Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 

 

 

Utahime sighed as she sipped her beer, her watch screaming the truth at her.

Her date had ghosted her.

Ignoring the heat in her eyes and the tiny ball of feelings in her throat, Utahime brushed her hands on her thighs, as if trying to clean her hands of any shame and to maintain a sort of composure. She could hear Shoko telling her that she was soothing herself like a child, with her throaty laugh that brought a slightly shameful feeling to Utahime. But right now, alone in the middle of the restaurant, Utahime needed all the soothing she could muster from that simple gesture.

Checking her phone one last time, she had to accept that her date was not going to come, despite his very enthusiastic answers earlier in the day. Her phone chimed suddenly, making her heart stop when she saw his name on the screen.

 

 

“Sorry for the no-show. I thought about it, and I think that you’re too proper for me; I don’t want a boring relationship. Take care, Uta.”

 

 

Utahime closed her eyes, anger and shame boiling inside of her, her hands rubbing a tad faster on her thighs. She had chosen a tight black dress, high heels. She had done her hair, a red bow holding some strands back. Her makeup was carefully done, highlighting her plump lips and doe eyes. She had bought goddamn lingerie for the date.

She wondered when it all went wrong. In university, her studies had been the priority; Shoko was just as overwhelmed by her own curriculum, so both women had relied heavily on friendship and alcohol. Then, she started working as a teacher in high school, teaching literature, and rekindled her love for drawing, taking classes at night.

She had spent half of her twenties nose buried so deep in books and studies that the other half had been used to discover herself and what she liked in life. And now, in her early thirties, Utahime knew that she loved drawing, that pottery class filled her with joy, especially when she brought back trinkets home, and that she had an unhealthy obsession with Pokémon tiny figurines. Utahime had spent so many years learning and then enjoying herself that she had developed no ability to charm people, especially men.

There had been men. But none had stuck around, their presence breaking her oddly peaceful and perfectly curated life. And men in general seemed to be less and less interesting. Men her age were divorced and looking for some fun or eager to get married and have kids. Which Utahime had no affinity for. She already had more children than she could handle with her job as a teacher.

Which led her to this evening. Alone in a restaurant, finishing her beer, feeling lonelier than ever. Utahime didn’t dream of the love of a lifetime anymore. That train had passed and was far away, leaving her on the side. Utahime didn’t dream of a grand gesture or a love like in the movies. She wanted the soft love, the subtle intimacy. A sense of understanding and belonging that she craved.

Utahime was done being heard.

Utahime wanted to be understood.

She quietly left the table and paid for her beer in silence, shame coloring her cheeks with a reddish hue. She could feel the stares of men at the bar as she paid, and she wondered if they could smell the loneliness on her, coating her body like a second skin. Putting on her jacket, she grabbed her bag like a lifeline and went outside, head down, not ready to face the world yet.

And collided right away with a body, almost falling to the ground.

 

“I’m so sorry, I was lost in thought and didn’t see you,” she said, bowing. “My sincere apologies, sir…”

“Utahime?”

 

Utahime lifted her head, only to be greeted by a torso. She looked further up and gasped softly, covering her mouth in shame.

 

“Gojo-sama,” she replied, bowing her head quickly.

“Oh, we’re doing formalities then. Iori-san, how are you on this fine evening? Maybe bumping into old classmates while waiting for your husband?”

“Idiot,” she muttered. “Sorry, I didn’t… I wasn’t focused, and I bumped right into you.”

“Slammed, you mean.”

“I didn’t expect to run into you! Why did you fill up so much anyway? Fucking giant…”

“Is your husband not as muscular as I?” smiled Satoru, coking his head.

“There’s no fucking husband. My date didn’t fucking come, and I was left alone, drinking my beer pathetically lonely. Sorry to break your little illusion, little Utahime is painfully single, and you know what, Satoru? I really hoped to get laid tonight, I put on this little number just to show my tits and my ass, and I have fucking lingerie underneath! Do you know how expensive it is? To buy a full set of lingerie with garters and everything? Fucking expensive, Satoru.”

“I ordered too much food. Want to eat? I was going back home, and you look roughed up.”

“Fuck you.” Then, “Do you have beer?”

“Come, little gremlin,” he laughed, leading the way.

 

Utahime walked behind him as he passed through the busy crowds, people parting a way for him, without any words. She kept her eyes on his back and almost laughed at the absurdity of the situation. Gojo Satoru was in high school with her. The tall, gangly teenager had been a pest to her, always making fun of her, rage baiting her through the years. She remembered how tall he was and how his uniform jacket seemed too big around his shoulders and torso, despite being well-built, she remembered shamefully.

 

“Stop.”

 

Satoru stopped and turned, frowning under his glasses.

Another addition since their high school days.

 

“Thanks for the invitation, but I think I’ll be going home. I don’t really feel like you rubbing in my face the fact that you and your girlfriend or wife or partner or whatever are living la vida loca while I’m painfully single.”

“Utahime. La vida loca is lived alone, too.”

“Oh… But… You’re you!”

“Oh, go ahead! I want to hear it all, Hime.”

“Shut up. You promised food, didn’t you?”

 

Satoru laughed loudly before resuming his pace, as she muttered behind him. The last time she had seen him was after graduation.

After the car crash.

Shoko had told her that he needed time and had left the city. And that had been the end of the part of her life with the terror that was Gojo Satoru.

He opened the door to a building, doing a little curtsy as she rolled her eyes, and entered the building. As he pressed the buttons to the penthouse, she sighed as he smiled, mischief in his eyes. “Brat…” she whispered as she came out first, taking in how large his apartment was. She could feel his eyes on her, making her self-conscious. Yet, before she thought about any of it, she swayed her hips in what she hoped would be seductive to him. She couldn’t help but smile as she heard his soft gasp, as she leaned against the large glass windows.

 

“What are we eating?” she asked softly, batting his eyes at him.

“I couldn’t decide between fried chicken and sushi. So, I got both.”

“Good. I’m starving.”

“I don’t have beers. I don’t drink.”

“It’s okay… I’m hungrier than anything, truthfully.”

“Hime…” whispered Satoru, before shaking his head, opening the boxes of food.

 

She sat on a stool around the kitchen island as he plated their food, making tea at the same time. His hair was now falling over his eyes, his blue eyes still shining as ever. She let her eyes roam over his figure and appreciated how his arms seemed to bulge with muscles, and Utahime wondered how his skin would taste and how his back muscles would feel against her hands.

 

“You can take a picture, Hime. I know I’m dashing.”

“I wasn’t… I was just thinking it’d be nice to draw you. The work on shadows and all that…”

“You still draw?” asked Satoru, giving her a cup of tea.

“I’m taking evening classes to get better…”

“I can be your model if you need,” he smiled, popping a slice of tuna in his mouth.

“I have my sketchbook in my bag, so I might take the offer.”

“I always loved how you saw me… Made me feel special.”

“You always feel special, you idiot.”

“Eat, Hime. Then, you’ll draw me. And even after, I’ll fuck you against the windows. I can’t stop thinking about the lingerie. What color is it?”

“So, you brought me over for sex?”

“For food, first of all. You really looked sad. And it’s been a while since we saw each other. I think Shoko is trying to keep us apart.”

“You’re the one who left.”

“I had to… But Shoko kept me updated. Eat, Hime. Then, I’ll show you why you shouldn’t have cried for the idiot who stood you up. Fucking moron.”

“Why do you care?”

“I always cared too much; I suppose… And you look really good with the bow to top it all. A little sexy gift.”

“Shut up…” she let out in a shaky breath, picking a piece of chicken.

 

Utahime could feel herself growing restless under his stare as they ate, talking about her job and her students, and how he was starting as a lecturer in Quantum Physics, after ending his PHD. He talked to her passionately about his work and how other worlds were surely accessible, but we still didn’t have the science to back it up, just yet.

 

“Maybe I’m some sort of superhero in another world. And you’re my little sidekick, who kicks ass and keeps me on my toes,” he laughed, his fingers moving softly over her hand.

“I can draw you like that… Give you a blindfold to hide your freakishly bright eyes.”

“Hey, leave my gorgeous eyes alone, Iori!”

 

Utahime giggled behind her hand, feeling drowsy with her belly full.

 

“It’s dark red.”

“What is?”

“My underwear…”

Utahime shuddered as Satoru sighed before joining her side, his hands raised, catching her face tenderly.

 

“Can I kiss you?”

 

Utahime nodded and sighed as his lips brushed hers softly, at first. With a lick, she opened her lips to him, welcoming his tongue inside her mouth. The taste of strawberry lingered on his tongue as he mapped her lips, moaning as she sucked on his tongue, hungry. It had been a long time since she had been kissed. Really kissed like that. Like she mattered. Like she was what he needed.

 

“Take your shirt off, Satoru…” she whispered, slightly pushing him.

“You make me crazy, Utahime…”

“Just one night, Satoru… Fuck me, please… Just tonight.”

 

Satoru looked at her, a shadow cast over his face, which passed so fast, Utahime wondered if she’d imagined everything. Without a word, he took off his shirt, Utahime pushing him further into the apartment. A yelp escaped her lips as he grabbed her swiftly, carrying her to his bedroom.

He licked her mouth before taking off his pants and underwear, his cock half-hard. Ignoring her, he settled against the headboard, masturbating lazily.

 

“Strip.”

 

She felt how wet the words made her, her thighs rubbing against each other. Unzipping her dress, she slid it down softly, uncovering herself and the underwear she wore. Her nipples were hard against the lace, and she made a show of pushing her breasts together and pinching her nipples, moaning loudly, his pants and groans fueling her desire.

Then, she rolled the dress down her legs, stepping out of it. The stockings were biting into the skin of her thighs, the lacy thong hiding nothing of her wetness.

 

“Take a seat on my face, Utahime. Don’t take the underwear off.”

 

Panting and sobbing, Utahime didn’t know how many hours they had been at it, or how many times she came, on his face, his fingers, and his cock. She could feel his lips on her back, lazily kissing the sweaty skin, as he thrusted in and out, taking his time.

 

“Where do you want my cum, Utahime?”

“Inside,” she gasped, as he became rougher, his orgasm near its peak.

“You’re so full of me… Fuck, Hime…”

 

It’s the smell of coffee that woke her up. She winced as she stretched her limbs, deliciously and thoroughly fucked. She stayed in bed for a second, the idea that she had sex with Satoru Gojo of all people, finally catching up to her.

This would stay a secret, thought Utahime. None of their friends could know. Ignoring her tattered underwear, Utahime put on her dress and his shirt above, shivering at the chilly air, and went into the bathroom to freshen up. With a blush on her cheeks, she left his room softly, ready to indulge in a lavish breakfast with her lover for the night.

Only to freeze at the sight.

Fuck the secret, she realized as Kento Nanami, another of her former schoolmates, coughed into his coffee as he saw her. With an apologetic smile, Satoru gave her a cup of coffee before turning to Kento.

 

“I found her yesterday, sobbing in the street. You know me, Kento. I always help people. I just couldn’t let her go back home in that state.”

“Right…” eyed them Nanami, squinting.

“You two didn’t stay in touch, right?” continued Gojo. “Nanami’s son is the best friend of my kids.”

“I thought you were single,” snapped Utahime, choking on her coffee.

“I adopted them. Long story.”

“I’m gonna go. Nanami, good to see you. Hope you’re okay and everything. Congrats on the marriage and child and-“

“His mother left after his birth.”

 

Utahime sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Without a word, she put her cup of coffee on the kitchen island, nodded at both men, and left for the front door. She gasped as, her heels on, she felt two strong arms around her, the hug already too familiar.

 

“Satoru.”

“It was a good night, right?” he whispered, head buried in her neck.

“Yes. Thanks for the one-night stand. Please, keep it for yourself.”

 

Satoru spun her around, looking at her in the eyes, silent.

 

“One-night stand…”

“That’s what we said.”

“Right… I won’t tell a thing to Shoko, don’t worry. Goodbye.”

 

As the door closed, Utahime wondered why she felt this hollow and why a slight pain started to radiate inside her chest.

With a sigh, she left his building and caught the subway, ignoring the constant ringing of her phone.

 

 

 

Chapter Text

 

 

 

The last few days had been chilly, a cool wind ruffling their hair and forcing the t-shirts to be replaced by sweaters. This peculiar day, the sky was darkened by clouds, thunder striking from time to time, and a light rain coating the roads with a glistening sheen. “Fitting”, thought Utahime. Perfectly fitting for the weather to match her mood and act as the main character in the drama that was her life, as she stayed sprawled on her tiled bathroom floor, as Shoko extinguished her cigarette, whistling.

 

“I’m not an expert, but…”

“You’re literally a doctor,” groaned Utahime.

“Probably doesn’t take a genius, to be fair. One positive might be a fluke. Five, Utahime? Congratulations, Mother.”

 

Utahime groaned, shielding her face with her arms, feeling weirdly empty when all she wanted to do was cry. She sat down, hands on her thighs, the skin already sensitive after rubbing them for a long time as the positive tests stared back at her.

 

“So?”

“What?” asked Utahime, frowning.

“I don’t think you’re carrying Baby Jesus 2.0. So. Who is the lucky father?”

“No one. I’m not even sure if…”

“I’ll support you, whatever your choice. But maybe that’s something that you need to discuss with the guy that put his dick inside of you.”

“You’re not going to lecture me about protection and all?”

“You’re over thirty, Uta. I’m just curious about the guy, to be fair,” laughed Shoko. “You’re always the serious one. The guy who made you this stupid must be really special. Was the sex good?”

“Very,” blushed Utahime.

“Big cock?”

“Fuck yes…”

“Is he nice?” smiled Shoko.

“The evening was perfect.”

“Then, why don’t you date him?”

“It’s Satoru.”

“I don’t know any – No.”

“Shoko…”

“Utahime. I beg of you. Tell me that you know another Satoru.”

“It’s Gojo.”

“I’m going to drink the alcohol you have in your home. All of it. Then, I’m going to forget all this crazy shit.”

 

Utahime stayed on the tiled floor, counting her breaths, as Shoko rummaged through her apartment to gather all the alcohol she could find. One hand on her stomach, she wondered how a whole baby could fit into her. Gojo’s bean pole of a child. She didn’t know if she should laugh at the situation or bawl her eyes out. Her last memories of Satoru had been confused. The music had been too loud, and they were all drunk. Geto drove her home, and that had been it. Until the night of their sex marathon.

 

“I can be your practitioner if you want. No pressure.”

“Can I see it?”

 

Shoko sighed and nodded, telling Utahime to drive. Once in the hospital, she stayed behind her best friend, who talked her way out of a consultation room. And despite her drunkenness, an hour later, both women looked down at the ultrasound.

 

“Am I already a bad mom?” groaned Utahime. “I can’t see shit.”

“It’s tiny, don’t worry. God, your DNA is mixed with Gojo’s. What are you going to do?”

“Tell Gojo?”

“I mean… You’re keeping it?” asked Shoko. “As your doctor, I have to tell you every option possible for you.”

 

Utahime looked down at her lap and wondered if she had the means and resources to raise a child happily. Her father had raised her alone, sometimes struggling, and that had left a mark on her, she thought. What if she weren’t able to meet their needs and expectations? But Utahime felt ready. She had never thought of children or raising them beyond her job as a teacher, yet upon hearing the news, she felt an odd sense of happiness and contentment, as if she had never dared to dream of her desires, but now that this was happening, her mind was relieved. The only stress source was breaking the news to Gojo, she realized.

 

“Yes. Even if I have to do this alone, I want to have this child. I know I can do it.”

“You have to tell the father now…”

“That’s kind of a funny thing,” laughed awkwardly Utahime. “I don’t have his number.”

 

She cringed as Shoko sighed, her fingers massaging her temples. Later that night, ready to go to bed, Utahime grabbed her phone and quickly texted Gojo, asking for a meeting. She groaned at the formality of the text before sending a smiling emoji and throwing her phone away. She remembered Shoko’s shock, and the slight anger as she did shot after shot, and her uneasiness when she did the ultrasound. Sitting up in her bed, Utahime realized that Shoko had been in contact with Gojo for years, but had said nothing to her, keeping him for herself.

Her mind going wild, she hugged her knees, the thoughts gathering up into one single explanation.

 

Shoko and Gojo were dating.

 

Utahime was a homewrecker.

 

Jumping out of bed, in her shorts and cami, she grabbed her jacket, shoes, and ran out to grab a taxi. Giving the address to the driver, Utahime ignored the pings of her phone, signaling the texts. She felt stupid as tears started to sting her eyes, feeling even more horrible with each second. Maybe that was why Shoko had suggested considering all options, and Utahime felt dirty, unable to hate the child inside her womb. The driver said nothing as she came out of the car, fully crying, and went inside the building, remembering the doomed night she had spent there.

Closing her eyes in front of his door, she took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A sob escaped her lips as she heard the door open and blurted out the question running wild in her mind.

 

“Gojo! I think this is for you…”

 

Utahime opened her eyes and looked at the teenage girl at the door. Her hair was half-braided, makeup fully applied, while wearing pink pajamas. Gojo appeared behind her, glasses on his nose and hair tied in tiny palm trees, wearing Hello Kitty pajamas. Utahime sniffled and apologized, ready to leave, when he stopped her, holding her wrist.

 

“Tsumiki, get me a glass of water, please… Hime, come inside.”

 

Utahime followed him silently and felt like sobbing again when she saw another teenage girl in the living room, nail polish in her hands, frowning.

 

“What did you do to that poor girl?” yelled the teenager, pointing a finger at Gojo.

“Nobara, not now. Sorry, Hime, they’re having a sleepover and their idea of fun is doing my hair and nails. Thanks, Tsumiki. Drink, Hime.”

“No, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come, and I feel terrible, and I’m just a disturbance and I ruin everything, and I crashed your family time…” she stopped breathless and looked at him, before bursting into tears. “You’re such a good dad, I’m so sorry…”

“Are you pregnant? Oh my God, are you Utahime, Gojo’s –”

“Nobara.”

 

Gojo gave her a warning look before leading Utahime to his bedroom, locking the door behind them. Sitting down, he sat her astride and pushed away her hair, wiping some tears. Shivering, Utahime sniffled and looked down, looking at her stomach.

 

“Are you dating Shoko?”

“No. She’s my best friend,” he replied softly, cupping her cheek.

“Is she in love with you?”

“She still loves Suguru.”

“Sorry for all of that. I’ll leave.”

“Why were you this upset, Hime?”

 

She squirmed a bit, but his hands moved to her hips, holding her tight.

 

“I don’t know… Hormones, probably. I thought about it, and I spiraled…” she whispered, eyes still down.

 

She gasped as his right hand moved to her flat stomach; his fingers calloused against the flimsy silk. His hand covered her entirely, as his eyes stayed fixed there. When he looked back at her, he seemed dazed, lost, before he leaned forward and kissed her.

Her body sagged in relief as she opened her mouth to his tongue, her skin on fire. His embrace felt like what she needed at this moment, the smell of his skin intoxicating as she tore her lips from the kiss and licked his neck, in need to consume him. Taking off her jacket, she slid closer to him, grinding down his hardening cock. “No bra…” he whispered, pinching a peeking nipple, as she bit down on his shoulder, the pleasure maddening.

She came with a sigh as his cum felt warm on her stomach.

 

“You ruined your Hello Kitty pants…” she whispered, still marking his skin with tiny sucks.

“You too…” he replied, holding her tight against him, falling backwards on the bed.

“Satoru…”

“Sleep, Utahime. We’ll talk in the morning.”

 

She didn’t hear anything else, sleep claiming her.

But the smell of bacon woke her up, as she ran off bed to the bathroom, violently vomiting. After a while, she realized that two cool hands were holding her back, a thumb drawing circles on her nape, trying to soothe her. Wiping her face with the wet rag, she sat on the tiled floor before sliding down, resting on it.

 

“Is it mine?”

 

She nodded, looking up at him.

 

“Fuck… We need to get married, right?”

“No!” exclaimed Utahime, before wincing. “No… I’m not forcing it on you. But I’m keeping it. If you don’t want any part in it, it’s okay.”

“Utahime. I want it.”

“Cool… We need to figure out the co-parenting stuff, but I’m feeling disgusting right now…”

 

She ignored how his smile froze, and a frown appeared on his brow. She stood up slowly and rinsed her mouth, grabbing some of his toothpaste. Wordlessly, he opened a cabinet and gave her a new toothbrush, still silent as she brushed her teeth, trying to erase the taste of bile.

 

“If you want to date someone, it’s cool. It’s not like this,” she said, pointing the toothbrush at her stomach. “I mean, it’s not going to be a nuisance, I promise. I’m totally fine with you dating other women. Or men. Or whatever. Totally chill.”

“Hime, I want to be part of it. My parents were shitty, and I don’t want to be the same. When’s the next ultrasound?”

“In three weeks. Shoko’s my obgyn.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?” scoffed Utahime, now freshened up.

“I don’t know what she implied or what she let you believe. But I don’t want her to be your doctor when she made you this upset. That’s dangerous for the baby.”

“Gojo, it’s my fault, not hers, I just…”

“Satoru. Please, call me Satoru. At least, hear me out on this, Hime. Just think about it. Please.”

 

She nodded and kept looking at him as he left her alone, yelling at the people in the kitchen to keep the bacon away because “Hime has an upset stomach, kids!”. With a sigh, she went to his bedroom and took the clothes he had left for her and dressed before joining them in the kitchen. She felt out of place as four teenagers looked at her, then at Gojo, then at her.

 

“Can I be an aunt?” asked the girl, Nobara.

“You’re not even family,” replied a dark-haired boy, Megumi. “I threw away the bacon and made you some rice, Iori-sensei.”

“Oh my God, you’re a teacher at our school!” smiled the other teenager. “I knew I heard your name before! You’re Todo’s teacher!”

 

Nobara smirked as she looked at Gojo.

 

“You’re not ready for what’s coming for you, big boy. Her students are feral.”

 

Utahime flushed and started to eat her rice without a word. A hand took hers, and she looked up, ready to cry at the soft smile on Tsumiki’s face.

 

“We’re all happy for you, Utahime-sensei. I can’t wait to see the baby.”

 

Still silent, Utahime stood up and grabbed her bag, rummaging through it. Then she came back and gave the ultrasound to the teenager, who gasped and cooed.

 

“I can’t believe you’re going to be a dad,” sighed Megumi.

“I’m already your dad, Gumi.”

“Sure, old man…”

“Utahime-sensei, can you point at it? I can’t see shit,” said Yuji, looking at the picture closely.

“I can’t see it too…” mumbled Utahime, before bursting into tears.

 

 

 

Chapter Text

 

 

 

“Utahime-sensei, we brought you your favorite!”

 

The smell of cinnamon reached Utahime’s nose, nausea rising. Pushing her students away, she ran to the closest toilets and emptied her stomach, her knees wobbling on the floor. The nausea had been getting worse for her, more and more food triggering a violent reaction in her body. And now, she craved sweets all the time, which she heavily blamed on Satoru’s genes. Splashing cold water on her face, Utahime rested her forehead on the cold porcelain of the sink and waited for her heart to settle.

In the meantime, all her students had gathered, looking worried. Never had she refused her favorite drink, even when sick, claiming that cinnamon soothed her. Nobara joined them, handing them ginger candies with a triumphant smile.

 

“She’s pregnant,” she announced, hands on her hips. “I know it.”

“Who dared to do this?” asked Todo, cracking his knuckles.

“Utahime-sensei is not stupid. The guy tricked her for sure,” added Momo, looking worried. “We need to save her!”

“And who is the father?” commented Mai, looking bored and ready to fight.

“Who’s the father of whom?”

“Maki, Yuta. You’re not welcome here, sister.”

“Shut up,” sighed Maki, Yuta kissing her hand. “Who are we fighting?”

“Utahime-sensei’s baby daddy.”

“She’s not even dating someone,” frowned Yuta. “What do you mean she’s pregnant?”

“Who is the bastard who did this to her?” Miwa piped in, ready to type his name on the internet.

“Fushiguro will give you the answer,” smiled Nobara proudly, leaving, skipping away.

 

Satoru couldn’t exactly explain it, but he was sure he was being followed on campus. He knew the idea sounded insane, and he didn’t talk about it to anyone, but he could feel it. He knew that the blue-haired student didn’t go to the university, yet he had seen her in his vicinity all day long. Then, there was a mountain of muscles he had never seen before, and Satoru had spent way too much time on campus to recognize some faces.

As he left to join Utahime for her ultrasound, Satoru was sure that the young girl, who looked ready to fly off on a broom, didn’t attend the university. “Stay away from her,” she had yelled at him before running away, leaving him bewildered. Pushing the incident aside, he ran to the hospital, already a little late. “Good start, Satoru…” he punished himself as he entered the waiting room.

 

“I was so scared you wouldn’t come…” whispered Utahime, taking her bag from the seat she had kept for him.

“I wouldn’t miss that, come on, Hime. How are you feeling?”

“Stressed. What if something is wrong? Miscarriages are common in the first trimester, did you know? I’m following a lot of advice I saw on the internet to stay healthy, but – What?”

“I missed the crease between your eyebrows when you worry. So, fucking cute…”

“Shut up,” sighed Utahime, rubbing her flat stomach. “I miss when I didn’t puke all day long. Really took being fine for granted.”

“I made you organic ginger juice, by the way. I’ll drop it off later, okay? Oh, Hime… Don’t cry, love…”

“That’s such a sweet thing to do! I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Fluids just love to leave my body.”

“Hime… Sorry to bother you with that, but… Did you tell your students you were pregnant?”

“No… But I cry and puke all the time, so… Why?” she asked, looking worried.

“I think your students are following me at work. Blue hair? Mountain of muscles? Witchy vibes?”

“Oh, God… I’m so sorry, Satoru! I don’t know how they know about you!”

 

Satoru said nothing, soothing the lines of worry with his thumb, before cupping her cheek tenderly. Desire pooled in his stomach as she nuzzled his hand like a cat, breathing in deeply, eyes closed. He slowly leaned in, ready to brush his lips against hers, when someone cleared their throat loudly, making the young parents jump.

 

“Come in, Uta.”

 

Gojo sighed, ready to face the beast, following Utahime inside the room.

 

“She needs to be naked for the exam. Can you leave?” asked Shoko, not looking at him.

“I want him to stay,” said Utahime, already opening her pants. “He has seen it all, already.”

“Actually, Hime, I need to talk to Shoko for a minute. Can we both go outside?”

“I’ll be back in a few,” said Shoko reassuringly to a puzzled Utahime, as Satoru smiled at her. “Okay, can I know why you’re mad at me? I thought we were best friends!”

“Why her? You could have any girl you wanted, but you had to fucking get her pregnant.”

“You sound like a psycho, Sho. That’s why she fucking came crying to me. What the fuck is it supposed to mean, why her?” said Satoru, trying to keep his voice low.

“You don’t deserve to be a dad. Suguru was the one supposed to be.”

“Sure, Suguru Dad of the year when he got high as a kite and crashed his car, hurting Hime. Suguru, father of the fucking century, when he slipped some shit in my drink, and I had to have open heart surgery. I miss him too, Shoko. But turning him into a saint won’t stop the pain he inflicted on all of us.”

“Fuck you, Gojo,” spat Shoko, ready to leave.

“Since when do you have this anger against me? Is it why you kept her away from me?”

“You’re my last bond to him. But as always, you ruined everything and took Utahime from me as well.”

“I didn’t take anything. I sure didn’t tell Suguru to take drugs. And it takes two to make a kid.”

 

Ignoring her anger, he returned to the room, where a worried Utahime was sitting on the exam table, her socked feet dangling. Grabbing her hand and kissing it, he smiled at her, trying to calm his anger when he was about to see their child. Shoko came back and said nothing, putting on gloves as Utahime settled on her back, legs spread. She winced as Shoko started the examination, her fingers tight around his hand.

 

“Everything’s okay down there. Let’s move to the ultrasound.”

 

Satoru kept his eyes on the photo in his fingers, the little bundle slightly bigger. Unlike Utahime, his eyes zeroed in on it directly, his heart wildly beating at the sight of his child. He kept his eyes on it, his thumb stroking the ultrasound as Utahime dressed back up, wiping away the gel from her stomach.

 

“Satoru and I agreed that it’d be better if I had another doctor.”

 

The room went still as all eyes converged on Utahime.

 

“I heard your conversation. I love both of you, but I’m thinking about my child, and I don’t want negative energies around them. I’m sorry you feel that way, Shoko, but I don’t feel comfortable with your hatred for Satoru. I understand it, but I don’t agree with it. I’m still up for outings and girls’ nights. But I’ll feel better with someone who doesn’t harbor negative feelings for the father of this baby…”

“I’ll pass your file to a colleague, then. Take care of her,” she added, looking at Satoru. “She has low iron.”

“I’m not cutting ties with you,” sighed Utahime, tears in her eyes. “You’re my best friend and my baby’s auntie. I want you to be part of our lives!”

“We wanted children, Uta. Sorry to be selfish, but you or Gojo never said that you wanted kids, and all of a sudden, Suguru is gone, and you two are expecting. I’ll get through it. I just need time,” tiredly sighed Shoko.

“Call me?” asked, hopefully, Utahime.

“Promise.”

 

Gojo let Utahime grab his hand as they left the clinic in silence. He let himself wander around, led by her, hearing her sniffles from time to time. Unable to resist anymore, he tugged her behind and hugged her as she crashed into him. Both ignored the pointed look of strangers as she cried in his arms in the middle of Shibuya. After a while, he took her back to his place, where she fell asleep on the couch, exhausted, and her eyes puffy. After helping Tsumiki with her homework, he took his laptop and started to look at houses, Megumi giving his opinion about every choice.

 

“I feel a bit left out, you know, because you didn’t buy a house when you adopted me,” sighed Megumi, scrolling through the picture of a house on the outskirts of Tokyo.

“I bought this flat, Gumi. A week before I adopted you.”

“You have your favorites, clearly…”

 

Tsumiki hit the back of her brother’s head before sitting on the other side of Satoru.

 

“You should ask Utahime, no? I think she’ll be more sensible when it comes to choosing a home.”

“Are you sure?” asked Satoru, frowning. “I don’t think she’ll agree to live with me…”

“She didn’t say that, idiot. God, how did you manage to date a girl?” groaned Megumi, leaving for his bedroom.

 

An hour later, dinner was done, and all of them were seated at the table, after Tsumiki pleaded with Utahime to stay for the evening. Satoru kept smiling as they all ate together, talking about their day and showing the new ultrasound of the baby. As Utahime’s laugh echoed through the room, he wondered if all of this meant true happiness. His children, the woman he cared about, and good food on the table. Only Yuta was missing, spending most of his time at Maki’s.

As the kids went to bed, both of the adults did the dishes in comfortable silence, standing side by side. The citrusy scent of her shampoo shrouded them in a nice smell, making him crave more. “Don’t be a weirdo…” he thought, already thinking about licking her skin to find the same citrusy taste.

 

“You should move in with me.”

“Yeah, right,” laughed Utahime.

“I’m being serious. I’ve been looking for houses, and I think that the best thing for our child is to be under the same roof.”

“And I’m being serious, Satoru,” snapped Utahime. “I like my place and I like being independent. That’s my child, and I don’t see why I should change my ways to please you!”

“That’s my child, too! You don’t get to make all the decisions, Utahime! I told you I want to raise this kid.”

“Don’t make it harder, Satoru.”

“You don’t get to be selfish with this.”

“You’re the one to talk after you fucking left me when we were teenagers.”

“Yeah, sure, Utahime. Let’s add that to the list. Why don’t you go to your best friend, Shoko, and do some Voodoo shit to make me pay? Or better yet, ask your fucking students since they seem to hate me too.”

“Satoru, I don’t feel great…”

“I’m fucking tired of this, Utahime,” kept going Satoru. “I’m not stepping aside in my child’s life. I’m so fucking happy to be welcoming them, and I won’t stay silent if you decide to push me away! Hime!”

 

Satoru felt panic overwhelm him as Utahime fainted, knocking her head against the counter, a halo of blood on the floor.

 

 

 

Chapter Text

 

 

 

Satoru hissed as Utahime applied ice to his bruise, his cheekbone beating as one with his heart. Her soft fingers felt good on his skin as she stroked his cheek, checking the bone. His hands came up to her hips, holding her between his open legs, the slight bulge of her stomach hidden by her shirt.

 

“I’m sorry they did that…”

“It was an elaborate plan; you have to give them that. They really care about you.”

“Satoru. They shouldn’t have done that,” she sighed, slapping his shoulder.

“Their teacher got hurt, and I couldn’t protect her. They had every right…”

“We’re fine,” she whispered, her hands on his shoulders, as he cupped her belly. “I told them I’d move in with you and the kids. So, they already asked Tsumiki and Megumi to keep an eye on you.”

“Good kids… I know you hate it, but let me help you at least until the baby sleeps through the night. Then, we’ll go back to co-parenting.”

“I need to pay rent, I don’t think I’ll feel comfortable living with you for free.”

“I bought the house,” sighed Gojo. “And you’re busy making a human being right now. Please, let me take care of you.”

“I feel like I’m a burden…” whispered Utahime, leaning her head against his shoulder and breathing him in.

“You’re not. I don’t think you can actually imagine what I want to do to you… That sounded so sexual.”

“It did,” she smiled. “When are you leaving?”

“Tonight. I can cancel if you want.”

“No! I’m just sad that I won’t see you in your little suit doing your big lecture.”

“I’ll do it for you when I come back,” laughed Satoru, hugging her.

 

He didn’t know if her fall had made them more mellow, but it had been weeks, and both of them had never been this close. The hugs happened a lot, especially at night, when Utahime would join him in bed, half-asleep, mumbling about bad dreams. The erections that followed the next morning were quickly taken care of; his abused cock was tired of the attention. The lingering touches were also lingering a bit too long and messing with him, and Satoru tried not to think too much about it, knowing that Utahime was in another phase of her pregnancy, judging by the whimpers and soft moans coming from her room at night.

Her breasts were crushed against his chest, her nipples rubbing through the tee-shirt, a sigh escaping her lips, as she slightly moved against him. He knew how her nipples were sensitive, remembering how she had gushed on his hand, just from his teeth biting them. Right now, with her hormones raging, it would surely be worse. His hands crept up to her ribs before cupping her breasts, making her moan loudly.

Pushing him to the kitchen floor, Utahime straddled him, taking off her shirt. At the sight of her breasts and her belly, he growled, realizing again that it was he who did that to her. He had cum so deep inside of her, so many times that his seed had taken root in her, her swelling stomach the visible mark that she was his; that he was the one who did that to her. Sitting up, he grabbed a nipple in his mouth, sucking on it, wondering if she’d allow him to drink her milk when the time would come.

Her face was scrunched up in concentration as she dry humped him, chasing her orgasm as he kept biting and sucking on her heavy breasts. A soft mew came out as she came, her hips stuttering before coming to a halt, her breathing labored. Maybe that was the beginning of something. And the dream shattered as Utahime’s spine straightened up, tension rolling off her.

 

“I’m so sorry, Satoru! Oh God, I’m so sorry!”

 

Utahime grabbed her top and wiggled down on him, Satoru groaning as she brushed his cock. With a sigh, he helped her stand up and looked at her as she left the kitchen, face flushed. The door to her room locked, and he groaned, holding his head in his hands.

 

“Are you an animal?”

“Fuck, Kento. When did you come in?”

“Two seconds ago. The kids are coming soon, maybe try to take care of this.”

“I need advice, Nanamin.”

“I’m not talking to you with your penis like that.”

 

Satoru groaned and went to his room, quickly tugging at his cock, the weight of her breasts still lingering like a ghost on his tongue. He came groaning her name loudly, hoping she’d hear him. But clearly, Nanami had heard him too, judging by his disgusted look.

 

“You’re crass.”

“Kento, I need help. She’s full of hormones and horny, and I can hear her at night, and right now she got off on me and ran to her room.”

“Lower your voice, you idiot. Does she know that you’re interested in her?”

“That’s more than interest, Nanamin. Don’t downplay my feelings. And I think she knows she makes me hard.”

“Wow. You really are an idiot.”

“Why don’t you have sex with her?” asked Satoru, frowning. “She needs help to scratch whatever itch she feels. I know you can take care of her. I mean, you did it with the evil woman.”

“Mei was not made for motherhood from the start. We both knew it. And I won’t have sex with Utahime,” sighed Kento, cleaning his glasses.

“Hey, she’s a hot piece, okay?”

“I know she’s a beautiful woman, Gojo.”

“Don’t ogle her too much.”

“I’m not going to have sex with her because you’re a sort of friend –”

“Best friend.”

“And I respect Utahime. I don’t think I can muddle our tea dates with sex.”

 

Satoru sighed and flopped down on his couch. The conversation was over now that he could hear the teenagers talking loudly in the corridor before joining Nanami in the kitchen. Waving at them, he went back to his room and started to pack his suitcase, checking on his airplane ticket, before going to Utahime’s room. He knocked once, and his shoulders sagged with relief when he heard the lock open. Her eyes were heavy with tears and red because of the ones already shed.

 

“Utahime, love…”

“I’m sorry, I abused you. I shouldn’t have done that, and if you want to report me to the police, I’ll come with you. I’ll leave tonight, don’t worry. I understand you don’t want someone like me around Tsumiki and Megumi.”

“Utahime. You’re still weak as shit. I could overpower you any day. You didn’t do anything I wasn’t okay with. Fuck, you could have ridden me in the middle of the kitchen, I wouldn’t have minded.”

“We eat in the kitchen!” cried out Megumi, making Utahime snort.

“You don’t hate me?” she sniffled, looking down.

“I had to fucking masturbate, Hime…”

“It would never happen again. I’m sorry, Satoru. This is just biology, right? That was a biological reaction. It can’t happen again.”

 

He nodded as she opened the door a bit wider and held out her hand. Heartbreaking, he forced out a smile and shook her hand, gauging her reaction.

 

“I’m leaving in ten. Have a nice week, Hime. Oh, and you have snot all over your cheeks, baby.”

 

A few days later, Megumi stayed in the waiting room, tapping his foot erratically as he waited for Utahime to be finished. He had promised to accompany her since Gojo wasn’t around for the week, but the doctor had told him to wait outside, as the two women needed privacy. Megumi wondered if Gojo was allowed to go with her usually, since he had seen her naked at least once, and if Utahime actually let him.

Megumi didn’t know how to feel about everything. One day, Utahime was the solitary teacher in his school, proper and shy, even if she could turn mean to protect her students. And the day after, she was wearing his tutor’s clothes, announcing their pregnancy, while definitely not being together. For a long time, he had been him and Tsumiki. Then Tsumiki, Gojo, and him. But now? Megumi no longer knew where he stood in their weird family.

Would Gojo abandon them now that he had his own child?

He jumped a bit when the door opened, the doctor waving at him. Feeling out of place, he came into the room and stood awkwardly, as Utahime was lying on the table, her lower body covered with a sheet. She gestured at him to get closer and to look at the screen.

 

“Look, Megumi. That’s your sibling,” smiled the doctor, showing him the baby, not a bit more grown.

“I don’t want to know the sex, sorry,” laughed Utahime. “But I know you’ll be a good big brother.”

 

Megumi looked at Utahime, her eyes shining with pride, as she looked at him, then the screen. She had no desire to make him leave. He was included in her family. The steady sound of a beating heart echoed in the room, making him gasp. He leaned towards the screen before watching her bump, realizing that a human being was growing inside of her. And their heart were beating loudly, showing how strong it was. He clasped Utahime’s hand as she took his softly, before wiping his tears with her other.

 

“Can I have a picture too?” asked Megumi, sniffling.

 

Megumi kept looking at the picture, wondering how something this small could be this devastating. Utahime had given him some privacy by staying silent, as he cried softly. He felt so much love for this little being, without being related to them. His heart could explode with love. But sorrow and sadness crept up as he wondered how his parents left Tsumiki and him when he was ready to go to war for the little bean growing inside Utahime.

Gojo had told him the truth. That his mother had died during childbirth, and then Toji was so depressed that even falling in love with someone else, Tsumiki’s mother, hadn’t been able to save him. His adoptive father had made a point to take them to their parents’ graves to pay respects, but at some point, both Tsumiki and he didn’t want to go anymore. Gojo had respected their choice even if he had a lot to say about it.

 

“Can I come in?”

“Sure,” replied Megumi, sticking the ultrasound to his wall.

“Wow, you glued it next to that weird robot. I guess it means a lot because you really love this stuff,” she smiled, pointing at the figurines all over the room.

“Weird robot? You called EVA-01 a weird robot.”

“Is it not?”

“Utahime. Have you ever watched Evangelion?”

“Nope…”

“Do you want to watch it? Gojo bought the DVDs for me…”

“Sure!” replied Utahime. “I’m going to make snacks while you put it on!”

 

Gojo came back a few days later to a sleeping house. In silence, he went to put his things in his office, only to be frightened by a sleepy Megumi on his chair. A letter was crumpled in his hand as he snored softly, saliva running down his chin. Taking the letter, Satoru flattened it on his desk and read it, emotions bubbling inside of him.

 

“I, Iori Utahime, promise to Fushiguro Megumi to call my unborn child, Shinji, if it’s a boy, or Misato, if it’s a girl. And I swear that I will not die in childbirth.”

 

And at the bottom, both of them had signed the paper in an effort to make it official. Satoru, grabbing a pen, signed it as well before putting it back into Megumi’s hand and carrying him back to his bed.

 

 

 

Chapter Text

 

 

 

“What are you doing in my son’s house? The latest stray he brought back home?”

“Good morning to you, too,” replied Utahime, her hands on her hips. “Satoru’s not here.”

“Satoru? Oh, I see. You’re his flavor of the month, and you got lucky,” replied the older woman, unmistakably Satoru’s mother. “How much do you want to get rid of it?”

“I’m five months pregnant. That’s kind of too late.”

“Nothing is impossible when you’ve got money. What’s your price?”

“I’m sorry, but you need to go. Satoru will call you; I suppose.”

“He always likes his whore with a mouth on them,” she laughed, as Utahime frowned, feeling like jealousy could burn through her.

“Utahime? Who’s at the door? Oh…”

 

Megumi bowed quickly and left the room as fast as possible, going back upstairs.

 

“Utahime? You’re that Iori girl? I never thought you’d be whoring yourself for him. Guess a girl like you had never been above prostitution.”

“She called her a whore!” yelled Megumi on the stairs, talking to someone on the phone. “I’m going to fight her.”

“You’re upsetting the children. Satoru will call you if he wants to. But you need to leave now, or I’m calling the police,” sighed Utahime, rubbing her forehead tiredly.

“What does your mother think? A whore daughter pregnant to trap my son.”

“Fuck off,” spat Utahime, slamming the door shut.

 

Nanami arrived first, carrying a grocery bag. After sending Yuji upstairs, he went to the kitchen and started cooking. He could hear Utahime work in the nursery, grunts of effort echoing in the empty hallway. Putting the final touches on the plate, he cleaned his hands and then joined her, where she was trying to build a cot. Sitting on the floor, her naked legs kicked in front of her, bits of wood in between, her stomach rounder than before, she was reading the guide, wondering how to even build it.

Smiling, Nanami sat next to her, taking the screwdriver and giving her the plate. She sighed with pleasure and moved to the wall, leaning against it, munching on the food. Nanami didn’t feel the need to ask any questions about the situation. He knew Gojo’s mother was terrible, and he knew how Utahime felt about the pregnancy.

Five months in, and nobody but their little microcosm knew about the baby growing inside her. He knew how proud she was, how her parents would support her through everything, yet how conservative they were. She had talked about it for hours during their tea times. Going from an independent teacher, holding her own, to a needy, out-of-wedlock pregnant woman was too much to tell them.

Kento tried to imagine her parents’ reaction. Prim, proper Utahime, suddenly announcing her pregnancy with man-child Gojo, because of sheer stupidity during a one-night stand. Yet, he hated how she blamed herself and how scared she was of their reaction. A pregnancy was already hard, so having emotional pain would be too much for anyone. He also hated how she soured some parts of her pregnancy, parts he would have loved to explore with Mei.

Yes, his relationship with Mei Mei had always been one for the books, too much desire and too much independence. He had fallen in love, stupidly, and she didn’t. Even when she announced her pregnancy, the night had ended in a fight, as usual. And a text, two weeks later, to tell him that the abortion had failed, and the parasite was still there. Mei had hated being pregnant and felt even more hatred for him and their unborn child.

He'd read countless books. Mei was supposed to feel an emotional bond with the child, something to do with hormones. But no, just hatred. Then, she had left. And Yuji had appeared on his doorstep with a letter, and that was it. He had missed everything; she had taken from him all the small moments. And it pained him to see Utahime go through so much pain and precious moments, torn between fear and happiness.

 

“Oh… Come!”

 

Kento dropped the screwdriver, worried, and knelt next to Utahime, checking her. But a big smile was illuminating her face. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her round stomach, and Nanami gasped.

A kick.

And another one.

 

“It’s the first time… It’s not that strong usually...” teared up Utahime, holding his hand.

“I’m the first one feeling them?”

“Yes…” whispered Utahime, wiping away the tears on his face.

“Sorry… I didn’t get to experience all of that with Yuji…” he whispered back, settling next to her, his hand still prodding, a gasp leaving his lips every time the baby kicked.

“Thanks for everything, Kento…”

 

He didn’t know how they started the kiss. One second, he was marveling at the feeling of being kicked, and the next their tears mixed on their lips as she kissed him, hums leaving her mouth. Her hands felt soft on his cheek and neck, and she deepened the kiss, licking his tongue like a cat. He could still feel the baby kicking, as he wondered when his last kiss was. Too long ago, he realized, maybe he was rusty and that would explain why the kiss was so weird for both of them.

 

“Felt like kissing my brother.”

“Yeah… That was weird.”

“I think I like Satoru,” sighed Utahime, rubbing her stomach.

“No shit,” laughed Kento. “Do you always kiss other men to realize your feelings for Gojo?”

“It was on the spur of the moment,” she blushed. “Satoru is never around, and I can’t share anything with him…”

“You two need to figure out your shit… Do you want me to finish the cot?”

“Please…”

Exhaustion couldn’t even cover the feeling Utahime felt. She stood up with Kento’s help and went to sleep, apologizing for leaving him alone. But as soon as she closed her eyes, ready to fall asleep, her phone rang. Eyes closed, she tapped on it until her mother’s voice filled the space.

Kento frowned as he heard her come as fast as possible to the nursery. Eyes already full of tears and voice trembling, she told him that her parents had met Gojo’s mother, and they were coming to have dinner.

Tonight.

When her parents arrived that night, Utahime wondered if this was the worst possible moment. Wearing black overalls and one of his pale blue shirts, she kept calling Satoru as Tsumiki ordered food, and Megumi quickly cleaned the house. On the verge of tears, she called him again and again, but no answer.

 

“He was here earlier. Why did he leave?” asked Megumi, a broom in his hand.

“What? I didn’t see him.”

“I saw his car, he came in, then left again,” shrugged Megumi, going back to his task.

 

As if summoned, Satoru came back home, his usual smile gone. Utahime could see the tension coursing through him and assumed that he had seen his mother. Yet, when he shrugged her hand off, she felt ready to cry like a toddler, in need of comfort. Even more, as the doorbell rang.

She expected a lot of things. Anger, pain, disappointment. Screams maybe. But what she didn’t expect was her parents holding a massive teddy bear and balloons, cooing at her belly as if she didn’t exist.

Kento had been right.

Her parents were too busy celebrating being grandparents that they didn’t even notice her. And that meant that it included Tsumiki and Megumi, who glowed under the ministrations of her mother.

 

“Are you going to adopt them when the two of you get married?” asked her father, beaming, during dinner. “I can’t believe I gained three grandchildren in a day.”

“We’re not going to marry,” replied Satoru with a smile, ice dripping from his words. “We’re not even dating.”

 

Megumi stopped eating and looked at Gojo, ready to murder him. But the older man didn’t notice him, his eyes on the very red Utahime.

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever marry her.”

“Satoru.”

“Is the baby mine, even? I never really asked, but hey, a man can wonder, right?”

“You'd better watch your words, son.”

“Is it really mine, Utahime?” Satoru asked, still looking at her. “Or did you let other men do what we did? I wonder… Maybe you did want to trap me. I mean, look at me, so blinded by you that I bought you a fucking house.”

 

Satoru stayed on the floor as her father punched him, Megumi already gone, following Utahime. He stayed on the floor, looking at them as they grabbed Utahime’s bags, pushing her out of the house, Megumi leaving with them, his own bag on his back.

He felt like his heart had been ripped out when he heard her sob his name.

 

“Don’t believe that I’m staying because I agree with you. What you did, and in front of her parents? That was disgusting.”

“Why are you still here then, Tsumiki?” he laughed, tasting blood.

“Because I saw this look on Toji’s face. And I don’t want you to do something stupid because you’re too fucked up to even realize that she loves you more than anything.”