Chapter Text
They get seated in a private section of the restaurant, and Yuuta makes sure to take Toge’s bag and whatnot while they get comfortable. He’s getting good points so far for this since he is doing well, and Toge is so proud of him. He’s being attentive and sweet, making for the start of an ideal date.
Really, anyone would be lucky to date and marry someone like Yuuta. He’s so caring and attentive. Plus, he’s the head of a powerful clan, too. He’s the full package if Toge truly thinks about it. He’ll make a great husband, Toge is sure of it.
The waitress comes over, brings them some tea, and takes their order. Yuuta is very polite to her, earning him even more points. She seems charmed by him.
“This place is really nice,” Yuuta admits, looking around once the waitress leaves and they’re gone again, left alone. “I read that their wagyu beef here is incredible; we’ll absolutely have to try it tonight.”
Toge nods in agreement, deciding to switch into full date mode. He bats his eyelashes, feeling them a little heavy since he’s wearing fake ones. “So, did you pick this place with me in mind, Okkotu-san?”
“No, I didn’t pick it, remember?” Yuuta points out, smiling shyly now as his hair frames his face, barely covering the scars on his forehead. “Also, Okkotsu-san, really, Inumaki-kun?” he teases.
Toge frowns. “No, Yuuta, we’re pretending,” he reminds the man, motioning toward his hair, makeup, and the restaurant around them. “This is a date, remember?”
Not good, negative points right there because of that. Yuuta was doing so well, too!
Yuuta’s eyes go wide, and he nods, understanding where he went wrong. “Oh, right!” He thinks for a moment before speaking again. “Let me start over, is that okay?”
Toge nods, giving him the go-ahead. He repeats his line from earlier and waits for Yuuta’s new response.
“Well, um, truthfully, I brought you here so you could experience the food, but for our next date, I’ll take you somewhere where they specialize in tuna, since that’s your favorite,” Yuuta confesses, smiling again.
Toge smiles back and decides to slide his hand across the table. He playfully pokes Yuuta’s hand with his pointer finger, trying to get a little flirty and raise the stakes. It’s better to over-prepare Yuuta for any kind of date. “Oh, you’re so bold, Okkotsu-san, already talking about a second date,” he pretends to be scandalized, making Yuuta nod and blush.
“Maybe I’m being too optimistic, but I really hope there is a second date with you,” Yuuta says, taking the chance to gently grab Toge’s hand. “You really do look lovely, tonight, well, you always look nice, of course, but tonight, you look exceptionally nice,” he admits, inspecting Toge’s nails. “These are so cute,” he compliments, smiling as his thumb gently touches Toge’s knuckles. “They suit you so well.”
Toge’s mouth goes a little dry, caught off guard by Yuuta remembering how much he likes tuna, and because of his gentle touch. Not to mention that Yuuta is already asking for a second date, so politely too! He gets more points just for that.
They can’t see Nobara, but they can feel her cursed energy around them, letting them know she’s nearby. She must be sitting just far enough away to remain out of sight. Of course, Yuuta must already know she’s here since he can sense everything under the sun, given his sorcerer status. He doesn’t seem too bothered by it, though, which is good.
She hasn’t messaged Toge, another good sign. It must mean that she thinks Yuuta is doing well so far, just like Toge said he would do. She really needs to have more faith in Yuuta.
The food arrives soon after, and Yuuta once again showcases his manners by helping Toge with it. Of course, Toge has learned to live with one arm, considering that it’s been years since he lost his other arm. Still, it’s nice having Yuuta help him out and spoil him a little.
“I just wanted to say, you two make a lovely couple,” the waitress confesses when she arrives to check on them after a while. She bows in apology for interrupting.
Yuuta offers her a polite smile. “Thank you,” he says, glancing at Toge. “This date is very special, so I’m happy to hear you say that.”
Toge blushes a little and nods at the waitress, sweeping his hair over his shoulder to get it out of the way. Really, he has no idea how people manage to live with such long hair.
“Since it’s special, would you like me to take your picture?” She offers, and Yuuta nods instantly, already handing her his phone.
They turn toward the camera and hand holds over the table while she snaps a few pictures of them. Toge hadn’t expected this, but he’s pleasantly surprised to know they’ll have something to remember tonight.
It’s been such a great night, after all, just spending time together and playing pretend. He’s never been on a real date before, so this is technically his first.
She excuses herself once she’s done, mumbling under her breath about how charming Yuuta is, which, of course, only serves to fluster Yuuta.
“She’s right,” Toge says, making Yuuta shake his head as he looks at the pictures on his phone. “You’re very charming.”
“I’m just treating you as you deserve, fake date or not,” Yuuta admits, turning his phone so he can show Toge the pictures. “I’ve always told you, Inumaki-kun, you’re special to me,” he reminds Toge with sincere words. “You were one of the first friends I made after I was brought to Tokyo, and I’ll never forget that. I’d been alone for so long before that I had forgotten how nice it was, having friends and people who weren’t afraid of me.”
“You say that like I wouldn’t have been your friend,” Toge mumbles, furrowing his eyebrows at the absurd thought. “Don’t be silly, Yuuta.”
Sure, things might’ve started out rough when Yuuta first arrived at school, but they changed very soon after. Everyone came around to accepting him, well, those who mattered. The higher-ups were a lost cause from the start, but at least Gojo-sensei saw the importance of Yuuta from the start.
Yuuta laughs softly. “I wasn’t the best version of myself when I first arrived in Tokyo,” he recalls, narrowing his eyes for a moment as he thinks back. Rika’s ring still hangs on the necklace around his neck, always hidden under his clothing. He hasn’t used it in years, but always keeps it closer by. “I don’t even know where I would’ve ended up if Gojo-sensei hadn’t found me and brought me to Tokyo. I would’ve never met Maki, Panda, or you,” he goes on. “I would’ve never become the person I am now, and just the thought of that scares me.”
“Well, I’m glad Gojo-sensei brought you to Tokyo,” Toge confesses, reaching over again to take Yuuta’s hand to offer him some support. “I can’t imagine life without you either.”
“You’re a good friend, Inumaki-kun,” Yuuta softly expresses, caressing Toge’s hand again. “Thank you again tonight for doing all of this and going on a date with me.”
“Of course,” Toge reassures him before grinning as he tries to ease the tension that’s fallen over him after the heavy conversation. “The date isn’t done just yet, is it, Okkotsu-san?”
Yuuta smiles and shakes his head. “No, you’re right, it’s not quite over,” he agrees. “We should get something sweet after walking around the botanical garden, don’t you agree? It’ll be the perfect way to wrap things up.”
Toge nods, never one to turn down a little treat. He really should eat healthier, but sadly, the sweets call to him. Besides, this is a special occasion; he’s on a date with Yuuta, and that calls for a small celebration, considering he never thought he’d find himself here.
They finish at the restaurant and head over to the botanical garden. Yuuta drives them since he recently got his license and started driving. His car is very nice, courtesy of the Gojo clan, and yet another reason as to why he’d be a popular choice for a husband. The Gojo clan provides him with so much financial security, and who wouldn’t want that?
Yuuta is a very safe driver, making sure to check his side mirrors before switching lanes. He lets Toge play whatever he wants in the car as well, content to listen to anything.
The garden is beautiful, but Toge isn’t surprised by that. He loves gardens and everything they entail. One of his best memories growing up at the Inumaki Estate was the vast garden. Flowers have never judged him for bearing the cursed markings on his face, and they never will.
He’s admiring a beautiful arc of flowers when he hears Yuuta taking pictures of him. He looks over his shoulder, giving Yuuta a teasing expression.
“Sorry!” Yuuta apologises, but he doesn’t seem very sorry because he takes another one. “You just look really nice standing in front of the flowers. I had to take a few pictures.”
Toge snorts and says nothing, looking back at the flowers. It’s been a fun date, and overall, he’s happy they did this, so Yuuta could get some practice in, and because he loves spending time with his best friend.
It’s once they’ve finished at the garden and made their way down to get ice cream that Nobara comes and finds them, finally revealing herself, even if she has been stalking them the entire time.
“That went great!” She expresses as she takes a seat next to Toge, making him scoot over on his side of the small booth. “Well, I knew it was going to go great, you two are practically joined at the hip, but still, happy to be proven right once again!”
Toge licks the ice cream off his lips, giving Nobara an exasperated expression. He barely notices Yuuta watching him from the corner of his eye from across the table.
“Of course, it went great,” Toge mumbles. “It’s Yuuta, after all.”
“Well, you would say that,” Nobara mumbles back, teasing him.
“Hey, Inumaki-kun, you missed a spot,” Yuuta points out, grabbing a napkin and reaching over to wipe the corner of Toge’s mouth. It’s not the first time he’s done such a thing, and Toge knows it certainly won’t be the last, considering how much time they spend together. “I got it.”
“Thank you,” Toge says, smiling over at him.
Really, Yuuta is so considerate. What a good friend.
Nobara just shakes her head as she looks between them. “You two are so ridiculous, you know that?”
“Ridiculous?” Yuuta repeats, a little confused. “I don’t think we’re ridiculous.”
“Ignore her,” Toge mumbles. “She’s delusional.”
Nobara rolls her eyes. “I would argue that I’m hardly the delusional one here, but go on,” she says. “Anyway, back to the date, that went well, Okkotsu, you did really well,” she praises him. “I’ll be honest, I was worried you were going to crash and burn, but you surprised me in the end. You really are a dark horse.”
“I told you he would do well,” Toge reminds her.
“Rich words coming from you,” Nobara huffs. “You think anything he does is good,” she reminds him, loud enough for Yuuta to hear this time.
Toge blushes a little even more so because Yuuta softly laughs at that.
“Do you really, Inumaki-kun?” Yuuta asks, eyes wide like a puppy with a soft smile on his face.
Toge’s blush turns darker and nods. “I think everything you do is pretty great,” he confesses, feeling Yuuta and Nobara stare right at him like he just shouted a vile word laced with cursed energy directed right at them. “You’re a prodigy, after all, it makes sense!” He tries to explain his reasoning, waving his remaining hand around as he keeps word vomiting.
Yuuta’s eyes are practically shining as he looks at Toge, as if he were just given the greatest gift in the entire universe, and Toge swears his heart almost gives out right then and there.
For some reason, Yuuta’s reaction has Toge struggling to remember how to function as his palm gets sweaty, and his knees get weak. Good thing he’s sitting down, or he’d truly be falling to his knees.
This is weird. Toge shouldn’t be so affected. He’s usually calm, cool, and collected, but right now, he’s the furthest thing from that.
He doesn’t even realize he’s been locking eyes with Yuuta for the past couple of seconds until Nobara gets his attention.
“Wow,” Nobara mumbles under her breath, reaching over to flick Toge’s thigh under the table. “You’re so obvious that it hurts me,” she whispers to him. “Then again, he’s as oblivious as they come, so maybe you’ll be fine in the end.”
“Well, I think you’re pretty great too,” Yuuta finally replies to Toge. Clearly, he didn’t hear anything Nobara just said, and Toge thanks his lucky stars for that. He is not obvious, and Yuuta is not oblivious; Nobara is just misinterpreting their friendship, that’s all. It has to be all…right? “Not just anyone could do the things you do and overcome what you have.”
Toge swallows and nods, letting Yuuta’s praise wash over him as his thoughts start to spiral.
Suddenly, remnants of the ice cream he just ate don’t taste as sweet anymore in his mouth.
Do I like Yuuta? Toge thinks to himself later that night, once he’s home and in bed.
The makeup and hair extensions have long since been removed, and now, the only reminder of his date with Yuuta is the pictures the waitress took of them. Yuuta didn’t spend the night, mostly because he was needed back at the Gojo estate, but Toge knows if that hadn’t been the case, Yuuta would’ve gladly stayed.
For some reason, Toge can’t stop thinking about the things Nobara has been saying and teasing him about when it comes to Yuuta tonight. It feels silly to overthink about her teasing this much, but he can’t help it.
His date with Yuuta went so well that Toge is still thinking about it hours later, reminiscing about them holding hands and walking side by side, so close that their bodies would bump against one another. In a silly way, he’s happy his first date ever was with Yuuta, even if he never plans to tell anyone about that.
He keeps swiping through the pictures Yuuta sent him of their date, zooming in on their smiles and intertwined hands. He can’t help but melt inside as he looks at them, wishing the night had never ended. Then again, he always feels like that whenever his time with Yuuta comes to an end, even if they’re always together.
It’s hard not to long for Yuuta, though. Toge missed him that year he was gone, and even after he returned following the events of Shibuya. Yuuta was busy all the time with the Gojo clan, and what little moments Toge could get with him, he treasured.
Yuuta reminds Toge of the stars in the sky, appearing to be so close but actually being so far away once you truly reach for them.
Toge decides to give in to the longing and opens his messages with Yuuta, smiling as he starts typing a reply to the latest message he received with the pictures. He’s gotten ridiculously good at typing with one hand.
Yuuta:
We look pretty cute together, you especially, Inumaki-kun! You really did look amazing tonight. Long hair really suits you.
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Toge:
you more than me!!!
your outfit made you look vvvv handsome!!!
you’re going to find a wife in no time, trust.
Toge frowns as he finishes typing that, suddenly not loving the thought of Yuuta getting married anymore. He’s being stupid; the whole point of tonight was to start the process of finding Yuuta a wife. He can’t start feeling like this now, not after all the work Yuuta has put into this.
Yuuta:
No way, it was you who looked incredible tonight. I wasn’t joking when I said you looked amazing. You’ll have to wear that outfit again, well, minus the shoes, maybe! I like you shorter, I think! It’s cute, but I did love the long hair and your painted nails.
Toge:
again????
okkotsu-san are you asking me on a second date already???
you’re so bold!!
Yuuta:
😆Guess I am! Hopefully, that’s not too presumptuous of me! I can’t help it, though. I had such a good time with you that I want to see you again already. If I hadn’t been called to the Gojo Estate, I probably would’ve followed you home to keep the date going.
Toge:
not at all lmao i was hoping you would ask esp if you’re paying, okkotsu-san!!!
Yuuta:
Of course, I will pay, Inumaki-kun! Also, I have some business at the school tomorrow, so I’ll be there in the late morning. Want to have lunch together?
Toge:
yes please!!!!!
come over to my apartment once you’re done.
ill be waiting for you
also you should cook since you know, that’s something a husband should know how to do.
Yuuta:
Of course, I’ll cook for you. It may not be perfect, but I’ll do my best. Any requests for my future wife?
Toge nearly drops his phone on his face, balking at that last message Yuuta just sent. There is no fucking way Yuuta just called Toge his future wife.
Nope.
Toge must’ve dropped the phone on his head, and he must be concussed, yeah, that seems like a more reasonable explanation for what is happening right now.
Ugh, he’s blushing so hard right now. His face is so warm, there is no way Yuuta meant to call him his wife, right? He must be going crazy.
It’s been years since he lost his arm, but perhaps he’s experiencing the effects of a dormant infection? He’ll need to ask Shoko about this first thing tomorrow morning.
He sits up and rereads the message, making sure he read that correctly, and sure enough, it still says wife.
Yuuta:
I’m kidding, Inumaki-kun, sorry if that made you uncomfortable, calling you my wife! I was trying to tease you since I thought we were switching into “dating” mode. I am so sorry!
Inumaki-kun? Are you still awake? I know it’s late.
Toge:
no no don’t be sorry its ok!!!!
you were right to tease its good to tease a date HAHA it helps make the other person comfortable
see you tomorrow okkotsu-san, make sure to bring fresh tuna!!!!
i am a demanding wife, after all!!!
Toge locks his phone and throws it somewhere on the bed. His heart rate is skyrocketing, and his face is flushed once again. He’s sweating too; he can’t believe how much of an effect Yuuta can have on him.
Why the hell did he just call himself a demanding wife? Why is he feeding into this, and more importantly, why does he like it? He’s being stupid.
He’s got to be overthinking everything regarding Yuuta, right? Surely, he has to be because Yuuta is his friend, nothing more, nothing less. There is no reason he should be panicking and blushing like this, getting awestruck because Yuuta called him his future wife.
Seriously, he’s letting Nobara’s words and teasing get to him; that’s why he’s reacting like this. He doesn’t like Yuuta in the romantic sense; that’s just crazy talk, it has to be. They’re friends, that’s it.
But even if they were more, in what world could he marry Yuuta and join the Gojo clan? That’s crazy talk. Sure, his parents would be happy since marrying into the Gojo clan would help bring their clan out of disgrace and lift them back into a good light, even if clans barely mean anything after Shibuya. No way would the Gojo clan ever allow such a thing, not when they’re already putting barriers in front of Yuuta just to become the next clan head.
Also, in what world would Yuuta want to marry Toge? He can have anyone he wants; he’s the future of the Gojo clan, for crying out loud. Besides, Toge doesn’t even know if Yuuta likes him in that sense.
Does Yuuta even like men? He did seem to like Toge's outfit for the fake date, but well, Toge was dressed as a woman, so maybe he doesn't like men? Who even knows? This is all so frustrating.
Ugh, great, now Toge is overthinking everything. There is quite literally nothing going on between him and Yuuta. They went on one date, and suddenly, Toge is acting like they’re engaged to be wed. He’s being so freaking ridiculous.
Still, he’d be lying if he said thinking about Yuuta right now doesn’t have him acting like a teenager with a crush. He doesn’t even remember falling asleep, too busy letting thoughts of Yuuta fill his head and cloud his dreams.
Just as promised, Yuuta arrives the following day with fresh tuna, ready to prepare something delicious for Toge once he’s finished with his commitments.
He’s part of the higher ups now, mostly helping out here and there since he’s also busy with Gojo clan duties and he takes all his responsibilities very seriously, just like cooking Toge lunch.
Of course, Toge himself is a good cook, but it’s good that Yuuta tries to improve his skills for his future bride. Honestly, he’s not that bad. Toge has been helping him get the basics down over the years, and Yuuta has been a faster learner and has already managed to (somewhat) master some simple dishes.
He’s constantly trying to make Toge’s favorites, always happy whenever Toge praises his cooking, even if Toge is always praising it even if it's too salty or burned. Toge will gladly eat it since Yuuta went through all the trouble of making it.
Maybe Nobara is right, and Toge thinks everything Yuuta does is amazing, but well, it sort of is. He’s a prodigy, after all, gifted at most things in life.
“It smells so good in here, Okkotsu-san,” Toge comments as he joins Yuuta in his apartment kitchen. “You really are the best date, maybe I’ll upgrade you to being my boyfriend soon if you keep doing so well,” he teases.
Yuuta turns away from the stove to face Toge, frowning. He doesn’t look very intimidating, though, considering that he’s wearing Toge’s onigiri kitchen apron over his nice clothes.
He even brought Toge flowers since this is supposed to be a date of sorts, so that alone already got him extra points. Toge does love flowers, even more so when they’re from Yuuta. Extra points just for that.
Apparently, a few of the students were teasing Yuuta about it when they saw him carrying them across the courtyard. Toge just knows he’ll be hearing about this for days whenever he has to work with the students again.
The flowers were brought for the date and because they got a mission assigned together, somewhere a few hours south of the school. Toge already knows it was probably a solo mission Yuuta has decided to take on that he does not need help with, but wants to bring Toge regardless, and well, if he wants Toge to go, that’s that.
Normally, Toge wouldn’t be too keen to travel for a mission, but well, spending a day or two with Yuuta on a little trip doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe they can even get some more fake dating practice in while they’re out. Yuuta needs all the help he can get, after all.
“Inumaki-kun, I told you that you were banned from the kitchen until I was done, remember?” Yuuta reminds him, blushing at Toge’s words. Really, he’s so shy, it’s so cute! “I’m supposed to be cooking for you to practice for a future date, and my future wife,” he states before looking away for a moment. “Boyfriend status would be nice, though, makes me feel like I’m doing well and getting rewarded.”
Toge nods as he comes closer to the stove. “You’re close to boyfriend status,” he keeps teasing. “Also, no, I don’t remember you telling me I was banned from the kitchen,” he lies, knowing fully well Yuuta told him to stay away.
“You’re so bad, Inumaki-kun,” Yuuta teases back, reaching out to pinch Toge’s cheek. “I know you’re lying to me.”
“I’m not lying,” Toge lies, sticking his tongue out at Yuuta. His mouth waters at the smell of the food the closer he gets. “I just want a small peek at lunch, that’s all,” he tries to reason. “Please, Okkotsu-san.”
Yuuta, of course, steps aside and lets Toge look. Really, Yuuta rarely denies Toge anything most days.
Toge takes advantage and looks over the pans on the stove, grabbing one of the cooking utensils and helping himself to a piece of food. It’s for research, of course, he has to test Yuuta’s cooking skills to see if he’s husband material yet or not.
It’s not bad, just hot since it was just recently cooked.
He’s mid-chew when Yuuta comes up behind him and leans over his back, practically resting his chin on Toge’s shoulder.
“Is it good?” Yuuta basically whispers in Toge’s ear, resting one of his firm hands on Toge’s waist. “Did I do well?”
It hits Toge then, how domestic they must look right now, standing in his small apartment kitchen so close together. Toge is dressed in comfortable clothing since he isn’t doing anything today; meanwhile, Yuuta is dressed professionally, wearing Toge’s onigiri apron over his clothes to keep them clean.
If anyone were to walk in and see them, they’d assume this was a married couple, and Yuuta was finishing lunch before returning to work while his lazy househusband was too busy being pampered. It certainly doesn’t help that Yuuta is basically plastered to Toge’s back, whispering in his ear.
The thoughts from the night before of being Yuuta’s wife once again fill Toge’s mind, and suddenly, he’s forgetting to chew the food in his mouth fully before swallowing, trying and failing to ignore Yuuta’s warm breath fanning over his ear.
He starts to choke, and suddenly, both of Yuuta’s hands are around his waist, pulling him close.
No, Yuuta, too close! Too close!
“Inumaki-kun!” Yuuta panics, turning him around. He starts patting Toge’s back with a bit of force. “You’re choking!”
Toge manages to swallow after a moment, but the embarrassment has already set in, and suddenly, he’s far too aware of their bodies pressed together and how well Yuuta’s hands fit around him.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Toge wheezes, coughing as he wishes the floor would swallow him and save him from embarrassment. “I just ate too fast.”
Yuuta doesn’t seem to believe him and moves quickly to get him some water. He hands it over and proceeds to rub a hand up and down Toge’s back, standing close by like he’s worried that if he steps even a centimeter away, Toge will start choking again.
Toge drinks the water and shivers at the feel of Yuuta’s hand on his back. He’s wearing an oversized, old t-shirt, and the worn-out fabric practically provides no barrier to Yuuta’s hand, so Toge can feel the heat coming from it.
Yuuta’s fingers skim softly up and down his back, almost caressing Toge. He can’t help but shiver again, wishing Yuuta’s hand was touching his bare skin instead.
Now, why the hell is he even thinking thoughts like that? He must’ve choked to death, yeah, it seems like that’s what happened. Yuuta is probably doing CPR on him right now.
“Your face is all red,” Yuuta continues to panic, cupping Toge’s face in his hands once Toge is done with the water. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks, tipping Toge’s face up so he can get a better look. “You really scared me there.”
Toge swallows and nods, suddenly feeling so overwhelmed by Yuuta’s presence.
How had he never noticed how big Yuuta had gotten over the years? He’s so tall, almost as tall as Gojo-sensei once was. His hands are big, almost covering Toge’s entire face. He smells so good, too, and his touch is so warm.
He could cover Toge’s entire body if they were lying together, given his size, holy shit.
No, no, no! Why in the world did that mental image just pop into Toge’s head! Now, it won’t leave, and suddenly, it’s all Toge can think about, given how big Yuuta is and how overwhelming his presence is, cursed energy or not.
Toge coughs again, mostly because he’s overwhelmed and inhales a bit of water because he’s too busy being an idiot.
“Inumaki-kun!” Yuuta panics, bringing their faces closer together.
Toge barely recalls how to breathe, too busy staring into Yuuta’s blue eyes and trying to remember if he has ever noticed how blue his eyes are, how brightly they shine, and how lost he feels gazing into them. It’s akin to staring into the ocean, maybe the sky, or gems.
They’re so close, they could kiss like this.
Toge blinks and tries to shake the thought away. He’s got to relax before his poor heart gives out and kills him, traumizing Yuuta even further in this small kitchen.
He can’t help but spiral even further, though, wondering if Yuuta would curse him like he did Rika, just to keep him around. He’s being so freaking delusional. What the hell is his problem? He needs to calm down.
His eyes flicker between Yuuta’s eyes and lips, and he swears Yuuta catches the movement. He must be seeing things, yeah, that’s it.
“I’m okay,” Toge wheezes again, offering Yuuta a shake smile. “You did good, though, you reacted fast,” he tries to redirect the conversation. “You’re proving to be husband material with every passing day,” he points out. “Definitely boyfriend status.”
Yuuta, however, doesn’t look too amused right now, still panicked. He’s so caring.
“You scared me there,” Yuuta confesses, eyes still filled with fear. “Are you sure you’re fine? Should we go get you checked out, just to be sure?”
“Yuuta,” Toge speaks softly now, all teasing gone. “I’m fine, now, I promise.”
Yuuta nods and, to Toge’s surprise, pulls him into a tight hug. “Sorry, I just need this for a second, I’m sorry,” he apologizes, practically crushing Toge in his arms. His voice is still filled with worry, clearly, which scared him more than Toge thought. “You scared the hell out of me.”
Toge can’t help but melt into the hug, a little too content to let his face be smushed against Yuuta’s chest. It’s a good chest, toned, solid, and warm.
He shivers again, feeling a little too content in Yuuta’s arms. He really shouldn’t be enjoying this as much as he is, but he lets himself have this after all the embarrassment he just suffered.
“I hate the idea of you getting hurt or something bad happening to you, anyone close to me, really,” Yuuta confesses, keeping one arm tight around Toge while his other hand cradles the back of Toge’s head. “It just…it reminds me of when you lost your arm, and I wasn’t there to help you, wasn't there to help anyone,” he mumbles, holding Toge tighter. “It still bothers me, even after all these years.”
Toge frowns and wraps his arm around Yuuta in return. “None of that was your fault, though, you know this,” he whispers. “You did everything that you could’ve done, especially since you were in a different country, halfway across the world.”
This is a conversation they’ve had numerous times before. Yuuta has blamed himself for everything that happened the night Gojo-sensei got sealed and the aftermath time and time again. He used to have nightmares about it, but luckily, those went away after a year or so.
Toge always does his best to reassure him because it wasn’t Yuuta’s fault. They did the best they could given the circumstances. There was so much pressure put on them, Yuuta especially. They were so young when it all happened.
“Come on, let’s go sit down,” Toge offers, food forgotten for now. “It’ll do us some good to relax for a bit.”
Yuuta just nods and pulls them into Toge’s living room onto the sofa. They don’t do much, just sit pressed together and enjoy each other’s company like any other day, whenever Yuuta comes over.
Toge puts something on to watch, but Yuuta doesn’t really seem too invested, far too busy leaning his cheek against the top of Toge’s head.
“I’m better now, sorry about that,” Yuuta mumbles after a while, keeping his arm looped around Toge. “I was just worried about you and started to spiral, I guess.”
“Don’t even worry about it,” Toge reassures him, sinking further into Yuuta’s hold. “The food is probably cold by now,” he points out. “I can reheat it if you’re hungry, though.”
Yuuta shakes his head. “No, I just want to remain here for a bit, if that’s fine with you.”
Toge nods and pauses the show. “More than fine, you’re boyfriend status now, remember? It comes with benefits,” he tries to tease to lighten the mood.
“You were serious about that?” Yuuta asks, laughing softly. “I’m honored to be your boyfriend then,” he confesses. “Hopefully, I’m your first,” he says. “I’m a bit jealous, sorry,” he tacks on.
Toge can’t help but fluster. He tries to remain strong, though, knowing Yuuta is just teasing him. Too bad for Yuuta, Toge is going to tease him right back. He’s far too much of a troll to let his best friend off the hook that easily. Really, Yuuta should know better than that after being friends with Toge for so many years.
“You’re my first, Okkotsu-san. There’s no need to be jealous,” Toge plays it up, turning to face Yuuta and fluttering his eyelashes. He hopes it has the same effect since he’s not wearing makeup anymore. “It’s special being the first, so don't waste the opportunity.”
Yuuta, to Toge’s pleasure, blushes all over. He’s so easy to rile up.
For a split second, Toge wonders how easy it is to rile up Yuuta in certain situations and quickly shakes the thought away. He needs to relax; they’re hanging out as friends right now. He can’t have these thoughts, especially since they’re sitting right beside each other.
He’s being so inappropriate, having thoughts like this about his best friend. He needs to get a grip!
“I would never waste such an opportunity!” Yuuta swears, pulling Toge closer, practically onto his lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “Just you wait, we’re going to be married in no time!”
Toge laughs despite how flustered he is at almost being on Yuuta’s lap. He’s trying to play it cool and failing miserably. “Oh, you’re going to marry me, Okkotsu-san?” He keeps teasing, knowing damn well he’s playing with hot water. “You’re that confident in us?”
Yuuta smiles sweetly as he places his hands on each side of Toge’s waist. “More confident than I’ve been in a while about something,” he confesses. “Just you wait, I’m going to sweep you off your feet, and you’re going to be my wife, Inumaki-kun.”
Toge narrows his eyes and sticks his tongue out, just to be a brat. “I’m not easy to win over, just so you know! Good luck sweeping me off my feet!” He keeps feeding into the teasing, gasping when Yuuta suddenly stands from the sofa and scoops Toge up into his arms, holding him bridal style like he weighs nothing at all.
“Oh, it looks like I just did, though,” Yuuta plays dumb, smiling as he holds Toge in his arms against his chest. “I’m going to win, just you wait.”
Toge’s poor heart almost gives out, and he scrambles to wrap his arm around Yuuta’s neck. “Brave words from a foolish man,” he whispers, almost letting out cursed speech when Yuuta starts to tickle him with the arm he looped underneath Toge’s thighs.
Okkotsu Yuuta truly is an evil, sick man.
“Cheater!” Toge hisses as he starts to laugh from the tickling. “I didn’t know my boyfriend was a freaking cheater!” He keeps laughing, nearly snorting as he tries to move away from Yuuta’s hand. It’s a lost battle, though, since he just ends up pressed even harder against Yuuta’s body. There is no escaping Yuuta’s torture. “Cheater!”
“No, you said I was foolish, not a cheater, remember?” Yuuta reminds him, still busy torturing him, all while smiling. “Did you just snort? That was so cute, Inumaki-kun.”
“DROP ME,” Toge commands after snorting again, and for a split second, Yuuta’s arms almost let go.
But Yuuta is too skilled and far too strong a sorcerer for Toge’s cursed speech to affect him. His eyes turn sharp, and he’s quick to heal Toge’s throat before anything bad happens.
He starts to tickle Toge a bit harder now, making Toge kick out like he’s being possessed or something of the sort.
“It looks like you’re the cheater between the two of us,” Yuuta points out, grinning as he tilts his head closer to Toge’s, tickling Toge with more intention now. “Good thing you’re my favorite.”
Toge snorts again, too far gone as Yuuta continues to torture him. He’s so happy right now despite wheezing from the tickling. His ribs hurt from laughing, but he doesn’t even care, far too content in Yuuta’s arms. Knowing he’s Yuuta’s favorite warms his heart far too much for his own good.
Perhaps Nobara was right after all. Toge does like Yuuta, maybe a little too much.