Gojo drink it. 

“They’re bitter.” Gojo whines a little and nuzzles on the black haired man’s neck. 

“Good boy.” Megumi pats the alpha’s head. He smirks amusedly when he hears a small mutter of ‘Megumi is so unfair’ coming out from the older man. Not liking the position, Megumi shifts so he can lean on the alpha’s chest sideways, rather than being spooned from behind. Gojo’s arm immediately supports the back of his shoulder and he comfortably rests his head on the other man’s chest.

“The granny is available tomorrow.” Gojo says as he tightens his sideway embrace. “Let’s meet her before lunch tomorrow.” 

“I see.” Megumi idly comments.

Hearing the lackluster response from the omega, Gojo looks down just to see a weird expression on the younger. “What’s wrong?” He asks. 

Megumi sighs, before he looks up to his alpha. “Can’t you just cancel it? You’ve successfully whisked me here after all.”

“Am I not allowed to get the tattoo, Megumi?” Gojo asks curiously, remembering his objection in the restaurant back then.

“It’s not that.” Megumi sighs again. “Well it is, but it’s not what you think of.” 

“Then what is it?” Gojo probes. He knows Megumi has been quietly avoiding, even pushing the appointment with the granny ever since they heard that she’s hard to be contacted at Tsumiki's house. Then he got sick and he had to push the date once again. 

“It’s…” Megumi rubs the tattoo on his own right wrist restlessly. “This is a weakness point. It will be under your infinity and no matter what, this is still a double edged sword. The idea doesn’t settle well with me.” He confesses honestly. “This tattoo has served its purpose. I can’t see any good reason for you to get it too. Who knows what might happen in the future and I don’t want to put you in such a high risk situation.”

Gojo blinks in surprise over the omega’s explanation.  “Silly Megumi.” He chuckles and rubs the omega’s left arm appeasingly. “I’m the strongest, remember?” 

“It doesn’t stop you from being locked up in a stupid box.” Megumi mutters. “I just don’t want to lose you again when it could be easily prevented in the first place.” He murmurs quietly.

“I’m sorry for making you go through that.” The alpha kisses the top of the omega’s head. “And I never make the same mistake twice, don’t worry Megumi.” Gojo assures him. 

When the omega is still wearing the same wary, unwilling expression, Gojo lets out an assuring smile as an idea pops in his head. “What if we make our own?” He bargains.

“What?” Megumi looks up to the alpha. 

“Only you and I. The tattoo will only tie both of us.” He elaborates further. 

“We have the bond though?” Megumi scrunches his face. 

“We do.” Gojo pulls the rope to make the statement, “But the tattoo is permanent and absolute, unlike this bond.” He says. 

It’s not like he wants that specific tattoo. He has learnt that Megumi can and is probably willing to do anything to block their bond again if they have a bad fight or even worse - they break up, which is not okay for him. He wants to be securely connected to his omega twenty four seven and this tattoo is a good medium for it. 

Even if in the future Megumi betrays him, at least he wants to die by the hands of the person he loves. It’s twisted and sick, but love has always been the most twisted curse. This much is nothing in comparison.

Megumi stares at the alpha’s uncovered eyes deeply, seeking and needing something, before he sighs. “Fine. But you will put it on your left hand.” 

“Why left though?” Gojo curiously asks as Megumi snuggles into his chest and closes his eyes. “I want it on the right like Megumi-chan’s.” 

“No.” Megumi denies instantly. “If you want to get it, then it will be on your left wrist.” 

“But why?” Gojo whines.

“Your right hand is your dominant hand. Don’t be ridiculous.” Megumi glares at his alpha. “If emergencies happen and you have to sever the tattoo, I’d rather have you do it on your left.” He reasons. 

“You know I can just use the reverse technique, right?” Gojo points out. 

“It’ll take time regardless.” Megumi points out. “Do as I wish or none at all.” 

“Fine, fine. I’ll do it as Megumi-chan’s wish.” Gojo teases.

“If you guys want to flirt, can’t you both do it in your own room.” Toji’s voice cuts off the lovey dovey atmosphere and Gojo flicks a throw pillow to him annoyedly. 

“Shut up, old man.” 

“Says a lousy alpha. Why don’t you take Megumi outside on a date instead of being all cooped in here?” Toji grumbles as he sits up. He yawns and flicks another small blade toward Gojo, which is effectively stopped by his infinity. 

It’s Megumi’s turn to sigh as he takes the blade down. “What did I say about throwing the weapon recklessly, Dad?” 

“I’m just curious if he can maintain his infinity when you’re on him.” Toji cracks his fingers casually. 

Gojo snorts. “Such a lousy dad.”

“At least I didn’t put Megumi through-”

“Stop.” Megumi firmly says. “I’m not here to listen to both of you barking empty insults at each other.” He glares at both alpha. “Dad, stop provoking him. Sensei, stop baiting him.”

“Hey-”

“He starts first-”

“Both of you have your own sin. So stop bringing each other’s faults.” Megumi says with an unimpressed voice.

Gojo pouts, but concedes after Megumi leaves a kiss on his cheek. “Stop. He’s still my dad and your in-law, if you’re serious about me.” 

“Yeah brat, I’m still your daddy in law.” Toji smirks haughtily.

The purebred alpha rolls his eyes and raises his middle finger. 

“You’re hardly my type, but I’m willing to fuck you for some million bucks since you can’t seem to fuck my son.” Toji taunts. 

“You-”

“I said stop!” 

“Megumi~”

“Megumi-chann” 

“Megumi my baby-”

“Stop it.” Megumi hisses embarrassedly as he prepares the vitamin for Gojo to consume this evening. They’re now back in the alpha’s bedroom, since Toji and Gojo won’t stop bickering and he’s tired listening to it. 

“But you won’t respond to me!” Gojo whines. “Come here, baby. Come to daddy alpha.” He pats on the empty side beside him. 

“That sounds wrong on so many levels.” Megumi shakes his head and offers the orange multivitamin pill. 

“Not into daddy play?” Gojo cheekily says, earning himself a glare from the omega. “Megumi is no fun~ I just want to be spoiled.” He fake-pouts. 

“I am spoiling you right now.” Megumi counters back. “Otherwise I’d have left you all alone.” 

“Then let’s sleep together from today onwards.” Gojo decides with a supposedly charming smile. 

Megumi just raises his eyebrow. “Very brave of you to ask that, Sensei.”

“I didn’t hear a no.” Gojo pushes with a bright grin. 

“Because I didn’t say no.” Megumi shrugs coolly. “Anyway, are you okay with not wearing the eyepatch? You’ve been consistently not using it these days.” He changes the topic. 

“I thought you like seeing my beautiful and enchanting eyes, Megumi.” The alpha teases, patting the empty space beside him once again, beckoning the younger man to lays beside him. 

“I don’t when it costs you discomfort.” Megumi shakes his head and sits on the edge of the bed. “Oh right.” He pushes his hand into his shadow and takes out his wallet, before handing him a black card. “I keep forgetting to return this.” 

“Ehh, I don’t want it.” Gojo pushes the card back to the omega. 

“It’s your card. Just take it back.” Megumi insists, shoving the card back to the older man. 

“Nope.” Gojo pops the p and pushes the card again. 

“Gojo-sensei!” Megumi scolds impatiently. “It’s your card, please take it back.” 

“Don’t want to~ Why does Megumi make so much fuss over a card?” He whines cutely. 

“A fuss- it’s your money!” Megumi bewilderedly says. 

“Does it matter?” The alpha pouts again. “We’re going to be mates in the end, it doesn’t matter.” 

The black haired young man sighs. “It’s not that simple-” 

“But it is.” Gojo sits up and tilts his head, staring at Megumi with a contemplative look on his face. “I don’t understand your insistence to make things overly complicated. You’re always okay with me spending money on you, why would it bother you to have access to it directly?” 

Megumi is silent for a while. Biting his lips, Megumi finally opens his mouth, “Because it’s different. You bought them for me. It’s wholly different from when I bought something for myself.” 

A little bit stunned with the younger’s explanation, Gojo blinks his eyes disbelievingly before a genuine laugh breaks out from him. He jumps onto the omega’s lap and hugs his waist tightly. “My omega is too cute!” He exclaims. 

Blushing furiously, Megumi tries to shove off the older man. “Get off!” 

“Noooo, Megumi is so cute-” Gojo’s sentence is cut off when a hand is covering his mouth. He looks up and satisfiedly looks at Megumi’s absolutely red face. 

“You’re embarrassing. Go take a hot shower.” Megumi huffs and takes off his hand afterwards. 

“Come with me?” Gojo suggestively says, earning himself another slap on his shoulder.

“Sensei!” He hisses and pushes the alpha away. “Come on, you still haven’t fully recovered and it’s getting late.”

“Yes, yes.” Gojo obediently says and slips down from the bed. With practiced ease, he takes off his loose sweatshirt. 

On the other hand, Megumi’s too stunned to say anything when he sees Gojo’s naked back. He knows very well that Gojo is a purebred alpha, which also means his body is built to be bigger than most people, alpha - beta - omega wise, but he never really realizes how huge Gojo actually is until he’s almost naked in front of him and so close. Sometimes Gojo took a bath with him when he’s still a child, but this ignites a whole plethora of different things, now that he’s grown into a mature omega. 

Megumi unconsciously takes a gulp as he’s served with a rather muscly, big, thick and broad back. When Gojo turns around a little, he’s presented with the view of his abs and his six packs in less than a meter from his face. 

His imagination is running wild. 

Noticing the absolutely dazed look on his omega, if his reddening cheeks are any indication, Gojo lets out a winning smirk. “I know I’m ogly-worthy, but you can do more, Megumi. You can touch and run your hands around my body, I won’t mind.” He playfully teases the younger. 

Completely caught red-handed, Megumi flusteredly exclaims, “Who says I’m ogling you!” 

Approaching the flushed omega, Gojo takes Megumi’s right hand and puts it on his chest. “See, it’s not hard.” He slyly says as he slowly guides the younger’s hand over his chest to his packs down. His hand has gone past his belly button and descending down at the very faint happy trails when Megumi pulls his hand by force. 

“Gojo-sensei!” Megumi hisses embarrassedly.

“You’re too cute for your own good.” Gojo chuckles as he pushes the omega to the bed. He puts his elbow on the side of Megumi’s shoulder and towers over him. “My, are you having some perverted thoughts, Megumi?” He whispers silkily. He resists the omega’s half-hearted attempt to push him off and instead, lowers down his upper body even more. “It’s only to be expected, you’re my omega after all. It’s within your right to seek your pleasure with my body.” He continues, deliberately pushing more of his pheromone to bathe his omega in it. 

“Gojo-sensei…” Megumi weakly gasps when a hand caresses the side of his neck, almost touching his uncovered scent gland. He instinctively wraps his arms around the alpha’s neck and shoulder. 

“It’s Satoru.” Gojo coos as he baits the omega further. “I’m your alpha now, you have to start calling me by my name.” He whispers as his own hand trails lower and lower. 

A shudder runs through the younger man when Gojo’s finger grazes over his left nipple. “Sen-”

“Satoru.” Gojo whispers with a deep voice. “Call me Satoru.” He insists, lightly pinches the nipple to make a point. 

“Satoru.” Megumi moans with half-closed eyes. His hips buckle and he instinctively spreads his legs wider to accommodate the dominating alpha on top of him. A sharp gasp escapes from his mouth as his body shudders when the alpha teasingly pulls his nipple. 

“Megumi’s such a good omega for me.” Gojo praises raspily before diving in to take the younger man’s tempting lips. He pushes his tongue, entangling Megumi’s own to play with his. He aggressively dominates and devours the other’s mouth, swallowing the sweet sounds. With each rough sucks, muffled moans and arousing scratches on his neck and shoulder, Gojo feels his own self-control is slipping from his grasp. 

Before he truly loses his mind and fully pounces on Megumi, Gojo breaks their connected lips and stands up from his position.

Even though he barely did anything to him, Megumi already looks so tousled up, absolutely divine and ravishing with reddening cheeks and teary eyes. His lips are red and a little swollen from his rough bites and he can smell the faint scent of Megumi’s arousal and slick. 

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he leaves a last peck over Megumi’s lips and ruffles his head. “We’ll continue this later.” He promises. His heart sings in joy when he sees the shy nod from the omega. 

.

.

With a huff, Gojo stares at the mirror in front of him. His hair is all flattened, wet from the shower he has just had. His bright, crystal-like teal eyes are staring at himself as he touches his cheeks slowly. 

They’ve sunken a little bit and are drier than they should be. 

Well, it’s not like he has any time to properly pamper himself when he’s sick. A smile graces his face when he remembers Megumi’s absolutely worried face. Even in his half-conscious state, he knew the omega was always around. Constantly checking his temperature, changing the clothing he’s clinging to so it’d always constantly smell of him, urging him to drink and eat a little whenever he’s fully conscious. 

Megumi is so cute. 

His eyes then fall down to several bottled liquids that he put down on the vanity table earlier. It’s kind of adorable how the omega shoves these to him earlier, a little bit red and embarrassed when he curiously took the morning pill bottle from the medicine box instead. He takes one bottle and contemplatively stares at the suppressant in his hand. He’s still consuming the pills as well, but… 

“Satoru…” Flushed cheeks and half-lidded eyes. Swollen lips, all wet and shiny from their mixed saliva. Neck bared with the barest scent of omega’s slick in the air. So defenseless, delectable and ripe, ready for him to fuck-

“Just in case.” He shakes the rather naughty flashback off and takes a sealed syringe from the vanity table. After he’s done, he opens the drawer and puts the rest of the bottles in.  

Megumi has just finished tidying up the alpha’s bedroom when a warm body envelops him from behind. 

“All squeaky clean as you wish, Your Highness.” Gojo teases. He puts his chin on his shoulder, all while completely leaning on him.

“Get off.” Megumi groans as he bears the weight of the purebred alpha.

“Now’s Megumi-chan’s turn to take a shower.” Gojo comments, completely ignoring the omega’s request. “Although, I don’t mind smelling your sweat-” His sentence is cut with his laughs when the younger man tried to stomp on his foot over the comment and failed spectacularly. 

“I’m going to shower in my own room.” Megumi replies. He tries to get out of the older man’s embrace but to no avail, it feels like he’s fighting against a solid wall of muscle. 

“No can do. Megumi is not allowed to step out of this room.” Gojo happily says as he tightens his embrace as if to make a point. 

Before Megumi can protest even further, his world tilts and now he’s in Gojo’s arms, being carried like some kind of princess. “Another word of protest and I’ll bathe you myself, Megumi.” Gojo says all too merrily for someone who’s threatening the others. 

Megumi can only scowl as they approach the bathroom’s door.

.

.

Easily, Megumi slips the pajama’s top over his body. Apparently the alpha has prepared the clothes he’ll use on top of a small chair in the walk in closet. The pants are too big and too oversized for him to wear without it falling out of his hips every two seconds, so he decides to forgo it. Just like how he remembers, Gojo’s clothes are always baggy on his body, but they’re also so soft and comfortable to wear. The most comfortable clothes he’s ever worn, in fact. Maybe it’s because these are his alpha’s clothes, or probably despite his occasional questionable taste, Gojo knows which brands have the best materials. 

Deeming that he’s presentable enough since the pajama covers most of his boxers either way, the omega walks out from the closet room and stops at the vanity table. He opens the drawer, searching for a spare little towel for him to use when he sees it. 

A little bewildered, Megumi takes out the familiar brand of sleeping pills. The very same brand he took until a week ago or so, the only difference is that this dose is meant for purebred alpha. 

Suddenly, Shoko’s words during his second phone call with the doctor echo in his mind. 

“Be it alpha or omega, purebred or not, they mostly have the same symptoms and way of treatment. If you want to use this chance to let Satoru recuperate properly, you should try giving him your clothes or make a pseudo-nest for him to settle on. His alpha instinct will eventually calm down and he’ll be able to recover quicker with the scent of his mate nearby.” 

Something in him stops as it finally clicks on his mind.

“Why are you here?”  

“I can’t sleep.”

Did… Did Gojo experience the same thing as him? Always restless and unable to sleep fitfully without waking up every two hours or so? Was that why the alpha was sitting by the side of the pool? Because there’s no calming omega scent to help him go to sleep?

If he has Maki and his dad’s clothes to help him… then who did Gojo ask for help?

Ugly anger and jealousy mixes into one as his mood immediately drops at the thought. Is that why Gojo was so welcoming over the mom’s invitation this morning? To see if there’s other omega nearby? Is that why Yuuji was so concerned over Gojo? Personally coming here even though he has just finished a mission, even still asking his well-being over the text? 

Gritting his teeth, Megumi snaps the drawer close before walking out of the bathroom. As soon as he’s outside, he can hear faint voices from the balcony and the anxiety grows further and deeper. It’s clear who is on the other end of the call and it doesn’t help in soothing his frayed nerves. Didn’t he already tell Yuuji that Gojo’s fine? Is his assurance not enough that he has to personally call him again?

Images of the flirty old woman and her omega children flashes on his mind. Why does everyone seem to always want a piece of his alpha? Why does Gojo always entertain them when their intention is so clear? 

Annoyance and insecurity unexpectedly bubbles under his skin as his restlessness grows tenfold. He grips on the edge of the pajama with his hands, before he marches to the balcony, where Gojo’s still topless while leaning on his elbow by the railing. 

The urge to claim Gojo, to mark the alpha until it’s clear that he’s taken, almost overwhelms him but he suppresses it and wraps his arms around the alpha’s waist instead. He can sense that Gojo turns his head back a little, before his arms are rubbed gently and the alpha shifts his attention back to his call. 

Megumi knows it’s probably important. It’s actually a miracle that both of them can take ten days off together. Regardless of their personal lives, they’re still very qualified special grade sorcerers and there’s never been any shortage of missions. 

But he’s also a human and his past, unresolved insecurities are all being dug out with each second that’s passing by. 

.

Gojo oofes when his body is suddenly being hugged from behind. A little bit bewildered, but very pleased, he turns his head as much as he can. He can only see a puff of damp, black hair since Megumi’s face is pretty much buried on his back, but a huge grin breaks out of him nonetheless. Yuuji’s voice is still coming out faintly from the phone on his right ear and not too long after, Megumi tightens his hold. In response, he grabs one of the arms around his waist and rubs it gently. He gives hums and short responses at the right time to Yuuji, but his attention is already distracted with the unusually clingy omega behind him. 

After a while, Megumi finally lets go of his hold and a part of him mourns for the loss. He quickly cuts the conversation short and bids goodbye, before following the younger man back into the room. 

“Did something happen?” Megumi asks quietly.

“Not really. Yuuji just consulted about some things.” Gojo answers as he shuts the door of the balcony closed again. 

“Doesn’t sound like it.” The younger man replies quietly and the alpha can’t help but to raise his eyebrow at the unexpected jab.

“Yeah. He also asked if I had recovered and those kinds of things.” He waves his hand around. When he notices the sullen look on Megumi, it dawns on his mind. 

"My my, are you jealous, Megumi-chan?" Gojo amusedly teases as he sits on the sofa. His amusement increases when Megumi approaches and stands right in front of him.

"Itadori can attract anyone else but you, Sensei. You’re also not allowed to be attracted to other omegas." Megumi says flatly while looking down at Gojo.

"And if I do?"Gojo pushes, still amused and very much curious of his younger lover's response as he fixes the throw pillows. He has been liking Megumi’s reactions so far. From scenting him, pulling his arms and leaning on his body, he’s very interested in what he’ll do for now. 

Gojo takes a sharp breath when he senses their rope, their bond suddenly wavers as if it’s stretched thin and he snaps his head to Megumi. His previous joy immediately melts away as he’s stunned with the sight of his omega. It only appears very briefly, but Gojo can clearly see the genuine hurt that flashes on Megumi’s face before he closes off his expression. The omega’s face turns absolutely cold as he gazes at him with anger and contempt. 

Like a knee-jerk reaction, he automatically stands up and reaches for the omega, “I’m kid-”

"Suit yourselves." Megumi cuts off icily before his shadow engulfs him. 

Completely in panic, Gojo only manages to catch a sliver of the black tendril before it completely disappears along with its host. 

And Megumi’s gone.

“Fuck.” He curses.  

.

.

Megumi hates to admit it but it stings. He’s so angry, upset, jealous and despite everything, it still stings. 

.

.

“Get out of my way.” Gojo growls threateningly. Right in front of him is his omega’s dad, blocking his path from reaching the younger man. He has feared that Megumi went out of the house, but thankfully, he only hides into the alpha’s room. Megumi’s black shadow also covers the room, separating them completely. 

“Not going to happen, brat.” Toji states while crossing his arms on his chest. “He’ll see you tomorrow but not before.” He firmly says. 

“Move, Toji.” Gojo demands. His eyes glow bright as his cursed energy lightly flares up in tone of his fluctuating emotion. The need to make sure his omega is alright, that he's safe and to assure him that he's the only one and he cracked a bad joke at a bad time is all time high and he doesn’t have any time to play any games with him. 

"You said that you are the honored one." Toji chuckles amusingly before a mean, mocking expression is shown on his face. "But in reality you're just a pathetic alpha who can't hold onto your own omega. I should’ve matched him to another alpha-"

Gojo sees red and he almost maim the black haired alpha, if it’s not for the stern, loud voice of Megumi. 

“Stop.” 

Gojo internally flinches at the absolutely cold and indifferent tone, while his alpha instinct tries to overwhelm him just as immediately. Dread and fear that Megumi will leave him, will cut their bond and ignore him again are steadily climbing up to his throat. He doesn’t know what he’ll do, what he should do, if that happens, if they’re back to zero after he has tasted the younger's sweet affection.

“Megumi, let’s talk.” He coaxes, trying to suppress down his own desperation. Trying to bargain calmly, even though he’s one second away from forcefully taking the omega away if it comes to it. 

He hears Toji sigh deeply before the alpha scratches his head with an annoyed expression. “See him tomorrow, both of you would have calmed down by then. You’re just infuriating him further if you push him now.” Toji waves before turning his back and walks into the shadow. 

Leaving him all alone. 

Gojo takes a deep breath and slowly approaches the black wall. He gently touches it, noticing its solidness, unlike Toji who can simply walk in and out as he pleases. Just like in Tsumiki’s house, he can’t hear anything, can’t sense anything but a block of the younger man’s cursed energy. The urge to destroy this wall so he can be by Megumi’s side is strong, but just like Toji said, it’ll just infuriate the younger man even further. 

He puts his forehead on the strangely cool wall. “I’m sorry, Megumi. I love you.” He whispers.

Hoping, praying, that his voice can reach his omega’s heart.

Toji sighs loudly when he sees the bundle on his bed, all curled up with the blanket all bunched up to cover him. “This is what happens when a kid meets a whiny, insolent brat.” He thinks exasperatedly. “You should sleep on the bed. I’ll go back to your shadow-” 

“No.” Comes Megumi’s immediate, stern response. “Stay.” 

“You’re getting demanding like the brat.” The alpha complains. “Don't get mad when you're squashed tomorrow.” He comments but intending to comply with his son's wish. He glances to the back, where he can clearly sense that Gojo is still standing right where he left him.  “You know, I’m starting to wonder if you guys are truly mates or nah.” He snides. 

A sharp, loud sound can be heard right before the black haired alpha catches the small blade between his fingers. “Didn’t you say to not throw this stuff carelessly?” He mocks. 

Megumi shows his face under the blanket and glares viciously. “They're mine so I can do whatever I want with them.” He gives his excuse. 

“Like an angry kitten.” Toji amusedly mulls. It'd have been comical if he’s not the one who’s sandwiched between this troublesome couple. “What happened this time?” He asks as he sits on the edge of the bed. 

“Nothing.” Megumi says curtly. 

“Even the walls know it’s bullshit and not all of us have time to be an asshole.” Toji jabs. It’s always been a handful when Megumi gets all emotional and he has long learnt that the fastest way to snap him out of it is to actually piss him off. 

Silence descends between them, before a quiet mutter comes out from the omega, “Whatever.” 

Frustration bubbles under Toji’s skin. “You said that you own this blade,” he puts up the weapon before dropping it back to the shadow, “That brat,” Toji points to the door, ”is also wrapped around your finger like a badly stuck ring. So tell me what happened before I’ll let him in to deal with you.”

Megumi glares hard at the black haired alpha once again, before he scoffs. “Gojo’s was on the phone with Yuuji and…” He abruptly trails off. 

“And?” Toji raises his eyebrow. 

“He’s also being flocked by some omegas on Kamo’s inauguration. This morning too.” Megumi continues.

“So?” Toji bewilderedly asks. 

“I’m...I'm jealous.” Megumi says with a small voice. 

Toji stares at his son in surprise. “You’re jealous so you’re throwing a tantrum and running away from him?” He asks disbelievingly. Gojo gets all distraught over his son being jealous? Megumi has always been a hot headed boy despite his usual demeanor, but this is the first time in years that he sees him being immature and petty like this. 

There must have been something that triggered this reaction. 

Toji rubs his face tiredly. “I'm not suitable for this hormone filled couple fight.”

“What did you say?” The omega offendedly exclaims. 

“I said, I’m not suitable to deal with you and the brat’s immature fight.” Toji repeats slowly in a mocking tone. “But, this is actually a golden chance for you to rethink everything. Do you truly see that brat as someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, or is he simply your first love? Are you willing to bear his child, with all the pain, discomfort and trouble he has brought to you? Especially considering that your first response upon stumbling upon a problem with him is running away.” He scolds. 

The younger man stays silent. 

“Deal with it properly tomorrow.” Toji sternly says. “If you truly love him and want him as your mate, both of you have to act like it otherwise, it’ll never work out, Megumi.” 

Gojo restlessly stares at his bedroom’s ceiling. The clock shows it’s almost one in the morning, but here he is, still wide awake. Digging, analyzing what went wrong, what landmine did he step on, to push the omega this far. 

That’s the thing with Megumi. When he’s angry, he’ll raise his voice and tone like any other person. A completely normal reaction. However, an angrily upset Megumi, is another matter. When his words are quiet, cold and polite. When his mouth is all shut, jade eyes icy and his whole body screams of hostility and wariness, unwilling. 

It's damning.

Through the nine years he's with the younger man, he only triggered this once and suffice to say, it was hell on Earth. That’s enough of a lesson for him.

Despite what he looks like and what people think of him, Megumi’s not as cold and as indifferent as he shows himself to be. To be exact, he only shows his actual emotion when he’s responding to the people he knows, people he trusts and cares for. 

This is also how he realized that Megumi’s omega instinctively saw Yuuta as a potential mate in the aftermath of the Night’s Parade. 

The younger man insisted on accompanying him on the day after Suguru’s death, giving the excuse that he wanted to meet Maki and the rest of the first year even though it’s clear that Megumi was concerned about him. In the end, he humored him, bringing him along everywhere he went and the omega never left his side. He barely reacted as they listened to casualty updates from sorcerers who reported to him as they walked around, assessing the damages and things. A little bit surprised with the scale of the things, considering that he only told the omega the barest gist to keep him safe, but that’s it. 

Until they came across Yuuta and Maki.

Words of worry and caution almost escaped from him. Yuuta’s scent was pretty strong even when they’re this far and it’s clear that he’s on the cusp of his rut after such a high adrenaline fight yesterday, but it immediately died as he watched Megumi suddenly embrace the black haired alpha.

He knew that Megumi always had an adverse reaction to any strong, alpha’s scent - that’s how he’s always felt assured that he has no real competitor, even though Megumi had a plethora of fans in his school, Maki excluded. But with how easily the omega took the exhausted alpha in, just like how he accepted him when he arrived on Megumi’s doorstep after killing Suguru last night, he just knew.  

Now that Yuuta has freed himself from the chain of Rika’s curse, Megumi’s omega saw him as a potential alpha-mate. It didn’t help that he also saw Yuuta’s red cheeks, the seed of adoration from the younger’s eyes toward his omega, smelling the faint soothing scent of Megumi that he unconsciously released as a response upon seeing Yuuta’s hidden distress.

He, for once, has a real competitor. 

So when the perfect opportunity suddenly arrived a week later, he immediately arranged everything. Maki confronted him once, but she too, realized that it’s the best, the kindest outcome that he could give. 

As long as Yuuta knows his place.

“Sleep. I can hear all those gears running round inside your pretty little head.” Toji’s heavy, sleep laden voice cuts through the silence in the cool room.

Megumi quietly inches closer and snuggles to his dad’s side, seeking comfort. 

“Dad... what did you do when you fought with mom?” He asks with a low voice after a while. 

“I didn't. We rarely fought.” Toji lets out a big yawn, not bothering to open his eyes. 

The omega blinks in surprise over the information. “Really?” 

“I always gave what she wanted, kid. On the rare occasion where I put my foot down, she backed down peacefully because she understood that I must’ve a valid reason to say no.” Toji explains. He turns his head and opens his eyes halfway. “You and the brat have your own baggage. We did too, but your mom never made me feel insecure. I always treat her like a Queen and I never bothered with other people as well. That’s why I told you to rethink everything now, before you swim further and deeper into the brat’s embrace and I can’t pull you out.” He nails the actual issue. “Now sleep or you’ll have those horrendous eyebags like the other alpha brat.” 

Gojo knows that he’s dreaming, that he’s relieving a memory when he sees familiar face on a familiar position 

“I’ve told you that I might not be around forever, right?” the Megumi look-alike chuckles lightly. He reaches to stroke the back of his neck and Gojo shudders.

“Take care of yourself. Live. Be free.” There's a small, gentle smile on the younger's face and he is suffocated with familiar fear and anxiety.

“Megumi-”

“Be happy.” He watches the younger mouths the words before he wakes up with a gasp.

The alpha groans as he sits up. He briefly glances at the clock and grumbles under his breath. He fell asleep for an hour. 

Maybe Megumi’s right, he’s still not one hundred percent recovered if he still has this delirious nightmare.

He plops back down to the bed. His hand absentmindedly explores under the pillows and he feels a cold device. Frowning, he takes it and he’s presented with Megumi’s phone. Due to the movement, the phone’s sensor is turned on and it glows bright as it asks for a pin. 

Curiosity blooms inside of him. He knows he’s not supposed to pry in when Megumi’s not around, but they’ve always been pretty open about each other’s gadget. Megumi knows his phone’s password and the younger man always lets him rummage through his phone when he’s bored. 

One time. He’ll try one time and if it’s not unlocked he’ll put it back down. 

Megumi’s password back then was a random bunch of numbers, but somehow he has a hunch. He types in his birthday and it unlocks with a quiet click. 

But that’s not what takes him by surprise. 

It’s the wallpaper. 

He has expected it to be the phone’s default theme or shots of landscape. Megumi’s pretty simple and never seems to have any particular preference, but he’s stunned to see his own face, peacefully sleeping while clutching to the omega’s shirt as the wallpaper. 

It feels like his heart has fallen to the bottom of his stomach. 

His thumbs move to open Megumi’s gallery and he just… freezes. It’s not only one shot, there are several pictures of himself. All of them are when he’s asleep, so no wonder he didn’t realize anything. He scrolls down to the other photos and sees some familiar pictures. 

Megumi even saved the silly, random photos he sent to the omega.

Sighing, he locks the phone and slips it back under the pillow. 

Knowing this only intensifies his sadness and worry for Megumi. His chest constricts painfully as he curses himself. Had he been more sensitive, realized the omega’s rather weird mood and didn’t push him, then he’d be here, in his arms as they sleep together. 

Gojo tsk-es as he gets down from the bed. 

It’s silly and stupid, but he wants to get closer to the younger man right now. He needs to be closer to his omega, even if it only means staying outside of the room. 

Megumi silently stares at his dad’s sleeping face from the side. With each rise and fall of his chest, a sense of sadness and loneliness hits him again as well as hesitation and remorse. 

His dad is right. They all have their own baggage. 

In order to not let his personal feelings for Yuuji get all mixed up with his mess with Gojo, he had valiantly tried to forget about the questionable matter regarding the pink haired omega with him. 

And he really did forget about it. Right until he’s thrusted into the situation where Gojo openly wants him and suddenly Yuuji appears with a bright smile and absolute positivity and he’s thrown back to years ago, where he’s questioning everything. He also notices there are always flocks of young, beautiful and handsome omega with lean, unblemished skin and soft figures who are also after the purebred alpha wherever they are. 

Rather than jealousy, he feels threatened over his position. 

Which is stupid. 

He’s Fushiguro Zenin Megumi. His physical look is enough to invite a hoard of lustful alpha and beta alike. The power and influence he wields are also not to be easily trifled with. He's not lacking in any way or shape and it's been proven countlessly, so why does this one thorny thought keep bothering him regardless of everything?

Is it because Gojo has never told him anything about his situation? 

Who did Gojo turn to if he also suffered the same symptoms as him weeks ago? Whose omega scent did he seek his comfort to? His rut too, who did he spend it with? 

If he truly wants him as his omega, then why did he not shut down the ridiculous approaches from others? 

Is it because he won’t be the only one? 

A twinge of pain hits him again and he bites the inside of his cheek. When he finally cave in and decided to try this again with Gojo, to restart everything from the beginning properly, he thought they could do it. He didn’t expect that he'd immediately feel threatened over his apparently fragile position beside Gojo. Didn’t expect that he has to face that there are a lot of omegas who also actively want the purebred alpha. Friends, colleagues, allies, it doesn’t matter for his omega instinct.

Threat is threat. 

Did he make the wrong decision to try to mend everything now? Is it too early for them? 

His mind is so muddled and it’s starting to spiral out of control, when he feels a gentle tug on their bond. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to even out his breath along with each steady tug. Each pull is never rough, always gentle but strong enough for him to follow through and his heart breaks a little at the gestures. 

It’s as if Gojo sensed his meltdown and now he’s trying to calm him. 

He clutches on his blanket harder when he realizes that the alpha’s back at the front of the room. As if he’s trying to give a sign that he’s there. Near him. 

Reachable.  

Megumi shifts so he’s lying on his back and blearily looks up to the ceiling as more of the mixed emotions of love, longing, hesitation and mistrust overwhelm him. 

Perhaps just like his dad said, he’s also childish and is so recklessly controlled by his emotions.

“If you truly love him and want him as your mate, both of you have to act like it otherwise, it’ll never work out, Megumi.” 

Megumi closes his eyes briefly as he takes another shaky, deep breath. Silently, he slips out from the bed and slowly walks toward the side of the wall, where he can sense where Gojo is. His right hand touches the cool, creamy white wall and he’s hit with another sense of longing. 

“My first love, huh?” He murmurs quietly. Maybe it’s already too late. He’s already in too deep with Gojo to be pulled out by anyone. Maybe it’s not now or in the near future, but someday, he wants to start a family with him.

Decision made, he pushes in some of his curse energy as he walks through the wall with his shadow. 

When he turns to the left, he sees that the white haired man is sitting on the floor. His top and bottom pajamas don't match each other. Gojo looks pitiful, tired and absolutely distraught and a pang of guilt washes over him again. 

The alpha has just barely recovered from his sickness and here he is, in the wee hour at night, sitting on a cold floor instead of sleeping on the bed. All because he decided to throw a tantrum without properly talking to him like an adult. 

His eyes start to get hot as guilt won the fight inside his head and starts to drown him inside out. 

.

.

Gojo is startled over the omega’s sudden appearance, especially when the younger falls down into his embrace. 

“Megumi.” Gojo readily catches him and immediately pulls him to settle down properly between his legs. 

“I’m sorry.” Megumi hoarsely says. 

The alpha immediately shushes him. “I’m sorry too.” Gojo says as he gently rocks the younger’s body. “It’s a very bad joke when we’re still relearning our steps.” He tightens his hold and kisses the top of the omega’s head. “So, don’t go. Forgive me, don’t leave me Megumi.” His voice turns quieter and desperate, as if he’s praying, begging.  

Genuine, suppressed sobs escape from the black haired man as more hot tears slid down from his eyes. They’re wetting the alpha’s chest as he completely buries himself within Gojo’s warm embrace. 

The alpha also consistently rubs the younger’s back, trying to calm him down as he’s also surprised and a little bit flustered with the reaction. Never in his life, he sees Megumi crying openly like this. He’d always seen the aftermath; puffy, red eyes, damp cheeks, but he never caught him in the act. Megumi has always squashed down his own misery for himself, not letting one soul to see him so vulnerable and miserable. 

When the shaky, silent sobs have subsided into quiet breaths, Gojo gently nudges at the omega. “Let’s talk tomorrow. You need to rest, Megumi.” 

A small, fond smile appears on his face upon seeing the younger shaking his head without saying anything while hiding his face on his chest. It reminds him of Megumi back when he’s still a child.  “Do you want to talk now?” He asks. 

He receives a nod and Gojo chuckles softly. “Alright. Let’s move to somewhere more comfortable for you.” He says as he effortlessly lifts the younger along with him. He brings them back to his bedroom and gently puts him down on the edge of the bed. 

Silence descends between them again, before Megumi sighs. 

“I’m sorry. It was childish of me.” He murmurs. 

“It was a very bad joke.” Gojo shakes his head. “But I didn’t think that you’d react that way. Did something bother you, Megumi?” He asks. 

“No. I was too emotional.” Megumi denies.

“Right.” Gojo exclaims with a disbelieving scoff. When Megumi looks down to the bed and averts his eyes while biting his lips, he stares at his omega concernedly. Shoko’s words a few days ago flashes on his mind. 

"Sometimes I think we all forget how young they really are."

Gojo lets out a deep sigh. Right. Megumi's still so young. He has literally dedicated the past few years to free him. He didn't get to enjoy his youth like he did, no matter how much of a wreckage it was at the latter end. He didn’t get to go to the karaoke after a rough mission with his friends. He didn’t get to go on random summer vacations with others, spending his time on the beach until he had sunburn. He didn’t get to spend the new year morning peacefully. Didn’t get to enjoy dates and other leisure things, unable to enjoy what his peers were supposed to experience, even as a sorcerer. 

A pang of sadness and regret hits him. 

Megumi has always been more mature than his age. Forced to be mature, with his dad’s unstable presence and early disappearance. It doesn’t help that Megumi also keeps his emotions and personal feelings to himself, never to share them with anyone else. 

Perhaps he too, is partly to blame. 

He's the older one between them both. It's still within his responsibility to be more understanding and to guide his omega, including pressing him to confess when it matters. He has failed to do so before he’s sealed, it won’t do to repeat his mistake. 

Gojo takes a deep breath and slides down to the floor before he settles himself between the omega’s two legs. 

“Look at me, Megumi.” He says gently but sternly. When Megumi doesn’t budge, he narrows his eyes, “Do I need to order you?” 

With a reluctant face, Megumi finally faces him.

“There it is, my pretty Megumi.” Gojo teases, trying to ease up the heavy atmosphere. “Now, tell me what really bothered you. You’re really upset over the matter, there must be something more than simply a bad joke.” He inquires. “Is this about Yuuji?” He takes a guess. When he sees Megumi’s jaw suddenly tense up, he knows he’s hit the jackpot. 

“Are you jealous, Megumi?” Gojo asks cautiously. Right... they didn't address this back then, during their talk on the rooftop.

Upon receiving another silence, Gojo internally sighs. 

“You know we don’t have anything going on, right?” The alpha probes again. 

“It’s not only him.” Megumi mutters. 

“Huh?” Gojo frowns in confusion. 

“Who was it?” Megumi bites his lower lips. 

“Who was what?” Gojo bewilderedly throws the question back. 

“Who was the omega?” The omega tsk-es impatiently. 

If previously Megumi’s sweet scent is only tinged with a bitter and sour tone, they have fully dominated it now and Gojo gets more wary and alert at the abrupt change.

And still thoroughly confused. 

“What omega, Megumi?” He asks once again while racking his brain. What omega is he talking about? 

“Was it Yuuji too?” The younger man asks, now openly glaring at him as anger mixes in with his pained face. 

“What?” It’s Gojo’s turn to get offended before he takes a deep, calming breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Megumi.” He patiently explains. 

“I saw the sleeping pills. The very same brand I’ve been prescribed by Shoko-san. On the night where I’m not allowed to take them, I needed my dad’s and Maki’s scent to be able to sleep.” Megumi answers. “So who is the omega, Sensei?” He states flatly. “Was it Utahime-san? Or was it Yuuji? Or did you pay for an escort?” He mercilessly asks with a tight, sharp smile. “That’s also excluding the moment where you had your ruts back then.” 

Gojo can’t help but be very, very flabbergasted on the seemingly root of the problem this time. A part of him is hurt by the underlying accusation, but another part of him is also relieved to know that Megumi’s back with his claw, hissing and scratching anyone when he’s hurt. It’s better than looking at his miserable face with such a broken spirit, if he’s to be honest. 

But back to the issue. 

“I don’t have any.” Gojo simply shrugs. “I never had any flings, even a rut partner ever since you said that I’m just a stranger back then.” He confesses honestly. “That’s probably the cruelest thing you’ve ever told me, as my omega.” 

“Spare me the pain and just tell me the truth now, before I find out later.” Megumi hisses incredulously. 

“No one.” Gojo scoffs almost maniacally with wide eyes while shaking his head. “I was abstinent like a damn nun because I don’t want anyone but you. You were too young to withstand an alpha’s rut, let alone a purebred like me.” He explains. “And for your information Megumi, ever since you chose me, on the second I smelled your delicious and ripe omega scent, any other omega’s scents smell foul for me.” 

“Lies. There’s no way you spent all of your ruts for the past eight, wait no, four years alone.” Megumi refutes as he calculates their years. 

“Six.” Gojo rectifies. 

“Six?” The younger man confusedly asks. 

“Only six ruts. I diligently took suppressant and only had ruts every eight months or so.” The alpha puts six of his fingers up. “Each time, Yaga, Ieiri and later, Kento, were always there to keep an eye on me, in case I came out and looked for you.” 

“What? Why?” It’s the omega’s turn to be stunned. Just like omega, alpha routinely have their ruts every two or three months. It’s even more intense for purebred alpha and Gojo’s saying that he suppressed it to every eight months?

“I’ve told you before. You were too young and I compensated by forming a bond with you.” Gojo shrugs again. 

“You never asked for any of my clothes.” Megumi then points out. 

At this, the alpha smirks. “Why do you think I always sleepover at your place for a few days, or invite you to spend a couple of nights in my place?”

“So it was you.” Megumi stares at him with a slack jaw. “I’ve always thought that I misplaced my clothes, but it was actually you.” The younger man shakes his head disbelievingly. 

“It was more bearable when you sleepover at mine. Your lingering scent on my clothes and my beds were the best.” Gojo guiltlessly claims with a grin. 

Megumi feels like punching his alpha. And kissing him. But most importantly, punching him for acting like a creep when he could’ve just asked them and saved them half of their misunderstanding. “Then where were you during my heats? Why did you go to Yuuji’s but not mine? What did you do with him?” He spills them all out. The silly allegations. The stupid suspiciouns. 

“I was always there.” The alpha denies. “Who do you think delivered all of my clothes, freshly doused off of my scent to you?”

“But you were never there.” Megumi argues. “You could’ve just waited on me like Shoko-san, or like what you did to Yuuji.” 

“For your information, I find Yuuji’s scent foul just like any other omega. Overseeing him was part of my responsibilities since I was the only one who would be able to subdue Sukuna without a scratch. Second, I’m happy to know that you think so highly over my control of my alpha instinct Megumi, but,” Gojo chuckles, leaving it in the air. “Additionally, I’m not lying when I say I was always there. Maybe not on the same floor, but I was always nearby or in the building. Waiting, just in case your heat has gotten out of control and I really need to intervene. Shoko always prepared a double dose of liquid suppressant for me during those days.” 

Megumi sighs disbelievingly, turning his head to stare at the wall over this apparently ridiculous situation. It feels like a dejavu of some sort, before he glares furiously at his alpha. “You never tell me anything. How am I supposed to know? It's precisely because of this stupid behaviour of yours to hide everything from me that makes me feel even worse!” 

Gojo winces when he can see some truth over the other’s words. "Tell me, ask me anytime. I'll answer them all until you can feel assured."

“Then why did you entertain those omegas who were always swarming around you even though their scents smell foul to you?” 

Gojo blinks before a twisted joy blooms in him as a realization also dawns on him. Megumi is so jealous, too jealous to think clearly. The previous problems are genuine issues, but this one is just blind jealousy. 

“Formality. If it bothers you I'll limit my interaction with other omegas or forbid them from seeing my face.” Gojo appeasingly says. He’s not that stupid to push the button again when they’ve just cleared the air. He also happily notes how the other’s scent has reverted back to its usual sweet, milky and refreshing scent. 

“That's not right.” Megumi throws his head to the side. “You should be allowed to interact with others.” 

“There's no exact right and wrong in our world. If it's wrong then I'll make it as a "right" even if I have to put the world upside down.” Gojo answers easily. 

“That’s so stupid and you’re too cheesy.” Megumi grumbles, even though the corner of his lips are turning up a little.

“I'm serious though, baby?” He stands on his knees and presses his forehead to the omega.

Megumi makes a frowny, openly disgusted face, generating a chuckle from the white haired man.

“My baby, my Megumi, my only omega.” Gojo coos. He lifts the younger’s hand and puts it on his cheek. “I'm yours. Only yours. It has never changed from that day when you chose me and I chose you.”

Gojo blinks when Megumi pulls his hand and pushes his shoulder instead, until his back is on the floor and the omega is challengingly straddling him.

“Are you?” Megumi asks with a completely serious, grave face.

The white haired man sighs and unbuttons his pajama’s shirt and bares his neck to Megumi, showing his unblemished scent gland. “Claim me then.” He challenges the omega back. 

Megumi is internally stunned by the gesture, but answering the provocation. He lowers his head and his lips hover above Gojo's scent gland, waiting for any rejection or discomfort, but the alpha is still relaxed. He opens his mouth and lets his teeth graze the scent gland before pressing it softly.

Still no rejection.

Sighing, Megumi lifts his head and stares at his alpha.

“Megumi?” Gojo asks confusedly.

“You're really serious about me, huh?” He chuckles. 

“I can’t believe we’re circling back to this-” Gojo’s earnest complaint is cut short as Megumi quickly engulfs his mouth, using the momentum to push his tongue in. 

The alpha responds just as immediately, holding the back of the younger’s head and wraps his other arm around his back, tightly locking him. It’s not gentle nor compassionate, only aggressiveness with the leftover of their own frustration and fear to fuel it, especially after he flips them off. 

When they finally break their lips, Gojo chuckles to see Megumi still looks absolutely ravishable with dried up cheeks, although the fatigue on his face can’t be hidden either. 

“The floor is cold.” Megumi grumbles. 

“You’re the one who pushed me down first.” Gojo chuckles as he stands up. “Let’s go to sleep.” He offers his hand.

It’s not long before both of them plop down to the bed once again, with Megumi settles down beside him, snuggling to his side. With a flick of his finger, he pushes enough cursed energy to press the switch off. 

“That’s cheating.” Megumi mumbles. 

“Says the one who can go through the wall.” Gojo retorts as he fixes their blanket. “We’re good?” He whispers, needing confirmation from the omega.

“We’re good.” Megumi nods. 

Content and peace washes over Gojo upon hearing it and he kisses Megumi’s forehead. “Sleep, we’ll talk more tomorrow.”

Megumi only hums as he closes his eyes obediently.  

It’s a little bit awkward when he wakes up the next morning, but when Gojo greets him with a grin while his pheromone is completely blanketing him, Megumi knows everything’s going to be alright. 

Granny Yue House

11.15 AM 

“Young man, stop moving around!” Granny Yue slaps Gojo’s other wrist as she stops inking the tattoo. 

“You’re pretty strong for an elderly, Granny.” Gojo complains as he winces from the sting. 

“Ridiculous. I never knew the Gojo clan head is so whiny.” She scoffs and resumes the process. 

Gojo pouts and looks to his left, where Megumi is standing rigidly with a stiff face. He lets out a chuckle over the sight. He’s the one who has to turn off his infinity in order to let the granny ink his left wrist, but Megumi is actually tenser than he is. The younger man also pulled Toji along with them, pushing him to be on guard on the outside while Nue is up in the air, observing from afar. 

“Megumi is such a worrywart.” He thinks internally. The omega even insisted on getting the tattoo first. The recently inked tattoo stays on his right wrist, right underneath his old tattoo. 

“I thought you requested to have the same tattoo as that.” The elder woman comments without looking up. 

“You see, Granny. I want to have a lovey-dovey couple stuff with my precious wife." He grins as he bears the death glare from the black haired omega. 

Granny Yue scoffs loudly. “Kids these days have no shame…” 

“My my, you sound like Gakuganji granny.” Gojo comments.

“Don’t put me on the same level with that rotten pig, brat.” Granny scornfully says. 

Gojo whistles at the hostile response.

“I heard that Gojo's clan head is a handful, but I didn’t expect that he’ll be your alpha, young boy.” Granny Yue pointedly ignores the white haired sorcerer. “I thought you’re a sound, wise omega.” 

“Sometimes I wonder why too, Granny Yue.” Megumi nods. 

“Megumi-chan is so mean!” Gojo whines again. 

“I said stop moving you brat!” 

“Where are we going?” Megumi frowns when Gojo takes the left turn instead of the right. They’ve just left the elderly woman’s home and he thought they’d go back to the villa. Toji, too, has returned to his shadow, citing that he’s not interested in being a third-wheel. 

“You’ll see.” Gojo grins mysteriously. 

.

.

“A spar?” Megumi incredulously asks as he follows the older alpha into the middle of the clearing. He looks around the empty and quiet field. It’s on the border of the forest, so there’s no civilians nearby to worry about.

“Yep.” Gojo confirms happily. “You’re the only one I haven’t assessed, Megumi.” He explains as he rolls up his sleeve.

“You’ve just recovered.” Megumi protests with a displeased expression.

“Even more of a reason.” Gojo excuses. “I’m itching to move around after constantly lying on the bed, Megumi-chan. Or are you afraid of being beaten down by me?” He goads. 

“You do know I’m a Special Grade now, right?” Megumi scowls as he rolls up his shirt’s sleeve too, responding to the provocation. 

“Which makes it even more exciting!” The alpha claps his hand before he calls the curtain with his right fingers.

“You’re unbelievable.” Megumi rubs his face while sighing deeply.

“Toji isn’t allowed to help or intervene, but feel free to use any weapon as you wish. Consider this as a real fight and me as a hostile.” Gojo explains the rules. 

“I hope you won’t regret it then when I knock you down, Sensei.” Megumi says with a smirk, before he disappears. 

Gojo jumps to the air, in the nick of time to avoid getting pinned down by Kon. He hasn’t even touched the ground when he has to block the omega’s relentless punches. 

“Whoa, Megumi is so cool.” Gojo comments with a grin. “Also you don’t hesitate to strike first now.” He adds. A loud boom echoes in the clearing after he holds off Nue’s attack and disabled the shikigami with his technique. 

“Isn’t it cheating to put up your infinity here?” Megumi grumbles as he lands a few meters across the alpha. Nue immediately melts back into his shadow. 

“I haven’t said anything about starting the spar either.” Gojo sings songs. 

“You wanted me to consider this as a real fight.” Megumi shrugs. 

“Good.” Gojo grins before he teleports behind the omega, starting to on his offense and pushing Megumi to be on the defense. He pushes some of his cursed energy to his legs and kicks the omega from the side, where he’s forced to skitter to the back over a few meters. 

“Megumi~” Gojo sing song. “Show me your domain expansion.” He demands as he gets close to the omega again, forcing him to do a hand to hand combat again before Megumi flips back and gives them some distance again. 

“No.” The younger man answers curtly as he takes a pair of tonfa and swings it to the alpha. 

“Eh, why?” Gojo whines as he evades another hit from his lover. 

“Because your actions so far don't warrant its existence.” Megumi says annoyedly. 

“It’ll all end if I cast my own domain though?” Gojo hums. “Are you sure you don't want me to hold my punch?” He teases the omega further. 

“I will seriously punch you for that comment alone.” Megumi says calmly before he disappears. 

Gojo whirls his hand to the back to knock down Kon again before jumping into the air and blocks Megumi’s blade before he kicks the omega to the back, trying to give them a berth of distance. His eyes interestingly note how fast and effortless Megumi switches between his weapon of choice and summoning his shikigami. In fact, he’s sure that the summoning ritual is already halfway finished even before Megumi has finished putting the hand gesture. It’s as if the hand gesture is merely a finish seal, rather than the trigger. “I don’t want to severely injure you, Megumi-chan. We’re here for leisure, honeymoon vacation after all.” He says happily. 

Megumi scoffs. "Don't underestimate me. I was part of the team who took down the executives."

"I know. That's why I'm more intrigued to know the extent of your power now, Megumi." Gojo pleasedly says. His eyes widen before he avoids a punch on his waist just in time, before putting a distance between them.

"Fast." The alpha thinks excitedly. "Megumi has gotten faster and more agile." He blocks the front punch and uses his other arm to block the other punch that's coming to his side. "And meaner." He tacks internally as Megumi uses the way he blocks his hands as leverage to lift his half body and land another flying kick.

"The Megumi four years ago wouldn't even dream of using all of his limbs like that." Gojo laughs happily.

"Well, Megumi four years ago wouldn't dream of being on the top of the command chain either." The omega smirks as he takes two blades from his shadow within a blink.

"Absolute control over his shadow." Gojo notes again. He has thought so, when he sees the omega effortlessly put up a shadow wall and go through the solid wall with his shadow as a medium, but it’s actually also applicable to his weapon handling.

"What do you want?" Megumi asks. "A sword? A blade? I have several." He offers with a smirk.  

"You know I always go freestyle." Gojo readies his stance. He holds his ground and lets his infinity to block the blades, going face to face with Megumi.

"The last person who said that to me only remains as ashes now." Megumi confidently says.

"Oh Megumi-chan, don't rile me up too much." Gojo coos as he kicks his ex-student on the chest. He notices how Megumi is already halfway avoiding his kick, therefore it didn't hold as much impact as he had hoped. "There's only so much this poor sensei of yours can take, you know."

"Next time, try to say it without looking like an excited puppy. It's unbecoming." Megumi scoffs as he moves forward once more, jumping to deliver a smash with his right hand.

Gojo easily blocked it again, but he notes surprisingly how the other blade is not in Megumi's hand anymore, but rather a gun.

"Toji, that fucker." Gojo laughs excitedly as his infinity blocks a few bullets up close and swiftly disarms the gun, where it's thrown to the side. From the corner of his eyes, he sees how it melts into the ground, back to Megumi's shadow. 

Did he switch the blade then-

When he feels a prickly prickle on his back, Gojo blinks as an absolute surprise hits him. "It's on the back!" He alarmedly realizes as his infinity automatically holds off the sharp weapon on his back. 

It's not that Megumi discarded it, he used the gun as a decoy to distract him as his blade is being pulled to attack him from behind. 

"Wow." The alpha earnestly compliments. "I would've been severely injured without my infinity."

"I've told you. I brought down the old empire just to get you free." Megumi says as he stands across from him. 

"Aw, so I'm the princess in distress now?" Gojo laughs.

The alpha curiously stares at how Megumi is dangling his weapon on his wrist with his shadow, automatically cutting down the time to take them out again and enabling him to summon his shikigami with his free hands in the meantime.

"So that's how you pull it off." Gojo hums. "Compared to your other moves, it's still not as refined. Is this why your palm was injured a few days ago?" He curiously asks.

"Yeah." Megumi admits. "I tried with smaller blades, but it's harder to control than normal blades or a sword."

"Because the holder is much smaller, you have to take in the wind, the speed and also the curve of the movement to be able to grasp it safely." Gojo nods. "Why don't you envelope it with your shadow so you can grip it regardless of everything?"

"My shadow doesn’t work like your infinity." Megumi reminds him.

"You can harden your shadow into a solid wall. I also noticed how some of your discarded weapons melted into your shadow." Gojo points out.

"It's different and I can’t do it simultaneously." Megumi shakes his head.

"Or you are simply incapable of doing it." Gojo jabs good-naturedly.

"Shut up, I'm still figuring it out." Megumi scowls. “It’s enough of an assessment for you, right?” He asks. 

“Yep. Although I’m still curious about your shikigami and your domain.” The white haired alpha pouts, already hearing the spectacular tale of Megumi’s massacre list. 

“No, my answer is still the same.” Megumi refuses.

“Fine, Megumi is so stingy.” Gojo huffs, but conceding to the refusal. He can always coax Megumi into a more serious fight later in Kyoto or Nara. They are on a vacation right now after all. 

“We’re done, right?” Megumi asks. “I’m hungry, let's go to a nearby restaurant.” He orders as he walks back to the car. 

“Megumi, wait for me!” 

After the late lunch at a nearby steakhouse, Gojo intended to take the omega around the area, but he canceled it upon seeing Megumi’s sleepy, tired face on the car.

So here he is, quietly walking out of his room after a shower while Megumi is taking a nap in his bed. 

Soon-to-be a temporary nest, he corrects himself.

Megumi sleeping also gives him a chance to mull over their spar earlier. Even if they’re holding themselves back from going all out, it’s actually sufficient enough for him to actually be on his guard, especially with the last move. 

There’s only one person who’s responsible for such a huge change with Megumi’s fighting style.

As Gojo walks down the stairs, he sees Toji is sitting on the sofa, with a can of beer in his hand.

"I can't believe you're really here." Gojo comments as he approaches the other alpha.

"Stare at me as much as you want then before I put a charge on it." Toji smirks before chugging the alcohol again.

"It's barely evening." The purebred alpha scrunches his nose in distaste. He takes a seat right across from his supposedly father in law.

Toji lets out an amused scoff at the apparent disgust on the purebred alpha. "You're just the same as Megumi."

"It does smells disgusting. Like you." Gojo shrugs.

"Your palate is one of a five years old." Toji jabs back.

The white haired man doesn't reply, instead he calculatively replays his spar with Megumi earlier as he stares at the black haired alpha. 

Megumi's skills have clearly jumped very high, higher than he had expected. The bud of potential he saw in Megumi has grown and bloomed, even multiplied. He's more fluid when fighting, not too fixed on his weapons or summoning his shikigami anymore each time, but instead, he has flawlessly mixed them both. Megumi's fighting style is more free with smooth transitions. His curse energy is very in tune with his body.

It’s without a doubt that Toji’s the one who crushed Megumi's stiff thinking and forced him to act out of the box and adapted it as his own style. The shadow chain over his weapons too, it’s more imaginative than he thought Megumi is capable of. 

Gojo is impressed. Very much so.

But that methods and styles-

"You trained him to be a killer." Gojo comments nonchalantly, but the coldness on it is unmistakable.

The resurrected man chuckles and puts down his beer. "I trained him to be a survivor." Toji stares right back at Gojo's unconcealed eye with a demeaning scoff. "Unlike you. " 

“I trained him enough to be able to live and enjoy his life.” Gojo refutes. “Even without me pushing him, Megumi has shown enough capabilities as a prodigy.” 

“See where it got him in the war.” Toji snorts. “Helpless and weak. If I didn’t train him, he’d have died multiple times.”

“I refuse to burn him out.” Gojo glares. “He has to walk and learn at his own pace. Not mine, not yours, not anyone else’s.” 

“You’re biased. That’s what it is.” Toji mocks. “You thought you’d always be beside him and be able to protect him. Thinking that the safety net you’ve prepared would suffice when it barely protected him in reality, even acted like a double-edged sword. The only thing you’ve done right was forcing Naobito to make him as the Head.” 

“I don’t want to hear that from someone who has abandoned his child to his killer.” Gojo scoffs. 

“Says someone who was actively concealing the fact that he has killed said child’s dad.” Toji rebuts. 

“Megumi refused to hear the truth from the beginning.” Gojo shrugs. 

Toji scoffs mockingly. “That’s such a bullshit excuse, you know that? I heard that Megumi has been introduced to the Kamo’s heir and apparently knew Maki and Mai from their childhood. It means you didn’t limit his interaction with the Jujutsu world. He also has known several connections and people who should be higher than he can reach at his age, which means you introduced them to him. Do you really think I’ll believe that Megumi never heard of my name, has never been asked or heard any rumors about me, has never been told or whispered the truth by anyone if it’s not because of any interference from you?” 

Gojo smiles sharply. “Be careful, Dad. I won’t respond kindly to any threat to my Megumi.” 

“I hit a nerve, didn’t I?” Toji tilts his head and leans on his back. He stares at the purebred alpha in front of him, calculating. “When did you start to see Megumi as your mate?” 

“From the start.” Gojo answers lightly. “Megumi might still be a little boy, but his scent was already different here,” He taps his head. “He clearly inherited the Ten Shadow and we both hated Zenin so I thought, why not? It’d be interesting either way. He’s such a sour little kid too, thanks to you by the way, which made him cuter.”

 “You’re wired as a weirdo from the start, huh.” Toji shakes his head. “Then?” 

“He presented as an omega.” Gojo says. “By then I’m already sure that he’s my mate, as ironic as it is considering our clans’ history. Megumi’s suppressant didn’t arrive on time and he hit his second heat without telling anybody. That’s when his instinct wholeheartedly supported my hunch and chose me as his alpha, but apparently Megumi still considered me as a stranger.” He scornfully smiles. “Megumi can be pretty mean and I think you’ve known the rest.”

Toji sighs deeply as he glares at Gojo. “I really should stab you at least once for-” He stops talking when they hear the sound of a door being opened. 

Gojo smirks, daring the other alpha to say more whereas Toji only coolly raises his eyebrow to the white haired man in response. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Megumi mumbles as he descends down from the stairs. “It smells horrible here.” He scrunches his nose as he approaches them. 

“Daddy in law is so mean to me, Megumi-chan.” Gojo fake sobs as he pats the empty space between his legs.

“That sounds so wrong on so many levels. Haven't I told you both to stop fighting?” Megumi complains, but still makes himself comfortable while leaning on his side to the alpha’s chest. 

“Why are you awake though?” Gojo asks as he rubs the younger’s arm soothingly. 

“You’re not there.” Megumi mumbles. Gojo’s scent starts to fill his sense of smell and he sighs contently, completely unbothered with the fact that his dad is right across from him. If anything, it only fuels his sense of security and sleep slowly takes him under again.

On the other hand, Toji is staring contemplatively at the alpha-omega couple. At his son who has gone back to sleep peacefully within minutes and the purebred alpha who’s holding him with such fondness, as if he’s the most precious person in the world. 

.

.

Gojo Satoru.

He’s far more dangerous than he thought. 

.

Chapter Text

In the course of his absence, Fushiguro Zenin Megumi was right in front of Death's door twice.

First, it was during the initial Shibuya mess that kickstarted his imprisonment. 

The second, was in the final coup to wrestle him back into Megumi’s safe hand. Apparently, the moment Megumi finally killed one of the key executives, she also dealt a lethal injury to the omega. 

Megumi came out as a victor, at the cost of his lungs being shredded.

He had stopped breathing, ( how could he when he had no lungs) and Toji, on the verge of flickering out with Megumi’s life steadily slipping away, alerted and dragged his son’s dying body halfway to Yuuta, who noticed in time. The black-haired alpha immediately performed an emergency help and was in time to heal him enough until Shoko was able to patch him properly. 

So in conclusion, Gojo Satoru has almost lost Fushiguro Megumi twice.

Not only once, but twice. 

Twice. 

It's scary.

It's really fucking scary.

He could’ve been unsealed and had to face the new reality where Megumi is dead. He could’ve been faced with Megumi’s gravestone rather than his beautiful face. He’d have to live the rest of his life knowing that they haven’t resolved anything, that they’re drifting apart and he wasn’t given a chance to fix it.

He’d have to live with the knowledge that Megumi left this world while believing that he, Gojo Satoru, didn't love him. Didn’t want him as his mate, didn’t want him as his omega. A mere tool, another pawn he can just discard as he pleases. 

Gojo takes a shuddering breath at the reminder and he clutches the sleeping omega tighter. Closing his eyes, he tries to calm his agitated emotion and diverts all of his attention and senses to the younger man in his hold instead.

Megumi is fine. 

All warm, breathing, and most importantly, alive. It helps that their scents have mixed together in this makeshift nest they’ve built and it doesn’t take long for his restlessness to settle down once again. After taking another deep whiff of Megumi’s scent, his eyes inadvertently fall on the mismatch of blue and white bed covers and he softens at the sight. They’ve taken all the spare blankets and pillows within the villa, with each of them being excessively scented by Megumi before they’re put on this bed. Under the black-haired omega’s guidance too, he also pushed the bed to the corner of the room, right next to the windowsill to make a cozier nest for both of them.

It’s far from being perfect, but it has to do until they can go back to Nara. He has secretly bought a house near the Zenin’s compound, purposefully a non-furnished one so Megumi can freely decorate their new place according to his taste. The thought of buying new furniture and whatnot along with the younger man, basically providing and spoiling his omega’s desires to build their new home, fills him with a sense of giddiness.

He’s not going to lie, he’s still hoping that Megumi will agree to move back to Kyoto, but he’s not particularly picky. 

He’ll go wherever Megumi is. 

“Megumi, my Megumi…” Gojo murmurs softly. He nuzzles and peppers gentle kisses on the back of Megumi’s neck, feeling absolutely gushy and full of affection for the black-haired omega. A chuckle escapes from him when the young clan head lightly groans and shifts in his sleep because of his disturbance. 

His eyes catch the sight of the underside of Megumi’s left wrist and he lightly grazes his fingers on the exposed skin, tracing the visible blue veins. Faintly, he can feel the steady throbbing of his heartbeat and worry suddenly hits him again. 

What should he do, he wonders, to ensure that Megumi will stay by his side. Always within his protective wings, caging him away and never being able to leave— not until he’s buried six feet under.

That is, assuming that he died peacefully or that he hasn’t accidentally cursed Megumi to be chained with him.

Unpleasant memories from Kamo’s heir coronation pop up in his mind and he grits his teeth in displeasure.

Even though the news of him joining the race for Megumi’s hands has already spread out like wildfire, there are still insistent alphas and elders who haughtily think that they can compete with him. 

They , mere second-rate sorcerers with even lower quality of alpha and beta, who belatedly realized the precious and rare gem that is Megumi and him , a purebred alpha with the best gene, the best lineage and easily the best match for the omega. It seems that because of his imprisonment, there are several impertinent individuals who thought lightly of him and his silent warnings. 

He can’t be dormant and careful with his courting anymore. There are too many alphas and betas alike, who are still insolently eyeing his omega, impudently thinking that they have a chance of snatching Megumi away from him just because the black-haired omega hasn’t formally announced anything. 

He has to lay his claim as soon as possible. 

Gojo silently presses another soft kiss on Megumi’s exposed neck, a promise, a vow and he smiles lightly. 

Megumi is not a little boy anymore, not a little sullen brat who grew up too quickly, who doesn’t know how to ask for affection and (silently) needs his constant shielding. The black-haired male is still quite young, sure, but Megumi is already old enough to withstand and handle an alpha’s rut now.

His rut , to be precise.

With the four-year gap, the first thing he needs to do is to make Megumi accustomed to his touches again. Megumi is far from being a pliant and submissive omega and if he recklessly pushes himself and startles Megumi’s protective instinct, especially after the fiasco of their half-made bond and the way Megumi was bitten by another alpha too, there’s a big chance that the younger man’s body will naturally reject him again.

Obviously, he doesn’t want that. 

Gradually but intensively showering the younger man with his physical touches and verbal affection are the only way to fix their physical compatibility problem. Hopefully, those will also assure and make Megumi believe that he only has eyes for him and only him, never anyone else. 

After all, Megumi is his most loved, most important, literally his everything.

Megumi usually wakes up on his own. 

Being a clan head rarely gives him the pleasure of sleeping late and the times when he did so, it wouldn’t take long for someone, sometimes Maki or even his own dad, to seek him out. While he often sleeps late at night, his body has also fully developed a self-sufficient automatic alarm that will jolt him awake around the time he needs to be up. 

However, it seems to be a different case this morning. 

His consciousness is roused by insistent and warm hands that are caressing his body, and there is a constant sting on his neck. It takes him another moment to realize that a mouth is definitely sucking his neck and Megumi blearily opens his eyes.

“Sensei?” He hoarsely groans. It soon turns into a choked gasp, when the sucking on his neck turns into an arousing bite.

“That’s not my name.” Gojo chides before he bites and tugs the thin meat of his neck again. 

“Satoru… What are you doing?” Megumi exclaims confusedly, still dazed and heavy-laden with sleep as his loose pajama shirt is taken off and he’s pressed down to the bed.

“What I should’ve done from the beginning,” Gojo answers with a hum and he can smell the pleased scent the alpha lets out. 

“And that is?” Megumi asks as he blinks his eyes fast, trying to erase his drowsiness. He verbally oofes when Gojo lies on top of his body, forcing him to bear the alpha’s heavy weight. It immediately alerts him as the instinct to kick the alpha and get out of this lock overwhelms him.

“What the hell are you—” Megumi hisses, swinging his right hand to the back and trying to push the alpha’s off, but the white-haired man easily catches it and pushes his wrist down to the side instead. It’s with another frustrated hiss when he realizes that the older man has also enveloped him with his infinity, practically rendering his own shadow useless against him. 

“Shh, I’m easing you to accept and be accustomed to my touch.” Gojo whispers soothingly on top of his ear, all while pushing more of his weight down to him. 

The explanation did nothing to appease his desire to throw Gojo off of his back, but before he can think of anything else, the alpha licks and sucks on his exposed scent gland, completely startling him.

His body immediately buckles as he openly whimpers at the intense sensation, but the alpha’s unnecessarily heavy weight practically pins his body down, unable to move or squirm even for an inch. Gojo’s pheromone also gets denser in the air, completely shrouding him with it and forcing him to submit. 

“You’re crushing me.” Megumi protests as he still tries to struggle away from the lockdown, even when he’s steadily getting drunk and dazed with the alpha’s dominating pheromone in the air. His omega instinct, who initially yowled and hissed at the sudden invasion, also gradually starts to get calmer and quieter with each second that ticks by. 

“Shhh…” Gojo shushes him before nipping his scent gland again, as if scolding him for his behavior. “Bear with it for a while. You have to be eased to fully submit to me.”

The white-haired explanation somehow makes sense, but also doesn’t make any sense in his head. It feels like an eternity, as Megumi can’t stop the series of whines and protests that escape from his mouth as he squirms under his alpha’s warm and heavy body. It’s not until he’s fully settled down, completely pliant, silent and submissive that Gojo finally lifts his body up and flips him on his back. At this point, he’s already utterly dazed and aroused. His face, his ears, and his neck feel hot as undeniable yearning to be touched by the alpha burns within him. 

“Satoru…” Megumi breathlessly whines, lifting his hips a little to get some friction and taunting the alpha to get on with it, but much to his dismay, Gojo simply holds his waist down as he stares at him with a grin that embodies the ‘cat who gets the canary’. 

“One step at a time.” Gojo gives a peck on his lips as if that’s enough of an explanation before he cheekily adds, “And good morning, Megumi-chan.”

In all honesty, Megumi thought the white-haired man was kidding when he said that they’ll do it one step at a time. 

Gojo is a purebred alpha and if the story about his ruts is true, then the older male should’ve been pouncing on him, taking and marking what’s meant to be his yesterday. He never rejects the alpha’s advances and naughty touches anymore, either. 

But no. 

This damn alpha of his truly is taking it step by step like a goddamn gentleman and it’s starting to frustrate him. 

“At this rate, you’re going to trigger my heat.” Megumi nags as today is yet another morning of being awakened by Gojo’s (welcomed) touches. His upcoming protest turns into a restrained whimper when Gojo bites the back of his neck and sucks it roughly. His hand grips the already messy blankets tightly as he endures the painful pleasure while the older male seemingly has no other interest than mauling his neck. 

When he still receives no response, Megumi annoyedly tries to disentangle himself from the spooning the alpha has forced him in, but in one quick move Gojo has him flipped and he automatically crouches with his elbows as the alpha mounts him from behind. 

A pleased whine unconsciously slips out from his mouth when the white-haired male moves forward and completely covers him from the top, caging and crowding him. Gojo nuzzles the side of his scent gland, pressing and licking it as he settles some of his weight on top of him.

“I’ve told you a thousand times, you’re heavy!” Megumi half-heartedly hisses, but unlike the first day when they started doing this, he’s completely pliant and he even wiggles a little to make himself more comfortable. 

“Says the one whose pheromones thickened instantly when I did it.” Gojo teases as he pinches his nipple. 

Megumi’s effort to stay upright with his elbow is destroyed in an instant as he shrinks away from the surprising touches. Biting his lips, he whines and wiggles in resistance as the sensation of each brush and rough pull on one of his erogenous zones is making him restless with lust. 

“Such a good omega for me…” Gojo praises, sounding just as drunk in lust as him. 

Faintly, Megumi can feel the huge bulge that’s rubbing itself on his ass and he lets out another obscene whimper, trying to lift his hip and tempt the alpha. Gojo’s pheromone is already thick and he knows the alpha wants him all the same. Why is he trying so hard to control his urges when he’s willing to serve?

“Alpha please—” Megumi moans as he looks to the back, giving Gojo what he hopes is a pleading look. “I need you, I need— relief.” He groans desperately, full of frustration. A part of himself internally smirks in satisfaction upon hearing the equally frustrated growl coming from the white-haired man. 

“Are you on your pills?” Gojo asks while his hand roughly pulls his loose pajama pants and forces its way to the source of his warm slick, finally surrendering to some of his base instincts. 

“Yes.” Megumi manages to answer before he keens, trying to get away from the sudden pressure on his most sensitive place. He almost lets out an embarrassing peep when Gojo flips them over, with his back on Gojo’s chest while the alpha’s hand is now freely groping his lower region.

“God, you’re already so wet for me.” Gojo whispers deeply in his ears and shivers wrack through Megumi’s body. “Your slick is coating my entire hand, Megumi.” He teases. “You’ll get this wet just for me , right?” 

“Alpha— please, please—” Megumi arches his back. His mind is already hazy with the foreign feeling of being touched by another in such an intimate place, that he’s finally being given the taste of pleasure by his alpha overwhelms him. He takes a sharp gasp when two fingers suddenly slip into his hole and he grips and scratches on the alpha’s arms at the sudden burn. 

"Fuck." Gojo moans hotly in his ears and Megumi has never thought that a curse can sound so sexy and dirty. "I’ll truly rip you apart if I don't prepare you properly, Megumi." He chuckles breathlessly. “We’ve been trying to put one finger to ease you so I thought we can start with two. I was wrong.” He laughs delightfully.

That shouldn’t have turned him on. That shouldn’t have made him create even more slick for the alpha, especially when the sharp burn is so distracting. 

But damn it.

“Fuck you.” Megumi conveys his feelings with his eyes closed as the alpha still consistently pistoning his fingers in and out. It hurts, but he can’t deny the spark of pleasure it brings along with the labored breathing and little groans Gojo makes in his ears. It’s as if the alpha is just as affected by the fingering he’s doing to him and the thought that he can affect his alpha this much brings another level of self-satisfaction and strokes his ego as an omega.

With Gojo’s long and rather thick fingers, he can easily reach his sensitive spot and it doesn’t take long for Megumi to feel the old and familiar tightening in his guts. 

“You’re close.” Gojo states as his movements hasten, as if the alpha also senses his upcoming climax. “Do you know, Megumi?” He whispers hotly. “I always pop a knot when I jerk myself off of you. Always.”

The sudden, downright dirty and vulgar information immediately forms an image in his mind, of Gojo standing under a shower while rubbing and milking his own knot and it’s enough to bring him to the climax. With a drawn-out moan, he arches his back as his feet scramble on the sheet. Gojo’s muscled arm is holding him from slipping away from the alpha’s hold in his high while he can faintly feel another blob of warm slick gushes out of him.

“You’re so perfect, such a good omega for me.” Gojo joyfully encourages as he nuzzles on his bare neck, peppering kisses and other soft praises, all while still rubbing him off. 

Thankfully, Gojo immediately stops when he weakly swats the alpha’s hand away from him. As he basks in the glow of his orgasm, still twitching and letting out more slick, the older man puts him back on the bed and kisses him passionately. He tries to return the favor and puts his hand on the other’s apparent and huge bulge but Gojo immediately catches his hand. In his surprise, he breaks their connecting lips and frowns in confusion. “What—” 

“I’ve told you before, right? One step at a time.” Gojo says before giving him a peck on his lips. Before he can process it, the alpha has stood up and disappeared to the bathroom. 

Megumi just dumbfoundedly stares in the direction of the bathroom at how the situation unfolds. He didn’t expect that the alpha would be willing to go this far and that he’s actually this patient. 

“I always pop a knot when I think of you.”

Megumi throws his body into the bed and groans on the pillow. All of the things he imagined before, he has never thought that he’ll get cockblocked by his own alpha.

.

Toji is right, Gojo is so infuriating when he wants to be.

Other than the alpha’s infuriating behavior, they generally spend their vacation without much trouble. Right now, Gojo is in their nest, napping away like a well-fed, domesticated cat after a big lunch and he himself has just ended a call with Shoko about the alpha’s improved condition. He’s walking past his dad to get some cold coffee when he’s suddenly being pulled to the back by his collar. He finds himself being dragged into the lounge like a cat and he hisses angrily.

“What the heck are you doing, Dad?” Megumi exclaims as he finally regains his footing. He glares at the older alpha, who is staring at him with utter disdain. Wordlessly, he’s pushed to the sofa before Toji pulls the medicine box on the table and opens it. He watches how his dad nimbly opens up a syringe and puts his liquid suppressant in.

“Hand.” Toji orders flatly. 

“What— no, I’m still taking my meds regularly.” Megumi strongly rejects it. 

“You’re practically reeking of his snuffy pheromone. It won’t be able to last if both of you keep this up.” Toji refutes with a scrunch of his nose, as if he’s making a point with it. “I said hand, Megumi, or do you want to be manhandled for it?” He orders while looking at him with a stern expression.

Begrudgingly, Megumi offers his right wrist. He flinches a little when the needle goes beneath his skin and Toji injects the suppressant into his bloodstream.

“We won’t do it now and here, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Megumi sighs as he presses the place where he’s injected with cotton plaster. 

“I don’t care. At the rate you’re both going at, either you or him will trigger the other’s mating cycle and I don’t want to be stuck here with your heat or worse, his rut.” Toji scoffs. “Don’t forget about your pills too. I know you’re at the age where your hormones are rampant, but I’m still far too young to have a grandchild.”

“Dad!” 

Setting the whole mating situation aside, Megumi belatedly realizes that he really does need the vacation. It’s been a while since he can truly enjoy a book without being disturbed by any attendants or little children seeking his attention. Additionally, he can lower his guard down with Gojo’s presence, as his safety is practically one-hundred percent guaranteed with the older man around. 

They’re currently in the gazebo next to the pool, enjoying the cool air and peaceful atmosphere. Since it’s a bed-like gazebo, it's a very comfortable place to enjoy a lazy morning, especially when they have the whole villa for their own use today with Toji going off to the neighborhood, citing that he ‘sickened with the love in the air’.  

“Megumi…” Gojo calls. 

The omega in question shifts his eyes from his book towards the older man whose head is lying comfortably on his lap. “What?” 

Gojo opens his mouth expectantly and Megumi takes another piece of the melon, putting it into his mouth. 

“You know you could’ve just eaten it by yourself, right?” Megumi dryly says as he sets down his book to the side, giving Gojo all of his attention. 

“You’re the one who insisted on making me eat it, so it’s your responsibility.” Gojo smiles cheekily. 

“It’s for your own health.” Megumi scoffs disbelievingly, but concedes to put another piece into the alpha’s awaiting mouth.

“Yes, yes, my omega is so attentive to me. I’m such a lucky alpha.” Gojo coos, earning him a glare.

“Stop with that nickname.” Megumi grumbles embarrassedly.

“Why? You like it though.” The white-haired man snickers, before burying his face to the omega’s stomach. “Ah, this is what life is supposed to be.” He says while letting out a contented sigh— almost sounding like a middle-aged salaryman hitting the bed after a gruesome day. 

Megumi shakes his head at the spoiled action. 

His alpha is such a big baby. 

“Megumi, I demand you to love me.” Gojo suddenly exclaims, looking up at the younger man. He said it with such sincerity and seriousness that it baffles the omega before a laugh breaks out from him. 

“Megumi!” Gojo whines in protest. 

“Sorry, it sounds so ridiculous but you look so serious. It’s rather comical.” Megumi excuses and strokes the alpha’s head to placate him. “Also, if I don’t love you, I wouldn’t bother to cut any fruit for you to eat and let you lie on my lap like this.” He chuckles.

“That’s good, that’s good.” Gojo nods sagely. “I only love Megumi, so Megumi must only love me. Megumi is mine.” He draws out the end of his sentence and wraps his arms around the omega’s rather slender waist. 

“You’re such a child, Sensei.” Megumi pats the other’s head.

“Which reminds me,” Gojo lays his head back on the dark-haired male's lap once again and lifts his hand to reach the side of the omega’s neck. “When am I allowed to claim you?” He asks softly, but there’s this tinge of hesitation and anxiety in his tone. 

Megumi smiles a little at the question. “We’re almost halfway through our vacation and considering the trouble we had when you got sick, I don’t want to spend my heat here. I don’t feel comfortable that we’re kind of out of reach from others, so let’s do it once we’re back in Nara.” He explains with a hum.

It seems that it’s not the explanation the alpha expected, if the genuine surprise on the older male’s face is any indication. 

“Why do you look so surprised?” Megumi half-offendedly asks. 

“I have prepared one hundred and one reasons to convince you to let me claim you again.” Gojo admits with a laugh as he rests his head more comfortably on the omega’s lap. “It turns out that they’re not needed.” 

“Let’s hear them then.” Megumi raises his eyebrow. 

“Well, I’m handsome, for one.” Gojo shows his pointer finger. “I’m ultra super-duper rich— enough that our grandchildren’s grandchildren can live comfortably without having to lift their hands even for an inch.”

“Pass.” Megumi says amusedly. “I don’t need a handsome mate, or an ultra-rich one.” 

“I’m the strongest sorcerer and a purebred alpha. Your satisfaction on our bed is very much guaranteed.” Gojo says with a sly smile while lifting his thumb up. 

“I can use my hands and other toys just as well.” Megumi passively replies. “Next.”

“What?” Gojo cries out playfully. “Wait, can I watch when you use your toys Megumi—”

“I said next.” Megumi says, a little bit flustered at the sudden imagination. 

Already a little worked up with their conversation, Gojo sits up and stares at the omega suavely. “Last, I’m Gojo Satoru and you can’t find anyone as fine as me, Gojo Megumi.” 

“Oi—” Megumi's protest is cut off when the alpha swoops in to kiss him. He moans when the alpha roughly bites his lower lips, tugging on it before pushing his mouth more insistently at his. It’s not long before his tongue sweeps in and the back of his head is being held. A rough hand is caressing the side of his sensitive neck at the same time, before it slowly goes downward, freely feeling and groping all over his chest. 

By the time they part for air, the back of his neck and the top of his ears are a little hot and to his satisfaction, Gojo looks just as affected as him. Before he can tease the alpha though, a hand slips into his shorts and tries to pull it off. “Sensei!” Megumi yelps, immediately holding the alpha’s wrist to stop him. 

“I’m not your sensei right now, Megumi.” Gojo says playfully.

“You horny fuck— not here—” Megumi hisses, trying to push the alpha’s hand away but Gojo’s as immovable as a rock. 

“We’re all alone and Toji will be gone for the rest of the day. Relax.” Gojo assures before the loose shorts and boxers are taken off in one fell swoop. 

“Satoru!” He’s completely flushed red at the sudden exposure, in such an open space too.

“Spread your legs, Megumi.” Gojo whispers with a low voice on top of his ears and Megumi shudders at the sensation. “Your alpha wants a taste.” He coaxes with a gentle, honeyed tone as he nuzzles on his neck.

Another shudder comes through his body at the order and Megumi slightly reluctantly does as he’s told.

Ah really, when did Gojo become such a pervert?

.

Just like their previous hot activities, the alpha stops just right after he comes and the frustration is enough to put a scowl on Megumi’s face. 

“Satoru… Just fuck me.” Megumi says after he lets go of their kiss. Gojo’s eyes are wide and blown out with apparent lust, but the alpha still backs down from doing anything further like the other days. 

“Such a naughty plea, Megumi-chan.” Gojo answers rather breathlessly. “But no.” 

At the (expected) rejection, Megumi sighs annoyedly as he lifts his butt a little to help the alpha in pulling up his shorts again. “I didn't expect that you're this sentimental.”

“Megumi-chan is so mean.” Gojo whines as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “It’s an important first time, I have to ease you and prepare you thoroughly first!” He pouts exaggeratedly.

Megumi sighs once again, before he caresses the older man’s cheek. Truly, his alpha is strangely protective in a very weird way. “Isn't it enough that as long as it’s you and me? And it’s not like we’re going to claim each other now, it’s just… fucking.” 

“I want it to be special.” Gojo kisses his forehead. “Definitely not because we’re drunk over lust and each other’s pheromones after a session in the gazebo, for one.” He cheekily says.

Megumi glares at him. “Fine. I won’t push you, but,” He pulls the alpha and forces him to sit beside him, before he slides down to the floor, right in the middle of the alpha’s legs where he was before.

“Let me touch you too.” Megumi requests. The huge tent on Gojo’s sweatpants is very telling of his own need. He is internally amused by the genuine distraught on the alpha’s face. It’s like seeing a kid who is confused about choosing a sweet bun or a meat bun. “Don’t you want me to touch you, alpha?” He sultrily looks up to the older man, teasingly rubbing his cheek on the tent before whimpering lowly, “Alpha…”

Two can play at this game after all.  

Gojo groans and rubs his face. “You're going to be the death of me.” He murmurs. 

That’s not a rejection as far as he’s concerned and Megumi moves to take off the sweatpants and boxers, enough for it to pop out. 

Megumi blinks in surprise when he sees Gojo’s big, thick cock. He’s no stranger to alpha cock, his toys (rarely as he indulges in them) and the occasional videos he saw are plenty of evidence but it’s his first time to see Gojo’s and to say that he’s shocked by his alpha’s size is an understatement. His fingers lightly graze over the length and Gojo lets out a held-down grunt as it bobs under his fleeting touch.

“Megumi.” Gojo hisses.

Still fascinated and awed at the size, Megumi distractedly whispers, “You definitely have to prep me properly when you fuck me later.”

Gojo groans again. “Damn it, I didn’t expect that you’ll be this upfront.” He lets out another groan when he rubs the angry-looking tip. 

“I also didn’t expect you to be such a prude.” Megumi teases as he opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out, putting up what he has seen and learnt to good use. 

 
.

.

“Megumi, tell me honestly, have you or have you not given anyone else a blowjob? I promise I won’t kill them.” 

“It’s my first time.” 

“ There’s no way. ” 

“You know I’m a fast learner and there are a lot of things on the internet.” 

“So… any kink I should know—”

“Shut.” 

Megumi stares at Gojo's back as the alpha walks to get him a glass of water, or specifically, at the scratches he left on the alpha’s back. Really, Gojo can be ridiculous and unnecessarily rigid in the most random way when he wants to be.

It’s only a matter of time before they fuck if this keeps up, he’s sure of it.

The moon is already up high in the sky when Gojo quietly descends down to the first floor. The low buzz from a random variety show fills in the quietness of the house, as he approaches the dark-haired alpha on the sofa.

Toji might be facing the television, but Gojo knows enough that the alpha’s attention isn’t at the television across from him. 

“What’s this about, brat?” Toji cuts to the chase, not bothering to face his son’s boyfriend. “Don’t you think we’ve talked enough to last a decade, last time?” 

“Can’t I have a conversation with my in-laws?” Gojo asks as he walks to the kitchen first, before sauntering into the lounge room. 

“No.” Comes Toji’s merciless scoff. 

“You hurt my heart, old man.” Gojo smirks, throwing a can of cold soda at Toji. The black-haired male catches it, before frowning in distaste. “I can’t believe your palate is just like a kid, even though you’re such an annoying bastard.”

“Ey, old man—”

“I know what you’re doing, brat.” Toji cuts off again as he opens the can with his right hand. 

“And what am I doing?” Gojo quips back challengingly, sitting down across the other. 

“You thought I won’t notice your efforts to make Megumi get dependent on your scent again?” He scoffs derisively. “As an alpha, sure I can understand that. As a dad though.” Toji stares at the wolfish grin on the white-haired male’s face dangerously. “You better be grateful that Megumi loves you.” 

“Don’t get me wrong, old man. Megumi’s born to be mine from the start.” Gojo answers just as dangerously with a sharp smirk on his face. “I can always think of thousands of ways to get rid of you if you try to come between us.” 

“You don’t get to say that when you’re subtly forcing Megumi to get attached to you.” Toji rolls his eyes. “But well, both of you are two peas in a pod, I guess.” 

Gojo immediately frowns at the unexpected statement. “What do you mean?”

“And here I thought that you’re an observant genius. Apparently not.” Toji snorts. 

“Don’t test my patience you old—” 

“Listen, brat.” Toji remarks. “The depth of Megumi’s technique lies and depends on his imagination and out-of-the-box approaches. He is the master, the supreme controller. He can control his shadows. He can mold his shikigamis to his needs and his desire.” The alpha says while staring straight at the younger’s crystal-like eyes. 

It takes another moment for Gojo, before his eyes widen in disbelief as it finally clicks in his mind. 

“He’s the one who keeps your eyes as black.” Gojo says quietly, rather disbelievingly. “It’s not because of the nature of your existence in his shadow, but it’s because Megumi desires it.” 

The older man nods. “Megumi is doing it subconsciously. I don’t think that he realizes it either. He wants me to be dependent on him.” 

“Because if it’s not for your eyes, you can easily lead a separate life from him.” Gojo concludes. “He’s afraid of losing you again.”

“Whose fault is that, I wonder?” Toji rolls his eyes, before adding, “What’s your deal with the black-haired brat anyway?” He looks at the currently strongest sorcerer with a raised eyebrow. “On the surface, you look amicable with him but I’ve seen and heard enough to know that it’s different once my kid is in the equation— or out of it, depends on the situation.” 

“Yuuta is a threat.” Gojo lightly shrugs.

“A threat.” Toji repeats flatly.

“The only advantages I have over him right now are his absolute loyalty, my experiences and my eyes. Otherwise, he’s on par with me and thus, a threat.” Gojo snaps his fingers. 

“Heh.” Toji snickers. “What a cruel remark. That brat was just as hell-bent as Megumi to save you, you know.” 

“Oh, I know that.” Gojo smirks. “That alone is enough for me to entrust Megumi to him if anything happens to me, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s a threat to me.” He says as he leans forward, staring at his in-law with a rather challenging look. “Like you, right now. I really mean it when I said that I can find ways to get rid of you if you dare to take or influence Megumi away from my grasp, old man.” 

“My ears hurt from hearing the same shit from you.” Toji snorts. “Let’s cut the chase, brat. Why do you want to talk to me in the middle of the night, again?” He asks with an unamused look. Toji’s eyes widen imperceptibly when the white-haired alpha’s face morphs into an actually serious expression. 

“Toji.” Gojo solemnly starts. “Jokes and half-meant threats aside, I want to clear any bad blood between us. I’m going to be Megumi’s alpha and I have no desire to let him go, which means both of us will see and interact with each other often enough. I don’t want to make Megumi genuinely uncomfortable with our messy history.”

Toji scratches his hair and sighs. “You’re such a weird brat. Aside from your infuriating and snobby attitudes, there’s no bad blood between us.”

Gojo raises his eyebrow, completely surprised by the answer. “I literally killed you, old man.”

“I almost did too, plus you took care of my kid.” Toji says in response. “Don’t get me wrong, you aren’t a gentleman— just another alpha bastard, but it’s clear that you care for Megumi. Our fight that led to my death is an entirely separate thing that can not be defined or judged one-sidedly. I believe that Megumi himself understands this, otherwise he’d have hated you for killing me and lying about my existence for what, nine years, ten years?” He waves his hand dismissively, but still staring at the other alpha’s eyes to show that he’s just as serious. “The fact that a bastard like you sought me out first because you’re thinking, prioritizing Megumi’s feelings and well-being is more than enough proof that you’re actually serious with him.” He shrugs. 

“You wound my sincere heart.” Gojo scoffs but not unkindly. “But that’s not all, I have a more pressing and important thing to talk to you about.” 

Toji raises his eyebrow. “What more do you need to talk about, brat? I don’t want any heart-to-heart talk with you anymore.”

“Well…” Gojo smiles a little before he opens his mouth again. 

It’s almost three in the morning, when Gojo finally returns to his bedroom. 

Fortunately, Megumi is still fast asleep, with his head as the only thing popping up under the blanket as the younger man cuddles into his bolster in his absence. Carefully, Gojo sits on the edge of their nest, staring at his omega fondly. 

The sight of Megumi’s peaceful face brings forth another kind of tranquility that he has never felt in his busy life as the strongest. Shutting down all his worries and taking off all the burden off his shoulder, letting him simply be Satoru who loves and adores Megumi so much. 

He can’t resist the temptation and he lifts his hand, affectionately caressing Megumi’s temple and tucking a fallen bang to the back of his ear. A smile graces his face upon seeing the younger man’s scrunched-up face and a little part of the beautiful jade eyes he loves dearly are slightly revealed, perhaps disturbed by his touch. 

“Satoru?” Megumi murmurs quietly, hoarse as he’s still mostly asleep. 

Gojo softly hushes him, slowly lulling his omega into another slumber as he strokes Megumi’s hair gently. It doesn’t take long for the younger man to completely fall asleep again and Gojo can feel his heart explode with a newfound love and adoration. His happiness is tripled with the fact that now in his most unconscious state, the dark-haired omega has called him ‘Satoru’ rather than ‘Gojo-san’ or ‘sensei’. 

Well, it’ll be weird if Megumi keeps referring to him as ‘sensei’.

Shaking his head, Gojo carefully slips back into the nest and expertly arranges Megumi back into his arms, as a sense of relief and the feeling of belonging also fills him up. With each rise and fall of the younger man’s chest, something warm settles right in his chest, taking him into his own slumber. 

He still has a lot to prepare tomorrow.

Chapter Text

“Megumi…”

“Baby…”

“Megumi-chan…”

Faintly, Megumi can hear someone calling for him as his consciousness is rising to the surface. 

“Wake up Megumi-chan…” A deep voice whispers on top of his ear. A hot breath also hits his ear and Megumi can’t help but squirm from the tingling sensation. He groans annoyedly when Gojo’s hand and mouth insistently disturb his sleep and he rather petulantly buries his face deeper into his pillow. 

“Megumi, I’m sorry but you need to wake up.” Gojo murmurs gently. “Our child needs to be fed.” 

That snaps Megumi up as he immediately sits on the bed. He panickedly shifts his head to the left and right, searching for a baby before his gears kick in. Embarrassment washes over him at the same time with indignation and anger from being tricked. Megumi turns his head to the back, where Gojo is lying on his side with his elbow propping his head. An amused and satisfied smile graces his handsome face, but there’s nothing Megumi wants to do more than smack his alpha’s face with his pillow. 

“It seems that I don’t have to worry about your nurturing instinct, Megumi-chan.” Gojo lazily says with a smirk. “You should use me as a training medium, I don’t mind being fed even though there’s nothing coming out—” 

Never mind, he really should smack Gojo’s face.

Growling, Megumi pulls a nearby bolster with his shadow and slams it to the unsuspecting alpha's face. He grits his teeth when the white-haired man acts as if the bolster did hit his face when it didn’t, his infinity is turned on at the very last second, and Megumi immediately kicks his alpha’s leg. 

What he didn’t count on was for Gojo to lift his own leg to block and push him down, which imbalances him. It’s with another oof that Megumi falls to his back on the bed with the alpha grinning wolfishly on top of him. 

“Good morning, Megumi-chan. Already wanting to play rough so early in the morning, are we?” Gojo says with a grin. 

“You were asking for it.” Megumi scowls, earning another lighthearted laugh from the alpha as Gojo lifts himself up from him and takes a seat beside him.

“Come on, we have a lot of things to do today.” The alpha says with a smile. 

“We’re just going to take a stroll around the town, Satoru.” Megumi sighs but gets up nonetheless.

“How could you say that Megumi-chan!” Gojo gasps exaggeratedly. “It’s a date! D a t e! A date with Megumi-chan where we will act lovey-dovey and maybe I will get spoon-fed by Megumi-chan again!” He exclaims with gusto. 

A small chuckle leaves Megumi when he realizes that the alpha is vibrating with excitement, almost identical to a little kid who’s on his field day trip.

“You wish.” Megumi scoffs but not unkindly. “If you want us to leave soon, you better take that damn hand of yours from my inner thigh, Satoru.” 

“Oops.” 

“It’s still too damn early.” Megumi complains as he lounges on their bed. His eyes disinterestedly track the white-haired male’s movement, who is still busy prepping himself. 

“It isn’t, Megumi-chan!” Gojo rebukes, still retaining the excitement he had half an hour ago. “Enjoying early morning is part of the youth!”

“Ew.” Megumi mocks. “You sound like an old geezer— and I like to enjoy a slow morning, thank you.” 

“Tsk tsk tsk, you’re just lazy, Megumi.” Gojo remarks, staring at the younger man’s reflection in the mirror in amusement. “Morning sun is good for you! All those desk jobs are making you so pale~”

“Said the guy who won’t be bothered to wake up before nine if he can help it.” Megumi snides before his face turns thoughtful. “Aren’t you the one who needs to be sunbathed?” 

“Hm?” Gojo inquires as he rolls his right cuff. 

“Like a newborn baby.” Megumi smirks. “They’re always sunbathed every morning.” 

Gojo lets out a scandalous gasp as the alpha turns around. “Is this Megumi-chan’s roundabout way to invite me to give him a baby?” He exclaims with an exaggerated expression on his face. 

Megumi twitches at the remark. “How come it goes to that?” He scoffs. 

“Aw, someone is shy~” Gojo grins as he fixes his left cuff, staring at his omega who’s cozily snuggling in their nest-like mountain of pillows.

“You talk big for someone who can’t put it in me, Satoru.” Megumi shoots back with a teasing smirk. “A scared big boy.” 

The alpha’s jaw drops, completely speechless at the other’s taunt. The fact that his adored young lover is getting bolder and friskier in a way that he didn’t expect is—

“Why? Cat got your tongue, Satoru?” Megumi adds. The young omega languidly stretches his body, before slipping down from their bed and approaching the white-haired male. 

“That’s unfair, Megumi-chan!” Gojo whines. “My heart is not ready for it!” He gasps dramatically as he puts both of his hands on his chest. 

“You’re unexpectedly prude for someone who easily gets down on me.” The black-haired man teases as he stops before the alpha, lifting his hands to fix the alpha’s crooked collar.

“This and that are different.” Gojo huffs. “I should berate Toji for corrupting your mind.” 

“You really should stop picking a fight with him, you know.” Megumi idly says as his hand brushes against the alpha’s right cheek. “And isn’t this the shirt I got you?” He shifts his attention to the perfectly fitted article of clothing on the taller man’s body. 

“Yep.” Gojo affirms with another grin, more sincere this time. “Doesn’t it look good on me?” 

“I’m more surprised that it still fits.” Megumi replies as he gives the alpha another once-over. “It should be a little big for you. Did you tailor it?”

“I did. It was just a little adjustment though.” The white-haired male nods. “I also bring the one you recently bought me at the mall.”

Megumi hums thoughtfully. “Let’s get some outfits specifically made for you next time. I know a good tailor in Nara.”

“Aww, Megumi-chan is going to buy me more gifts~”

“I can spoil you too now.” Megumi nonchalantly says as he sets the older man’s collar to the side a little, before rubbing his wrist on the alpha’s neck. 

“How about we get some matching outfits?” Gojo proposes, tilting his neck a little to give more access to his omega. “We’ll attend any event together from now on and we can be the best-dressed couple in the room.”

The black-haired omega snorts. “You won’t even match your clothes properly.” He points out. “But sure, it’ll work to replace our matching-shoes tradition, and I do need some new shirts and overcoats. I’m thinking of replacing the traditional garments for daily use, they’re too much of a hassle.”  He says as he pulls his hand away and neatly tidies up the alpha’s shirt.

“Done scenting me?” Gojo asks with a satisfied grin. 

“No.” Megumi responds before he tiptoes and steals a short peck from the alpha. “I am now, let’s go.” He says before turning around and leaving the flabbergasted alpha. 

“Megumi-chan that’s unfair! I want more!!”

.

“Where are we going?” Megumi idly asks as he slips into the passenger seat. “You told me it was just a stroll, but we’re taking the car.” He adds as he puts on the seatbelt. 

“There’s a festival being held nearby, so I thought we could walk around there. It’s close to an open park too.” Gojo replies, fastening his own seatbelt.

“Festival?” Megumi frowns deeply. “Won’t it be overly crowded then? Are you sure you’ll be okay?” 

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Gojo waves the other off. “I need to adjust either way. It isn’t like I can constantly keep myself away from any crowd and—” He shifts his head to the left. “I have you, Megumi-chan.” He grins. 

Megumi scoffs softly. “My worry is unneeded then, since you can spout cringy remarks like that.” 

“It came from the depth of my heart—”

“Shut up and let’s get moving. I’m hungry.” Megumi cuts, already having goosebumps over the other’s antics. “But is the festival even open this early? It’s barely seven.”

“It’s an all-day festival kind of thing and it merges with the morning market,” Gojo replies as he starts the car. “The soba is to die for, or so they said.” 

“Ah right. Tsumiki also told me about the morning market there.” Megumi comments as the memory pops up to the front of his mind, before mildly pointing out, “But you don’t like soba.” 

“It’s not my top go-to, but I don’t particularly dislike it.” Gojo lightly shrugs as he drives them out to the main road. “More importantly, you like it, Megumi. So let’s try it while we’re here.”

Somehow the statement strikes him as odd, even though it shouldn’t be and Megumi stares at the alpha thoughtfully. “Did you do something?”

“Wha— What kind of question is that, Megumi-chan.” The white-haired alpha protests.

“You are uncharacteristically very energetic,” The omega dryly says, before adding, “But it’s like you’re repressing your restlessness that it results in excess enthusiasm, instead of energeticness from your usual foolery.”

At this, the alpha takes a long exhale. “Nothing goes past Megumi these days, huh?” He chuckles softly.

“What’s the deal?” Megumi probes.

“Nah, it’s just…” Gojo hums quietly. “I think I should make it up to you.” He says.

“Make it up to me?” The omega raises his eyebrow. 

“Yeah. Honestly, the whole thing with Yuuji still rubs me the wrong way and I’m still based in Kyoto too, so I thought I should make a lot of memories with you here, when we aren’t bothered by anyone or anything.” Gojo explains. 

The car comes to a stop as the traffic light turns red and the older man uses the chance to glance at the black-haired beauty beside him. 

“So when we are back, you can recall at least one memory where I spoil you and choose you.” The alpha murmurs.

Despite being half-hidden by the sunglasses, the corners of Gojo’s eyes are obviously softening, as if they’re also conveying the deep affection the Six Eyes wielder has for him. It warms him up to the furthest nook and cranny of his heart and Megumi chuckles a little. “That’s stupid, you know.” 

“I know.” Gojo responds with a small laugh himself just right before the traffic light turns green and he pushes the pedal. “But that’s how far I’m willing to go for you, Megumi.” 

“That’s unfair.” Megumi scoffs though not unkindly. “How am I supposed to respond to that?” 

“With your love, of course.” Gojo cheekily says as his left hand leaves the steering wheel to grip the younger man’s right.

“Just your love and I’ll be the happiest man on this Earth.” 

The clamors of merchants and local civilians can be heard as they wade into the crowded festivities. With his right hand tightly intertwined in the purebred alpha’s, Megumi lets himself lower his guard and leisurely looks around the numerous stalls. From snacks, accessories, to handmade crafts, the festival surely offers a lot of things to enjoy.

The soba place they first intended to go to was closed, so they ended up going to another nearby restaurant. The foods were just as stellar; a delicious brothy and nutritious beef soup combined with an even more exceptional, nicely-cooked rice and a cup of warm, savoury hojicha. The surprisingly pleasant festival also boosts their good mood even further. The worry he had for Gojo’s eyes has completely vanished as well, seeing how the older man looks like he’s enjoying himself without any sign of overexertion.

Megumi glances up at the alpha, feeling a warmth like no other bloom inside his chest as the morning sun hits the older man just right, making Gojo look even more ethereal than he already is. 

It’s nice. 

It feels incredibly nice and heart fluttering, to spend time with his alpha like a proper, normal lover like this.

Churning up a small smile, Megumi leans closer to the white-haired man and lets Gojo lead them further into the festivities.

(His alpha.)

“Bicycle.” Megumi rather dumbfoundedly states as he stares at the rental shop across them, before turning his head to the older male on his right. “Seriously? Do you even know how to ride one?” He bewilderedly points out.

He has long realized that Gojo is leading him somewhere seeing how they turned to the left, an opposite direction to where they parked their car, but a bicycle rental shop is definitely out of his expectations. 

“Of course I do.” Gojo responds with a confident smirk. “I was once a high school student too.” 

“Right.” He dryly says. “But we can just take the car to the park—” 

“Come on, Megumi. It’ll be fun.” The white-haired male cuts him with a grin. “We can inhale the healthy, fresh countryside air since it’s still early in the morning!”

The remark pushes some gears in his mind and he eventually nods in agreement. “I suppose it’ll be good for your health, Satoru. Shoko-san did say the fresh air might be good for you.” 

“And most importantly!” Gojo excitedly says as if the alpha hasn’t heard what he’s saying, “We can pretend that we are cool senpai and beloved kouhai on the peak of youthful romance— Oh oh!! We can also pretend to be a sensei and his favorite student, on a secret thirst in the countryside!”

At this, he can’t help but raise his eyebrow dubiously as the older man genuinely looks like an overexcited puppy, though a rather perverted one. 

“So this is your real aim.” He shakes his head disbelievingly. 

“Yep!” The alpha unashamedly admits. “Let’s go rent one, Megumi-chan!” 

He has his reservations, but he must admit that it’s fun. 

His eyes wander at the terrific scenery of the greeneries around him, completely unobstructed by anything as the road is completely devoid of other passing people. Perhaps it’s because they aren’t on the main road or because it’s still so early in the morning, but he’s not complaining. It’s even more fun because he doesn’t need to do anything in the passenger seat, leaving all the hard work to the older man in front of him.

It’s comfortable and serene, almost surreal in a way that would have been absolutely impossible had they been in Nara or Kyoto. Yet, at the same time, he feels an unknown exhilaration that he has never felt before.

It feels liberating.

Looking up at the vast, blue sky, the feeling gets even stronger. The cool, clean air carries the faint scent of the alpha as the wind hits his body, which also works as a wordless assurance that he’ll be safe even if he completely lets his guard down for the day. The warmth of the morning sun that he rarely enjoys with his abundant work. Combined with the absurdity of it all— that the Gojo Satoru is pedaling the bike while he quietly latches the alpha’s back, finally triggers a series of amused laughs from him. 

“Ehhh? Why are you laughing, Megumi?” Gojo yells, all while without slowing down his pace. 

“Nothing!”

“Haaa? I can’t hear you!” 

“Nothing!” He yells louder before another laugh escapes from his lips as he fully knows that Gojo actually heard him— and yet.  

And yet, here they are, yelling and laughing like a pair of main characters of a badly made rom-com movie. 

“Haaaaaaaaa? I can’t hear you, Megumi!” Gojo playfully screams back, as if the alpha also understands his amusement.

“You are stupid!” He yells, unable to suppress the huge grin on his face anymore.

“Then we can be dumb and dumber, Megumi!” Gojo barks a laugh. 

“You wish!” He protests before yelping when the older man suddenly increases his pace and he automatically wraps his arms around Gojo’s waist. 

“Hold on tight! We’re approaching a small downhill!”

“What— Oi slow down—!”

.

“We’re here.” Gojo claims as they finally arrive at the entrance building that will allow them into the open field.

With the other’s pace, the supposedly twenty-minute ride turns into a ten-minute ride. It’s kind of unfair that the alpha barely breaks a sweat, but he supposes it’s nothing in comparison to their usual exorcism shenanigans. 

“Wow.” Megumi can’t stop the exclamation of wonder as he hops down from the bike. Rows upon rows of healthy-looking sunflowers greet him as far as his eyes can see from where he’s standing, but— “It isn’t as crowded as I thought.” He comments. 

“It’s still barely nine.” The white-haired alpha says as he locks the bike on the rack.

“Still.” He hums. “It’s too empty.”

“Being a clan head makes you quite paranoid, Megumi.” Gojo teases. “Or is it because Toji is not with you? You always have a plethora of guards around you after all.” 

“Security is hardly my concern— I am a one-man army as it is.” He points out, a little bit miffed by the other’s point. “It’s just it’s too empty— Wait.” He halts as the thought occurs to him. “Did you rent the whole place?” He snaps his head towards the white-haired male. 

“Oops?” Gojo grins deviously. 

“Oops my ass. Why did you do it?” He asks with a frown. 

“Some privacy would be nice, wouldn’t it?” Gojo excuses, still wearing the same shit-eating grin, though it incredibly softens as the alpha offers his hand. “Let’s go.” 

He eyes the stretched hand for a moment, before he lets out a resigned sigh. 

“I can’t believe you.” Megumi shakes his head and takes the offered hand, intertwining their hands together as they walk into the apparently reserved area.

“Why a flower field?” Megumi pops the question to the alpha beside him. Their hands are still intertwined and their arms often brush with each other, as they stroll amidst the row of sunflowers. It’s so tranquil and peaceful, especially with the absence of loud noises and shrieks that usually come from other visitors and crowds. 

It is… intimate, somehow.

It feels like things are back to the way they used to be, when he’s just Fushiguro Megumi, the soon-to-be first year of Jujutsu High and Gojo is just his soon-to-be sensei whom he has some kind of implicated relationship with. 

“Hmmm, for a lot of reasons, actually.” Gojo replies. “I’m fulfilling my promise, for one.” 

“What promise?” He frowns confusedly. 

“I promised to take you often to sightseeing and see blooming flowers.” The alpha explains with a soft chuckle.

“I don’t remember it.” He shakes his head.

“Well, it’s been a long time ago I suppose— and,” Gojo exhales softly. “You essentially lost a good chunk of your youth because of me, Megumi." He adds quietly with a tinge of remorse in his tone. 

“Is that why you were so insistent on riding a bicycle?” He probes, before continuing with a shrug, “And I chose this path, Satoru. It’s not entirely your fault.”

“Do you think you’d take this thorny path as a clan head had I not been locked away?” The older man points out. 

“I wouldn’t even know that I am supposed to be one, in the first place,” He dryly reminds the other. “But if the situation calls for it and you need the backup, I would do it without any hesitation.”

“Being a clan head is supposed to be your safety net,” Gojo says as they turn to the right. “My original plan never involves throwing you into that damn clan.” 

“I know.” He chuckles, tightening his hold on the other’s hand. “You made that very clear when you completely blocked any access for the Zenin to contact me in any way or form. But even then, it’s still another path you’ve paved for me. Maki and I would’ve been in greater trouble and things would’ve taken longer and bloodier without the preemptive plan you put in motion.”

“It’s a shackle, in the end.” 

“Rather than shackles, I’d like to think of it as a new set of wings now,” Megumi responds idly. His left hand brushes against the sunflowers’ stems and it feels new to him. “Sure, it was a shackle considering how much of a shitshow Zenin was, but I used the very same chain to choke our enemies and reformed it to the way it is now.” 

“At the cost of your life.” Gojo exhales deeply, holding his hand tightly so he won’t slip and fall as they trek up the path.

“Almost.” He corrects, not the least surprised that Gojo found out about his close encounter with death. “It was a hard and bittersweet experience— it is still hard being a clan head even now, but you’re here.” He looks up at the alpha. “Shouldn’t you compliment me for a good job, Sensei?”

“You’ve done well, exceptionally so.” Gojo tunes along, though sincerity is clear in his voice. “I’m proud of you, Megumi.”

He was half-joking when he asked for it, but the older man’s compliments, while pleasant, are embarrassing. 

“Ah, whatever.” He remarks as he throws his head to the side.

“So, how do you feel about being a clan head, Megumi?” Gojo curiously asks. “You did a lot of things I didn’t expect, with the Foundation and all.” 

“Heavy lies the crown.” He shrugs. “It’s tiring and troublesome, especially with the nagging of the remaining elders, but it’s still bearable with Maki around, I guess.” He hums. “I couldn’t imagine bearing those burdens all alone.”

“Is that so?” Gojo ponders. “It’s unorthodox and unheard of to have two clan heads.” 

“My dad helped too, despite how he acts. He handled most of the dangerous ones and informed us of all the hidden and internal stuff that Maki didn’t even know. Which reminds me, you should treat all of us to some nice things with all those troubles you made.” He remarks. “Maki and I got a whole clan’s resources at our disposal, but the same thing couldn’t be said to others.” 

“I did though.” The white-haired alpha grins. “I asked Yaga to classify my retrieval as high-class missions and generously compensated everyone involved.” 

“You did?” He bewilderedly exclaims. “I didn’t hear anything about it— and where’s mine?” 

“You get me, the very source itself.” Gojo cheekily replies. “Can I ask another question, Megumi?” 

“Haven’t we been playing twenty questions?” He teases the alpha. He glances at the back, realizing that they’ve walked a long way from the building, almost to the top of a hill. 

Upon hearing his response, the older man makes a short laugh. “One last question then. When and how did you start liking sweets? I notice that you always bring one whenever and wherever you go now.”

“I invoke my right to remain silent.” He promptly and solemnly replies as he breaks their handhold and walks faster in front of the other. 

“No fair!” Gojo protests. “Megumi-chan, answer me! I’m curious!” 

“There’s nothing fair in this world, Satoru.”

“Megumi-chan!” 

“Oi!” He yelps when the alpha glomps him from the back, almost making him stagger to the front.

“At least don’t let go of my hand.” Gojo huffs as the older man intertwines their hand again. “We’re almost there.” 

“Almost where?” He raises his eyebrow as they turn to the right. 

His eyes widen in surprise when he sees a prepped path instead of a soiled one like they’ve been tracking. Little beautiful stones are lining up the road, leading to a clearing in the middle of the flower field. There is a gazebo decorated with thin and tied, satin-like white curtains with pastel flowers that shelter a table and two chairs right in the middle of the clearing. It’s an obviously prepared event beforehand, with the way everything is in matching whites and there’s a tray of snacks and (what he assumes) tea on the table.

It almost looks like a wedding decoration if he’s to be honest, but this is Gojo Satoru. 

“You prepared all of these?” He dumbfoundedly asks, looking up at the alpha for any answers. “How? When?” 

“Didn’t I do a good job?” The alpha grins as he tugs him forward. 

“You were with me all the time and you even got sick too.” He reasons as his eyes catch more decorations along the way. “When did you even have the time to prepare all of these?” 

“Money talks.” Gojo hums. “They’re professionals and experienced enough to handle it with some messages and calls.” 

“So that’s what you’ve been busy over.” He says as he remembers the time Gojo went outside to receive a call and furiously typed on his phone. “I thought it was Ijichi-san.”

“Eh, no way.” The alpha makes an exaggeratedly repulsed look. “Isn’t it romantic, Megumi?” He asks as he pulls the chair to let him sit. 

He thoughtfully stares at the older man. Gojo might exude his usual cockiness, but his previously repressed restlessness becomes more apparent as anxiousness is also wrapped like a thin veil over him, slightly tainting his scent. 

“Megumi?” 

The call of his name breaks him out of his reverie, but he maintains eye contact with the older male as he approaches the other. “Satoru, what’s wrong?” He finally asks when he sits down, looking up at the alpha curiously.

At this, Gojo looks even more anxious, a first since they went on this vacation, before the alpha shifts his chair a little and kneels in front of him. 

“Satoru?” He calls as a wild guess starts to form in his mind. 

Jittery he might be, but the expression on the alpha’s face is nothing but tender. Fond and full of affection, Gojo takes his right hand and slowly rubs his thumb on top of it.

“Megumi,” Gojo starts quietly. “You know that I love you, right?” 

“You never fail to remind me these days.” He counters just as quietly, sensing the serious but sentimental atmosphere. The cool but gentle wind blows on the alpha’s hair and combined with the morning light, Gojo looks absolutely breathtaking. “I think it’s without saying that my feelings are the same.” He says.

“Of course.” Gojo hums, staring at him with those gem-like eyes. “I hold the top spot in Megumi’s heart, right?” 

“The only one, unfortunately.” He chuckles. 

“Can you close your eyes then, Megumi?” Gojo asks softly. 

“Only if you promise to never leave me all alone again.” He snides back, though it severely lacks the heat. 

“That’s without saying.” Gojo responds and with that, he obediently closes his eyes.

A pair of warm lips descend on his own and he reciprocates it, letting the older male lead it as their tongues dance with each other. He can faintly hear rustles of clothes, before a sudden coldness touches his bare neck. It’s a little worrying that he can easily suppress the urge to open his eyes, but he supposes Gojo can put a gun on his chest and he won’t bat an eye either. 

That’s how much he trusts Gojo with his life. 

“Open your eyes, Megumi.” Gojo whispers. 

Doing just as the alpha instructed, he opens his eyes before he looks down at his chest. In all fairness, he thought the alpha put a necklace on him but he missed half of it. 

“A ring?” He astonishingly remarks before looking up at the alpha questioningly. “Satoru?” 

“As you said before, we’ve just made up recently.” Gojo says as he’s back to his kneeling position in front of him. “But you can be so dense for the most crucial things.”

“Oi.” He warns. 

“When I said that I love you, I really mean it.” Gojo continues, “I want to spend our time together. I want to choose our house together, bickering while we buy and organize our furniture. Seeing you sitting in between the clutter of our personal stuff as we mesh our space into one. I want to wake up to you, go to sleep with you. I want all the domestic life with you for the rest of my life, Megumi. I want the whole package with you.” 

He stares at the alpha disbelievingly, as he can feel his ears getting hotter and hotter with every word that comes out from Gojo. 

“I—” He trails off, unsure of what to say as he’s completely speechless by the sudden turn of events.

“It’s still early, you’re still young, and I don’t want to pressure you to marry me this instant, but I don’t want to make the same mistake either.” Gojo says as he shows a matching ring on his other hand. “Just a proof that I’ll always be ready whenever you are.” He states. 

Sincerity and so much love gleam in those crystal-like eyes and he swallows down the lump in the back of his throat. “Are you sure?” He eventually whispers. “It’s a big commitment, Satoru and you might not have the same desire later on. A marriage is more complicated than being mated for us with our clan business in the way.” 

“This is something I can be sure of.” Gojo shakes his head. “Having you as my omega and my spouse is non-negotiable. It’s absolutely set in stone and nothing can change that, not now, not fifty years later, not ever.” He firmly says. 

The declaration brings forth a smile as it fills his heart with abundant love and adoration he thought he’d never have for someone. Unable to hold the urge down, he stretches his hand and cups the alpha’s right cheek, which Gojo instinctively leans on. 

“You’re so sappy.” He remarks with a quiet laugh. The fearsome purebred alpha almost looks like an obedient puppy like this and the fact that Gojo only acts this way around him tickles his ego a little.

“Only for you though.” Gojo hums, looking completely content.

“I’d leave you instantly if that’s not the case.” He says. 

It means to be a tease, but he doesn’t expect the alpha to tense up, before looking at him with smoldering eyes.

“Me being with someone else is impossible and you’d need to cross over my corpse if you want to leave my side, Megumi.” Gojo says. 

It should bother him, the alpha’s remark. Anyone can tell that it’s a threat wrapped up as a promise but even then, he can’t stop the amusement as it only works as an assurance that Gojo only has his eyes on him. 

“That’ll be counterproductive, won’t it?” He hums as he strokes the other’s head. “It took everything to get you back here to me and it’s you who needs to stay alert, Satoru.” He continues. 

At the alpha’s questioning look, another chuckle leaves his lips as a sly smile comes up to his face. 

(Perhaps, he’s just as fucked in the head like the alpha now.)

“I have my dad, Maki, the whole Zenin, as well as Yuuta-senpai to back me up. If anything, you should be the worried one because I will kill whoever you’re entangled with before killing you myself if you ever cheat on me now, Satoru.”

It’s almost twelve by the time they leave the flower field. It takes them a couple more hours before they conclude their day outing and return to the villa. It’s almost like there’s a tacit understanding between Toji and Gojo, for the latter loudly exclaims that he needs a shower while the former makes a beeline to him. 

“You knew.” He says as he lets the black-haired alpha take the takeaway box from his hand.

“No shit, kid.” Toji breezily says.

“When did you two talk?” He presses as he follows his dad to the lounge room.

“That’s not important.” Toji answers as he plops down on the sofa. “Seeing that chain around your neck, you accepted him then.” He observes. 

“Do you?” He throws the question back to the older alpha.

“Does it matter?” 

“Perhaps.” He answers vaguely as he takes a seat beside him. “You’re still my dad, Dad.” 

“A shit one.” 

“Used to be a shit one.” 

“You flatter me, kid.” Toji nonchalantly says as the alpha rubs the back of his head roughly. 

“Oi!” He protests, trying to evade the other’s hand.

“I just want you to be happy and unfortunately, that brat is holding the key.” Toji says as he retracts his hand. “It’d have been much simpler had you fallen for that Okkotsu brat, but I guess Gojo is a good choice either way.” He shrugs. 

“So you’re okay with Satoru?” He nudges.

“It’s never my decision in the first place.” Toji answers. 

“Dad.” 

“What now?”

“Do you remember your promise?” He quietly asks.

Toji stares at him for another moment, before he lets out a sigh. “My promise still stands, Megumi, even if you marry that brat.” He states. “I’ll always be here to my last breath and I’ll always have your back in any of your decisions, as long as it doesn’t endanger you.” He repeats the promise he made a long time ago, as his voice turns solemn and quieter. 

“Yeah.” He murmurs. “Thank you, Dad.”

“Now don’t get sappy on me, kid.” Toji teases. “It’d be troublesome if that brat thinks I’m hurting you or something.” 

“I’m your son. He’s the last person who has a say over that.” He scoffs. 

“Right.” Toji barks a laugh.

“You are my son.” 

“A penny for your thoughts?” 

Megumi glances to the back, where the white-haired alpha approaches him with a soft grin on his handsome face. A blanket is dangling from his left hand and somehow, the sight reminds him of the time when he was the one who brought the blanket for Gojo.

“You’re done with your call?” He answers it with a question of his own. 

“Yep, it’s just Ijichi.” Gojo replies, casually plopping right beside him. The older male’s feet dip into the warm pool and the splash lightly hits his knees. 

“Is there something wrong?” He inquires, accepting the blanket in the process and draping it around his shoulder, carefully making sure the edges stay clear from the pool. With the arrival of the blanket, Gojo’s signature scent immediately permeates around him, lightly mixing in with Toji’s and bringing irreplicable comfort that he can’t find anywhere else. 

“Nah, he’s just making sure that we’ll be back by tomorrow.” The older man responds with a sigh. 

“Ijichi-san must be anxious.” Megumi chuckles lightly. “It’s bordering miraculous that both of us can take a vacation together, a long one at that. We owe a lot of people for this.”

“You’re overthinking it.” The alpha rebukes, before settling back into his usual curious-like grin. “So, what’s with the long face?” 

“Nothing.” Megumi shrugs. 

“This is not nothing, Megumi.” Gojo hums as the alpha lifts his hand and gently massages the area between his eyebrows.

Being busted, Megumi lets out a noncommittal hum.

“Just the usual stuff.” He excuses. 

“Stuff.” The alpha parrots back. “Anything I can help with?”

The offer brings another chuckle from the omega. “What if I ask you to donate half of your wealth to mine? We need a lot of money to strengthen the Foundation.” Megumi teases. 

“Sure.” The alpha unexpectedly says as he fishes out his phone again. “Let’s call your notary and mine to handle the transfer tomorrow. Or should we do it tonight? Do you want the properties or the hard cash first, Megumi?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Megumi takes the phone away from the alpha. “I’m kidding. I don’t need your money.” 

“Money is money and your Foundation does need a lot of it to maintain.” The white-haired male reasons. “Besides, you know you have the clearance, Megumi. You can take any of my funds and properties and none of my men will bat an eye.”

“Like I said, I don’t need your money.” Megumi rolls his eyes. “I was joking— and I have my own now.”

“Oh ho, how arrogant, Megumi-chan.” The alpha snickers. “Or should I create a cult of your own? That bounds to make you rich— Suguru was, at least.”

“What?” 

“Megumi Dominion.” Gojo nods sagely. “I’ll be the president and anyone who wants to follow you can be a member. We’ll make tees with your pretty face embroidered on it, Megumi-chan and plaster it on banners around the school too— We’ll even rope Gakuganji to wear one too.” 

The alpha’s careless but absurd remark makes him snort undignifiedly, before the image catches up to him and it eventually morphs into a laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And now you’re smiling.” Gojo beams brightly, not looking embarrassed at the very least

“That’s so cringy.” He scoffs as he pushes the other’s shoulder away from him. “Wipe that grin from your face, Satoru. It’s unbecoming.”

“Aw,” Gojo remarks with an exaggerated pout as he scoots back. “I know you like my cringe, Megumi-chan~”

“Only because you look like an overgrown puppy.” The black-haired male offhandedly says. At his remark, the older man suddenly glomps him from the side, leaning and rubbing their cheek together. The pool splashes with their sudden movement and he yelps in surprise.

“Ack— Get off!” He protests loudly. “You’re an adult— Satoru!”

“But Megumi-chan is so cute!” Gojo whines before leaving a smooch on his cheek and letting him go. “You’re not answering my question either, Megumi-chan~” He points out with a more serious, but undeniably gentler tone. 

“You’re not going to let it go?” 

“Not a chance.” The alpha beams. “So?” 

Megumi exhales deeply, completely resigned. “This is our last night here.” He starts quietly. Silence soon follows as he tries to arrange his words, a little unsure of how to approach the subject. 

“And?” The alpha eventually baits. 

“And…” He lets out another sigh, realizing that he might as well be blunt about it. “Why didn’t you tell me about Toji?” 

The question expectedly makes the older man beside him freeze for a split second, but Gojo bounces back just as quickly.

“Not why I killed him?” The white-haired alpha calmly inquires. 

“No.” Megumi shakes his head. “Why didn’t you tell me— no, why did you actively hide it from me?” He corrects the question.

The automatic smile on Gojo’s face, one he had long learned as the alpha’s defensive mask, gets tighter for a second. “Can I have the assurance that you won’t fling the ring away and break up with me?”

“Scared?” He teases as he raises his eyebrow, trying to lift the mood lightly. 

“Very much so.” Gojo admits with a solemn nod, although still maintaining the same tight smile.

Megumi lets out a soft scoff. His left hand reaches for the older man’s and grips it assuringly. 

“No, I won’t, Satoru.” He says.

“Though isn’t the reason should be obvious by now, Megumi?” Gojo quips. 

“No. Even if it is, I would still ask you.” He shakes his head. 

“Can I ask why you aren’t interested in asking why I killed your dad?”

“You’re suddenly all polite.” Megumi states with another teasing smile, before he hums thoughtfully. “I talked with the others.” He answers. “While the culling and the reformation took all of our focus, there were still lulls in between. With little to no entertainment to relieve the stress, we often talked and…” He softly sighs as he faces forward, staring at the lamp’s reflection on the pool’s surface. “It’s just a little theory, but it’s like your life is cursed if you inherit a cursed technique. None of us ever had any good childhood— or ones you can deem as normal. You, me, Mai, Yuuta-senpai, Kamo-senpai, even Maki and my own dad with their Heavenly restriction. It’s almost an automatic path system. If you inherit a cursed technique, you’re bound to lose something. In our cases, it’s our childhood, our parents. Combined with Toji’s past occupation, it didn’t really surprise me that I’d lose him.” He chuckles lightly. “It is concerning though, how none of us had proper parents or a happy childhood.”

“Is that why you put the Foundation and enforced the special rules?” The alpha curiously inquires, having heard about the Zenin Clan Heads’ absolute laws about the Foundation and the Zenin’s children.

“Partly.” Megumi nods. “The Foundation wasn’t in our agenda in the first place— we’ve had enough troubles on our plate, but it was something that naturally came along the way.” 

“It’s cruel but it’s not uncommon for the elders and the clan head to rip a child away from their parents to hone their technique, especially if they show any sign of inheriting the clan’s signatures.” Gojo hums thoughtfully. “And it is definitely intriguing how your Foundation, or the way you lead Zenin is the exact opposite. You stretch your hand and shelter them from their parents so they can have an option to live and settle as a normal civilian. Quite unorthodox and unconventional, considering our thinning rosters.” 

“I’m treating them as human, Satoru. Neither as a tool nor a pawn, whether they are useful or not.” Megumi rather dryly points out.

“Ouch.” 

“It isn’t a hard math. It might not align with your views, but I’ll never change it and I know you’re trying to side-track me, Satoru.” Megumi glances at the older man with a smirk. “It won’t work on me. Can’t outwit those damn old geezers otherwise.” 

At this, the white-haired male lets out a not-too-guilty chuckle. “Oops.”

“Are you going to answer me?” He asks, nudging the alpha’s feet with his own and the warm water splashes lightly between them. “Or will this be another secret you bring to your death?” 

“Hmmm….” The white-haired alpha makes a noncommittal sound. “How did you know I hid it from you?” 

“I dug around.” Megumi answers. “After things settled down a little, it struck me strange that I had never ever heard about Toji’s death, especially when it was clear that everyone’s surprise over Toji was because they expected my dad to be dead instead of missing. You had a lot of chances to tell me and yet you didn’t. In fact, you took advantage of me being reluctant to be involved in the jujutsu community and threatened everyone to keep their mouth shut about it.” 

“So you knew it all.” Gojo responds before answering solemnly. “It’s complicated. I always proclaim to know you well, but in this case, I have my doubt. A heavy one and it isn’t worth it.”

“What doubt?” Megumi presses. 

“That you will resent me about it.” The white-haired man confesses. “That you won’t want to have anything to do with me anymore and reject me. I wasn’t lying when I said that my original plan never involved throwing you into Zenin.”

“What was your original plan?” He curiously asks. 

“To be by my side, of course.” Gojo shrugs. “Right beside me, under my wings.”

“You literally told me that we’d die alone, Satoru.” 

“On a mission? Absolutely.” Gojo shrugs. “But on a more normal setting? You will be right beside me— and your mindset was absolutely horrible, Megumi. I had to steer you back on the right path since you asked for my help.”

“What a load of bullshit.” Megumi scoffs. “All those efforts and threats just because you were afraid I’d shut you out?” 

“If I can’t turn off the ticking bomb, better put it under locks and keys and securely hide it in the deep forest where you can’t reach.” The older man admits with a smile.

Megumi shakes his head again, completely flabbergasted. He had a hunch that the reason would be this, but it sounded so ridiculous even to his ears back then. He glances at the alpha and a soft scoff escapes from his lips when he sees the slight trepidation that the older man can’t fully hide underneath his smile.

“Why don’t you ask me then?” Megumi encourages the other. “Ask me, Satoru.” He repeats with a firmer tone. 

Blue gem-like eyes observe him heatedly, perhaps the alpha is weighing the pros and cons, before Gojo eventually nods.

“Megumi.” Gojo quietly murmurs. “Toji killed me and I killed him in return. I told you nothing about it because I am afraid you’ll resent me and leave me. Now that you know from my own lips, will you?” The alpha asks. Sincerity and anxiousness openly gleam in those eyes and Megumi can feel his heart throb strangely at the sight.  

It’ll be a lie, if he says he wasn’t angry when he fully understood the situation at first. 

It’ll be a lie too, if he says he never pondered on this scenario. This would be something he’d never be able to ask the white-haired alpha after all, he was supposed to leave this world behind with Tsumiki when Gojo woke up. He conjured different scenarios, different outcomes, and reactions, but…

“It’s alright.” Megumi quietly says. The remark comes out easily from him, as if it’s natural for him to say so as he squeezes the alpha’s shoulder lightly. “It’s alright, because it’s you, Gojo-san.”

Palpable relief is shown on the other male’s face, though their moment is soon broken by the arrival of a third presence.

“How cold, kid.” 

A familiar voice pops up behind them. He turns around and gives his dad a deadpan look. “The same thing can be said to you. You left me alone with Tsumiki’s mom when I was just a child, Dad. I think we’re even now.”

“As my Megumi-chan said.” Gojo adds with a solemn nod. 

“Brats.” Toji derisively snorts. “Don’t stay out too late. Can’t have you coming in with a cold when you’re going back tomorrow.” The older alpha says as he waves his hand and leaves them back on their own device.

“I’m stuck with him, huh?” Gojo lets out a deep exhale. “Ruining our moment like that.” 

“Both of you are stuck with me.” Megumi corrects. “Also, can you spare some time for me once we’re back? It won’t take long, but we need to match our schedule since it’ll be in Kyoto.” 

“You don’t even need to ask, Megumi.” Gojo points out. “What are we going to do?”

“I want you to meet my mom.” He answers evenly. “We’re going serious and I want to introduce you to her.” 

The alpha blankly stares at him for a moment, before understanding dawns on the older male. 

“Alright. Just tell me and I’ll clear my schedule for you, Megumi.” Gojo says as he nuzzles his head. 

“Let’s meet my mother-in-law.”

Like any other thing, their vacation eventually comes to an end.

All things considered, it was a time well spent resting and relaxing, sans the little hiccups at the beginning. His bond with Gojo is stronger and the alpha’s complexion is better— healthier, than before. The barely hidden tenseness and the cloud of anxiousness over his head, like an untethered ship waiting for the port to open are all gone, leaving a more relaxed white-haired male in the wake. 

He too, feels more grounded and calmer than before. Toji’s constant presence is a great anchor for him as he acts as a clan head, but now that Gojo is also by his side, as his rightful alpha, it brings a whole lot of assurance and comfort like no other. 

He’d rather die than admit it to anyone, but he likes how Gojo constantly scents him or how the alpha is pretty much touchy-feely with him. The constant physical clinginess might occasionally be jarring, but it’s better than having none of it.

They bid goodbye to Tsumiki first thing in the morning, with the latter promising to contact him as soon as she has everything settled to move back to Nara, before they make their way back to the villa to pack up—

Their new villa, apparently. 

“I can’t believe that brat bought this place.” Toji scoffs as he lounges on the bed, contentedly watching him tidying up his things into the suitcases. 

“You were the one who goaded him.” He dryly snides.

“He pissed me off.” The dark-haired alpha shrugs. “And that brat isn’t as impulsive as you think, kid.” 

Upon hearing the other’s remark, he exhales deeply. “You’re right. It must’ve been already in the making either way.” He says as he walks into the almost unused bathroom. The tiles are a bit dusty and there is barely any of his stuff since he practically brought everything to Gojo’s.

Just like the bathroom in the alpha’s bedroom, there’s a mirror in his too and he finds himself halting his movement upon seeing his reflection. His eyes are fixated on the ring hanging on his chest, as some loud thoughts swirl inside him.

It isn’t missed on him, how the alpha genuinely played safe with the whole thing. It’s a proposal, but the alpha made sure he wouldn’t be able to say no by putting the ring into a necklace instead of putting it right on his finger. 

Time. 

Gojo gave him time, but not freedom about it. 

Well, it isn’t like he’ll be able to escape the alpha with the new tattoo on his wrist, connecting them both whenever, wherever.

He stares at the ring for another moment, before he comes to a decision.

.

When he gets down, Gojo is enjoying the pudding dessert they bought on their way back here, while being half occupied with his phone. The alpha looks exceptionally handsome with the shirt he bought the older man a few weeks ago and his heart traitorously flutters at the sight.

“Done with the packing, Megumi-chan?” Gojo looks up at him while putting down his phone on the table.

“Kind of. Are you?” He throws the question back. 

“Pretty much.” Gojo offhandedly answers him as he takes a seat across from the alpha. 

He eyes the pudding with a slight nausea. The milky pudding is already sweet enough as it is, but Gojo also ordered two extra portions of caramel and two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of it.

“Do you want some, Megumi?” The white-haired male offers, lifting a spoonful of perfectly balanced pudding and ice cream. 

“No thank you.” He rejects it firmly. 

“I thought you like sweets now?” 

“I can tolerate candies but that…” He grimaces as he takes another look at the diabetes-packed dessert.

“Aw, it tastes good though.” Gojo hums.

“I’ll just watch you eat it, Satoru.” He says, intertwining his hands and leaning his chin on it instead.

It takes a while for the alpha to notice, in particular when the ring glints against the lamp’s light but the reaction is instantaneous.

Gojo unexpectedly chokes on his food but before he can be concerned with the possibility of the older man being actually choked to death, the alpha is already looking at him with wonder and disbelief. His jewel eyes are a little misty from being choked out, though it starts to tickle him that the older male perhaps, is actually being choked up with emotions.

“Be careful.” He mirthfully teases.

“Wha— Megumi?” Gojo stammers, staring at the ring on his finger and his face back and forth and looking so dumbfounded. 

“I should make my stance clear before we are back.” He nonchalantly declares. “Or should I not?” He further teases by looking at the older man straight in the eyes as he makes a move to take the ring away. 

“No no no no—!” Gojo leaps forward. The spoon falls and makes a loud sound against the granite table as the alpha grips both of his hands.

“So a no?” He asks amusedly. 

“Megumi-chan!” Gojo whines loudly in protest, resulting in another slew of laughs of him.

.

From the corner of his eyes, he peeks at the bright-eyed Gojo as the alpha drives them back to Nara. He might’ve teased the older man, but he finds himself quietly mirroring the alpha’s elation. Gojo is practically beaming in happiness, constantly smiling and spreading what Toji dubs as a ‘disgusting scent’. 

This combination eventually lifts the corner of his lips into a smile that lasts through their journey. 

This kind of thing would only be a wishful dream a year ago. 

The next day

Zenin Compound, Main Building

Megumi can’t stop the grimace when he sees the mountain-high documents he needs to check on his desk. 

“Why are there so many of them?” He glances toward his co-head, who is busy eating a snack he brought back yesterday. 

“At least a quarter of it is your private Hei’s application request.” Maki smirks amusedly. “They’re quite persistent about it.” 

“I don’t need it.” Megumi exhales in annoyance. “I don’t need more private guards following me. I have my shikigami, Toji and I’m pretty sure Satoru is secretly assigning some of his too in a few days.” He recounts. 

“Is a matter of pride.” Maki responds as she crushes the plastic wrapper. “Tried to talk it out with them when you were away, but to no avail.” 

“Should I release a decree or something?” Megumi sighs as he plops down on his seat, irritatedly rubbing his temples. “I’m pretty sure I’ve been fending them off since last month. I’m all down for the Hei’s reestablishment for the clan’s use, but I don’t want any of my own.” 

“Again, a matter of pride.” Maki reiterates. “They want to be of use to you and me.” 

“This is not what I intended in the first place.” Megumi lets out a scowl. “What is Yaga doing? The Foundation should’ve uprooted Zenin’s old blind faith and paradigm. Why are they so insistent on serving us then? It’ll only fuel the rumors that we’re building a private army.” He nags as he dives into the maps, opening them one by one and categorizing them into something he needs to check and ones he can reject instantly. 

“Unfortunately, we can’t exactly control their loyalty.” Maki shrugs as she leans to the back.

“What did you do to your requests? Did you accept it then?” Megumi questions the other. “They’ll be more useful for you than me if it comes to it.” 

“I find it troublesome too, so I dumped it to you.” 

“What?” He looks up to Maki bewilderedly. 

“Told them that I will only agree to it if you are.” The alpha admits with a wolfish grin. “Probably that’s why they’re relentlessly putting a request thrice a day on your side.” 

“Maki.” He hisses though it’s laden with resignation. 

“On another matter,” Maki points at the ring on his finger with her chin, “The elders won’t stay quiet now that you’ve gotten yourself engaged with Satoru.” 

“Engaged.” Megumi rolls the word on his tongue. “That sounds nice.” He chuckles as he sets aside at least twenty maps to the rejected piles. 

“You’ve gotten sappier I see.” Maki says with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. “Should I ask the staff to prepare sekihan in five months for a safe delivery?” 

Embarrassment treacherously heats his cheeks at the alpha’s careless remark, as the implication reminds him of the time when things were heated between him and Gojo. “Maki.” He hisses warningly. “You’re going to create unnecessary rumors.” 

“Anyone will think the same.” Maki shrugs, still maintaining the same teasing smile.

“As it turns out, Satoru is a gentleman who wants to do it in the right order in the most inconvenient way.” He lightly divulges, if only to terminate any wilder assumptions from her. 

“Him?” Maki raises her eyebrow in disbelief.

“Yeah.” Megumi responds with a grim smile as he opens another map containing the exact same request for his private Hei’s establishment. “We’re straying away from the subject— what am I supposed to do with all of these?” He waves at the unending piles of the same black maps. 

“They’re following the procedure, so it isn’t like we can forbid them from sending in an official request.” Maki replies. “Keep ignoring them and I’m sure they’ll approach you eventually.” 

“That sounds troublesome.” He exhales deeply. “Let’s just hope they get the message this time if I stamp a big red rejection on all these documents.” 

.

They, in fact, do not get it.

(Sometimes he hates how accurate Maki’s guess is.)

.

“What is this?” Megumi flatly but sternly asks as several figures in plain black uniforms with red obi ambush him. 

He’s technically still within the compound, so an ambush is a bit inaccurate. Considering that these people are Zenin, a forced meeting between a clan head and its subject is a more apt description, though highly inconvenient it is.

"Megumi-sama." One of them comes forward while lowering his head. "We are here to escort you according to your schedule."

"Escort me." Megumi parrots unamusedly. “Under whose order?”

“Megumi-sama—”

“Answer my question.” Megumi cuts.

“None.” The somewhat leader responds. “We are here on our own initiative as you ignore our humble request.” 

Megumi exhales harshly as his irritation rises. “If you all are so desperate to be a Hei, just join the one for the clan’s use and stop bothering me.” 

“We desire to be your private—”

“Private soldiers?” Megumi scoffs. “Do you all realize the implications in the future? This will never be a mere escorting or bodyguard squad from an outsider's perspective.” 

“Please understand, Megumi-sama.” Another tall man comes forward, lowering his head at him. “We just want to serve you and Maki-sama.” 

“You all serve us better by not doing this." He sharply states, not bothering to try and play nice anymore. “A no is a no. The Foundation, the whole liberation things— None of us need your service.”

“Please don’t get angry, Megumi-sama—”

“It only angers me further when you ask me not to get pissed off by your actions." Megumi snaps. “I've been silent because I respect your right, but ambushing me like this is my last straw. Leave and permanently drop this matter or I will shoot you.” He declares as he pulls a handgun from his shadow in the blink of an eye and points it at the one who first spoke, one that he belatedly recognizes as Zenin Satoshi. 

“Megumi-sama—”

Without faltering, he pulls the trigger and a bullet shoots through with a loud explosion. It deeply scrapes on Satoshi’s temple, immediately bathing the side of the alpha’s face with blood while the bullet itself gets embedded on a wooden pillar behind them. 

“One last warning. I won’t miss next time.” Megumi flatly says. He expects them to disperse under such a threat and yet, the taller male doesn’t falter even for a millimeter. 

“Our lives are yours and Maki-sama, Megumi-sama.” Satoshi replies to him.

“Why are you all going this far?” He irritably asks. “Offering your lives like it’s nothing.”

“That’s something that we all have sworn upon after what both of you have done for us. For our mothers, sisters, and little siblings.” The alpha promptly answers him, as if he’s been waiting for the question. “We all witnessed your benevolence. We all received your help and we want to repay those kindnesses tenfold.”

The other’s answer unexpectedly weighs down his heart as something clicks in his mind. He looks around, noting each one who surrounds him, though with an obviously respectful stance. Without a doubt, these people are related to the children and the Zenin members he and Maki released—

And those who died under their care too. 

Satoshi’s sister was one of those who were placed under the Foundation and passed away. Despite his and Maki’s best efforts to give the best healthcare available for everyone, the eight-year-old girl succumbed to her sickness, an irreversible damage caused by the old Zenin’s insane acts. He and Maki attended the funeral, apologizing for being unable to do more. He empathizes with the dark-haired alpha, knowing that it could’ve happened to him too had Gojo not taken him and Tsumiki. 

Which makes this even more ridiculous. 

(So this is why Maki shifted the matter to him.)

Megumi rubs his head in exasperation. “Your fealties, while appreciated, are unneeded and misplaced. We were just doing what any decent human being should. Nothing more than that.”

“That’s why we want to dedicate our lives to you, Megumi-sama.” Satoshi lowers his head.

“It’s unwarranted to go this far.” Megumi denies. “By the looks of it, I’m younger than all of you too. Do you all have no pride, begging to wager your lives for someone who became the clan head for his own gain?” 

“It doesn’t matter.” Another figure falls in. “The fact that you bear the Ten Shadows is enough for anyone to heed your words, Megumi-sama.” 

“That’s a dangerous line you’re skittering.” He sharply responds. “Possessing a technique is not what it takes to lead a clan and loyalty should never be based on that—” 

“But the person, right?” Satoshi ends with a smile. “Loyalty can’t be bought, Megumi-sama but earned. You and Maki-sama have earned our loyalty, as do the majority of the clan members.” 

“We simply showed an act of kindness and humanity that old Zenin deprived you of, that’s all.” Megumi refutes firmly. “And if that is all it takes to form blind loyalty within this clan—”

“You, out of all people, know perfectly well that loyalty is never that cheap nor easy, Megumi-sama.” Satoshi says. “Loyalty goes both ways and as you helped us as your subjects, isn’t it natural that we dedicate ourselves to you in return? And if I may be impudent, isn’t it the same case for you, Maki-sama, Yuuta-sama, for Gojo Satoru-sama?” The older male gently points out. 

It feels like a checkmate, somehow. 

He exhales deeply as he finally lets the gun drop back into his shadow. “Tell me one reason why I should accept your request for a private Hei instead of the clan’s then.” Megumi finally says. “One chance. That’s all that I offer and if it fails to convince me, all of you will be the Hei for clan’s use and no more of this private shits.” 

They all look at each other, before Satoshi looks at him with such firmness and resolution that befuddles him.

“Because everyone needs you and Maki-sama to be alive and present for a long time, Megumi-sama.”

“Megumi-chan, do you know what the heaviest thing in this world is?”

“Death?” He huffed as he looked up at the white-haired male. He grew a lot over the past year, but his height is still unmatched in comparison to the lanky, shady alpha.

“Close enough. Try again, Megumi-chan!” Gojo bellowed with an unbecoming-looking grin on his face.

“Then what is it?” He demanded irritatedly, never in the mood for any games the white-haired male loves to pop randomly. 

Gojo crouched down to his level and a hand tousled the top of his head, messing his hair. As if that same hand wasn’t the one that had just been used to kill a curse user, whose body is still lying listlessly across from them.

“It's the weight of a life, Megumi.”

A life.

Megumi glances at the passenger seat beside him, where he puts some of the important maps he’ll need for the upcoming meeting with Yaga. The ambush from an hour ago is being replayed in his head, as a sense of loss grows within him. 

It's vexing, he supposes. They didn’t flinch when he pointed the gun. They didn’t bat an eye or attempt to subdue his provocation even after he pulled the trigger. There was no fear, trepidation or hesitation from any of them, as if they genuinely put their lives in his hands to use as he pleased. 

He lets out another deep sigh before he leans back to the seat, fishing out his phone in the process. The sound of ringing echoes softly within the car, before Maki’s voice comes through. 

“What’s the verdict?” 

“You already know the answer, Maki.” Megumi grumbles. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s something that they should convey themselves.” Maki responds calmly.

“Was it?” He questions with a low scoff. 

“Loyalty goes both ways.” The green-haired alpha recites. “It hits home, doesn’t it?” She murmurs. 

He chuckles harshly. “Maki, this is not what we— I intended when I took the title as the clan head. This is not what I wanted, when I aired out the Foundation’s idea. My motives have never been so pure or selfless.” He states. “It was all for my personal gain. It still is.” 

“Yet they insist despite so.” Maki responds in tandem. “Frankly, we’ve been running this damn clan as we please. My father would’ve wailed in hell upon hearing what we’ve done with it.”

“This is why it’s even more ridiculous. Transactional bodyguards are one thing but—”

“They don’t want any money and we never have outsiders so willing to bare their necks for slaughter before us.” She ends, before barking a laugh herself. “Shit, when did things get this complicated?”

Frustration is apparent in her voice and he mirrors the emotion the same.

“So what’s your verdict?” He asks with a deep exhale, returning her own question. 

“Objectively, it’s too dangerous, troublesome and it is an unprecedented situation.” The alpha responds. “We’ve got enough shits from being accused of growing private armies by others and the balance of power must be maintained with the other clans.”

He nods in agreement. “But it’ll be more troublesome in the long run if we let them be without supervision. Wild cards are the least any of us need right now.”

“Formal assessment then.” Maki proposes.

“Mixing them with the others who want to re-establish Hei for the clan’s use will just be another headache.” He points out. “We want to lessen their numbers, not increase it.” 

“A separate assessment.” Maki revises. “Toji should lead the unit.” 

“What?” He blinks at the unexpected remark. 

“It’s one less thing to handle on our plate.” The alpha reasons. “Also—” 

.

Megumi listens to Maki’s input for another ten minutes,  before the back of his neck tingles ominously. He promises to talk it over later and cuts the call with a calm goodbye. After he drops his phone back into his shadow, he taps his chauffeur’s shoulder. 

“Stop here.” He orders. 

“But Megumi-sama—” 

“It’s alright. Just tell Yaga-san that I’ll be a little late.” He assures and the car comes to a stop.

Slipping out of the comfortable car and into the cool, fresh air of Nara, Toji materializes beside him. With sandals and his usual black and white outfit, the older alpha is looking in the same direction where his instinct is blaring, sensing the imminent danger as well. 

“Now this is an ambush.” The black-haired alpha muses.

“You look far too giddy, Dad.” He flatly responds as he raises his hand. “Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure.” He whispers the incantation and within seconds, a black veil completely surrounds the area. 

“Things are far too quiet these days, kid.” Toji shrugs with a grin. 

“Please don’t jinx us.” He exhales deeply while patting the summoned Kon on the head. “Stay down. I’ll handle it.”

“You sure?” Toji teases with a smirk. “Can’t have you getting sealed in a box too now, can we?” 

Megumi rolls his eyes. “Ambushing me right in the middle of the day already speaks volumes of their IQ.”

Without breaking eye contact, he continues speaking evenly to the black-haired alpha who already jumps to the back, as if his right hand isn’t already stretched to the side as his shadow pierces his first assailant ten meters away. “Want to bet?”

“Confident, aren’t you? ” Toji smirks. “Seems like you’ve ruffled some feathers, kid. Been a while since you were attacked so openly, hasn’t it?” 

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll finish it up within twenty minutes.” He says, ducking and slashing his other enemy before melting into his shadow. “I don’t want to make Yaga wait too long. I’m not Satoru.” He tacks, knowing Toji will be able to hear him regardless. 

“Let’s see then, kid.” 

.

.

Staring at the unmoving corpses of his assassins, Megumi wipes the blood on his cheek as the thought that has been plaguing the back of his mind comes forth once more with the absence of danger.

“ Everyone needs you and Maki-sama to be alive and present for a long time.”

.

(Why does his life suddenly get so important and pivotal, that others readily discard theirs in exchange for his?)

Jujutsu High,
Kyoto Main Headquarters

Now I understand why you despise my self-sacrificing tendency.

Gojo can't stop the laugh from escaping his lips upon reading the message from his lover. Leaning back on the building’s wall behind him, he types up a response.

(lol) why the sudden epiphany?

Long story.

I have a lot of  time to spare

Some people requested to
personally guard me and Maki.

I’ve been ignoring it, but they insisted
They cornered me, so I shot them
But they still wouldn’t budge

Gojo raises his eyebrow incredulously at the newly popped message. The image of the black-haired male raising a handgun and shooting someone in the head flashes on the alpha’s mind and another snicker leaves him. 

Said they are willing to die for me and Maki

(sigh)

(LOL)(LOL) that’s hilarious

Is it time to resurrect
the Megumi Dominion idea then?

Shut.

“Gojo-sensei? What are you doing here?”

The alpha looks up from his phone, as a more modest smile replaces the mischievous one from Megumi’s messages. 

“Enjoying the breeze.” The alpha randomly says as he gestures with his hand. As if affirming his excuse, the wind blows softly, gently hitting them both as the grasses around them rustle loudly against each other.

The black-haired young man gives his former teacher a look, before he scoffs indulgently.

“As if.” Yuuta shakes his head with a small laugh as he too, leans on the building’s wall right beside the older alpha. “I heard you were looking for me.” He points out. 

“I am,” Gojo admits with a grin. “How’s the mission?”

“It’s nothing much.” Yuuta shrugs. “Thank you for the omiyage, Sensei. The ganache was delicious.” 

“Right? Megumi also loves the bitter ganache.” Gojo responds with a hum. “Though I didn’t expect that you would develop a taste for bitter things, Yuuta. Megumi surprisingly also developed a taste for sweet candies.” He remarks casually.  

At this, Yuuta puts up a resigned little smile— already knowing where the conversation is going.

“I’m not going to hound you down— if that’s what you are concerned about.” Gojo remarks.

“Your past reactions warranted otherwise though, Sensei.” Yuuta chuckles, though his stance remains relaxed.

“I was frustrated.” Gojo nods in agreement as another breeze blows past them. 

“You don’t deem me as a threat anymore now, do you?” The black-haired alpha accurately guesses, briefly glancing at the ring on the other’s finger. Silence briefly simmers between them. “When did you know?” He asks. 

“From the start.” Gojo chuckles. “It was hard to miss.” 

“And yet you still let me be near Megumi-kun.” Yuuta curiously points out. “Why? You’ve known by then that I harbor feelings for him.”

“Precisely why.” Gojo nods. “If I have to choose one person to keep him safe, that would always be you, unfortunately.”

“That’s surprising.”

“Is it?” Gojo lightly shrugs. “You retained your grade back in such a short time and you still have much potential to grow even stronger. You have a strong sense of protectiveness and loyalty to your friends and those you respect. If I had to choose two pupils to be shown off, I’d have chosen you and Megumi.”

“And not Yuuji-kun?” Yuuta asks lightheartedly, but the older alpha can sense the sharp tone underneath it.

“He’s certainly an interesting case, but my interest in him is no higher than that of other students of mine, Yuuta.” Gojo answers calmly but seriously. “That’s all there is to it— and isn’t he your cute kouhai too?”

“Yuuji-kun is a great kouhai.” Yuuta nods. “But it was Maki and me, who had to witness how devastated Megumi-kun was.” 

“It was a grave oversight.” Gojo exhales softly. “Lesson learned indeed.” 

“Thankfully, it ends with a happy ending.” Yuuta responds. 

“As it should.” Gojo replies with a nod. “So what’s your plan forward?”

“I’m going to apply to a university.” The younger man hums.

“University?” The alpha raises his eyebrow.

“Yeah. The Foundation makes all of us realize how silly it is that we unconsciously limit ourselves in this jujutsu world.” Yuuta explains. “Each of us holds a quite prominent position too and it’s always better to have more skills and knowledge. With your return, things should be a lot calmer as well, Sensei.”

“Ehh.” Gojo hums thoughtfully as he digs into his memories. “Between us all, the only one with an actual degree was Nanami-chan.”

“Shoko-san too.” Yuuta reminds the other. 

“Ieiri cheated though.” Gojo mirthfully divulges. “But her skills make up for it. Do you already know which major you’d apply to?”

“It’ll be either Communications or Political Science.” Yuuta replies. “Maki is going to take Business and Megumi-kun has yet to decide if he wants to pursue higher education.” He further elaborates. “Maki pointed out Megumi-kun’s preference for animals, but he only shrugged it off.”

“I thought he’d be the first one to apply.” Gojo frowns. 

“Me too.” Yuuta nods. “It seems Megumi-kun is still unsure, especially since he has the clan and Foundation leaning on him.”

“A vet certificate won’t be helpful for the clan.” Gojo nods understandingly. “Why did you choose those majors though? You don’t strike me as someone who will be interested in such stuff.” He curiously probes.

Yuuta lets out a nervous laugh. “To be honest, I am still unsure if I can do well, but…” 

The black-haired male looks down as a gentle smile unconsciously appears on his face, “Someone told me that I have a smile that calms the strongest storm and assures anyone that everything will be okay.” He explains, a tinge of affection is apparent in his voice. “So that’s why I thought it’ll be more beneficial if I take one of those majors, especially since I intend to support Maki and Megumi-kun.” He continues before the younger alpha turns to the side and faces the white-haired man properly. 

“Please take care of him well, Gojo-san.” Yuuta earnestly says as he bows down. “Please make Megumi-kun the happiest person in this world.”

Gojo stares at the younger man briefly, before he answers just as seriously, “You know I will. Thank you for being there for Megumi, Yuuta.” He earnestly states. 

“I’ll take it from here.”

Chapter Text

Gojo can’t stop the teasing whistles coming out from his lips upon seeing the new appearance of his omega. Clad in a form-fitting tailored shirt, and vest with a complimentary overcoat, Megumi looks the very definition of an old-money little prince. 

A handsomely beautiful little prince. 

His little prince. 

“It looks okay.” Megumi states, pointedly ignoring the white-haired male’s whistle as he stretches a little, making sure that he can still move around comfortably.

“They look good on you.” Gojo corrects ardently with a swift wave of his hand. “Far better than those stuffy traditional clothes.” 

“Please mind your words, Satoru. Those clothes were still attentively made by others.” Megumi scolds lightly. 

“I said what I said.” The alpha shrugs guiltlessly. “These clothes are better suited for you, Megumi-chan.” 

“You think so?” Megumi hums as he checks himself back in the mirror. 

“I know so.” Gojo nods eagerly. “It’s easier to move around too, is it not?” He points out. 

“It’s less heavy.” Megumi agrees, before turning around to the smiling young lady near the entrance door. “Please make more of these in other colors, Shizue-san.”

“Certainly, Megumi-sama.” Shizue, the owner and the designer of the piece nods demurely.

“Black, navy, teal, and white. Please make them in those colors.” Megumi adds. 

“How boring, Megumi-chan. How about pink and deep green?” The white-haired alpha unexpectedly voices out. 

“Pink will clash too much with Megumi-sama’s eyes, Gojo-sama.” Shizue reasons. “However, we can work on deep green.” 

“ You should wear pink.” Megumi throws back the suggestion to the alpha. “An oversized, linen-based casual shirt should fit you well, Satoru.”

“That’s quite a descriptive input, Megumi.” Gojo grins cheekily. “Been flipping through a fashion book?” 

“You would pick up a thing or two under Nobara’s endless fashion lesson.” Megumi shakes his head before turning his attention back to the young woman. “Please add that casual pink shirt order for him, Shizue-san.” He gestures to the white-haired alpha. “Do you need to re-measure him again?” 

“Noted, Megumi-sama and there’s no need.” The dark-haired woman shakes her head. “Oh, shall I make a pair of white pants to match the shirt?” 

“If that’s not too much trouble.” Megumi nods. 

“It’s always a pleasure to dress beautiful people, Zenin-sama.” Shizue responds with a tinge of cheekiness.

“You’re just going to inflate his ego, Shizue-san.” Megumi scoffs lightly though not unkindly.

“Quite deserving considering his station.” Shizue answers smartly, earning her an amused chuckle from the white-haired alpha. “Also, Megumi-sama, we’ve finished the prototypes that Maki-sama enquired about previously. Would you like to check it?” 

“Ah, is it alright if you send it to our place?” Megumi questions. “Maki will want to see it herself.”

“Of course, Megumi-sama.” Shizue answers firmly. “I will visit you tomorrow evening then, Megumi-sama.” 

“That’ll be appreciated. Thank you Shizue-san.” The black-haired male replies. 

The young designer politely lowers her head before slipping out of the VIP room to give her client some privacy. 

“What prototype?” Gojo curiously asks as he lounges back to the sofa while the younger male goes back into the changing room. 

“Some uniforms for our compound’s staff, Foundation’s workers and the Hei.” Megumi loudly answers. Rustling sounds can be heard within the otherwise quiet room and it doesn’t take long before Megumi reemerges with his previous shirt and pants. “We’re thinking of replacing those tedious traditional clothes with more practical and lighter modern ones.”

“Black suits like Ijichi?” The alpha raises his eyebrow dubiously. 

“Similar, but something less mass-produced.” Megumi amends. “Something that shows they belong to Zenin.”

“How curious.” Gojo whistles as he tilts his head thoughtfully. “I thought you and Maki had been particularly adamant on erasing any attachment and blind loyalty to Zenin itself?”

“We still are.” Megumi corrects. “However, Yaga-san sat us down a few weeks ago.” He starts as he plops down beside the alpha, “ Identity is a powerful weapon, and combined with the recent development, Maki thinks it’s better to create a sense of belonging among our ranks in new Zenin, since there are those who still stubbornly try to serve us out of ‘ loyalty’.” He continues. “Instead of shying away from it, we’ll weaponize it to secure the Foundation’s safety and the children’s future. Another plus point is that it’ll firmly establish the new Zenin’s image and completely erase the old, traditional one.”

“That sounds very uncharacteristically scheming of both of you.” Gojo muses.

“Do you think we dismantled the executives with mere blazing guns, curses, and brute forces?” Megumi dryly says. 

Gojo chuckles. “Fair point, but it’s not without its own risks.” The older man hums. “A simple taint— or if someone manages to harness and instill the same sense of respect and admiration with a twisted view of the clan, it might not go well.” 

“I and Maki talked about it too.” The black-haired male elaborates. “As time passes by, there are two possible paths for the Foundation we established. One is that the Foundation might open its door to those without Zenin’s blood,” Megumi explains as he lifts his pointer finger. “Another is that the Foundation will become smaller and less relevant. The children in the Foundation will eventually grow up and with our rules, we hope there’ll be fewer and fewer children who have to be taken into the Foundation’s safe nest. If it’s the former, then we need a strong image and exclusivity that the Foundation can’t be messed up by outsiders— not all children have a good heart. If it’s the latter, then it’s better that everyone keeps each other in check to ensure that the Foundation works as it should be, even without my or Maki’s influence.”

“I feel like there’s an underlying intention beneath your words, Megumi.” Gojo notes with a knowing smile, welcoming the black-haired male who boldly straddles his lap.

“Is there?” Megumi questions back evenly as he lets the alpha wrap his arms around his back, pulling their body close to each other. 

“Megumi-chan has grown so well.” The white-haired male comments, unashamedly burying his nose to the side of the omega’s neck. “He even knows how to make people do what he wants now.” 

“You’re talking nonsense.” Megumi refutes calmly as he bares his neck more.

“So, what is it?” Gojo inquires with a low voice. “Something that Zenin Megumi wants that he takes me out on a shopping date and openly tries to please me?”

“Your ego and overconfidence are still irritating as ever, Satoru. You were the one who suggested having matching outfits.” The younger man scoffs in response, before continuing with a haughtier expression as he pushes the alpha away. “And why would I need to please you when I can simply demand it out of you?” 

“Clever Megumi-chan.” Gojo nods agreeingly. “Please be more demanding and spoiled.”

“But only to you? ” Megumi guesses. 

“You know me so well.” Gojo says, a pleasant smile on his face. 

“Possessive, aren’t you?” The younger man states.

“Only for you.” The white-haired male shamelessly declares. 

“It better be only me.” Megumi lowers his voice as he leans closer to the alpha. Their eyes are fixed on each other as the younger man rests his hands around Gojo’s shoulder. “But I do need you to do something for me.” 

“Always happy to serve, Megumi.” Gojo grins and somehow it reminds Megumi of a cat who ate the canary. 

“Is a clan head supposed to be this complacent?” Megumi scoffs though affection drips in his voice. 

“You’ve always been a special case.” Gojo cheekily refutes. “Do you need more money? Connection? Power? Or perhaps some legend-level cursed tools from Gojo’s warehouse disposal?”

Megumi pointedly ignores the steadily outrageous offers. “I need Gojo to support the Foundation’s future endeavors, as long as it doesn’t harm anyone in the process.” He finally says. 

“That’s a very vague request. Is this a ‘Megumi-chan’ request or a ‘Zenin Megumi’ desire?” The alpha asks with a devious smile, holding the younger’s chin with the tip of his finger.

“Whichever that costs me nothing.” Megumi responds in tandem, lightly slapping the white-haired male’s other hand that starts squeezing on his ass. “Maki doesn’t really care about this kind of stuff so I have to fill in the gaps.” 

“Alright then. The Foundation will always have Gojo’s full support.” The white-haired alpha declares. “Happy?” 

“Very much so.” Megumi admits before he catches the other’s lips in a kiss. Expectedly, the alpha lunges forward but he makes sure they don’t get carried away and soon breaks their lips apart. “I want an official note for that, Satoru.”

“Then let’s hire Furudate and officialize it.”  The alpha replies before stealing another peck. “Though I’ll be gone from the twelfth to the twentieth next week, so let’s schedule it after that.” 

“A mission?” Megumi guesses with a frown. “That’s so sudden.”

“A mission would be better. It’s an actual business trip.” Gojo ends with a little whine. “It’s going to be sooooo tedious I will die out of sheer boredom—”

“Please act your age, Satoru.” Megumi scolds lightly, as he files the new information to the back of his mind. Slipping down from the other’s lap, he expertly dodges the grabby hands that are aimed towards his waist. “Come on, Shizue-san must’ve been wondering what takes us so long and having a scandal with you is the last thing I need on top of my work.”

Gojo snickers lightly at the remark and lets himself be dragged out. 

.

From the twelfth until the twentieth, huh?

Megumi rolls the marbles in his palm, absent-mindedly staring at the dazzling sparkle as they glint against the moonlight. His mind runs amok with many scenarios and possible what-ifs, checking and contemplating his next move. Whether he should or shouldn’t. Whether he must or must not. So many variables and factors to consider, especially when so many lives are hanging onto the ropes around his fingers. 

His consciousness. His heart. His logic. His wariness. Each represents two sides of him and they are all fighting each other. Whether he should use his logic as a clan head or as a mere Megumi. Whether his wariness stems as a clan head who has seen a good chunk of corruption and is used to four-D chess-like maneuvers, or as Megumi who was once disappointed and abandoned. The lingering question that hangs in the air, whether he should follow his heart as Megumi or listen to his logic as a clan head.

The two tattoos on his wrist serve as a reminder, but a warning at the same time— which returns him to the same spot, to the same question. Should he act as clan head Megumi, or simply as Megumi, or as Fushiguro Megumi, or—

As future Megumi, the mate of Gojo Satoru?

He supposes it’s a silly identity crisis. He is them as they are him but the stakes are wholly different. He might receive and lose some in each identity and frankly speaking, he’s genuinely torn. 

Closing his eyes at the heaviness in his heart, he relishes in the night’s warm wind, letting it caress his skin and gently blow his hair. An hour must’ve passed since he sat on the veranda and he can’t afford to waste more time. The time window is tight and there might not be any more chance in the future, especially when he’s fully aware of Gojo’s unstoppable desire to be constantly near him. There’s a matter with his bond and the tattoo too… 

“What if I make a mistake?” He quietly says, indirectly directing the question to the black-haired alpha who’s been feigning sleep right next to him.

At this, Toji lets out a derisive scoff. “Kid, you are still a little punk in comparison to the old geezers. Of course, you’re going to make mistakes.” Toji eventually rolls over, staring at him with some kind of demeaning look, though still affectionate enough by the alpha’s standard. “Being the clan head with people who look up to you might inflate your head and ego, but you ain’t a God’s messenger or something like that. You can’t expect yourself to be perfect one hundred percent all the time.” He points out with a raised eyebrow. “Why do you love to make things complicated?”

“Because it's naive to think that I can hold on to this position for so long. It's naive to think everything I’m holding now will be mine for a long time.” He answers quietly. He has poured a lot of money and resources into this endeavor too. It will be an utter waste to let his plan fall through like this.

Unexpectedly, Toji’s expression suddenly changes into something that rarely comes across the older man, that alpha has just connected something big — “You don’t know how to wield your power for yourself, aren’t you Megumi?” 

“What?” He offendedly exclaims. 

“It’s always for someone else.” His dad points out as he sits up. “First, it’s for that white cocky mutt. Then Tsumiki, Maki, the little minion brats, the list goes on but it’s never been for yourself.”

“That’s—”

“It’s interesting how your self-sacrificing tendency actually shifted into this self-exception.” Toji cuts him, looking all amused. 

“What are you implying now?” He bites as he narrows his eyes at the older male. 

“Even before, when you were searching for an alpha to bite you.” Toji snaps his fingers. “You never considered using the influential and powerful cards in your decks. Instead of skittering around like a little dirty rat, you could’ve just come forward with it, or just let things flow and if that brat acts up, you have plenty of other cards to wield and defend you.” 

“That’s different—”

“It’s not.” Toji cuts him off, again. “You’re not confused nor are you unsure. You’re seeking validation that it's alright to do that.”

The last remark hits him right in his consciousness and he throws his head to the side. “It’s more complicated than that. I have a lot to consider and think about when I make my move now.” 

“And you need to cut it out.” Toji scoffs. “Just do what you want to do and stop moping like a goddamn damsel in distress. What’s the point of amassing those wealths and power if you can’t fuck around and find out?”

The insult irritates him so much and he genuinely needs to reflect on this conversation later, but…

Reaching a decision, he flicks his hand and casts a sizable shadow barrier around him, to make sure that everything stays private. He punches in a number he memorizes by heart and waits as the line connects him—

“Hello? Shiu-san? I’m sorry to bother you this late at night…”

Tsumiki pensively stares at the messages she’s been exchanging with Megumi. The sun has barely risen from the horizon and she’s already taken by surprise. Uneasiness rolls off her like tidal waves, washing ashore at her consciousness and slowly gnawing on it. She lifts her thumb, hesitation prevents her from coming up with a response.

How’s she even supposed to respond, is a more apt question.

Empty your schedule next week.
Pack enough
I’ll pick you up on the thirteenth.

So sudden?
Where are we going?

Bring your passport too.

….Megumi?

The one I gave you.
Not your actual passport.
And prepare the duplicate phone I gave you.
Make sure that you bring the duplicate and not your real one.

Biting her lips harder, she eventually types.

I thought we’d had this discussion, Megumi?

It’s different.

Doesn't look different to me.

It is.
Just so you know the how to and where to.
Just in case.

‘Just in case.’
Does Gojo-san know then?

.

“Does Gojo-san know then?”

The blinking cursor beckons him to respond to Tsumiki but his thumbs simply hover on the screen as the question takes him by surprise. As he ponders, he watches how Tsumiki’s status shows him “Typing…”, before it disappears into nothing. It repeats for several times and yet there’s still no new message from her.

Perhaps, she too, is unsure of how to bring up the topic with him.

It’s not like he doesn’t want Gojo to know per se but… There’s still a part of him, one who oversees everything in wariness is whispering words of caution.

Only a fool puts their entire eggs in one basket, even more so for those who make the same mistake twice.

He will.
But not now.

Not now. When the scars have yet to completely fade away, when things are still new, a honeymoon phase of some sort. It’s a delicate topic, one that might or might not trigger the alpha and if there is one thing he learned from all of these years, some things are better left as secrets or delayed revelations.

The less who knows, the better. 

The sun has barely risen on the horizon, when the green-haired alpha slides the door of their office room open. She was apprehensive when she was told that her co-head is already up and working, but lo and behold, the black-haired omega is already knee-deep in the papers they need to handle. 

“Megumi?” Maki bewilderedly calls.

“Maki.” The younger man responds to her call without looking up at her. “Is it time for breakfast already?” 

“No, but why are you already working?” She questions him as she slips into the room, closing the door behind her with a definite thud to ensure their privacy. “Did something happen?” She concerningly adds with a frown. She notices how the younger man has been a little skittish and very busy for some reason for the past few days and the last time the omega is this workaholic is when Megumi tried to distract himself from Gojo’s awakening.

“I’m just catching up on our work.” Megumi shrugs, finally looking up at her. There is a line of exhaustion on his face and it is without doubt that he’s been working for a few hours at the very least.

She narrows her eyes at the strange situation, but she keeps up a calm expression outwardly.

“I see.” Maki feigns innocence. “Did you even sleep? You look like you’re about to keel over.” 

“I’m fine— and Maki,” Megumi trails off as he closes the map after putting his sign. “I’m taking out the last rotten root in this place.” 

Maki freezes when she registers what the other means, but relaxes soon after. “Are you?” 

“Any objection?” Megumi smiles a little as he looks her in the eyes again.

“Why the sudden change of heart?” She questions him back. 

“It has always been on the table.” Megumi calmly counters. “I told him that I would give him his freedom as a Zenin, but I never promised that I wouldn’t kill him.” 

“Still.” She hums as she sits on the edge of his table. “You aren’t one to do this kind of trick, Megumi.” 

“I never broke bread with him. Besides, read this.” The black-haired omega hands her a black map from the corner right stack. 

She retrieves and skims the content of the report, before scoffing loudly. “This piece of shit…” 

“He never shows any sign of fixing himself and additionally, this place should be a safe place for our families and friends.” Megumi calmly explains. “Mai and Tsumiki, they should be able to go in and out here without fear of meeting trash like him.”

“Naoya is incapable of redeeming himself.” Maki snorts before giving the map back to the omega. “Let me handle him.”

“Let’s handle him together.” Megumi corrects as he stands up.

“I have a bone to pick with him, so he’s mine.” She points out. 

“It’s my decision to spare him in the first place. It’s only right for me to clean up after myself.” The other rebukes calmly. “At least let me stand by on the side. I insist, Maki.” 

“Fine.” She resignedly remarks. “I should inform Yuuta not to come today.” 

“He is?” Megumi raises his eyebrow. “He visits a lot these days.” He comments. 

“He wants to eat that breakfast set we used to have.” She explains, but upon the inquisitive and questioning look from the other, she sighs deeply. “Nobara and I decided that we are better off as friends, so no, I’m not cheating on her, Megumi. Relax.”

“You are?” The omega blinks in surprise. “When—?” 

“When you were busy going off on a make-up honeymoon with Satoru. We called it off on the night before you called me for his medicine.” She replies. “We are still on good terms though, I promise to treat her to dinner next week.”

“Ah.” Megumi responds, before wincing in awkwardness. “Sorry, I should’ve—”

“You were busy with an overgrown baby.” She waves him off. “And this is normal, I think. Not everyone has the same bond as you and Satoru.” 

“I see.” Megumi hums softly. “I’m sorry though.” 

“No need.” She puts her hand on her hip. “It isn’t like I’m announcing it to the whole world.” 

And it isn’t like she can explain that she’s actually consoling Yuuta, who is heartbroken and trying to move on.

“Yeah.” Megumi responds. “Well, let’s tackle Naoya after breakfast. I want this to be out of our way first before I leave and it’s a good opportunity to see who is still on his side.” The omega says as he leaves their office. 

“Let me prepare too.” She nods in tandem, following after him. “Gakuganji will throw a fit once he hears it.”

“Let’s worry about that old man once we deal with the matter first.” Megumi says as he turns to the right.

Dealing with Naoya, turns out to be a rather difficult affair.

While there are no other clan members who come to his aid, Naoya is still the former leader of the Hei. It takes some time, but within three hours, her cursed blade is stained with his blood and he’s finally gasping for his last breath. She took his left foot which he used to demean her. His right hand which he used to harass Mai. Cut through his mouth and tongue so he can’t speak any nonsense, as a tribute to her mother. 

She disgustedly watches him helplessly squirm and futilely trying to curse her, though relief surprisingly fills her heart as well when Naoya is finally no more. 

Everyone, those who bullied her and hurt her sister, now they are all gone.

Plopping down on the destroyed soil, she lets some of the staff rush and fuss over her. She can feel some of the Hei, their He i’s members, standing behind her as if to guard her in her moment of weakness. She has a considerable number of injuries and her sight has gone rather blurry with the blood loss, but somehow, her gaze is pinned on Megumi who is busy ordering the other Hei and retaining control over the damage. 

While the report on Naoya’s behavior is repulsive, somehow the feeling that Megumi didn’t enact this out of a random whim still stays at the back of her mind. His out-of-nowhere busyness, his extremely early hours and unusual overtime… It feels like the omega is scheming something and it puts a damp on the relief she feels.

But she hopes it’s just her overthinking everything. 

The compound is unusually silent. 

The sounds of crickets and the bamboo water spout used to echo within the area, but the fight with Naoya yesterday afternoon has destroyed a good chunk of the garden and back buildings, leaving the corridors devoid of any sound but his footsteps. It’s probably due to the late— or extremely early hours as well, but each step he takes feels louder than usual. The wooden floor feels cool with a rich texture underneath his bare feet and the staff will definitely scold him for impropriety if they see him like this, but he needs it. 

He needs it to anchor himself, for what he’s about to pull. 

It’s ridiculous, objectively. It’s not like he’s actually leaving, but a good part of him still feels like he’s deceiving everyone around him. He fully understands that this is for his and Tsumiki’s safety in case things go south at any time and any day, but the guilt and hesitation still tear him apart. 

Maybe Tsumiki is just an excuse. Maybe what his dad said about him not knowing how to wield his power and influence for his own personal convenience is true. But he’s the one who decided to go through it in the end and between Gojo’s convenient absence and the mountain of work Maki needs to do in the aftermath of her fight with Naoya— on top of her own recovery at that, this is a golden time that might not come again.

He has to do this. 

Internally clutching to the belief, he finally arrives at Maki’s quarters. Despite the seemingly deserted place, he knows several Hei guards are inconspicuously guarding her room. He gives them a brief glance as acknowledgement, before knocking on the green-haired alpha’s room. 

“Maki?” He loudly calls. “Sorry for disturbing your rest, but can I come in?”

There’s a momentary silence, before he continues. “Maki?” 

“Just come in, Megumi.” Maki responds behind the door and with her permission, he slips into the room. 

Her bedroom is identical to his sans some of the furniture and his gaze eventually drops to Maki, who has sat on her bed. Exhaustion still paints her face as several red-tinted bandage is still wrapped around her arms and head, but she looks infinitely better than yesterday. 

“What’s wrong?” Maki questions quietly, though a teasing smirk is tugged on her face. “It’s unusual of you to visit at this hour. Did you have a nightmare, Megumi?”

“Would you rub my back if that’s the case?” He responds with an amused scoff as he approaches her. 

“I will even share my blanket.” Maki quips. Her eyes track his movement as he finally sits on the edge of her bed. 

“That’s nice of you, let’s do it next time.” He chuckles.

“As long as Satoru won’t throw a tantrum over it.” Maki shrugs. “I doubt you come to me in this crack hour for a hug though. What’s up?” 

“I know you’re still recovering, but something came up and I need to visit Tsumiki this morning.” He apologetically says. “Can you hold the fort, Maki?”

A frown mars her face, but he knows it isn’t out of suspicion. “Sure, did something happen?” 

“Just some minor stuff, but pressing nonetheless.” He excuses smoothly.  “I’ll leave soon and I don’t want you to know from the staff later in the morning.” 

“Of course, I’ll smack you otherwise.” Maki snorts.

“I’ve handled most of the high-priority paperwork, but I have to leave the rest to you.” He elaborates. “I heard Mai is coming here today. Ask a staff to clean up a good room for her, or let her choose her own, since it’ll be her permanent room from now on.”

“I don’t think she’s going to live here, but okay.” Maki scoffs.

“She might have a change of heart since Naoya is gone.” He points out before standing up. “Just text me if something comes up.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” She waves him off and, with an assuring nod, he turns around and leaves the room. 

At this point, Maki realizes she should’ve listened to her gut.

While she puts up an indifferent facade, Megumi’s behavior is definitely odd, especially with the weak-ass excuse over his sister. As far as she knows, Tsumiki’s transition to move back to Nara is all smoothed up and already finalized. She’s fully aware that Megumi also stationed some of their people around the older female as well, so had she been in any danger, the black-haired omega would immediately sprint towards her without even waking her up and conversing with her like this. He would also has no qualm of divulging the situation to her, instead of that vague excuse. 

The Megumi she comes to know is also not an irresponsible person. She’s still injured so to speak and while he has taken care most of the more pressing matters, he’s not the type to leave her to tend to herself in times like this. 

She’s probably overthinking stuff and she knows she has a lot more pressing things to worry about, but even then, as she watches the black-haired omega’s back disappear behind the door, a passage from an old book in Zenin's library comes to the forefront of her mind. 

Oh! How magnificent!

The lost King returned, the scattered Court joined anew!

Impurity washed away, defiled by the blazing curse of the Masters.

Ill-bred rats skittered, their blood painted the path of the rightful Heir, their heads served as appeasement to His ire.  

Stained with righteousness, He returned what must be returned. With the Crown on His head, the Commandments are absolute. The Hymn of Blasphemy no more, the cries overturned by the Elegy of the King. 

Eternal Night broken by the sun, its light enlightens the seeds of hope, the pawn of fate whose pen is a new master.

Yet, the same light sparkled against the bloody Crown, left on the base of the Tower He raised.

His duty has finished. His purpose left no more. 

Faded along the Eternal Night, the King is lost, once more. 

Another sense of foreboding, one that she thought she had put to rest, blooms within her. She scrambles to the side, taking her phone before dialing a familiar number. It’s kind of stupid and very paranoid of her, especially when she has confirmed this with Gojo before but—

“Maki?” Yuuta’s drowsy voice echoes within her bedroom as the call goes through. “What—”

“Yuuta, is Satoru in Kyoto?” She cuts impatiently. 

The black-haired alpha makes a noncommittal hum. “He’s not, actually. He’s on a business trip until the twentieth, if I remember correctly.” He says. “Why? What time is it— Why are you awake, Maki? Aren’t you supposed to be resting—”

“Yuuta, can you come here right now?” 

As the left-hand man of Gojo Satoru, Gojo Ibiki is used to bizarre things to even more bizarre revelations. Especially when it concerns one (formerly Fushiguro) Zenin Megumi. 

Things are never easy when one deals with the Six Eyes holder, and his fellow (unofficial) workmate Ijichi can attest to that, but he finds it even harder when it involves the young, black-haired Zenin. Additionally, he has heard the magnificent deeds of the youngest Zenin clan head, but in his mind, the young Zenin Megumi is still the little scrawny child his clan’s heir took in. 

Back then, he had a little glimpse of the black-haired child. Small and thin, it’s a little concerning to see the small child holding onto Gojo Satoru’s hand, though it also felt like the white-haired male was the one being led by the little child. Being Gojo Satoru’s left-hand man within the clan, he’s also one of the fortunate few who has access to the purebred alpha’s personal life. 

Which also means having a peek into Fushiguro Megumi’s life as well. 

He witnessed how the little, grumpy child turned into a beautiful and polite young man. He also saw (and the first-hand victim) of his clan head’s adoration for the young omega. Under Gojo Satoru’s absolute orders and irrefutable influence, all information regarding Megumi is highly, tightly, and strictly regulated, even more so when the black-haired young man was in junior high school.

It didn’t take long for anyone to connect that their clan head regarded the young Zenin as his omega. 

However, things didn’t get heated up until the day his clan head got sealed and the young Megumi took over the Zenin. The rise of Maki and Megumi as the Zenin’s clan heads was unprecedented and literally unheard of. It caused so much chaos and disturbance, to the point that even the internal of Gojo needed to hold a meeting to discuss their future endeavor with the Zenin’s, despite Gojo Satoru’s instructions to constantly support the black-haired omega.

Not only that both Megumi and Maki, along with the help of several key figures, basically slaughtered the majority of the clan itself, the fact that both rose to power within the clan on equal footing was highly concerning.  

Two suns are never a good sign in any organization or family. 

Unsurprisingly, people were more wary of the young omega, and the masses were divided into three factions. The first was the old-blooded purists, who unanimously agreed that Zenin Megumi merely returned to his rightful seat as the heir and that Gojo Satoru’s action to ensure that happened was appreciated, though a given.

The second was a more modern faction, who believed Maki was more fitting to be the clan head even though Megumi possessed the clan’s signature technique, the Ten Shadows. Her only sin was that she was born a woman but even then, Maki is a more familiar face than Megumi. After all, even after Megumi’s admittance to the Jujutsu High, the black-haired male’s information and appearance were still highly guarded within the deepest bosom of his clan head’s and there was only a handful of people who had actually met and been introduced to the young man.

The third was a neutral faction, mixing in with a small number of those who thought neither deserved the seat, with their young age and inexperience.

Thankfully, everyone agreed that it was better to cooperate with the newly appointed Zenin heads as long as Gojo Satoru’s status was not deceased, lest they become their clan head’s target later. It also helped that the black-haired omega rose as one of the executives as well, which locked the other’s reactions and actions against him—

Ah, he digresses. 

Long story short, the information regarding Zenin Megumi is highly confidential because of Gojo’s Satoru (threats) instructions, the high position the young omega possesses as well as the protection of the Zenin clan itself.  

However, it strikes him strange, when he receives a rather puzzling update from his henchmen. 

Puzzling and… concerning. 

It all started when he was out for some information regarding other stuff. Placed on the underbelly of the slum, the bar was frequented by various information brokers, legal and illegal ones. It was out of luck when he heard the drunken chatters of a black-market’s illegal’s trader who boasted over a rich, black-haired beauty with the purest and greenest jade eyes and a girly name he had handled recently.

Like any other loyal henchman, obviously he chased after the matter, even though the chance of it being the Zenin Megumi he knew was slim. Everything that is related to the omega is still majorly controlled by Gojo Satoru after all, especially when it involves the underworld. However, contrary to all of his expectations, Zenin Megumi actually possesses another register under a different name with an entirely different identity and passport— Along with his sister, Fushiguro Tsumiki.

Both siblings have adopted flawless and different identities, passports, visas, foreign bank accounts, and other paperwork that are familiar to those who intend to flee the country untraceable. The broker that the Zenin clan head used is not the one Gojo clan used either and when he tried to bait Ijichi, the beta man was obviously out of the loop as well. 

It gets more concerning when he realizes that none of Zenin Megumi’s official schedule or information matches each other anymore. The guards who are stationed around Fushiguro Tsumiki also reported several strange movements within the household with the beta being picked up by an unknown car with a suitcase in her hand. 

While it’s common to have several red-herring information leaked out, he trusts Ijichi will never consciously lie to him, especially when they basically serve the same demanding man (Gojo Satoru, in the flesh). Ijichi is also privy to the personal relationship between his clan head and the Zenin’s, which makes everything even more absurd.

Something is not right. 

The strongest sorcerer he might be, but no one in their right mind would appreciate being woken up by the insistent shrill of a phone call when they’re dead tired.

It’s already bad enough that he can barely rest these days without going trigger-happy on everyone, now that he’s finally able to get a speck of rest, someone disturbs him? 

Cursing under his breath, Gojo stretches his hand toward the night table where he puts his phone. He blearily opens his eyes and his annoyance rises when he sees it’s barely four in the morning— especially when the call is not from the only person who is allowed to disturb him. 

Exhaling harshly, he picks up the call. 

“You better have a valid reason to bother me in this wee hour, Ibiki.” He raspily threatens.

“I’d rather you scold me now instead of later if this turns out to be true, Satoru-sama.” Ibiki responds apologetically. 

“What happened?”

“You see, I accidentally stumbled upon a strange piece of information, Satoru-sama—” Ibiki starts to explain.

“Get to the point, or I’ll hang up.” Gojo warns curtly. 

“We found that Zenin Megumi has an unregistered schedule.” Ibiki swiftly says. 

“Ah, that?” Gojo exhales his breath harshly. “I know. Megumi told me he has a sudden business trip last night—” 

“Did he say that he would go abroad with a fake identity with Fushiguro Tsumiki?” Ibiki cuts to the heart of the problem. 

“What?” Gojo exclaims in surprise. His drowsiness evaporates faster than the morning’s dew on a hot summer as he sits up on his bed. “What do you mean?” 

“Satoru-sama—” Ibiki starts with a grave voice. 

.

The more Ibiki explains to him, the more the defensive excuse he conjures for the black-haired omega crumbles down beneath his feet.

Passports? Visas? Foreign bank accounts? 

They have a departure date but Ibiki can’t find any return date?

“Where is he now?” He quietly asks.

“We’ve just been informed that Megumi-sama has departed from the Zenin’s compound, Satoru-sama.” Ibiki answers promptly. 

“Tail him— No, track his phone. He might’ve escaped with his shadow.” He orders. “Where is the airport he’s supposed to go to? And sees if Maki is aware of the situation— There’s no way she’ll let this happen so quietly.” He further orders as he swings his legs and slips out of the bed.

“It’s supposedly Kansai Airport, Satoru-sama.” Ibiki informs him. “Yes, Satoru-sama. I will update you once we have more information.” 

“I’m coming back.” Gojo ends the call with a click. Numerous thoughts swirl inside his mind, one is less believable than the other, but—

He speed-dials Megumi, hoping that this is just a badly misunderstood situation, but when Megumi still won’t pick up his call even on the second attempt—

Ah.

Is this how he gets fooled again? 

Anger, mixed with devastation suffocates his chest like no other, as the betrayal tastes so bitter on his tongue. His blood rushes to his head and ears, unconsciously deafening his hearing and shutting down the more rational part of his brain. His anger morphs into a bloody hot lava through his veins, as his instinct cries for his blood— for his mate. 

He can not lose Megumi. 

A part of him wants to yank their bond, desperately wanting to make the black-haired omega realize just how cruel he is to him, but it will most probably make the younger man aware that he’s already busted.

And that, is something that he can’t have now, if Megumi truly intends to escape. 

Why? Why?

Is he being too lenient? Is it his own fault to be caught off guard like this? 

What did he do wrong? Why is he not allowed to be happy?

Was it not enough? Is he too lacking as Megumi’s alpha? Has the gap between them gotten too big, too unsalvageable? Are these four years eroded and twisted Megumi’s love for him? Or did the world find a better match for Megumi?

Are the past few weeks a lie? A revenge, yours truly?

Based on what Ibiki told him, there’s no way all of these are arranged and made within a few weeks. It takes at least a month or two for a thorough and detailed fake identity—

A fleeting memory flashes through his mind, the one where he notices a map on Tsumiki’s kitchen and he laughs as the realization hits him right in the guts. 

So it truly is a plan that has been in the works for a long time, something that Megumi has planned even when he’s still trying to reconcile with the omega. Does that mean Megumi deems his love, his commitment not enough to make the omega stay, despite what they decided?

What’s the purpose of the ring then? To mock him? To give him a false sense of security? 

Megumi is truly… Toji’s son through and through.

.

(The father attempted to kill him right in the neck, the son is attempting to kill him right from his heart.)

.

His overconfidence has gotten him caught off guard four times now. When Toji almost killed him, when he saw Suguru, when he got sealed all while leaving things hanging with Megumi, consequently breaking them apart, and now… this.  

He never learns, it seems. 

(A fool.)

Megumi frowns as he checks his burner phone again.

He’s sure he has perfectly cloned his actual phone into this one, but there is no message or call coming through at all and somehow, it makes him feel uneasy.

“Megumi?” Tsumiki nudges him and he looks up to her with a questioning look.

“You don’t look good.” She notes as she takes a seat beside him and stretches her hand to touch his cheek. “Is there something wrong?” 

“No.” He gently avoids her hand.

“Then?” She presses, leaning her body against him and invading his personal space.

He exhales harshly. “I’m just a little worried, since I haven’t received any notifications from my phone.” 

“That’s why I told you you’re being way too paranoid.” Tsumiki shakes her head in disapproval. “Cloning our phone and putting the real ones in a rented apartment is a bit too much.”

“It’s just a safety measure.” He argues. “Anyone could’ve tracked us down.” 

“You bought a commercial flight with our fake identities even though we’re going with a private one.” She huffs indignantly. “ That is already more than enough.”

“As I said, it’s just a safety measure—” 

“You even put these two gentlemen on a binding oath to you.” She cuts him, gesturing to the two alphas across from him who only smile politely. “And we even go as far as Chubu Airport. If that’s not over-paranoid, then what is? ” 

“It’s a binding vow.” He corrects her with a sigh, pointedly ignoring her other argument or else it will escalate further. Out of habit, he sweeps through the cool area once more. The FBO’s private lounge is barren of any people save them both and two Heis he brought in, in order not to make Maki suspicious. Shiu, the one who has arranged all of these for them, has gone to take care of the rest of the paperwork after a staff member checked on them once.

“You sure know some scarily well-connected people, Dad.” He comments as he leans back on the sofa. 

“That jerk wasn’t this influential before.” Toji muses beside him. “Sure, he knows some big shots, one worse than the other, but arranging a thorough getaway like this is out of his skill.” 

“He might pose a threat then.” He ponders, briefly closing his eyes as the exhaustion he’s keeping at bay is crawling back on him again. 

“Kid, he changed your diaper when you were a baby.” 

“Objectively.” He scoffs.

“She is right, you’re being too paranoid.” Toji snides.

Even without opening his eyes, he can feel the inquisitive gaze his dad throws at him. “Shut it.” He grumbles. “Where is he anyway? What’s the point of chartering a private plane if we need to wait this long—” 

“You’re being paranoid and bitchy.”

Snapping his eyes open, he glares at the black-haired alpha who only gives him a smug smirk. However, before he can retaliate, the middle-aged man they were talking about appears at the entrance. 

“Let’s go, we are all cleared.” Shiu calls. “The car is already waiting for us.” 

Standing up, he waits until both his dad and Tsumiki walk in front of him before he follows suit. Just like the brown-haired male said, their car is already waiting for them in front of the building and they slip back into their vehicle.

Perhaps it’s due to the airport’s size, but it doesn’t take long for them to arrive at the tarmac where the plane they’re going to board is. As soon as he slips out of the car, the unsettling sensation he’s been feeling somehow gets stronger and stronger and he exhales shakily.

He feels so exposed.

“Kid?” Toji appears beside him, his tone is sharp and alert, devoid of all the mirth he had earlier. “You okay?” 

From the corner of his eyes, he can see Tsumiki staring at him concernedly while both of his Hei get all guarded up as well with his dad’s tension. The wind blows strongly against his face, but somehow, the cool and fresh air still can’t erase the thin but crawling sensation all over his body. 

“No.” He admits as his heart gradually thumps faster in his ribcage. “Something is wrong.”

Toji narrows his eyes, before he turns his head toward his Hei. “You, protect the girl. While you, check everything—”

The rest of his dad’s order is muted out of his mind, as the painful, jerking sensation on his bond takes all of his attention away. He takes a sharp gasp as he instinctively curls up all while staggering to the back, dimly noting his dad’s arm catching him in time.

“Oi—” Toji hisses, “What’s wrong?” 

He ignores Toji’s question as the realization that all of his restlessness is from Gojo comes in the next second. His blood runs cold and as if putting gasoline on a blazing fire, his tattoo— the matching one he has with the older man, also throbs like a warning. The weight of the situation swiftly comes crashing down on him, that the alpha must have somehow been aware and—

The abrupt drop of eerie feeling doesn’t go unnoticed by everyone and it is like the time when he’s fighting tooth and nail for Gojo’s freedom with a huge red target on his face and back all over again, when Toji suddenly pulls and throws him to the back, while the tickling sensation of a weapon taken out of his shadow fleetingly brushes on him. 

“Protect him!” Toji yells as the edge of the Playful Cloud hits something and creates a huge blast over the area. The impact lifts up the dust as one of the Hei immediately helps him to stand up— but somehow, the eerie feeling gets heavier in the air and he almost collapses to the ground as the wind blows to his face again—

And brings him the scent of an angry alpha.

His angry alpha, to be precise. 

He gasps sharply as his entire body turns like jelly and he slides down to the ground. The bond overwhelms him as his omega side despairs, traitorously forcing him to submit and be as pliant as possible with each whiff of the purebred alpha’s potent scent in the air. 

“Megumi-sama—”

“Get your hands off of him.” Gojo’s furious roar eclipses everyone else’s and it only puts him further into distress as his breath quickens in anxiousness. 

The sound of loud blows also continues across from him, but his view is obstructed by the Hei, who is obviously also affected by the pheromone in the air but still valiantly trying to protect him. He clenches his fists and bites his bottom lip until he can taste tthe ang on his tongue, trying hard to ground himself down while internally cursing himself for his weakness. 

“Megumi!” 

Another familiar yell cuts through the chaos, before the scent of magnolia and rose permeates around him, fighting against Gojo’s incredibly sour and spicy one. 

“Maki-sama!”

“Maki—” He gasps as he forces himself to look up. Worried golden eyes are locked against his and for a moment, he fears for her life. However, their eye lock is broken when another loud blow cuts through everything and they snap their attention toward the source. 

His dad is holding Gojo down by his arm, creating a small crater on the nearby wall with the impact and even with their distance, he can still see— sense, the anguished expression on the white-haired alpha. It’s diluted by his fierceness, but it is there and his heart throbs painfully at the sight. 

“Alpha—” He unconsciously cries out.

It seems the wind carries over his whimper, because the white-haired male suddenly gets more energized as he manages to fight off his dad’s hold on him. The reaction shifts his worry back to his dad and he takes a deep breath, trying to regain his control again. 

“Shit.” Maki curses under her breath. 

“Maki, take Megumi to safety.” Yuuta gravely says as the alpha suddenly appears beside them. “I’ve evacuated the people nearby, but this looks bad. We might need to knock him unconscious.”

“Knocking him unconscious? Are you out of your mind? ” Maki hisses. “He’s already in rut you doofus—” 

“Let’s hope we don’t need to go that far.” Yuuta grimaces, before the black-haired male turns to him. “Megumi-kun, you owe us an explanation, but you must go now. Your presence on the premises will only aggravate Gojo-sensei’s instinct.” He solemnly says.

“Won’t it be better if I stay and help here?” Maki argues back. 

“No. If someone else is touching Megumi—” 

“Ah.” Maki cuts with an understanding tone.

“Go!” Yuuta orders before the black-haired alpha speeds forward, joining the fray to subdue the supposedly strongest sorcerer of their era.

“No, I need to be the one who calms Satoru—” He interjects as he finally manages to get a semblance of control over his body and mind. Maki’s scent is able to counter the white-haired alpha’s to some degree, though his limbs still feel unbearably weak.

“No way.” Maki scoffs as she suddenly lugs him like a sack of potatoes on her shoulder. “Satoru will maul you like a starving bear on fresh meat and I’m not too keen on governing Zenin all alone.” 

“But—” 

Another roar of anger cuts their conversation and he snaps his head forward as much as he can with his position.

His dad and Yuuta, even some other sorcerers with Hei’s uniforms are actively trying to prevent the white-haired alpha from reaching him. The sight is so worrisome that he’s struck with an undeniable fear. 

Scared.

He’s afraid for everyone’s safety. For his dad’s. For Yuuta’s. With his head cleared up, he can acutely sense how Gojo is enraged enough to kill everyone, and somehow the distress he’s feeling increases exponentially.

The intense emotion takes over his instinct and overrides everything again—

“Sorry, Megumi. But if both of you keep reacting to each other like this, no one is going to survive.”

There is a sharp pain in the back of his neck a nd everything goes black. 

It feels hot and suffocating. 

Burning cold irons are tightly pressed around his wrists and chest, while his sight remains black and unseeing. The lack of vision heightens his other senses, in particular the sharp sting of antiseptic and alcohol as well as the unbearably itchy materials on his back. His head is spinning and the urge to rip his hair out increases with each breath he takes. Frustration, pain and unfulfilled longing rush in his blood, singing, screaming, for his—

Megumi takes a sharp gasp as he’s jolted awake. His feet and arms scramble in automatic response but a warm hand pushes his chest down, preventing him from getting up. He snaps his head to the side, seeing but not registering who it is until a few seconds later. 

“Maki.” He raspily whispers.

“Easy.” Maki responds. “Breathe, Megumi.” 

“I—” He takes a deep breath, unconsciously following her gesture in his blanked state. “What—?”

“Easy.” Maki reiterates. “You’re safe. We’re in our Kyoto’s branch right now.”

He still stares at the green-haired alpha blankly for another moment, before he remembers everything. 

“Maki—!” He jolts up as he instinctively checks on his connection with his dad and gets relieved when it’s still there. “Where is—” 

“Satoru is in the isolation.” Maki promptly answers. “They managed to snap him out and now Shoko and Yaga are keeping him on supervision.”

“How about the others?” He demands. “Are there any casualties—?” 

“Toji and Yuuta are fine. For the rest, they’ll recover.” Maki shrugs as she removes her hand from his chest and helps him to sit up. “Be as it may, Satoru is a handful on a normal setting. It’s even worse when he’s dictated by his rut.” 

The explanation soothes another portion of his worries. “I see.” 

“Since we are done catching up,” She trails off as she sits down beside him. “I believe you owe me, no, all of us, an explanation, Megumi.”

The alpha’s tone is calm, but there’s an unsaid demand and steel firmness underneath the composure she exudes. The one who sits on his left is not just Maki, the person he can depend on but also Maki, the clan head and the guilt and dread he felt before coming forward once more. 

“First, it’s not what it looked like.” He starts. 

“Do you really think I’ll trust that bullshit after what we found out?” Maki raises her eyebrow as she crosses her arms in front of her chest. “Seriously, Megumi?” 

“Because it’s truly not what it looked like.” He sighs. Her statement clearly indicates that at least half— if not all, of his backup plan is busted and there’s no point in keeping things quiet anymore. “I’m not escaping or leaving. You misunderstood whatever you found, since this was just an emergency plan and I was just checking it out. I brought Tsumiki to ensure that she understands what she is supposed to do in the worst-case scenario.”

“Emergency plan?” Maki offendedly says. “What kind of emergency plan leaves you with no plan of coming back?” 

“What?” He frowns in confusion. 

“There’s no return plan after your departure, Megumi.” Maki taps her finger impatiently on his bed. “So don’t deceive me anymore.” 

“I’m not deceiving you.” He firmly refutes. “It is a backup plan, Maki. Our departure is not permanent and Tsumiki and I will return in two days. Hell, I have a meeting for the Foundation scheduled next week.” He points out, looking at the alpha right in the eyes. Her jaw is tight, her gaze is sharp, and it’s obvious that she’s assessing whether he’s telling her the truth or not. 

Tense silence stretches between them both for another moment, before her mask breaks and she lets out a deep exhale. Her shoulder slouches down as she rubs her temple distraughtly. 

“So it is a misunderstanding?” Maki asks. “Ibiki found your fake identities, papers and your flight ticket in Kansai.” 

Megumi blinks bewilderedly at the revelation, before the possibility crosses his mind. While it is essentially still an emergency exit plan, there are some major points that he abruptly changed from the original—

“And it wasn’t Ibiki who found you in Chubu. It was us.” Maki elaborates further. “Ibiki tracked your phone while Satoru went to Kansai. In the meantime, I tried to track the Hei’s phones and when their last location before going offline was on the opposite track of Kansai Airport, I realized something wasn’t right. I was told that the Hei who went with you were randomly chosen that morning and it seemed you didn’t abandon them before leaving the compound, so I asked Ibiki to check on the nearest airport terminal that mainly catered to private flights, which is Chubu.” She grimly explains. “Let’s say that Satoru got really angry. I think that’s why he snapped and his rut was triggered.”

“So that’s how you found out” He ponders, starting to connect the pieces. “Ibiki somehow stumbled into my actual fake identities, but he had outdated intels and drew the wrong conclusion. However, you managed to put them on the right track.” He exhales in disbelief.

It is ironically amusing, in a way.

He thought things would go infinitely better with Shiu’s involvement and he has tried to keep things as tidy and under wraps as possible, but fate said otherwise. 

“Either way.” Maki cuts with a short sigh. “Why are you doing this? Do you not trust me? After everything?” She asks with a tinge of hurt in her voice.

“No, it’s not like that.” He jolts defensively, before sighing. “Perhaps it is like that but certainly not for the reasons you might think and certainly not because I don’t trust you.” 

“Then what?” She presses him. “What is it that pushes you to go this far, even now? That you didn’t even bother to tell me?” She continues. “Hadn’t I told you that if you want an out, you just need to inform me?”

The hurt is more prominent in her tone now and the guilt he feels doubles instantly.

“I wasn’t lying when I said that I was just going to check and show Tsumiki the ropes of things. It is a backup plan, though I have to admit it wasn’t initially, which is what Ibiki perhaps stumbled upon.” He quietly divulges.

“What do you mean, Megumi?” Maki exhaustedly, somberly asks.

He bites his lip. “It was a long time plan in the making. I was supposed to leave this jujutsu world after Satoru assumed his role back.” He starts to explain. “I’m sorry to say this, Maki, but being a clan head wasn’t my ambition. My dad also admitted that I wasn’t supposed to join this side had my mom were alive. I thought it would be better for Tsumiki too, to have a fresh start after what she went through and…” He trails off. “I thought Satoru never loved me. I wouldn’t be able to stomach the image of Satoru with someone else— It would kill me if I had to bear witness to him falling in love with someone else— or even worse, taking someone I know as his mate.” He grimaces.

Maki’s eyes on him are full of confusion, before they eventually widen in realization. “You thought—” 

“But,” He cuts her off, not wanting to delve into that again, “Things weren’t easy. I started to have some doubts and it was hard to get into the black market with my limited movement, until I got acquainted with Kon Shiu. He helped me smooth my escape plan out and changed it to suit my current situation better. The plan was still on even when I went to Tsumiki, but she refused.”

“What?” Maki bewilderedly exclaims. “Megumi, at that point Satoru has been desperately trying to get you back—” 

“I know.” He grimly nods. “Tsumiki managed to knock some sense into me and I reconciled with Satoru. However, I have poured a lot of resources and money into it. It'll be a huge waste if it’s abandoned as it is, especially when we don’t know how the future will unfold. It helps that the window of opportunity was too convenient to miss, so I abruptly called Shiu and changed my escape plan into an emergency exit plan, if things were to happen to me or Tsumiki.” He continues. “After what we went through, don’t you think it’s naive to think that everything will be as it is in the future? That’s why I pressed on with the modified plan.”

The look on the green-haired alpha is a mixture of disbelief, anger, hurt and more bafflement, but thankfully, she hasn’t strangled him, so he takes it as a sign to continue.

"Also, it's not that I don't want to tell you or Satoru." He starts quietly. "What do you think Satoru will do once he realizes there's a hole I can escape to? That I was all ready and prepared to bolt out, even though he's trying to make up with me? I didn't tell you because I don't want to drag you into my mess and whether I want it or not, you will be the first one to be questioned if I or Tsumiki goes through with the plan someday.” He ends. 

The green-haired alpha exhales harshly. “Alright, I understand the gist and your way of thinking, but—” She glares at him. “How stupid are you, Megumi?” She scolds. “You are the clan head. Not a small one either, but Zenin. The one you eradicated and reworked to the root. This title, this power— You can’t just abandon it as you please. How long do you think you can stay undetected with no one to back you up from this side? And if you want to leave, you should’ve known by now that I will cover you and help you to get an out. I might protest, but I will help you.”

He stays silent, letting the alpha berate him. 

“Most importantly, anyone with eyes and brain knows you are a pivotal figure for Satoru.” She scoffs. “You need my backup if you want to elude him and his tentacle-like influence.” 

“I know that now.” He grimaces. “Regardless, it is just a backup plan, Maki. An umbrella in case it rains hard, because I’m not going anywhere for now.” He waves his hand, showing the ring on his finger. 

"Haahh..." Maki sighs deeply. "I can't believe I'm saying this to you out of all people, but there will be consequences for your reckless action, Megumi. Especially with the ruckus and damage we bore." 

He lowers his head at the admonishment. "I know." He accepts with a nod. "I'll quietly accept anything, but please leave Toji and Tsumiki out of this." He firmly says. 

Maki stares at him for a few seconds, before she lifts her hands and forms a three. "Three punishments." She stated. "First, you are grounded in the compound for six months and you aren't allowed to go beyond the borders. Second, even though outwardly the damage will be paid by Zenin, it will actually be docked from your personal funds. Third," She gives him a fond but exasperated scoff, "You will make a new fake identity and redo everything. I ought to give you more, but Toji appealed to me, so I will get you off easy this time.” 

At this, he stares at her in shock. "What?"

“He bribed me with his Soul Split katana in exchange for letting you off easily.” She bemusedly says.

“He gave you that?” He blinks in surprise. The weapon was lent to Maki when she went against Naoya, but his dad took it back since it’s his main weapon.

“Yeah.” Maki nods. “He was a deadbeat dad, but at least he goes through this time around.” She scoffs with a tinge of amusement. 

The thought of his dad asking for mercy to the green-haired alpha is shocking enough as it is but— 

"Why did you order me to remake my fake identity?" He bewilderedly points out. 

"That identity is linked with Tsumiki's, is it not?" Maki raises her eyebrow. "After everything you went through, I kind of understand why you took that route and I want that option to still be available to you, Megumi." She continues. "However, you must inform me of the name you adopt and-or the mechanism, as a safe measure."

"You... are okay with that?" He blinks. 

"I wouldn’t propose it to you otherwise." Maki shrugs. "I've told you before. I will protest and I really don't want you to go, but I respect your decision, Megumi. Just tell me next time." She reminds him with a knowing look. "Also, this whole debacle between you and Satoru is being kept under wraps. Only me, Yuuta, Ibiki, a handful of Gojo's underlings, and another handful of Hei are aware of the actual reason." She explains. "What Yaga and the rest knew is that both of you are having a huge fight and that you insisted on leaving for a business trip even though Gojo forbade you from going, which snapped him. It’s truly convenient that he was noted to be already in his pre-rut prior to the situation, so the story matched, more or less.” 

"What?" He bewilderedly exclaims again. 

"I've handled Gojo's underlings and our Hei to keep their mouths shut and I believe that sleazy ass old man has cleaned and taken care of the rest, so no other beings know of your emergency plan." She hums.

The revelation leaves him utterly speechless. "Why— Why are you going that far, Maki?" 

"Why?" Maki remarks in disbelief. "Have you gone senile now, Megumi?"

"Hey—”

"I’ve just made it a point that I will back you up, no matter what and you’re still asking?”

“Well—”

“It's because we're family, you doofus." The green-haired female scoffs though not unkindly. "When we decide that we will protect anyone in this Zenin we lead, it includes you. Me." She points out. "No one is left behind, Megumi. Not even us." 

He swallows the lump in the back of his throat as he's overrun with so many emotions at her declaration. "Maki..." He trails off, unknowing what to say or do to pay her back for her actions. 

"Don't get sappy on me now." The green-haired alpha teases. “And do you want to know why we were able to safely subdue Satoru?” 

“Why?” He hesitantly voices out. 

“Because despite his killing intent, it soon became obvious to us all that he still retained some of his rationality. He was holding back whenever he was faced with Toji, like he was afraid that he would go overboard and kill him.” She explains, before a sigh leaves her lips. “All in all, just rest for now. I will ask the staff to bring you something to eat.”

It’s obvious that Maki has deemed that everything is all cleared up with her conclusion, but…

“Maki?” 

“Yeah?” She responds as she stands up.

“Can we postpone my punishment for another week?”

Chapter Text

Dark, gray clouds are shrouding the sky, hiding the lively blue of life and giving the city a solemn mood. Occasional thunder can be heard in the distance, a promise of a storm that will probably last through the day. Had this been any other day, it would have been a perfect time to put down his work and enjoy some warm oden with freshly brewed genmaicha or ginger tea.

Alas, there are more pressing matters for him to take care of.

“Megumi!”

The call of his name immediately cuts off his conversation with Ijichi. Clad in her usual doctor coat, and casual clothes with a black lanyard around her neck, the older woman looks worse to wear as she waves her hand at him and another sense of guilt stabs his chest at the sight. Putting a note to appropriately compensate her in the back of his mind, he quietly thanks Ijichi for accompanying him before slipping out of the car. With two big paper bags and a bag of takeout from a nice restaurant nearby, he quietly jogs out of the open parking space and into the back lobby’s canopy. 

“Ieiri-san.” He greets.

“You bring a lot, Megumi-kun.” Ieiri raises her eyebrow as her eyes naturally fall down towards the stuff in his hand.

“Ah, this is for you.” He explains as he hands her the fancy plastic bag to her. “I heard you haven’t been able to leave the building, so I brought you a sushi set and a warm beef rice set. I hope you’ll like them.”

“Thank you so much.” Ieiri responds in gratitude as she takes the transparent eco-plastic bag. “I’ve been craving some good sushi and meat.” 

“It’s no problem, Ieiri-san.” He humbly says. “Please allow me to properly treat you next time. I’ve been constantly bothering you with my problems.” 

“It’s alright.” Ieiri waves her hand. “It’s part of my job, Megumi-kun.”

“Still.” He smiles a little, before cutting to the chase, “How’s he?”

“Well, you know him.” Ieiri vaguely answers, before she fishes out something from her coat’s right pocket. “Right, I need to inject you with this first before you can come close to Satoru.” She says as she shows him a covered syringe filled with familiar-looking liquid. 

“Why do I need that?” He questions the older woman. 

“As you might’ve realized, this is a suppressant.” She nods. “Considering your recent sporadic heat and the fact that you’ve taken a few during your vacation days not too long ago, it’s actually not advisable for you to take more.” She starts to explain. “But, you will need this since you insist on meeting him right now. However, we can’t be sure of its effectiveness with Satoru’s condition, so you need to think of it as a preventative measure that might fail anytime.” 

“Noted. Thank you, Ieiri-san.” He says as he offers her his right hand. It stings a little as she injects the suppressant, but it’s completely emptied within a few seconds. 

“Done.” Ieiri hums as she recaps the syringe and puts it back into her coat. “Let’s get moving. Satoru is isolated on the fifth floor, so it might take a while to get there.”

“He’s placed on the fifth floor?” He curiously remarks as he’s led into the high-security building. “I thought he’d be placed in the underground.” 

The underground isolations are the highest-security isolation rooms, in fact. Any special-grade and a few grade-one sorcerers are required to be placed in the underground rooms if they need to be isolated, because the heat or the rut might fluctuate their cursed energy and become a beacon for curses.

“We tripled his dose and it suppresses most of his rut. He shows perfect control of his cursed energy and he’s pretty coherent.” The brown-haired doctor reasons. “Additionally, the talismans and charms in the underground might aggravate him instead, so we decided against it.”

“Then why are you all still isolating him?” He points out.

“Because while his physical prowess is the same, his mental state is the one that deteriorates.” She looks at him with a grim smile. 

He mirrors the grim smile on her face with his own. “I see.”

Ieiri exhales deeply as she halts and turns to him. “Look, Satoru can be a real piece of ass most of the time, but I hope you can be kinder to him from now on, Megumi-kun.” She murmurs. “Perhaps I’m meddling too much, especially when I don’t know why you guys fought again, but he looks genuinely hurt this time.”

“I know.” Megumi admits just as quietly. “It’s all my fault this time.”

The female doctor sighs again. “That being said, are you sure you still want to meet him now, Megumi-kun?” She kindly asks. 

“Yes.” He firmly says. “As I stated in our call before, I’m not just going to meet him. I’m going to take him back to my place.” 

“I think this goes without saying, but no one believes that is a wise decision.” Ieiri points out. “No one can predict what he’s going to do in this state, especially if he’s left alone with you.”

“I’m his— He’s my alpha, Ieiri-san.” He corrects himself as he looks her straight in the eyes. “If there’s anyone out there who can rein him in, it’ll be me.”

There’s a momentary silence before she nods with a deep sigh. “Very well. Follow me, Megumi-kun.” 

It’s only the fifth floor, but the journey feels inexplicably longer than the underground rooms. The hall and the corridors are endless and the layers of protection and security start to become a hindrance, as the anxiety and the guilt are gnawing on his consciousness. The bond— the rope between him and Gojo has been strung tightly ever since he woke up last night and honestly speaking, he’s lowkey afraid that it’ll snap or break at some point. He tried to tug it, tried to sense the alpha but the rope was immovable and it’s like there’s an invisible wall between him and Gojo.

Just like how he shut the alpha out at the beginning. 

“We’re here.” Ieiri announces as they arrive at the isolation area. It’s almost the size of a fancy one-room studio apartment and two security guards are standing in front of the big door. 

“Just like the omega’s isolation, there is an outer gate,” She points to the door, “And there is another inner door, before it leads to the room where Satoru is in. As we discussed before, if you don’t come out with Satoru within twenty-four hours, we will assume that he has triggered your heat and we will put more food and other necessities you might need in the gap room. I’ve been informed that Maki-chan is going to station more guards around here, so just press the emergency button near the door if something happens.”

He nods. “Thank you, Ieiri-san. I apologize for all the trouble you’ve been through.” 

“Don’t worry about it.” She shakes her head, before sporting a tired smile. 

“Good luck, Megumi-kun.”

.

.

As soon as he opens the inner door, Gojo’s pheromones instantly hit his sense of smell and he staggers at the potency of it all. Thick, heavy and unpleasantly bitter, each whiff is enough to make him lose a good chunk of his rationality. His body shudders as he wholeheartedly resists the beckoning call to submit himself— if it’s not for the suppressant Ieiri injected into him earlier, he has no doubt that he’d go into heat right this second. Covering his nose with his coat to countermeasure some of the scent, he ventures deeper into the huge room. 

Despite the lack of natural light with the curtain drawn to cover the windows, the main hall is adequately lit. His eyes naturally fall to some used glasses with uncapped bottles of medicines on the table, while Gojo’s phone is also haphazardly placed on the sofa. Some clothes are also strewn around the floor and the dining chairs, painting the image of a messy apartment in its wake, but it’s quiet. 

Too quiet, in fact. 

The white-haired alpha might retain his rationality, but he’s still in a rut. If he’s to be honest, he expects the alpha to jump on him as soon as he opens the door, but there is still no peep or sign of the older man.

Is he sleeping?

Putting down the paper bags in his hands on the sofa, he shrugs down the thick, oversized coat he wears. It slides down to the floor, joining into the pile of clothes that Gojo left in his wake. A faint clack can be heard in the empty apartment-like area and he turns his head to the right, where a wide, wooden door is situated, separating the main hall from the master bedroom. 

He quietly pads towards the door, before coming to a stop right in front of it. Cool air seeps from the gap, mixing in with Gojo’s potent but bitter scent and he takes a deep breath to prepare himself. 

“Satoru.” Megumi composedly calls as he knocks on the door. “It’s me.”

Only silence answers his greeting and a frown mars his face. After observing the other’s fluctuating cursed energy in the room, he is one hundred percent sure that the alpha is awake. 

So why didn’t he answer him? 

A sense of doom pools on the bottom of his stomach as several scenarios pass through his mind. Biting his bottom lip, he raises his hand and knocks on the door again. 

“Satoru? It’s me, Megumi.” He calls. It’s silly that he has to announce himself like this, but perhaps Gojo is too incoherent to know who is who. However, another long stretch of silence becomes an answer to his inquiry. 

“Satoru.” He repeats. “Can I come in?” He baits,  as he steadily knocks on the door without stopping. When he receives nothing but silence, he tries to open the door and finds it locked from the inside. He turns the door knob several times in disbelief, until it suddenly dawns on him. The sound he heard earlier is Gojo locking the door and that the white-haired male is deliberately keeping him out here.

Gojo knows that it is him and he is intentionally shutting him out.

The realization is like a slap on the face and his heart lurches in pain at the alpha’s (not-so) subtle rejection. The fear that their bond will break suddenly surfaces again at the front of his mind and he unconsciously lets out a pained whimper. 

“Alpha…” He softly whines. Deep scratchy sounds echo within the otherwise quiet room as he weakly claws at the door. “Alpha, let me in. Please.” He whimpers again. Scratching his blunt nails on the door starts to hurt, but it is still incomparable to the pain in his heart. 

“Al—” 

The door suddenly budges a little at the same time another click resounds along with his scratching. Knowing that Gojo has unlocked his door, he carefully turns the doorknob and is immediately relieved that it’s not a piece of his imagination. 

Pushing the door open, he inhales shakily as the scent gets even bitter, almost sickening in the way a grated, bitter pill does to a very sensitive tongue, but that doesn’t deter him from slipping into the master bedroom.

The room is dim, with the source of light coming in from the halfway curtained windows, and it’s also absolutely freezing. While the white-haired alpha usually runs hot with his lineage and activity, never in his entire time he knows Gojo that the alpha puts the air conditioner this low. His eyes eventually fall to the big lump that is Gojo Satoru on the bed, completely facing away from him. 

The distance between him and Gojo is surely less than three meters away, but the space that separates them feels as vast as a desert. It is not unnoticed of him, how the alpha still refuses to acknowledge his presence in any way or form. Worry flashes in his mind when he realizes that the older man only wears a set of pajamas without any blanket to shield him from the cold air.

“Satoru.” He calls, but again, only silence fills the void between them. Letting out a sigh, he approaches the alpha. Each step is heavier than the last, until he finally arrives at the edge of the other’s bed. When Gojo still refuses to turn around, he walks to the other side and slides down next to the bed. The rustles of his clothes are louder than their breath, a testament to the heavy, tense air between them.

Thankfully, the bed isn’t that high and while the coldness uncomfortably penetrates his pants and goes straight to his butts and legs, he can comfortably rest his chin on the bed in this position. He quietly observes the older man, noting how his cheeks have sunken a little bit, while there are obvious eye bags on the alpha’s face.

“I know you are angry, Satoru.” He starts. “But you keeping quiet and ignoring me like this won’t solve anything. Yell at me, get angry at me. Curse me if you want.” He scoffs quietly, “Just don’t go all silent on me like this.” 

Frustration simmers in his chest at the alpha's uncooperative attitude. His omega instinct is crying, demanding to soothe the obviously distressed and over-medicated alpha, but how could he when Gojo won’t even look at him?

“Satoru, won’t you look at me at least?” He coaxes, stretching his hand to grasp the alpha’s but— 

He can’t touch Gojo.

Blood rushes to his head and his ears ring loudly, as the discovery is like another punch to his gut. Holding down his choked gasp and trying to maintain a composed breath at the reality in front of him, he foolishly tries to force his hand against the infinity, thinking that he might be mistaken but lo and behold.

His alpha is rejecting him.

He is rejecting him and it shreds his heart all over again. 

Tang burst on his tongue along with a sharp pain on his lips. He takes a deep, shaky breath before pulling his hand away, completely admitting defeat. His initial plans are either them talking and leaving this isolation ward back to Zenin, where they will spend their rut and heat together, or them talking and him helping Gojo’s rut in this place, but it’s clear that his predictions are wrong again. Both plans are made with the assumption that Gojo would be angry at him and immediately jump on him. It has never occurred to him that the white-haired male will be giving him the cold shoulder. 

He can stubbornly stay here and wait until Gojo acknowledges him, but the familiar, old feeling of being abandoned creeps to the edge of his consciousness and he needs to get himself together because this is not about himself now. This time, the fault is completely his to bear and with the alpha rejecting him in every way available, he’s more scared of pushing Gojo’s patience and breaking whatever is left of them. 

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he murmurs while standing up, "If you don’t want to see me now, then I will leave and give you some space—" 

Before he can fully stand up, a cold hand suddenly grasps his wrist. The abrupt pull startles him and he almost unceremoniously falls down to the floor if it’s not for his reflexes. It puts him in an awkward and uncomfortable position on the edge of the bed though, but he pays it no mind as he immediately whips his head towards the alpha, whose eyes are opened now. However, in contrast to his cold gaze, the alpha’s voice is quiet, vulnerable even. 

“I’m really angry at you, Megumi.” The white-haired male murmurs raspily. “How could you do that to me?”

“I’m sorry,” He starts. “But it isn’t what you think it is, Satoru.” 

“Lies.” The alpha quips back. “Stop lying to me, Megumi.” 

The alpha’s biting remark brings him back to what he said to the other a few months ago and somehow it feels ironic that they were in each other’s shoes now.

“I’m not.” He emphasizes. “What Ibiki-san found was my old plan. Something that I planned before I decided to make up with you at the villa—” 

“So you are planning to leave me.” Gojo scoffs before casting his gaze away from him. While the white-haired male made his distaste clear, the hold on his wrist is unmistakably tighter. 

“And you are not listening to me.” He scolds half-heartedly as he slides up to the edge of the bed. “I said it’s something I planned before I made up with you that night in the villa—”

It seems that his explanation triggers a new series of fury from the white-haired male, for Gojo snaps his gaze back at him with an unhidden scowl. “Then what’s all that about? Why the secrecy? Why did you not tell me anything?” Gojo barrages hotly.

“I scraped the old plans and turned it into an emergency plan. I have poured a good chunk of resources into it, so instead of letting everything go to waste, I turn it into a backup plan for me and Tsumiki in case things go south for either of us—”

“And ‘things go south’ includes me.” Gojo concludes sharply, before he exhales shakily with a breathless, sarcastic laugh. “I love you so much, Megumi but why do you keep hurting me like this? What’s the point of you accepting and wearing my ring?” He remarks anguishedly.

Hurt and misery are painted on Gojo’s face, while the alpha’s voice is unbearably sorrowful— It breaks his heart apart to know that he’s the cause of the other’s pain this time. All of the things he prepared to say to defend himself, as well as to properly explain his side of things instantly evaporated into the air.

“I’m sorry— I’m really sorry, Satoru.” He gasps, begs, as he leans down and nuzzles his face to the alpha’s cold hand. “I was too focused on protecting myself, that I didn’t realize that my action would hurt everyone—”

“Is this your revenge, Megumi?” Gojo tiredly murmurs. “Is there something about me that you find jarring now? Or did you simply want to hurt me?” 

“No, that’s not it.” He answers just as quietly. “Satoru—” 

“Then why—” The alpha’s tone suddenly rises, full of frustration. “Then why do you keep jerking me around like this?”

In a blink, the older man has him lying on the bed as the alpha looms over him. Anger, dejection, jealousy, everything are mixed into tidal waves that roll out of Gojo. He suppresses his reflexes to snap the other’s hand away when the alpha roughly grabs his face, holding his cheeks tightly.

“What should I do to you now, Megumi?” Gojo breathlessly but gravely says. “I’m already at my wits' end. When I thought that everything was okay between us, you pulled the rug beneath my feet. You spoke of love, that you loved me back, that you are sorry, but how am I supposed to trust you now?”

Megumi swallows the lump in his throat, though still feeling thankful that he has, at least, predicted this reaction. 

“Mark me.” He answers honestly. “Claim me now, Satoru and I’ll be yours forever.”

“What for?” The alpha responds bitingly with a derisive scoff. “A mere one-sided bite mark is as good as a void contract. You can reject it whenever you want and leave me whenever it is convenient to you. You aren’t in heat too, so it’s futile for us to try to permanently claim each other.” 

“I can show you how.” He proposes as he fishes out a liquid-filled syringe from his shadow and nimbly uncaps it.

“What is—”

Without explaining anything, he promptly jabs it to the upper side of his other arm, injecting the liquid into his body. It’s understandable that it will sting badly with how roughly he administers it, but it’s still nothing in comparison when Gojo rips his hand away, pulling the syringe out in the process and flinging it away to the other side of the room. 

“What the hell are you doing?” Gojo angrily snarls at the same time he hears the syringe break. Whether it’s because of the impact against the floor or that the alpha crushes it with his infinity, he isn’t sure. He was hoping that he wouldn’t need to go this far, but another part of him is also relieved, because at the end of the day, a proven action will always be better than words and promises and he prays that he has injected enough of the drug into his bloodstream.

“That was an omega’s stimulant.” He answers.

“That couldn’t be. Shoko will never give you a stimulant, let alone allow you to meet me here with one on hand.”  Gojo growls.

“Except that it’s the black market’s and twice the usual dose.” He adds as the cornerx of his lips are tugged upward. “So the effectiveness is guaranteed to be spot on, even with the suppressant Ieiri-san gave me.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Gojo snarls. “It will trigger—”

“My heat, yes.” He chuckles as he wraps his arms around the alpha’s shoulder, pulling him down and locking him before the white-haired male can escape. “Then you can bite me and we’ll be mated permanently.” He says as he bares his neck to the alpha, showing him his total submission. 

“I am not going to mark you in this goddamn isolation—” 

“You are.” Megumi firmly says. “I was planning to take you back to my place first, but I changed my mind. We have to be permanently mated first to restore your trust and as assurance for both of us.” He declares, before leaning forward and taking the alpha’s lips into a kiss. 

It feels awkward at first. Like kissing a warm mannequin with Gojo being all unresponsive, though whether it’s out of shock or disbelief, he doesn’t know. But hesitantly, slowly, as if the alpha thought it’s a dream he doesn’t want to wake up to, Gojo starts to respond—

And it immediately escalates. 

Like a man in the desert and dying of thirst, the soft kiss he initiates turns aggressive with harsh bites and chews. The older man has no qualms about going rough on him, forcefully invading his mouth with his tongue and completely dominating the kiss. The alpha swallows each of his restrained moans as his hand naturally moves to the back of Gojo’s head as a familiar heat is lit inside of him, gradually warming and heating his body.

A sweet-saccharine scent starts to mix with the alpha’s bitter one, neutralizing it in its own way and the older man grips his waist as Gojo breaks their kiss. He clenches on nothing when he hears Gojo’s deep groan, before the older male noses the side of his neck, licking and biting it like a chew toy. 

“Fuck, you smell so divine.” Gojo moans with another painful chew on his neck. “Why— Why did you go this far—” 

“Because I don’t know how else to convey my sincerity to you.” He answers, before letting out a whine when Gojo’s hold on his waist tightens even further to the border of being actually painful. He never considers pain to be this delicious, this addicting and he moans loudly when he realizes that Gojo’s scent actually starts to smell pleasant like usual, as their bodies answer to each other’s implicit call to mate. 

“Take me—” He pants as he pulls on Gojo’s pajama, trying to take it off. His heat is starting and he needs to touch Gojo’s bare body. “Alpha please—” 

In the next second, he's flipped chest down to the bed, before a heavy weight is pinning him down. Shudder runs across his body when the back of his collar is pulled down, giving some pressure on his throat while Gojo nuzzles the back of his neck.

“You are going to regret provoking and taunting me like this, Megumi.” Gojo snarls. “I will never let you out of my sight after I make you mine. Maybe I should put a digital tracker on you too.”

“Do it.” Megumi breathlessly laughs. The pressure on his neck, the warm and heavy body that pins him down, the intoxicating and dense scent of the alpha, though still with a hint of bitterness that blankets him entirely, they all feel wonderful. It’s like finally putting down a missing puzzle piece after such a long, long time of searching and wandering. 

Objectively, it should be scary. Gojo never makes light of his threats, even the one he said with a smile on his face but somehow, hearing that the white-haired male is willing to go that far pleases him. He didn’t tell this to anyone else and it’s really shameless of him to feel this way with the casualties and troubles his friends and people went through, but after the dust settled down and he isn’t overrun by his instinct, he finds that he loves it.

He loves that Gojo is so distraught with the thought of him leaving. He hates that the alpha— his alpha is suffering, but it doesn’t change the fact that deep inside of him, there is an utterly shameful warmth of knowing that he affected Gojo just as much as the alpha to him. 

Maybe he is just as twisted. It’s truly laughable that people often deem him as a kind person with his mindset. Perhaps being in power has changed him, or perhaps he’s always been like this before. Or perhaps, he’s just becoming greedy. So greedy and too greedy. 

An extremely familiar heat pools on the bottom of his stomach, the carnal desire to be touched and fucked courses through him, signaling that his heat is truly coming. He savors the way the older man groans deeply in his ears upon smelling his thickening scent and he tightens his arms around Gojo’s neck before whispering,

“Take me, Satoru.” 

It's everything and nothing like he has imagined. 

It’s painful. It’s pleasurable. It’s too hot and too overwhelming, but at the same time it’s not enough and—

Even in the throes of passion, this damn alpha never ceases to be an annoyance. 

He lets out an obscene moan as he bucks his hips, trying to beckon the alpha to move faster. The heat is burning his body in bottomless lust and desires, with a thirst for more and more to quell the fire and itchiness in his loins, but the alpha whose dick is deep inside of him seems to have a different agenda.

Instead of the fast-paced thrust they had earlier, Gojo is all calm and collected now. Grinding deep and slow as if he's savoring the finest, rarest wine instead of a man who's quenching his thirst in the middle of the desert. A cocky smirk is also present on the alpha’s equally sweaty face, looking amused instead of desperate like him.

Amused and so unbearably smug, even when he can feel the alpha’s fat knot knocking against his entrance.

“You’re so cute, Megumi. So desperate for more, for me…” Gojo whispers.

The alpha’s warm and big fingers are mercilessly pinching and pulling on his already swollen nipples and the itching pleasure only makes the unfulfillment in his lower region more stark. He lets out a frustrated cry when his attempt to lower his hand and gets things done himself is blocked by the alpha.

“Begs for it.” The smirk on the white-haired male’s face is nothing but evil. “Beg me to do it.” 

He's about to give the alpha a reprimand for his life when Gojo rolls his hips, hitting his soft spot and all protests fly out of his mind at the onslaught of pleasure. It fuels the desperation inside of him, to be marked and to mark the fine-purebred alpha as his, before someone else does.

(The audacity.)

Megumi opens his eyes, purposely letting some tears wet his eyes as he stares at the stunned alpha while baring his neck. He uses his softest, whiniest tone he's ever conjured in his entire life, biting his bottom lips and bucking his hips again while his fingers scratch the alpha's arms— anywhere he can reach.

“Satoru, please,” He whimpers. “Knot me, bite me—” 

A yelp leaves his bleeding lips as he’s suddenly flipped over, face-first to the pillow. Gojo’s hand is gently pushing his head down and warm breaths soon hit his nape, tickling him lightly.

“Brace for it.” Gojo murmurs and that’s the only warning he gets before a piercing pain clouds all of his senses. His body suddenly gets heated up like a furnace at the unbearable pain and—

Everything goes black. 

Megumi lets out a groan as he opens his eyes. They gradually adjust and focus at the dark ceiling as his consciousness starts to seep in his hazed mind. Slowly but gradually, he can feel how his entire body aches, though it isn’t as bad as the throbs and stings on his neck. It’s an understatement of the year to say that it’s uncomfortable, but he resists the urge to touch it. Instead he carefully moves to sit up on the bed, belatedly realizes just how deep he is nestled amidst the blankets and slew of random clothes.

Megumi shifts his head to the left and right, noting that he is currently the only occupant of the otherwise empty room. Unlike the first time he arrived, the curtain is properly drawn though sunlight still filters through the gap between, softly brightening the edge of the thick materials. The actual source of light is coming in from the door. It's left ajar, wide enough to let the light in but not enough to make the cool air from the air con fully escape and leave the room to be hot and stifling.

Sharp pang of hunger soon makes itself known, but just like how his body aches from the top to bottom, he finds that he is still too comfortable to move around and has yet to be fully willing to get down. Leaving this room means facing the reality that’s waiting for him on the other side.

Alas, it is not in his nature to stay still and let fate decide things for himself either.

So after some difficulties, he slips down from the makeshift nest and makes his way to the small bathroom on the corner of the room. He raises his eyebrow when he sees several blankets are strewn around the floor and briefly gazes back towards the bed. It is without the slightest doubt that these things weren't here when he first came into the room. The room was basic and bare, void of any of his clothes or Gojo’s and when his feet step on one of the blankets, he becomes more sure that these are procured after he went into the ward.

The isolation facility is nice and proper in its own way, but there is no way that such high quality, expensive materials like these come from the facility’s budget.

Honestly speaking, he doesn’t remember much after his heat fully kicked in. He remembers warm lips and cool water sliding down his throat. He remembers being fed disgustingly sweet, sticky peaches and some bland, soft meats. However, other than those occasional abrupt changes of senses, everything is one big blur of blankness and…

Megumi lets out a sigh as he sees his reflection on the bathroom mirror. 

He looks like he fought the whole neighborhood bare-fisted and was mauled by a wolf.

A very possessive, out-of-his-mind wolf.

Walking away from the mirror, he steps into the cubicle and turns the hot shower on. His body feels clean enough, but Gojo must’ve knotted him multiple times because now that he’s standing, he can feel some of the stuff slowly trickling out between his thighs and the last thing he needs is for him to be distracted by the sensation.

.

“Does it still hurt?” 

Megumi shifts his gaze away from trying to inspect the back of his neck on the mirror and focuses on the white-haired male’s reflection. Gojo is languidly leaning on the bathroom’s door frame while wearing a concerned look, though it still can’t fully squash down the pleased and satisfied expression on the alpha’s face. 

But that’s not what piques his interest. 

Clad in nothing but a boxer, the alpha looks very eye-catching with his big frame and toned muscles and the sight stirs something inside of him. Honestly speaking, it should be illegal for Gojo to look that good, but he supposes there is a reason why a purebred alpha is highly sought.

Truly the best of the best in every aspect. 

“Yeah. It stings so much after the shower and I’m wondering if the wound is actually still bleeding.” He admits with a grimace.

Upon hearing his explanation, Gojo immediately straightens up and approaches him. “Let me inspect it.”

He moves his body and gives the white-haired male complete access to the back of his neck, where the bite mark Gojo gave to him is. The alpha carefully holds his nape, as warm fingers graze around the throbbing and stinging on his neck.

“It isn’t bleeding anymore, but a part of the wound has yet to fully close. Did you stretch your shoulder and neck? It seems you accidentally tore it up.” Gojo murmurs. “Let’s disinfect it for now and bandage it up. I will text Shoko to send us more bandages and some painkillers.”

“That might be best.” Megumi responds with a resigned sigh, before his gaze naturally falls to his own bite mark on the side of the alpha’s neck. “It’s unfair that yours is all healed.” He mutters under his breath.

The white-haired male chuckles lightly. “Your mouth was just too small— which prevented you from biting as deeply as I.”

“Still. It’s unfair and—” Megumi cuts himself short with a low groan when he senses a familiar tingling on his lower stomach, signaling that his heat has yet to fully disperse. He looks up to the taller male and frowns upon noticing how composed the alpha is. “Why am I the only one who is still horny?” He sullenly remarks. 

Gojo’s laughs are deep, before the older man leans forward and leaves a kiss on the side of his head. “It should hit you in another hour or so. Plenty of time to refuel your body first.” Gojo says, before sauntering out of the bathroom. 

He shakes his head as he follows the white-haired male to the small kitchen, picking up a fallen tee along the way and slips into it. Even though they’re bantering like this, the tension between them is palpable, especially when it’s obvious that Gojo is purposefully avoiding calling his name like usual.

It’s like walking on thin ice and not knowing when it will rupture and drown him down.

“I think it’s long overdue for you to give me some explanations.” The white-haired male remarks lightly, though there is a hint of graveness in his voice as the alpha leans on the edge of the dining table.

Megumi briefly looks around the rather messy area before facing the alpha heads on. Teal, crystal-like eyes are observing him like a wary predator and while it’s entirely understandable, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t sting on itself.  

“I assume you’ve read the papers I brought.” He states evenly, not letting the anxiousness chip in on his reasoning. 

“I did.” Gojo confirms with a nod. “You even left your phone unlocked for me to snoop around— Quite a surprising move.”

“I’m trying to show my sincerity and honesty.” He answers the unvoiced question. 

“That you aren’t lying to me anymore?” Gojo adds with a wry smirk.

It’s only due to years of dealing a bad hand in front of the corrupted executive that he can suppress his flinch at the jab. “That I am not hiding anything from you.” Megumi corrects firmly. “We both know you will be able to eventually unearth them, Satoru. I am simply showing my goodwill and fixing the misunderstanding you thought of.” 

“Good will, you said.” The white-haired alpha scoffs softly. “Yet you continue to go with it. I saw you created another new identity.”

“Not having a contingency plan is foolish in itself.” He answers. “Most importantly, you are aware of it now.” 

“Just because I know it now, it doesn’t erase what had happened.” Gojo responds, before letting out a sigh as he scratches his hair. “I should’ve killed that damn guy too. How did you even know him?” 

Megumi blinks at the remark, before continuing, “You mean Shiu-san?” 

“Yep, that bastard.” Gojo nods. “He was the same guy who helped Suguru nurture his little cult.” 

The new knowledge is a little bit of a whiplash, though he immediately remarks. “He’s Toji’s old acquaintance— And while he’s not a good person, he’s useful and he was the one who returned my dad’s ashes beside my mom’s, Satoru. So, don’t.” He warns. “Don’t do anything funny.”

“Is this the warning of the Zenin clan head?” Gojo challenges. 

“A plea from your omega.” Megumi softens his voice, before he straightens up and lowers his head. “And I’m sorry, Satoru. I really do.” He quietly says. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Hurt me?” Gojo cuts him, still in a wry tone. “Tore open my heart with betrayal, triggering my rut and making me suffer?” 

“Yes.” He affirms quietly, still looking down to the floor as he clenches his fists to ground himself down. The anxiousness is steadily dragging him into a spiral with the alpha’s silence and sarcasm and just like before, this isn’t about him but Gojo. He needs to stay steady and calm even though his mind is steadily getting blanker. “Anything I say will only sound as excuses, as in a way, they are excuses, which is why I’d rather say and show that I am sorry and that I never intended to hurt you in any way or form—”

“Then lift your head and look at me, Megumi.”

The use of his name gives him an immeasurable relief and he rather apprehensively lifts his head. A small and resigned smile is tugged on the alpha’s lips, while the sharp coldness on his gaze has melted into a softer one as the older male puts his hands on the table and leans back. 

“Are you still mad?” Megumi braves himself to ask. 

“What do you think?” Gojo promptly responds with a tilt of his head.

Megumi purses his lips, a little bit miffed with the pull and push. “You are.” 

“Do I look so?” 

“I’d rather not talk in riddles, Satoru.” He sighs quietly. “And you are still mad.”

“Am I not allowed to?” Gojo questions. 

The remark is said lightheartedly, but there’s an unexplainable sharpness that has yet to soften in the alpha’s voice and a sense of wariness in him resurfaces again. Considering what he did, he can’t possibly defend himself when he’s presented with such a rhetoric question, but…

“I deserve it.” Megumi nods in acknowledgement. “But I do hope you won’t abandon me after biting me this hard.” He inclines his head to the side, revealing the not-yet-healed mark. At the same time, he tugs on the invisible rope that connects both of them, trying to appeal to the older man emotionally as well. “Am I forgiven, at the very least?” 

“Why don’t you find out then?” The white-haired alpha lightly taunts, opening and stretching his arms to him as if asking for a hug. 

He can’t help but cautiously shift his gaze between Gojo’s face and the stretched arms, as the alpha’s previous rejection comes forth on his mind. As if sensing his hesitation, Gojo’s smile turns into a little smirk-y tease. 

“Scared?” Gojo snickers.

“Yes.” He promptly says. The older man’s tease only fuels his hesitation, as the relief he felt earlier is washed away again. “Don’t get mistaken. I’m not scared of you, but right now you are not being nice to me, Satoru.”

“When have I not been nice to you?” The older man quips back with a raised eyebrow. 

“At this very moment.” Megumi flatly says. He looks at Gojo right in the eye, trying to gauge his reaction. “I understand your anger, but I don’t want to be made a fool. I desire your forgiveness, but if you feel like it’s too hard to see me without getting angry, hurt, and lashing out at me, I will leave and give you the space you need.” 

Unexpectedly, the white-haired male lets out a scoff, though it is soft enough that he hopes that it’s out of fondness.

“Megumi, you’re becoming more and more confusing. One second you’re cold and calculating, another cute and very adorable, and the very next second, you revert back to your old mindset. It’s kind of a whiplash.” 

“Then what kind of response do you want from me?” He points the question back at the taller male. 

“I don’t know either.” The alpha admits. 

Gojo straightens his posture, before taking a step forward and lifting his hand. Megumi flinches when the taller male grazes on the bite wound. 

“You were right. This itself is an assurance like no other.” Gojo murmurs, still rubbing on the wound. “It will be hell for each of us if we separate after this. The idea of another omega touching me is downright repulsive and there’s only a handful, if not non-existent, purebred alpha who can override the bite I gave you, especially when I did it on your heat and we are properly mated.” He hums as the alpha’s finger moves to the back of his ear. “I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed it by now too.”

“That you injected your cursed energy into the bite?” Megumi asks evenly. “That’s the reason why it hasn’t healed properly, isn’t it?” 

“You can’t be mad about that. You were the one who kept pushing me to the limit, Megumi.” Gojo grins guiltlessly. “I never hold anything tightly in my hands. If they want to leave, I'll let them. If they don’t need my help, then I won’t give it either. But you, on the other hand…” He exhales with a chuckle. “Earlier, you asked me if I am still mad… Rather than anger, I’m actually upset. I’m upset with how easily you can dump and leave me—”

“But that isn’t the case. Not anymore.” Megumi immediately interjects firmly. “Satoru—” 

“I know, so let’s just say that I’m still sulking.” Gojo cuts him as the alpha pats his head. “Promise me, Megumi. No more running away or leaving me, unless I’m killed, mentally or physically incapacitated with no hope of recovery in less than an hour, or threatening your life.” He murmurs. “I don’t think I can stomach such a situation again.” 

“The last one is impossible.” He points out quietly. 

“I’m glad that you find me threatening your life as preposterous.” The white-haired male chuckles amusedly.

“That’s not funny.” Megumi lets out a sigh. Lowering his gaze to the alpha’s bare feet, he softly murmurs, “I promise, Satoru and I’m really sorry for everything.” 

“Alright, that settles it then.” The taller male says as he takes a step back and leans on the table again.

Silence stretches between them and he unconsciously stays still along with the quietness, unsure how to proceed. Gojo has explicitly stated that he is still upset and considering how the alpha consciously put up his infinity against him before, he isn’t keen on testing the water when things are still raw between them. A part of him irrationally fears that Gojo will ask him to leave now that they’ve somewhat settled things out, which only leaves the ‘giving some space part’ left to do and he bites his lip hard in response, wondering if he should be the one to back off first—

(Un)fortunately, a barely muffled snicker soon emerges from the white-haired male and he looks up at the alpha.

“You are really anxious.” Gojo remarks, a twinkle of mischief gleams in those crystal-like teal eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this disheartened and obedient, even when you were a child, Megumi.”

“Well,” Megumi licks his lips rather nervously at the quite hot and cold reaction from the older man. “You are upset and I don’t want to push my luck.”

“I see.” Gojo hums thoughtfully. The contemplative expression the alpha had soon morphs into a soft, genuine smile, before Gojo opens his arms. “C’mere, Megumi.” He softly beckons.

Megumi stares at the alpha’s face for another second, before he takes a step forward and falls into the alpha’s embrace. Even with the thin tee between their bodies, the warmth and security that come from the alpha’s body are like an anchor to his agitated heart. He can smell a tinge of sourness amidst Gojo’s musky alpha scent, and he nuzzles his face into the alpha’s chest, trying to appease the older man. His action generates a pleased chuckle from Gojo and he takes it as approval from the older male, as the sourness immediately dissipates into nothingness. 

Letting out a deep relief, he contents himself to listen at Gojo’s heartbeat as the older male holds him just as tightly. He never realized it before, but now that their bodies had joined together in the most carnal and purest form, there is another sense of intimacy and comfortableness that have yet to exist before. While Gojo has never been one to shy away from touches and skinship, it unexpectedly feels different, to touch the alpha before and after they’ve been thoroughly intimate. Granted, he can barely remember anything beyond the bite, but the feeling is still there.

Perhaps it’s due to the tender atmosphere, or perhaps from the relief of making up or maybe due to their strong connection, but his chest feels full and tight for a whole another reason—

“I love you.”

The words tumble out of his lips and while the usual him would’ve immediately backtrack in embarrassment, he looks up at Gojo, staring straight at the equally tender eyes. 

“I love you, Satoru.” He repeats with a much firmer voice. “So stay by my side and be mine until our next life, alpha.” 

“What an enormous request from my adorable omega.” Gojo responds fondly as the alpha strokes the side of his head.

“It’s a demand.” He corrects as he lets go of his hold as well and raises his hand, showing the glistening ring on his finger. “I am legally your fiancé now.”

The bold action earns him another free laugh from the white-haired male.

“How lucky.” Gojo remarks mirthfully, though no less fondly as the alpha touches their forehead together. “The easiest demand in my life that I intend to fulfill until our next life.”

“Gojo Satoru, Zenin Megumi’s cocky, infuriating alpha.” Megumi impishly remarks as he leans forward and easily steals a peck.

“Zenin Megumi, Gojo Satoru’s hissy, sullen omega.” Gojo corrects as the alpha easily lifts him up and takes them back into the bedroom. 

.

.

“Satoru.”

“Hm?” Gojo hums, content on stroking his back as he lies on the alpha’s body. 

His heat has finally subsided, leaving an aching and sore body in its wake. The sun has long settled on the horizon, but they have no desire to move around and prepare for their dinner, content on being entangled back in the temporary nest that the alpha apparently built for his comfort.

“Should I move to Kyoto after this?” He poses the question that has been burning on the back of his mind. “I don’t think it’s feasible for us to keep going back and forth between Nara and Kyoto like this any longer, especially since we have mated.”

“With your responsibility with the Foundation, I doubt it’ll be easy.” The alpha hums thoughtfully. “In contrast, it's less of a hassle for me to move to Nara.”

The remark, while inconspicuous, digs out a piece of old information from the back of his mind and like a missing puzzle piece, something finally clicks. “Is that why you bought a house near the compound?” He springs the question. 

The white-haired man tenses up, before letting out a resigned chuckle. “How did you know?”

“Ever since the sabotage where the compound’s communication was strategically cut and jammed, we have kept an eye on the lands and buildings around the area.” Megumi explains. “I read the report that a house nearby has been bought and your name is listed as the new owner.”

Gojo lets out another chuckle. “Nothing goes beyond your notice now huh, Megumi?” 

“I didn’t mean to pry.” He apologetically says as he slips down from the alpha’s body and lies next to him instead. “However, I don’t think moving to Nara is wise either. The school and headquarters are in Kyoto and Yuuta and the rest are going to juggle university soon. Maki and I can't be called often for missions with our title as the clan head, so it’ll be hard for everyone if you move to Nara as well, Satoru.” He points out evenly. 

“I will still go to Kyoto for work, but my main base will be in Nara.” Gojo refutes.

“Then it’s no different from what we’ve been doing now.” He clucks his tongue in annoyance. 

 “It’s distinctively different.” The alpha argues back. “It’s different, between going to Kyoto for work and going to Nara to visit you, and I’ve talked about it with Yaga so it’s a pretty much done deal.”

“You did?” He raises his eyebrow dubiously.

“He’s not pleased with the idea for sure.” Gojo admits with a grin. “Though what can he do, other than having me promise not to be tardy too much?” He cheekily adds.

“I should send him some good sake later.” He shakes his head. 

“Since the cat is out of the bag,” Gojo intertwines his hand, “Let’s take a look at the house after we leave here. I’m thinking of fully renovating it to adjust to our taste and needs.” 

“Ah, right.” Megumi grimaces. “I’m actually on house arrest, so I won’t be able to go anywhere for six months or so.”

Upon hearing his explanation, Gojo frowns in confusion. “House arrest?”

“A punishment from Maki,” He explains briefly. “For the trouble I did.” 

Gojo stares at him with bewilderment, before shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s really baffling that you both can work it out like this.” 

“We have an equal standing, so it isn’t that surprising.” He shrugs offhandedly. “Besides, I killed Naoya on top of everything.” 

“Finally?” 

“Maki did it, but I was the one who issued the order.” He explains further as he tugs the blanket up to his body.

The bewilderment Gojo has on his face diminishes, as it’s replaced with curiosity. “What’s with the sudden change of heart?”

“Maki has always been in favor of eliminating him, but I held back because I thought he’s useful and salvageable.”

“Zenin Naoya and salvageable never belong in the same sentence.” Gojo remarks as the alpha nudges him to move closer. “Atonement is wasted for such a man.” 

 “I can see that now.” He admits with a sigh. “It’s been bothering me that Mai won’t come home because of that filthy rug and Tsumiki is going to live in the compound too, so I thought it’s time to fully finish the clean up.” 

“Home.” Gojo points out with a much softer voice. 

“Yes. Home.” He parrots back just as softly as he snuggles to the alpha’s chest. “I have built a new, safe home with Maki for ourselves and our loved ones…” He leans up and steals another kiss. 

“This time, let’s build a home of our own, Satoru.”

Time eludes them afterwards.

Two months have passed since the day they reconciled. After their heartfelt conversation, despite the fact that he went to assist the alpha’s rut, it was Gojo who ended up assisting his heat. He initially asked Maki for a week, but it unpredictably extended to a whole two weeks. 

While their cycles are basically forced to synchronize, they forgot one important thing to consider… 

And now they're going through the consequences.

.

.

A few hours ago,

“I thought your scent would be more muted now that we are mated, but it’s actually gotten stronger, Megumi.” Gojo murmured as the alpha nuzzled on the top of his head. Seated on the alpha’s lap, Gojo’s arms were wrapped around his waist as he did his paperwork. 

“Maybe my heat is coming.” He pointed out without shifting his eyes from the rows of text on the paper. With Maki’s vacation, his work has essentially tripled for the past week, to the point that the purebred alpha has to be satisfied with having quality time while he’s doing his work like this.

Gojo shook his head. “I don’t think that's the reason.” 

“Then what is?” He questioned back as the alpha released his hold. 

“I’m not sure either.” Gojo pondered, sniffing on his neck again. “Do you feel any changes?” 

Megumi burrowed his eyebrow as he put the paper down and looked at the other. “What are you talking about?”

“I think you’ve gotten stronger. Your cursed energy feels sharper and more intense lately.” 

“That is ridiculous.” Megumi answered with bewilderment. “You know I haven’t even touched the training ground for the past week.” 

It’s the alpha’s turn to frown. “What is it then— Wait.” Gojo’s eyes widened in shock as color drained from his face.

.

“Megumi?” Several knocks follow after the call. “Is it not done yet?” 

“No. It’s written to wait for ten minutes.” He yells. His loud voice echoes within the bathroom and he winces a little at the unpleasantness.

“Can’t I at least come in?” Gojo protests.

“No.”

“Why?” The older man’s whine is just as loud as he drags the word. 

He clenches the strip pack in his hand as he walks near the locked door, unable to bear the yelling match anymore. “I don’t know either.” Megumi finally answers the other. 

“That is an answer, but not the reason why, Megumi-chan.” Gojo huffs. 

Even with the barrier between them, Megumi can exactly imagine how Gojo’s face is contorted and the thought lifts some of the worry he’s feeling. “Just shut up and wait, Satoru.”

“Megumi is so mean~” The white-haired male protests again. “Why don’t you come out and we can wait for it together, hm? It must be chilly in the bathroom.”

The proposal is a sound one, but the anxiousness he felt earlier has automatically put him on a defensive mode and made him shut the door before the alpha can barge in after giving him the pack.

“Satoru?” He calls as he puts his hand on the door that separates them both. 

“Yeah?” 

There’s a beat of silence as he prepares himself, before he voices out his mind with a deceptively curious and light tone. “What do you want it to be?”

“What do you want it to be, Megumi?” Gojo’s voice suddenly goes all soft on him. The jest and fussy acts he had earlier vanished without a trace, as if he’s been waiting for the question. The sudden whiplash of attitude, especially when he’s been relying on the alpha to take his question just as lightly as his previous attitude, startles him a bit. 

Perhaps, Gojo puts the exaggerations and noisy facade to comfort him in a way. Had the alpha gone all anxious and worried, perhaps he wouldn't even dare to talk to the older man like this.

“I’m asking you.” He refuses. 

“And I’m asking you, Megumi.” The alpha answers, still with the same gentleness. 

“I want your answer and not mine, Satoru.” 

He hears Gojo exhale deeply, before humming thoughtfully. “I suppose I will be hunted by everyone if you happen to be pregnant, but I don’t mind. If you aren’t pregnant, that’s alright as well. I want it just the same.”

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he continues with a low voice. “I don’t particularly like children.” He says. "After I take care of the Foundation, I realize that they're a heavy burden.” 

“They are, in a way.” Gojo quips with an affirmative tone. “Well, whether we have one or not, it doesn’t matter to me, Megumi.”

“What—” 

“Let me finish before you take my words the wrong way.” Gojo cuts him off. “It’s you whom I want to spend the rest of my life with and if you decide to end our cursed bloodline here, I’m all in. We can start planning our retirement home, in fact.” The alpha laughs a little. “Don’t you think an adequately-sized cottage by the sea sounds good? Or perhaps a bigger one and let’s get an actual dog too.” He muses.

“It’s expected of us to sire a few children with our titles, Satoru.” He notes the hole in the other’s logic.

“When did I start giving a shit about the clan?” The alpha points out.

True enough. 

“What if I do want kids?” He tests the older man. 

“Then let’s forgone any condoms if you happen to be not pregnant now.” Gojo sings song. “Let’s buy a bigger house— Oh with a backyard too so they can move freely. Shall we get a dog— No, I reckon a puppy will be better since they’ll interact with children—” 

Somehow, listening to the alpha’s rambles makes the worry he had earlier seem undeniably silly. 

“You are so carefree.” He remarks. His eyes move to the thin stick in his hand, a little surprised that it’s shown the result amidst their banter.

“I’m flexible.” Gojo corrects with a chuckle.

“As if.” He refutes as he slides the door open, revealing the grinning alpha. 

“So, what’s the verdict?” Gojo inquires lightly.

“You won’t be hunted by my dad.” He announces as he smacks the result to the taller male’s chest. “Seems luck is still on your side, Satoru.”

.

(As it turns out, his scent has gotten stronger due to the effect of the metabolism. His body is starting to stabilize after years of suppressants and abrupt hormone changes with Toji’s and Gojo’s bite marks in the early days.)

He did say that Maki put him on house arrest for six months, but three months in and the green-haired alpha has softened considerably. She expanded his house arrest into the whole Nara area, instead of the compound. Perhaps she has noticed how Gojo has permanently moved his residence in Nara, but either way he’s grateful for the leniency.

What he doesn’t take into account is the fact that moving out is a hassle of itself. 

.

.

Megumi winces as he stares at the mountain of boxes in the middle garden. The compound staff and movers are busy moving back and forth behind him, carrying a box or two in their hands. 

“I never realized I have a lot of things.” He states regretfully as Maki comes to a stop beside him. Since he’s a little bit averse to the idea of strangers going into his territory and touching his things, they’ll have to unbox all of those by himself later.

Ignoring his remark, the green-haired alpha easily takes an iced americano from the tray on his left hand, shaking it lightly before taking a sip. 

“Your books alone can fill in for a small library.” Maki dryly points out.

A heavy, warm arm also materializes on his shoulder, weighing him down considerably as said owner completely leans on him. “Your closet is as big as a studio apartment, kid.” Toji adds amusedly. “What a prissy omega.”

Megumi rolls his eyes and tries to swat Toji’s arm. “You all are exaggerating.”

“That is literally the ninth box with a clothes logo on it.” The dark-haired alpha points out with a smirk. “You’re even prissier than the average omega now.” 

“Shut up.” Megumi glares at his dad, who only gives him another cocky, teasing smirk in return. Clad in a tight-fit tee and loose pants, Toji looks exactly like the blurry, old memory in his childhood.

Especially with his eyes. 

Gone are the blackened eyes that have been featuring the alpha’s face for the past couple of years, replaced with a pair of white and black eyes like any other human. He first noticed the change after he went back to the compound and surprisingly, they never changed back into the blackened version anymore. Despite stating otherwise, he has an inkling that Toji actually knows why or how the change happened, but the older alpha stayed mum over it and he eventually lets it go.

Even though there are some unavoidable limitations, like Toji needing to be within the same city as him and whatnot, the dark-haired man is now living his life like any normal human. To prevent him sliding back into depravity and sloth-like life, Maki has officially instated Toji as the current martial art trainer in the compound. A fancy title, considering that he’s only beating the Hei members who want to spar, but a job is still a job, regardless.

“Megumii~!”

“And here comes the infuriating brat.” Toji mutters under his breath as the loud yell obviously comes from the end of the corridor. “Out of all brats…” 

“He’s your son in law, you know.” Maki amusedly remarks. 

“They aren’t married yet.” Toji scoffs.

“So when’s the wedding, Megumi?” Maki shifts her attention towards him, a mischievous, amused expression is on her face.

“What wedding.” He flatly denies, at the same time said owner of the cutesy call appears in front of them.

An obviously exaggerated, shocked gasp soon follows from the white-haired male as Gojo also moves dramatically in tune with his excessive reaction. “Megumi-chan??”

“I suppose we can get officially married when I am with child.” He mercilessly continues with an even voice as he thrust his share of iced americano cup to his alpha. “And I don’t want my child to be pisspoor, so you better work hard, Satoru.” 

“Gojo Satoru and ‘poor’ is simply impossible.” Gojo huffs indignantly before leaning down to catch the straw. Despite hating bitter things, the older man still dutifully takes a small sip and the sight warms him to some degree.

He was truly a fool, to believe that Gojo doesn’t adore him. 

Expectedly, Gojo’s face turns weird at the needlessly bitter drink but it soon disappears in order to talk. “Moreover, it’s our child, Megumi-chan!”

 “I’m the one who carries them, so no.” He rebuffs as he notes on his alpha’s appearance. “You came back early. Didn’t you have a mission with the first years?” He asks as he pulls the black blindfold on the other’s head, gently massaging the alpha’s temple. 

“It was just an introductory class.” Gojo shrugs. “Moreover, we should get out and have a celebratory dinner.” 

“We literally moved just ten minutes away.” He dryly notes. However, it seems the other two people on his side think otherwise.

“I want a five-star buffet.” Maki chips in.

“Expensive meat.” Toji adds in tandem.

“Right, right!” Gojo claps his hands dramatically before making a pretend mic with his right hand and shoving it in front of him. “And you, Megumi-chan? The star of tonight’s dinner?” The alpha inquires with a twinkle of pretentious excitement.

He exhales deeply at the theatrics, having gotten used to it. “Meat.”

“It’s settled then! Let’s have a full-course five-star barbeque buffet tonight!”

Four months later,

Zenin Nara Main Building

When the door of his office is opened, Megumi instantly looks up from the papers in his hands, already knowing who his unannounced visitor is. His eyes rake from the top of the tall man's body to the bottom and a little smile blooms on his face. 

"You look good." Megumi remarks.

"Of course." Gojo replies as he slides the shoji door behind him. He makes his way to his omega, who's sitting prettily among the high stack of paperwork. "However, I certainly didn't expect to be coerced into trying this haori the moment I arrived." 

"Will you still complain if I say that I personally chose them?" Megumi raises his eyebrow. 

"I also know that." Gojo responds as he sits across from the younger man. "The color suits me well, right?" He remarks as he exaggeratedly shows off the outfit. 

"It is." Megumi replies, hiding his smile as he pretends to tidy up his strewn around papers. He has stopped working an hour ago and has only been waiting for the alpha to arrive to pick him up from the compound for the festival nearby. "I also chose the materials. It's not too thick so it won't be heavy and hot, but not that thin either to avoid a shabby appearance. Very soft as well."

"I see Megumi-chan has an eye for finer things now." Gojo laughs lightly. "I like it. As you said, the materials are fine and the color surprisingly suits me well. The embosses and embroideries aren't too much, but not too simple either." He hums. "Fitting, for an alpha of the clan head."

"I thought you'd have complained a little at the shade I chose." Megumi says as he sets the rest of the maps and papers aside, giving his alpha his utmost attention. "It's not your usual go-to after all."

"Well, if my omega wants to dress me up in his preference, who am I to refuse it?" Gojo says with a huge smile. 

"It's just a coincidence." Megumi half-lies, his heart unexpectedly flutters once Gojo puts it that way.

“Come on, the other must be waiting for us already.” Megumi stands up and offers his hand to the amused alpha. 

“How gentlemanly, Megumi-chan.” Gojo snickers as he takes the dark-haired male’s hand and intertwines it tightly. “Make sure that you don’t lose my hand, Megumi-chan. What if another person tries to snatch me away?” 

“You easily stand out anywhere you go, Satoru.” Megumi shakes his head at the ridiculous claim. “If anything, you should be the one who holds me tightly, lest I get lost amidst the crowd.” He teases the alpha back. 

Gojo sagely nods. “Right, right. Megumi-chan is so short, maybe I should tie up a balloon on your wrist—” 

The insolence earns the alpha a kick to his shin, but it’s also his laugh that appeases the irritation in Megumi upon hearing the remark.

Oh well.

Megumi peeks at the hyped alpha beside him as they walk towards the entrance, where his chauffeur has been waiting to take them to the nearby temple where Maki, Yuuta, and the rest have gone first.

His life was in literal pieces. A dead mom, an absent dad. Neglected by the adults, valued by his blood. His livelihood wasn’t for free and his freedom was taken away from him. He went through a lot of hardship to arrive where he is now and he has no doubt that there will be a lot more obstacles that he needs to overcome in the future, things that might scar him physically or even mentally, considering their line of work, but…

It’s alright. 

No matter how many times he breaks, he knows now that there are people who love him, who will pick up all of his pieces and fix him like a kintsugi. 

He might not be perfect or flawless, but he is him. 

Megumi. 

A symbol of hope. A belief, a prayer.

A blessing, to those who love him.